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MONTAGE Serving the St. Louis Community College - Meramec community since 1964

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VOLUME 53, ISSUE 1 | THURSDAY, AUG. 31, 2017 | WWW.MERAMECMONTAGE.COM

Photos by | Noah Sliney & Brad Riaze

STLCC set to experience budget crisis Task force developed, potential faculty cuts eminent Stephen Buechter | Staff Writer Chancellor Jeff Pittman recently announced that the district is suffering a $5 million reduction in core funding.

This is due to a nine percent cut to the Missouri higher education budget, and a further three percent cut withheld

by Gov. Eric Greitens. This decrease in funding was also influenced by a drop in enrollment over last few years, which equates to less money earned through tuition and fees, according to Pittman.

Pittman also expects St Louis Community College’s budget to be restricted further in the next three years.

Meramec Provost Carol Lupardus said that budget cuts to educational facilities are not just a local issue, and are a factor

for colleges at least statewide.

Emily Neal, Vice President of the STLCC National Education Administration (NEA), explained the possible reasoning behind statewide education budget cuts.

“I would argue that, especially after the last election…[the government] has a sort of philosophy that state institutions should be doing more with less,” said Neal. “They have what I would call a ‘starve the beast’ mentality, this sort of notion that if you cut our public institutions and make them have to survive on the bare minimum, only what is necessary will be maintained at the institution.”

Neal said she disagreed with this policy, stating that she believes it can only lead to financial considerations driving higher education.

“Just because an academic discipline isn’t ‘profitable’ or doesn’t have a lot of students doesn’t mean it’s not a worthwhile area of inquiry,” said Neal.

According to Chancellor Pittman, the college has already taken steps to ease stress on the budget. Measures cited by Pittman were reducing various operating expenses, freezing and reducing positions not critical to college functioning, offering a separation incentive program, and

selling the college’s downtown district headquarters building, the Cosand Center. He said the college is forming a budget response team, whose duties include reviewing and updating staff contract language, reviewing and updating faculty handbooks, creating a realistic timeline for budget suggestions and communicating proactively with campus departments.

A staff-wide email sent by the Chancellor on July 13 announced a possible reduction in full-time faculty, which was met with heavy concern from STLCC employees, said Neal. Neal expressed concern over the delivery of the message.

continued on page 3

Solar Eclipse

Ending Hate Speech After Charlottesville -Opinions, Page 7 -Art & Life, Page 4

Archer Soccer Season Kicks Off -Sports, Page 8

Page 2 | News Aug. 31, 2017

Professor Margaret Hvatum challenges computer science deactivation at August board meeting

Photo by Brad Riaze

Computer science program set for deactivation Provost cites low graduation numbers flagged by MDHE Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief In Fall 2016, the St. Louis Community College district had 264 students who declared majors in computer science. Despite this large number, the administration has decided it will no longer be offering the major.

Computer science is one of three majors offered on the Meramec campus that will be deactivated no later than December 1, 2017. Any student studying computer science, mass communications or art education will be permitted to graduate with their degree, but no new applicants will be considered. All classes necessary for the degrees will continue to be offered.

This change is due to a notice sent to STLCC by the Missouri Department of Higher Education, or MDHE. “Unless there is sufficient justification for exceptions...programs shall maintain a critical mass of majors and graduate annually an average, calculated over the prior three years, of at least 10 graduates at the associate or baccalaureate degree level…” reads the notice.

In layman’s terms, this means that,

EDITORS Melissa Wilkinson Jordan Morris Brad Riaz Erik Muschinske Amanda Harris Noah Sliney Ashley Biundo Ian Schrauth Shannon Sanders

unless a program graduates an average of 10 students in a particular major, the program cannot be offered. According to Meramec Provost Dr. Carol Lupardus, in the past three years, the district has graduated only five computer science majors.

So why are there so many majors but so few graduates? Lupardus believes that, due to the school’s excellent instructors, students studying computer science quickly receive the credits they need in order to transfer to a fouryear university and simply graduate elsewhere with a bachelor’s.

“It’s the [number of] graduates that become the red flag,” said Lupardus.

But Margaret Hvatum, professor of Information Systems at Meramec, disagrees.

“The reason for the low graduation rate was failure to keep [the program] updated,” said Hvatum. “At the beginning of 2017, [several faculty members] proposed a revision to the program which would reduce... credits required for graduation to what is the current norm, nationally. And

Editor-in-Chief Production Manager Opinions Editor Multimedia Editor Photo Editor Graphics Editor Sports Editor Online Editor Faculty Adviser

STAFF

Stephen Buechter Madison Bouse Briana Heaney Tania Watel Robin Will Murry Toby Young

the administration refused to let the program update proceed.”

For programs with low graduation rates, a red flag from the MDHE doesn’t necessarily mean deactivation.

The district can provide justification for why an underperforming major should still be offered. Of the more than 20 programs flagged for potential deactivation, many are being petitioned for reasons including upcoming curriculum changes, reorganization and even relocation. This is not a guarantee that the programs will be salvaged; the MDHE must still review the requests and make a determination in late 2017.

In the case of computer science, however, the administrators have decided against requesting an exemption.

“A lot of students are looking for computer science,” said Lupardus.

“They’re just not looking for an AAS in computer science.”

Hvatum, however, argues that offering a computer science degree is a big draw to potential students.

“This is a program that appeals to a broad range of students,” said Hvatum.

Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Photographer

www.meramecmontage.com

“Students come to us looking for a computer science degree. If we stop offering that, they will go elsewhere.

And we need to keep our students.”

According to Hvatum, there is no equivalent to offering computer science as an associate’s degree, even if the classes are still being offered.

“If students complete the general transfer degree and then fail to graduate from college, their future lifetime income will be far less than if they complete the computer science degree and then fail to graduate from college,” said Hvatum. “In other words, you’re always better off with a bachelor’s but if you don’t end up getting one because life happens, the intermediate degree that you get should be as valuable as possible.”

Hvatum, who plans to continue speaking out against the deactivation, maintains faith that, by updating the program, the district can easily raise graduation rates to those outlined by the MDHE. “We just need to fix it,” said Hvatum. “ And we already know how.”

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Page 3 | News 4 Aug. 31, 2017

Budget crisis: Possible workforce reduction

continued from page 1

“As far as communicating organizational decision making, it felt like there could have been a better way to deliver that message,” said Neal. “It is my hope as the administration and the budget response team move forward with some of their decision making, that they will be a lot more transparent, and try not to bury key communications near the end of a very long email.”

Robert Hertel, head of the STLCC NEA, started an August email campaign, encouraging faculty to email Chancellor Pittman with their grievances over the cuts. He announced the success of the campaign at a Board of Trustees meeting on Aug. 17.

“Yesterday Chancellor Pittman received in excess of 140 emails from faculty over their concern over a potential reduction in force,” said Hertel. “I’m sure he’d verify that if he hasn’t shared that with you yet.”

mentioned the many acts of altruism performed by staff, including offering ethics seminars to local businesses and aiding environmental research.

“Over the years, there has been decreased support for these efforts, yet the faculty continue to engage, regardless of whether release time is granted, compensation or otherwise,” said Neal.

“We do these things because we love to do it...Reducing the full-time faculty will decrease the reach of the college and the visibility of the college in the region, the nation, and even globally.”

Cindy Campbell, former NEA president and current professor at the Florissant Valley campus, also spoke out at the Board of Trustees meeting.

“When I first came to the college in 1990, I came about six or seven years after the first and only reduction in force STLCC has ever endured,” Campbell said.

Photo by Noah Sliney

Emily Neal speaks out at the August Board of Trustees’ meeting.

“156,” Pittman confirmed.

While the response was met with laughter at the meeting, Hertel continued to push for the goal of transparency and faculty participation in the midst of the budget crisis.

“The faculty are a diverse group, talented. We want to be involved in that process,” said Hertel. “We’re important stakeholders... we need to be part of the solution.”

Emily Neal took a different approach at the meeting, naming many famous people that full-time staff have brought to the district. Names included feminist writer Jessica Valenti, scientist Ainissa Ramirez and reproductive rights advocate Pamela Merritt. Neal also

Campbell, who is starting her 28th year in the district, addressed the low morale of the staff after what she referred to as “the RIF.” “[The other staff] would all get emotional… they would talk about people drawing straws and flipping coins to see who stayed and who went. And all those things resonated with me for the first years of my time at community college,” said Campbell. “I never thought I’d have to see nor hear that language anywhere. Unfortunately, that email... mentioned a reduction of force, and not only has my stomach hurt since then, not only do we have a lot of junior faculty who are very concerned...and talking about updating their resumes, you have

people very upset, who have moved here with their families, and taken jobs five or 10 years ago. I’m really hoping you consider looking at all options.”

Despite faculty testimony, the Board of Trustees was unable to offer anything mollifying by way of concrete alternate solutions. Many thanked the speakers for expressing their opinions and promised to communicate closely with staff.

“I know in our meetings we’ve directed Dr. Pittman to put all options on the table and be as transparent as possible,” said board member Dr. Kevin Martin. “It’s not to alarm people, but it’s to be transparent, so I would encourage everyone to be involved with these meetings as we take all that to heart, of what you all say.”

Due to the recent creation of the budget response team, very few details could be discussed at the meeting. But the NEA, also known as the teacher’s union, refuses to wait until the September board meeting to react.

“As a union leader we have a toolkit of activist items that we can use to try to drive home points,” said Neal in a later interview. “Our view is that [picketing] is a last resort for us but it’s something we do keep on the table. When you get down to hitting faculty where it hurts the most, which is their livelihoods, people are willing to stand up for themselves.”

Although full-time faculty are certainly discouraged by the news, Hertel urged teachers to dedicate time to working directly with the rest of the school, including department heads, to find ways to improve budget conditions without reducing staff. “[The NEA] will have a lot of meetings,” said Hertel. “There’s going to be serious working with the administration and faculty just trying to deal with these issues.”

Provost Carol Lupardus told students to keep in mind that they are one of many voices involved. Hertel also urged students to be aware of the situation, calling it a microcosm of how government works at larger levels.

“Students need to be involved politically for the rest of their lives,” Hertel said. “And not necessarily that they get an affiliation with one party or another, but that they’re aware of the political scene and what happens, because if they’re not, a lot of other people are making decisions for them.”

Despite low morale at the start of the new term, full-time faculty continue to demonstrate their passion for their workplace, expressing as much concern

“Reducing the full-time faculty will decrease the reach of the college...in the region, the nation and even globally.”

Emily Neal for each other as for themselves. Ken Wood, an art instructor at Meramec, discussed his anxiety about potential job loss for adjunct staff.

“Because I’m full time, I am required to teach a full load. So if one of my classes were to be cancelled, I would get bumped to a different class. And if that class were taught by an adjunct faculty, then they would get bumped from the roster,” said Wood. “I think the adjunct faculty deserve to have much more peace of mind than they currently do,” Emily Neal has not given up hope that the problem can be solved. According to Neal, there are many money-saving alternatives to terminating faculty.

“Faculty can go out by regular attrition...There’s also areas where we could have cost savings. Perhaps looking at some of our consulting contracts and making sure that we’re getting the value we’re paying for,” said Neal. “We can use sabbaticals. We can use a lot of options which are actually spelled out in the resolution between joint faculty and the college administration.”

Neal lauds the power of the NEA working together, and said she continues to look toward a bright future for the college that doesn’t include a reduction in the workforce.

“I can tell you that when the faculty get united about something, we can put a tremendous amount of pressure on the administration,” said Neal. “Our view is we do this for love. We don’t do this because we want to embarrass anyone, we do this because we know how great the community college is and has been, and how great we want it to be in the future. And getting rid of the faculty is a short sighted solution to a budgetary problem that is momentary in time.”

Information on the school’s budget can be viewed on the STLCC website in the “Meeting Minutes” section of the Board of Trustees page. Information on Board policies and procedures are in the “Faculty and Staff Resources” section.

Risk of hazardous materials prompt building closures Communications North, Science West closed off Approximately seven classrooms in the Communications North building have been affected by ceiling leaks caused by recent inclement weather, announced Provost Carol Lupardus in an email to faculty and staff Aug. 17. As these leaks could potentially cause a breach in ceiling acoustical materials, the leaks will be treated as potentially hazardous until proven otherwise. All affected areas will remained closed until further notice.

Although the presence of asbestos has not been officially announced, signs reading ‘DANGER: ASBESTOS’ have

been posted outside some classrooms in the communications North building.

The Science West building has also blocked off a small area upstairs due to leakage. In absence of a drainage system, a temporary pipe has been established, carrying water from the ceiling into a bucket, which is routinely emptied by a staff member.

Lupardus said the air in Communications North will be monitored during repairs and the following classrooms will remain closed: CN 126, CN 221, CN 222, CN 224, CN 225, CN 226, CN 227, CN 229.

Photos by Amanda Harris

Will Murry | Staff Writer

Communications North closes an entire hallway

Science West blocks off a small area upstairs

Page 4 | Art & Life

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Aug. 31, 2017

Photo Composite by Amanda Harris

When the day met the night Meramec campus witnesses total solar eclipse Bri Heaney | Staff Writer

Meet the Deans

chatted happily in the moments leading up to the eclipse, but during the final seconds, everyone cheered.

When the moon aligned with the sun along the ecliptic line that transverses the country on a diagonal from Oregon to South Carolina, things got dark.

As the sun became entirely concealed in what is known as totality, birds started to chirp, bugs swarmed and frogs started to sing.

“It was the most beautiful darkness,” said Meramec student Jackie Kutz.

Totality lasted for an average of three minutes around the St. Louis metro area. As the moon continued to glide eastward, the sun emerged and the air warmed.

Gradually the sky returned to its usual late summer brightness, leaving no evidence of the previous spectacle outside of one spectacular memory

Photo by Melissa Wilkinson

For about three minutes on August 18th, most Missourians forgot their differences and stood under uniting sun and moon, witnessing the once-in-alifetime cosmic event with the help of special solar-viewing glasses.

There are on average two complete solar eclipses every three years. However most of them happen over the ocean where they cannot be seen by most of the population. This year, Missouri was not only the heart of the Midwest but the heart of the ecliptic line. The Meramec campus was perfectly positioned to observe this rare occurrence.

Meramec’s Parking Lot K became the site for an eclipse viewing party, hosting a gathering of students starting a few hours before the event. Food offerings included Moon Pies, Sunchips, and Eclipse chewing gum, and solar-viewing glasses were handed out. Students

Snacks and solar-viewing glasses handed out at the eclipse viewing.

Dr. Patrick Mallory Dr. Ame Mead Division Dean, Division Dean, Business and Social Sciences Arts and Communications

Dr. Janet Walsh Division Dean, STEM

Melissa Wilkinson | Editor-in-Chief

How long have you been here?

“Since 2008. I’ve had a few different jobs in the Meramec Library. My last job was the senior manager of library and instructional resources.“

“Five years ago I applied for a position as Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Forest Park. And I’ve been [there] through the end of June this year and then I came here through the reorganization process...I started here July 2017.”

“I’ve worked at STLCC since 1991 teaching nursing. In 2012 I stepped into being an interim dean and then was hired as a continuing dean. I was dean of Science, Math and Health, and this year we are now the STEM division.”

What are your goals for the semester?

I hope that we will be able to get some stability under us, to be able to provide some help to the faculty and to their classes and students, and be able to support them to do [what] they do well which is teaching and learning.”

“I think that campuses benefit from stability. If my faculty can count on having a stable advocate then they are able to be better tuned in to what students need and do the most with the resources that they have. I don’t know if it’s a change but it’s definitely a desire to participate in a stable leadership system.”

“Student success and enrollment and completion are all big priorities for us, and so generally speaking I think those are the goals I’ll be focusing on.”

What’s an interesting fact about you?

“I consider myself a historian. I’ve been studying the history of baseball, particularly Chicago baseball. I’m a Cardinals fan, though!”

“I restore vintage cars with my dad and I have since I was 16. I have a 5 year old. I live about 2 miles from campus. And I’m a mega foodie”

“Once a week I volunteer at the humane society. I’m a pet pal dog walker. On sundays I go and walk the dogs that are up for adoption. I take them for nice long walks, love them, pet them, and hopefully they’ll get adopted!”

Page 5 | Art & Life 4 Aug. 31, 2017

A definitive ranking of croissants

I tried three croissants from bakeries close to Meramec. Here’s how they compare.

Melissa Wilkinson| Editor-in-Chief

Comet Croissanterie and Creamery 640 W Woodbine Ave Open Wednesday - Friday, 7am - 11am

The best croissant on this list can also be found closest to campus. Many bakeries are afraid to bake their croissants too dark, but Comet Croissanterie gets it right. The deep brown exterior provided delicious caramel notes, perfectly complementing the buttery, yeasty interior. The thick, crunchy outside kept the inside moist, allowing it to hold up well throughout the day. The only drawback to this perfect pastry is Comet Croissanterie’s limited hours. Drop by when it’s open before class and enjoy breakfast the right way.

Rating:

Nathaniel Reid Bakery

The Daily Bread

11243 Manchester Rd Open weekdays, 7am - 6pm

This was a croissant that tastes like a croissant. Inside it was moist and springy, with visible layers and a pleasant buttery flavor.

The outside, although lighter in color than some croissants, had a nice crunch to it. Perhaps the

11719 Manchester Rd Open weekdays, 6am - 8pm

most traditional offering on the list, this is a pastry to be eaten fresh. While it was delicious in the morning, by evening it had lost a lot of flavor. Get one early for the tastiest croissant experience.

Rating:

Despite its mammoth size, this croissant failed to pack much of a punch. It lacked any sort of freshbaked flavor, and could most easily be compared to a grocery store croissant. Its texture was light and airy, soft to the tooth, and it very

quickly became dry in the mouth.

It lacked all the hallmarks of a true croissant. While it might hold up toasted in sandwich form, this baked good was wholly unpleasant as a standalone breakfast.

Rating:

MONTAGE student voice What do you hope to get out of this semester at Meramec?

“I want to get an idea about which direction I need to go in life...I want to grow as a student, an artist, and a person.”

-Joshua Ellis, Sophomore

“I hope to expand my knowledge even if it means working hard, because I know that in the long run it will all pay off. I’d also like to meet new people.

-Joshua Ellis, -Joe Daab, Sophomore Freshman

“I was finally able to fit a literature class into my schedule this semester, so I’m really just hoping for some good reads and a bit of literary inspiration.”

“I’m looking for a good time.”

-Jamie Vandervoort, Sophomore

-Xavier Phillips, Sophomore

Page 6 | Art & Life

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Aug. 31, 2017

Meramec kicks into full gear with Welcome Week activities Amanda Harris | Photo Editor

Students gather for a rousing game of volleyball before class.

Students anticipate the Aug. 21 total solar eclipse.

Staff and students discuss Jim Ibur’s “Portal” sculpture at the annual faculty art exhibit.

Dancakes staff entertains students by creating individual dream pancakes during Diversitea.

Getting to know your campus Will Murry | Staff Writer

Merman Johnny W. Hood poses with student Blake Tribout on Archer Spirit Day.

DOWN 2. Where you can go for all your assessment needs 3. Where you can find the bookstore, the cafeteria, and the Montage

5. Immediately past the library 6. Where you can see the upcoming play “Fifth of July” the weekend of October 8th

8. To the left of the visitor parking lot entrance 9. To the northwest of Science South 10. The artist who made the “Birth Cycle Flip Book” in the art gallery

4. To the south of the communications north!

ACROSS 1.

The cuddly snake in Science South

7. Where a professor talks to a crowd

11. A keyhole shaped sculpture by Jim Ibur in the art gallery

12. Where to go for all your financial aid and disability needs 13. Where you can take yoga and pickleball 14. An orange butterfly on display in Science South

15. A cute red art piece by Shelby Goggin in front of humanities east

1.Black Rat Snake 2. Assessment Center 3. Student Center 4. Communications South 5. Science South 6. Theatre 7. Lecture Hall 8. Communications North 9. Science West 10. Zak Zych 11. Portal 12. Clark Hall 13. Physical Education 14. Monarch 15. Little Red House

Page 7 | Opinions 4 Aug. 31, 2017

Charlottesville: When will this end?

Finding a solution to hate speech Tania Robin | Staff Writer

hatred escalating and becoming more widespread. History tends to repeat itself. That’s why I am concerned for the future; not just my own but the future of

(SPLC). They provide statistics which show hate groups located in every state in our country.

Diversity in our country is

Graphic by Noah Sliney

The protest against the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee on Aug. 11, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia was supposed to be peaceful. But the protesters came in army-like gear carrying weapons with swastikas, Confederate flags, chanting and giving nazi salutes. These threatening and violent behaviors seemed out of place at a so-called peaceful protest.

Watching the live media coverage, I was horrified and enraged by the neonazis and white supremacists. Knowing that we have people so full of hate in our country makes me feel repulsed and horrified. Hearing those crowds screaming and shouting “Jews won’t replace us!” was beyond disturbing.

The hate speech used in the protests by these groups is only one way they threaten other groups.

There is a solution to hate speech, and that is to speak out against hate, to come together in larger numbers supporting tolerance than intolerance.

This event hit me on a personal level.

I feel less secure because I am Hispanic, and a person of color. I feel threatened knowing there are potentially violent groups of people out there who aren’t afraid to declare their intolerance. Just seeing them in the media is terrifying.

When I look at the history of hate in the world, specifically in our country, I think about how we should be opposing it. I’m afraid of this

America. There are hate groups in every state. I know because this is tracked by the Southern Poverty Law Center

important to all citizens, which is why hate groups pose a problem to what we consider our core American

“This hatred impacts everyone, not just those being singled out or attacked.”

Tania Robin morals. Events like what happened in Charlottesville are threatening our democracy. This impacts the security of citizens who are of different races and religions. I don’t want to see racism and prejudice continue growing in our diverse country.

As an STLCC student, as a woman, as a feminist and just as a human, how could I not be affected by all the awful violence that’s happening in our country? Right now it feels as if our society is moving backwards.

This hatred impacts everyone, not just those being singled out or attacked.

When one individual is attacked we are all affected. Hate ultimately kills; this is true both historically and recently.

After all, we are a diverse campus full of unique, open-minded individuals.

Let’s start respecting others and speaking out against hate and violence.

More than mountains and misery Seeing the painful beauty right before our eyes Brad Riaz | Opinions Editor

What do you think of when you hear “backpacking trip”? Do you picture hiking through the Himalayas?

Scaling the top of a huge mountain?

A backpacking trip can be so much more than an outdoor activity. It can be dangerous and educational,

strengthening and tiring, difficult and simple, all at the same time.

I went on my first trek in July of this summer through Philmont Ranch, New Mexico. Philmont is a program set up to bring people from the ages of 15 to 21 together into a crew of at least seven

Graphic by Noah Sliney

people and experience the outdoors.

Some of you might find the name familiar because it’s a pretty popular entry program to the mountains.

My trek was supposed to be twelve days and eighty-nine miles long, but it would end up being a lot longer. To some, including myself, eighty-nine miles didn’t sound too hard. I sort of had an idea of what a mile felt like because I had run track in high school, but out in the backcountry that knowledge is basically ueseless. Walking those distances in the mountains is so different from running on flat terrain. There were moments, to my dismay, when my crewmates would ask how far we had left. They rejoiced when they found out it was only two miles, only to later discover that it was all uphill. It doesn’t take two weeks in the wilderness to know that walking uphill sucks. It doe; however, take two weeks to learn that two miles of downhill can be just as bad.

Although I am incredibly grateful, I won’t lie and say that the feeling was instant. It definitely took a few days to appreciate the experience. I spent the first two days mostly adjusting to the weight of my pack and the soreness that came with it. I also had to learn the skills needed to survive out in the wilds. I didn’t have the capacity to focus on anything else. But the first time we summited a mountain that all changed.

We hiked two miles to the base of the tallest peak in Philmont, Mt. Baldy.

We then spent the next few hours heading towards the peak. This was extremely challenging because of how steep it was. There were multiple times I

felt like giving up, but one moment gave me the strength to carry on. I looked to my friend Nick, who was struggling to keep up behind me, and saw him crying.

I assumed it was because his muscles hurt, so I told him we were almost there. But, as he told me, he wasn’t crying because of the pain. He was crying because of the beauty of the mountain.

He pointed outwards and said, “Just look at it, man.” That exact moment was when I knew it would all be worth it.

I learned that the constant soreness would always be overcome by what backpacking really offers you; the feeling of being in the embrace of Mother Nature. You are cradled in her presence and then rewarded with her gifts. I can’t recount how many amazing experiences I had out there, or how many different animals I chartered as the Wilderness Gaia of my crew. Nor can I count all the times where I felt closer to my crew as we bonded as brothers. Overall, the moments we stopped and took pictures at an amazing gorge or bluff or mountain immensely outnumbered the times we stopped for a break. So much was my crew able to overcome the hardships so that we were able to go farther than initally intended. We were assigned eighty-nine miles and two mountains to summit, but we ended up doing over 150 and got five mountains under the belt.

My trek has carved me into the person I am now as much as my shoes carved themselves through the mountain trails. Hopefully I have encouraged you to try the same.

Page 8 | Sports Aug. 31, 2017

Athlete profile

Sarah Stretch - Set on Success

Madison Bouse | Staff Writer numbers and titles.

“I don’t worry about the stats as much as I did before, because I should always be giving 100 percent into every dig, set and swing, regardless of if it upped my stats.

If I’m giving my all, the stats and wins will follow,” she said.

Instead, she said she is trying to focus on her role as a leader and motivator for her teammates, set on leaving a legacy of “energy and positivity” behind when she graduates and transfers out of Meramec this fall.

“I want to focus on having an attitude that is intense and determined, yet positive and supportive… Any sport is 90 percent attitude and mindset and 10 percent skill, give or take. I’m going to lead by example and come into every practice and game focused and optimistic.”

Submitted Photo

you only give 50 percent, then that is all you will get in results,” said Stretch.

“Outside of that, I make sure I’m drinking mostly, if not only, water. I try to get at least 6 hours of sleep... I almost always stay after practice to get some extra reps. I want to be the best setter, hitter, and passer I can for my team, and the reps help build the muscle memory.”

Stretch also encourages other athletes to search for their own source of passion, and above all, to invest in the people they train and play alongside.

She credits her former and current teammates with much of her success, owing it to the positive energy they reflect upon each other. Stretch’s devotion to this healthy, supportive team dynamic among players and coaches is quite apparent, and she seems to have found her niche here at Meramec.

“There is always someone who is watching your form and telling you what you need to fix or willing to work with you one on one,” she said. “[The coaches] all share the same passion as us and… want to help us improve as much as possible.”

While Stretch is on a trajectory bound for even greater success, having already ranked 1st in the nation for assists and assists per set in the NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association) Division, she says her greatest goals aren’t really centered on the

Photos by Ashley Biundo

A passion for volleyball started early for Sarah Stretch, who began playing the game in the third grade and credits her eighth grade coach with inspiring her to explore her potential in the sport. After graduating from high school in 2012 and choosing to spend just one season playing for MSU - West Plains, Stretch was invited by Coach Geoffrey Davis this July to join the team at STLCC – Meramec.

“It had been 5 years since I had played at a collegiate level… I finally feel like I’m getting a second chance at my passion,” said Stretch.

Her career in the sport has been a long and dynamic journey, but today Stretch finds motivation from a very special source: her three-year-old daughter, Averie.

“I want her to look up to me and see how hard I work to do what I love,” Stretch said. “This could possibly be the last time I play at this level, so I know that if I want to further my volleyball career, I have to push through the sweat and tears. “ Part of that push is an intense and consistent training routine designed by Otavio, the team’s trainer, to challenge and strengthen them. Stretch recommends a similar regimen for other athletes hoping to up their game and reap results from their hard work.

“I always try to make sure I’m doing each exercise to my greatest ability. If

Alexa Griffonetti, Forward

Noah Vezzu, Midfielder

Men’s and women’s soccer teams kick off season Ashley Biundo | Staff Photographer

The Archer’s men and women’s soccer teams kicked of their season with opening games on Aug 22 and Aug 25.

The men’s team had a victory of 9-1 against Carl Sandburg College at the Florrisant Valley Campus.

The women’s team lost 2-1 against Allen County Community College in overtime at the Florrisant Valley Campus.

According to Women’s Head Coach Jason Howard, the expectations for the team extend beyond the regular

season. “To aim for regionals again this year. I believe we are deep enough to do it, and hopefully injuries don’t keep us away from it,” he said.

Men’s Soccer hopes for the same, said Asst. Coach Sean Taylor. “We need to do a lot better than last year, and need to make sure to raise the level from what it was last year,” he said. “We won 20 games last season and need to win 21 games this year. To make it to nationals, we were one game short last year; this year we will have to go.”

Upcoming Games September 1st

Women’s Soccer Eastern Florida State College, 5pm

September 2nd

Men’s Soccer Illinois Valley Community College, 2pm

September 3rd

Women’s Soccer STLCC Meramec Campus, 9am Men’s Soccer Kankakee Community College, 2pm

September 6th Women’s Volleyball Missouri State University-West Plains, 6.30 pm

September 7th Men’s Soccer St. Charles Community College 4pm