The Murray State News

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THE MUR R AY STATE

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90 years of excellence

April 27, 2017 | Vol. 91, No. 27

Mumps confirmed on campus One case of the rare virus has reached Murray amid regional outbreak Sabra Jackson || Staff writer sjackson30@murraystate.edu

Murray State sent an email April 24 confirming a case of the mumps on campus.

There have been several universities with cases reported in Missouri, Illinois and Kentucky.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mumps is a contagious disease spread by air droplets formed when people carrying the disease cough or sneeze. It can also spread by eating after or kissing someone with the disease. The Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine is typically administered at an early age, once at 12 months and a booster shot at the age of 4, but that does not always work. Adults who have had mumps in the past are protected for life from getting the disease again, however second occurrences have happened.

Laura Vincent, registered nurse at Calloway County Public Health Department, said this is the first case in Calloway County the department is aware of.

“Anytime there is a case of mumps, it is made public knowledge,” Vincent said.

Vincent said because of the outbreak on college campuses last year, Calloway County was on alert, but there were no cases to report.

Symptoms of mumps include fever, headache, muscle aches, tiredness, loss of appetite and swollen and tender salivary glands located under the ears on one or both sides and around the jaw bone. Symptoms typically show 12-15 days after exposure to an infected person.

After puberty, mumps has been known to cause inflammation and soreness of the breasts in women or the testicles in men.

If you have any of the symptoms, the office of Student Affairs encourages you to see your health care provider or a local health department for recommended testing for mumps.

They also suggest not attending class and work after showing symptoms for up to five days.

After treatment, doctors encourage lots of rest and drinking fluids as well as taking all prescribed medications as directed.

If you show any of the symptoms, you should stay away from other people five days after your salivary glands begin to swell.

You can help prevent mumps by receiving two doses of the MMR vaccine, covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, washing your hands frequently, avoiding sharing personal items or cleaning and disinfecting items that come into contact with secretions from the nose or mouth.

Photo courtesy of vaccine-info.com

Arant named new Provost Paige Effinger Contributing writer peffinger@murraystate.edu

Mark Arant was named the new Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost today and pending Board of Regents approval will start the role July 1.

Arant is currently the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and has also held positions at University of Arkansas - Fort Smith and University of Louisiana at Monroe.

Arant earned his bachelor’s de-

gree in chemistry from Louisiana Tech University and later earned his doctorate in organic chemistry from the University of Alabama.

Among his achievements, Arant implemented a strategic plan for academic affairs at Northeastern State University and laid the foundation for a new school of Visual and Performing Arts.

Michael Mann, senior from Springfield, Kentucky and the student representative on the search committee for this position, said every candidate was qualified, but Arant’s experiences were very similar to those that he will experience at Murray.

“I am excited to see what the future holds for him at Murray State, and I believe that he has the ability to do a fantastic job,” Mann said.

Mann said Arant was very Arant conversational and is able to clearly and precisely explain things.

“From a student’s perspective, I believe that Dr. Arant is an extremely intelligent, relaxed, and easy going guy,” Mann said.

ESPN host shares rags-to-riches story Blake Sandlin Assistant Sports Editor bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

Stephen A. Smith took a break from his routine habit of animated, spit-inducing tirades in order to address Murray State students Friday, April 21.

Smith, the host of ESPN’s “First Take” and “The Stephen A. Smith Show” on ESPN Radio, delivered a message of perseverance to the crowd, sharing his ragsto-riches story while encouraging them to chase dreams of their own.

Born in New York City, Smith shared the struggles he faced growing up. In elementary school, he was held back twice and was the subject of ridicule among his classmates. Smith said he did not let their criticism affect him, but used it to motivate him.

“I remember their laughter,” Smith said. “I remember them calling me a dummy. I

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remember the look on my father’s face, looking at me like I was a complete failure.

People want to know where my motivation came from?

My motivation came from that. Now if I had motivation when I was in the fourth grade, what the hell are some of you doing in college with no motivation?”

His struggles did not end there.

After college, Smith worked for the Greensboro News and Record, struggling with poverty throughout.

“They weren’t in Archdale, North Carolina, like I was, living on tuna fish and Kool Aid, doing editorial assistance work during the day and at night covering high school sports in North Carolina for zero,” Smith said.

Through hard work and dedication to his craft, Smith worked his way up the ladder to cement his place as one of the world’s most

see SMITH, page 2

www.TheNews.org

Chalice Keith/The News

Stephen A. Smith came to Murray to give his success story.

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Board of Regents ups the price Tuition, meal plan, housing rates all to be increased for 2017-18 Collin Morris

The Murray State Board of Regents officially approved price increases for tuition, housing and meal plans for the 2017-18 school year.

At a special session Friday, April 21, nine of the board’s 10 regents voted in favor of proposals to raise tuition prices by 5 percent, housing by 4 percent and non-flex meal plans by 2 percent.

Earlier this month, the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE) set the university’s cap on tuition increases at 5 percent.

Murray State President Bob Davies said the board’s choice to maximize the increase is a long-term solution.

“The goal is to have a more consistent approach to fluctuation over time,” Davies said. “Current students will be paying more to offset contributions in the future.”

Student Regent Clint Combs was the lone nay vote on the measures. Combs, who will graduate in May, said Murray State emphasized affordability when he first arrived but has raised its tuition costs by as much as $1,122 per year during his four years.

Combs also said students are paying more for less, as the university continues to

cut services and programs.

Jackie Dudley, vice president of finance and administrative services, said the university has taken a look at everything on a unit level and made expenditures as minimal as possible.

Through this, the university has seen a $1.2 million reduction in expenses.

Dudley also said the decline in enrollment by international and graduate students has cost the school roughly $4.5 million, and the reduction in students enrolling in summer classes has reduced income by $500,000.

The university also has a reduction of students signing up late for classes which has dropped nearly $5,000 in income as well.

Davies said students admitted before 2016 will have a increase of $198 in total tuition per semester.

Students admitted after the summer of 2016 will have an increase of $210 in tuition. The students admitted after the summer of 2016 have a different scholarship academic grid; therefore, their scholarships will be increased to help offset the difference.

Also at the special meeting, the Board of Regents approved the university’s purchase of a property on 1602 Miller Ave. and approved the athletics department to pursue the prospect of moving to other athletic conferences upon rumors of interest from the Missouri Valley Conference.

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News Editor cmorris29@murraystate.edu

Sabra Jackson Staff writer sjackson30@murraystate.edu

The News

News

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April 27, 2017

Comer hosts town hall Paige Effinger

Contributing writer peffinger@murraystate.edu

James Comer, R–Tompkinsville, was elected the 1st District Representative for Kentucky last November, and has kept busy his first year in Congress.

Comer finished his 12th town hall meeting covering all 12 counties. During the congressional recess, Comer said he wanted to visit his district to discuss his constituents’ concerns.

According to 13 ABC WBKO ,in one of the town hall meetings in Franklin, Kentucky he discussed a variety of topics including the attacks in Syria.

Comer said he hopes he can help his constituents understand his stance on things and help them with any concerns.

“I work for these people, and it’s my job to come and hear them out and get their advice,” Comer said.

During the town hall meeting, Comer said he agrees with President Donald Trump and his actions towards Syria despite it being a controversial move. Comer said the president does not need congressional approval but also does

100 days of

Sabra Jackson Staff writer

sjackson30@murraystate.edu

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Comer speaking at a Homegrown by Heroes event, a farmer veteran association funded by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture. not want troops on the ground.

Comer hopes to have a town hall meeting in all 35 of his district counties by the end of this year and has scheduled more for the month of May. In March, Comer accompanied Trump on Air Force One. In a press release issued March 21, Comer said the two spoke about health care in the first district.

In an interview with

WKMS, Michael Gossum, Comer’s communication director, said the congressman plans on voting for the American Health Care Act. In an interview with 13 ABC WBKO about the flight with Trump, Comer said he wanted to ensure the president knew health care could not be a one size fits all ordeal.

“The challenges that people in New York have, with respect to health care, are

very different than the challenges for people in western Kentucky and south central Kentucky,” Comer said.

In the press release, Comer said the conversation was very productive and thanked Trump for working to repeal “Obamacare.”

“The 1st District is a very rural district, and I want to make sure my constituents get the best possible health care,” Comer said.

Week 14 Day 98

TRUMP Tax cuts and approval ratings Collin Morris News Editor

cmorris29@murraystate.edu

After 96 days in office, President Donald Trump is on pace to finish his first 100 days with the lowest approval rating of any president in modern history.

According to an ABC News/Washington Post poll released Sunday, April 23, Trump holds a 42 percent approval rating and a 53 percent disapproval rating. The pollster says his numbers are the lowest of any president through their first 100 days since they began collecting data in 1945.

In comparison, President Barack Obama had a 69 percent approval rating in an equivalent time period. Presidents Harry Truman and John F. Kennedy recorded the highest ratings with 87 and 78 percent, respectively.

President Gerald Ford was the lone executive to come within 10 points of Trump.

He finished with a 48 percent approval rating after succeeding Richard Nixon upon Nixon’s resignation after the Watergate scandal.

Another poll performed

by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal in conjunction with Hart Research Associates revealed a 40 percent approval rating among 900 respondents.

On Wednesday, April 26, whispers of tax reform elevated to broad policy

University reviews compensation Sibson is the human resources consulting firm Murray State has contracted for $145,000 to do a study in faculty compensation.

Joyce Gordon, director of human resources, said the university went through many companies to decide which one had a good price, good quality and is able to compare and contrast to other schools within the region. Sibson was the one with data in the region and works with other schools in Kentucky.

Sibson was the most reasonable and most suited for the study that Murray State wanted to do. Gordon said it is difficult to come to an agreement between vice president, stakeholders and others.

Gordon said the data from other schools goes to College and University Personnel Association-Human Resources, CUPA-HR. Because Murray State and other schools report employment statistics and other data each year, Sibson is able to gather information from CUPA-HR to analyze and suggest ways a university can compensate faculty and staff.

“It benefits the students for us to look at keeping a stable group of faculty and staff,” Gordon said.

The study is divided into three categories: faculty, exempt staff and non-exempt staff.

King said the study will begin with faculty salaries

SMITH From Page 1

Graphic courtesy of ABC News and The Washington Post

discussion as the Trump Administration announced its intent to begin pushing for 15 percent cut to the corporate tax rate. The cut will apply to businesses of any size, coinciding with Trump’s campaign promise.

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin began making appearances to discuss the cuts immediately Wednesday morning.

“It will be the biggest tax cut and the largest tax reform in the history of our country,” Mnuchin said.

Supporters, including many Republicans in Congress, say the cuts will re-

surge the economy while opponents suggest they will only add to the national debt and deficit.

A private analysis done by the Joint Committee on Taxation, a nonpartisan group, and obtained by CNN determined the cuts will increase the federal deficit for over 10 years, meaning the bill will require bilateral support to pass, per Senate rules.

The plan will also cut the top income tax rate from 39.6 percent to 35 percent and double the amount taxpayers can deduct, according to the AP. One prominent pillar of

Trump’s presidential platform is weathering another test after reports by the AP revealed Dow Chemical, an international pesticide company, wrote a $1 million check contribution funding Trump’s inauguration and coalescing celebrations and spent $13.6 million on lobbying in 2016.

Also according to the AP, the company’s CEO, Andrew Liveris, is one of the many businessmen playing an active role in the Trump Administration – he currently heads a White House manufacturing working group.

Read more at TheNews.org.

Giſts • Decor • Gourmet Coffees & Teas Pillows • Willow Tree • Wall Art • Inspirational Jewelry

sought-after sports journalists. Smith said he beat out students who came from more reputable universities because of his willingness to gain experience. He urged the students in attendance to do the same.

“Don’t go to class thinking all you need to do is get your grades, when your competition is doing internships,” Smith said. “Because the competition is getting practical experience. You’re coming with a degree, they’re coming with a portfolio.”

Noah Norsworthy, freshman at Murray State who attended the lecture, said Smith’s call to action for students encouraged him to be more involved at the university.

“It motivates me to always put over 100 percent into everything I do and to strive and be prepared for the real world after college,” Norsworthy said.

After his lecture, Smith

and examine national, regional and local trends by academic discipline, with an emphasis in employee recruitment.

The study is a small side piece of the strategic plan that will be up for review again in 2022. The strategic plan aligns the institutional benefits and helps the university meet the goals of the mission statement.

Sibson provides human resources and benefits consulting for corporations and nonprofit organizations. According to Sibson’s website, it helps organizations grow their business profitability and increase the performance and productivity of their people.

Sibson’s parent company is Segal, an international consultant company. While they have many specialties, Gordon said they are one of the best at compensation studies.

“Murray State University recognizes that our people are our greatest asset,” said Adrienne King, vice president of university advancement.

Gordon said the university has been looking at starting this study for the last three years. The process started as going out as a bid, which was approved in early April.

“At the end of the day, it’s the student-center focus and it’s how we all look at that,” Gordon said. “It’s been a campus-wide effort.”

Gordon said this study is the first step and will take a few months to get through.

The next step will be taking place mid-summer.

opened the floor to questions. He discussed the turmoil of the New York Knicks, whether or not he believed in participation trophies and his opinion of NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

DayQuan Wallace, senior at Murray State, arrived two hours early for Smith’s lecture.

He said he was grateful Smith could visit a school that typically does not receive a lot of attention.

“It was good that Stephen A. took the time out of his busy schedule to come speak at a smaller school off the radar, where it’s a majority white school and white area.”

Wallace said he is encouraged by the way Smith uses his voice to enact change within his community.

“He always keeps it real and steps up to be a voice for black America when there aren’t many of us that have the power to be heard,” Wallace said. “He takes that part of his job seriously, and we as African Americans respect that he does that and respect him for taking on that responsibility.”

The News

News

April 27, 2017

Page 3

University studying low number of women faculty

News Editor: Collin Morris Assistant Editor: Ashley Traylor Phone: 270-809-4468 Twitter: MurrayStateNews

Destinee Marking || Staff writer

POLICE BEAT APRIL 19 9:31 a.m.

The Murray State Police Department received an attempt to locate in reference to a homicide suspect in Clarksville, Tennessee. Officers were notified.

5:18 p.m.

A caller reported a suspicious person on 13th and Payne street. Officers were notified.

APRIL 20 4:13 p.m.

A caller reported a person stuck in an elevator at Lee Clark Residential College. Officers and the Central Heating and Cooling Plant were notified.

5:07 p.m.

A caller requested a check of a person at White Residential College. Officers, Murray Ambulance Service, on-call residence director and Student Affairs were notified. The person was arrested and a citation was issued for possession of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, public intoxication and possession of controlled substance.

dmarking@murraystate.edu

Murray State Advance, a program funded by the National Science Foundation, is studying the issue of low recruitment and retention rates of women faculty in the sciences.

The program allows universities to study the recruitment and retention of women faculty in science.

It is nationwide and has funded more than 40 universities across the country over the last 15 years.

The program started at Murray State in May 2016. It has run for one year and will continue for another two years.

“We’re pretty happy with our progress so far,” said Maeve McCarthy, mathematics professor and director of Advance.

McCarthy said science is broadly defined to include science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and social, behavioral and economic sciences (SBES).

Data from the institutional research office showed fewer women are hired in these disciplines, and data from the Institutional Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) office showed there are fewer women who hold a doctorate in areas of STEM. McCarthy said in psychology, biology and chemistry there are more women graduating, so it should be easier for Murray State to recruit more women. But that is not what they are seeing.

“We’re trying to find out what is it about

Murray State that is appealing to some but not appealing to others and how can we provide resources that make people take jobs at Murray State and stay in jobs at Murray State,” McCarthy said.

McCarthy said Advance has done some work with the Women’s Faculty Caucus to build awareness of issues and intends to share their results with the caucus.

The Women’s Faculty Caucus has recently been interested in salary equity, which was studied this semester.

Hilton The salary equity study showed women in departments that are not male-dominated such as history, English and education make lower annual salaries than other faculty – including men – at Murray State, which McCarthy said is “disheartening.”

In contrast, women in departments such as accounting, engineering and computer science have higher salaries than other women faculty.

History professor and president of the Women’s Faculty Caucus, Marjorie Hilton, said it is important to understand the broader context of the salary equity study.

Hilton said members of the caucus were not surprised about the salary study, given that in the U.S. women on average earn less than men, which coincides with the findings of the American Association of University Professors.

“The members of the Women’s Faculty Cau-

cus are deeply interested and engaged in learning more about the issues that affect women – and all – faculty,” Hilton said.

McCarthy said she does hear other women faculty talk about how they wish there were more women in their departments.

“There are fewer women to talk to about professional issues that come up that are related to gender,” McCarthy said. “It’s a little bit easier when there’s more women in the department for you to talk about those things professionally and get advice.”

The most recent numbers from Fall 2015 of women faculty in STEM and SBES are: • Non-tenure track positions (lecturer): 48 percent • Tenure track positions (assistant professors without tenure): 29 percent • Tenured positions: 20 percent McCarthy said this indicates a couple of possibilities. Murray State is either hiring at a 50-50 rate but not keeping the women here beyond a few years or in the past did not hire as many women as the university is currently hiring.

She also said factors like how rural Murray is and the isolated community could affect the recruitment and retention rate.

“We’re not really sure at this point whether it is recruitment or retention or both that is impacting the issue, but what we are seeing is that at the higher ranks we have fewer women and at the lower ranks we have more women,” said McCarthy said. “We’d like to see in the long term this balanced out a little bit.”

Reported cases of sexual assault on the rise

APRIL 21

Katlyn Mackie || Staff writer

6:38 a.m.

kmackie2@murraystate.edu

A caller requested a check of a person at Oakhurst. Officers were notified.

The person was arrested and charged with alcohol intoxication in a public place.

The number of sexual assaults reported at Murray State have risen in the last two years.

A law passed in 1990, the Clery Act, requires all universities to keep statistics of reported sexual assaults throughout a calendar year.

In 2015, there were 13 reported sexual assaults on campus.

Preliminary numbers for 2016 show there were 15 reports. Ten were reported to the office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Access (IDEA) and five were reported to the Murray State Police.

So far in 2017, there have been 5 reports of sexual assault. Two were reported to the IDEA and three were reported to Murray State Police.

James Herring, chief of Murray State Police, said the first step to combating sexual assault is to encourage victims to report.

9:12 a.m.

Officers conducted a traffic stop at Mason Hall. A verbal warning was issued for speeding.

APRIL 22 10:23 a.m.

A caller reported a fire alarm activation. Officers, on-call residence director, Murray Fire Department and the Central Heating and Cooling Plant were notified. Activation was caused by a hair straightener. No threat of fire was detected.

“We as a police department and university can do that by creating an environment in which the victims feel safe coming forward,” Herring said. “If we provide the appropriate resources to take the person from victim to survivor, we could reach our goal of having no unreported sexual assaults.”

Herring said the second step to combating sexual assault is to create an environment where people don’t feel inclined to commit sexual assault.

He said that is much more difficult, but it should still be the focus in the long run.

Abigail French, Women’s Center coordinator, said in Herring working with students who are considering reporting, there seems to be more awareness regarding reporting options and support services – like advocacy and

counseling.

“Generally, an increased awareness of options and resources leads to less of stigma because awareness reduces uncertainty and fear,” French said.

According to the U.S. Department of Education’s office for Civil Rights (OCR), Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 protects people from discrimination based on sex in education programs or activities that receive federal financial assistance.

Title IX states: “No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

Victims of sexual assault can call or go to the Murray State Police Department (270-8092222), the office of Institutional Diversity, Equity, and Access (270-809-3155) or any Campus Security Authority.

7:13 p.m.

Officers conducted a traffic stop at Walmart on state Route 121. A criminal summons was served.

APRIL 23 3:57 p.m.

A caller reported a lost animal on Ryan Avenue. Officers were notified.

7:14 p.m.

A caller reported a noise complaint at White Residential College. Officers were notified.

APRIL 24 12:02 p.m.

Murray State Parking requested to speak with an officer at Murray State Police Department. Officers were notified. A report was taken for theft by unlawful taking under $500.

4:53 p.m.

Officers received an attempt to locate in reference to a runaway juvenile in Marshall County, Kentucky. Officers were notified.

APRIL 25 2:51 p.m.

Chalice Keith/The News

The Murray state Police Department received a fax from the office of Institutional Diversity, Equity and Access in reference to a sexual assault that occurred at an unknown date, time and location. Officers were notified.

Dr. Gary W. Boggess is joined by his family and Dr. Davies as he cuts the ribbon on the new Science Resource Center.

New building dedicated to former dean

3:47 p.m.

Destinee Marking || Staff writer

A person reported a motor vehicle collision with no injuries at the Wellness Center lot. Officers were notified. A collision report was taken.

MOTORIST ASSISTS RACER ASSISTS ARRESTS

dmarking@murraystate.edu

0 0 2

Ashley Traylor, Assistant News Editor, compiles Police Beat with materials provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management.

Not all dispatched calls are listed.

Murray State alumnus Gary W. Boggess stood speechless as the newly-constructed Science Resource Center was named in his honor at the dedication ceremony April 21.

Boggess, dean of the College of Science from 1978 until 1998, said he has encountered health issues during the last year but felt rejuvenated on Friday.

“I don’t know what to say except it’s good to be with you,” Boggess said.

The brick walkway connecting the new Engineering and Physics Building to Jesse D. Jones Hall was also named in honor of Timothy D. Jones, son of Jesse D. Jones, supporter of students and faculty within the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology.

The ceremony took place in the soon-to-be Dr. Gary W. Boggess Science Resource Center and

consisted of remarks from Stephen Williams, President Bob Davies, Steve Cobb, Jesse D. Jones and Boggess.

Davies spoke about what the Science Resource Center will be and how it fits into the vision he has for Murray State.

“At Murray State University, our vision is very simple – to be the best student-centered university in America,” Davies said.

The Science Resource Center will be a place for students to study and collaborate. Davies said the area will be equipped with computers and equipment for students to practice presentations, take part in video conferences and do live interviews.

Steve Cobb, dean of the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology, followed Davies’ remarks by speaking about what the new building means for students.

“With the completion of this building, our students will benefit from a modern, well-equipped

learning environment that has been designed from the ground up with student needs in mind,” Cobb said.

Since Cobb has known Boggess for more than 30 years, he also took his chance to share what he finds to be Boggess’ most admirable qualities and why he is deserving of this honor.

He said Boggess always has a calm and reassuring demeanor, is patient and persistent, always has a big smile and a welcoming handshake and has always valued mentoring.

Donations from 1964 Murray State alumnus Jesse D. Jones made the dedications possible.

“This is a most special day, a once-in-a-lifetime day,” Jones said.

Jones said Boggess is deserving of all the accolades he receives. He said Boggess is a good friend of his and he is happy for him.

Read more at TheNews.org.

The News

Page 4

April 27, 2017

Opinion Editor: Tyler Anderson Page Designer: Tori Wood Phone: 270-809-5873

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Allison Laski

Opinion Our View

Marching at your own pace The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board.

Demonstrations and marches have popped up all over the nation recently, covering a wide range of issues. Many of such events were in response to President Donald Trump’s policies, such as the Women’s March and March for Science. Others were initiatives to increase awareness for at-risk populations, like GSLEN’s Day of Silence for the LGBT community.

These demonstrators are there to try to make a difference, and they are passionate about the issues at hand. But naysayers will criticize these individuals for taking part in these events and not accomplishing anything other than looking good for one day and boosting their “social justice” resumé.

But is this criticism fair? Should those who don’t have the time, money or the physical and/or mental capability to be politically and socially active every day be put down for their participation at these singular events? If someone can only fight the good fight one day out of the year, is their contribution any less important than that of the person who is picketing at the Capitol every day?

First, it is important to understand the goal of these demonstrations: to raise visibility for widespread issues and to create dialogue between parties who might not see eye to eye.

The key word here is visibility. If no

Selena McPherson / The News

one acknowledges a problem or brings people together to create awareness, how will change begin? It is not often that turning your back to a problem brings about a positive change.

According to reports by the Washington Post, an estimated 4.1 million people attended the Women’s March across the United States – that is a lot of people out in the public eye being vocal about issues important to them.

Many see this as only the first step to making more important contributions, such as getting involved in local government or petitioning lawmakers who may be on the fence about the issues. Some say marching only generates attention, not tangible changes in the social, political and economic dichotomy of our country.

Therefore, these marches are not as important as the follow through, right?

The Murray State News Editorial Board concluded there is no way to measure any one act of involvement as more important than another. Demonstrating once a year or simply spreading information about a cause are equally as important contributions to creating change as running for government or creating a nonprofit organization.

Not everyone is capable of abandoning their busy lives at the drop of a hat to fly across the country and picket at the front of the White House. Money and time are scarce commodities for a majority of the population, especially college students, so why should we be put down for contributing how we are able to?

So, go ahead, participate in the Day of Silence, promote women’s rights and perhaps even march in support of the scientific community. Your contribution to change, no matter how small, is important. Participation is participation, and we are all the better for it.

Chief Videographer alaski@murraystate.edu

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

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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.

Between You and Media

“S-Town” or bust Rachel Wood Contributing writer rwood7@murraystate.edu On March 28, the team behind two hit podcasts, “Serial” and “This American Life,” released all seven episodes of their new show, “S-Town.”

Much like “Serial,” the narrative follows a single story throughout all of its episodes, diving into the mystery and death surrounding one small Alabama town through interviews and phone calls.

Three days later, Netflix released all 13 episodes of its newest original series, “13 Reasons Why,” based on the young adult novel by Jay Asher. In a similar fashion to “S-Town,” this extensive narrative arc follows the story of one town as it deals with the mystery of one girl’s death through the tape recordings she leaves behind.

While the stories aren’t exactly the same, these two works certainly deal with some tough and necessary topics. So, why is your Facebook feed flooded with talk of the Netflix show rather than the podcast?

I don’t think it’s really a difference in time commitment

for viewers; the seven-hour duration of “S-Town” would seem to be a better fit for our rapid consumption of media than a 13-hour binge of “13 Reasons Why.” The target audience actually isn’t all that different, either. While the popular Netflix show is based on a book for young adults, I certainly

always gotten a bad rap in mainstream media. Maybe it’s because people normally associate them with NPR, or we think of them as too much of an intellectual investment, but something about podcasts tends to make people think it takes a certain amount of brainpower to really engage with them.

“

...you can get sucked into story-based podcasts pretty fast.

wouldn’t suggest allowing young teenagers to watch the overly-graphic depictions of some really sensitive topics. “S-Town,” too, addresses some really pressing themes that are more suited for a mature audience, from mental health to homophobia.

So, what’s the difference?

Sure, one is fiction and the other is clearly nonfiction, but I think it comes down to the fact that podcasts have

”

In reality, podcasts, just like audio books, are a great way to absorb information while multitasking. Whether you’re cleaning house or working on a new craft project, podcasts can make for great background noise when you’re tired of listening to your usual Spotify playlist. While it may be hard to get used to at first, you’ll quickly find you can get sucked into story-based podcasts pretty fast.

Just like Netflix shows, though, there’s a great variety of content in the podcast world; there isn’t just an endless list of hard-hitting docudramas. Whether you’re into comedies, talk shows, documentaries, sports or dramas, there’s a podcast that covers it. In fact, many people might find that multi-host podcasts are a great way to learn something new or laugh about some of the latest developments in popular culture.

Trust me, NPR is not the only big content creator in the podcast world.

Another great thing about podcasts? Normally, they’re completely free, meaning they are perfect for college students on tight budgets. No need to subscribe to a streaming service to sample a bunch of different feeds; you can listen to as many as you want, free of charge, to find what you’re really into.

Take some time to explore this medium when you get the chance. They’re great for long car trips or short morning commutes – and “S-Town” is a fascinating story, especially if you are in need of another heart-wrenching narrative like “13 Reasons Why.”

OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Tyler Anderson 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 27, 2017

Page 5

I’ve Got a Story for You

Good advice Robert Valentine Contributing writer rvalentine@murraystate.edu “I’ve got some advice for you.”

If you’re a graduating senior, the chances of hearing that phrase more than once over the next few months are astonishingly high. Everyone will have a pretty good idea of what you should do with your life and how you should get there. Good luck with that.

If you’re not graduating and expect to return to good ol’ Racer State for another bout of brain enlargement, you might also get a good dose of advice over the summer. Under no conditions should you admit that you are “undecided” about your major.

Announcing your lack of a full-on blood commitment to a major like French literature, engineering physics or equine gerontology can bring on a flood of advice – enough to make your head spin. This is the one case where the church encourages lying as self-defense. “Gastropod podiatry” should send them

running off to seek their next advisee.

I foolishly admitted to being “undecided” for two years and got hours of advice about going into fields of work and study that sounded about as interesting as watching grass grow at night. Most of the time, the provider of this great tip for lifelong success looked like someone who had precious little opportunity to experience the very success of which he spoke. Still, one has to sit and listen with simulated attention and a pleasant smile on one’s face, doesn’t one?

One might want to remember not all advice needs to be followed. Nice people will try to help, and parents and teachers can be counted on to give you advice tailored to your specific needs. However, Mark Twain was probably right: If you can’t get there by your own road, don’t go.

“

When newspaper reporters asked Thomas Edison how he had lived so long in such good health (he was approaching 80 and was still hard at work every day), Edison gave them a rundown on his habits of sleep, diet and exercise. Then he put it all in perspective: “Now I am not offering advice. That’s no use, anyway. Nobody takes advice. As I say, people do what they like to do and overdo it 100 percent, and the same rule applies to the giving of advice that nobody pays any attention to. The world is badly overstocked with unused advice.”

You should remember this when you try to advise some 17-year-old about how to get through college. In the first place, you’re probably wrong. If you are right, then you should have followed your own advice – which you probably did not. Don’t feel bad; none of us do.

The world is badly overstocked with unused advice.

”

In the second place, the kid is probably going to do what they want to do, regardless of how wise your advice may be or how sincere you are about giving it. I’m sure they will appreciate your effort, though.

I remember when the party (also known as my “undergraduate college career”) was rudely interrupted by military service. As I boarded the plane for Korea, I asked my father for advice.

“Try not to do anything that would embarrass your mother,” he said.

It was good advice. I didn’t have much fun, but I came home alive with an honorable discharge and a list of friends I’m not likely to forget. They, apparently, got the same advice from their dads.

I think Robert Frost was probably right; take the road less traveled. It will make all the difference. Just make sure it’s your decision, and you’ll be fine.

That’s my advice. Feel free to ignore it; hundreds of students before you have ignored it, and they are all doing quite well, thank you.

Cheers to ... End of the year We’ve almost made it! Only two weeks separate the student body from graduation, being back home with our families, fun in the sun or even all three. All the hard work and late nights are close to being over, for a few months at least. But it’s not all sunshine and roses. A behemoth of mythic proportions stands in our way. Its name? We just call it...

CHEERS

& JEERS

Tyler Anderson Opinion Editor janderson49@murraystate. edu Our society is built upon rigid gender roles. While countermovements to these ideals are steadily growing as our society shifts and evolves, they are hard to buck. These “rules” dictate how we dress, how we act and even, unfortunately, how well we take care of our bodies.

Skin care, for example, is a highly gendered act of selfcare. Despite skin being the largest, and arguably one of the most important, organs in our bodies, the products

Jeers to ... Dead Week That’s right, folks. All of those papers, projects and peer reviews you have been putting off are coming due. And don’t forget studying for finals… and late night writing sessions in Waterfield with no sleep… and consuming outrageous amounts of caffeine. May the odds be ever in your favor.

Cheers & Jeers is written by The Murray State News’ Opinion Editor. Questions, comments or concerns should be addressed to janderson49@murraystate.edu

Got opinions?

Looking Forward

Wash it all away we use to protect it are overwhelmingly marketed to females.

Just think: when was the last time you’ve seen a commercial for facial cleansers or moisturizers feature someone who identifies as male? Sure, plenty of Axe and Gillette commercials make their rounds, but those items are often marketed for grooming purposes as opposed to protecting the skin.

The male skin care regimen is often limited to washing the body or shaving and does not encapsulate the practices necessary to keep your skin healthy. Anything beyond the bare minimum strays into the feminine, the

emasculated and, dare we say it, the domain of homosexuality.

Irritation, damage from the sun and day-to-day wear on the skin can lead to premature aging and even skin cancer if left unchecked.

The latter is a dangerous and life-threatening, yet largely avoidable condition – all it takes is the will to want to better yourself no matter the outside pressures.

So, we must ask ourselves an important question: what changes must occur in our society to make small acts of self-care an acceptable practice for everyone?

This question can open a Pandora’s box of discussion

on gender, sexuality and societal norms that may seem never-ending. But this dialogue is exactly what we need – honest, open discussion about the things we have been told aren’t acceptable or tolerable.

As a teenager, I was expected to keep a rough-andtumble façade with little concern for my well-being besides striving for an largely out-of-reach standard of masculinity. Now, surrounded by such a diverse community, I am too keenly aware of aspects of my life that haven’t been within my control.

Taking care of your body must start at an early age.

Eating right, exercising and getting plenty of sleep are universal standards for everyone, regardless of gender. Why should taking care of your skin be any different?

I don’t expect companies to turn their advertising on its head overnight or for everyone to immediately champion non-gendered societal expectations.

But living a long, healthy life should be a priority for everyone, regardless of gender or arbitrary expectations.

Change is happening, slowly but surely.

I am ready to be a part of a healthier, happier world – are you?

WRITE TO US! We want to hear from you.

Your voice matters.

SEE PAGE 4 FOR DETAILS Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @TheMurrayStateNews

or on Twitter @MurrayStateNews

The News

Page 6

April 27, 2017

Sports

Sports Editor: Bryan Edwards Assistant Sports Editor: Blake Sandlin Page Designer: Michelle Blanchette Phone: 270-809-4481 Twitter: MSUSportsNews

Folke, Racers claim OVC

Kelly Diesel Staff writer

kdiesel@murraystate.edu

McKenna Dosier/The News

Junior Moa Folke wins the individual OVC Championship for the second straight year.

The Murray State women’s golf team won its fourth-straight tournament for the first time in school history en route to claiming its 10th OVC Championship.

Last weekend, the Racers competed with nine other teams in the OVC Championship tournament held at the Hampton Cove Golf Course in Owens Crossroads, Alabama.

Head Coach Velvet Milkman said she was proud of the way the team played.

“Obviously the result was very satisfying for us,” Milkman said. “We came in with high expectations, and I was very proud of how the team executed.”

Murray State finished the tournament 10 strokes ahead of Eastern Kentucky, which took home second place.

Milkman said it was a complete team effort that won them the title.

“Everybody contributed throughout the team,” Milkman said. “We didn’t have one superstar that kind of carried us, it was truly a team effort.”

Jacksonville State finished in third place with Austin Peay and Belmont splitting a two-way tie for fourth to round out the top five.

The Racers finished the first round with a score of 286, which tied with EKU. After its second round score of 290, Murray State found itself ahead by three strokes for first place.

After their third round of another 290 score, and an overall final score of 866, the Racers were named OVC Champions.

EKU finished with an overall score of 876, JSU with 888 and both APSU and Belmont with 920.

Murray State junior from Tranås, Sweden, Moa Folke, finished in first place in the tournament with rounds of 73-66-69–208. Folke finished three strokes ahead of EIU sophomore from Somerset, Kentucky, Elsa Moberly.

Moberly finished in second place with rounds of 68-70-73–211.

Folke became the third golfer in OVC history to win the individual championship in back-to-back years. Her final score of 208 was also a record low in the OVC Tournament.

Sophomore from Vejle, Denmark, Linnette Holmslykke, finished in fourth place to give the Racers two top-five finishes. Holmslykke shot rounds of 68-75-71–214 and finished five shots above EIU’s senior from Stockholm, Sweden, Sofie Levin.

Freshman from Sevilla, Spain, Lucila Puente Rodriguez de Austria finished eighth, junior from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, Anna Moore finished tied for 12th and freshman from Selangor, Malaysia, Raeysha Surendran rounded out the five-player lineup, finishing tied for 14th.

With this win the Racers have now won six tournaments in a single season, setting a new record for the women’s golf program.

Murray State will compete next in the NCAA Tournament from May 8-10. The Racers will find out on April 27 where they will be playing with the possibilities of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Athens, Georgia, Lubbock, Texas or Columbus, Ohio.

Milkman said she believes they have the potential to make a run in the tournament wherever they are placed.

“We do have some high expectations for the tournament,” Milkman said. “If they can put together some of the golf they did this last tournament, we can advance to the next level.”

Possible change in conference coming Bryan Edwards Sports Editor

bedwards16@murraystate.edu

Amid many rumors on social media, the Murray State Board of Regents met today to discuss a potential change of conference in the coming future.

The board unanimously approved a motion allowing the university to welcome offers from other conferences for a potential move.

All offers will be discussed by the board moving forward.

Director of Athletics Allen Ward said he wanted to make sure he didn’t make any further moves without notifying the university.

“I believe the university needed to be updated with the issue,” Ward said. “Their support of this process is very important for us at this point.”

Murray State was a founding member of the Ohio Valley Conference in 1948 along with Morehead State, Eastern Kentucky, University of Evansville, Western Kentucky and University of Louisville.

Although analysts around the country believe the Racers will be moving to the Missouri Valley Conference if they choose to do so, Ward said there are many conferences that are potentially looking to add the Racers to their field.

“I can’t comment on which specific conferences had reached out to us,” Ward said. “There are a few of them out there. That speaks a lot about our program, and out of respect for the process, I won’t comment about any single conference.”

The MVC recently said goodbye to Wichita State, which moved from the MVC to the American Athletic Conference during the offseason.

According to CBS, other teams rumored to be in consideration for the move to the MVC are Valparaiso, Saint Louis and fellow OVC member Belmont.

Murray State President Bob Davies said athletics is

an integral part of the school community and will consider the option to change conferences.

“We have an amazing opportunity to further our investment into collegiate athletics, enrollment, fundraising and alumni development and as an academic institution by pairing ourselves with similar peers,” Davies said during the meeting. “As we think of this, we need to see how we can best enhance these opportunities.”

Davies also said Murray State has a lot to offer the other conferences in the NCAA. “We have a lot of things that could bring interest

from other conferences, and we also have a lot to gain,” Davies said. “We are at the time in the history of our university where we could be afforded an opportunity that can move our institution forward in many ways over a period of time.”

During their tenure in the OVC, the Racers have won multiple OVC Championships across all sports and have represented the OVC in the NCAA Tournament.

Throughout the 2016-17 academic year, the Racers have won four OVC Championships and have the potential to build on that number before the year closes.

Davies did not specify any sports that could be candi-

dates for the move. He said all are important in the process as he gave his closing statements at the meeting.

If Murray State decides to exit the OVC right away, the university will have to pay $1 million.

Ward made a statement before the vote was made and said the process is still unfolding.

“We have been strategic and want to be respectful to those that are also looking for potential moves and for our conference,” Ward said.

“These are exciting times, and I think it says a lot about Murray State, and we are doing everything we can to put ourselves into position to make a move.”

Racers perfect for Seniors Bryan Edwards Sports Editor

bedwards16@murraystate.edu

Although weather only allowed one game between the two teams to be played, it turned out to be a perfect moment for the Racers. Senior pitcher Mason Robinson pitched Murray State’s first-ever perfect game, completely shutting down the Belmont offense in an 8-0 victory over the Bruins.

Head Coach Kara Amundson said the team played a great game and was happy to honor the seniors before the game.

“We got to start all seven of our seniors in the game,” Amundson said. “The fact that all seven of them are capable of starting in our lineup says something about how good this class was. The game couldn’t have gone better for them.”

The win was monumental in more than one way for Robinson. With her 20th win of the season, she tied CheyAnne Gaskey for having the most wins in one season.

Robinson’s perfect game was a show of placement. Robinson forced 15 of the 18 batters she faced to ground out. Robinson finished the game with only one strikeout, which

is a season-low for her.

Amundson said Robinson was attacking well and had fun in the circle.

“Over the past few weeks she hadn’t pitched very well,” Amundson said. “She came out and attacked right away. She was also excited to be out there with the rest of the seniors. The defense also played well behind her. This was probably the best game she’s played all season.”

Robinson wasn’t the only senior to make her mark in the game, as senior infielder Jessica Twaddle cranked a two-run home run on the first pitch she saw in the game, putting the Racers up 2-0 early in the first inning.

The two RBIs from Twaddle in the first inning made her the all-time RBI record holder for Murray State, passing former Racer Alexa Becker.

She finished the game with two RBIs, moving her career total to 133.

Twaddle is on track to hold multiple records in her career following the achievement. Her .425 batting average is a program best and she is 23 hits away from tying the season hits record that she already holds.

Although it was the seniors who were showcased in the game, sophomore infielder Brenna Finck came out and produced a career-high three

runs in the outing. Finck is one triple away from breaking the all-time triples record as a sophomore and already holds the record for most triples in a season.

All of the seniors produced in the game, with six reaching base and picthing in the circle.

The Racers scored in every inning except for the fifth, including a three-run sixth inning. Senior catcher Jocelynn Rodgers recorded a two-RBI triple in the sixth to make it 7-0, followed by an RBI single from senior infielder Taylor Odom to make it 8-0 and end the contest.

Amundson said the team hit the ball well in every slot in the lineup.

“I think we had hits across the board throughout the lineup,” Amundson said. “We talk a lot about having quality at-bats and putting ourselves in position to score even if you don’t get a hit. We executed on all of the little things which led to the run production we had.”

The win moves the Racers to 31-14 on the year. The second game against Belmont will be rescheduled to a later date.

Murray State will square off against Eastern Illinois in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 in Charleston, Illinois.

Kelli O’Toole/The News

Senior Maggie Glass bats for the Racers on senior day.

The News

Sports

April 27, 2017

Page 7

Hranec walks off in win Kelly Diesel Staff writer

kdiesel@murraystate.edu

Murray State took on Southeast Missouri State last weekend in a three-game series from April 21-23 at home on Reagan Field.

Head Coach Kevin Moulder said he was satisfied with the weekend.

“To get two out of three with the weather being pretty rough was satisfying,” Moulder said. “Overall it was a fairly good weekend results wise.”

GAME ONE

On Friday, April 21, Murray State beat SEMO with a final score of 9-7 in extra innings thanks to a walk-off home run from the Racers’ senior first baseman Jack Hranec.

The Redhawks got on the board first with two runs in the top of the first inning. The Racers responded with a run of their own in the second inning thanks to a sacrifice fly from Hranec.

SEMO added three more runs to its lead in the fourth inning, making it a 5-1 game. In the bottom half of the fourth, Hranec gave the Racers two more runs with a two-run home run to right field.

Murray State took a 7-5 lead in the eighth with Hranec hitting a RBI sin-

gle and freshman infielder Davis Sims hitting a three-run double to left field.

Sims also scored in the inning on a wild pitch.

SEMO tied the game in the ninth with an RBI single from junior infielder Tristen Gagan and a fielder’s choice double play that scored another.

After giving up two runs in the top of the ninth, Murray State won the game with a walk-off two-run home run from Hranec to right field.

Moulder said he has been impressed with Hranec’s senior year.

“He has done a good job for us this season,” Moulder said. “He’s a two-way guy who can pitch for us and play the field. He’s also one of the best bats in our lineup.”

GAME TWO

On Sunday, April 23, the Racers lost game one of a doubleheader with the Redhawks by a final score of 4-3.

SEMO senior catcher Brian Lees scored the first run of the game with an RBI single in the first inning. In the second inning, redshirt senior outfielder Clayton Evans added another run for the Redhawks after reaching on an error and scoring freshman infielder Danny Wright.

The Racers found themselves down

4-0 in the eighth inning when junior outfielder Brandon Gutzler hit a tworun single to left field, making it 4-2.

Murray State senior outfielder Aaron Bence scored a run in the bottom of the ninth after being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to make it 4-3, but it was too little, too late.

GAME THREE

The Racers bounced back in the second game of their doubleheader on Sunday to claim a 11-1 win over SEMO. In the first inning, the Racers got on the board with an RBI single from Gutzler, followed by a two-run home run from senior catcher Tyler Lawrence, making it 3-0.

Murray State scored four more runs in the second inning with an RBI single from senior outfielder Adam Bauer and a three-run home run from Gutzler, making it 7-0.

The Racers scored three more runs in the fourth inning and one run in the fifth off a solo home run from junior infielder Kipp Moore, giving them a 11-0 lead.

The Redhawks’ lone run came off a solo home run from Gagan in the sixth.

Murray State plays next at 5 p.m on Friday, April 28 in Nashville, Tennessee, against the Belmont Bruins.

Kelli O’Toole/The News

Senior Jack Hranec wins game one with a walk-off homerun against SEMO.

Ward hires youth Blake Sandlin

Assistant Sports Editor bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

Chalice Keith/The News

Sophomore Amina Hadzic returns a ball back across the court.

Tennis falls at OVC Blake Sandlin

Assistant Sports Editor bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

The No. 6 seeded Murray State’s women’s tennis team couldn’t pull off the upset against No. 3 Eastern Kentucky in the first round of the OVC Tournament on Friday, falling 4-2.

Although they claimed the doubles point, the Racers were unable to rally in their singles matches to win. The defeat comes just a week after Murray State defeated the Colonels 4-3 in its final regular season match of the year.

Head Coach Jorge Caetano said his team brought their best effort, but in the end they were unable to effectuate their scheme. “[EKU] played a really good match,” Caetano said. “Sometimes you’ve got to understand when an opponent plays

just better than you, and that’s what happened today. Every single one of the girls fought really hard and the strategy was perfect, we just could not execute as we did last weekend and that’s the biggest thing when you have such a young team.”

In doubles, the pair of Alina Schibol, senior from Hamburg, Germany, and Claire Chang, freshman from Kaohsiung, Taiwan, defeated the Colonels’ freshman Kristina Lagoda, and sophomore Viktorija Demcenkova 6-2 to claim the Racers’ first doubles victory.

Sara Bjork, freshman from Malmo, Sweden, and Jeanne Masson, sophomore from Dinard, France, pitched in with a 6-3 doubles victory of their own against junior Sagung Putri Dwinta, and senior Marina Marti Hernanz, to help the team secure the doubles point.

Murray State was unable to

Move ahead with summer courses

carry their momentum over to singles however, dropping four matches against the Colonels.

The single bright spot for the Racers in singles came from Schibol, who claimed the Racers’ only singles victory with a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Eastern Kentucky sophomore Marguax Lacroix.

The Racers ended their season with a 12-17 record to go with a 4-5 conference record.

Despite ups and downs this season, Caetano said his young Racer core will be prepared for the obstacles they will face next season.

“This group has so much potential,” Caetano said. “We’re getting two really good freshman next year too. So the potential is there, they know they can compete against the best in our conference and they’re going to be ready for next year, for sure.”

Since Allen Ward accepted the position of director of athletics in 2005, Murray State’s coaching hires have had predominantly one thing in common: youth.

Out of the 12 head coaches currently on staff at the university, Ward has played a part in hiring nine of them.

Out of those nine, only two have exceeded the age of 40.

Coincidence or not, there’s no refuting the trend towards youth in the coaching ranks at Murray State. Despite the prevalence of youth, Ward said age isn’t the main focal point in his decision making, although it certainly helps.

“I do like up-and-coming coaches that bring a lot of energy to the job,” Ward said.

“Recruiting is essential and takes a lot of effort, and the current salary gap between the power five and mid-majors can often lead itself to receiving interest from younger candidates.”

As great as young talent is, oftentimes age and experience wins out in the sports world.

As for whether or not Ward shows a preference towards a weathered veteran or a rising up-and-comer, he said they both are valuable to the program in their own right.

“I will take a coach with potential that might end up moving to a higher paying position any day,” Ward said. “That means it was a good hire and we’ve been successful. At the same time, a proven veteran that wants to make Murray his or her home is a luxury I’d accept as well.”

While younger coaches might pay off in the long run,

their inexperience has its faults. Softball Head Coach Kara Amundson got the position at the age of 26, and said coming into the program ill-prepared was challenging at first, but Ward’s support made for a quick adjustment.

“I think there were times where I felt like ‘Am I ready for this?’ early on specifically,” Amundson said. “But once I got in, I mean the support system at Murray State is absolutely incredible, including and starting with Mr. Ward.”

Another head coach at the university has felt the effects of inexperience firsthand.

Tennis Head Coach Jorge Caetano first began coaching when he was 25 years old and still in graduate school. The 29-year-old said his lack of prestige attributed to his inexperience has led to disappointments on the recruiting trail.

“I think the biggest disadvantage is that when you’re young it’s hard to have the credibility part, you know when you’re attracting recruits,” Caetano said. “I feel like I’ve lost a couple really good players that were interested in the program, they really liked it, but they preferred going somewhere where the coach has been there longer.”

While Caetano acknowledged the disadvantages of being a young coach, he also believes it has its positives.

Being so close in age with his student-athletes allows him to lead by example, a luxury older coaches may not have.

“Being young helps a lot,” Caetano said. “I can go out there and play with them.

I’m not just telling them what they have to do, I can kind of show them what they have to do on the court so I think they

believe me more because of that.”

Murray State has a history of recruiting relatively unknown hires that go on to take jobs in much larger power five conferences. The basketball program in particular has hung its hat on selecting coaches with promise from as early as 1985.

Former coaches, Steve Newton, Mark Gottfried, Mick Cronin, Billy Kennedy and Steve Prohm have all gone to take jobs at major universities.

Coaches Kennedy and Prohm were hired by Ward and currently have jobs coaching in highly-competitive conferences.

Ward credits the past athletic directors for the longtime success of the program.

He said being at a mid-major school can pose challenges in selecting successful coaches, a problem bigger schools, don’t have to deal with because of greater resources and funds.

“I like to joke that the big boys get to select their next head coach and those of us at the mid-major level have to find our next great coach,” Ward said. “I’m fortunate at Murray State to have so much to sell with our nationally-recognized brand and incredible success.”

Caetano believes because of Murray State’s track record with developing younger coaches, they have created a reputation amongst outsiders as a major stepping stone for up-and-comers.

“This school as a whole is very supportive of the athletics,” Caetano said. “It’s a really good place to start, and if you can create something special here, other opportunities are going to open up in the future.”

Visit murraystate.edu/summer to register for summer classes today!

#MurrayState Equal education and employment opportunities M/F/D, AA employer. Murray State University supports a clean and healthy campus. Please refrain from personal tobacco use.

The News

Sports

Page 8

April 27, 2017

Former Racer performs in NBA Playoffs Blake Sandlin

Assistant Sports Editor bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

Lori Allen/The News

Isaiah Canaan gets the start at point guard for the Chicago Bulls while Rajon Rondo is injured.

Chicago Bulls Head Coach Fred Hoiberg looked to former Racer guard Isaiah Canaan to fill the point guard void on Sunday while starting guard Rajon Rondo is sidelined with a fractured right thumb.

Chicago guard Jimmy Butler said the Bulls could pull this series without Rondo but doesn’t expect it to be easy.

“We’re going to miss him,” Butler said in an interview with ESPN. “The pace that he sets for the team, the leadership that he brings, and the way that he plays. We’ve still got to go out there. We’re expected to win. We know what we’re capable of.”

Enter Canaan, who played a season-high 34 minutes in the Bulls’ Game 4 matchup against the Boston Celtics.

He knocked down three 3-pointers en route to recording 13 points and three assists. Although the Bulls inevitably suffered a 10495 loss, Hoiberg praised the Murray State guard’s performance.

“I was really proud of Isaiah Canaan for coming out after a lot of DNPs (Did Not Play), being on the inactive list,” Hoiberg said after the game. “We wanted

to get him in there because he is a guy that can pressure the ball and pick up the ball full court. That was the plan going into today.”

The Murray State alumnus averaged 21.8 points per game his senior season for the Racers. In 2012, the National Association of Basketball Coaches named Canaan to the All-American Team.

In his junior season with the Racers, he led them to the NCAA Tournament, where they defeated Colorado State to advance to the second round.

Canaan’s defensive pressure in the game wasn’t enough to slow down the other Isaiah, however. Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas scored 33 points and added seven assists to help tie the series at 2-2.

Rondo said doctors told him his injury will keep him out of the lineup until Thursday at the earliest, when he will be reevaluated by.

The Bulls have faced point guard woes all season long, and the injury to Rondo left the team scrambling for someone to fill the void.

Before the injury, Rondo had rekindled the fire that he had when he played for the Celtics, averaging a double-double with 11.5 points and 10 assists per game.

Bulls guard Dwyane Wade said after the game he was

glad Canaan was able to do it.

“We needed something different and he picked it up,” Wade said. “That is a guy that worked behind the scenes for his opportunity.

Hopefully going forward, he is a big part of what we do.”

The heavy minutes that Canaan accumulated in Game 4 may have come as a surprise to some fans, considering he didn’t receive any action in 22 games this season. While he saw around 20 minutes per game early in December, Canaan has since taken a very limited role in the Bull’s scheme.

“It’s tough,” Canaan said after the game. “Many nights I couldn’t sleep, just wondering what happened. I had to stay with it. My teammates believed in me that whole time and kept me locked in, kept me ready to go, kept me motivated.”

Hoiberg announced Monday that while Rondo is making progress with his recovery, Canaan will be placed in the starting lineup in place of Jerian Grant, who has been starting in Rondo’s place since Game 2.

The Bulls will look to Canaan to provide a muchneeded boost at the point guard position throughout the remainder of series, with the next game being on Friday, April 28.

Track finishes high in relays Bryan Edwards Sports Editor

bedwards16@murraystate.edu

The Murray State track and field team competed twice last weekend: in the Jesse Owens Invitational in Columbus, Ohio, and the Bellarmine Classic in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Racers were unable to notch wins in either contest but secured some top-10 finishes in the process.

Head Coach Jenny Swieton said the weather conditions during the weekend weren’t opportune for running but thought the team had some good performances.

“Ali’s [Hester’s] mile was an all-time personal record,”

Swieton said. “The 4x400 was really good as well. It was cold and the team had been sitting around all day, but they ran really well given their circumstances.”

Senior distance runner Ali Hester finished second in the mile run with a time of 5 minutes, 1 second. Hester set a new personal best in the mile, with her previous best time being 5 minutes, 19 seconds.

Hester also posted a ninthplace finish in the 3000meter steeplechase with a final time of 11 minutes, 4 seconds. Freshman middle distance runner Mason Swenson finished 14th, and junior distance runner Rebeckah Priddy followed shortly after

to place 15th in the event.

Freshman sprinter D’Myia Thornton finished third in the 400-meter dash with a final time of 1:01.29 during the Bellarmine Classic.

Freshman sprinter Norma Abdur-Rafia competed in the same event during the Jesse Owens Invitational, posting 55.79 seconds, which was good enough for a seventh-place finish.

The Racers only competed in one field event on the weekend. Sophomore sprinter Jabruena Brimlett finished 12th in the long jump, leaping 18 feet in her outing.

Murray State continued to finish high in relay races, posting a third-place finish

in the 4x100-meter relay, as well as a second-place finish in the 1600-meter relay.

The Racers have one meet left before they compete for an OVC Championship. Swieton said she likes where her team is and hopes for another successful weekend.

“We are progressing every week,” Swieton said. “Our relay game is really good up to this point, and we have three people ranked in the top eight in steeplechase. We have some places where we can make a huge impact.”

The Racers will compete in their final tune-up meet before the OVC Tournament on Friday, April 28 in Memphis, Tennessee, during the Memphis Invitational.

Blake’s Take: One-and-Done?

Blake Sandlin

Assistant Sports Editor bsandlin1@murraystate.edu

Since John Calipari took over the program in 2009, Kentucky has had a top recruiting class every year. But in those eight seasons, they’ve only won the NCAA Championship once. As we approach the time of year where “freshman phenoms” begin taking their talents to the pros, it’s time to evaluate the effectiveness of the one-and-done system Calipari has perfected.

Calipari hasn’t shied away from admitting his ultimate goal for the program is sending his talent to the NBA. He has cemented his place as the poster child for recruiting top talent. In Cal’s era at Kentucky, 39 players have been sent to the league. While sending players to the NBA should be any collegiate program’s goal, winning

titles should be at the forefront.

With the postseason performances we’ve seen out of the Wildcats recently, the one-anddone system isn’t working.

The most recent outcomes in the NCAA Tournament are indication of just how valuable veterans are on their respective teams’ success. In the last tournament, the Final Four featured four teams (South Carolina, North Carolina, Gonzaga and Oregon) which were all comprised of veterans. The championship game between North Carolina and Gonzaga didn’t feature a single freshman in the starting lineup.

This isn’t an isolated incident.

Last year, senior Ryan Arcidiacono led his Villanova Wildcats to the title, with a roster of predominantly upperclassmen players. Connecticut featured a freshman-free starting lineup in their 2014 championship run.

In 2013, senior Peyton Siva and juniors Russ Smith and Luke Hancock led the Louisville Cardinals to a championship.

The trend doesn’t stop there.

Victories by experienced and battle-tested Florida, North Carolina and Connecticut teams stretch far into the 2000s.

Sure, there are times when oneand-done teams defy the odds, like Kentucky’s 2012 team led

by Anthony Davis and Duke’s 2015 championship team made up of mainly freshman, but these instances are few and far between.

A coach’s job isn’t to recruit the most potential NBA talent, it’s to win championships for their team.

None of this is to say a coach shouldn’t recruit the best available talent. They should, however, recruit talent that will benefit their program, meaning players who will stick around

for the long run. As the past has shown us, experience is a key factor in championship-caliber teams, and young players just aren’t getting it done.

There’s no denying Calipari’s effect on college basketball’s landscape. He’s gone 249-53 in his eight seasons with Kentucky and redefined recruiting for the foreseeable future. But what’s a record of that proportion without multiple championships? When a university shells out the money they do on recruiting, as well as a 7.3 million contract on a coach, they should expect more than one title.

If the University of Kentucky is satisfied with the title of “Most Players in the NBA” then fine, but don’t be surprised when veteran programs continue to have their “One Shining Moment” in the NCAA tournament.

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Rodriguez wins OVC Freshman of the Year Kelly Diesel || Staff writer kdiesel@murraystate.edu

After her first year on the Murray State women’s golf team, freshman Lucila Puente Rodriguez De Austria has been named OVC Freshman of the Year.

Rodriguez said she didn’t expect to receive the award.

“I didn’t even expect that, I didn’t even know it existed,” Rodriguez said. “The first semester Velvet [Milkman] told me she expected that, but I just wanted to play my best in all the tournaments. I’m pretty competitive so in the second semester I really tried to do better in each match.”

In her freshman year with the Racers, Rodriguez placed fourth in the Drake Creek Invitational with scores of 76-72-71-219.

Head Coach Velvet Milkman said Rodriguez had a great start in her first year as a Racer.

“She has had a tremendous freshman year. I expected her to be good, but I wasn’t so sure she would come in and do what she’s done,” Milkman said. “I expect great things out of her because of how talented she is.”

Rodriguez comes from Sevilla, Spain, where she attended San Antonio Maria Claret High School.

In Spain, there are no high school teams to play on, but Rodriguez found teams outside of school. Rodriguez said she mainly focused on school but did the best she could to make time for golf.

“I played all four years during high school but not for the school’s team,” Rodriguez said. “My junior and senior year it was really hard because we couldn’t miss or reschedule exams like we can here, but I still played on weekends.”

Before attending Murray State, Rodriguez won the Under-21 Title with scores of 71-72-143.

Rodriguez said her decision to enroll at Murray State came after persuasion from her friends.

“All of my friends who have been to America talk about how great it is here,” Rodriguez said.

“I also really wanted to learn English and decided this was my best option to try and turn pro with golf.”

Rodriguez said she just wants to try and get better each year here at Murray State.

“The first year was kind of about seeing how well I can play,” Rodriguez said. “Now I just want to try and get better and try to win as much as possible with my team.”

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April 27, 2017 Features Editor: Emily Williams Assistant Features Editor: Nick Erickson Page Designer: Dasha Tuck Phone: 270-809-5871 Twitter: MSUNewsFeatures

Features

March For Science Murray State professor speaks out in the name of science

Chalice Keith/The News

Protesters gathered in Nashville, Tenneesee last Saturday to make their voices heard at The March For Science.

Joel Polarek Contributing writer jpolarek@murraystate.edu

Evolutionary biologist and Murray State professor Laura Beckers spoke Saturday at the Paducah, Kentucky satellite March for Science inspired by the Washington March for Science.

Beckers focused on the relevance of role models who respect and understand the importance of science, funding for research and what it means to do science and consume it intelligently.

“Science matters,” she said.

“Science is the vehicle by which we progress and achieve dreams as a society. Science saves lives,

seeks the truth, develops new technologies and cures.”

In an email correspondence, she continued her explanation.

“Not only am I a scientist with my own research program, but I am also in the business of training young scientists,” Beckers wrote. “I want to do all I can to ensure that our society continues to respect and support scientific exploration.”

One of the ways she said the march helps to that end is to “humanize” scientists.

“It’s my hope that by speaking at the march, people will see that I am a female scientist, a mother, a teacher and the friendly girl next door,” Beckers wrote.

She added that there was a lot

of talk about the march in the Biology Department.

“I was hoping that we would organize a march in Murray, but it didn’t come together,” Beckers said. “Fortunately, Paducah is a short drive from here.”

According to the March for Science website, marchers believe “scientific inquiry serves the common good, and it is the duty of all political leaders and policymakers to apply science in their decision-making.”

Beckers agreed with this need for change in the way politics looks at science.

“The current administration has taken several steps signaling a lack of interest in making science a top priority in the U.S.,” Beckers said. “I hope that

through the march, more people (scientists and science-supporters) will become more active in the political process and demonstrate that the population of the country has different priorities.”

The March for Science planned for our nation’s capitol inspired 400 satellite marches in cities around the world. The local march, organized by Paducah Progressive Action, is one of four science marches planned in Kentucky.

Brittney Nelson, sophomore and biochemistry major from Owensboro, Kentucky attended a march in Nashville, Tennessee.

Nelson said the marching brings current issues to light

and brings more clarity to what the march represents and why these scientists, professors and students are participating.

“I am a science major and what’s going on with the EPA and President Donald Trump’s campaign really upsets me and I thought marching would really get across the message that students are standing for science as well.”

According to a release from Paducah Progressive Action, scientists and evidence-based policy-making are under attack and people have taken notice.

The release also reads that budget cuts, censorship of researchers, disappearing datasets and threats to dismantle government agencies are harming

us all, putting our health, food, air, water and jobs at risk.

The group says it is time for people who support science to take a public stand and be counted.

“The March for Science is the first step of a global movement to defend the vital role science plays in our health, safety, economies and governments,” according to the March for Science website.

Anyone interested in learning more about future events can go to www.MarchforScience.com.

“Science is hard, but it’s worthwhile,” Beckers said. “If we don’t celebrate it and make the benefits clear, then we risk losing future generations. Be good role models for science.”

ClarkStock tradition ‘rains’ on

Kelli O’Toole/The News

Jess Dotson performing at the eighth annual Clarkstock at Lee Clark Residential College.

Kelli O’Toole/The News

Students enjoying Clarkstock from inside the Hollis C. Franklin lobby because of rain showers.

Jenny Rohl

Contributing writer jrohl@murraystate.edu

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, Residential College, Lee Clark Residential College hosted their eighth Clarkstock in Hollis C. Franklin’s common area.

Typically hosted on the intramural field, the event was moved last minute because of rain showers.

College Head of Clark, Chris Trzepacz, said the original plan was to close down Waldrop Street, the road in front of Clark, to make the festival a large street festival.

Heather Broughton, senior from Falls of Rough, Kentucky, and Philanthropy Committee head, thought it would more inclusive because with the street blocked off the area would be much more congested.

Broughton said she was disappointed it was raining.

“It was kind of sad that some people missed out on the experience be-

cause either they weren’t sure where it was or they didn’t want to go out in the rain,” Broughton said.

Jack Lee, junior from Louisville, Kentucky and head of the Clarkstock music committee said the decision to move the event inside was made after the weather forecast showed an 80 percent chance of rain for Saturday.

Last year, there were more than 200 students in attendance, while an estimated 125 students attended this year, Trzepacz said.

Local businesses such as The Station Burger, Sally Beauty and Ribbon Chix donated items and gift certificates to be raffled off to raise money for the nonprofit organization, Main Street Youth. The establishment is an after-school program that allows volunteers to advise and mentor students within the Murray-Calloway County school system.

In total, there were about 35 prizes raffled off and tie-die T-shirts were sold to raise money for the organization. More than $450.00 was raised.

“It’s such a great experience, especially for new freshmen, people who are starting to get involved or people who love music,” Broughton said.

Originally, the idea of Clarkstock came about when there was a group of students who wanted to get together, liked playing music and decided they wanted to jam together in front of a larger group of people, Trzepacz said.

“Clarkstock is a good opportunity to meet new people and to enjoy some free food and music of different genres,” said Shannon Enzenberger, sophomore Clark resident from Tawas, Michigan. “It’s a nice day, even though it’s not a nice day outside.”

Six bands played at Clarkstock and performed a variety of genres including heavy metal, acoustic and country music. Originally bands were going to be sought out by advertising the event, but enough bands contacted Lee that advertising was not necessary.

Kelli O’Toole/The News

Abigail Paschall singing in front of a crowd at the eighth annual Clarkstock celebration.

The News

Features

Page 10

April 27, 2017

Murray to celebrate International Kite Festival Sydni Anderson Staff writer

sanderson33@murraystate.edu

The College of Humanities and Fine Arts has partnered with the Arboretum to host Murray’s first International Kite Festival.

The festival will be held Saturday, April 29, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Arboretum and will be open to the community.

People will be able to fly kites and win prizes in the free event.

There will be contests at the festival for Most Beautiful Kite, Most Creative Kite and Highest-Flying Kite. People can bring kites from home or get crafty and make new ones at the festival.

In addition to kite-flying, participants will be able to celebrate the international aspect of the festival and visit country booths. Children will receive a festival passport book and can receive passport stamps from visiting booths. Japan, Hungary, South Korea and China will be represented at the festival.

Staci Stone, interim dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts said she is excited to

partner with the Arboretum to bring the festival to Murray.

“Children and others in our community can learn about other cultures while participating in an activity enjoyed by people throughout the world-flying kites,” Stone said.

“I look forward to seeing the variety of kites Murrians have and will make.”

The annual Horticulture Plants Sale will be held in conjunction with the International Kite Festival. Abby Hensley, director of development at Hutson School of Agriculture, said Stone and Airi Yamamoto, organizer of the International Kite Festival, wanted to have Murray State students participate in the event and share their cultures with the community.

“The festival was a perfect combination of events for the Arboretum,” Hensley said.

Although the Arboretum has held kite events in the past, the festival will be the first collaboration between the Arboretum Board and an outside organization. Hensley said it will focus on the history and culture of the kite.

On Saturday, the sale will be open to the public from 8 a.m. until noon, raising money for the Murray State University Horticulture Club and Department. Sixty different plant varieties will be sold at the plant sale, which will begin on Friday for Friends of the Arboretum.

The funds raised will support greenhouse maintenance, lab upgrades and plants for greenhouse classes. Hensley said the sale collects between $5,000 and $7,000 each year.

“I think it is really neat that our students plant, water and grow all the plants then are able to sell their product to a supportive community to provide experiential learning opportunities to enrich their education,” Hensley said. “The festival will benefit the community by providing an opportunity to visit the Arboretum, learn about different cultures and allow families and friends to spend time together.”

Airi Yamamoto said the event will continue even in the absence of wind, which is required to fly kites. If there is rain, the festival will be canceled.

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

‘The Hangover’ aims to draw a younger crowd Emily Williams Features Editor

ewilliams15@murraystate.edu

One of Murray’s bars, The Hangover, is looking to draw a younger crowd to their doors in the coming months. It has partnered with Murray’s 270 DJs, a group of three DJs committed to the cause of providing a fun, safe and open environment where students can spend their weekends or weeknights.

George Aguirre, also known as DJ El Jas in 270 DJs, from Mexico City, said he is a promoter of The Hangover because he believes it has something to offer Murray that other bars do not.

Aguirre said 270 DJs consists of three friends, himself, Tanner Bertram and Caleb Batts, who like music and enjoy seeing other people have fun. He said they are the house DJs of The Hangover Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

“We play a range of all types of music at The Hangover,” Aguirre said. “We just like to have fun and make sure that the people who come to our event have fun, too.”

Aguirre said The Hangover offers more than just music and dancing on Friday and Saturday nights.

The club features pool tables, dart tournaments every Tuesday and Thursday and karaoke on Mondays and Tuesdays. He said once a month, they bring a live band to the club to shake things up.

“We’re the only place in Murray that actually has DJs,” Aguirre said. “And the service is just great. When I started working here, it felt more like a family than it did coworkers to me.”

Aguirre said the The Hangover draws a mixed crowd, including a good variety of international students, which is something that they cater to.

“We just want to provide a safe environment and a fun place for Murray,” Aguirre said. “That’s our goal. We want to make sure that when they come over to our event, they have a good time and they feel safe, too.”

Aguirre said he believes it is very important students, especially female students, feel safe.

“If they see a rough crowd, they will walk

Photo courtesy of George Aguirre

DJ El Jas playing for the crowd at The Hangover. away and they will not come back,” Aguirre said. “So, we want to make sure they are treated well as a friend and not as a customer.”

Yasir Alijasir, freshman from Buraydah, Saudi Arabia, is a regular at The Hangover and said he goes at least three times a month or if there is a special event.

“I go because most people who go there, I know, so that makes me so comfortable,” Yasir said. “They also do something new every weekend at The Hangover.”

Yasir said he would tell students who

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weren’t sure if they wanted to go to The Hangover to just try it, because you won’t lose anything from that.

Tanner Bertram, junior from Paducah, Kentucky, also known as DJ Tan the Man, said he thinks The Hangover is appealing to college students because they have completely redone the idea of what the building used to be.

“It used to be a bar, and they would bring in DJs or talents,” Bertram said. “It used to be a hangout spot, I guess you would say.”

Bertram said college students weren’t really a fan of the environment in the past

because they wanted to have that big, party environment instead of just sitting around and playing some pool.

Bertram said The Hangover has a killer sound system, what he calls the largest system in Murray and an impressive lighting setup, as well as an open dance floor and plenty of events.

“It’s the spot,” Bertram said. “We would like to see more Murray State students appearing there. It’s completely different from what is has been and is better than it has ever been. It caters to college students directly.”

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Page 11

Blackbear’s ‘digital druglord’ invokes emotions Nick’s Notes

Shower Thoughts Nick Erickson

Assistant Features Editor nerickson@murraystate.edu

Photo courtesy of genius.com

Nick Erickson Staff writer

nerickson@murraystate.edu

After becoming the first independent artist to monetize off Soundcloud in 2014, it was clear that there was something special to Floridian singer Matthew Tyler Musto, better known as “Blackbear.” At only 26, he has collaborated with names such as Justin Bieber and Linkin Park. Concocting his own unique blend of sensuous R&B and raw trap, Musto’s new album “digital druglord” puts his experiences with heartache and substance abuse of the frontlines for listeners in a captivating manner.

Much like 2016’s “Cashmere Noose,” Musto’s means of composition are both beautiful and gritty. The delicacy of the electro-piano chords and silky voice clash with his blunt lyricism of snorting cocaine on opener “hell is where i dreamt of you and woke up alone.” “If the alcohol and drugs don’t kill me, I don’t know what will other than you,” Musto sings. Though a bit uneasy, his flow is unmatchable with high-

strung piano playing carrying listeners to the next track.

A laidback drumbeat and wavy synth drives “Moodz.” Musto alternates between smooth singing and intricate rapping over the moody nature of the track. Artist 24hrs’ featured section adds another dimension to the mix, despite being drenched in Auto-Tune. Musto opens up to an unknown subject on “i miss the old u,” telling them how he misses the person they used to be, while also admitting he misses his old ways. “I miss the old you, I used to hold you,” Musto sings over trancey, glitchy textures.

The beat’s mood shifts and hits hard on “do re mi.” With huge bass drops backing him, Musto sings in a broad falsetto matching an infectious keyboard melody. Giant synth swells and snare hits keep the energy alive on “wish u the best” as Musto sings to a former lover about her loss in losing him. A faint bass guitar, filtered through various computer effects add to the snare drum build-ups. “Lately I’ve been feeling dead in my own skin,” Musto confesses

to listeners on this brutally honest track.

Musto tackles the subject of using vices to cope with depression on “if i could i would feel nothing.” The cloudiness of the instrumental helps Musto give a realistic portrayal of his emotions. Taking a 180 with “chateau,” Musto illustrates empty passion and shows vigorous confidence in having the upper hand. “Age 25 and I’m rich now,” Musto sings over arpeggiated synth. This aura fades with closer “make daddy proud” as a toyish keyboard loop darkens the mood in an odd manner. As Musto sings, the inclusion of tropical steel drums, claps and snaps make this the most unusual and dark on the album ending with Musto singing through a robotic vocal processor.

One of the most crucial parts to Musto’s rise to infamy is his prowl and ability to speak his mind. Never afraid to touch certain subject matter or shift between styles, Musto has blessed the world with 10 tracks of ambition and edge.

Sitting somewhere between blatant confidence and promiscuous behavior, “digital druglord” is a dynamic roller coaster of emotion and talent.

‘Case For Christ’ is genuinely good

Grant Dillard Staff writer gdillard@murraystate.edu

Christian films can be hit-ormiss sometimes. Great movies like “The Ten Commandments,” “The Passion of the Christ” and “Hacksaw Ridge” have shown that faith-based films can be very successful with critics and audiences alike. However, other faith-based films like “Facing the Giants,” “Fireproof” and “War Room,” while providing very good messages, aren’t exactly the greatest. Thankfully, “The Case for Christ” shows that a film can give good messages and ideals while still being a good movie on its own.

Based on Lee Strobel’s book, “The Case for Christ” focuses on Strobel (Mike Vogel), a well-respected atheist journalist from the Chicago Tribune who lives happily with his wife Leslie (Erika Christensen) who shares her husband’s non-religious beliefs. After their daughter survives a near-death experience, Leslie ends up accepting Jesus Christ. Now that she has a personal relationship with God, she starts going to church more, reading scripture, praying and sharing her newfound belief with her daughter. This is displeasing to Strobel, as it goes against what he’s believed in for most of his life as an atheist. Wanting to set things back to how they

Photo courtesy of http://donjohnsonministries.org

were before, Strobel sets out to obtain enough evidence to disprove Christ’s existence. However, Lee comes across answers he never expected, leading to his life changing forever.

What makes this film better than other Christian films is that it doesn’t succumb to any of their shortcomings. Films like “War Room” and “Facing the Giants” tend to feature mediocre acting, clumsy dialogue and forced attempts at humor. That’s not the

case for “The Case for Christ.”

Mike Vogel and Erika Christensen are solid in their roles, and their scenes together are very good and genuinely captivating. It never feels like the actors are just reading lines from a script; instead, the dialogue between the two feels sharp and natural.

The film’s best performance is easily Mike Vogel as Lee Strobel. He portrays Strobel as a very nice and charismatic person who

loves his work, as well as his family. It also helps that though Strobel is an atheist, he’s never portrayed as unlikable. He can still be a very nice and respectful person, which helps in making him more interesting as well as the audience growing attached to him. Strobel does have his moments where he gets frustrated with his wife, but he never stoops so low to the point where he’s irredeemable. It seems natural that a person under his circumstances would feel frustrated every once in awhile.

Aside from the main story, there’s a subplot involving a police shooting that Strobel is investigating. This could have easily felt unnecessary and tacked on, but it’s actually very interesting and engaging to watch. At first it seems obvious who’s innocent and who’s guilty, but things end up not being as they appear as the story progresses. This subplot is a nice companion piece to the main story.

Solid performances, good dialogue and a captivating story help “The Case for Christ” succeed. Christian moviegoers will already feel right at home with this film, but even non-religious audiences will find enjoyment.

Anyone questioning the existence of Christ may end up finding the answers they’re looking for when they check this film out.

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As odd as it may sound, I sometimes dread showering. While I love the feeling of taking one, I loathe the thoughts that can accompany them.

When I’m not singing, I’m overthinking. More specifically, I’m over-analyzing my actions and interactions from yesterday and stressing about what tomorrow could bring.

The worst part about these shower thoughts?

They’re often things I cannot hide from. The thoughts vary from day to day, sometimes pertaining to the test I failed the day prior and wishing I had studied an extra hour. Some are regrets about writing a text a certain way and wishing I could have avoided miscommunication with someone.

For the first time in what seems like forever, my mind has been fixated on loss.

The other morning, I found myself thinking about how as I’ve aged, heartache has taken on various forms. It’s never manifested itself in the same way twice, and I’ve noticed myself reacting differently to situations as a 20-year-old adult as opposed to how I did as a freshman in high school.

This isn’t to say it hurts any less; I just express my emotions differently. Though as much as I’d like to think not crying during an upsetting situation means it’s not affecting me as deeply, it seems to be the other way around. As an adult, I tend to bottle up my anxieties and suppress intrusive thoughts.

The past month has been one of the most rigorous and eye-opening of my college career. Without shedding light on personal complications, I will say that I’ve done a lot of introspection. I’ve put those analytical habits of mine to use, but they are usually what keeps me down. In the past month, I’ve been reintroduced to hurt. But for the first time in my life, I believe that I have means to manage it in a healthier manner.

Regardless as to who or what it may be, losing something you’ve been emotionally invested in is painful. As previously stated, I’m guilty of keeping my feelings from others out of fear of how they might react. However, my greatest realization of the past month is that opening up is a vital factor in the healing process. Talking to someone and getting what’s weighing you down off of your chest is the best alleviation.

To the friends who have listened to me spill my guts out, I’m eternally appreciative. Getting to say what’s on your mind and confessing what is robbing you of sleep is the start of a rebuilding process. As scary as it seems, there are people who will listen.

Believe me, it’s not easy and will never fit any definition of “easy.” It is important to remember that everyone is dealing with their own adversaries, and everyone deals with hurt. Moving forward, I’m going to make a conscious effort to admit when I’m dealing with these thoughts. I’m going to speak my mind and encourage others to do the same. In admittance, there is solace to be found.

Forgive me for the clichés, but the truth is we cannot change our past. If there is one piece of advice I’ve gathered and can pass along from these pestering shower thoughts, it’s that every single thing that has occurred to us has molded us into who we are. Once we acknowledge that, it’s easier to view the future as a canvas. We will get through the pain and paint a bigger picture.

To those doubting there is anyone to talk to, Murray State has a great counseling service that is free of charge for students. Give them a call at 270-809-6851, or if you’d like to contact them more privately you can reach them at msu.counselingcenter@murraystate.edu.

Weekly Inspiration

Photo courtesy of pinterest.com

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April 27, 2017