October 7, 2021 by MSU Reporter

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Student taken into custody hours after TX shooting

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

KIRK IN ‘KATO

New senator inducted, Stiff on sabbatical By CLAIRE BRUNEAU Staff Writer

ASSOCIATED PRESS An 18-year-old student opened fire during a fight at his Dallas-area high school on Wednesday, injuring four people and then fleeing before being taken into custody hours later, authorities said. Timothy George Simpkins was taken into custody without incident, the Arlington Police Department tweeted. He was booked in the Arlington jail on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and was being held on $75,000 bail. One person was in critical condition, another was in good condition and a third person was treated for minor abrasions and was scheduled to be released from the hospital later Wednesday, police said. A fourth person was hurt but did not require treatment at a hospital. Police said earlier that three of the four injured were students. The shooting at Timberview High School, which is in Arlington but belongs to the school district in neighboring Mansfield, stemmed from a fight that broke out in a classroom, Arlington Assistant Police Chief Kevin Kolbye said at news conference before Simpkins’ arrest. “This is not a random act of violence,” he said. “This is not somebody attacking our school.” The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating how the suspect got a gun. Local police from other nearby jurisdictions, including the cities of Mansfield and Grand Prairie, assisted Wednesday. Student Hanyla Milligan said she first got word of the shooting when she heard a commotion. “Someone outside of my classroom said, ’He TEXAS on page 2 u

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Right-wing activist Charlie Kirk talks to community members about Critical Race Theory Tuesday. His tour will continue to stop at various colleges across the country until the beginning of November.

Right-wing students host Charlie Kirk By MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Turning Point USA chapter hosted rightwing political activist Charlie Kirk’s second stop of his “Exposing Critical Racism Tour” on Tuesday at the Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center. Turning Point USA is a non-profit organization aimed at spreading conservative ideals to young people across the country.

Charlie Kirk, founder of the student organization, kickstarted his speaking tour in Michigan on Monday, hoping to spread the word against “critical race theory” a controversial left-wing theory. Critical race theory, or CRT, is a growing movement that started in the late 1980s, claiming that racism is inherent and engrained in the laws of the United States. “It’s this idea that somehow the systems we have in front of us in our country

are systemically unjust, they are actually racist, that if you are a white person, whether you realize it or not, you are participating in this racist experiment,” said Kirk, stating his belief that the “That you must endlessly apologize for things you didn’t do, but instead what you look like.” The event was hosted and facilitated by MNSU’s chapter of Turning Point USA, which has seen a steep increase in membership in recent years. KIRK on page 5 u

From a student to nurse during a pandemic By ASHLEY OPINA • Staff Writer

Submitted photo Natasha Nett proudly works as a Registered Nurse during a time where nurses are in high demand.

Instead of being an astronaut or a ballerina for Halloween, Natasha Nett chose to be her version of a superhero: a nurse. Just like her mom. Her mother’s profession had a big influence on Nett back in first grade and she has her old costume to show for it. Now, as a fresh college graduate, she has earned the title of a Registered Nurse to prove that it wasn’t just a phase. Despite dressing up as her version of a superhero as a kid, nothing has made her feel more like one as an adult than working as a new nurse during a worldwide pandemic. SUPERHERO on page 5 u

The Minnesota State University, Mankato Student Government meetings are often more than just announcements and business proposals. On Oct. 6 the Student Government gained a new senator. Nirmal Kokko is a new student from India whose main goal is to help students with language barriers become more successful and inclusive in their everyday life. There are now four senator vacancies, but the senators don’t make it easy for the optional candidates. David Cowan, the Facilities Services Director here at MNSU, portrayed it perfectly when he said, “They are like a sea of sharks. They look to swallow you whole and if you get past that you’ve got smooth sailing from there. I guess you can sleep safely knowing you have an amazing Student Government.” Before Kokko was elected, she was asked important questions for which she is given the opportunity to present exactly the kind of student body senator she is and what she can add to the team. She answered this by saying, “I want to make sure all students are voiced and happy, especially those from different cultures. I want to make sure everyone feels welcome. Even with Mankato’s spectacular environment there’s always things to work on. The Student Government is here to make sure to get things done and to make sure those voices are heard.” Joey Novak is entering their second year as a Senator and reflected on what they’ve already accomplished. “One of my core values is that I like to be helpful to others. I like to STU GOV on page 5 u

2 • MSU Reporter

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

“I’m just blessed today that my kid’s safe.” TEXAS Continued from page 1 just shot him,” the 16-yearold Milligan said, and then she heard people running. “People were scared. They was crying. They was shaking.” After news of the shooting spread, hundreds of parents gathered at the Mansfield Independent School District Center for the Performing Arts about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from the high school to be reunified with their kids, who were bused over. Among them was Justin Rockhold, whose ninth-grade son had texted to let him know he was OK. Rockhold said he has served in the military and he drew on that experience to instruct his son, telling him to keep his head down and be still to stay safe. When asked whether he had thought a shooting could happen at the school, he said his military training is also a reminder of life’s dangerous realities.

SUPERHERO Continued from page 1 COVID-19 to a new nurse is equivalent to Superman’s kryptonite. But with every weakness comes great strength, and Nett had to experience the former in order to get to the latter, all within her first few months working as a full-time nurse after graduating from Minnesota State University, Mankato’s nursing program back in May of 2021. Facing the weaknesses The first one came right before Nett graduated when she realized that she — along with the rest of her class — wasn’t fully prepared to enter the field. Due to COVID-19, the graduating class of May 2021

“Obviously in America — in the world we live in today — it’s always something. ... It’s in the back of your mind,” Rockhold said, adding that he was praying for the injured. “I’m just blessed today that my kid’s safe.” Timberview serves about 1,900 students in the ninth through 12th grades. The sprawling complex opened in 2004. Arlington, with a population of about 400,000, is a major suburb of the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The city is home to attractions including the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park and the stadiums where the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys and MLB’s Texas Rangers play. Authorities closed a section of a tollway in Arlington near Timberview as dozens of school buses picked up students to reunite them with their parents. Some waited for hours to collect their children as traffic in the area crawled. The shooting Wednesday happened just days after a from MNSU’s nursing program were robbed of crucial in-person and hands-on training. “Prior to the March 2020 lockdown, I saw my classmates [within the program] nearly every day,” Nett says. “March 2020 was the last time we were all together as a cohort and for in-person classes. Many of our clinicals were interrupted or canceled.” As a result, Nett says, “We felt like we had very little experience going into the field.” Then, when she entered the field, Nett noticed that a majority of nurses around her were experiencing burnout. With inadequate staffing, excessive workloads, and demanding work schedules — all during a time when medical

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TONY GUTIERREZ • Associated Press Families stand outside the Mansfield ISD Center for the Performing Arts waiting to be reunited with their children, Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021 in Mansfield, Texas, following a shooting at the Timberview High School in Arlington.

shooting at a Houston charter school that injured an administrator. Texas’ deadliest

school shooting occurred in May 2018 when a 17-year-old armed with a shotgun and a

pistol opened fire at Santa Fe High School near Houston, killing 10 people.

professionals are needed the most — nurses are feeling the weight of it all. “With the hospitals being at max capacity and so short staffed, many places have been requiring nurses to work overtime,” Nett says. “My coworkers who have been required to pick up extra shifts are mentally and physically exhausted, and most of them

are only a year into nursing. This is frightening to see such new nurses already showing signs of burnout.” As for a new nurse like herself, the biggest challenge Nett has faced so far in her young career is simply adjusting to her new role. As with any job, new hires have to navigate their way around the workplace and

learn how to prioritize and delegate tasks. But for new nurses working at a hospital during a pandemic, that’s easier said than done. “The workload is an adjustment and it is very difficult to do everything by yourself,” Nett says. “Learning to ask for help has been hard but very necessary.” SUPERHERO on page 5 u

Thursday, October 7, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 3

Judge orders Texas to suspend new law banning most abortions ASSOCIATED PRESS A federal judge on Wednesday ordered Texas to suspend the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S., calling it an “offensive deprivation” of a constitutional right by banning most abortions in the nation’s second-most populous state since September. The order by U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman is the first legal blow to the Texas law known as Senate Bill 8, which until now had withstood a wave of early challenges. In the weeks since the restrictions took effect, Texas abortion providers say the impact has been “exactly what we feared.” In a 113-page opinion, Pitman took Texas to task over the law, saying Republicans lawmakers had “contrived an unprecedented and transparent statutory scheme” to deny patients their constitutional right to an abortion. “From the moment S.B. 8 went into effect, women have been unlawfully prevented from exercising control over their lives in ways that are protected by the Constitution,” wrote Pitman, who was appointed to the bench by former President Barack Obama.

J. SCOTT APPLEWHITE • Associated Press In this Sept. 1, 2021, file photo, women protest against the six-week abortion ban at the Capitol in Austin, Texas. A federal judge on Wednesday, Oct. 6 ordered Texas to suspend the most restrictive abortion law in the U.S., which since September has banned most abortions in the nation’s second-most populous state.

“That other courts may find a way to avoid this conclusion is theirs to decide; this Court will not sanction one more day of this offensive deprivation of such an important right.” But even with the law on

hold, abortion services in Texas may not instantly resume because doctors still fear that they could be sued without a more permanent legal decision. Planned Parenthood said it was hopeful the order would allow clinics to resume

abortion services as soon as possible. Texas officials are likely to seek a swift reversal from the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which previously allowed the restrictions to take effect. State officials did not

immediately react to the ruling. The lawsuit was brought by the Biden administration, which has said the restrictions were enacted in defiance of the U.S. Constitution. “For more than a month now, Texans have been deprived of abortion access because of an unconstitutional law that never should have gone into effect. The relief granted by the court today is overdue, and we are grateful that the Department of Justice moved quickly to seek it,” said Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortions once cardiac activity is detected, which is usually around six weeks, before some women even know they are pregnant. To enforce the law, Texas deputized private citizens to file lawsuits against violators, and has entitled them to at least $10,000 in damages if successful. The Biden administration argued that Texas has waged an attack on women’s rights to abortion under the GOP-engineered restrictions.

4 • MSU Reporter

News

Scandinavians curb Moderna shots for younger patients

FREDRIK SANDBERG • TT via Associated Press

Scandinavian authorities on Wednesday suspended or discouraged the use of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine in young people because of an increased risk of heart inflammation, a very rare side effect associated with the shot. Sweden suspended the use of Moderna for those recipients under 30, Denmark said those under 18 won’t be offered the Swiss-made vaccine, and Norway urged those under 30 to get the Pfizer vaccine instead. The countries have adequate supplies of both Pfizer and Moderna vaccines and will be able to continue their vaccination campaigns. In neighboring Finland, authorities are expected to announce their decision Thursday, according to Dr. Hanna Nohynek, chief physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, told local broadcaster YLE. All three countries based their decision on an unpublished study with Sweden’s Public Health Agency saying that it signals “an increased risk of side effects such as inflammation of the heart muscle or the pericardium” — the double-walled sac containing the heart and the roots of the main vessels. It added: “The risk of being affected is very small.” The information from the Nordic study has been sent to the European Medicines Agency’s adverse reaction committee to be assessed. The study was conducted

by Denmark’s Statens Serum Institut, a government agency that maps the spread of the coronavirus in the country; the Medical Products Agency in Sweden; Norway’s National Institute of Public Health; and the Institute for Health and Welfare in Finland. The final results were expected in about a month, said Bolette Soeborg of the Danish government health agency. Moderna’s vaccine was given the green light for use in anyone 18 and over across the 27-nation European Union in January. In July, the European Medicines Agency recommended authorizing Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 12 to 17, the first time that shot was cleared for anyone under 18. Canada also recently approved its use for those as young as 12. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine is cleared for people 12 and older in Europe and North America. Hundreds of millions of Moderna doses already have been administered to adults. In a study of more than 3,700 children aged 12 to 17, the vaccine triggered the same signs of immune protection, and no COVID-19 diagnoses arose in the vaccinated group compared with four cases among those given dummy shots. Sore arms, headache and fatigue were the most common side effects in young vaccine recipients, the same ones as for adults.

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UN endorses 1st malaria vaccine as ‘historic’ ASSOCIATED PRESS The World Health Organization on Wednesday endorsed the world’s first malaria vaccine and said it should be given to children across Africa in the hope that it will spur stalled efforts to curb the spread of the parasitic disease. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus called it “a historic moment” after a meeting in which two of the U.N. health agency’s expert advisory groups recommended the step. “Today’s recommendation offers a glimmer of hope for the continent, which shoulders the heaviest burden of the disease. And we expect many more African children to be protected from malaria and grow into healthy adults,” said Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Africa director. WHO said its decision was based largely on results from ongoing research in Ghana, Kenya and Malawi that tracked more than 800,000 children who have received the vaccine since 2019. The vaccine, known as Mosquirix, was developed by GlaxoSmithKline in 1987. While it’s the first to be authorized, it does face challenges: The vaccine is only about 30% effective, it requires up to four doses, and its protection fades after several months. Still, scientists say the

KAREL PRINSLOO • Associated Press In this Oct. 30, 2009 file photo, a mother holds her baby receiving a new malaria vaccine as part of a trial at the Walter Reed Project Research Center in Kombewa in Western Kenya. The world’s first malaria vaccine should be given to children across Africa, the World Health Organization recommended Wednesday Oct. 6, 2021, a move that officials hope will spur stalled efforts to curb the spread of the parasitic disease.

vaccine could have a major impact against malaria in Africa, home to most of the world’s more than 200 million cases and 400,000 deaths per year, “This is a huge step forward,” said Julian Rayner, director of the Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, who was not part of the WHO decision. “It’s an imperfect vaccine, but it will still stop hundreds of thousands of children from dying.” Rayner said the vaccine’s impact on the spread of the mosquito-borne disease was still unclear, but pointed to those developed for the coronavirus as an encouraging example.

“The last two years have given us a very nuanced understanding of how important vaccines are in saving lives and reducing hospitalizations, even if they don’t directly reduce transmission,” he said. Dr. Alejandro Cravioto, head of the WHO vaccine group that made the recommendation, said designing a shot against malaria was difficult because it is a parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. “We’re confronted with extraordinarily complex organisms,” he said. “We are not yet in reach of a highly efficacious vaccine, but what we have now is a vaccine that can be deployed and that is safe.”

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

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MSU Reporter • 5

SUPERHERO Continued from page 2

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter MNSU’s Turning Point USA’s president Addison Rodel welcomed the crowd before Charlie Kirk takes the stage on Tuesday.

KIRK Continued from page 1 Addison Rodel, the current president of the chapter joined the organization as a means to voice her opinions. “I was a closeted conservative for a really long time,” said Rodel, noting her inexperience in the political world at the time, “I didn’t really know how to express my viewpoints and get my voice out there.” After going to Florida for the “Student Action Summit”, an event held once a year that brings conservative young people together for various speakers and rightwing activists, Rodel was hooked. “I fell in love with politics,” said Rodel, “and the movement that Turning Point USA was starting and creating within the younger conservatives.” Riley Carlson, the campus coordinator of Turning Point USA at MNSU is proud to be a part of the organization. “It is pretty awesome actually,” said Carlson, “the conservative movement is being very looked down upon right now, but Turning Point is kind of that new move-

STU GOV Continued from page 1 help others and I like to influence positive change, and for me this is a very good way to do that.” Novak also pointed out their favorite change that they made as a Senator, “The first change I made, and the one I got the most feedback on, was having open access to the kitchen and lounge on the dorm floors and residential halls. During COVID they were not open in order to help reduce the COVID-19 effects.” The Senator then went on to say, “I felt it wasn’t fair to have students pay for it and not have access. So I found research proving that this

ment that is more open than the dinos in Congress.” Trevor Marquardt, a football player at MNSU as well as secretary for Turning Point USA, also attended the event and was critical of CRT. “Here, we aren’t really about taking down the true meaning of critical race theory,” said Marquardt, “so many people put so many things in critical race theory. We are hoping to take those things out so we can focus on getting the racism out of critical race theory.” The treasurer of the organization, David Wing, also disagrees with the usage of CRT. “In my opinion, all it does is bring race more into politics,” said Wing, “in a time when we didn’t really have many racial issues.” After an extensive question and answer segment, Kirk spurred up the crowd with an emotional sentiment. “If we want this American civilization to continue, which is a gift from God, it is a gift from God that we get to live in this country,” said Kirk, “then we have to reject and repudiate this insidious ideology.”

particular method wasn’t helpful, and didn’t directly affect COVID cases. That was one that I fought very hard for.” “I’m very happy and proud to serve and help my fellow students in this way,” said Senator Novak. Reauna Stiff, the President of Student Government is in charge of managing all of the senate and making sure everyone is on track. Last night, she told everyone in attendance that she was going on sabbatical leave for her own mental health and for her classes. “Our goals for our Mankato community should also be the goals that we give ourselves,” Stiff commented.

She did just that. She asked for help, navigated her new workplace, and overcame the initial weaknesses she encountered all in hopes of “making a positive difference in people’s lives,” according to Nett. Finding the strength When Nett entered the field lacking clinical experience, she was welcomed by subordinates who were understanding of her situation and were willing to give her a chance. Although she felt a bit unprepared to start working, she realized she wouldn’t be doing it alone. “During my hiring interview, I asked about the orientation process and if they were understanding of what my experience during nursing school was and how it may affect my adjustment into actual nursing,” Nett says. “My unit manager was extremely understanding and willing to extend my orientation if I needed it. It was important to me that my manager recognized what we [recent nursing graduates] experienced and was willing to adapt.” However, she argues that the best way to learn is by being thrown into the action. “That’s how I’ve adjusted to nursing so quickly despite minimal clinical experience,” Nett says. So, in the end, what she thought would be her greatest weakness was actually her greatest advantage. She also found support within the community of nurses around her, both new and old, because when COVID-19 was isolating the rest of the world, strangely enough, it was bringing nurses together. “I think the sense of community and support among nurses during this time is amazing,” Nett says. “We’re all navigating through something we’ve never experienced before and we really only have each other that understands. Even though I’m new to the field, I can already see how COVID-19 has caused nurses to count on each other during a time of need.” When she first began working at Saint Mary’s Hospital, also known as Mayo Clinic’s hospital in the inpatient Family Medicine

Submitted photo

unit, the nurses in her unit were nothing but kind and welcoming. “They all work as such a great team and are constantly helping each other out,” Nett says. With that support, she gained wisdom from her more seasoned peers. When it comes to managing burnout, Nett says, “It’s about putting yourself before your job.” She continues on to say, “It’s extremely important to realize it’s not selfish to not pick up extra shifts a ton, especially if doing so is damaging to your mental health. My coworkers have set a great example so far on being willing to say no and putting themselves first. After all, in Nett’s words, “You can’t properly care for others if you are not caring for yourself first.” At the end of the day, she wouldn’t trade what she does for anything else or change the circumstances the world was in when she began. “I’m so grateful to be able to help out during a pandemic,” Nett says. “If anything, a time like this has made me more encouraged to work in the healthcare field.”

6 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, October 7, 2021

FALL 2021 EDITOR IN CHIEF:

MAXWELL MAYLEBEN maxwell.mayleben@mnsu.edu

McElroy: What dating in college has to offer

MADISON DIEMERT

madison.diemert@mnsu.edu

Opinion By DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor Dating in college has a lot of varying opinions. Some go into college knowing that they will not get into a relationship, some will go into college seeking a significant other and let it be the sole purpose they decided to attend a university. If you’re like me, you will go into college with the mindset that dating is dumb in college. You might think that college is only temporary and things will get too complicated after graduation. When you meet that person out of nowhere, though, all of that suddenly changes. Relationships can get very complicated and are not easy, especially as a 22 year old who is living on their own for the very first time. People can get very busy when they are attending a university. Between classes, clubs, work, and a social life, it can be very hard to find time for a relationship. All of that hard work becomes a breeze when you know that you’re doing it for the person you will be spending the rest of your life with. Relationships can be very fun, exciting, and the most amazing time of your life. But, relationships can be very difficult, tiring, and unappealing if things aren’t handled properly. When you date in college, one of the most important

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pieces to a healthy relationship is open communication. That doesn’t just go for your feelings towards one another and being open in that aspect. Communication goes for telling your partner when you need to take time to finish homework, study for an exam, and be clear about your other obligations. Relationships can get sloppy and it can turn into an unappealing ideology after one experience. But, at college they can help you learn about your-

self as a person, especially as someone who is still growing and will not be the same person in 5-10 years. You learn to make mistakes and become a better person from them. When you find that person, sometimes there is nothing more rewarding or fulfilling than growing into your own adult self with your potential lifelong partner by your side. I never would have thought that coming into Minnesota State University, Mankato as a transfer student my freshman

year, would turn into something so beautiful. Something I would not trade the world for. It turned my life into a partnership where I’m not afraid to be myself and I always have someone to turn to. Someone who loves me for me and enjoys what I have to offer to the world. Someone I can trust, someone I can rely on. Someone I would do anything for. Dating in college gave me something bigger than I ever could have thought. And I am so thankful for it every single day.

“What are you opinions on dating in college?” Compiled by Dylan Engel

JOHNNY FEREDE, GRAD STUDENT

RIANN DIETZ, SENIOR

LUCAS PHILLIPS, JUNIOR

“Everyone has their own “Just need to balance it with “Don’t go into college with a thing. If you’re here for an your studies, but important to boyfriend/girlfriend, but get to education, go for education.” have the social connections.” know people.”

LEON FLETCHER, SENIOR

NADYA SHER, SENIOR

“I think it’s okay, but it is subjective on terms of maturity.”

“Date if you’re dating with the right intention. Make sure they’re the right person.”

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• 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. • 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.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

News

MSU Reporter • 7

Oil spill off California coast is dispersing, amount unclear ASSOCIATED PRESS Some of the crude oil that spilled from a pipeline into the waters off Southern California has been breaking up naturally in ocean currents, a Coast Guard official said Wednesday as authorities sought to determine the scope of the damage. Coast Guard Petty Officer Steve Strohmaier said some of the oil has been pushed to the south by currents. Storms earlier in the week may also have helped disperse the oil, which he said could make it more challenging to skim as it spreads out. “Most of this oil is separating and starting to float further south,” he said while accompanying reporters aboard a boat to the scene of the spill. “The biggest problem is the uncertainty, the amount that leaked into the water. We are at this point unsure of the total amount that leaked out.” How much oil leaked remains unclear. The pipeline operator, Amplify Energy Corp., has publicly pegged the maximum amount of the spill at 126,000 gallons (572,807 liters) of heavy crude. But the company told federal investi-

RINGO H.W. CHIU • Associated Press In this aerial image taken with a drone, workers in protective suits clean the contaminated beach after an oil spill in Newport Beach, Calif., on Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021. Some of the crude oil that spilled from a pipeline into the waters off Southern California has been breaking up naturally in ocean currents, a Coast Guard official said Wednesday as authorities sought to determine the scope of the damage.

gators with the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration that initial measurements put the total only around 29,400 gallons (111,291 liters). The water and shoreline are

still off limits in Huntington Beach and several other areas, but people are allowed on the sand. Beachgoers played volleyball on the Huntington Beach sand Wednesday morning as walkers and bikers

passed near the city’s famed pier. A few globs of oil were visible along the shoreline but no smell remained. Investigators have said the spill may have been caused by a ship’s anchor that hooked,

dragged and tore open an underwater pipeline. Federal officials also found that the pipeline owner did not quickly shut down operations after a safety system alerted to a possible spill. “The Coast Guard is looking into a multitude of factors that may have caused the pipe to rupture, including corrosion, pipe failure, or an anchor strike,” Strohmaier said. “We are analyzing the electric charting systems from our vessel traffic service to see what ships were anchored or moving over the affected area on Friday.” Questions remained about the timeline of the weekend spill, which fouled beaches and a protected marshland, potentially closing them for weeks along with commercial and recreational fishing in a major hit to the local economy. Some reports of a possible spill, a petroleum smell and an oily sheen on the waters off Huntington Beach came in Friday night but weren’t corroborated and the pipeline’s operator, Amplify Energy Corp., didn’t report a spill until the next morning, authorities said.

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Thursday, October 7, 2021

Revenge time: ‘Kato to take on Huskies By DANIEL McELROY Sports Editor It’s been a year and a half since the Minnesota State Mavericks have played in front of a full home crowd. Friday, that day will come as the Minnesota State men’s hockey team takes on No. 2 St. Cloud State University. The last time the two teams met, the St. Cloud State Huskies took down the Mavericks in the NCAA Frozen Four semi-finals by a score of 5-4. The Huskies ended the Mavericks season and their longest run in program history, going on to lose to UMass in the National Championship 5-4. The Mavericks are coming off a weekend sweep against the defending National Champions, beating UMass 2-0 and 6-3. In Sunday’s game against the Minutemen, Minnesota State made a massive third period comeback with five goals in the third period, earning the Mavericks the No. 1 ranked team in the country. St. Cloud took on the newest addition to NCAA Division I hockey, in the St. Thomas Tommies. St. Cloud embarrassed the

By DANIEL McELROY Sports Editor

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter Head coach Mike Hastings told his players to “play with purpose” during their pracitce Wednesday.

brand new squad, winning their first game of the season 12-2. Penalties played a major factor in this contest, with nine of the 14 goals being scored on the powerplay and two shorthanded goals. Game two was a much closer contest between the two teams, with just a 2-0

shutout win to close out the first weekend of Division I hockey for St. Thomas. The Mavericks are coming into this matchup with a reason to win. “We’re going to use it as motivation more than anything,” senior Julian Napravnik said about their NCAA semi-finals loss to the

Huskies last April. Napravnik, the 2020-21 leading goal and point scorer for the Mavericks, came out of UMass with two goals and an assist in the two wins. Napravnik led the team with an astonishing 12 shots over two games as well. Junior Nathan Smith is the

REVENGE on page 11 u

Football attempting to keep streak against Wayne

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer After seeing their first taste of fall weather this past weekend against Concordia-St. Paul, the No. 11 Minnesota State football team is ready to host Wayne State in their second fall matchup of the season. The Mavericks are 12-0 against the Wildcats since 2008, and get the chance to host the Wildcats this weekend at Blakeslee Stadium in the hopes of continuing their win streak to 13. The Mavs have historically dominated the Wildcats, winning the past two contests by an average of 54 points. Minnesota State is also yet to score under 40 points in a game versus Wayne State since the 2010 season, where they defeated the Wildcats 13-3. In their previous contest, the Mavericks came out on top with a 62-7 win in Mankato, but Wayne State

Mavs soccer will take on Upper Iowa and Winona

The Mavericks have never lost a game to Wayne State College.

has been doing very well this year and may prove to be a great competitor to the Mavericks this weekend. Like the Mavs, the Wildcats have started the season off with a 4-1 record. Unlike the Mavs, the Wildcats were able to take down the top 25 team, Minnesota-Duluth. Wayne State has yet to find themselves inside the top

25 in the AFCA Division II Coaches Poll this season, but has received recognition from coaches across the country. It is shaping out to be a great matchup this weekend. The Mavericks continue to run a dual quarterback offense, using quarterbacks senior JD Ekowa and redshirt freshman Hayden Ekern every other two drives. Ekowa is an

amazing red zone threat with his legs, bringing elite scrambling upside with a nose for the endzone. Ekowa currently leads the Mavericks in rushing touchdowns with six, while Ekern is the smart passing option. Ekern has an amazing 192.3 rating and a team-leading six passing touchdowns on just 46 attempts. Ekern also brings his own rushing dynamic to the quarterback room, knowing when to escape the pocket when he’s in trouble. This has led to Ekern leading the quarterback position in rushing yards with 162, which is also good enough for third overall on the team. As far as skill positions go, the Mavericks have amazing talent at the running back and wide receiver position. The running back room is absolutely filled with talent, led by sophomore Kaleb Sleezer. Sleezer leads the Mavs STREAK on page 11 u

The Minnesota State soccer team is looking to continue their three game win streak back at home this weekend in a couple of matches Friday against Upper Iowa, and Sunday against Winona State. Coming into the weekend, the Mavericks are sitting in fourth in the NSIC standings with a 6-2-1 (41-1 NSIC) record and 13 points, while the Upper Iowa Peacocks sit middle of the pack at 5-3 (3-3-0 NSIC) and nine points. UIU found wins against Southwest Minnesota State, Sioux Falls, and Minnesota-Duluth to start the conference games, but have dropped three straight since then to St. Cloud State, UMary, and Minot State to even out their record at .500. In each of the games that the Peacocks lost, their opponent shut them out, while allowing a total of eight goals in that span. Through eight games, Upper Iowa has scored just seven goals and allowed 10, making for a -3 goal differential. As a team Upper Iowa has one of the worst save percentages in the NSIC with .722. That’s good news for the Mavericks, since they sit comfortably in 3rd in the NSIC in shots with 157. Minnesota State also sits in 5th in save percentage at .833 between Clare Longueville, Mackenzie R a t h , and Ava Blackney. The three goalkeepers have combined for 40 Clare Longueville saves. Since 2008, the Mavericks have faced off against the Peacocks 14 times, with the Mavericks ahead with an 11-1-2 record. MSU has taken the last nine straight wins, outNSIC on page 12u

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Sports

MSU Reporter • 11

Maverick volleyball hosts Crookston and Bemidji By DANIEL McELROY Sports Editor

STREAK Continued from page 10 backfield in yards and touchdowns, but redshirt freshman Charles Coleman is a very good second running back who averages 12.6 yards per carry. Junior wide receiver Jalen Sample leads the Mavs wide receiver corps in yards and catches by a decent margin, totalling 18 catches for 377 yards so far this season. Sample is also tied for first in receiving touchdowns with two. On the defensive side of the ball Minnesota State is led by seniors Eli Thomas and Ty’Shonan Brooks. Thomas is the team leader in tackles, totalling 17 so far this season to go along with 1.5 tackles for loss and one interception. Brooks leads the Mavericks in interceptions on the season with two, just recently snapping his two-game interception streak against Concordia-St.Paul this past weekend. The Wildcats come in with an overall record of 4-1 and seem to have a fairly evenly rounded team to compete with on both sides of the ball. Wayne State’s quarterback situation is very questionable to this point, using each of their quarterbacks sin-

DAVID FAULKNER • SPX Sports via Maverick Athletics Mara Quam ranks third in the NSIC in digs per set at 4.77. Quam recorded 26 total digs in the Mavericks road trip last weekend.

Crookston’s most notable player consists of redshirt junior Natalie Koke. Koke sits at 19th in service aces (.31/set) and 12th in assists (6.21/set) in the NSIC. Bemidji has not had the season that they wanted to coming into this year, staying winless through 15 matches. The Mavericks have come out on

gle handedly in various games. The Wildcats have recently leaned on freshman quarterback Nick Bohn to run the offense, but have also used sophomore quarterback Tavian Willis extensively at the start of the season. It will be interesting to see which approach the Wildcats take against the Minnesota State Mavericks this weekend. Senior running back Anthony Watkins and senior wide receiver Taurean Grady are the Wildcats leaders in each of their respective skill positions, each posting up solid numbers so far this season. On the defensive side of the ball Wayne State is led by freshman linebacker Alex Kowalczyk. Kowalczyk is the team leader in tackles for Wayne State, currently sitting at 31. Kowalczyk is backed up by the rest of the Wildcats linebacker core and junior defensive back J’Von France. The Wildcats do have struggles reaching the quarterback so far this season on defense, only collecting two sacks through five games. If Ekern and Ekowa use their legs well in Saturday’s matchup, it may be a long night at the office for the Wayne State defense. The game is set to kickoff at Blakeslee Stadium in Mankato at 2 p.m.

top historically, standing tall with a 23-2 record against the Beavers in a series that dates back to 1995. The Mavericks haven’t lost since 2015 to Bemidji State, with the only other loss coming in 1997. MSU is undefeated at home with a 13-0 record when these two teams clash and will look to continue that

streak. The only thing that Bemidji State has going for them this season, is even though they are last in the standings, they are not last in any statistics. Bemidji is ranked 13th in assists, kills, and opponent kills, while peaking at 12th in opponent blocks.

MANSOOR AHMAD • The Reporter

After what will be their toughest weekend of the season, the Minnesota State (8-4, 3-4 NSIC) volleyball team will come back home this weekend for games against Minnesota-Crookston (1-11, 1-9 NSIC) and Bemidji State (015, 0-10 NSIC). Minnesota State’s opponents have a combined one win, when Minnesota-Crookston took down the winless Minot State to start out the conference games. Over the course of the last 21 years, the Mavericks are 18-5 against the Golden Eagles, and 2-8 in their last 10. The Mavericks, being a middle of the pack team, winning against the worse teams and losing against the better teams, should not have any issue with this match. Minnesota-Crookston falls in last place in the NSIC in hitting percentage (.093) and service aces (1.10/set), and falling in 15th in kills (8.56/set), digs (10.95/set), and opponent service aces (2.41/set). The Mavericks are far more successful in their statistics, specifically on the defensive side of the net. Minnesota State ranks 4th in the NSIC with blocks at 2.33/set, just behind No. 16 St. Cloud, No. 4 Concordia-St. Paul, and Augustana. The Mavericks also rank 3rd in opponent blocks with 1.55/set. Although the Mavericks are just 8th in the NSIC in digs, senior libero Mara Quam, ranks 3rd in the NSIC in digs with a phenomenal 4.77/set.

REVENGE Continued from page 10 leading point scorer for the Mavericks through two games, with two goals and three assists. “Nathan is someone who just loves the game of hockey,” head coach Mike Hastings said about the CCHA Forward of the Week. Smith also nabbed the CCHA Preseason Player of the Year award before the season began. The Mavericks roster one of the top goaltenders not just in the CCHA, but all of NCAA Division I hockey in Dryden McKay.

McKay came out of the weekend in Amherst with two wins under his belt, a 1.52 goals against average, and stopping 37 of the 40 shots he faced (.925 save percentage). Historically, the Huskies have gotten the best of the Mavericks, with MSU holding a 23-36-8 record in a series dating back to 1985. In the last ten matchups, the Mavericks are 3-7, with St. Cloud taking the last two wins. The Mavericks are hot right now with the No. 1 rank in the country, and tomorrow will be their chance to get revenge on the team that ended their season six months ago.

12 • MSU Reporter

Sports

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Looking into week 3 of fantasy football

NSIC Continued from page 10

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer Week four of the NFL season has concluded, but it has not helped us find out which players we should be getting rid of and which we should keep. Although each week is a new week to gain more knowledge on what each player is going to bring to the table this year, there are still a lot of question marks. Players like Mike Williams and Cooper Kupp have been absolute studs so far this year but took a step back this week after posting significantly lower numbers than previous weeks in week four. On the other hand, players like Tyreek Hill and Saquon Barkley struggled in recent weeks but have recently exploded for league-winning games. This brings a multitude of uncertainties about if these players are coming into their form or if this was just an outlier of a week. Here we will analyze which players are worth keeping and who you might need to worry about. Our first worries come from Williams and Kupp, who were top five wide receiver options heading into week four of the fantasy season. Both posted under 12 points in PPR formats this past week after averaging well over 20 points the previous three weeks.

scoring their opponent 30-3 in those nine games, and most recently a 6-0 win on the road in 2019. The Mavericks have had a much closer series with the Winona State Warriors. Since 1996, the two teams have clashed 30 times, with MSU barely having the edge with a 15-14-1 record. In recent history, though, it’s been all Mavericks. The Mavericks have an 8-1-1 record in their last 10, outscoring the Warriors 21-4 in that span. WSU is just behind the Peacocks in the NSIC standings with a 3-5-0 (2-4-0 NSIC) record and six points. Winona State is coming off a two loss weekend on the road against Minot and UMary, losing 1-0 in both games. Winona is tied with the Mavericks with a top five save percentage in the NSIC at .833, with 10 more saves at 50. Jenny Vetter continues to lead the Mavericks with five goals and one assist for 11 points, Jenny adding 28 Vetter shots in nine games with 12 landing on goal. Vetter is also 4th in the NSIC with three game winning goals.

CHARLIE REIDEL • Associated Press Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) is congratulated by Demarcus Robinson (11).

As far as these guys go, make sure you hold on to them because they got chances but could not execute this past week. Guys like Hill and Barkley have overperformed expectations this past week. Hill and Barkley have been great fantasy options in the past, and it is about time they come full circle to being their fantasy selves again. Keep these guys because they are league winners. One player it might be time to panic over is Allen Robinson. Robinson was last year’s wide receiver nine, but is currently behind guys like Quin-

tez Cephus, Darnell Mooney and Mecole Hardman, who were barely bench stashes last year in total points. Rookie Justin Fields has become the starting quarterback for the Bears, but has only thrown 347 yards with zero touchdowns through four games. If Fields does not bounce back soon, Robinson will become a weekly bench option. Coming off the waiver wire is one of the hottest pickups we’ve seen in a while: Falcons wide receiver and running back Cordarelle Patterson. Patterson has found

a groove this year in a new offense, and is averaging over 20 points per game in his last three games. Patterson is an efficient runner and a great backfield option in the passing game, which is giving him league high numbers. Patterson has also found the end zone five times in three games, which will undoubtedly lead to great fantasy output. If you are interested in streaming a defense on a basis, teams you should continue to pick up against include the Jets. Dolphins, and Texans.

REPORTER PICK ‘EM • WEEK #5 #3 RAMS @ SEAHAWKS

NY JETS @ FALCONS

LIONS @ VIKINGS

SAINTS @ WASHINGTON

PATRIOTS @ TEXANS

DOLPHINS @ BUCCANEERS

PACKERS @ BENGALS

BRONCOS @ STEELERS

EAGLES @ PANTHERS

TITANS @ JAGUARS

BROWNS @ CHARGERS

BEARS @ RAIDERS

49ERS @ CARDINALS

GIANTS @ COWBOYS

BILLS @ CHIEFS

COLTS @ RAVENS

DANIEL MCELROY Sports Editor KOLE BUELOW Sports Writer MAXWELL MAYLEBEN Editor in Chief JENNA PETERSON News Director MANSOOR AHMAD Media Director DANA CLARK Ad Design Mgr. BAYLEE SORENSEN Ad Sales Rep. ROBB MURRAY Editorial Consultant

STANDINGS After Week #4

1ST PLACE Kole Buelow

Overall (42-22) Last Week (10-6)

2ND PLACE Daniel McElroy

Overall (39-25) Last Week (11-5)

3RD PLACE Dana Clark

Overall (37-27) Last Week (7-9)

4TH PLACE Robb Murray

Overall (36-28) Last Week (12-4)

5TH PLACE Jenna Peterson

Overall (35-29) Last Week (8-8)

6TH PLACE Mansoor Ahmad Overall (34-30) Last Week (8-8)

7TH PLACE Maxwell Mayleben Overall (32-32) Last Week (8-8)

8TH PLACE Baylee Sorensen Overall (31-33) Last Week (7-9)

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Sports

Women’s hockey takes on Lindenwood

MSU Reporter • 13

Vikings’ Barr finally back

By KOLE BUELOW Staff Writer The Minnesota State women’s hockey team is staying home in Mankato following their recent matchup against Minnesota-Duluth this past weekend. The Mavericks held their own against the Bulldogs in their two-game series, defeating Minnesota Duluth once out of two times to improve their overall record to 3-1. The Mavs now sit at 3-1 overall and 1-1 in conference play this season, and are now set to play their second home series against non-conference opponent Lindenwood University this weekend. The Lions come into the series winless, with an 0-4 record after getting swept by Wisconsin and St. Cloud in the previous weeks. The Mavericks have a great track record against the Lions, currently holding a four-game winning streak and winning five out of the past six meetings between the two teams. During the four-game streak, the Mavs have held the Lions to only two goals while scoring ten of their own. Minnesota State will not only look to continue their four game winning streak, but also to improve their record to 5-1 this weekend in unison with a sweep. The Mavericks have yet to find themselves ranked in

DYLAN ENGEL • The Reporter

the Division I Women’s USA Hockey poll, but have received votes in the USCHO rankings. There is still not much separation in points leaders through only the first four games into the season, but senior forward Brittyn Fleming leads Minnesota State in points with seven. Fleming is doing so with two goals and five assists, backed up by junior defenseman Charlotte Akervik, who is second with one goal and five assists. Senior forward Brooke Bryant and junior forward Kelsey King are the team leaders in goals this season, both with three. Bryant also has one assist on the season and sits fourth in team points. Between the pipes stands junior goaltender Calla Frank. Frank played in both games this past weekend

against Duluth, despite splitting work with sophomore Lauren Barbro in the series against Merrimack College. It seems Frank is becoming the clear cut first option at goaltender for the Mavs when playing more high profile opponents. Frank struggled in her first game against the Bulldogs, letting in seven goals after facing 41 shots on an off night. Frank did rebound the next game however, along with the rest of the Mavericks. Frank saved 24 of 26 shots faced on a great .923 save percentage night. Mavs goaltenders now combine for a .894 save percentage, but will look to improve to above .900 this weekend against Lindenwood. Puck drop is set for 3:01 p.m. Friday, and 2:01 p.m. Saturday.

MICHAEL AINSWORTH • Associated Press

ASSOCIATED PRESS Anthony Barr has been cleared to rejoin the Minnesota Vikings, putting the four-time Pro Bowl linebacker back in action after an 18game absence and giving a lagging defense a valued asset. Barr was sidelined by a balky knee early in training camp. His mind suffered along with his body. “It’s been difficult. Mental health is a real thing,” Barr said. “I’ve had my down days, but fortunately I have a great support system with my family and friends. I think I’m realizing there’s a lot more to life than football. It’s been my life since I was 9 years old, so not having that part of it was tough. I promise you nobody wants to play more than me. It’s all I want to do. So, I’m just happy to be at a point

where I can finally do that again.” What made the wait more excruciating was the fact he tore a pectoral muscle in the second game of last season and hasn’t been on the field since Sept. 20, 2020. Nonetheless, Barr was not so impatient with the process that he was going to succumb to any pressure to push through the pain in a way that might put him at risk. He was intentional about voicing his discomfort with the knee to coaches and the athletic trainers. “I’m at the point of my career where I’m comfortable being honest with myself. What’s the point of lying about it when I know I’m not ready? Yeah, it sucks I can’t be out there and I’d love to help, but I don’t think I’d be doing anything that would make us better,” said Barr.

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14 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, October 7, 2021

“Good for Otto” raises mental health awareness Mental health is often considered a taboo topic, but Minnesota State University, Mankato’s Department of Theater and Dance’s latest production, “Good for Otto” is bringing awareness to the subject. The play is centered around Dr. Michaels, a psychiatrist in rural Connecticut, and the patients that he and his colleague treat. However, Dr. Michaels has secret struggles of his own. The patients who come for therapy have a wide variety of mental health issues from abuse to self-harm, but elements of hope shine through. Through compelling performances, the stigma around mental health is portrayed in a realistic manner. The round theater performance allows the audience to get a 360-degree view of the stage, highlighting certain characters and their monologues. Set designer Jason Wagaman constructed a minimalist set to draw attention to the biting dialogue. “I wanted the audience to focus on the words being spoken because it talks about a lot of deep issues that are important in society that are finally being highlighted,” said Wagaman. “It really draws your focus to the actors.” Director Vladimir Rovinsky’s need to include the production stems from the isolation and changes in society’s emotional and psychological well-being that were associated with the pandemic. “I think that over the last year and a

MADDIE BEHRENS • The Reporter

By EMMA JOHNSON • Staff Writer

half humanity underwent a big stressor and the subject matter [of mental health] is still taboo,” said Rovinsky. “The mental health issue is growing year after year, so it’s a big elephant in the room, so important to start this

conversation.” MNSU sophomore Parker Adams plays Franny, a troubled young girl in the foster care system who heavily struggles with self-harm which she calls “storms.”

Adams wanted to get involved with the production for how it makes mental health a more normalized and talked about topic. “Creating awareness around mental health and making others comfortable talking about it is an issue that makes me super happy that we’ve been able to explore through this play,” said Adams. “I feel that everyone struggles with mental health at some point in their life and it’s important to show people that it’s okay to struggle and not be your best self, but there are people that can help.” MNSU senior Via Logan plays Dr. Michael’s mother who wreaks havoc in an attempt to cause some introspection into his life. Logan wants the audience to take away that grief is a normal part of the human experience. “This show touches a lot on mental health, but it touches a lot on grief not just for the people that we’ve lost, but people who are not living life fully and grieving what could have been,” said Logan. “You are not alone and there are people who are ready to accept you with open arms.” Actor Grey Robertson who plays Dr. Michaels has similar wishes as to what he hopes the audience should take away. “I hope it will pull back the curtain that will let [the audience] know that we are all human and that it’s okay to not feel good,” said Robertson. “Good for Otto” runs Oct. 7-10 and 13-17 in the Andreas Theater. Tickets are $17 for regular admission, $15 for seniors and children, and $12 for MNSU students.

RSOs across campus welcome new, interested members By SYDNEY BERGGREN • Staff Writer As campus life this year returns to some sense of normalcy, many of Minnesota State University, Mankato’s student lead organizations have returned to in-person meetings and events, and are focusing on encouraging people interested to drop by. Patrick Flynn, president of the Residence Hall Association, said that the organization has so far had four successful meetings in a new hybrid fashion, something that RHA has not done before. “We are lucky that the room we use, Preska 126, is Zoom equipped,” said Flynn. “I encourage anyone curious about RHA to stop by and check out a meeting.” RHA organized the inter-hall volleyball tournament at the beginning of the academic year, which is a long-standing tradition of Welcome Week. “Additionally, a focus of RHA this year has been increasing student engagement and leadership within the greater campus community,” stated Flynn. “One of the ways we are doing that is that RHA will be taking part in the town hall with University President Inch on Oct. 11 during our meeting.” RHA meetings occur every Monday at 4 p.m. in Preska 126. The National Residence Hall Honorary has had similar experiences. The organization has held three hybrid meetings, to which most of their members showed up in person. “I feel like our meetings are a lot more social and

MANSOOR AHMAD• The Reporter A member of the MNSU Speech & Debate team talks to a student at the Campus and RSO Fair held in September.

laid back this year,” said NRHH president Caitlyn Loya. “I really like it. I feel more connected to the members.” NRHH is putting on a MavAward and OTM writing party in Preska 126 on Oct. 21 at 7p.m. MavAwards and OTMs allow residents to recognize people and events that have had an impact on them. The organization will be providing snacks and templates for participants to enjoy and use. NRHH meetings occur every Thursday night at 9 p.m. in Pre-

ska 126. Another student lead organization that is excited to have campus looking back to normal is Health Pros, a volunteer organization coordinated through the Health Education Office. “We worked hard last year to meet the challenge of providing health outreach to our campus community and presentations to classes virtually,” said volunteer and third year student Whitney Isaacson. “Now that our campus is moving back in-person, we can do more peer outreach and health education activities on campus now in order to reach more students.” So far this year, the Health Pros have done a variety of tabling events across campus including tabling for National Suicide Prevention week, handing out free t-shirts, and sharing health tips of the week on social media. “Some upcoming tabling events we will be doing this month are educating people on how to avoid the ‘Sunday scaries’ and handing out sniffle kits,” said Isaacson. “Health Pros is a fun way to get involved on campus, make friends, and share health education through interactive programming,” Isaacson added on. Student organizations are coming back this year with a vengeance, ready to welcome anyone who wants to be involved. You can find the full list of RSOs on the University’s website.

Dakota to Minnesota: A student’s perspective

MANSOOR AHMAD• The Reporter

By EMMA JOHNSON Staff Writer

As a freshman, heading off to college is a big step. Going to college in another state is a different story. You have to learn how to navigate a new city and familiarize yourself with the culture all the while still maintaining a sense of where you grew up. I was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. While home is less than three hours away, it didn’t take me long to pick up on a few differences in culture between the two bordering midwestern states. First off, during the welcome weekend, the amount of shock I received from others regarding where I came from was appalling. Everyone I talked to was either from Minnesota or towns from Wisconsin along the border of Minnesota. When I mentioned that I was from South Dakota, people looked at me like I had four heads. As if I shouldn’t know what state I was in. It’s not uncommon to go out of state for college, but the fact that I didn’t decide to go to an in-state school seemed to baffle them. On top of the shock that an outsider was allowed into the state, I would ask others if they had ever been to South Dakota. A good percentage of them had never been in their entire life. I’ve been to Minnesota a handful of times. I’ve gone camping near Hibbing and Fergus Falls, been to Minneapolis and Stillwater several times and I’ve visited smaller towns throughout the state. It’s not like I moved here from two states away. South Dakota borders Minnesota a good portion, so I highly recommend visiting Sioux Falls and if you can brave a super long car drive, head out to the Black Hills and tour Mt. Rushmore. For the rare few people I’ve talked to who have vis-

ited South Dakota and some of my friends’ friends, some of them have said that South Dakotans have come across as rude. Now, I may be biased, but growing up in Sioux Falls my entire life, I’ve found that a majority of the people who live there are nice. Step into any store, local or chain, and someone will offer their help. If you’re out on a walk, the South Dakotan thing to do is say hi to them, whether you know them or not. I walk by hundreds of college students a day here and nobody acknowledges each other. To me, the common courtesy I was taught as a youth slipped out of my mind to the point where I have to bite my tongue so I don’t come off strange. A big difference that I’ve noticed is the amount of sports fans. Walk into any store and you’ll be bombarded with merchandise splattered with the logos of the Vikings, the Twins, the Wild and, of course, Gophers and Mavericks. South Dakota stores offer any NFL or MLB merchandise due to the fact that our state doesn’t have its own sports team (I can hear you saying “lame” right now). I think that it’s refreshing to come into a state where the majority of people come together to root for a team that represents their state. While I do certainly miss my favorite local downtown stores (Mint & Basil and Zandbroz) and not having to worry about roundabouts (seriously, why do you guys like driving in circles?) I’ve loved the last two and half months here in Mankato. I’ve learned a lot about myself and I’ve loved exploring the town and finding my new favorite places. Getting out of your state allows you to branch out and gain new experiences. So, stop over and say to South Dakota if it doesn’t kill you.

Variety

MSU Reporter • 15

Students share cheap but fun date ideas By LILLY SCHMIDT Staff Writer Squeezing dates into the budgets and schedules of college life can be a struggle. However, some students at Minnesota State University, Mankato have found creative ways to make dating work. MNSU student Annika Wick said, “Lately me and my boyfriend have found going to a store and getting just a few snacks and then coming home and going on Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus or whatever and watching a movie.” This allows for inexpensive and easy at-home time together. Additionally, they have also been going on long walks. Wick also shared one of their more creative ideas, “What we tend to do is recreate pictures we’ve taken in the past.” Another festive idea comes from MNSU student Jay Dewacek, “I actually just bought pumpkins for me and my boyfriend to paint, so I’m painting pumpkins this weekend.” This fall activity can be budget-friendly, but still engaging. When asked for more stayat-home ideas, Idman Ibrahim, another MNSU student suggested, “I would say cooking. Making a bunch of foods that I haven’t tried.” Although this may be a bit more expensive, it’s an easy idea to fit into a packed schedule. This thought was echoed by MNSU student MaiKer

Reporter Archives

Thursday, October 7, 2021

Thao. Thao also advised for first dates to do, “Any date that would help the other person get to know you better. For example, I’m really into Marvel.” Thao went on to describe how a simple date of watching a Marvel movie together would be a good date in their book. However, it’s often safer to select public spaces for first dates. Ben Homeistar, an MNSU student said, “Honestly, going down to the Bullpen is pretty good. You can go bowling for two hours for like five bucks.” The Bullpen is located downstairs in the Centennial Student Union and is available to all MNSU students. In addition to bowling, the Bullpen has billiard tables, board games, video games, foosball, darts, karaoke, and more. Homeistar also listed one of his most unique dates as going to a botanical garden. Of course, a botanical garden

may not be an easy option as winter approaches. Wick offered, “Bike riding, skateboarding, except in the winter. We reminisce and go back to the Wii games and play board games a lot.” Planning a date that’s too casual might throw off the other person. TO really give off a great first-impression, put some thought and effort behind the date. An anonymous student shared how they were invited on a date to the Dining Center on campus. Although this option is cost-free for many students, the student in question explained that it is one of the least romantic places someone could have suggested. They stated preference towards other on-campus locations where Dining Dollars could be utilised at. Overall, no matter your preferred budget, location, or time frame, there are creative and fun ways to plan dates.

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16 • MSU Reporter

Thursday, October 7, 2021