CEDAR FALLS, IA
PANTHERS CAST THEIR VOTE
Panthers vote across campus
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor
On a rainy Tuesday, UNI students find themselves in a single file line outside of the Commons ballrooms. The students are all there for the same reason – to vote. For most students, it’s their first time voting. But, each student has a different motivation that drove them to the general election polls this November.
Women’s rights. Healthcare. Funding for pubic schools. The economy. Abortion. Taxes. LGTBQ+ rights. Inflation. These are all issues that UNI students carried with them into the voting booth on Tuesday.
“I have the right to [vote],” said UNI student Karime Sanchez. “I want to vote for somebody that really wants to help women’s rights, and that’s really important to me.”
First time student voter Shamira Turks echoed Sanchez’s sentiments. “It was nerve-wracking,” said Turks, in reference to her first time in the voting booth. “I’m glad I did it ... I just tried to do my research and just vote for who I feel aligns with my beliefs more.”
Student voters also expressed how convenient the on-campus polling place was, making voting even easier for them. “I was kind of worried about voting, since I was slacking on my absentee ballot, and then I came here [the Commons] and changed my voter registration and everything, so thank God,” Turks laughed. Student Will Marshall agreed that the Commons’ polling was incredibly accessible. “I thought I had to go home to vote, then I found out I could come here and register here,” said Marshall. “I thought I wasn’t going to be able to vote because of it ... but it was pretty easy to register here, so I did that instead.”
While students may have
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER, JO BRAHMS/NORTHERN IOWAN
Dozens of panthers across campus took to their polling locations to cast their votes. While they all had different reasons for voting, one thing is clear; the new generation of voters is passionate in their beliefs.
had different reasons they voted on Tuesday, their sentiments remained very similar – students are the future, and should vote like their future depends on it.
UNI senior Erin Murphy stressed the importance of the student vote. “We are now, like with the oldest generation fading out, the next wave of voters. Young people have the right to vote,” said Murphy. “These are the people that will make decisions in the next four to eight years, and we’ll have
to live with that.” UNI student Maddie Klien had similar thoughts, “I think it’s important to hear from all demographics ... students and younger people are really the ones who are going to be affected a lot by the decisions made in the next few years,” said Klein.
To some students, those who don’t take advantage of voting aren’t fulfilling their civic duty. UNI student Ryder Vallee believes that voting keeps students in the loop when it comes
to national politics. “I think it’s so important to exercise your civic duty, this is what keeps students involved in politics,” said Vallee. Other students think that those who have easy access to a polling place and still choose not to vote are taking their freedoms for granted. “It’s an easy process, really,” said Marshall. “I think the biggest thing is people are kind of lazy, honestly, not wanting to vote. This is one of the freedoms of our nation.”
Multiple students admon -
ished on how important women’s rights and abortion were to them going into the polling booth this November, whether they identify as pro-choice or pro-life. “Things related to women’s rights and abortion rights really motivated me to come out here today,” said Klein. Sanchez had a similar thought, “I want to vote for someone that really wants to help with women’s rights. That’s what’s important to me.”
The lines for the Commons ballrooms’ voting booths wrapped along the walls to enter the Commons ballrooms. First-time UNI voters showed up to make their voices heard and exercise their civic duty, regardless of what they believe in. Polls closed at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
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NORTHERN IOWAN BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor klinkbaa@uni.edu 563.321.1640
SOPHIE HOFFMEIER Managing Editor hoffmeis@uni.edu 515.795.6066
EDITORIAL STAFF
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JO BRAHMS News Editor
The Electoral College and you
JO BRAHMS News Editor
If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a million times; my vote doesn’t matter because the final say lies with the Electoral College. Well, dear reader, I am here to tell you that, despite what you’ve heard, your vote does matter. So, let’s break it down, how does the Electoral College even work?
The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A majority of 270 electoral votes is required to elect the president. Each state has the same number of electors as members in its congressional delegation: one for each member in the House of Representatives plus two senators. In Iowa, we have six electoral votes. Again, this varies from state to state. California, for example, has the most at 54, while several states, such as Vermont and Wyoming, only have three.
The people within the Electoral College are called electors. The U.S. Constitution lays out the guidelines for becoming an elector. It states that “no Senator or Representative, or Person holding an Office of Trust or Profit under the United
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Above is a copy of the slated Iowa electors from the 2020 election. This is the first page of a two-page document as all parties choose electors, not just the Republicans and Democrats.
States, shall be appointed an elector.” Additionally, as part of the 14th Amendment after the Civil War, state officials who have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the United States or given aid and comfort to its enemies are disqualified from serving as electors. Potential electors are chosen by each political party before the general election. Each party has their own set of rules regarding who can be chosen for the role. Typically, parties will choose people to recognize their service and dedication to their party. When the voters in each state cast votes for the presidential candidate of their choice they are also voting to select their state’s electors. Whichever presidential candidate wins will have their slate of potential electors appointed in that state. However, this excludes Nebraska and Maine, who have an equal amount of electors for each party. It is important to note that there are no laws that require electors to vote according to the results of the popular vote in their states. Some states have laws in regards to “faithless electors,” where they may be subject to fines
or may be disqualified for casting an invalid vote and be replaced by a substitute elector. In 2020, the Supreme Court decided that states can enact requirements on how electors vote, but no elector has ever been prosecuted for failing to vote as pledged. However, electors can be disqualified, replaced or fined for not voting as they pledged. As most electors have strong ties to their parties, it is rare for them to disregard the popular vote. According to archives.gov, throughout our history as a nation, more than 99% of electors have voted as pledged.
So while the Electoral College does have the final say in who becomes the next president, the electors in the Electoral College are effectively chosen by voters during the general election because the winning candidate’s state political party selects the individuals who will be electors. No matter where you land on the political spectrum, every vote truly matters. After all, it’s the only way to make your voice heard in your community.
UNI-Dome renovation reaches phase two
NI STAFF
Two years after the University of Northern Iowa announced a major capital campaign to renovate the UNI-Dome, the first phase of the project has been completed and the university is seeking to launch the next phase. Phase two of the project will go before the Iowa Board of Regents at its November meeting for approval. The second phase looks to elevate the fan experience inside the UNIDome with a comprehensive reseating, improved accessibility and restroom upgrades.
“The UNI-Dome has given so much to Panther fans and this state. It’s time for us to give back to this iconic space,” said Megan Franklin, UNI athletics director. “The proposed upgrades to the bowl will provide Panther fans a variety of seating options and styles with increased comfort and high-end amenities.”
Seating upgrades proposed in the second phase of the renovation include new seating with wider chair backs in the general seating area, premium seating options for additional comfort and an expanded suite
level that will bring in more revenue to sustain UNI-Dome operations.
Wider aisles and handrails as well as a new elevator will increase accessibility. Party decks will be added to the northwest and southwest corners allowing patrons an area to gather with friends to view the game. Additional bathrooms will be built in the northwest and southwest corners as well.
Over $9 million of the
$16 million cost of phase two has been secured to date. Construction will tentatively begin in April with new seating ready for the 2025 football season. Phase two work is planned to be completed by fall of 2026 to coincide with the UNI-Dome’s 50th anniversary in 2026.
This exciting next step builds on the recently completed $11.2 million first phase of renovations, which includes a new Teflon-coated
fiberglass roof and the addition of the Van G. Miller Family Charitable Foundation Football Team Meeting Room in the northeast corner of stands.
“Fifty years ago, university leaders had a vision for a structure that would serve the university, the community and the state as a place to bring us together,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “We are grateful for a new generation of donors who have made this
first phase of the UNI-Dome renovation possible. This first phase is the initial step in a renovation that will carry this iconic facility through the next 50 years.”
Each year, the UNI-Dome welcomes 500,000 visitors to UNI. The UNI-Dome has a $17 million economic impact on the community each year – a number that continues to grow.
The UNI-Dome renovation project is a part of UNI’s Our Tomorrow campaign. The campaign, publicly launched in October of 2022, has raised $281.3 million to support the university, with nearly $90 million in support of student scholarships and access and an additional $95 million in support of academic programs. More than 30,000 unique donors have given in support of the campaign.
For more information and to view the renderings, visit the UNI-Dome renovation website, unidomerenovation. com. Additional questions about the UNI-Dome renovation can be sent to Steve Gearhart, at 319-273-5968 or steve.gearhart@uni.edu.
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The UNI-Dome renovation project has raised more that $9 million for phase two and is set to complete by 2026.
EN ESPAÑOL
Corkery, Hinson en la boleta en el condado de Black Hawk
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Editora ejecutiva
MICHELLE GONZALEZ Traductora invitada
Ashley Hinson, titular republicana y Sarah Corkery, retadora demócrata, están en la boleta electoral este 5 de noviembre para el segundo Distrito del Congreso por Iowa, que abarca el condado de Black Hawk. Para los estudiantes de UNI registrados en el condado de Black Hawk, Hinson y Corkery aparecerán en su boleta para un escaño en la Cámara de Representantes de los Estados Unidos.
Hinson es la titular del segundo escaño del Distrito del Congreso y ha representado al condado de Black Hawk durante dos años. Originaria de Marion, Iowa, Hinson tiene una licenciatura en periodismo de la Universidad del Sur de California. Hinson anteriormente sirvió como representante del primer distrito congresional de Iowa. Las posiciones clave de Hinson incluyen la preocupación por la seguridad y la defensa nacionales, la mejora de la atención médica y la educación, y el desarrollo de la fuerza laboral. Hinson también se ha identificado como pro-vida. En su sitio web, Hinson escribe: “Soy pro-vida y seré una voz consistente y fuerte en el Congreso para los que no tienen voz. Debemos proteger a los no nacidos y defender la santidad de la vida. Los dólares de los contribuyentes no deben financiar abortos, ni deben ir a proveedores de abortos. Este financiamiento debe reservarse para otras opciones de planificación familiar y servicios importantes de atención a la salud de la mujer. Lucharé para redirigir estos dólares al importante trabajo de los centros de salud comunitarios, incluyendo aquellos que brindan atención a las mujeres en áreas desatendidas”. Ella explicó su posición pro-vida en el debate de la Radiodifusión Pública de Iowa a principios de octubre. Hinson también ha expresado su preocupación por asegurar la frontera de los EEUU y el fortalecimiento de la seguridad nacional. En febrero, emitió una declaración sobre las políticas fronterizas del presidente Biden, afirmando que “el presidente Biden ha estado engañando al pueblo
estadounidense sobre la crisis en nuestra frontera sur. El primer día de su administración, a través de acciones ejecutivas comenzó a desentrañar sistemática y unilateralmente políticas que aseguraban nuestra frontera y disuadían la inmigración ilegal. A la vez que el pueblo
estadounidense ha experimentado niveles récord de inmigración ilegal en nuestro país y drogas que se derraman por nuestras comunidades, él ha afirmado perpetuamente que la frontera es segura y se ha negado a reconocer la crisis que él ha creado”.
Corkery, oponente de
Hinson, no ha servido en cargos públicos antes. Se presenta en el sitio web de su campaña como “una madre, una sobreviviente de cáncer y una líder comunitaria que se presenta al Congreso para representarnos a todos”. Las principales cuestiones que Corkery desea abordar, en caso de ser elegi-
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Ashley Hinson (izquierda), la actual representante republicana, se enfrentará a la retadora demócrata Sarah Corkery (derecha) en la carrera por el Congreso del distrito 2 el 5 de noviembre.
da, incluyen la protección de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible, el apoyo a la Ley de Protección de la Salud de la Mujer y el apoyo a la legislación para exigir la verificación de antecedentes sobre todas las compras de armas de fuego.
Ella se dedica a apoyar a los agricultores de Iowa en el Congreso. “Necesitamos una inversión continua en nuestros productores de materias primas, al tiempo que satisfacemos las necesidades de la coalición de operaciones agrícolas jóvenes y diversificadas en constante expansión que producen productos frescos, cultivos especiales y productos lácteos para nuestras comunidades”. Corkery dijo. “Nuestro sistema agrícola necesita trabajar para agricultores de todos los tamaños. Las inversiones reales en nuestra industria agrícola no solo impulsarán la economía local y crearán empleos, sino que ayudarán a proteger nuestro suministro de alimentos y, como vimos durante la pandemia, la seguridad alimentaria y de la cadena de suministro es seguridad nacional”. Corkery también ha sido muy clara sobre su apoyo al acceso al aborto. En su sitio web, Corkery escribe: “Confío en los iowanos para que tomen las mejores decisiones médicas para sí mismos. Desafortunadamente, personas como Ashley Hinson y Kim Reynolds no lo hacen. El estado acaba de aprobar una de las prohibiciones de aborto más peligrosas del país y Ashley Hinson apoya una prohibición del aborto a nivel nacional sin excepciones por violación, incesto o salud de la madre”.
Tanto Corkery como Hinson participaron en el debate por el segundo Distrito del Congreso de la Radiodifusión Pública de Iowa, que dejó claras sus posturas sobre la inmigración, la seguridad social, y el acceso al control de la natalidad, la fecundación in vitro y el aborto. El debate está disponible para ver bajo demanda en el canal de YouTube de Iowa PBS. Para obtener más información sobre las candidatas al segundo Distrito del Congreso de Iowa, puede visitar los sitios web de sus respectivas campañas en hinson.house. gov y corkeryforcongress. com.
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Hinson es la titular del segundo escaño del Distrito del Congreso y ha representado al condado de Black Hawk durante dos años.
Disclaimer:
Senator Giddens eyes second term
UNI parent aims to continue non-partisan efforts in the Iowa Senate
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER
Executive Editor
10,000.
That’s the number of doors Senator Eric Giddens and his team knocked on over the course of 18 months. After six legislative sessions, Giddens wants to return to the Iowa Senate floor to represent District 33 for four more sessions. From working in the Cedar Falls school district as a math teacher, to working in the Center for Environmental and Energy Education, Giddens wants to return to the senate to advocate for education and non-partisan politics that work for Iowans.
“The [Cedar Falls] district is a microcosm of the whole of Iowa, with the mix of metro and rural areas. I’ve knocked on doors in every corner of the district, and what I’ve learned is that people are fed up with partisan politics,” said Giddens.
On the Iowa Senate commerce committee, Giddens has worked to stand by his ideal of collaboration for Iowan constituents. “By nature, I’m a collaborator,” said Giddens. “I don’t care what someone’s party is, when I go to work on issues at the capitol, I look for
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partners who want to work with me.”
Giddens serves as a ranking member of the commerce committee in the Iowa Senate, which is a leadership role within committees for senators in the minority party. The commerce committee handles legislation that deals with banks, insurance and industries regulated by the state. Alongside other members of the commerce committee, Giddens has worked to provide Iowans with lower cost prescription drugs. “We’re working to protect Iowans from the rising cost of prescription drugs, which is good for everyone,” said Giddens. “A lot of big companies and special interests make a lot of money off of these [prescription drugs], and it’s our job to look out for Iowans.”
Giddens also believes that UNI is a very important part of his district, providing the state of Iowa with future nurses, educators and engineers. “UNI is in the heart of my district, it’s a major, if not the most significant institutional presence in the district,” Giddens said. “I’m going to do all I can to fight for the resources UNI needs.”
With multiple job sectors
in Iowa in need of qualified employees, Giddens believes that UNI can help fill those industrial needs, especially with the addi tion of the nursing program and the fortification of the applied engineering pro gram. “We have a strong economy, but lack the peo ple to fill important jobs, and UNI is one of the best answers to that issue,” said Giddens. “UNI attracts stu dents from all across the state, and students from out of state. 50% of students from out of state will stay in Iowa. UNI punches above its weight to support Iowa.”
Giddens is a former UNI employee, who worked as a program manager for the Center of Environmental and Energy Education (CEEE). As program man ager for the CEEE, Giddens worked with student interns to help local gov ernments come up with strategies to reduce their carbon footprints on a local level. Now the father of a UNI student studying computer science, public education will always be important to Giddens. “I’ll always work for adequate support for K-12 schools,
preschool programs and secondary education,” said Giddens. “We need strong schools for people to attract
As Giddens eyes a second term in the Iowa Senate, he hopes to continue the work he’s done in his six legislative sessions as senator for District 33. “Sometimes things don’t just happen in one year,” said Giddens. “I want to return to the commerce committee and keep working on what I’ve been working on for the people of Iowa.”
In the last issue of the Northern Iowan, a story entitled ‘An Afternoon with Dave Sires’ contained inaccuarcies. The teacher’s salary bill was attatched to a bill that would reduce AEA programs. The AEA statistics provided by Sires are not accurate, an executive expenditures from the AEA fall below the average.
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Senator Giddens is looking to return to the Iowa Senate to represent Cedar Falls, and continue his work on the commerce committee. He advocates for collaboration on both sides of the aisle on topics like insurance and education.
UNI students able to vote, even with Commons ceiling collapse
ESTELLE JOHNSON Campus Life Editor
Today, University of Northern Iowa students practiced civic engagement and filled their ballots. Those that live on campus piled into the Commons Ballroom to vote, many for the very first time.
In 2022, UNI was ranked as a top college for student voting. UNI provides plenty of opportunities for students to register and learn about important voter information.
“Panthers Vote”, a hashtag that started in 2018, sparked a campus-wide interest in the encouragement of student voting. Panthers Vote was initiated by UNI’s student government, along with various student organizations and academic departments.
Jill Higgins, the chairperson for Black Hawk county elections, is in her second year of working for the Black Hawk County elections team.
“This is my first presidential election as chairperson, so it’s a bit nerve wracking.”
As Higgins and her team prepared for University of Northern Iowa students to vote, the most unlikely roadblock came about. Students who are in precinct 1, ward 2 went to vote in the Commons Ballroom, just by Lawther Hall on campus. Higgins said “This morning, we were in the ballroom, and the ceiling fell. So then we moved everything, but nobody was hurt or anything, it was before the polls opened.”
Pete Moris, director of university relations, confirmed the ceiling collapse. “Our facilities team confirmed this morning that a small portion of the ceiling section in the Commons ballroom came down. We don’t have any conclusive cause at present.”
As the day goes on, the
dwindle. UNI Panthers came out
Students at UNI and Cedar Falls natives are voting for their U.S. representative of district 2, candidates include Republican Ashley Hinson, Democrat Sarah Corkery and Independent Jody Madlom Puffett. State Senator is also up for grabs, between Republican Dave Sires and Democrat Eric Giddens.
The polls closed at 8 p.m. on election day. The results likely will not be final until the next day in the morning or afternoon, depending on how long it takes to gather and count all of the ballots.
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number of the stickes on these sheets will
to the polls today, to voice their opinions.
ESTELLE JOHNSON There were multiple places that Cedar Falls residents could vote. From Trinity Bible Church to the Hearst Center, every voter had their place to go.
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After the collapse of the Commons Ballroom ceiling, the voting location was changed to the Georgian Lounge. Many of these students registered to vote today, as Iowa is one of a handful of states that allows same-day registration.
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Campus Life Editor Estelle Johnson proudly displayed and wore her “I voted” sticker, just as many of those who vote on election day do.
at sabarfield@gmail.com.
Performance Art Explores Students’ Sense
UNI Speech Team is on a roll of Home at UNI in “Nomadic Spaces”
NI STAFF
“Nomadic Spaces,” a play about creating a “space like home” while at school, will be held on November 7, 8, and 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Lang Hall Room 040 at the University of Northern Iowa’s Interpreters Theatre.
“Storytelling communities have always been a cornerstone of my life,” said Nathaniel Aron, the director of “Nomadic Spaces” and a communication and media master’s student at UNI. “Whether I was making short films in high school or participating in the Oklahoma City Improv theater, I’ve always sought out spaces where people share in the storytelling experience. ‘Nomadic Spaces’ examines how students forge a sense of home during a pivotal transition in their lives.”
Collaboratively written by students at UNI, “Nomadic Spaces” is a collage of performances connected by a single question: Is the campus a
home? It is an introspective journey into the challenges, struggles and experiences that define our sense of belonging. The experience invites audience members to not only watch but also engage with it, to explore how, although one’s home might not be permanent, there is still value in the communities we create amongst ourselves.
Developed through workshops led by Nathaniel Aron and shaped by student participation, “Nomadic Spaces” invites all Iowans to the UNI Interpreters Theatre to reflect on what it means to make a temporary home.
“Collaboration is a fundamental part of the performance,”
Aaron said, “A home is a place where people connect, share ideas, and create something unique together, ‘Nomadic Spaces’ embodies that spirit by using a process of collaboration as a fundamental guide for the process of writing the show.”
“Nomadic Spaces” will
be the Interpreters Theatre’s second show for the 20242025 season. Tickets are free, but seating is limited! Visit the Interpreter’s Theatre on Eventbrite to reserve tickets.
Funding is provided by the Department of Communication and Media and the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences.
The Interpreters Theatre performance laboratory embraces inclusivity and equity in their productions, and roles are available for any person and ability.
For additional information contact director Nathaniel Aron, aronn@uni.edu. Scan the QR code below for tickets.
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This past weekend, eight UNI Speech Team students traveled to Bradley University in Peoria, IL. The students competed at the 77th L.E. Norton invitational, with many other students from colleges across the Midwest.
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Each team member participates in a range of speech events, from impromptu speaking to poetry interpretation. For more information on joining the UNI Speech Team, contact Sadé Barfield
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Emily Bricker and Logan Mitchell competed in their very first tournament this past weekend. They placed 4th in the Novice Duo Interpretation event.
Northern Iowan in New Orleans
While
their
ESTELLE JOHNSON
NOLA is known for
Mardi Gras celebration, locals believe the real party is on Halloween. Just about every walk of life gathers on Bourbon St. to celebrate, most wearing costumes even in the hot and humid weather.
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Last week, five editors from the NI team travelled to the Assosciate Collegiate Press conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. They recieved two awards.
ESTELLE JOHNSON Cohen Kamaus, Northern Iowan’s sports editor, cheered for the Boston Celtics at the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Pelicans basketball game.
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The last day of the ACP conference is when student news organizations recieve their awards. The days before consist of sessions of which the editorial team can attend, and hopefully expand their knowledge and capabilities.
NFL mid-season: handing out awards
We are halfway through the 2024 NFL Season. So far there have been some dynamic players, surprise teams and talented rookies on display. In anticipation of the end-of-theseason awards, here are my picks at the mid-season point.
Most Valuable Player: Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson Jackson is looking to become the first player to win back-to-back Most Valuable Player awards since Aaron Rodgers did it in 2020 and 2021. He led the Ravens to a solid 6-3 start and threw for an efficient 2,379 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, with only two interceptions. Jackson has also rushed for 505 yards along with two touchdowns. While the Ravens only hold a 6-3 record to start the season, Jacksons’ efficiency on offense in both the running and passing game makes him the most coveted player in the league. He doesn’t turn the ball over often and gives the Ravens a real chance to beat any team in the league.
Offensive Player of the Year: Baltimore Ravens RB Derrick Henry Henry has the best start of any running back to start the season, already eclipsing over 1,000 yards in just nine games. He’s rushed for 11 touchdowns, 1,052 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns. Henry has played a huge role in the Raven’s 6-3 start, as he and quarterback Lamar Jackson make one of the best-rushing
duos in the league. He’s on the right path to win his first Offensive Player of the Year award since the 2020 season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Steelers DE T.J. Watt Watt has been the focal point of the Steelers 6-2 start. The Steelers had a bye in week nine. Before entering last Sunday’s games, Watt was tied for second in the league in tackles-for-loss with 10 and tied for first with four forced fumbles. He currently has 6.5 sacks on the year and 33 total tackles. The Steelers would be a completely different team without Watt, as he gives the Steelers a real chance to win a playoff game this year. Watt is looking for his second
Defensive Player of the Year award after winning his first in 2021.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Daniels has been one of the best stories in the NFL so far this season. He is exceeding expectations in the Nation’s Capital, leading the Commanders to an impressive 7-2 start. He has thrown for 1,945 yards, nine touchdowns,and only two interceptions. Daniels has also been efficient on the ground, rushing for 459 yards and 4 touchdowns. Washington offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has played a big role in Daniels’s success, calling plays that complement his
skill set. The sky is the limit for the Commanders with Daniels, and he’s just getting started.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Rams DE Jared Verse Verse has been a refreshing surprise for the Rams pass rush this season. The 19th overall pick has 29 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble through eight games. His ability to shed blocks and pressure the quarterback is as good as any rookie so far this season. Entering this past Sunday’s game versus the Seahawks, Verse had a 21% pass rush win rate, which is the fourth highest in the NFL. The former Florida State Seminole has been everything the Rams
expected him to be and will play a huge role in their defense as they chase a playoff spot.
Coach Of The Year: Commanders Dan Quinn Without a doubt the biggest surprise in the NFL this season is the success of the Washington Commanders. They hold a 7-2 record and are in sole possession of first place in the NFC East. Going into this season, the Commanders’s roster was nothing to write home about. Quinn got his players to buy in and are playing exceptionally in all three phases. He led the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance in 2016 and is on the right path to returning to the big game this time with the Commanders.
Comeback Player of the Year: Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
Coming off a torn achilles last season with the Vikings, the Falcons offered Kirk Cousins a 4-year, 180 million dollar free-agent contract to come play football in Atlanta. Going into the season, there was a lot of speculation about Cousins’ achilles and whether he’s able to return to his old self. The 36-year-old put in a lot of rehab work this offseason, and is now back to health and playing great football. He has led the Falcons to a hot 6-3 start while throwing for 2,328 yards and 17 touchdowns. Atlanta is in sole possession of first place in the NFC South at the halfway point of the season. Safe to say Cousins’ achilles is holding up just fine.
Panther volleyball completes perfect weekend
Panther volleyball started off the weekend against the Murray State Racers. The first started off back-andforth between the two teams where UNI would break a 10-10 tie by going on a 5-0 scoring run before Murray State made their way back. The Racers had a lead at 22-21, but the Panthers rallied to force bonus points and take the set 27-25. In the second set, Erin Powers started off hot with an ace for Northern Iowa. Aces by Kaitlyn Sellner and Sydney Golden also assisted the Panthers to take the lead to 18-10. The Racers would again make an effort to try and cut the lead from the Panthers, but kills from Kira Fallert, Cassidy Hartman and Lily Dykstra would secure the second set for UNI with a 25-19 win, putting the Panthers up 2-0. The Panthers would head into the third set scoring the first five points and eight of the first 10 points total. Murray State would cut Northern Iowa’s lead at 10-7, but a strong final set from Kacie Rewerts as well as an ace by Hartman would help to secure the set for UNI with a 25-18 win and a 3-0 match win.
The team would then go on to face the Belmont Bruins on Saturday. In the first set, the Panthers would start off hot thanks to Fallert, who had eight kills in the set. Powers had eight digs in the back row as well as an ace that helped boost UNI to a first set 25-17 win despite the Bruins efforts
to make a comeback.
Belmont came out strong in the second set, giving Northern Iowa a run for their money. The Panthers would do their best to battle thanks to efforts from Powers, but the Bruins would be too much for them as they took the set 25-21 making it 1-1 overall. UNI quickly found their groove going into the third set as they grabbed an early lead and kept it going. Hartman had six kills in the match, while Golden had an ace that boosted the team to a 25-17 win.
In the fourth set, UNI scored the first seven of eight points in the set. Powers notched her sixth ace of the match with Fallert adding four kills to her total, while Rewerts and Olivia Tjernagel each had three kills a piece. The Panthers would go on to get a strong 25-14 win
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Writer
COURTESY
Derrick Henry has made an immediate impact for the Ravens offense. He has rushed for 1,052 yards and 11 TDs.
NICOLE WATERS Sports Writer
FAITH HATCH
The Panthers currently sit atop of the MVC standings, boasting a perfect 13-0 record in conference play. .
UNI men’s hoops opens season strong
BRODY LOVELL Sports Writer
The UNI men’s basketball team will take on UW Milwaukee on Thursday at the McLeod Center in Cedar Falls. After an offseason filled with players transferring away and just as many transferring in, the team is borderline unrecognizable from last season.
With players such as Nate Heise transferring to Iowa State and Bowen Born now playing at Colorado State, the Panthers will try to fill their absence with the younger and new players on the team. Furthermore, returning players such as Tytan Anderson, Trey Campbell and Jacob Hutson will try and build off their successful 23-24 season and help the team get a conference championship in 2025. With a lot of new faces and up-and-coming players, here are all the storylines to watch for the UNI Men’s basketball team this year.
The Panthers fell in the semifinals of Arch Madness (the MVC tournament) last season to Indiana State which placed them tied for 4th overall in the conference in 2024. The team went 19-14 overall and 12-8 in conference play. Expectations are high amongst the team this season with three starters returning in Anderson, Campbell and Hutson, and look to sophomores RJ Taylor and Kyle Pock to step up after showing promise in their true freshman campaigns. The
team also benefited from the transfer portal in the offseason, with two Division One transfers in Ben Schwieger (Loyola) and Leon Bond III (Virginia), as well as Division two stand-out Max Weisbrod (Northern Michigan) and Coe College’s second all-time leading scorer Cael Schmitt. With fresh talent coming to the Panthers, building chemistry will be vital with almost half the team being new to campus.
The Panthers made their regular season debut last Monday with a dominating performance over Dubuque, winning with a score of 96-54.
“Selfless” was the word of the game that night as seven different Panthers scored 9 or more points and all of them under 14. The debuts of Bond and Schwieger who had a pair of dunks that electrified the Mcleod Center. Bond showed off his talents even further with a reverse layup that made many in the crowd turn their heads in the first half. Returning starter Tytan Anderson and sophomore RJ Taylor had a team-leading 13 points, with Taylor also leading the team in assists with four. The quartet of Anderson, Bond, Weisbrod, and Hutson all finished with five or more
rebounds, with Bond leading the team picking up seven. By the end of the game, 13 different Panthers had come out to the court and saw at least four minutes of action before time expired. With nine returners and seven transfers and freshmen, the new-look UNI Panthers look to find their identity fast going into the new season. The big question with all the new faces will be how they mesh well as a team going forward. A common question in the new age of NIL and Transfer Portal, to be sure, and just as relevant to the UNI Men’s basketball program.
“It’s something that is a lot more common now with the transfer portal playing a bigger role for teams” junior transfer Schwieger said, “With half of the team being firstyear teammates you would think we aren’t as close as other teams, but this is the tightest team I’ve been apart of.”
Taylor was given a similar question after Monday night’s victory.
“It is pretty amazing how fast it took for us to gel together,” Taylor responded. “If we didn’t have a game tonight, we’d be at one of our houses watching Monday Night Football … what we do off the court to what we do on the court really shows.”
Coach Ben Jacobson also weighed in Monday, citing it was a team effort to bring this group together.
“It’s been the entire group,” Jacobson stated. “The comradery and the chemistry has been all of them … the nine guys we have back have been terrific.”
As for the newcomers, Jacobson believes “We got the right guys.”
The confidence the team and the coaching staff have in the UNI Men’s basketball team is evident but will be put to the test in 2025 with a constantly competitive Missouri Valley conference. That being said, the new and returning talent showcased this past Monday is enough for anyone to come out and watch them play.
Panther football falls to No. 1 NDSU
ADAM JOHNSON Sports Writer
The Panthers have played a tough schedule so far this season, and that did not change this past weekend. On Saturday, Nov. 2, they traveled to Fargo, ND for a matchup against No. 1 ranked North Dakota State. UNI came into the game on a six game losing streak, and were hoping to get back in the win column. Unfortunately for the Panthers, North Dakota State showed why they are the top ranked team in the country, and defeated the Panthers 42-19.
The game got off to a terrible start for the Panthers, as Bison return man TK Marshall took the opening kickoff all the way back for a touchdown. It was a 100-yard return for Marshall, and the Bison took a quick 7-0 lead. The Panthers first drive of the game was 12 plays long, and ended in a 40 yard field goal to make the score 7-3. The Bison got the ball back, and had a nearly
eight minute long drive that took up most of the rest of the first quarter. The drive ended with a Charmar Brown touchdown run with 58 seconds remaining in the quarter. The Panthers trailed 14-3 after one.
The Panthers had a promising drive going early in the second quarter, but had a crucial fumble all the way down at the North Dakota State 6 yard line. North Dakota State recovered the fumble, and it was all Bison the rest of the half. Their offense was on fire, with quarterback Cam Miller throwing two touchdown passes, one to Bryce Lance, and the other to Braylon Henderson. The elite offensive play by the Bison, mixed with the Panthers struggling offense, had UNI down 28-3 at the half.
The Panthers had the ball to start off the second half, but were stopped immediately. The quick stop gave the Bison great field position, and they wasted no time getting a score. It took them only two plays,
and it was Barika Kpeenu who ran it in for the score. Early in the second half, the Bison led 35-3.
With the deficit seeming nearly impossible to come back from, the Panthers gave it their best shot. On the drive following the Bison touchdown run, Matthew Scheklman connected with Sergio Morancy for a 21 yard touchdown. The Panthers went for two, and got it on a Schecklman pass to Brady McCullough. The Panthers stopped the Bison on a fourth down on the next possession, and got the ball right back. They mounted another scoring drive, as Schecklman connected once more with Morancy for a 9 yard touchdown. This put the score at 35-19 with the entire fourth quarter left to play.
On the Bisons first drive of the fourth quarter, they put away any remaining hope in a Panther comeback. Kpeenu had his second touchdown run of the day, and the score was 42-19. There was no more
scoring the rest of the game, and the Panthers lost their seventh game in a row, 42-19. They now have a 2-7 record, and are yet to win a game in conference play.
Schecklman threw for 270 yards and two touchdowns, with Morancy catching both of the touchdowns and 102 of
those yards. Tye Edwards led the way on the ground for the Panthers with 51 yards. Tate Sander led all Panther tacklers with 11.
The Panthers will be back in the UNI-Dome next saturday, Nov. 9 for a matchup against Illinois State.
COURTESY
The UNI men’s basketball team defeated Dubuque on Monday night, 96-54. The Panthers host the Milwaukee Panthers this Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
COURTESY
The Panthers are set to take on Illinois State this Saturday. UNI defeated the Redbirds last season, 24-21.
Making History : Panther XC had historic day at MVC Championships
CARTER LUST Sports Writer
Leading into the season, the Northern Iowa men’s and women’s cross-country teams had one particular date circled on their calendar: Nov. 1. Last Friday, the Panthers competed in the Missouri Valley Conference CrossCountry Championships in Cedar Falls. For the first time in eight years, UNI hosted the event on their home turf at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course, which provided familiar footing for the Panthers. With the support of the purple and gold faithful, the men and women produced historic outings culminating in numerous personal bests and school records.
At 11 a.m., the UNI women gathered around their starting box in near-perfect running conditions. Sunny skies radiated over a brisk Cedar Falls day, leading to temperatures in the mid40s with little wind. The Panthers took advantage of these conditions to place fifth among The Valley’s 12 teams, a three-place improvement from last year. Leading Northern Iowa as they crossed the finish line was senior Emma Hoins, who set a new 6k school record of 20:44.1. She shattered Traci Hawley’s previous record of
20:56, which had stood for 17 years. Hoins also earned all-conference honorable mention honors for placing 12th among 100 competitors. Millie Hill also raced under Hawley’s longtime standard, running 20:50.8 to become the second-fastest-ever Panther over 6k. Hill placed 16th overall while closely trailed by teammate Melody Ochana, who finished 18th in 20:59.1. This marks the first time in Northern Iowa history that multiple women have finished under the 21-minute barrier. Hoins joyfully described this performance as a “fairytale ending” and that having three women under 21 minutes “blows her mind.”
Not only did these women run at their all-time peaks to claim three of the top four spots in UNI’s record book, but six more Panthers accompanied them to set personal or season bests. Eden Mueller placed 34th overall in a new personal record of 21:38. Kate Crawford closely trailed Mueller to finish 37th and run 21:46.5, a season-best for the senior as she rounded out UNI’s scoring runners. Freshman Leah Klapatauskas ran a personal record of 22:10.6 to place 49th. Brooke O’Brien and Claire Wright packed up to achieve personal bests of
22:21.5 and 22:28.0 while placing 57th and 62nd, respectively. Lauren Klein concluded a monumental day for the Northern Iowa women by also running a personal record of 22:37.5 en route to finishing 67th overall.
Following the race, Hoins exclaimed how everyone ran “so good” and were “so strong and capable.” In two weeks, she and her teammates look forward to “leaving it all out there one last time” at the Midwest Regional Championship Meet. “If we did this today, why not do it again?” said Hoins.
Bradley University claimed the women’s team title with a score of 42 points, outlasting second-place Indiana State by 24 points. However, the Sycamores were home to the individual champion. Emma Gresham took the race win in 20:09.7, comfortably beating second-place winner Tyla Lumley of Drake by 14 seconds.
The Northern Iowa men lept from their starting box at noon, where similar conditions with just a slight temperature rise continued from the women’s contest. With a strong tone set by the Panther women, the men looked to capitalize on the buzz in the air. UNI raced to
a seventh-place finish among 11 MVC opponents, finishing three spots better than last season. Caleb Shumaker concluded his last 8k as a Panther by breaking his school record, now at 24:02.0. Shumaker’s time propelled him to an 18th-place finish among 90 athletes. “It hasn’t really set in now that this was my last 8k ever,” expressed Shumaker. “But I’m glad I could go out with my fastest one. I’m grateful for the opportunity and that it all accumulated to this.”
The sophomore duo of Carson Owens and Levi Hill were the next two Panthers to cross the finish line, placing 49th and 50th overall. Owens covered the course in 24:59.7 while Hill closed hard to finish just a second behind Owens, running a personal record of 25:00.5. Chase Lauman ran a gritty race to walk away with a new personal best of 25:13.3 and finish 56th. Senior Brady Griebel closed with Lauman to place 59th overall and run a new personal record of 25:15.6. After Griebel concluded Northern Iowa’s scoring runners, freshman Micah Rees completed his first MVC Championships in 25:36.8 to finish 70th. Drew Dombroksy set a new personal best of 26:23.1 and finished 75th overall.
Finally, Josh Gormley concluded a successful day for the Panthers by placing 78th in 28:42.9
After the race, Shumaker gladly stated that he was incredibly “proud of the team” and that “everyone gave their best on the right day.” The Panther men are excited for regionals, as the team raced the course just a couple of weeks ago at the Bradley Pink Classic. With the jump from racing an 8k to the 10k distance, Shumaker is eager to see “what [the team] can do” in possibly their final race of the season.
Bradley also captured the men’s team title, scoring 42 points. The Braves narrowly beat Illinois State, who achieved 51 points in a second-place effort. Despite that, the Redbirds had the individual winner and runner-up. William Sinclar captured the men’s championship in 23:02.9, and teammate Mathis Chavand was not far behind in 23:16.5.
With an unforgettable day in Northern Iowa athletics behind them, the UNI men’s and women’s cross-country teams prepare to travel to Peoria, Illinois, to compete in the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship on Nov. 15.
COURTESY
The UNI cross-country teams head to the NCAA Midwest Regional Championship on Nov. 15. The meet will take place in Peoria, Illinois, on the campus of Bradley University.
