December 4, 2019 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Sports

News

“...hope the race war comes soon...”

Media

13-15

Dec. 4, 2019 | thewichitan.com |Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 84 No. 5

Pep Band

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Day in the Life

Comic

WE WISH ALL STUDENTS GOOD LUCK IN THEIR FINAL EXAMS!

10-11

CAMPU S VOI CE

L E TTE R F RO M T H E E D I TO R

How student media changed my college experience

ost freshmen come in wideeyed, bushy-tailed and ready for new experiences. As a senior in high school, I was so ready to have the freedom to do what I wanted whenever I wanted, get away from my three younger siblings, meet new people and build lasting relationships. I had a rude awakening my first two months of school. I was having a hard time making friends, couldn’t find a place where I fit in and I was extremely homesick. I would go home every weekend because I missed my friends and family. My second semester. I decided science was not my forte so I changed my major from athletic training to mass communication even though I had no idea what mass communication was. This was probably the best decision I made during my four years at Midwestern. When I changed my major, I took a class called “media writing and reporting.” This class worked closely with our school newspaper The Wichitan. I started writing for them as I was writing for my class and fell in love with it. I loved the people I met, and I slowly started coming out of my shell. The people working in the office were pretty weird, but it had an accepting environment. People from all walks of life and backgrounds congregated here and

worked together to produce a quality product for campus enjoyment. I like to think I found my niche. After working for The Wichitan as a volunteer-reporter for two and a half years, I had the crazy idea to apply to be the editor. I never really thought that I would get the position, but I did. It is the craziest experience, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it! During my time at The Wichitan, I have gained longlasting friendships, real-word experiences in my field as well as great college memories. After countless semester-end parties and graduations, it’s my turn to leave the nest. In this last semester at the paper, we have changed many things. My team has changed the style of our paper, rebranded it, created new content and worked tirelessly on Tuesday nights to produce an amazing newsmagazine for the student body’s enjoyment. I could not have asked for a better team to end my time as the editor. I am proud of my time here and what we have accomplished. If I am to leave some parting advice for the first-semester freshman, it would be to get out of your comfort zone and find your niche. Don’t be afraid to visit as many clubs, organizations and meetings you can find. You never know where you’ll find your place.

ComplicitMSU is back

idwestern State University has not done enough to address its deeply rooted history and culture of sexism, sexual assault, harassment and racism. During my time as a student, I have concluded from the total lack of action on the university’s part that the hostile climate is reinforced through administrators who are not “committed to providing a safe, inclusive community.” #ComplicitMSU was formed in the spring of 2018 as a platform for students’ concerns that were being silenced. The overall goal was to demand accountability for the learning environment that was being promoted as safe and inclusive while actually being a toxic dumpster fire that promoted violence and harassment. We were gaslighted by administrators who told us our concerns were not valid, scolded for speaking out, and some even lost student jobs on campus as a direct result of questioning what actions the administrators were going to take to mend the toxic culture they help reinforce. It was clear then and it’s clear now; Midwestern State University is not committed to providing a safe or an inclusive community for students, staff or faculty. While I maintained the @complicitmsu twitter, I received, on average, five messages per day for several months detailing individual accounts of sexual assaults, stalking, racism, harassment and improper interactions between students and faculty. What started as a campaign advocating action on cases of sexual assault and harassment, quickly evolved to address the broader issue of the campus’s systemic problem that perpetuates

EDITORS: Alyssa Mitchell, Kristin Silva PHOTO EDITOR: Bridget Reilly Vol. 84 | No. 5

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

DESIGNER: Brittni Vilandre

BUSINESS MANAGER: Jeri Moore ISSUE STAFF: Amos Perkins, Brian Lang, Khirstia Sheffield, Matthew Tempelmeyer, Dallas Wabbington, Omar Combie, Colin Stevenson, Stephanie Robeldo, Micah Wilson, Brendan Wynne, Elijah Lee, Cole Sheriff

ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

a culture of violence and harassment. It is no secret that the campus has been plastered with flyers promoting racist, sexist and xenophobic causes. I have documented and removed three flyers over the course of three years. Others have gone to the police department to report the signs only to have nothing done about them. One flyer titled “Save the Males” was encouraged by a former faculty member of MSU. Faculty and staff on campus face abuse too. It was reported that a box of bananas was left in a residence hall with the note “For your n-word employees.” This event was made private by the housing director. This housing director also demanded it is kept quiet that individuals with no-contact orders were allowed to be RAs with access to room keys, that an RA accused of sexual misconduct would only have a weekend suspension as punishment, and that removing individuals who questioned these actions be removed from their positions. These are just a few of the things that have happened. The list could go on and on. The point is that the list is still going on and on because no real impact has been made. No real action has happened. No one in the administration has taken the step to critically examine the system they stand on and attempt to enforce meaningful policy. The administrators are cowards for choosing the voices of hate. The administrators are cowards for hiding behind empty words. The administrators are cowards for allowing a culture that supports white supremacy, sexual assault and harassment, and violence on their campus.

Copyright ©2019. First copy free. Additional copies $1.00 each. 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. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. 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.

M OV I E R E V I E W

‘Knives Out’

builds a smart, funny mystery A

murder in convenient habit of throwing up an ornate whenever she tells a lie. She easmansion, ily holds her own against these contentious heirs acting giants and crafts her chargathering for a acter in sharp contrast to those funeral and an around her. While the other charoff-kilter detecacters are scheming and selfish, tive looking for Brian de Armas plays Marta as sympaanswers. Rian Lang thetic and relatable. Johnson’s newest blockbuster “Knives Out” Craig introduces Detective sounds like the setup for a game Blanc with a thick southern of “Clue,” but its mystery can’t be drawl, and his piercing blue eyes solved by the powers of deducobserve everything, directing the PHOTO COURTESY OF IMBD tion alone. audience to some clues while diWhen author-millionaire Jamie Lee Curtis, Don Johnson, Toni Collette, Michael Shannon, Riki Lindhome, Jaeden Martell, and Katherine Langford in verting them from others. Harlan Thrombey (Christopher Knives Out (2019). Blanc and Marta guide the Plummer) is found dead in the 21st century with its clutch of high caliber Slick editing and clean writing ease the process audience through the game of cat and mouse, his mansion, his family gathers at the counactors, twisty plotlines and delicious comedy. along though, and the story speeds up after and Johnson rigs the game to always give the try estate to lay claim to the family fortune. Johnson masterfully directs the murder mys- that. Thrombey threw an extravagant 85th birthday viewer just a little more information than the tery that has the logic and tension of a clasThe cast is comprised of some of the biggest party the night of his death and although there characters know on-screen. sic mystery novel paired with the comedy of a names in Hollywood, and each role, no matwere many alleged disputes with his children, “Knives Out” presents a mystery that will blockbuster hit. ter how small, has juicy moments. Standouts they all claim to have been on good terms with keep viewers guessing until the last scenes and The dialogue, editing and casting keep the include Jaime Lee Curtis as the self-assured their father at the time of his death. feeling foolish for missing so many obvious story snappy, grabbing the audience’s attendaughter, Toni Collette as the zany daughterDetective Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) is tion from the start and refusing to let go un- in-law, and Chris Evans who plays against hints. Johnson lulls the audience into thinking called to the mansion on the day of the will til the last frame. The plot and characters feel typecast as the sarcastic jerk and grandson to the case is wrapped up from the start and takes reading to hear another round of interviews that sense of security to the bank as he builds overwhelming at first as the audience is forced Harlan, Ransom Drysdale. from the family, and what appears to be a suito sort through the half-dozen Thrombeys and Ana de Armas plays the star of the mys- the mystery around us. “Knives Out” creates a cide might be something much more sinister. connect how they’re all related to one another. tery, Harlan’s kind nurse Marta, who has a crime that won’t easily be forgotten. “Knives Out” feels like Agatha Christie for

C O M I C W I N N E R : DAW SON DAW K I NS

A BROKE STUDENT RECIPE DALLAS WABBINGTON REPORTER

FOOD R E V I EW

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers: not terrible, but not great

ith the holidays around the corner, food dishes are a must, so why not take the lazy way out? This oven-baked cheesy potato recipe requires patience, a few ingredients and a big stomach.

Ingredients: • 3 Yukon potatoes (serves 4) • 2/3 cup milk • 3/4 heavy cream • 2 cloves garlic (minced) • 3/4 teaspoon salt • black pepper • 3 cups shredded cheddar

Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 350F. 2. Cut the potatoes into small cubes. If you don’t like the skin of the potato, skin before cutting into cubes. 3. Place all of the ingredients into a bowl, except for one cup of the shredded cheddar and mix. 4. Pour the mix into a three quart baking dish. Make sure to evenout the potatoes to ensure even cooking. 5. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 60 minutes or until the potatoes are tender. 6. Remove the foil and add the last cup of cheese on top. Bake until the cheese is golden. 7. Let the dish rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Sprinkle parsley on top if desired.

IF YOU FOLLOWED THIS RECIPE, POST A PICTURE AND TAG US ON INSTAGRAM OR TWITTER. @wichitanonline

@Wichitanonline

PHOTO BY JERI MOORE | THE WICHITAN

Double steakburger California style (left) bacon and cheese double steakburger (right) and a Reese’s concrete (right center).

hin, crispy steakburgers, shoestring potatoes and frozen custard caused long lines in the drive-through outside of the restaurant. An employee stood outside handing out paper copies of the menu to waiting cars with a smile on her face. The Wichita, Kansas based company that went global found its way to 4002 Jeri Call Field Road in Wichita Falls and opened its Moore doors on Nov. 19. When we finally made it to the drive-through speaker we already knew what we wanted thanks to their thoughtful planning. One bacon and cheese double steakburger combo, one double steakburger California style combo and a Reeses concrete made it to our car in minutes and we were off. The order was all correct. On our way home the car smelled like heaven. I clutched the little greasy bag to my heart, thinking about the new restaurant and whatever a custard may be. I was an excited custard virgin ready for the experience. We were sup-

posed to wait until we got home to eat but the shoestring potatoes called me. Maybe I hallucinated that part. I’m a potato fiend — a fry addict if you will. I had to stuff the bottom of my fry container for the picture. The flat, crispy burgers weren’t quite what I had expected. It tasted as if the only seasoning to the meat was salt. I was sad, but they were new and it was their first day. Cooked to order food and busy lanes can easily make a new employee forget a step like that. But I can appreciate that the buttery little buns weren’t drenched in grease. I’m sure the seasoning issue will improve with time but almost $40 for two people is a bit much to make this a regular thing. After my meal, I was finally able to try my dessert. The first time I would ever have custard. I took one bite and I became a little sad. It tasted like a McDonald’s soft serve with Reeses in it. Maybe I had built it up too much in my head, but now the question is, does Freddy’s custard taste like soft serve or does soft serve taste like custard? I may never know.

RESTURANT RATING

3/5

L O C AT I O N : 4 0 0 2 C A L L FI EL D R D . W I C HI TA FA L L S , T X 76308 H O U RS O F O P ER AT I O N : SUN DAY- T H UR SDAY 1 0 : 3 0 A . M . - 1 0 P.M . FRI DAY-SAT URDAY 10:30 A .M .- 11 P.M .

CAMPUS LACKS

AVEGAN OPTIONSB

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

The vegan options at Mesquite Dining Hall Dec 3. STEPHANIE ROBELDO REPORTER

idwestern State University, like most universities, requires its on-campus residents to buy a meal plan to ensure that all students eat and stay healthy. Students are given a variety of meal options that caters to all the different diets, but there has been several students that feel that MSU does not properly accommodate the vegan diet. “They need to make more options besides salad and veggie burgers,” Katherine Kurylas, political science freshman, said. The lack of vegan options has been one of the biggest complaints from students. Other universities of the same size like Texas Women University and West Texas A&M University, have little variety too. These schools have about three different vegan entrees, which do not accommodate the students’ needs, and the students are still required to pay for the food they cannot eat. “Sadly, I had to get a meal plan. It was horrible. I went to all of the departments to get it changed, but I couldn’t,” Sabrina Ayala, business sophomore, said. All students living on campus are required to buy a meal plan because there is no guarantee they will eat without it. Some students have felt the meal plan was unnecessary, especially if they do not use it due to lack of variety. “They can do more dishes because there is no nutri-

tional value in any of the food they are feeding me. I became vegan for the health benefits, yet there’s nothing healthy here for a vegan to eat,” Kurylas said. Another complaint has been the lack of nutrition in the food served in the cafeteria. Students do not feel they are being served food with the best nutrition which goes hand-in-hand with the variety of food available. If there are not multiple choices of food, students are not able to have a full healthy meal. “I’m not gonna opt-out and eat a salad because I don’t eat salads. There’s no real nutritional value in just having iceberg lettuce with a couple of cherry tomatoes on it,” Ayala said. “It does nothing for me and sure, I can probably season it with Italian dressing, but what would that do? Where’s the nutritional value in that? It’s just a bunch of oil.” Salads make up the majority of the vegan menu, but vegan students eat more than just salads. When looking for other options outside of the cafeteria, MSU has Maverick’s Corner and restaurants such as Burrito Bowl, Chick-fil-A, Grill Nation, Starbucks and Einstein Bros. Bagels. “They tell you to go to Burrito Bowl... that’s a meal swipe, which is one time a day. I go to Einstein’s because it is basically the one thing I can eat. But going there every morning and having to sprint to class just so I have something in my stomach that doesn’t require me to go to Burrito Bowl or Maverick’s. I can’t even hold a Maverick’s sub without it having grease on it and eating grease every day isn’t healthy for you,” Ayala said. There are multiple food chains within the campus, but very few cater to vegan students. TWU and WTAMU also have food chains on campus, but the options these schools offer are more vegan-friendly with restaurants such as “Which Wich Superior Sandwiches” and “The Green Table.” Not only are the vegan options within the restaurants limited, but students can only go there once a day until they have to start paying if they want more, which leaves most to go to the cafeteria at least once a day too. “The cafeteria, even though they say they do offer options, only have a select variety of fruits from cans or let’s say french fries. What am I suppose to do with some pineapples, mandarins and french fries? Where’s the nutrition in that? Where’s the protein? Where’s the fiber? The grains? There’s nothing there. I could never have a full, actual plate-portion meal there and it’s ridiculous,” Ayala said.

Vegan students struggle to find food they can eat within the school that follows their diet and is healthy. They call for MSU to include a greater variety of food that caters to all diets within the campus. “It doesn’t have to be strictly vegan options, you don’t have to make a full course meal for vegans, but have more options. Having avocados can make a difference. Having just rice with actual seasoning on it could make a difference. Having beans could make a difference; I know that sounds very stereotypical, the Mexican girl wants rice and beans, but honestly, rice, beans and veggies could complete a dish,” Ayala said.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHARTWELLS

ACTIVITIES

LAST EDITIONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ANSWERS

Sudoku created by Kristin Silva

Wordsearch created by Kristin Silva

Comic created by Dallas Wabbington

Crossword created by Matthew Tempelmeyer

The other cheerleaders

PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Education sophomore Nathan Blain plays the drums during a time-out at the women’s basketball game against Henderson State Dec. 2. | Music education junior Jason Grubenhoff cheers on the women’s basketball team. AMOS PERKINS REPORTER

hat the pep band lacks in pompoms and megaphones, they make up for with cheers, jeers and energy. When fans enter the Colosseum for a maroon and gold basketball game, they know the players on the court won’t be the only ones putting on a show for them. The band is active throughout the entire contest, playing tunes during breaks in the action and taunting the opposing team when play resumes. While the band is far from the action on the field during football games, they set up just feet away from the court during basketball games. “I personally enjoy basketball games a lot more [than football games] because they are much easier to get into,” Noah Johnston, euphonium player and history freshman, said. Some band members prefer playing at basketball games rather than football games because there are fewer restrictions on what they can and can’t do. There are less rules and since there are fewer people in the pep band, it is eas-

ier for band members to express them“I think we as a collective do things in selves freely. the spur of the moment, without much “I prefer basketball thought,” Johnston said. games more than foot“I think that’s a part of ball because I have a the fun though.” far better understandOne of the band’s ing of basketball, and signatures is dancing the atmosphere is more and making as much relaxed,” Lilian Adams, noise as possible during trombone player and opposing team’s free music education sophthrows. Often times, the omore, said. band’s actions are more The tradition of spontaneous than that. cheering and poking They yell out air ball fun at the opposition when a player misses is one that the band the rim completely, has done for years and hype up a Mustang athit continues to be emlete when they make a braced by the new crop good play and do everyof performers. Accordthing in their power to ing to the band memdisrupt the opposition’s bers, it wasn’t one perplay. son’s idea to do more “If I had to pick [a PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN than just play their Computer science junior Evan favorite thing we do], it instruments. Players Jackson plays the sousaphone at would be when we call began to invest them- the women’s basketball game. out players names on selves in the game, and the opposing team and these traditions slowly came to be cus- give them joke advice or even incorrect tomary as a result. advice,” Johnston said. “Or we say the

actions they are doing out loud as if we were people hired to do audio descriptions.” While the home crowd is rallied by their pep band, the band’s actions have been known to irritate the opponents on more than one occasion. The away team’s players can often be seen glaring off the court to see who’s jeering at them. Even the players on the bench have exchanged words with the band on occasion. The band just sees that as an encouragement to keep going. “We have 100% upset the other team before. I enjoy it because they play exactly into what we want them to do,” Johnston said. “We want them to get angry with us [and] get their heads out of the game. If they are so focused on being mad at us, they don’t focus on the game, and that gives our team a chance to wipe the floor with them.” The pep band may be loud, but their numbers are low compared to the number of performers who go to the football games. The pep band is not required, so band performers are less likely to join it compared to the marching band. READ MORE ONLINE

DECEMBER GRADUATES REFLECT ON MICAH WILSON REPORTER

ecember is here! For some students that means cold weather, Christmas lights and hot cocoa. For seniors, December means graduation, an exciting time filled with bittersweet endings and exciting beginnings. With a total of 512 December graduates this semester, seniors will be ceremoniously completing their final year of college and entering into a new chapter of life. For some this means entering the job field, while still others will return to school to achieve a higher degree. However, one thing remains consistent for every prospective graduate. Each senior will have the opportunity to symbolically walk across the stage and leave an MSU alumni.

Q: WHAT ARE YOUR FEELINGS TOWARDS GRADUATION DAY?

A: For athletic training senior, Elizabeth Corriere, graduation day is a mixture of both tension and excitement. “I’m nervous about graduation, but beyond ready for it to be here,” Corriere said. “I’m ready to get out into my field and make a difference, as well as earn some money, but I’m also very nervous to practice on my own.” Economics senior Keith Domino said he is ready to finally attain his degree but also nervous to enter a new chapter. “It’s a bittersweet feeling,” Domino said. “On one end, I’m excited and relieved to have finished out my goal of graduating and getting my degree, but on the other hand I feel like I’m going into the unknown which also makes me very anxious.”

Q: WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED FOR AFTER GRADUATION?

A: For psychology senior Kenna Williams, excitement stems from her plans to change environments and enter her field of work. “I’m most excited to go to Washington,

College Experiences

D.C. after graduation to work with the US Marshals Service Behavioral Analysis Unit and further my knowledge in criminal psychology,” Williams said. On the other hand, psychology senior Elijah Kirkland is simply ready for a school-free life. “I am most excited for no schoolwork and no homework,” Kirkland said.

Q: WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART OF YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE?

A: Sports and leisure senior Austan Davis said his greatest difficulties have been in handling his various responsibilities. “My hardest thing I’ve had to deal with since being at MSU has been learning how to responsibly take care of all my business,” Davis said. “But I have learned to manage really well.” Exercise physiology senior Taylor Robinson said hard times surfaced from having to figure out how to properly maintain all aspects of her life without the aid of her family. “The hardest thing about my college experience was balancing a social life, my soccer schedule, and school studies,” Robinson said. “Also having to work through hard situations without my parents.”

to play soccer every year,” Stewart said. Corriere said her favorite part of being a college student was meeting new people and learning from them. “The best part of my college experience was all the different people I’ve met along the way,” Corriere said. “Everyone has their own story and their own experiences that have shaped them, and they then shape the people around them.”

Q: WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY FROM THE PAST FOUR YEARS?

A: Exercise physiology senior Dillon Pineda recalled his favorite memories as being successes on the tennis court. “My favorite memory was being able to compete on the tennis team for four years and make it to the national quarterfinals for three of those years,” Pineda said. Exercise physiology senior Brittany Williams said her fellow classmates were at the center of her best times. “My favorite memory the past 4 years is probably getting to know and make friends with fellow ex phys majors,” Williams said. “Classes wouldn’t have been the same without most of them.”

Q: WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU HAVE LEARNED HERE?

Q: WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF A: For Williams, the greatest takeaway YOUR COLLEGE EXPERIENCE? was learning to balance a busy schedule. A: For chemistry senior Sarah Stewart, the most valuable part of her four years was her relationships made and experience as a college athlete. “The best part of my college experience was making lifelong friends and being able

“The most important thing I learned is time management,” Williams said. “Being an athlete while working at the same time and keeping my grades up required me to stay organized and schedule out my days way ahead of time.”

Kirkland said he learned to efficiently take care of his responsibilities. “The most important thing I learned was to stay on top of all things administration,” Kirkland said. “FAFSA, housing and advising are very important.”

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT ATTENDING MSU?

A: Robinson said favors the university for providing her with unforgettable memories and community involvement. “My favorite thing at MSU was meeting all my best friends, creating memories that I will never forget,” Robinson said. “I also love how the community is involved with the school.” For Davis, his favorite thing about the university was the character and personality the school carries within its student body. “I enjoy how personable everyone at MSU is,” Davis said. “You develop a lot of quality relationships after being here for so long.

Q: WHAT MAKES YOU MOST PROUD TO BECOME AN MSU ALUMNUS?

A: Domino said he is proud to have come from a school that has strengthened him both physically and mentally. “The thing that makes me most proud to be an [alumnus] is knowing what it took to get to this point,” Domino said. “The countless hours of football practice and training, the amount of studying I’ve done, and the different tragedies that have happened over the years have made me stronger.” Stewart said she is proud to be able to leave the university feeling confident about her college years in various aspects. “I am most proud to have gone to this school because it gave me a good wellrounded experience,” Stewart said. “School, athletics, and opportunities were all enjoyable and readily available.” The graduation ceremony will take place Dec. 14 at the Kay Yeager Coliseum.

ADMINISTRATION OFFERS FOLLOW-UP TO THE

FASCIST ON CAMPUS

PHOTO COURTESY OF LINKEDIN

Tyler Glasscock, geoscience grad student, outed as a fascist by Fashfinder, a website dedicated to finding and publishing known fascists and associates in the state of Texas. BRENDAN WYNNE REPORTER

want for administration to be more transparent, and less formulaic, in our responses to issues like these. The students were very understanding of why we, as a public university, often have to be so formulaic, but when it comes to potential threats to the students, we take it very seriously.” Shipley said the administration assessed the threat potential of the initial posts using behavior and vocabulary analysts from the university’s behavioral intervention team, as well as an independent threat-assessment entity. She said the results of the assessments concluded that the posts did not qualify an immediate physical threat to student safety. “We approach it very scientifically,” Shipley said. “And when something like this doesn’t meet the criteria of an immediate threat to campus, the university has to treat it as protected by the First Amendment, even if it’s contrary to our values as a campus.” SGA President Kerdell Cuffy was one of the first student-leaders to be made aware of the tweets on Nov. 15, and she said the meeting was a step in the right direction for both the administration and students. “Understandably, there’s a lot of regulations as to how these things are communicated by the uni-

versity,” Cuffy said. “We discussed [administration] being more direct moving forward, and I believe they are doing what they can to accommodate, but a lot of it comes down to the students. We cannot live in a reality of fear. The university assessed him for threats and found none. An open dialogue is one of our greatest tools, and I believe that’s what Dr. Shipley is trying to do.” P.R.I.D.E President Michael Maiato, who was one of the first students to bring the tweets to the attention of the university administration, also attended the meeting. Maiato said they appreciate Shipley’s willingness to meet and further address the topic publicly, but also believe the university can only do so much in the way of addressing the heart of the issue. “It’s really in the hands of the students,” Maiato said. “The university can only do so much because they are a public institution. It’s on the students to make noise about things like this, and make it clear that it’s not ok. It’s not the first time we’ve seen this kind of sentiment from people on campus, and it won’t be the last, but it’s good to know that administration is taking steps to help in the ways that they can.”

n the wake of an ill-received statement addressing tweets that identified a fascist sympathizer on campus, the MSU Texas administration has collaborated with student leaders to issue another statement that’s “more transparent, and less formulaic.” “By Friday, we were aware that [the tweets] had been made more public than we initially thought,” President Suzanne Shipley said. “At that time, I asked Dr. [Keith] Lamb to reach out to the student leaders of organizations that may be most affected for an immediate meeting.” Shipley said she invited leaders from: • P.R.I.D.E. (People Respecting Identity Diversity of Everyone) • OHS (Organization of Hispanic Students) • BSU (Black Student Union) • SGA (Student Government Association) • NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) • STAND (Students Taking Action in the Name of Diversity) “I wanted to have this meeting not only to address this issue, but overall campus climate,” Shipley said. “One of the key takeaways for me was the students’

PHOTO COURTESY OF FASHFINDER.BLACKBLOGS.ORG

Tyler Glasscock, geoscience grad student and known as PetroFlash on forums, outted as a fascist by Fashfinder, a website dedicated to finding and publishing known fascists and associates in the state of Texas.

A DAY I N T H E L I FE

‘My family has been the greatest support system since I have been in college’

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TRE’VONNE BRADFORD

Chelcie Kizart KHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD REPORTER

ver since many of us were little, we have imagined and dreamed about the day we would graduate from our dream school pursuing our dream occupation. The overwhelming emotions fill our bodies as we proudly walk across the stage and hold the diploma closely to our bodies. The smile on our faces couldn’t get any wider as we slowly move our tassels from the right to the left side of the cap representing the true beginning of our lives. After four years of dedication, Chelcie Kizart, sports and leisure studies senior, is preparing for her new journey as a new grad. “My college experience has been eye-opening. After spending four years being a studentathlete and transitioning between schools and states, I have learned a lot about myself during this journey,” Kizart said. “Though it’s been a hectic experience, I wouldn’t trade it for the world, and I can’t wait to embark on this new

adventure.” Kizart started her college career in an entirely new atmosphere moving 11 hours and 32 minutes away from home in Minnesota to County Community College in Concordia, Kansas. She dedicated her life to being a part of a team and used her leadership skills developed on the basketball court to help her throughout her first two years. After two years, Kizart transferred to Midwestern State University, leading the basketball team to many victories as a point guard. “Being so far away from home affected me differently because it was so much harder than just being a few hours away,” Kizart said. “I can’t just go home and see my parents or hang out with my family and neither can they just come here and see me. I always have to plan ahead and make sure that I have the money to be able to pay for traveling expenses and throughout college, I have struggled with being so far from home.”

Kizart said she has faced several challenges outside of being separated from home. “Mentally I was stable throughout college, but I have gone through forms of mild depression. Though the hardest challenge was pulling all-nighters either doing homework or studying for a test which definitely added additional stress,” Kizart said. Despite being so far away from them, Kizart still describes her family as being her number one supporter and credits them for also being one of the main reasons she wanted to complete college in four years. “My family has been the greatest support system since I have been in college, they continuously remind me of how proud they are of me and that always has motivated me throughout my college career,” Kizart said. Kizart said that college has not only been an eye-opener but a learning experience and she tackled on her own. “College has definitely helped shape me into

the woman I am today,” Kizart said. “I have learned how to ask for help because in college it is so hard to get behind in your classes. I also have learned the hard way about friends and that some friendships are meant to experience change.” Despite Kizart having faced many challenges, she has overcome those barriers blocking her from success, and she said she feels nothing but excitement to be graduating in the spring. “It feels great to be graduating in the spring, I’ve worked so hard to get where I am today and I can’t be anything but proud of myself for all of my accomplishments in these past four years.” Once she graduates, Kizart said she plans to permanently move back home to Minnesota and become a coach so that she can impact the lives of athletes the way her coaches impacted her life. Although she is ready to embark on her new journey of life, she said she will truly miss being on the court and the people she has made those life-long relationships with.

A DAY I N T H E L I FE

‘Being an entrepreneur takes a lot of dedication and belief in yourself’ KHIRSTIA SHEFFIELD REPORTER

over into apparel, YouTube streaming and networking platforms.” akaylan Tyray Smith, psychology In the next five years, Smith said he senior, is not your average college plans for his business to grow, especialstudent. He has dedicated his life ly in the music realm. to being both a full-time student and an “I definitely see our music faction entrepreneur. After more than a year taking off,” he said. “When that hapof preparation and creative thinking, pens, it will shed light on the other Smith has produced an original busi- parts of Counterculture.” ness called the Counterculture, built Despite the steady growth of his busiupon the fundamental beliefs and val- ness, Smith said he has faced many setues of Christianity. backs that have helped mold him into “After being introduced to some very the successful young entrepreneur he is successful people,” Smith said. “They today. helped shape my mindset of how to “Being an entrepreneur takes a lot view wealth and of dedication and financial freebelief in yourself. dom. Building Throughout this this business has entire experience, not only changed I have faced doubt my perspective from others and on money, but it myself,” Smith has increased my said. “It’s hard confidence, selfto believe in the motivation and success that you has caused me to haven’t seen yet, value my time a but that’s part of lot more.” being an entreCounterculture preneur. I’ve also is based on mustruggled with sic and apparel finding enough that focuses on time in the day to uplifting others fit everything life in Christ. Smith requires of me. I’m said it has been a much more than a long process and student and an enthat after a year of trepreneur.” his business being Outside of active, his team is struggling with still creating and finding time to tweaking the dededicate to his tails of the busiPHOTO COURTESY OF KHIRISTIA SHEFFIELD craft and believness. Psychology senior Takaylan Smith poses outing in himself, “We plan to side Moffet library, Dec. 2. Smith said he has grow in many difalso struggled ferent aspects,” Smith said. “We started with gaining support from some of his off as just music, but now we’re crossing family.

“Some of my influencing,” family is really Smith said. “Besupportive of ing a people’s the entire properson is [alcess because most] necessary. they see my A vision that passion and bedoesn’t include lieve that I have others normally the ability to do isn’t a big one, so great things,” he if you have a big said. “Although, vision, you have some of my famto be prepared ily members for the people.” don’t support Smith said me because they that though berather me coming an entreprepletely focus on neur has opened the safer route; I up his horizons try to use this to and expanded fuel my passion his knowledge, and desire to PHOTO COURTESY OF KHIRISTIA SHEFFIELD he does feel like succeed. Need- Psychology senior Takaylan Smith Dec. 2. balancing beless to say, suptween being a port from your student and enfamily is going to always feel good, but trepreneur can be tough. when I come across those who don’t, I “It can be pretty tough because both try to use it as an opportunity to prove things require you to be very self-motithem wrong. Either way, it’s all still vated,” he said. “They can both be a burlove.” den, however, I believe dealing with one Smith also reveals the sacrifices he’s helps you deal with the other. Success is had to make to enhance his business, a lifestyle, not a choice. It should bleed from ending relationships to losing into everything.” sleep. Smith describes the creation of the “I’ve had to make countless sacrific- Counterculture brand as a big part of es from hanging out with friends and his life now and he hopes that his brand separating from people who have dif- will help our society get back to its roots ferent mindsets, to sacrificing sleep and of more hope, love and positivity. leisure time to enhance my business,” “This business means a lot of things Smith said. “It’s all necessary, and I’d do for me,” he said. “It mainly signifies my it again if I had to.” purpose of spreading Christianity and Throughout the development of his helping others. It also means financial business, Smith said he has learned the freedom for my future family. It’s also true qualities of being a leader in the so inspiring to do something that I am world of entrepreneurship. so passionate about and the fact that I’m “I believe you definitely have to hone dependent on myself rather than somein on your soft-skills like communi- one else holds the fate of my time and cation, discernment, connecting and finances.”

STUDENTS CONTINUOUSLY LEAVE scholarship money on the table

ELIJAH LEE REPORTER

believe scholarships are strictly for the geniuses and athletes of the world. epending on the institution and Carter said, “A lot of times people any given student’s situation, think they don’t qualify so they don’t college tuition can require a seeven bother to apply. That’s the situarious financial sacrifice. Proactive stution with me a lot of times, or my GPA dents find ways of retrieving money to isn’t high enough so I don’t bother.” help lessen the magnitude of their sacCarter points to high grades as the rifice, which usually come in the form primary route to scholarship money, of grants and scholarships. However, and follows it by stating that things others struggle finding ways of receivother than high grades deserve recoging financial assistance for different nition and scholarship money. reasons. Carter said, “I think that a lot of Dy’Shealan Daniels, athletic trainscholarships have a negative stigma ing senior, said, “I’ve always known on them, as if you have to be ‘smart’ or scholarships were available, I just nev‘an honor student’ to receive money. I er knew where to look.” think the university can do a better job Students admitted to being aware of explaining scholarships and encourof the university making numerous age those who qualify to apply. Also, scholarships available. However, few it should create more diverse scholarof them took advantage of scholarship ships that would apply more to stuopportunities. dents who may not normally receive Drake Dusek, finance sophomore, financial help.” said he applied for and received the He admits to including himself in Jim Mims Business Scholarship. the group of students who “may not Dusek said, “I was made aware by normally receive financial help” and my academic advisor and my counselor proceeds with a succinct description of that emails me about the opportunihis situation. ties.” “I’m not on any scholarships. They FILE PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON| THE WICHITAN Although Dusek had someone pres- Mireya Gonzalez, social work sophomore, presents with her group about Perceptions of Sexual Assault may give me some extra FASFA from ent this scholarship opportunity to amount on college students during the EURECA Forum on Thursday Nov. 16, 2017. having decent grades, but that’s about him, he said he did not try seeking for it. I pretty much take out loans as needothers. ed, but would love to have scholarship Daniels does not stand alone in making a es them. “I am missing out on scholarships partly case for a lack of free-time being the cause of “A lot of first-generation students are miss- money,” Carter said. “A partial book scholarbecause I don’t have time to an inability to apply. ing out because they don’t know or their family ship would help with books and other class neapply to all, and somewhat cessities. A meal plan would Christian Guillory, po- members don’t know. I was of not caring very much,” be nice as well, so I wouldn’t litical science junior, said, lucky to know because my Dusek said. have to spend so much money “I feel that I am missing out grandparents went to colDusek said he believes eating out.” on scholarships [becuase] lege, and I have a couple of that most students miss out Some students learn to I just got to the school and aunts and uncles who have on scholarships because they find various ways of making have not been able to do re- been to college. I’m just coneither have their parents pay ends meet in college. Whethsearch.” sidered first generation befor college, they don’t know er it be grants or scholarships While his situation dif- cause my mom never went, about them or don’t care of small or large amounts, fers from Daniels, both and my dad went but didn’t enough about them. While anything helps students ficases point toward time be- graduate,” Daniels said. Dusek said he doesn’t care nancially. ing the biggest hurdle in The example Daniels’ all that much, others do care Guillory said, “Having completing the application family set for her in going but have different reasons more scholarships would process. Students not only to school gave her inspirafor missing out. make school easier as well as blame time for their failure tion to do the same. It also DY’SHEALAN DANIELS Daniels said, “I am misscollege life in general.” SHELDON CARTER to complete scholarship ap- assisted her in better naviing out on scholarships, not Everyone agrees that ATHLETIC TRAINING SENIOR plications, but their own ig- gating her own collegiate BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION SENIOR because of ignorance or lack money makes life easier on norance as well. journey. of caring, [because] applying college students, so why do Sheldon Carter, business In fact, this university for scholarships is time-constudents continuously leave administration senior, said, “There are some offers a Priddy Scholars suming and requires a lot of hard work without scholarships I have missed out on, sometimes Program uniquely for students who are the first money on the table? Does the responsibility of a guaranteed grant. I barely have time to work due to ignorance. I believe a lot of scholarship of their immediate family members to go to a awareness fall upon students or the university? on school stuff due to spending 20 to 40 hours money goes unclaimed simply because no one four-year college. It offers full tuition and resi- Some students argue that the university needs a week in my clinical. I definitely don’t have knows about them.” dential funding. If students find this unique to do a better job of creating awareness, while time to go sit and actually put my all into applyDaniels said she believes not knowing about scholarship surprising, the long list of others others argue that students who need the money ing for multiple scholarships when there is no the scholarships is the reason most students would likely have the same effect on them. should be more intentional about acquiring inguarantee I’ll get them.” miss scholarships, but not the reason she miss- However, this is the core issue. Students often formation. READ MORE ONLINE

“I am missing out on scholarships, not because of ignorance or lack of caring”

“I think that a lot of scholarships have a negative stigma on them”

SP ORT S R E C A P AMOS PERKINS | REPORTER

he sun has set on another semester of maroon and gold athletics. For the senior ‘Stangs, this season was the culmination of years of blood, sweat and tears. The athletes that remain now take to the off-season in hopes of coming back the next year better than ever.

VO LLE YB A LL RE CA P

VOLLEYB ALL (5 -6)

It was another losing season for the volleyball team under Valerie Armstrong, head volleyball coach, but the ‘Stangs made the Lone Star Conference tournament for the first time since 2016 and finished with three more wins than the 2018 season. “One of our goals for the beginning of the season was to make the conference tournament, so it feels very surreal to see what we’ve worked so hard for actually happen,” Rachel Howes (No. 18), right-side hitter and business management freshman, said. Sarah Eakin (No. 11), middle blocker and nursing senior, led the team on both sides of the net, recording a team-high 261 kills and 31 blocks. She was named second-team All-Lone Star Conference. Eakin finished her career ranked second all-time in total blocks with 322. For the ‘Stangs season, it was as

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

The Mustangs celebrate a point scored by mass communication sophomore and outside hitter Taylor Anderson, Nov. 8.

much about who wasn’t on the court as who was. The team suffered a major setback when Raven Presley (No. 21), right-side hitter and mechanical engineering junior, went down with a season-ending injury 15 games into the season. She had recorded 95 kills and seven blocks up to that point. “We all thought about [Presley’s injury] in our heads. It brought the energy down a lot,” Lauren Honeycutt (No. 19), middle blocker and kinesiology sophomore, said. The team will look to build on a promising core of freshmen going into 2020. Kaitlyn Masseth (No. 8), setter and business management freshman, led the team with 36 service aces and was second on the team with 446 assists, Howes was fourth on the team with 172 kills and Janiya Chapman (No. 7), outside hitter and political science freshman, recorded 122 kills and 34 blocks.

PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICITAN

Mass communication senior and outside hitter Rockelle Gholson jumps to hit the ball and scores a point. | Education senior and setter Sarah Glawe sets the ball in game against Cameron University, Nov. 16.

Nursing sophomore and goalkeeper Aubrey Pettet does a powerful goal kick, Nov 7.

WOM EN’S S OCCE R R E CAP

WO M EN ’ S SO C C ER ( 5-6)

PHOTOS BY COLIN STEVENSON| BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Pre-dentistry sophomore and midfielder Senna Garcia prepares to kick the ball to a teammate and keep it away from an opponent Nov. 9. | Mass communication junior and defender Micha Wilson uses her head to clear the ball from St. Edwards goals, Oct 5.

Women’s soccer made baby-steps in the second season of the Spence-era, finishing with two more wins and one fewer loss than the season before. The ‘Stangs played in 12 matches decided by one goal or fewer, posting a 1-9-2 record in such games. “You look at those games, we could just as easily have six [wins in close games],” Ryan Spence, head women’s soccer coach, said. Imani Morlock, defender and kinesiology senior, capped off her collegiate career by earning her fourth All-Lone Star Conference selection in as many full seasons. Morlock scored a

career-high two goals and a team-high four assists this past season. She also led the Mustangs with 16 shots on goal. “Imani’s been the heart of this team,” Spence said. The soccer women will look to improve upon their offense before the 2020 season. The ‘Stangs ranked 10th out of 14 teams with 1.167 goals per game. The offense was also called for being offside 40 times over the season, which was the third most in their conference. “We need to be a bit more clinical, [more] shots on goal, and [we need to] work on our crossing,” Spence said.

FO OTB A LL RE C AP

F OOTBALL (5-6)

For the first time under Bill Maskill, head football coach, the football team finished with more losses than wins. This is the first season since 1999 the ‘Stangs have recorded fewer than six wins. Compared to last year, the team scored nearly 16 fewer points per game and gave up nearly seven more points per game to the opposition. “I believe we underperformed to our standards because of how may injuries occurred so early on in the season,” Austin Compton, football manager and biology freshman, said. In a year where four different quarterbacks played in at least two games, Quinton Childs (No. 21), running back and criminal justice senior, provided offensive consistency with his run game. Childs earned second-team AllLone Star Conference honors thanks to his 758 rushing yards and seven touchdowns.

SP ORT S R E C A P

“Having a good running back is so important because it opens [up] so many options in the offense,” Compton said. “When the quarterback position is a revolving door, it helps to have a reliable back.” After Zach Purcell (No. 10), quarterback and finance junior, went down with an early season injury, Triston Williams (No. 19), quarterback and agricultural businessman sophomore, took over the quarterback position. A healthy Purcell will look to reclaim his starting position next year, but Williams’ experience and chemistry with his teammates may give him an edge on the competition despite posting just a 45% completion rate and throwing 12 interceptions. “I really look forward to [Williams] slinging it around some more and leading us to some wins,” Justin Jones (No. 30), running back and history sophomore, said.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Sports and leisure junior and defensive back Chase Williams recieves words of encouragement from head coach Bill Maskill, Oct. 5.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

(Top) Kinesiology junior and tight end Matt Jones lifts up sports and leisure sophomore and running back Lazarus Fisher after after scoring a touchdown against Western New Mexico, Nov. 9. PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | COLIN STEVENSON| THE WICHITAN

Business marketing junior and tightend Michael Berry leaps for the ball for a 23 yard throw against Eastern New Mexico, Oct. 5. | Mass communiation junior and center back Khalil Finley tries to tackle an opposing player who is holding the ball, Sept. 21.

M E N’S S OCCE R R E CAP

M EN ’ S SO C C ER ( 1 6-5)

PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Kinesiology senior and midfielder Ross Fitzpatrick chases the ball down the field against West Texas A&M University, Sept. 28. | Exercise physiology junior and goalkeeper Taylor Lampe saves a goal in the 78th minute of play against St. Edward’s Nov. 7. | (Below) Undecided sophomore and defender Adam Conway headers the ball into the goal against West Texas A&M University, Sept. 28.

The men’s soccer team was crowned champion of the Lone Star Conference tournament for the second straight year, and they progressed to the second round of the NCAA II playoffs as the tenth seed. The team overcame a brief three-game skid and was on a five-game winning streak before falling to the University of California State-Los Angeles in the playoffs. “When we were pushed late in the season with that three-game losing streak, I think the seniors did a really good job of showing the underclassmen how to keep pushing,” Michael Meachum, head men’s soccer coach, said. “That is what I am going to take away from this season.” Taylor Lampe (No. 1), goalkeeper and exercise physiology junior, used the 2019 season to cement his place as one of the best to ever play under goal for MSU. Thanks to his efforts this season, Lampe now holds the career records for most wins (42) and most clean sheets (26), and he is now tied for

the third-most saves in ‘Stangs history with 134. His eight saves were critical to the team’s win over the seventhseeded University of California San Diego in the playoffs. “[Having Lampe there] definitely helps. We don’t have to worry about the backline because he’s there,” Adam Conway (No. 2), midfielder and kinesiology sophomore, said. The men’s soccer team has never advanced further in the playoffs than the quarterfinals despite continuously placing in the top three in the Lone Star Conference. Meachum was brought in before the 2018 season to propel the team further in the postseason, but the team has yet to achieve this. This upcoming off-season will be spent trying to find out how the ‘Stangs can win against higher-level competition. “[Our goal is] for our chemistry to get better between our team, so that when we go up against better opponents we don’t just fall short,” Conway said.

SP ORT S R E C A P CROS S C O U NTRY RE C A P The cross country team finished their 2019 season with another above .500 finishing percentage under Koby Styles, head cross country coach. The women finished sixth out of 16 as a team at the Lone Star Conference championship and finished 19th out of 29 at the NCAA Division II South Central Regional meet. “It went well, not as great as we had hoped, but we know we have a young team and we will come back next year even better,” Olivia Johnson, , said. “One part of the season that was frustrating was that we do not receive from the university as a whole. [We have] seven conference championships out of eleven years and not many know that we exist.” Amerhyst Aguirre, nursing junior, starred again for the team this season. Aguirre was the ‘Stangs top performer in all six meets this year, including the NCAA Division II South Central Regional meet. She had individual victories at the Endurance House Stampede and the Red River

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

(Left) “That was hot!” Nursing junior Delany Locke pours water over her head at the Red River Shoot Out.

Country Shootout, and she recorded one of MSU’s best 6k times with a personal best 23:02.59 at the Lone Star Conference Championship. “I had my best season so far here at MSU. I was able to run some personal records, which really boosted my confidence and reminded me of how much I love what I do,” Aguirre said.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

(Left) Exercise physiology senior Mercy Yermo strides ahead the middle pack at the Red River Shoot Out.

Going into the 2020 season, the cross country team will be looking for improvement and availability from the team’s freshmen and redshirt runners. Sidney Tucker, nursing freshman, and Elizabeth Butzke, education freshman, finished second and third on the team respectively at the regional meet with times of 24:35.75 and 24:48.89. “I think that all of the freshmen will come in stronger next season now that they have a season under them and know what to expect,” Aguirre said. “Next season we will definitely be a team to watch out for.”

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

(Top) Nursing junior Amerhyst Agurrie bounds up heart break hill ahead of the rest of the field at the Red River Shoot Out. PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

The cross country team takes off at the start of the women’s 5km race at the Red River Shoot Out, Oct. 10.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK RECAP

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN PHOTO BY COLE SHERIFF | THE WICHITAN Exercise physiology freshman Eurtis

Accounting sophomore Kassidy Knight stands on top of her cheerling team- Downs dances in front of the crowd mates during halftime as fireworks are set off at the Homecoming football game at Mustangs Madness, Oct 14. against Texas A&M Kingsville, Oct. 19.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Nursing senior and middle blocker Sarah Eakin celebrates a point scored against Texas A&M Commerce, Sept. 27.

PHOTOS BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Carolers from the nearby Gypsy bar sing for people waiting in line to visit and take pictures with Santa Nov. 23. | A classic car decorated as a sleigh is led by a small, plush Rudolph the Reindeer. | Heartwarming pictures were taken with Santa, an elf and the Nutcracker.

City Lights Parade 2019

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Children throw ‘snowballs’ at each other while festivities begin.

PHOTOS BY COLIN STEVENSON | THE WICHITAN

Mr. and Mrs. Claus wave to passerby from the top of a fire truck. | The 9th Street Studios won the 2019 City Lights Parade contest with their impressive float. | Parade members walk with lighted ribbons twirling through the air.