10-12-2020

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THURSDAY, APRIL 5

MONDAY, OCTOBER 12

VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

OPINION

GRAD FAIR

UNITY MARCH

NEWS PAGE 2

CAMPUS LIFE PAGE 4

SPORTS PAGE 6

NISG senator responds to pro-life group controversy.

A virtual graduation fair kicks off this week.

UNI student-athletes participated in a UNIty march for justice.

Students for Life fails to pass ELIZABETH KELSEY News Editor

A bill which failed to pass in the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG) on Wednesday evening has generated controversy about free speech and the line between politics and personal opinion.

During the NISG meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 7, Chair of the Organization and Finance Committee Esha Jayswal presented SSB2020-11. The bill communicated the request of UNI Students for Life, an affiliate of the national pro-life group Students for Life, to be allowed to form a student organization at UNI. The bill failed to pass, with those senators who voted in opposition citing concerns related to the “hateful rhetoric” of the group’s national affiliate.

However, this decision is seen by many, including other members of NISG, to have violated the NISG constitution and UNI policies, as senators may have allowed personal biases to infringe upon the group’s First Amendment rights.

NISG Supreme Court Chief Justice Bekah Bass told the Northern Iowan in an email that “an appeals process has already been initiated concerning SSB 2020-11,” and also noted in an earlier conversation that the initial hearing for this appeal is scheduled for today, Oct. 12.

“The NISG Supreme Court is committed to upholding the NISG Constitution and By-Laws, UNI Policies, and governmental legislation,” she wrote.

The Organization

Sophomore history education major Sophia Schuster and several of her peers submitted a request for UNI Students for Life to be considered for registration by NISG in February of 2020.

“I want to create a pro-life voice on this campus,” Schuster said in a phone interview with the Northern Iowan. “College campuses are really big abortion hotspots, and I just wanted to be a voice.”

Although the group is aligned with the national Students for Life, their proposed constitution does not mention this affiliation, instead focusing on the educational opportunities they hope to offer.

“Members of UNI Students for Life work to save lives threatened by induced abortion, euthanasia, and the destruction of human embryos for research,” states the constitution. “Members seek to promote respect for life at UNI and on a local, state, and national level, to educate on life issues, to help those in need so that life is a promising choice, and to work with others who share common goals.”

Schuster said that although NISG had planned to vote on their organization in late March, the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent campus shutdown postponed the vote.

She and her peers were also asked to address several issues with the group’s proposed constitution this fall, she said, but

NISG/Courtesy Photo

NISG met virtually for their eleventh regular Senate meeting on Oct. 7, during which a bill requesting approval to form a UNI chapter of the pro-life group Students for Life failed to pass, generating controversy.

after having made the necessary changes, she was told that NISG would vote on the bill at the Oct. 7 meeting.

As Jayswal presented the bill on Wednesday, she emphasized that the constitution met all university and NISG requirements for approval.

While no senators disputed the organization’s constitutionality, many raised concerns about the message that approving its existence would communicate.

Senator Mohammad Rawaas directed the Senate to the website of the national Students for Life organization.

He pointed out several poten-

tially troubling beliefs held by the group and its president, such as their support for criminalizing abortion in cases of rape and incest as well as a description of the group’s “trained and experienced army of ground troops” among students on U.S. campuses.

“As representatives of the university, we have a responsibility for the safety of our students,” he said. “Purely outside of any realm of political bias, I think this is incredibly heinous, and I don’t know why we would be in favor of registering this organization.”

Jayswal and Director of Government Relations and Affairs Abigail Kraft pushed back on Rawaas’ argument, citing UNI Students for Life’s

right to express their opinion regardless of the senators’ personal views on that opinion.

“We cannot deny an organization based on the possibility that they might take a stance that university might not agree with,” Jayswal said, adding that NISG can deregister an organization if their subsequent actions violate their constitution or university policies. “We should make our decisions solely based on their constitution, and their constitution agrees with everything our university policy lays out.

All university students have the right to express their opinions and form groups to share those opinions.”

the 19-year-old Roerig had “found a home” at UNI in his few months on campus, according to a campus-wide email sent Saturday, Oct. 10. He was also involved at St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center and within his residence hall.

“He had numerous high school friends, also at UNI, who are grieving his loss,” wrote Vice President for Student Affairs Paula Knudson in the email. “They

describe him as ambitious and talented - a student who worked really hard on his drumming skills and was a great friend. They want to thank him for being a bright light for all and for him to know that he is loved.”

For those seeking support in processing this tragedy, Knudson’s email offered multiple resources. Students may call the Counseling Center at (319) 273-2676 at any time and press #2

to speak with a counselor, or visit the Counseling Center between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday (emergency walk-in appointments available).

The Dean of Students (deanofstudents@uni.edu) can support students seeking assistance in balancing grief, academic and other personal obligations, while faculty and staff are encouraged to access EAP Services for support.

The Meeting

See STUDENTS FOR LIFE, page 2

Event will honor UNI student after passing NI STAFF

A memorial event will be held tonight for a UNI student who passed away last week.

Isaac Roerig, a first-year music education major from Sioux City, Iowa, was killed Friday, Oct. 9 after being struck by a semi while outside of his car on Highway 20 near the Hudson Road overpass, according to KWWL. The driver of the semi

has been identified as James Ricke, 71, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, KWWL reported.

In honor of Roerig’s life, students and faculty from the School of Music and Panther Marching Band will hold a commemoration on Lawther Field on Monday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. All members of the UNI community may attend and are asked to wear a face covering.

The School of Music was one of several places in which

PAGE 2

OCTOBER 12, 2020 |

NEWS

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

ELIZABETH KELSEY News Editor

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

UNI questions COVID on campus Oct. 12 future of diversity trainings in wake of executive order

Non-compliance with this order may result in a decrease Staff Writer in federal funding, government A recent executive order contracts being cancelled and made by President Trump may even ineligibility from receivinhibit UNI’s ability to conduct ing any federal aid in the future. diversity and inclusion training The University of Iowa for staff, students and faculty. announced a two-week pause The order, issued Sept. 22, on any diversity and inclusion condemns workplace diversi- trainings, during which the ty trainings for enforcing an administration will update their “anti-American” sentiment. training programs to fit the criteria of the executive order.

However, they released a statement to students saying that they are “deeply disappointed” with the order’s intention.

UNI officials are still exploring how the executive order will affect the university.

Andrew Morse, UNI’s assistant to the president for board and governmental relations, said, “We have not yet paused our training prior to the November 21 effective date of the Executive Order for those who receive federal grants and contracts, including UNI. The university is assessing President Trump’s executive order to see whether and how it may apply to the university.”

Morse continued, “UNI values diversity and proudly stands by its mission, vision, and values, which lift up education as a foundation for democracy and inclusion as a pillar of community.”

Many students hope that UNI will preserve diversity and inclusion trainings, despite the NI ARCHIVES executive order.

“This ideology is rooted in Senior math education stuthe pernicious and false belief dent Max Tensen said, “The that America is an irredeemably University of Northern Iowa racist and sexist country; that is not doing enough for its stusome people, simply on account dents of color. If they are to of their race or sex, are oppres- embrace Trump’s executive sors; and that racial and sexual order, which is un-American, identities are more important nationalistic, xenophobic and than our common status as racist… I can safely say that I human beings and Americans,” will no longer be a student at the order explained. the university.”

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STUDENTS FOR LIFE continued from page 1

However, Senator Caleb Stekl disputed this statement.

“I don’t think that any of us can sit up here and say that we would approve any organization as long as their constitution fit with our guidelines,” he said.

He questioned whether, if a group such as the Ku Klux Klan presented a valid constitution, they would be accepted.

Senator Randy Everding also argued that the bill should be rejected, since approving it would allow UNI Students for Life access to student funds.

“We are representatives, first and foremost, of the people who elected us,” he said. “I know for a fact that the majority of people in my constituency would not appreciate this organization having access to their tuition dollars… It’s not about what I think, it’s about the people I represent and what they pay for.”

However, Kraft and Senator Matthew Barton argued that all students likely have organizations on campus which they do not support but which their tuition dollars are funding.

“They fit the requirements,

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clearly they’ve found people who expressed interest and I think it’s just very dangerous to try and silence a group in general,” Barton said.

Director of Public Relations Triet Ngo disagreed.

“Just because it fits our guidelines doesn’t mean that we should allow it to be part of our campus,” he said. “We would be saying to our constituents, ‘We support you, but we also support the people who want to take your rights away.’”

After nearly an hour of discussion, the bill failed to pass on a 3-11-9 vote. Schuster said she was “disappointed” at the result.

“I knew there would be opposition to UNI Students for Life, because abortion’s very controversial,” she said. “But I was kind of surprised at how much they allowed their own opinions to get in the way.”

She said that the NISG approval process asks senators to consider organizations based on their constitution, but in this case a majority of senators “just threw that out the window.”

“I think it’s a definite injustice and… an attack at us and free speech in general,” she said.

“They decided that ‘because we The Northern Iowan is published semi-weekly on Monday and Thursday during the academic year, except for holidays and examination periods, by the University of Northern Iowa, L011 Maucker Union, Cedar Falls, IA 50614-0166 under the auspices of the Board of Student Publications.

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disagree with you, we’re not going to let you speak.’”

Stekl addressed these charges in a phone interview with the NI on Thursday.

“When a group like this says, ‘you can’t let your opinions into the mix when you make the decision,’ by telling us that, you’re telling us that we can only consider your opinion,” he said.

“There’s no way to nicely distinguish between opinions, between politics and emotions.”

The Follow-up An appeals process for SSB2020-11 has already begun in the NISG Supreme Court, which, according to the NISG Constitution, has jurisdiction in all matters related to the constitutionality of actions by the executive and legislative branches.

“We are working hard to be as expeditious as possible to ensure that this process is concluded in a timely manner,” Bass wrote. “Students are always our first priority and we are confident that this appeals process will come to a fair and equitable conclusion.”

The NI will continue to report on this developing story.

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PAGE 3

OPINION

EMMA’LE MAAS Executive Editor

OCTOBER 12, 2020 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

Disclaimer: The following opinion articles featured do not reflect the opinion of the Northern Iowan newspaper or staff as a whole.

NISG Senator speaks out about controversy of student representatives in order to reverse the decision and register the organization.

For additional context on the national organization in question, the President of the organization, Kristan Hawkins, signed a letter to the Republican National Committee chairwoman urging the GOP to oppose exceptions to criminalizing abortion in the case of rape, according to the Washington Post. To be as clear as possible, that means that this person’s position is that if a woman is raped and impregnated, she should be forced to carry the child of her rapist to term and that a woman should be criminalized if she opposes the idea of her being forced to give birth to her rapist’s child. According to a 2019 NPR poll, only 9% of Americans believe that abortions should be limited only in the case of a life-threatening complication, with a further 9% believing abortions should not be allowed in any circumstances, meaning that 82% of Americans support exceptions for the case of rape. As student representatives, senators should not be voting to regis-

ter organizations that will act explicitly against the interest of their constituents, and the factoid mentioned above clearly demonstrates how fringe of an organization Students for Life is, and that it most certainly does not reflect the will of the student body, or the U.S. in general.

Furthermore, as per their website, Students for Life is explicitly in favor of overturning Roe vs. Wade, which the majority of Americans support, and intervening with Planned Parenthood. Their website also describes their desire to build a “trained and experienced army of ground troops ready to engage,” making their militancy clear.

Their presence on campus would clearly be a detriment to the majority of the student body. Beyond all this, the talking points that appear on the website are full of lies and misinformation, and given the fact that their submitted constitution states that their goal is to “educate,” NISG cannot register this organization per the Student Organization Handbook, which calls for organizations to be registered

if they apply “in good faith.”

Claiming to educate while being affiliated with a national organization that constantly engages in lies is the opposite of good faith.

As is to be expected, the organization is decrying the failure to register this student organization as a case of discrimination and an attack on free speech. The problem with this argument is that the reasons the organization was denied registration had nothing to do with speech; as always, the students wanting to register this organization are free to speak their mind, on campus as elsewhere. “Speech” does not entitle one to university funds and an official designation as a student organization. Ultimately, the decision to not grant registration to this student group was in reference to the specific actions of the Students for Life organization, their stated intentions to interfere with Planned Parenthood activities and the militant language of their website that speaks to their intended actions. The idea that actions are being equated with speech is ridiculous. Finally, it

issues morph into personal Opinion Columnist ones (wearing masks, coronavirus precautions, Black Lives As November rapidly Matter, gay marriage, etc.). I approaches, so does the date in am not here to tell you who which Americans from across to vote for or push my own the country will vote for the political agenda; I am, hownext President of the United ever, imploring you to vote, States. The impending elec- whatever that may mean for tion is one that will make his- you. tory, either way it shakes out; To many, the 2016 election Trump will either win a sec- was the start of the “American ond term, or America will see divide.” Some citizens became its first Black Vice President. die-hard Trump fans, while In fact, this is arguably the others sided with Hillary. Both most important election with- sides gained radicals, for better in recent memory. As COVID- or worse. This suddenly clear 19 ravages the country and split became entirely about California is engulfed in personal values and morality flames, the upcoming presi- instead of just politics; people dential election could deter- who had never been interested mine whether more people in politics before were suddenlive or die. The nation is stuck ly appearing in the first row in a deep divide as political of rallies or marches. For bet-

ter or worse, things became personal for many individuals, which meant that everyone in between (i.e. undecided voters and non-political people) was forced to choose a side or risk scrutiny for their perceived indecisiveness.

Furthermore, some that did not feel a connection to either candidate decided to write in names on the ballot instead of voting for one of the named candidates. This is not only a throw away vote, as the likelihood of a write-in candidate winning is incredibly low, but it is also a giant slap in the face to those whose lives depend on the outcome of the election. Just because something does not personally affect you doesn’t mean it doesn’t matter.

Whether that means voting

for Trump or Biden, voting sends the message that you see what’s going on in the world and you are actively trying to change it however you see it.

Not voting, on the other hand, sends the message that you do not care about your country or your fellow citizens. Voting is a civic duty that all Americans are expected to participate in –every time, no matter what.

No matter what this election personally means to you, it is absolutely essential that you make your voice heard on Nov. 3. Whether you decide to vote in-person or by mail, your vote is an integral part of maintaining the stability of this country and therefore securing a future for the next generations. Even if you are not strongly tied to one

MOHAMMED RAWWAS

Opinion Columnist

On Wednesday, Oct. 7 the far-right anti-abortion Students for Life organization attempted to register a chapter at the University of Northern Iowa. The senators of the Northern Iowa Student Government voted against the registration of this organization (for transparency’s sake, the author of this article is among the subject of the preceding sentence). This was immediately picked up by other far-right groups, such as Young Americans for Freedom, who published an article on the happening (or lack of) and publicized the story on social media. As expected, the vitriol quickly followed, as well as a number of arguments as to why Students for Life should have been registered, which we will discuss presently. The university administration, for its part, issued a statement reassuring the far-right that they would gladly cater to their every desire, and that they would be more than willing to ignore any pretense of democracy and override the decisions

Courtesy Photo

NISG Senator and regular Northern Iowan Opinion Columnist Mohammed Rawwas responds to recent controversy surrounding the “Students for Life” group.

was determined that, as student representatives, it was not in the best interest of our constituents to allow this hate-mongering and inciting group on campus, given their affiliation. Finally, it should be noted that the role that university administration has taken up is egregious, openly violating the sovereignty of the entire student body by openly declaring they will overrule students’ only representation on campus, prompting the question: who is the University for?

Show you care by voting on Nov. 3 ADDI SEYBERT

candidate or the other, those who are beg you to vote. It could literally be the difference between life and death.

To find out more, please visit UNI’s Office of the Registrar or vote.org. These are both great resources for more information on the upcoming election. If you are not sure which candidate best aligns with your views or just want to find out more about them, visit ballotpedia.org for a quick run-down of each candidate’s platform.

Remember, no matter who you decide to vote for on Nov. 3 (or earlier), simply showing up is huge. Send the message that you care about your peers (and the future of this country) and cast your vote today.

Stand up against President Trump this election LAUREN HOLST

UNI Alum ‘84 &’13 Guest Columnist

Over 70 high-ranking former national security officials — all Republicans — have released a public statement calling Trump “unfit for office” and “corrupt” (Former National Security Officials for Biden).

Military veterans have

created grassroots organizations to oppose Trump and the Republican elected officials that have supported his actions that are dividing us as a nation and are promoting racism and violence against one another (Common Defense, VoteVets, Veterans Against Trump).

Elite Republican campaign operatives have abandoned their life’s work and are now applying their skills to remove

Trump and all of the elected Republican officials from office that have enabled him (The Lincoln Project).

A huge group of Republicans are standing up against their own party as having failed to ensure that the liberties enshrined in our Constitution and Declaration of Independence are applied to everyone (Republicans for the Rule of Law).

A massive number of everyday Republicans, former Republicans and conservatives — disgusted with the actions of Trump — are now fighting to elect Joe Biden for president (Republican Voters Against Trump).

These are Republicans that believe their own party and elected officials have turned against our country.

They believe Trump and the

Republicans currently in office are destroying our international alliances and the fabric of our society; hollowing out the systems that support the public interests; creating massive federal debt while shifting wealth from the poor, working class and middle class to the wealthiest; and leaving us vulnerable before our enemies.

This is not a drill. Vote to save our democracy.

PAGE 4

CAMPUS LIFE OCTOBER 12, 2020 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

|

ANTHONY WITHEROW Campus Life Editor

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

Fall 2020 Graduation Fair kicks off this week “While the virtual structure extends the event, we still wanted to make sure students had the chance to connect with as many of the resources as possible,” said Lehman.

With the visual format, everything except flash photography and thank you videos are moved to zoom, according to Tristian Aldous, graduate assistant at the Office of te Registrar. Another reason for extending the event is to make sure that students are able to get the services they need throughout the week in accordance with their own schedule.

With commencement also moving to an online format, the fair also offers the in-person flash photography service where students can go and get

AASHITA VADHERA

Staff Writer

Monday marks the start of Graduation Fair week, an event that acts as a “one stop shop” for students graduating at the end of the fall 2020 semester to make their transition into the next step smoother.

According to Nichole Lehman, associate registrar at UNI, in the past, the Graduation Fair has been a one day event where all the offices set up stalls and students come and talk to each of them to make sure that they are on track towards graduating. There is food, graduation regalia and a lot of celebration.

However, due to the current pandemic, this event is now going to be held online.

their professional picture taken in their cap and gown. This service will be available Oct. 12 and 13 in the Oak Room at the Maucker Union.

Aldous also adds to this by saying, “The Graduation Fair is significant for students because it allows for offices and services to be available when students need to meet with them without having to schedule an appointment.”

“It’s a ‘one stop shop’ for students to thank their friends and family for support, get a professional photo in a cap and gown, make sure they’ve met their degree requirements, get connected with Career Services for their next steps and much more,” Lehman explained.

NI Archives The Fall 2020 Graduation Fair will hold a multitude of virtual and in-person events.

Underclassmen and transfer students welcome to First Year Fridays NICK BAUER Staff Writer

A student’s first semester at the University of Northern Iowa can bring about a myriad of experiences which freshman and transfer students alike may encounter.

With the many additional challenges facing all students this year compounded by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, first year students can often find themselves lost amidst the stressful tempest that has become this fall academic semester. These students are not without hope nor alone, however, as two campus organizations are teaming up to help first year students navigate their first semester on campus.

The UNIThrive Mentoring Program and Panther Promise Academy have concocted a student-focused event occurring every Friday this semester in the Lang Hall Auditorium from 3-4 p.m., aptly named, “First Year Fridays.” These two campus organizations are cooperatively aiming to provide students with strategies to help overcome some of these academic and lifestyle challenges first year students often face during their initial year on campus.

First Year Fridays took place for the first time on Sept. 18 in person in accor-

dance with the campus’s COVID-19 social distancing guidelines. The topics focused upon at the previous gatherings ranged from financial aid assistance to resiliency, and the groups also hosted a racial trauma and community discussion following the widely covered Breonna Taylor investigation in Louisville, KY. Though the series focuses on tips for first year students, all students at UNI are explicitly welcomed to attend and can gain pertinent information relating to their college experience on campus.

The most recent gathering of the First Year Fridays series took place in person on Oct. 9 with academic advisors Heather Asmus and Kathy Peters presenting on the many different majors and minors provided at UNI.

They fielded questions from student groups regarding their majors and minors while also sharing the many opportunities available for students to succeed in these programs. Students were encouraged to consider their satisfaction with their specific majors and minors and how that could relate to their ideal careers and lifestyles.

Free t-shirts were given out to participating students throughout the event, and all attendees were treated with baked goods at the conclusion of the gathering.

Moderating and chiefly organizing First Year Fridays, Retention and Mentoring Program Coordinator Dacia Carter spoke on what they are attempting to accomplish with these weekly in person gatherings, “We are hoping to provide

Katie Crow/ Northern Iowan UNI Thrive and the Panther Promise Academy hold “First Year Friday” for first year and transfer students looking for advice and tips on how to adjust to life at a new school.

positive strategies for students’ success while connecting with other established students currently at UNI,” said Carter. “We want our students to come be apart and be engaged safely in person.”

With many events on campus open to students taking place in varying degrees of virtual formats, organizers of First Year Fridays stress the importance of safe, face-to-face connection for students.

“It was important to us because as we know, parts of the college experience have been stripped from most of these students,” said De’Carlos Anderson, Assistant Director of Student Success and Retention and

co-organizer of First Year Fridays. “So the opportunity to have in-person programming has been very beneficial for a lot of the first year students.”

The next First Year Fridays event will take place on Friday, Oct. 16 from 3-4 p.m., once again in Lang Auditorium. This session will center around helping students prepare to take part in registering for the spring semester. Current UNI students and peer mentors will be on hand to provide valuable information and personal experiences revolving around registering for classes. The event series will continue until Nov. 13 with plans to take place every Friday of the spring semester as well.

Follow our Twitter accounts for quick news updates on the go!

News:

@NorthernIowan

Sports Updates:

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@NIonNISG

ANTHONY WITHEROW Campus Life Editor

CAMPUS LIFE OCTOBER 12, 2020 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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PAGE 5

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

Digital Media Department looking for one-minute horror films SARA QUALLEY Staff Writer

The Department of Communications and Media’s Digital Media program invites UNI students of any major to submit horror films to the “Tick Tock: One Minute to Shock” contest. The Digital Media program has hosted similar video contests in the past, but this is their first Halloween-themed one.

“I think we live in scary times,” Philip Hopper, a professor of communication and media, said. “I think having people be able to reflect on that, and perhaps not even in a serious way, perhaps in

a humorous way that’s a little bit scary, might be helpful.”

Hopper said that horror films are enjoyable for people because they’re safe ways to be scared.

Even if someone jumps and covers their eyes, they can still walk out at the end.

Hopper encourages all students to consider submitting videos, stating the contest provides an opportunity for students to explore the times they are living in. He encourages those who submit videos should try to think outside a realm of jump scares. Daily occurrences like wearing masks and seeing people skitter away

at the grocery store to maintain a distance of six feet can be just as scary as classic horror tropes.

“The mundane and the everyday can be just as scary as someone in a hockey mask and a butcher knife,” Hopper said.

Films should be one minute long or less and be submitted in MP4 format by Oct. 26 at midnight. Prizes will be awarded to first, second and third places. Winners will either receive cash or credit to the UNI Bookstore. Videos can be submitted using the QR code listed on the contest flyer or at HorrorFilm. uni.edu.

Courtesy Photo/ Philip Hopper Students of all majors are allowed to compete in a one-minute horror film contest.

Panther PORTRAIT: outdooor concert series

Ensemble and Symphonic Band held their concert on Thursday, Oct. 8, while UNI’s School of Music the Jazz Combos concert held two entries in their took place on Friday, Oct. Outdoor Concert Series 9. last week. Originally The bands set up and scheduled for Friday, Oct. played on the concrete 2 before being postponed east of West Gym with due to weather, the Wind socially-distanced audiANTHONY WITHEROW

Campus Life Editor

ence markings on the grass field between West Gym and the Campanile.

The next entry in the Outdoor Concert Series will take place on Friday, Oct. 23 and will feature the Panther Marching Band.

Lindy Rublaitus/Northern Iowan

The School of Music provided two outdoor concerts UNI students and faculty members last week.

PAGE 6

SPORTS

UNI ATHLETICS

OCTOBER 12, 2020 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

COLIN HORNING Sports Editor

|

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

Student-athletes hold “UNIty” walk COLIN HORNING

Sports Editor

On Friday, Oct. 11, hundreds of UNI student-athletes, faculty, coaches, campus members and community members gathered for a “UNIty” march with the theme of “Together We Rise” in protest of racial injustice.

Led by the UNI StudentAthlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Minority Student-Athlete Leadership Team (MSALT), the event was assisted through help of the UNI Athletics Department in order to aid the UNI community with raising awareness of their social justice messages. While the protest was largely planned by UNI student-athletes, the event was open to anyone who wanted to attend. Many Northern Iowa student-athletes were proud of how the event turned out

and the amount of support from the greater campus community that they received.

“We came together as student-athletes because we wanted this to be student-athlete led,” said sophomore UNI men’s basketball player Noah Carter in an interview with UNI Athletics. “When SAAC and MSALT showed up, it really put forth what this university and community are capable of doing. I thought it turned out really well,” he added. “We’re only going to figure this out together. Being shoulder-to-shoulder with my teammates, with members of this school, means everything. Not only will we get through this together, but everything is better when we come together, so why not do it with love and positivity,” Carter said.

The event began at sunrise on Friday morning. While

UNI Athletics

University of Northern Iowa Director of Athletics David Harris speaks at the UNIty Walk on Friday, Oct. 9.

UNI Athletics

UNI student-athletes gather in protest of social and racial justice as part of their UNIty Walk. The theme of the event was “Together We Rise.”

march organizers asked those in attendance to show up at 6:40 a.m., the protest did not begin until sunrise at 7:17 a.m.

The commencement at sunrise was intended to be symbolic of the theme “Together We Rise.” The march began at the south entrance of the McLeod Center, crossed over Hudson Road and ended at the campanile at the center of UNI’s campus.

“For me growing up as an African-American man, as well as a white man with biracial parents, it means everything to me to see both sides come together,” Carter said. “Growing up in Iowa, I was raised in the country so I’ve seen different sides of the majority. But I just try learning from my teammates, people of color and those from different backgrounds

as much as I can. The more information I know, the more I can do to help people that don’t. Sharing positivity and learning the most that I can is the best way to help,” he said.

“There was a great turnout. Having all of these people here walking in unison really shows that we are united as a university and athletics as a whole,” said UNI senior track and field athlete TayShaun Cooper to UNI Athletics media. “Outside of athletics, there are so many people here that I can rely on and count on their support when athletics just isn’t a priority. To me, it’s the little things. The main thing that I want is for everyone just to listen. They (UNI Athletics) just listen and understand the Black community and minority community as a whole and

understand where we’re coming from. Just understanding us and being there for support is all that we need in this time that we’re living in today,” added Cooper. “I never thought that we would’ve had all the athletes together supporting the same thing at once. But just being together and supporting the same cause is the best thing that I could ever have imagined.”

The march was aided by the UNI Athletics Department and the University of Northern Iowa as a whole.

The department of athletics has begun tracking all of its diversity and inclusion efforts on their website, as a part of the UNI Athletics Panthers Rising initiative.

Both interviews of the UNI student-athletes can be found at youtube.com/UNIAthletics.

FOOTBALL

Oct. 14, 2017: Panthers upset Jackrabbits on the road DAVID WARRINGTON Sports Writer

On Oct.t 14, 2017, the Northern Iowa Panthers traveled to Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota, home of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. The Jackrabbits came in as the seventh ranked team in the nation, whereas the Panthers were not even in the top 25.

UNI won the coin toss and elected to defer their choice to the second half. The Jackrabbits received the opening kickoff, but quickly went three and out. The Panthers got the ball, but followed suit, going three and out themselves. Punter Sam Kuhter sent a punt to Jackrabbits wide receiver Marquise Lewis.

As Lewis was attempting to catch the punt, he was hit by UNI defensive back Nikholi Jaghai, forcing a fumble that was recovered by UNI long snapper Joe Friedrich. The Panthers took advantage when kicker Sam Drysdale

knocked in a 41-yard field goal, giving them a 3-0 lead.

On the ensuing possession, South Dakota State made another error when quarterback Taryn Christion’s pass was intercepted by defensive back Elijah Campbell.

He returned it just three yards shy of the endzone, and two plays later, running back Christian Jegen punched it in for a touchdown from one yard out. After another defensive stop and another touchdown, this time an 11-yard run from running back Marcus Weymiller, the upset-minded Panthers ended the first quarter leading 17-0.

The Jackrabbits roared back to start the second quarter, leading a 73-yard drive that resulted in Christion finding wide receiver Jake Wieneke for an 11-yard touchdown. A missed extra point made the score 17-6.

Northern Iowa managed to put together a scoring drive with Weymiller running in a score from 15 yards out.

Courtesy Photo/University of Northern Iowa

Oct. 14, 2017: The Panthers upset the seventh-ranked SDSU by the score of 38-18.

This gave the Panthers a commanding 24-6 lead going into the half.

It was a quiet third quarter for both teams offensively, but with less than a minute to go the Jackrabbits offense exploded with two long passing plays. Christion connected with tight end Dallas Goedert on two consecutive plays, one for 57 yards, and one for a 19-yard touchdown. SDSU attempted a two-point conversion in an attempt to counteract the missed extra point

from their previous touchdown. However, the conversion attempt failed, and the Panthers held a 24-12 lead entering the final quarter of play.

The Panthers got the ball to begin the fourth quarter, and they took advantage, driving down the field and culminating when quarterback Eli Dunne found wide receiver Daurice Fountain for an 18-yard touchdown, taking a commanding 31-12 lead. The UNI defense forced

a turnover on downs, and Dunne threw for another touchdown, this time to wide receiver Isaiah Weston. This essentially sealed the deal, as the Panthers took a 38-12 lead with just 8:21 to play.

The Jackrabbits did manage to score another touchdown, but the Panthers came away with the convincing upset victory, 38-18.

The unranked Panthers came out strong early against the seventh ranked Jackrabbits and didn’t slow down. Quarterback Eli Dunne completed 13 of his 22 pass attempts for 169 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Marcus Weymiller had a great day on the ground, running the ball 42 times for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

Wide receiver Daurice Fountain was the leading receiver of the day, catching four passes for 74 yards and a score. Linebacker Jared Farley was the leading tackler, finishing with seven tackles including one for a loss.

With the win, UNI moved to 3-3 on the season.

PAGE 7

FUN & GAMES

KARLA DE BRUIN Managing Editor

OCTOBER 12, 2020 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

SUDOKU TWO

SUDOKU ONE

Across

1 Crispy fried chicken part 5 Foolish sort 9 Neeson of “Silence” 13 Cancún currency 14 Nonspeaking street performer 15 Cellist Casals 16 “__ it first!”

17 Complete quickly, as a test 19 Spring melts 21 Lake crossed traveling from Ohio to Ontario

22 Golf course standard 23 Predecessor to Millard Fillmore 27 “Later, Jacques” 28 Northern sky sight 31 Mixed-breed barker 34 Isl. of Australia 36 Remove mist from, as a windshield 37 Sushi tuna 38 Grabbed a chair 39 Praiseful poem 41 Angsty music genre 42 Lovestruck teen from

SUDOKU ONE

Verona 44 Houston MLBer 46 Unexpected problem 47 Angelic figure 49 Transplant to a new container 51 Strict rule-enforcement policy 56 Margaret of stand-up 58 Chilly 59 Get the better of 60 Buddhist meditation sites 64 Tubular pasta ... and a phonetic hint to 17-, 23-, 51- and 60-Across 65 Geometry calculations 66 Brazilian soccer legend 67 Actor Baldwin 68 Sore throat sign 69 Part of GPS: Abbr.

70 Some cameras, for short

Down

1 Dog group that includes the Akita 2 “Tik Tok” singer 3 Author Asimov 4 “Yet another problem?”

5 Tabloid TV debut of 2007 6 Xbox 360 competitor 7 Driving force 8 Colorful aquarium fish 9 Poet __-tzu 10 Active ingredient in Advil

11 Pond growth 12 Jay of “Last Comic Standing” 15 Musical intro 18 “Howdy there!”

20 Pathetic 24 Beatles’ meter maid 25 First Irish Literature Nobelist 26 Miner’s strike 29 Egg-shaped tomato 30 Spellbound 31 Artist Chagall 32 “Looks like trouble!”

33 Mountain and Pacific, e.g.

35 Gourmet mushroom 38 Reporter’s contacts 40 Info 43 Before, poetically 45 Streetcar 46 Sonnet sections 48 Market upswing 50 Gold, to José 52 Big name in trading cards 53 Sam of “Jurassic Park” 54 More adorable 55 Heroic sagas 56 Industry mogul 57 Zeus’ jealous wife 61 Touch lightly 62 Lolling trio?

63 Erector __

northerniowan.com

CROSSWORD

Puzzle Answers SUDOKU TWO

CROSSWORD

PAGE 8 KARLA DE BRUIN

CLASSIFIEDS

OCTOBER 12, 2020 |

NORTHERNIOWAN.COM

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Managing Editor

VOLUME 117, ISSUE 16

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