August 30, 2017 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

Aug. 30, 2017 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 82 No. 1

Resist Hate Rally

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Student-led rally against white supremacy, fascism, bigotry and antiSemitism will be Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Hotter ‘N Hell

Head Football Coach Bill Maskill tells the football team how the play should be made during practice Aug. 27.

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The annual three-day cycling event brought more than 10,000 people to downtown Wichita Falls.

Football team ‘ready and anxious’ for Thursday’s season opener BRIDGET REILLY PHOTOJOURNALIST

Soccer Games

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The men’s and women’s soccer teams play this Friday and Sunday. Come out and show some Mustang pride.

PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

he football team will suit up for its first game of the season Thursday at 7 p.m., with only one objective in mind. “The goal for this week is to finish 1-0. We’re taking it one week at a time,” Javin Kilgo, quarterback and kinesiology senior, said. With their sights set on going 1-0 this week, nerves are not an issue for the team, according to DJ Myers, wide receiver and psychology senior. “We aren’t nervous, we are ready and anxious. We have been putting in work for weeks and we are ready to take this season by storm. Everyone has a job, and everyone has bought into our goals,” Myers said. “As long as we execute our responsibilities, everything will play out accordingly.”

As the focus stays solely on taking the win against Quincy University, the boys have other goals in mind for this week’s game. “I hope that we play the way I know we can as a whole unit. If we do that, we can be pretty great,” Alec Divalerio, defensive end and exercise physiology junior, said. “Obviously there may be a couple of mistakes here and there, because it’s the first game, but overall I feel we will have a good performance.” Divalerio, alongside Sir’Vell Ford, safety and criminal justice senior, and Kevin Fisher Jr., offensive lineman and business management junior, will captain this year’s football team. The plan for this year, according to Divalerio, will be to focus on each week individually. “This season we just want to take it one week at a time and do our best for that week,” Divalerio said. “We just need to focus on go-

ing 1-0 every week.” The team encourages everyone to get out to the stadium each home game and cheer them on. “To the fans, your support means everything to us,” Myers said. “Horsepower is not just us as a team, it is all of us as a university and community. We appreciate all the support and can’t wait to see y’all fill Memorial Stadium on Thursday under the lights.” Keith Domino, offensive lineman and economics sophomore, said he “needs his whole Mustang family” supporting the team. “I need the whole Mustang family at every home game this year. I want y’all to know we appreciate and support what y’all give us,” Domino said. “We feed off of you guys and this year we need y’all to be electrifying in the stands.”

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STAF F E D I T O R I A L

Why getting involved is important OUR VIEW: As cliché as it is, getting involved on campus is seriously important.

Don’t knock it ‘til you try it I played an active part in high school — I was on the soccer team, part of the National Art Society and involved in other school activities. Coming into college, I was extremely scared about not having that team that I had always had in high school, so I wanted to find that. I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, regardless of how cheesy that Emmy sounds (trust me, I know it does, but bare with Geibe me). I had heard about sorority recruitment before, but never really thought about actually going through or being part of Greek life at all. Most of what I knew about Greek life came from movies and TV shows, which doesn’t portray Greeks in a positive way, as we all know. I figured it was just partying, drinking more than my body weight in beer and never going to class. That wasn’t something I wanted, nor would I pay money to be part of. Despite all of that, I thought to myself, “Why not?” and decided to sign up for Panhellenic recruitment, with two of my best friends. We all decided that we’d try it together and if we didn’t like it, then it just wasn’t for us. I honestly went into it thinking it wasn’t for me, but after the first night and after meeting all of the chapters, I knew that I had found the perfect way to be involved. As the recruitment

hile the first day of class is enough to make any new student nervous, it can be even more intimidating when it feels like every person on campus is telling you to jump in the deep end and get involved. It’s natural for new experiences to be met with a flicker of fear, but we wholly advise every student, freshman or senior, to put themselves out there and make the best out of their time at MSU. With more than 100 student organizations on campus, it is easy for any student to find their niche. Many of these organizations preshere are many great reasons why getting involved in Greek life is the right way to ent students with opportunities to network go. I accredit it as one of the best deciwith not only faculty and other students, but sions I have made in my collegiate career, and potential employers. I’m not just saying that. I know what everyone Being involved in the extracurriculars on is thinking: “Another frat boy who’s going to tell me to rush because it changed his life and campus not only enriches students’ experiencblah blah blah.” Bare with me. Riley es, but makes for an impressive addition to any Carr I came into college as a closed-off introvert resume. Whether it’s representing students in who would rather stay in his dorm all day, Student Government Association, coordinating playing video games instead of going out — I’m not kidding, I played Dungeons and Dragons. I was that kid. However, with campus events with University Programming my mom being in a sorority herself, I decided to give rush Board, or learning to write and report at The week a chance. It’s been two years since I joined Sigma Nu, and Wichitan, there is something for students of all the amount of knowledge I have received is astonishing. Being in a fraternity has taught me how to be a leader. I classes and majors to be part of. started out in charge of the entire fraternity’s academic enWe’re not just saying this to sound cliché. deavors, moved up to vice president, and now I’m the presiJoining an organization or club that you love, dent. The road to presidency taught me how to take charge when required and when to step back. I would never have no matter what it is, drastically improves the known my own leadership capabilities if I hadn’t gone Greek. way students feel about college. I owe a lot of my confidence to the opportunities Sigma Nu

process trekked on, I started to become more and more thankful that I decided to go through rush. Bid day proved it even further — I had found the team I was looking for. Joining a sorority has given me countless opportunities and lifelong friendships. It’s not about partying or drinking at all — all of the sororities put an emphasis on grades, because if they don’t, they can’t be a chapter on this campus. Plain and simple. Going to class is not an option, it’s a requirement. This is a small campus; it’s easy to see who’s in which sorority and know who’s going to class. But even more than the stress on school, there’s a stress on making connections inside and outside the chapter. I’ve met my best friends through joining a sorority, and I know so many others who have, too. I was given the opportunity to be this year’s Director of Recruitment and help women coming into college find their team, best friends and lifelong friendships, just like I did. I never thought I’d join a sorority, much less be the one who plans and runs recruitment. Although I never expected it, I’m so thankful that I went through and gave it a chance. Greek life has opened so many doors and has give me the opportunity to take on a leadership role. I’ve grown as a person, I’ve become a better student and now I want to encourage others to go through and at least give it a chance even though they may not think that it’s for them. Emmy Geibe is a respiratory care junior.

Frat life is the best life T

has given me.

CORRECTIONS • In last week’s edition in an article titled “Academic Success Center dissolved, tutor programs introduced,” we want to clarify that the Mustangs Advising Center is dissolving and tutoring programs have always existed at MSU, there will just be a central location for them. The Wichitan apologizes for the confusion.

wichitan

the

Vol. 82 | No. 1

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

I know there are a lot of people out there who hear the word “fraternity” or “sorority” and instantly think of movies like “Animal House” or “House Bunny.” It’s understandable — there is a lot of negative media surrounding Greek life across college campuses nationwide. One fraternity is getting kicked off a campus for hazing. A sorority is making national news for throwing a party with racist undertones. I won’t deny that those horrible incidents have happened — but they do not represent Greek life as a collective whole. Yes, we are social organizations, but the point of every organization on campus is to get students involved. We, as a community, have always strived not to just make our community better, but the communities surrounding us better as well. Greek life at MSU alone contributes thousands of community service hours a year. My fraternity brothers and I go down to the food bank regularly to help them pack meals for the poor, or go down to the Humane Society to walk the dogs that have been sitting in kennels all day. We hold study hours for our chapter, making sure that each member is keeping his grades up. It’s not all about the parties, as the media likes to portray. Going Greek has made my college career, don’t be afraid to let it make yours, too. Riley Carr is a nursing junior.

EDITOR: Kara McIntyre DESIGN EDITOR: Justin Marquart BUSINESS MANAGER: Brendan Wynne ISSUE STAFF: Bridget Reilly, Emmy Geibe, Riley Carr, Tyler Manning, Sarah Graves, Herbert McCullough, Mercy Yermo

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Rachel Johnson, Bridget Reilly, Justin Marquart, Jessica Wollenberger

ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

Copyright ©2017. 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.

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Resist Hate rally to be held Friday KARA MCINTYRE EDITOR

n response to the events of Charlottesville, Virginia on Aug. 12, English junior Kalli Root has planned a Resist Hate rally for Friday, Sept. 1 at 5:30 p.m. in Sunwatcher Plaza. She wanted this to be a peaceful rally against hatred and bigotry. “I just thought it was ridiculous, seeing the uprise of hate organizations like the KKK and neo-Nazis [since Charlottesville],” Root said. “We have three neo-Nazi groups in Wichita Falls alone. We want to respond to that and make it known that hate is not acceptable on this campus.” The three students joined forces for the rally with Indivisible Wichita Falls, “a grassroots organization that is standing indivisible with Americans all across the country against the Trump agenda,” according to its website. Root said the organization’s president, Leeann Andrews, was planning a rally of her own already, so they decided to do one together. While some may view this as a controversial event to put on at the beginning of the year, Root said she wanted to show the new freshman what MSU is really about. “This is a good introduction into MSU’s values,” Root said. “It will help show the new people that they can be involved with something that makes an impact on a larger scale.” Root said she will have sign-making materials at Sunwatcher Plaza for students and community members to make their own signs before the group marches around the perimeter of campus. Rally attendees will end at the plaza, where there will be three guest speakers to close out the event: Nathan Jun, associate professor of philosophy, Mel Martinez, Metropolitan Community Church pastor, and Ally Green, president of the Black Student Union.

“We’re hoping to get a good turnout from both the community and MSU students,” Root said. “This event is open to anyone who wants to come spread our message.” There are seven official neo-Nazi groups in Texas, with one located in Wichita Falls, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center: The Daily Stormer. To ensure students’ and community members’ safety, campus police will be monitoring the rally. “I hope there’s not backlash, but it’s definitely a possibility,” Root said. “We wanted to be prepared either way, so I contacted Chief [Patrick] Coggins and made sure the police will be at the whole event.” Morgan Sinclair, sociology junior, also hopes for the safety of everyone at the event. “I’m a little scared of how big it could get. I don’t know if they [neo-Nazi group in Wichita Falls] would have the nerve to show up, but I wouldn’t count on them not showing up,” Sinclair said. “I hope everybody is safe and that it goes well.” Sinclair helped organize two campus rallies last year, but she said Root took charge of this Resist Hate rally. “She kicked ass on this one. I’m really just here for support,” Sinclair said. “We need to show we are inclusive and don’t tolerate hate in any way.” Other students feel that this rally will be beneficial toward spreading the message of tolerance. “We need to have a positive presence. We don’t tolerate hate,” Christopher Cruz, theater junior, said. “We’re here for the good.” Root stressed that this rally wasn’t for or against any one political party or politician. “We don’t feel that this should be a partisan issue. You should stand up against hate, no matter your political party,” Root said. “If hate is in your ideologies, you can expect resistance.”

Train to Busan leads train to my heart TYLER MANNING FILM CRITIC

all is almost upon us, which means we’re getting closer and closer to one of my favorite holidays: Halloween. I feel that in preparation it is only appropriate to discuss one of my favorite recent horror movies — Train to Busan. Tyler Manning Train to Busan is a South Korean horror movie about a father and daughter trying to survive on a train taking them from Seoul to Busan during a zombie outbreak. If you’re looking for a short, non-hyperbolic sentence about what I feel about this movie, I would say that this is one of the best zombie movies I have ever seen and quite possibly one of the best ever made. Every element of this film is executed with class, style and precision. I cannot think of an outstanding negative and was left in awe when the film ended. Rarely have I been so emotionally moved by a horror movie that I am left a sobbing mess, but this movie did that for me. For anyone who is a fan of horror movies or is looking to get into filmmaking, this is a must see. One of the film’s greatest strengths to me is the incredibly well-structured and effective screenplay. The first 10 minutes of the film is an excellent example of how to concisely and effective introduce your main characters, the threat and the

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB

Su-an Kim and Yoo Gong in Train to Busan (2016).

universe the film is set in. This is all accomplished with little dialogue and is rather done through visual storytelling. At the opening of the film, we’re immediately introduced to zombies, moral weaknesses and a strained father-daughter relationship. The film shows us that the father’s moral weakness is his selfishness. He is a profit-driven person who neglects his family for work, causing marital problems and a cold relationship with his daughter. We see what this character

needs to accomplish to better himself as a person, all just in the opening of the film. The audience is not bothered with too much exposition and is not told information that is inconsequential to what the film is really about — a man learning to be a better father. This wonderfully crafted screenplay is only elevated by the beautiful guidance of the director. Another apparent strength of the film is the cinematography. The framing, lighting, color grading and blocking are all well done. The film is a visual treat and is hard not to watch. A lot of care, preparation and time went into making this movie look great. Yeon’s directorial skills can also be seen in the wonderful acting of the movie. Every actor gives authentic performances. Usually child actors are hit or miss — they could either be really great or they could be really awful. However, the child actor in this film does a great job. All of the extras who played zombies also do a fantastic job as well. No single performance is bad. All of the cast members really holds their own in this film. Overall, I cannot recommend this film enough. The concise, effective and structured writing, the beautiful cinematography and great acting all perfectly blend together to create a smart and engaging zombie thriller. Do yourself a favor and give this one a watch. Rating: 9/10 Currently on Netflix.

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PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Brissia Montalvo, exercise physiology graduate student, rides in the final women’s crit race in Hotter’N Hell 100 Aug. 27.

MSU cyclists compete in Hotter ‘N Hell JUSTIN MARQUART DESIGN EDITOR

t’s a warm, bright Sunday morning. Hotter ‘N Hell Hundred traffic has slowed to a lull, and the Multipurpose Event Center parking lot isn’t overflowing with cars anymore. The third day of the triple threat weekend was the most relaxed, but there was still work to do for MSU cyclists Jason Perkins, mechanical engineering junior, Brissia Montalvo, exercise physiology graduate student, Amy Floyd, accounting senior, and Pablo Cruz, exercise physiology senior. “[Hotter ‘N Hell] is a soft requirement. If they’re hurt or if they have other races that they are competing in, we will allow that because the style of race that we are doing here at Hotter N’ Hell is not super compatible with what we are doing in two weeks at the National Championships,” Charlie Zamastil, head cycling coach and Hotter ‘N Hell director, said. “While Hotter ‘N Hell is a big local deal for us, on the collegiate racing scene, collegiate track nationals in Indianapolis is the higher target.” Perkins, who has competed in Hotter ‘N Hell two other times, said he accomplished what he came to do at the race. “My intention was to initiate an early break and

stay away the whole day, which we did,” Perkins said. “I attacked on a prime lap where everybody thought, ‘He was going to go for the prime, and stood up and waited on the field,’ but then I just kept going. So it was a bit of tom foolery.” Zamastil predicted that Perkins would finish in the top five of the men’s cat 3-4 criterium and he predicted correctly — Perkins finished fourth. Floyd and Montalvo competed in the women’s pro 1-2-3 criterium following Perkins’ race. With the highest temperature reaching 87 degrees, Floyd said she enjoyed the cooler temperatures — cooler than normal Hotter ‘N Hell temperatures, at least. “I think it feels awesome, especially the weather. Even last week going into this week, I was like, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ but this is perfect,” Floyd said. “You can’t ask for better racing weather.” Montalvo, who has also competed in Hotter ‘N Hell two times before, said she didn’t have any certain expectations for the race. “I don’t think I had many expectations, I just wanted to come out and see what would happen,” Montalvo said. “I wanted to have fun and work with Amy. It turned out a little better than I expected for how we were feeling.” Cruz competed in the men’s pro 1-2 criterium,

but Zamastil said this crit race does not play to Cruz’s strengths. “This discipline is flat course, but Pablo is a climber,” Zamastil said. “This is not a course for climbers, so if he’s even in the top 20, that will be an impressive result in this style of racing.” Cruz agreed with Zamastil. “In the 100-mile race I managed to get 11th, so for field sprint I feel that’s pretty good for me not being a sprinter,” Cruz said.

RESULTS

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PHOTO BY JESSICA WOLLENBERGER | THE WICHITAN

Keith Williamson, medical director, talks to a reporter at the medical tent at Hotter ‘N Hell 100 on August 25.

Behind the scenes at Hotter ‘N Hell “Everything is very stressful leading up to the event. But during T the event, if I’ve planned it all SARAH GRAVES REPORTER

he annual Hotter ‘N Hell 100 is a three day event with bike races and a trade show that attracts people to the city over Aug. 25-27. With over 10,000 riders participating in the event, planning and coordinating the event is no menial task. There are more than 100 committee members that put on the event. Without the dedication and hard work of these individuals, the race could not happen. Charlie Zamastil, cycling team coach, has been the Hotter ‘N Hell Race director for the last five years. “I put on the criterium, the road race on Saturday and the set of criteriums on Sunday,” Zamastil said. “I am in charge to make sure this happens. I hire the announcers, making sure we have teams to set up the barriers and handle registration.” Though planning and preparing for the event is stressful and chaotic, Zamastil said seeing it all come together makes it worth it. “Everything is very stressful leading up to the event. But during the event, if I’ve planned it all correctly and it goes smoothly, I get to watch some incredible bike racing. MSU riders are doing well. I’m working with a lot of people that are really enthusiastic about bike racing and cycling,” Zamastil said. Dail Neely, student conduct director in Clark Student Center, starts preparations for the race in January each year by

correctly and it goes smoothly, I get to watch some incredible bike racing.” CHARLIE ZAMASTIL HEAD CYCLING COACH

confirming the sponsors for each of the 21 rest stops for his position as rest stop coordinator. In addition to coordinating the sponsors before the race and making sure each rest stop has all the essentials, Neely follows behind the last racers to close the rest stops on race day. Neely said he and three other people meet at 5:30 a.m. before the races start on Saturday. “We sweep the route, so we follow the last people across the start line. We have one person that follows the 25 mile, one person that follows the 50 mile, one person that follows the 100K and I follow the 100 mile. We follow the last rider though each rest stop and close each rest stop down,” Neely

said. “In the meantime, we let each rest stop know how many riders are on course so they know how much are left and can start closing some stuff done. Also if someone is running out of ice or Powerade, we hotshot everything. We go rob from one rest stop and take it to another to make sure everyone is fully supplied. Then we will follow the last rider in around 6 or 6:30 tomorrow night. It’s a long day.” Keith Williamson, Vinson Health Center medical director, has been the medical director for the race since 2001. “My job is to do protocols about how the medicine is supposed to work for the Hotter ‘N Hell and recruit physicians and other NPPs, Non physician providers, like nurse practitioners and PAs, to disperse them to all the rest stops and to cover the race on the opposite side of the county. Once I get those in place, they recruit nurses and other personnel to support each tent. The questions are fed through me, so before an ambulance dispatch or helicopter dispatch they clear it through me. If someone needs to go directly to the hospital, they clear it through me.” Before holding this position, Williamson rode in the races for decade. He said the former director knew he was a cyclist and offered him the job in 2001. Williamson said contributing and giving back to the community is a big reason why he enjoys working the event. “I like cycling, it’s interesting intellectually and it’s just a way for me to give back to the community.”

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Claudette Ngum, nursing senior, passes a wet towel to a cyclist at the Hotter N’ Hell 100 rest stop 16 in Iowa Park on Aug. 26

PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MARQUART | THE WICHITAN

Rest stops provide break for cyclists HERBERT MCCULLOUGH REPORTER

here were 21 rest stops available for the cyclists racing in Hotter ‘N Hell 100, aided by more than 2,000 volunteers. Dail Neely, rest stop coordinator, said the goal of the rest stops is to keep the cyclists hydrated and safe. “One [goal] is to make sure they are hydrated and have the nutrition they need,” Neely said. “The second is to provide medical assistance to those that need it. The third is just to entertain and make them feel welcomed.” As a former cyclist, Neely appreciated being the coordinator in memory of the times he stopped at the rest stops during his cycling days. “I’ve been on that side of it,” Neely said. “I appreciate people that helped me when I was a cyclist. I’ve done the 100 mile race 10 times.” Some volunteers included the Student Nurses Association and Chi Omega sorority. Both groups distributed water and healthy snacks for the cyclists. “I also have friends that are participating in Hotter ‘N Hell,” James Huynh, nursing senior, said. “I want to say about 15 students are volunteering, but I lost track after a lot of cyclists showed up.” The nursing department’s goal for the rest stops is to ensure that the cyclists are hydrated and safe. “We think the Hotter ‘N Hell race is important and we want to to make sure that everyone is safe and healthy,” Hayley Jaremczuk, nursing senior, said. “We’re just out here to help and make sure that everyone stays safe.” The snacks Chi Omega sorority offered were fruits, pickles, protein bars, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and small cookies. “Bananas and oranges are the best to eat because they have citric acid which prevents cramps,” Megan Ashlock, nursing

Delanie O’Connell, nursing sophomore, fills a cyclist’s Camel Back with a sports drink at the Hotter ‘N Hell 100 rest stop 5 in Burkburnett on Aug. 26. junior and vice president of Chi Omega, said. “Pickle juice also helps you with that. So it’s important that the racers not get cramps. Eat something light and healthy.” According to Ashlock, Chi Omega annually volunteers for the Hotter ‘N Hell rest stops and members of the sorority are required to do six hours of community service. “Community service is one of our six purposes, so we really put an emphasis on that. We wanted to give back, whether it’s at MSU or in the community, and Hotter ‘N Hell is a great way to do that,” Ashlock said. “It’s also a great way to meet people and get our name out there. We really do love to serve our community.” The nursing students also informed cyclists on the procedures needed in order to stay healthy while racing. Jaremczuk

said that the most important procedure for cyclists is to be hydrated. “Water is really important, but also drinking Gatorade is important,” Jaremczuk said. “We tell the cyclists to know their limits and know when to stop. We tell them to be careful while on the road and be mindful of other riders, as well as stay safe on the path.” Kaitlyn Bosco, nursing senior, explained the precautions that cyclists must take in order to prepare for their race. “You want to make sure that you are physically fit, as well as also wearing the basics of a helmet and all the safety equipment you need,” Bosco said, “It’s a good thing that they have these rest stops because, even though it’s overcast, usually it’s a lot hotter and heat stroke can be a really serious issue. We are here to help the riders stay safe.” The nursing students also passed out wet towels to the cyclists in order keep them from getting hyperthermia. “It keeps the cyclists from getting too hot because they do a lot of sweating when they’re riding,” Carol McCutchen, nursing senior, said. “They put them on their necks, they wipe their faces with it and it kind of cools them down.” According to Bosco, having students volunteer for Hotter ‘N Hell not only shines MSU in positive light, but also shows students the importance of helping others. “It’s important because, not only does it get MSU out there, but we’re out in the community,” Bosco said. “We’re helping, we’re keeping people safe. It’s just fun and it’s for a good cause.” The most memorable and enjoyable experience at the rest stop is meeting the different cyclists, according to Huynh. “My favorite experience is usually just seeing people,” Huynh said. “They’re so happy to be biking after like 10 to 15 miles, and they’re still excited to be biking regardless of how the weather is. Luckily the weather is not too bad.”

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Ricky Randall, MSU alumni, rounds the corner in the men’s crit race in the Hotter ’N Hell 100.

PHOTOS BY RACHEL JOHNSON AND BRADLEY WILSON | THE WICHITAN

Alumni return to race through Hotter ‘N Hell TYLER MANNING REPORTER

our hours, extreme heat and an open road. That is what a day cycling in Hotter’N Hell entails for those who choose to ride in the 100 mile race. This race is also an opportunity for many in the Wichita Falls community to come together and race including MSU students and faculty. This year three MSU alumni participated in the race: Tony Baca, Ricky Randall and Ashley Weaver. Baca graduated with a degree in finance December 2014. Since graduating, he is a cycling coach in “I’m a coach and I do full time cycling. Bolder is the best for training in altitude,” Baca said. “It is just a great place overall.” According to Baca, he has been cycling for the majority of his life. “I starting riding my bicycle when I was five,” Baca said. “My dad got me a bike when I was a kid and I loved it. I won my first race when I was five.” Racing alongside Baca, alumnus Randall has been racing for six years and was on the Midwestern State’s very own cycling team. He now resides and owns his own coaching business called Evolved Performance Training in Oklahoma City.

Ricky Randall, MSU alumni, and Tony Baca, MSU alumni, race at the Hotter ‘N Hell races on Friday, Aug. 25. “I did a mountain bike race here [Wichita Falls] in high school. I didn’t really know anything; I didn’t have a real bike yet,” Randall said. “I just did the mountain bike race then a trail race which was about half a marathon and that was it.” Along with their extensive background in cy-

cling, this year marked Randall’s sixth time competing and Baca’s seventh year in Hotter’N Hell. “For me it [the event] wasn’t that good,” Randall said. “I’m coming back from injury.” On one training night, an unknown driver proceeded to run a red light hitting Randall and later fleeing the scene. The accident left him with a broken jaw, elbow and knee. According to Randall; unfortunately, they were unable to catch the suspect. The accident left Randall for almost two months unable to “get off the couch” in recovery. However, this was not enough to keep Ricky from cycling again. After those two months he went back to riding, only giving him one month to train just after his serious injuries. “I think we were only a couple of minutes off of the course record today,” Randall said. “We finished at three hours and 40 minutes.” According to Randall getting to meet new people and going new places are some of the positive things he has learned after cycling for six years. “I am still learning,” Randall said. “Get out of your comfort zone. Just looking around today, I have met a bunch of people who said that this was their longest race.”

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PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Hugo Gesualdo dodges an Oklahoma Baptist player before taking a shot at goal on Aug. 24.

Men’s soccer kick off season against OBU MERCY YERMO REPORTER PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Hugo Gesualdo, business freshman, takes a shot at a goal against Oklahoma Baptist on Aug. 24. Scott Doney, psychology senior, steals the ball from an Oklahoma Baptist University player and tries to keep in inbound at the the scrimmage match they had on Aug. 24.

en’s soccer kicked off its season against Oklahoma Baptist University on Aug. 24, defeating its opponent 2-1. “I was really confident in the work we’ve been putting in and the amount of talent we have this year,” Sebastian Venegas, business management sophomore and midfielder, said. “Winning the first scrimmage was the best way to start out this season.” Last year, the men closed out the regular season ranked 11 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America Division II along with qualifying for their 12th NCAA Tournament appearance. They also claimed their first Heartland Conference regular season title and were runners-up in the league’s postseason tournament. “Every team wants to do better than they did in the past seasons, but we are hope-

ful that we go beyond our own expectations, and go as far as we can in the postseason,” Head Coach Doug Elder said. Also in the 2016 season, the men earned the No. 2 seed in the South Central Region after a 16-3-1 season record. “We had a really good season last year, but this year with the amount of experience we now have, we hope it can carry us even further,” business sophomore and defender RJ Sayler said. “We would love to go further than we ever have as a program.” On Sept. 1, the men will play their next opponent — Fort Lewis College. “We built really good momentum by defeating Oklahoma Baptist, so we need to keep taking it game by game, and just keep building by the time playoffs come around,” Venegas said. The game against Fort Lewis College will be at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 1.

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Roundup week rounded up 45

MSU’s housing and residence life employees’ 45 resident assistants planned, hosted and cleaned up various events during Roundup Week. “There were more students than expected, so I would say it’s a successful event,” Kelcia Righten, resident assistant and business management senior, said.

150

More than 150 students attended both the ice cream social and brick painting events held in Legacy Hall. “We bought 100 bricks and Killingsworth had 30 extra bricks,” Norma Ramirez, assistant director of residence life, said. “We had to turn people away.”

Dillon Collins, business management freshman, catches a football at the cook out at the Legacy courtyard on Aug. 23.

Freshman that participated in roundup week meet with their peer counselor 8 times. “The people and the environment keep me coming back. I want to make a lot of new friends, and these events at Round-up week are perfect for that.” Reece Crosby, sociology freshman, said. “I feel like more of myself here because there are so many people around my age and in the same spot in their lives.”

Ashley Ates, global studies senior, Javier Fuerte, chemistry senior, Kaitlin Hancock, English frehsman, prepares a shirt for the tie-dye and Kady Kyle, radiology sophomore, scope ice cream into bowls for students at the ice cream social in Legacy Hall on Aug. 22. event at the cook out at the Legacy courtyard on Aug. 23.

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PHOTOS BY JUSTIN MARQUART AND CORTNEY WOOD| THE WICHITAN

TOP: Orlando Baxter, stand up comedian, talking to students in the D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Aug. 22. LEFT: Just as the housing cookout kicked off, Kris Silva, marketing junior, with partner Jake Starkey, coordinator of students transition programs, scored points in a friendly game of trashketball. “I saw a couple of my friends here, and I wanted to see what all was going on,” Silva said. “I saw the football, the soccer, I heard the music and I figured trashektball seemed the most fun.”

Resident assistants prepare the t-shirt table for the tie-dye event held at the cook out at the Legacy courtyard on Aug. 23.

TOP: Student reactions to comedian Orlando Baxter in the D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Aug. 22. LEFT: Shea James, art freshman, and Audrey Dykes, nursing freshman, paint bricks at the brick painting event hosted by housing in Legacy hall on Aug. 22.

Shea James, art freshman, tie dyes a shirt at the cook out at the Legacy courtyard on Aug. 23.

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PHOTO BY RACHEL JOHNSON | THE WICHITAN

Preston Pugmire, convocation speaker, climbs through the stands talking about a time where he sang “Part of Your World” from “Little Mermaid” in the middle of an all night diner as a part of his speech for All Student Convocation in D.L. Ligon Coliseum on Aug. 29.

‘Carpe diem’ Keynote speaker serenades students at convocation SARAH GRAVES REPORTER

ilence echoed in the D. L. Ligon Coliseum, as anticipation and curiosity filled students about keynote speaker, Preston Pugmire’s next moves. After dropping a beat, Pugmire incorporated his musical passion with encouraging students to listen, to be positive and to be authentic. On Aug. 29 the new student 2017 Convocation welcomed incoming students to MSU and encouraged them to seize the day by believing in themselves. “This is your day. You may think that you have years and years to experience things, but unless you seize these opportunities and this day, it will just go past you and you’ll look back and say, “Why didn’t I do that?’” MSU President, Suzanne Shipley said. “You have a double duty to think about the person you can become in college because you are right here right now.” After Shipley’s introduction, Pugmire took the stage and continued on her carpe diem encouragement, telling students to ‘seize the day’ by being themselves and listening to others. “Believe that your ideas matter. Believe that your goals are worth achieving. Believe that you matter,” Pugmire said. According to Pugmire, college is a time for students to branch out and find their paths in life. As example of how noise isn’t always

music, Pugmire invited three students to the stage to create noise and music. “I was nervous when I got up there to do the thing because I didn’t think he would pick me,” Dunlap said. “I’m glad I did it because carpe diem.” Each student had a job to do, Chloe Dunlap, music education freshman had to sing, KJ Melton, mechanical engineering freshman had to beatbox and Patrick Sarsfield, finance freshman had to play the guitar. “I learned to be more positive and I need to listen to other people more.” Melton said. “I really do need to be more positive in my life,” Between bringing students on stage and motivating students, Pugmire walked through the crowd in the stands, while singing ‘A Part of Your World’ from Walt Disney’s The Little Mermaid, and provided a one man band concert with a recording device. “I thought he was a pretty good singer and I liked the little device that he recorded stuff on,” Tobi Crowley, computer science freshman said. Pugmire concluded his speech with one final encouragement to be authentic, followed by another song. “You are going to have so many opportunities to find you and find your path. Don’t be afraid to switch it up. Don’t be afraid to go down a different path,” he said. “Make sure it’s authentic to you.”