Autumn Brings the Good Vibes!

TALON

ISSUE 96 / FALL / 2018

GOOD VIBES

INSIDE: FEATURE:

INTERNATIONAL:

SPORTS:

XXX

CAFE THIEVES

KICKING AWAY CANCER

PAGE 26

PAGE 44

PAGE 14

INSIDE LIFESTYLE

P 6 A RISING DIRECTOR | P 8 BETTER ATTITUDE, BETTER LIFE| P 11 GLOW INTO SOME GOOD VIBES | P 12 THE NEED FOR WEED| P 14 XXX | P 16 HOLIDAYS AWAY FROM HOME| P 18 LUCKY TICKETS | P 20 WESTPORT IS FINALLY SAFE| P 21 UNDISCOVERED TALENT: A SERIES

INTERNATIONAL P 26 CAFE THIEVES | P 28 BLACK FRIDAY | P 30 HYPERLOOP | P 32 DRIPPING IN GOLD

SPORTS P 36 KICKING AWAY CANCER | P 39 HITTING THE ‘MARC’| P 40 NIKE DREAMS | P 42 NEW FACE ON CAMPUS

Want to read more content? Visit us online at Talonnews.360.net, or see our interactive side of the magazine online at Talon.tv. Here you can find videos, interviews, and other special content!

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR IN-CHIEF SAVANNAH PARRIS

CO-EDITOR IN-CHIEF HESHAM ALBADR MANAGING EDITOR KYLEIGH ZOLTEK SPORTS EDITOR SARAI JORGENSON INTERNATIONAL EDITOR HESHAM ALBADR DESIGN EDITOR HESHAM ALBADR EMME MOOREHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHERS MARLON JONES TALAL ALASSEERI DANIEL ROTH

TALON TEAM

EMME MOOREHOUSE SARAI JORGENSON KYLEIGH ZOLTEK CODY STURGILL BRELANDE EDMOND JOSHUA DYSON SAUD ALOTAIBI MUSAAD BINKHUZAYYIM BRANDON PHILLIPS MEGAN DUFFY DANIA GOMEZ FARID ALUTAIBI THOMAS BLOOD IBRAHIM ALMUTAWA INSTRUCTOR CODY TAPP ADVISOR DR. J ANTHONY SNORGRASS

STAY CONNECTED Download the QRReader app to stay connected with the Talon. Scan our QR Codes to take you directly to our Website, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ON THE COVER & BACK: Front Photo By Talal Alasseeri Back Photo By Natalie Brown

ISSUE 96 |

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STUDENTS FREE!

The Diary of Anne Frank

by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett 2018 • NOVEMBER 15, 16, 17 • 7:30 p.m. & NOVEMBER 18 • 2 p.m.

Goppert Theatre at Avila University The Bill and Jean Buchanan Stage 11901 Wornall Road • Kansas City, Mo. 64145

816.501.3699 • Avila.edu/Tickets

The Diary of Anne Frank is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York.

If you’d like to become a contributor, we’d love to hear from you! (Photos, articles, poems, etc. we accept it all!)

Talonnewsmagazine@gmail.com

FROM THE EDITOR It’s that time of year. The leaves are changing colors, the air is getting colder, and I can’t believe there’s already been snow on the ground!

This issue is all about good vibes. Seeing the positive in everything going on in the world. Lately, the things going on in the world have brought sadness, frustration, anger, etc. to everyone. It’s time we all got a good pick me up. Couldn’t be more proud of the students that put effort into the Talon every issue which includes the writers and the editing team. Here’s to another magnificent issue, and a reminder to always surround yourself with good vibes!

Sincerely, Savannah Parris Editor-in-Chief

EDITORIAL POLICY The Talon News Magazine is produced by students of Avila University. Opinions expressed are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the Talon News Staff, the Trustees, administration, faculty, or staff of the University. The Talon News Magazine encourages letters to the editor. These may be submitted electronically or in writing and should include the writer’s name, address, and telephone numbers for verification purposes. Letters can be mailed to the Talon News Magazine Editor, Avila University, 11901 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64145. The Talon reserves the right to edit letters for reasons of space, clarity, or inappropriate language. Copies of the Talon News Network Operational Guidelines may be requested by writing to the above referenced address.

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A RISING DIRECTOR Avila Student Goes Viral Emme Moorehouse

Kelly Ulrich, an Avila student studying Film and Digital Media, got the job of a lifetime. She recently directed and co-edited a music video for Youtube sensation Elijah Daniel. Daniel has a fanbase of 620,000 subscribers on Youtube and 576,00 Twitter followers. Kelly stated that, “It was literally the biggest opportunity I’ve had in my entire life, and he reached out to me, which I thought was so insane. I’ve looked up to him as creator for 3 years now, and him personally coming to me and already seeing my work was such a great feeling. It was weird because I didn’t feel nervous. I’ve been preparing my whole life for a moment like this.” Kelly loves Daniel and felt closely connected to his vision of giving a voice to the LGBTQ community. Raising controversy with his new song “PHAGGOT”, which was aimed towards people who discriminate against the LGBTQ community. Daniel called out the Westboro Baptist Church (a church in Topeka, Kansas that openly hates on people based upon race, sexual orientation, and gender).

Kelly also stated, “I honestly did feel like this was the perfect job for me.

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Photo by Kelly Ulrich

Photo by Kelly Ulrich

I honestly didn’t know what to except with meeting Elijah and Sam in person, but honestly, they were the most kind hearted people in the world. They believed in my work, and my worth.

They let me be my most expressive and true self while directing and filming this video. All in all, I feel like this is my greatest work. The “PHAGGOT” music video is already at 100,000 views in less than a month. I worked extremely hard on it with 100% creative freedom. It made so many people happy, and I gained some notice from it, which is a pretty cool feeling.” Kelly hopes that this will be the start of her path to being famous and by the looks of it she’s got a fantastic start.

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BETTER ATTITUDE, BETTER LIFE Can Having a Good Attitude Change your Outlook?

Kyleigh Zoltek

“Attitude is everything.”

That’s a common phrase in my house, reinforced on a weekly, if not daily basis by my dad.

Now it’s something I say often, when I barely said it at all.

Whenever I tackle a hard task, or even get out of bed to face a very long day, that mantra repeats through my mind – “Attitude is everything.”

If you think about it, it really is. Attitude encompasses how you view your entire day, how you view your life, your circumstances – even you yourself as an individual.

Just as having a bad attitude can ruin your day (and others’ days in the process), a good attitude can lighten it. It can make others’ days better as well. Plus, it will help you have a healthier approach to life.

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Having a good attitude doesn’t just change your outlook, it also adds to your disposition. You’re happier.

You’re less stressed. You’re kinder. You’re smiling a lot more. You’re friendlier (even just a little bit!). This good attitude is helping you see the good, better and best in any situation, rather than the bad, terrible, and worst! You’re a much more positive individual!

I’ll say it again: Attitude is everything. It influences how you view your entire life, and the events in it. Because, let’s face it – an attitude is like laughter. It’s contagious, it’s infectious.

So check yourself in the mirror – make sure you have a good one!

Photo From: courses.lumenlearning.com

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Photo by Cody Sturgill

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Glow into Some Good Vibes Powell Gardens provides festive activities Cody Sturgill On the weekend of October 19th through the 20th, Powell gardens held the “Glow: The Magic of Nature” event! It was a great time to go see something new with family and friends.

This event was a fun, creative, and family friendly event that was visually pleasing. You would begin your night in the grand hall where you could mix and mingle with wizards and witches, then you could stop to get some food, music, and activities. Then you were able to view all the amazing pumpkins glow on a mile-long walk. Full of fun and games throughout the gardens, guests were able to participate in activities such as bag decorating, pumpkin games, creating wizard apparel, all the way to the old fashioned hayride.

“My daughter loved going

through and seeing all the creative pumpkins,” says Elizabeth Frink, a local of Kansas city, “but her favorite part was the hayride for sure!”

Not only did the event include the family fun activities, they also had local food vendors ranging from BBQ, Brazilian, Coffee, Kettle Korn, and some Café Thyme. They also had the musical guest, DJ DEBBIE Z and company.

“I love working this event!” stated James C, employee of Powell gardens, “It brings a new creative and good vibe to the spooky season.”

Even though the event is over for this spooky season, make sure to plan ahead for next year and go out and see all the wonderful carvings and all the other fun activities that this amazing event provides.

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THE NEED Canada Legalizes Cannabis Joshua Dyson

The legalization of cannabis is not only making waves in the U.S. in certain states but also now in Canada. The prime minister Justin Trudeau announced the passing of the Cannabis Act earlier this year in June. A few months later cannabis became legal in Canada on October 17, 2018. There were long lines of people wanting to be the first of many customers at local dispensaries around Canada. With people being excited and all there are still some people who are not happy or agree with the decision. Some health care professionals have expressed concerns, claiming they think it will be abused with such things like tobacco and alcohol. Canada is the second country to legalize cannabis, the first country was Uruguay back in 2013. With this passing, adults will be allowed to buy, possess, use, and grow

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Photo by Terpenesandtesting.com

FOR WEED recreational cannabis. To be considered an adult and be able to do any of those things listed, you have to be 18 years old in Quebec and Alberta, but you have to be 19 years of age in the rest of the country. For growing, distribution, or selling of cannabis still remains an offense for minors. Now some may ask with the passing of this new legislation what happens to the people already serving time for cannabis offenses? Well authorities will soon announce plans to pardon Canadians who have been convicted of possessions of 30 grams or less of cannabis. In its first year alone, the profits are expected over 4 billion. If this is true, we’re going to be watching this trend spread to other countries and more states in the U.S. faster than we think.

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XXX

Legacy Lives Brelande Edmond

On June 18 of 2018, 20-year-old rising start XXXtentacion was shot and killed in a robbery in Deerfield Beach, Florida ending his career that some believe was too soon. But his career didn’t necessarily stop there. Three months after X was slain, he was given the favorite Soul/R&B album award at the American Music Awards for his album 17 which was released in 2017. Just a few days before that, he received the best new Hip-Hop artist at the 2018 B.E.T. awards. Being that he passed during the time these events took place, his mother, Cleopatra, accepted the awards in his place giving a speech thanking all his fans and everyone who voted to get him the award. His death is very saddening, but it is good to see some positive light shine on him despite all the negative allegations that had been made towards him before and even after his death. These awards were well needed to honor his creativity and versatility in the music industry, and he will be missed by many, but his legacy will continue to live on.

Photo by Vulture

Photo by Pitchfork ISSUE 96 |

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HOLIDAYS AWAY FROM HOME College students struggle when it comes to holidays Tommy Blood

Spending the holidays away from home can be difficult, especially because when most people think of holidays, they think family. Sometimes, this is something that comes up, and there are times that spending time away from the family comes into place. At Avila University, a lot of out of state athletes are away from home, so a holiday like Thanksgiving is spent without their family. A way to help that is by spending time with the ones closest to you. When going on Thanksgiving break, people that are away from home usually spend time together. Some who are on the same team go and have dinner, and even some who live in the dorms make a potluck and get together for a day with good people. Overall, if there

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is no time spent with family, the best thing to do is be with the people that are closest to you wherever you are. Everyone celebrates the holidays differently, especially if you are someone that is not from this country, so a way to make it feel more like being at home is by making a dish that your family likes to make. Another thing to have in mind is the experience of being in a new place to celebrate. Kansas City is not only a cool city, but the fall colors are great, and when the feasting is over, you can go somewhere and watch the Chiefs, something that is a Kansas City tradition. If traditions and experiences are added it makes the holiday season go better than you can imagine.

Photo By: Hesham Albadr

LUCKY TICKETS Mega Millions and Powerball Sarai Jorgenson

Mid-October was the time to take a chance at the Mega Millions and Powerball lottery. The Mega Millions was the highest it has ever been at with $1.6 billion, and the Powerball was at its fourth largest amount at $688 million. There were indeed winners from both of these, resulting with a total of three winners with two winners from Iowa and New York for the Powerball, and one single winner from South Carolina for Mega Millions.

We always think about what we’d do if we won the lottery, so I decided to ask some people on campus what they’d do with the money if they won it. Kyleigh Zoltek

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stated, “I’d donate some of it my church, continue to pay off my tuition, and donate the rest to charity.” James Mather said, “I’d pay off all my family’s debt, go back to school, and pay off other people’s debts, and I’d turn the rest of the money into more money.” Keito Sugasaki said, “I would travel around the world first to each country, go skydiving, save some of the money, and I’d also buy a super huge house for my family.”

Me personally, I’d pay off my sister’s future student loans and mine as well, and I would also buy my mom a house, and adopt a few dogs.

If you want to participate in either of these lotteries, Powerball drawings occur every Wednesday and Saturday, and Mega Millions drawings are every Tuesdays and Fridays.

Even if you don’t win the whole lottery, if you get a few numbers right, you could receive money for those, so don’t just think that because you were a number or two off, you should scrap the ticket. You should save it and turn that in for some money. The tickets are pretty cheap as well, so don’t just buy one, buy a few so you’ll have a little bit better chance at winning. The lottery is kind of fun to do, so take a chance if you’ve ever never bought a ticket and hope that you win and do exactly what you’ve always dreamed of doing with the winnings.

Photo By: Pam Delashmit AKA Sarai’s mom ISSUE 96 |

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photo from Wikipedia

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WESTPORT IS FINALLY SAFE! New security measures for downtown Musaad Binkhuzayyim

Westport is a famous street in Kansas City with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Westport is the first place that comes to any Kansas City resident’s mind when they want to grab a bite and drink.

Westport has been through a few shootings in the past few years and that’s why Kansas City residents are scared to go there sometimes during the weekends. It used to be crowded and dangerous every weekend. The last shooting that happened in Westport was in Sunday July 8th at 2:45 a.m., and after that they started to use metal detectors every Friday and Saturday night. You can’t get in Westport until you get checked and go through security, and you have to have a valid ID

and be over 21. The new security measures made Westport a safer place and no shootings happened since July 8th. They started checking people at 10 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night until 3 a.m. and no cars can get in or leave Westport in that time. Turk J, an international Avila student and a Kansas City resident since 2013 says, “whenever I first came to the States I used to love going to Westport to eat and have fun, but a few shootings happened, then I stopped going there, but now after the new security measures I feel it’s more safe and I will start going there more often.” Westport is finally safe with the new security measures. Make Kansas City safe, enjoy your time, and have fun without doing crazy things.

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Undiscovered Talent: A Series Aaron Rogers Brandon Phillips

Avila University is a school that is overpopulated with undiscovered talent.

We have students that are involved with different clubs, initiatives, and even sports teams. Some students are even involved in things that Avila doesn’t have to offer, such as music. Now, when I say music, I’m not talking about our talented choir, I’m talking about the independent artist here on campus. That’s right - you could be walking on the Avila University campus and potentially pass the future PnB Rock, Chris Brown, or even Frank Ocean. One student that stands out is Aaron

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Rogers. Aaron is involved with Avila football, BSU, TRIO and is also a third year student mentor. Aaron is just one of the few artists here at Avila, and as a student, Aaron said his main goal is to get his degree and utilize it in the best way that he can to make a change in the community and in society. Aaron states, “My goal as an artist is to reach a major platform to where I’m not only seen as a major role model but also creator and innovator in the music industry.”

Being a student athlete is hard enough, juggling school, work and finding a balance between practice and homework.

But Aaron explains how he pulls off being an artist as well as a student athlete. “When it comes to handling school and music, music definitely serves as a therapy for me to release stress and express my emotions, a lot of the time I make my music at night since its hard for me to sleep.

There’s even times where I make music instead of doing homework or studying, but of course, I end up having to work twice as hard for school.”

Aaron’s most recent piece of work is a three song EP called “3peat”, and it is out now on all music platforms. You can support him by listening, and sharing the EP. He also has a single coming out November 4th called “in my soul”.

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ISSUE 96 / FALL / 2018

INTERNATIONAL SECTION

INSIDE: FEATURE:

FEATURE

FEATURE

CAFE THIEVES

BLACK FRIDAY

HYPERLOOP

PAGE 26

PAGE 28

PAGE 30

Contents

BRING ING THE WORLD TO AVILA AND AVILA TO THE WORLD

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

CAFE THIEVES ARABIC TRANSLATION BLACK FRIDAY ARABIC TRANSLATION HYPERLOOP ARABIC TRANSLATION DRIPPING IN GOLD ARABIC TRANSLATION

PHOTO ON THE COVER BY: Daniel Roth LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

They say, the less you know the more you believe, but I believe knowledge is power.

Hesham Albadr, International Editor ISSUE 96 |

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Café Thieves Students Not Returning Dishware and Silverware Saud Alotaibi

The Avila school cafeteria is currently facing a problem where the students carry silverware and plates outside of the cafeteria and do not bring them back again. This has led to a shortage of these items, hence forcing the cafeteria to order more of these utensils, which has significantly cost them a bit of cash. Kyleigh, who has worked at the cafeteria, says that they spend 200 to 300 dollars on plates and silverware because students are taking them from the cafeteria. This is despite being portable plastic plates and forks that can be taken instead. This has become a problem because this reduces the efficiency of the cafeteria. Kyleigh also pointed out that they have ordered 200 plates and 7 dozen in a week and that’s even not enough because she deduces that the next month they will have to buy more plates which shows how severe this issue is.

Kyleigh says that this issue approximately sets them back 600 dollars per semester and approximately 1,200 dollars a year. Despite their attempts to even post polite notices requesting students to not carry out kitchenware, the problem is still pretty much there. The cafeteria even went to an extent of having a campus safety guide to try to prevent students not to carry the plates, but to no avail. Kyleigh also said that there is no real way to stop the students from doing this completely. Most students want to carry their friend’s food and others want to eat outside as they watch games. Another reason students carry cafeteria utensils is that the plastic carry out products are not always available. The solutions to this problems are rather few, although opening the cafeteria late might just help to reduce losses because most classes don’t end until 6 to 6:30 pm and most students want to bring food for their roommates. Buying more plates is expected if the same trend continues and the cafeteria will have to spend even more to make sure that there are enough plates for everyone.

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Photo By: Daniel Roth

BLACK FRIDAY The Best Holiday Tradition Farid Alutaibi

It’s almost time again.

That one time of year that everyone looks forward to. The season is getting colder and there is a winter chill in the night. Everyone is bundled up in warm coats and snowfall is in the air. You have plans with family and friends to share a fine Thanksgiving meal with a fat, juicy turkey and creamy mashed potatoes with butter and cream. Everyone has come from far and wide to be together to share in a holiday tradition.

For some people, the holiday season starts off with Thanksgiving dinner. It is the official beginning of the joyous celebrations that are to come in the month ahead. Families may have their own traditions of buying the Christmas tree and spending time together drinking hot apple cider while putting decorations on the tree. While turkey and stuffing is a great symbol of the season, what about people who think it’s actu-

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ally Black Friday that is the best thing to look forward to? Black Friday is an informal name for the day following Thanksgiving Day in the United States, the fourth Friday of November, which has been regarded as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season since 1952, although the term “Black Friday” did not become widely recognized or used until the early 2000s. It is one of the busiest shopping days of the year and retailers stay open late to allow shoppers extra time to cash in on deals.

Many families all over decide to go out late in the night to stand in line and get that Christmas gift for that special someone on their list. Having a Black Friday shopping trip tradition with family and friends can be a really special time to bond with one another and take part in a yearly ritual that for some is the real opening of the holiday season.

Photo From: newsweek.com ISSUE 87 |

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HYPERLOOP

KC To STL Hyperloop Ibrahim Almutawa

The Hyperloop from Kansas City to St. Louis has had people excited for what the future holds in terms of transportation. According to Shively (2018), the Hyperloop is a high speed interconnection of tubes, that will allow people to travel at speeds of more than 700 miles per hour, making the travel from Kansas to St. Louis just under thirty minutes long. Normally, to cover this distance, one needs at least three hours and 40 minutes by car, and about 55 minutes by plane.

This means that making the Hyperloop a possibility would dramatically change the way in which people travel.

The Hyperloop is based on Elon Musk’s dream of making a nearly supersonic speed, tube-based mode of transport. Musk came up with the idea of these tubes as a reaction to traffic jam that most of the cities in the country suffered. The Hyperloop involved movement through nearly airless tubes hence ensuring that there was minimal resistance, allowing for the extreme speeds. However, while all this information sounds appealing, it is not easy or cheap to set the tubes up. The Kansas City Hyperloop, for instance, requires an extensive study to establish whether the project is viable. The cost of the study alone has been estimated at $1.5 million. However, all this will be paid for using private funds and not taxpayer money which makes the project even more appealing. However, once the study is completed, the state would have to pay for the project.

The entire project, has been estimated at between $7.5 million and $10 million to complete (Barker, 2018). Virgin Hyperloop One (the company developing the technology), through its spokesperson, argued that that amount should be considered a bargain. That is, while it looks rather pricey, it is quite a reasonable quote when the cost to benefit analysis is done. The Hyperloop would not only be much faster than the average modes of transport, it would also be cheaper, and reduce the amount of traffic on roads across the state. In addition, it would create a demand for people to travel between the two locations allowing both to gain income from their visitors.

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Photo from: kshb.com

DRIPPING IN GOLD The US To CONCACAF Gold Cup Saud Alotaibi The United States men’s national team will be returning to Kansas City late June next year for the CONCACAF Gold Cup final two games of the group stage. This is big news, as the current champion of the league is United States Men’s national soccer team of the 12 teams currently registered for the cup.

The competition occurs every two years, and in 2017, United States won the title whereas in the previous competition, Mexico who has the most titles, had secured the cup. Next year’s tournament will determine whether the US Men’s team continue to defend their championship, or will Mexico take it back, or better yet, Canada. Next year will determine if Mexico maintains the lead, as the country with the most titles, or if the US will equalize the number of titles so that both have seven titles. The tournament has been hosted mostly by the US with the exception of 2003 and 2015 where

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they were hosted by Mexico and Canada respectively. Beginning next year, the number of teams participating will increase by four from twelve to sixteen. The winner of the tournament will play against the defending champions, that is the United States, and this match will determine who qualifies for the 2021 FIFA Confederations Cup. The Children’s Mercy Park stadium, opened in 2011, will host this group stage match. All in all, the CONCACAF tournament will carry a lot for both the US and Mexico and will determine those who make it to the FIFA confederation cup two years later. All we can do is wait and see the performance of the teams and see how the new teams will also fair in the matches.

If the US wins, they get to defend their championship for yet another year and achieve equal status with Mexico regarding the titles won.

So all in all, the US has much to gain if they win and much to lose as well if they do not do well.

Photo By: Hesham Albadr ISSUE 96 87 |

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ISSUE 96 / FALL / 2018

SPORTS SECTION

INSIDE: FEATURE

FEATURE

FEATURE

KICKING AWAY CANCER

NIKE DREAMS

NEW FACE ON CAMPUS

PAGE 36

PAGE 40

PAGE 42

Contents

CAPTURING THE LIVES AND INTERESTS OF AVILA’S STUDENT ATHLETES

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KICKING AWAY CANCER STUDENT RAISES MONEY FOR CANCER

39

HITTING THE ‘MARC’ MARC BENAVIDEZ’ SUCCESS AS NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH

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NIKE DREAMS NIKE SIGNS JUSTIN GALLEGOS

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NEW FACE ON CAMPUS AVILA GETS A NEW SOFTBALL COACH

ON THE COVER: Photo From Talal Alaseeri LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

This issue in sports focuses on the good aspects that makes Avila great. We start it off with a story on one of our own football players who raises money for charity with every kick. We also have a new head softball coach and a new head football coach that’s going to push Avila’s team to success.

Sarai Jorgenson, Sports Editor ISSUE 96 |

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KICKING AWAY CANCER Student Raises Money For Cancer Joshua Dyson

Many of the students and athletes here, including me, that were aware of student athlete Landen Nealy and his participation in the national charity called Kick-It, were not aware that it’s not originally from Kansas City. Kick-It was made by a child with cancer who wanted to get a group of friends together to play a kickball game, which when you think about it, it’s a really cool idea.

Kick-it Champions Program started in 2013, giving high school football kickers a chance to help “kick childhood cancer,” one field goal at a time.

The fundraiser Kick-It is based in Cleveland, Ohio. Kick-it later moved onto other sports.

That then leaves the questions how and why Nealy decided to kick his way into the national wide charity? Nealy got started with Kick-It his senior year of high school. In Nealy’s junior year of high school, one of his teammates was diagnosed with leukemia who, later that summer, ended up passing away.

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Photo by Talal Alasseeri

Nealy saw joining Kick-It as a way to honor his teammate who passed away and to also keep his memory alive. “I decided to keep doing it in college because I wanted to be the first athlete to bring it to the collegiate level and I think it would be awesome to spread it throughout the KCAC and eventually the rest of the NAIA,” stated Nealy. In his senior year of high school at Cypress Christian School in Houston, Texas, Nealy raised $32,000, for Kick-It, the best by any other kicker in the country at the time. His first goal was to raise $25,000 because 25 was his teammate’s jersey number, and Nealy met that, and a few years and kicks later the total raised has only gone up.

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HITTING THE ‘MARC’ Marc Benavidez’ Success as New Head Football Coach Megan Duffy

It has been a very disappointing last few years for Avila Football. That has since changed when Marc Benavidez took over as head football coach for the 2018 season.

Avila is off to their best start in over ten years, and while Avila has switched conferences, a lot of people give the credit to Benavidez and the impact that he has had on this team.

Benavidez knew that this team had potential, being a player himself back in 2008. “There have been seasons in the past that looked promising, but the teams didn’t click. This season, we’ve looked together in all phases of the game.” Benavidez had high expectations going into this season and the

team has delivered.

It is not a secret that past teams haven’t had much success during the season, and Benavidez wanted to make sure things changed to give the team the best chance they had to win. “…the team’s culture and thought process towards games needed to be changed.

We needed to be confident that we were going to win every game…” Coach Benavidez preaches, “You allow what you tolerate,” and makes sure that everyone is being held accountable. The new head coach is confident that the team has a chance to make the playoffs and he assures that they are doing everything they can to make that happen.

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NIKE DREAMS Nike signs Justin Gallegos Savannah Parris

Imagine crossing a finish line to see one of the biggest brands in athletics standing there waiting for you. Justin Gallegos has cerebral palsy, which is a condition that affects his ability to move his muscles.

This condition could’ve held him back, but he didn’t let it.

When he was younger he had to wear leg braces that helped him keep his balance. He worked extremely hard to get to where he is today without the braces. Gallegos attended the University of Oregon and was on the cross country team. This isn’t the first we’ve heard of him, though. Last May, he was in a Nike Ad that was about shoes made for those with disabilities.

At a recent meet of Gallegos’, John Douglass, Nike’s insights

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director, was waiting for Gallegos at the finish line. In the folder he had with him was a Nike Pro athletic contract.

Douglass brought all of the team together and made an announcement. He voiced how Justin Gallegos had put in years of effort and good work and that Nike wanted to make him a pro athlete. When Gallegos heard this he dropped to his knees full of emotion. His teammates and other runners clapped their hands and cheered along for him. This contract made Justin Gallegos the first pro athlete with Cerebral Palsy. He is a walking reminder to never give up hope and to follow your dreams. His whole world changed in one day. Push yourself, there are goals waiting to be discovered.

Photo Fom Justin Gallegos’ Instagram

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NEW FACE ON CAMPUS AVILA GETS A NEW SOFTBALL COACH Megan Duffy

For the past four years Avila Softball has achieved great success with four straight 30+ win seasons including a conference championship in 2017. All of this was under Samantha Honeycutt who left her head coach position in August of this year. Since then Avila has signed a new Head Softball Coach, Dana Goss. Avila Athletics is already going through change with the new conference, but some teams are seeing big coaching changes. Football received new head coach, Marc Benavidez, and now the softball team will be led by Dana Goss. With a long list of returning players it is vital for an easy and seamless transition in order to maintain unity and routine throughout the program. Goss will be assisted by last year’s assistant coach Suzie Muenz, as well as first year graduate assistant and former player, Abby King. Hopes are high for the upcoming softball season as Goss gets ready for her first season as Avila’s head softball coach. The softball team hopes to continue the success that has been present the past four years in to the future for many years to come. On behalf of all of Avila, I would like to welcome Dana Goss to the university and wish her all the best in her first season.

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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Hello everyone! We are almost at the end of 2018’s fall semester – can you believe it? In this month’s Talon issue, the theme is all about Good Vibes and positivity. This issue highlights many interesting and even important events, from the Powerball Mega Millions to an Avila student getting the job of a lifetime (just to name a few!). We’ve also started a new series, “Undiscovered Talent,” so be sure to check it out in this issue! Once again, everyone delivered awesome stories this Talon issue, and I know we have good things for the Talon up ahead!

Managing Editor, Kyleigh Zoltek LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Without creativity, social/digital media would be nothing.

Interactive Editor, Brelande Edmond LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

“Every human has four endowments- self awareness, conscience, independent will and creative imagination. These give us the ultimate human freedom...

The power to choose, to respond, to change.” -Stephen Covey Design Editor, Emme Moorehouse

ISSUE 96 |

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Hesham Albadr

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Savannah Parris

Marlon Jones

Kyleigh

Emme Moorehouse Sarai Jorgenson

Megan

TALON

Zoltek Ere’Shay Winters

TEAM

Brandon Phillips

Joshua Dyson

Photo by DR. J

Duffy

Brelande Edmond

Talal Alaseeri 96 | ISSUE 87

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“IF MY MIND CAN CONCEIVE IT, IF MY HEART CAN BELIEVE IT--THEN I CAN ACHIEVE IT.” | ISSUE 87

MUHAMMAD ALI