Track & Field Head Coach Pat Becher retires afer 34 years
Communicating with Hands Students use their eyes as their ears in American Sign Language class 000-000 Cover-BK Cover.indd 3
25 Years of Leading the Way Presidential Leadership Scholarship Program
4/23/19 2:27 PM
MEET THE STAFF
FRONT: BRE ROGERS, Haven; LAYNEE BARLOW, Plevna; DAFNE OLIVA, Hutchinson; SYDNEE SHIVE, Mt. Hope; EVELYN MEDINA, Hutchinson; ALEXA FLORES, Hutchinson; BACK: DESIGN/PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR DUSTIN CURIEL, Hutchinson; AMBER BRAWNER, Adviser; SARAH LOOMIS, Council Grove; PUBLICATION EDITOR SHANNON LEININGER, Newton; MICHAEL COOPRIDER, Hutchinson
r blished four times a yea The Dragon’s Tale is pu on ction class of Hutchins by the Magazine Produ , on 0 North Plum, Hutchins Community College, 130 the four issues serve as an KS, 67501. When compiled, CC s and the people of Hutch overview of the activitie during the school year.
ON THE COVER: Elizabeth Zrubek, Hutchinson, lands a long jump attempt at the 2019 Friends University Open. Zrubek fouled her first attempt before marking a 4.94 meter jump. Photo by Sydnee Shive
Track & Field
Head Coach Pat Becher retires afer 34 years Communicating with Han
ds Students use their eyes as their ears in American Sign Language class
25 Years of Leading
the Way
Presidential Leadership Scholarship Program
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IN THIS ISSUE IN THE CLASSROOM 2 Mr Ag Diesel
Sarah Loomis Building a Top-Notch Program from the Dirt Up
4 Not Always a Humerus Business
PTA Program
6
Dafne Oliva
6 Communicating with Hands American Sign Language class Alexa Flores 10 One Dream, One Team Alexa Flores & Sports Medicine students
Michael Cooprider
ON CAMPUS 12 Kindness
Shannon Leininger RaskForce focuses on positivity and good deeds
14 Green Thumb on Campus Laynee Barlow
Landscaping on campus
16 Atomic City Dustin Curiel Dillon Lecturer Denise Kiernan speaks about her book
18
18 The Show Goes On
Sarah Loomis & Laynee Barlow
Fine Arts Performances
IN THE COMMUNITY 22 The Start of the Rest of Your Life Career Fair
Michael Cooprider
24 25 Years of Leading the Way Sydnee Shive
Pres/Pres Leadership
26 Trouble on the Plains Dustin Curiel Tackling the issues of human trafficking
28 Living on Their Own
Evelyn Medina
Affordable housing in Hutchinson
ON THE FIELD 30 Leading the Pack
10
Bre Rogers
Softball
32 Roll Drags
Bre Rogers
Baseball
34 Track & Field
36 Golf
Sydnee Shive & Dafne Oliva Head Coach Pat Becher Retires after 34 years Staff
Blue Dragons compete
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1
TABLE OF CONTENTS 
4/23/19 2:25 PM
Conard’s Gleaner S77 combine sits in the Ag Diesel shop at South Campus. He used various combines from his fleet as teaching tools.
Building a Top-knotch Program
MR. AG DIESEL Building a Top-Notch Program From the Dirt Up “This building was just a building with no doors and a dirt floor in it,” said Dale Conard, Hutchinson Community College Agriculture Diesel Instructor for 44 years. Conard first interviewed for the position in July of 1975 where an idea for the Ag Diesel program was starting to develop. He said during that time there were not very many who wanted or were even qualified to teach a program such as this one. “I started in March of 1976 to get the classes and everything ready for August,” Conard said.“All this time from March 1 of ‘76 to August, I was busy designing, and I drew out most of the interior which [is] how it still is right now.” The program started out with one student. Since then, 800 students have taken classes through Conard’s program. Just as the number of
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students have grown, so has the program. “Dale’s connections have enriched the program by providing knowledgeable people to serve on the advisory committee, getting equipment for students to work on, spreading the word about the program and supporting the program with other resources like guest speakers, demonstration equipment and problem solving and especially by providing internships and jobs for students,” Kathy Larson, former HutchCC department chair, said. Conard’s passion for this career shines through his work in the classroom and how he connects with his students. “The students used to call a person with a love for mechanics and a special ability for fixing machinery a ‘wrench,’ ” Larson said. “Dale definitely excels as a ‘wrench’ and loves it.”
STORY / Sarah Loomis 4/23/19 12:51 PM
L
Since starting the program, Conard teaches a wide variety of classes, including two of his favorites - the combines class and air conditioning class. He said that he truly enjoys being able to help students with no knowledge of either of the topics and it’s always interesting to “see the light come on.” “How much knowledge he has in his head is kind of surprising,” said Jody Colburn, a non-traditional student from Hutchinson. Colburn believes that since coming back to school he is more prepared for the -Kathy Larson future than before. Students like Colburn and Collin Kamp, a traditional student from Shoemakersville, Pa., have both enjoyed their two years at HutchCC under Conard’s guidance. “I have learned more than I thought I could have ever learned in two years of my life,” said Kamp, speaking about the program and how Conard has impacted him. “There is a need for it [diesel mechanic technicians], and the biggest hurdle right now is with recruitment and getting students here,” Conard said. “We seem to be one of the best kept secrets around.” According to Conard, there are dealerships that want the technicians coming out of the HutchCC program. Having their support is something he greatly appreciates. Conard has made a large impact on the Ag Diesel program, and now it is time for him to enjoy his retirement. “We, the wife and I, will continue to travel to Hawaii and Branson and I plan on staying with my custom harvesting job,” Conard said.“And where I live at home there always seems like there is something to do. I have a shop I can work in and it’s my toy box.” He would like to give credit to those who have supported him throughout the years and to the students who came and applied themselves.
Conard explains equipment terminology to a Ag Diesel student. Conard taught the students by presenting a problem and helped them solve the issue in the best and quickest way. Photo courtesy HutchCC Marketing
“Dale definitely excels as a ‘wrench’ and loves it.”
Conard helps two past students take apart the back end of a tractor. Photo courtesy HutchCC Marketing
Conard shows Alex Stika, Burdick, how to hook up a flowrater on the Gleaner S77. Being able to read a techinician guide helps students understnad the equipment.
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Sarah Loomis 002-003 Ag Diesel.indd 3
IN THE CLASSROOM
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NOT
ALWAYS
u U e H M r s BUSINESS
PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT PROGRAM Hands on experiences are no surprises for the students of the Physical Therapy Assistant Program and while their work can sometimes be a pain in the neck, it’s rewarding afterall. Understanding and grasping the concept behind the PTA program is important for those students who show interest behind this specific career, even those students who are just exploring the idea of involving themselves in the medical field. The program is funded through student tuition and fees and because it is considered a technical college, the program receives Perkin’s funding. PTAs work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the Physical Therapist (PT). “PTAs implement selected components of patient/client interventions, obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modification in selected interventions either to progress the patient/client as directed by the PT or to ensure patient/client safety and comfort,” said Susan O’Sullivan, Coordinator of
Clinical Education. O’Sullivan graduated from Wichita State University with a Doctoral degree in 2011 and has practiced as a DPT in a variety of settings. PT is her second career. She originally graduated in 1992 with a degree in elementary education and special education. Her background in education and experience help the program at HutchCC run smoothly.“It is a perfect melding of my two careers. The vision statement for the Physical Therapy profession is ‘transforming society by optimizing movement to improve the human experience’ and I feel as though, through teaching, I am able to fulfill this vision” states O’Sullivan. PTA’s assist the PT in the treatment of individuals of all ages, from newborns to the very oldest. They focus on those who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and
perform activities in their daily lives. The difference between a PTA and a PT comes down to the amount of responsibility held within each position. The PT is responsible for the actions of their assistant. With responsibility comes hard work and it all happens before, during and even after obtaining a degree. PTs are healthcare professionals who have completed a bachelor of science degree as well as a graduate program to earn a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. PTs examine and evaluate each patient. They develop a care plan using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. “PTAs must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited PTA program and pass a licensure federal board exam,” said O’Sullivan. Before students apply for the program, they must meet certain requirements. They must pass a number of general education courses, as well as anatomy and physiology and medical terminology. Along with the course requirements, students must also have a 2.5 GPA, and three letters of reference. Applicants are score and then an interview process takes place. Only the top 26 applicants are accepted to the program. While it sounds overwhelming and complicated, the 26 students who are accepted into the 12-month program can face trials, but it does not mean they face them alone.
Caitlyn Garwood, Hutchinson, and Thomas Murphy, Hutchinson, observe a physical therapy assistant student perform respiratory assistance on another member of the group.
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STORY / Steve Student 4/23/19 1:10 PM
“When our students appear overwhelmed, I tend to go the route of sitting down with them and talking through their emotions,” O’Sullivan said. “If it appears to be a class-wide situation, I take time during lecture to address the issue. Sometimes, depending on the situation, I will go back over material that seems to be confusing or I might provide additional information to help alleviate the stress. Often, just taking extra time either with the entire class, or individually helps deflate the stressful situation.” Students spend hours learning the material presented in the classroom. The estimated time for study hours are 15-20 hours per week outside of class time . “However, as the program nears an end in April, the students will begin studying for their National Physical Therapy Exam (NPTE) board exam that is scheduled for early July, while they are still completing their last clinical rotation, so the hours spent studying per week intensifies significantly,” O’Sullivan said. The PTA students volunteer throughout the year for a variety of events including the HutchCC Health Fair, Jump Rope for Heart in a local elementary school, and Boys Scout first aid education. “They also have the opportunity to become involved in the Kansas American Physical Therapy Association (KAPTA) professional organization by attending the spring conference,” said O’Sullivan. Throughout the program, students are actively learning through activities that enhance their knowledge with wheelchair mobility, transfer training, ambulation with assistive devices like walkers or crutches, strengthening and flexibility exercises, working with modalities to help relieve pain. O’Sullivan said, “The PTAs play a huge role in the patients/clients they work with by providing education and interventions that enhance the patients/clients physical and functional abilities as well as improving their quality of life.”
COURSE PREREQUISITES PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT: • EN100 or EN101 English Composition I • MA106 College Algebra • PS100 General Psychology • PS102 Human Growth and Development • SH101 Public Speaking OR SH210 Interpersonal Communications • ED 105 College Orientation/Success Seminar • BI103 Anatomy and Physiology (with a lab) • HR105 Medical Terminology Morgan Somerhelder, Hutchinson, prepares to demonstrate a respiratory procedure used on infants in physical therapy. The students practiced the respiratory excercise during a lab time.
STORY, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Dafne Oliva 004-005 PTA program.indd 5
Daniel Byers, Wichita, gets ready to perform a respiratory procedure in class. Real-life mannequins allows students to practice with objects that are as realistic as possible.
IN THE CLASSROOM
5
4/23/19 1:10 PM
Communicating with
Hands
Students using their eyes as their ears
Being able to communicate comes in several forms. Communicating with more than a voice is necessary for some and is referred to as American Sign Language. There are three forms of sign language. American Sign Language (ASL), Signing Exact English (SEE), and Pidgin Signed Language (PSL). AmericanSignLanguage is the official language of the deaf community, and Hutchinson Community College offers a course that teaches students how to use this language. Married couple Leonard and Glenda Lickteig, both from Hutchinson, are ASL instructors for HutchCC on Mondays, McPherson on Tuesdays, and Elmdale on Thursdays. This ASL non credit class is offered every semester and during the summer. Glenda has been teaching for approximately 40 years, while Leonard has been doing so for 17 years. They teach the Students sitting around table learning new chapter vocabulary words. This is the beginners class which is offered in the fall and spring.
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STORY / Steve Student 4/23/19 1:23 PM
classes together. “We offer mainly two courses, but sometimes three, beginners, intermediate, and advanced,” said Leonard. Class sizes vary every semester. They have had classrooms with 21 students and others with just six. The beginners class consists of learning how to sign the alphabet, numbers, and simple words. They also focus on learning how to use the dominant hand to do the motion of a word. They also work on getting rid of habits like bouncing their head or hand up and down when signing. The intermediate class is learning how to organize sentences. In both courses instructors sign stories so students get extra practice reading sign language. During the advanced classes, they bring in people to sign with students. They practice their signing and practice reading as well. In sign language, sentences are not signed
Lola Vogel, Hutchinson and John Hostutler, Hutchinson sign the word rope. They both enjoy the learning process of learning a new language.
Students play a sign memory game. All the students had were required to sign the word on the flashcard someone turned over.
STORY, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Alexa Flores 006-009 ASL.indd 7
Glenda Lickteig, Hutchinson signs a story to the class. Lickteig has taught ASL for more than 40 years.
IN THE CLASSROOM
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John Hostutler practices his signing. This is Hostutler first semester taking American Sign Language.
Elizabeth Everle, Hutchinson, Lola Carlson, Hutchinson, and Lola Vogel ,Hutchinson review the ASL vocabulary. Some students enroll in the ASL class to utilize their learned skills when they join the workforce.
like they would be said in English, words have to be cut and moved. This task makes learning the language more difficult, Sign Language has to be done in a correct order otherwise the other person may not know what you’re trying to say. “I find that some of the signs are very similar,” said Chelsea Aelmore, Hutchinson. Other students agreed with Aaelmore’s statement. Instructors Glenda and Leonard said that most students struggle with memory in the course. It can be overwhelming and difficult, some students end up dropping the class mid semester. Even with the struggles of learning a new language, they all continue to push through in the course for their own personal reasons. “I wanted to be able to communicate with everyone, be able to interpret for my future career,” said Elizabeth Everle, Hutchinson. “I wanted to be more useful in the world, it’s one more thing that makes you attractive when they hire,” said Lora Carlson, Hutchinson.
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Students all had different reasons as to why they were taking the course. Some do it for the fun of learning a new language, others because it looks good on a resume or a certain job may require it, and others do it to teach their children who are having difficulty learning how to speak. Regardless of the reason, students meet weekly and work hard to dominate this skill. “The learning process, the interaction,” was what students most enjoyed about the course. Students interact with one another and help each other reach the same goal, leaning a new language.
Koalten Hornback, Nickerson, Audrey Ullum, Hutchinson and Lola Vogel, Hutchinson signing the word coffee. All the students are in the beginners class.
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4/23/19 1:23 PM
Malik Wilkerson, Fort Smith, Ariz. demonstates how to do an ankle exercise. Wilkerson is a football player for HutchCC.
Kaylee Matlock, Burrton, wraps a football player’s ankle before practice. Matlock is on her first year of sports medicine program.
Emma Clark, Hesston, takes out gauze’s to refill them at the station. Clark is enrolled in her second year of the sports medicine program.
Sports Medicine students taking care of injuries one at a time Whether it’s on the field, at practice, or preventing a future injury, Hutchinson Community College’s Sports Medicine Program is always there to help athletes. Sports Medicine is a very broad field, but HutchCC’s program focuses primarily on athletic training. With 14 athletic teams, the Sports Medicine Program is constantly busy. “HutchCC has three certified athletic trainers and 15 student athletic trainers,” Amanda Beadle, Head Athletic Trainer LAT ATC, said. “With approximately 400 student athletes and three athletic trainers, teamwork and communication is essential to making everything run smoothly.” In the fall, Allyssa Mohney, LAT ATC Assistant Athletic Trainer, covers women’s soccer, and Ryan Hilty, Coordinator of Sports Medicine LAT ATC, and Beadle cover football. “We split coverage for the rest of the year as well,” Beadle said.“It’s a huge puzzle of trying to figure out who goes where, and it’s never really solved, but we all adjust and shift accordingly.
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Go with the flow is all we can do.” On top of covering all HutchCC sports, the sports medicine students and athletic trainers provide athletic training for all schools at the National Junior College Athletic Association men’s basketball tournament and all other mass sporting events that take place on campus. To help cover all of these events, the program allows a select few students to join the trainers on the field. “We do have student athletic trainers that work with us on a daily basis. They express interest in athletic training and so they’re more focused going into the program,” Hilty said. “So those 15 students we have in our program [are] interested in athletic training and they come into the training room on a daily basis after classes are done, and they are here from about one to six at night and help us give healthcare to our athletes when we are there. They help with taping, treatments, rehab, and they go to practice with us.” HutchCC sports medicine students benefit
from beginning their education at HutchCC, because of smaller class sizes and they get more hands-on experience. “The upside to coming to HutchCC is that students get the hands on experience right away, we’re teaching them how to tape, we’re teaching them how to do different types of treatments and rehab,” Hilty said.“Students get a lot of hands-on experience right away. While at a four year, students have to meet certain requirements before they can get hands-on experience. In other words, at a curriculum program, in order to tape an ankle a student would have to take the class first, then do the lab procedures, and show an instructor that they know how to tape an ankle before they are allowed to actually tape an athlete. While at HutchCC we show students how to tape an ankle and they start right away.” HutchCC Sports Medicine provides students with high quality education and athletes with high quality care.
STORY / Michael Cooprider 4/23/19 1:21 PM
Mikayla Hill, Remington, helps a football player put a heating pad on. Hill is on her first year of the sports medicine program.
Sports Med Program is composed of
3 certified
athletic trainers
15 students
athletic trainers
Allyssa Mohney, assistant athletic trainer uses a TheraGun on a football player. TheraGuns is a lightweight opperated device that increases bloodflow. Amanda Beadle, Head Athletic Trainer, wraps a football player’s foot before practice. Beadle covers the football season.
7 Freshman 8 Sophomores DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Alexa Flores 010-011 sports med.indd 11
IN THE CLASSROOM 
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INDNESS Random Act of Selfless
HutchCC RASKForce focuses on positivity and good deeds From sending encouraging words to picking up a piece of trash along campus, it’s no secret that little acts of kindness can create a domino effect. Though kindness circulates on all levels, after an all staff meeting in Jan. 2018, Hutchinson Community College officially kicked off a Random Acts of Selfless Kindness movement with a campus-wide e-mail that challenged everyone to take part in positive, kind acts. The idea of RASK on campus was partly inspired by discussions by many who wanted to focus on the positivity that surrounds HutchCC. Additionally, it was also inspired by an honors student who placed anonymous cards around campus in the fall of 2017. “People who found these cards were moved by the students’ words, and the idea formed to challenge more people to perform random acts of selfless kindness,” said Ryan Diehl, Honors Program Coordinator. HutchCC’s RASKforce e-mail, kindness@hutchcc.edu, sends weekly emails that tell stories of recent acts of kindness that have taken place on campus, and also sends a RASK challenge of the week. Since the RASK movement kicked off, the address receives dozens of weekly updates, and stories about acts of goodwill that have been witnessed on campus and around the community. “One in particular that was extremely memorable was Circle K’s placing post-it notes [around] different places on campus with positive messages on them,” said Diehl. “The Union was filled with
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these fantastic notes that brought smiles to many people’s faces.” The student groups that have been directly involved with the RASKforce include both the Student Government Association and the Honors Program/Honors Student Council. However, regarding the performance of RASKs, a variety of student organizations and teams have taken action. One RASK activity that recently took place was the honors program students placing notes filled with words of encouragement around campus for people to find and enjoy. “As a college student, you could compliment somebody, help somebody you see is struggling, or just simply be a friend to fellow students who are going through their same stages of life and struggles that you might be,” said Honors Student Mackenzie Parsons, Newton. With these acts, the impacts could also be more than meets the eye. “I think that random acts of kindness can have a larger impact than what people would think,” said Parsons. “You never know what somebody might be dealing with behind the scenes and a smile, buying somebody’s coffee, or just letting them know you’re rooting for them could be just what they need to push through a difficult day.” According to randomactsofkindness.org, there is a simple science behind the acts of kindness, “The positive effects of kindness are experienced in the brain of everyone who witnessed the act, improving their mood and making them significantly more likely to ‘pay it forward.” With one good deed on a crowded campus, it ultimately has the potential to improve the day for dozens of students, staff and faculty members.
STORY / Shannon Leininger 4/23/19 1:15 PM
S
38%
of students or faculty have received a pay it forward
49 students surveyed
67.3%
of students or faculty have paid it forward to someone else
RASK Weekly Challenges Give someone a genuine compliment Send someone a thank you note Donate food to your local food bank Smile at someone while walking on campus Pay it forward
DESIGN / Shannon Leininger 012-013 RASK.indd 13
ON CAMPUS 
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4/23/19 1:15 PM
A little bit of sun and hard work goes a long ways when it comes to the HutchCC Gardens.
There is more to the Hutchinson Community College gardens than meets the eye. Head Groundskeeper Nathan Shelton, Hutchinso, has an important job, planning out gardens and flower beds to ensure campus looks beautiful year after year. Shelton began working at HutchCC ten years ago, and has been improving the outside appeal of campus ever since. “I’ve always wanted to work at HutchCC. I have lived here all my life,” said Shelton. What interests him most about his job is that it requires being outside for long periods of time. He also said he enjoys being outdoors no matter the weather. He especially enjoys looking at the gardens after each has been finished, admiring the transition. Bringing campus to life takes a bit of work. Shelton introduced a computer program that allows the gardeners to take pictures and put them into a design. From there, the design is printed out and each groundskeeper goes over the design and finalizes it. The process goes from the paper into the ground. Another program on campus involving landscaping is the Master Gardeners program. The Master Gardeners are a group that helps with maintaining and tending the gardens between the pond and Lockman Hall. They play an essential part in keeping campus looking its best. “We each have our own part. I work on the veggie part of the garden,” said Julia Hulsey, Master Gardener, Hutchinson. Julia Hulsey, Hutchinson, is one of many Master Gardeners at HutchCC. Hulsey waters a plot of vegetables near the on campus tennis courts.
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STORY / Laynee Barlow 4/23/19 1:20 PM
A group of tulips in front of Shears Technology Center. Tulips are perennials and come back each year. A few brussel sprout plants are housed in a homemade mini-greenhouse. There are two brussel sprout plants in the HutchCC gardens.
A walk and sitting area by Lockman Hall. Lockman Hall isone of the first buildings at HutchCC.
A student takes a walk through the garden by the pond. Many students enjoy walking through the garden walkway by the pond.
Shelton and his team of groundskeepers are also in charge of all the trees on campus. Shelton started working to create a tree walk on campus as part of the Tree Campus USA program. According to arborday. org, “The Tree Campus USA program helps colleges and universities around the country ww establish and sustain healthy community forests.” The tree walk is a work in progress, but it is constantly improving. Shelton is working to get HutchCC to be the fourth campus in Kansas to be a part in this program. It is an ongoing process that will take a few years, but one that will help with making HutchCC an even better place to work and study. He is one of many people trying to increase the virtue of the HutchCC campus. Other groundskeepers help to make campus beautiful, including Trenton Koehn and Johnathan Isom. “None of what we do would work without the great team that we have, and the teamwork we put into it,” said Shelton. Because of their work, many students and community members who visit campus admire the beauty of the gardens. “The gardens and flowerbeds are nice and make campus look nice and elegant,” said Tatyana Huhn, Hutchinson. As the groundskeepers continue to keep campus looking its best, visitors will continue admiring the beauty of it.
A smaller flowerbed begins to bloom in front of Shears Technology Center. The master gardeners and groundskeepers work hard to keep all plants thriving.
Julia Hulsey works on the vegetables side of the garden. She is ridding the garden of weeds.
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Laynee Barlow 014-015 Landscaping.indd 15
ON CAMPUS
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4/23/19 1:20 PM
Revealing the
AT MIC
CITY American Author Denise Kiernan speaks at HutchCC’s second Dillon Lecture of the spring.
Released in 2013, Denis Kiernan’s book “The Girls of Atomic City” showcases hard work the women of Oak Ridge, Tenn., contributed to the war effort during World War II. Kiernan’s lecture took place on Mar. 5. The subject matter helped further build upon the story communicated through
Speaker Denise Kiernan recounts her experiences interviewing those working in Oak Ridge, Tenn. Kiernan was the second lecturer of the 2019 spring semester.
16 DRAGON’S TALE / May 2019
her book. Specifically, the lecture contained information relating to the women featured in her novel and their work on the secret government project. It was so secret that the women didn’t know they were part of making fuel for the first atomic bomb.
During and before the lecture, attendees could view a number of items from the Atomic Age. Kiernan’s book covered secret American cities of the time.
History Instructor Eric Dudley, HutchCC President Dr. Carter File, Student Body President Cade Lohrding, and Board of Trustees member Marla Erikson, all listen to Kiernan’s lecture. The school carves out time during each lecture so every student can attend.
STORY / Dustin Curiel
Each lecture series draws crowds from the community and surrounding area. The lectures are held in the Sports Arena on the HutchCC campus.
Instead of putting emphasis on the Atomic Age or weapons race, Kiernan’s book focuses on the people working in secret cities across America that were created to help the war effort. Kiernan specifically focused on the women involved in many of these projects.
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Dustin Curiel
ON CAMPUS 
17
The Show Goes On The orchestra performs during the Musical Oktoberfest. Right: Allsup enjoys giving insite to the audience between performaces. He explained that many song choices are chosen on the different voices of the students. Photo by Sarah Loomis. Below: The choir performs one of many quality songs hand picked by Instructor Neil Allsup. Students have worked to perfect the songs to create the best sound. Photo by Sarah Loomis.
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STORY / Laynee Barlow 4/23/19 12:51 PM
Intrumentalist playing her flute during “Wind Symphony” at the Musical Oktoberfest concert.
On Campus Performances Showcase Student Talents College is more than studying English, chemistry, and math. All students are required to complete general education courses, but many major in fine arts programs, participate in musical groups, and perform in theatre productions. Hutchinson Community College offers a variety of activities and groups that allow students to express themselves through performance. Theatre, vocal and instrumental groups can be found rehearsing in Stringer Fine Arts throughout the year. Neal Allsup, Director of Choral Activities, is in charge of vocal groups on campus and can be found directing Badinage, the jazz ensemble. The theatre department is headed by Diedre Mattox, Theatre and Speech Instructor and Director Of Theatre. She focuses her time on finding the right play, casting the actors, and perfecting the student productions before live performances are held. Students interested in the art field get experience working in studios where they draw, paint, work on their ceramic projects, and so much more. The instrumental part of fine arts is led by Dr. Nick Schroeder, Music Instructor and Jazz Coordinator, Chris Miertschin, Music Instructor and Band Director, and Dr. Matthew Cash, Music Instructor and Director of Keyboard Studies. The pep band, instrumental jazz, and piano is all under their direction and students experience performing on stage throughout the year. Each of these devoted departments offer a wide variety of opportunities where students showcase their talent.
DESIGN / Sarah Loomis PHOTOGRAPHY / HutchCC Marketing 018-021 Fine Arts.indd 19
Students act in “Peter and the Star Catcher” play.
ON CAMPUS
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Students act in “Peter and the Star Catcher” play.
Students playing their brass instruments during “Wind Symphony” for the Musical Oktoberfest. Trombone players in the Jazz Lab Band during the Bryce Luty Jazz Festival.
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4/23/19 12:52 PM
Members of Badinage at the Valentines Concert singing a song.
DESIGN / Sarah Loomis PHOTOGRAPHY / HutchCC Marketing 018-021 Fine Arts.indd 21
ON CAMPUS
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An overview of HutchCC’s annual job fair Every year college graduates struggle with finding a the right job. Jobless, resourceless, and experienceless, many are forced to get jobs that aren’t in the field they studied to work in. Luckily for Hutchinson Community College students, the school puts on a rapidly expanding job fair every year. “We had been thinking about doing a job fair because there had been so much interest. In a team meeting about career zone we had began to talk about having a job fair because there hadn’t been one in a very long time in Reno County,” said Jackie Long, Career Development and Placement Coordinator. The Hutchinson Chamber used to host a job fair every Saturday in February. They suspending their job fair so HutchCC took the reins and started their own. According to Long, it all started with a committee meeting and support from HutchCC Vice President of Student Services Brett Bright. “We really need to be the leader in this so we put together a team for the job fair and went from there,” Long said“An advantage of using Career Zone is that there is an event manager within there that helps us organize that, so it provides for employer registration all of those things you need when you’re preparing for an event.” The HutchCC Student Services office is the primary coordinator for the annual event. “Ever since it’s first year, the job fair has grown far larger than anyone would’ve expected,” Long said.“This most recent job fair had 133 employers.” “I think we had 70 or 80 employers and each year it keeps growing,”
Long said. With HutchCC’s Career Zone database, each employer creates an account so they are able to reach out to students with job opportunities. “Then the other ways we reach out to employers is through our advisory committees that we have through each technical program,” Long said.“Employers meet twice a year at minimum with us to give us feedback on our curriculum and activities, so advisory committees through our outreach to chambers those are our primary ways of targeting employers.” The job fair is about more than just finding a job, it’s about making connections with employers and taking some of the pressure off the next job interview. “The job fair is a very low pressure way to get more comfortable visiting with an employer than say an interview,” Long said. “Employers are so wanting to meet students and visit with them about their opportunities. Employers want to meet students for part time jobs, full time jobs, and to make connections.” Several students attended the job fair on April 4 at the Hutchinson Sports Arena. All of them walked away with a valuable experience and new connections. “I really enjoyed the job fair, I met a lot of employers and made a lot of connections that I would not have made,” Kaleb King, Hutchinson, said.“The job fair gave me the option to connect with employers on a more personal level.” Employers enjoy the job fair just as much as students do. “We have programs we want to expand, but we don’t have the people,” Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Meghann Sterling, Sunrise Director/Respite Coordinator at Horizons Mental Health Center, said. “The job fair allows us to make connections we wouldn’t have otherwise.” Whether students are getting ready to graduate and need a job, a freshman wanting to make connections with future employment options, or an employer looking for people to hire, HutchCC’s annual job fair is the place to look.
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4/23/19 1:07 PM
The Start of the of Life
your REST Kaleb King, Hutchinson, speaks to Oasis Healthcare at the career fair. King went to the job fair to find a career he would be interested in pursuing
What to Bring to the Career Fair Make a checklist of important things like a resume, questions for employers, and anything else that can help make conections.
Make sure to bring a resume to the job fair. Employers will want to know your qualifications.
STORY,DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Michael Cooprider 022-023 Career Fair.indd 23
Dress for success. Dress business casual and keep up on personal hygiene to make the best impression possible.
23
IN THE COMMUNITY 
4/23/19 1:07 PM
Founded in 1993, Hutch CC’s Presidential Leadership Scholarship Program celebrates 25 years of success What do thousands of community service hours, countless amounts of time interning, and time spent building clubs from the ground up equal? Twenty-five years of Presidential Leadership Scholars. “These students are leaders. They have been really a great force on campus, especially with our clubs and organizations,” said Lisa Jolliff, Coordinator of Accessibility Services. “Their leadership skills show in the classroom as well as the clubs and organizations. You’ll see our leadership scholars all over.” Founded in 1993 by former president Dr. Edward Berger, the Presidential Leadership Scholarship program is approaching its 25th year of existence. The program began with 35 Presidential scholars. Today, there are over 170 students involved in the program. “It was a way for us to attract students who had strong academics, and then also down the road who had strong leadership skills. What we found with those students is many have helped other students on campus and our clubs and organizations have blossomed,” said Cindy Keast, Endowment Director. In order to be maintain their Presidential Leadership Scholar status, students must be a full-time student, perform 40 hours of community service, complete a 30-hour internship, be actively involved in an
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on-campus student organization, enroll in a leadership class, and maintain a 3.0 GPA, just to name a few things. Jolliff said, “There’s a lot of expectations for the leadership scholars, and they’re very important. Being a leader is juggling a lot of different things. A lot of times leaders are the ones who commit themselves to so many different things, they have to be good a time management and juggling a lot of responsibility.”
“These students are leaders. They have been really a great force on campus.” -Lisa Jolliff In addition to the Presidential Leadership Scholarship, incoming students can apply for the Presidential Gold and Presidential Scholarships. The requirements for each scholarship vary. The Presidential Leadership Scholarship is leadership-focused, making it unlike any other program on campus. The impact of the Presidential Scholarship program reaches far beyond the HutchCC campus.
“On campus, they’re a big part of our activities,” said Jolliff. “In the community, they have had quite an impact. If we have 50 kids doing 40 hours of community service, that’s 2,000 hours of community service. That’s a lot of change we can make happen.” Agribusiness major and Presidential Leadership Scholar Ellie Schwertfeger, Fairfield, said, “I most enjoy the community service opportunities, because you get to interact with other leadership scholars and give back to the Hutchinson community. It is also required to take a leadership course, and I really enjoy my leadership class with Coach Nac.” To celebrate 25 years of the Presidential Leadership Scholarship Program, HutchCC is hosting a Presidential Leadership Reunion on Saturday, Apr. 27. Both past and current Presidential Leadership Scholars, along with donors and mentors, will be invited to attend. The donors are crucial to the ongoing success of the program. “We wouldn’t be here without them. They know the importance of scholarships. The donors are just critical. They’re amazing people that keep giving to this. We’re able to help so many students and help those who may not have received a scholarship,” Jolliff said. “The donors are really what make it work.”
STORY / Sydnee Shive 4/23/19 1:19 PM
Bailey Osborn, Murdock, assists with HutchCC’s Annual Livestock Judging Contest. Osborn is a Presidential Leadership Scholar, also involved in Collegiate Farm Bureau and Block and Bridle.
A former Presidential Scholar discusses her project with an event supporter. The Presidential Scholarship Program impacts more than just students. Photo Courtesy of HutchCC Marketing.
Presidential Leadership Scholars mingle with other patrons at a past event. The Presidential Leadership Scholarship Program has been around for 25 years. Photo Courtesy of HutchCC Marketing.
Presidential Leadership Scholar Gabby Brindle, Salina, assists a job seeker at the Career Connections Job Fair. Performing community service is a large part of recieving the scholarship.
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Sydnee Shive 024-025 Leadership.indd 25
25
IN THE COMMUNITY 
4/23/19 1:20 PM
TROUBLE PLAINS in the
Tackling the issue of Human Trafficking in unexpected places. For those living in Kansas, travel is made a breeze thanks to the interstate highway system. Running through the state are both Interstate 70 and 135. I-135 spans from the nation’s southern border all the way up to its northern border with the east-west I-70 almost reaching coast to coast. The centralized location of Kansas and this effective crossroad in the highway system causes the state to receive a lot of traffic, and unfortunately a percentage of that traffic is attributed to the human trafficking industry. A survey conducted by the Dragon’s Tale magazine found that only 49 percent of Hutchinson Community College students saw human trafficking as a problem within their
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communities. However, in the exact same study group 63.3 percent, nearly two-thirds of students surveyed, had heard of attempted abductions in or around their communities. This is indicative of an underlying problem. Contrary to few citizens believing this is an issue, in 2018, the federal government declared Kansas a hub for trafficking by labeling it an “Originating State.” In the summer 2013 issue of the Washburn Law Journal, it’s noted that the F.B.I. actually ranked Wichita, the state’s most populous city, as “one of the top originating cities for human trafficking.” As Hutchinson lies less than an hour drive northwest of Wichita, those living in Hutchinson are still potentially affected by the
industry’s presence. In the last year, a number of posts appeared on social media from various community members about a religious group being present in local grocery stores asking young women if they were interested in attending a Bible study. A lot of speculation surrounded the group and their suspicious behavior. Coincidentally, the group has also worked its way onto campus. A second-year student who would like to remain known as Mel spoke about an encounter they had on campus in the Rimmer Learning Resource Center. During a spring semester afternoon around 2 p.m., Mel was confronted by an unknown gentleman wearing
STORY / Dustin Curiel
a suit and was asked various questions relating to their religious affiliation, ultimately leading up to the question, “Do you believe in the God Mother?” “I froze,” said Mel, “Out of all the sex trafficking stories and reports, this phrase was the flag.” The confrontation left Mel shaken up the rest of the day, and after the experience a friend mentioned that something very similar had happened to her while in an elevator in the HutchCC dorms. If a student is approached in a similar way and their safety is at risk, the first step to take is call 911. Reporting the incident to a campus safety officer would be the next step. Coordinator of Equity and Compliance Jake Gunden investigates incidents that happen on campus and helps provide guidance to victims. “Much of what the College seeks to provide in response to reported cases is driven by the needs of the reporting party and the specifics of their particular situation,” Gunden said. These types of interactions leave citizens with the need to be aware of not only the dangers of human trafficking, but the presence of it within their own communities. A number of resources are available online for both victims and those looking to further educate themselves on the issue. According to information from the Kansas Attorney General, human trafficking is defined as “a modern form of slavery,” and it is not only the second-largest, but also the fastest-growing crime industry. It can be broken down into two forms - sex trafficking, which is the sexual exploitation of individuals, and labor trafficking, which is the act of holding someone as an indentured servant. Human trafficking works itself into more facets of life than most would fathom. Becoming aware of the signs of trafficking and communities resources is among the most helpful things any citizen can do. Not only may it free someone, but it may free your community of the problem.
DESIGN / Dustin Curiel
KNOW YOUR RESOURCES Jacob Gunden Coordinator of Equity And Compliance at HutchCC Gundenj@HutchCC.edu 620-665-3512
National Human Trafficking Hotline https://humantraffickinghotline.org/ Call 1-(888)-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733
Shared Hope International www.sharedhope.org
Polaris Project
https://polarisproject.org/
ICT SOS
http://ictsos.org/ 316-444-0192
Confidential counselors are avaliable in the Student Success Center on Main Campus and at each out-reach center.
IN THE COMMUNITY
27
Living OWN on their
Lauren Willson, Tonganoxie, and Eden Hiebert, Mcpherson , enjoy the nice weather outside by studying. Willson and Hiebert are both apart of the HutchCC volleyball team.
Affordable housing in Hutchinson gives students a variety of living options On-campus living versus finding an apartment around town each come with their own perks. Hutchinson Community College provides traditional dorm rooms, suites, and apartment-style units also known as Dragon’s Landing. There’s enough on-campus living to house around 440 students each year. If dorm living doesn’t appeal to students, there are also several options around the town of Hutchinson. Students can live in one of the numerous apartment complexes around town or even rent out a house. Another option is buying a house but that is very rare for students at a community college “I like living in an apartment because I use to live in a dorm at K-State before coming here to Hutchinson Community College and I enjoy having space to myself, my own kitchen and bathroom, and can set my own rules,” Courtney Anderson, Derby, said. Anderson said that living in a dorm wasn’t a horrible experience and students can really bond with their roommates, but living by herself was what she liked best. She currently lives in the Prairie Grass Apartments in Hutchinson and rents a one-bed, one-bath apartment that comes to $500 a month. “It is a good price and a great location for a single woman,” Courtney Anderson, Derby, said. Most of the freedom comes from being able to decorate her apartment however she wants and she can own an animal as well but it can only be a cat at her apartment complex. “There are no specific way you have to have your apartment, you have
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the freedom of being as creative with it as you want,” Courtney Anderson, Derby, said. There are cheaper options for one bedroom apartments. The Plaza Towers is $295-350, this is a clean, affordable, quiet place for any student. It also includes refrigerator, onsite laundry, major utilities paid, a bathroom and a kitchen. Not only is it cheap but it is also located downtown Hutchinson which gives students the opportunity to go shopping at the local stores. “I enjoy living in the Plaza Towers because there are some really nice stores downtown and I know whenever there are events going on,” Freyja Field, Hutchinson, said. Another great apartment for a student that wants a just one bedroom is the Commerce Gardens, the price of this apartment is based on income. Each apartment features a private balcony or patio area for friends and family to relax on. Some of the home features are private entrances, refrigerator, storage space, trash paid, a kitchen, bathroom, and washer and dryer connections. “I enjoy the peace and quiet whenever I come back to my apartment, as well as my own bathroom, kitchen, wifi, and tv service as well as being able to get away from campus whenever I like,” Peyton Austin, Rose Hill, said. Instead of an apartment, students can also rent a house. “I like renting a house because it provides a little more privacy and quietness then being in the dorms or an apartment complex as well as the freedom of living on my own,” Mallory Cowles, Hutchinson, said. A perk of renting a house rather than an apartment or living in the
STORY / Evelyn Medina 4/23/19 1:32 PM
Courtney Anderson, Derby, prepares to make dinner in her apartment. Anderson enjoyed the freedom living on her own and fixing meals.
dorms is that she can normally have more square footage to decorate her house however she wants. But if a students wishes to find a house that has two bedrooms then they could have friends over to stay whenever or just to hangout. Cowles pays $400 a month for a two bedroom house and will soon be welcoming a housemate. Just like the apartment, she can have an animal if she so wishes. “Dorms provide the opportunity to meet a variety of new people that can become your best friends later on down the road,” Abigayle Weber, Hesston, said. There are a variety of dorms on campus to fit whatever the price budget may be, and with the options also comes even more opportunities to become involved on campus. According to Hutch CC residents hall, students get the opportunities to get more involved on campus as well as meet more people. If safety is a priority,the dorms have plenty of rooms and even their own handbook to follow. Different room plans include traditional style, suite style, and then apartment style living. Each room comes furnished with the basic bed, desk, and closet for each person. “When sitting outside other students will come up and ask to join, it is a carefree environment which is what made it easy to make friends,” Abigayle Weber, Hesston, said. Co-ed living means the floors are separated so that men live on one floor and women on another. Visitation hours allow students to visit friends on each floor.. “There is no curfew but at 11 students can not be in the opposite genders room” Abigayle Weber, Hesston, said. Updates and maintenance to the dorms is done each summer.
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Evelyn Medina 028-029 Cost of Living.indd 29
Max Ontjes, Hutchinson, and Peyton Austin, Rose Hill, begin studying in their living room after practice. The two are apart of the HutchCC golf team.
Eden Hiebert, McPherson, and Ashlee Taylor, Hutchinson, sit in Hieberts’ room studying for an upcoming math test. Living in the dorms allows students to walk down the hall to study or hang out with friends.
“The Dorm price is not too expensive, considering utilities are all included in that, as well as meals,” Abigayle Weber, Hesston, said. Moving into the next school year, students who living on campus will enjoy a new cafeteria. “The rules seem fair and still gives us freedom to do what we want,” Abigayle Weber, Hesston, said. When coming to Hutchinson Community College looking at all the different options is a great way to see what will work with the students budget.
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IN THE COMMUNITY
4/23/19 1:32 PM
L EA D ING THE
PACK
Being a team leader doesn’t just happen overnight, it takes a strong individual that others consistently look up to. “[A team leader is] somebody who’s willing to do the hard things day in and day out,” Hutchinson Community College Head Softball Coach Jamie Rose said. Every year the coaches select team captians, this years team captians are Shelby Felvus, Marion, and Brooke Jamison, Andover. The three-year sophomore, Sabrina (Beanie) Luttig, Kennard, Neb., has proven herself time and time again to be a standout leader. “[Beanie] is very vocal, I think she’s naturally a leader from being behind the plate,” Rose said. Beanie started playing softball at a very young age and has played ever since. “I was six years old when I picked up a ball for the first time,” Beanie said. “And the rest is history.” Not only do coaches look at Beanie as a strong leader but she’s even received recognition from an injured teammate. “Being able to come back from so many people telling me I couldn’t be here and that I couldn’t be doing what I’m doing, and knowing that I have inspired someone else to get back up on the field,” Luttig said. “At the
Shelby Felvus, Marion, throws a ball during the game against Cloud County Community College. The Blue Dragons won both games against Cloud County.
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end of the day, the game is way bigger than me and it’s about giving back to the game that has given me everything.” Luttig didn’t start her college career at Hutch. “I played at Butler and then ended up transfering to WNCC,” Luttig said. “[Now] I couldn’t ask for a better place to be.” Luttig faced a difficult time in her career, which has shaped her to love the sport even more than before. “It’s the passion for the game, it all comes down to the fact that a year and four months ago I had back surgery,” Beanie said. “They didn’t know if I was going to be able to
compete again. When they said ‘hey we’re going to put you back on the field’ it was like I got to fall in love with the game all over again.” A strong team leader is important to a successful team. “Every team’s going to go through struggles, you need strong team leaders to be able to pull you out of that,” Rose said. “This team has been an extremely resilient.” A strong leader is important but it isn’t the only thing a team needs. “Across the board, communication is key,” Luttig said. “Just the communication on the team is just so fantastic. I couldn’t do what I’m doing without my teammates.” Luttig knows she’s not the only teammate who is a strong leader. “The girls have all taken their opportunity and have stepped into that leadership role,” Luttig said. “Even when I have my moments when I’m down.” Luttig loves her team and knows she could never play softball on her own. “It’s a sport that includes everybody, you have to have all nine people on the field focused in all at the same time,” Luttig said. Her love for softball shows and there is no denying that she is a strong leader. “At the end of the day no one is going to remember how many homeruns I hit, no one is going to remember my batting average, like that doesn’t matter,” Luttig said. “It’s the fact that I can watch my teammates do well.”
STORY / Bre Rogers 4/23/19 1:14 PM
Beanie Luttig, Kennard, Neb., Bailey Brawner, Haven, and Head Coach Jamie Rose celebrated after Luttig hit a homerun against Garden City. The Blue Dragons won this game 4-5. Brooke Jamison, Andover, hits a ball in the game against Colby Community College. The Blue Dragons lost the game 2-0.
DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Bre Rogers 029-030 Softball.indd 31
2019 SOFTBALL SCOREBOARD Feb 5 Feb. 13 Feb. 25 March 8 March 9 March 16 March 18 March 19 March 22 March 24 March 26 March 27 April 3 April 5 April 7 April 10 April 12 April 15 April 17 April 18
Northern Oklahoma College Cloud CC Northern Oklahoma College Friends University JV Barton CC Colby CC Allen CC Independence CC Pratt CC Fort Scott CC Butler CC Garden City CC Butler CC Dodge City CC Seward CC Barton CC Pratt CC Independence CC Sterling College JV Tabor College JV
L,11-4 W, 6-4/W,6-1 L, 16-15/W, 4-1 W, 14-6 L, 12-11/L, 16-7 L, 2-0/L,8-3 L, 9-1/W, 5-0 L, 5-0/W, 11-1 W, 10-3/W,7-5 L, 9-8/L, 4-2 L, 10-1/L, 15-1 W, 5-4/W, 3-0 L, 8-7/L, 9-1 W, 11-3/W, 7-6 W, 7-0/W, 10-2 W, 7-1/ W, 8-1 W, 27-2/W, 8-0 W, 8-5/W, 16-4 W, 12-0/W, 11-2 W, 9-0/W, 12-3
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ON THE FIELD 
4/23/19 1:14 PM
Roll
Drags
Max McGuire, Lincoln, Neb., hits a ball while playing against Dodge City CC. McGuire is a catcher for the Blue Dragon Baseball team. Coach Ryan Schmidt calls the Blue Dragons to a time out during a game against Barton. Schmidt has been coaching Blue Dragon Baseball since 2012.
Next Level Commits NCAA Division 1
Logan Sartori--Texas A&M Dylan Nedved--University of Iowa Zach Baxley--University of North Carolina-Charlotte
NCAA Division 2
Ryan Summers--Northeastern State University Zion Bowlin--Washburn University
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4/23/19 1:14 PM
2019 Scoreboard Feb. 2 Feb. 13 Feb. 15 Feb. 16 Feb. 17 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 26 Mar. 1 Mar. 7 Mar. 9 Mar. 15 Mar. 17 Mar. 19 Mar. 21 Mar. 22 Mar. 26 Mar. 28 Mar. 31 Apr. 2 Apr. 3 Apr. 4 Apr. 9 Apr. 12 Apr. 14 Apr. 16 Apr. 18 Apr. 20 Apr. 23 Apr. 25 Apr. 27 May 2 May 4
Coffeyville CC Coffeyville CC Northeast Texas CC Northeast Texas CC Northeast Texas CC Rose State College Rose State College Labette CC Crowder College Butler CC Butler CC Barton CC Barton CC Cowley County CC Dodge City CC Dodge City CC Cowley County CC Garden City CC Garden City CC Redlands CC Sterling College JV Sterling College JV Seminole State College Pratt CC Pratt CC Coffeyville CC Seward County CC Seward County CC Barton CC Colby CC Colby CC Cloud County CC Cloud County CC
W 11-8 & L 9-7 W 7-2 & L 17-4 W 18-14 W 6-3 W 11-7 L 4-2 & W 17-5 W 12-7 W 18-2 & W 7-1 L 9-3 & L 6-5 L 3-2 & L 11-9 W 5-4 & W 15-1 W 7-2 & W 9-8 L 6-4 & W 9-3 L 8-5 L 5-4 & W 12-3 W 8-3 & L 12-9 L 7-1 W 8-7 & W 3-1 L 4-2 & W 9-8 W 6-1 W 12-2 & W 7-0 10-0 & 11-3 L 15-9 W 11-0 & L 11-10 W 6-3 & W 2-1 W 15-3 L 7-0 & W 4-3 W 13-10 & W 17-11 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
Zach Philbin, Omaha, Neb., pitches a ball during a rainy game against Cowley County CC. Blue Dragons swept this game with a score of 7-2.
Mason Lowe, Mustang, Okla., catches a ball to score an out in the game against Redlands College. The final score was 6-1.
arlotte
y
Zach Baxley, Wichita, slides to home plate to score a run in the second game against Sterling College JV. Upon graduation at HCC, Baxley has committed to play at the University of Northern Carolina-Charlotte.
DESIGN / Shannon Leininger PHOTOGRAPHY / Bre Rogers 032-033 Baseball.indd 33
33
ON THE FIELD
4/23/19 1:14 PM
Gabby Collins, DeSoto, hurdles over a barrier while running the 3,000 meter steeple race. Collins placed third with a time of 12:21.20.
/_Track and Field | Head Coach Pat Becher retires after 34 years and HutchCC athletes compete at the Friends University Open Not many coaches have been as influential at Pat Becher. Becher has become a landmark coach at Hutchinson Community College, coaching track and field for 34 seasons. 2019 will be his last. Throughout his many years at HutchCC, Becher has shaped and molded countless students into great athletes. Becher has coached 23 individual NJCAA national champions, and more than 800 track and field All-Americans in his tenure. Some tears were shed after announcing his retirement at a weekly Blue Dragon News Conference, but Becher could only express himself proudly regarding his years at HutchCC. “It is such a strong program, it is all I’ve ever wanted,” said Becher. Becher started teaching and coaching at Watonga, Okla., and was there for two years. He eventually began coaching at Ponca City, where he was an assistant cross country and track coach. In 1980, Becher obtained his first head coaching job at Moore High School, where he led his team to many successes and victories. Becher was an athlete himself. “Oh, I ran my junior high, high school, and college years,” Becher said about his own personal career.
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It is clear that he fell in love with not only track and field, but cross country as well. To this day, Becher holds school records that have yet to be beaten. His fastest times include a 300 meter run of 48.8 seconds . Not only was Becher a great athlete, but his academic career is also a point of admiration. Becher received his bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma Christian College in 1977, where he was an All-American and Academic All-American in cross country and track his senior year. Additionally, he graduated with honors. Throughout his career as a runner, he was inspired by many great coaches. He hoped to do the same for Blue Dragon athletes. He wants them to remember the exciting times they’ve shared as a team, the wins and the losses, and most importantly, the great improvement made by every single one of his athletes. “I want them to know that I care, in my own way, but I care for them,” Becher said. After his final season at HutchCC, Becher plans on selling his house in Hutchinson and moving to Georgia. He hopes to spoil his grandchildren and love on them as much as he has enjoyed caring for his Blue Dragons.
STORY, DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY / Sydnee Shive 4/23/19 1:20 PM
Connor Kaufman, Wiggins, fights for the lead in the 1,500 meter run. Kaufman ran a time of 4:03.84.
Aileen Gomez, The Colony, Texas, races alongside a competitor during the 5,000 meter race. Gomez placed fifth with a time of 19:09.52.
|
Collins clears a water jump during the 3,000 meter steeple race. Collins was also a member of the 4 x 400 meter relay team, placing fourth.
Destini Mathis, Lansing, lands her first long jump attempt. In addition to long jump, Mathis competed in triple jump.
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ON THE FIELD  034-035 Track.indd 35
4/23/19 1:20 PM
CHAMPS The Blue Dragon men
brought home the 2019 Jayhawk Conference Men’s Golf Team Championship title on Apr. 23 at Crestview County Club in Wichita. Charlie Crockett, England, watches as his golf ball soars through the air. Crockett finished as the 2019 Jayhawk Conference Men’s Golf Individual Champion on Apr. 23.
Attempting to chip out of the sand trap, Max Ontjes, Hutchinson, competes in his first year as a Blue Dragon. Putting the ball, Nathan McCulloch, Scotland, finishes the hole during a golf meet.
Peyton Austin, Derby, prepares to chip onto the green. Austin is challenged for a spot in the top 10 at the Jayhawk Conference Championship.
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4/23/19 3:42 PM
2018-19 BLUE DRAGON MEN’S GOLF RESULTS
Ryan Palmer Classic September 10 -11 Team 7th Charlie Crockett 4th Missouri Southern Fall Classic September 24, 25, & 30 Team 10th The Jackrabbit October 1 -2 Team 11th NJCAA District III Preview October 8 -9 Team 2nd Park University Fall Classic October 22 -23 Team 1st
Charlie Herbert, England, chips onto the green from the fringe.
Washburn Invitational March 18 -19 Team 2nd Jayhawk Conference No. 2 April 15 -16 Team 1st Charlie Crockett 1st Jayhawk Championship April 22-23 Team 1st Charlie Crockett 1st NJCAA District III/Region VI April 29 -30 NJCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship May 15 -18 Lake Leroux, Columbia, Mo., watches his ball from the tee box.
DESIGN / Staff PHOTOGRAPHY / Sports Information Director Steve Carpenter 036-037 Golf.indd 37
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