February 27, 2018

The

Minnesota State University Mankato

www.msureporter.com

Mavericks win NSIC Indoor Championship Men’s track and field team captures seventh consecutive championship, women finish second

KEVIN KORBEL Staff Writer The men’s and women’s track & field teams competed in the NSIC Indoor Championship, a twoday meet of epic proportions on Friday and Saturday at Meyer’s Fieldhouse in Mankato, MN. The men’s team claimed their seventh consecutive NSIC Indoor Championship on the weekend, while the women’s team took second place.

The Minnesota State men’s track and field team crushed all their opponents with a total of 184.5 points for the meet. The men’s team crushed everybody in the tournament, with the second place finisher, University of Mary, having 88 points.

In the 60m dash, Paul Selman (6.91) finished third, Henry Ivy (6.93) finished fourth, and Vance Barnes (6.98) finished sixth.

Tanner Ogren claimed the conference championship in the 200m dash with a time of 21.79. Also in the 200m

Michelle Vlasak/MSU Reporter

The Minnesota State track and field teams performed well at the NSIC Indoor Championship over the weekend. Qualifying athletes will next compete in the National Championships in Pittsburgh, Kansas on March 9 and 10.

dash, Reid Diamond (22.08) finished third and Selman (22.23) finished sixth.

In the 400m dash, Isaiah Pitchford finished first with a time of 48.36 which sets a new NSIC Indoor Championship record. That

time converts to a 47.60 due to track size, and currently ranks as the eighth best time in DII this season. Also in the 400m dash, Diamond (48.71) finished second, Morris Dennis (48.72) finished third, Dalton Bialke (49.76) finished

fifth, and Parker Gloudemans (49.94) finished sixth.

In the 600m dash, John Schuster finished first with a time of 1:19.85 which also set a new NSIC Indoor Championship record. Javon Patterson (1:21.35) finished

second and Cameron Crosser(1:23.98) finished fourth.

In the 1000m run, Austin

TRACK PAGE 8

Poli-Sci alumna shares success story and advice with future grads Dr. Thomsen recently published a book on the polarization of Congress KARLY KAUFMAN Staff Writer Danielle Thomsen is a current assistant professor for the Political Science Department at Syracuse University.

She recently published her first book, “Opting Out of Congress: Partisan Polarization and the Decline of Moderate Candidates,” which investigates who runs for Congress and the

TODAY’S FEATURED STORIES

ideological range of these candidates.

Originally from South Dakota, Thomsen said that she always knew she wanted to attend college.

“I always knew I would go to college, but as to where wasn’t a huge thought to me,” Thomsen stated.

She debated between Duluth and Mankato, but with the larger scholarship and welcoming environment, Mankato was the winner. “[MNSU] was close enough

to home and what I was comfortable with but would still give me a new college experience,” she said.

During her undergraduate studies, Thomsen was the president of the College Democrats on campus.

She balanced her political activism with her academic studies. One of the things she admires about being a student is that “college is the only time where you will read Aristotle and that is something that is really

unique.”

The professors that left a mark on her undergraduate studies include Political Science professors Tom Inglot, Doran Hunter, and Joe Kunkel. She celebrates professors that put their time and effort into making a lasting impression.

“Professors give a lot and want to help you and want you to grow and make the most of your life,” Thomsen said. For her, this includes the role of advocates and

MSSA budget hearing Q&A

Mavs win WCHA Cup

Wrestlers advance to finals

Page 2

Page 7

Page 8

cheerleaders as a student progresses through their years of study.

After graduating from MNSU, Thomsen moved to Washington D.C. and worked for former United States Senator, Tim Johnson.

However, she found it underwhelming and found a job as a tour guide at the

ALUMNA PAGE 2

Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

News Editor Alissa Thielges alissa.thielges@mnsu.edu

2 • MSU Reporter

News

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Reporter Q&A with the president of MSSA on SAC budget

KATIE LEIBEL Staff Writer The MSSA’s budget hearing is March 14 and students new to Minnesota State University, Mankato may have questions as to what this process is, how it works and how it can impact the different student organizations and programs on campus. The president of MSSA, Abdulrahmane Abdul-Aziz, was interviewed to inform students about the process. Below is a Q&A from Abdul-Aziz about the Student Allocations Committee and the MSSA: 1. What is MSSA and SAC? The Minnesota State Student Association (MSSA) is the voice of the students at Minnesota State University, Mankato.

MSSA is the student government made up of 33 students advocating for positive change for the student body at MNSU, meeting weekly throughout the year. The student senate

provides the following services to students: The Maverick Textbook Reserve Program, free legal advice from the Student Attorney, Grade Appeal Process, Enterprise CarShare service, among many others.

Student Allocations Committee (SAC) is a group of 9 students appointed by the student body president to 1) approve RSO travel and programming requests throughout the academic year and 2) listen to budget presentations, deliberate the amount each student activity department will be allocated from the student activity fee, and present that recommendation to MSSA. 2. How is the senate involved with SAC? SAC is made up of 9 MNSU students; 6 are not MSSA senators and 3 are current MSSA senators. MSSA is not directly involved with the week to week agenda of SAC. 3. Are you able to tell us which departments received the funding they requested and which were recommended to receive cuts? If so, please list this information.

Yes. Please see the FY19 Student Activity Funding

ALUMNA

Continued from page 1 “Dr. Thomsen’s advice: Do what you’re interested in, do what you like, and follow what your passions are.”

Capital. She was accepted to Cornell University for her master’s where she worked on her dissertation.

She chose to go to Duke University for a year to work with scholars of political parties, but returned to Cornell to publish a couple papers, and then back to Duke for her Ph.D. She was offered a teaching position at Syracuse and is currently on her third academic teaching year.

Dr. Thomsen plans to remain a professor in hopes of “being an active member of [her] scholarly community.”

“I hope I enjoy what I’m working on [in the future] and that I can teach and work on courses that are inspiring to me and my students and that are important even beyond

academia,” she said.

Her advice for future graduates?

“Do what you’re interested in, do what you like, and follow what your passions are. College is the time to figure out what those entail,” she said.

Fo r T h o m s e n, persistence is a key ingredient to success.

“In order to be successful in any way, you have to continue to push forward,” she said.

To find out more information about Dr. Thomsen or about her new book, check out her website, https:// daniellethomsen.com/. Dr. Thomsen would also like to extend a special thank you to MNSU for putting in years of hard work for its students.

Alissa Thielges/MSU Reporter

Requests – Deliberation Spreadsheet and SAF FY19 Narrative sent to The Reporter Office Manager, Jane [Tastad], and the Editorin-Chief Gabe Hewitt. [see page 5] 4. What happens with these recommendations and how is the senate involved?

After SAC approves the Student Activity Fee recommendation, MSSA discusses that recommendation and revises it as they wish. On March 14th, MSSA meets to discuss the SAC Budget recommendation.

5. How do students get into SAC and MSSA? The only way students get involved with SAC is by being appointed by the MSSA Student Body President.

There are several ways students can get involved with MSSA, including but not limited to: running in a vacancy election, running to

be elected to the student senate in the upcoming general election (on April 10th), or by becoming involved as a committee member on the numerous student or university committees.

6. What else does SAC and MSSA do throughout the year besides these recommendations?

See answer to Question 1.

7. Tell the readers about the hearings you and SAC held and what all SAC does.

See answer to Question 2.

8. The senate has to discuss these budgets for several hours. Can you talk about how it all works and what happens with the budgets once they’re voted on?

On March 14th, MSSA will discuss the SAC recommended SAF FY19 budget for several hours.

After they approve an agreed upon budget, the SAF FY19 budget then goes onto Vice

President David Jones and University President Richard Davenport for approval.

For more information about MSSA and SAC, students are encouraged to check out the FY19 Student Activity Funding Requests – Deliberation Spreadsheet and SAF FY19 Narrative available on The Reporter’s website and on page 5 of this issue. Students may also go online to the MSSA website to learn more about past budgets and the tools MSSA provides. The budget hearing meeting for 2019 will be held March 14. The meeting starts at 3 p.m. and continues for the rest of that day until all budgets and appeals have been voted on. Students are welcome to attend. The meeting will be held in the Centennial Student Union in Room 245.

WILLOWBROOK TOWNHOMES ONLY 2 LEFT! Gorgeous 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath townhomes only 1.5 miles from campus!

FEATURES INCLUDE:

• Spacious bedrooms • Large living areas • Huge open kitchen • Private deck • Master suite on 3rd level • Washer/dryer in unit Reduced to $2150 per month! Only $430 per person!

Cristen N. Manthe

507-625-0987 cristen.manthe@cbcfishergroup.com

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Feature Photo: Pedal Past Poverty, Feb. 24

Cassidy Dahl/MSU Reporter

MSSA participated in the Pedal Past Poverty event on Saturday at the Mankato YMCA. The event brought different groups together to raise money against poverty in the area. Each group competed with its own members to see who could bike the farthest in 20 minutes. Groups paid a fee to participate and each individual tried to raise money on their own. YMCA collected all proceeds to go to the charity.

4 • MSU Reporter

Tuesday, February 27, 2018 EMAIL THE EDITOR IN CHIEF:

It’s not paranoia if people really are out to get you Conspiracy theories: Ridiculousness or human nature?

Opinion KAITLYN JORGENSEN Staff Writer How many of you believe in a conspiracy theory or know someone who does?

The moon landing was a hoax. Jet fuel can’t melt steel beams. The exhaust from airplanes are really chemtrails designed for mind control just like fluoride found in city water. Ted Cruz is the Zodiac Killer.

The big question here is what leads us as human beings to think this way? Why do people choose to believe in conspiracy theories even when we have factual evidence in our face to prove what really happened?

In an article by the Washington Post, John Sides, an Associate Professor of Political Science at George Washington University, conducted eight national surveys beginning in 2006 asking questions concerning about 20 different conspiracy theories. He found that in any given year, about half the public endorses at least one conspiracy theory. So, what does this mean for us? Well, Jesse Ventura, you do not “stand alone” on this one. In fact, conspiracy theories are extremely common.

In another study by political scientists Joseph Uscinski and Joseph Parent in their

book “American Conspiracy Theories” published in 2014, “conspiracy theories do not discriminate across gender, age, race, income, political affiliation, educational level, and occupational status.”

This proves that paranoid thinking is very common, and not just affiliated with middle-aged men living in their parents’ basement.

Why is this belief in conspiracy theories so common? Well, we all share common experiences: natural disasters, tragedies, national crises and change.

For example, when we think of former President Obama, what are the first

But in reality, what contributes to this controversy over our former president? It’s due to change. Obama was the first African-American president; for many people, this was groundbreaking and we Americans do not like change.

The tragic deaths of celebrities such as Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Prince and the world’s beloved Princess Diana.

Large scale attacks such as 9-11, the Lincoln and JFK assassinations. These are just a few of the tragedies that all Americans know. It is hard for us to accept what really happened, especially

“Half the public endorses at least one conspiracy theory.”

words that come to mind?

Would you say that they are something along the lines of brainwashing-hypnotist, antichrist, or lizard overlord?

If you said yes, then you would probably agree to the fact that President Obama can control the weather.

Therefore, he personally caused Hurricane Sandy in an attempt to destroy the Republican competition for the 2012 presidential elections. Thanks Obama!

Pulse

when we are left with so many unanswered questions.

This may lead us to speculate what the truth actually is.

The cause of conspiracy theories? In an article written by Michael Shermer in Scientific American, University of Miami political scientists Joseph E. Uscinski and Joseph M. Parent noted that in laboratory experiments “researchers have found that inducing anxiety or loss of control triggers respondents

to see nonexistent patterns and evoke conspiratorial explanations.” In the real world, “there is evidence that disasters and other high-stress situations prompt people to concoct, embrace, and repeat conspiracy theories.” When we are in the midst of a major crisis or terrorist attack, we feel a loss of control. This causes our amygdala, the part of our brain that controls our emotions fear, anger and worry, to kick into overdrive, leading us to connect unseen dots that aren’t necessarily related.

What is the number one thing average Americans feel they have no control over? That would be the government. Not a single person knows for sure what goes on in the minds of senators. The legislature could very well have been infiltrated by groups bent on world domination. For instance, a group of reptilian elites could possibly be the reason why the republicans are refusing to enact stronger gun control. Our senators may actually be alien shapeshifters with their sole purpose to infiltrate the world’s government and lead to the downfall of human race as we know it.

CONSPIRACY PAGE 5

“What conspiracy theory do you think is the most unfounded?”

GABE HEWITT

gabriel.hewitt@mnsu.edu OR AT reporter-editor@mnsu.edu

SPRING FALL 2015 2018 EDITOR IN IN CHIEF: CHIEF: EDITOR Gabe Hewitt ........................389-5454 Rae Frame ............................389-5454 NEWS EDITOR: EDITOR: NEWS Alissa Thielges .....................389-5450 Nicole Schmidt......................389-5450 SPORTS EDITOR: SPORTS EDITOR: Kevin Korbel .......................................

Luke Lonien ...........................389-5227 A&E EDITOR: Caleb Holldorf ....................................

VARIETY EDITOR: Matthew Eberline .................. 389-5157 ADVERTISING SALES: Travis Meyer ........................389-5097 ADVERTISING SALES: ReedBoehmer Seifert .........................

389-5451 Mac .......................389-5097 Brandon Poliszuk ...................389-5453 Lucas Riha ........................... 389-1063 Josh Crew .............................389-5451 Carter Olsen ........................389-5453 Jacob Wyffels ....................... 389-6765 Kole Igou ............................. 389-6765 BUSINESS BUSINESS MANAGER: MANAGER: Jane 389-1926 Jane Tastad Tastad........................... .......................... 389-1926 AD. DESIGN/PROD. DESIGN/PRODUCTION AD. MGR.: MGR.: Dana Clark ........................... 389-2793 Dana Clark .......................... 389-2793

POLICIES & INFO

• If you have a complaint, suggestion or would or would likelike to point to point outout an an error error made made in the in the Reporter, Reporter, callcall Editor Editor in Chief in Chief Gabe Rae Hewitt Frame at at 507-389-5454.

507-389-5454. The The Reporter Reporter will 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 student-run 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.

• Letters exceeding 400 words may not be accepted. The Reporter reserves the right to edit letters to fit space or correct punctuation. 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.

Compiled by Cassidy Dahl

JACK RITACCO, SPORTS MANAGEMENT

CODY SIK, UNDECIDED

MADISON CONWAY, ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

LEKË HOXHA, POLITICAL SCIENCE

JOHN, PSYCHOLOGY

“Earth is flat.”

“Earth is flat.”

“The Holocaust never happened.”

“Ancestors of Bush family are aliens.”

“The reptilian elite.”

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

News

MSU Reporter • 5

FY19 Student Activity Funding Requests – Deliberation Spreadsheet and SAF FY19 Narrative OVERALL BUDGET IMPACT FY18 Base = $2,606,152.33 FY19 Request = $2,660,957.00 SAC Recommends = $2,567,843.35 The current year (FY18) total funding base for the Student Activity Fee is $2,606,152.33. There was a total of $54,804.67 worth of additional requests, representing an increase of 2.10 percent to the funding base of FY18.

SAC approves and recommends $2,580,843.35, a decrease of $25,308.98 to the funding base that is detailed below. SAC further recommends $13,000 of uncommitted SAF reserve dollars be applied to the funding base to reduce the recommendation to $2,567,843.35, representative of a $0.16/credit hour increase or $1.92 to the banded tuition per semester, a 1.97 percent increase to the SAF fee.

Campus Recreation Sports FY18 Base = $520,062 FY19 Request = $538,610 SAC Recommends = 538,610 SAC recommends allo c ating C amp u s Re c r e a t i o n Spor ts $538,610.00 an increase of $18,548 or 3.60 percent. This increase is necessary to cover the increase of contractual staff fringe benefits $1,162, increase in two unclassified full-time staff salaries $5,199, increase in classified fulltime staff salary $4,273, and increase in student hourly wage increase $6,731 from $9.65 to $9.80/hour. The increase includes Student FICA of $1,000 and GA tuition remission increase of $2,297.

Intramural Recreation – Sports Clubs FY18 Base = $25,000 FY19 Request = $25,000 SAC Recommends = $25,000 SAC recommends

allocating Intramural Recreation – Sports Clubs $25,000, maintaining their current level of funding. SAC recognizes that Intramural Recreation – Sports Clubs have used their money efficiently.

Campus Rec (Adventure Ed Program/Climbing Walls) FY18 Base = $143,728 FY19 Request = $143,728 SAC Recommends = $143,728 SAC recommends allocating Campus Recreation (Adventure Ed/Climbing Walls) $143,728, maintaining their current level of funding.

Any increase in expenses are offset by an increase in revenue. SAC recognizes that the Adventure Ed Program and Climbing Walls have used their money efficiently.

Campus Rec Equipment R&R Fund FY18 Base = $20,000 FY19 Request = $20,000 SAC Recommends = $20,000 SAC recommends allocating Campus Recreation R&R fund $20,000. The $20,000 replaces funds spent in FY18 to update equipment.

Campus Rec plans to replace equipment and make repairs in FY19.

Campus Rec Maverick Adventures FY18 Base = $15,849 FY19 Request = $19,736 SAC Recommends = $18,136 SAC recommends allocating Campus Rec Maverick Adventures $18,136, an increase of $2,287 or 14.4 percent for programming and projected GA tuition remission increase. SAC recognizes that the program has reached out to more students and can continue to do so. SAC recommends developing six programs versus eight as requested.

SAC does not support

the requested $1,000 of professional development travel for the GA. Forensics FY18 Base = $19,612 FY19 Request = $19,612 SAC Recommends = $18,631 SAC recommends allocating Forensics $18,631, a decrease of $981 or 5.0 percent. The budgeted request allows for the program to still sustain needs and continues to reach out to the maximum number of students. This decrease will not affect the success of this program, and continues to fund their need for student travel and transportation to 18 tournaments.

Gender and Sexuality Programs FY18 Base = $55,000 FY19 Request = $55,000 SAC Recommends = $55,000 SAC recommends allocating Gender and Sexuality Programs $55,000 maintaining their current level of funding. SAC recognizes that the Gender and Sexuality Programs have used their money efficiently.

Green Transportation Fee FY18 Base = $342,538 FY19 Request = $342,538 SAC Recommends = $327,538 SAC recommends allocating the Green Transportation Fee $327,538, a decrease of $15,000 or 4.4 percent. The decrease of $15,000 reflects the Fall 2017 savings from the current contract which will create carry forward into FY19. SAC encourages re-examination of bus routes after this fiscal year to better utilize the routes with the highest ridership.

SAC urges the university to strongly negotiate the hourly fee ($98) to stay the same for FY19. SAC continues to recommend that the Green

CONSPIRACY Continued from page 4 We as human beings need to question authority.

To quote Timothy Leary: “Think for yourself and question authority.” If the government’s motives aren’t being questioned to a healthy degree, who is to say that their actions are entirely ethical and not just part of an elaborate plan enacted by the Illuminati?”

Not all conspiracy theories are entirely false, even when they contradict a commonly accepted

explanation for the same phenomena. In other words, where science and logic have a reason for events that occur, conspiracy theorists will always have another. As Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective, Sherlock Holmes, once said, “Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts.”

We’ve covered why the belief in conspiracy

theories is so common, what causes us to concoct these ridiculous theories, and finally why it is essentially healthy to question authority. But let’s be real, no one really knows, right? How much access to information does the government allow us to have? Maybe the chemtrails behind airplanes really are sedatives used to brainwash us so we don’t rise up and overthrow our Reptilian Overlords.

Transportation Fee find nonstudent funding sources to reduce overall costs that are shared between Student Activity Fee, Parking Fund, and Residential Life fees.

The requested $342,538 for FY19 maintains the funding partnership with other funding agencies. The decrease of $15,000 reflects the fall 2017 savings from the current contract which will create carry forward into FY19.

for additional speakers to meet the rising demand of multicultural activities.

SAC recommends one-time uncommitted SAF reserve dollars of $1,500 for cultural entertainment presentations, multicultural programs, or material and supplies with periodic updates to next year’s SAC committee detailing how this additional money is spent and how many students participated in Fall 2018.

International Center Activities FY18 Base = $53,400 FY19 Request = $53,400 SAC Recommends = $53,400 SAC recommends allocating International Center Activities $53,400 maintaining their current level of funding. SAC recognizes that the International Center has used their money efficiently.

Music Ensembles FY18 Base = $76,950 FY19 Request = $76,950 SAC Recommends = $76,950 SAC recommends allocating Music Ensembles $76,950, maintaining their current level of funding. SAC acknowledges the continued success of the program and their efficient use of the funding.

Multicultural Student Activities FY18 Base = $45,500 FY19 Request = $48,500 SAC Recommends = $45,500*** SAC recommends allocating Multicultural Student Activities $45,500, maintaining the same funding level. SAC supports the continued collaboration between other departments

Non-Budgeted Request Fund (RSO Travel/Program)

FUNDING REQUESTS PAGE 11 FOR RENT Three Bedroom Apartments Best Price in Town! $325 per person.

Also, 4 Bedroom House for $1,400 a month. ALL CLOSE TO CAMPUS. Contact Jeff at 507-317-2757.

FIND A PLACE TO RENT AT

M A N K AT O ' S R E N TA L L I S T I N G W E B S I T E

WE ARE PROUD SUPPORTERS OF MAVERICK ATHLETICS!

www.culvers.com

6 • MSU Reporter

Advertisement

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

MSU Reporter • 7

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Have a story idea or a comment?

Minnesota State University, Mankato

EMAIL

Sports Editor Kevin Korbel

Mavs win WCHA Cup COLTON MOLESKY Staff Writer The no. 4 Minnesota State Mavericks men’s hockey slipped past the Bemidji State Beavers in the final two games of the regular season, winning the WCHA Conference and bringing home the MacNaughton Cup. The series was as tight as the Mavericks have played all season, with a 1-0-1 record over the weekend against the Beavers. Headed into the season, the Beavers two options against the Mavericks was outshooting them or bogging them down.

Coming out of this weekend, the Beavers played the Mavericks the best of any two-game opponent. This season, the Beavers pulled off something no other squad was able to accomplish: they held the Mavericks to two goals in back to back nights.

No other team this season has been able to throw a wrench in the Mavericks offensive works in two nights.

Despite getting blown out in two games against MSU back in November or coming in as the underdog, the Beavers hung with the Mavericks for two nights.

The Mavericks edged out

Photo courtesy of wcha.com

the Beavers 2-1 and then settled for the 2-2 tie later in the weekend. Bemidji was the far more efficient offense, getting outshot 33-27 and 35-18 but kept pace with MSU on the scoreboard 4-3 over the pair of games. The saving grace of the Mavericks was the penalty trouble for Bemidji, who posted nine penalties in two games.

In the first game, the Beavers lead 1-0 until Marc Michaelis tied the game. It was a Dallas Gerads power-play goal late in the second period that gave MSU the game-winning goal.

In game two, the power-play scoring was even more clutch for the Mavericks, with a C.J. Suess goal in the third period cutting into the 2-0 deficit which Bemidji had built. With their backs

against the wall, Suess was able to feed Michaelis the puck for a short-handed goal to tie the game. After stalemating the overtime period, the Mavericks escaped with a tie on the record.

“Having to play against Bemidji from behind is not a sound recipe to have success, so I want to give them credit,” said Mavericks head coach Mike Hastings after the tying performance. “But I also want to give our guys credit for finding a way to come back late and get it tied. We had some opportunities late and didn’t capitalize on them but I thought it was big to get back and find a way to tie the game.”

Beavers goaltender Michael Bitzer outplayed the Mavericks offense, holding off the better part of 68 shots

They began the weekend with an impressive victory over the Nebraska-Kearney Lopers, 12-0, in St. Cloud, MN. The team played so well the umpires ended the game in five innings.

Carly Esselman and Torey Richards were perfect at the plate. The sophomore went 4-4 with two RBI’s and fourruns scored in total. Richards connected twice during the game racking up three RBI’s.

Both had an impact at the plate as well as while on base.

Not only did they hit doubles, the two also stole bases, with Esselman stealing twice.

Richards wasn’t the only freshman to flourish against the Lopers, fellow freshman and outfielder Courtney Potter had success as well. Potter cranked out two hits on three tries at the plate and drove in three runs too. She also stole a base as well, putting her at five on the season, behind only Carly Esselman.

On the mound, it was the same story for the Mavericks.

Mackenzie Ward pitched four innings striking out two batters, earning her fourth win of the season. The game went so well that freshman Lexi Schoper got a stab at the

to keep his team close. The Beavers also fended off multiple penalties to keep themselves in the game and took advantage of the few opportunities the stingy Mavericks defense allowed.

Now MSU is headed to the postseason, hosting the Alaska Nanooks for the first round of the WCHA playoffs. While the Mavericks had a 10-game winning streak before the tie to finish the season, the Mavericks enter the playoffs a bit shaky. The Beavers were the superior team all weekend, which gave teams the blueprint for slowing down the Mavericks high octane offense. The underwhelming showing to finish the season from the Mavericks gives the Nanooks a crack in what was a closed door.

kevin.korbel@mnsu.edu

Men’s basketball lose in heartbreaker COLTON MOLESKY Staff Writer The Minnesota State Mavericks had a competitive week of basketball this week, as they edged out the Minot State Beavers, 87-79, on Saturday in overtime, and then played Monday afternoon, against the no. 11 Northern State Wolves, where they lost, 78-79. Both games took place in Sioux Falls, SD, at the Pentagon.

The Mavericks were back into the regular season form that had them on two seven-game winning streaks throughout the regular season.

For the Mavericks, defeating the Beavers presented a tall order on the neutral pine for MSU. Minot State entered with a 20-9 record and waxed Upper Iowa 91-71 in the opening round of the playoffs.

MSU went after the Beavers immediately, hitting 14 three-pointers in the first half and sinking six of them. Kevin Krueger and Cole Harper led the Mavericks in the first half with eight points each. But the Mavericks also spread the ball nicely, with four players scoring five or more points in the first half and eight points off the bench.

BASKETBALL PAGE 9

Mav softball stays dominant AARON YOUNG Staff Writer

The softball team continued their dominance last weekend, shutting out two of the three teams they faced on the weekend. The no. 1 ranked Mavericks are 9-0 making this the best start to their season since becoming a team in 1974.

Carly Esselman

Torrey Richards

pitcher’s mound. She closed out the game with a strikeout of her own.

The next day, the squad came ready to once again dominate, holding the Fort

Hays State Tigers to one run with a 7-1 win, again playing in St. Cloud, MN.

SOFTBALL PAGE 9

8 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Mav wrestlers advance to finals

Five Maverick wrestlers moved on to the NCAA DII championships in St. Cloud on Saturday

JAKE RINEHART Staff Writer The Minnesota State wrestling team had five wrestlers advance to the NCAA Division II National Championships on Saturday in St. Cloud.

Seth Elwood finished the tournament with a perfect 4-0 record and the title in the 165-pound weight class.

On Saturday, Elwood gained a 13-4 major decision over Jesse Reser from Central Missouri to reach the finals.

In the championship match, Elwood would earn an upset over no. 12 Blake Perryman of Northern State by a score of 10-8. Elwood gained a third period reversal to separate himself from Perryman and outlasted the Northern State wrestler to claim the title for the Mavericks.

George Farmah advanced to the national championships with a second-place finish in the 133-pound weight class. Farmah trailed no. 5 Hunter Haralson of Lindenwood in the quarterfinals before converting a six-point

Seth Elwood

Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter

move to win in the final minute of the match by a 6-2 decision. In the championship match, Farmah could not capture a positive result over No. 4 Josh Walker of Upper Iowa, dropping the match by decision.

Zach Johnston advanced to the championship match of the 174-pound weight class after outlasting No. 7 Jordan Gundrum of Upper Iowa. Johnston and Gundrum wrestled to an 8-8 score after seven minutes with Johnston earning a final ride-time

point to take the decision.

Johnston would withdraw due to medical concerns before the championship match against No. 6 Nick Foster of Mckendree. Johnston would still leave St. Cloud with a second-place finish and a secured spot in the National Championships.

Corey Abernathy lost a narrow 4-3 decision in the quarterfinals against no. 7 Tyree Overton of St. Cloud State. Abernathy would have a challenging road ahead of him if he wanted to compete

in the third-place match, as he would have to fight through the consolation bracket. Abernathy won a 11-4 decision over Keegan Berry of Minot State in the consolation semi-final match.

He would then go onto defeat Dalton Hahn of Upper Iowa with a 5-3 decision in the 184-pound third-place match. Abernathy will be making his second consecutive appearance at nationals after finishing eighth just as season ago.

Matthew Blome finished

the regional tournament with a 4-1 record and a thirdplace finish in the 197-pound weight class. Blome’s only loss came in the semifinal match against No. 4 Vince Dietz of St. Cloud State. Blome would bounce back with a 3-2 decision against Jackson Ryan of SMSU and earn a 7-1 decision over Samuel Reeves of Truman State in the thirdplace match. Blome will be making his second national championship appearance in his two seasons with the Mavericks.

As a team, Minnesota State finished the tournament in fourth-place with 95.5 points.

The Mavericks will compete in the NCAA Division II National Championships in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on March 9-10. The matches will be broadcasted on the NCAA app and NCAA.com.

TRACK Continued from page 1 Yardley (2:31.30) finished fourth and Jacob Wahlers (2:32.18) finished fifth.

No doubt, the most energizing event of the weekend was the 4x400m relay for the men. For the 4x400m relay, the team of Ogren, Schuster, Dennis, and Pitchford took home first with a time of 3:20.05, even though Pitchford was injured during the last lap of the race.

Sydne Davis earned first place in the 60m hurdles with a time of 7.97 which is a provisional qualifying time and currently ranks as the eighth best time in DII this season.

Logan Bristol finished fourth in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.26.

Michael Sandle defended his NSIC Indoor Championship title in the triple jump, taking first place with a top leap of 15.02m (49’3.50”) to earn his second consecutive conference title.

Victor Ogeka finished fifth in

the triple jump with a jump of 14.14m (46’4.75”).

Jayme LaPlante took the crown in shot put with a top throw of 16.47m (54’00.50”) and Bedale Naba finished seventh with a toss of 15.33m 50’3.50”).

On the other side of the track, the Minnesota State women’s track and field team finished second in the NSIC Indoor Championship with a total team score of 123.5 points. The first-place finisher, University of Mary, finished the meet with a total of 150 points.

In the 60m dash Autumn Santos (7.71) finished second and Grace Hartman (7.75) finished third.

For Santos, she had a lot to prove going into this season, and her improvement from last year to get to finishing where she is today has been no doubt a miracle for her.

“Last year, I finished second-to-last in the 60m dash, and the only reason I didn’t finish last was because

the person behind me injured herself while running,” she said. “Today, all the work paid off to get where I finished.”

Later in the meet, Santos (25.03) finished fourth in the 200m, while Afure Adah finished second in the 200m dash with a time of 24.70, and Hartman (25.30) finished sixth.

In the 400m dash, Adah (56.95) finished third and Crystal Malone (57.61) finished fourth.

Bobbi Patrick finished first in the 600m run with a time of 1:34.10, Jessika Dieringer (1:37.42) finished sixth, and Sophia Simonson (1:38.28) finished seventh.

In the 4x400m relay, the team of Malone, Santos, Hartman, and Adah finished second with a time of 3:51.08.

Carolyn Hackel finished third in the 60m hurdles with a time of 8.75.

Megan Serratore finished seventh in the 1000m run with a time of 3:03.31.

Michelle Vlasak/MSU Reporter

In the one mile run Erin Baker finished seventh with a time of 5:06.49. Baker also finished seventh in the 5000m run with a time of 17:56.66.

In the triple jump Steinunn Atladottir finished sixth with a top leap of 11.34m (37’2.50”).

In the pole vault Jensen

Van Duyse and Tessa Voss tied for fourth place with a top clear of 3.28m 10’9”).

For everyone whose qualified for nationals, they’ll travel all the way to Pittsburgh, Kan. for the NCAA National Championships March 9 and 10, in what will be the last indoor meet of the season.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

MSU Reporter • 9

Sports

BASKETBALL Continued from page 7

Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter

MSU was up 38-33 after 20 minutes and looked to be in control despite the Beaver hitting 52 percent of their shots early.

What happened next can only be attributed to tournament fever. MSU continued to have players all over the roster step up. Charlie Brown scored 10 of his 14 in the latter part of the contest, Carlos Anderson added five of his total nine and the team shot 43 percent.

Tyler Rudolph was the difference for Minot State on the day. He shot well during the second half of the game, pacing the Mavericks for 16 of his 23 points in the second half. The Mavericks were on the cusp of losing during the

SOFTBALL

final seconds of the game, until Kevin Krueger made a miracle 3-point shot in the final three seconds of the game, to tie the game and keep MSU from falling to the Beavers.

MSU went on to outscore the Beavers 12-4 in the overtime minutes and advanced to the second round with ease after the shot from Krueger.

The next round, the Mavericks went into their third round against the no. 11 Northern State Wolves, who entered the tournament with a 29-3 record. Again, the Mavericks would have to dig deep for a gritty win up against one of the better teams in the tournament.

It was tough sledding early, as the Wolves’ Ian Smith (finished with 16 points) and Evan Carter (finished with 15 points) both had 12 points in the opening half. They were the first two of four Wolves to eventually hit double-digit scoring in the game. The Wolves also got to the charity stripe for 16 attempts in the early 20 minutes.

However, after trailing 41-36, the Mavericks came back with a monster second half push. MSU pulled for 42 points in the second half, thanks to Krueger’s 22 points and Brown’s 18 points. While the effort was a valiant one, the Mavericks were one stop away from a comeback victory.

Continued from page 7

Photo courtesy of msumavericks.com

Carly Esselman was the player of the game as she had three hits and two RBI’s. Amber Kral and Jessica Meidl contributed two hits of their own with one RBI each.

This time around it was Caitlin Stone who took the mound for the Mavericks. She pitched all seven innings, striking out three hitters in the process and only allowing one run.

In the final game of the weekend, the softball gang came out with a victory 3-0 over Southwest

Baptist. Mackenzie Ward threw four strikeouts on her way to pitching her third complete game of the season.

Junior Cori Kennedy was the player of the game. Kennedy had a game-high three hits and two RBI’s to go along with them.

The Minnesota State Mavericks will be playing to reach double digits in the win column this weekend as they face Urbana Saturday in Clermont, Florida.

Mansoor Ahmad/MSU Reporter

Senior guard, Charlie Brown, traveled down the lane for the Mavericks, making what seemed to be the game-winning bucket with 14 seconds left in the game. Unfortunately, Northern State guard Ian Smith was able to drive to the basket in the final seconds of the game, pushing the Wolves ahead 79-78, eliminating the Mavericks from the NSIC tournament.

The Mavericks made it to

the third round of the playoffs, with a 22-9 record before falling to the Wolves on Monday. The team now awaits to if they make the DII championship tournament field. The selection show for the tournament will commence on Sunday, March 4.

The team hopes their regular season and tournament resume is enough for them to receive a decent seeding in the tournament.

10 • MSU Reporter

Minnesota State University, Mankato

A&E

Tuesday, February 27, 2018 Have a story idea or a comment?

EMAIL

A&E Editor Caleb Holldorf

caleb.holldorf@mnsu.edu

Ragtime receives much deserved standing ovation A brilliant play that could be considered one of MNSU’s best

KATIE LEIBEL Staff Writer

Ragtime received a standing ovation from every one of its audience members. The tear-jerking, awe-inspiring musical left theatre-goers amazed with a new perspective on race, immigration and love.

The musical takes place in 1906. Many were immigrating to the United States and racial tensions were high.

Many worked to understand and build bridges, while others worked to tear them down.

The show is about three different groups of people: the suburban white families, the African Americans, and Eastern European immigrants. The story begins when a black baby is found buried in a suburban white family’s garden.

The baby, abandoned by his mother, is taken in by the suburban family while the man of the house is away.

The mother of the child, Sarah, is soon found, and the family takes her in, allowing the two of them to live in the attic.

Sara’s lover, Coalhouse Walker Jr., does not know about his son and comes to the house begging for her to come back to him. He finds out about the existence of his son, and is enamored by both of them.

The man of the house later comes home to find that his wife has taken in the two and allows for Walker to come to the house, begging for Sara’s love, every Sunday, and that this has been going on for about five months.

Angry, he fights with his wife and bickers about the illegitimate child and his mother in the family’s home.

Eventually, Walker persuades Sarah to go with him, travel across the country, and raise their son, but they run into trouble along the way. While attempting to drive to another city, a white fire chief threatened Walker and Sarah, stole his Model T, and vandalized it.

Walker was appalled and angered by these events, and planned his revenge.

His wife attempted to help him by talking with the Pres-

Photo courtesy of Amanda Dyslin

Coalhouse Walker Jr. (Mitchell Evans) and Sarah (Jessica Staples) sing “Wheels of a Dream” to their newborn son.

ident of the United States, but was mistaken to be an assassin by the trigger-happy secret service, and was beaten, trampled, and killed.

Walker, stricken with grief, was enraged and began a rampage against the people who wronged him.

Meanwhile, an Eastern European family consisting of a father, Tateh, and his daughter have made their way to the U.S. on a crowded boat in the hopes of finding a new life and starting over. The father struggles to make ends meet at first. He realized that his passion for art and silhouettes was not enough to feed his family.

Later, Tateh and his daughter meet the suburban family.

At first, the family judges him for his ragged appearance, but later in the show, he becomes more successful, and finds that his passion is filming and making movies. He and the suburban mother, grow close to one another, and their children grow close as well.

While this is taking place, Walker is on a killing ram-

page, burning down fire stations and shooting firefighters. He demands a new, fixed-up Model T, and the life of the fire chief that vandalized it leading to the tragedy that struck his family.

Walker and several others take over J.P. Morgan’s library with a hostage in the hopes of receiving his demands. Booker T. Washington arrives at the library to talk some sense into Walker.

Walker listens to Washington, and is promised by the white suburban father that he and his men will be safely allowed to leave the library if they back down. Walker agrees and allows his men to leave first. The moment Walker leaves the library he is shot and killed.

The play ends with the father of the suburban family dying in a boat attack and the mother remarrying Tateh. They continue to raise Walker’s son as a diverse family, and they find peace, love, and acceptance in one another.

The costumes for the show demonstrated the dif-

ferent classes well. Their design and accuracy added to the authenticity of the show.

The lighting and set design worked hand in hand to add to the beautiful ambiance.

The show speaks on many levels. The powerful acting choices, stunning voices, and both incredible and somber choreography created a wonderful show that cannot be topped. The audience was in tears by show’s end.

The casting for the different parts of the show, especially the white suburban mother, Tateh, Walker, and Sara was perfect. The actors became the roles. Their vocals were beautiful, ringing in the auditorium. One performer stood out among the others.

Mitchell Douglas Evans, a junior Bachelor of Fine Arts Musical Theatre candidate, was the true star of this show. His incredible vocals shocked and impressed the audience. His superior acting and graceful dances were unbeatable. It is no wonder he was the 20172018 recipient of the Jane F.

Earley Scholarship. Evans is a phenomenal performer.

The musical tackled many parts of history with ease and should be regarded as one of the best musicals Minnesota State University, Mankato has ever seen. All of the elements of the show were executed perfectly, and the hard topics the show presented were tackled with ease.

Audience members left with a new understanding of the importance of acceptance, understanding, and peace. The musical came at a perfect time for our country as immigration and race have become key talking points in politics. The director, actors, and crew should all be proud of their outstanding performance, and the wonderful message and portrayal of the show.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

MSU Reporter • 11

A&E

FUNDING REQUESTS Continued from page 5 FY18 Base = $40,000 FY19 Request = $40,000 SAC Recommends = $40,000 SAC recommends allocating $40,000 to the non-budgeted request fund (RSO Travel/RSO Program) maintaining the current level of funding. We believe the $40,000 will continue to provide an adequate amount for a successful operating budget.

Repertory Dance FY18 Base = $5,000 FY19 Request = $5,000 SAC Recommends = $5,000 SAC recommends allocating Repertory Dance $5,000 maintaining the current level of funding. SAC recognizes that Repertory Dance has used their money efficiently.

Reporter FY18 Base = $58,040 FY19 Request = $62,700 SAC Recommends = $25,786 SAC recommends allocating the Reporter $25,786, a decrease of $32,254 or 55.57 percent.

The decrease is represented by the following: - $2,560 cut for the purchase of 8 Gold Parking passes - $3,654 cut for a reduction in the Editor-inChief (from $9,828/year not to exceed $8,400/year) and an additional reduction of $2,226 from Student Salary resulting in a total student salary budget for FY19 of approximately $79,350.

- $3,000 cut for postage, cutting back their spending on mailing the newspaper to local businesses and schools and by sending digital newspaper copies versus mailing paper copies of their advertising tear sheets to clients.

- $23,040 reduction from the classified full-time salary line. SAC recommends an in-depth review of the fulltime classified staff.

SAC recommends that the Reporter staff works with Parking Services and Security for assistance and safety if working after hours.

SAC recommends the Reporter develop a realistic business model based upon the actual income and expenses incurred during the past three years in order to meet its income and expense expectations and explore other options to potentially go digital.

Additionally, SAC strongly encourages MSSA to require the Reporter to track and provide an accurate number of newspapers taken from

each Reporter stand per newspaper edition printed (immediately before and after the new editions are placed in the stands), for future understanding of the environmental impact and funding; and provide a verbal and written report to MSSA and the Student Allocations Committee at the end of the Fall 2018 semester.

SAC strongly recommends the Reporter pursue a one year extension to the current printing contract (expiring March 18, 2018) so the information above is properly vetted leading to a fiscally responsible decision for a future long-term contract.

Reporter Equipment R&R Fund FY18 Base = $0 FY19 Request = $0 SAC Recommends = $0 SAC recommends allocating the Reporter R&R Fund $0. The current account balance is $14,067 and should be sufficient to cover anticipated expenses in the next budget cycle.

SAF Administration FY18 Base = $256,053 FY19 Request = $259,133 SAC Recommends = $259,133 SAC recommends allocating SAF Administration $259,133, an increase of $3,080 or 1.20 percent. The increase covers changes in staff salaries and fringe benefits. SAC recognizes the need to support the Student Activity Fee Administration staff and benefits for the upcoming year.

Student Senate FY18 Base = $109,823 FY19 Request = $111,088 SAC Recommends = $104,638 SAC recommends allocating Student Senate $104,638, a funding decrease of $5,185 or 4.72 percent.

The decrease is represented by the following: - $6,000 for the 30 senators’ stipends ($100/ semester for each senator) - $450 from the three MSSA Coordinators ($500/ year for each coordinator totaling $1,500) We support the anticipated increase of approximately $1,265 for contractual staff salary/fringe benefits, including $500 for the student attorney as it relates to the new contract.

Theatre FY18 Base = $82,000 FY19 Request = $82,000

SAC Recommends = $82,000 SAC recommends allocating Theatre $82,000, maintaining their current level of funding. SAC believes that Theatre operates efficiently throughout the year.

Vetera n s Res ource Programming FY18 SAF Uncommitted Reserve = $3,000 FY19 Request = $3,000 SAC Recommends = $4,000 SAC recommends allocating Veterans Resource Programming $4,000, an increase of 100 percent.

FY18 Veteran Resource Programming was funded from SAF uncommitted reserve dollars. The $4,000 will be considered as permanent SAF base added to the SAF budget for FY19.

SAC recognizes the need for an increase to be used for additional programming and guest speakers.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES Administration FY18 Base = $533,330.33 FY19 Request = $550,495.00 SAC Recommends = $538,526.35 SAC recommends allocating Student Activities Administration $538,526.35, an increase of $5,196.02 (0.97 percent). The increase is necessary to cover contractual staff salary/fringe benefits $17,164.67. SAC did not support the following current distribution of funds: - $6,318.00 for three Summer II GA positions (7/1/18 to 8/24/18) - $5,650.65 for five Work Study positions in the Community Engagement Office Community Engagement FY18 Base = $9,797 FY19 Request = $9,797 SAC Recommends = $9,797 SAC recommends allocating Community Engagement $9,797, maintaining their current level of funding. SAC recognizes that Community Engagement has used their money efficiently.

Greek Life FY18 Base = $15,000 FY19 Request = $15,000 SAC Recommends = $15,000 SAC recommends allocating Greek Life $15,000, maintaining their current level of funding. SAC recognizes that Greek Life has used their money efficiently.

Homecoming FY18 Base = $51,000 FY19 Request = $51,000

SAC Recommends = $51,000 SAC recommends allocating Homecoming $51,000, maintaining their current level of funding. SAC r e c o g n i ze s that Homecoming has used their money efficiently.

Leadership/Leadership U FY18 Base = $5,100 FY19 Request = $5,100 SAC Recommends = $5,100 SAC recommends allocating Leadership/ Leadership U $5,100, maintaining their current level of funding. SAC recognizes that Leadership/Leadership U has used their money efficiently.

Non-Traditional Student Center FY18 Base = $2,000 FY19 Request = $3,200 SAC Recommends = $2,000 SAC recommends allocating the Non-Traditional Student Center $2,000. SAC recommends maintaining current level of funding with a one-time uncommitted SAF reserve dollars of $1,200 for a new computer in the NonTraditional Student Office.

Recognized Student Organizations FY18 Base = $6,200 FY19 Request = $6,200 SAC Recommends = $5,500 SAC recommends allocating Recognized Student Organizations $5,500, a decrease of $700

or 11.3. SAC recommends to lower the incentives (prizes and awards) by $700.00. SAC believes these incentives do not allow for smaller RSOs the opportunity to be awarded funding when competing with larger, more populous RSOs. Student Events Team FY18 Base = $112,170 FY19 Request = $114,170 SAC Recommends = $110,870 SAC recommends allocating Student Events Team $110,870, a decrease of $1,300 or 1.17 percent.

SAC did not support their request for an increase to be used for promotional texting and rising cost of films. SAC recommends a decrease of $1,300 from student travel, supporting only four essential programmers to attend the NACA regional conference.

12 • MSU Reporter

Advertisement

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Visit your campus bookstore in the Student Union and see what we have to offer!

Price Match Guarantee

Your source for New, Used, Digital, and Rental textbooks.

All the best Minnesota State University Mankato Apparel and Gifts.

Order textbooks online directly from your e-service account.

FAST, EASY, & CONVENIENT.

• On average Save 50% when Renting Textbooks.

• A portion of EVERY sale helps fund scholarships and CSU activities.

BARNES & NOBLE AT MINNESOTA STATE Located on campus in the Centennial Student Union building 620 South Road CSU 144 | Mankato, MN 56001 Phone 507-389-1649

www.mnsu.edu/bookstore

Save 25% Buy Used Textbooks

What is the

Maverick Textbook Reserve Program?

This is a unique program and opportunity for students choosing to check out expensive textbooks for a couple of hours at a time in lieu of shelling out large sums of money for the rental, or purchase of a used or new textbook.

The Minnesota State Student Association (MSSA) is the "lead partner" of the cooperative arrangement which involves the on-campus bookstore vendor, Barnes & Noble Bookstore, and Library Services.

Without the direct support of these two partners the program wouldn't be what it is.