February 4, 2021

S T U DE N T RU N N E WS SI NC E 1926

THURSDAY • FEBRUARY 4, 2021

MNSU Campus Celebrates Black History Month

BLACK VOICES AMPLIFIED Short film series created to start conversation on race issues

By JULIA BARTON Staff Writer Minnesota State University, Mankato is hosting numerous events in February to celebrate Black History Month.

The events are designed to share stories and experiences of those in the black community, encourage others to educate themselves further about race, and have uncomfortable — yet important — conversations.

“Black stories should be shown more and they should be celebrated,” Kyleigh Schrett, freshman said.

The “Amplifying Black Voices Project” is just one of the many events featuring the experiences of current and former residents of Mankato. Partnering with MNSU’s African American Affairs, Greater Mankato Diversity Council and others, the event will show a premiere of their documentary-like series every Monday at 7 p.m. during the month of February. After the event, there will be a discussion of those in the series who will talk more about their life growing up, and after participants are able to ask questions.

Other events taking place in the first week of this month is the Black Student Union Meet and Greet which is an informational meeting 6 p.m.

Tuesday. They will talk about their mission and purpose along with their future events.

Asian American Affairs is also hosting a panel on Feb. 5 along with alumni members as they will share their undergraduate experience as well as life after graduating. Following this will be a Q & A where participants can ask them questions on Friday at noon.

STORIES page 5

IN THIS ISSUE:

Interim Provost Matt Cecil to Leave MNSU

By JENNA PETERSON News Director

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Kenneth Reid, director of African American Affairs, spoke about growing up Black in America.

By JULIA BARTON • Staff Writer The “Amplifying Black Voices Project,” a short film series aimed at sharing the experiences of former and current Mankato residents, premieres this month at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

The project was created and developed by Mason Bultje and his mother, Laura Riness, both of Mankato, in the summer of 2020. The project aims to promote understanding, reflection, and conversations about racism

as well as to educate and listen to area residents.

The first episode in the series, called “Growing Up Black,” was shown on Monday. A different film from the series will be shown each Monday in February in honor of Black History Month.

Some issues discussed in the first event were the difficulties of growing up in Southern Minnesota.

A panel made up of those

who started the project along with other members of the community shared their perspectives and shed light on what they endured growing up.

Bultje says the lack of representation of teachers and professors of color affected the way he works.

“All through high school and college I never had a black teacher or professor,” he said.

HISTORY page 3

Maverick Hockey to Face Bowling Green at Home

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor

Following the Mavericks first loss since December, the boys get ready for their toughest match so far this season against the No. 8-ranked Bowling Green University.

The Mavericks lost just their second game of the season last weekend to Bemidji State University, the same team who swept the Falcons just two weeks ago and split a series against the beavers before that. The Falcons are having one of the best, if not the best, season’s in the history of the program with a 16-4-0 record, while the Mavs stand tall at 9-2-1.

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Junior goaltender Dryden McKay is in the discssion for some of the biggest awards in Divison I hockey.

PROVOST page 3

PUCKS page 9

OP: THE DATE IS DEAD

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On Wednesday morning, it was announced through Minnesota State University, Mankato President Richard Davenport that Dr. Matt Cecil, Interim Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at MNSU, will be leaving the University in order to follow new prospects at North Kentucky State University.

Dr. Cecil started his MNSU journey in 2016 when he was hired as Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities and then in early 2020 he transitioned to the current role he serves. Throughout his time here, there has been much he has accomplished, and with this he wants to leave a powerful message for students and faculty.

“What I want to say to the MNSU community is, as we go through life, things will go wrong. Let’s be problem solvers and most importantly, let’s be kind and compassionate,” Dr. Cecil commented.

With the transition to NKU, Dr. Cecil plans to continue his hard work and dedication to the students and community. “I’m anxious to help however I can to continue the momentum at NKU around student success and regional engagement, but I’m hopeful to contribute positively to growth and change at NKU.” Before leaving, there is still much work Dr. Cecil plans to complete in order to best serve the MNSU community.

“My main work over the coming months will be in getting our budget balanced for the next president here. We’re working on a plan that keeps our

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SWIPE RIGHT? DATING AT MNSU

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2 • MSU Reporter

News

Student Gov: Athlete Grades, Wi-Fi, and Water Testing

By BAILEY BRENDEL Staff Writer Students are struggling to find both quiet places to study and reliable internet access, according to surveys conducted by the university.

The findings were discussed at the Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Government meeting Wednesday.

Allied Health and Nursing Faculty Leader Brooke Burke discussed how they conducted surveys and focus groups with faculty and students to learn more about their learning experience during fall semester. Two key pieces of information they found was that students struggled with access to a quiet and useful study space as well as access to reliable internet.

With no access to study space, the survey found, students found it hard to take notes and find good places to learn class material. Those with no internet access had trouble talking with friends and were less likely to ask questions in class.

Data found that a third of students surveyed do not turn on their cameras while in class, as many feel uncomfortable showing their faces or don’t feel the camera is necessary. The survey found students need regular D2L updates and the use of the calendar tool to be successful in the classroom.

They also found students would like clarifications on expectations for assignments, exams and communication with instructors. With online communication and course delivery, there has been a lag with answering questions and with students getting the help they need.

Professors had concerns with classroom technology and how it can be useful for the class, so they’re working with IT Solutions to find the best technological resources so it can be useful for students.

Senator Joey Novack says, “I am grateful for the efforts to encourage regular D2L updates and distribution of

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Canada Designates the Proud Boys as a Terrorist Entity

File photo

information. I am also hopeful that vaccines will help the student body return to a more friendly, cooperative learning environment.”

GPAs Good, COVID Bad Director of Athletics Kevin Buisman shared student athlete educational performance statistics with the student government. About 525 student athletes had a collective GPA of 3.3 for the fall semester — their 10th consecutive semester above a 3.2 GPA, with 44% of student athletes on the Dean’s list. Also, the entire hockey program had an average 3.86 GPA, leading the department.

Moving forward, Buisman said there will be limited opportunity to get fans back into the stands. Home student-athlete events will be limited to 100 guests. Visiting student-athlete passes will be limited to 50 total guests. These are guests from the student athletes, not the general student population.

Students wishing to attend a sporting event must register with their relation to the athlete beforehand in case they must contact trace.

Breanna Perron, Track and Field competitor, discussed her experience being a student-athlete during COVID-19. Last year, the team was eight hours away from starting their national competition when they were sent home because of the virus.

After going through quarantine and isolation, the team was able to start practicing again.

Student Government

Vice-President Arnavee Maltare said, “Since it was National Girls and Women in Sports Day today, I focused on the statistics of how the women athletes had been performing, and the records show nothing but the best.”

Water, Wi-Fi Issues Senator Patrick Flynn gave his report where he discussed certain problems he found within the Residential Life housing. “I have been mainly putting out fires that seem to be happening lately,” Senator Flynn said.

One of the main problems Senator Flynn found was problems students were having with water. He found that students had a general mistrust with the water on campus and were having problems with how it affected them. This came to life when the water softener failed in Preska. Therefore, he ran his own tests. In his tests, Senator Flynn found a large amount of chlorine in the water in the dorms. While the water is safe, he does want to work with University Life to help combat any issues with water moving forward.

Another issue that Flynn is addressing is working with Apogee to combat any issues with the Wi-Fi in the dorm.

This includes spot checking specific issues and addressing issues with students who need to use more than the usual 10 device limits. “I am optimistic that the issues with Wi-Fi in the dorms will soon be behind us,” says Senator Flynn.

The meeting of the student government concluded after all topics were discussed.

ANDREW SELSKY • Associated Press A protester carries a Proud Boys banner, a right-wing group, while other members start to unfurl a large U.S. flag in front of the Oregon State Capitol in Salem, Ore.

ASSOCIATED PRESS The Canadian government designated the Proud Boys group as a terrorist entity on Wednesday, noting they played a pivotal role in the insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.

The Proud Boys have faced increased scrutiny after seizing on the former Trump administration’s policies and was a major agitator during earlier protests and the Capitol riot on Jan. 6. The Proud Boys is a far-right, male chauvinist extremist group known for engaging in violent clashes at political rallies. Canada is the first country to designate them as a terrorist entity.

During a September presidential debate, Donald Trump had urged the Proud Boys to “stand back and stand by” when asked to condemn them by a moderator.

Senior officials speaking on a technical briefing said authorities had been monitoring and collecting evidence about the Proud Boys before the Capitol Hill insurrection, but confirmed that the event provided information that helped with the

decision to list the organization.

Public Safety Minister Bill Blair said they revealed themselves.

“Their intent and their escalation toward violence became quite clear,” Blair said.

Enrique Tarrio, the chairman of Proud Boys, called the terrorist designation “ridiculous.”

“There is no basis for it. It’s infringement of free speech rights. All the Canadian Proud Boys have ever done is go to rallies,” Tarrio said in a phone interview.

“They used what happened at the Capitol to push for this. They are no cases of any Proud Boys in Canada doing anything other than go to protests.”

Tarrio said the Canadian chapters are very quiet compared to their American counterparts. He estimated there are between 1,000 and 1,500 Proud Boys in Canada. He said Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and opposition New Democrat leader Jagmeet Singh, who first proposed the designation, are virtue signaling.

“It isn’t about white supremacy,” he said, nothing he’s Cuban.

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Thursday, February 4, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Dems Plan Vote on Ousting Marjorie Taylor Greene from Panels ASSOCIATED PRESS A top Democrat said the House will vote Thursday on removing Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from her committees, intensifying the stakes over the Georgia Republican’s online embrace of conspiracy theories and violent racist views.

The announcement by No. 2 House Democrat Steny Hoyer of Maryland came Wednesday as showdowns approached over Greene and Rep. Liz Cheney, who’ve antagonized opposing wings of a Republican Party struggling to define itself without Donald Trump in the White House.

House Republicans, under bipartisan pressure to punish Greene, have been hoping to take action on their own — such as removing her from one committee — and avoid a difficult political vote for many in the GOP. But Hoyer released a statement saying that after speaking to House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., “it is clear there is no alternative to holding a floor vote on the resolution to remove Rep.

SUSAN WALSH • Associated Press House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy of Calif., speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2021.

Greene from her committee assignments. ” A McCarthy aide said he would discuss the situation with his GOP colleagues.

A full House vote would be a political ordeal for many Republicans, forcing them to go on record defending or pun-

HISTORY Continued from page 1 “Growing up I never had that opportunity to connect in that sense and I think if I had a black male mentor back then, it would have absolutely changed my life.”

Currently working at InnerCity Tennis in Minneapolis where he serves as the Northside program coordinator, he gets the opportunity to work with kids.

“Because I didn’t have that representation of a black male figure in my life, I know now the importance of having that, now I am able to be that figure for a lot of the kids I work with,” Bultje said.

Willing to examine the often uncomfortable topic of racism, they ask participants to simply just listen to their truths and real life experiences.

Riness said some people don’t understand racism’s severity.

“Nothing is more crushing than someone asking me if I’m being too sensitive about it,” she said, “but that is something that I have

had to deal with that is very tough to hear.”

The participants were encouraged to ask questions at this event.

Kenneth Reid, the director of African American Affairs at MNSU said,“My long term goal is to spread awareness about where the issues of Black and Brown folks stem from in the United States. I want to help move us into a position where Black and Brown people are liberated from western civilization ideology and understand what it means to be Black in America.”

Reid continued, “I want to promote and encourage other ethnic groups more specifically our white counterparts, to understand how they play a role in this work in making it possible for Black people to live and breath and be who they are in their own skin.”

Next Monday’s short film is called “Microaggressions,” with discussion to follow. This event will be held via Zoom from 7-8 p.m.

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ishing a social media-savvy lawmaker who has won enthusiastic support from Trump.

Republicans had appointed Greene to the Education and Labor Committee, a decision that drew especially harsh criticism because of her suggestions that school shootings

in Connecticut and Florida could be hoaxes. She’s also on the Budget Committee.

The Democratic-run House Rules Committee was meeting Wednesday in an initial step toward removing Greene from her committees, a rare step for Congress.

PROVOST Continued from page 1 university moving forward while recognizing that we have to reduce spending in some areas,” Dr. Cecil stated.

“Much of my time over the coming months will be spent in meetings with faculty, staff, and students talking through the options and understanding

how best to reduce the budget and set a baseline for MNSU to grow starting in the fall.”

As he wraps up his time here at the University, Dr. Cecil reflects on the people who have worked with him and helped make his career what it is today.

“I’ll miss the people here.

This is a really great place, and the #MavFam shows that as well.”

This place is like a second home to me, and everyone I have worked with here are like family,” Dr. Cecil concluded.

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Students can now open a Zoom session within an Ask a Librarian visit! libguides.mnsu.edu/ask/

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507-344-8314

It is unusual for party leaders to strip lawmakers of committee assignments, which can help them address their districts’ needs and raise campaign contributions.

In 2019, House GOP leaders removed Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, who had a history of racist comments, from the Agriculture and Judiciary panels after making comments to a newspaper about white supremacy. He lost the Republican primary for his seat in 2020 and is out of Congress.

McCarthy met for 90 minutes late Tuesday with Greene, R-Ga., and aides said little about the outcome. The hardright freshman has burst onto the national political scene after using social media to endorse outlandish conspiracy theories and violent, racist views.

“The best thing that could happen at this moment is for Kevin McCarthy to make clear that she should not be” on the education committee, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., a member of his party’s leadership, told reporters.

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4 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, February 4, 2021

SPRING 2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN

The “First Date” is Dead - Here’s what to do Instead

maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Opinion

By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief Everyone knows it. The classic love story, where the guy and the girl make eye contact across a crowded room, the noise goes silent, and the world seems to melt away.

Then they go on a romantic first date. Maybe coffee, maybe drinks, all climaxing with a romantic first kiss in the rain before going their separate ways, eager for the next time they meet.

It doesn’t work like that anymore.

With dating apps and swipe culture, we as young people are effectively exposed to every single person on the globe. This leads to an attitude that there might always be someone better than who you have found.

There may always be someone who is closer to what you want. Someone who checks all the boxes, someone more attractive, someone who is just… better.

The worst part of that, is that it is most likely true. The saying goes “there are plenty of fish in the sea”, but when all of them are at your finger tips, how can you possibly choose?

This swipe fever bleeds into dating in person as well. Whenever you go on a date with someone, there is an expectation that the other person has to check all of the “boxes” and be perfect. This stems from the availability of the next person.

People build their ideal

NEWS DIRECTOR: Jenna Peterson jenna.peterson-3@mnsu.edu MEDIA/DESIGN DIRECTOR: Mansoor Ahmad mansoor.ahmad@mnsu.edu SPORTS EDITOR: Daniel McElroy daniel.mcelroy@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING SALES: Anna Lillie 507-389-1063 anna.lillie@mnsu.edu Logan Larock 507-389-5453 logan.larock@mnsu.edu Baylee Sorensen 507-389-5097 baylee.sorensen@mnsu.edu Olivia Haefner 507-389-1079 olivia.haefner@mnsu.edu

relationship, and suddenly if one person falls quicker than the other, the balance is off, and the whole thing falls apart. If the other person doesn’t fit into one little aspect of the constructed ideal, it is much easier to rationalize throwing them away.

So what do we do? How do we find and build meaningful relationships with people we care about?

We have to take the pressure off of the initial interac-

tions. How do we do that? We stop labeling them as dates.

In today’s day and age, the better way to get to know someone is by simply talking and hanging out. Whether it is via a socially distant Snapchat streak or having a small get together with friends and inviting the new person along, begin the encounters with as little “romantic” pressure as possible.

With the absence of the question of “is this the perfect

person for me”, two people are left to interact in a way that allows for them to grow together, rather than be forced together.

There will be time to escalate these relationships as time goes on. There will be a time to go on “dates”. But the solution to the toxic swipe culture we see today is by becoming comfortable together, growing together, and by ditching the dreaded “first date”.

“How bad was one of your first dates?”

Compiled by Kjerstin Hall

EMILY VO

MEGAN ILLIES

“I showed up and the dude had “Seventh grade, the guy asked me pay for it and I thought me out in front of my friends we were hanging out, but he then after the date said he thought it was a date.” didn’t like me.”

SUNGJAE -OH

ALICIA FRANSON

TIHANI AZLAN

“Never been on one.”

“Double date, he told me he wasn’t coming because there was a different girl, so I ended up third wheeling.”

“He was awkward the whole time so I had to do the talking.”

BUSINESS MANAGER: Jane Tastad 507-389-1926 jane.tastad@mnsu.edu ADVERTISING DESIGN/ PRODUCTION MANAGER: Dana Clark 507-389-2793 dana.clark@mnsu.edu

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would like to point out an error made in the Reporter, contact Editor in Chief Maxwell Mayleben at maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu.

The Reporter will correct any errors of fact or misspelled names in this space. Formal grievances against the Reporter are handled by the Newspaper Board.

• The Minnesota State University Mankato Reporter is a studentrun newspaper published twice a week, coming out on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Reporter generates 78 percent of its own income through advertising and receives approximately 22 percent from Student Activities fees. The Reporter is free to all students and faculty, but to start a subscription, please call us at 507-389-1776.

Subscriptions for the academic school year are $55.00 and subscribers will receive the paper within three to five days after publishing.

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The Reporter reserves the right to publish, or not publish, at its discretion. Letters must contain year, major or affiliation with the university, or lack thereof. All letters must contain phone numbers for verification purposes.

THE OPINIONS EXPRESSED IN THE MSU REPORTER ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE COLLEGE, UNIVERSITY SYSTEM OR STUDENT BODY.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Study Finds COVID-19 Vaccine may Reduce Virus Transmission

News

MSU Reporter • 5

Plan to Strip Walz of Power to Close Schools Passes 1st Test ASSOCIATED PRESS

FRANK AUGSTEIN • Associated Press AstraZeneca vaccine is ready to be used at a homeless shelter in Romford, east London, Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2021.

ASSOCIATED PRESS AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine does more than prevent people from falling seriously ill — it appears to reduce transmission of the virus and offers strong protection for three months on just a single dose, researchers said Wednesday in an encouraging turn in the campaign to suppress the outbreak.

The preliminary findings from Oxford University, a co-developer of the vaccine, could vindicate the British government’s controversial strategy of delaying the second shot for up to 12 weeks so that more people can be quickly given a first dose. Up to now, the recommended time between doses has been four weeks.

The research could also bring scientists closer to an answer to one of the big questions about the vaccination drive: Will the vaccines actually curb the spread of the coronavirus?

It’s not clear what implications, if any, the findings might have for the two other major vaccines being used in the West, Pfizer’s and Moderna’s.

In the United States, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, dismissed the idea of deliberately delaying second shots, saying the U.S. will “go by the science” and data from the clinical trials. The two doses of the Pifzer and Moderna vaccines are supposed to be given three and four weeks apart.

Still, the research appears to be good news in the desperate effort to arrest the spread of the virus and also suggests a way to ease vaccine shortages and get shots into more arms more quickly.

The makers of all three vaccines have said that their shots proved to be anywhere from 70% to 95% effective in clinical trials in protecting people from illness caused by the virus. But it was unclear whether the vaccines could also suppress transmission of the virus — that is, whether someone inoculated could still acquire the virus without getting sick and spread it to others.

As a result, experts have been saying that even people who have been vaccinated should continue to wear masks and keep their distance from others.

Oxford’s study, however, found that the vaccine not only prevented severe disease but appeared to cut transmission of the virus by twothirds. The study has not been peer-reviewed yet.

Volunteers in the study underwent regular nasal swabs.

The level of virus-positive swabs — from both those who had COVID-19 symptoms and those who had none – was 67% lower in the vaccinated group.

“That’s got to have a really beneficial effect on transmission,” Oxford lead researcher Sarah Gilbert said at a meeting of the New York Academy of Sciences.

The researchers also looked at how likely people who have been vaccinated are to get a symptom-free infection. In one subset of volunteers, there were 16 asymptomatic infections among the vaccinated and 31 in an unvaccinated comparison group.

Pfizer and Moderna also are studying the effect of their vaccines on asymptomatic infections.

Only the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are being used in the United States.

A Republican proposal to strip Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of the emergency powers he used to close schools as the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Minnesota passed its first test in the state Senate on Wednesday.

All previous attempts at the Legislature to roll back Walz’s emergency powers have failed along party lines. The proposal highlights the political divisions over how best to address the safety concerns about reopening schools, while also considering the needs of children who have fared poorly with distance learning.

“There has been great consternation and concern about the closure of our public schools for in-person student learning,” said Sen. Carla Nelson, of Rochester. She said her bill “puts the decision making where it should be, which is the locally elected school board.”

Minnesota allowed school districts to resume in-person learning for elementary grades starting Jan. 18. Many districts have done so, at least partially, or are making preparations.

Two Walz administration officials — Deputy Education Commissioner Heather Muel-

CHRISTINE T. NGUYGEN • MPR via Associated Press Second grader Cody Yang spreads out his arms as he practices socially distancing while standing in the hallway Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 at Park Brook Elementary School in Brooklyn Park, Minn.

ler and Assistant Health Commissioner Dan Huff — said they sympathized with parents who testified that their children had fallen behind with distance learning. While children don’t usually get seriously ill from COVID-19, Huff said the state’s restrictions are necessary to protect teachers, staff and the broader community.

“The governor’s statutory authority to manage school activities and schedules in a pandemic are crucial to addressing the health concerns of our students, families and educators in a consistent and coordinated manner,” Huff

testified. “No one, no community is an island when it comes to a highly infectious disease such as COVID.” The Senate state government committee sent the bill to the education committee on a 5-3 party-line vote. There’s no corresponding legislation in the Democratic-controlled House, which blocked several attempts last year and earlier this year to rescind all the emergency powers that Walz has used to respond to the pandemic. Nelson’s bill narrowly targets only the governor’s authority to close public schools and curtail school activities.

STORIES Continued from page 1 Later in the month, the Black Motivated Women and Black Intelligent Gentlemen organizations will host screenings of “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality,” and “The Hate U Give,” with discussions to follow.

Along with the events, the Centennial Student Union is doing something called “28 days of Black Excellence” which will feature African Americans who have broken barriers in order to achieve historic accomplishments. The first two featured were former President Barack Obama and musical artist Jay-Z.

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Students of MNSU are encouraged to get involved and attend these events as community members and students join together to voice their perspectives.

Christin Bartmann, a freshman gave his thoughts about Black History Month, “I think sharing other people’s stories is very important and also appreciating black culture.”

These stories from people of the Mankato community and former MNSU students will be showcased as they partnered with many organizations at MNSU. “Stories from people of

color are super important for others to hear, especially positive ones that are impactful,” Sam Larson, a freshman at MNSU said.

Adam Hamburg, a freshman at MNSU commented, “Every person is different and I think it’s good to show the opinions of all races and encourage each other.”

All of these events will be held via Zoom for free as COVID-19 continues to play a role regarding in-person events. You may register online for these events online in order to attend.

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Mavericks Look to Fight off Warriors

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Wrestling back at home against Marauders

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Quincy Anderson (10) leads the Mavericks as the top scorer with 176 and looks to continue his hot streak against the Warriors.

By DANIEL MCELROY • Sports Editor The Minnesota State men’s basketball team will be hosting their final home series this weekend as they take on the Winona State Warriors.

The Mavericks are coming off a split series against the Sioux Falls Cougars, the formerly undefeated top team in the NSIC. Following the Mavericks win against the Cougars, USF fell to No. 22 in the Division II men’s basketball rankings, as MSU made a statement in the biggest series of the season.

The Mavs will play their final home series of the year this weekend, in a season that feels like it just started last week.

MSU took over the top spot in the south of the NSIC with an overall record of 7-3, and a conference record of 6-2, while WSU sits at sixth in the standings with an overall record of 3-4, and a conference record of 1-3.

After taking a loss against the Cougars last weekend, the Mavericks have won the last four out of five games they’ve played, with the momentum in their favor to the Warriors, who have lost their last three straight games.

Due to COVID-19 testing protocols, the Warriors have had two five games cancelled immediately following their season

opener against the University of Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs, making their season one of the shortest in the NSIC. Plenty of Mavericks have been showing up to play lately, but there are a few you should keep an eye out for.

Quincy Anderson continues to impress as the Mavericks leading point scorer with 174 points on the season, including the past three showings with at least 20 points. Anderson is averaging 17.4 points per game, good for sixth in the NSIC. Anderson would not be able to make this happen without the help of his teammates, especially in the likes of Devonte Thedford, who is the Mavericks leading assist scorer with 40 on the year. Thedford is averaging four assists per game, putting him also in the sixth spot in the NSIC for assists.

Thedford is second on the Mavericks for scoring with 119 of his own.

Malik Willingham is right up there with his teammates in scoring, recording 117 points on the year, shooting 42 of 81 in field goals and 22 of 47 from three-point range. Willingham is coming off a slow weekend against USF, but hopes to bounce back.

Mavericks take on Winona State Warriors before final Homestand

By DANIEL MCELROY • Sports Editor Coming off of a huge win for the Minnesota State women’s basketball team, they get set to play their final road series of the season at Winona State University.

The Mavericks took a win last weekend at the University of Sioux Falls, the top team in the NSIC south division. The win brought the Mavericks record above .500 to 5-4 overall and 4-3 in conference, and dropped Sioux Falls to 5-2 overall and conference record.

For the upcoming series, the Winona State Warriors are 1-5 overall and 1-4 in conference play. The Mavericks are 40-22 all-time against the Warriors, with the Mavs winning the last three straight meetings.

MSU has won their last two matchups, while the Warriors MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter are coming off a series where they found their only win of the Tayla Stuttley (23) ranks second among Mavericks in scoring

HOOPS page 9

with 126 points on the season.

The Mavericks wrestling team looks to bounce back tonight against University of Mary after taking their first loss of the season to the No. 1-ranked squad in the nation, St. Cloud State University.

The Mavs are 11-0 alltime against the Marauders, winning the most recent meeting 29-12.

Coming into the match, The Mavericks are 3-1 on the year, while the Marauders are 2-1 overall, and 1-1 in conference matches.

Trenton McManus remains undefeated (4-0) at 125 pounds after taking an 8-3 decision at St. Cloud last week and moved into the No. 9 ranking among 125 pound wrestlers.

No. 2-ranked wrestler Kyle Rathman also stayed undefeated (4-0) on the year when he took down St. Cloud’s Garrett Aldrich.

No. 3-ranked wrestler Trevor Turriff is 4-0 on the year, winning three by decision and one by major decision.

Minnesota State is struggling in the heavier weight department, with their wrestlers over 174 pounds combining for a record of 4-13.

UMary has had two scheduled matches this year get cancelled due to COVID-19 testing protocols.

After losing their first match of the year against the Huskies 31-3, their next match against Southwest Minnesota State University was canceled and was replaced with a non conference meeting with Minot State, in which they won 20-13.

They also had their next week’s meeting against Minnesota State University-Moorhead canceled and will not be rescheduled.

They last played last week against Minot State where the took their second win of the year in a close 24-20 match.

Thursday, February 4, 2021

Sports

MSU Reporter • 9

Women Aim for back-to-back Sweeps as they face Huskies

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor Coming off another series sweep over Bemidji State, MSU looks to go back-toback against the St. Cloud State Huskies.

The Mavericks sit at fifth in the WCHA standings with a record of 6-9-1, while the Huskies are in last at 3-11-1.

In the last five meetings between the teams, MSU is 2-21, taking the overtime 3-on-3 extra point.

The Mavericks trio of Kelsey King, Jamie Nelson, and Brittyn Fleming continue to lead the Mavs in scoring, with 12, 11, 10 points respectively.

King is on a scoring streak with one goal in each of the last three games, and five goals and two assists in the last five. King scored the lone overtime goal in the Mavericks overtime win and was the first to get on the board in the Mavericks 3-2 overtime win against the Beavers last weekend. If King can manage to score a goal in each of the games this weekend, she’ll tie Michelle Sikich for most consecutive games with a goal at five (1999). King also has recorded the most shots on goal on the Mavericks with 62, averaging almost eight

By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Kelsey King has scored a goal in each of the last three games and looks to continue her hot streak.

shots per game.

Jamie Nelson is one of the top Freshman to come through the Minnesota State University program, with 11 points in just 14 games as a Maverick. In a regular length season, Nelson might’ve been able to crack the record books in most points as a freshman, but will have to manage with what she’s given in a COVID-19 riddled year.

Brittyn Fleming sits at

third in the Mavericks scoring with a 4-6-10 statline.

Fleming picked up three assists in last weekend’s series against Bemidji State university after not recording any points since the Mavs last series against the Beavers in the beginning of January.

Maverick goaltender Calla Frank is 5-7-1 in 13 games this season while putting up a 2.50 goals against average and .912 save percentage. Frank has also recorded

PUCKS

Continued from page 1 “It’s a great opportunity for both teams to show themselves,” head coach Mike Hastings said in a press conference on Wednesday.

“They’re gonna be as excited to come pay in our building as we are that they’re here.”

In a battle of two top ten teams, the goaltending matchup will be the most important and most exciting aspect of this series. MSU goaltender Dryden McKay is coming off a WCHA Goaltender of the Month award in January, as well as being nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, the top NCAA men’s hockey player, and the Mike Richter watch list, the top goaltender NCAA in men’s hockey. Last season, McKay was in the top ten finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, and reached the top three finalists for the Mike Richter Award.

McKay leads the WCHA and NCAA in goals against average (.904) and in save percentage with .954.

Through eight games this season, McKay holds a 9-1-1 record while posting six shutouts in the process. McKay is third on the NCAA all-time shutout list, with just one

Women’s Soccer is Back for the Spring

Cade Borchardt (above) and Nathan Smith (below) lead the Mavericks as the top point scorers.

Photos by MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

two shutouts this season. In her two games against the Huskies this season, Frank has three goals allowed and made 32 saves.

The Mavericks powerplay unit has converted on 7 of 46 powerplay opportunities, good for .152 percent, while their penalty kill remains one a strong suit at .922 percent.

Puck drop for this series will be on Friday, Feb. 5 at 2:07 p.m., and Saturday, Feb. 6 at 1:07 p.m. in St. Cloud.

more will move him into second.

Two other Mavericks were nominated for the Hobey Baker Award in sophomore Cade Borchardt and senior Nathan Smith. Borchardt is the Mavericks is tied as the leading goal scorer and is the lone leading point scorer with a score line of 6-9-15.

Nathan Smith, a 2018 third round draft pick by the Winnipeg Jets, leads the Mavs in assists with 11, good for the fourth most in the WCHA. Smith adds two goals on to his points, giving him 13 on the year.

One of the biggest threats on the Mavericks in Julian Napravnik ties Borchardt for the most goals on the Mavericks with six. Napravnik also has eight assists, totalling 14 points and second most on the Mavericks.

The biggest threat MSU faces is Brandon Kruse from Bowling Green, a fifth round draft pick by the Vegas Golden Knights. Kruse leads the WCHA in several categories, including goals with 10, assists with 15, and plus/minus with +24.

The Mavs will play the series in their home arena this weekend with puck drop on Friday at 7:07 p.m. and Saturday at 6:07 p.m.

On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced by women’s soccer head coach Brian Bahl that they have scheduled 15 matches for the spring semester.

The season starts with three exhibition matches beginning this Saturday, Feb. 6 at 11 a.m against Minot State in Mankato, followed by Northwest Missouri State and Creighton.

Mankato will then host a six team tournament in the beginning of March in the Maverick Dome. The Mavs will play against Concordia - St. Paul and Upper Iowa in the pool play tournament. The Mavericks will then play an opponent who is to be determined after the group stage. After the tournament, the Mavs play seven more matches to close out the season.

Last season, the Mavericks finished with a 19-4-1 record while their season ended at the NCAA tournament in the quarterfinals to then-No. 2-ranked Grand Valley State.

HOOPS

Continued from page 8 season against Wayne State.

Rachel Shumski is the Mavericks leading point scorer with 126 on the season, averaging 14 points per game, good for the No. 16 spot in the NSIC in points per game. Shumski is shooting field goals at .455 percent and .300 from threepoint range.

Tayla Stuttley is right behind Shumski in points with 125, averaging 13.9 points per game, putting her at No. 17 in the NSIC in points per game. Stuttley is shooting .421 in field goals and .278 in three-pointers.

Joey Batt holds the third spot on the Mavericks for points with 109, averaging 12.1 points per game. Batt leads the team in three-point percentage with .342 on the year. Batt is second on the team in free throws making 30 of 44, good for .682 percent. Batt recorded her first double digit point game since the second game against Augustana when she recorded her career-high 28 points.

The Mavericks are averaging 74 points per game, while their defense is allowing 73.8.

The team is shooting field goals at .362 percent and .268 from three-point range. The Mavs are also averaging 43.8 rebounds per game.

Tip-off for Friday’s game is at 6 p.m. and Saturday’s is at 2 p.m.

10 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Online Dating: Students Chime In

By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief and JENNA PETERSON News Director Dating during a pandemic is hard. And as we rapidly approach Valentine’s Day, many MNSU students are turning to dating apps to find that special someone.

We asked MNSU students Christian Lohrenz, a senior, and Molly G, a junior, about their experiences on dating apps such as Tinder.

What apps do you currently have downloaded and how often do you use them?

Molly: I’m on Her every few days and Bumble every day at first, but now every other day.

Christian: I only have Tinder downloaded, and I probably use it, like, three times a week. I’m really not on there much.

What is the first thing you notice on someone else’s Tinder?

Molly: If they have a bio I’ll notice that first, I like when people put time and effort in their bios. And then I look at their age.

Christian: I would say how many filters they have on their pictures.

The more filters, the less interested I get, because I feel like it’s fake.

What makes you swipe right?

Molly: If they’re into everything that I’m not, then I swipe left. If they’re cute and match up with similar things I’m interested in, then I swipe right.

Christian: A positive bio and someone who I think is cute obviously. I don’t wanna be super cliche, but a nice smile.

What’s something that gets an immediate swipe left?

Molly: If they’re too far away or I’m just not feeling it, like their looks. I also will swipe left if I don’t like their name or it’s the same as a family member.

Christian: A super negative bio,

like “I don’t do this, I don’t do that or if you do this,” I’ll swipe left. It’s not about what you aren’t into, it’s about the blatant negativity right out the gate that is super unattractive.

Are you looking for something serious, something not so serious, or just for fun?

Molly: All of the above, looking for love but also down for hookups or friendships.

Christian: I’m cautiously optimistic about using the app. It’s interesting to be on the app, but if something good comes out of it, I would be happy.

Have you gone on any dates with someone you’ve met on the app?

Molly: I’ve gone on FaceTime dates because of COVID, but before COVID, I would go on coffee dates.

Christian: The transition from Tinder to talking was fine, we were SnapChatting for a while, then we hung out. I feel like you have to talk to someone outside of Tinder, whether it’s SnapChat, or text messages, before asking them out.

Do you think dating apps are a good way to meet “the one” or just something more casual?

Molly: I think it’s a great way to meet the one, there’s different apps for everyone and different apps hold different purposes.

Christian: I think that they can work, I don’t think it’s ideal, I think most people would rather meet organically but, with the pandemic, it’s just kind of the situation we are in.

What is a big mistake people make on their Tinder accounts?

Molly: Not being descriptive enough or adding enough interests.

The first picture is crucial. Also don’t hold a dead animal in your pictures.

TINDER page 10

Cooking in the Dorms with Sydney: No-Bake Energy Balls

By SYDNEY BERGGREN • Staff Writer As the semester picks up and classes dive into the workload, I tend to work through meals or find myself not having time to grab a meal in the dining hall. Snacks such as trail mix and cheese sticks get repetitive and, well, they frankly get boring.

To help curb that boredom while only using four to five ingredients many students may already have on hand, I present No-Bake Energy Balls.

Any food you don’t have to bake is automatically a win in my book, and most other dorm-dwellers’ books as well.

Additionally, this recipe takes a quick five minutes, so it doesn’t keep you from your studies, and it is something great to add to the low-budget snack cycle. This recipe is also super customizable to fit any taste bud out there.

While I used peanut butter, you can switch this out with almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or just a peanut-free nut butter. There is also a litany of things that can be used as the filler: chocolate chips, coconut flakes, rice krispies, seeds, nuts, and so many more.

I used a nut and dried fruit granola mixture

SYDNEY BERGGREN • The Reporter

No-Bake Energy Balls: • • • • •

½ cup nut butter ½ cup oats 2 tbsp honey Handful of filler Optional: Pinch of salt, pinch of cinnamon, small scoop protein powder, flax seed

that I found in the back of one of my food bins.

Additionally, you can add any extra seasonings or ingredients to buff up the protein or flavor; I went for salt and coconut flakes.

Begin by combining your nut butter, oats, and honey in a bowl until well mixed. Then, incorporate your filler(s) and any optional ingredient, again combining until well mixed.

If the mixture is too dry, add more nut butter and honey, and if too wet, add more oats.

Form the mixture into small balls and place on a plate. Rest in fridge or freezer for about 15 minutes, or until firm.

If properly chilled, these are a good mobile snack as long as they don’t get too warm. A few in a Ziploc can be a great snack between classes, study spots, or on a drive. Personally, I like them for situations I end up in quite a lot: working on a task only to look up and realize I have class in five minutes with no time to make and eat a sandwich, let alone go to the dining center. They are super easy to grab and go, even eating during class when necessary. These are definitely a solid part of my rotation; I just have to get some chocolate chips for next time.

Thursday, January 28, 2021

Variety

MSU Reporter • 11

Snoopy Shines in Apple TV+ Series that’s True to its Roots ASSOCIATED PRESS

Apple via AP

By SYDNEY BERGGREN Staff Writer

This image released by Apple shows animated characters Snoopy and Charlie Brown from the original series “The Snoopy Show,” premiering Feb. 5 on Apple TV+.

were told to use them for inspiration.

“It was like, ‘How do you build on what he was trying to tell the audience in four strips?’ We get seven minutes,” said Betts.

If the writers were intimidated, so were the artists, many of whom revere “Peanuts.”

That meant the artists had to rely on sounds, pantomime and a variety of expressions for the two characters, who yelp, cry, titter and gulp with powerful emotion. They’re aided by a jazzy score by Jeff Morrow.

“The Snoopy Show” is a refreshing addition to a children’s TV landscape that is

“One of our storyboard artists would get nervous every time they had to draw Lucy’s psychiatry booth, just because it was this heritage thing and there’s so much weight. Everyone’s a little bit terrified,” said Evestaff.

One obstacle was that Woodstock and Snoopy in the strip communicate their feelings through thought bubbles, something that doesn’t work in a show.

full of superheroes and cute shows where resolutions are predetermined. The world of “Peanuts,” on the other hand, explores failure and frustration.

“We do have these characters that have real problems and things don’t always work out. And they deal with issues of rejection and failure. Those are things that our kids deal with, too,” said Evestaff. “I think if you were to pitch a

Apple via AP

“Peanuts” star Snoopy is famous for being a highly imaginative dog, liable at to go off on loony flights of fancy. But, it turns out, his world has some strict rules.

No adults can be heard there, just trombones. No technology past the 1970s can be used. And under no circumstances may the inside of Snoopy’s doghouse ever be shown.

Creators of the new animated series “The Snoopy Show” had to learn and respect all the rules as they crafted stories for Apple TV+ that were true to the original strips and various previous shows.

“I think the rules have actually made the story so much stronger, to go, ‘How do we play in the sandbox?’” says Stephanie Betts, an executive vice president at media company WildBrain. “And actually, we realized it was so much wider than you can even imagine.”

The series, which debuts Friday, consists of three seven-minute vignettes per 23-minute episode. They are mined from the almost 18,000 strips cartoonist Charles M. Schulz left behind.

It’s an enchanting and endearing show; we see Charlie Brown overcoming his nerves at speaking in front of his class, and an epic game of tag between Snoopy and Rerun that leads to mild injuries and laughter.

Adults will recognize the classic visual style and the world they read as kids: Kites still get eaten by trees, Lucy’s psychiatric booth still costs a nickel and Snoopy keeps flying missions on his doghouse.

“There’s something to the timelessness of Charles Schulz’s drawings,” said Mark Evestaff, showrunner and an executive producer.

“I feel like this is the kind of show that we need now.”

The series’ writers were each given a large red volume — nicknamed “the Snoopy Bible” — that contained Snoopy-centric strips, and

show like this today, it would be a very difficult sell.”

The show still allows Snoopy to have his heroic flights of fancy — becoming the famed arm-wrestler Masked Marvel, hipster Joe Cool or the dogged World War I Flying Ace behind enemy lines.

“Charles Schulz always said he felt most like Charlie Brown — he couldn’t always kick the football, he wasn’t always the winner. So Snoopy gave that outlet to dream a little bigger,” said Betts.

“Peanuts” made its debut Oct. 2, 1950. The travails of the “little round-headed kid” Charlie Brown and his pals eventually ran in more than 2,600 newspapers, reaching millions of readers in 75 countries.

Other Peanuts projects that have been launched by Apple TV+ include “Snoopy in Space” and “Peanuts in Space: Secrets of Apollo 10,” both of which were nominated for Daytime Emmy Awards, with the latter winning.

One of the more intriguing aspects of “The Snoopy Show” is that it shows the first time Charlie Brown met Snoopy, as well as the first time the beagle ever encountered Woodstock.

TINDER Continued from page 10 Christian: Saying “I don’t message first” in their bio.

If girls messaged first, that would change the whole dynamic in a really cool way.

While Tinder can have it’s challenges, some MNSU Alumni have found it to be beneficial. Lucy Sanford and her boyfriend of four years, Tony Haik, met each other on Tinder while he was attending MNSU. About a year into dating, Sanford transferred to

The F Word Brings Conversation to the Women’s Center

MNSU where she graduated in 2019, and Haik graduated the following year.

We asked them some questions for the secret to their success.

What made you swipe on each other?

Lucy: For one, I superliked him. His bio was super chill, he mentioned that he liked burritos, even though I don’t like burritos. He was super cute and had a manbun.

Tony: It’s funny, because she was all about my bio, when I don’t even remember her bio, I just looked at her pictures.”

How did you make the transition off of the app and into dating?

Lucy: We went to an art museum, because that was my dream first date. I even initiated the first kiss, I was really suave. I said “This would be a really good place for a first

kiss.”

What advice do you have for single folks who are using dating apps like Tinder?

Lucy: Be patient, and don’t settle. If you have high standards, and you want a solid relationship, you should stick to those standards. But also, if you are just looking to get it in, and just keep ballin’, that’s cool too.

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Women’s Center is a place that fosters a safe campus community and focuses on uplifting the voices of women.

One of the newer events being hosted is The F Word, a feminist group where students can come together and engage in discussions on feminist related topics and issues in a respectful and safe environment.

MNSU graduate student Erin Kotten is the creator behind The F Word, with inspiration coming from other feminists.

“Bell Hooks defines feminism as a movement to end sexism, sexist exploitation, and oppression. The term ‘movement’ suggests that the solution involves collective action, which is why I started this group,” Kotten explained.

Kotten wanted to develop a place where students could focus on developing their own feminist identities and be a part of the change they want to see in the world. When she couldn’t find one on campus, she decided to create her own. “’Feminist’ is a word that has negative associations with it for some people. There are many times I’ve heard the phrase, ‘I’m not a feminist but….’ It shouldn’t be a word that people are hesitant to be associated with,” said Kotten.

This recurring negative connotation is where Kotten got the inspiration from when deciding on a name. “I want to bring feminism into a more positive light,” she stated.

There are no concrete events outside of the weekly meetings, although Kotten is looking forward to planning movie and game nights when it is safe to do so. Future discussion topics for Thursday meetings are looking to include women’s reproductive rights, feminist media, female genital mutilation, beauty standards, sex and gender-based harassment, and many more.

The group is also always open to discussing anything that attendees have on their minds. This week the group intends on talking about intersectionality and how it plays into oppressions and privileges.

Kotten encourages anyone interested in attending to do so. “Come join us and make friends. We want you to strive for equality and justice.”

The F Word occurs over Zoom on Thursdays at 5 p.m.

All who come with respect and an open mind are welcome.

12 • MSU Reporter

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