The Franklin: April 21, 2017

event spotlight

video

feature

Take Back the Night: Rally, march center on sexual assault awareness

You Can Play:

Athletic department creates inclusive video

Traveling for a cause: Juniors to work in African clinic

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Friday, April 21, 2017 | TheFranklinNews.com

College receives record number of applications LEIGH DURPHEY

leigh.durphey@franklincollege.edu

The college received a record number of applications for the 2017-2018 school year after this year’s low enrollment.

As of April 11, exactly 2,309 students have applied to enroll at Franklin College in the fall. That’s about 100 more applications than the previous record in 2013 and about 700 more applications than last year.

Kate Coffman, vice president of enrollment, estimates that number will increase to 2,400 by August.

Coffman contributes the increase to

four factors: a new enrollment database, more investments in prospective students, the college’s acceptance of the Common Application and a dedicated recruiting staff.

“We turned over almost the entire recruiting team, and the team that we have right now is really passionate and driven,” she said. “They’ve worked like dogs this year to get these applications and to get these deposits.”

Before hiring a new recruitment staff, the Admissions Office implemented a new database called TargetX. This system changes the way the college communicates with prospective students through digital marketing.

Coffman said the college also invested a “significant” amount of money in buying prospective students’

“Stable enrollment creates resources that benefit students. We’re not looking to change the size of the college or anything like that. We’re really just looking to stabilize where we want to be.”

KATE COFFMAN

Vice President of Enrollment names from testing organizations in order to build the pipeline of rising sophomores, juniors and seniors who may be interested in the college.

“Historically, the college has always done that,” she said. “But due to budget problems, we had backed off in the past couple years. We think that is the main reason we came in short

The college’s admission rate within the past five years

2,222

1,605

2,309

Students who applied for the

Students who applied for the

2013-2014

2016-2017

2017-2018

school year

school year

as of April 11, 2016

as of April 11, 2017

school year

Students who have applied for the

69% 60% The college’s current admission rate

last year.”

The college was 25 students short of its 300-student goal for enrollment in the 2016-2017 school year.

Coffman said she is working with members of the college to prevent those spikes and dips in enrollment numbers with a goal of more stable enrollment.

“Stable enrollment creates resources that benefit students,” she said. “We’re not looking to change the size of the college or anything like that. We’re really just looking to stabilize where we want to be.”

This is the first year the college has accepted the Common Application, which allows high school students to apply to multiple schools with one single application.

Coffman attributes about 300 to 400 of this year’s applications to the Common Application and the rest to “strategic marketing.”

“The college is blessed, truthfully, to have Dr. Tim Gardner [interim provost and dean of the college],” Coffman said. “He’s done a lot of analysis of our incoming class over the last several years. He was able to create a lot of models that I’ve been able to use this year to determine who is the right student for Franklin.”

The college is being more selective about what exactly the “right student” is in an attempt to lower the college’s admission rate.

Although the number of admitted students is similar to recent years, the college’s admit rate is only about 60 percent — a significant drop from the 69 percent that has occurred in the past five years.

“The rationale behind [lowering the admission rate] is to help with retention to make sure we are bringing in students who are academically prepared to succeed here,” Coffman said. “Our driving factor truly is trying to make sure that we get the students here that are going to be most academically prepared.”

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College hosts first rally, march for sexual violence BRITTNEY CORUM brittney.corum@franklincollege.edu

NE WS

OUT & ABOUT

4/21 - 4/22 Indiana Daffodil Show See hundreds of varieties of daffodils on display and learn about growing techniques today and tomorrow in Indianapolis.

Visit www.indianadaffodilsociety. com for more information.

4/22 Record Store Day Go record store hopping in Indianapolis this weekend at locations around the city, including Indy CD & Vinyl, LUNA Music and Square Cat Vinyl.

Many stores are holding special promotions or sales.

For a full listing of participating stores, visit www.recordstoreday. com.

4/22

Brew and View Stroll down to the Artcraft Theatre in downtown Franklin for this 21 and older showing of “The Big Lebowski” at 7:30 p.m.

Each $10 ticket includes a voucher for one beer or a small popcorn and small drink combo.

The chants rang through Franklin.

“We fight to take back the night.”

“Two, four, six, eight, no more date rape.”

And the leading sign boldly proclaimed the marchers’ mission.

“Take back the night. FC fights back.”

The demonstration was a part of the college’s first Take Back the Night event on Thursday last week.

Around 30 students, faculty and staff participated in the event’s rally, march and speak out sessions with the goal to bring awareness to ending sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, sexual abuse and all other forms of sexual violence on campus.

Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett and key college representatives, including Assistant Dean of Students for Student Involvement Keri Ellington and campus counselors John Shafer and Sara Kinder, were also in attendance.

“We are here today to tell our campus and our community that we will not stand for sexual violence,” Kinder

said when introducing the event.

According to the website, Take Back the Night is an international event and a foundation with a mission to call attention to these issues, which are often made light of or dismissed as being issues around the world — especially for young people. Hundreds of events are held in more than 30 countries annually.

One of the first Take Back the Night marches was in 1975 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania after Susan Alexander Speeth was murdered, a young microbiologist who was stabbed to death walking home alone.

The second, in 1976, was a protest in Belgium that was led by the women who marched together and held of candles in protest of violence against women in their country.

The sentiment that first gripped the women and their allies in the 1970s is still alive at Franklin College through students who also had the chance to express their thoughts on the topic.

Junior Abby Morris sang a rendition of “Til It Happens to You” by Lady Gaga — a song that was written for the 2015 documentary film “The Hunting Ground,” which deals with campus rape in the United States — in honor of her friend who was a victim.

Senior Evan Vernon gave a speech about how sexual violence hides in plain sight, even in the bed beside you or as you’re walking through campus. He also talked about action steps young men can take to combat this problem.

At the end of the march, attendees had the chance to speak out and share their stories in a safe place, free from judgment and disrespect.

But many of the students had been expressing themselves for the duration of the event, chanting while holding up handmade signs.

“I heart consent.”

“Consent is not sexy.

It’s mandatory.”

“You are not alone.”

FRANKLIN

THE

Issue 20, Volume 113

Executive Editor Leigh Durphey Opinion Editor Christina Ramey News Editor Ashley Shuler Sports Editor Quinn Fitzgerald Copy Chief Shelby Mullis Photo Editor Zoie Richey Web Editor Nicole Hernandez Ads Manager Jonna Kauffman Adviser Chelsea Schneider Publisher John Krull

@TheFranklinNews @TheFranklinNews

The Franklin

CORRECTION On page 3 of the April 14 issue, the last statistic on the graphic should read, “Females are more likely to attempt suicide than males.”

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FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017

Top left: Junior Alaina May addresses her peers at the first Take Back the Night event on Thursday last week.

Top right: Freshman Kinsley Castro and junior Alexis Bullock lead the march from campus to the Johnson County Courthouse. Bottom left: Campus Counselor John Shafer talks with Franklin Mayor Steve Barnett about the event. Bottom right: Coordinators of the event created t-shirts to commemorate the event.

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Max Bomber | The Franklin

Inclusive athletic department video part of nationwide project ASHLEY SHULER ashley.shuler@franklincollege.edu

At Franklin College, if you can kick, you can kick.

If you can swing, you can swing.

If you can shoot, you can shoot.

And if you can play, you can play.

Those are just a few lines from a recent project completed by the college’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

The committee, which is made up of students from a variety of athletic teams and headed by Assistant Athletic Director Mary Johnston, first learned about the national “You Can Play” project after it gained traction in the DIII National Collegiate Athletic Association conference.

The purpose of the video is to say the college’s student-athletes value one another, respecting each other’s race, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation.

The motto of the initiative is simply: “If you can play, you can play.”

“Across our social landscape, not only athletics, these issues are more at the forefront,” Johnston said. “It’s good for education and spreading the message that we’re inclusive. If you can be an athlete, and you’re successful in that area, we want you to be able to compete.”

Last year, the committee took on the “It’s On Us” pledge project, which was about committing to keeping women

and men safe from sexual assault by avoiding being a bystander to the problem.

“Every year, we rotate educational topics,” Johnston said. “But it’s important that it’s not a one-year thing.

We are constantly thinking about how we can educate.”

Sophomore Jackson Barnes was approached by the committee to produce Nicole Hernandez | The Franklin and write the script for the The college’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committe recently video because of his job in created a “You Can Play” video, which features various stuthe communications office. dent athletes promoting the message of inclusion.

Barnes, who is on the football team, said Franklin Col“This message is just something that lege, especially since President Thomas shouldn’t even have to be produced. It Minar arrived in 2015, has done a good should already be accepted in our sojob of caring about diversity and inclu- ciety. Unfortunately, it’s not,” Roberts sion on campus. said. “Our society paints a picture of “That’s why I take so much pride in people who are disabled or different doing the video,” he said. “I firmly be- in another way as outcasts. The imporlieve it’s a big issue.” tance throughout our nation is basicalThe video features male and female ly saying that: It doesn’t matter who students from a variety of backgrounds you are or where you came from, if you and athletic teams. want to do this, you should be able to Sophomore golfer Sami Roberts ap- do it.” pears in the video a few times and said Watch the full video at bit.ly/FCyoushe thinks it’s important that one of the canplay. largest campus organizations, the athTo learn more about the national iniletic department, is endorsing this sort tiative, visit www.youcanplayproject. of message. org.

Pooh Bear dolls cheer up children at local hospital ASHLEY STEEB ashley.steeb@franklincollege.edu

One Johnson Memorial Hospital program is brightening up hospital visits.

For the past 19 years, Winnie-thePooh and his friends Eeyore, Tigger and Piglet have been making their rounds at Johnson Memorial Hospital.

The stuffed friends are distributed to newborns and patients younger than 18 checked in at the hospital.

The Pooh Bears for Molly program was created by a friend of Molly Kathleen Gibson’s family. Gibson, who was a Franklin Community High School student, was killed in a car accident in 1998 when she was 17 years old.

“A friend of the family, of the Gibson family, said, ‘We need to do something to let Molly live on and remember her,’” said Jennifer Tennell, the executive director of Johnson Memorial Hospital Fund. “And she had a love for Pooh. So, they said, ‘We’ll have people

IN BRIEF: SCIENCE CENTER GROUNDBREAKING SCHEDULED

The college is breaking ground on the construction and renovation of the new science center next month.

“The building design, equipped with state-of-the-art spaces for project-based learning and research, allows Franklin to produce the highly qualified and ready-to-work graduates so greatly sought after by employers in the life sciences industry and graduate schools,” said Franklin College President Thomas Minar in a statement.

The new center will be guided by a “learning science by doing science” curriculum that aims to engage students in projects and research opportunities.

The new facility has the aim of aligning the structure more closely to the growing demands of the STEM industry, according to a recent press release announcing the ground breaking ceremony.

To date, the college has raised $8.4 million for the $17 million project.

The ground breaking ceremony is at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 18. It will take place on Monroe Street behind Barnes Hall, the current science building.

PROFESSOR HOSTING INTERFAITH CELEBRATION FOR BOOK LAUNCH donate Pooh Bears or money so Pooh Bears can be purchased’.”

Every single day, the stuffed yellow bears are distributed by one of the hospital volunteers called the Johnson Memorial Ambassadors. The volunteer receives a list from the foundation containing the adolescent, pediatric and newborn patients in need of a bear.

Each of the Pooh Bears come with a letter describing the program and why the family is receiving the stuffed animal.

Tennell said the reaction from receiving families depends on the situation — but is always positive.

“Those who had a child here before, then, they expect that because they already know that’s something we do,” Tennell said. “And if by chance someone is missed, we care about it, and we send a letter and send a Pooh Bear to

that newborn. And some people who haven’t been here, they just think it’s a nice gesture.”

The hospital foundation calls February the Pooh Bears for Molly month because that was the month Gibson’s fatal car accident occurred.

During the month, students from Gibson’s high school hold an annual free breakfast where they encourage breakfast visitors to donate to the program.

Events to benefit the program are also held throughout the month of May because that was the month Gibson was born in.

The foundation also collects donations throughout the year.

Those interested in donating a Pooh Bear, Eeyore, Piglet or Tigger doll can bring a new and properly packaged stuffed animal to the hospital. The

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David Carlson, a philosophy and religion professor, will host an interfaith celebration as part of his book launch.

His new book, titled “Countering Religious Extremism: The Healing Power of Spiritual Friendships,” is a record of Carlson’s spiritual interviews and reflections.

Next week’s celebration will include a panel of leaders of interfaith groups and organizations in central Indiana, followed by remarks of Carlson’s journey while writing the book.

Carlson’s first work of nonfiction, “Peace Be with You: Monastic Wisdom for a Terror-Filled World,” was selected as one of the Best Books of 2011 in the area of Spiritual Living by Library Journal.

The celebration is at 7 p.m. this upcoming Tuesday, April 25 at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in Indianapolis and is free to the public.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017

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“If I can somehow make an impact on them and help them find joy and happiness, even while they’re sick or injured — I’m excited to see how Christ will use this.”

- Mallory Guess, junior

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FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017

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hen juniors Mallory Guess and Jess Silva met in 2014, they never imagined they would travel to Ghana together during their senior summer.

The two biology majors bonded through a love of soccer when they both joined the college team their freshmen year.

As time progressed, they became classmates.

Now, with one year left in their college careers, they can soon add roommates and travel buddies to the list of bonds they share.

Guess and Silva will depart from the United States on July 31 for a three-week excursion in Ghana — a country on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa.

Silva first found out about the opportunity to travel through a convocation from two seniors who previously went on the trip.

“I went to [seniors] Artur Schneider and Sarah Hendricks’ campus exchange and was really interested in it,” Silva said.

“I thought it was really cool that they got to work in a clinic in Africa and experience not only the safari side and the fun side, but they got to make a difference in the clinic and learn a lot about the third-world country and the healthcare there.”

Immediately after the exchange, Silva found Guess and said she was “awestruck” over the experience.

“We said, ‘Oh my gosh, let’s apply,’” Silva said. “We looked up the pricing, and it was reasonable. So we applied and got accepted.”

The trip is sponsored by the Passionate Youth Voluntary Organization, a non-partisan, nonreligious, non-profit organization based out of Ghana that specializes in volunteer programs and service projects in the African country.

With eight various programs and projects to choose from, Guess and Silva will participate in the healthcare project. For three weeks, the two will collaborate with local doctors and nurses in the medical field to get a better understanding of the health problems people

E A R N I N G

BY DOING

in Africa face.

“I’ve been in healthcare settings in the U.S., and I’m excited, but also nervous to see what it will be like in a third-world country where healthcare is so much different and much less available,” Guess said.

“I’m nervous for what we’ll see but excited to get this awesome hands-on experience.”

Both Guess and Silva have held previous internships at area hospitals and healthcare facilities, leaving them feeling uncertain because of how different the African healthcare system works.

“We’re going to a third-world country where it’s going to be completely different,” Silva said. “I was excited to learn a little bit more about their healthcare. I’m still nervous about going somewhere completely different.

It’ll be a culture shock. We’ve never been anywhere like Africa.”

But the trip would not have been possible, Guess said, without the support of Franklin College. With scholarships from both the Office of Global Education and the Branigin Fund, the trip’s expenses were covered.

As for the application process, Guess said she was shocked by how little they were required to submit.

Because Passionate Youth Voluntary Organization is strictly a volunteer group and all participants are donating both their own time and financial abilities to take part, they do not ask for much from applicants, she said.

“It’s kind of scary how much of a need is over there for people to help in the medical settings,” Guess said.

“It could be scary what we see.”

But despite the nerves, both Silva and Guess said they’re looking forward to experiencing a new country, much different from other countries they’ve explored.

On the weekends, they will have the opportunity to visit orphanages around the country and play with children, go on safaris, surf at a cave and explore local towns.

And while there is some fun included on the trip, it’s not all play. Guess and Silva will work in the hospital Monday through Thursday, shadowing doctors and gaining as much hands-on experience as possible, leaving the opportunity for both women to meet a variety of people.

“If I can somehow make an impact on them and help them find joy and happiness, even while they’re sick or injured—I’m excited to see how Christ will use this,” Guess said. “There are going to be ways for me to tie my faith into it. I’m excited to experience that in a health care setting that I can apply to my future endeavors.”

STORY & DESIGN | SHELBY MULLIS @THEFRANKLINNEWS

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PHOTO | MATT THOMAS FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017

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EDITORIAL

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“13 Reasons Why”: Graphic, but a good message

OPINION

Stories on stories on stories

MATT THOMAS

matthew.thomas@franklincollege.edu

2017 seems to be the year of “stories” on most of the social media accounts people use on a daily basis. When Snapchat first introduced the “My Story” feature to its users in 2013, the game of “Snapchatting” was drastically changed.

The application’s primary use is still to send pictures and texts to other users individually with the image disappearing after a specific amount of time.

The next social network to add “Stories” to their list of features was Instagram in 2016. Although users clearly could saw through Instagram’s copycat idea from Snapchat, it seems that Instagram could have an advantage in this race to the best “story.”

Chances are, most people have a significantly higher amount of followers on Instagram than on Snapchat. This could essentially persuade them to start broadcasting their daily lives more often on Instagram rather than Snapchat in order to reach a larger audience.

Most recently, Facebook hopped onto the “Story” train with their addition of the feature to their app in earlier this month. Again, users may be drawn to sharing their “story” on Facebook if they have even more friends to share with on that social network.

I must confess, however, that I have never used the “Stories” feature on Instagram or Facebook. To be honest, I typically use “My Story” on Snapchat to post parts of my life that I may not deem high enough quality to post on my other social network accounts, and I think I’ll keep it that way.

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FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017

One new Netflix series is captivating Unfortunately, with every show the hearts of young adults across comes untasteful jokes and memes the country. Adapted from author that spread across the internet. One Jay Asher’s book, “13 Reasons Why” of the more popular memes right now illustrates the direct impact bullies can make on a human life.

The staff believes that shows that The show is not for the faint of heart. With deal with serious issues such as rape, graphic scenes featuring rape, sexual assault and sexual assault and suicide should be suicide, some people are asking questions: How informative but not as graphic as “13 far is too far? Do these Reasons Why” because certain scenes graphic images actually convey a message? could trigger people who have dealt Some may argue that because it is only just with those issues. a show, people should not let it bother them or trigger them to commit a harmful act. However, for those who being shared across social media sites may deal with mental illness, seeing say, “You just died. Tag 13 people who images of suicide or cutting on the are the reasons why,” and “You ate the screen could be that one final push last piece of candy. Here is your tape.” over the edge.

These memes are not funny. They But The Franklin staff believes trivialize the show and make suicide these shows should exist. There must the subject of a joke. That’s not what be conversation over these topics to the show is trying to do. There are prevent people from being scared to certain things that should never be come forward if they’re struggling with joked about, and suicide is one of suicidal thoughts or have been a victim them. of rape.

Those who deal with a mental

OUR POSITION

TWITTER POLL To participate in future polls, follow @TheFranklinNews on Twitter.

We asked Franklin College students on Twitter:

Do you think shows like “13 Reasons Why” that talk about rape and suicide help people understand the subjects more? *83 people participated in this survey

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@THEFRANKLINNEWS

78% Yes

22% No

illness and are coping with suicidal thoughts could see these memes and find it disheartening. Imagine how uncomfortable someone may feel if they try to make a peer aware of their mental health issues and that person turns it into a joke.

Antics like these are the reason why more shows that deal with these serious issues should exist. While the television shows do not have to be as graphic as “13 Reasons Why,” these shows are necessary to proving how serious of an issue suicide awareness is.

Hopefully with more shows like this, people will be more educated and realize the seriousness behind these issues.

OUR BOARD The opinions, beliefs and view points expressed by the various authors in the opinion section do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the entire The Franklin staff. Opinion editor Christina Ramey moderates the board and its members, including Brittney Corum, Matt Thomas and Ashley Steeb. Leigh Durphey, the executive editor, sits on the board. If you have an issue you would like the board to cover, email christina.ramey@ franklincollege.edu.

ARE YOU OR A FRIEND STRUGGLING WITH DEPRESSION OR HAVE SUICIDAL THOUGHTS?

CALL THE NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOT LINE:

HAVE AN OPINION YOU WANT TO SHARE? Is there a topic, idea or issue you want the opinion board to cover?

Do you want to see your ideas published?

Contact Christina Ramey at christina.ramey@franklincollege.edu for more information.

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LASTWORD GRADUATE SCHOOL

Take a year off and relax before grad school

CHRISTINA RAMEY

christina.ramey@franklincollege.edu

When I think of going to graduate school, I’m met with a variety of emotions.

I’m excited. I’m worried. I’m scared.

Don’t get me wrong — I’m sure grad school is a wonderful experience, and I would love to further my education beyond an undergraduate level.

However, there are several reasons

why taking a break between undergrad and grad school would be beneficial.

I’m simply getting burnt out on school. I love school, and I enjoy learning new things, but I have a limit.

It can be an extreme struggle to wake up early every morning, attend hours of classes, and juggle a job and various other commitments. Taking the time to figure out what direction I want my life to go in would be extremely beneficial to me before venturing into grad school.

After spending thousands of dollars on my undergraduate degree, the last thing I want to think about is spending even more money for another degree immediately after college. A majority of the scholarships I currently have only cover four years of education. I need additional time to figure out how to pay for grad school and apply for a multitude of scholarships that don’t

leave me with even more debt than I’m already in.

Finally, do I really want to go to grad school? That’s a question I ask myself a lot. If I’m questioning myself now about whether to pursue a higher degree, should I actually do it? A year off would give me time to explore my options.

I encourage anyone considering grad school to take time after earning their bachelor’s degree. Take time to kick start your career, setting goals for yourself along the way. If graduate school is one of those goals, perfect! If not, there is a plethora of other options for you to ensure you have the best career possible.

Remember, you have your entire life ahead of you. Slow down and enjoy the ride — there’s more to life than a classroom.

Back into the trenches: Straight into grad school

BRITTNEY CORUM

brittney.corum@franklincollege.edu

As I prepare for graduation in one month, I’ve been thinking a lot about the path I’ll travel down. Needless to say, graduate school has been on my radar.

I know several people who have

decided pursue a higher degree through graduate school, while others take some time before attending graduate school, or they may not go at all.

With that being said, I have decided to take a year off after earning my bachelor’s degree, then go to graduate school. But I understand why people would want to keep their education moving at a fast pace with no break in between.

For many careers, people are required to have a degree higher than an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.

Therefore, it only makes sense for them to continue pursuing an education.

You must also take into account the fiscal responsibility of student loans that most students need every year to

get through school. By going to grad school directly after completing your undergrad degree, you have a better chance at receiving the scholarships and financial awards you need to get through additional years of education.

If you wait you might lose out on ways to pay for your schooling.

If you go to grad school immediately after undergrad, you won’t have to adjust to the school routine again.

If you take a year off, you’d have to readjust to college life.

Grad school gives students more opportunities to travel and experience internships that may not have been available at a four-year undergrad institution, so dive right in.

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Do Christians have an unfair advantage when it comes to holidays?

ASHLEY STEEB

ashley.steeb@franklincollege.edu

Indiana is one of 12 states in the country to recognize Good Friday, a Christian holiday remembering the day Jesus Christ was crucified.

The day, which Christians across the country celebrated just a week ago, is the most recent Christian holiday to be recognized by the state as a holiday.

But some people are questioning whether states like Indiana should also be required to recognize other religious holidays that don’t pertain to Christianity as state holidays.

While I am a Christian, I have never given a second thought as to whether it’s unfair for only Christian holidays to be recognized as school holidays.

I know I may sound closed-minded.

Some may call it ignorance, but I simply did not realize it was an issue.

Recently, New York public schools announced they would officially observe the Hindu holiday Diwali.

These school districts were praised

by Hindu leaders who said students should not be punished for missing school simply for fulfilling their spiritual needs.

Students should not be punished for missing school. These absences should be excused. It is not a student’s fault for their parents’ decision to keep them from school for religious reasons.

Should the entire school shut down for the day in observance of the holiday? While it may cause scheduling conflicts, it couldn’t be that big of an issue. At the most, students might only have one less week of summer.

Christian holidays should still be observed. I must admit, I appreciate having these days off.

As long as the state does not try to remove Christian holidays from being recognized, I don’t think it would promote a political agenda if they added other religious holidays to the calendar.

Think of these days as a win-win.

Students and employees who celebrate these holidays don’t have to miss a day of school or work, and those who don’t celebrate the day will have an extra day of school off.

THEFRANKLINNEWS.COM

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017

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Baseball team remains optimistic after losing conference lead

S SPORTS

QUINN FITZGERALD elizabeth.fitzgerald@franklincollege.edu

IN BRIEF: FC, SHELBY COUNTY TO HOST NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT Franklin College and the Blue River Sports Authority in Shelby County have been selected by the NCAA Division III Championship Committee as hosts for the 2018 NCAA Division III Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Great Lakes Regional.

The competition will take place Nov. 10, 2018 at the Blue River Cross Country Course in Shelbyville. The event is expected to be mutually beneficial for the Franklin and Shelbyville communities.

The proposal was coordinated

by Gary Nolley, vice president of the Blue River Sports Authority, which promotes recreational and competitive sports in Shelby County.

The bid was submitted to the NCAA in August, 2016. It was accepted April 18.

In addition to being a first-class facility, the course is also within a 30-minute drive of 450 hotel rooms in Shelbyville, which was also a determining factor in the NCAA accepting the bid.

Franklin College and Blue River Sports Authority are also in contention for hosting the event again in 2020 and/or 2021.

Source: Franklin College Athletics

Despite losing the lead in the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, the Grizzly baseball team remains positive and focused on winning the conference title this year.

For several weeks, the baseball team led the HCAC, but after suffering a 19-11 loss to the Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Tuesday, they are now 9-7 and ranked fourth in the conference. With plenty of conference games left in the season, the team may have a chance to take back the lead.

“More often than not this year things have gone our way” said Lance Marshall, the team’s head coach. “We just need to continue working hard and taking advantage of opportunities as they present themselves.”

Sophomore Sam Claycamp said being the number one team in conference significantly boosted the team’s level of confidence.

“It’s just a good feeling. It’s a lot more fun when you’re on top than when you’re on the bottom,” Claycamp said. “When you’re on top of the conference, you feel like you can beat anybody.”

While Marshall said their defense is coming along, he said the team needs to continue to grow as a team before they can accomplish their goal, which means strengthening their defense, as well as pitching and hitting.

Claycamp said a majority of success has evolved from the team’s

hitting record, but he agreed with Marshall, adding that the defense and pitching must improve.

He said the key to reaching those next levels is simply “more practice.”

But there is one element Megan Powell I The Franklin Claycamp said Freshman Nick Wright stands ready for a throw to first base. The Grizzlies baseball doesn’t need team lost 19-11 against Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Tuesday. to change: the team bond. “ It’s a really close team — a very for it.”

Marshall agreed, and said that family-like atmosphere,” he said. “ having a young team can be a Everybody has everybody’s back. It’s challenge.

But this year has been always fun to be out there together.” different.

Marshall said the team is Even though he transferred to the full of players who work hard, which team just this year, Claycamp said is why he is confident they will end the component that is different in the season with a conference title. this team compared to last season’s “We just need to continue trusting team is the overall morale.

“From what I’ve heard... it’s totally the process we put in motion,” he different,” Claycamp said. “ There’s said.

“I think good things are going to a lot more confidence. We’re scoring continue to happen.” runs, and they struggled with that For Claycamp, ending the season last year.” with the conference title would He said one setback is having a mean a great deal for not only him greater number of young players, but but for his teammates. “ It would be said this is less of a concern given the amazing,” he said. skill level of the players.

Catch the Grizzlies in action this “There is a little inexperience, so afternoon when they take on HCAC there are some things that happen, opponent Bluffton University at 4:15 but very rarely,” he said. “ Everybody p.m. at Grizzly Park. is talented enough that it makes up

U P C O M I N G D AT E S :

8

Baseball

Golf

Track & Field

Today against Bluffton

Men: April 22-23 at Defiance Spring Invitational Women: April 22-23 at Franklin College Invitational

Today at RHIT Twilight Meet

FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2017

Softball

Tennis

Lacrosse

Tomorow against Mount St. Joseph

Men: April 23 against Earlham Women: April 23 against Rose-Hulman

Tomorrow against Wash. & Jeff

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