Nov. 16, 2016 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Nov. 16, 2016 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 81 No. 12

STUDENTS PLAN RALLY FOR 1 P.M. TODAY PHOTOS BY KARA MCINTYRE AND BRIDGET REILLY

Devin Osting, radiology feshman, Morgan Sinclair, sociology sophomore, and Cece Pasillas, sociology sophomore, create posters for the peaceful protest hosted by PRIDE.

Devin Osting, Morgan Sinclair, Cece Pasillas, Eliza Cameron, Zarya Maiato, Lia Wiley and Jessie Tidwell, BRIDGET REILLY REPORTER

hey didn’t start painting signs until 9 p.m. Tuesday night, a week after America’s Donald Trump president-elect took 290 Electoral College votes, more than enough to win the White House. The signs will read: “Love Trumps Hate,” “Trump Supporters, We Love You,” and “Immigrants Make America Great Again.” Mirroring protests all over the country since the election, students in People Respecting Identity Diversity for Everyone plan to use the signs at a rally — a peaceful protest — Wednesday at 1 p.m. on the Jesse Rogers Promenade (between the Clark Student Center and Killingsworth Hall). “People need to see that they can’t live under a rock forever,” Morgan Sinclair, sociology sophomore and PRIDE historian, said. “They need to see what is really going to be affecting us.” According to some students, this election has been much different than previous ones. “I’m kind of shocked by the impact that this election has had on people,” Victoria

Post, biology junior, said. “I mean, I know it has been totally different than any election we’ve had before. It’s good to see people and especially students standing up for what they believe is right.” Sinclair wants this to be a peaceful protest and will be doing so with their mouths taped and signs held high. “Students mouths will be taped to have a peaceful protest, to combat discrimination, promote understanding and spread awareness of current social turmoil,” Sinclair said. Cece Casillas, sociology sophomore and PRIDE treasurer, will be out there to promote understanding and love. “People need to be more understanding of other people’s situations and that is the reason for our hashtag #msulovesyou, no matter who you are, you are suppose to love. We are going to be out there to promote understanding and love,” Casillas said. Post said she is excited for the protest. “It’s going to be cool to see how many people turn up for it,” Post said. “I’ve never been to a rally or a protest before, so it’s a new experience for me.”

Cece Pasillas, Morgan Sinclair, Devin Osting, Jessie Tidwell, and Lia Wiley Some faculty members addressed the importance of protesting and of students knowing their rights. “Part of the reason why we are seeing a lot of these protests, is indeed because you are watching the millennial vote that was essentially casted aside and these are the individuals that are very frustrated,” Andrea Button, assistant professor of sociology, said. “So if you are upset, you have the right to peacefully assemble and protest. You have the right to hold your government accountable — that’s the point of having a representative model. If your citizens and your government aren’t in sync, there will inevitably be conflict.” Sinclair expanded on Button’s points, because many minority groups are “scared” for their lives. “If we get at least one more person that is not in a minority group to understand for us to feel this way as Trump and Mike Pence are taking office, they might be able to see why we are afraid for our rights and why we are afraid for our lives,” Sinclair said. “It’s not necessarily the fact that that we lost our candidate. No. I don’t support Hillary. I didn’t vote for her.

It’s the fact that we are scared.” Critics in the area will be watching in aversion, however, Button explained how a protest, including one he said would be held on inauguration day, Jan. 20, 2017, could hold Trump accountable once in office. “You cannot change the outcome of the election, but what he is learning is that he can be held accountable, and that is the lesson that needs to be taught.” Button said “If Trump is tamed, he is only going to be tamed by the Republican Party, but that requires them to take a stance they’ve never taken before. Really at the heart of these protests is the making him accountable.” Sinclair and Casillas said they are planning to reach out to Baptist Student Union, Organization of Hispanic Students and Cynosure for Understanding of Islam and Comparative Religion, and will be on the lookout for any acts of violence. “This protest is not out of hate. We want this to be peaceful. We’re not looking to cause hate towards minorities on campus. We just want to spread love,” Sinclair said. “There will be stops to any acts of violence.”

2 | Nov. 16, 2016 |

STAF F E D I T O R I A L

Students display First Amendment rights at rallies OUR VIEW: Protesting is an expression of our First Amendment rights, not an attempt at overthrowing the government. After Election Day last week, protests erupted in various cities around the country. Austin, Texas. Indianapolis, Indiana. Atlanta, Georgia. Chicago, Illinois. Dallas, Texas. Seattle, Washington. San Francisco, California. Protestors donned signs with various grievances, including “Dump Trump,” “Your vote was a hate crime,” and the most widely used slogan that coined its own Twitter hashtag: “Not my President.” Even some universities, including the University of Michigan and Arizona State University, had students incite their own protests against our new President-elect — and MSU is now on that list. Located in a red/Republican state, some students on campus still felt outrage against the ideologies Trump spread. PRIDE organized a protest earlier this week and ignited this afternoon, but not without criticism. One group says protesting isn’t going to change anything and it’s a waste of time. Another says that we should not have to resort to starting fires, burning the American flag, looting and inciting violence to demonstrate a message. Violent or hateful protests are not the answer; however, peaceful protests are written into the First Amendment as acceptable demonstrations of our grievances. Protestors are not always protesting with the goal of immediate change; it’s often to draw attention to a particular issue or conflict instead. Will protesting Trump’s presidency change the outcome? No. Will it draw attention to the social issues and use of scare tactics in his entire campaign? Absolutely. Know your right to protest, understand your right to protest, and exercise them — just do it peacefully.

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Vol. 81 | No. 12

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room B103 3410 Taft Blvd. Box 14 Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 • wichitan@mwsu.edu thewichitan.com • @wichitanonline

Student athlete life not so glamorous

rom the outside looking in, the life of a student-athlete can be seen as one filled with glory and glamour. As a studentathlete, I can say this is true to some degree; however, there is much more to it than meets the eye. Very few athletes nationwide Dylan end up sealing the opportunity to Hall compete in collegiate athletics. It’s not easy. For those like myself who do, it depicts a beautiful struggle. There is no down time. It’s 5 a.m. on Monday morning and outside is pitch black. I am up at this time every week day, either lifting in the gym and running or doing a one-hour long spinning class. My body is shivering from the brutally frigid air around me. Seven teammates are by my side, stretching their sore muscles — drunk with fatigue. Most of us have become numb to the sight of seeing each other vomit and cramp. Nonetheless, we continue to give everything we have each day. Being able to maximize productivity for the rest of the day becomes perhaps the greatest chal-

lenge. Drinking a lot of water and takings naps are helpful. As daunting as these early mornings are, I take strength away from the situation. I understand that I cannot do it alone and that is why I have a team next to me — a band of brothers — trudging along the same path toward our ultimate goal of becoming NCAA Division 2 National Champions. For student-athletes, it’s not just about the wins and losses or how much money we may or may not be making for our universities. Being a student-athlete develops our character, tests our resolve, our ability to balance sports and academics and teaches us the principles of preparation, respect, communication and teamwork. It’s a tough but rewarding road. I dislike the early mornings and most days at training, but I push through it knowing I will be strongly rewarded on the other side of pain. I’m proud to be a student-athlete. My hard work and dedication to my sport has brought me unprecedented success and joy throughout my life. Oh, and did I mention being a student-athlete pays for my education? Dylan Hall is a mass communication sophomore.

Survive being a working parent-student

ust breathe. Find a cozy corner and grab a favorite beverage while reading this column. Life for a student in the university is challenging enough with performance goals, time organization and networking. Add to that raising children, working and longMelissa standing commitments within the Laussmann community, and those challenges grow exponentially. Just going out the door every morning with correctly matching pair of shoes is an achievement. How many of us have forgotten a musical toy in our bags that set off during an exam? Still, despite the challenges and minor setbacks, we are still here “raging against the dying of the light” as Dylan Thomas would say. But if some of you are not seeing the light, or seeing only a faint discoloration of something in the horizon, please allow me to share some of the lessons I’ve learned about juggling roles in academia. First, mindfully organize your time. Time or-

ganization is key in keeping balance in the chaos. It’s impossible to do everything or please everyone. Learn to say no. Second, make “me time” a priority. Demands are everywhere. Take some time to enjoy the things that make you feel relaxed. The world won’t end because you take time out for self-care. Third, disconnect from the screen and reconnect with your loved ones. Quality time with your family will help keep your mind peaceful, and reinforce family values to your kids. If there’s a campus event, encourage the whole family to join you so they can share in your academic world. Lastly, find your support group. It’s important to be around people who appreciate you and genuinely care about your well-being. Surround yourself with positive people. Learning how to balance your roles will sharpen managerial skills and teach your kids the importance of hard work and perseverance. I hope these tips will help you along your academic journey. You are well on your way. Melissa Laussmann is a grad student.

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre

DESIGN EDITOR: Justin Marquart PHOTOGRAPHERS: Bridget Reilly, Alyssa Mitchell,

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication.

ISSUES STAFF: Bridget Reilly, Dylan Hall, Melissa

Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

Bradley Wilson, Jeanette Perry, Topher G. McGehee, Izziel Latour, Kara McIntyre Laussmann, Emily Simmons, Alyssa Mitchell, Ryan Stoeltje, John Oleon, Caleb Sneath, Jeanette Perry, Kelsey Purcell

ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

Oratorio Chorus presents The Peaceable Kingdom EMILY SIMMONS REPORTER

oung and old voices alike came together to create a message of hope through song during the Oratorio Chorus’ concert Nov. 13. The Oratorio Chorus, directed by Dale Heidebrecht, assistant professor of music, performed for a crowd of more than 100 in Akin Auditorium. “There were moments during the program that shimmered and really hit the target,” Heidebrecht said. The Oratorio Chorus is comprised of both students and members of the community, and Heidebrecht said the ensemble is growing each semester. “A good portion of members have been singing with us for decades,” Heidebrecht said. Heidebrecht said he enjoys working with the chorus because they are the best music readers he’s ever been involved with, and that their

experience allows them to make music easily. Members of the chorus enjoy singing under the direction of Heidebrecht “Dr. Heidebrecht makes learning the music fun. Being in the chorus has a great performance aspect with good people,” Lauren Teeter, sociology senior, said. The chorus features singers from high school age to people in their late 80s. Students enjoyed seeing people from the community performing. “I was impressed because these are people who are doing this because they want to and not as a class requirement. I was also impressed with all the work they did to present this program,” Brooke Leiker, music education freshman, said. The chorus performed selections by Randall Thompson, American choral composer, including “The Last Words of David” and “Peaceable Kingdom,” which both featured verses from the Bible. The chorus also performed “The Road Not Taken” from Frostiana, which is named for the poem by Robert Frost.

Heidebrecht said the “Peaceable Kingdom” was the hardest to perform and rehearse because of the violent text. “It’s hard to sing so loud and violent constantly. Vocally, it’s just so taxing and exhausting,” Heidebrecht said. Heidebrecht said he chose the music to express a message of hope post-election, and that after choosing our government’s path we will hopefully eventually live in a peaceable kingdom. For now, there is still a divide in our society. “I chose ‘Peaceable Kingdom’ for the violence and bitter anger that mirrors what one half of society is feeling right now,” Heidebrecht said. Heidebrecht said he believes conservatives and liberals need to have a conversation to keep democracy alive, and the conversation will end if the two sides do not communicate. “We have to continue the conversation. Hope for that is the overall message of the program,” Heidebrecht said.

International Potluck brings countries together ALYSSA MITCHELL REPORTER

he smell of meat and spice in the air and people sitting around with their friends eating delicious food from all around the world, the international potluck brought people from all walks of life together. Ruby Arriaga, activities coordinator, said, “International Education Week is this week, so this is like a kickoff for it.” The potluck took place in the atrium on Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. Students and faculty alike showed up for the event. Soon-Mi Choi, athletic training and exercise physiology assistant professor, is of Korean ethnicity. She brought a Korean dish called bulgoggi. The bulgoggi is made up of beef, soy sauce, onions, carrots, green onion and garlic. Choi said, “It is a very popular dish in Korea everybody knows how to make it. I fermented the soy sauce for two to three hours and it takes about 5 to 10 minutes to fry the meat with sesame oil.” Choi’s nine-year-old son Alex Park said the bulgoggi was his favorite dish and his second favorite was the sweet brought by Nelson Passos, computer science professor, from Brazil. Passos said, “It is a favorite sweet from Brazil called Quindim. It is made out of egg yolk, coconut, and sugar. It only had 60 calories and is served at weddings and birthdays. “ His favorite dishes from the potluck were the Mexican food and the bulgoggi. Choi said, “I had the sweet and it was good.” Other dishes at the potluck were tinga de pollo, a Mexican dish made of chicken, tomatoes, onions and chipotle. There were also tamales, another Mexican dish, and curry worst, a German dish made with kielbasa, tomato based sauce and curry. In all, there were 10 dishes but there still wasn’t enough food. Arriaga said, “It was more than what I hoped for. Next year I know to get more food.”

TAFT HAUS A P A R T M E N T S e! A place to call hom

| Nov. 16, 2016 | 3

CRIME LOG Nov. 6

Non-Criminal Information | Legacy Hall | 1:40 a.m. | A female housing student was reported missing after not returning from going to the vending machine.

Nov. 6

Burglary of a Habitation | Pierce Hall | 9:24 p.m. | The victim reported that unknown person(s) entered his unlocked room and stole items.

Nov. 10

Assault | Legacy Hall | 2:40 a.m. | A call came in to report a student had reported to her that a student had been physically assaulted.

Nov. 10

Non-Criminal Information | Pierce Hall | 12:05 p.m. | Smell of marijuana coming from a dorm room in Pierce Hall.

Nov. 11

Assault | Sunwatcher Village | 3:09 a.m. | A female student reported having been assaulted by her boyfriend, also a student, in his dorm apartment.

Nov. 11

Accident: Traffic/Pedestrian | Parking Lot #13 | 12 p.m. | Vehicle backed into a pedestrian in parking lot #13.

Nov. 11

Non-Criminal Information | Sundance Court Apartments | 5:48 p.m. | Officer was called to Sundance Court Apartments to take a report about animals on campus.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA MITCHELL | THE WICHITAN

Psychology grad students Kietha Peters, Alyssa Morse, and Miriam Boateng enjoy their food at the International Potluck Nov. 14.

She continued and said, “I was going to buy 300 plates but I got 85 instead and ended up running out of plates. I’m glad others brought extra plates.” Arriaga hopes that students that came got to learn about the different foods that are around the world. There was also a spinner game that was prepared for students so they could learn about different flags. Arriaga said, “Basically we spun it and you would guess the country of the flag it landed on. If you guessed correctly you get to have a piece of candy.”

Amazing Move-In Specials. 4611 Taft Blvd. n (940) 692-1731 Like TaftHausApartments on Facebook

Nov. 12

Criminal Mischief: Misdemeanor | 4014 Taft | 9:25 a.m. | A call was placed to MSU PD to report Criminal Mischief.

Nov. 13

Theft | Pierce Hall | 2:47 p.m. | A student had a bag of food stolen from the common area kitchen in Pierce Hall.

4 | Nov. 16, 2016 | Organizations reserving Wellness Center ‘annoys’ students RYAN STOELTJE REPORTER

tudents and staff describe the Wellness Center with one word—convenient. The Wellness Center is a facility equipped with an out door pool, a gymnasium, and a second floor filled with free weights and other workout machines. Classes such as, Zumba, spinning class, circuit training, and yoga are taught at The Wellness Center. Any student who is enrolled with a valid ID can use the facility—most of the time. If any student or members of an organization wanted to reserve any facility in the Wellness Center, all they would have to do is email Caleb Hannon, assistant director of the wellness and recreational sports, with details on the event. There is no fee if any student organization wanted to reserve a facility in Wellness Center; however, that may change if a non-student organization wanted to make a reservation. According to campus policy on facility rental, most campus facilities are available for rental by members of the community. Danielle Adams, marketing senior, said, “I don’t think the Wellness Center should be able to be reserved because I pay to use the facility so my time to use it shouldn’t be taken away.” Hannon explained what requirements are needed to reserve the room. “A facility most likely can’t be reserved for a certain amount of hours or days because this facility is for all students. Once again it depends on the event and the people that the event would be for,” Hannon said. Students feel that an athletic organization should instead hold practices in the gym at the D.L. Ligon Coliseum rather than the gym in the Wellness Center. Students use the gymnasium often. Athletic teams that reserve the

gym could create conflicts with the students. While some students are given the impression they’re being taken advantage of, others believe organizations have every right to reserve the Wellness Center. Al Hassan, engineering senior, said, “I mean yeah we pay a fee to use the Wellness Center, but then again I’m sure organizations making the reservation are paying a fee as well.” Even if an organization isn’t affiliated with the school, they are still required to pay a fee. One reason students think an athletic organization shouldn’t be able to reserve the Wellness Center gym is because students pay a fee to use the facility. Students pay a recreation fee of $120 per semester. Students are allowed to use the Wellness Center as long as this fee is paid, however, only varsity athletes can use the facilities in the D.L. Ligon Coliseum, including the weight room. Clifton Hines, business management senior, said, “I completely understand if under certain conditions a team needed to have a practice, but I feel like the coliseum would be a more logical choice, especially since students like myself use the gym and the weight room every day.” There have been occasions where the Wellness Center was closed for an event regulated through campus. According to Cindy Ashlock, executive assistant to the president, on Feb.13, 2015 the president’s office held a Valentine’s party for donors at the Wellness Center. The facility was closed the whole day and reopened the next day at noon. Avery Whaite, mass communication junior, said, “It annoys me when I’m not able to use the Wellness Center because someone reserved it. If I’m not able to go to the gym even though I pay for it,I might as well get a membership somewhere else.”

Athletic careers ending too soon JOHN OLEON REPORTER

ultiple college careers with possible promising futures have come to an end too often. Injuries, financial reasons and workload are some causes of this. Why does this happen though? What situations lead to these athletes believing it is best to end their career so soon? The athletic teams tend to be very competitive in most sports. The football team is currently ranked fourth in the country and on its way to playoffs. The soccer team also ranks fourth in the country and won the Heartland Conference. Our cycling team competes against Division 1 schools. The men’s basketball team was ranked before the preseason has even started. The athletic teams want to have the best product out on the field, having multiple practices per week, sometimes even per day. Grant Norris, business management junior, said, “Three years on the soccer team and we were always very competitive, making it deep in the playoffs last year. Coach Elder always wanted the best producers on the field. This led to me not getting the playing time I desired and it took me a while but I thought it would be best for me to end my career.” Norris had played minimum time throughout his time on the team. He went through some injuries and it all led to few minutes on the field. A successful player in high school, coming out of Dallas, he expected to continue his successful into his college career. Norris said, “I expected to redshirt my freshman year but then gradually lead into a more important role on the team throughout my time here, it just didn’t work out the way I wanted it to.” Norris parents were against his decision to end his soccer career early but then warmed up to the idea. They thought it was a lazy decision on his part, but that’s not what he was thinking. He was dedicating his entire college life to soccer when he wasn’t getting the playing time he believed he deserved. Norris said, “Having a girlfriend, going to school, trying to work and then adding soccer, with all the practices, games, events and

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Forward, Christian Okeke, management information systems senior, shoots the winning goal where Midwestern State beat Colorado Mesa University 1-0 to advance to NCAA regional final. Nov 13. other commitments, it was just getting to be too much.” Another athlete who left his sport early was TC Richards, business junior and former football player. Richards came out of Fort Worth as an All-District second team player, expecting to make an impact on the Mustangs. Starting on the practice squad, he thought he could fight his way to the roster with hard effort and “a little bit of luck.” Richards said “I felt the coaches had it out for me, because anything I did seemed to do would be wrong…I really wanted to help the team and continue my playing career. I had the grades, I did everything they asked, I worked my tail off but it just wasn’t working, that’s why I quit.” Whether it was skill, effort or they just didn’t like Richards, the coaches didn’t believe he was right for the team. Richards could have gone on to another school to play since his career here ended so soon, but he didn’t think it was worth it. Jaelen Lewis, engineering senior, also quit his sport early. Coming out of a high school winning a state championship, being a first team All-District player and contributing significantly on the field, he expected to have an immediate impact on the team. Lewis said, “The hours I had to put in to be on the team, not to play, just to be on the team was ridiculous. I had no life for months and I wasn’t happy, that’s why I decided to take a different route.”

Lewis had to manage working, engineering school (which is a time commitment in its own), playing football and being part of a fraternity. Too many commitments led to a difficult first year for Lewis. Lewis said, “Having to manage all that was difficult and kind of made me depressed. I thought going and starting over back home but I am glad I stayed.” Lewis’s case was just an overload of work from every aspect of his life. He had to let go of a commitment and he chose football. A freshman this year, Nathan Grisham came to college early to start a new chapter in his life. Recruited by many Division 2 schools, he chose MSU because of the program — yet he no longer plays football. Grisham said, “The time commitment was too much, I had no fun this summer playing the sport I love which isn’t good. I miss the games every day but outside of that, I hated it.” Grisham went on to join a fraternity and focus on his studies, holding a B average in all of his classes. When asked if he believes he could have the same grade point average if he continued to play football he said, “Maybe, but I would have multiple late nights studying, trying to catch up on school. My body would be worn out and I probably wouldn’t have the desire to study.”

Kip Fulbeck displays art for Artist-Lecture series CALEB SNEATH REPORTER

ozens of photographs of self-proclaimed “hapas” gaze upon visitors of the art gallery ever since artist-lecture speaker Kip Fulbeck brought his exhibit upon the “Hapa Project” Nov. 11. “It’s amazing. It makes me laugh, makes me cry, makes me want to think,” Emily LaBeff, professor of sociology, said. Fulbeck used the exhibit as the main subject of his lecture. Fulbeck named the project after the Hawaiian word “hapa,” which describes individuals with mixed heritage. The exhibit contains a shirtless shoulders up photograph of individuals Fulbeck found who are self described hapas, staring directly at the camera, along with a paper below which Fulbeck allowed for the photographed individuals to write whatever they wanted down. While some individuals chose to write down straightforward messages detailing their specific mixed race background, other individuals have taken

liberties defining themselves. One child simply drew a picture of an individual along with the word, “mad,” written in all caps, while one individual described themselves as “100% black and 100% Japanese.” “It’s really interesting to see different perspectives from people and the different perspectives from people and their different backgrounds and what that means to them,” Sandra Cruz, art sophomore, said. Fulbeck said one of the key messages behind the piece is how individuals take a roll in determining their own identity. “No one gets to tell you who you are but you, and if you don’t do it, they’ll do it wrong,” Fulbeck said. Fulbeck said his art is influenced by factors such as his life growing up as a mixed race individual and even his time as a swimmer, which he won an award as the athlete of the year for. The exhibit marks the first time that an Artist Lecture speaker has brought an exhibit to go along with their speech, and will be open for free to the public until Dec. 2.

Speaker educates audience on Native American issues CALEB SNEATH REPORTER

alter Echo-Hawk spoke before an audience in Akin Auditorium Tuesday, Nov. 13, about cultural sovereignty and the various issues facing Native Americans today. “Each of these tribes have a cultural sovereignty that goes along with that [the tribal political systems] that is defined internally, which is the ancestral legacy of our cosmologies, our ways of life, our sacred foods, our ways of looking at the land, our art, our music, our ceremonies, our languages, which all total are the inherited legacy of the Native Americans ,which is also I think our contribution to the human family,” said Echo-Hawk Echo-Hawk acts as an activist as well as a legal representative for the various Native American tribes throughout the U.S. In past speaking events, Echo-Hawk has said that he believes most Americans to be fair when informed and that the largest issue facing Native Americans today comes from a lack of knowledge possessed by the general public. Echo-Hawk said he hopes to educate people about Native American issues through his

speaking and possibly a series of reforms to America’s education system. “I think that the people that make the curriculums for our public schools should include a healthy dose of American history at all levels, from elementary all the way up through grade twelve, and even into the college curriculums as well; Native American history that is portraying the native peoples and the histories the history they’ve had during the settlement of our country into the modern era,” Echo-Hawk said. Another issue Echo-Hawk discussed was the North Dakota oil pipeline. “The fact that the tribes are standing up to that is part of their cultural sovereignty I guess you could say; to protect their ways of life, their cultural existence, as well as existence period,” Echo-Hawk said. Echo-Hawk said he believes that the pipeline presents a major threat to not only the tribes, but also to the Great Plains as a whole. “We had the dustbowl in my grandparents days and now we live in a fracking bowl, but efforts like the Standing Rock Sioux stand that is being taken up their hopefully will enable our peoples to stand up and have a more reasonable policy,” Echo-Hawk said.

| Nov. 16, 2016 | 5

UP C O M I N G E V E NT S Islam & Comparative Religion

Nov. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m.| CSC Comanche | This is an inaugural event for the first campus organization of its type known as The Cynosure. Join biblical scholar Joseph Atwill, director of the family residency program Wichita Falls Dr. Ahmed Mattar, and Abdullah Al Maruf for guest lectures and presentations on Islamic faith, science, and scripture.

Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities Forum Kickoff Dinner

Nov. 16 at 6 p.m. | Sikes Lake Center | Enjoy food and good company with the members of the Office of Undergraduate Research and EURECA presenters.

Undergraduate Research Forum

Nov. 17 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. | CSC Atrium | Take a walk through the atrium and see various posters from students participating in undergraduate research for EURECA.

Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run

Nov. 17 from 5 to 7 p.m. | Sikes Lake Trail | All are welcome to participate in our Annual Turkey Trot 5K Fun Run/Walk. This is a free event. There will be light snacks, music, free T-shirts, and of course, two frozen turkeys will be given to the winners!

Simply An Angel

Nov. 17 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Sikes Lake Center | All supplies are included. All levels of artists are welcome. RSVP to MSU Continuing Education to reserve your spot and to ensure all materials can be provided for you. Feel free to bring your favorite beverage and/or snack! $40 plus $5 supply fee.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Nov. 17 from 8 to 9:30 p.m. | Sunwatcher Plaza | Transgender Day of Remembrance is an annual observation that honors the memory of those whose lives were lost in acts of anti-transgender violence. Come join PRIDE in this candlelight vigil as we share stories, memorialize, and show awareness of hate crimes against transgender people. We encourage you to bring a story of how hate crimes against the transgender community can harshly affect their lives. For more information, please contact christophercruz0503@ yahoo.com

Cross Current International Exchange Show: U.S.-Japan

Nov. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Wichita Falls Museum of Art | Organized in reciprocation for the March 2015 exhibition at The Tokyo Museum of Modern Art, the invitational exhibition presents artwork by 20 American and 11 Japanese artists.

Self-Defense Training for Women Nov. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. | Sikes Lake Center | The Police Department is pleased to announce its first Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) self-defense course for MSU women. The goal of this course is to enhance basic knowledge in several key areas, including basic women’s selfdefense options, self-empowerment, and danger awareness. Presentation format will include both lecture and practical exercises; participants will be given the opportunity to learn and apply certain techniques including strikes, kicks, and floor exercises.

Spanish Conversation

Fantasy of Lights Opening Ceremony

Nov. 17 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. | ProthroYeager 204 | Do you speak Spanish but need to practice? Or already speak it, but are looking for an opportunity to speak? Come to this informal discussion group for all levels.

Nov. 21 at 6 p.m. | Hardin Lawn | Join us as we light up the Fantasy of Lights displays for the holiday season. Open through December 25, Sunday-Thursday from dusk to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from dusk to 11 p.m.

Woodwind Chamber Ensemble

Fantasy of Lights Wind Ensemble

Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. | Akin Auditorium

Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. | Akin Auditorium

A Christmas Carol

Thanksgiving Holiday

Nov. 17, 18, 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 and 20 at 2:30 p.m.| Fain Fine Arts Theatre | Get in the Christmas mood with the theater department’s production of A Christmas Carol. More showings throughout the weekend. Free for students, faculty and staff with MSU ID.

Nov. 22 at 10 p.m. | Gobble gobble! Have a great Thanksgiving break from The Wichitan staff — eat lots of turkey, stuffing, and pies. We will see you on Monday!

6 | Nov. 16, 2016 | Straight Bi

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n n 20.8% 47.4% Straight Bi-Sexual

Self-defense: protection in the face of assault JEANETTE PERRY REPORTER

eading home from class at night. Taking a shortcut to get back to the dorm. Alone. Someone is approaching. The Rape Aggression Defense training class is available for females on campus to learn how to defend themselves in just such situations. The last of the classes is Nov. 18. University police officer Megan Johnson said she’s teaching the basic skills needed to help to defend oneself in the event of an attack. “Just the very basics of self-defense,” Johnson said. “If someone has you pinned on your stomach or your back on the ground attemptStraight ing to assault you, how to maneuver and get up and get ready to prepare to fight.” Bi The women in attendance during the Nov. 11 class had a variety of reasons to register for Lesbian the class. “I guess there has been a lot of discussion in the news and on college campuses about being aware of your surroundings and assaults, attacks, and stuff like that,” Angelica Symonette, exercise physiology senior, said. “You always hope it doesn’t happen to you but the when a class like this comes up you should take advantage of it because if something does happen to you, you know what to do.” Johnna Lynn Weigand, administrative assistant, said that being a single individual, living along prompted her to take the class. “Basically living by myself and being a single individual you’re never too safe,” Weigand False Report (max) said. “I had never done anything like this so I wanted to try it.” Not Reported Mallory Evangelista, English junior, credReported its society with her decision to take the class. “I wanted to learn how to better defend myself just because of present day society,” Evangelista said. The class focused on some key concepts: knee strike, sweep kick, strike kick, hammer strike, and defensive stances. Crystal Boyle, assistant director of distance education, said that her daughter Avery was the reason she chose to do this class. “My daughter had mentioned wanting to do a class because of some things that have recently happened at some of the high schools,” Boyle said. “When I got the flier for the course I thought it would be a great thing for us to

reported sexual violence40.2% in life time Gay

MALE REPORTED SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN LIFE TIME SOURCE: NATIONAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER

43.3%

46.4%

74.9%

reported sexual violence in life time

n n n 20.8% 47.4% 40.2% Straight Bi-Sexual Lesbian

FEMALE REPORTED SEXUAL VIOLENCE IN LIFE TIME SOURCE: NATIONAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER

10% 36.7% 63.3%

reported rapes

n n n 20.8% 47.4% 40.2% Straight Bi-Sexual Lesbian REPORTED RAPES SOURCE: NATIONAL SEXUAL VIOLENCE RESOURCE CENTER

PHOTO BY JEANETTE PERRY | THE WICHITAN

Dejonna Walker, athletic training freshman, demonstrates a knee strike at the women’s selfdefense class at Sikes Lake Center Nov. 11. do together, both to learn tools to defend ourselves and create opportunity for us to talk about safety and making good choices to help avoid certain scenarios.” Self-empowerment and confidence are two things Johnson hopes females on campus get out of taking a self-defense class. “I want them to have that confidence that they can keep fighting. They don’t have to give in and let the man attack them,” Johnson said. “It’s that confidence, self-empowerment that they need.” There were some valuable take-a-ways as a result of taking this class. Dejonna Walker, athletic training freshman, said, “[What she learned was] how to articulate better. That’s an important factor.” The program steps and repetition are also part of the last effect of this class. “Basic steps, being able to protect yourself. Always make eye contact and protect your head,” Symonette said. “You have to look

91%

victims of rape are female

victims of rape are male

of rapes happen at work

around and if you see someone coming to you let them know ‘I see you.’” Some said they are more confident while others stated it was a combination of the two. “Yes and no,” Symonette said. “Yes, I know the steps and what to do but no, if something happens to you, you still have that moment of ‘oh my gosh,’ that panic but then hopefully your training will kick in.” Taking a single class isn’t enough for the skills to be second nature so training like this needs to be on-going for the best results, according to Johnson. “Practice is what you need to do to maintain a level of skills in self-defense,” Johnson said “Even if you just take this once, continue practicing.” The overwhelming thought is a reminder that every female is at risk for an attack and that no one is immune. “Society always thinks that it wouldn’t ever be them because it’s talked about, but you just assume it’s not going to be me when the numbers and everything points to the fact that it could always be you,” Walker said. “It truly doesn’t hurt to help find out some things on the off chance that it is you.” Weigand agreed that you can never be too safe when it comes to being attacked. “You can never be too safe,” Weigand said. “You always have the mentality that it’s not going to happen to me, well it may happen to you one day when you don’t know if you’ll be assaulted, mugged or whatever. You don’t know what’s going to happen.”

TIPS TO PREVENT AN ATTACK:

• Walk in groups. • If you’re alone call a friend or let someone know where you’re going. • Be aware of your surroundings. Scan everything around you. • Hold your keys so that they might become a weapon. • Use your voice. Tell someone approaching very loudly to stay back. • Redirect your path if you feel uncomfortable. • Stay in the light. Avoid alleys and dark places. • Take someone with you.

90% 63.3% of rapes are not reported

of rapists admitted to committing repeat rapes

| Nov. 16, 2016 | 7

PHOTO BY TOPHER G. MCGEHEE | THE WICHITAN

Marcus Wilkerson mechanical engineering freshman holds tightly to an Eastern New Mexico causing a group tackle on Nov. 12.

Football’s journey to playoffs

Mustangs cinch last spot in playoff bracket KELSEY PURCELL REPORTER

hree seconds. In just three seconds, the team thought its season was over. The game against Eastern New Mexico University on Nov. 12 decided whether or not the Mustangs would be conference champions, or potentially put an end to their season. In the final seconds of the game, the Greyhounds scored the winning touchdown, and left the Mustangs without a conference championship and a feeling that their season was over. However, the team received the news on Nov. 13 that they claimed the seventh and final spot in the NCAA Division II playoffs. To spectators, it may have seemed like the entire season was defined based off of just those three short seconds, but as the Mustangs continue their journey in advancing to the playoffs, they reflect on everything it took to get them there. “We’ve never given up. Nobody on the team has given up. There have been some games where it seemed like maybe we were out of it, maybe we couldn’t come

back, but we always just keep playing because we still have a chance,” Quade Coward, senior quarterback, said.

CLOSE GAMES

There were many close games for the Mustangs this season, where they fought back in the last few minutes of the game to come back and win. Coward described how those moments feel. “We’ve come from behind in what feels like a 2-minute drill pretty much every game,” Coward said. “I try not to overthink things. It’s just a matter of existing for those few seconds before I either take the ball myself or get the ball into the hands of the guys who are going to make the plays. Those guys are the true heroes and the backbone of this team.” Drew Bolin, sophomore linebacker, agreed. “There have been lots of games where we were down, and it came down to the last minute, and we came back and won,” Bolin said. One of those games includes the

team’s game against No. 4 ranked Texas A&M-Commerce where the Mustangs fought back in the final minute of the game to continue a four-game-winningstreak, and steal the Lion’s national ranking. “Beating Commerce this year was a redemption shot for us since they beat us last year,” Bolin said. “It felt great.” However, the week after beating Angelo State University, the team ended its six game winning-streak in a heartbreaking loss to West Texas A&M. “That was a scary moment, but I never had any doubt that we’d be able to bounce back,” Coward said.

COME BACK

And comeback they did. The next weekend during the team’s Homecoming game, the Mustangs defeated the UT Permian Basin 76-21. “When we started the game against Permian Basin, and landed that huge throw, and then the next play Vinny ran it in, it was just like bang, bang,” Coward said. “That was one of my favorite mo-

ments because we truly started the game off fast, and never looked back.” The team continued into its next game keeping on that same mindset as it took on its rival, Tarleton State University. “One big moment I really liked was when [Tristan] Shearman got the gamewinning interception against Tarleton, then we got to do our victory formation, and take a knee,” Coward said. “It was a team effort. When we start clicking, it looks beautiful.” Rich Renner, defensive coordinator, agreed that the wins were a thing of beauty. “A lot of our wins had a lot of the grace of God in a sense that everything had to play out just perfectly for those wins to happen,” Renner said. “We could not have written a better movie script, or chapter in a book.” That big victory against Tarleton put the Mustangs in a position to claim the title of Conference Champions as long as they could win their last game of the season against Eastern New Mexico

see JOURNEY pg. 5

NOV. 19, 2016 | 11 A.M. | #15 FERRIS STATE (MICH.) | NCAA PLAYOFFS FIRST ROUND | BIG RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

8 | Nov. 16, 2016 | SEPT. 24 | W 42-24

PHOTO BY IZZIEL LATOUR | THE WICHITAN

Quade Coward, exercise physiology, prepares to pass the ball during the game against Oklahoma Panhandle state Sept. 24.

OCT. 1 6 | W 28-21

from JOURNEY pg. 7 University. It seemed like everything was going their way, but then, devastation. The team lost in the last three seconds of the game, losing not only the championship title, but also a guaranteed spot in the playoffs. “I felt really sad, especially for all of the seniors. They were all depressed thinking that was the last football game they’d ever play,” Bolin said. Coward, who has played a crucial role in the success of this season and even has a hashtag started by his teammates “#In14WeTrust,” was one of those seniors. “The scariest part was not knowing whether or not I was done forever,” Coward said. “We had little mistakes all game. There were many opportunities to put points on the board, or stop a run, so it wasn’t all about that final play.” Renner said he thinks that moment was a time for the team to grow. “We had to learn to be on the other side of it, and lose a close ball game with three seconds to go after we were up, and you only hope that our character, our team bonding, our discipline, and the mental state of our team are strong enough to handle that stuff,” Renner said. Adam Hill, senior linebacker, said the loss did not discourage him because of the strong bond the players share. “This team has been in plenty of tight spots together. We’ve been in situations where the world is kind of falling down around us, and we have come together in those situations, and have come out on top many times. That’s how we know we can count on each other,” Hill said.

THE BRACKET

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Linebacker Tristan Sherman, geoscience sophomore stopping a play at the MWSU vs. Angelo State game Oct. 16.

Hope was not lost. The team met on Nov. 13 to watch the playoff brackets come up. “I was sweating, my heart was pounding. We didn’t know if we were going to make it, we see the other names popping up on the board, then we see Commerce come up as No. 4, and that made me start to worry even more,” Coward said. “Sure enough, we popped up on the board shortly after them. The whole anxiety of that was gone immediately, and the excitement started to creep in. We’re getting another opportunity. There’s way too much talent on this team to not be playing still. We got another chance.” All of the players share his excitement. “It’s a very special feeling knowing that you’re one of 28 teams left playing. At the end of the season you look back, and you appreciate and you’re very honored and humbled for the opportunity to be in the playoffs. It’s a remarkable feat to do,”

OCT. 29 | W 76 - 2 1

PHOTO BY TOPHER G. MCGEHEE | THE WICHITAN

Marcus Wilkerson mechanical engineering freshman holds tightly to an Eastern New Mexico causing a group tackle on Nov. 12.

Renner said. “We feel that God has a plan for us, just because of how we lost on Saturday, I truly believe He has something bigger for us in the playoffs.” Being able to go to playoffs took more than the players just showing up on Saturday evenings. There is much more to their story. “It’s practice, it’s meetings, it’s film, it’s weights, it’s conditioning,” Renner said. “For us to come together at the end of the game when it counts, to be able to have the courage, the togetherness, the camaraderie to rebound, and to be able to take the lead, and be able to hold the lead to win the football game takes a lot of character and discipline and hard work.” Renner said there is a special type of discipline that must be achieved in the game of football. “There’s 11 people who have to be on the same page every play of every game in order for it to be successful,” Renner said. “If one guy breaks down, if one guy goes the wrong way, if one guy false starts, if one guy misses his block, if one guy misses a tackle, it effects the whole team.” The team says it is able to connect on the field because of the bond the players have off of the field. “I think our story is just a bunch of normal guys, talented guys, from totally different backgrounds. Nobody is the same person, and somehow we all make it work, we all mesh together,” Coward said. Bolin agreed. “We’re all really close,” Bolin said.

CLOSE-KNIT PLAYERS

The team even has a special bond with people outside of its program. At the beginning of the season, during fall camp, there was an attempted robbery of Leroy McIlhaney, the program’s biggest fan’s, bike. The players protected their own, and chased down the thief. “We were going to lunch. I was just walking down the street, and I hear Coach Renner yelling from behind me ‘hey, stop that guy!’ and I turned around, and saw a guy on Leroy’s bike. I knew that wasn’t right, so I took off running, and chased after him, and tackled him to the ground,” Hill said. “As soon as I took action I had 50 other dudes running right behind me, so I think that speaks a lot about the kind of people we have on this team.” Additionally, the team reached out to a local Pop Warner team. “We had some Pop Warner kids who came and played, scrimmaged and practiced on our field one day after our practice, and to see our kids go over there and play with those

NOV. 1 2 | L 3 0 - 2 8

PHOTO BY TOPHER G. MCGEHEE | THE WICHITAN

Quade Coward exercise physiology senior breaks free from an Eastern New Mexico defender Nov. 12.

young kids, and see those young kids’ faces and how they looked up to our players, and to watch them coach [the kids] on how to catch a ball, it was just neat to see,” Renner said. “Those kids wanted to play so hard because they knew that Midwestern’s football team was watching them. It was neat to see an older generation helping out a younger generation.” Later in the season, a player’s mother was in the hospital in critical condition, and the group came together yet again for one of their own. “[A player’s] mom was in the hospital and they thought she was going to die, and we prayed as a team. I don’t know whether it helped or not, but I guarantee it helped him on a comfort level to let him know that we have his back,” Renner said. Renner said that with the chaos going on in the country right now with people fighting over their differences, it is nice to have something to bring everyone together. “Sports break down the walls and the barriers of our society. Everybody gets along, and has a common denominator. There’s not bickering, and there’s not a color issue, and there’s not a religious issue, it’s all about football. We’re all on the same team,” Renner said. Renner said he hopes to continue this trend of togetherness in the playoffs. “We’ve never won an away game in the playoffs,” Renner said. “We want to buy another week to spend together as a team because once this season is over, the seniors leave, and the younger guys take over, and then you filter in new freshmen.” Coward added that the team is going into the playoffs with momentum in their favor. “Every year that we’ve gone to the playoffs in the last six years has been off of a high, like a big victory or winning the conference. We’ve never gone into the playoffs having lost the game the week before, so I think that’ll be a huge deal,” Coward said. “How we responded to losing to West Texas this year, and how it felt losing on Saturday will be a huge driving factor to succeed this Saturday.” On the contrary, Bolin said he wants to forget about the past and start fresh. “It’s a new year in the playoffs, we start off 0-0. It’s the most important game of the year. I hope we have a good week of practice because we’re playing a very good team,” Bolin said. Overall, Renner said the team and coaching staff are very proud of their accomplishments. “These young men have accomplished a lot. I take my hat off to our team, I’m just so proud of them,” Renner said. “They represent Midwestern State well.”