The Northwest Missourian

A2 Water Fights

A7 Vaping endangers youth

MPS fire division hosts friendly competition among area fire departments.

Vaping is on the rise for teens and young adults. Health effects remain unknown.

A10 Officially concerning Armed with an aging work force, MSHSAA faces an officiating shortfall.

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Public defender discusses right to counsel

Record first-generation freshmen

SAMANTHA COLLISON Campus News Editor | @SammieCollison

SAMANTHA COLLISON Campus News Editor | @SammieCollison

As the flurries stuck to her hair and dusted the tops of illuminated jack-o-lanterns sitting on front porch steps, then freshman Kayla Cornett realized just how far away from her home she was.

Growing up in Ava, Missoui, six hours south of Maryville, Cornett had never seen snow before December, much less as early as Halloween, and she was struck by a pang of homesickness.

The first of her family to attend college, Cornett came from a high-poverty school district where many of her classmates did not have plans to apply to colleges, much less move so far away from home to go to college.

She said her dream job required a degree and her parents encouraged her to go to college, but she also had something to prove.

“Another big factor — probably the biggest — was wanting to be the first generation college student,” Cornett said. “I really wanted to break that cycle in my family.”

At the fall 2019 academic meeting Aug. 16, Provost Jamie Hooyman said preliminary data indicated this year’s freshman class has Northwest’s highest-ever percentage of first-generation students. The exact percentage, however, will not be confirmed until the completion of the University census later this month.

Executive Director of Student Recruiting Jeremy Waldeier said recruiting first-generation students has always been a goal at Northwest, and this year it showed.

“Many of our alumni and current students are first generation college students, and we want to continue with that focus,” Waldeier said. “The most impactful experience for me is seeing students who believed college wasn’t possible or they couldn’t make it to walk across the stage at graduation.”

Sophomore Emily Graham followed in

EMILY LLOYD | TOWER YEARBOOK

Senior Mackenzie Hartman, a first-generation college student, marches with the Bearcat Marching Band Sept. 14 into Bearcat Stadium at the Northwest v. Washburn game.

her parents’ footsteps by coming to Northwest, but doubt plagued her at the start of her journey to accomplish what they hadn’t, getting her degree.

Graham said her parents married young and left Northwest before either graduated, but always kept their ties to Northwest.

The family took many road trips from their hometown of Elkhorn, Nebraska, to campus throughout Graham’s childhood. She said it felt like a second home.

Second home or not, Graham said the first month of her freshman year was a lonely one, and she second-guessed her decision.

“I was scared, no lie,” Graham said.

“That first month of my freshman year, I sat in my room and cried a lot. I considered moving back home and going to college there.”

SEE FRESHMEN | A4

Cookout funds medical research SARAH VONSEGGERN A&E Editor | @SeggernSarah

From Wichita, Kansas, to the outskirts of Maryville, Missouri, family and community members came together to spend time with each other, enjoy a hearty meal and help aid research for Alzheimer’s.

The community cookout and family fun day was hosted by Oak Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care Sept. 14 to finish celebrating National Assisted Living Week. Every year, there is a theme for the week. This year, the theme was “a spark of creativity” and included various art events provided for the residents.

As community and family members of residents entered the foyer, they could see the product of one of the art events: a bright mural of paper feathers displayed on the wall which created a set of multi-colored wings. Written on the back of each feather are the hopes, dreams and prayers of the residents and staff members.

Along with the art displays, the event included a variety of activities such as face painting, outdoor games, live music and balloon animals.

Community member Megan Renee Helzer came to support and see her family member who lives at

Thursday

September 19, 2019 @TheMissourian

GABI BROOKS | NW MISSOURIAN

Ryan Smith plays ladder golf with his father and older sister at the community cookout and family fun day hosted

by Oak Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care Sept. 14.

Oak Pointe. Helzer said she thinks the event helps her family member to socialize.

“It helps her. It makes her feel included and she gets to see more people than just family members, you know,” Helzer said. “She enjoys it.”

Director of Sales Stephanie Reed was in charge of the event and said the cookout was the “capstone

end” to that week. While the event had no charge in the past, last year, in hopes of helping fund the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, a small fee was added. This year marks the second time they have had the fee with a hotdog plate at $5 and a hamburger plate at $10.

“Alzheimer ’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the United States and also the most ex-

pensive disease in America, and of course the cause is near and dear to our hearts, as we see firsthand every day how awful the disease is,” Reed said.

Many people have been affected by Alzheimer’s through family members, friends or even influential artists.

SEE COOKOUT | A4

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Previously glazed eyes and slouching postures perked up in a moment, some in interest, some in confusion and some in alarm, as Director of the Missouri State Public Defenders Michael Barrett laid out his warning for the state of the constitution in the United States.

“We have slowly ... weakened our own civil rights because we as a culture have abandoned our support for constitutional principles in favor of blindly supporting groups,” Barrett said.

Barrett, a Northwest alumnus criticized Missouri legislators for under-funding public defenders and the importance of the 6th Amendment right to legal counsel at the annual Constitution Day event hosted by Pre-Law Society Sept. 16.

Constitution Day is a national celebration every Sept. 17 to commemorate the ratification of the Constitution in 1787.

Pre-Law Society President Taylor Moore said Barrett’s passion for the 6th Amendment influenced the group’s focus for this year’s event.

“I definitely think that talking about legal representation is beneficial in educating people,” Moore said. “Having someone speak on it to students is a good thing because you never know when either you or someone you know might need legal representation.”

Political science assistant professor Dan Smith said having students meet and learn from Barrett was a good learning experience for those planning to go into law.

Barrett said the 6th Amendment is important because without proper legal counsel, citizens can’t defend their other rights granted in the Bill of Rights if they are infringed upon.

“You have a right to not answer questions that could hurt your legal status,” Barrett said. “Are they going to, out of the goodness of their hearts, not ask you questions? Or is it the fear that they’re going to have to face a defense attorney and answer questions under oath and on record?”

Barrett said while he would describe Missouri as a pro-freedom, low-tax and tough-on-crime state; by not properly supporting citizen’s 6th Amendment rights, all of those principles are threatened.

“What we do, and what’s lost on elected officials in Jefferson City,” Barrett said. “is that we help, if funded appropriately, the state distinguish not just the guilty from the innocent, but those who need to go to state prison ... from those who can stay in the community.”

Barrett said because public defenders are overloaded with cases and can’t devote attention to them all and 99% of defendants accept plea agreements.

Barrett said even the most unpopular people deserve a fair trial with capable counsel, citing the wildly unpopular British soldiers from the Boston Massacre who were defended by John Adams and acquitted.

“Do you think the Boston bomber’s lawyer could get elected president?” Barrett said. Some audience members shook their heads no. “Do you think that’s because we’re more pro-constitution now or because we’re less?”

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CEO of Gay Gaming Professionals discusses future of e-gaming KEJI AKINMOLADUN News Reporter | @OluwatoyinKeji

Gordon Bellamy discussed diversity and the future of e-gaming as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.

Bellamy is a visiting scholar at the USC Games program, accord-

ing to the University calendar, and head of the USC Bridge incubator program. He also is the president and CEO of Gay Gaming Professionals, and he serves on the Board of Directors of TheWaveVR. He has served as executive director of both the Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences and the International Game Developers Association.

Golf tournament fundraises for men’s basketball team

CAILEY HARTEHOFF News Reporter | @caileyrae_

The 12th annual Chip Strong Memorial Golf Tournament was held in the afternoon of Sept. 13 at Mozingo Lake Golf Course.

The tournament was created in part by Frank “Chip� Strong’s daughter Allison Strong-Hoffman a few years after Strong’s death in 2006 to commemorate her father and his love for golf, his alma ma-

ter and Northwest’s men’s basketball program.

The Chip Strong Memorial Golf Tournament serves as a fundraiser for the Northwest Foundation and Northwest’s men’s basketball team.

The money given to Northwest’s men’s basketball program goes towards providing scholarships for student athletes who had not completed their degrees but have used up their athletic eligibility.

Fraternity rush numbers dip to nearly half of last year

KEJI AKINMOLADUN News Reporter | @OluwatoyinKeji

Seven fraternities brought in new members at Bid Day Sept.

13 behind the J.W. Jones Student Union. The year, 78 men rushed compared to 140 last year.

Sigma Phi Epsilon received 22 bids, Pi Kappa Alpha received 10 bids, Delta Sigma Phi received

three bids, Alpha Gamma Rho received six bids, Alpha Kappa Lambda received 15 bids, and Sigma Tau Gamma received 14 bids. “I’m excited and eager to see how all the chapters do; they’ve worked hard (and) coordinated a lot of good events. I think they had good guys who will fit the mold the chapters have here,� Interfraternity Council President Wyatt Suhr said.

J.B. FORBES | AP PHOTO

Gov. Mike Parson leaves the House chambers after addressing a joint session of the legislature, Monday, June 11, 2018, at the capitol building in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Missouri governor seeks four-year term in 2020 race KENDRICK CALFEE Community News Editor | @KoalaCalfee

​In a crowd of several hundred supporters, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced his bid for GOP candidacy in the 2020 state election Sept. 8, running with a platform he said is aimed to combat the rise in socialism on the far left. ​P arson, 63, spoke at Bolivar High School in his hometown of Bolivar, Missouri, Sept. 8, where he made the official announcement of running for governor in the coming election.

Parson is seeking a four-year term after filling the role of previous scandal-ridden Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, who stepped down May 29, 2018.

The only challengers thus far of incumbent Parson is Nicole Galloway, Missouri’s Democratic state auditor who announced her bid Aug. 12, and State Rep. Jim Neely, a Republican gubernatorial primary candidate

who announced his bid Aug. 29. ​S peaking just miles from his cattle ranch in Bolivar, the state’s top executive spoke on policies and issues the GOP look to combat and push for in 2020. He called the election a critical moment for Americans to achieve the American dream. ​“We see now across our country that the extreme left wants to fundamentally change who we are,� Parson said, standing on the Bolivar High School auditorium stage. “They want to change our country and our state forever.�

P ​ arson’s speech came in front of supporters who held signs saying “Mike Parson Works� and at times chanted “I like Mike.� The chant was inspired by the 1952 slogan “I like Ike� that drafted then-General Dwight Eisenhower to run for president, providing an example on the public’s trust in his personality over politics.

G ​ ov. Parson’s personality, as described by his campaign team, can

be found in the remnants of his past and what led to his election as lieutenant governor, and the role he now fills as governor.

Parson joined the United States Army after high school and served in Military Police for six years.

Parson returned home to start his own business, a small cow and calf operation, and proceeded to work in law enforcement for 22 years. He was elected to serve as Polk County sheriff until 2004, when he was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives.

Parson served in the house from 2005 to 2011 and in the Missouri Senate from 2011 to 2017. He was elected lieutenant governor in 2016.

As governor thus far, Parson passed legislation cutting regulations and focused on the agenda of creating statewide job opportunities through infrastructure.

FULL STORY ONLINE:

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Chamber of Commerce undergoes rebrand, revision

KENDRICK CALFEE Community News Editor | @KoalaCalfee

The Greater Maryville Chamber of Commerce provides counsel to members, as well as host and participate in community events

throughout the year.

Ambassadors of the GMCC discussed rejuvenating its vision Sept. 16, beginning a process of team building and providing the public an idea of what it does in the community.

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‘Water Fights’ build connections KENDRICK CALFEE Community News Editor | @KoalaCalfee

On a warm September night, the aroma of midwestern grilled hot dogs consumed the still air as local firefighters competed in the 7th annual Water Fights hosted by Maryville Public Safety Fire Division.

MPS Fire Division hosts an event they call “Water Fights” annually, inviting all Nodaway County fire divisions as well as some from other counties.

The departments challenge one another in a friendly competition involving a sturdy wire, a red barrel and two fire hoses locked and loaded with gallons upon gallons of water.

Teams geared up in full firefighting uniforms use fire hoses to spray water at the barrel lifted close to 12 feet above ground by a wire.

The first team to push the barrel to the other team’s side, clearly marked by a pulley the barrel would come in contact with, would win the match.

If a team had no obvious leverage in a minute’s time, MPS Fire Captain Phil Rickabaugh blew the whistle and each team would have to rotate the person in front manning the head of the hose.

Four divisions participated in this year’s challenge: Polk, Parnell, Central Platte and Maryville. The best three teams were awarded trophies following the round-robin style matchup between each department.

Central Platte drove the farthest to participate as a division from the Platte City area. Their team leader Zack Grenier said the competition provided a team-building experience.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Grenier said.

“This is our first time up here doing it, and it was a great time with these guys. We look forward to coming

JUSANI JACKSON | NW MISSOURIAN

Maryville Public Safety Fire Division hosted its Seventh annual Water Fights Sept. 16 on the east side of Maryville Square.

back next year.”

Though the Central Platte division ended up finishing fourth in the competition, the crew said it was satisfied with the day’s events.

“We got the invitation and knew we had to come and do this,” Grenier said. “The hot dogs just added to the fun.”

During a break in the competition, the Maryville Elks Lodge donated $500 to each department from Nodaway County. The funding

came from calendar sales the organization puts on, providing a way they can donate to local causes like high school after proms.

Maryville Elks Lodge Trustee James Richardson attended the event.

“This is our second year selling the calendars,” Richardson said.

“It’s a good way for us to come up with funds to donate. We hope to have more calendars made and ready for sale by late October.”

By the end of the event, firefighters and their uniforms were drenched and Market Street in front of the courthouse looked as if tremendous rainfall took over the clear summer night.

Families of each department crew attended the event, their children at play in small puddles created by the people they look up to most.

Rickabaugh said Maryville had about 12 firefighters participate in the event, from set-up, to partici-

pating to teardown. Maryville participated with two teams, and ended up taking first place.

“Events like this provide a ton of camaraderie,” Rickabaugh said. “Water Fights provides us the opportunity to interact with departments we don’t usually work with. It’s great to come together in situations like this where there is no stress, get out there and just have fun.”

els at the Sex in the Station event and hosted awareness events for different identities and National Coming Out Day at information tables in the J.W. Jones Student Union.

In recent years, HERO has not focused on changing policies on campus or in the community.

Rather than dividing the attention of the main group, Wolfe said he and HERO President Artie Bergren created a subgroup of HERO with separate meeting times so members could still have a comfortable space to talk about life and

those interested in more political issues could organize.

“Beyond it being my job, I also really want that activism,” Wolfe said. “I have always tried to be as involved as I can in minority issues, and having that specifically driven activism group would be really fulfilling.”

The group met once last week to discuss when to meet and what direction members wanted the group to head in, but attendance was low compared to HERO’s usual meetings. Bergren, who uses they/them pronouns, said there is a signifi-

cant amount of interest in the main group, but students’ busy schedules have been difficult to work around.

“I think this is something our members want; they just have other things that are more of a priority on the whole,” Bergren said.

Bergren said the group doesn’t have any specific goals at the moment because they want members to bring up issues they are passionate about.

“Most of our work will probably be focused for campus or the city, as that’s where we have the most power,” Bergren said. “But we’ll

basically do whatever the people who come are interested in doing.”

Wolfe said he personally would like to focus on on-campus issues like pronoun use and accommodations.

“We’ve had some issues with the language professors on campus use and some issues with how the Wellness Center words some things, but never had the energy as HERO to reach out to them specifically,” Wolfe said.

Bergren said an issue they hope to address is the lack of gender-neutral bathrooms in the academic buildings on campus and in the Union.

HERO subgroup to focus on local activism SAMANTHA COLLISON Campus News Editor | @SammieCollison

Acting as a safe community space for LGBTQ students at Northwest for more than four years, Helping Everyone Regardless of Orientation has decided to branch out in its mission and create a not-yet-named subgroup to focus on activism.

HERO Activities Coordinator Noah Wolfe said last year, when the group discussed future goals, several students wanted to take on advocacy and activism issues.

In the past, HERO has held pan-

Worship in Maryville The monks of Conception Abbey invite you to join them for prayer, just 20 miles east of Maryville.

People of all faiths are always welcome.

For a complete listing of our daily prayer schedule, visit www.conceptionabbey.org/guests.

101 E. 4th (Corner of 4th and Main)

We Will Be Your Church Away From Home Brand New Church Sundays: 1:30PM For Worship (101 E. 4th, Maryville, MO) All Northwest Students Are Welcome pastorjimpearce@gmail.com maryvillehub.com Free Counseling By Appointment If You Have Any Need At All

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Call Pastor Jim At (660) 853-8759

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333 South Davis Street Maryville, MO 64468

Mass times:

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Join Us On Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Bible Study 10:45 Worship Service 45 a.m. W hi S i 6:30 p.m. Evening Bible Study

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121 E. Jenkins St. Maryville, MO 64468

Wesley Student Center

Midweek Worship 9:00pm Wednesday Nights Free dinner 6pm Thursday followed

by Bible Study

All Are Welcome!

Chris Komorech Campus Minister 549 W. 4 th (582-2211) (wesley@nwmissouri.edu) www.northwestwesley.com Facebook Page at Northwest Wesley Student Center

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Sundays: 8 a.m. First Service 9 a.m. Discipleship Classes 10 a.m. Second Service 6 p.m. ACT Small Group 201 West Third, Maryville 660.582.4101 Rev. Craig Kirby-Grove Campus contact: Deena Poynter 660.541.1336 www.fccmaryvillemo.com fccmaryvillemo@gmail.com

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POLICE BLOTTERS for the week of Sept. 19 Northwest Missouri State University Police Department Sept. 10 There is an open investigation for harassment.

There was a closed investigation for four liquor law violations at Roberta Hall.

Sept. 12 There was a closed investigation for a liquor law violation at Roberta Hall.

Sept. 13 There was a closed investigation for disorderly conduct at Tower Suites.

A summons was issued to Benjamin Demott, 30, for trespassing at Lot 57.

Sept. 14 There was a closed investigation for a liquor law violation at Perrin Hall.

There was a closed investigation for a liquor law violation at Tower Suites.

There was a closed investigation for property damage at Lot 9.

There was a closed investigation for property damage at Lot 42.

Sept. 15 There was a closed investigation for a liquor law violation at Hudson Hall.

A summons was issued to Rhiannon Smith, 18, for possession of marijuana at Dieterich Hall.

Sept. 16 There was a closed investigation for three counts of disorderly conduct at the J.W. Jones Student Union.

There was a closed investigation for forcible fondling at Hudson Hall.

Maryville Public Safety Sept. 1 There is an ongoing investigation for disorderly conduct on the 1600 block of South Main Street.

Sept. 7 There was a summons issued to Austin D. Burkeybile, 20, for minor in possession on the 300 block of North Market Street.

A summons was issued to Lauren N. Ashley, 19, for minor in possession and disorderly conduct on the 300 block of North Market Street.

A summons was issued to Markese D. Winters, 20, for resisting arrest on the 300 block of North Market Street.

Sept. 8 There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 1000 block of North Buchanan Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for tampering with a moving vehicle on the 600 block of East 7th Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 200 block of West 7th Street.

Sept. 9 There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 500 block of East 7th Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for leaving the scene of an accident on the 100 block of West South Avenue.

Sept. 11 A summons was issued to Madison S. Cobb, 20, for minor in possession on the 800 block of North Walnut Street.

A summons was issued to Brady R. Kaufman, 20, for making an illegal U-turn on the 800 block of North Walnut Street.

NEWS JUMPS

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 200 block of Park Avenue.

A summons was issued to Jeremiah B. Holmes, 22, for wanted on warrant, failure to appear and obstructing an investigation on the 400 block of North Market Street.

A summons was issued to Roberto F. Beltran-Sotelo, 35, of Wichita, Kansas, for disorderly conduct on the 2700 block of South Main Street.

A summons was issued to Kolby M. Tomas, 19, of Creston, Iowa, for minor in possession and disorderly conduct on the 300 block of North Market Street.

Sept. 12 A summons was issued to Stephanie M. Michelson, 47, of driving while intoxicated and speeding on U.S. Highway 71 bypass and South Main.

Sept. 13 A lost/stolen wallet was reported on the 400 block of North Main Street.

A summons was issued to Alexandria J. Hoyle, 19, for minor in possession on the 400 block of North Mulberry Street.

A summons was issued to Kymbrie L. Ulrich, 19, of Sabetha, Kansas, for minor in possession on the 200 block of West 7th Street.

A summons was issued to Margaret C. McCarthy, 20, of St. Joseph, Missouri, for minor in possession on the 600 block of North Walnut Street.

A summons was issued to Payne D.W. Dotson, 26, of Braddyville, Iowa, for urinating in public on the 400 block North Buchanan Street.

A summons was issued to Nathan W. Ranniger, 21, of Manning, Iowa, for disorderly conduct on the 300 block of North Market Street.

Sept. 14 A summons was issued to Kooper R. Brimm, 21, of Weldon, Iowa, for urinating in public on the 500 block of North Buchanan Street.

A summons was issued to Hunter E. Hart, 20, of Carl Junction, Missouri, for minor in possession on the 500 block of North Buchanan Street.

A summons was issued to Shelby A. Myers, 21, of Osceola, Iowa, for urinating in public on the 500 block of North Buchanan Street.

A summons was issued to Thomas E. Henrichs, 19, for minor in possession and profanity in public on the 500 block of North Buchanan Street.

A summons was issued to Chloe N. Kallhoff, 19, of Omaha, Nebraska, for minor in possession on the 400 block of West 4th Street.

A summons was issued to Summer N. Silvis, 19, of Kansas City, Missouri, for minor in possession on the 400 block of West 4th Street.

A summons was issued to Alexandria P. Church, 22, of Bellevue, Nebraska, for supplying alcohol to a minor on the 400 block of West 4th Street.

A summons was issued to William T. Walker, 20, for minor in possession on the 400 block of West 4th Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for resisting arrest on the 500 block of North Fillmore Street.

A summons was issued to Jefferey S. Walters Jr., 21, of Kansas City, Missouri, for wanted on warrant and failure to appear on the 400 block of North Market Street.

A summons was issued to Zachary D. Rauch, 20, of Denison, Iowa, for minor in possession and failure to maintain right half of the roadway on the 300 block of East 1st Street.

Sept. 15 A summons was issued to Aaron L. McBride, 27, of Lincoln, Nebraska, for driving while intoxicated on the 300 block of North Market Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 800 block of South Buchanan Street.

A summons was issued to Aliyah J. Lee, 22, of Blue Springs, Missouri, for disorderly conduct on the 100 block of West 4th Street.

SYDNEY GARNER | NW MISSOURIAN

Assistant professor Nivanthi Mihindukulasooriya and professor Christine Benson asking question about Northwest Online Sept. 17 at the B.D. Owens Library.

Faculty trained in new Canvas features CAILEY HARTENHOFF News Reporter | @caileyrae_

Gary Zhao, a software program specialist at Northwest, led a gradebook training session for faculty to attend and learn about new features offered in Northwest Online (Canvas) Sept. 17 in B.D. Owens Library. This is the second gradebook training session held this semester.

Professors were taught about new grading features available through the gradebook and how to navigate Canvas’ new teacher interface.

“They just put out the new version, so there’s many new features ‒ they changed the interface. They changed the functionality,” Zhao said. “We have to let the faculty

COOKOUT

CONTINUED FROM A1 Musician B.J. Talley, who comes and sings for the residents every once in a while, was sad to hear his favorite singer died from Alzheimer’s.

“I know there’s a lot of people in the world that suffer with different things in life and Alzheimer’s is one of them,” Talley said. “I think

FRESHMEN

CONTINUED FROM A1 Graham said the decision to go to college was just as nerve-racking as moving two and a half hours away from home. She poured everything she had into her dream of being an English teacher, and she had no back-up plan if she wasn’t accepted.

She said she doesn’t regret taking a chance on Northwest. Graham said as difficult as it was to drift apart from childhood friends, those who were worth keeping stayed, and she met new friends to lean on as she grows.

“I have grown so much as a person through this sudden push into the adult world and independence,” Graham said. “I have more strength in me than I thought, this past year has been rough in my personal life, but I can honestly say that I know myself better than ever at this point in my life.”

Cornett said a challenge she felt was unique to first-generation college students is the pressure to succeed.

“Your family can’t really tell you what to expect, and they are wanting to see you succeed, so naturally you want to graduate and get a degree,”” Cornett said.

“That can get a little tough sometimes, but at the end of the day, you just want to prove to yourself and your family that you can, and will, get that degree.”

Waldeier said the challenge in recruiting first-generation students is working with students

know everything about the gradebook because this is a very important thing for faculty and students.”

Natural sciences assistant professor Nivanthi Mihindukulasooriya said she will be using several features covered in the training session to help her when grading now that she knows where to find them and how to access them.

“I really liked that I can use the late policy (feature), especially for my online classes I do,” Mihindukulasooriya said. “I would have to manually do that, but with the new technology, that will be great.”

Throughout the training session, professors could ask questions for Zhao or the group to answer regarding the gradebook

changes. They could also follow along and walk through Canvas’ new features and interface on their own laptops.

Math and statistics professor Christine Benson said she appreciated the group atmosphere of the training session.

“It is helpful to have these kinds of conversations, No. 1 because of the purpose that’s here, but also with colleagues,” Benson said. “They ask questions I wouldn’t think to ask, and they know about other things that I didn’t know about.”

Approximately 20 faculty members have attended a gradebook training session so far this semester. Six more training sessions are planned to be held later

it’s a really horrible way to go. If they can raise money to help fund to treat, to find the cause, that would be absolutely wonderful.”

All of Talley’s proceeds for his CDs made that day were donated to the cause.

Along with Talley, another community member who played a part in the event was Ron Sobotka, who served tractor-made vanilla ice cream. With the motor from the

1967 tractor, he was able to create the churning motion as the cream sat in a vat surrounded by a mixture of ice and salt.

Beyond the local community, Northwest students also helped by setting up, serving food and painting faces on the children.

Through donations and a community effort, the amount brought in from the cookout was nearly $1,000.

and their families to overcome the anxiety of applications, especially when they start the college search process later than other students.

“We really focus on helping the families overcome this stress by being in constant contact with the families to answer any questions they may have or help with the enrollment process,” Waldeier said. “Also, we are working with students earlier in their high school career to help inform students when they should start the college search process and what steps to take to make college possible.”

Sophomore Vanessa Purcell said only about half of her classmates at her small high school in Sandberry, Missouri, planned to go to college, but her parents wanted her to have more opportunities than they had and encouraged her to apply.

“When applying, it was definitely different because my parents didn’t really know how college applications work or how the FAFSA worked, or really any of the processes that come with applying to colleges,” Purcell said.

“I kind of had to do a lot of it on my own.”

Purcell said she got involved in the Upward Bound branch of the TRiO program, which helps low-income and first-generation students to apply to colleges, apply for scholarships and fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The Upward Bound program also brings a group of students to Northwest for five weeks every summer to live on campus, take

classes, eat at the dining hall and experience campus as students do.

Graham said she thinks Northwest’s support system is what draws students who are intimidated by the idea of being the first in their family to go to college.

“The whole staff here is working to do their best to make sure that every student has what they need to succeed,” Graham said.

“I also think that first-generation students are drawn to the small town and the tight knit groups on campus.”

Director of Academic Success and Retention Allison Hoffmann said while a gap still exists between first-generation and not first-generation students in retention, that gap has narrowed in the last several years.

“A number of factors have changed in recent years that likely contribute to an increase in retention rates,” Hoffmann said. “A few include professional advising for first-year students accompanied by secondary faculty advisors, changes in scholarship renewal requirements to promote retention and an increased focus by the entire campus community on student success, retention and graduation.”

Hooyman said she hopes Northwest’s individualized approach makes a difference for students in their college experience.

“If I was a first-generation student, I would want a place that I could fit in; I would want a place where I could feel comfortable and where people care enough to answer my questions,” Hooyman said. “I think Northwest does that really well.”

OPINION

Sept. 19, 2019 @TheMissourian

A5

Effects of vaping creates cloud of problems NATHAN ENGLISH Columnist @ThananEnglish

Please stop vaping. Just stop.

The self-proclaimed healthy alternative to cigarettes is not actually “healthy.” While it may be recommended for smokers to help wean them off cigarettes, this doesn’t make it healthy.

It’s more than just recent media buzz or a crusade by Big Tobacco to eliminate their only real competition.

Vaping is harmful and could have terrible, long-lasting health effects.

There are many unknowns about vaping including the number of chemicals in vapes and electronic cigarettes. One thing is known and that is that nicotine is harmful.

Nicotine causes an increase in the risk of heart attack by spiking blood pressure and adrenaline, according to an article from John Hopkins Medicine.

Nicotine is also a highly addictive substance with adverse effects on the lungs, reproductive system, kidneys and many other parts of human anatomy. An article from the University of New Hampshire states nicotine specifically from vapes and e-cigarettes have also been shown to cause lung cancer and impair brain development in teens.

Popular vape brand Juul claims its pods have the same amount of nicotine as 20 cigarettes and have a faster method of getting nicotine into the bloodstream, making it even more potent than most other e-cigarettes, according to Truth Initiative.

These companies are creating addicts just like big tobacco and not letting go. Nicotine has a history of being highly addictive, and Juul is coming up with ways to perfect getting the addictive chemical.

Vaping is also an expensive habit.

According to Vaping360, a lowcost vape pen will cost around $50, and the continuing of the habit month to month will cost anywhere from $30 to $60 depending on usage. The article goes on to explain that more advanced methods will cost more.

Vaping has also had a human cost.

Six deaths were recently attributed to vaping in the U.S. These deaths have since been linked to illicit substances in vape fluid, such as THC, which are not sold commercially, according to The Guardian.

Similar cases were reported throughout the U.S. with the common link of vaping. Whether this is completely chalked up to using illicit substances or not, the uncertainty of the reason for these health problems is nothing to scoff at.

The major problem with studying the health effects of vaping is the unknown. Enough time hasn’t passed for experts to be able to accurately understand the short and long term effects of vaping.

Something that is used as somewhat of a joke in recent years is the fact that people used to think cigarettes are healthy. The same thing may be said in a few years when people understand the harmful effects of vaping.

Not vaping or quitting can save money, not only immediately on the cost of the habit, but in the future on medical bills as well. Gambling with future health is a slippery slope — just quit now or don’t try it all together.

EDITORIAL STAFF Rachel Adamson Andrew Wegley Abbey Hugo Aaron Stahl Kendrick Calfee Samantha Collison Jon Walker Sarah von Seggern Jesse Reed Emily Noyes Chris Young

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CHRIS YOUNG | NW MISSOURIAN

OUR VIEW:

Cancel culture prohibits growth Saturday Night Live fired their newly added cast member, Shane Gillis, for mimicking Chinese accents and calling Asian American entrepreneur Andrew Yang a racial slur Sept. 16.

Gillis quickly tweeted out explaining his willingness to apologize to anyone he offended in the past if they wanted him to. “I’m happy to apologize to anyone who’s actually offended by anything I said,” Gillis said.

In response to Gillis’ tweet, Yang said he was willing to talk with Gillis and that he didn’t believe Gillis should be fired.

“For the record, I do not think he should lose his job,” Yang said.

“We would benefit from being more forgiving rather than punitive. We are all human.”

Despite Yang’s defence of Gillis and Gillis’ apology, Twitter users were fast to type out tweets “can-

celling” him.

This “cancel culture” isn’t specific to Gillis. Social media users jump at the call to cancel someone anytime a notable person faces an accusation, even when all the pieces of the story aren’t there.

Cancel culture also fails to educate the offender about what they did wrong.

Rather than helping them understand the issue or allowing them to reconcile and make up for what they did, it cuts them off, forcing them under the radar -- solving nothing.

Another recent example is the NFL player Antonio Brown.

Britney Taylor, former trainer of Brown, accused Brown of sexual assault and rape Sept. 10, according to Sports Illustrated.

Fans and other users on platforms such as Twitter cancelled Brown within minutes of the news

breaking.

The day after the accusation, videos of Brown and Taylor in bed together were leaked online showing that at one point a consensual relationship existed between them, potentially proving his innocence.

Since the first accusation, a second woman has made an accusation against Brown, and the story has continued to develop.

However, followers of the issue continue to cancel Brown despite not knowing the full story.

Regardless of if Brown is found guilty, cancel culture needs to go away. It mishandles issues and results in a myriad of problems.

Right off the bat, canceling someone is ignorant. In order to properly understand if someone is guilty, the full story needs to be told; otherwise, conclusions are made without each piece of information being considered.

The resulting problem is the inability to identify who is actually in need of criticism and who isn’t.

What’s left is a whirlpool of toxicity that’s not solving the issues that need solving.

Those who aren’t guilty are also impacted, oftentimes facing a ruined career over something they didn’t do. This adds its own fuel to the fire, leading to misunderstandings and unnecessary hostility.

Instead of contributing to cancel culture the next time someone faces an accusation, people should wait for light to shine on the whole story.

By waiting to cancel someone, the full story can be told, leading to a conclusion of whether the person in question is guilty or innocent.

Next time someone is being accused, instead of cancelling them, cancel your plans to cancel them and wait for the full story.

they drive into the state.

WalletHub claims the listing is backed up by a lot of science, something proven to improve moods.

“Previous studies have found that good economic, emotional, physical and social health are all key to a well-balanced and fulfilled life,” the WalletHub article said, explaining how it defined happiness.

It gave each state a ranking in three main categories “Emotional and Physical Well-Being,” “Work Environment” and “Community Environment.”

Apparently, WalletHub was unaware that I get to work for five hours straight in a cold basement every week and only make significantly less than if I was back home in Nebraska. Every once in a while, I even earn enough to buy a Whataburger. Oh, wait, we don’t have those here.

Missouri garnered a spot in the

top 33 in the physical well-being category, which makes sense, because I see so many people smiling during yoga at the fitness center.

Then again, that’s primarily during downward dog.

The United Health Foundation had an equally flattering rank when it named Missouri the 39th healthiest state in 2018.

The correlation between attitude and health is obvious. 8-year-olds have never been happier than when they’re sick, home from school and getting to watch all the daytime Disney shows they usually miss.

Missouri has way more of those than over 50% of the other states.

Hawaiian children, who live in the state WalletHub ranked as the happiest and healthiest, probably never get to experience that joy. Instead, they’re stuck hiking up volcanoes, exploring jungles and surfing on beaches.

Besides, when people refer to the “greatest thing since sliced bread,” they’re not talking about Hawaiian rolls.

Thanks Chillicothe, home of sliced bread, for giving everyone a reminder of Missouri’s superiority.

Since the attempt at making Missouri beachfront property by flooding Nebraska didn’t quite pan out, we don’t have to worry about the dangers of that cowabunga lifestyle.

Nebraska, with its fresh wetlands, and Iowa, with whatever it

secretly has to offer, both ranked in the top 15. Honestly, getting beat out by Iowa is the most disheartening defeat since Missouri lost its No. 1 meth production crown in 2017.

Also, both have an unfair advantage in the community environment category when the community is predominantly cows. With only 24 people for every square mile of land and three cows for every person, Nebraska’s community environment is more of a petting zoo than anything else.

In the competition for happiest state, the southeast region of the U.S. has the makings of a classic, stellar movie about a ragtag team of misfits coming together. Arkansas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, Virginia and Alabama all join us in the 40s as well. We can all live unhappily ever after together.

Happiness isn’t necessarily required to be the best. Despite being WalletHub’s 41st happiest state, Missouri reigned at the 33rd best state to live in, according to a ranking published by WalletHub in June.

Tony Robbins, a renowned life coach aka professional happiness teacher, said, “It’s not what we do once in a while that shapes our lives. It’s what we do consistently.”

Missouri happiness rank reveals state’s mediocrity, misery ABBEY HUGO Copy Editor @Abbey_Hugo

Bright smiles can be seen shining from sea to shining sea. Some states, though, have a few more smiles to see. And Missouri is apparently not one of them.

WalletHub ranked “2019’s Happiest States in America,” and Missouri falls at a whopping 41st. That means there are only nine states less happy. Alternatively, there’s also only 41 states between us and victory. And a good underdog story makes everyone happy.

With all the new windmills going up on this side of the state, it’s only a matter of time until we blow the other states out of the water.

Then, no one will be playing Maroon 5’s “I am in Misery” as NEWS STAFF Oluwatoyin Akinmoladun Zion Chamble Nathan English Maddisyn Gerhardt Cailey Hartenhoff Coralie Hertzog Angel Trinh JD Wessel Andrew Bradbury Kathy Nguyen Gabi Brooks Sydney Garner Jusani Jackson Madi Nolte

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Sept. 19, 2019 @TheMissourian

A6

SUDOKU

By MetroCreative

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Delegation is the best way to complete a complicated project, Aries. Work with others to achieve a balance so you’re not doing it all.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Those who are always looking to the future may not fully embrace the present, Taurus.

Focus fully on those things in your life that are meaningful right now.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you’ll find the right pace to begin a relationship or maintain the one you have.

Things are looking good for romance this week, and you may want to step up the seduction.

DIVERSIONS

Dorm hall quiet hours

By MetroCreative

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Add a personal touch to all you do and your efforts will be received more warmly, Libra.

Add a personalized note to a gift when visiting a friend or family member.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, touch base with your support system. You can use some extra muscle behind your ideas, especially as you move into uncharted terrain within the next few days.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

This is the week to reassess your finances, Sagittarius.

Figure out how to curb some extraneous expenses, like recurring charges or overage fees.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, when you turn on the charm, you are a force. You exude a natural magnetism that people are simply drawn to. Remember to use your powers wisely.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Leo, look for a balance of activities that satisfy you both physically and spiritually over the course of the week. Getting in touch with nature is one way to achieve this.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Don’t get too caught up on your idea of perfect, Aquarius.

If you spend too much time on the small details, you’ll overlook the magic of the bigger picture.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 There is only so long you can put on a brave face, Virgo. Instead of hiding your emotions, let others see what you are truly feeling. Do not keep all of those emotions bottled up.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, be mindful of an emerging power struggle that could affect your daily life. Let your thoughts be known and support those who you think could use your help.

Your professional performance may be under scrutiny for several days, Capricorn. Put your best foot forward. A promotion may be in the works if you play it right.

Last Week’s Solutions

CHRIS YOUNG | NW MISSOURIAN

THE NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN IS HIRING SPORTS AND NEWS REPORTERS For more information, email r.adamson.missourian@gmail.com

CROSSWORD CLUES ACROSS 1. Relaxing places 5. Creepy crawler 11. Blacklisted artists 14. Fought for position 15. Outer layer of the eyeball 18. Gymnopedies composer 19. Membranes 21. Short-term memory 23. Comfort 24. Icelandic poems 28. Breezes through 29. In the general surface area 30. Replacement worker 32. Days have 24 of them (abbr.)

33. Bro or sis 35. Large, flightless bird 36. Future hovercraft 39. Complication 41. Core muscle 42. Electronic point of scale 44. Language of Cameroon 46. Skin problem 47. Slowly drink 49. Meaty part of a chicken 52. Bangladeshi currency 56. Shout 58. National capital 60. Word derived from a noun 62. Dances 63. A memorable garden CLUES DOWN 1. The woman 2. Leaders 3. “Sin City” actress Jessica 4. A type of machine 5. Enhancing an offer 6. Detachable aircraft unit 7. Priestess of Hera 8. Tooth caregiver 9. A way to engrave 10. Count on

12. Williamson Airfield code 13. Ancient Greek city 16. Range 17. Ancient Roman poet 20. Scottish tax 22. Doc 25. Bad grades 26. A great pitcher 27. Helpers 29. Former CIA 31. Guy (slang) 34. Actress Ling 36. One from the Balkans 37. Unofficially boxes 38. Mathematical ratio (abbr.)

By MetroCreative

40. Atomic # 64 43. Broken glass 45. Equally 48. Serbian currency 50. Envisions 51. Source of the Blue Nile 53. Leo’s acting pal 54. Sour 55. What relief pitchers do 57. Ma 58. Spy organization 59. Monetary unit 61. Megabyte

VIBE

Sept. 19, 2019 @NWM_AE

A7

‘kids these days’

One-quarter of American teens say they vape

GABI BROOKS | PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

Juul Lab Inc., a popular electronic cigarette brand, claims one Juulpod has the nicotine equivalent to 20 cigarettes. Sophomore Ty Gilliland used to go through one Juulpod per day before quitting.

ANGEL TRINH A&E Reporter | @acuteanglewrite

doing homework.

“You get buzzed from the nicotine, so it’s kind of a load off your back for a little bit,” O’Neill said. evastating headlines revealing 380 vaping-re“I’ll just take a pull from it just to shift away from the lated illnesses and seven deaths in 36 states has homework for a little bit, and then I can get back into started nation-wide conversations about elecit. For now, all I can say is that there are more pros tronic cigarette use and proposed guidance from Presbecause I don’t really know what it does harmfully.” ident Trump.

While e-cigarettes don’t have as many harmful President Trump announced Sept. 11 that chemicals as burning tobacco in conventional cigathe Food and Drug Administration is workrettes, they still contain nicotine. Juul claims one Juuling to finalize a guidance removing all flapod has the nicotine equivalent of 20 cigarettes. vored e-cigarettes from the market due to Using nicotine in adolescence harms development the increase in popularity among youth. in areas of the brain that control attention, learning, A quarter of American high schoolers mood and impulse control, according to the CDC. say they vape, according to NPR. More than Estimated cases of Truth Initiative, an anti-tobacco nonprofit, 2 million middle school and high school vaping-related illnesses conducted a study that found 63% of Juul usstudents used e-cigarettes in 2017, and the ers ages 15 to 24 don’t know the pods contain number grew to 3.62 million in 2018, acnicotine. Many users thought the pods were cording to the FDA. Nearly 11 million people used comprised of only flavoring, according to the vaporizers in 2018 — double the number in 2017 — Boston Globe. according to Inside Higher Ed. While recent articles from sources like the Underage students often get access to vaporizers New York Times and the Washington Post through older friends who can buy it legally. SophoDeaths associated with have been focusing on the harmful effects of more Ty Gilliland started vaping during his sophovaping-related illnesses vaping, Cole thinks the media coverage fails more year of high school. to recognize vaping is a better alternative than “It started with an older upperclassmen friend who cigarettes. Cigarettes kill 480,000 people each did it, and I liked the flavors, taste and everything,” year — a far greater number than seven — according Gilliland said. “It just kind of took off from there. I to Harvard Health Publishing. would use them all the time. I would go through a “The one thing I think people don’t ever understand Juulpod a day, easy.” is no one is saying that vaping is good for you,” Cole Alex Azar, U.S. Health and Human Services secsaid. “That’s not the point that people are trying to get retary, received new data at the start of September across. The point is that it’s better than cigarettes. … that 27.5% of high school students said they had used They’re making it sound like it’s a good versus evil e-cigarettes in the past 30 days — a 6.7% increase thing when no, it’s the better of two bads.” since last year. According to the Washington Post, this Reading articles about the harmful effects and potenis the second large increase in e-cigarette use over the tial illnesses didn’t deter Gilliland from vaping. Howevpast two years. er, he quit vaping three weeks ago because his father had According to the same article from the Washingseen potential dangers of vaping while at the hospital. ton Post, Azar and other White House officials had “The girl right next door was having to do a double two meetings with President Trump beginning Sept. lung transplant, and that’s one thing that kind of real9 highlighting concerns and issues regarding e-cigaly opened my eyes up to it,” Gilliland said. “My oldrette use among youth. er brother and his girlfriend decided to quit that day, President Trump, faced with drastic increases in so I decided to give it up. Since I quit, it’s been amazvape usage along with vaping-related illnesses, deing. I’m trying to get all my friends to quit. I’m proud cided to propose a guidance which would ban all flaI don’t do it anymore.” vored e-cigarettes.

Gilliland had tried to quit before, but he wasn’t sucStudents often use vaporizers for the social gratificessful because he kept the Juul modified vape pen — cation. As they continue to use them, some even begin commonly known as a mod — saying he would just seeing it as part of their identity. One such person is stop buying pods. This time, he got rid of the device sophomore Koley O’Neill. He considers vaping part so it wasn’t even an option when he was craving it of his lifestyle because many people see him with it during the first couple days. and know he has one.

When Gilliland looks back, he couldn’t determine “It’s a pretty good social tool to have,” O’Neill why he used it as much as he did or why he spent that said. “I’ve actually made new friends from having it. much money on it. It had become part of his routine, All my friends have vapes.” and he didn’t think about it. The Juulpods come in E-cigarettes are popular among young people due packs of four that cost about $18, so using a pod evto the variety of flavors available. Juul Labs Inc. the ery day became expensive. leading e-cigarette brand, has eight Juulpod flavors He has noticed his physical health improve now available - mango, mint, virginia tobacco, creme, clasthat he doesn’t use a vaporizer. He has had an easier sic tobacco, cucumber, fruit and menthol. time playing basketball.

These options are more appealing than “The first couple weeks when I was still vaping the taste and smell of tobacco from conand playing basketball, my lungs would just be terriventional cigarettes. E-cigarettes were creble,” Gilliland said. “Now, I feel drastically better. I ated with the intention to curb cigarette can consistently breathe when I’m running and stuff use amongst adults. However, it has bewhich is scary to think about because wow, this is come a popular trend in the youth to use how I should be breathing. It’s hard to notice it while e-cigarettes. Many claim this is because of you’re doing it, but as soon as I quit, the difference is the e-cigarette flavors that are targeted tovery eye-opening.” wards youth.

Gilliland encourages his friends to quit by constantNicotine affects brain It’s one reason Vapor Maven employly telling them about how much better he feels without ee Geno Cole started vaping. He grew up development, particularly vaping, yet he knows that it’s ultimately their decision. around people who smoked cigarettes, and in the cerebral cortex and The long-term effects of vaping are generally unhe used this alternative as soon as he could. known. With the rise of cases with vaping-related illhippocampus He primarily vapes to relieve stress every nesses, banning flavored pods has been pronow and then. posed to discourage young people from us“I don’t want to smoke cigarettes,” Cole said. ing them, according to the New York Times.

“From what I’ve been hearing and what I’ve been Cole said this wouldn’t be effective. reading, those are worse off than what these are.”

“You can’t restrict adults from what they If the guidance were to roll out, every flavor bewant to do based off of things teenagers in sides tobacco would be removed from the market — high schools are doing,” Cole said. “If you both in stores and online. The flavored products would want to stop teens from vaping, then that not be permitted back into the market until receiving Percent increase in high should be your target group. Out-right banFDA approval. ning it doesn’t work. We’ve seen that with school students’ using Officials said the guidance would be published in prohibition (and) the weed laws. I just think e-cigarettes since several weeks, going into effect 30 days after publiit should be a more restrictive, precautionary cation, according to the Washington Post. thing. … It should be more about prevention last year O’Neill also vapes to relieve stress, mainly while instead of prohibition.”

D

380

7

6.7

Sept. 19, 2019 @NWM_AE

A8

Tryouts exceed past turnout

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

CORIE HERTZOG A&E Reporter | @Miss_Kitten1067

One, two, three, four.

Excited, anxious chatter filled the air as students crowded the thirdfloor hallway of Martindale Hall.

Five, six, seven, eight.

Northwest Dance Company auditions were Sept.11 and 12.

From students who have been dancing their entire lives to those who don’t know first position from third, auditions are open to everyone willing to pay the $5 fee.

Sophomore T.J. Sheehy has danced with the company for three seasons now.

“I’m hoping to do jazz and musical theater this year,” Sheehy said.

This year the Northwest Dance Company gained a total of 127 members, an all-time record for the organization.

The audition is a two-day process. On day one, students chose which genres they wanted to audition for and learned the practice routines for the genre. The second day, groups of five were taken into the studio to audition and pay their $5.

Northwest Dance Company President senior Ashley Brennan, focuses on a strong group dynamic during the auditioning process.

“I rely heavily on my exec board to help me get prepared for the audition process since I have a lot to do as president,” Brennan said.

“But each exec position is critical to the audition process.”

This year, students could audition for seven genres: clogging, contemporary, couples, hip-hop, jazz, musical theater and tap.

For Northwest Dance Company’s upcoming show, there are four hiphop pieces, four contemporary, two jazz, one musical theater, one clogging, one couples and one tap routine.

In the past, Northwest Dance Company only had up to three hiphop routines. This year the company decided to add the fourth hiphop routine due to the popularity of the genre.

Senior Talitha Santana Baez is a hip-hop choreographer and campus relations chair for the Northwest Dance Company. Her routine with junior Kylie Miller is a mashup of popular Beyoncé songs.

“It’s different than other hiphop routines,” Baez said. “It’s more feminine and flowy than traditional hip-hop dances.”

Hip-hop is a relatively new genre of dance when compared to the other genres offered by the Northwest Dance Company. Hip-hop started in 1970s Bronx, New York, as a mix of popular street style dances.

Though there are multiple routines in the hip-hop category, the groups are still rather large.

“In the dance I’m choreographing, we have around 27 people,” Baez said. “Since we have four hiphop routines this year, each group has about 27 to 30 members.”

To audition for the hip-hop routines, dancers piled into the dance studio where two choreographers, Baez and Miller, stood in front of the mirrored wall.

Once everyone was organized in staggered rows, Baez and Miller broke down the steps to the song “Temporary Lover” by Chris Brown.

The routine was broken into roughly five sets of eight-counts, a way of mapping out dance moves to music.

The two women went through each count set, at first with counts, or grouping of motions labeled one through eight, a demonstration with the music, then had everyone count as the music played. The sets continued to build off each other until the group learned the whole routine.

Once everyone learned the steps, they were sent home to rest, practice and allow the movements to seep into their muscle memory.

The next day, after they audition, students are placed in their routines. They wouldn’t find out which dance they were placed in until Sept. 13. It would be up to them to find out, walking the metal stairways of Martindale to find the listing. After they find out it is up to each member to attend practice and look at the videos posted online about the story behind the dance.

GABI BROOKS| NW MISSOURIAN

Junior Wyatt Cooper (left) and sophomore Aaron Bopp (right) perform in “Ledge, Ledger, and the Legend” at Northwest Theatre: Fall Evening of One-Acts.

Seniors direct comedic plays Hopkins used his previous oneacts experience as a precautionary tale when he considered what play he wanted to direct.

“As you may have noticed, my play was much shorter than (Wattenbarger’s),” Hopkins said. “I actually acted in the last one-acts, and we lost an entire week of rehearsals because of snow days. And so I was like, if that sort of disaster happens again, I want to make sure people can get lines.”

Other criteria for Hopkin’s decision revolved around how comical the play was. With the help of assistant professor Katheryn Bilbo, who gave him a list of possible plays, he chose the romantic comedy that had the audience laughing at the ridiculous, upfront conversation happening on the first date and the perfect timing of the awkward waiter.

As for Wattenbarger, she started by searching on the internet for short plays, eventually taking the suggestion of “Ledge, Ledger, and the Legend” from another the-

SARAH VON SEGGERN A&E Editor | @SeggernSarah

In the basement of the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts, the sound of soft footsteps filled the small, intimate stage of the Black Box Theater as actors found their positions for the first scene of the night.

Thus the Theatre Northwest: A Fall Evening of One-Acts commenced Sept. 13-14. This is a Lab Series Black Box Production used to allow seniors with specific theater majors to fulfill their directing requirement.

The two short plays “Missed Connections” by Samuel Williams and “Ledge, Ledger, and the Legend” by Paul C. Elliot were directed by Gavin Hopkins and Brooklynn Wattenbarger with a total run time of around an hour.

For the pair of seniors, directing a play included a multitude of tasks such as casting, figuring out lighting, stage design and even deciding which plays they wanted to produce.

ater student.

Even with theater experience like “Footloose” under Wattenbarger’s belt, she said directing was a “whole other ball game” to take on as she is enrolled in a directing class. The toughest challenge though ended up being coordinating all the separate schedules to get the final production.

“Obviously I knew I had to get the programs and the sounds and lighting and everything going, but that takes other people too, so working around their schedules and seeing when we can do what when,” Wattenbarger said. “It ended up being like the last couple of days we had to get everything done.”

As the people filed in to see the hard work of the two student directors, Wattenbarger and Hopkins found it hard to believe the process from casting to performing started three weeks ago.

With such a time crunch, the actors, along with the directors, were under a lot of pressure.

Junior speech and theatre education major Wyatt Cooper, who played Pete in “Ledge, Ledger, and the Legend,” a man wishing to end his life by jumping off a ledge, said that he had a lot to overcome in this production.

“I’m actually afraid of heights, so even this, like, makes me nervous” Cooper said, while motioning at the about two feet high stage.

“So working around that and having gags of falling off of it every few minutes is pretty exciting, pretty challenging.”

Along with the fear of heights, Cooper said the other difficulty was memorizing lines this time around.

Wattenbarger said both main actors in her play had about 150 lines each to learn, which came out to 50 lines per week.

Despite the complications and time constraints, the student-directed plays ended with laughter and applause from the small audience as the cast bowed while the ending song, “Jumper” by Third Eye Blind played through the sound system.

THE STROLLER:

Your Bearcat wants to continue vaping Vaping has had a bad couple of months, hasn’t it? I mean, like, only six people have died from vaping-related illnesses this year, but still, the headlines haven’t been kind to your beloved pastime.

I’m here to tell you to ignore the doctors, the scientists, the government and healthcare professionals.

They all want you to stop vaping and Juuling, but I’m telling you to keep going.

I know healthcare professionals are making their claims based on facts and medical records, but what about the optics?

You can’t blow huge vape clouds walking on campus or to show off your ability to blow O’s on your Snapchat story if you’re not vaping.

How are the freshman girls going to know how in-touch you are if they don’t see your extra Juul pods in your car’s cup holder?

And how on earth are you supposed to get through that 8 a.m. without your morning nicotine high that lasts maybe 15 minutes? As it stands, this habit is the most interesting thing about you.

Look, you didn’t listen when your friends told you Juuling was

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lame. You ignored your mom when she suggested it probably wasn’t good for you.

You ignored the DARE contract you signed in 8th-grade health class. And you probably got talked into supplying some 16-year-olds with a pack of pods at double retail value.

I think, despite these new re-

ports, you’ve got to ride the vaping wagon ‘til the wheels fall off. Forget what the experts are saying: you got yourself marketed into this nicotine addiction, why would you get yourself out of it now?

The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of The Northwest Missourian.

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SPORTS JUMPS

Sept.19, 2019 @NWMSports

A9

Tennis provides chance for fresh start MADDISYN GERHARDT Sports Reporter | @maddigerhardt

SYDNEY GARNER | NW MISSOURIAN

Freshman tennis player Vera Alenicheva, an international transfer from Moscow, Russia, focuses on doubles training Sept. 17 at the Mark Rosewell Tennis Center.

VOLLEYBALL

CONTINUED FROM A12 “Our whole game plan, as always, was to serve and pass and get them out of their system. We were able to execute what we’re all about at a high level.”

As the players scouted out the Wolves of Northern State, they knew it would be no easy task taking home a win. Sophomore Bethany Elkins believed they were able to pull the upset by coming together as a team.

“We knew they had some big hitters and really tall people, but in the game, we found what worked for us,” Elkins said. “We out scrapped them on defense and the little things were pulled together.”

The Bearcats finished out their first day with a clean sweep of Colorado Mesa; winning by scores

JOPLIN

CONTINUED FROM A1 On the surface, the challenge that awaits the Bearcats in Joplin isn’t much of one. Northwest has bested the Lions in 23-consecutive matchups. The streak that dates back to 1994, the year before Rich Wright arrived at Northwest as a graduate assistant and close to a half-decade before Braden Wright was born.

But this Missouri Southern team is different than those in the last 23 years. The Lions are led by first-year coach Jeff Sims, who gained notoriety as the head coach at Garden City Community College which appeared on Netflix’s “Last Chance U.” With him, Sims has brought in more than a dozen transfers from Garden City and colleges across the Midwest. Rich Wright said there are more than 60 new faces on Southern’s roster, including notable transfers from colleges like Iowa State and Virginia Tech.

“It’s not just the transfers (Sims) has from Garden City; he’s got transfers from all over the place,” Wright said. “I mean, they’ll be athletic, there’s no doubt about that.

SOCCER

CONTINUED FROM A12 This rally came after the Bearcats surrendered three goals in the first half of the game. They would work out all of the kinks in the first half and hold the Vikings scoreless for the remainder of the game.

The Bearcats made a run on offense late in the match scoring two goals in the 66th and 75th minutes of the game; they were unable to even the game up as time expired.

Despite losing 3-2, Gordon and his staff said they were very pleased with his teams fight and willingness to not give up.

Northwest is now preparing for its third home game of the season Sept. 20, against the eighth-ranked team in the nation Central Missou-

With 16 out of its 18 athletes calling a country other than the United States home, Northwest tennis is the one program on campus with a greater margin of overseas athletes than any other team.

Countries like Germany, Spain, Russia, Greece and France are just a few of the locations listed on the 2019-20 tennis roster. While recruiting athletes to play for such a consistently winning team like Northwest’s may seem easy. Smaller things like changes in culture, language and school structure can be the hardest aspects athletes have to adapt to.

“Out of the college, in general, I was shocked when I arrived here,” sophomore and Italian native Andrea Zamurri said. “The streets are so big. The cars are big, and I don’t know why the cars are so big. The people are big too. I was shocked when I arrived here but these are the main differences.”

Though for some schools it may seem hard to contact and persuade a student from another country to travel across the world to play tennis, many of the team’s athletes have heard about Northwest and chose to come to Maryville for its tight knit community and successful tennis program.

While deciding to come play for Northwest and adjusting to the changes from their home countries to the U.S. may be a lot to handle, many of the tennis athletes are here for one reason: tennis.

“I’m here because I wanted to do an experience out of Italy,” Zamur-

UP NEXT Drake Invitational Des Moines, Iowa Sept. 20

ri said. “The organization in Italy makes sure the guys choose the best university in the U.S. There were a lot of different choices, but I chose the Northwest because it was the best tennis team,.”

Though many aspects of life have been big adjustments for much of the team, tennis seems to be the one place where all differences subside. Traveling across seas to play with people from around the globe may seem like a daunting task, but the close-knit bond the team has helped to overcome this fear. Overlooking the background, upbringing and homelife of each athlete, the courts are where the team becomes unified.

“I think tennis is the only sport where all nations become closer to each other,” freshman player and Moscow native Vera Alenicheva said.

“Tennis players mostly are the same.

So, I can’t say anything about the Russians, the Americans or the German players. That’s why I like tennis, because it’s a worldwide sport, and it doesn’t matter where you’re from — all players are the same.”

Allowing players from across the globe to come and play tennis for the University not only brings vast talent and diversity to the University, but also gives the athletes an opportunity to experience a place outside of their home country.

FULL STORY ONLINE:

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

of 25-22, 25-18 and 25-19. Junior Morgan Lewis tallied 13 kills, freshman Jaden Ferguson wasn’t too far behind with 11.

Northwest continued to include freshmen into the lineup and Woerth was pleased with how they handled the pressure.

“We had a couple of freshmen on the court, and I think they are continuing to show their maturity in situations they’ve never been in,” Woerth said. “They’re doing their jobs. For them to do it multiple weeks in a row, multiple matches in a row, it’s really fun to see the work they’ve put in.”

Despite facing the No. 7 team in the country Sept. 13, Saturday, Sept. 14, was a true test of mental and physical strength for the Bearcats. Northwest started the afternoon with a loss to Drury in five sets with scores of 25-10, 17-25,

21-25, 25-22 and 16-14. The ‘Cats found themselves in good position until the fourth set when they only hit .068 and had eight attack errors.

Less than three hours later, the ‘Cats took the court again, this time beating Truman State in five sets with scores of 19-25, 25-15, 2520, 23-25 and 15-12. Elkins posted a career-high 24 kills while hitting .526. Boise State transfer Hannah Koechl tallied a career-high 23 kills. The Bearcats are now 2-1 this season when a match involves the fifth set.

Facing back-to-back five-set matches typically takes a toll on a player’s mind. Elkins said that the Bearcats just view it as one point at a time.

“Just thinking point by point helps,” Elkins said. “I think just focusing on the next point or the first to five points, just having a strong

start and finishing strong.”

Northwest received help from two players who were named to the Drury Invitational All-Tournament Team. The dynamic duo of Elkins and Sidney headlined those honors. Sidney had 37 digs and 67 kills through the tournament. Elkins had 40 kills and a .272 hitting average.

Woerth saw the Drury Invitational as a huge stepping stone for the rest of the season.

“We were challenged, and we rose to the occasion,” Woerth said.

“For us to walk away 3-1 was a really good sign of the team we are already and set a really good high bar of what we’ll be at the end of the season.”

Northwest takes a break from tournament action until the MIAA Conference tournament begins in November. Woerth was thankful to participate in tournaments with top

tier teams to prepare the Bearcats for the rest of the season.

“You look at the tournament we just came from, and it was such a grinder and a challenge, and that’s exactly what we get in the MIAA,” Woerth said. “I think we had a good mixture of the first weekend where you’re more challenged by yourself and then settle down the second weekend where you focus on the opponent.”

The Bearcats had their first home game Sept. 18 against rival Missouri Western. Elkins was glad to hear the chants of the Northwest fans.

“It was exciting getting back in front of our fans and doing it against a rival,” Elkins said. “The intro to the conference was a lot of fun and seeing where we were coming out of the preseason.”

… They’ll have some players. But, again, how well do those people play together and how can we exploit that? ‘Cause we feel like we have a pretty good football team.”

Sims and his noted coaching style, coupled with the energy of an MIAA matchup, is expected to bring with it a certain buzz surrounding the game. After a Week 2 win over Lincoln, Southern has already matched its win total from its previous two seasons combined.

Northwest, though, isn’t all that concerned with Southern or the anticipation surrounding the game.

The Bearcats are focused on preparing for it.

“We’re going to go and work on things we need to get better at,” Spelhaug said. “We’re not going to worry about all the white noise, all the distractions. We’re just going to concentrate on ourselves and get better at what we need to get better at.”

While the Bearcats are not looking too far into the upcoming matchup with Southern, they aren’t looking too far past it, either. Central Oklahoma, the team that stunned Northwest last season in what was a 31-21 loss to the Bronchos Sept. 22, is up next on the Bearcats’ gantlet following the

Southern game. Looking forward to that matchup, though, could hurt Northwest in this one.

Spelhaug, a fifth-year player, recalled his first trip to Joplin in 2016. The Bearcats, who went 15-0 en route to a national championship that year, fell down 14-0 to the Lions early in the game. Rich Wright said the 2016 Bearcats were the best team he’s ever coached at Northwest. Trailing 14-0 to the Lions, who went 2-9 in 2016, was never a part of the game plan.

That’s why heading to Southern to match up with a new-look roster, Northwest doesn’t want to take any chances.

“It’s the MIAA,” Spelhaug said.

“Every team is going to give us their best shot. If we go in there and don’t play our best, we’re going to be in trouble.”

Northwest, of course, will make adjustments before they head to Joplin. Rich Wright said the team would work on starting games faster and continued growth on defense.

The offensive line, Spelhaug said, wants to pave the way for Northwest’s rushing attack to garner at least 250-yards against Southern.

The Bearcats want to continue their development of younger

players and while still bombarding opponents with a balanced attack, Rich Wright said.

More than anything, Rich Wright wants to win. That’s why he made Spelhaug give his media introduction. That’s why he’ll wear a red hat every week until the Bearcats lose. That’s why he gathers buckeyes from a tree across from the Union at the start of every fall and keeps one in his pocket each game, a habit the coach picked up

in 1995.

He’s superstitious. His methodical routine doesn’t change, no matter who Northwest is playing. He’ll prepare for the game in the exact same manner. And he’ll head to Joplin Sept. 21, a red hat atop his head and a buckeye in his pocket, hoping to beat Missouri Southern like Northwest has every year since his arrival.

“We’ve just got to play our game,” Rich Wright said.

ri Mules and will then hit the road to take on one of the Bearcats biggest rivals , the Missourian Western Griffons, Sept. 22. These two matches are marquee matchups for the Bearcats and assistant coach Quaid Curtin believes they will go a long way in seeing how well their

team can compete.

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“Grit is something that we haven’t had in the program in a long time,” Curtin said. “The team is starting to not only fight for each other but believe in themselves.”

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Sept. 19, 2019 @NWMSports

A10

SPORTS

TACKLING A SHORTAGE ANDREW WEGLEY Managing Editor | @andrewwegley

Five aging men walked off the turf field, away from the bright lights of a high school football stadium, down a hill and toward a blue and white shed in desperate need of a paint job. The dimly-lit building served as a makeshift locker room for the group, tucked behind a football field in Harrisonville, Missouri.

The group’s location on this particular Friday night, Sept. 6, didn’t really matter as the men entered the shed, unplugging their walkie talkies and beginning to strip off their zebra-striped shirts.

Their venue would be different next week and the week after that.

There are construction tools and paint buckets in one corner, old couches in another, a pair of minifridges in a third corner offers the only sense of accommodation.

The five men talk amongst themselves as they rehydrate and undress. They sip red Gatorade and try to come to a consensus on a controversial call they made earlier in the evening. The group had just finished officiating an MSHSAA football game between Harrisonville and Maryville High School in Week 2 of Missouri’s season.

They talk about questionable calls, about coaches who think they know more than the group of men, about how tired they are. They’ve got another game next week and the week after that. They’ve got a whole season together.

But right now, as the men tuck their black and white officiating hats into protective cases, they’re not thinking about next week or the rest of the season. Steve Rupert isn’t, at least. At 71 years old, with 35 year’s experience in the perpetual grind of officiating, Rupert is thinking about how he feels.

“Exhausted,” Rupert says.

Officiating high school football isn’t easy work for young men. Rupert, an umpire, and Chris Mack, the referee heading Rupert’s officiating crew, know that it’s even harder for old men, though that’s the age group that accounts for high school officials in the state of Missouri across all sports, 60% of whom are over the age of 55. Less than a third of the state’s officials are between the ages of 30-55. Ten percent are under 30.

Mack, 53, and Rupert’s crew embody the statewide statistic unerringly. Three of the five men that make up the unit have celebrated their 50th birthdays by now, the other two are still in their 40s. Interest in officiating, across football and every other high school sport, has dropped dramatically in the last 15 years.

The decrease in interest, particularly among younger people, coupled with the effects of time, has left Missouri where it is today: at what MSHSAA hopes is the tail-end of a shortage that has threatened the fabric of high school

60%

Of all high school sports officials in Missouri are at least 50 years old.

sports in the state.

There wasn’t one single cause of the shortage, which first grabbed the attention of MSHSAA and its executives in the last decade. Kenny Seifert, the association’s assistant executive director, doesn’t think there’s one single solution, either.

Seifert said he thinks the root cause of Missouri’s officiating shortage lies in both aggressive fan behavior and a society growing accustomed to a lack of consequences, and in the competitive culture of high school athletics and scheduling conflicts that simply disallow young officials to keep at it.

“There are things we can’t do anything about,” Seifert said.

“Things change in their personal lives that don’t allow them, from a scheduling standpoint, to officiate.

But I think the big contributor are things that are in people’s control.”

“You guys are blind”

In their combined half-century of officiating football, guys like Mack and Rupert have heard it all, though neither have a particularly horrifying experience to tell of — no postgame threat from a fan or overly aggressive game-long earful from a coach. And that’s perhaps why they’re still showing up at 5

A crop of aging high school officials in Missouri are inching towards retirement, all along wondering, ‘Who’s gonna take our place?’

Beu has no one diagnosis for his former students’ hesitance to continue officiating after their first year. He acknowledged the taunts officials tolerate and cited the evolving lives of recent high school graduates.

He’s not sure what the chief cause that’s driving young officials away, but he knows it’s not the money. Officials can make anywhere from $30 to $50 an hour when working MSHSAA events, a salary Beu called “pretty good for a part-time gig.”

“It’s definitely not a pay issue,” Beu said. “I can tell you that.”

The pay, of course, is another positive attribute MSHSAA is pushing as it tries to resolve its shortage and correct an age deficit that grew quietly for more than a decade. It’s still too early to tell whether the newly-introduced recruitment efforts will settle the shortage for good. And it’s still unclear if the worst of the shortage is in the rearview. But Seifert is encouraged by what he’s seen so far.

“I hope (the worst of it is over),” Seifert said. “We’ll need to watch it for a couple of more years to find out for sure. I hope so, but I’m not — enough time has not passed to where can verify the accuracy of that.”

The aging workforce

JON WALKER | NW MISSOURIAN

Nolan Fryatt, a side judge in his 60s who officiates football, is a part of the aging population of high school sports officials in Missouri, 60% of whom are over the age of 50 years old.

p.m. every Friday, a full two hours early, to prepare for four quarters of continuous running, snap judgments and, undoubtedly, verbal attacks from coaches and fans who nearly always know less than them.

Some officials, like Rupert, ignore the disrespect thrust at them from all directions. MSHSAA and Seifert have identified fan and coach behavior, sometimes characterized as “umpire abuse,” as a leading cause in the nationwide official shortage. Seifert is hesitant to use the term “abuse,” he said, but MSHSAA is actively trying to solve the problem.

“The behavior of coaches and fans has become a detriment to new people considering getting into officiating,” Seifert said.

The verbal indignities tossed at generally well-meaning officials are typical, Mack said. He’s been hearing the same rude remarks for 13 years. They come a dime a dozen. He’s used to it.

“We’ve all heard fans walking off the field; ‘How much do they pay you?’ You know, this, that and the other,” Mack said. “‘You guys are blind.’ That’s just a part of the territory. I mean, that’s just fans being fans.”

Kelly Martin is used to it, too.

But he doesn’t understand it. Martin, who has served as a sports official in Missouri for 29 years, has a different view. Martin serves in a number of roles for MSHSAA and its affiliated organizations. At 58 years old, he’s been reffing basketball for nearly three decades and football for half as long.

Martin, who coached football for more than a decade before trading in his playsheet for a penalty flag, is as seasoned as they come.

Beyond the hours he’s logged on high school fields sprinkled across the state, Martin has served as an official in collegiate competition.

Martin serves as a de facto consultant to on Seifert on all-things officiating. He’s helped spearhead recruitment efforts. His primary role now is as an assigner for the Northwest Missouri Officials Association, a group accredited by MSHSAA responsible for scheduling umpires and referees to scores of sub-varsity sporting events in northwest Missouri.

Martin is responsible for assigning officiating crews to sub-varsity football in the area, a job he said has grown harder in the last half-decade. He’s not convinced it will be any easier in another five years, he said. And he knows why. The explanation is shouted from fans and coaches toward well-meant officials every Friday night.

“You don’t boo a kid who fumbles,

“

or throws an interception or throws the ball out of bounds or something like that,” Martin said. “Why would you boo a young official?”

The chirps and insults are often enough to drive young, inexperienced officials away, Martin said.

They aren’t yet equipped to deal with it. The old men have grown accustomed to it. Martin tolerates it.

about the lack of officials. He’s focused on fixing it. He cares more about statistics regarding a potential influx of young prospective officials than he does the fact that most of his crop is aging out.

MSHSAA and Seifert are done talking about it as a shortage, he said. He sees no recruitment value in focusing on the negative.

“At the end of the day, no one really cares that we have a shortage,” Seifert said. “The only thing people really care about is whether they’re going to enjoy (officiating), if REFEREE it’s going to be a positive in their life, and whether they’re going to make some money doing it.”

The positive attributes MSHSAA is focused on now have led to the roll-out of several programs that have become the heart of MSHSAA’s enhanced recruitment effort. The payoff from recruiting efforts so far has been tangible, Seifert said, but he hopes for and expects further growth.

MSHSAA’s implementation of the 4-for-1 initiative, a program that asks every registered official and high school coach in Missouri to recruit one new official every four years. Another program targets two graduating seniors from every high school in the state and allows those selected by each school’s activities director to become registered for free, Seifert said.

A third recruiting effort rolled out by MSHSAA in the wake of the shortage is the association’s Trade Your Stripes program, which allows current and active members of the armed forces to register as an official for free, a program that Seifert said has paid dividends since its inception. Together, the programs have helped increase MSHSAA’s workforce and provided cause for optimism.

“I do think there’s light at the end of the tunnel,” Seifert said.

From a recruiting standpoint, the promising statewide outlook is in some ways at odds with the local reality. Maryville High School Activities Director Mat Beu’s success with recruiting Maryville students through the 4-for-1 initiative has been mixed. The same is true for the high school graduate program.

The activities director has introduced several students to officiating through MSHSAA’s touted initiatives, but his efforts have, so far, been fleeting. Former and graduating athletes take advantage of the waived registration fee and dip their toe into the high school officiating, but, for the most part, they don’t often stick with it.

“Not too many,” Beu said. “It’s been a little bit tricky. It’s definitely been an uphill battle to get that done.”

Some days I feel like I can’t do this anymore.”

-STEVE RUPERT

Rupert ignores it. Mack revels in it.

In an officiating world where most referees and umpires claim to be deaf to tossed criticisms and fan taunts, Mack listens to all of it.

It doesn’t bother him, he said. It’s amusing.

“I hear everything,” Mack said.

“I may have super-sonic ears, but I hear everything. It entertains me. I don’t take offense to anything, you know, if somebody’s getting on me about it. To me, it’s entertaining.”

Mack recognizes the official abuse as a growing problem, though, one that’s grown increasingly prevalent in the last decade or so. Like Seifert and Martin, he sees it as a detriment to MSHSAA’s recruitment efforts.

The noted lack of young officials and the seeming disinterest from high school athletes weighs on aging referees like Rupert, Mack and Martin. They’re all closer to the end of their careers than they are the beginning. Right now, there aren’t

A SIGN OF PROGRESS Between 2018 and 2019, Missouri saw an increase in the number of registered officials for the first time in 10 years.

enough officials to take their places.

“The concern down the road, of course, is when officials like me get to the point where we don’t want to or can’t work at a high level,” Martin said. “Who’s gonna take our place?”

Tackling the shortage

Kenny Seifert is tired of talking about the shortage of high school sports officials in Missouri. It’s not that discussing the shortage bothers him, it’s that the vernacular used isn’t productive to his efforts.

As one of MSHSAA’s top officials, and perhaps Missouri’s leading man in spearheading the shortage, Seifert is no longer worried

The officiating shortage, of course, is still in flux. And as MSHSAA holds its breath, Rupert is busy catching his. The 71-year-old is easily the oldest man in his crew — one of the oldest in the state, he figures. MSHSAA needs him and refs like him now more than ever.

Men like Mack and Rupert have become the aging face of officiating in Missouri. They both keep themselves in shape throughout the year to ensure peak performance when the fall rolls around. Rupert works out on a regular basis throughout the year and reads up on the latest in officiating to keep himself mentally sharp.

Both Mack and Rupert have kept at it for the same reason: they genuinely enjoy their jobs.

“The feeling on the field, there’s certain nights we have games you’re just out there and say, ‘Isn’t this just the best thing ever?’” Rupert said. “You’re just excited to be on that field. You just want to go back to it.”

But the job, Rupert admits, is taxing. Between all levels of high school and Pop Warner games on the weekends, it isn’t uncommon for Rupert to officiate more than five games per week. Rupert and Mack are both aware of the shifting focus of MSHSAA, and though it isn’t talked about, the shortage is reflected at every official gathering they attend.

“If you go to an association meeting or if you go to a state meeting or something like that, there’s a lot more gray than there is brown, black or blond hair,” Mack said.

“Gray seems to be a predominant color in the meetings.”

Still, the gray-haired men like Mack and Rupert continue to do the job. They train all summer, show up two hours early on game day and do their best to make every call.

But the job they’re doing is taxing.

They feel the effects in the Harrisonville locker room — some, more than others. They feel the effects as they walk to their car and throughout the drive home. They feel the effects on Saturday morning. And they do it so high school athletes never have to feel the effects of Missouri’s official shortage.

Mack, naturally, is less affected by this. He said he’ll officiate until they wheel him off the football field. Rupert is too old to think like that. He wants to officiate another state championship game before he hangs up his whistle and tucks his black hat away for good. He’s not sure if he’ll get there.

“Some days I feel like I can’t do this anymore,” Rupert said.

MSHSAA isn’t sure what the next half-decade holds for its officials. Rupert isn’t sure he’ll be back next year. But every Friday evening for the rest of this season, he’ll find his way to another locker room cached on the outskirts of another high school football field in Missouri. He’s got a game next

READ MORE ONLINE A full version of this story with a closer look at the shortage’s impact on scheduling in Maryville is available online at NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

SPORTS

Sept. 19, 2019 @NWMSports

A11

A LOOK INTO THE SPOOFHOUNDS’ HISTORIC 61 HOME GAME WIN STREAK:

1st 10th 20th 30th 40th 50th 60th 61st WIN

8-26-2011 Lawson 48-0

SOURCE: MSSHA.ORG

Football set for ’Hound Pound debut

WIN

10-5-2012 Smithville 34-7

WIN

10-31-2013 East (KC) 85-14

WIN

8-21-2015 Lawson 39-0

WIN

9-23-2016 Benton 48-6

WIN

10-13-2017 Lafayette 14-12

WIN

11-9-2018 Savannah 34-12

WIN

11-17-2018 Odessa 29-6

GONE STREAKING

JON WALKER Sports Editor | @ByJonWalker

With a 2-1 record after three straight road games to start the season, Maryville football returns to the ‘Hound Pound, Sept. 20, with not only an opportunity to play in front of its home crowd, but to extend a home game winning streak to 62 consecutive contests.

After a 49-12 beatdown of conference foe Chillicothe, Sept. 13, the No. 5 Spoofhounds carry the weight of a streak that dates back to the fall of 2011 — the last time fans witnessed Maryville football lose a game at the ‘Hound Pound.

That streak predates coach Matt Webb’s tenure at the helm of the Spoofhounds.

“That place is called the ‘Hound Pound for a reason,” Webb said.

“It’s exciting.”

The Spoofhounds will play host to another familiar opponent Sept.

19, the Warriors of St. Pius X (2-1).

Since the turn of the decade, the Spoofhounds are 14-0 against the Warriors, outscoring the Warriors by a compiled total of 649-107.

Those 14 games include a 56-0 dismantling on the road against St. Pius a season ago.

The counter-productive run defense that the Warriors have provided thus far this season gives the Spoofhounds’ offense an ample opportunity for another offensive clinic in their home debut.

Maryville, a traditionally runbased offense, has seen things open up for the rest of the offense as well,

JON WALKER | NW MISSOURIAN

Senior running back Aiden Cullin rushed for 109 yards and one touchdown on eight attempts Sept. 13 in a 49-12 win over Chillicothe.

due to the success that has come on the ground so far this year.

“We’re operating just on what a defense is giving us,” Webb said.

“We’ve got enough on offense to say, ‘OK, they’re giving us this,’ and call a play, and then it’s executed.”

Webb mentioned all of the different ways that the offense has been successful so far in the season.

Noting that whether it be senior running back Aiden Cullin or junior running back Trey Houchin breaking long runs to draw defenses in, or junior quarterback Ben Walker finding senior wideout Tate Oglesby downfield, the offense was going to just take whatever the defense gave them.

The Spoofhounds have put up 105 points in the last two weeks of the season after only scoring 14 points in their season opener against Class 3 powerhouse Blair

Oaks.

The scoring spree has come primarily through the running game, but with some help via the arm of Walker.

Over the last two weeks, Walker has thrown for 380 yards and four touchdowns while completing 60% of his passes.

Maryville’s two primary backs, Cullin and Houchin, have combined to pile up 403 yards rushing and five touchdowns on 42 carries since the Week 1 stint. “(Success in the run game) feels really good,” Cullin said. “It’s pretty easy running behind that offensive line. … It’s good to hit my swing Week 3 — hoping to do more.”

The Warriors bring in an offense that is spearheaded by sophomore quarterback Jack Mosh. Mosh serves as a dual-threat option for St. Pius, in which the Spoofhounds

faced a familiar talent in Week 1 against Blair Oaks’ Dylan Hair.

Throughout the first three games of the season, Mosh has thrown for 301 yards with four touchdowns and as many interceptions on 25of-49 passing.

His legs have been good enough for 164 yards on 30 attempts.

Mosh will be accompanied by his prime target in junior wideout David Deters.

Deters is coming off of a Week 3 matchup against Cameron High School where he compiled 111 yards receiving and two touchdowns on as many catches.

Maryville had a Week 3 performance where it allowed a minimal 17 yards passing, making this an interesting matchup to watch for. “(St. Pius coach) Rick Byers is in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame for a reason,” Webb said. “They’re very well-coached. … He’ll have

UP NEXT MHS v St. Pius X 7 p.m. Sept. 20

his team ready to play.”

Despite the three road trips to start the season, the white-noise that comes with a home debut and the looming cloud of an eightyear-old streak on the line; the Spoofhounds are using the matchup against the Warriors as another stepping stone towards the ultimate goal.

“This week we’re looking forward to being 1-0,” Webb said.

Although Webb is focusing on the matchup at hand. Cullin hopes this week helps Maryville play as late into the fall as possible in his senior campaign.

“We’re just going to keep rolling and rolling. Hopefully, we go get state,” Cullin added. “Maybe.”

Follow us on Twitter on game days for full coverage:

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A12

‘ICING ON TOP OF THE CAKE’

SPORTS

Bearcats set program mark in AVCA rankings CALVIN SILVERS Missourian Reporter | @CalvinSilversvv

Coming out of the weekend, Northwest volleyball has found a spot at No. 15 in the AVCA Top 25. This sets a program-best in the rankings and is the Bearcats’ best ranking since Oct. 24, 2016, where they were ranked No. 16. This now marks the 11th time that Northwest has been ranked in the AVCA top 25.

Northwest volleyball achieved the accolade by traveling four hours south Sept.13-14 to Springfield, Missouri, where they took home three wins in four matches. Those matches include a matchup with No. 7 Northern State, as well as Colorado Mesa, Drury and Truman State.

Coach Amy Woerth viewed the ranking as a nice way to be recognized by the country, but said it doesn’t define their season.

“The AVCA ranking is fun; it’s MADI GLASS | NW MISSOURIAN like an icing on top of the cake Junior setter Maddy Ahrens compiled a total of 163 assists across four matches in the Drury Invitational Sept. 13-14. Ahrens was the recipient of MIAA idea,” Woerth said. “On the other hand, it’s not going to get us into Specialist of the Week honors Sept. 9. the postseason. It has nothing to

UP NEXT NW @ Central Missouri 3 p.m. Sept. 21

do with regional rankings. I don’t really put stock into it.”

Northwest began the tournament against Northern State, winning in four sets by scores of 19-25, 25-11, 25-22 and 25-23. Freshman Sydney McDermott took her first action on the court as a moment to shine and recorded five blocks, which was tied for first in the match. Junior Hallie Sidney led the team with 19 kills and 10 digs.

Woerth was pleased to see her team be resilient after losing the first set. She believed beating a highly-ranked team like Northern State was no fluke.

“We just thought we were a better team than them; they weren’t very scrappy with what they needed to do,” Woerth said.

SEE VOLLEYBALL | A9

Northwest focused on task at hand in Joplin ANDREW WEGLEY Managing Editor | @andrewwegley

Each week at Northwest Athletics’ Pizza Ranch Media Luncheons this fall, Northwest football coach Rich Wright has stood up in the middle of the restaurant’s private room and quickly sat back down.

In a moment when Rich Wright is supposed to give a recap of Northwest football’s weekend to media members, fellow coaches and Northwest Athletics employees, he simply introduces whichever student-athlete he brought with him and delegates the task, making the athlete give the recap and preview Northwest’s next game.

Ahead of Week 1, when senior defensive end Spencer Phillips was caught off guard and thrust into speaking, it didn’t seem like much for Rich Wright. In Week 2’s press conference, when Braden Wright was put on the spot by his coach, it

UP NEXT NW @ Missouri Southern 6 p.m. Sept. 21

represented a pattern.

At the Sept. 17 luncheon, Rich Wright repeated himself, pushing senior offensive lineman Ryan Spelhaug into a speaking role.

This time, Rich Wright admitted there was reason behind his pattern: he’s superstitious. The first two luncheons were followed by wins for No. 7-ranked Northwest (2-0). Ahead of a Week 3 matchup with Missouri Southern (1-1), Rich Wright wasn’t taking any chances in his routine.

“You were almost late,” Rich Wright said, laughing to Spelhaug as he introduced the lineman. “And I almost killed you.”

SEE JOPLIN | A9

MADI NOLTE | NW MISSOURIAN

Senior tight end Marqus Andrews posted a team best 72 receiving yards in Northwest’s first home game of the season, Sept. 14, in a 38-17 win over the Washburn Ichabods.

Soccer aims to build upon improved start to season JD WESSEL Sports Reporter | @JDWessel123

GABI BROOKS | NW MISSOURIAN

Northwest junior midfielder Manuela Gonzalez and Augustana senior midfielder Peyton Stenzel compete at the Bearcat Soccer Pitch on Sept. 15.

The Bearcats lost to the Vikings 3-2, making their all-time record against Augustana 3-2, led by the Bearcats.

Northwest soccer has gotten off to a much better start to this year as opposed to where they were a season ago. Despite being left with a 1-2-1 record throughout the first couple of weeks of the season, they have been far more impressive than last year in the eyes of coach Marc Gordon.

In one of the prime instances of how the program has improved, Northwest has already scored more goals in the first four matches than it was able to score all of last season. Gordon emphasized that the attacking of the team is the best it has been since he took over the team in 2018.

“Our team has shown from week to week that they are willing to improve,” Gordon said. “We have players putting in work outside of practices and are showing they

want to get better and want to succeed.”

Gordon has a history of success with teams he’s coached in the past.

He was the director of soccer and the head women’s soccer coach at Ottawa University for eight years until he took over the program at Northwest before the 2018 season.

Gordon is a three-time KCAC Coach of the Year and was the 2016 Regional Coach of the Year, which were all earned under his tenure as coach of the Braves. Gordon said his time at Northwest has been a work in progress so far, but he likes the strides his team has taken from week to week.

The ‘Cats split a win and a loss in its first two home games of the year. The first home game at Bearcat Pitch was a success in Gordon’s eyes as the Bearcats took on the Sioux Falls Cougars.

Freshman midfielder Kaitlyn Case continued to turn heads as

UP NEXT NW v Central Missouri 3 p.m. Sept. 20

she pushed across two goals, bringing her scoring total to four goals on the year.

Sophomore goalkeeper Alexis Serna-Castillo stayed consistent with stout defense at the goal, saving the only four shots on the goal from the Cougars. The Bearcats managed to shut out the Cougars winning 4-0.

“Our team has a lot of confidence in ourselves this season and it builds our confidence even more when we can get a win at home,” Serna-Castillo said.

The Bearcats weren’t able to complete the clean sweep of the weekend, losing to the Augustana Vikings.

SEE SOCCER | A9