The Murray State News

The Murray State News September 25, 2015

TheNews.org

Vol. 90, No. 6

Wave of fraternity probations receding Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief

mbradley9@murraystate.edu

Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.edu

Five fraternities landed on social probation and social suspension since July – with two still on probation – because of stricter enforcement of university policies and complications from anonymous reports through the LiveSafe app.

“We’re trying to safeguard not only the community, but also the university in the policies that we’re doing,” said Evan Ditty, coordinator of Greek life and student leader-

ship programs.

• Pi Kappa Alpha faced social probation for holding an unregistered social event in July.

• Holding unregistered social events let to Lambda Chi Alpha’s suspension in July and Alpha Tau Omega’s suspension in August.

Lambda Chi Alpha remains on probation until two sanctions are completed.

• Sigma Chi was suspended because of an anonymous tip from LiveSafe, which claimed several members assaulted an attendee. That was later disproved.

• Alpha Gamma Rho remains on social probation.

Open records obtained by The Murray State News show email exchanges, letters, police reports and LiveSafe reports that led to the fraternities’ probations and suspensions.

Two fraternities – Pi Kappa Alpha and Lambda Chi Alpha – were required to attend a hearing with the Greek Standards Board earlier in September, two months after they landed on probation and suspension.

The board members, however, did not complete training until Sept. 8, when four of the five fraternities already received letters, according to correspondence from the Greek life office.

Ditty said the training date

had been set in the spring before he arrived on campus after accepting the position earlier in the year.

Ditty said party regulations were not enforced as strongly in the past by the Greek life office and he and other Greek Ditty life administrators are working to bring the “reins back in.”

While some of LiveSafe’s reports have been false or uncon-

firmed, Ditty said anonymous tips will be investigated before fraternities are initially placed on social suspension or probation.

“We’re treating them with seriousness just because we want to believe that the app is being used the way it should be, but at the same time we’re also making sure we’re doing a punitive investigation to see whether or not it’s true before we go and put them on social suspension from here on out,” Ditty said.

Sigma Chi President Jared Stallons said issues at the beginning of the year frustrated him, but he now has a better understanding of policies.

“At first I was pretty frus-

trated because initially we were being punished for something we actually did not do,” Stallons said. “Over the course of talking to university admins, I finally had a little bit of understanding why they were doing what they were doing even though it was frustrating for us. Now, that the university is actually getting everything together, I’m confident something like this won’t happen again.”

President Bob Davies said the fraternities were involved in “serious incidents” but declined to elaborate. He said he believes the Greek systems remains important to the univer-

see PROBATIONS, 2A

Posters in Faculty Hall vandalized Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief

mbradley9@murraystate.edu

Kalli Bubb/The News

Feeling the Burn Jessica Bostick

Assistant News Editor jbostick2@murraystate.edu

Employees that smoke can expect to pay an extra $600 in premium costs.

This rise in cost is due to rising medical costs, rising medication costs, the costs of health care reform and Affordable Care Act Excise tax, according to the human resources department.

“The Health Care Reform Excise tax … requires that, basically, if by 2018 we [Murray State] have not kept costs affordable, not just in what the university pays, but in what the employee pays, the total cost of the plan, anything that exceeds that threshold will then be taxed as Excise tax at a rate of 40 percent,” said Joyce Gordon, director of human resources said at a benefits town hall meeting Sept. 16.

This decision to redesign the benefits offered by the University was subject to approval from Murray State’s Board of Regents as well as the Insurance and Benefits Committee. Many factors went into this decision such as the rise of health

care costs. This is the first change made to the benefits plan in the past five years.

These reforms have been in the works since August 2014.

“Since health care reform became the law of the land, Murray State has already spent $600,000 in taxes and administrative fees,” Gordon said.

The former plan held employees responsible for 15 percent of expenses, with the University covering the remaining 85 percent of the cost. With the updated benefits, employees with now pay 20 percent of medical expenses, with Murray State paying the remaining 80 percent.

“Tobacco users traditionally, with medical claims, cost significantly more on the plan,” Susan Spier, benefits manager, said.

The program defines tobacco users as anyone who has partaken in the use of tobacco products within the past 90 days.

Tobacco products include cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, hookah, snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, bidis, blunts, clove cigarettes or any other preparation of tobacco.

The new benefits program includes changes through offering a Wellness program for $10 per month, increased contribution to employees Health Savings Accounts, medical premium adjustments and prescription coverage supported by “Know Your Rx.” “We were charged with looking at how we keep quality health care that is available and affordable to all individuals but also remembering we’re talking about group insurance,” Gordon said. “Our task is to identify, with the input of campus, what is best for the full group, not just segments of the group.”

The Employee Assistance Program, or EAP, will be made available to employees for no additional cost. This program will provide employees with counseling services, financial planning, supervisor assistance and other services.

Additional information on changes to employee insurance benefits can be found on Murray State’s website under human resources. The entirety of the town hall meeting can be found on the university’s YouTube page.

Several posters hung in Faculty Hall advertising the Muslim Student Organization’s, or MSO, Hijab Day were reported as being vandalized with slurs against the organization and event.

The vandalism was reported Sept. 17, the day of the event, and slurs such as “Hey want to find out what it’s like to be flogged? Stoned, too?” and “Bad joke!” were written on the pink and white posters.

Jordi Tennison, senior from St. Louis, said she first heard about the vandalism after her girlfriend sent her a text message that morning. After she saw the posters firsthand, she said she took one down and reported it.

“I was appalled,” she said.

“It’s crazy to think someone would go that far.”

Tennison said when she turned the poster in to a secretary in the building, she was told there had been multiple reports already that morning.

Tennison said shared a photo of the vandalism on Facebook, which garnered responses from the university community and more than 120 shares.

MSO student Paige Carman designed the posters for the event and said she did not let the vandalism upset her, but rather looked at it from her religion’s point of view.

“We’re not supposed to get mad about things like this or upset about things like this,” Carman said. “We try to follow prophet Mohammad, peace be upon Him, and what he says. He used to get trash thrown upon Him and he would pay no mind to it.”

She said the media can misrepresent her culture and religion, but that she would be happy to talk to and teach people – including whoever wrote on the posters – about the Muslim culture.

She said MSO wants to help students understand their religion and that events such as Hijab Day are meant to help people dismiss any misconceptions they might have.

She said the vandalism did not outshine the event itself and that most of the MSO students were unaware of it happening.

“We still had a happy time and everything was good and fine,” Carman said.

Carman said she knows that the vandalism does not represent Murray State and that she and MSO received encouragement and positive feedback more than anything. Carman converted over a year ago and said she this is the first time she has ever seen anything like this.

“I know Murray State is a very diverse place,” she said. “I know they didn’t mean to be so cruel about it. I know this has no reflection toward Murray State because it’s a wonderful university.”

Retired professors to discuss desegregation Lauren Epperson Staff writer

lepperson1@murraystate.edu

In celebration of the 60th anniversary of desegregation at Murray State, three retired African-American Murray State professors will speak at 5 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Reflections from the Past event, to be held in the Curris Center.

“As millennials, we owe it to our predecessors to reflect, think critically, and engage with major sociopolitical movements like desegregations which have not always been conducive to societal comfort,” said Garris Stroud, senior from Greenville, Ken-

WHAT’S

INSIDE

tucky.

The Reflections from the Past will give Murray State students the opportunity to do just that. It will highlight a panel of speakers who have directly experienced desegregation. Pearl A. Payne, JoAnn Hammons and Steven H. Jones will all speak on the panel.

Payne and Hammons, Murray State alumni, will speak to the university community about their experiences as students during the times of segregation and desegregation.

Jones will speak about his experiences as an educator, as he was one of Murray State’s

FALL FARM

first seven African-American full-time professors.

“We hope that students and people who attend the session will get an idea of what it was like to be a minority African-American faculty member at various stages at Murray State University,” Jones said.

The community will also have the opportunity to learn about the history of desegregation at the university during the event. They will even show a short video about the first African-American Murray State graduates, including Nancy Tyler, who

see REFLECTIONS, 2A

OUR VIEW

Elementary school kids take on Enough is enough with Fall on the Farm, 6A intolerance, 4A

WHAT’S ON THENEWS.ORG FALL BREAK

We won’t be printing next week because of the break, but you can catch some new stories online at TheNews.org.

RACER FOOTBALL Jenny Rohl/The News

Three retired Murray State professors will speak at Reflections from the Past Sept. 29.

Follow @MSUSportsNews on Twitter and check out our continuing game coverage at TheNews.org.

THE CHAMPS

KAPPA DELTA

Racer volleyball defends its OVC title, 1B

Kappa Delta holds a tournament to raise money, 5B

The News

News

2A

REFLECTIONS From Page 1 graduated in 1961.

“I think that this event is a really great opportunity for students to celebrate the steps we’ve taken towards equality at Murray State,” said Jennifer Wyatt, senior from Louisville, Kentucky.

“This is my second year attending.”

The event is set to coincide with Organizational Communications Day and will put a focus on social networking as well as desegregation.

Reflections from the Past will begin with an opportunity for students to network on the concourse of the third floor of the Curris Center with the presenters, Organizational Communications Day alumni, Town and Gown guests, university-wide guests and Office of Regional Outreach guests.

“The purpose of both events is to expose students to networking with peers, supervisors and community members and to exCoel pose them to moderate to high-end events that include dining within professional workplace settings,” said Crystal Rae Coel, professor of organizational communications.

After the networking opportunity, students and guests will move to the ballroom for the banquet and program.

The event will begin with etiquette tips from event specialist and business developer James Owen Butler of “Gourmet Your Way, Inc.” in Jackson, Tennessee.

There will also be a brief overview of the history and program for Reflections from the Past by visiting distinguished professor of nonprofit leadership, Robert Long.

Students and guests will then partake in the banquet meal as the speakers share their journeys through desegregation.

“I would encourage my fellow students to attend and learn from their professors and their lived experiences,” Stroub said.

Reflections from the Past is free and will be open to the public; however, due to limited space, it is an RSVP only event.

September 25, 2015

New scholarship model revealed Mikayla Marshall Staff writer

mmarshall@murraystate.edu

As the tuition increases for incoming freshmen at Murray State, so do scholarship opportunities.

Upon evaluation, the university decided to create a new scholarship model that offers higher amounts, but will be more competitive. The National Merit scholarship will also be added to the list of scholarships incoming freshmen can apply for.

The university is raising its expectations and looking for students with the characteristics to succeed.

PROBATIONS From Page 1 sity.

“The fraternities and sororities provide immense value to the members, to the community, to the university and add to the experience of being a university student,” Davies said. “I want to see our Greek system thrive. I want to see our Greek system continue to grow and expand.”

SUMMER INCIDENTS

The Greek Standards Board placed Pi Kappa Alpha, or Pike, on social probation July 20 because of an unregistered social event, according to a letter from Ditty Pike President Jared Bone.

Additionally, a Public Safety and Emergency Management police report stated the same party July 18 resulted in a “large fight.”

It took seven officers to break up the fight in addition to two Calloway County deputies Pike hired for security that night.

The fight later moved to Cook Out, but the Murray City Police broke it up.

According to a letter from Ditty to Bone, the standards

“It will impact enrollment for the better,” said Jackie Dudley, vice president of Finance and Administrative Services.

The new scholarship model will focus more toward the performance of students and have higher standards for grades and ACT scores. The school hopes to better the student population by bringing in the best people, who will add more to the academics on campus.

University officials hope to increase enrollment gradually, so it can handle the growth with ease.

President Bob Davies said another financial change that may be implemented is the

uncapping of tuition hours.

Students would be able to take more hours as long as they can pay for them. He said this would only affect incoming freshmen in fall 2016 and will need to be approved by the Board of Regents first.

“It’s good in a way,” Kristen Stephens, sophomore from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, said.

“That way they get students who don’t slack off.”

She said she believes the new scholarship model will create an incentive for incoming freshmen to try harder.

The new model will only be for incoming freshmen’s benefit – students already enrolled on campus will receive none of

the benefits.

“If you’re going to get scholarships you have to work for them,” said Lukas Rice, junior from Mayfield, Kentucky.

Rice received several scholarships from Murray State that helped him pay for most of his tuition. He said that he worked hard in high school for his grades so he could be considered for scholarships when it came time to apply.

However, some students see the new model as unfair.

“The ACT doesn’t test how smart you are,” said Ashley Moats, sophomore from Fargo, North Dakota. “It tests how well you can take a test.”

Moats said if a student is

a senior and hasn’t been the perfect student all through high school, but wants to change their work ethic to be eligible for scholarships, then they might feel as though it’s a waste of time because they can’t go back a change everything.

This will also affect students from out-of-state, who pay double what in-state students pay but will have a harder time receiving scholarships. Moats said she took out a substantial amount of student loans because her tuition is so high. She said she chose Murray State because she fell in love with the school and wanted to keep her horse on campus.

board released the fraternity from probation Sept. 15. Pike was not going to be held responsible for the alleged violation. Ditty also thanked them for cooperating with the standards board during the investigation.

He said reports from LiveSafe could be made up or false.

volved in another altercation, in which partygoers claimed a gun or a knife was involved.

Law enforcement could not confirm that, according to the state police report.

After the party, leaders of the Emmanuel Lutheran Church located next door to the Chop house complained in a letter Aug. 25 to Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Mike Young. It requested Chop members to respect their property.

“Numerous times they have had parties,” the letter said.

“There is a tremendous amount of trash left in our parking lot and our grounds, including broken alcohol bottles and other litter.”

itive influence, with 100 percent chapter participation, • Write an apology letter to the female guest who was assaulted • And write an apology letter to the Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Chop also must to have two chapter advisers, Ditty and the social chair of IFC at the next two registered social events.

The standards board downgraded Chop’s suspension to probation Sept. 11 after meeting the mock social event and TIPS requirements, according to a letter sent from Ditty to Pazderka.

Pazderka said the fraternity is in the process of writing the letters to the woman assaulted and to the church and they plan on doing more.

“We’re going to go beyond that and say we’re going to dedicate this many community service hours to [the church] to restore our relationship and buy cones or a chain or something to where nobody can use that lot during social events,” Pazderka said. “With the girl, I’m supposed to write her a letter but I’m hoping to turn that into a lunch, just to go a little above and beyond to restore that relationship because that’s awful.”

REPORTS OF FIGHTS

Lambda Chi Alpha, or Chop, faced social suspension July 13 after the Greek office received a police report. The fraternity was placed on suspension for an unregistered social event that occurred the night of July 11.

LIVESAFE’S ROLE

Alpha Tau Omega, or ATO, was placed on social suspension effective Aug. 24 for an unregistered social event held on Aug. 22, according to a letter from Ditty to ATO president Aran Coughlan. Someone anonymously reported it through LiveSafe.

The LiveSafe user claimed five or six AGR members assaulted the person at the ATO event and wrote their friend recognized the lettering on their shirts.

Ditty wrote in a letter to Coughlan on Sept. 14 that the standards board cleared the fraternity of all charges, ending the probation because the complaints could not be confirmed.

“LiveSafe is a practical app that has the potential to help out the student body with safety and tips that are easily acceptable,” Coughlan told The News in an email. “However, it is wrong to place a whole chapter on ‘suspension’ because of an anonymous tip.”

“

I want to see our Greek system thrive. I want to see our Greek system continue to grow and expand.

- President Bob Davies

”

In addition, a woman at the party reported to a Kentucky State Police trooper on patrol that two women and a man assaulted her.

The trooper confirmed seeing a woman who “was crying and angry” and had “scratches and redness on her face,” according to a police report.

That wasn’t the only incident related to the fraternity’s party that night, according to the report. Murray City Police officers chased after a man in-

MAKING AMENDS

Because of this, the fraternity attended a hearing with the Greek Standards Board Sept. 10. According to a letter sent to Chop President Barrett Pazderka on Sept. 11, the fraternity would remain on social suspension until they met requirements: • Have a mock social event, presented by Ditty, with 100 percent chapter participation, • Complete TIPS, a seminar that educates organizations on how to be a pos-

Jenny Rohl/The News

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The News

September 25, 2015 News Editor: Mari-Alice Jaspar Assistant Editor: Jessica Bostick Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews

POLICE BEAT 6:51 a.m. Racer Patrol advised Mur-

Sept. 17 7:16 p.m. A caller reported a ray State Police of an abandoned motor vehicle collision at Colgolf cart outside the Lowry Center. lege Courts. Officers were noOfficers were notified and an infortified and a collision report was mation report was taken. taken.

11:42 p.m An officer conducted 9:51 p.m. Racer Patrol reported a traffic stop at 121 North and a verbal altercation in front of Coldwater Streets. A citation was Carr Health Building. Officers issued to the driver for failure to were notified. wear a seatbelt. The passenger

Sept. 18

1:52arrested a.m. Officers conducted was on an outstanding parkingand enforcement. warrant was taken to Four Calloparking citations way County Jail. were given in the College Courtsreported parking alot.

8:20 a.m. A caller res8:12 a.m.

A motor idential college flag vehicle missing.colThe lision was at Roy Housing Officereported was notified.

Stewart Stadium.

Officers and a 11:22 p.m.

A caller reported owners of theaccident vehicleswith were motor vehicle no notified. owners refused a injuries atBoth White Residential Colcollision report. lege.

Officers were notified and a

Sept. 19 8:37 a.m.

Officers conducted report was taken. parking enforcement in the a 7:17 p.m. An officer conducted Residential College and College traffic stop at the Business Building Courts lot. parking lots. Eight citaparking A citation was issued tions were issued. for driving on a suspended license.

1:46p.m. p.m. A was con8:51 A traffic callerstop reported the ducted byatofficers at the Five smell of gas Hart Residential ColPoints parking lot. Fire A citation lege.

Officers, Murray Departwas issued for careless ment, Central Heating anddriving Cooling and failure possess a license.

Plant, MurraytoGas and the State Fire

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Offi- a sparking in and the an 300inforblock cers wereoutlet notified ofmation College Courts.

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Winslow Dining Hall. Officers 4:57 The and Murray PolicereDewerep.m. notified a collision partment notified of a mediport was was taken. cal emergency at the Volleyball

News 3A Honor society collects more than 200 books Courtney Scoby || Staff writer cscoby@murraystate.edu

A campus organization is helping community children to build their reading skills, one book at a time.

Last semester, the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi collected 221 new and gently used children’s books to donate to local elementary school students. The Murray Family Resource Youth Service Center will distribute the books through their summer reading program.

“That really passed our expectations,” said Student Vice President Jaime Staengel. “We would have been happy to just get 100.”

The books were collected through drop boxes placed all across campus.

Some of the most popular drop-off areas were in Wilson Hall, Faculty Hall and Waterfield Library.

While all donations were appreciated by the group, Phi Kappa Phi members sorted through the donated books to make sure that the children were not getting damaged books.

“Since they were going to kids that wouldn’t normally get books, we wanted to make sure that they were nice quality for the students that were going to receive them,” Staengel said.

Staengel said that while this was the inaugural Phi Kappa Phi book drive, there are plans to make the event an annual one.

“We don’t have a lot of concrete plans yet, but mainly we want to work with other organizations on campus and promote an atmosphere for them to strive to donate the most books,” Staengel said.

The book drive falls in line with one of the honor society’s primary goals: to promote literacy.

“Our chapter is working really

Contributed photo

Phi Kappa Phi donated more than 200 books for local elementary school students during last semester’s book drive. hard to promote the love of learning and literacy among students of all ages,” Staengel said.

Members of Phi Kappa Phi are not the only individuals in the community concerned with childhood literacy, however.

Murray Family Resource Youth Service Center, which received the books collected on campus, conducts a once-weekly summer reading program every year in conjunction with the Summer in the Park Program.

“Every student left with a brand new book,” said Morgan Carman, Murray Family Resource Youth Service Center director. “They could come every Tuesday during the summer and by the end of the summer have seven or eight new books.”

Carman emphasized the importance of summer reading practices for children.

“We do it every year to promote reading the two or three months they’re out of school so they don’t forget what they’ve learned,” Carman said.

The summer reading program does not focus solely on success in school, however.

“We try to tie in what reading can help you do, that it can help you get a career,” Carman said.

The program features “guest readers” who read the children a book and then talk a little bit about their own career.

While the program is directed toward students in the Murray city

Golf scramble raises money for NeedLine

Sept. 21 12:09 a.m. A caller reported a Courts. andat Murray AmmedicalOfficers emergency Hart Resbulance notified. idential Services College. were Officers and The patient was transported and the Murray Ambulance Service awere report was taken. notified.

The student was 3:46 a.m. Officers conducted a transported by ambulance. check of a person on driver North on 12th 11:24 a.m.

A reckless Street. person arrested to and RacerThe Drive waswas reported transported to Calloway County Jail officers. The person was gone for alcohol intoxication upon officer arrival. in a public place. A report was taken.

Sept. 22

11:54 a.m. Officers were notified of a medical emergency at 9:09 p.m.

A caller reported Health Building.

The pa-at a Carr smoke detector activated tient refused transport

by MurSpringer Residential College due to a ray hairAmbulance dryer. Officers were notified Service. and threat of firestop waswas found.

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A citation ofwas property from a vehicle from issued for failure to wear a Alexander Hall. Officers were noseatbelt. tified and a report was taken for

Sept. 23 11:50of a.m.

A medical emergency theft under $500 by unlawful was reported at Alexander Hall. taking from a vehicle.

Officers notified and the 6:12 p.m. were A caller reported the patient was transported amsmell of marijuana at Hart.by Officers bulance. were notified and an information report was taken.

5:57 p.m.

A caller reported persons stuck on the elevator in the Price Doyle Fine Arts Building.

2:47 p.m. Central A caller reported an Officers, Plant and the unauthorized company selling Murray Fire Department were products on campus at Winslow notified. All people were exDining Hall. The caller was retracted from theAffairs. elevator. An ferred to Student information report was taken 6:12 p.m. A caller reported the by officers. smell of natural gas at the Old Fine Arts Building. Officers, Central Heating and Cooling Plant, Murray Fire department, Murray Gas and the State Fire Marshall were noti11 taken. fiedMotor and aAssists report –was Racer Escorts – 4 Arrests – 0 Motorists assists – 8 Racer escorts – 1 Arrests – 2

Call of Fame Sept. 22, 1:56 a.m. A person reported unauthorized entry into their room. Officers were notified. A report was taken for criminal trespass in the 3rd degree.

Mary Bradley, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials Jessica Bostick, Assistant News provided by Public Safety andBeat EmerEditor, compiles Police gency withManagement. material provided by Public Safety and Emergency ManNot all dispatched calls are listed. agement.

Not all dispatched calls are listed.

school district, participation is open to all children in the community.

“The program is for any child in the community aged 0-18,” Carman said. “If there is a child in town visiting their grandparents, they can come too.”

Because the program is so open, many books are needed.

“On average, we give away about 150 books a week,” Carman said.

In the meantime, Phi Kappa Phi may be spreading the literary love to other organizations as well.

“This coming year we haven’t decided what our target audience is going to be,” Staengel said. “Whatever group we choose that the books are going to, that determines what books we collect.”

Chalice Keith/The News

The annual charity golf scramble raised money for NeedLine to help support those in need.

Tierra Reese || Staff writer treese1@murraystate.edu

The bright green fields at Murray Golf Course set the scene for an annual charity golf tournament with a hit in a four man scramble consisting of 60 players.

Murray and Calloway County NeedLine, a nonprofit social resource center, hosts an annual golf tournament every year to raise money for peo-

ple in less fortunate situations. About $7,300 was raised this year from private donations from organizations such as United Way, Salvation Army, Lowes and many more.

This high profit will go mainly toward their “Backpack Program” right before the holidays and the rest toward the working poor in need. The Backpack Program provides about 680 children with food boxes and hygienic needs.

With 15 teams of four in the tournament, Joe

Bolin, Gary Haverstock, Bill Davis and Mike Holton won first place with a score of 51. In second place, a score of 53 with Mark Whitaker, Heath Scott, Jason Howell and Scott Foster being the runners up.

There are more than eighty sponsors, some being churches, for this event with each donating $50 to NeedLine. With their help, NeedLine can help support 240 people with food and a means of transportation once a month.

Racers Helping Racers, another branch of their services, provides Murray State students with food and care packaging donations.

NeedLine’s annual charity golf tournament started more than nine years ago with far less involvement. She said, as the years have gone by, they have had a more successful tournament.

Mona Bolin, NeedLine Board member, said, “[The golf tournament was] A lot of fun while being the main fundraiser for the year.”

Murray State Alumni Avery Mayweather consistently attends this event and encourages others to attend as well.

Kathy Kopperud, a NeedLine board member, said she is thankful for the local support that Murray State students often provide each year for the tournament. Kopperud said that NeedLine is always looking for students to intern or volunteer with their organization.

Kelly Doran, a NeedLine board member, said last year, Murray State students could donate their remaining flex dollars to their organization.

Doran and the rest of the board members appreciated those donations and hope to have that continue for this year as well.

NSLS hosts orientation for new members

Kayla Harrell || Staff writer kharrell4@murraystate.edu

The National Society of Leadership and Success held its orientation for new members Tuesday in Mason Hall.

The National Society of Leadership and Success became an established chapter two years ago at Murray State. The society has inducted 73 members since being established.

Peter Ney, vice president of the society, said the society is a group to help students achieve their goals, dreams for life and to make them better leaders for the world.

Students pay a one-time fee of $85 and complete steps toward induction to become a member. One of the steps includes attending a leadership training day on either Oct. 11 or Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. in Mason Hall.

Members are required to listen or watch speaker broadcasts and discuss them with their peers. Members also participate in three success networking team meetings.

“These meetings keep the individual on task to their goal,” Ney said.

Students receive multiple benefits from joining this society. Members can receive scholarships and awards, graduation honors, nationwide networks and more, according to the National Society of Leadership and Success website.

Paige Effinger, treasurer of the Na-

Chalice Keith/The News

The National Society of Leadership and Success gets students involved on campus and in the community. tional Society of Leadership and Success, said she has gained confidence by being a part of the society.

“Through this leadership opportunity, I gained knowledge on how to be a successful employee and student,” she said.

The leadership skills gained from joining the society help students in their career development.

Elle LaPlante, freshman from Marion, Kentucky, said the society builds and strengthens skills needed in the work force and helps students get

jobs when they graduate college.

Philanthropy is one goal of the chapter this year. The society was founded with the sole purpose of creating lasting positive change, according to the National Society of Leadership and Success website.

Thomas Shelburn, sophomore from Benton, Kentucky, said he looks forward to the opportunity to give back to the community.

“One of the values of the society is building leaders to make a better world,” Ney said.

The National Society of Leadership and Success gets students involved on campus and connects them with the community.

“The society gives me the chance to reach out to businesses before I graduate college,” Shelburn said.

These connections help students to develop relationships with companies and future employers. Sources like these provide students a wider range of career options after graduation.

About 89 percent of society members transitioning into careers landed the job of their choice upon graduation, according to the June 2015 national survey of society members provided by the National Society of Success and Leadership. Of those students, 83 percent attributed their success to the society.

The society implemented tactics to bring awareness to Murray State students about the society itself and the aspects it encompasses.

“Publicity and advertising are some focuses our executive board have been working on,” Effinger said.

Murray State’s chapter started Facebook and Twitter accounts and plan to use them to publicize the society better.

“Joining this society gives me a great opportunity to meet other students and be involved with people,” Shelburn said. “It also gives me a good opportunity to better myself in the process.”

4A

September 25, 2015

The News

Opinion

Opinion Editor: Allison Borthwick Phone: 270-809-5873

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Our View

The News 2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 murraystatenews@icloud.com Fax: 270-809-3175

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Intolerable intolerance

Mari-Alice Jasper News Editor • 270-809-4468 mjasper1@murraystate.edu Allison Borthwick Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 aborthwick@murraystate.edu Connor Jaschen Features Editor • 270-809-5871 cjaschen@murraystate.edu Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 krandolph3@murraystate.edu Adrienne Vititoe Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 avititoe@murraystate.edu Elizabeth Leggett Online Editor • 270-809-5877 eleggett@murraystate.edu Jenny Rohl Advertising Sales Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com Alex Hilkey Advertising Production • 270-809-5874 shilkey@murraystate.edu Fumi Nakamura Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 fnakamura1@murraystate.edu Cameron Witte Chief Videographer cwitte@murraystate.edu Joe Hedges Adviser • 270-809-3937 jhedges@murraystate.edu

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The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

Enough.

To each and every person who reads this: enough. Regardless of who you are or what you believe, at some point in your life you have more than likely disrespected someone or something you don’t even understand.

The most recent example of this happening on Murray State’s campus was the vandalism of promotional posters for the Muslim Student Organization’s, or MSO, Hijab Day. The posters were simply encouraging students to find out what it would be like to wear a hijab, the headscarf some Muslim women choose to wear. The event’s purpose was not to convert people or force cultural/religious beliefs onto students – it was to peacefully educate.

However, some students’ senses of superiority were threatened, so they climbed on top of their high horses and anonymously defiled the MSO’s posters with phrases like:

“Hey want to find out what it’s like to be flogged? Stoned, too?”

“Bad joke!”

Excitement for diversity quickly turned into disappointment because of adversity.

Stop. No more.

We can’t keep going on like this. There are too many negative forces in this world for us to become one of them.

Why ignorance thrived in light of an event that strived for awareness, we may never know.

There are hundreds of different religions, faiths and belief systems in this world. According to ReligiousTolerance.org, there are more than 1,500 Christian faith groups in North America alone.

Can you imagine how silly it would be if a Catholic walked into a Baptist church, wrote hateful slurs all over the walls and told everyone their religious beliefs were wrong?

Sorry – typo. By “silly” I meant “unnecessary and ignorant.” Much like publicly disrespecting a cul-

tural event you refuse to understand.

There are sexual orientations other than heterosexual and homosexual. There is a difference between sex and gender, and some people feel stuck with the wrong ones. Every country, state and city has a different culture.

These are the facts – this is the infamous “melting pot” that is the United States of America.

Get used to it.

No, we take that back. Don’t just get used to it. Accept it. Embrace it. Educate yourself and strive to learn more about the people you’re supposed to be United with.

According to Merriam-Webster, “united” means, “made one; relating to or produced by joint action; being in agreement.” The words “ignorance,” “intolerance” or “blind disrespect” aren’t included.

One of the student statistics on Murray State’s website is, “our student body represents 40 states, 47 foreign countries and 107 Kentucky counties.”

It is a statistical, factually-based promise that people are going to be different than you.

If that scares you or makes you uncomfortable, check your insecurities and self-assigned privilege at the door. They’re not welcome here.

It’s time to grow up, make new friends and learn new things. This isn’t kindergarten anymore – you should know right from wrong by now. Wake up from nap time and be aware of the beauty and opportunities cultural differences can offer.

President Bob Davies responded to Hijab Day in the best way possible on Instagram: “At Murray State we must embrace our similarities, value our differences and most importantly, respect and learn from all of our encounters and shared moments as that is what makes us humans with a soul, a heart and a mind. That is what Murray State is about.”

That is what Murray State should be about.

I Get to Write About Anything I Want?

19 Ways Buzzfeed Has Changed Media

Sorry, everyone. This isn’t a listicle, but at least I got your attention.

It all started in the late fall of 2012, my freshman year.

I kept noticing funny videos and quippy “articles” about loving mac’n’cheese that were being shared on my Facebook timeline and they Taylor Grace Suiter were all coming from one source: Senior from Buzzfeed.

Brentwood, Tennessee I decided to visit the homepage for myself and found the splashy red and yellow sticker-filled site that I’m all too familiar with now. I wasn’t sure what exactly Buzzfeed was, but I knew it was fun.

How could I not like a site devoted to reaction gifs and product recommendations?

Then came the quizzes.

At first people would share their outcomes, touting their results from “Which Ivy League Should You Really Attend?” Buzzfeed realized how popular the quizzes were becoming and devoted an entire tab to them.

Many lunches in the T-Room consisted of passing phones around and taking quiz after quiz, as if the results spoke to who me and my friends were on our deepest levels.

As Buzzfeed’s popularity spread, so did its content. They began covering world news, politics and national tragedies.

Suddenly when people said, “Oh, yeah, I actually read an article about that!” it really meant they had seen it covered on Buzzfeed.

It makes a lot of sense. Before coming to college, I lived in a home where the if the TV was on, the news was probably playing.

In college, my laptop replaced the TV screen and it’s not like I was using it to stream nightly news, so there was a void in my news consumption that Buzzfeed was willing to fill. The sad part is that I bought into the idea that the same site that produces three-minute videos about burritos and men trying on women’s swimwear was also capable of delivering reliable news about things that matter. Reading about massacres like the Charleston Shooting seemed more palatable when in just one click I could see “College Life As Explained by Toddlers in Tiaras.” It was easier to use Buzzfeed for everything news media related, and just like that it became my most favorite news source.

It seems I wasn’t the only one, because companies caught on. Popular Buzzfeed-style tactics like listicles, funny videos and “You won’t believe what happens when” titles opened the doors for a million other pseudo-news publications. Since the number of clicks and shares an “article” (and I use that term loosely) gets now serves as a marker for how valuable the piece

is, the content – whether it’s news or a cute cat picture – can be an afterthought.

As long as a publication can get enough people to engage with John Doe’s Top 10 List, they’ve made money off of ads. Who cares if they’re delivering actual news? A click is a click.

Publications like The Odyssey use these statistics to reward their writers – whoever gets the most likes and shares in a week is paid a small amount.

It’s no longer about quality, but about quantity – most of which is regurgitated fluff about how to live life in your twenties written by people in their twenties.

The clickbait phenomenon became so widespread that in 2014, The Onion launched ClickHole, whose tagline “Because all content deserves to go viral” satirizes what seems like the entire Internet.

The fact that I, and lots of my peers, consume all of our media from this one type of resource and consider it reliable troubles me, especially when there’s an important presidential election on the horizon. It troubles me that “articles” from sites like these seep into people’s newsfeeds and proclaim themselves as news.

In fact, now that I’m writing this, the fact that Facebook named its content stream “newsfeed” is kind of creepy. Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy Buzzfeed. I have an embarrassingly large place in my heart for The Try Guys, and I spend a sad amount of time watching people try exotic snacks. That doesn’t mean Buzzfeed and the like should be treated like news sources. That’s what newspapers are for.

The News

Opinion

September 25, 2015

Letter to the Editor Poll results

We asked students if they feel comfortable having different cultural or religious beliefs and practices at Murray State. Here are the results of 39 votes.

36 30

I Have a Lot of Feelings

Like our polls?

In our latest poll, we asked if you feel comfortable having different cultural or religious beliefs and practices. To participate in future polls, visit TheNews.org.

We still want to hear from you

77%

Are you concerned about a certain issue on campus or just want to share your opinion?

The News is always accepting Letters to the Editor. For a chance to get your letter published in print or on TheNews.org, email your submission to letters@thenews.org.

24 18

5A

Yes

12 6

13% Somewhat

10% Not at all

Rational Animal

Discriminating Religious Practice This summer Kim Davis, the county clerk in Rowan County, Kentucky, has attracted national attention for her refusal to issue marriage licenses.

While she refused to issue licenses to any couple, she stated that her refusal was due to a religious objection to samesex marriage. Yet having a religious John Muenzberg objection does Lecturer of philosophy not automatically allow someone to refuse to fulfill the requirements of one’s job. In fact, when it comes to discrimination, the courts specifically forbid such exemptions.

It is reasonable to most people that workers should not be forced to do things that they object to. In some cases U.S. law agrees with this attitude.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1972 prohibit employment discrimination based on race, religion, national origin or sex. One should not fear

Cheers and Jeers Cheers and Jeers is written by the Opinion Editor.

Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to aborthwick@murraystate.edu

Comic

reprisals, or loss of employment, just because one practices a certain religion. In addition, the courts have held that reasonable accommodation must be given to employees to practice their religion. If an employee’s religion prohibits work on certain days, or requires wearing certain clothes, the courts have generally required that the employer accommodate them.

The accommodation must be “reasonable,” which is generally interpreted as not being too disruptive or expensive. An employee who refuses to work on Saturday due to religious observance may be required to work on Sunday instead. This is a reasonable accommodation.

Even further than this, the courts have made broad exceptions for religious organizations, such as a church or religious school. It is illegal for a private company to refuse to hire women, but a religiously operated organization is allowed to discriminate in certain cases. To require a Roman Catholic church to hire women priests is interpreted as preventing them from practicing Christianity. This exemption is why churches cannot be forced to conduct same-sex marriage ceremonies.

But the courts often reject such accommodation if there is harm to other people. After Brown v. Board of Education and the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Jerry Falwell argued that the cases violated God’s word concerning intermixing the races. The Daughters of the American Revolu-

Cheers to ... Fall Break.

tion argued that racial purity was a fundamental Christian principle. These religious objections were rejected because the Civil Rights Act was enacted to prevent people from treating some citizens as unequal. To allow for such exemptions would undermine the very point of the law.

Kim Davis’ refusal to issue licenses clearly causes harm to couples who wish to get married.

She also initially refused the reasonable accommodation of letting the deputy county clerks issue the licenses in her stead. This is why the courts refused to stay the order to issue licenses, and why she was found in contempt when she ignored the judge’s order.

Her last appeal would seem to be to Kentucky’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which specifically includes public officials in laws concerning religious accommodation. But this is unlikely to succeed since public officials refusing to carry out legislative action due to personal beliefs undermines the laws. That would result in discrimination. It would allow discrimination based on not only on sexual orientation but also on race and gender. And we have come too far as a society to regress to that level.

People are allowed to believe different things.

They are often given accommodation for their beliefs, even by their employers. But they are not allowed to harm others because of their beliefs.

And they are not allowed to assert any and every moral belief as a religious practice.

Jeers to ... Intolerance.

Wednesday was the first official day of fall, even though the temperature high was 82 degrees. You know what that means! There’s a four-day weekend coming up. Whether you’re going home next weekend or staying here, enjoy your break and get your fall on.

There have been too many instances of intolerance and disrespect for other peoples’ cultures on this campus. These cowards hide behind anonymous platforms - putting their hateful words on Yik Yak or, most recently, on promotional posters for a cultural event.

Jeers to ... Comment trolls.

Cheers to ... Shondaland’s return.

People are going to share things on social media you might not agree with - it happens. Unless it’s something blatantly offensive, there’s no need to blow up comment streams with hateful words and baseless accusations.

If you don’t have anything nice to say, keep scrolling and move on.

“Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “How to Get Away with Murder” returned Thursday and the world is a better, more dramatic place because of it. For three hours every Thursday we will be able to ride Shonda Rhimes’ emotional roller coasters with abandon.

Meet your maker

We are most definitely a product of our environment.

And by “environment” I mean “popular culture.” And by “popular culture” I mean “the superficial aspects of society we gravitate toward.”

Allison Borthwick Popular culture is not Opinion Editor a phase, mom.

It’s a lifestyle.

According to Stacy Takacs, author of “Interrogating Popular Culture: Key Questions,” popular culture refers to “what people do with the resources provided by the cultural industries and institutions in their society.”

What we’re doing with these resources is integrating them into our lives, making them synonymous with our identities.

Our opinions, tastes, styles and even our words are nurtured by the nature of trends, fads and viral sensations. Even if you’re one to defy anything with mass appeal, that’s trendy now too.

You didn’t hear of them first. You didn’t like that before it was cool. Your anti-establishment persona is an establishment of its own.

Nobody is safe.

When someone is trying to get to know you, they ask questions about your favorite movies, music, TV shows and books – all pieces of popular culture.

Why? Because our lives revolve around these things so extensively they end up defining who we are.

You are what you eat, after all.

I’ll be the first one to admit that more than 70 percent of the nonsense that flies out my mouth is “Mean Girls,” “Ace Ventura,” “Bridesmaids” or viral Vine quotes.

Any original thought is some genuinely ridiculous thing my brain decides is OK to say to normal people.

Speaking of self-deprecating humor, that isn’t anything new or undiscovered either – it’s trendy and funny. All the uncool kids are doing it.

This is a very roundabout, cynical way of saying the utmost cynical thing: we’re not special. It’s the #NoFilter #NoMakeup #UglyBetty truth.

We communicate in hashtags and acronyms because that’s what popular culture dictates we do, IDK why. We use reaction GIFs and memes in casual, public online conversations instead of words. We express our feelings in tweets and Facebook statuses and seek to escape them by blasting music or watching movies with relatable plot lines. We get adrenaline rushes from watching horror movies instead of actively seeking adventure.

No matter what we do or where we turn, popular culture has us in the palm of its hand.

Is this terrible news? Is being defined by popular culture a bad thing? Are we doomed?

Not necessarily.

We have the friends that we have and we are attracted to the people we’re attracted to because of popular culture.

Similar likes and dislikes bring us together.

The foundation of some of my strongest friendships rest on a deep love for Shonda Rhimes shows. I dated someone for years that reminded me a lot of Chris Pratt’s character in “Parks and Recreation.” More than half the time I can’t communicate properly with the people in my life without using a Beyonce reaction photo.

I know what I like. You know what you like. Let’s get together and like things together.

We’re only here for a short time. Who cares if the things we like are just that – things.

To quote Aziz Ansari’s character in, you guessed it, “Parks and Recreation:” “Love? Love fades away, but things last forever.” aborthwick@murraystate.edu

The perfect gift

By Jade Simpson

The News

News

6A

September 25, 2015

Elementary school children take on the farm Murray State students get a chance to teach children about agriculture during the annual ‘Fall on the Farm’ Alicia Steele || Staff writer asteele5@murraystate.edu

Nicole Ely/The News

Murray State students help run Fall on the Farm every year and teach elementary school students about agriculture and farming.

Chalice Keith/ The News

The Eddie Grove Trio Band, a folk-bluegrass band, performed at the Hutson Harvest Gala at the Arboretum.

Arboretum hosts second gala Ashley Traylor Contributing staff writer atraylor@murraystate.edu

As the sun set over the newly built mountain at the Arboretum on Pullen Farm Sept. 17th, students and community members alike gathered in the gardens for their annual gala that raised over $11,000 this year.

The money raised from the Hutson School of Agriculture fundraiser will be used to build a children’s garden in the upcoming year.

The Arboretum is an accessible horticultural display, public garden and educational laboratory with a twomile walking trail. It includes open woodlands, savanna, open prairie, oak/hickory forest and wetlands.

The Hutson Harvest Gala is an invitation only event open to friends of the Arboretum, agricultural alumni and residents of Murray’s community.

The gala is an annual fundraiser that takes place each September to highlight the Arboretum. The event also raises money for a special spotlight project to grow the Arboretum.

Abby Hensley, director of the Hutson School of Agriculture special university projects, said last year the purpose of the first gala was to showcase the newly built mountain and waterfall.

Since then, a pergola has been added

to the farm as well.

“My daughter and I come here every Friday to walk the trails and have a picnic,” said Linda Bartholomy, a Murray resident. “We actually saw the development of the pergola, which was neat. “ Tony Brannon, dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture, told the crowd the children’s garden would take a few years to accomplish-longer than the mountain and waterfall.

Brannon thanked the gala’s sponsors, CFSB, Bank of Cadiz, Heritage Bank, The Murray State Bank, FNB, US Bank and Mabel Pullen.

Stanley and Mabel Pullen were the first agriculture faculty at Murray State. When Mabel died, she left $1 million to the School of Agriculture.

The night consisted of guests snacking on appetizers, live entertainment by the Drunken Poets and a silent auction.

One Murray State alumnus attended the Hutson Harvest Gala for the first time.

“I would like to come back again next year,” Jack Kerr, of Murray, said. “I love the live music, beautiful weather and the people.”

Bartholomy said she too would mark the gala on her calendar for next year.

“The Arboretum is a special place to come,” she said. “It is a quiet setting available to everyone.”

Luke King, senior from Burkesville, Kentucky, stood in his overalls and cowboy boots and asked for volunteers from his elementary school audience. As eager hands shot up, King called on one student and asked to borrow her shoe.

King held her tiny shoe in the air and with two more student volunteers demonstrated how farmers used to have to fix shoes by hand.

King said he wanted to teach students to be “more grateful for what they do have and who provided it to them” by showing them how technology has changed through time.

This is Fall on the Farm.

Murray State’s Hutson School of Agriculture and the Agricultural Leadership Council began hosting its annual Fall on the Farm Wednesday.

Fall on the Farm runs Wednesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. for elementary school students in western Kentucky, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the public.

Fall on the Farm includes the farm tool demonstrations, a corn maze, a corn pit, a duck race, a giant slide and a wooden cow that kids can learn to milk.

The idea for Fall on the Farm came from the wife of Tony Brannon, dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture, after she took a two hour ride to Saxton, Missouri on a field trip with her son, where they charged $20 per student.

She brought the idea back to her husband and said Murray State could pull this off for much less of a cost to students, and the Agricultural Leadership Council took it over as a student project. Each event is run by student volunteers.

“The entire Hutson School of Agriculture is invited; every club, whoever wants to volunteer can” Kaitlin Ziesmer, senior

Small animal veterinary care, surgery, dentistry, exotic pets and boarding.

Present your Racercard for a 10% discount off of your first visit.

Where the health and happiness of your pet come first!

{ } Want to go?

Time: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Date: Sept. 25 and 26 Place: Pullen Farm

Murray strives to build downtown park Alicia Steele Staff writer

asteele5@murraystate.edu

After two tragedies struck downtown Murray last year members of the community began questioning what the city was going to do to “get downtown Murray going again” said City Councilman Dan Miller.

In February 2014, a building collapsed at the corner of 4th and Main, directly followed by a building fire at Wilson’s Florist on 5th and Maple in July.

Renaissance Park is the answer to the community’s question.

Renaissance means rebirth. The city is working with the Rotary and Lions clubs to make this happen.

“Downtown still remains what I think is the heart and soul of Murray,” Miller said.

The park will be built on the corner of 5th and Poplar, across from old city hall, where the Murray Municipal Utilities building was located before it fell into disrepair.

Miller said the city decided to hold onto this property and turn it into green space, which was identified as a need in Murray’s long-range plan, according to an informational brochure provided

by Miller.

“We’re sort of limited in what we can do, but we own this piece of property so we can contribute to the green space and make this a place where people would want to come down and then see if other businesses will

McKenna Dosier/The News

Murray city council has asked community members for $5,000 donations to help fund the new “Renaissance Park.” follow,” Miller said.

The new park will rely completely on donors.

The city began looking for 12-15 individuals willing to donate $5,000 each, and is still looking for 3-4 more donors.

Each donor will be recognized in a standing bronze plaque on the park site, according to a brochure about the park provided by Miller.

“This park and the names of the donors will stand for decades as a reminder to those that come after us that Murray is a special community and it is home to special folks who love it and are willing to invest

Murray Animal Hospital 1601 College Farm Road Murray, KY 42071 270-753-2088 TERRY D. CANERDY, D.V.M. MICHELLE D. WESTERFELD

from Danville, Kentucky and Agricultural Leadership Council President, said.

Katelyn Jaqueway, senior from Schoharie, New York, has volunteered for the event the past four years. She said she continues to stay involved because of the joy it brings to kids and it teaches them more about agriculture.

“Little kids think chocolate milk comes from brown cows,” she said.

To illustrate where milk actually comes from, Fall on the Farm has a wooden cow that students can learn to milk.

Fall on the Farm is hosted at Stanley Pullen Farm, which was left to Murray State after Mabel Pullen died in 1995. Mabel outlive her husband by 60 years.

Her husband, Stanley Pullen was the first full-time teacher and chairman of the Agriculture Department at Murray State Normal School (now Murray State University), according to the Hutson School of Agriculture website.

After Stanley Pullen’s death in 1935, Mabel depended heavily on the agriculture department to maintain the farm, and left it and one million dollars in scholarships to Murray State when she died.

“If it hadn’t been for Mrs. Pullen, none of this would have been possible” Brannon said.

TheNews.org

in its future,” is also included in the brochure.

“The good people of Murray have donated to establish the park,” Miller said. “And there may even be some money left over for the future mainte nance of the park.”

Miller said the upkeep of the park will be as simple as mowing your lawn at home, and the city will maintain the park instead of the parks department.

This also means that the new park will not be at the cost of taxpayers.

Renaissance Park will include: • a mulch bed • street lamps • a trench edge

• white rail fence sections • a fountain • a pergola A pergola includes a bench with a wooden overhead structure.

The city plans to begin work on the park in October, and hopes to have it finished by the Christmas parade in early December.

The parade will end at the park, where they will light up a large tree as the city’s Christmas tree.

The fountain in the park may have to wait until spring.

“The city will do the best we can,” Miller said.

“But I’m not going to force it.”

September 25, 2015

Section B

The News

Sports

Sports Editor: Kelsey Randolph Phone: 809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews ­­

Racer volleyball set to defend

OVC title

Emily Harris/The News

The Murray State volleyball team practices Wednesday morning before its OVC season begins this weekend against Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Racers begin conference play against SEMO Kelsey Randolph Sports editor

krandolph3@murraystate.edu

Racer Volleyball racked up three wins at the Winthrop Invitational in Rock Hill, South Carolina last weekend to improve to 8-1 as the Racers prepare to open conference play Friday.

Despite a winning weekend, Head Coach David Schwepker said there are a lot of inconsistencies he hopes can be worked out.

One of those inconsistencies was lack of communication against Davidson College on

Friday, Sept. 18.

“Friday night’s match was not good and not a good Murray State play,” Schwepker said.

“We were doing things a lazy team would do, we were not playing with urgency – we were playing like people owe us wins. I’m always happy with a win but sometimes we have to come back.”

The Racers swept Davidson with a back and forth play before a few kills by senior outside hitter and defensive specialist, Taylor Olden and senior middle blocker Alyssa Lelm taking the second set from 16-20 and eventually taking the set.

Schwepker said it took the team a few tries to figure out working together was the key. It began to work in the third set against Davidson when the team brought the score from 8 to 18 only allowing the Wildcats to score 11 points for the set.

The second day went smoother, said Schwepker.

“We had a discussion and then Saturday morning was better and that afternoon it was like the team I know,” Schwepker said. “It was how we played in urgency and I’m trying to get them to understand. No matter where you are ranked or what you are as far as I know you have to play.”

Capping their preseason play, the Racers took on Winthrop in four sets, 25-19, 19-25, 25-23 and 25-21. Junior outside hitter, Scottie Ingram led the team with 16 kills and a .297 attack percentage with Olden adding 15 kills, Lelm putting 14 and redshirt junior rightside Kristen Besselsen adding 11 kills. In the second match of the day against Western Virginia, the team took four sets to pull out a win. Again Ingram led the team with a season high 21 kills with a .372 attack percentage. Lelm added 11 kills and was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

“It was a great team win,” Lelm said. “Friday was rough but we pulled out the win. Saturday

“

It is about everyone around you. Alyssa couldn’t have been MVP had people not passed well.

- David Schwepker, Volleyball Head Coach

”

we turned it around. There is only room for improvement. My whole goal is to maintain the best we can be. If we fall we realize it and we pick each other up and if one person has a bad game you know we have five other people on the court who can do the same thing as her and get it done.”

Lelm has recorded 738 kills over her career and has played in all sets of her 2013 and 2014 career. She is one of two Racers to appear in all 32 matches last season and is the only one to

see VOLLEYBALL, 2A

Golf wins home tournament Racers open OVC Mallory Tucker Staff writer mtucker11@murraystate.edu A first place win and a sudden-death playoff made for an exciting start to the Murray State’s men’s golf season.

The Racers carded scores of 285-287-281=853 at their home tournament, the Murray State Invitational, at Frances E. Miller Memorial Golf Course in Murray Monday and Tuesday. Leading the tournament after the first two rounds, senior Brock Simmons totaled scores of 70-71-69 to tie Alabama State University’s Branson Ferrier for first place as the final round concluded Tuesday.

While some tournaments determine a medalist by countback in the result of a tie, Head Coach Eddie Hunt set up the MSU Invitational with a sudden-death playoff system, starting with the most difficult hole, No. 1. If the competitors tie at hole one, they would then move to hole eight, and hole nine in the case of a tie there. Simmons and Ferrier faced off immediately after the conclusion of awards, where Simmons lost by just one stroke.

“Brock got beat in the playoff, but as far as I’m con-

WHAT’S

INSIDE

cerned, he’s a winner,” Hunt said. “I felt coming in this year that he was going to have a really good senior year.

He’s worked extremely hard.

I know he’s disappointed, because that would have been his first tournament win, but the kid that beat him is really a good player. So Brock has nothing to be ashamed of. He was disappointed, but I think he’ll be doing that at a number of tournaments this year.”

Although Simmons left the course without the title of medalist, he left it pleased with a team win and with a renewed sense of motivation and was named the Adidas OVC Golfer of the Week Wednesday by the league’s sports information directors for the first time in his career.

“We’ve been wanting to start off the year by winning this tournament,” Simmons said. “We’ve been talking about that since last year, so it’s good to do that. Losing obviously motivates me a little bit, because it doesn’t settle too well. It’ll give me a reason to practice a little harder next week.”

Senior Preston French and junior Matthew Zakutney also made the all-tournament team with third and fourth place finishes, respectively.

RACER SOFTBALL

play against TTU Mallory Tucker Staff writer mtucker11@murraystate.edu

Nicole Ely/The News

Matthew Zakutney, junior from Paducah, Kentucky, finishes his swing on the fairway.

Coming off back-toback road losses to FBS opponents, the Racers are ready to kick off their conference campaign against Tennessee Tech at 6 p.m.

Saturday at Roy Stewart Stadium.

“It sure is good to watch some film with some OVC ball on it,” Head Coach Mitch Stewart said. “Get out of watching three-star athletes and all of these big, tall, long, giraffe-looking guys running all over the field. It’s good to see some new film and some like talent on the video.”

The big, tall, long players include the Northern Illinois University Huskies and the Western Michigan Broncos, who the Racers fell to 52-20 Sept. 19 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Racers couldn’t match a strong Bronco offense, but individuals continued to shine in their respective positions as the team put forth an unyielding effort.

Senior Jeremy Harness

MARKETING PROMOTIONS LASER TAG

Murray State takes another win Wyatt brings “Winners Circle”, 4B Kappa Delta’s philanthropy in off season play, 3B turns to laser tag, 5B

Stewart continued his streak of receiving over 100 yards in each game, while junior running back Roman Clay scored the Racers’ only rushing touchdown of the game from three yards out.

Senior quarterback KD Humphries found senior receiver Janawski Davis to stay in the game with a score of 10-6 toward the end of the second quarter before the Broncos began to pull away for the remainder of the game.

Senior linebacker Joey Cicoria and redshirt sophomore running back Demetric Johnson both recovered fumbles during the game, one of which was forced by redshirt freshman corner DeAndre Cooper.

HIJAB DAY A day for cultural awareness, 6B

The News

Sports

2B

VOLLEYBALL

From Page 1

start in all matches, Lelm has played in 320 sets over her career. Last season she was fourth on the team with 225 kills and led the Racers with a .326 attack percentage.

FOOTBALL From Page 1 Redshirt freshman punter Landon Stratton also began to shine as he averaged over 40 yards for the first time this year, earning the honor of OVC Specialist of the Week from the league’s sports information directors.

“My warm-up was probably the worst I’ve ever had,” Stratton said. “Just wasn’t feeling anything.

I went back to the locker room, got my mind right, got stretched again, and just let everything happen. First punt, once I got onto the field, as soon as I hit it I was like, man, it’s really going to be a good night.”

Moving forward, the Racers will face the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles during Murray State’s Family Weekend festivities.

So far this season, the Golden Eagles lost to the University of Houston and Wofford College on the road coming from behind to beat Mercer University 29-22 at home Saturday.

Stewart is proud of his team thus far this season, but has left the FBS opponents behind and is now in pursuit of the conference title.

“That was two weeks of tough football,” Stewart said. “Those were two very

GOLF From Page 1 Senior Jared Gosser and freshman Gabe Wheeler also competed in team play with scores of 217 and 224 each throughout the three rounds.

Senior Duncan McCormick tied for 16th place, accompanying sophomores Daniel Taylor and Nick Choate and redshirt freshman Lance Davis in individual play.

Tennessee Tech took home second place, carding a total score 16 strokes behind the Racers. Rounding out the field of eight teams were Alabama State, Wright State, Tennessee State, Western Illinois, Missouri Baptist and Eastern Illinois, respectively.

Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State and Eastern Illinois gave the Racers a small taste of their conference competition before they prepare to compete at SIU- Edwardsville’s Derek Dolenc

“It is about everyone around you,” Schwepker said.

“Alyssa couldn’t have been MVP had people not passed well. She couldn’t have done it if she didn’t have that support. She needed that stuff around her. It really is because of everyone else and is a team effort.”

The Racers open confer-

good teams. I appreciate the efforts and the preparation these first three weeks, but the fact of the matter is none of that matters now. We’re 0-0.”

Murray State is ranked fourth in the league, while Tennessee Tech sits on the standing board at sixth with redshirt junior Krys Cates sporting the current OVC Offensive Player of the Week title. Last season, the Racers lost to Tennessee Tech 30-27 in Cookeville, Tennessee, just two weeks into conference play. Despite rankings and the opportunity for revenge, the team is determined to prepare and play consistently at home.

“I think we’re just real excited to start conference play,” Cicoria said. “It doesn’t matter who our opponent is. We’re going to prepare the same way. Since it is OVC, you can feel the energy when you walk in the building. It’s nice when you get to dress in your own locker room. You don’t have to stay in a hotel. You get to come to the stadium where you always do business – you’re familiar with this place.”

In addition to OVCDigitalNetwork.com and Froggy 103.7, Saturday’s game will be broadcast live on the American Sports Network, which can be tuned into locally by WDKA’s MyNetworkTV channel 49.

Invitational in Madison, Illinois, Sept. 28-29.

“I think the OVC is going to be really interesting,” Hunt said. “I would think, just in the first couple weeks of the year, I think it’s going to be about four, five teams having some good results – and maybe not so good – but it’ll be really good competition among the league this year.

And I think we’ll be included in that group.”

The men are scheduled to compete in five tournaments, four of which are hosted by conference teams, during the fall season before returning to the links in February. With four seniors and a slew of other able competitors, Hunt feels confident that although the lineup may change, the team will play consistently well.

“I think this year we’ve got about four guys that could all go low and win tournaments,” Hunt said. “It might not be the same guy all the time, and that’s what you look for in a good team.”

ence play against Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau, 4-9 in preseason play, at 6:30 p.m. on Friday.

The Racers travel to Martin, Tennessee, on Saturday to face UT Martin and then to Richmond, Kentucky, on Oct. 3 to face Eastern Kentucky.

Murray State will have its first home game 7 p.m. Oct. 7

September 25, 2015

against Austin Peay State in Racer Arena.

Both Schwepker and Lelm said their goal for the season is, to win the OVC regular season and take their second straight championship title.

“If you are supposed to win and you are ranked high, it means nothing because the team on Friday night doesn’t

care about our success thus far.” Schwepker said. “But at this point if we do everything we are supposed to be doing and focus on the matches at hand – not what we’ve donethen at the end we can look at it and then we can be excited but if we want to get to that point we got to take care of each match.”

The News’ Athlete of the Week Landon Stratton was chosen for our Athlete of the Week for his 40 yard plus advantage and punting the ball five times against Western Michigan University for an average of 46.6 yards totaling 233 yards.

Landon Stratton

Football Position: Punter Height: 6 foot Hometown: Russellville, Kentucky High School: Logan County High School

1. How long have you been playing your sport and why did it interest you to begin with?

“I started as a sophomore in high school while I was playing soccer. I wanted to contribute to our high school team and they allowed me the opportunity to kick.”

2. What is it about your sport that makes you enjoy it?

“The team environment is a huge reason I enjoy it. Being on the team really feels like a brotherhood, and we are all working towards the same goals.

3. As a redshirt freshman how do you feel having your first weekly honor as Adidas OVC Specialist of the Week after playing WMU? “It’s actually a team honor. I would not have achieved this without my line blocking for me, a good long-snapper to get the ball back there, and Coach Cooper’s play calling, so it truly is a team honor.”

4. What do you most look forward to the rest of the season?

“Winning an OVC championship, winning once we make it to the playoffs, and just continuing to improve every day that I step onto the field.”

5. If you could give one piece of advice to someone about accomplishment, what would you say?

“Hard work, dedication, and commitment will get you places in life. And just thank God above for the talents and the opportunities that he has blessed us with.”

Nicole Ely/The News

Jared Gosser, Preston French, Brock Simmons, Matthew Zakutney, Gabe Wheeler and Head Coach Eddie Hunt pose for pictures during awards.

The News’ pick of the week - Football Vs. Kelsey Randolph Sports Editor 1-3 Tyler Dixon Graduate Assistant 1-3 Mary Bradley Editor-in-Chief 2-2 Blake Bernier Staff writer 2-2 Dave Gesler Associate Professor 1-3

Vs.

Vs.

Vs.

Off the Gridiron

Sports Spotlight With their name in the lights and their persona idolized the public see one side and have their own perception John Morris but who are these people really?

Athlete’s lifestyles are one that most people admire and aspire to have.

One issue with this public perception is that when people get in these positions of fame and attention, they aren’t normal people anymore.

We want them to fit whatever character we think represents them as a person whether they’re a good guy or bad guy.

You got guys like Tom Brady, Lebron James, and Johnny Manziel who have had issues recently in their careers.

Manziel may have had one of the most watched college careers after winning the Heisman as a freshman.

While he was quarterback at Texas A&M, people gave him the label of the cocky football star because of his attitude on the field.

So when Manziel went to parties and hung out with celebrities, people were quick to label him a guy who cared more about parties and not football.

A 21-year-old college student was having a good time and it was turned into a guy being self-centered and arrogant.

Lebron James is the face of the NBA. James has been a star since he played in high school then jumped straight to the league.

His whole career he has been examined like a specimen that may never be seen again.

He is constantly compared to Michael Jordan as going down in history as one of the greatest to play the game.

James was a Cleveland hero hometown kid and brought a great level of entertainment to the city.

In the 2010 season, James was a free agent and decided he would join the Miami Heat.

People all of a sudden went from loving the man to bashing him and hoping for his downfall.

There were videos of people burning his jersey and the city took down everything that had to do with him.

The biggest reaction was Dan Gilbert, the owner of Cleveland Cavaliers, writing a letter about the decision and him rejecting the decision and having an emotional spill.

Since then, in 2014 James has returned to Cleveland and they love him again.

Tom Brady went from nobody when he first entered the league to one of the most popular figures to play the game.

In last year’s playoffs Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were investigated in a deflate gate for using under inflated balls in the game.

This gave for a lot of discussion and opinions tossed about how the penalty should be dealt with.

The league saw it fit to suspend Brady four games for the deflation.

This put a new look on Brady’s image from the poster child to a simple peasant at most.

But no one knows what, or if he had anything to do with the scandal. All we know is he played the game as usual.

After legal wars and appeals the court dismissed the suspension and again the world spoke some for the decision and those livid that something like that was looked over.

There are multiple examples of athletes being loved and hated in the same breath but they are still normal people.

Fans emotional investment in these athletes puts them on a pedestal and once they do something that rubs us the wrong way we’re quick to turn on them or spite them.

We say a lot about them good, bad or otherwise but we are on the outside looking in and shouldn’t be so quick to stamp them or turn on them. jmorris36@murraystate.edu

The News

Sports

September 25, 2015

3B

Racer softball dominates doubleheader 5-0, 7-0 Blake Bernier Staff writer

dbernier@murraystate.edu

The Murray State softball team swept Kentucky Wesleyan College in its doubleheader on Sunday with two shutout victories, 5-0 and 7-0.

The Racers were error free through the two games, a change from the five errors they committed in the first two games. Head Coach Kara Amundson said a good recipe for success is for the pitchers to attack the strike zone and trust the defense behind them to make plays.

“The championship teams are always making the routine plays and that was one of our focuses today,” Amundson said. “If you make the routine plays every time then the great plays will come.”

One of the defensive highlights came from a ball hit deep in the hole at shortstop.

Junior Maggie Glass made a backhanded stop and threw the runner out by a full step.

“Maggie has a cannon,” Amundson said. “She is a special player and we are excited to see what she can do the next two years.”

Glass played third base her first two years at Murray State but this year she is being asked to make the transition to shortstop.

“At third base it’s all about reaction time,” Glass said.

“But at shortstop it’s more about reading the hops and that’s been difficult but overall the position change has been easy.”

Another challenge Glass faces in making the move to shortstop is the defensive assignments on every play.

Often referred to as the captain of the infield, the shortstop is constantly on the move covering bases, cutting off throws from the outfield, backing up throws from the catcher to second and covering their own area of the infield.

Every pitcher on the roster made an appearance during the doubleheader. Sophomore Haven Campbell and senior J.J. Francis combined for the shutout in game one.

The duo allowed five hits and struck out five batters. In game two, freshman Amber Van Duyse and junior Mason Robinson combined for the shutout allowing two hits

Contributing writer mmcfarland1@murraystate.edu

Both the men’s and the women’s cross-country teams earned a 15th place finished in their respective fields this past weekend at the Commodore classic in Nashville, Tennessee.

The event took place at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee. The men ran an 8k race and the women ran a 5k race.

Head Coach Jenny Swieton was pleased with how the men preformed during the 8k race.

“It was probably our best start in the 8k distance since I have been here,” Swieton said.

“They are definitely getting a

Kalli Bubb/The News

Freshman Leah Kesel scores one of 12 Racer runs during doubleheader Sept. 20.

Soccer takes loss against IUPUI

Cross-country takes 15th place at Commodore Classic Mark McFarland

and striking out four batters.

During the fourth inning, the Panthers loaded the bases with two outs. Campbell, now in her second years induced a ground ball to first to escape the inning.

On offense the Racers had extra base hits from multiple players, including a triple and a homerun from Glass.

Glass led the team on the day with five RBIs. Glass’ homerun came in the first game and during the at bat Amundson gave her some words of advice that paid off.

“I was swinging really big and Coach K just told me to shorten up, so I worked on getting my hands through the ball,” Glass said.

It was her second homerun of the fall season. Last year Glass finished second in the OVC with 16 homeruns.

Every player on the roster played during the doubleheader as Amundson continues to evaluate the players and put them into game situations.

The Racers next game is at 5 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Racer Field as they take on Dyersberg State Community College.

Racers fall 3-0, remain above .500 Mark McFarland

Contributing writer mmcfarland1@murraystate.edu

lot better. As a team they have established some pretty significant goals so there is still a little ways to go.”

Gavin Galanes, sophomore from St. Charles, Missouri, came in 84th overall and first on the team while turning in a time of 26:36.

“The women struggled this weekend. There were some good performances but as a whole the team really needs to improve,” Swieton said.

Brittany Bohn, Mahomet, Illinois, boasted a 61st place finish and her personal best time of 18:13 while teammate Meagan Smith, sophomore from Danville, Kentucky, finished 149th with a time of 19:17.

The team will start preparing for its meet Oct. 2 at Notre Dame.

Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis proved to be too much for the Racers as the soccer team finished with a 3-0 defeat on Sept. 20.

H e a d C o a c h J e r e m y Groves was not proud of how the players came into the game.

“There wasn’t really a lot to take out of it,” Groves said. “Kind of flat out we just didn’t show up, which I think was the most disappointing thing from my end.”

This tough performance came after an amazing weekend where the team earned two shutout wins in front of the home crowd.

Though the Racers led the first half in shots 7-3 it was

a tough half, as the Racers could not convert any of these opportunities. Harriet Withers, sophomore from Murwilumbah, Australia, led the team with three shots in the first half as neither the Racers or IUPUI could score.

In the second half it did not take long for IUPUI to reach the board when senior midfielder and forward Grace Perkowitz hit the back of the net in the 58th minute.

Shortly after, IUPUI struck again with the goal scored by sophomore forward Krissy Kirkhoff to put the score at 2-0.

IUPUI then added a third goal scored by junior forward Tori Minnich to seal the victory in the 86th minute in the game.

The game was played on turf and the Racers are unfamiliar with playing on

that surface type. Taylor Stevens senior from Fort Wayne, Indiana, said the ball bounces a lot more and the pace of play is different.

She said the ball is also a lot

“

would be really nice.”

Not much will change as the team prepares for the game this week by continuing to focus on the little things.

Groves said he is putting

There wasn’t really a lot to take out of it.

Kind of flat out we just didn’t show up, which I think was the most disappointing thing from my end.

”

- Jeremy Groves, Soccer Head Coach

harder to get down the field.

T h e Racers started conference play on Thursday against Eastern Kentucky.

“This is the exciting part,” Stevens said. “The part were we can win championships and stuff like that so, to get a win and be 1-0 in conference

a lot more emphasis on the strikers making crisper runs and winning 50-50 balls could be the key to success.

The Racers return home at 1 p.m. Sunday at Cutchin Field, to take on St. Louis University during Family Weekend.

Intramural Softball Alpha Omicron Pi remains undefeated Blake Bernier || Staff writer dbernier@murraystate.edu

The Alpha Omicron Pi A team improved its record to 3-0 Tuesday night, beating the Alpha Sigma Alpha A team Ladybugs.

During the game, AOPi collected 14 hits and five walks.

They found an unorthodox way to score in the fifth inning, with the help of two errors, scoring a run without any hits.

“We want to hit,” said Mallory Warmack, junior from Morganfield, Kentucky. “Every time we want to hit, but you can’t hit a ball that isn’t pitched the right way because then you’re going to pop up or ground out.”

Entering her third year as third baseman for AOPi, Warmack from Morganfield, Kentucky, showed some skill and experience on a couple of hard hit balls.

There was a moment of confusion in the top and bottom of the second inning as both teams had runners called out at home. The intramural rules state that on any play at the plate the runner is required to slide. Both teams seemed unaware of this rule but both adjusted after the second inning calls.

Junior Nathan Leibering, an intramural supervisor, said the slide rule is in place to protect the players from collisions that could cause injury. He said another safety precaution the

intramural office takes is providing the bats for the games to ensure they aren’t “hot” or “loaded” and are safe for play.

Director of Campus Recreation Steven Leitch said the ultimate goal of an intramural season is for everyone to be a winner and that can mean winning games or gaining time with friends.

Senior Kali Echols of AOPi said intramurals give her a chance to spend time with her

“

We want to hit.

Every time we want to hit, but you can’t hit a ball that isn’t pitched the right way because then you’re going to pop up or ground out.

”

- Mallory Warmack, junior AOPi team member sorority sisters and relive the glory days.

In the top of the third inning an AOPi runner slid into home and scored a run but left home plate with a bloody knee.

Warmack said after they found out about the out at home rule the coach told them to slide on every play at home and it caused a few cuts and bruises

but it was an adjustment they had to make.

The ASA Ladybugs had a couple of opportunities to get back into the game but the AOPi defense stepped up when it had to and made the plays to keep the threat to a minimum. In the fifth inning the ASA Ladybugs got back-toback hits to begin the inning trailing 4-2 but were unable to bring any runners home.

AOPi got on the board first after loading the bases with two outs in the top of the first inning. Warmack singled into shallow left to score the teams first run.

In the second inning AOPi added two more runs after loading the bases again, this time with no outs. The slide rule negated another potential run for AOPi. With the score 3-0, the ASA Ladybugs attempted a comeback in the bottom of the inning, but again the runner did not slide at home and was ruled out on the play.

During the top of the third inning, AOPi was able to string together five hits and scored one run to extend the lead to 4-0.

However, the ASA Ladybugs broke up the shutout by drawing their only two walks of the game and getting a hit to score the runner from second.

AOPi left the field with their third victory of the season dropping the ASA Ladybugs to 1-2.

Jenny Rohl/The News

Freshman Jordyn Thornell slides into home as junior Emily McFerron catches the ball on base.

Women’s

Men’s

Sorority

Fraternity

1. AGD A 2. AOII A Team

4-0 3-0

Residential College 1. Regents Crash 2. Hart Ravens, Springer-Franklin A and Lizo A

4-1 3-1

1. Lizo A 2. Hart A

5-0 4-0

Independent A 3-0 3-1

Independent B 1. Regents Rhinos 2. Springer-Franklin B

6-1 5-0

Residential College

Independent A 1. Omega Mu 2. Sigma B Team

1. Sigma Phi Epsilon 2. Alpha Sigma Phi

1. Tri Lam 2. Phi Mu Alpha

2-1 1-2

Independent B 3-1 2-1

1. Who’s on First 2. Steak Sauce

5-0 4-1

Co-Recreation 1. Lizo (A) 2. White Co Rec (B) and Hart Guys and Girls (B)

3-0 2-1

Results are as of Tuesday. Standings courtesy of IMLeagues.

The News

Sports

4B

September 25, 2015

Murray State hosts high school bands Marketing and 40th Annual Festival of Champions bring Murray High, Calloway County Alec Mullins

Contributing writer amullins2@murraystate.edu

Music owned the day on Saturday as Murray State hosted the 40th annual Festival of Champions at Roy Stewart Stadium. The all-day event featured 13 bands from Kentucky and Tennessee competing not only for the top spot in their class but also for the title of Grand Champion.

The Murray High Tiger Band received the highest overall marks at the end, beating out the Calloway County Laker Band by half of a point, 65.7 to 65.2. After placing first in its class and fifth overall in the preliminary round, the Tigers had an excellent showing in the finals to earn “Best Overall Woodwinds” and “Best Overall Music Performance” to help them obtain their second Festival of Champions victory since 2012.

Performing “The Last Laugh,” a show based around the iconic Joker character from the Batman series, the crowd at Stewart Stadium showed intrigue from the start.

“We were all excited to see what they had in store,” said attendee Jack Williams. “My family and I caught a glimpse at their uniforms before the show and knew that something special was coming.”

Timothy Zeiss, director of the Murray High Tiger Band, had high praise for his group.

“The students had a lot of energy in their run and it was definitely one of our stronger runs of the year,” Zeiss said.

“We still have a ways to go but I was very proud of their hard work. Winning FOC doesn’t happen every year, so we really appreciate the moment.”

Though Zeiss said they had an excellent performance, the Tiger Band wants to spread the spotlight on the reserve Grand Champion, Calloway County, as well.

“I think the best thing to take

promotions adds new student section Alec Mullins

Contributing writer amullins2@murraystate.edu

Kalli Bubb/The News

Murray High’s Tiger Band received the highest overall marks and beat out the Calloway County Laker Band by half a point. away from Saturday is that we have two fantastic band programs in our area,” Zeiss said.

The Tiger Band will be performing again Sept. 26 at Graves County high school for the Pride of Graves County Marching Invitational and once more on Oct. 3 at the Caldwell

County Festival of Pride.

In addition to the high school performances, the Murray State Racer Band also performed their show for the visiting high schools at the end of the night.

“We love being able to show the high school kids what

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marching band is like in college,” said sophomore Racer Band member Nick Bushnell.

“Our FOC performance is a great way to let the community see how much work we put in to our shows. I think we all like to show off how much fun we’re having out there as well.”

Racer Athletics is always looking for ways to improve, and The Winners Circle is the latest step forward for the university.

Announced b e f o r e the fall semester as the official student section of M u r r a y State, The Winners Wyatt Circle, aims to increase student activity at games for all sports.

“We felt that before, the student section was just paying $10 to get a T-shirt,” said Amy Wyatt Director of marketing and promotions. “We wanted to create something that continually interacted with the students.”

Beyond the benefits that come at registration, there will also be events held solely for members, such as meet and greets for the football and basketball teams.

Students who join The Winners Circle will gain early entry to all Racer basketball games, as well as be entered in a drawing for “Hang-out with the President,” in which the winner and a friend will watch the game with President Bob Davies.

Apart from The Winners Circle promotions, Murray State Athletics will also have a few important dates set for the season.

The first begins Friday for Family Weekend, where all Murray State students’ families are invited to come on campus for three days of familyoriented events.

This includes various activities at the residential colleges, the Music Department’s Fall Fanfare at Lovett Auditorium and a Football game at 7 p.m. on Saturday at Roy Stewart Stadium.

After Family Weekend, the next home game will be at 3:00 pm on Oct. 10, at Stewart Stadium during Homecoming weekend.

Following the Homecoming parade, Murray State will welcome back many alumni and former faculty for an afternoon game against Austin Peay State in which there will be a halftime celebration for the 199596 Murray State football teams that won consecutive OVC championships.

The Murray State fundraising tradition, Tent City, will take place inside the stadium prior to the game.

Residential colleges, student clubs, Greek organizations and academic departments will be given the opportunity to meet and interact with alumni throughout the afternoon.

On Oct. 31, Racer Athletics is hosting Eastern Illinois for a Halloween game. Students are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes and outfits as they cheer on the Racers for the second to last home game of the season.

All members of the Murray State community are welcome to attend these events and support the Racers throughout the year.

September 25, 2015

5B

The News

Features

Features Editor: Connor Jaschen Assistant Features Editor: Gisselle Hernandez Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures

­

Nicole Ely/The News

Teams face off against each other Saturday to raise money for philanthropies and to earn bragging rights. Sigma Chi and Alpha Delta Pi took the titles in the fraternity and sorority divisions.

Kappa Delta raises cash for kids Gisselle Hernandez Assistant Editor

ghernandez1@murraystate.edu

Murray State’s Kappa Delta, or KD, sorority hosted a laser tag tournament for their Shamrock philanthropy event at the William “Bill” Cherry Exposition Center in Murray on Friday and Saturday.

KD hosts Shamrock events every semester to raise money for Prevent Child Abuse America, or PCAA, an organization that was founded by the late KD sister Donna Stone.

KD sisters nationwide have raised more than $15 million toward the charity that hosts programs which help families and children to thrive, according to the PCAA website.

Although it was the first Laser Tag tournament they have done, this was KD’s third Shamrock event for PCAA

philanthropy, with previous fundraising being a basketball tournament last spring and a paintball tournament the year before.

Natalie Hoesli, senior from Owensboro, Kentucky, was the program coordinator for the laser tag event. Hoesli said the purpose of the event was to raise awareness since people assume child abuse is not occurring when it actually is.

Knowing someone who was affected by child abuse was the personal connection that made her want to lead the event committee.

“I can personally say that I put something together and know that it’s going to help someone who has been in the actual situation,” Hoesli said.

This philanthropy is the sorority’s primary charity and 80 percent of funds raised are donated to the PCCA in Louis-

ville, Kentucky. The other 20 were mostly Murray State stupercent is sent to the national dents, but the event also caKD headquarters in Memphis, tered to a birthday party and a Tennessee. few church youth groups.

The committee’s goal was For one person, $5 allowed to raise more money than they them one game, which lasted did for the paintball tourna10 minutes. The tournament ment the for the previsororious year. ties and This past fraterweekend, nities, that goal which was surresulted passed. in win T h e n e r s e v e n t Alpha was open Delta - Jaquelyn Patterson, KD member to Greek Pi and students, who had their own Sigma Chi, was $60 for one tournament, from 9 a.m. to 1 team, $30 for a second team p.m. Saturday. For non-Greek and $20 for an additional team. students and community While the event was hosted members, the event was open concerning a serious issue, the from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., on Frigame itself proved to be exhilday and Saturday. arating for many people who The majority of attendees attended. Hay bales and dark

“

It’s really important for us to have the support of our community and to raise as much money as we can for PCAA.

”

tarp-covered walls that were scattered around the arena posed as obstacles and hiding places for players.

Players were handed laser guns that recorded how many shots they received and how many they shot at your opponents. The William “Bill” Cherry Exposition Center arena was dark enough to make opponents more difficult to see, but some ultra violet lighting illuminated corners of the arena.

Ruby Vasquez, senior from Orange Walk, Belize, said it felt like she was in a video game.

“My favorite part was sneaking up on my friends like I was hunting prey,” Vasquez said.

“If they have it next year, I will definitely participate again.”

As the first laser tag tournament KD has done, there were some improvements that KD

sisters agreed could be made for next year.

Jacquelyn Patterson, sophomore from Louisville, Kentucky, was one of the sisters in Hoesli’s committee. Patterson said that picking a better date and working on getting more sponsors would have probably made the event better.

“There were a few hiccups along the way,” Patterson said.

“But, in the end, we were able to raise a lot of money for a great cause.”

All of the KDs nationwide raise money for their primary philanthropy, among other philanthropies, and hope to continue making a difference in children’s lives, Patterson said.

“It’s really important for us to have the support of our community and to raise as much money as we can for PCAA,” Patterson said.

Former homecoming King, Queen reflect on royalty Breanna Sill

through my career in high school I started acting and I liked to do theater and stuff like that. I don’t think anyone really knows that about me.

Staff writer

bsill@murraystate.edu

This time last year, Rachel Ross, a mermaid-loving sophomore from Murray, and Kendrick Settler, a soccer and theater loving sophomore from Belleville, Illinois, had no idea they would soon be crowned homecoming queen and king for the 2014-15 school year. Now, both juniors, they are about to hand down their crowns to their successors at homecoming on Oct. 10.

Ross and Settler shared some insight from their year as homecoming king and queen and gave advice for other students on what qualities to look for when voting for the candidates in this year’s ceremony.

Breanna Sill: Why do you think it’s important for people to vote?

Kendrick Settler: I think people should vote because you are choosing people to represent Murray State University, you know, the place that you’re going to school. I don’t see why you wouldn’t want to vote to support a fellow student.

Rachel Ross: I agree, I think everybody who participates in homecoming events should vote.

Because if homecoming means something to you, I know probably, at the end of the day, you’re going to watch to see who’s crowned, and if you care about those things you should probably vote. It’s free and that’s such a great perk- you get to have your opinion heard.

BS: What is your favorite thing you’ve done so far as king and queen?

KS: I think my favorite thing was the basket-

Jenny Rohl/The News

Kendrick Settler and Rachel Ross were crowned homecoming king and queen just over a year ago. Now they look to pass on their titles. ball game. We did this thing where we were tied together with this bungee cord and we had to see who could make the most baskets before the game. I lost, but oh well.

RR: I adore parades, but I’m from Murray so when I came to school here I don’t think I was that appreciative of the fact that I get to share my college town with my hometown. But, even being on homecoming court and being in that parade and seeing so many familiar faces that knew me through my childhood – that was one of the most fulfilling moments through the whole experience.

BS: What are your responsibilities are king and queen?

KS: I think our biggest responsibility is being a positive role model for the students at Murray State. We kind of show them how to be a posi-

tive role model in every aspect – academic and outside of the classroom.

RR: I completely agree, and I would also say that Kendrick and I are in an interesting spot because I feel like past king and queens have not typically been still in school. So, I feel a big responsibility is being kind of a presence on campus and stepping up to do as much as you can for the university you represent.

BS: What is something not a lot of people know about you?

RR: My friends know this, but you probably wouldn’t know this if you didn’t know me, but I’m obsessed with mermaids. It’s kind of a quirk of mine. Basically my whole bathroom is mermaids and if there is a mermaid trinket or something, I latch onto it.

KS: I played sports my whole life. Halfway

BS: What is something you wish you had the power to do as homecoming king and queen?

KS: I wish we could plan a campus wide event, I would love to plan something for the students who voted for us. We helped the freshmen out this year with the Gold Rush, but I would like to be able to do something with the people who voted and connect with those people through the University.

RR: I think what I wish we could do is do more with community outreach. I think that since I am from Murray, I was one of those little girls that watched homecoming kings and queens get crowned or whoever it may be in the spotlight.

When you move to Murray it is a small town so we thrive off of community support. So, I think that being able to do a campaign about bullying, or something hands on. You have more power for kids when you have a crown on or Kendrick just being a cool dude talking to kids. I would’ve loved that.

BS: What should people look for this year when they are voting for king and queen?

KS: I think they should look for someone who will represent the university in a good way.

They will do certain things for the university and they will be a positive role model.

RR: I think, when I vote, I am going to vote for someone who I think is really just genuinely happy to be on court. I don’t think campaigning is wrong at all, but I think I really appreciate students who just step out of their comfort zone and recruit different people to vote for them, not just their friends.

The News

Features

6B SATURDAY

FRIDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

September 25, 2015

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY 1

25

26

27

28

29

30

11:00 a.m.

Barbecue on the River, Paducah, Kentucky

All Day Family Weekend, Murray State, Murray

2:30 p.m.

Anthropogenic Landscapes Art Exhibit, The Clara M. Eagle Gallery

8:00 p.m.

MTV presents: Todrick Hall Experience, CFSB Center

10:00 a.m.

Organizational Communications Day, Wilson Hall

8:00 p.m.

Therely Bare Redux, The Clara M. Eagle Gallery

4:00 p.m.

Hump Nite Kick-Off Event, Curris Center Stables

Proof play proves positive Brianna Willis Staff writer

bwillis2@murraystate.edu

Nicole Ely/The News

Murray State students were given the chance to cross borders without leaving campus.

Changes to come to Study Abroad programs Kelsey Grapperhaus Staff writer

kgrapperhaus@murraystate.edu

-

least one year on campus before studying abroad.

Students find that the earlier they plan their study abroad, the more classes they have to choose from, Pizzo said. For these students, the Education Abroad Office will conditionally approve them to their program pending the final grades from the student’s first semester, which is also added motivation for the students to do well in their classes.

Mason Larimore, sophomore from LaGrange, Kentucky, received the opportunity to study abroad not just once her freshman year, but twice.

“I knew I wanted to try to study abroad during my first year so that if I really enjoyed it, I would have many more opportunities to study abroad again and not look back and wish I would have taken the opportunity when I had the Da’sha Tuck || Staff writer chance,” Larimore said. dtuck@murraystate.edu Larimore said that after studying abroad in Belize and Ireland, Muslim and non-Muslim she “experienced things that she students were invited to exwouldn’t have otherwise in the perience the Islamic culture United States.”

Sept. 17 at the Muslim Student She received her first experiOrganization’s, or MSO, Hijab ence outside of the country in Day. Belize, where she zip-lined, ate Humaira Khan, member of termites, and observed monkeys MSO from Pakistan, greeted in the wild, and her second expeall those who stopped by their rience in Ireland, learning about table. She explained what it Irish agriculture practices, which meant to her to be able to wear she can use later as experience her hijab. She helped students in her career as an agriculture put on the abaya, a full-length teacher, all while taking a class dress worn by some Muslim and getting college credit. women and then helped them “Studying abroad isn’t just a put on a hijab. ‘trip’,” Larimore said, “It’s an ex “It is my own choice – my perience! I got to learn about personal decision,” Khan said. agricultural practices all while “I believe in physically showtraveling the country with my ing my religion.” peers. I attended both of these She said she does not unprograms my freshman year and derstand the misconcepnow as a sophomore I will be travtion that Muslim women are eling to Australia and I can’t wait!” forced to wear hijabs. Khan Open to students of all majors said she wishes to educate her and all years in school, the deadabout why she wears Local Pilotpeers line for applying for a Spring her hijab and what it means to Break or spring semester program her. in 2016 is Oct. 16.

Khan said some women

ELICOPTER TOURS

HELICOPTER TOURS

ELICOPTER TOURS HELICOPTER TOURS HELICOPTER TOURS

Murray State students received the opportunity on Sept. 17 at the Study Abroad Fair to get a better insight at what studying abroad is and what changes would be made this year within the program.

Every year, more than 300 Murray State students from diverse backgrounds study abroad, going to Spain, Germany, France, China, Canada, Cuba and many more countries. Students have the opportunity to join a study abroad program that consists of only one week or up to an entire semester.

Studying abroad helps people gain a deeper understanding of other countries and cultures, enabling students to be better, more interesting people and more employable.

With changes being made in the last year, this upcoming spring semester the Education Abroad Office is adding a study abroad program to Barcelona, which already has a high student-interest rate, said Education Abroad adviser Robyn Pizzo.

Within the program, the Spanish language is not required but students would take one or two studying abroad classes at their current level of Spanish along with two to three classes that would be taught in English. The students would live with a host family and the program would consist of a group experience where the group travels and takes classes with other Murray State students.

Another change recorded so far this semester is the Education Abroad Office is seeing an increase in the number of first-year students wanting to study abroad for the spring semester or on Spring Break programs. Without wanting to turn students away, the Education Abroad Office has required in the past that students complete at

“Proof,” a play written by David Auburn, just finished its stay here at Murray State.

A deeply emotional play regarding mental illness, family and math was a wise choice for director Matthew Crider.

“Proof has been on my radar for a while now,” he said. “I have a personal connection to the material, as well as a play with a recognizable name.”

Emily Pape, sophomore from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, is a theater and English major. She played the lead role of Catherine. Pape said she began acting in the eighth grade and fell in love.

She said she loves theater because of the process of building a character, and even incorporating yourself into different roles.

“Catherine is very introverted,” Pape said. “She had built up this shell around her, and this caused her to say some pretty harsh things.”

Proof had its fair share of characters with intriguing character development.

Claire, the older sister to Catherine, could be interpreted by audience members as callous and manipulative, while to others she is a caring sister.

McKenna Dosier/The News

From left to right, Maddie Brasher-Evans, Emily Pape and J. Davis took up the roles of Claire, Catherine and Hal, respectively.

“It is a play about trying to make sense of oneself,” Crider said.

While the play contained emotion, it had a mathematical side as well.

“The first preview we had, we invited the math department.” Crider said. “About 40 math students and professors showed up, and they were a great first audience.”

They laughed at way more jokes than the average audience member would, and one even told Crider that it was an accurate representation of life as a research mathematician.

The audience can engage in something relative to their lives, whether as a mathematician, a sister or a daughter.

There was something in the play at every step that could be experienced on a personal level. Crider attributes this to the power of theater.

“We as a society have become increasingly disconnected from other people,” he said. “Theater is more interpersonal we don’t have 50 takes like cinema does, the audience takes the successes and the failures as they happen.”

Pape echoes this senti-

ment.

“Theater is a different cultural experience from movies, books or television.

Theater allows students to connect directly to what is happening, and that is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life,” she said.

While “Proof” has ended, students can watch the film version, directed by John Madden.

If students are looking for more live performances, the calendar of events can be found online at murraystatetickets.universitytickets.com.

MSO Hijab Day raises cultural awareness

Local Pilot Local Pilot

Local Pilot

MSO President Amer Bukhari, graduate student from Saudi Arabia, said the vandalism was cowardly. He said if they were right in front of him he would educate them on his faith.

“My mother wears hijab, my grandmother wears hijab and my sister wears hijab,” Buknari said. “People say wearing a hijab is like being a slave but that is not true in my family.”

Bukhari said the University respects Photo courtesy of the Muslim Student Organization MSO’s ideas and Murray President Bob Davies and a student pose during last week’s celebration of cultures.

State feels like a home to of her faith choose to wear Payne, junior from Evansville, him. The Hijab day turnhijabs and some do not. A Indiana. “After speaking with out reassured Buknar that woman can chose not to wear the women I realized the em- MSO reached its goal to edua hijab and no one may say powerment that comes with cate. anything because it is her per- wearing the hijab.”

“The more I am covered the However, pictures of van- closer I am to my God,” Khan sonal decision.

“Like many non-Muslims, dalized event fliers in Faculty said. “Some women cover just I have heard many rumors Hall with several racist com- their heads and some cover about why the women cover ments began circulating social entire face other than their their faces,” said Khariah media. eyes. It is their choice.”

Local Pilot

- Murray State Campus - The Lakes - Murray State Campus - Local Landmarks - Murray State Campus - The Lakes The Lakes - Calloway County Murray Campus - Murray State Campus - Local Landmarks -State Local Landmarks The Lakes - Calloway County - Calloway -County The Lakes Local Landmarks Tours -available on Local Landmarks Calloway County-September Callowayon County Saturday, Tours available on 26th Tours available Saturday, September 26th 9am - 6pm26th Saturday, September 9am - 6pm Tours 9am available on available on - 6pm Tours

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September 25, 2015

7B Let’s Be Honest

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Don’t Talk About What You Don’t Know

#AskTrump

Mezrahi, Samir @samir #AskTrump have u ever asked melania to come over for netflix and combover 10:40 am 21 Sep 2015

Josh Barrie @joshbythesea Would you right-swipe me on Tinder? #AskTrump 7:46 am 21 Sep 2015

Sam Ro @bySamRo Better death: Jon Snow or Zoe Barnes? #AskTrump 10:19 am 21 Sep 2015

David Hayter @DavidBHayter We all have a little Donald Trump in us...

But a high-fibre diet can move it right along. #AskTrump 1:50 pm 21 Sep 2015

HBO’s “Game of Thrones” takes home 12 wins at 2015 Emmy awards The Academy of Television & Sciences had its 67th annual Primetime Emmy awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

Actors from all genres of television series attended the award show with Andy Samberg as the host.

Despite most awards favoring American shows, Britain’s “Game of Thrones” drama series, based on George R. R. Martin’s book series “A Song of Ice and Fire,” broke record as they received 12 wins, including “best drama series.” The show won this award for the first time since it first aired in 2011.

Other highlights of the show included actress Viola Davis making history by being the first black woman to win “best lead actress” for her role on ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder.”

Another first at the Emmy’s was “Mad Men” actor Jon Hamm finally receiving the “best actor” award after being nominated seven times before in the past 10 years.

Photo courtesy of Warner Bros

Johnny Depp, portraying real-life infamous criminal James Bulger, stars alongside Benedict Cumberbatch in a new crime drama.

‘Black Mass’ delivers award-worthy acting Johnny Depp outdoes himself in biography-based film Adam Winn || Staff writer awinn@murraystate.edu

Ryan Adams Covers Taylor Swift’s “1989” in Full Indie singer-songwriter Ryan Adams began recording pop singer Taylor Swift’s album “1989” in August and released the full cover at midnight on Monday.

Reviews varied from calling the album “obviously not better than the original” to it being “definitely sadder.”

Soundbyte “That female must be very attractive, otherwise not much use,” -The Dalai Lama, regarding the possibility of a future female Dalai Lama being chosen to take his place.

Audience members that want to see a crime drama full of immaculate performances, a superb script and spot on editing, look no further.

Viewers of the newly released film, “Black Mass,” should be prepared to watch a movie that is of award-worthy status and that will keep you entranced days after being watched.

The movie is based on the true story, and book with the same name, surrounding the crime lord and brother of a state senator, James “Whitey” Bulger, and all of the crimes he committed in South Boston.

The story continues to tell of how an FBI agent named John Connolly, who grew up knowing Whitey, begins to destructively immerse his entire life into Bulger’s nonstop crime spree, blurring the lines between what’s right and wrong in the process.

The film incorporates a mostly dark overtone to its storyline.

There are quick moments of comedic relief, but these moments are usually cut short by the film’s overall dismal plot.

One graphic scene involves Whitey Bulger murdering an informant who betrayed him in a business parking lot in the middle of the day with an

automatic machine gun, while the man pleads for his life.

This film contains a well-known ensemble cast comprised of Johnny Depp, Kevin Bacon, Joel Edgerton of the recently reviewed “The Gift,” Benedict Cumberbatch of the “Sherlock” series, and Dakota Johnson of “Fifty Shades of Grey.”

The film also stars actor W. Earl Brown, who was born and raised here in Murray.

In this film he plays the supporting role of John Martorano, who was a friend of Whitey’s and also a notorious hitman for the Winter Hill Gang.

Brown has also starred in films such as the thriller “Scream” and the drama “Wild” alongside actress Reese Witherspoon.

The best quality about this movie was its award-worthy acting, but out of all of these nearly perfect performances, the spotlight is definitely stolen by Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Whitey Bulger.

His performance is one of his best in recent years.

Depp immersed himself into his role to the point that it gives the audience cold chills.

The storyline is pretty solid, with a running time of a little more than two hours.

The script does a good job of holding the audience’s attention for the

length of the film.

There are some scenes that felt a little dragged, but these minor flaws don’t end up hurting the movie.

The movie’s style and tone has recently been compared to other popular gangster crime films, such as “The Departed” and “Goodfellas.”

This movie constantly has viewers’ curiosity peaked and wondering what’s going to happen next.

The film currently holds a firmly high rating of 8 out of 10 stars on IMDB, and an 80 percent audience score on the Rotten Tomatoes website.

Don’t be surprised to hear about this film possibly being nominated for several huge awards in the near future.

The acting is great, the story line is dark and enjoyable, and the editing was amazing.

This is definitely a film movie lovers won’t want to miss.

An opinion is like nipples: everyone has them, but that doesn’t mean you need to show them to everyone.

Connor Jaschen N e w s has been diFeatures Editor luted into subjective and sometimes blatantly false headlines rolling down a newsfeed for any college kid to glance over and write about on his/her blog, pretending to be experts on something they know nothing about.

Quit being a social justice warrior and figure out what the actual facts are before getting a bunch of your best buds together to picket the Quad.

Your opinion is a treasure, but it’s only worth the amount of thought and research you’ve put into it.

Feed it. Take care of it.

Don’t ever let anyone take it away from you.

Nurse it into the kind of opinion you can be proud to show off to the world and withstand the scrutiny of pessimists like myself.

Don’t throw it out into the world before you’ve put the effort into molding your opinion into something worthwhile.

Your opinion won’t have any more impact than creating more noise in a world full of similar thoughtless, uninspired opinions turning tricks on some nameless street corner.

You don’t need to have an opinion on everything.

Figure out what you’re interested in and what affects your life, and when you got that figured out, know it.

Know it like you know yourself, because any stance you take will reflect on you. If I think your opinion is stupid, I’m going to think you’re stupid.

When it comes to trying to speak intelligently on a subject, stick to what you know.

Don’t talk about politics with someone who has been keeping up with the race if the only thing you know about it is ‘Trump’s gonna’ build us a wall!’

I get it, you and your Uncle Bubba probably had some lengthy discussions on all the candidates, weighed their positions on all of the leading questions and how Trump is the only candidate who says what on his mind. While that may sound appealing to you, if Trump would follow the same rules set forth in this column, he wouldn’t look like an idiot either.

And when I say ‘the GOP,’ and you give me a confused look, please just stop there. Read a book.

Watch a movie. Do literally anything except talk to me.

If you’re a vet, you can talk about giving certain medications to my dog. I’ll accept that.

The same does not apply if your big credential is that you own seventeen cats and a goldfish that your Aunt Ethel gave to you last Christmas. While I’m sure you love your cats and your Aunt Ethel is just the sweetest woman in the world, that doesn’t mean you know anything about my dog.

Just keep your hypothetical comments to yourself, and I will keep my hypothetical dog from eating you. cjaschen@murraystate.edu

Out this week

Read It

“Come Rain or Come Shine”

by Jan Karon

See It

“Sicario”

Hear It

“Every Open Eye” by CHVRCHES

Rent It

“Pitch Perfect 2”

Play It

“NBA 2K16”

8B

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September 25, 2015