The Murray State News by The Murray State News

THE MUR R AY STATE

NEWS

Rainbows in Murray

Page 9

90 years of excellence

April 13, 2017 | Vol. 91, No. 25

FACING A CHOICE

Controversial topics paired with shocking images brought abortion into the student eye this week Abby Siegel || News Editor asiegel@murraystate.edu

Connor Jaschen || Editor-in-Chief cjaschen@murraystate.edu

The words “Genocide Awareness Product,” hung over the breezeway Tuesday and Wednesday, April 11 and 12, framed on every side with graphic images of Holocaust victims and aborted fetuses. The large display showed pictures of bloody body parts of aborted fetuses. Additionally, there was a poll for students to take, answering the question, “Should abortion remain legal?” Center for Bio-Ethical Reform spokesperson, Maggie Egger said the images may be graphic, but they were meant to spark a conversation with students on campus. Some students came to debate, others to protest and others to offer support for the pro-life cause. Egger said the volunteers who attended viewed themselves as social reformers, hoping to change public opinion surrounding abortion first and foremost. Only after the public opinion of abortion is changed can the law – specifically Roe v. Wade – be changed, she said. “I don’t think anything is settled law,” Egger said. Egger said the Genocide Awareness Project has two main messages: “Preborn are human beings and abortion dismembers and decapitates human beings.” These messages are what the organization hinges its ideas on, believing if life truly does begin at conception then abortion must be murder. However, many passing students dis-

agreed with the premise of preborn personhood, including one protester who decided to spread a message of his own. Joshua Marvin, freshman from Murray, saw the protests and immediately leapt into action, grabbing a poster board and a bag full of condoms. He sat by the presentation for more than three hours. “I walked by and saw it and I despise the flawed reasoning that is used on these signs,” Marvin said. “I believe that their imagery especially is deceptive. It’s an attempted emotional appeal.” Marvin said the volunteers were polite and respectful, but his main issue lies with the iconography of the displayed, including statements comparing abortion doctors to Nazis. Hoping to educate students on more positive birth control methods, Marvin handed out free condoms and sexual health pamphlets provided by Health Services. His sign read: “Abortions are fine, but condoms are cheaper” and “Homosexuality is also a fine choice.” The Genocide Awareness Product made no mention of homosexuality in their debates or posters. Some protesters had issues with the apparent shock value of the images, but Egger stood by the group’s decision to use these visual portrayals of abortions, in the same way other social movements used shocking visual images to shed light on what they considered injustice. “Yes, maybe, women are being upset by seeing these pictures,” Egger said. “But if being upset by seeing the pictures causes them to

see ABORTION, page 2

Jenny Rohl/The News

Many of the images displayed on campus included dismembered body parts of fetuses along side images of victims of genocide.

Week 12 Day 84 The puzzle of Autism U.S. steps up in Syria 100 days of

TRUMP

Opening up about a struggle for acceptance Abby Siegel || News Editor asiegel@murraystate.edu

Collin Morris

Assistant Sports Editor cmorris29@murraystate.edu

In the late hours of the night on Thursday, April 6, President Donald Trump ordered a missile strike directed at a Syrian airfield. The strike is in response to the April 4 chemical attack, which killed at least 69 Syrians. Trump blamed the chemical attack on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian government denied claims of their involvement with the chemical attack while Russia, known allies of al-Assad government, said it was caused by an airstrike on a rebel facility storing chemical

weapons. According to the Pentagon’s official statement, the strike targeted aircraft, aircraft shelters, petroleum and logistic storage, ammunition supply bunkers, air defense systems and radars. However, according to the Syrian state media, nine Syrians civilians were killed in the strike. Following the strike, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Bashar al-Assad’s leadership should be questioned. “Assad’s role in the future is uncertain, and with the acts that he has taken, it would seem that there would be no role for him to govern the Syrian people,” Tillerson said. On Tuesday, March 11, a U.S.

government official announced that a U.S. investigation into the events revealed Russia knew of the imminent chemical attack in advance, but did not act. Multiple tweets from Trump’s personal Twitter account containing criticisms of former President Barack Obama and calling for U.S. isolation from conflict in Syria were trending in the hours after the strike, as well as the next day. Trump has been criticized for ordering the strike without congressional approval. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, is one of those critics; he said Trump is putting the country at risk.

Read more at TheNews.org.

The News

News

Page 2

April 13, 2017

ALL CAMPUS SING 2017

ABORTION From Page 1

ALPHA DELTA PI

decide not to have an abortion and it spares them from that trauma, then we’ve done our job.” Center for Bio-Ethical Reform volunteer, Bill Boyer said he believes the pictures on the display are very effective in accomplishing the organization’s mission. “There are pro-lifers out there and then there are people who are very strongly pro-abortion, no matter what. Whether it is a baby or not in their womb, they want the right to terminate its life at any time prior to its being born,” Boyer said, “We know that those people generally have no functioning conscious, so we won’t be able to reach them.” Instead, he said the goal of the organization is to try to reach the “mushy middle” – the people who consider themselves to be pro-choice until they see what abortion is. Marvin, who received several high-fives from passerbies, said he was happy with his contribution to the discussion on abortion. “People are allowed to believe what they want, I don’t think I’m changing people’s minds,” Marvin said. “The most I’ve done is that I’ve gave out a bunch of condoms. So, hey, I might’ve just kept a baby from being aborted, which is more than what these people have been doing all day.” Alaina Goodlett, junior from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, said she thought the images were “a bit gorey” and “incredibly abrasive.” “I feel like it is a little unethical, but I remain pro-choice,” Goodlett said. She said the display didn’t change her opinion because she knows there are people who do need an abortion and can’t take care of a baby. “I’m someone who has gone through a lot of pregnancy scares and there are points in my life where I have had to consider them,” Goodlett said. “I have become pro-choice because I know the fear.”

Grand Champions

Fraternities 1st Place – Sigma Phi Epsilon 2nd Place – Pi Kappa Alpha 3rd Place – Alpha Sigma Phi 4th Place – Lambda Chi Alpha

Sororities 1st Place – Alpha Omicron Pi 2nd Place – Kappa Delta 3rd Place – Alpha Sigma Alpha 4th Place – Tri Sigma

Independent 1st Place – Honors Program 2nd Place – Sock and Buskin 3rd Place – Sigma Alpha 4th Place – Track and Field

Residential Colleges 1st Place – Elizabeth College 2nd Place – Hester College 3rd Place – Springer-Franklin College 4th Place – Regents-White College

For full coverage of this year’s All Campus Sing, visit TheNews.org Photos courtesy of Kelli O’Toole/The News

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The News

News

April 13, 2017

Page 3

Kappa Delta donates to CASA

News Editor: Abby Siegel Assistant Editor: Alicia Steele Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews

Katlyn Mackie || Staff writer kmackie2@murraystate.edu

POLICE BEAT APRIL 5 8:48 a.m.

A caller reported a hit-and-run motor vehicle collision at the Central Heating and Cooling Plant. Officers were notified.

10:02 a.m.

The Murray State Police Department received an attempt to locate in reference to a stolen vehicle in Calloway County. Officers were notified.

APRIL 6 12:03 p.m.

The Murray State Police Department received a smoke detector activation at Hester Residential College on the alarm center computer. Officers and Facilities Management were notified. Activation was caused by a resident’s use of a hair straightener and no threat of fire was located.

8:13 p.m.

A person reported a noise complaint at the Lambda Chi Alpha house via the LiveSafe app. Officers were notified and the person was referred to the Murray Police Department because the noise complaint was off campus.

APRIL 7

Murray State’s chapter of Kappa Delta recently assembled 50 comfort bags for abused and neglected children. On April 8, KD members and alumnae made bags of goodies including toys and coloring books for children ages 2 to 18 and donated them to CASA by the Lakes. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. This nonprofit organization “recruits, trains and supports quality volunteers whose mission is to advocate for the timely and safe placement of abused children in Calloway-Marshall County,” according to the CASA Facebook page, Kelcy Navrkal, advocate coordinator of CASA, said the volunteers advocate for children by getting to know the child, writing a report and testifying in court on the child’s behalf. “Ultimately, they make sure the child is getting everything they need and that they eventually have a safe and permanent home one day,” Navrkal said. This is the second year KD organized the event. Angelia Boyd, executive director of CASA, said both years KD reached out to her wanting to do something and decided to create the comfort bags. “This was an idea that I had been working on and they brought it to life,” Boyd said. Each semester, Kappa Delta is required to do an event with their

Photo courtesy of Julie Graham

Members of Kappa Delta created comfort bags for children who have been neglected or abused. The bags were donated to local nonprofit CASA by the Lakes. alumnae and decided to combine it with a service project to give back to the community. It also intertwines with the national philanthropy of the sorority, Prevent Child Abuse America. “We thought it would be a good event to really get to know our alumnae and at the same time seeing what it is like serving our local community,” said Julie Graham, junior from Belleville, Illinois.

A caller reported a theft of property at Winslow Dining Hall. Officers were notified and a report was taken for theft by unlawful taking less than $500.

Destinee Marking Staff writer

dmarking@murraystate.edu

10:16 p.m.

Officers conducted a traffic stop on Broach Street. A citation was issued for an expired registration plate and failure to produce insurance card.

A Murray State student is working with Healing Hands International to host a Walk4Water 5K with the goal of raising enough money to sponsor a clean water well in Haiti. Chantry Carroll, senior nonprofit leadership studies major from Murray, said he decided to organize a 5K run/walk to support the work his parents do as full-time missionaries living in Haiti. “I had been contemplating organizing a 5K for some time, and I finally made a leap of faith to go ahead and plan the event,” Carroll said. The Walk4Water will be held April 15 at 10 a.m. on campus. Check-in will begin at 9 a.m. on the Carr Health Building lawn. Carroll’s goal is to raise $7,500 – the cost to drill one clean water well in Haiti. Jaclyn Whoberry, junior from Louisville, Kentucky, said she will be participating in the event as a runner because she believes in supporting those in need. “My whole life, I have been blessed with not only basic necessities, but also opportunities that not everyone receives, and I’m very grateful for that,” Whoberry said. “I think it is important to help people whenever the chance is

APRIL 8 12:12 a.m.

A caller requested the check of a person at James H. Richmond Residential College. Officers, Murray-Calloway County Ambulance Service, the oncall residence director and Student Affairs were notified. The person was transported by EMS to the MurrayCalloway County hospital and a medical report was taken.

4:51 p.m.

An officer conducted a traffic stop on Jones Sparkman Road. A citation was issued for failure to wear seat belt, failure to produce insurance card and no registration plate or receipt.

APRIL 9 12:25 p.m.

given.” According to the Healing Hands International website, “On average, a child dies every 26 seconds from water-related illnesses.” On average, people living in developing countries have to walk four miles to retrieve water to bring home, which is why Walk4Water is roughly that long. Jacob Littlefield, sophomore from Buckner, Kentucky, will also be participating as a runner. Littlefield said he is taking this opportunity to bring awareness to people living in developing countries who are not always provided with basic needs, such as clean water. “I feel compelled to give to something greater than myself, and I believe this opportunity will allow me the chance to give my time and talents to help those who are in need,” Littlefield said. For those wanting to participate, they can go to the Healing Hands International website to find and register for the Murray State walk. A $20 donation is suggested and participants will receive a T-shirt made by people who live in Haiti. Sean Judge, the director of Walk4Water, said it is important for individuals to know they can make an impact, even if it does not seem possible. “People can make a difference,” Judge said. “Every dollar makes a difference.”

Photo courtesy of Chantry Carroll

Chantry Carroll is hosting a 5K on campus to raise money for Haiti.

Reynolds named to Kentucky CPE

Officers conducted a traffic stop at North 16th and Miller streets. A citation was issued for speeding.

3:16 p.m.

A caller reported a parking complaint in the Curris Center parking lot. Officers were notified and a parking citation was issued.

Paige Effinger

Contributing writer peffinger@murraystate.edu

Shawn Reynolds, MSU Foundation Board of Trustees member, accepted a position on the Kentucky Council of Postsecondary Education, a statewide Reynolds postsecondary and adult education coordinating

APRIL 10 3:33 p.m.

A caller reported a sexual assault that occurred on campus in the CFSB Center parking lot. Officers were notified and a report was taken for unwanted sexual contact by an acquaintance.

4:58 p.m.

A caller requested to speak to an officer in reference to a theft complaint. Officers were notified and a report was taken for theft by unlawful taking more than $500. The property was located and no crime was committed.

agency. Recently, the council attracted attention for setting the tuition increase cap at 5 percent for students attending public universities in Kentucky. His official title will be council member on CPE and he said his term will last until 2022. His background is not in education, but he said he believes he can still be beneficial on the council as far as strategy is concerned. As an active member of this community, Reynolds serves on many boards around Calloway County and at Murray State. He

said he enjoys serving his community and his work on other boards in the area will help him be a better CPE council member. “I think the council is just another way for me to give back and to be active in the community,” Reynolds said. Bob Jackson, president of the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees, worked with Reynolds for many years. He said with his background at Murray State, Reynolds understands the challenges facing colleges and will be of great benefit on the CPE.

“Not only is he a first-class individual,” Jackson said. “But a hard-working and thoughtful member of the MSU Foundation Board of Trustees.” Reynolds has also worked with President Bob Davies on the MSU Alumni Association Board of Governors and the Foundation’s Board of Trustees. Davies said he exhibits a commitment to action on these two boards. “Shawn is an outstanding advocate for students and will work tirelessly to support their access to quality higher education in the commonwealth,” Davies said.

Student helps change driving age of foster youth

APRIL 11

Abby Siegel || News Editor asiegel@murraystate.edu

9:14 p.m.

An officer conducted a traffic stop at Five Points. A verbal warning was issued for failure to illuminate headlights.

11:36 p.m.

An officer received a report of the smell of marijuana at Elizabeth Residential College. An information report was taken.

1 0 0

Alicia Steele, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.

Lakes. Boyd said the comfort bags are taken to the children the first time the volunteers visit them, and because the children are removed from their home unexpectedly and have to leave everything, it is nice to be able to give them something that is their own when they are placed. “It’s a simple way to show that we are thinking of them and they are not alone,” Boyd said.

Student organizes 5K for clean water

4:37 p.m.

MOTORIST ASSISTS RACER ASSISTS ARRESTS

Graham, KD Vice President of Public Relations, said it is one of the events she helps organize and has to put on, though that is not the only reason she participates. “I really love PCAA and I love what CASA stands for – they are such giving people and willing to help anyone that is really in need,” Graham said. “I love working with people and helping out.” KD made 50 bags to donate to the children at CASA by the

Glenda Wright, senior from Owensboro, Kentucky, is making a difference for children in foster care, inspired by her personal experience in the system. Wright said her mother, who had a drug addiction, dropped her and her three siblings off at daycare one day and never returned. Growing up Wright and her siblings lived with her grandmother, but when she passed away in 2009, they were taken into the care of the state. She had three total placements that ultimately divided Wright from her siblings. “Just imagine you meeting someone, and then someone next to you telling you these are the people you will be going with,” Wright said. “It is literally going home with a stranger and hoping for the best.” Now Wright is president of

Voices of the Commonwealth, an advocacy group of current and former foster youth. Through this position she recently played a role in passing House Bill 192, which impacts the age that foster youth may get their driver’s license. Before the bill was made law, foster youth could not get their driver’s license until they turned 18-years-old. Now, foster youth may get their driver’s permit at age 16. This past summer Wright was asked to present to the committee and talk on behalf of the VOC about the driver’s license bill. She also spoke with the Kentucky Senate and advocated for the bill that is now law by sharing her personal story of the time she spent in foster care. “After experiencing the system’s challenges firsthand, she found a way to use that expertise to benefit Kentucky’s most vulnerable chil-

dren,” said Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. “Her story inspires us, and we are so appreciative of her work with Voices of the Commonwealth.” Wright said Bevin she applied to be a pizza delivery driver at Papa John’s her freshman year at Murray State but did not receive that position because she did not have her license for a year at the time of application, which she said is a Papa John’s requirement. Wright said at that time the driver’s license bill she helped develop was not yet established. “There are definitely things that need to be changed, but overall it is a good system,” Wright said. “It’s not all cupcakes, but there are good

parts to it.” Wright said the foster care system is continuing to improve, and that the system will be much different for children of this generation that it was for her. She said Gov. Bevin is making changes the system needs. “Kentucky will be the model for excellence in foster care and adoption, and Kentuckians like Glenda will be what makes that vision a reality,” Gov. Bevin said. Gov. Bevin signed the bill into law as an advocate for children. He and his wife adopted four children from Ethiopia in 2012, adding to the five biological children they have. “My wife and I are wholeheartedly invested in improving Kentucky’s foster care system, relying on those with similar passion to help us make significant change happen,” Gov. Bevin said. “Glenda Wright is, without a doubt, just this type of person.”

The News

Page 4

April 13, 2017

Opinion Editor: Hallie Beard Phone: 270-809-5873

Opinion Our View

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

Connor Jaschen Editor-in-Chief • 270-809-6877 cjaschen@murraystate.edu

Abby Siegel News Editor • 270-809-4468 asiegel@murraystate.edu

Hallie Beard Opinion Editor • 270-809-5873 hbeard2@murraystate.edu

Gisselle Hernandez Features Editor • 270-809-5871 ghernandez1@murraystate.edu Selena McPherson / The News

Sarah Combs Sports Editor • 270-809-4481 scombs@murraystate.edu

Zoning problems

Kelsey Watznauer Chief Copy Editor • 270-809-5876 kwatznauer@murraystate.edu

Austin Gordon Online Editor/Advertising Production • 270-809-5877 agordon4@murraystate.edu

Nahiomy Gallardo Advertising Sales Manager • 270-809-4478 msunewsads@gmail.com

McKenna Dosier Photography Editor • 270-809-5878 mdosier@murraystate.edu

Allison Laski Chief Videographer alaski@murraystate.edu

Stephanie Elder-Anderson Adviser • 270-809-3937 selder@murraystate.edu

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

At a Colorado public university, the “free speech zone” has been abolished, leaving students to claim the entire university as grounds for speaking their truths. While the change might initially seem like an authoritarian attempt to limit free speech and squelch the student voice, it could actually improve opportunities for students to speak out about issues they feel passionate about. Colorado Sen. Tim Neville said, “Once we limit free speech to a zone, we indicate to our students that free speech does not exist anywhere beyond that zone,” according to an article in The Denver Post. Neville’s observation is a valid one – if a university has a designated zone for free speech, are there consequences for speaking about certain topics outside the zone? At Murray State, our free speech zone is probably most famous for being the stomping

The News strives to be the university community’s source for information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression and debate. The News is a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The paper offers a hands-on learning environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy and its editors should develop their editorial and news policies. The News is prepared and edited by students and is an official publication of Murray State University. The first copy is free. Additional copies are available for 25 cents at 111 Wilson Hall.

least at Murray State – seems to draw a particular kind of protest, would its abolition lead to less inflammatory expressions of free speech? Or, would eliminating a zone for such exhibitions simply give problematic speakers license to cause mayhem anywhere on campus? According to the Denver Post, the university still reserves the right to set restrictions on demonstrators or speakers to ensure their acts occur at a “reasonable time, place and manner.” So, would the anti-abortion group that visited our campus be able to visit a Colorado school and enter a classroom, unprompted, for a demonstration? No – though the rules and restrictions are unclear, the change does not mean all parts of campus are fair-game for a rowdy protest. The bill that put the change into effect – Colorado Senate Bill 62 – also grants students the ability to sue their university

if they feel their right to free speech has been violated. It’s a risky and complex choice, but potentially a wise one for a university that wants to create an active and collaborative community – a “marketplace of ideas,” anyone? The concept of a free speech zone isn’t too different from its cousin, the Safe Zone, which is easily identified by colorful stickers on office doors and bulletin boards. Safe Zones certainly are beneficial to the student body, but the same implication attached to the free speech zone must be considered: are other areas on campus not “safe” or accepting of all students? Defining areas of freedom is a slippery slope, so for the safety and comfort of the student body, perhaps Murray State should follow Colorado in abolishing zones and making it clear the campus – every bit of it – is a welcoming spot for students of all kinds.

Making Headway

The last lap is the longest

TheNews.org The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Submissions should be 600 words or less, and contributors should include phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classification and title or relationship to the university. The News reserves the right to edit for style, length and content. No anonymous contributions will be accepted. All contributions should be turned in by noon on Monday of each week via email to hbeard2@murraystate.edu. Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News.

grounds for Preacher Ross and other unpopular figures. Monday, an anti-abortion group set up a graphic display of photos and statements in the free speech zone and was not well-received by students. The display featured photos of aborted fetuses – sometimes just bloody segments – on large, elevated posters. Some students felt the demonstration was ineffective and aggressive and not aimed at actually educating or persuading anyone in a civil manner. Students have responded similarly when Preacher Ross has come to campus for his annual fire-and-brimstone spectacle – for most, being on the receiving end of shouting and berating will never result in a change of beliefs or opinions. Rather, a calm conversation between people with opposing views yet patient attitudes could be enlightening and productive if not persuasive. If the designated zone – at

Dylan Doyle Contributing writer ddoyle2@murraystate.edu April is an interesting month here at scenic Murray State – spring is in the air, flowers and trees are coming back to life after our balmy winter and the stairs of Lovett Auditorium are silent after weeks of All Campus Sing practice. Or are we supposed to call it All Campus Give now? Maybe I am just a jaded junior at this point, but I’m old enough to remember when the university did not go out of its way to step on Sigma Alpha Iota’s biggest philanthropy event of the year – but I digress. What is most interesting about April, though, is the annual zombie virus outbreak. You have probably seen them napping upstairs in Waterfield or shuffling to class throwing back cups of coffee (at least, you hope it’s coffee) to make it through the day – we call these specimens “students taking more than 15 credit

hours.” The pile of color-coded notebooks and neatly-arranged flashcards you started in January has somehow devolved into a cesspool of ripped quizzes, outdated study guides and Skittles wrappers. At the beginning of the semester, you couldn’t listen to a lecture without three different highlighters on standby. Now, you are dangerously close to taking notes on a McDonald’s napkin and going to bed before sunset. What’s a student to do? First, remember your situation is universal – every student, professor and university administrator is feeling the burnout this time of year. We are all exhausted, stressed and working on a million projects and papers due in three hours. You are not alone in your struggle, and that is a good thing. This is the part of the semester when your study groups become crucial. Keep each other motivated. Psychological studies conducted at institutions of higher

learning across the country have confirmed the end of the semester brings about a drop in student motivation, which can hurt the grade you have worked hard for since January. However, they also confirm smart study habits can combat this burnout. Remember not to study for hours at a time – study for 15 minutes or so, and take five minutes off. Rinse and repeat. I know the last thing you want to do these next few weeks is worry about finals, but now is the time to begin your preparation in earnest. Study for final exams in short chunks once or twice per day, and start now. Cramming is bad for your mental state, but it is even worse for your grades. The fact is, you have made it this far, and only a month or so remains. Save the relaxation for summer and set yourself up for success when Finals Week gets here. Remember the words of the Indian philosopher Nisargadatta Maharaj: “All you need is already within you.”

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Hallie Beard Opinion Editor

Dylan Doyle Junior from Marion, KY

John Muenzberg Lecturer of philosophy

Robert Valentine Senior lecturer of advertising

Rachel Wood Junior from Birmingham, AL

The News

Opinion

April 13, 2017

Page 5

The Fine Print

Amazing? Really? Robert Valentine Contributing writer rvalentine@murraystate.edu Adios, graduating seniors. Of course, some of you won’t leave until after graduation, but a few have been “gone” for a couple of weeks. The body will walk across the stage at the CFSB Center, but the mind wore out and left the classroom long ago. If you’re one of those whose consciousness has preceded you in leaving campus, you know of what I speak. Chances are you won’t reading this – you are probably on a mental beach somewhere – but if you did it, you would resonate with understanding. Go in peace, but come back for your body and return the rented graduation robe. For those who are waiting for the physical event (commencement), let me offer a last word of advice which may boost your standing among your soon-to-be employers and elevate you in the eyes of any prospective parentsin-law: Clean up your language. For the rest of your life your words will inform people about

Jeers to ... United Airlines

who and what you are. Some words are not useful. Others are actually misleading. Still others have no real meaning anymore. You can do without them and you should. For instance, if you pepper your speech with more than one use of the word, “like,” per sentence, get rid of it. “Like” suggests either a preference or a similarity; it, like, does not, like, serve to like reassure, like, anyone that you like know, like, what you are like talking like about. You see the point. Such speech is called “babbling” and it will not get you a raise or a fiancé. You may also discard the word “sucks” as an expression of disapproval. In polite company, the word says little and makes some people uncomfortable. While you may have communicated something when you said, “That tests sucks!” or “This beer sucks!” or “Scatology sucks,” you are really not telling anyone anything of value. Try these alternatives which may prove useful: “That test had none of the questions from last semester’s test!”

Got opinions?

“This beer tastes like American ‘lite’ beer!” “I have no idea what Scatology means!” You may also want to live without the word, “totally.” This word suggests a completeness of consideration. It is not really a substitute for actual English words such as “quite” or “very” or “rather.” Therefore, when you say, “We totally beat Sigma Chi last night,” we don’t know whether the Sigs lost by one point or 103 points. In fact, we doubt they lost at all. When you say, “I was totally blotto,” we have no way of distinguishing between a case of inebriation in which you bounced off a wall, or whether you actually died of alcohol poisoning (although, in the latter case, your ability to babble would raise doubts of your, like, totally complete death or whatever). Few things in life are ever really “total.” Finally, if you find something uncommon or pleasing, try to use a word other than “amazing.” Something that amazes us is so unusual or unexpected that

CHEERS & JEERS

it makes us shake our heads in disbelief. We question our perceptions; we rub our eyes; we are stunned, and the fabric of our universe is shaken. Chocolate sprinkles on a vanilla cone do not really qualify, do they? If the professor gives you an extra day to study for an exam, it is not really an unprecedented human experience. If Josh gets a date with a pretty girl, it doesn’t make us question our sanity, does it? Well? Does it? Words matter. Your business with words is only now beginning since what you say and write from now on has more meaning than ever. People will rely on you to be accurate and truthful – not to hint at things or gush over the trivial. Your word will become synonymous with who you are and what you are worth in this world. We should have taught you that over that last few years, but if we did not, you’re on your own. You can do it because you like totally did the graduation thing, which doesn’t suck. Amazing!

Cheers to ... Southwest In response to the United Airlines incident, Southwest Airlines put out the most savage meme possible. They released a photo of their logo with an altered tagline: “We beat the competition. Not you.”A bold move from a competitor, but one that raises an important observation: violence shouldn’t go unnoticed among corporate entities – Southwest’s humorous yet astute commentary shows their members were just as outraged at the injustice that occurred as the general public was. The United crew should have handled the situation much, much differently, and Southwest had every right to come at them with a forceful jab. One thing’s for sure, though: United’s rates are probably dropping at the speed of light, so if you’ve got a flight to catch soon, ride United and bring your boxing gloves.

You’ve probably heard about the incident or seen the viral video: a doctor who boarded a United Express Flight in order to get to a hospital was asked to give up his seat so United personnel could have passenger seats on the full flight. He refused and was dragged off the plane by officers. The situation became so intense that the doctor, David Dao, was bloodied. Other passengers recorded the event on their smartphones and can be seen yelling at the officers in protest. To make matters worse, the Courier-Journal brought up Dao’s completely unrelated criminal history from 2004. It’s a mess. What has the world come to? Treat people with respect, y’all. Don’t drag people off of planes or off of anything. Chill.

Cheers & Jeers is written by The Murray State News’ Opinion Editor. Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to hbeard2@murraystate.edu

Some Things Considered

Timely disappointments Hallie Beard Opinion Editor hbeard2@murraystate.edu Once every few days, weeks or months, we all receive those sobering emails from campus safety labeled “Timely Warning.” From what I’ve heard, alumni who still use their campus email still receive these notifications, grimly reminding them that, even if they’ve left the troubles of Murray State, there are still serious issues happening every day on campus. There are times I’m merely annoyed by these emails – their clinical, non-human formulas for reporting the various sexual assaults are tiring for the psyche. But, usually, I’m disheartened and angered every time I see a message that yet another woman – and yes, males are victims too, but 99 percent of the emails in my inbox are about women – has been raped on our campus. The email sent out on Tuesday, April 11 reported a woman was attacked in a parking lot. I was astounded by this news and par-

ticularly troubled at its implications. Any time I’ve parked in a wrong zone for my tag or violated parking times in what I thought was an empty, no-one-will-see-me-here lot, I’ve gotten ticketed upon returning to my car. This has happened several times, and it’s often been after only minutes of leaving my car parked. How is it that there are enough Racer Patrol guards l u rk i n g a ro u n d parking lots at all hours of the day and night to catch a car in a wrong parking spot, but no one around to notice a student being attacked? The email reported the incident happened around 9 p.m., which has been prime ticketing time in my experience. Was this a case of bystander non-intervention, or were there actually no witnesses? I’m not sure what measures must be taken to reduce the amount of sexual assaults on this

campus, but I’ve had far too many emails in my inbox lately. It’s incredibly unsettling that our students are alerted about campus rapes in the same manner they’re alerted about homework assignments via Canvas email. Chillingly frequent and casual, these alerts constantly remind us our campus is not as safe as we want to believe and our o n ce yearly Title XI training is not enough to significantly reduce or fix – what a wild idea – this problem. The emails, too, only offer information with a victim-aimed, preventative slant. One bullet point in the “Safety Information and Protective Steps” included in every one of these emails reads, “If you feel uneasy in a situation, Trust Your Instincts and try to interrupt

our once-yearly Title XI training is not enough

Want to be a cartoonist for the Opinion section? Stop by the newsroom or email Opinion Editor Hallie Beard at hbeard2@murraystate.edu for details

the chain of events.” The chain of events? Hold on. This message is undeniably directed toward the (let’s face it) female victim, and it implies that an uncomfortable situation will inevitably lead to, what, rape? Sexual assault? Is this really what university officials find necessary to remind students of every time this happens – that we should prepare to be victims and only hope to “interrupt” the inevitable attack coming our way? That’s not the Murray I know and have come to love. The emails do feature a bullet point stating the only person responsible for an attack is the perpetrator, but that isn’t enough to convince me the overall tone isn’t problematic. I’m hoping we’ll someday reach a point where a sexual assault is so rare on our campus that it causes a university-wide uproar and is dealt with immediately. I’m tired of assaults being bounced around in inboxes like tornado warnings. Furthermore, if an attack has already happened, it’s no warning. It’s a grievance.

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The News

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April 13, 2017

Sports

Sports Editor: Sarah Combs Assistant Sports Editor: Collin Morris Phone: 270-809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews

Golf makes history at home

Women’s golf looks to continue momentum into OVC Kelly Diesel Staff writer

kdiesel@murraystate.edu

Murray State’s women’s golf team won three matches in a row for the first time in school history. Head Coach Velvet Milkman said the Racers are capable of continuing this type of performance. “We just go in one tournament at a time and say this is our goal for this one,” Milkman said. “That won’t change for next week. Our goal will be to play to the best of our ability, and if we do that, we have a good shot at winning.” Murray State hosted the Jan Weaver Invitational April 7-8 at Frances E. Miller Memorial Golf Course in Murray. Murray State has won nine of the 15 Jan Weaver Invitational tournaments. Two of the tournament wins have come in the last two years. The Racers finished the match 24 strokes ahead of Western Kentucky which took home second place. The Racers shot 299 in their first round and back-to-back 297s in their second and third rounds. Milkman credits the Racers’ confidence level to their success in their latest match. “Playing on our home golf course certainly helps,” Milkman said. “But they had some confidence from the other two tournaments, and playing in front of your home fans that don’t get to see you play a whole lot certainly helps too.” Murray State’s second and third round scores of 297 is an event record. The Racers’ Moa Folke, junior from

Tranas, Sweden, and Linette Holmslykke, sophomore from Vejle, Denmark, shared a two-way tie for first place. Folke shot 75-73-74–222. Holmslykke shot 73-76-73–222. This was Holmslykke’s first collegiate win and sixth top-10 finish in her first season with the Racers. Milkman believes Holmslykke will continue to improve in her time at Murray State. “I certainly see her improving, she’s done that since she’s been here,” Milkman said. “We have a lot of structure in our program, and she’s the kind of person that thrives in that structure, so I expect her to continue to get better.” Lucila Puente Rodriguez, freshman from Sevilla, Spain, and Anna Moore, junior from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, helped the Racers finish with four players in the top 10. Rodriguez finished tied for third with freshman Shani White, from the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Rodriguez shot scores of 74-77-73–224. White shot 77-76-71–224. Moore finished the tournament tied for seventh place with WKU’s Mary Joiner, freshman from Franklin, Kentucky. Moore shot 77-74-77–228 in three rounds of play. Joiner shot 77-75-76–228. The Racers have tied a school record set by the 2013-14 team with five match wins in a season. Murray State will have a chance to break that record in their last match of the season with an OVC Tournament win. The OVC Tournament will take place from April 17-19 at Hampton Cove golf club in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama.

Photo courtesy of Dave Winder

Junior from Tranas, Sweden, Moa Folke tees off in the Murray State Invitational at Frances E. Miller Memorial Golf Course in Murray.

On the road home Van Duyse earns first win of collegiate career against Southeast Missouri State Bryan Edwards Staff writer

Battle

Border Total Score MSU/APSU

Sport

Winner

Volleyball (2 games)

MSU 3-0 MSU 3-1

6/0

Football

MSU 45-17

9/0

Soccer

TIE

10.5/1.5

Cross Country

M: MSU W: MSU

16.5/1.5

Men’s Basketball (2 games)

AP 84-81 MSU 102-58

19.5/4.5

Women’s Basketball (2 games)

AP 75-63 MSU 67-62

22.5/7.5

Track

22.5/10.5

Baseball (3 games)

MSU 8-6 AP 8-5 MSU 17-12

26.5/12.5

Blood Drive

MSU

31.5/12.5

bedwards16@murraystate.edu

The Murray State Softball team closed out their seven-game road trip in Martin, Tennessee and Cape Girardeau, Missouri. The Racers split the doubleheader against the UT Martin Skyhawks 5-4 and 4-6 and swept Southeast Missouri State 11-6 and 6-1. Head Coach Kara Amundson said the weekend was going to be a big weekend and was happy with the way the offense played. “We came out and started hitting right away,” Amundson said. “We hit over .300 as a team during the weekend. Our hitters are starting to figure it out and are being very selfless in the batter’s box.” Amundson also said the defense played better against SEMO but sees room for improvement overall. “We had moments against Martin where our defense could have been much better,” Amundson said. “We had a good number of errors in the second game specifically which led to four runs. Take the errors away and it’s a different game.”

SATURDAY

Six Events Remaining

The Racers opened their doubleheader against the Skyhawks by scoring three runs in the first inning of play. Senior infielder Jessica Twaddle hit an RBI double to score freshman outfielder Kaylee Ranburger. Following Twaddle’s at-bat, senior catcher Jocelynn Rodgers hit her sixth home run of the year to give Murray State the early lead.

Murray State took a 5-1 lead going into the sixth inning. The Skyhawks almost rallied back but were stalled by the Racers in the field, holding them to three runs in the final two innings to take game one of the doubleheader 5-4. The win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Racers.

“

Take the errors away and it’s a different game.

- Kara Amundson, Softball Head Coach

”

Senior pitcher Mason Robinson earned her 18th win of the year, putting her two wins away from tying the Murray State record for most wins in a season. Twaddle led the Racers with a 4-for-4 effort, one run and one RBI in the game. Ranburger went 3-for-4 in the game. The Skyhawks opened game two of the series with five runs in two innings, giving UT Martin a 5-0 lead early in the game. The Racers clawed back, thanks to home runs from Twaddle and senior infielder Maggie Glass, but were unable to get close enough to the Skyhawks as they defeated Murray State 6-4 to split the series.

SUNDAY

Following their doubleheader against UT Martin, the Racers traveled to play against the Redhawks of

SEMO. Glass opened the scoring after hitting a two-run home run in the second inning to give the Racers the early lead in the game. The Racers continued building their lead, getting up 7-1 through four innings of play. The Redhawks pulled the game back within reach in the fifth, but the Racers scored three runs in the final inning to put the game away, defeating SEMO 11-6 in the first game of the series. Sophomore pitcher Amber Van Duyse received the start in the second game between the Racers and the Redhawks. Van Duyse pitched a complete game, earning her first win of the season and of her collegiate career as the Racers defeated SEMO 6-1 to complete the series sweep. Amundson said Van Duyse gave it everything she had to earn the win for the team. “Amber played great,” Amundson said. “She played hard and did a great job putting us into a good position to win the game.” Ranburger went 3-for-4 with one RBI in the game, leading the Racers in the batter’s box. Glass hit a home run for the third consecutive game in the contest, moving her to six on the season. The 3-1 record over the weekend moves the Racers to 28-13 on the season and also moves them over .500 in OVC play at 5-4. The Racers return home for their next series. Play will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 14 when Murray State plays Tennessee Tech at Racer Field.

The News

Sports

April 13, 2017

Page 7

What the putt?

1996

Sergio Garcia makes professional debut

Last hole. Final putt. No pressure, Sergio. Bryan Edwards Staff writer

bedwards16@murraystate.edu

Sergio Garcia walked up to the green and needed one putt to claim a championship that alluded him for the entirety of his 18-year career. Garcia defeated a field of 92 other golfers to claim his first ever major championship. Garcia finished regulation tied with Justin Rose at 9-under-par, to force a sudden-death playoff. Garcia sunk a birdie putt on the first playoff hole to defeat Rose and claim the green jacket. His win almost fell short of fruition. On the 18th green, Garcia watched a birdie putt that would’ve won him the green jacket slide right past the hole. Rose also missed his birdie putt to win the championship. In his 18-year career, Garcia has a total of 10 wins, with his most recent being his biggest. Garcia made his 74th career appearance in a major and his 19th appearance in the Masters. His Masters win set a record for the most appearances in the tournament before getting his first win. Garcia told Forbes the major win had been a long time coming.

“Major or no major, I said it many, many times: I have an amazing life,” Garcia said. “I have so many people that care for me and love me and support me. This is something I wanted to do for a long time but it never felt like a horror movie. It felt like a little bit of a drama maybe but obviously with a happy ending.” Garcia entered the final round of the tournament paired with Rose, both golfers entered play at 6-under-par. After a bogey-free, 2-under-par front nine, Garcia bogeyed the 10th and 11th holes to drop back down to 6-under-par, allowing Rose to grab a two-stroke lead heading into the final five holes. Following pars on the 12th and 13th holes, Garcia birdied on 14 and eagled the par-5 15th hole to jump back into a tie for the lead at 9-under-par. Rose birdied the 16th hole to gain a onestroke lead but bogeyed the 17th to even it back up. Both Garcia and Rose missed birdie putts on the 18th green that forced a playoff. Garcia hit the tournament-winning putt on the very first playoff hole to claim the championship. Prior to the win, Garcia was the highest earning golfer

1999

Joined PGA Tour

without a major championship. Garcia had earned $44.5 million before the tournament began. He earned $1.8 million just off the Masters win at Augusta. Garcia has had his opportunities in the past to seize championship wins, but has ultimately fallen short. He finished second to Tiger Woods in the 1999 PGA Championship at 19 years old and fell short in a four-hole playoff against Padraig Harrington in the 2007 British Open. Garcia has laid

2001

First PGA Tour win

2008

Finished third in FedEx Cup standings

2014

Career-High 10 Top-10 finishes claim to a championship that was 19 years in the making and will remember the victory every time he sees the green jacket in his closet.

2017

First career major tournament win Graphic by Austin Gordon/The News

Photo courtesy of golfchannel.com

Tennis’ OVC fate rests in final match Back on track with a side of pancakes Blake Sandlin Staff writer

bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

Murray State’s tennis team broke a four-game losing streak on Wednesday after dropping two matches last weekend against Eastern Illinois and SIUE. In Friday’s match against EIU, the Panthers shut out the Racers 7-0 to move to 12-6 on the year. The Racers were faced with the OVC’s top team in SIUE on Saturday and fell 4-3 in a tight match. They bounced back on Wednesday, however, by claiming a 4-3 win against conference rival Austin Peay. The Panthers of EIU claimed all six singles matches Friday, although the Racers had their chances with four singles matches going to three sets. Head Coach Jorge Caetano said his team was unable to capitalize in key moments. “Every single court we had chances,” Caetano said. “On three courts we had match points. We just couldn’t finish.” In singles, Schibol won at the No. 5 spot by defeating Adams in two sets by scores of 7-5, 7-5. Bjork took down Tupper in a tight match that ended 6-7, 6-0, 7-6. Despite the loss, Caetano reassured his team if they can compete against the best team in the conference, then the sky is the limit.

“Right now, for us, it’s just a matter of getting to the tournament,” Caetano said. “It’s not going to be an easy thing, but if we can almost beat the best team, we can get to the tournament and we can win it all.” The Racers turned their luck around in Wednesday’s match against Austin Peay, winning the match 4-3. The team won their doubles point after Sara Bjork and Jeanne Mason defeated APSU’s pair of Isabela Jovanovic and Lidia Yanes Garcia 6-3. Anja Loncarevic and Amina Hadzic secured another doubles win against Claudia Yanes Garcia and Brittney Covington by a score of 6-2. Sara Loncarevic won her singles match in two sets by scores of 6-4, 6-4. Claire Chang rallied back after losing her first set against the Governor’s Helena Kuppig to take the remaining sets, winning 2-6, 7-5, 6-2. Mason’s 7-5, 4-6, 6-2 singles win against Austin Peay’s Isabela Jovanovic was enough to help the Racers overcome their conference rival. The team’s win extends their Battle of the Border score to 34.5-12.5. With only four more sporting events to go, Murray State is a lock to finish on top. The Racers, who now sits at 3-5 in the OVC, still have a chance to make the conference tournament if they perform well in their final match. The team will hit the

Kelly Diesel Staff writer

kdiesel@murraystate.edu

Kelli O’Toole/The News

Freshman from Guilherand Granges, France, Sara Loncarevic returns a serve. court at noon on Saturday, April 15 to face Eastern Ken-

tucky at the Bennie Purcell Tennis Courts.

Most baseball games are typically complemented by a hot dog to enjoy while watching but on Tuesday night, Murray State baseball fans received a complimentary pancake for their attendance. At 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 11 at Reagan Field, Murray State took on Harris-Stowe State in non-conference action. The Racers snapped their five-game losing streak with a 9-1 victory over the Hornets. Head Coach Kevin Moulder said it was a good win for the Racers. “It was good to get back on the winning side of things,” Moulder said. “We just wanted to get some confidence heading into a big weekend against Tennessee Tech.” Senior pitcher, John Lollar, started for Murray State in Tuesday’s game and went four innings giving up just one run on three hits. Moulder said Lollar had a great night pitching. “He came out and set the tone for us getting us a couple of early zeros in the first couple innings,” Moulder said. Tyler Lawrence, senior catcher, opened the scoring for Murray State in the bottom of the first with an RBI single that scored Brandon Gutzler, junior outfielder. Senior first base-

man, Jack Hranec, followed up with a double down the left field line that scored Lawrence, making it a 2-0 game. The Hornets scored their only run of the game in the third inning when Lollar walked senior outfielder, Zach Jones, with the bases loaded scoring senior outfielder, Arsalaan Alvi. Adam Bauer, senior outfielder, responded in the bottom half of the third for Murray State with a solo home run to right-center field. The Racers picked up another run in the fourth inning with an RBI single by sophomore infielder, Jaron Robinson, making it a 4-1 game. After an illegal pitch that scored Gutzler from third, Murray State scored four more runs in the fifth inning. Freshman infielder, Davis Sims, reached safely on a fielder’s choice that scored Lawrence then freshman outfielder, Ryan Perkins came up next and hit a three-run home run to right-center field. The Racers held on to their 9-1 lead after the fifth inning through the ninth to give them the victory over the Hornets. Murray State is now 16-16 this season and 8-8 when playing at Reagan Field. The Racers’ next game is at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 13 in Cookeville, Tennessee, where they will take on Tennessee Tech in a three-game series.

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The News

Sports

Page 8

April 13, 2017

Fall sports preparing for next year Bryan Edwards Staff writer

bedwards16@murraystate.edu

Murray State volleyball began preparations for the 2017 season with two weeks of exhibition matches. The team is playing in their first matches Schwepker without the 2016 senior class that helped the Racers advance to the NCAA Tournament, where they took a set from No. 10 UCLA. In their first play since losing in the tournament, the team won nine sets through two weeks during their spring season including wins over OVC opponents UT Martin and Eastern Illinois Head Coach Dave Schwepker said the players loved the tournament and their spring schedule left him optimistic about the upcoming season. “The NCAA Tournament was a lot of fun and it gave the players confidence that they can hang with some of the best,” Schwepker said. “Overall, we played well this spring and this gave us an idea of where we are

heading into next year. We’ve done really well, but we’ve also seen the bad and know what we need to work on.” Schwepker also said the team needs to work on some aspects of their game to be ready in the fall. “We need to work on ball control most importantly,” Schwepker said. “Our offense is good and will be fine come next season, but if we can’t control the ball, it’s going to be tough.” The senior class included Scottie Ingram, who was a three-time OVC Player of the Year and the all-time kills record holder. Along with Ingram, the Racers will lose three other AllOVC selections in Hannah Stultz, Kristen Besselsen and Ellie Lorenz. Lorenz was also honored as OVC Defensive Player of the Year. The Racers return junior middle blocker Olivia Chatman as well as sophomore middle blocker Dacia Brown, who all played key minutes for the Racers during their 2016 season. In their absence, Schwepker said Brown and Chatman have stepped up and taken bigger roles on the floor. “Olivia and Dacia have stepped up as my upperclassmen and I’m really happy with how they’ve stepped up into leadership roles,” Schwepker

said. Murray State also returns its entire freshman class. All of the freshman played in sets during last season with libero Alec Kaufmann and outside hitter Rachel Giustino playing more than 80 sets for the Racers last season. Along with the returning players, Schwepker and his staff signed four players through the off-season to fill out the roster for next year. His class included Callie Anderson from Collierville, Tennessee, Becca Fernandez from Carol Stream, Illinois, Katirah Johnson from Scott Air Force Base, Illinois and Kolby McClelland from Bowen, Illinois. The Racers finished last season 25-9 and won their third consecutive OVC regular season Championship. The team will be young next year, but Schwepker said the team is developing nicely and looks forward to trying to coach them to a fourth- straight championship. “It’s going down to the experience and the maturity of the team,” Schwepker said. “If the team can mature fast enough, we will have a good team and if not, we might struggle.” Behind the two upperclassmen are eight underclassmen who will fill up the remainder of the roster for the upcoming season.

Bryan Edwards Staff writer

bedwards16@murraystate.edu

The Murray State football team took the field for its first practices of the spring to begin preparation for t he 2 017 season. Stewart Head Coach Mitch Stewart is happy to see the team back on the field. “It’s what you live for as a coach,” Stewart said. “It’s good to see them get on the field and out of the weight room.” The Racers will be practicing with a limited roster that offers returning names and new faces, with players that transferred into the program and players that were able to enroll into college early out of high school. Stewart said it’s better to have more people, but health is key throughout the spring and into the year. “The depth is better,” Stewart said. “It’s all about keeping them healthy through spring. It’s their

first time in pads so as long as we can keep them OK we should be alright.” The Racers only lost eight players from last season’s team. The team will return the remainder of their roster for spring practice. Although there were only eight leaving the program, they left big shoes to fill. One of those players was former quarterback KD Humphries, who became the program’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns during his career at Murray State. Stewart said he doesn’t plan on announcing a starter until the season gets closer. Old Dominion transfer Shuler Bentley and incoming freshman Preston Rice will compete with three other quarterbacks for the first spot on the depth chart. “It’s going to come down to completions,” Stewart said. “We will decide on a starter when we see who can complete the ball and move our offense down the field. We won’t announce during spring practice and I’m in no hurry to announce who will start for us.” The Racers will be welcoming their recruiting class to Murray State in the fall, where they will join the team

Jenny Rohl/The News

The 2016 volleyball team’s bench cheers on their teammates last season.

and participate in the final portions of the off-season. Stewart added a new coach to his staff during the offseason. Brian Hamilton will serve on Stewart’s staff as an offensive line coach. Stewart said Hamilton brings energy to practice but is still learning. “He drinks six Red Bulls before he comes out to practice and is ready to go,” Stewart said. “He has a lot of teaching to do and he’s learning on the fly. He understands the message we’re trying to teach and he’s all over the place teaching and learning.” Stewart and his staff had 25 players commit to play for the Racers on National Signing Day in February. The biggest commitment for the Racers was Georgia transfer Rico McGraw. The sophomore defensive back transferred to Murray State to play with his brother, freshman running back Mareio McGraw. The schedule for the 2017 season has yet to be released. The Racers will suit up for their annual spring scrimmage on Friday, April 28. Stewart said students will be able to attend and select Greek organizations can participate as well.

Photo by Mark McFarland/The News

Members of the Murray State football team line up for sprints during a preseason practice last year.

ATHLETE

TEAM

TIME

Jebreuna Brimlett

Murray State

13.53

Brimlett finishes first of 28 runners Blake Sandlin Staff writer

Myiah Johnson

Austin Peay

13.77

Milani Glass

Findlay

13.90

Kristen Winkel

Ohio

14.26

Sharnique Leonce

Tennessee Tech

14.28

Taylor McCammon

Murray State

14.29

Breanna Luba

Grand Valley St.

14.31

Ke’Asia Johnson-Bell

Eastern Kentucky

14.33

Kaila Smith

Western Kentucky

14.41

Amanda Schnabel

Bellarmine

14.66

Graphic by Austin Gordon/The News

bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

Western Kentucky track and field hosted a 21-team field at the Hilltopper Relays April 7-8 that had several Murray State athletes recording notable finishes. Sophomore sprinter Jabreuna Brimlett was off to a strong start for the sprinters, claiming first place out of 28 runners in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.53 seconds. Head Coach, Jenny Swieton said Brimlett’s performance will help give her the chance to compete on an even bigger stage. “That was awesome,” Swieton said. “The coolest thing about that is that will probably qualify her for the first round of the NCAA Champi-

onships.” Taylor McCammon, junior hurdler, followed shortly behind Brimlett in the event at 14.29 seconds to claim sixth. In the 100-meter dash, McCammon took home eighth place out of 42 runners, clocking in at 12.28 seconds. Sophomore sprinter Tamdra Lawrence secured fifth place in the 200-meter dash out of 59 runners by finishing in 24.28 seconds. Freshman sprinter Norma Abdur-Rafia followed shortly after in seventh place, recording 24.49 seconds. In the 400-meter hurdles, sophomore hurdler Jocelyn Payne finished in 61.96 seconds to claim third. Out of a field of 31 runners, Hilary McAdam, freshman middle-distance runner, placed third in the 800-meter with a time of 2:16.31.

In the 1,500-meter run, freshman middle-distance runner Ali Hester ran 4:40.07 to finish in fourth place out of 36 runners. Freshman middle-distance runner Mason Swenson finished the event in ninth place after a 4:43.13 finish. The 3,000-meter steeplechase featured Rebekah Priddy, junior distance runner, clocking in at 11:22.13 to finish in second place out of nine competitors. In the field events, Aubrey Main, sophomore high jumper, placed ninth out of 25 athletes in the high jump with a height of 1.55 meters. Freshman thrower Jewel Wagner threw 12.82 meters in shot put to win fourth place in the event. Wagner picked up where she left off in the hammer throw, throwing 39.89 meters for a third-place finish. The Racers had notable

finishes in relays on Saturday with the team finishing in second place out of 13 schools in the 4x100 meter relay. The team of McCammon, Payne, Abdur-Rafia and Lawrence finished in 45.98 seconds in the event. Swieton said her team is making a smooth transition from the outdoor season to the indoor. “I think that things are really starting to come together,” Swieton said. “You can tell that we have a pretty hard training block between indoor OVC and our first outdoor meet, but I think everybody is really starting to get used to the training and it’s really starting to click.” The Racers will be back on the track on Friday, April 14 for a two-day meet in Clarksville, Tennessee, at the Austin Peay Invitational.

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Page 9

April 13, 2017 Features Editor: Gisselle Hernandez Assistant Features Editor: Emily Williams Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures

Features

Graphic courtesy of Kelsey Fannin/The News

Jones gets ‘buzzy’ with bees MacKenzie Jones spent her Spring Break building a bee farm to spotlight Murray State’s part in saving the bees Sydni Anderson Staff writer

sanderson33@murraystate.edu

A Murray State student is bringing the buzz to Pullen Farm. MacKenzie Jones, sophomore majoring in agriculture science and agriculture education from Frankfort, Kentucky, is building a bee farm, or apiary, on Murray State’s 40acre facility dedicated to student learning. A Murray State video showed Jones and her family building a fence to wrap around the farm. Brian Parr, department head of agriculture science, also helped in the construction of Jones’s bee farm. He said he had a great time working with Jones’s family. “MacKenzie’s dad, uncle, grandfather, brother and mother all came to help her,” Parr said. “I helped with digging holes and putting up posts for the fence.” The fence, made of lumber from Jones’s uncle’s farm, is three-fourths of the way completed. However, the apiary will also need equipment, smokers, hive stands, gravel and jackets for anyone who goes inside. Jones said the apiary will benefit the community by pollinating Pullen Farm and educating the community. “It’ll put a spotlight on the Hutson School of Agriculture because bees are such a hot topic right now,” Jones said. “Especially with the bumblebee being put on

the endangered species list, the attention’s kind of been brought back to the bees.” In January, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated the rusty patched bumblebee as an endangered species. According to a report released in February by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services, more than 40 percent of insect pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, face global extinction. Jones said she wants to show people Murray State is doing its part to save the bees. One way, she said, is by creating more Varroa mite-tolerant bees. Varroa mites are a type of parasite for bees. “If a tick was a dinner plate on us, that’s the comparison of Varroa mites for a bee,” Jones said. “We’re wanting to breed bees that have good grooming characteristics so that they’re not wanting Varroa mites on them. Varroa mites are the main reason bees are dying. Not because of the bite, but because of the diseases they carry on them.” Ten nucs, or nuclear hives, have been purchased for the apiary. Jones said she plans on growing the hives throughout the summer and catching at least 10 swarms of bees. She estimates having 20-25 hives. Despite her traction with the apiary, Jones hasn’t always been a bee expert. She said it was a summer internship with the Kentucky Department of Agriculture that

spurred her interest in bees. Jones was placed in the animal health division where she worked at stockyards and with Tammy Horn Potter, the state apiarist. “She took me out and made me handle bees,” Jones said. “She didn’t really tell me ‘Here’s some gloves. You should definitely wear these!’ or ‘Oh, you know they sting. Be careful!’ She was just like, ‘Here’s your jacket. Have fun.’” As a Murray State Presidential Fellowship recipient, Jones is required to participate in a research project. She said she had talked to Potter about finding a new project for the Presidential Fellowship because she wasn’t enjoying the one she was doing. “I like more hands-on things,” Jones said. “The talk with Potter started a conversation about bees and Murray State. We wanted to see if we could start an apiary here.” Jones met with Tony Brannon, dean of Hutson School of Agriculture, and Parr, who is also Jones’s research adviser. Jones said they were both on board with the project. “MacKenzie is an amazing student,” Parr said. “And this project has allowed her to be involved from everything from planning, funding, designing and construction. She has and will carry this project from conception to creation. That is great real-world preparation.”

Chalice Keith/The News

MacKenzie Jones plans on growing the hives throughout the summer.

From our readers

On April 6, a double rainbow graced the Murray sky. We asked you, the readers, to share with us your photos on our Facebook page.

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The News

Features

Page 10

April 13, 2017

Local rock band hosts show to celebrate first single Nick Erickson Staff writer

nerickson@murraystate.edu

Kelli O’Toole/The News

Lethargic Super Dudes are all composed of Murray State students.

Kelli O’Toole/The News

The rock band celebrated their first single, “I went into the forest,” on April 5 at the Curris Center. Gabe Massinon (left), Josh Ramirez(center), Matt Martin (right) are pictured above.

Middle schoolers write poems about adults with disabilities Joel Polarek

Alexander said grant writing is a tedious process, but it’s jpolarek@murraystate.edu worth every minute. “It funds a lot of really im April is National Poetry portant projects like this projMonth and to celebrate, sevect we’re doing with adults enth-grade students at Murray with disabilities,” she said. Middle School wrote and re Todd Hatton, producer and corded poems inspired host of “Morning Edition” by images of people with for WKMS, produced disabilities. The poems “Poetry Minutes” from will air on WKMS on Alexander’s recordings. weekdays in April in a Hatton said WKMS rousegment called “Poetry tinely does hours of interMinutes.” views, feature pieces and Local writer and Kennews pieces that touch on tucky Arts Council’s the arts in this region of the Featured Artist, Concountry. stance Alexander, held As Murray’s local a writing workshop at NPR station, Hatton said Murray Middle in JanuWKMS’s mission is serary and recorded all the Photo courtesy of Kentucky Arts Council vice, and that definition poems. Alexander ran-Constance Alexander helps students with poetry. extends very easily past the domly assigned each stuthings that are obvious, like dent a photo that depicted person reaches age 21, they are news and weather emergena person with a disability, and no longer qualified to be in the cies. they used two short poems by Penguin Project. She said that “With the arts, the mission Williams Carlos Williams as a rule made her realize there are there is giving people the optemplate to create their own. many adults with disabilities portunity to be exposed to Alexander was inspired to do and there aren’t very many spesomething that, perhaps, they “Poetry Minutes” by Playhouse cial programs for them to use would not otherwise have the in the Park’s Penguin Project, the arts. opportunity to be exposed to,” which gives “children with Alexander said this year’s Hatton said. “Every once in special needs an opportunity “Poetry Minutes” dovetailed awhile, you find yourself stopto participate in the performing her current project with the ping to admire the sunset, well, arts,” according to Playhouse Murray-Calloway County Hosthat’s speaking to that part of in the Park’s website. pital’s Endowment for Health you that responds to poetry, The Penguin Project displays Care. to drama or just to listening to children’s “creative talents, but “I’m working on a grant from someone telling a good story.” also enhances social interacthe Kentucky Arts Council to Alexander shares that value tion, communication skills, asour local hospital foundation of art in people’s lives and sertiveness, and self-esteem,” and the focus of the grant is on works to help them find their according to Playhouse’s webusing the arts and emphasizing voice. site. inclusion of adults with disabil Read more at TheNews.org. “The Penguin Project is just ities in the arts,” she said. Contributing writer

an amazing use of the arts to allow people of all different abilities to work together and feel really good and excited and feel a sense of confidence about what they’re doing,” Alexander said. Alexander explained once a

Newcomers to the Murray music scene Lethargic Super Dudes played a show April 5 at the Curris Center to celebrate the release of their first single, “I went into the forest.” Composed of vocalist and guitarist Gabe Massinon, bassist Matt Martin, guitarist Will Stuart and drummer Steve Boss, the four-piece band showed vigor on the stage and passion for their craft. Martin, senior from Louisville, Kentucky, said the group did not actually start with the intention of being a band. “Originally, we were just three roommates who would get bored and jam on the weekends,” Martin said. “We called ourselves The Jank House Band and played covers at Mr. J’s Grill and Pub open mic night once or twice.” Martin said it was the Fall 2016 when an official lineup was created. “Gabe showed us an original song he wrote called ‘I went into the forest’ and we began to realize we had something special,” Martin said. “Once we had an original song and a lineup, we just

needed an official name and practice.” Martin said Gabe suggested the name Lethargic Super Dudes and though the band laughed at it, nobody else could think of a better name so it stuck. “We started taking ourselves more seriously last December,” Martin said. “We went into the forest and wrote an album in a weekend, then played our first show the following week in Louisville.” As far as the band’s music goes, Martin says multiple influences have come together to form a cohesive and a helpful experience for each member. “I would describe us as a psychedelic rock band that grew up listening to a lot of punk and emo music,” Martin said. “We write music for a creative outlet and therapeutic experience.” Martin said it was easy to book the band’s show at the Curris Center. “The Curris Center is a great space where anyone can reserve space in the building,” Martin said. “Depending on the event and organization, some spaces are free.” Martin also said their fraternity aided in producing the show. “We were able to reserve

the space through our fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau,” Martin said. “Having all been in previous bands, we ran our own sound, set up the stage and also brought our own PA system.” Martin said he was pleased with the outcome of the band’s show. “I think it was the best show we've played so far,” Martin said. “It seems like each show we play, we build more chemistry on stage between us.” With around 20 people in attendance, Martin said he was happy about the crowd’s reaction. “Everyone was really responsive,” Martin said. “It's always nice to see people having a good time watching your band.” In addition to playing new songs, some of which Martin says they’ve never practiced before, the band took a few requests from the crowd. Martin said the band has plenty planned for the remainder of 2017. “We have one show officially planned for the future,” Martin said. “We are releasing our album on April 21 and throwing a house show to celebrate the release.” To anyone interested in booking Lethargic Super Dudes for a show, they may contact the band at lethargicsuperdudes@gmail.com.

LGBT community embarks on Gaypril festivities Emily Williams

Assistant Features Editor ewilliams15@murraystate.edu

April has arrived and with it comes a month-long celebration of LGBT culture, otherwise known as “Gaypril.” The office of LGBT Programming at Murray State has planned a variety of different activities during the month of April in which students all around campus, whether a member of the LGbT community or not, can join in the fun of Gaypril. Michelle Barber, interim LGBT Coordinator at Murray State, said although the office of LGBT Programming has celebrated in the form of Pride Week in the past, this is their first year celebrating Gaypril. “The reason we didn’t do Pride Week this year is because it’s traditionally in late February,” Barber said. “Since I started in this job in the middle

of January, this was in reaction to not having a lot of time to plan the traditional Pride Week but still wanting to celebrate pride in some way.” According to the Library of Congress website, LGBT Pride Month is traditionally celebrated in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan, which were what prompted the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. But Barber said since students are not on campus in the month of June, they wanted to hold something that coincided with the school year as well. She said the idea for Gaypril came from one of their students, Kelsey Crawford, senior from Anna, Illinois. Crawford transferred from Northern Illinois University and said the idea of celebrating Gaypril came from her time there and how they took an entire month

to celebrate the LGBT culture. She said she thinks a monthlong celebration is important because it gives more people the opportunity to learn about LGBT culture who may have never had that opportunity before. “I think it gives us an opportunity to celebrate who we are and to do that visibly on campus,” Crawford said. “It also creates a diversity aspect for Murray State. We’re just having opportunities for anyone who identifies however they want to identify, to have a place to be and feel safe and celebrate their individuality.” Crawford said she is looking forward to the LGBTQ one-on-one as well as the relationship panel. She said it is an event that will educate people on the basics if they have questions.