University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook and Director of Athletics Megan Franklin announced on Tuesday that Todd Stepsis has accepted the UNI Football head coaching position. Stepsis joins the Panthers after a six-year stint as the head coach at Drake University. He has also served as Drake’s offensive coordinator for the past three seasons.
COACH STEPSIS continued on page 9
CAMPUS LIFE
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor
This week marks the release of Uprising Magazine’s 18th issue, the “interlude” themed issue, helmed by UNI seniors Jakob Watson and Quincy Griffin. Watson and Griffin serve as co-editors-in-chief for Uprising, and have witnessed their concept take on a new life through the eyes of their writers, designers and photographers.
According to Watson and Griffin, the idea of the theme “interlude” came to them while in the middle of a lunch at Panera. “It came to us both very naturally,” said Watson. “We’re trying to think of how we’re in a weird phase in our life, things are coming to an end.” Watson will graduate at the end of the fall semester and Griffin will graduate at the end of May. In Panera, the two discussed how the time in their lives were changing as they knew it. “We were on the topic of music, and interludes within music and how they’re
transitional pieces,” said Griffin. “It was kind of a lightbulb moment.”
After Watson and Griffin landed on the “interlude” theme, they slowly began to see their writers, designers and photographers shape their own perspectives and ideas surrounding the word “interlude.”
After creating their mood boards and sharing their ideas, the Uprising team put their ideas into motion. “Our job, obviously, is to kind of give that space for our team to create, we sit back and let them do their magic and let their committees excel in what they do. It’s been so fun watching everyone express what they think interlude is,” said Griffin.
The latest issue tells a story of time, with a unique perspective from each writer, designer and photographer that worked on the issue. A photoshoot that stuck out to Watson was the “Layers of Me” photoshoot, where models brought in articles of clothing that were in their own style, encapsulat-
ing who they are. “You could feel the excitement from each model, and each member that was working the shoot,” said Griffin. “Our editorial directors completely grasped what we meant when we were talking about how interludes are so personal.” For both Watson and Griffin, the “Layers of Me” spread exemplified to them the essence of the “interlude” theme. “It’s such a small moment, where you’re picking out your clothes in the morning, but for some people, that takes a lot of self understanding and that doesn’t happen right away,” said Griffin. One of the final spreads in the latest issue of the magazine is “the Gift of Time,” where different models and editorial directors are dressed in age makeup. Watson and Griffin discussed how they wanted to play on the dichotomy between the childlike wonder towards the beginning of the issue, and delve into the passage of time towards the UPRISING
News briefs
Todd Stepsis is UNI Football’s head coach pick Uprising Editors in Chief talk ‘Interlude’
Audition for Spring Awakening at the Interpreters Theatre this week!
Auditions are on Dec. 6 from 6-8p.m.and Dec. 7 from 1-4 p.m. in the Interpreters Theatre (Lang 040). Callbacks will be held Dec. 8.
Auditionees should prepare 32-64 bars of a song in your personal style and a 60-90 second contemporary monologue.
Audition songs should be performed with a backing track; please upload the MP3 of the track (beginning at the start of your cut) into the audition form.
There is a Google form where auditionees should sign up for one five-minute individual audition slot and one small-group choreography audition slot.
For more information about auditioning, contact Sam Trumpold at trumpolz@uni.edu
UNI ATHLETICS
COURTESY/DRAKE FOOTBALL
Maucker Union reno talks trickle
BAILEY KLINKHAMMER Executive Editor
For students who traverse through Maucker Union either to get to class, eat, or study, you may have noticed buckets that adorn the walkways every so often. These buckets are placed there by university staff due to leaks in the roof of the Union. These leaks, cosmetic appearance and lighting options are all things that the Maucker Union staff want to tackle as they map out their renovation plans for the upcoming years.
In April of this year, the Northern Iowan reported on how Maucker Union staff are moving through processes to remodel the roof of the Union. While the Maucker Union staff are working with outside contractors to redesign the rooftop to be more engaging for students, what lies beneath the walkable rooftop is the root of the redesign.
As Mike Bobeldyk, the director of student involvement and event services, describes, the membrane of the roof, the part of the roof that sits between the walkable surface and the visible rooftop, has holes in it, leading to leaks. But these leaks aren’t as simple as a regular leak in a house. While these leaks in the membrane appear on one side of the Union, where students may find a bucket to catch the leak, the actual leak could be happening some feet away from where the leak is being caught by staff.
“These membranes only have a certain life expectancy to them, and those are things that we have an obligation to make sure we replace,” said Bobeldyk. “The redesign is kind of the cherry on top.” The replacement of these membranes opens up the conversation for the potential redesign of the rooftop. According to Bobeldyk, the Union has worked with outside contractors to come up with a couple different redesigns while trying to stay within the Union’s budget. The Union is funded by student fees, their budget
coming directly from fees students pay to the university.
“If finances weren’t a worry, we’d want to be able to make sure it was a very welcoming space for the entire campus community, which is something we’re going to try to accomplish,” said Bobeledyk. “But will we be able to do it to what the consultants planned it out to? Most likely not, but that happens in a lot of projects.” Currently, the Union is waiting to work through their budget before they make
final decisions on the rooftop redesign. When trying to stay within budget, meet student needs and be environmentally friendly, there’s more to work through than meets the eye for this large of a renovation project.
“Do we want to basically remove every single paver that you can walk on, take the membrane and insulation off, put insulation on, put a new membrane on, and put all the new pavers back the way they were? Or do we
want to do something different, where maybe we don’t put the paver piece over the entire piece?” asked Bobeldyk, walking through some of the discussions being had around the renovation currently. The designing and budgeting remain in the early phases.
Bobeldyk’s main goal is to use the student dollar wisely.
“I want students to understand that we are being the best stewards of student fee dollars that we can, to ensure that Maucker Union as a facility
UPRISING
continued from page 1 ...end. “We kind of all expressed that childhood that we were holding onto,” said Griffin. “But when we were sitting down thinking of all these moments that were important to Jakob and I, they were all very future focused.”
From a table at Panera to a physical collection of their team’s hard work, the “interlude” issue is in full color for students to digest and enjoy. For both Watson and Griffin, maintaining that Uprising magazine can be something students can hold and have a physical copy of remains of importance to them. “I think it’s super important to maintain a tangible kind of version of literature and pop culture … it’s important we make something physical for campus,” said Griffin.
will stand in the same place for the next fifty years … we know you pay fees here, and we absolutely respect that and want to make sure we’re making the best use of those fees as possible,” said Bobeldyk. The Union staff say they are continuing to balance the needs of the students and the budget, and are using that in their efforts to create the best possible plan for the renovation.
According to Watson and Griffin, Uprising magazine is continually looking for writers, designers, models and photographers. “Uprising is broad in our ideas and who we are and what we showcase,” said Watson. “In the current state of the world we’ve needed nothing more than what we’re doing right now.”
Uprising Magazine’s 18th issue can be found for free on Northern Iowan newsstands and is available online at linktr.ee/Uprisingmagazine. You can also scan the QR code below to see Issue 18.
L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu 319.273.2157
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters must be less than 300 words in length and are subject to editing. Not all submissions will be printed. Send submissions to northerniowan@uni.edu.
SEND US STORY IDEAS
Tell us what’s happening on campus. Email submissions to northern-iowan@uni.edu.
Do you want to have an event listed here? Email us at northern-iowan@uni.edu with information about the event to have it featured.
COURTESY/NORTHERN IOWA PHOTOSHELTER
The Maucker Union staff are working with outside contractors to redesign the rooftop to be more engaging for students.
COURTESY/UPRISING MAGAZINE
UNI’s Student Health Center provides essential services to students on campus
MARQUETTE MILLAM Staff Writer
Located next to the Schindler Education Center, the University of Northern Iowa’s Student Health Clinic stands as a cornerstone of student wellness. Inside, the Student Health Clinic serves as the go-to health resource for all UNI students, providing essential medical services conveniently located on campus. Supported by a mandatory health fee, this resource ensures every student has access to high-quality healthcare.
“This is a wonderful benefit,” says Sarah Behrends, director of the student health clinic. “Why go see a provider off-campus when students have this service right at their fingertips?”
The Student Health Clinic offers a wide array of services to overall well-being. During the 2024 Fiscal Year, the Student Health Clinic treated 14,427 patient diagnoses and recorded 13,188 patient visits. Students can access medical care for common illnesses and injuries, routine health exams, immunizations, psychiatric services, and even travel consultations for those planning
Students can access medical care for common illnesses, routine health exams, immunizations and more.
trips abroad. For students requiring specialized care, the clinic also provides allergy injections, lab testing, STD testing, eating disorder management, and gynecology/sexual health services. Whether it’s preventative care or urgent medical attention, the clinic is wellequipped to handle a variety of health concerns.
Operating Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the clinic strives to be as accessible as possible when classes are in session. Appointments can be made online via the
Patient Portal or by calling 319-273-2009 (option #2).
To use the Patient Portal, students simply log in with their CatID and passphrase, then select “New Appointment” from the dashboard. While scheduling in advance is preferred, the clinic works to accommodate for same-day immediate care, ensuring students can quickly access help when they need it the most.
One common misconception among students is that the clinic lacks qualified medical professionals. Behrends addresses this
directly: “We have doctors, nurse practitioners, and a physician’s assistant who are all licensed and board-certified. This is their full-time job, and they’re dedicated to providing excellent care.”
Beyond routine checkups, the clinic also collaborates with external providers to make students’ lives easier. For instance, students receiving allergy treatments can coordinate with their Allergy Office to have injections administered on campus. “I know students who drive over two hours weekly to get their allergy injections,” Behrends
explains. “We can save them both time and money by offering this service here.” Similarly, the clinic provides work physicals for students needing medical clearance for employment, internships or other professional opportunities. Furthermore, the Student Health Clinic resource nurse is able to meet with a student to review their immunization record to help bring the student up to date on their vaccinations.
The Student Health Clinic doesn’t just focus on treating illness, it’s also about empowering students to take charge of their health. With a variety of educational resources and general health services, the clinic aims to foster a campus culture that prioritizes wellness. From guidance on mental health to completing lab work, the clinic is an integral part of the student experience at UNI.
If a student is questioning whether or not the Student Health Clinic can assist them, they should always reach out. As Behrends aptly puts it, “The Student Health Clinic can always provide assistance if more specialized care is needed in the community.”
FAFSA 2025-2026 open for current and incoming UNI students
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open for the 2025-26 academic year. Current and incoming UNI students who are interested in receiving grants, loans, scholarships or work study should complete the FAFSA by the university priority deadline of Feb. 7 to maximize opportunities for financial aid.
“The 2025-26 FAFSA has many enhancements designed to make the application process smoother than in the past. We know that questions can arise, but our team is here to make the process as smooth as possible,” said Tim Bakula, UNI director of financial aid. “Whether you need help getting started or have questions along the way, we’re here to work closely with students and families to ensure you get the support you need.”
Students and families with questions about filling out the
FAFSA should reach out to the UNI Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
Incoming students who fill out the FAFSA by UNI’s priority deadline can expect to start receiving financial aid offers in March. Current students with a valid FAFSA receive a financial aid offer following the spring 2025 semester. UNI’s school code is 001890.
The University of Northern Iowa is the most affordable four-year public college in Iowa. Nearly all UNI students receive financial aid, including more than 97% of first-year students. Last year alone, UNI awarded more than $99 million in aid to students.
UNI student indebtedness is lower than compared to student national peer institutions and continues to decline. More than one-third of undergraduate students leave UNI without any debt.
COURTESY/NORTHERN IOWA PHOTOSHELTER
NI STAFF
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
Aumento de la matrícula estudiantil, disminución de las opciones de vivienda
ALLI WEBSTER Escritora invitada
MIRANDA LOZADA Traductora invitada
Por segundo año consecutivo, la Universidad del Norte de Iowa ha visto un aumento en el número de inscritos. Aunque este aumento es un triunfo para UNI, la universidad también se enfrenta a un problema significativo en relación a las opciones residenciales para sus estudiantes.
Los estudiantes de primer año generalmente son dirigidos a residencias universitarias. De las siete opciones de residencias para estudiantes de primer año, nomás seis de los edificios están en uso.
Los Quads, las residencias más populares, incluyen a Hagemann Hall, Noehren Hall, Rider Hall, y Shull Hall. Las Torres incluyen a Bender Hall y Dancer Hall, los dos en el lado menos popular, probablemente debido a su aislamiento del resto del campus. Y finalmente está Campbell Hall, un edificio de dormitorios que está vacío. Además, circulan rumores de su eventual derribo. Para estudiantes de post-primer año, las opciones se amplían a los apartamentos para estudiantes de UNI o a la vida estilo suite. Panther Village, un residencia de estilo de vida de apartamentos más nuevo y popular, tiene dos edificios: Panther Village 1 y Panther Village 3. Jennings Court y la Residencia en la colina (ROTH por sus siglas en inglés) son edificios de estilo de vida como apartamento. Lawther Hall es un estilo suite que también se puede adaptar a espacios habitables individuales.
Podría decirse que un defecto que enfrenta UNI son sus residencias. Noehren Hall es la única residencia para estudiantes de primer año que ha sufrido remodelaciones de buena calidad en años. Además de Noehren, los otros edificios de dormitorios han sufrido pocas o ninguna remodelación. Ninguna residencia tiene aire acondicionado, lo que hace que el primer mes de universidad sea bastante caluroso para los residentes.
“Es horrible que no haya lavabos. Los cajones de las cómodas no tienen ruedas, lo que hace difícil abrir y cerrarlos. La ausencia de aire acondicionado es horrible en el primer mes de escuela. Todos tienen calor y están irritables y estresados.” dijo Lexus Naber, estudiante de primer año que vive en Rider Hall.
Debido al ‘atractivo de edificio antiguo’ y la falta aire acondicionado, tanto los estudiantes actuales como los futuros están rechazando las residencias. Además, Jennings y ROTH son dos edificios muy anticuados. En los años pasados, los dos complejos de apartamentos fueron designados como residencias para parejas casadas que asistían a UNI.
“Una porción de los apartamentos en Jennings han sido actualizados, y el resto se renovará durante los próximos dos veranos. El departamento de Housing and Dining de la Universidad sigue buscando otras maneras de mejorar la experiencia en el campus. Esto incluye tanto programación como servicios. La actualización de edificios toma dinero y tiempo. Hacemos lo que podemos en la manera más
fiscalmente responsable para mantener bajos los costos de vivienda y comedores para los estudiantes.” dijo Annie Karr, la directora asociada de marketing de University Housing and Dining (UHD).
Se podría decir que una de las cosas principales que mantiene a los estudiantes viviendo en el campus después de su primer año es el contrato Live 2 Succeed De acuerdo con el sitio web de Vivienda y Comedor de UNI, Live 2 Succeed es un contrato que los estudiantes de primer año o transferidos pueden firmar al momento de su admisión a UNI. El contrato es un acuerdo para vivir en el campus por dos años consecutivos, en cualquiera de los edificios residenciales de la UNI. Los estudiantes que firman el contrato reciben una beca de mil dólares y una selección prioritaria de cuarto a la hora de renovar su contrato.
“Los estudiantes que viven en el campus por un mínimo de dos años son más propensos a graduarse en cuatro años que aquellos que viven en el campus solo un año; y tienen mejores calificaciones. Alentamos a los estudiantes a permanecer en el camino del éxito y beneficiarse automáticamente del programa Live 2 Succeed , tanto financieramente como en el aula”, afirma el sitio web de Housing and Dining de la universidad. Sin embargo, los estudiantes tienen sentimientos encontrados sobre el contrato de Live 2 Succeed. Aunque la beca y la selección prioritaria para la renovación del contrato son atractivas, el esfuerzo que supone encontrar una vivienda adecuada no merece la pena.
“Firmé Live 2 Succeed porque sabía que hay muchas cosas positivas viviendo en campus y quería hacerlo de la manera más consciente del dinero. Pero sí tuve pena tratando obtener un cuarto; cuando firmé el Live 2 Succee d nos prometieron inscripción prioritaria para escoger un cuarto y creo que Housing and Dining no estaba preparado para la cantidad de personas que realmente firmaron Live 2 Succeed. Cuando se suponía que debía seleccionar mi cuarto, el sitio web colapsó”, dijo Sarah Tulley, estudiante de segundo año que vive en Lawther Hall.
En febrero, cuando llegó el día de renovación del contrato para los estudiantes que habían firmado Live 2 Succeed , el sitio web de vivienda colapsó. Luego UHD salió con una declaración de que el sitio web había llegado a un gran volumen de usuarios para el que no estaban preparados.
“Me echaron y me dijeron que no quedaban cuartos en Lawther. Después de muchas conversaciones con Housing and Dining tuve la suerte de obtener un cuarto de un estudiante que iba a dejar el campus”, dijo Tulley. Tulley explicó que ella y su anterior compañera de cuarto habían planeado vivir juntas en Lawther. Sin embargo, debido a que el sitio web falló, se tuvieron que separar. Su anterior compañera de cuarto fue agrupada con otra persona al azar, lo que dejó a Tulley sin habitación ni compañero de cuarto. Tulley tuvo que disputar con UHD sólo para poder conseguir un cuarto. Si no hubiera encontrado un lugar para vivir en el cam-
pus, se le habría obligado a devolver su beca a pesar de los problemas sin precedentes que encontró.
¿Será este tipo de situación la norma para los estudiantes que buscan vivir en el campus, especialmente considerando el aumento en el número de inscripciones y firmas de contratos?
“UHD ha visto un aumento de contratos de vivienda en los últimos años. UHD está entusiasmada de que la inscripción aumente y tenga más estudiantes que viven en el campus. Vimos un ligero aumento desde el año pasado hasta este año, y anticipamos un aumento similar de este año al próximo, ya que las cifras actuales ya tienen esa tendencia. Estamos satisfechos con la popularidad de este programa. Evaluamos continuamente nuestros programas para asegurarnos de que funcionen como se espera y discutimos formas de mejorarlos o ajustarlos a medida que evolucionan las necesidades”. Dijo Karr. Debido a los problemas que parecen surgir durante el proceso de selección de alojamiento en el campus, los estudiantes están empezando a considerar el alojamiento fuera del campus, independientemente de su estatus en la universidad. Si bien el aumento del número de inscripciones es un logro para UNI, puede valer la pena considerar las condiciones de las opciones de vivienda para asegurar más inscripciones consecutivas, especialmente en acuerdos contractuales.
CORTESÍA/UNI PHOTOSHELTER
Debido al ‘atractivo de edificio antiguo’ y la falta aire acondicionado, tanto los estudiantes actuales como los futuros están rechazando las residencias.
Disclaimer:
OPINION
The revival of retro video games
COURTESY/PEXELS
KELLIE
STILES Opinion Columnist
Video games have been around since 1958, when Physicist William Higinbotham created a simple game of ping pong on a computer. Little did he know that video games would become one of the biggest industries in the world, shaping entertainment, culture and technology for decades to come.
Over the years, video games have transformed from simple, pixelated experiences to complex, cinematic adventures with lifelike graphics and immersive narratives. They cover a wide variety of genres, platforms and experiences, appealing to players of all ages and backgrounds.
But now, the classic retro ‘80s and ‘90s video games are making a big comeback, blending the nostalgia of older titles with modern technology and storytelling techniques.
Recently, major gaming companies like Nintendeo, Sony and Microsoft have recognized the value in revisiting their most famous titles, offering both long-time fans and newcomers a chance to experi -
ence classics with updated graphics, enhanced gameplay and modern features.
Take “Super Mario Bros.,” for example. Originally released in 1985, the game defined the platformer genre and played a crucial role in the early success of the Nintendo Entertainment System. In recent years, Nintendo has recreated many games with the plumber’s face slapped on it, continuing its legacy with new games like “Super Mario 3D All Stars” and “Super Mario Maker”.
file remakes, the indie game scene has played a crucial role in the reviv -
“Easy access to game development has allowed a new wave of retro-inspired games to flourish.”
- Kellie Stiles
Similarly, other iconic franchises such as “Street Fighter,” “The Legend of Zelda” and “Final Fantasy” have seen updates or reboots that not only keep the essence of the original games, but make some of them better. With remakes fighting for the Game of The Year title at the Game Awards, such as “Resident Evil 4” and “Final Fantasy 7: Intergrade,” we can see there is a huge market for remakes like these.
In addition to high-pro -
al of retro gaming. Many indie developers have embraced the aesthetic and mechanics of classic 8-bit and 16-bit games, some even taking direct inspiration from older titles. Toby Fox, the creator of the hit indie game “Undertale,” gave an interview with the website We the Nerdy in 2016, where he says that “Earthbound,” another hit Nintendo game from 1994, was a big inspiration for his game. This is easily seen with the 16-bit graphics,
and the fun and humorous dialogue from characters. Other huge indie games like “Celeste,” “Shovel Knight” and “Stardew Valley” have been instrumental in bringing retro-inspired gaming to the forefront. These indie gems pay homage to the classics while incorporating modern ideas in design, narrative and character development. For example, “Celeste” channels the spirit of “Super Mario Bros.” and “Mega Man” with its precision platforming. The success of these indie titles is partly due to the widespread accessibility of game development tools. With platforms like Steam, itch.io and even consoles like the Nintendo Switch embracing indie games, developers can reach a global audience without needing a large budget or major publisher backing. This easy access to game development has allowed a new wave of retro-inspired games to flourish.
Despite the many remakes of old games or new ones being created
in the retro style, many retro games have stood the test of time and are still played to this very day. Games like “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time,” “Castlevania: Symphony of the Night” or the original “Doom” are games that are still widely played today not only due to their nostalgic appeal but also because of their timeless design and influence on the gaming industry.
So, why are retro games still popular? It’s because of the passion put behind these classic titles, with creativity and innovation from these developers put on full display. Their appeal, even after decades, proves that great games never go out of style.
Read more on the Northern Iowan website by scanning the QR code below!
With game developers like Nintendo making their retro games more accessible to a new generation of players, retro video games are being embraced in a way that hasn’t been seen in decades. Opinion columnist Kellie Stiles delves into what games have been re-discovered and how accessibility to these games plays an important role in the rise of retro video games.
CAMPUS LIFE
Grieving a pet in college: Feel your feelings, then get back to work
Pets are family. The dog that we said would be outdoors, ended up as a couch potato. A safe dog for the scared children, a companion for the grandparents. White Sox was the sunshine on a rainy day. She was the dog that made dog haters change their minds.
The one thing many students leave behind is their pets. With that comes the possibility of losing them while we’re off at school, as our childhood pets continue to turn grey with age. The salt and pepper faces, white whiskers and slow movements have appeared over the years. A dog that once ran fast and free no longer wants to get off of the floor. They can’t seem to hold their bladder anymore. When you look them in their eyes, it’s not the same dog you knew from a few years ago.
White Sox’s death meant the end of my childhood. My first dog, Skittles, passed away in June. Skittles lived to be 13, and had classic Shih Tzu attitude right until the end. The way Skittles passed was less traumatic than Sox, as his decline appeared to the eye. You could feel his spine and ribs, and he was overly lethargic. It was time to make the right choice and end his suffering. The vet came to the house, and he passed in the arms of someone he loved.
White Sox was our protector. She was all bark, no bite. I always thought she could read the energies of people; she knew whether they were bad news or not. She was the perfect family dog, she belonged with us. When I was a child, we’d dress Sox up in t-shirts, and she never fought us on it. She was the most tolerant creature I had ever met. You could annoy her to the ends of the earth and she would still sit next to you.
Sox was originally my brother’s dog. Though she was for him, Sox ended up being everyone’s dog. Family, friends and strangers all adored her. Sox was a Lab and St. Bernard mix, and she got the very best of both. She was tolerant and friendly like a St. Bernard, yet playful and outgoing like a Lab. For a house that was typically full of people, she was the most well-behaved non-trained dog I’d ever come across. She knew the basics; she knew how to sit and lay down. She wasn’t extraordinary: she couldn’t spin in
circles, she couldn’t jump hurdles, but she could silently steal whole sticks of softened butter off of the counter, and sneakily put them in random places around the house. Each family member has found a stick of butter in their blanket or their bed.
I’d never met a dog more full of personality than Sox. Dogs have a range of personality traits that make them who they are: some dogs are more aggressive, some are more outgoing. Some dogs sleep all day and some are bouncing off of the walls. Sox was a perfect mix of everything. She had plenty of energy, but also would sleep for hours if you’d let her. She was this hilarious combination of dramatic and aloof; she would give you a piece of her mind if she was unhappy with you, but she’d also go and lay in a room alone when she needed her quiet time.
A tail wagger for life. From birth to death, there wasn’t a day where she wasn’t happy. It never mattered the weather, the month or the time. She was the epitome of joy: she radiated happiness wherever she went. While dogs can’t talk, they can communicate. Sox was lovely to have a conversation with. She’d listen so intently to whoever was speaking, almost as if she truly understood. She was the dog that would come sit next to you if you were upset about something. As long as she knew you’d pay attention to her, she’d be right next to you.
White Sox had two main flaws as a dog: she liked to
whine and she’d do anything to save her people from heartbreak. All day, everyday Sox whined about something. If she wanted to go outside, if she wanted to come inside, if she was hungry or wanted attention. She had a distinct whine that some of us still continue to hear after her death. It simply was the most pathetic whine, she was so spoiled and always got what she wanted. Her whine reflected that. It was kind of like a spoiled child begging their mom for the latest toy.
Our family collectively knew that when the time came close, Sox would probably run off to pass away. It’s common for dogs that live in the country to wander off to do so. While it may not be entirely true that dogs run away to save their people from being hurt, my family truly believes that Sox did try to protect us from what was coming. We had known it was close to her time, as she had become increasingly disoriented and visibly confused. The weekend before she passed away, she was acting unlike herself. She was laying in odd places, uninterested in food and overly tired. While you see those behaviors, it’s hard to know when the thing will happen. Nobody can predict death; which really is the hardest part about losing a pet.
She did what we thought she’d do. Sox went missing on Monday. She was let outside in the morning and afternoon, and she was last seen laying where she is now buried. It was unlike her to be gone
overnight, so the next day a search party was planned for her.
After a 15 minute search for Sox, she was found. She was not doing well. Sox had seizures on the way to the vet, where they worked to get her vitals up in hopes of the best. Nothing was working. She continued to have seizures after medications wore off, which is when the decision was made.
I’m lucky that I’m roughly 20 minutes from my hometown, so when I received the call I was able to be there right away. I got to say my goodbyes to one of the best friends I could have ever asked for. I pet her, and told her it was all okay until her last breath. I felt her pain leave her body within
seconds of the vet administering medication.
We buried her shortly after. She’s at rest in her favorite spot in our yard, right in front of the house, where she could keep watch of everything and everyone. She was buried with a few of her favorite things. Her blanket, a stick of butter and a bone. A few months ago, my Mom asked Sox to wait until my brother graduated to pass away. He is in his last semester of college.
Not me, though. I have another year to go. Her death impacted me more than I’d like to admit. I’m more of a cat person, but that dog meant the world to me. As much as I hated when she’d barge into my room, I knew that it was just because she loved me. Turning the corner on grief means not sobbing about the loss of her anymore, but looking back on the memories she gave me and feeling sentimental. Undoubtedly, it will take a while before I’m able to talk about her without feeling a lump in my throat.
I think something that’s helped me get through this is believing that Sox’s life has only started. A form of heaven, a snowy oasis or a sunlit patch of fresh grass. Wherever Sox is, she’s free again. Her hips don’t ache anymore, and she’s got everything she needs. I keep finding pieces of her fur on my clothes, and it feels like a sign from her. At home, our bird feeders have been taken over by two Blue Jays, who just happened to appear the day after Sox died. She has let us know that she is still around in more ways than one. Well done, good and faithful servant. Well done.
ESTELLE JOHNSON Campus Life Editor
ESTELLE JOHNSON/NORTHERN IOWAN
In her final days, Sox was a stage 6 clinger. Nobody could do anything without her.
ESTELLE JOHNSON/NORTHERN IOWAN Sox was the runt of her litter. She was not the most energetic puppy, she spent a lot of her time sleeping on couches.
Winter arrives to campus
COURTESY/UNIVERSITY
IOWA
COURTESY/UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA The snow perfectly coats campus in a stunning manner. UNI Facilities is quick to brush snow off of the sidewalks, but preferred paths remain imprinted on ground.
COURTESY/UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA
The Campanile is already dressed up for the holidays! Large wreaths decorate each wall of the Campanile, as they do every year. Students are preparing to go home for winter break, which starts Dec. 21 and ends Jan. 21. ’25 is just around the corner!
ESTELLE JOHNSON/NORTHERN IOWAN
Only a few pine family plants remain green on campus. While UNI looks more brown than normal, there is still beauty surrounding the students, faculty and staff here.
ESTELLE JOHNSON/NORTHERN IOWAN
Hundreds of students walk across the snowy campus to get to classes and work. Coats, boots, hats and gloves are now the new beauty standard of campus.
‘Dead Poets Society’s’ impact 35 years later
JOSUE VILLATORO Film Critic
In November, the Film Appreciation Club screened Peter Weir’s “Dead Poets Society,” a coming-of-age dramedy set in ’59 Vermont at Welton Academy, an elite all-boys preparatory boarding school. The film follows a group of students on a journey of self-discovery where they learn the meaning of passion and courage from their English teacher, through the use of poetry.
Ethan Hawke, Robert Sean Leonard, Josh Charles and Gale Hansen, are led by the late Robin Williams. “Dead Poets Society” won the academy award for Best Screenplay, and is considered a classic for its heart-touching message and powerful performances that highlight the beauty of the human spirit. After 35 years, this film remains relevant to the discussion of the way classrooms should be operated. The film is not focused on special effects to entertain its audience, but rather consists of superstar actors of the time and some set pieces that will be engraved in the archives of cinematic history. Though it is portrayed in a fictional environment, it feels authentically nostalgic. It fits in perfectly with the season of Autumn and captures the cold yet cozy immersion that
is associated with it. From a technical standpoint, the impact was utterly sweet. The landscapes and scenery seen outside of the classroom were gorgeous and will make you feel this sense of appreciation for the view. It is well done with its editing and almost every shot is framed in a stunning manner, immersing you in the world of this film. Thanks to Weir’s direction, there is not one shot that feels sloppy or poorly framed throughout its two hour runtime.
The dialogue consists of
phenomenal teen performances that instantly make viewers latch on to them with their accurate depictions of adolescence, avoiding a generous portion of the cliches that are usually displayed in teen comedies and dramas. Normally, writers tend to lean more on the comedic factor to reel the audience in, for the film to be more relatable. This film, on the other hand, was not afraid to take these teens seriously and portray them as human beings.
Ethan Hawke’s character
development is a slow burn, but not only pays off well in the end, but has a warming relationship with Robert Sean Leonard’s character, making for a sweet friendship between the two. Josh Charles’s arc in facing fear and rejection is shown in an ambitious manner, consistently pondering on expressing love towards those he is dearest to.
Though it might seem like a broken record to state this, this film is carried by the gratifying presence of Robin Williams. Williams gives one of the best performances of his career, which some argue is his best, for his dedication to portraying the human experience as one of the best educators depicted in cinema. Many forget that aside from being extremely funny, William’s acting chops are shown to be some of the best when delivering drama to the screen.
Norman Llyod, a long-time legend in the field of entertainment, portrays the headmaster of the Welton and is not too original when it comes to school principals in film, but is convincing in his irritating commitment towards his tradition-based ideology in terms of his authority. It does not sugar coat the path of making dreams a reality. In fact, it does the complete opposite and shows how difficult it is to accomplish that.
But it is the hardships that
make this film special to the core. It teaches you to follow and use your own voice, over conforming to the comforts of being like everyone else. The soundtrack carries a rhythm that will hit you with emotion and perfectly captivates each scene with the tone it conveys, embodying a feeling of never-ending hope for the characters as they face deterrents.
This ’89 classic is a film that speaks to its viewers on why audiences need to seize the day. Tom Schulman’s writing is a love letter to not just the education field, but a love letter to the concept of teaching. It emphasizes the impact that one person can have on many and how important it is to encourage the generations ahead of us to not just seek a living but find their purpose and use it for the betterment of others.
Poetically written and beautifully directed all the way through, “Dead Poets Society” is a monumental film that has no shortage of exquisite performances and provides an inspiring message for the viewers who seek excellent cinema. It is a lesson to those who are unsure of what their verse will be, reminding them that they are capable of accomplishing anything, as long as one person believes in them and they choose to seize their moment.
UNI recognized as a 2024 ‘ALL IN’ most engaged campus for college student voting
INSIDE UNI
The University of Northern Iowa has been recognized by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge as a 2024 ALL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting. The ALL IN Most Engaged Campuses for College Student Voting recognizes colleges and universities for outstanding efforts to increase nonpartisan student voter participation. The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge empowers colleges and universities to achieve excellence in nonpartisan student democratic engagement. Campuses that join the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge complete a set of action items, with the support of ALL IN staff, to institutionalize nonpartisan civic learn-
ing and voter participation on their campus.
“At the University of Northern Iowa, we take great pride in preparing our students for their professional and personal lives after graduation,” said UNI President Mark Nook. “One of the skills we emphasize is understanding our responsibilities as community members and citizens in a democracy. Being named an AL IN Most Engaged Campus for College Student Voting is a testament to our strength in civic engagement.”
The ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge currently engages 10.8 million students from more than 1,075 institutions in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
Through an intentionally designed program that provides structure, support and
recognition, the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge works to improve civic learning, political engagement and voter participation on more than 1,075 campuses nationwide. “We are proud to be recognized by ALL IN as a Most Engaged Campus. UNI has a strong tradition of voter turnout,” said Justin Holmes, associate professor of political science at UNI. “Since we started Panthers Vote in 2018, we have worked with administration, faculty and various stakeholders to educate students on the mechanics and importance of voting. This year with the help of three student voting ambassadors, we were able to get in front of students in a variety of settings. We are happy that voting has become an important part of the Panther culture.”
IMDB
Williams won a Golden Globe award for his performance in “Dead Poets Society.”
COHEN KAMAUS Sports Editor
UNI MBB competes at NIT Season Tip-Off
BRODY LOVELL Sports Writer
The UNI Men’s basketball team flew down to the Sunshine State this past Thanksgiving break, swapping out the snowy and icy roads for the Florida heat and the NIT Season Tip-Off in Orlando. After enjoying some time at Disney World and creating content for their social media team, the Panthers got to work, going up against North Texas in the tournament’s semifinals on Thanksgiving day.
Going into the matchup, the Mean Green were slight favorites over the Panthers , displaying that in the first half as they pulled ahead of the Panthers, 24-12. By halftime, the Mean Green would be ahead of the Panthers by 13, heading into the locker room 34-21. The Panthers were held up by redshirt junior and sixth man Ben Schwieger, who scored 11 of the Panthers’ first-half points and kept the team in the game early. Unfortunately for the Panthers, the second half did not look much different than the first, as North Texas continued to hold their lead. While their shooting improved to 47.8% compared
COACH STEPSIS
continued from page 1
The Shelby, Ohio native guided the Bulldogs to consecutive appearances in the FCS Playoffs after winning back-to-back Pioneer Football League championships. Drake compiled a 16-7 record over that two-year span in 2023-24, including a 15-1 mark in conference play. Stepsis earned Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year honors for a second consecutive year in 2024.
Franklin confirmed that Stepsis has agreed to terms of a five-year contract. He will be formally introduced to the UNI community at a press conference in the near future. Details on that event at the McLeod Center will be shared when finalized. Coach Stepsis’ introductory press conference will be streamed live via the UNI Athletics YouTube channel.
Drake began the 2024 season with a 35-32 OT victory at Eastern Washington and later constructed a six-game, mid-season victory streak that included a 19-0 home shutout vs. Marist followed by a 22-19 win at perennial Pioneer Football League power St. Thomas. The Bulldogs clinched a conference title and another berth in the FCS Playoffs with a 49-10 victory
to their meager 34.6% in the first half, it was not enough to stop the high-powered North Texas offense. They would beat the Panthers by a score of 68-48.
Despite a decent first half, Schwieger would only score two more points the rest of
at Stetson. In total, Drake held six opponents under 20 points during the 2024 campaign. Meanwhile, DL Finn Claypool was named a finalist for the Buck Buchanan Award for a second straight season. That honor is presented annually to the nation’s top defensive player in the FCS. Claypool was a unanimous first-team All-PFL selection and concluded the season with 17.5 tackles for loss, 10.0 sacks and 10 QB hurries to go along with a fumble recovery and a forced fumble.
“Cheryl and I are looking forward to cheering on Coach Stepsis and the Panthers under his direction,” UNI President Mark Nook said. “We are pleased to welcome Coach Stepsis and his family to the Cedar Valley. Coach Stepsis has created an exemplary record of helping young men and football programs develop and grow during his previous coaching stops. We hope that he and his family will call the University of Northern Iowa and the Cedar Valley home for many years. We wish Todd and his family the very best as we embark on this journey together. Panther Proud!”
After opening the 2023 season with a non-conference slate that featured contests at North Dakota and a neutral site contest against South Dakota State, the Bulldogs rattled off
a 52% shooting percentage in the first half, improving what they lacked against North Texas. However, it would end up being the turnovers that cost them, registering a season-high 17 in the game. The Panthers would go into the half trailing by a score of 38-32, after a 20-10 run by the Bonnies to end the half.
The run for the Bonnies continued into the second half, as they went on a 9-2 run after the break, furthering their lead on the Panthers. Once again, the Panthers battled from behind and came up short as they fell to the Bonnies 68-56.
COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS
the game, as Leon Bond III picked up the scoring late with eight points for the Panthers, as well as Jacob Hutson with five. Overall, the scoring was not much to speak of as the Panthers posted their season low in total points as nothing seemed to be going in all game. Following the loss to North Texas, the Panthers played St. Bonaventure in a consolation matchup the next day. Despite getting an early lead, the Cats could not maintain it as the Bonnies caught up with them quickly. The Panthers posted
eight straight wins to finish the regular season with an 8-3 mark. That record clinched Drake’s first-ever berth in the FCS Playoffs and secured the school’s first Pioneer Football League championship since 2012. Stepsis was named the unanimous choice for Pioneer Football League Coach of the Year honors, making him the first Drake football coach to earn that distinction since 2004. Meanwhile Claypool earned PFL Defensive Player of the Year accolades and Dunning was named the PFL Special Teams Player of the Year.
gives him a unique edge in the head coaching role.
“Todd is the absolute right leader of the next era of men in the UNI locker room and on the coaching staff, and he will embrace our storied alumni,” Franklin continued.
This is an exicitng day for UNI football players, alumni, fans and donors as we announce the hiring of head coach Todd
Megan Franklin UNI Director of Athletics
“This is an exciting day for UNI Football players, alumni, fans and donors as we announce the hiring of head coach Todd Stepsis,” Franklin said. “Todd is a mentor of men. His winning culture is predicated on the cultivation of the very best from the brotherhood of the team. Coach Stepsis has been a winner from his playing days to serving as head coach. His experience as both an offensive and defensive coordinator
“Todd’s vision to recruit and mentor men who lead on the field, on campus, and in the community will result in winning championships and graduating men of service to their families, professions and communities. Join me in welcoming Todd, Angie, Addison, and Avery, Zander, and Zoe to the UNI Panther family.”
“On behalf of Angie and our family, we are extremely grateful to President Nook and Megan for extending us this tremendous opportunity at the University of Northern Iowa,” Stepsis said. “I have a great appreciation for the winning tradition of UNI Football, as well as the litany of respected and highly successful head coaches who have held this role.
“As someone who has
Tytan Anderson and Kyle Pock led the scoring for the Panthers, with Anderson posting 14 and Pock with 11. Schwieger and Hutson would also contribute with seven points each, but it was ultimately not enough, with the Bonnies scoring 21 points off the Panther’s 17 total turnovers in the game.
Now back in Cedar Falls, the Panthers hit the road Wednesday night as they travel to UIC to play the Flames. As the season continues, they will work towards figuring out the two main problems contributing to their early season struggles: making shots and preventing turnovers.
lived in Iowa for the past decade and who has recruited across the Midwest, I know the reputation of excellence that University of Northern Iowa carries as both an academic institution and as an athletic department,” Stepsis continued. “We will seek to live up to that championship legacy and field teams that all UNI students and alums can be proud of. Angie and I are looking forward to raising our family in a community like Cedar Falls. We can’t wait to get there to meet the team, the support staff and the fans. We’re going to have a lot of fun together in the UNIDome!”
Stepsis was named FCS Region 4 Coach of the Year in 2023. His squad allowed a mere 12.1 ppg in conference play powered by Claypool, who finished the campaign with 19.0 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, five forced fumbles and two pass breakups. Claypool concluded the regular ranked second among FCS defenders in sacks and fifth in tackles for loss. A year earlier Claypool was named the PFL Freshman Defensive Player of the Year. Stepsis was named Drake’s head coach on Dec. 21, 2018 after serving five years as the defensive coordinator.
The Panthers travel to UIC on Wednesay to open up Missouri Valley play. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
UNI wrestling starts the season 2-0
ADAM JOHNSON Sports Writer
Over the fall break for UNI students, the wrestling team had two dual meets. On Sunday, Nov. 24, they hosted No. 13 South Dakota State in the UNI-Dome, and on Tuesday, Nov. 26, they faced No. 15 Missouri in Hartland, Wisconsin. In what were two big conference dual meets for the Panthers, they were able to get the team victory in both. These wins put the Panthers on a 2-0 start to the season in dual meets, as well as putting them at 2-0 in Big 12 competition.
The Panthers saw themselves in a close battle in their dual against South Dakota State. Kyle Gollhofer started things off for the Panthers at 125 pounds against a highly rated Tanner Jordan from SDSU. It was a close match that needed extra time to decide a winner, but Tanner Jordan ended up coming away with the victory.
UNI won the next two matches after this, with Cory Land winning in a bit of an upset at 133, and Cael Happel getting the 4-1 decision at 141. At 149 pounds, Adam Allard lost a close 7-6 decision, but Ryder Downey continued his dominance with a 8-1 victory
at 157 pounds. After the first five matches, the Panthers led the Jackrabbits 9-6 halfway through the dual.
The last half of the meet started off with Jack Thomsen and Jared Simma battling hard in their matches. At 165, Thomsen lost a close one to a fairly highly ranked Drake Rhodes from SDSU, while Simma lost 7-6 to the defending Big 12 champion at 174. In the 184 pound class it was
a battle of two All-Americans from last season, with UNI’s reigning champion Parker Keckeisen going up against No. 4 ranked Bennett Berge. Keckeisen ultimately got the win with an 8-3 decision.
The two teams went into the last two matches of the meet tied, but UNI’s Wyatt Voelker lost at 197 in a 4-3 decision. This left it up to Lance Runyon at heavyweight for the Panthers. He had two
takedowns in the match and won by a 7-2 decision. This win brought it to a tie, but the Panthers had an advantage in criteria and came out of the dual with the 16-15 victory.
The Panthers followed up this dual with a far more dominating performance against No. 15 Missouri. To start off the dual, the Tigers took the early lead when Gage Walker defeated UNI’s Gollhofer in a 4-0 decision. The next
two Panthers to go out on the mat got victories to put the Panthers out in front. Land had a takedown that led to a 5-2 decision win, and Happel won by a 4-2 decision. Allard lost a close one at 149 to tie the dual up at 6-6, but the Panthers really started to dominate after that.
Downey absolutely dominated at 157 with a 15-0 victory, earning five points for the team. Thomsen picked up the victory at 165 in a close battle, and all the sudden the Panthers led 14-6. UNI did take one more loss on the day, as Nick Fox had to face off against a two-time national champion in Keegan O’Toole. After that however, the Panthers continued to control the dual.
Keckeisen had a commanding victory at 184, winning by major decision, and Voelker and Runyon took care of business in the last two matches of the day. As a team, the Panthers came away with the big 24-10 victory in the dual.
The Panthers were able to get off to a great start of the year in duals this past week, and will next be going to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational. The event will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 and Saturday, Dec. 7.
UNI WBB shows promise at Paradise Jam Tournament
CARTER LUST Sports Writer
Following a historic victory in the McLeod Center over then-No. 8 Iowa State, the UNI women’s basketball team traveled to the U.S. Virgin Islands to compete in the Paradise Jam Tournament on Nov. 28-30. This year, the tournament hosted three Power 5 universities alongside the Panthers, which provided steep competition for the purple and gold. Although walking away from the event with a 1-2 record, the Northern Iowa women can hold their heads high with their performances.
UNI began its time in the Virgin Islands with a matchup against Auburn University, the first of three games on the Panthers’ schedule in as many days. Mya McDermott led the way for Northern Iowa, scoring 29 points on a respectable 47% from the field on 21 shot attempts. Fresh off the heels of a career-high 37 points against Iowa State, McDermott maintained her hot shooting from beyond the arc by going 4-7 from distance against the Tigers. The senior also chipped in four assists and two rebounds in what would ultimately be a heartbreaking defeat. After clawing
back from a halftime deficit of 26-31, a McDermott 3-pointer tied the game at 49 entering the fourth quarter. A layup by forward Ryley Goebel kept the contest knotted up at 60 with just under two minutes left to play. Then, free throws by McDermott gave the Panthers a 64-62 point lead with only three seconds remaining. Auburn used a timeout to advance the ball into the frontcourt before giving it to DeYona Gaston, a former 2022-23 All-Big 12 firstteam member and 2023-24 Sixth Player of the Year at the University of Texas. Gaston sunk the go-ahead triple with only one second remaining. Similarly, UNI head coach Tanya Warren immediately
called timeout to give her team one last opportunity to score in the frontcourt. Ultimately, a controversial no-foul call on Kayba Laube’s jump shot as time expired left the Panthers trailing 64-65 as the horn sounded.
In a 24-hour turnaround, the Northern Iowa women returned to the Elridge Blake Sports and Fitness Center to take on the Kansas Jayhawks. Laube cashed in a team-high 20 points in a balanced scoring affair by going 5-7 from deep and a perfect 5-5 from the charity stripe. McDermott and Goebel followed her up with 16 and 12 points, respectively. Freshman Elise Jaeger and junior Taryn Wharton also contributed eight points each.
UNI saw increased bench production from senior Shateah Wetering, who snagged two steals and dropped nine points. Yet, a sub-par second quarter saw the Panthers outscored 13-22, leading to a 26-34 deficit at halftime. However, UNI showcased the same resilience from the day before to make the contest a one-possession game multiple times throughout the second half. With a little shooter’s touch, Laube’s 3-pointer cut the Kansas lead to 73-75 with 12 seconds left. The Panthers sent Jayhawk guard S’Mya Nichols to the free-throw line, needing the 2023-24 All-Big 12 FirstTeamer to miss one of her two attempts. Nichols missed her first shot but calmly sunk her second. Down 73-76, McDermott found herself with the ball at the top of the key. After a pump fake, Nichols forced McDermott to take a contested, one-legged fadeaway three with time expiring. The shot touched every part of the rim and back iron before falling to the ground without passing through the net.
As the underdogs of a tournament, two last-second losses can inspire or demoralize a team. An unlucky bounce away from their first trip victory, the Panthers were in danger of leaving the Virgin
Islands without a tally in the win column. Luckily, Kayba Laube wasn’t going to let that happen.
In an offensive explosion, Laube scored a career-high 34 points while pouring in 10 3-pointers on 15 attempts. She guided the Panthers to a 90-74 win over the University of Pittsburgh. Laube nearly earned herself a double-double, amassing seven boards throughout the contest. McDermott also played a significant role in UNI’s scoring outburst, contributing 21 points on an efficient 60% from the field. Sophomore forward Katy Reyerson led Northern Iowa off the bench with five points and two blocks. Shooting a teamwide 58.9% from the field and 48.5% from three allowed the Northern Iowa women to bury Pittsburg under a flurry of buckets. After two gut-wrenching defeats, the UNI women’s basketball team got to end their Thanksgiving break with a dominant victory.
The Northern Iowa women return to Cedar Falls on Dec. 7 for a matchup with the Creighton Bluejays at 2 p.m. Following the women, the Panther men take on the University of Northern Illinois as part of a McLeod Center doubleheader at 5 p.m.
COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS
The Panthers head west to compete at the Cliff Keen Las Vegas Invitational on Dec. 6 and Dec. 7.
COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS
The Panther women currently have a record of 4-3.
Panthers cap off Mark Farley era with a win
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Writer
The Northern Iowa football team defeated Indiana State 41-34 on Saturday, Nov. 23, concluding a 24-year coaching stint for head coach Mark Farley.
The game was high scoring. Panthers senior wide receiver Sergio Morancy played a huge part in that on both offense and special teams. Towards the end of the first quarter, Morancy returned a punt 63 yards for a touchdown, giving the Panthers a 10-7 lead. Morancy wasn’t on the punt return unit for most of the season until this game.
“We made that move late this week,” said Morancy. “I always told him (Coach Farley) just give me the ball and we can go to work, and I proved it to him.”
It wasn’t long until he scored again. Early in the second quarter, quarterback Aidan Dunne found Morancy on a screen pass for a 24-yard touchdown. The Panthers regained the lead 17-14.
At the halfway point of the second quarter, the Panthers regained possession after recovering a fumble on a fake punt attempt by the Sycamores. On the first play from scrimmage, Dunne found Morancy wide open down the field for a 69-yard touchdown to extend the Panther lead to 24-14.
The Panthers continued to pour it on the Sycamores offensively. On the second play of the third quarter, running back Tye Edwards rushed for a 75-yard touchdown to extend their lead to 31-17.
After the Sycamores cut the lead to 34-31 the Panther offense drove right down the field. Morancy struck once again, scoring his fourth touchdown of the game on a 13-yard catch. The Panthers
took a 41-31 lead with 7:44 to go in the game.
The Sycamores added a field goal, but ultimately came up short. The Panthers went on to win.
The Panthers finish the
2024 season 3-9 (1-7 in Missouri Valley Conference play).
When looking back on Mark Farleys legacy, it’s safe to say he’s the greatest football coach in program history.
“I came here in 2001 hoping to get through year three,” said Farley. “I remember driving down Hudson and seeing the roof of the dome. It’s an image that sticks with you of all the possibilities that are here and what you have to do to earn those accomplishments.”
Farley will retire as the winningest coach in Northern Iowa and Missouri Valley Football Conference history. He led the Panthers to 29 wins against top-10 teams and produced 40 student-athletes to the NFL.
In 2001, Farley took the job as Head Coach of Northern Iowa after four seasons with Kansas. In his first season with the Panthers, he led the team to an 11-3 record with a 6-1 record in conference play. Farley coached Northern Iowa to 13 playoff appearances, advancing to the quarterfinals five times. (2003, 2007, 2011, and 2019). He also led the Panthers to the FCS National Championship in 2005.
“This community and this state has always supported me,” said Farley. “For that I really appreciate it.”
UNI volleyball claims third straight MVC Tournament title
NICOLE WATERS Sports Writer
The Panthers started off the tournament strong against the Illinois State Redbirds after battling back after a strong Redbird start. Northern Iowa forced eight attack errors and went on to score 18 of the last 26 points, including the last eight, to secure the 25-13 set one win. Kacie Rewerts led the team with five kills, plus a pair of blocks. Cassidy Hartman also added four kills, while Sydney Golden added two service aces.
Illinois State started out the second set strong going back and forth with Northern Iowa. UNI’s offense began to take charge and never looked back, as they took the first lead of the set 18-17 as they closed out on an 8-2 run to push them to a 25-19 set two win. The Panthers came out swinging in the third set, starting with a 7-2 run, as they marched onto 22-7 lead, but the Redbirds battled back to score nine unanswered to get it down to single digits. The purple and gold were able to complete the 3-0 run to close out the set and win 25-16. They secured the
three-set sweep to advance to the finals.
UNI matched up with the UIC Flames in the championship match of the MVC Tournament. Both teams went back and forth in the beginning of the first set, sharing ties and lead changes before the Panthers took a 20-18
set lead thanks to an ace by Grace Mikota. The Flames came back to tie at 20-20, but Hartman had five kills followed by four each from Rewerts and Kaitlyn Sellner as the purple and gold outlasted UIC to win 25-22.
Northern Iowa came out strong in the second set from
start to finish. While the Flames cut the lead to 14-13 of the Panthers, UNI was able to go on a 5-0 run that featured a pair of aces thanks to Kira Fallert and two kills by Lily Dykstra as well as a block from Dykstra and Sellner to boost the team to a 25-20 win and 2-0 set lead.
UIC came out strong at the start of the third set, grabbing an early lead with a strong offense that the Panthers were unable to put a stop to. UNI cut the Flames lead down to three at 15-12 thanks to an ace by Reese Booth, but it was not enough as UIC dominated down the stretch and clinched the third set 25-16 to make it a 2-1 score.
The Flames came out with another early lead in the fourth set before the Panthers stormed back from being down 15-23. UNI went on a 9-1 run against UIC to make the set 24-24 thanks to an ace from Mikota, kills from Fallert and Tjernagel, as well as key blocks from Tjernagel and Sellner. Northern Iowa’s grit and fight late in the third set led them to a 27-25 set four win and 3-1 match win to help them to a third straight MVC Title.
Rewerts was named tournament MVP, while Fallert and Tjernagal also earned all-tournament honors. Additionally, Fallert won the MVC Elite 18 award, presented to the student-athlete with the highest GPA in the championship match.
COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS
The Panthers cap off their 2024 season with a 3-9 record, winning their first two games as well as their final one.
COURTESY/UNI ATHLETICS
The UNI volleyball team will take on the University of Illinois in the first round of the NCAA tournament.
