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April 18, 2019 | Vol. 93, No. 26

All Campus Sing wraps up 61st year

Blake Sandlin/The News

NEWS STUDENT PRODUCTION PROMOTES DIVERSITY

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OPINION

SPORTS

FEATURES

BOARD OF REGENTS INCREASES TUITION

THREE PEAT: RACERS CLAIM THIRD-STRAIGHT CONFERENCE CROWN

MULTICULTURAL CENTER REDEDICATED TO MILLS

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News

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April 18, 2019

Fraternity hosts campus tradition Ciara Benham Staff writer

4/2

cbenham@murraystate.edu

Mallory Hlava Staff writer

mhlava@murraystate.edu

Theft was reported in Springer College after laundry was stolen on March 14 and March 28.

3:16PM

4/3

9:09AM

4/9 4/8

Criminal mischief was reported on campus after several utility poles were defaced. The investigation is still open.

1:53AM

Brock Kirk/The News

Sigma Alpha Iota hosted its 61st annual All Campus Sing April 17. other organizations involved,” Herndon said. “It’s grown by leaps and bounds. It’s much more entertaining and interesting to have such diverse groups participate. The more people who participate, the more fun it is for everybody. They didn’t give any recognition to costumes, either. It was strictly performance-based.” Hannah Grenda, member of Alpha Sigma Alpha from Mayfield, Kentucky, said ACS is a memorable experience for both the performers and the audience. “Whenever you’re placed in a spot where you are on the steps, you get to interact with people you don’t normally interact with,” Grenda said. “So, it’s more about other people.” Since ACS was relatively new in the 1960s and Murray State did not have other competitions, Herndon said she remembers how excited she and her sisters were to perform. Creason said ACS is special to Sigma Alpha Iota because it embodies exactly what they stand for. “We had a number of Sigma sisters who were also in SAI,” Herndon said. “That was special because we were supportive of them as SAI members, and that gave us a little more enthusiasm.” ACS is a highly acclaimed tradition at Murray State, and there are few who love it

more than the sisters of SAI themselves. “Honestly, my favorite part of ACS personally is just taking a moment and looking around,” Smee said.“Looking around to see all the smiling faces, all the organizations that worked so hard to put on a good show, the enormous amount of diversity in the crowd and on the steps, and all the people that help make it possible behind the scenes, like SAI sisters, the tech crew, sound crew and so many others.” Emma Whitt, SAI member and senior from Knoxville, Tennessee, said SAI begins preparing for this event in the fall semester and works hard from then on to execute ACS. “In January, we began learning the music for our show, and the entire chapter has helped to pitch in all semester to make the event a success,”Whitt said.“From coaching groups to helping count the change from change wars, it really is a team effort.” Whitt said ACS is her favorite day of the year. “My favorite part of ACS is getting to see the fruits of everyone’s labor,”Whitt said. “So many organizations on campus spend hours upon hours preparing for All Campus Sing, and you can really feel the joy and excitement in the air on the day of.” For community members,

ACS has been a source of free, wholesome entertainment. “Our advisers committee come to watch, and they all bring their kids,” Sarah Armstrong, member of Alpha Omicron Pi from Lyon County, Kentucky, said.“We have a lot of alumni come. I think that shows that AOPi had a lot of impact on them in college.” Creason said the competition is what brings students back because it is a fun, creative outlet for them to let loose and have fun with music. For alumni, Herndon said the traditional aspect is what fuels the event. “Having it on the quad is a super fun place to be,” Herndon said.“With all the social media coverage and things, plus the involvement of so many organizations and residential colleges, it makes it a happening thing and everyone wants to be there. Everyone wants to support their own and cheer for their friends and bring their puppies.” This year, 22 organizations including sororities, fraternities and residential colleges performed their musical sets. “We are all from different backgrounds and walks of life,” Creason said.“But we can all connect through music.”

Multiple crimes were reported at the Curris Center. A citation was issued for failure to wear a seatbelt, no registration plates, failure to transfer motor vehicle, possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Possession of marijuana and paraphernalia was reported on Racer Drive. A citation was issued.

1:26PM

Harassing communications were reported on campus after unwanted communication occurred on Aug. 1.

4:28PM

Theft was reported at Springer College after items were taken from an office. The investigation is still open.

4/15 4/12 4/11

All Campus Sing has been a beloved tradition at Murray State for 61 years. ACS isn’t only about the music, the occasion also serves as SAI’s biggest philanthropy event. Keena Creason, SAI’s philanthropy chair and junior from Mayfield, Kentucky, said the event was created to promote music and give back to the community. “In 1958, All Campus Sing was started by the Iota Beta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota as a way to get music into the community,” Creason said. “We are a music fraternity and what better way to raise money for our philanthropy than through music.” All the money collected through the event goes to SAI’s philanthropy, People to People. People to People helps music education programs in developing countries that either need funding to get started or need help with funding to continue. “This project provides material assistance to schools, music organizations and musicians in many parts of the world,” Creason said. “Also, any instruments that we collect are donated to local schools in the area and are given to students who cannot afford to buy one.” Winnie Smee, SAI’s president, said ACS allows them to help other chapters of their fraternity. “We try to do other small fundraisers here and there to raise money for our chapter itself, but donating these proceeds to our national philanthropy is our way of making sure we do our part on the national level to account for those smaller chapters that may not be able to give as much,” Smee said. Donna Herndon, Sigma Sigma Sigma alumna, said while the overall concept of ACS has not changed much, the style of the event has transformed significantly over the years. “Back then, we didn’t have

11:32AM

8:42PM

Possession of marijuana and paraphernalia was reported at H. C. Franklin College. A citation was issued.

4:16PM

Theft was reported at Springer College after laundry was stolen on March 29.

2:31PM

Theft was reported at Carr Health after a bicycle was stolen on April 12. The investigation is still open.

The Police Beat is compiled with material provided by Public Safety and Emergency Management. Not all dispatched calls are listed.

Colton Colglazier/The News

April 18, 2019

News

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Brock Kirk, Richard Thompson, Blake Sandlin/The News

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News

April 18, 2019

All Campus Sing benefits local grade school music programs Alexis Schindler Staff writer aschindler1@murraystate.edu All Campus Sing is not only an event for entertainment purposes, it also gives back to the Murray community through an instrument drive. “The organizers encourage participants and spectators to bring old musical instruments to the show, which are then donated to area grade school music programs,” according to the Murray State website. Keena Creason, the ACS chair for Sigma Alpha Iota, said 10 to 20 instruments are donated every year including keyboards, guitars, flutes, trumpets and several others. “Some kids are born with the passion to make music, but cannot afford an instrument,” she said. “This is a way for a school to be able to supply a child with an instrument to further their knowledge and experience in the classroom.” Creason gave an anecdote to describe the situation. “Think about it this way,” she said. “Picture a writing class with no pencils or paper. Without that, writing is difficult, right? You have to borrow or go buy the supplies that you need. In order for a child to make music like he or she desires to do, they need to be equipped with the proper ‘supplies.’ Think about all of the students who have the talent to be a

great musician, but they shy away from their dream because they can’t afford it.” Creason said through the simple act of donating an instrument, a child will be able to chase their dream with their own instrument to take home and practice with. Winnie Smee, senior from Cape Girardeau and president of the Murray State Sigma Alpha Iota chapter, said the money raised from ACS entry fees goes to SAI Philanthropies, Inc., to help on a national level while the instrument drive helps on a local level. “The instrument drive is an essential part of this philanthropy event,” Smee said. “This instrument collection gives us a personal connection to local music programs that can’t afford instruments, and therefore a sense of knowing the good we’re doing right here in our own area.” Creason also expressed the gratitude those in the chapter have for Don Robertson and the Office of Student Affairs for their continued support as well as the community and students. “Sigma Alpha Iota was recognized at our recent National Convention as the top donating chapter in the nation for the past triennial,” Creason said. “It’s all thanks to the people in this community and the students who are so loyal to our philanthropy event. We look forward to the future of spreading our love for music.”

Photo courtesy of Hannah Crawford

Between 10 and 20 instruments are donated every year during All Campus Sing.

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News

April 18, 2019

Page 5

‘For Colored Girls’

Student-led production promotes diversity in theatre department Daniella Tebib News Editor dtebib@murraystate.edu A student-led production raised awareness of African American women and their experiences at Murray State. Victoria Martin, senior from Central City, Kentucky, directed her own rendition of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf” April 10-12. Victoria said her motivation to put on “For Colored Girls” was to help educate people about the issues African American women face. “Ntozake Shange created this amazing play to describe the experiences of black women and to portray them in a way that is not only beneficial to black women, but also beneficial to the public for the purpose of education and teaching,” Victoria said. She also said plays are an important outlet to open people up to a new world about topics they may not be educated about. Janae Martin, sophomore from Fulton, Kentucky, portrayed the Lady in Purple. Janae said “For Colored Girls” depicts the lives of seven African American

women living through a racist and sexist society. Each woman tells her own story including rape, abortion, domestic violence, suicide and HIV/AIDS. “This play isn’t for the light-hearted,” Janae said. “This play was created to show what African American women had to go through.” Ania Diallo, junior from Louisville, Kentucky, helped with the creation of the set, including seven panels - each one representing a character in the play symbolizing their hardships and personalities. Diallo said “For Colored Girls” helps bring awareness to the lives and struggles of African American women which may not be present on campuses like Murray State. “I think the production of ‘For Colored Girls’ is important for a campus like Murray State because growing up as a black woman in the South, there is a sense of intolerance of the presence and outspokenness of a black woman,” Diallo said. “I think this play not only impacts and breaks the stigma of the angry and untamable black woman, but also captures the elegance, softness and beauty of

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the black woman.” Victoria said she also wanted to direct this show to highlight the lack of diversity in the theatre department in hopes of increasing black representation. “I think with the lack of African Americans in theater, because I’m the only one in my department, is a struggle,” Victoria said. “It’s really hard to understand our experiences because they aren’t being told as a story, so me as a short, black female director who might not have the ability to be cast as much, or might not have the population of African Americans in the theatre department. I took it upon myself to work with the Office of Multicultural Initiatives to display African American talent.” Victoria also said it can be hard to find shows on campus for African American women to participate in. “I have friends who ask me to audition for things, but I ask where in this play is there room for diversity,” Victoria said. Raevyn Winters, junior from Chicago, Illinois, was cast as the Lady in Green. She decided to audition for the show because she’s never

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had the opportunity to be in a play that showcases the lives of black women. Winters also talked about her own experience as an African American woman on campus. “I don’t feel heard enough,” Winters said. “I am only heard by people who look like me, but not by those who don’t. For example, when I go to diversity events, even though they are meant to be diverse, I only see minorities attend. Also, it seems that when I am heard by someone who doesn’t look like me, I feel as if I am sympathized rather than empathized with.” To increase diversity in the program, Victoria said the department needs to be more welcoming and put some effort into recruiting African Americans. “There are few of us on campus,” Victoria said. “So, when we’re the few on campus, there’s not many of us who say anything. Upon you being an ally, come and talk to us.” However, Victoria said some professors in the theatre department have already reached out. “One thing I do appreciate is one of the professors from my depart-

Photo courtesy of Victoria Martin

“For Colored Girls” was directed by Victoria Martin, student director.

Photo courtesy of Victoria Martin

Ania Diallo helped create the set to symbolize the seven women in the show. ment, which is Daryl the play reached every Phillipy,” Victoria said. woman in the audience. “He came to my rehears“This play focused al and talked to the girls. on women of color, but He put an effort out to be this play speaks volumes to every woman, like, ‘hey, what can the regardless of what color department do better?’ you are,” Winters said. It’s important to create a “Every woman is beaustable conversation.” tiful and every woman is Winters said she a queen.” hopes the message of

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Editorial Board Blake Sandlin Interim Editor-in-Chief 270-809-6877 bsandlin1@murraystate.edu Bryce Anglin Production Manager 270-809-5874 zanglin@murraystate.edu Daniella Tebib News Editor 270-809-4468 dtebib@murraystate.edu Sara Howell Features Editor 270-809-5871 showell6@murraystate.edu Gage Johnson Sports Editor 270-809-4481 gjohnson17@murraystate.edu Megan Reynolds Opinion Editor 270-809-5873 mreynolds12@murraystate.edu David Wallace Chief Copy Editor 270-809-5876 dwallace15@murraystate.edu Connor Dame Ad Sales and Circulation Manager 270-809-4478 cdame2@murraystate.edu Brock Kirk Photography Editor 270-809-5878 jkirk11@murraystate.edu Kalea Anderson Chief Videographer 270-809-5878 kanderson29@murraystate.edu Dr. Stephanie Anderson Adviser • 270-809-3937 sanderson37@murraystate.edu 2609 University Station Murray State University Murray, Kentucky 42071-3301 msunews1927@gmail.com Fax: (270) 809-3175

TheNews.org

April 18, 2019

Board of Regents increases tuition The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board. The Board of Regents recently approved tuition, housing and dining cost increases for the 2019-20 school year. Murray State tuition will increase by 1 percent, coming to 42 extra tuition dollars per semester for in-state students and $126 for out-of-state students. Housing fees will get a 2 percent increase and dining fees will get a 2.63 percent increase. “Tuition is going to experience an increase in price.” That’s exactly what every college student dreads hearing. “Nobody likes to see tuition go up; it’s one of those necessary evils.” That’s what college administrations hiking up school costs always tell us. While unfortunate, and while students tend to argue it no matter what, those administrations are being truthful. Universities take a significant amount of money to run. Murray State’s operating budget is $110 million for the 2018-19 school year. By spring, they had fallen short of their projected budget income by $2.3 million. That kind of thing impacts the way a university can function and takes away from how much the administration can dedicate to certain university funding during the next school year. The University has to find some way to make up for those missing funds so students can experience the dedication from Murray State they deserve. As sad as it is, increasing tuition rates are seemingly the easiest way to do so. This does, however, beg the question of what else can be

Autumn Brown/The News

done to make the financial situation a little easier on Murray State. Is money being spent anywhere that can be cut? For example, $110,000 is spent on cable television for the residential college system. Who do you know that utilizes cable in the dorms? Not many people. Most students get their entertainment from streaming services like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime. It seems strange that we pay for a service that barely any students use, yet find ourselves in a pickle that has led to the loss of about 30 faculty members. Talking about the budget is difficult because, as much as it sucks that we complain about it, everything administrations do is

what they deem best. They are working for the benefit of the students and that is all we can really ask from them. At the same time, however, the schools that raise tuition are the same schools complaining about low enrollment. Murray State is definitely suffering from low enrollment; over approximately the past four years, we have lost 500 students per year in enrollment. As a University, we had grown accustomed to having over 11,000 students, and now we have just over 9,000. This is hurting the budget, leading to the tuition increase, which in turn leads to a decrease in enrollment. Money is always listed as a lists of top reasons why students are not enrolling in or continuing

their further education, whether you’re out canvassing people or looking at study results. Increasing tuition is only going to turn people away from applying to Murray State. Many people who are already here end up dropping out because they don’t have the funds to continue. It’s so sad to watch people abandon their education and their dreams all because money is such a disgustingly prevalent thing in our lives. Raising the cost of housing is a whole other concept; it is cheaper, almost always, to move off campus. For some students, that doesn’t matter because of University requirements forcing in-state freshmen and sophomores and out-of-state freshmen through juniors to live on campus. These students are guaranteed to pay the housing fees, but if you ask most people that live on campus, they are chomping at the bit to move off. Many people expected the dining increase since so much is being added (and we are very excited for those additions). While it is definitely understandable, the price increase is still dreaded. The budget is a truly horrid topic, and I can only imagine how much the faculty who create it despise making it. They have to work with money, strangely connotatively bad, while preparing for the backlash of an entire campus. We can hate their work, but we have to remember that these are people who want the best for the students and faculty they work with.

Cheers to all the dogs!

Jeers to being overwhelmed!

Sororities and fraternities have been bringing puppies to campus, and we couldn’t be more excited!

It’s the time of year when all assignments become mountains.

The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Submissions should be 600 words or less, and contributors should include phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classification and title or relationship to the University. The News reserves the right to edit for style, length and content. No anonymous contributions will be accepted. All contributions should be turned in by noon on Monday of each week via email to atraylor@murraystate.edu.

Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not that of The Murray State News. The News is a designated public forum. Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. The paper offers a hands-on learning environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy and its editors should develop their editorial and news policies.

The News strives to be the University community’s source for information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression and debate. The News is 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.

Opinion

April 18, 2019

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Letter to the Editor This is a letter sent to The News from Roger Weis after certain privileges were taken from him following his sending of an email to Congressman James Comer.

MIT B U

LETTERS

TO T

DITO

TO:

“heat of the moment. To his credit, he immediately accepted my apology. However, he shared that e-mail with my e-mail server which was my former employer – Murray State University. Officials at MSU somehow decided I would be both stripped of my e-mail server along with the content for the past 20 years. I have repeatedly asked for that content to be returned but it has fallen on deaf ears. So, you can serve your country in a war zone, return to work 15 years in the non-profit world, then lead a program that was last in the country to be the largest and most awarded for 25 years in a row but write one ill-thought-out e-mail and you are shunned by folks who had been your friend for over 30 years? I am not afraid to submit this, because I am protected by the 1st Amendment, but more importantly, as a strong Christian, I am protected by the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Thanks be to God…Amen! Respectfully, Dr. Roger Weis, MSU Professor Emeritus,

E HE

Letter to the Editor – April 15, 2019 In 1966 I was one happy-go-lucky college student in saddle oxfords attending Marshall University on a tennis scholarship. Six months later, I was standing knee deep in mud in a jungle in a country called Vietnam, reporting and photographing my fellow soldiers as they fought for “democracy” and their lives. I didn’t think I was much of a warrior, but I had gotten the highest scores in marksmanship in basic training, and they nicknamed me “sniper.” The irony was that I hated war and didn’t even like guns (sorry to my fellow Kentuckians). As a battalion reporter/ editor, my job was to report stories for my fellow soldiers and publish those stories in newspapers to send to their families back in the States. In

spite of being shot at, and ducking shrapnel hundreds of times, I thought I was serving my fellow soldiers and voluntarily signed up for an additional six months. I was awarded two bronze stars for bravery in a combat zone, but I never felt brave. Fast forward to a congressional hearing in which the 1st District Congressman James Comer was lambasting Michael Cohen in defense of Donald Trump and I became incensed that a man who avoided the draft through a “bone spur” while myself and many like me were putting our lives on the line time after time, was being defended by a representative I voted for. I sent Mr. Comer a not-so-polite e-mail in which I said in the heat of the moment, I would disrupt his meetings in my community much like he had disrupted my commitment to character and integrity by defending Trump instead of searching for the truth. I sent Mr. Comer an apology for my lack of discretion and stated my e-mail was in the

mreynolds12@murraystate.edu Savannah Jane Walton/The News

News

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April 18, 2019

Milli Cecil/The News

Haley Penrod Staff writer hpenrod1@murraystate.edu Cady Stribling Contributing writer cstribling1@murraystate.edu Excitement, engagements and energy filled the Quad during the 61st annual All Campus Sing April 17. The Honors College secured first place in the independent division with their performance of “Rise Up.” Coming in second was the International Students Organization, followed by the Murray State Cheerleading Team in third and the Black Student Council in fourth. Jessa Pollard, senior from Meade County, Kentucky, is a member of SAI. She also coached the Honors College, winners of the independent division. “I absolutely love All Campus Sing,” Pollard said. It’s my favorite event. It’s

relaxing and takes my mind off things. I get to enjoy it with all of my friends and sisters.” In the residential college division, Clark-Richmond came in first performing “Clark-Rich Goes to College.” Regents-Elizabeth placed second, followed by Springer-Franklin in third and Hart College in fourth. Amber Lee Burkhead, member of the Clark-Richmond group, said they spent a lot of time in practice to prepare for ACS. Delta Zeta took first place for the sorority division with their performance of “S.S. Delta Zeta.” Kappa Delta came in second, with Alpha Gamma Delta coming in third and Sigma Sigma Sigma in fourth. Kendall Knox, junior and member of Delta Zeta from Chicago, Illinois, said winning first place was a big surprise and the most memorable part of ACS.

Knox also said this Murray State tradition shows the unity of Murray State. “It shows how close of a community we have,” Knox said. “It shows how bonded all the Greek organizations are and even how bonded the residential and independent organizations are. It shows the unity that Murray State University has in all.” While Kappa Delta did not win the sorority division, one of their sisters received some exciting news. Rachel Warren, member of Kappa Delta, was proposed to in front of Lovett Auditorium as Kappa Delta’s performance wrapped up. “I saw him in the corner of my eye and I was like, ‘why are you approaching the stairs, why are you coming up here,’” Warren said. “Then, he popped the question in front of everyone, and I was like, ‘yes, of course.’” In the fraternity division, Sigma Phi Epsilon won first

place with their “Rock Band” theme. Alpha Sigma Phi came in second, followed by Pi Kappa Alpha in third and Lambda Chi Alpha in fourth. Jacob Kaufman, sophomore and member of Sig Ep from Paducah, Kentucky, said he could tell the brothers really wanted this from the first time they rehearsed. “The brothers were frustrated because you are only allowed a limited amount of time on the steps,” Kaufman said. “It definitely was challenging to figure out the logistics of everything. But I could tell that all the brothers really wanted this and wanted to try their hardest to make this happen. I could really see their passion come out the first night on the steps and it was remarkable to watch.” Sig Ep also won awards for best director and best choreography. Best soloist was awarded to Paxton Crider, president of Pi Kappa Alpha.

The award for most creativity went to Alpha Gamma Delta and spectators’ choice went to Alpha Delta Pi. Tri Sigma was awarded three awards including best costume, most spirit and grand champions. Ally Larson, senior and member of Tri Sigma from Belleville, Illinois, was the coordinator for Tri Sigma’s ACS performance. Tri Sigma won Grand Champions Larson’s freshman year and she said she wanted to go out the same way she began. “We had to put in a lot of work for the routine and costumes,” Larson said. “Spirit was a lot of being grand champ as well.” Larson gave advice for future contenders to become grand champions one day. “Work a lot toward spirit, put in as much effort as you can and have fun because I can feel they can tell when you can,” Larson said.

April 18, 2019

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Sports

April 18, 2019

Three Peat: Racers claim thirdstraight conference crown Keith Jaco Staff writer rjaco@murraystate.edu For the third-consecutive year and 12th time in school history, Murray State women’s golf has won the OVC Championship, defeating second-place Eastern Kentucky by 20 strokes. The Racers finished the tournament with scores of 291-289284—864, bringing home Head Coach Velvet Milkman’s 12th career OVC Championship. Milkman was ecstatic with how her team came out and performed this week. “I’m extremely proud with how the girls played,” Milkman said. “They played fantastic throughout the week and deserved to win. They put in all of the hard work this year and it never showed until the end; After putting all three rounds together, it all came together.” Murray State held a three-shot lead after Murray State women’s golf team poses with their awards after winning its third-straight OVC Championship. round one and a fiveshot lead into the final Senior Jane Watts, from Versailles, Everybody did their part and finround over EKU. Kentucky, contributed to the Racers’ ished well this week.” EKU finished behind the Racers first-place effort, placing in fifth Milkman says her team’s recent on scores of 296-289-299—884 while place with scores of 72-76-71—219. late-season surge played a big part Jacksonville State finished in third Junior Raeyesha Surendran, from in winning the OVC Championship place on scores of 294-302-291— Selangor, Malaysia, finished the this week. 887. tournament in seventh place on “We started to play better during Graduate student Anna Moore, scores of 75-75-72—222. the last few tournaments and played from Hopkinsville, Kentucky, With two players finishing in first to our potential,” Milkman said. received first place honors, beatand second, Milkman couldn’t have “That last round has been our ing out her teammate senior Linette been prouder of her team’s effort. nemesis, but today we went out Holmslykke, from Vejle, Denmark, “It’s been a fantastic week for and learned from the struggle and by one stroke. both [Moore] and [Holmslykke],” played very well.” Moore finished the event as one of Milkman said. “The seniors had to Murray State will participate in three participants under par, scoring come in and play well and finish at the NCAA Regional Tournament three-round totals of 73-66-72—211 the top of the leaderboard for us to on Monday, May 6, at Auburn while Holmslykke scored totals of have a chance. For them to finish University Golf Course. 71-72-69—212. one and two was really remarkable.

Photo courtesy of Racer Athletics

“

They played fantastic throughout the week and deserved to win. -Velvet Milkman,

women’s golf head coach

Sports

April 18, 2019

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Racers off to program-best OVC start Adam Redfern Staff writer

aredfern@murraystate.edu Murray State softball is off to its best OVC start in program history, and the Racers have strong pitching and a change in atmosphere to thank. The Racers have struggled in the past three seasons, finishing with records of 12-14, 11-7 and 6-16. However, two starting pitchers, junior Taylor Makowsky and freshman Hannah James, have been key pieces, in addition to the change in preparation for games and practices, that has helped Murray State earn the top spot in the conference. The team is currently sitting at an 11-3 record in the OVC, a feat which can be attributed to Head Coach Kara Amundson and staff creating a family atmosphere for the team and changing their approach to games. “We have made some adjustments over the summer for how we approach practice and games,” Amundson said. “All of that is to make sure that we don’t repeat what we have been doing the past few years. We make sure we can prepare them to come out and play hard and play well.” Offensively, senior outfielder Lillie Goetz and senior infielder Brenna Finck have substantialized the team’s ability to get on base with team-high batting averages of .328 and .305 to go with teamhigh on-base percentages of .439 and .376. Junior infielder Lexi Jones has led the team in the home run department with seven, senior catcher Madison Culver and sophomore infielder Sierra Gilmore sit right behind with five, while Goetz has added four home runs of her

own. While the Racers have held their own on offense, they don’t lead the OVC in any major offensive statistic. However, the Racers have been able to hang their hats on strong pitching to jump to first place in the OVC. Freshman pitcher Hannah James burst onto the scene, showing potential to be the team’s ace for years to come with Murray State. She has logged 126.1 innings, owning an 11-9 record and a 2.66 ERA to go along with 95 strikeouts. No other pitcher for the Racers has thrown more than 54 innings this season. James also became the second pitcher in program history to throw a perfect game and the first to throw a seven-inning perfect game with her seven-inning, zero hits and five-strikeout performance. However, the Racers’ rotation isn’t a one-woman show. After missing the first 15 games of the season because of injury, Makowsky has been a dual threat with James. The junior owns a record of 7-3 to go along with a 1.93 ERA that puts her second in the OVC in that category. Combined with this newfound success for the Racers in the circle, their leadership on the team has also helped push them to this point. “We have had just as talented teams in the past, but the leaders on this team are super focused,” Amundson said. “Our pitching has been super solid for us. Alongside our defense, I think that is a big part of it. Our team really wants to win.” This hot start has given the Racers extra motivation to cap the season off with a chance at an OVC Championship. With some impressive

Gage Johnson/The News

Freshman pitcher Hannah James starts her pitching motion at Racer Field. wins against Austin Peay and SEMO last week, Amundson feels that this team — led by a motivated senior class — truly wants to win at all costs. “I think they are determined, and it is something they have been working hard for,” Amundson said. “This senior class is ready to go, and we have talked a lot about holding one another accountable. We are not going to be okay with being mediocre, and this senior class has done a good job making sure that is how the team approaches the season.” With some of their biggest series of the season coming up, Amundson has been steadfast on her approach to every game and making sure her team is locked in for each individual game. “We have worked really hard to look at the scouting reports,” Amundson said. “Every

Gage Johnson/The News

Head Coach Kara Amundson talks to sophomore outfielder Jensen Striegel before her at-bat at Racer Field. team we play is different. We try our best to make sure we know who we are playing. The team is focused and they’re hungry, so that is great to see.” A trip to the OVC Tournament would

be Amundson’s sixth trip to the postseason. The Racers have not made it to the OVC Championship game since 2012 and are looking to secure their first OVC title in program history.

Murray State will return to action in hopes of claiming the regular season OVC title for the first game of two against Jacksonville State at 1 p.m. on Friday, April 18, at Jacksonville, Alabama.

Sports

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April 18, 2019

Knight golfs through cystic fibrosis Keith Jaco

Staff writer

rjaco@murraystate.edu Many athletes have to fight through adversity in their career to achieve lifelong dreams. For Murray State men’s golf junior Austin Knight, adversity is just part of the game. Knight has battled cystic fibrosis his entire life while putting together an athletic career most would’ve thought impossible. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder in which the lungs experience persistent infections. This causes mucus build-up that can clog the lungs, preventing them from functioning at a normal capacity. Currently 30,000 people have CF in the United States with more than half of the CF population being over the age of 18 years old. Despite living with this lifelong condition, Knight said he’s been able to live a relatively normal life. “[They] found out I had it the day I was born, and I had surgery the same day,” Knight said. “Even though I do have this disease, I’m still able to do the things I do today. My parents have always been good about not treating me any different and they’ve always treated me like a normal child; I’ve always appreciated that.” Though treatments get in the way of leading a normal life from time to time, Knight stays true to his belief that things could be much worse, and is thankful for the life he has. “I have treatments two times a day and they last for about an hour apiece,” Knight said. “When I wake up, I do my treatments, which is a nebulizer and inhaler with a vest that shakes and clears up my lungs. When most people just wake up and go to class, I wake up and do my treatments before I even go to class. I don’t really get to sleep in much but the Murray State disability center has helped with a lot of accommodations for me. It’s just a little more behind the scenes that most people don’t see, but I don’t bring it up because I don’t want people feeling sorry for me. Everyone’s different and some people have worse lives than me, so I’m just thankful for what I have and I just deal with it.” Knight has handled the pres-

sure of succeeding despite his condition every season since his freshman year. During the 2016-17 school year, Knight was the team’s top scorer with an average of 74.5, finishing top 5 in the FAU Slomin Autism Invitational and the Skyhawk Classic as well as being named to the All-OVC Newcomer team. During his sophomore year, Knight earned his first All-OVC honors, shooting an average of 73.6 for 12th in the OVC. Knight also picked up his first individual titles, including a win in the TSU Big Blue Intercollegiate and the APSU Intercollegiate. This season, Knight placed third in the Murray State Invitational and took home first place honors in the Skyhawk Classic with scores of 70-6768—205. On Sunday, April 21, Knight will look to add to his career accolades when the Racers travel to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to participate in the OVC Championship at Fighting Joe Golf Course at The Shoals. Even though some days are harder than others, Knight focuses on the long term and leans on his faith. “I’ve realized that it isn’t going away and there’s no cure for it so I don’t want to dwell,” Knight said. “It’s the thing that makes me, me, and I take pride in it. I do what I have to do each day, and will continue to do things that regular people do. There’s no reason to give up now; I’m just gonna deal with it, keep my trust in God and push through.” As a Racer, Knight has had the joy of getting to know many people who have made his journey that much easier. “I’ve always enjoyed Murray and there’s not one bad thing I could say about it,” Knight said. “I’ve really liked how the teachers, the staff, the coaches, my teammates and my friends that do know about my [CF] have been really lenient and understand what I’m going through, especially being a college athlete. They’re really just patient with me, knowing what I go through every day, having to do things other people aren’t used to doing; I’ve really enjoyed the community that knows about me and that they let me live a normal life but will make a few exceptions here and there just because of the things I have to do extra.”

Photo Courtesy of Racer Athletics

Junior Austin Knight makes contact with the ball and follows through his swing.

THE MURRAY STATE NEWS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Senior shortstop Jaron Robinson helped power the Racers’ offense to a 3-1 record against Middle Tennessee State and Southeast Missouri State. Robinson went 7-for-15 with six RBIs, four runs and two stolen bases, helping Murray State baseball claim the top spot in the OVC.

Jaron Robinson Senior Shortstop Baseball

Features

April 18, 2019

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Clarkstock celebrates 10th anniversary Lee Clark Residential College organize live music, food and games Ciara Benham Staff writer

cbenham@murraystate.edu Once again, Lee Clark Residential College brought all the music, food and fun of Woodstock with none of the cost. On Saturday, April 13, Clark hosted its 10th annual Clarkstock music festival in the commons of HC Franklin Residential College, after being moved inside to avoid rain. Chris Trzepacz, the college head of Clark College, said this year’s Clarkstock was the biggest and best yet. “For the 10th anniversary the student leaders assembled five local bands to perform throughout the day, tie-dyed over 100 10th anniversary Clarkstock shirts and solicited over $500 worth of gifts from local merchants to raffle, and recruited noted local amateur chef Nile Shemwell to serve as grillmaster,” Trzepacz said. “The 10th anniversary of Clarkstock is the largest to date.” While Clarkstock is an all-day entertainment event, it is also used for philanthropy. The event benefits an organization called Main St. Youth. “All proceeds from raffles and t-shirt sales are donated to Main St Youth, a local nonprofit that provides a safe, supportive and nurturing after-school environment for local children,” Trzepacz said. “We are proud to support their efforts, and our goal was to

raise at least $1000.” Clarkstock included a variety of musical genres and acts in their lineup including Molly Lovette, Abigail Paschall, the Murray State Police Band, Andrew O’Rourke, Lauren Edwards and Haleigh Martin. Molly Lovette, freshman from St. Louis, Missouri, performed a mix of country classics and original music. Lovette said the event went wonderfully. “It was my first Clarkstock, so I didn’t know what to expect, but I thought they had a great turn out,” Lovette said. “It is so important for performers like me because we are always looking for exposure, and this event in particular was special because I got to introduce myself and my music to a new audience.” Since August, the students of Clark have worked hard to prepare for this event. “This event is completely student run they recruit the bands, they plan and prepare the menu, they assemble the stage, they solicit donations, and they produce all the promotions,” Trzepacz said. “While Clarkstock itself is just a single successful day, it requires a yearlong focused commitment, and this experience is invaluable to developing skills in time management, organization and collaboration.” Kirsten Farley, co-chair of the Clark philanthropy committee, is one of the students that worked on

this event. She said the event went better than she imagined. “I think the event went surprisingly well for the fact that we had to move it indoors last minute,” Farley said. “We were worried that we wouldn’t get as much foot traffic as we normally do with it outside, however, I’d say that we probably had around the same number of people as usual! With the gift cards and certificates being really amazing this year and the t-shirt design, we had such a great turnout.” Clarkstock was a huge success that entertained the campus and community and raised over $900 for Main St. Youth.

Mackenzie O’Donley/The News

Molly Lovette, freshman from St. Louis, Missouri, perfromed country classics and original music at Clarkstock.

Mackenzie O’Donley/The News

Students played a game of cornhole at Clarkstock.

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Features

2019 Ms. MSU

Ms. Murray State University: 1st runner up: 2nd runner up: 3rd runner up: 4th runner up: Most photogenic: Ms. Congeniality:

April 18, 2019

Maggie Moore Ashley Wild Allie Morgan Emily Whitaker Beth Birkner Maggie Moore Abagail Lanier Photo courtesy of Emily Hancock

Milli Cecil/The News

STREAM NOW

NEWS @ WKMS.ORG and MUSIC YOU WANT TO HEAR

Features

April 18, 2019

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Multicultural center rededicated to Mills Alexis Schindler

Staff writer aschindler1@murraystate.edu

The hard work and dedication of the late Marvin D. Mills, Sr. to Murray State University and its diversity were commemorated with the rededication of the Dr. Marvin D. Mills, Sr. Multicultural Center Friday, April 12. The center was previously located in the Student Involvement Center on the first floor of the Curris Center. It is still located on the first floor of the Curris Center but has taken over the area where the Racer ID Office was. Executive Director of the Multicultural Center SG Carthell said he has been at the center for about 14 years. The center had been in the previous location for 20-plus years and was originally dedicated in Marvin D. Mills’ honor in 2005, he said. “We made the move thanks to a number of people like President Jackson and Dr. (Don) Robertson,” Carthell said. “They saw the opportunity to move the center up front and have it be more visible. Everybody came together to make this move happen over Christmas break.” He said the decision to rededicate the center was made based on the fact it was moving to a more visible location and Mills had recently passed in early September 2018. “It seemed fitting since he unfortunately could not see the move we would do a rededication to reiterate the mission of the center and to put an exclamation point on his continuing legacy at Murray State University,” Carthell said. “Not only his legacy through this program and this Multicultural Center, but through the

occupational safety and health program which he was very instrumental in starting and because he was one of our early African American faculty members.” The rededication ceremony began with Mills’ wife Eunice Mills and son Glen Mills cutting the ribbon on the Multicultural Center door. Attendees of the event then filed into the new space and waited for Carthell to give the opening remarks. President Jackson followed Carthell giving the welcoming remarks. “Thank you all for being here,” Jackson said at the ceremony. “This is indeed a special day. Dr. Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs, and Dr. SG Carthell worked very hard and have for a long time in making this a special place.” He also expressed thanks to Carthell’s wife, Alicia Carthell, along with several others for working over winter break to get the center moved into its new location. “Dr. Marvin Mills was our friend,” Jackson said. “He was a special person, and I am so grateful we are able to recognize him today.” Jackson said Mills served in many roles at Murray State – from faculty member to foundation board member – but what meant the most to Mills as he went through his career was being a teacher. He recalled in his speech a quote Mills gave for a Murray State Hold Thy Banner High fundraising campaign video in 2008. “[Mills] said these words as he was being interviewed: ‘Murray has a wonderful history. Everywhere you go you meet people who finished

at Murray or know about Murray, and the history is about quality education,’” Jackson said. “Then, he pointed into the camera and said,‘You know when you give here your money will be well spent. You know they are seeking quality students and the students are being prepared to serve their communities, their region, their state and the world. Support for Murray State is support for equality, support for professionalism, support to lead and it is support for our students.’” The fundraising campaign went on to surpass the set goal of $60 million and ended with $71 million, making it “the largest fundraising campaign in the institution’s history,” according to the Murray State website. More kind words on the work Mills did for the University and its students were shared by Vice President Don Robertson, President of the Black Student Council Keandra Dillard, Board of Regents Chair Susan Guess, President of the MSU Foundation David Durr, Murray State and Multicultural Center alums Geco Ross and Jeremi Bumpus, and Mills’ son Glen and grandson Paul. The common theme among the speakers was how much Mills pushed those around him to be the best they could be, his never-ending interest in his students and their education and the efforts he made in recruiting students to Murray State. Some funny anecdotes were shared as well. Glen Mills gave words of advice to the students in attendance that his father had given to him. “Dad instilled in us the need to get to know people who were not like

Mackenzie O’Donley/The News

President Bob Jackson spoke at the rededication of the Dr. Marvin D. Mills, Sr. Multicultural Center.

Mackenzie O’Donley/The News

Eunice Mills and Glen Mills cut the ribbon to the new multicultural center. you,” he said. “He encouryou. You might not like aged us, and I encourage what you learn, but you’ll you, get with people who learn something.” don’t believe the same Eunice Mills expressed things you do, get with her gratitude to Murray people who have a differState. ent faith than you, people “I appreciate all that who are at a different ecoMurray State has done to nomic level than you and support Marvin,” she said. different walks of life. That “He was very pleased and is how you learn. You’ve honored when this came got to reach out and talk about. I’m sure that he is to people who are not like happy today. Thank you

so much, Murray State.” Paul Mills expressed his gratitude to all of those in attendance. “I’m happy that every one of you came here to celebrate this with us,” he said. “If he were here, he would love this. Thank you to everyone who made this happen. To all the students, go out and make him proud.”

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April 18, 2019