The Northwest Missourian

A3 Spoofhound bookshelf

A7 Less beer, more talk

A12 Revenge tour

Maryville High School is set to launch a new book gifting program in spring 2020.

Untreated alcoholism runs rampant among college students nationwide.

Northwest football heads to Michigan for second year to face Ferris State.

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Thursday

December 5, 2019 @TheMissourian

VOL. 108, NO. 14

Women The two-week waiting line lead in small business EXAMINING WELLNESS:

KENDRICK CALFEE Community News Editor | @KoalaCalfee

Counselors still jammed during finals season KENDRICK CALFEE Community News Editor | @KoalaCalfee MADELINE MAPES Chief Reporter | @MadelineDMapes

W

ith finals season emerging through the lulling satisfaction of Thanksgiving break, cheery, upbeat moods are suddenly being replaced with somber in December as students feel an encroaching pressure to perform well. At Northwest, Wellness Services is the face of aid for those struggling, but there was a three-week wait time for students seeking counseling services in November. As of now, the wait time has dropped to two weeks.

Equipped with five counselors, four fulltime and one part time, for the 7,104 on-campus students, the Wellness Center is challenged

with providing adequate mental and physical health services during busy and stress-inducing times of the year. Wellness Services has several programs in place to relieve the short staff of counselors.

Assistant Director of Wellness Services Kristen Peltz said there are a number of different services available when the office is busy helping a large number of students.

“With the counseling services themselves, there can be a bit of a challenge,” Peltz said.

“We work with our step to care model … which is this idea that some people will absolutely be in counseling, and that’s perfectly fine, but we also want to make sure they know what other options are.”

According to the Wellness Services web page, it provides counseling, prevention, outreach and education for students and faculty. In addition, there is a clinical side that is staffed with a physician, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.

The counseling, prevention, outreach and education are all free to students on and off campus. For students to take advantage of its services, the Wellness Center prefers they make an appointment, either by phone or on-

line, but the office also welcomes walk-ins for all services.

Counseling provided is focused on personal development and looks to common counseling concerns. Students can use the counseling services for depression, anxiety, adjustment to college, body image and other concerns students may have throughout the school year.

If students are uncomfortable with meeting a counselor, or have a schedule conflict, there are other opportunities on campus and online.

Some of these opportunities come in the form of on-campus activities, workshops and presentations for students who would like to better their mental stability. Two common workshops the Wellness Center hosts are “Dare to Self-Care” and “#Relationships.”

Peltz said one way Wellness is tackling mental health issues is through implementing a peer coaching program, where some of the students that come in for counseling are partnered with trained individuals to help with problems like social anxiety, building time management and making meaningful connections on campus.

The small town of Maryville, taking pride in businesses uniquely local, has provided a platform for entrepreneurs to be successful in the competitive business world. Of the 33 small businesses in Maryville, 20 of them are owned or at least partly-owned by women, a feat several business owners attribute to regular customers that have become like family.

Though every business is likely to go through rough patches, small businesses in Maryville seem to remain strong, sticking through tough economic downfalls, slow times with few customers and lulls in sales. Amid these challenges, the fleet of women who are the face of small business in Maryville are finding new ways to adapt and not only stay on two feet, but dominate the local industry.

One of these motivated women is Keitha Clapp, who has run a local floral shop in Maryville for 16 years with the help of friends, family and employees. Now in the midst of the holiday season, Clapp said there is a lot for Maryville Florists to look forward to.

“I love the small town feel because it is all so family oriented,” Clapp said. “I get to know the customers, not just make floral arrangements. That’s the best part.”

Taking in the sweet smell of her Gardenias, Clapp set out seasonal pink-red poinsettias as soft beams of light peeked through the shop windows. With a husband and two busy daughters, owning a business is not always easy, but Clapp said it is worth the work and sacrifice.

SEE WELLNESS | A4

SEE BUSINESS | A4

EMILY NOYES | NW MISSOURIAN

Annual tree lighting moved to center of campus CORALIE HERTZOG A & E Reporter | @miss_kitten1067

“Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree,” the Horace Mann choir sang loudly as a crowd gathered around the Memorial Bell Tower.

At its center stood a tree covered in multicolored lights.

Student Senate President Asma Hassan turned on the string of lights, initiating a round of applause from the crowd as President John Jasinski walked to the podium.

“Mrs. Jasinski and I changed the location of the tree,” Jasinski said. “We went from having it outside our home, to here, at the Bell Tower, because the center of Northwest is the Memorial Bell Tower.

Just like how the tree is the center of the holidays.”

As the University’s president wrapped up his speech, he introduced Hassan. Hassan explained that this year’s tree lighting ceremony would be different than the last 10 years.

“This year we represent different religions here on campus,” Hassan said. “We represent Christianity, Hinduism, Juddaism and Islam.”

As representatives of the various religions came up, they pre-

sented an ornament to hang on the tree and explained why they chose that symbol.

Sophomore Levi Bradley represented his religion of Judaism.

“I was pretty excited to have Judaism represented at the University and event like this,” Bradley said. “Since I know only two other Jews beside myself, I was happy to have involvement in a celebration like this.”

Bradley chose the Star of David, a predominant symbol of the Jewish faith.

“It’s probably one of the most iconic symbols of my religion,” Bradley said. “The Star of David is often used by Jews to signal our identity. It’s a sort of an official symbol for us by this point and has adopted a lot of history behind it.

I like to approach it as a symbol of connecting us as a people.”

Bradley also explained a misconception about the Jewish holiday, Hanukkah.

“Most people believe Hanukkah is the Jewish equivalent to Christmas, when it really isn’t. Most of our major holidays happened earlier in October of this year, ” Bradley said.

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At the end of the ceremony, Hassan took the stage again and spoke about her faith as a Muslim woman.

“I chose the crescent moon,” Hassan said, holding up her wooden ornament. “I chose it to represent the lunar calendar that we follow.”

She turned to place the ornament on the tree.

With closing remarks from Jasinski, thanking the maintenance crew who helped arrange the location change from the Jasinski’s house to the Bell Tower, community members and students joined the Horace Mann Choir as they sang “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.”

Afterwards everyone was ushered inside where the second floor of the J.W. Jones Student Union held coffee, hot chocolate and desserts.

As students crowded around cocktail tables, children surrounded a Santa Bobby Bearcat while holiday music played in the background.

There were also donation boxes for the five charities Jasinski picked for this year: Bearcat Pantry, Ben’s Stockings of Hope, Career Closet, Pay-It-Forward and WeGothya!

GABI BROOKS | NW MISSOURIAN

Student Senate President senior Asma Hassan hangs a crescent moon, a Muslim symbol, on the tree at the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony Dec. 3 at the Memorial Bell Tower. Other students representing Christianity, Judaism and Hinduism put ornaments symbolizing their religions on the tree as well.

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NEWS

Petition sparks Chick-fil-A cup change SAMANTHA COLLISON Campus News Editor | @SammieCollison

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SYDNEY GARNER | NW MISSOURIAN

Marine Biology Society members Megan Olson and Kaden Ballou gather signatures to limit the plastic usage in Campus Dining Nov. 7.

current process.

“That same day we looked at the compostable options the group brought to our meeting and decided it would be something we could transition to this semester,” Martin said. “Cups, straws and sandwich bags are all now compostable products.”

Martin said Campus Dining is also evaluating compostable product options through other dining options and have begun discussions with MooYah Burger, Einstein Brothers, Zen and the Aramark catering program.

“I was certainly happy that the group agreed to meet with me and

am hopeful for the continued partnership as we start the spring semester,” Martin said.

One aspect the petition specifically targeted was vending machine plastics, which Martin said presents more of a challenge due to sourcing costs and timelines. “​I t is sometimes hard to look at cost when you are weighing the environmental effects of plastics in our ecosystem, but there would be a heavy cost that would come with this conversion,” Martin said.

“If this is the route we choose to go down as a university, there will need to be additional teams involved in this decision.”

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As part of its “Make Northwest Greener” campaign, Northwest’s Marine Biology Society brought a petition to Aramark to replace disposable materials with compostable products, which resulted in the on-campus Chick-fil-A changing its cups from polystyrene to paper.

Marine Biology Society opened its week-long campaign with a showing of “A Plastic Ocean” Nov. 4. The rest of the week, the group hosted an information table in the J.W. Jones Student Union, asking for signatures on its petition.

Representatives from the group met with Senior Food Service Director of Campus Dining Spencer Martin Nov. 12 to discuss the petition and ways to substitute disposable products for sustainable products throughout Aramark.

“As a food service company ,Aramark is constantly seeking to improve our practices in how we operate,” Martin said. “Through our Green Thread program we have made great progress in the areas of responsible sourcing and waste minimization.”

Martin said he wanted to work corroboratively with the Marine Biology Society to accomplish some initiatives related to the petition.

Although the meeting didn’t produce any concrete promises from Aramark, Martin said it opened communication with the group and established possibilities for improvements in sustainability in the future.

“We are partnering for some ‘Weigh the Waste Events’ coming up and hope to see increased involvement from each other with a like-minded direction to increase our sustainable practices,” Martin said.

Switching Chick-fil-A’s cups was a topic representatives from Marine Biology Society brought up immediately, and Martin said it was an easy and fast change to make.

Martin said he had researched the option of paper cups in the past, but it was not as feasible then as it is now. While the previous polystyrene cups are recyclable, Northwest’s facilities are not well-equipped for that process. However, paper cups are compostable under the University’s

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NEWS

Dec. 5, 2019 @TheMissourian

A3

Spoofhounds collect books for students DEREK CAMPBELL Chief Reporter | @dscampbell

Maryville High School is taking donations for an upcoming launch of its bookshelf gifting program that gives free books to high schoolers who love to read.

Spoofhound Bookshelf is a new book gifting program at Maryville High School that provides reading books to interested high school students throughout the school year.

The program is a dual effort between Maryville High School Liberian Kimberly Offutt and parent Kelley Baldwin.

“

trated with her situation until she realized the opportunity that was offered.

“Hey, this is kind of a good thing,” Baldwin said. “We’re starting from scratch, and we can make this program anything we want it to be. We aren’t bound by any expectations. There’s a certain freedom in that and a lot of fun.”

One of the goals that they have for the program is to help students build up their home libraries, one book at a time.

GABI BROOKS | NW MISSOURIAN

While essential oils can be beneficial to people for a wide variety of reasons, cinnamon, peppermint, pine and a number of other common oils can be harmful to indoor pets.

Household trend may pose -KIMBERLY OFFUTT potential danger to animals

Kids do still love to read”

“It will provide free reading books to interested high school students throughout the school year, so they can begin or build upon their own home libraries,” Baldwin said.

“The program is open to any student, regardless of family income.”

With the first order of 200 books placed, Offutt said that they are looking to open the Spoofhound Bookshelf in January or February some time next year.

“It’s something positive to look forward to and would never be possible without Kelley Baldwin and all our supporters,” Offutt said.

“Kids do still love to read. It may look different than it did 20 or more years ago, but they are reading.” ​T he idea for the Spoofhound Bookshelf was inspired by the Scholastic Books Program of gifting books for younger readers.

“I was surprised that I couldn’t find an established program that benefits older students of all socio-economic levels. There are programs out there that benefit younger readers or lower-income students, but it was difficult to find anything that extended past the eighth grade year,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin said that she was frus-

“Plus, with more books in the home, they can also be used by siblings, parents and anyone else interested in reading,” Offutt said The project is focused on fundraising for the program. The Spoofhound Bookshelf is asking private individuals to donate and are researching applicable grant opportunities. It also plans to ask local organizations for their support.

“We’d like to create online wish lists through retailers like Amazon where people can purchase and donate specific books chosen for the program,” Baldwin said.

The number of books the school can distribute at the beginning of the launch will depend on student interest level and how many books are available.

“Our target distribution is one book for each interested student every month,” Baldwin said. “It’s a lofty goal but a laudable one.”

The school library is creating space in one of the library’s back room to house the books for the time being, until they find a permanent home with students that will enjoy reading that book.

“It’s the perfect spot to keep the books lined up and ready to be browsed by students,” Offutt said.

MADELINE MAPES Chief Reporter | @MadelineDMapes

​According to the American Kennel Club and Michelson Found Animals, certain essential oils, a common household trend, could be harmful to pets if used on or near them. ​E ssential oils have become a trendy solution to several problems in people’s daily lives, but studies have shown certain essential oil scents can be toxic to pets, depending on the pet and depending on the oil or how much is used. ​According to Michelson Found Animals, essential oils are extracted from plants and have a powerful fragrance. They are not like other oils that are made up of fatty acids, like olive oil, but are derived from volatile compounds within a plant. ​The Environmental Protection Agency explains volatile compounds are organic chemical compounds with a composition capable of evaporating under normal indoor atmospheric conditions of temperature and pressure.

A ​ ccording to the American Kennel Club’s website, essential oils are highly concentrated substances.

This can be beneficial in some cases, but in others it can be dangerous. Since essential oils are so potent they can cause problems for a multitude of pets. ​Wendy Combs, the shelter manager of New Nodaway Humane Society, said that some essential oils can be toxic to pets.

According to the Michelson Found Animals Foundation cinnamon, citrus (d-limonene), pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, ylang ylang, clove and thyme essential oils can be harmful to pets.

She said if a pet gets sick and the owner suspects that it is from any essential oils the pet may have been exposed to, then the owner should take the pet to a veterinarian right away.

I​ n a small town such as Maryville, pet emergency resources are limited.

Combs recommends to contact a veterinary clinic or an emergency clinic if a household pet shows unusual symptoms, especially if they have been exposed to essential oils.

Combs also said most of the veterinary clinics in Maryville have emergency numbers pet owners

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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Saturday- 5:00 p.m. (Reconciliation 4:15) Sunday- 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. www.stgregorysmaryville.org

can call if needed. Combs said Nodaway Vet Clinic, which is the clinic the New Nodaway Humane Society uses, has a 24-hour emergency call line. She also said that South Paws Veterinary Clinic also has a 24-hour emergency call line.

Pet owners can call emergency lines at veterinary clinics for any concerns that they may have about their pets if they have been exposed to not only essential oils, but also other aerosols that their pets could be exposed to. ​“People just need to think about it before — and you know, that could even be like Pine Sol or anything like that,” Combs said. “It’s not just essential oils you’ve got to think about if you have pets in the household … because certain things can be toxic.”

A ​ ccording to the American Kennel Club, there is a safe way for pet owners to use essential oils on their pets. Pet owners should talk with their veterinarian and figure out which oils are safe for their pets.

They should also ask what dosages are safe for their furry friends as well. Too much of certain essential oils can make pets sick if they come in contact with it.

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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Wesley Student Center

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

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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 10:15 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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Dec. 5, 2019 @TheMissourian

A4

POLICE BLOTTERS for the week of Nov. 7

Maryville Department of Public Safety Nov. 15

There is an ongoing investigation for a stolen vehicle on the 1500 block of East South Avenue.

There is an ongoing investigation for disorderly conduct on the 900 block of South Saunders Street.

Nov. 16 A summons was issued to Brianna R. Prall, 19, of Pickrell, Nebraska, for minor in possession at the intersection of College Avenue and North Country Club Road.

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny at the 300 block of North Market Street.

Nov. 17 A summons was issued to Clayton M. Calvert, 18, of Prairie Village, Kansas, for minor in possession and possession of a fake I.D. on the 300 block of West Lincoln Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny on the 2400 block of South Main Street.

Nov. 18 A summons was issued to Terry W. Fabian, 22, for wanted on warrant and failure to appear on the 400 block of North Market Street.

Nov. 20 There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 500 block of East South Avenue.

There is an ongoing investigation for robbery on the 1600 block of South Main Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for lost or stolen property on the 200 block of East Third Street.

Nov. 21 There is an ongoing investigation for a stolen license plate on the 600 block of Pierce Avenue.

se L. Lukehart, 30, of St. Joseph, Missouri, for failure to register a motor vehicle, displaying the plates of another and failure to maintain financial responsibility on the 100 block of South Alvin Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for lost or stolen property on the 900 block of West Third Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for assault on the 1600 block of South Main Street.

Nov. 28

A firearm was recovered at Mozingo Lake.

There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 400 block of South Walnut Street.

Nov. 22

Nov. 29

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny from a motor vehicle on the 500 block of North Laura Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny from a motor vehicle on the 1000 block of East Edwards Street.

Nov. 23 A summons was issued to Jerrod R. Naze, 18, of Grant City, Missouri, for minor in possession, under 19 in a bar and possession of drug paraphernalia on the 300 block of North Market Street.

Nov. 24 A summons was issued to Morgan R. Schneider, 22, of Skidmore, Missouri, for no valid driver’s license on the 1600 block of South Main Street.

Nov. 25 A summons was issued to Christopher B. Arrocha, 30, for no valid driver’s license and failure to obey a traffic light on the 200 block of North Main Street.

Nov. 27 A summons was issued to Jes-

Nov. 30 A summons was issued to William A. Force, 28, of Parnell, Missouri, for disorderly conduct on the 1700 block of East First Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 500 block of South Mulberry Street.

Dec. 1 There is an ongoing investigation for a stolen vehicle on the 700 block of North Mulberry Street.

Dec. 2 A summons was issued to William A. Force, 28, of Parnell, Missouri, for failure to register a motor vehicle and displaying the plates of another on the 2500 block of East First Street.

NEWS JUMPS

WELLNESS

CONTINUED FROM A1 “We have lots of areas (students) can be without just being in that traditional counseling,” Peltz said.

According to the American Psychological Association, there was a 30% overall increase in appointments made to counseling centers on campuses nationwide from 2014-15. That year there was only a 5% overall increase in enrollment.

In that same study, the APA found 61% of students who seek counseling report anxiety and 49% report dealing with severe stress.

With finals week beginning Dec. 9, many Northwest students have been struggling with mental stability as make-or-break tests quickly approach them. Students on campus were asked to rate their stress on a scale from one to 10, one being the least stressed and 10 being the most stressed.

Harley Chappell is a nanoscale biology major who rated her stress an eight at this time in the semester.

James Mullaney is a data science major who rated his stress a four.

Some students who have experienced high amounts of stress have had a positive experience in the Wellness Center.

According to the Wellness Services web page, students consistently report high satisfaction with the staff and care they receive. The website reports 100% of students who utilize services recommend on campus counseling to other students, and that 97% of students surveyed report that the counselling service helped them stay in college.

Active Minds is an organization on campus that works with Wellness Services as a part of the Prevention Outreach and Education program. POE spreads awareness about mental health and provides workshops that are open to the entire campus.

For students that are unable to attend counseling services, Active Minds provides a way for them to

get help from peers and someone from wellness.

Active Minds member Madison Goldman said she has used the counseling services on campus on several occasions since September. “(It’s) pretty good. I mean, there’s some flaws, but like overall for free counseling, I think it’s pretty good,” Goldman said.

Often used as a last resort, online modules are made available to students through the Wellness Services page on the Northwest website, where they can work through information on how to cope with depression, anxiety, stress and numerous other issues when it is convenient for them.

“The idea is to have lots of different layers of services, that way we can meet people where they are as opposed to just assuming everyone is going to need counseling,” Peltz said.

The B.D. Owens Library saw a spike of students flowing through its doors the evening of Dec. 2, the first day of classes after Thanksgiving break. Many working on final projects and studying for impactful tests, quiet study rooms filled up, and hopes of lower stress levels sank in.

Sophomore Eric Heidenescher said he takes advantage of study tools to help him relax during stressful times.

“It’s not easy finding time to relax,” Heidenescher said. “I find going to a tutor that is offered by the Student Success Center can help with reviewing for finals and lowering my stress level about my upcoming finals. Also, Starbucks is a great help at keeping me energized to study.”

Northwest Wellness Services encourages students to take advantage of services available, and are working to serve students with adequate resources for mental and physical health in times of increased stress. The office hopes to get wait times down even further than the two-week period that is, as of now, required.

BUSINESS

CONTINUED FROM A1 Clapp bought the shop in 2003 and has worked to make it her own since then. She grew up in Ravenwood, Missouri, a small town 13 miles east of Maryville and graduated from Northwest, earning a degree in horticulture.

Her shop is one of 15 local businesses owned by women participating in an upcoming Holiday Shop Hop Dec. 7. Put on by the Downtown Maryville organization, the shop hop showcases local businesses and provides a map for customers to use, which typically brings a good amount of foot traffic to their stores.

Local shoppers enjoy the event because it is convenient for holiday gifts. Sara Coleman, a local shopper and supporter of small business, said she enjoyed all the event has to offer.

“I love going to Maryville Florists and Home by Sonja,” Coleman said. “It’s nice to get so much shopping done at local businesses on one day.”

Stephanie Campbell, president of Downtown Maryville organizes this event each year to support local business and showcase what each has to offer.

“I came to Maryville as an outsider starting my business,” Campbell said. “We are really about showing what’s possible here.”

Campbell is the owner of Blue Willow Boutique, a small business in Maryville that has had enough success to open a second location in St. Joseph, Missouri. She said it is important to support small businesses and shop local because small business provides services large companies can’t.

“Small businesses are about showing other people what is possible,” Campbell said. “My message is when you’re told you can’t do something, then it’s ‘game on,’ because if you work hard at serving your community, then they’ll really see what you can do.”

Of the small businesses participating, one in particular has had a positive experience with the annual shopping event in the past.

La Chic, a women’s cut and color hair salon and seasonal home decor shop sees a lot of foot traffic from locals, as well as people from Kansas City, Missouri, several towns in Iowa and Nebraska during the shop hop.

Owner of La Chic Jennifer Gillespie has owned and operated her small business in Maryville for 12 years. She specializes in cosmetology for women but holds seasonal shopping events throughout the year.

GABI BROOKS | NW MISSOURIAN

Blue Willow Boutique owner Stephanie Campbell speaks at her store’s Fall into Fashion Show 2019 Oct. 10 at the Mozingo Conference Center.

The inside of her shop changes with the seasons as she arranges the decor to fit her three big events throughout the year: spring and summer handbag and jewelry collections, a fall decor collection in September and a Christmas decor collection beginning in October.

“

to Maryville when she and her husband decided they wanted to raise their children in a small town.

Gillespie said Maryville has been good for business because of the surprising amount of diversity in the small town.

Small businesses are about showing other people what is possible.

-STEPHANIE CAMPBELL

Gillespie moved La Chic to Maryville from its previous location in Overland Park, Kansas, where her business got its startup. She was a resident of Overland Park for 17 years, but is originally from Albany, Missouri, and moved

“Part of it is the University,” Gillespie said. “There’s a lot more people in this town than you’d realize.”

However, as a seasonal store owner, Gillespie said she faces unique challenges that other busi-

nesses in Maryville don’t.

“Since I specialize in cut and color for women, I am busy doing that, but then when I have my events, I take the hair stuff out,” Gillespie said. “So, I can’t really do that year-round.”

When customers walk into La Chic, the first thing they see is the seasonal collection, which Gillespie arranges herself to fit seasonal trends.

Stores like La Chic face their own unique challenges, such as how one bad season of sales can affect the next season and what the business can offer. Similarly, all small businesses are suffering some recurring issues.

According to Guidant Financial, the largest challenges for small businesses are lack of capital and cash flow, marketing and advertising, time management, administrative work, retention and recruitment of employees and the ability to provide benefits.

Clapp employs two full-time and two part-time employees. Some small businesses in Maryville have fewer, like Home by Sonja, who works on her own.

But even when facing the occasional challenge, businesses in Maryville keep hopes high and go against the grain in conducting business.

Campbell said what keeps her motivated during tough times is knowing she has a community to serve.

“We have an incredible group of customers that depend on us,” Campbell said. “At the end of the day, it’s not about sales, it’s about the people that walk through that door.”

Though hard times are hitting small businesses everywhere, the culture cry of Maryville is still largely “shop local, buy local,” and women owners are showing what that means through success and leadership.

OPINION

Dec. 5, 2019 @TheMissourian

A5

Week of finals bring joy, freedom

YOUR VIEW:

How do you cope with stress?

“I read sometimes, or I organize things. Like I control other things to make me feel like I have control over other parts of my life.”

NATHAN ENGLISH Columnist @ThananEnglish

It’s the most wonderful week of the semester. The week that every student dreads at the beginning of the semester, but is so happy it’s there at the end.

Finals week is often characterized in pop culture as the boogeyman for most college students, but this is not always the case. Finals week is one of the best weeks of the semester for multiple reasons.

Finals week actually means more free time. Yes, there is a large, possibly grade-making test for every class in one week, but when it’s all broken down, there is actually more free time finals week than any other week of the semester.

Free time obviously depends on the amount of studying required for each test, but still, it’s better than doing homework and stressing about other stuff. There is a certain point that is eventually reached where if I don’t already know it, I’m not going to so why not watch Youtube for a four-hour gap during finals week.

The free time means more time to hang out with friends and have fun right before you leave each other for a month. The hangouts also feel different because they happen at different times; there is a large block in the day that people are free except for one two-hour window from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. where it’s going be heckin’ stressful. This may be the last time to get potato olay’s together, so those treats — which are just tater tots in taco seasoning, by the way, taste even better.

Campus just seems to be an overall nicer place during finals week. It’s easy to feel sentimental about those pseudo-friends made during the forced group activities that you will never see again.

We’re going to miss the guy that sits towards the back that always successfully gets the assignment date pushed back — he was the real hero.

People are more courteous in public spaces because we are all in this together. I think a movie said that once. Anyway, people are quiet in the Union and kind in the library.

Professors seem overall warmer because they know how stressed we are and can also finally get rid of us. Professors won’t receive the same emails asking them to reopen an assignment from six weeks ago or have that one person asking how they can bring there 50% up to a 90%. We get a break from them, and they get a break from us.

Perhaps the most important reason finals week is great: the semester is done. It’s over and all academic problems take a month break, so I can make room for trying to memorize Jim Carrey’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” for maximum family annoyance. “6:30 dinner with me. I can’t cancel that again,” is one of my personal favorites.

The bulletin board quote for many college students is, “If I can just get through this week, next week will be easier.” Well, for finals week, that is actually true.

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- Gillian Stanley | Junior Special Education

CHRIS YOUNG | NW MISSOURIAN

OUR VIEW:

Counselors ineffective if impossible to meet Wellness Services has a two week waiting period to get in and see a counselor, according to Assistant Director of Wellness Services Kristen Peltz.

That’s two weeks a student has to deal with stress on their own.

That’s 14 days a student has to contemplate subtle questions of self-doubt taking root.

That’s 336 hours a student has to cope with crippling anxiety before a qualified professional can tell them “It’s OK.” That’s 20,160 minutes a student is bombarded with the negative thoughts.

That’s 1,209,600 seconds out of which students only need one to decide to just give up.

That is unacceptable.

According to Peltz, the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and Wellness Services decide how many counselors are hired for the University. It’s baffling they haven’t decided to hire more than four full-time counselors and one part-time counselor. That’s four counselors for roughly 7,104, or one counselor per 1,776 students, excluding who the part-time counselor can help.

Peltz also said the Wellness Services budget plays a part. While the budget primarily comes from designated student fees, if that’s not enough, the University should allocate a greater amount of money to the department.

The Forever Green campaign is raising funds to assist in improving campus. Northwest should probably use a portion of those funds to help Wellness Services out if money is an issue. Afterall, it’s hard to be forever green if you’re forever stuck in your room with devastating depression.

The University Police Department does help fill the gap with well-being checks. A

well-being check happens whenever a parent, friend, residential assistant or someone contacts Wellness Services to alert them about a student’s condition. The University Police Department then checks in with them to make sure they’re OK. However, that’s not enough. Well-being checks only provide a short-term solution.

Students suffering from mental health issues need long-term solutions that can only be provided by qualified counselors.

During the wait time to get those long-term solutions, students might even lose interest, dismissing the wait as not worth their time.

People hate waiting seconds for a web page to load, let alone weeks for a therapy session.

While Wellness Services needs to make changes soon to address these issues, it’s worth noting that what they do provide is helpful for students. Once students finally get past a long wait time to see a counselor, the help they receive is impactful and positive.

Wellness Services also works to provide students with events throughout the year that are focused on combating stress and helping students. Especially around finals week, they tend to organize multiple ways for students to get a few hours of cutting back on stress before getting back to studying.

However, until Wellness Services can increase the accessibility of its main counseling services, countless students will go without the help they need. It’s not just on them either, the University must step up and ensure the department has the resources it needs. With finals week lined up, this is not the time to have a two week wait between students and help.

“After class every day, I go to my apartment, and I cuddle with my cat and just hold her and pet her, and she makes everything better, and I love her.”

- Sara Robke | Junior Creative Writing and Publishing

“Well, I don’t cope with stress well. So since freshman year, every finals week, my roommate and I go get scratchers from the gas station, and we do that, as like, our finals week tradition. So that’s a little bit of coping. And then other than that, just hanging out with friends and stuff.”

- Mckenna Heller | Senior Organizational Communication

LETTER TO THE EDITOR:

True men control carnal desires A letter in response to “Science says men cheating is inherent” by Zion Chamble from the November 14 issue.

If you would like to compare yourself to the likes of rats and turkeys, that’s fine, but take a step back before you dare group myself and half of the human population to that of animals who can’t control their carnal desire.

It is ridiculous to draw the conclusion that men are unable to control themselves because rats and other animals have a natural instinct to reproduce. You have ignored the defining characteristic of humans that animals do not have: the ability to choose.

Humans have free will; we ar-

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en’t controlled by desires alone. We are able to choose what we do. Men cheat because they make the choice to do so, not because they are incapable of controlling themselves.

I am appalled at your sheer choice to write this column. You have power and authority with the ability to share your opinion to the entirety of the Northwest campus, and you choose to belittle what it means to be a man.

A true man is not controlled by carnal desire. A true man does not do whatever he feels like doing without thought or concern of his actions.

A true man is respectful, kind, caring, selfless and humble. He is giving and gentle.

A true man does not cheat.

The type of man you are describing is no man at all; he is an animal.

Stop trying to justify unacceptable actions for men and maybe start trying to hold others accountable to the standards of being a real man.

Your concepts and definition of relationships are incredibly skewed.

To be in a relationship is to have made a commitment to one person.

You choose to pursue one singular person as someone you strive to care for, to serve and to love to the best of your ability.

By insinuating that cheating is inevitable, you are giving men an excuse to essentially skip out on this commitment. You are telling men that they are incapable of keeping a

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promise to women.

Not only are you disgracing the standards of men, but you are tainting what a relationship means. The taboo of cheating shouldn’t be removed but rather instilled. Cheating is wrong. End of question.

Cheating is breaking a promise; it is a lie and outright shameful.

-Jacob Freitas

READ MORE ONLINE Two other letters are available online at NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

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Dec. 5, 2019 @TheMissourian

A6

SUDOKU

By MetroCreative

HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, even though you’re not typically wild and crazy by nature, a more risk-taking, playful side comes out this week. Your significant other or friends may be caught off guard.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, even if you are confronted by bad news this week, do not let it sideline you for too long. You are resilient and can bounce back quickly.

The finals week scene

By MetroCreative

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 A jolt of physical energy this week could be the push you need to get some hard work done, Libra. Home improvements or a project at work can be the focus.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 You may have too much to do around the house and no idea where to start, Scorpio. Do not throw up your hands in frustration. Work on one thing at a time.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 You may decide to reveal a secret side of yourself, Gemini. There is a part of you that is looking for a deeper level of intimacy, and you are ready to take the next step.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, this is a good time to rest and relax. Although you might have many chores to tackle and bills to pay, do what you can to disconnect from work and worries.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 Home and technology figure largely this week. You may spend time rewiring a home or changing internet providers, Leo. Get the job finished promptly so you can relax.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 Aquarius, if you have been running yourself ragged, you need to pull back and look at the bigger picture. Being down for the count for pushing yourself too much can be detrimental.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 Virgo, you may have heard about being in the right place at the right time. This is especially true when trying to make a romantic match, which could be a possibility soon.

DIVERSIONS

Be a cheerleader this week for others who may need a boost of positivity, Sagittarius. You are generally great at encouraging others to put their best selves forward.

CHRIS YOUNG | NW MISSOURIAN

Capricorn, your discipline in how you approach your goals impresses others. As a result, you may soon be called on to help others with their own work.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 Pisces, all it takes is a few tweaks and you will have the answer that you have been seeking. Be patient and stay the course.

Last Week’s Solutions

Northwest Student Media

Channel 8

CROSSWORD CLUES ACROSS 1. Small viper 4. Some are covert 7. A waiver of liability (abbr.)

10. Speak out 11. Retirement plan 12. Small dog 13. City in Iraq 15. Car mechanics group 16. Shrimp-like creature 19. Majestic 21. TV detective 23. Central Canadian province 24. Causing to wind around 25. Wise man 26. Knicks legend Willis 27. Muscular weaknesses 30. John Stockton compiled them 34. South American plant 35. To some extent 36. Where manners are displayed 41. Showy 45. Fall down 46. Shoelaces are often this 47. Disease-causing bacterium 50. Egg-shaped wind instrument 54. Sufferings 55. One who noisily enjoys 56. About blood 57. Transaction verification system (abbr.)

59. Related through female family members 60. Low velocity grenade 61. “In Living Color” comedian 62. Veterans battleground 63. Expression of creative skill 64. Midway between northeast and east 65. Patti Hearst’s captors CLUES DOWN 1. Something useful 2. It goes great with peppers and onions 3. Orifice 4. Turned into bone 5. The Princess could detect it 6. Bands of colors

7. Makes use of 8. Central African country 9. Lake in the Kalahari Desert 13. He was a “Chairman” 14. Legally possess 17. One point north of due west 18. Small peg of wood 20. Stretch of swampy ground 22. Is indebted to 27. Where you were born (abbr.)

28. A team’s best pitcher 29. Cool!

31. Female sibling 32. This stimulates the thyroid (abbr.)

33. Reserved 37. More prickled 38. Forbidden by law 39. One-time presidential candidate

By MetroCreative

40. A TV show has more than one 41. A place to stash things 42. Defunct currency in India 43. Causes to ferment 44. A type of gland 47. __ Humbug!

48. Everyone has one 49. Punctuation 51. Central American fruit 52. Brooklyn hoopster 53. 100 square meters 58. Local area network

VIBE

Dec. 5, 2019 @NWM_AE

A7

INTOXICATING

DANGER ILLUSTRATION CORIE HERTZOG A&E Reporter | @Miss_Kitten1067

Amid the flashing lights, pounding music and a fog of Juul vapor, students congregate at Molly’s, a local dance club and bar.

Grinding on a crowded dance floor and singing from the cages, Bearcats clutch plastic cups full of ice and alcohol.

It’s not the weekend they celebrate.

It’s Wednesday. It’s Mug Night.

What students may not realize as they sing “Sweet Caroline” and take a swig of their Pool Water drink, is they may not just be out partying. They may be an untreated alcoholic.

According to the Mayo Clinic, alcoholism is the inability to control drinking due to both a physical and emotional dependence on alcohol.

Take a look at the blotters and count how many alcohol infractions, minors in possession and DUIs there are. Northwest students like to drink.

According to American Addiction Center there are five types of alcoholics: young adult alcoholic, young antisocial alcoholic, functional alcoholic, intermediate familial alcoholic and chronic severe alcoholic.

~853

Northwest students binge drink five or more times per month.

Most college-aged alcoholics fall into the young adult alcoholic category, where they may have fewer days when they drink, but when they do, they binge.

Binge drinking is when a person has four or more drinks in two hours or less. For women, it’s a minimum of four, and for men, it’s a minimum of five. The Center of Disease Control labeled it as “the most common, expensive and dangerous form of alcoholism.”

According to the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, 40% of all college students engage in binge drinking.

Roughly 12% of college students binge drink on five or more occasions per month.

It may not seem like much, but if broken down, that’s roughly 853 Northwest students or three out of 25 students who binge drink on five or more occassions per month.

Alcoholism among college students often goes untreated, despite resources being readily available.

Sophomore Ben Hayen, who works at Hy-vee Wine and Spirits, said it’s also because they don’t see

AJ BRADBURY | NW MISSOURIAN

Binge drinking habits among college students causes concern about untreated addiction, alcoholism it as an option.

“There’s kind of a stigma around drinking in college,” Hayen said.

“People may not realize they have a problem or they might see it as a sign of weakness, even though it’s not.”

When going to Wellness Services, students are required to fill out a survey, with questions asking about their drinking habits. These questions are then repeated in the actual clinic visit.

“We have a lot of opportunities to seek help,” Hayen said. “But it’s up to students to take advantage of it.”

Maryville is one of the last cities in Missouri were bar patrons can just pay a cover charge and have unlimited drinks as they party.

As a small town with a college campus, it’s lucrative business to sell alcohol. With more than 20 establishments that sell alcohol, not counting each gas station, students have their pick of where and what to drink. Add on special deals like Ladies Night at Molly’s, Trivia Night at The Pub and Bottomless Cup Night at Powerhouse, students can spend time binge drinking for a cheaper price.

This “drinking culture” isn’t just a Northwest issue. The idea of binge drinking is prevalent on college campuses nationwide and pushed in media.

Movies such as “Animal House,” “Neighbors” and more have popularized the idea that college students drink to excess. Whether it’s the stereotype of Greek Life throwing ragers in their basements, tailgating at a football game or just as a way to bond and socialize with other students, media has influenced how students view alcohol.

“

Life was consistent with enforcing their rules with alcohol,” Jobe said.

“There were always people available to provide rides to and from bars or anywhere that members had been drinking.”

42% of drivers involved in fatal drunk-driving crashes are 16 to 24 years old.

be used immediately or else it gets stored as fat in the body. Alcohol can also cause people to “get the munchies.”“For a college student wanting to lose weight or trying to meet fitness goals, it’s not so great,” Jobe said. “When you drink a lot you’re probably not thinking about going home and eating the salad, rice and grilled chicken that you had put in your meal plan. You probably want Taco Bell or a grilled cheese which could negatively impact your health goals.”

Not only are students more prone to put their academics and health at risk but also their lives and the lives of their fellow students.

Studies have also found that the more students are exposed to a university environment, the more likely they are to binge drink.

Binge drinking doesn’t just impact a student’s weekend. Like any addiction, alcoholism impacts a student’s chances of success.

While many can spout off the short term effects of excessive drinking such as poor decision making, vomiting and passing out, students may not realize the long term effects such as memory loss, inability to concentrate and trouble learning. All of which are vital skills to succeed in college.

Students who binge drink are also more likely to skip class.

Binge drinking physically affects the body as well, with higher chances of cancer, liver disease and kidney failure.

Jobe said her major gives her a unique perspective on binge drinking.

“As a dietetics major, I think about the science behind how alcohol works in the body,” Jobe said.

“Though their drinking does not

53.6%

Full-time college students ages 18-22 drank alcohol in the past month

34.8%

Full-time college students bringe drink or casually drank in the past month

There’s kind of a stigma around drinking in college.”

Greek Life is often depicted as drinking and partying, however, senior Payton Jobe, a former sorority member, said Northwest Greek Life takes a hard stance against underage drinking but understood the importance of also providing support to stay safe.

“From my experience, Greek

-BEN HAYEN

directly impact me, it certainly relates to me and my future career.

Alcohol actually acts as a diuretic.

This means that alcohol makes you get rid of the water in your body, which is why you pee a lot when you drink and it looks clear. It can be used as energy.”

Jobe said this energy needs to

In 2017, drivers ranging from 16 to 24 years old made up 42% of drivers involved in fatal drunk-driving crashes.

Binge drinking also plays a major role in suicide among college students. Students who are binge drinkers are 75% more likely to attempt suicide, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

While drinking can have a negative impact, it’s not necessary for Northwest to enact a new prohibition.

In a study conducted by Theresa Kessler, when she increased the amount of awareness of alcohol’s negative impacts, fewer students engaged in binge drinking.

So while alcoholism among college students may not look severe, it’s results can still affect the community.

As students stumble along the sidewalks, laughing about their antics, they also risk tumbling down a path of addiction.

9.7%

Full-time college students binge drink on five or more days in the past month SOURCE: NIAAA.NIH.GOV

AJ BRADBURY | NW MISSOURIAN

Dec. 5, 2019 @NWM_AE

A8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Slam poet stresses importance of mental health

a little more,” Poage said. “I hope students gain either ways to cope or ways to deal with anxiety or stress or just have fun. … It might seem overwhelming, but this can be, whether it’s just an hour here, a place where they can unleash that and know that they’re not alone.”

Some of Roche’s poems ad-

dressed shame. He talked about how students statistically don’t seek help for their mental health issues because they feel ashamed.

One goal he has for his work is to start a dialogue about taboo topics and discuss them openly, which he said is one of the most effective ways to combat that shame.

“If I can help spark that (conversation) and rip that band-aid off by presenting some of these issues through my experiences, my work and my performance, then I feel like I’ve done my job and I’ve contributed and hopefully helped kickstart some positive change in how some people understand and discuss some

of these issues,” Roche said.

Roche encouraged the audience members to embrace vulnerability and be honest with themselves and with people around them, whether it be through their writing or everyday conversations, because it allows them to have a better understanding of themselves.

“When there’s a lack of vulnerability, there’s often a lack of genuine human emotion and connection there,” Roche said. “It’s a challenge I pose to everyone just because it leads to a lot of personal growth, and it strengthens all of your relationships, and it creates genuine human connection where otherwise there might be something holding you back because you’re not being truthful about how you’re feeling or who you are.”

Roche seeks to make connections with his audience when he shares his work. One of the things he likes most about performing spoken word is how interactive it is. He encouraged students to talk to him after his performance.

“I really like to make this full-circle. I mentioned that I really like to use my work as a way of starting conversations, and that only becomes a complete two way street when I’m able to talk to everyone after. I really feel like I gained a lot from all of my interactions,” Roche said.

Freshman Hunter Gerriets spoke to Roche afterward to thank him for his performance. He said it’s important to show poets that he was listening and cares about the art they shared. Gerriets is a slam poet and likes to see live poetry to find techniques to incorporate into his own poetry.

the concert. “(The Maryville R-II Foundation) asked us the past two years to host the meal in conjunction with the holiday trees event, that way it’s an all afternoon event to draw more people in,” Swink said.

The vocal music boosters raise funds to help subsidize expenses for parents and students in Spectrum and other groups that travel.

The big motivator for more fundraising from the boosters and students is an upcoming trip to Orlando, Florida, where Spectrum is planning to perform at Disney World February 2021.

“We are trying to get large trips like that on a consistent schedule, happening every three years,” Swink said.

After the meal, community members got to look at the trees and wreaths donated from school groups, businesses and individuals in the Maryville area. Those who arrived through the back of the high

school could see a festive display in the large glass windows of the PAC. The sight put community members in a cheery mood for a holiday concert that followed, where musical groups from Eugene Field Elementary, Maryville Middle School and Maryville High School all performed.

The opening act was Spoofhounds Working Together as a Team from Eugene Field Elementary, who wore lime green shirts with big white letters spelling out their acronym, SWATT. They sang holiday songs and got a particularly big round of applause following one they sang in Spanish.

The middle school show choir sang before Spectrum performed three songs, and a clarinet trio, brass quartet and saxophone quintet all from Maryville High School followed.

The Maryville High School Winter Guard performed a flags routine on the stage to the popular

Christmas tune “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Throughout the event, the trees and wreaths donated and decorated were auctioned off by professional auctioneer Liz Espey. One of the trees went for $280, which turned out to be the largest bid of the night.

The foundation worked on and off throughout the school year to organize and plan the event, purchasing trees for cheap from yard sales and receiving some for free

from community members supporting the cause.

Maryville R-II Superintendent Becky Albrecht said the foundation could not have held the event without the abundance of donations.

“It takes a little time on our end, but a lot of generosity from people in the community,” Albrecht said.

“We had 29 trees and wreaths donated, and so the people that gave their time and energy to put those together, we really appreciate it.”

ANGEL TRINH A&E Reporter | @acuteanglewrite

Award-winning poet Patrick Roche planned to be a teacher until he stumbled upon slam poetry. Now he can be found performing on college campuses to influence the impressionable minds of students in a positive way.

Students Activities Council invited students to interact with Roche at 7 p.m. Dec. 2 in the J.W. Jones Student Union Living Room.

Roche writes many poems about his experiences with mental illness, poor body image, shame and other personal struggles and often performs on college campuses because he knows students are under a lot of stress and can be easily overwhelmed. He said educational environments are the best places to discuss these topics with students.

“Academic communities are extremely supportive and welcome, but they also have so much desire and possibility for progress and change,” Roche said. “The same communities are so well equipped for moving forward and shifting the conversation and shifting social change around a whole range of issues.”

SAC Director of Special Events Programming sophomore Britney Poage wanted to have Roche on campus the week before finals to remind students it’s normal to be stressed, and it’s OK to talk about it.

She chose to host the performance in the living room to create a more personal, intimate setting so attendees would feel more comfortable listening to taboo topics.

“I definitely think (mental health) needs to be talked about

GABI BROOKS | NW MISSOURIAN

Award-winning poet and New Jersey native Patrick Roche performs some of his work Dec. 2 in the J.W. Jones Student Union Living Room. Roche’s poems reference pop-culture, mental and emotional health, eating disorders, death and more.

Holiday festival supports local music, students KENDRICK CALFEE Community News Editor | @KoalaCalfee

Maryville R-II Educational Foundation hosted the second annual Holiday Festival of Trees event Dec. 1, where community members bid on holiday trees donated by local businesses and organizations throughout a vocal and instrumental winter concert.

A free will donation lunch put on by the vocal music boosters club befell in the Maryville High School commons, preceding the concert in the Lee and Nina Schneider Performing Arts Center. The tree festival raised $3,460 toward the Maryville R-II Educational Foundation which will go to support mini grants, teacher appreciation, staff recognitions and other needs of the district.

Instructor Brian Swink has children in the high school choir and show choir. He serves as a member of the vocal music boosters and helped plan the lunch before

THE STROLLER:

Women are not only sex objects

Dear men, Women are not walking, talking, breathing sex machines for you to constantly fetishize. Yes, I am a heavier set woman, but no, I will not just be with you because you’ve never had sex with a fat girl.

I am not here to fulfill your chubby-chaser dreams. And I am certainly not your chubby chick conquest.

This is not ancient times. I, nor any other woman, is a conquest.

We are not spoils of war. We are HUMAN. BEINGS. So men, next time you think about telling a black girl you want to be with her because you’ve never had a taste of the dark chocolate or tell an Asian woman that you have yellow fever, please ask yourself “What am I thinking with?”

And if the answer is anything other than your actual brain, please just keep it to yourself.

The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of The Northwest Missourian. Submit a Stroller to northwestmissourian@gmail.com

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SPORTS JUMPS

JUMP

CONTINUED FROM A12 The two programs have found one another in the postseason three times in the last four years. For Rich Wright, the familiarity with Ferris is advantageous, but the history means nothing. There is no added motivation facing the Bulldogs in the quarterfinals, he said.

Senior linebacker Andy Hessler feels somewhat differently.

Hessler, who missed last year’s matchup and much of the season that led up to it, is approaching the matchup with a sense of urgency.

He referenced the importance of studying Ferris film four times in his sessions with reporters Dec. 3.

He is four quarters of football away from a semifinal berth or the end of his career.

“I think there’s just that chip on our shoulder,” Hessler said. “That Ferris played very well, like we said before, but we didn’t put our best foot forward, so there’s that chip on your shoulder that you want to go play well and show what you can do. But there’s also that ‘get to the round of four’ (feeling), because then one of the best four teams in the country.”

The Bulldogs figure to pose a laborious challenge for Northwest.

Physicality is a hallmark of Ferris State’s fronts, both offensively and defensively. They average more than 510 yards of offense per game and allow less than 14 points per contest.

“When you’re in the round of eight, looking to get our of the regional finals, that’s kind of what you’re looking at,” Rich Wright said. “It’s fun for me in the sense that three of the four last years, it’s come down to this game between these two football programs.”

Northwest’s upcoming trip to Michigan marks the team’s first trip to the quarterfinals since 2016.

This year’s seniors, for the most part, were redshirt freshmen then.

They reaped the benefits of upperclassmen. Most of them are national champions who have never contributed on a championship team.

This year, though, could be different. Hessler played in 15 games in 2016, serving mostly as the team’s long-snapper. His contributions then were minimal.

Many of his now-senior peers contributed even less. They’re heading to Big Rapids with a chance to make an impact on a championship-caliber team for the first time in their careers.

“Our senior class has worked hard; this whole team’s worked hard to get back to this point,” Hessler said. “We’re excited for the opportunity and we know, just like the past two weeks, it’s win or go home.”

The Bearcats fought for 11 weeks of the regular season to earn a right to play in Week 12.

The playoffs, though, bring the unpredictability of a win-or-gohome format.

For the last two weeks, not much has been certain for the Bearcats.

In the week ahead, a few things are. Northwest will fly home from Ferris in the aftermath of a playoff game for the second year in a row.

When the Bearcats land in Missouri, Rich Wright will be looking forward.

Whether preparing for an offseason of work or a semifinal matchup, Rich Wright will be looking forward.

MADDISYN GERHARDT Sports Reporter | @maddigerhardt

As the Northwest track and field team heads into its first indoor meet Dec. 6, the program is heavily relying on the 2019 recruiting class. With roughly 24 true freshmen on the squad, the Bearcats are hoping to use the newly-acquired talent to help guide the team in a successful direction for the 2019-20 season.

A bulk of the freshmen on both the men’s and women’s teams participate in sprints, which allowed the coaches to grow the team and build up talent in areas that have low numbers or need a more stable foundation during recruiting.

With talent and overall performance being the top priority when looking at recruits, the track and field coaches wanted to hone in on growing the size of the program and bringing in well-rounded athletes.

“I think the biggest thing is that our numbers were low last year when we got here,” assistant coach Nick Gibson said. “We wanted to grow our numbers, in the ladies especially, because the more numbers we have, the more opportunity we have for athletes to possibly score to help us do well. I think we just had a really good freshman recruiting class.”

As athletes like senior high jumper and heptathlon participant Audrey Wichmann and senior sprinter Hiba Mahgoub get ready for their last season in a Northwest uniform, the program used the offseason to prepare for the new freshman to take their place.

For many of the freshman athletes, this season will be a chance for them to grow and perform at a level in which they’ve never competed. The 2019-20 season is one that will push and challenge them and allow them to prepare to take those leadership roles in the future.

“I feel like transitioning is a bigger focus and a bigger mindset. You know you’re going against girls who are not only older than you but stronger than you,” freshman high jumper Jada Shanklin said. “They may have had more experience than you, so I feel like its a learning process and every day when we come into practice; we have to remember that. I just feel like as long as our mindsets are right and as long as our focus is here in practice ev-

MADI GLASS | NW MISSOURIAN

Senior Jordan Hammond received first-team All-American for the second season in a row after the conclusion of the 2018-19 Outdoor season. Northwest’s first meet will be the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic Dec. 6-7 in the Hughes Fieldhouse.

ery day then we should do good.”

With the Mel Tjeerdsma Classic coming up Dec. 6 in Hughes Fieldhouse, the coaches are expecting several freshmen to step forward and start recording points for the Bearcats early on in their careers.

Several freshmen have already made their presence known at practice by pushing themselves and being leaders for other freshmen.

Throughout the recruiting process, Northwest tries to find and recruit athletes that are promising and successful both on and off of the track. While the recruiting process has worked in the past, this year’s large freshman group shows that Northwest is pursuing these well-rounded athletes but these athletes also want to come to Northwest and participate in a winning tradition.

This holds true for several athletes who come from all over the world to represent Northwest. Spain, Peru, Kenya, Illinois, Georgia and many more locations represent the home states or countries for the athletes of the program. This desire to

win is also seen in Shanklin, who chose to come to Northwest from her hometown of Houston, Texas.

“Jaleesa McWashington is a true freshman from the Kansas City area, and she tested really well,” Gibson said. “Those are two freshmen that, for sure, have definitely stood out. … So, for us it wasn’t a big surprise, it was just

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Northwest’s sophomore quarterback Braden Wright, Rich Wright said, is ready for the second duel between the two.

“He’s a competitor,” Rich Wright said about his quarterback. “I think that he’ll respond accordingly.”

The goal, Rich Wright preached after the Bearcats’ win over Lindenwood Nov. 30, was to play a nationally televised game. For Northwest to do that, the defense will have to fail to succumb to the play of Russell and the rest of the offense.

There would come a time, Russell told reporters after last year’s win, whether it was at that moment, in the past or in the future, where he would be counted on.

With a trip to the national semifinal on the line at Top Taggart Field, the Bulldogs will, once again, be counting on their unforeseen starting quarterback to aid them to another win. With a season at stake, Northwest will be counting on its defense to halt Russell and company in an attempt to falter the Bulldogs’ chances of doing so.

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SPORTS

Women seek consistency in MIAA JON WALKER Sports Editor | @JonWalker

On the heels of a statement win and a heartbreaking loss, Northwest women’s basketball is looking to start its MIAA schedule on the right foot.

The Bearcats battled Florida Southern Nov. 29, a team that was runner-up in the South Region a season ago, a team that had won more than 20 games for each of the past five seasons. The result, for Northwest, was favorable, resulting in a 52-37 win over the Mocs.

The second helping for the Bear-

cats in the MWSU Thanksgiving Classic was Nov. 30 against McKendree, a team that was undefeated before losing to Missouri Western the night prior to facing Northwest.

The Bearcats, continuing a streak of hot-and-cold performances, lost.

In the battle of the Bearcats, the ones from Northwest failed to execute as well as the ones from McKendree.

Defensive efforts that were good enough to will the Bearcats over the Mocs were substantially lesser against McKendree.

Halfway through the third quarter, Northwest held an 11-point lead against the Bearcats. Over the next

quarter and a half, the Bearcats from Northwest watched that slowly vanish, eventually falling 77-69 in overtime.

“That was a huge win,” Northwest coach Austin Meyer said about the victory over Florida Southern.

“I thought we defended really well; we weren’t great offensively. … To still be able to win a game like that, without playing great offensively, was huge for us.”

With those two matchups in the rearview, the Bearcats are ready to start their conference schedule, one that hasn’t been kind to the program as of late. After finishing 4-15 in

the MIAA last year, Northwest will start its conference season Dec. 5 against Lincoln.

In the aftermath of the matchup with the Blue Tigers (1-6), the Bearcats will be tasked with facing conference powerhouse Central Missouri (4-3). The Bearcats, Meyer said, are significantly better heading into the heart of the season compared to a season ago.

“I just think, with our freshmen coming along, just our size, we’re much better rebounding team,” Meyer said. “With all of our returners, just how good they are, individually, it’s a different team. We know

UP NEXT NW @ Lincoln 5:30 p.m. Dec. 5 Jefferson City, Mo.

we’ve still got a ways to go to get to where we want to be, but we’re in a much better position.”

The Bearcats focus ahead of the matchups with Lincoln and Central, Meyer said, is to execute better offensively.

FULL STORY ONLINE:

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

Volleyball’s season ends in second round CALVIN SILVERS Missourian Reporter | @CalvinSilvers

Northwest volleyball got to showcase its talents on the big stage as the Bearcats participated in the MIAA Tournament Nov. 21-22 at Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Bearcats came into the tournament as the No. 4 seed and were paired against the resilient No. 5 Missouri Western Griffons.

Both regular-season matchups saw Northwest outlasting the Griffons in five sets.

Junior outside hitter Hallie Sidney wanted to put the Griffons away early and helped her team by recording her 17th double-double of the season with 10 kills and 12 digs. Junior middle blocker Morgan Lewis revved up the Bearcat offense with 11 kills and hit .435.

Northwest’s offensive power led to a .267 hitting percentage, which was the best against Missouri Western this season for the ’Cats. The energy of the Bearcats propelled them to three straight-set wins by scores of 25-12, 25-18, 27-25. This also tallied the fifth consecutive win over Missouri Western, the last loss coming in 2017.

The win against Missouri Western allowed the Bearcats to advance to the second round of the MIAA tournament, a feat that the program awaited 26 years for.

The hard work the players put in this season, coach Amy Woerth said, gave way to getting over the first-round slump.

“It’s been a long time from the standpoint of us getting over this hump,” Woerth said. “I was really proud of the stage that we were on, that we were able to play at the level that I know we can play at.”

The celebration was short and sweet for Northwest, as it had to quickly turn its attention to the next foe, the No. 1 Nebraska-Kearney Lopers Nov. 22. Both regular-season matchups saw Northwest fall-

MADI GLASS | NW MISSOURIAN

Junior outside hitter Hallie Sidney goes in for a kill against Central Oklahoma Oct. 11 in Bearcat Arena. Northwest ended its season with a 3-1 loss via No. 2 Nebraska-Kearney Nov. 22 at Hy-Vee Arena in Kansas City, Missouri.

ing short to the Lopers in four sets.

After trailing 5-0 in the first set, Northwest fought back vigorously and built a set point lead at 2423. However, the Lopers tallied the next two points to squeeze out a 26-

Junior guard sets Maryville girls scoring record EAN KEPPNER Sports Reporter | @keppy_21

It took all of one game into the season for Maryville girl’s basketball to see a record-setting performance. Junior point guard Serena Sundell tallied 34 points in the Spoofhounds’ victory to push her composite total to 1,124, claiming the school’s scoring record.

The previous record was held by Jennifer McGary with 1,121 points in three seasons at Maryville. For Sundell, the feat was rather paltry in the grand scheme of the team’s ultimate goals.

“It’s exciting,” Sundell said. “I take a lot of pride in it, but there’s still a lot of work to do.”

In Maryville’s matchup against Savannah, Sundell scored 14 points in the first quarter, leading the ’Hounds to a 20-12 lead. Maryville pushed its lead to 34-22 by half.

The Spoofhounds took their largest lead of the game in the fourth quarter off of a Sundell steal and layup.

The layup put Maryville ahead 6422 en route to its first victory of the season, one over a Midland Empire Conference foe.

Maryville coach Quentin Albrecht was happy with the perfor-

mance on display in the first game of the season.

“I thought that we did a great job of getting on the floor for loose balls, I thought that the hustle was there,” Albrecht said. “I thought we had a decent level of communication, and I was also very happy that we had pretty widely dispersed scoring.”

Maryville returned three starters from last season, where the Spoofhounds fell 47-39 in the Class 3 District 16 Championship to St. Pius X. The gaps will be filled by freshman guard Anastyn Pettlon and freshman forward Rylee Vierthaler. Pettlon scored 12 points in her debut with four buckets from beyond the arc. Vierthaler added 6 points of her own.

Both Albrecht and Sundell noted that communication will be important in the early in the season with five talented underclassmen on the floor on any given night.

“Heading into our second game we still have a lot of kinks to work out so communication will be a big key to figure out in those confusing times,” Sundell said. “Seeing them come in and filling big roles that we lost to seniors last year is really exciting and gives our team more confidence.”

Despite their youth, the ’Hounds

24 triumph.

After Northwest dropped the first set, the Lopers kept their foot on the pedal and showed why they’re the No. 2 team in the nation.

Nebraska-Kearney had 15 kills and

a mere two errors, all while hitting at .382. This lead to an easy 25-10 set win for the Lopers.

Woerth saw the second set as the ultimate downfall for her Bearcat squad.

“We had a couple more errors than they did, but that second set statistically hurt us,” Woerth said. “If you take out that second set, which they got us in rotation, and add up the three other sets, we were neck and neck when it came to the stats.”

Northwest knew the season was on the line, and Woerth knew the game plan had to be reconsidered. The Bearcats changed into a 6-2 rotation and threw off the Lopers, limiting Kearney to a .034 hitting percentage.

The rotation change saw a positive response, and the Bearcats took the third set 25-23.

In the end, the ’Cats had too many unforced errors that led to Loper points, and Nebraska-Kearney had a better offensive efficiency to win the match by set scores of 26-24, 25-10, 23-25, 25-21.

Coming into the 2019 season, the Bearcats had four initial goals. They won 20 games, posted a winning record at home (64) and got past the first round of the MIAA Tournament.

They fell short of winning the postseason tournament, however, which led them to not making regionals. While they couldn’t complete all four goals, Woerth doesn’t see this season as a disappointment.

“I feel like we did a lot of things we haven’t done, and I still feel like there are a lot of great things you can take from our season,” Woerth said. “We’re three out of four on our goals, and that is a successful season when using the metrics.”

Three teams from the MIAA received bids to the NCAA Tournament, leaving Northwest wishing there was a fourth.

This is the second year in a row that Northwest will finish fourth in the conference.

FULL STORY ONLINE:

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

ANDREW WEGLEY | FILE

Junior guard Serena Sundell scored 34 points in the first game of Maryville girls basketball’s season opener Nov. 26 to set a new program record with 1,124 points in her career.

aren’t going unnoticed. Maryville received votes in Class 3 in the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Preseason Poll.

“I think it’s really good that people are starting to recognize that we are not just a team that’s gonna get blown through. We are a team that is gonna put up a fight; we are competition,” senior shooting guard Molly Renshaw said about the honor.

Albrecht wants the team to continue growing from season to season. After falling in last year’s district championship, he believes this season will bring another opportunity, but a different outcome.

“Our team goal for this season is to improve on everything we did last year from our team camaraderie to our communication to more concrete goals like winning our conference, winning our district and winning every tournament that we participate in,” Albrecht said.

The Spoofhounds will get started on Albrecht’s goals sooner rather than later. Really, the Spoofhounds have started on the goals as of recent. In the aftermath of the win against Savannah, Maryville returned to Savannah High School Dec. 3 for the Savannah Invitational, where the ’Hounds defeated another conference foe in Benton 44-

UP NEXT Maryville vs Staley 7 p.m. Dec. 5 Savannah Invitational

27. Maryville is looking forward to the tough task of playing stiff competition in the early going of the season.

“Seeing really good competition early on is really gonna help us, because we can’t get better if we don’t play hard and play good teams,” Renshaw said. “Seeing good teams will help us grow.”

SPORTS

Dec. 5, 2019 @NWMSports

A11

Pair of starters won’t cut hair ’til Christmas ANDREW WEGLEY Managing Editor | @andrewwegley

Ryan Hawkins first told the story in a beige cinderblock room tucked underneath the east concourses of the St. Joseph Civic Arena Nov. 2. But it’s unclear where the story starts.

Hawkins, Northwest men’s basketball’s junior forward and reigning MIAA Defensive Player of the Year, had just wrapped up a 100-88 win over Southern Nazarene at the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic in St. Joseph, Missouri.

Two facts defined the win over Southern Naz for Hawkins: he had scored a career-high and program-record 44 points and, he told reporters after the game, his hair was as long as it had ever been.

The first time he told the story, Hawkins described his hair length as the product of a bet with sophomore guard Diego Bernard. Over the course of more than a month, the narrative has evolved. “I should’ve got a haircut before this — holy cow,� Hawkins said Nov. 2. “I lost a bet: I’ve got to grow it out ‘til Christmas. With Diego Bernard, so he’s got to grow his out ‘til Christmas, too. The deal is we can trim the sides a little bit.�

Even when prompted, Hawkins never clarified then what wager he had won or lost that resulted in what he said is unprecedented hair growth, which is set to last more than two months. He was perhaps too focused on the end game to be bothered with the prologue. “I’m thinking I’m just gonna grow it out and then go (with a) mullet for a few games over Christmas when nobody’s at the gyms,� Hawkins said then. “’Cause then I can get rid of it and I’m gonna have the experience of it. I’ll get a feel of that luscious hair, you know? But it’s just my idea; we’ll see what (coach Ben McCollum) says about it — he’s a pretty big hair guy.�

McCollum is, indeed, “a pretty big hair guy.� The most decorated coach in Northwest men’s basketball’s storied history at times struggles to get through sessions with reporters without talking about hair, be it his or someone else’s. He leans on the phrase, “He’s got great hair,� when talking about more than one of his players, often applying it to graduated senior forward Joey Wit-

UP NEXT NW vs Lincoln 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5th Jefferson City, Mo.

ANDREW WEGLEY | NW MISSOURIAN

Senior forward Ryan Hawkins (33) and sophomore guard Diego Bernard (1) haven’t cut their hair since before the start of Northwest men’s basketball’s season and won’t until after Christmas Day. The Bearcats are 7-0 since the last time Hawkins or Bernard received a haircut.

thus last season and lately using it with senior guard Kirk Finley.

McCollum had heard nothing of the bet Nov. 19. Facing reporters alongside senior forward Tyler Dougherty, he was fully out of the loop. Dougherty, though, brought insight into the origins of agreement that Hawkins failed to mention and that McCollum and reporters were oblivious to. “I didn’t hear about it as a bet,â€? Dougherty said. “I thought it was that —â€? “That they’re just gonna keep it going?â€? McCollum interjected. “I thought that household — ’cause (Ryan) Welty, Hawk and Daric (Laing) live together, and I thought they were gonna do it,â€? Dougherty said. “But I guess maybe Hawk and Diego talked about it. ‌ You’ll have to hold Ryan accountable for that.â€?

McCollum said the unkempt look atop Bernard’s head is just

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“his kind of swag,� but the look, for Hawkins, would be different. The fourth-year player has kept a mostly buzzed-cut for the duration of his time with the program, a career arc that’s come with two NCAA Division II National Championships.

Without any prior discussion with Hawkins on the potential styling of the junior’s grown-out hair, McCollum, like Hawkins, was hoping for a mullet. “I think Hawkins is — is he gonna go with like a ‘party in the back’?� McCollum asked Nov. 19. “That’d be very Iowa of him,�

Dougherty said of the Atlantic, Iowa, native. “I like a good mullet,� McCollum, who is from northeast Iowa, said. “There’s nothing wrong with a good mullet.�

Nearly three weeks after Hawkins first mentioned the so-called bet, clarity on the matter remained elusive. It wouldn’t come until the

aftermath of Northwest’s 102-59 win over William Jewell Nov. 21.

Sporting what he called the longest hair of his lifetime, Bernard scored a game-high 21-points against the Cardinals and grabbed a contest-leading 11 rebounds. Hawkins trailed him closely with 19 points in 30 minutes of action.

In the aftermath of Northwest’s 43-point win, Hawkins and Bernard faced a group of reporters in a converted classroom tucked inside Lamkin Activity Center, separated from Bearcat Arena by only a hallway, and reflected on their team-leading performances, the Bearcats’ 44th-consecutive win and their unsettled wager that never was one. “It’s not really a bet as much as, like, an agreement.� Hawkins, who originally called the agreement a bet three weeks prior, said Nov. 21. “We just said that we weren’t gon-

na cut our hair until after Christmas break. This is the longest my hair has ever been in my life.� “Yeah,� Bernard said. “Mine, too. Yeah, mine’s pretty long.�

For at least one game and perhaps only one game over Christmas break, Hawkins said he plans to wear a mullet and a mustache before returning to his traditional buzz cut form.

The reason for the duo’s monthslong agreement appears to revolve around the notion that there isn’t one. At one early-season practice one day, Hawkins told Bernard that he wasn’t going to cut his hair for a while, Bernard said, and the sophomore decided not to cut his either.

They have had no reason to avoid their barbers for the last two months, they’ve just done so, Hawkins said, “because we’re goofy.�

More than a month into the agreement, Bernard is moving forward with resolve. He isn’t opposed to continuing his growth past Christmas and into the new year. While he’s maintained a close cut on the sides of his head, Bernard said he wants to see how long he can go without trimming any off the top.

Hawkins, though, is wavering already, limping toward a finish line that is now less than a month away. “This is driving me nuts. Thinking I got another month and a half of this,� Hawkins said Nov. 21, cringing. “Let’s just say I’m not sure I’m gonna make it.�

The agreement that started at a nonspecific practice, likely on the court at Bearcat Arena or at Martindale or in a training facility at Lamkin, is set to come to a close in the last week of December. And with it, the saga that helps illustrate the easygoingness that comes with Northwest’s basketball program appears to be nearing its end. At least for now. “I don’t know what their moms think, though,â€? McCollum said. “That would be the curious part. ‌ Now that’ll be a good question next time: ‘What do your mothers think of your hair?’ And then we’ll see what that answer is.â€?

SPORTS

Back in action Maryville boys basketball embarks on 2019 campaign.

Make or break Read about football’s Dec. 7 matchup with Ferris State. see nwmissourinews.com

see nwmissourinews.com

GABI BROOKS | NW MISSOURIAN

Senior running back Isaiah Strayhorn speeds past competitors Nov. 30 in Northwest’s 63-7 victory over Lindenwood at Bearcat Stadium. In the matchup with the Lions, Northwest set five postseason records including the largest margin of victory. Northwest will face Ferris State Dec. 7 in Big Rapids, Michigan, where the two teams will fight for a spot in the national semifinals.

Football eyes grudge match with Ferris State

ANDREW WEGLEY Managing Editor | @andrewwegley

UP NEXT

The last time Rich Wright coached a football game in Big Rapids, Michigan, his team lost. The Bearcats trailed Ferris State 20-0 in the NCAA Second Round Playoff game Nov. 24, 2018, before scoring a point. Their comeback bid fell short, ending on a sack as the play clock wound down to zero.

He wore a puffy, black coat and his trademark red hat to his NCAA-required postgame interview, one that lasted less than three minutes. He congratulated the Bulldogs. He talked about adjustments his team took too long to make. He looked forward.

“We’ll have to go back home and start 2019,” Rich Wright said then.

Northwest fell to Ferris State 27-21 in the contest. The thing Rich Wright remembers most about that game now, more than a year later, is the disappointment he felt walking off Top Taggart Field, he said, not in his team’s defeat but in how the Bearcats played.

An entire season came down to a lastditch effort: a Hail Mary pass that never left quarterback Braden Wright’s hand. But the game’s final play was less a factor in Northwest’s subpar game and more a byproduct of it, Rich Wright said. The Bearcats shouldn’t have needed a last-second Hail Mary to advance to the national quarterfinals.

“It’s a play,” Rich Wright said Dec. 3, reflecting on the moment that brought the end to Northwest’s 2018 campaign. “One play didn’t define the outcome of that game; it was the other 59 minutes and 30 seconds that did.”

The play, though, served as the final moment of chaos for a team that tended to traffic in it. It sent Ferris State on to the quarterfinals and helped propel the Bulldogs to an NCAA National Championship appearance. It sent Rich Wright to a series of postgame interviews and to a locker room of defeated players, some of which he would never coach again.

NW @ Ferris State 12 p.m. CT Dec. 7 Big Rapids, Mich.

’Cats ready for tussle with Travis Russell JON WALKER Sprotz Editor | @ByJonWalker

Then, it sent Rich Wright home. And it helped push the Bearcats (12-1) to where they are now, getting set to fly back to Big Rapids for another matchup with Ferris State (11-0) Dec. 7, one that could send them to the national semifinals for the first time since 2016.

Rich Wright had no time to sulk in the wake of his second-round exit. He leaned into the disappointment of the loss as long as the plane ride back allowed him to. When he landed in Missouri, he had a season to evaluate and recruiting to focus on. The time for heartbreak was brief.

“One of the things about my job is I don’t have a whole lot of time to feel sorry for myself,” Rich Wright said. “You just have to kind of keep pushing forward. … This disappointment is in the locker room after the game and on the flight home. And then you’ve got to let it go and you’ve got to move forward.”

The Bearcats, of course, have moved forward since the loss to Ferris. They completely retooled their offensive and defensive fronts, Rich Wright said. They recruited impact transfers like junior wideout Imoni Donadelle and senior running back Justin Rankin. They watched Braden Wright undergo an offseason of maturation. The team,

by Rich Wright’s evaluation, is better than it was a year ago.

The upcoming matchup between the Bearcats and Bulldogs will serve as the third meeting between the two programs. Northwest ended Ferris State’s season at Bearcat Stadium in the national semifinals en route to its sixth national title in 2016. Ferris, of course, sent the Bearcats home in the second round last season in Big Rapids.

When Northwest football makes the trip to Big Rapids, Michigan, Dec. 7, it will be 379 days removed from the same place that its 2018 campaign came to an end.

The matchup with Ferris State last year was certain.

The starting quarterback for the Bulldogs was, too — or so Rich Wright thought.

Rich Wright’s defense spent the week preparing for Jayru Campbell, the 2018 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Year. Instead, the Bearcats were tasked with stopping junior quarterback Travis Russell, the backup making his first career postseason start.

The Bulldogs’ quarterback debacle, Rich Wright told reporters after the loss, was challenging.

“Ferris State did a great job — didn’t find out until just prior to kickoff they weren’t going to have their quarterback,” Rich Wright told the reporters Nov. 24, 2018. “Apparently, they did.”

Identical to last year, the matchup with Ferris is certain. This time around, the quarterback is too.

Russell, the quarterback that led the Bulldogs’ offense to a win over the Bearcats in the second time the programs met, will get the nod to start against Northwest. The opportunity is in part due to the fact that Campbell has battled injury throughout the course of the 2019 season. The former starter will have not played since Oct. 26, having his season ended after surgery on one of his ankles, Rich Wright said.

“The kid that we’re going to play against (Russell) is the kid we played against last year,” Rich Wright said. “He’s a good football player.”

Russell, senior linebacker Andy Hessler said, excels at running the ball as well as he does throwing it deep. To show for it, in seven games this season, the junior has compiled 1,116 yards passing and six touchdowns while completing 55% of his attempts. Along with that, the quarterback’s rushing efforts have been good enough for 237 yards and two touchdowns.

SEE REDEMPTION | A9

SEE QUARTERBACKS | A9

Travis Russell

Braden Wright

Comp/Att

Comp/Att 173/327

(7 games)

61/110 (55%)

1116

Yards

(13 games)

52%

Yards

2466

6

TD

TD

24

3

Int

Int

7