Issue 4 9-23-16

Coffee covers campuses ANGELA MCFARLAND Staff Writer

Diana Castillo / THE FLARE

Helen Harper waits for her next customer at the P.O.D Express on the KC Longview campus.

Seattle’s Best, a coffee center, and subsidiary of Starbucks, has replaced the former deli at the KCLongview campus which opened Monday, Sept. 19. “We went this route after a recent student survey indicated ‘speed’ and ‘quantity’ being students most important concerns during lunch breaks,” said Gary Crouch, ARAMARK food director. Provisions On Demand, as it’s labeled, adds a variety of selections of food to the smaller campus and brings more business to the college. “With five minutes to eat

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rd inside on Page 4.

“Abby caught my attention because of her grace, poise and attention to details while performing” - Paige Keitt, director of twirling

lunch, the snack bar is super convenient,” said Brittany Willis, Mineola sophomore. Now students don’t have to drive off campus to get a larger selection of food with the assortment of prepackaged sandwiches, salads, soups, protein packs, protein shakes and ice cream that Seattle’s Best offers. “Student satisfaction is my main goal,” Crouch said. This summer, the deli was transformed into Biedermeier décor with stone background accents, new flooring and tall barstools with tables for quick snacks in between classes. “It is amazing compared

Seattle’s Best is open Monday- Friday 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the KC Longview campus to what it used to be,” said Elizabeth Jemison, Carthage freshman. Although some complaints have been made about the disappearance of the fresh panini sandwiches the deli offered, overall the cafe has seen positive feedback, according to Crouch. “It’s pretty good,” said Mario Ashton, Longview freshman.

Friday, September 23, 2016 Vol. 80 No. 4 Serving Kilgore College since 1936

FreshStart

Former TJC twirler picks up baton as new feature twirler LEAH BRYCE Managing Editor

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Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE

KC’s new feature twirler, Abby Rhodes, performs with three batons during her halftime solo.

beam of sunlight glints off the silver baton as it flies in the air, flipping end-over-end. As it passes through the midst of the falling leaves, gravity quickly sends the elegant stick back into the small, quick hand of the tosser. Catching her breath in awe of the graceful performance of the baton, a pre-teen spectator makes a simple, but definite, decision: I don’t want to be a cheerleader; I don’t want to be dancer; I want to be a twirler. At the age of 11, Abby Rhodes made a decision that set her life on a course to become KC’s 2016/2017 Ranger Band Feature Twirler. From that day of discovery, she twirled through middle school, high school and now college. “Abby caught my attention because of her grace, poise and attention to details while performing,” said Paige Keitt, Director of Twirling. “She is unique because she has an awesome work ethic. I like the way that she pushes herself to learn and master new tricks.” Rhodes actually spent her first year at Tyler Junior College, but decided to transfer to KC and try out for the feature twirler position previously held by Alex Bridges. “I made the twirling line at TJC and I quit right before the first game because the twirling director had just quit and it was going downhill really fast,” Rhodes said. “It’s a lot more fun here. I really enjoy the girls on the line and we are always together.” Although she has been twirling since she was in the sixth grade, this is first year that Rhodes has been a feature twirler. “I actually prefer twirling solo over twirling in a line. I’ve twirled on a line too, but I really love twirling as a soloist because I get to make up my own stuff,” she said.

“I don’t have to worry about what other people do; I can just focus on what I can do.” Concentrating on her twirling skills is just one thing on her schedule. Rhodes said time management plays an important part in her ability to juggle twirling, school and work. “Feature twirlers must practice several hours every day to maintain their skill level,” Keitt said. “I admire Abby for stepping out of her comfort zone and trying something different, like being a feature twirler. She came from more of a dance/twirl background (in school).” Over the past year, Rhodes has not only changed schools and twirling styles, she has also taken on a high school twirl line of her own. “I’m very happy that she has time in her busy schedule to be the twirling sponsor for the Lindale High School twirling line,” Keitt said. “She gets to see the twirling experience from the other side. I think this experience will only help to make her a more valuable asset to the twirling program at KC.” Rhodes is majoring in business and plans on transferring to a university to earn her bachelor’s degree. However, she is uncertain if she will continue twirling at the university level, depending on the strength of its line. “I do see twirling staying in my future. Before this year I didn’t see myself as a twirling sponsor, but it just kept coming my way,” Rhodes said. “Now I think that in the future I will have a studio and I will always be a twirling sponsor. I really do love it.” “My goal for twirling at KC is just having fun and push myself to be better,” she added. “There is always something more you can do to better yourself and your twirling. I’ve always pushed for the next level and there is always something next.”

KC Longview night administrator dies Long time KC employee, Barker Hale, known for dedication, humor, friendship LEAH BRYCE Managing Editor A Gathering of Remembrance will be held for Barker Hale from 4 to 6 p.m. today at New Beginnings Baptist Church, 2137 E. George Richey Road, in Longview. Welch Funeral Home in Longview will handle the cremation. The family requests that memorials may be made to the KC Foundation for a scholarship in honor of Hale’s 22 years of service to the college. Hale, 73, was the director of administrative services and continuing education at KC– Longview. He came to work at KC in 1994, starting the same day as friend and KC Print Shop

supervisor Mike Ford. “Even though Barker always worked at KC— Longview and I’ve always worked here, we kept a working r e l a t i o n s h i p, ” Ford said. “We’ve Barker Hale been friends over all these years, even if we weren’t close friends. I never knew Barker to have an enemy.” Ford recalled that those who knew Hale always spoke of him positively. Hale’s good attitude and willingness to work shone as an example to others.

“I think he showed people what work ethic really is,” Ford added. “I know that the other people he worked with, especially in Longview, knew he had a really strong work ethic and I think they really appreciated that. Hale’s immediate supervisor, Dr. Julie Fowler, executive dean of KC—Longview, said she will miss him both personally and professionally. “Barker lived life on his own terms. He was completely unique,” Fowler said. “He loved surprising people with his unparalleled sense of humor.” Hale was known campus-wide as an avid practical joker. One of his most prized possession was a

framed picture of a chimpanzee riding a bicycle. As the night administrator on campus, he made sure the evening instructors had everything they needed to succeed. By default, he became known for his aptitude with electronics. “I always told him that all he had to do was lay hands on a computer, project or other electronic device and he would heal it,” Fowler said. “He helped many evening instructors get their presentations up and running.” He was also known as “the college’s real estate expert.” In addition to recruiting quality instructors into the continuing education programs, he offered

real estate classes for more that 20 years. “These classes led to students securing their real estate licenses,” Fowler said. “Another one of his ‘wins’ is the Nurse Aide classes that have produced countless certified nurse aides.” “The evening administration of KC—Longview will suffer,” Fowled added. “I hope I can find someone who will care about this job as much as Barker did. He was a great advocate for the Longview location. His military service was spent in the U.S. Navy and he referred to KC—Longview as the Flagship.”

KC Visual Arts Club seeks new members Yearbook photo, group activities, international trip on the agenda for art lovers The Art Club will be taking its yearbook photo at 12:15 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30, in the Anne Dean Turk Fine Arts Building, Room 201. The campus organization is open to any KC student and new members are welcome. Current enrollment in an art class is not required. The purpose of this club is to help promote interest and activity in the visual arts and provide a means whereby students with an artistic commitment meet for the purpose of informal artistic exchange and creative entertainment Additional meetings throughout the rest of

the fall semester will be held at 12:15 p.m. on the following Fridays: Oct 14, Oct. 28, Nov. 4, Nov. 18 and Dec 2. They will have several fundraisers throughout the semester, including face painting at the Downtown Trick or Treat and Halloween Carnival on Oct 31. A face-painting workshop will be held on Oct 14 at 12:15 p.m., for those interested in volunteering. The KC Art Club officers are: Denise Mata- President; Rachael Skies- Vice President; Lauren Brown- Secretary; Jessica Carrington- Treasurer; Tina Marie Reed- Reporter; Jamie Barnett, Activities

Director; Kelsey Stanley- Activities Director. Carolyn Fox-Hearne and Larry Kitchen are co-advisers of the Art Club. IN OTHER NEWS — Fox-Hearne and Coy Lothrop are planning a group trip, open to all art lovers, to Barcelona, Nice, Cinque Terre, Florence, and Rome, for 12 days in May 2017. Those who enroll before Friday, Sept. 30, will save $200. It takes a $95 deposit with the Automatic Payment Plan (recommended). The program price increases each month, so locking in your spot now will guarantee

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The Fall graduation application deadline is Tuesday, Nov. 1. Applications can be completed on the KC website. n

the lowest program price available. Monthly payment plans are available and are the lowest they will be. For more information, please contact either instructor or search “KC Visual Arts” on Facebook to receive updated information. Need more inspiration? Check out how study abroad has helped students improve their grades, prepare for their careers, and have the adventure of a lifetime. Fox-Hearne encourages any student or faculty member interested in the trip to visit her during office hours or email her at cfoxhearne@kilgore.edu.

THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

‘Miracle Worker’ will have its opening night in 13 days at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 6, in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. Tickets can be bought at the box office or online. n

1875

n Infamous

western outlaw, Billy the Kid, was arrested for the first time on this day in 1875. His offense: stealing a basket of laundry. He soon broke out of jail and terrorized the west.

Check theflareonline.com for a full calendar activities, or go to twitter.com/theflareonline for live updates

Chorale fall concert performs from heart The KC Chorale will host its Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the Van Cliburn Auditorium. Admission is free. English composer John Rutter said that a school or church without a choir is like a body without a heart. KC Chorale will express its heart in this concert, singing classics from Handel and Brahms, and premiering a new work from an 11th century text, among other pieces. The Camerata Singers, KC’s select women’s ensemble, will also perform selections from the Russian, Macedonian, Canadian, and Italian traditions. The program should last about 45 minutes, according to Dr. Jim Taylor, director of choral activities.

Get muddy at Ambucs Volleyball tournament Longview Too Ambucs will hold its 10th Annual Mud Volleyball tournament Saturday, Sept. 24, at Lear Park, located at 100 H. G. Mosley Parkway behind the Longview Splash Pad. Grab family and friends to have some fun while raising money for Amtrykes and wheelchair ramps for East Texas kids and veterans. Ambucs is a non-profit service organization consisting of a diverse group of men and women dedicated to creating mobility and independence for people (primarily children some Veterans) with disabilities. Throughout the year, they raise money to donate to Amtrykes, (a therapeutic trike project created in Longview). Members also build wheelchair ramps at no costs for people who can’t afford to have them built themselves; as well as providing scholarships to area therapists. For more information, go to www. longviewmudvolleyball.com or call 903-753-3329. Baylor Roberson / THE FLARE

Whitney Ervin Hometown: Longview Classification: Freshman What inspired you to create a blog? Starting a new blog was something that I felt would be a bold challenge for me. I have always been a closed book to everyone, and I felt that in order to truly embrace my transition of finding myself, why not share my thoughts? What can people expect to find on your blog? My blog is a personal journal I’m sharing with the world — www. beautifullillies.com is for anybody who needs some love. Right now, it is still in the “baking” process so, I have a lot I want to post. There are also pages included that are tools that can help give someone a boost. Are you wanting to do more with your blog? I’ve been spending a lot of time getting situated in the semester, and adjusting to my environment, but there are a lot of cool things I plan to put out there. The blog is connected to my website, so there will be more pages, polls, and resources that I find interesting posted soon.

Do you plan on making a career out of blogging or is this just a side project/hobby? That’s a very interesting question because in the beginning, it started out as a challenge for me. But then, after really working on my craft, I finally came to the realization that this is something I have a sincere passion for. Do you think you’d ever get into video blogging? Absolutely! As soon as I build my courage up to get in front of the camera, I will have exclusive footage of every adventure, special moment, and interaction that I can share with my audience! Were you nervous about posting things publicly online? Oh no. If anyone is, they need to stay off social media! How do you deal with criticism or negative comments? I encourage feedback because it feeds my confidence to really do this thing right. This thing we call life is precious, just like the beauty of my Lillie J (my daughter). No matter what, never let anyone’s opinion keep you from expressing yourself how you see fit.

Truck event helps learning, aids hungry Touch a Truck, Feed a Family, will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, at Gregg County Fairgrounds, 1123 Jaycee Drive, Longview, This unique community wide event is designed for children and adults to see, touch, learn and interact with dozens of large vehicles. Touch a Truck includes ambulances, fire trucks, cranes, dump trucks, school buses, 18 wheelers, antique cars, radio controlled vehicles, and possible a helicopter or hot air balloon. An inflatable playground, as well many other children’s activities will be onsite for children of all ages. The event will feature entertainment, prizes, community booths, door prize drawings, a silent auction and food. Admission is a jar of peanut butter for Longview Community Ministry’s food pantry or a monetary donation of choice.

NEWS

THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

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SAFFE Day supports special needs

Cheyanne Huntsman / THE FLARE

Families and heroes gather in downtown Kilgore to celebrate SAFFE Day.

‘Everyday Heroes’ Movie focuses on special needs, special day REVIEW Chip Hale brings yet another heartfelt, original film to Kilgore Texas. The director of “Sweethearts of the Gridiron” latest project “Everyday Heroes” was nominated for Best Short Documentary at the Austin Revolution Film Festival. The film takes us through a countdown to the Special Abilities Family Fun Event, better known as SAFFE Day. This event is designed to focus on anyone with special needs or special abilities, allowing them to have fun and participate in free activities . The film recognizes SAFFE Day ambassadors, who have special needs, but the main focus is on their positive and uplifting attitudes. “Everyday Heroes” describes the challenges of SAFFE Day ambassadors from years 2012 to 2016. Ryan Bailey, who was diagnosed with Down syndrome is not only one of

the stars of the film, he was also chosen to be this year’s SAFFE Day ambassador for the fifth annual event. The film takes us on his journey, discussing the reality of his situation versus what was expected. His loving personality brings the film to life by sharing his interests, hobbies, and most importantly how big of a heart he has. Similar to previous SAFFE Day ambassadors, Ryan is very inspiring. No matter how hard the challenges he faces, he copes and never gives up. His positive attitude flourishes throughout the film, he loves and treats everyone meets with and a warm heart and compassion. Ryan is aware that he is different, but it won’t stop him because nothing gets him down. Ryan is a very talkative jokester who can put a smile on anyone’s face. Bringing awareness to the Kilgore Fire Department, and the city of Kilgore, “Everyday Heroes” suggest

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that children from all walks of life should know who is there for their protection in an emergency situation. This event teaches children to not be afraid of men and women who are here to protect and serve. It is important that they know who to trust if they are in an emergency situation. The event also unites the city of Kilgore to come together for a great cause. I greatly appreciate the progress in the community to help others be more educated and being more acceptable towards those with special needs. “Everyday Heroes” is something everyone involved with SAFFE Day can be proud of. The film teaches children and adults with special needs and abilities that they can overcome their struggles and truly be an everyday hero. Yasmine Wilson is a Communications major from Kilgore

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Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE

Captain Kyle Huckabee helps Shane Felgham shoot water at the flames of the house fire.

Elizabeth Lumpkin / THE FLARE

Brian Fuller dances with his wheelchair for spectators on the street.

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Deadline looms to voice your vote New registrants must send in voter registration form before Oct. 11

THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016

A number of upcoming elections will be held over the next few months, both on a national level, as well as a local level. Here is a short timeline of future events to watch out for. • The first presidential debate: 10:30 p.m. EST, Monday, Sept. 26, at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Lester Holt, NBC anchor will moderate. • The vice presidential debate: 9-10:30 p.m. EST, Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Longwood University in Farmville,

NEWS

Virginia. Elaine Quijano, CBSN anchor, will moderate. • The second presidential debate: 9-10:30 p.m. EST Sunday, Oct. 9, at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Martha Raddatz, ABC anchor, and Anderson Cooper, CNN anchor, will moderate. • The third and final debate: 9-10:30 p.m. EST Wednesday, Oct. 19, at University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Chris Wallace, Fox News Sunday anchor, will moderate. All debates will be televised

commercial-free In the case of Gregg County’s election calendar, the final day to register for voting is Oct. 11. Early voting will open on Oct. 24, while the last day to apply for the ballot via mail is four days after, on the Oct. 28. The last day of early voting will be on Nov. 4, with the last day to receive the ballot via mail falling on Election Day, which is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

OPINION Sit:

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s a free country everyone should have the right to choose their level of patriotism. Just because you are born in America does not mean you have to believe America is the world’s greatest country, despite the thousands of American who will tell you otherwise. Since America is based on the first amendment protecting the freedom to petition as well as speech, press, assembly and religion, there is no reason why Americans should not be granted the option to sit during the national anthem. While many people consider sitting during the national anthem an insult to the troops, firefighters, police officers, federal officers, etc that is not what the national anthem is representing. If it was, then the moment of silence that follows in the name of respect for these hardworking citizens wouldn’t be present. If you do not believe America is the greatest country in the world then it is your right not to stand. In the case of Colin Kaepernick he is sitting for what he believes in, and on this matter he deserves our respect, not hatred. Having the power to make a difference for what you believe in is an honorable quality. Every instance of men peacefully fighting for what they believe in is generally met with negative media attention. Martin Luther King Jr. walked the streets, participated in sit-ins and supported many others to do the same, and he did so with negative media coverage. Sitting during the national anthem is a peaceful protest, or somebody just doesn’t believe in America. Both of these things are their right and no one deserves to be berated because they don’t have a high sense of nationalism. If the only reason you love America is because you were told to, or because you were born here, then that is more disrespectful than someone who knows the reasons behind their beliefs and chooses to act on them. As far as the people who are saying every American has to be patriotic for the sole reason they were born here, well that would mean the German Jews had to be patriotic during World War II, or all North Koreans have to love their country. America is not the only country that has freedom, and were one of the last to free slaves, so again, not a reason to have more respect for a national anthem than for your civil rights, which according to Kaepernick is why he is sitting. The first amendment also protects freedom of religion, and several religions do not believe in the pledge of allegiance or the national anthem, so in that aspect again they have the right to sit down. This issue really boils down to personal beliefs, and just because someone does not share your beliefs does not give you the right to riot the media about their beliefs and call it patriotism. Everyone has the right to choose how they show their patriotism and if they even have any. A peaceful protest is far more effective and acceptable than a riot in the streets, but maybe a riot in the streets wouldn’t be portrayed as negatively as Kaepernick’s sitting during the national anthem. The right to sit or stand during national dedications is granted by the first amendment and no one should be forced into patriotism simply because of their citizenship or pop culture status.

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Sit to take

Diana Castillo / THE FLARE

a STAND YOUR VIEW

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hether you sit or stand during the national anthem is your decision. It is your right to protest and it is your right to follow along with what is going on in your area and do as you please. It is important to establish this before addressing the sit or stand argument. America seemed to implode the day professional football player, Colin Kaepernick, decided to exercise his right as an American and not stand for the national anthem as a protest. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick told NFL Media in an interview after the game. “To me, this is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” Soon after, other sports teams and individual players began to follow Kaepernick’s example. Even the first show of the new 20th season of Southpark satirically commented toward the act, showing the beginning of a girls’ volleyball game with the audience waiting to see who would take a knee or stand. The audience left after the national anthem was played and the girls began their game. On the other side of the argument, many people choose to stand because of their respect toward military or police officers. From the perspective of certain groups of people and minorities, America has never been perfect and will probably never be perfect. Nothing is or can be, but as a people and a country, it is something we should strive for. Standing during the anthem is a sign of respect. Even if you do not put your hand over your heart, to stand still and not talk during the anthem is respectful. If you do not want to listen to the anthem from a patriotic point of view, think of it as a performance. It is respectful to the venue to follow their rules during a performance. Many people say he could have demonstrated his protest in a different way and made a positive change instead of creating such a statement that could be interpreted as disrespectful. Unfortunately, people do not respond to positive gestures as extremely as they do to negative gestures. Protests like this will grow, no matter which “side” you belong to, unless we change as a country. We all need to be on the same side, reach a compromise and finally become proud of ourselves before we destroy ourselves. Even our 16th president made this observation. “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves,” Abraham Lincoln said.

How do you feel about standing for the Star Spangled Banner?

Timothy Stuckey / THE FLARE

OUR VIEW

THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016

“Standing during the national anthem shows and expresses my love to my country. By standing, I also show respect for those who have fought and sacrificed themselves for the country.” Phan Mihn Quoc Vietnam freshman

“It’s a big deal because it is a respect thing. But as far as protesting goes, we do have freedom of speech.” Austin Freidline Walton, Indiana sophomore

“I don’t think it should be forced. However, in terms of representing a team in a National league, like the NFL, you need to remember the impact you hold. If you represent the nation, you need to respect it. I do feel this is a a better way to protest, rather than violence though.” Kami Pack Longview sophomore

“I think everyone should stand during the anthem; but making it a requirement is making it pointless. They’re no longer doing it out of respect but because they have to.” Ellie Norris McKinney freshman

Parking problems, pedestrians, on the hunt I

awoke Monday morning to the piercing sound of my 5:30 alarm. Lethargically, I prepared myself to tackle the monster that is the Kilgore College student parking lot. You would be surprised how living a grand total of 25 minutes away can affect your chances of finding a parking spot before your 8 a.m. class! I pulled up to the gravel graveyard around 7:45 to find that it was already full. This was merely the beginning of my epic search for a parking spot. I wasn’t taking this hunt lightly. I

was determined and hungry for a parking spot. The next ten minutes of my life felt like three hours. I faced three of Allison my toughest c o n t e n d e r s : Taliaferro Staff Writer pedestrians who seemed to have misplaced their sense of urgency, pedestrians who seemed unable to locate the cross walk, and the ever so talented

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parallel parkers. I located a parking spot around 7:50, which presented me with an early morning hike to my English class. I don’t mind the walk, but being rushed is my ultimate pet peeve. I’ve always been a very timely person but Kilgore College parking lot was ruining that image. I immediately took built up rage that my parking spot hunt graciously gifted me to my best friends, Kaylee and Ashley. Kaylee and Ashley, who also live 25 minutes away, felt very strongly

2013 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Intercollegiate Press Association • 2014 Sweepstakes Winner, Texas Community College Journalism Association Spring 2012 Gold Crown, Columbia Scholastic Press Association • 2012 First Place, Texas Associated Press Managing Editors

EXECUTIVE EDITOR Meaghan Morton MANAGING EDITOR Leah Bryce SPORTS EDITOR Elijah Banks

PHOTO ADVISER O. Rufus Lovett ADVISER Rachel Stallard

STAFF WRITERS Kendall Hurtt, Yosef Ibitayo, Angela McFarland, Kaitlin Mitchell, Richard Nguyen, Allison Taliaferro, Kayla Terrazas, Da’Jah Thompson, Gaberiel Wade, Cam Williams and Yasmine Wilson PHOTOGRAPHERS Tiffany Johnson, Tina Marie Reed, Cheyanne Huntsman, Elizabeth Lumpkin, Sam Rodriguez, Diana Castillo, Baylor Roberson, Richard Nguyen, Kiana Rose and Timothy Stuckey

about the parking situation too. We feel as if the parking lot at Kilgore College adds unwanted stress, safety hazards and a flawed student to parking spot ratio. I notice an abundance of open staff parking spots every day but the thought of seeing a parking ticket on my windshield strikes fear into my very core. The risk is almost worth making it to your class on time. The parking lot at Kilgore College is the ideal hang out spot for all of your collected tardies and your sanity. It is the

place where bumpers are scraped, doors are dinged, and everyone becomes a NASCAR driver. Don’t bother taking the extra time to look presentable. After your early morning parking lot hike in the East Texas humidity none of us will notice. It is every man for himself in the battle of finding a parking spot. Allison is a Journalism major from White Oak.

LETTERS THE FLARE welcomes any letter to the editor and encourages all readers to use this as a sounding board to express thoughts and opinions on current campus-related topics. We also welcome news or feature ideas. Due to space limitations, letters should be as concise as possible and may still be edited for space. Letters must be signed and include an address and telephone number so that we can verify their authenticity. Letters should be delivered to the newsroom in Communications-Automotive Building, Room 125, mailed to The Flare, 1100 Broadway, Kilgore TX 75662 or emailed to: kc_flare@yahoo.com

DISCLAIMER THE FLARE is the student newspaper of Kilgore College and is published every Friday by the journalism department, except during examination periods and vacations. First copy is free, subsequent copies are available for 50 cents. THE FLARE is a member of the Texas Community College Journalism Association and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association. All people holding editorial staff positions are Kilgore College journalism students. Comments and views expressed in THE FLARE reflect the thoughts of the individual writers, and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs or opinions of other students, staff members, faculty members, administrative officers or the Board of Trustees.

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THE FLARE FRIDAY, SEPT. 23, 2016

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Bringing HOME the Pigskin

SPORTS

Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE

Fans go wild during a play made by the KC Rangers.

Running back Tyreik Gray scans the defense as he spins away from a Cisco defender.

Tina Marie Reed / THE FLARE

The world famous Kilgore College Rangerettes take the field in preparation for their halftime performance.

Running back Coach Dustin Smith reacts to a big play during the second half of play. KC beat the Cisco Wranglers 67-13 in their home opener.

Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE

Rangerettes enjoy photo ops in the stands of their first home game.

PREVIEW: KC V. BLINN, SATURDAY, SEPT. 24 Time: 7 p.m. Saturday Stadium: Spencer Field Coaches — Kilgore: J.J. Eckert; Blinn: Ryan Mahon Last week: Kilgore 67, Cisco 13; Blinn 28, Trinity Valley 36 Players to watch — Kilgore Offense: QB Chandler Eiland (20/28 attempts, 373 yards, 2 TDs); TB Tyreik Gray (16 carries, 239 yards, 14.9 yards avg., 3 TDs); WR Kyle McBride (8 receptions, 98 yards, 12.3 yards avg.) Kilgore Defense: LB Tristan Thompson (10 tackles, 7 tackle assist, 2 FF, FR); LB Michael Jackson (12 tackles, 9 tackle assist, FR); DE Brian Scott (7 tackles, 11 tackle assist, SCK) Keys: Defense and ball protection. After coming off of two dominating performances; KC looks to continue their win streak with a win against the Blinn Buccaneers. Forcing turnovers and getting stops as a cohesive unit has given the Rangers great success and made it easier for the offense to go out and perform. KC’s defense has only allowed 29 points and 245 yards between two games. Also KC needs to continue protecting the ball on offense in order to capitalize on every drive throughout the game. The Buccaneers have found the endzone multiple times in each game they have played. Blinn’s struggles on defense have been the Achilles’ heel; exploiting their defensive lapse can give KC the definite favorites in the upcoming matchup. Did you know?: After last years lost to Cisco College; KC’s victory against Blinn sparked our five game win streak that lead KC to a bowl game. Last time the Rangers beat Blinn on the road was 2012 which KC would go on to another bowl game. The pre-game report will start at 6:45 p.m. on KDOK Radio, along with the Kilgore College Sports Network. The other broadcast connections are www.kdokradio.com, Kilgore Cable Channel 2 (audio only), and the Tunein Radio App. — compiled by Kendall Hurtt

Richard Nguyen / THE FLARE

Rangers rope Wranglers in home opener ELIJAH BANKS Sports Editor The KC Rangers kept things rolling in their home opener with a 67-13 rout against the Cisco College Wranglers on Saturday. The Rangers improve their record to 2-0, while the Wranglers remain winless with an 0-4 record. The one-two punch of KC’s freshmen running backs Tyreik Gray and Marquis Broussard gave the Rangers the offensive boost they needed. Tyreik Gray, of Houston, had an electrifying performance by rushing for 142 yards on the ground, along with 42 yards receiving and 2 total TDs. While Marquis Broussard had 85 rushing yards and a jaw- dropping 5 TDs. The two combined for 316 of the offense’s 496 yards. Chandler Eiland, Canton sophomore, rose to the challenge in his first start going 12-17 for a solid 185 passing yards and 2 TDs. The Rangers

started the onslaught by going up 17-0 in the first quarter. On the Rangers opening possession, they went on a nine-play 46-yard drive that ended with a 43-yard field goal from kicker Alvin Kenworthy. After the Wranglers couldn’t get anything going on their first possession they gave the ball back to the Rangers for their second drive. Eiland and sophomore receiver Kyle McBride hooked up for 35 yards to setup a 26-yard touchdown run from Marquis Broussard. The Wranglers next two drives ended like the first one as they remained scoreless in the first quarter. KC drove down the field 61 yards on their third possession; Broussard capped off the drive with his second touchdown of the evening. The Wranglers finally got on the board in the beginning of the second quarter going on a 10-play, 72-yard drive that ended with Cisco’s quarterback charging into

the end zone. On their point after attempt, KC blocked it and D’andre Thomas, Tenaha sophomore, coasted to the end zone to tack on two more points to put the Rangers up 19-6. On KC’s ensuing drive, Gray showed off his speed with a 64yard video game touchdown run to push the Rangers lead to 26-7. On the Rangers next two drives, Eliand would join in on the touchdown party connecting with Cameron Fisher for a 17-yard touchdown, and Gray for 18 yards to add on 14 more points. Toward the end of the second quarter, McBride recovered a Wrangler muffed punt, and Broussard punched it in for his third touchdown sending the Rangers into halftime with a 46-13 lead. This week, KC will head to Brenham to take on the 2-2 Blinn College Red Raiders. Kickoff begins at 7 p.m. at Cub Stadium.