August 23, 2016

THE STANDARD M I S S O U R I S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y

VOLUME 110, ISSUE 1 | THE-STANDARD.ORG The Standard/The Standard Sports

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

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Professor killed; another professor charged Cortlynn Stark Staff Reporter @Cortlynn_Stark A Missouri State University professor has been charged with second-degree murder in the Wednesday night killing of a retired professor.

The victim, Dr. Marc Cooper, 66, was stabbed to death in his home; his wife, Nancy Cooper, 67, was also injured.

The suspect, Dr. Edward M. Gutting, was at the scene when police arrived. He was arrested without incident, according to Capt. Vance Holland of the Springfield Police Department.

Gutting, a modern and

classical languages instructor, is currently on administrative leave. He is being held in Greene County Jail.

Holland said the police believe the two knew each other but are unsure of the extent of the relationship.

Holland said the suspect drove to Cooper’s house. The police do not know how Gutting entered the home, whether it was a peaceful or forceful entry, he said.

A press release from SPD stated the department received a report saying that two people were stabbed at 635 E. University St., about one mile south of MSU campus. Officers were then dispatched to the home around 7:36 p.m. on Wednesday.

Police found Cooper dead with multiple knife wounds inside the home. His wife, Nancy Cooper, also had stab wounds and was transported

Dr. Edward M. Gutting to a local hospital, according to Holland. The press release

said her injuries were not life-threatening.

Holland said there were several neighbor witnesses but he did not give further information.

Holland said this is believed to be an isolated incident. He added that police have not determined a motive, and that it is still under investigation. Holland said police believe they understand what happened but are still investigating why. Gutting was charged Thursday with second-degree murder, two counts of armed criminal action, first -degree assault and first-degree burglary.

The crime scene was closed Thursday at 9:30 a.m.

Cooper taught history courses at MSU for nearly 35 years. He received his Ph.D. in 1979 from the University of Minnesota, ac-

Dr. Marc Cooper cording to his profile on Missouri State’s website.

Cooper worked for MSU from 1980 until his retirement in 2014.

He focused on the history of the ancient Near East, according to Dr. Victor Matthews, dean of the College of Humanities and Public Affairs. After retiring, Cooper continued his involvement with MSU by serving as the managing editor of the eJournal of Public Affairs.

Gutting was set to teach Elementary Latin I, Greek Civilization and two sections of Classical Mythology this fall.

University President Clif Smart addressed the investigation at the all-faculty luncheon in the Plaster Student Union Thursday afternoon.

Smart donates $25,000 pay raise Cortlynn Stark Staff Reporter @Cortlynn_Stark Missouri State University President Clif Smart is already popular with students.

Now, he is donating his $25,000 pay raise to help them.

Smart and his wife are donating the funds to the Clif and Gail Smart Scholarship, which benefits first-generation students.

According to the university, about 37 percent of students are the first members in their families to go to college.

However, the university says that over a six-year period, only 52 percent are able to graduate. That number drops to a mere 47 percent when looking at underrepresented minority groups.

This fund will be one of the few university sponsored scholarships for first-generation college students. While there are several scholarship opportunities, few are specifically for incoming first-generation students.

“To the extent that we can create funds and bridge the gaps and hold down the (stu-

dent) debt, we want to do that,” Smart said.

Since becoming MSU president in 2012, Smart continues to receive high praise from not only students, but the Board of Governors as well. In June, he presented his annual self-assessment.

The eight percent pay raise they offered was based on an evaluation of Smart in nine categories: strategic leadership, educational leadership, organizational management, financial management, fundraising, external relations, internal relations, board and governance relations and personal characteristics and values.

Every employee received a two percent raise, according to the Board of Governors June 10 agenda. Smart’s salary is $334, 981, including the eight percent raise, for this academic year.

“The Board continues to be pleased with the leadership President Smart has provided to Missouri State University,” Peter Hofherr, board chair, said. “He faced many challenges on campus this year; however, his dedication and commitment pre-

vailed, resulting in the continued upward trajectory of the university.”

Smart receives an annual $40,000 housing allowance, which he donates back to the MSU Foundation, according to an August 2014 MSU news release. He turns down a number of other benefits, including a car allowance and work related meal refunds, according to the News-Leader.

Smart also earned a 1.8 percent raise last year. Additionally, he was offered a $50,000 incentive clause provided annually as deferred compensation, according to a 2015 News-Leader article.

This incentive will continue for the rest of Smart’s contract, the article said.

Last year, MSU set record enrollment at 24,735 students in the fall. The university used the increases in funds and enrollment to fund new faculty positions.

“I am proud to be the president of Missouri State and truly appreciate the Board’s confidence in me,” Smart said. “I love my job and plan to remain as president through the duration of my contract and hopefully beyond.”

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

Back to School

Welcome Weekend was in full swing for new Bears. Read more on Page 4.

Board of Governors discuss Title IX, conduct code Cortlynn Stark Staff Reporter @Cortlynn_Stark The Board of Governors, Missouri State University’s governing body, altered sexual assault procedures and alcohol consequences in the Code of Student Rights and Responsibilities on Wednesday.

The board’s agenda describes what will happen for sexual assaults involving Title IX. Title IX is a federal law prohibiting discrimination based on sex in government funded programs,

according to the United States Department of Justice.

The Title IX Office on-campus, located in Carrington Hall and led by Title IX coordinator Jill Patterson, completes an investigation and investigative report, the agenda says. Following this, the conduct officer will inform the person accused of misconduct of the charges or the respondent.

They will discuss the event and the responsibility level of the respondent, according to the agenda. If an agreement on consequences is not reached, the respon-

dent can request a hearing.

The board also addressed changes to misconduct consequences.

There are 16 levels of consequences possible. The first three consequences listed in the agenda are: a warning, loss of privileges and imposed fines. These basic consequences do not affect a student’s good standing with the university.

Issues with good standing start with the two levels of probation. Level Two probation bans students from participating in office campaigns and leadership roles.

New changes to this level prohibits students from representing MSU at any official functions or athletic competitions, going to conferences for MSU and participating in Study Away, according to the agenda.

Additionally, the conduct advisor will no longer hand out consequences to students or student organizations for violating the conduct code.

That duty will be left to the hearing authority, and consequences are reviewed by the Dean of Students, Dr. Thomas Lane.

The set fines are also be-

ing replaced. Originally the conduct code gave specific amounts of fines. For the first use or possession of drug paraphernalia, marijuana or other drugs, the fine was $80 and has been raised to $100.

The schedule of fines will be listed on the Office of Student Conduct website, under Consequence Information.

The fine situation is the same for alcohol consequences. Rather than just paying $45 for the first violation, it is now $100.

The conduct code said that students would participate in a four-hour alcohol

education class, along with the fine and two reflection papers. Now, students will participate in an online alcohol education module, according to the agenda; the fine and papers will still be required.

According to the agenda, Veteran Student Services will be relocated within the Meyer Library. The relocation is set to be completed by the end of the fall semester and will cost the university $850,700. It is funded through the Meyer Library Master Renovation Budget.

news

opinion

life

sports

COB award: Page 2

Voting: Page 3

Playfair: Page 5

Bear Up: Page 7

2 THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

COB ranks Top 10 Online Cybersecurity MBA Degrees Online MBA Today ranked MSU’s College of Business 2nd in Cybersecurity MBA degrees Nichole Ferguson Staff Reporter Missouri State University’s College of Business has earned 2nd place for ‘Top 10 Online MBA Degrees in Cybersecurity 2016’ from Online MBA Today. MSU was chosen out of over 350 school programs based on their respective tuition costs, accreditations, PayScale early career salaries, prestige and overall graduation rates, according to Online MBA Today.

MSU’s online MBA program offers several different distinctions for students to specialize in. The cybersecurity niche adds courses in telecommunications, information technology, legal issues and techniques that hackers use.

While the online MBA program has been available since 2012, courses for the cybersecurity program began fall of 2015, according to the College of Business News.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics website projects jobs for information security analysts to grow at a rate of 18 percent over the next 10 years. This is much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the job out-

look on their website.

Dr. Elizabeth Rozell, associate dean of the COB and director of the MBA program, said that this ranking is a “signal of the quality faculty and a program with high standards.”

MSU’s COB is part of the 10 percent of U.S. colleges of business fully accredited by the international Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, according to Missouri State’s website.

Rozell said that this accreditation is “very exclusive” and Online MBA Today agrees.

Their website states that “Missouri State’s College of Business offers AACSB International-accredited on-campus and online MBA programs. They offer high quality 100 percent online programs couple that with a commitment to affordability.”

MSU’s online MBA program has received several other recognitions listed on their website.

This program has been recognized as a top online program for veterans, a top affordable online MBA program and ranked in the top 10 online business schools with low out-ofstate tuition.

TOP 10 ONLINE MBA DEGREES IN CYBERSECURITY

1 3 5 7 9

James Madison University Harrisonburg, Virginia Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, Florida

Bellevue University Bellevue, Nebraska

2 4 6 8 10

Missouri State University Springfield, Missouri

Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, Massachusetts Maryville University St. Louis, Missouri

The University of Dallas Irving, Texas Saint Leo University Saint Leo, Florida DeVry University Various Locations Utica College Utica, New York

Graphic by REBECCA BIUNDO/THE STANDARD, source: Online MBA Today

Enrollment exceeds records The Standard Staff MSU has broken its record for overall enrollment for the fall 2016 semester with 21,807 students enrolled through the Springfield campus.

According to an MSU press release, there is an increase of 773, or 3.8 percent, from fall 2015.

This record total includes 3,143 first-time students and 1,746 new transfer students. The

number of returning undergraduate students has also increased from 11,630 last year to 12,306 this year, according to the press release.

Included in the increased number of new Bears, the number of transfer students has grown from last year’s total by 108 students.

Official enrollment reports will be based on the enrollment at the end of the day on Sept.

19.

opinion 3 THE STANDARD Learn to love Every vote matters; no, really Springfield TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Students should take a stance in the upcoming presidential election in November

Andrew Webster Columnist @anjrew12

Boost your college experience with these fun suggestions Spencer Martin Columnist @Spencer_XC Well, it’s finally here. The first week of school for Missouri State students. To my returning classmates, welcome back.

To you fresh new faces, welcome to your new home for the next few years.

Seeing as it’s the very first week of school and potentially your first time here in Springfield, I begin this year offering advice and some general information about the city.

First and foremost, this is Springfield we’re talking about, so traffic is going to be terrible. All things accounted for, it could be the worst traffic and worst drivers you’ve ever experienced.

A large majority of the services and goods you will need throughout college are likely located on or just off of Glenstone Avenue or National Avenue. As a result, these two streets will have seemingly 100 percent of the town’s traffic during the day. If you can’t find what you need on these streets, try Sunshine Street or Battlefield Road.

By the end of the first week of school, you will have likely seen at least five cars run dead red lights. Always, I repeat, always wait when you get a green light.

During the summer and even the early fall it is HOT. The roads, both on and off-campus, seem like they’re always under construction.

From time to time, religious zealots with very skewed views of theology —largely Christianity— will yell at you on campus and accuse you of any number of sinful actions.

My best advice is to ignore them.

Though it’s 2016, racism is still alive and well in these parts of the country — we are working really hard to change that.

Did I mention it’s hot?

Yes, Springfield has quite a bit of work to do before I give it a five-star city rating, but there may yet be hope.

Nestled in between the streets of Grand, Cherry, National and Holland lies one of the great bastions of hope and understanding. Yes, I speak of Missouri State University.

The community into which you have just entered is not only an incredible institution of higher education, it has been my home away from home for more than four years.

This campus is a magical place. The students are generally awesome people, the faculty and staff take a personal interest and the carillon tower plays some great music.

A school that has produced both Olympic athletes and doctorate recipients.

A student body that has challenged standards and ideals that promote racism, homophobia, xenophobia and general bigotry.

A community that boasts more than 300 student organizations and one of the best Greek systems in the entire country.

Truly, Missouri State is a wonderful place.

University aside, Springfield does have many great things to offer.

The downtown area is filled with great shops, restaurants and bars. On the first Friday of every month, First Friday Art Walk puts culture and art on display in the downtown area.

Pineapple Whip, Andy’s Frozen Custard and Braums offer some of the best soft serve and frozen yogurt options in the state.

The Chinese food options are seemingly endless.

And if you’re the outdoorsy type of person, there are numerous parks, lakes and creeks in and around Springfield, all waiting to be explored.

Springfield really does have a lot of positive things to offer and over the last four years, it has taken a special place in my heart. I genuinely hope that you learn to enjoy life in the 417 like I have.

First and foremost though, I hope you grow to love Missouri State like many who have come before you.

If you need advice on anything Springfield or Missouri State, I’m always available on Twitter as @Spencer_XC. I’m happy to help.

Welcome to MO State. And, as always, Bear Up.

As you may have heard, there will be an election in November to elect new members to national and state offices of government. In Missouri, there will be two proposed state constitutional amendments, as well as possible measures on tobacco taxes, medical marijuana and limitations on campaign contributions.

Every election is important, but a few issues make this year’s particularly significant. There may be potentially four supreme court seats that will need to be filled, just in the first term. No matter what position you have on the Affordable Healthcare Act, this election will have huge implications on the future of healthcare in the United States. America’s investment in environmental issues will be up for debate too. Environmental regulations are often detrimental to business, and newly-elected government members will need to decide where their allegiances lie. The new congress will also have to address or ignore the overwhelming income inequality in our nation.

Perhaps it’s destiny that in

2016 there are as many millennials eligible to vote as the baby boomers that have dominated elections for decades.

But then again, perhaps not. If we define millennials as citizens aged 18-35––as did the Pew Research Center in an electoral report––only 46 percent of millennials went to the polls. Luckily, our great university wants to help.

Missouri State has a collation of organizations that want to make voter registration as easy as possible: Meyer Library, the American Democracy Project, the Center of Community Engagement and the Office of Public Affairs are sponsoring a voter registration drive on Sept. 12-15. The mission is to encourage more young voters to participate in the election this November.

They will be outside the PSU and in the Meyer Library lobby helping students get registered before the Oct. 12 deadline.

Missouri State also has an online system to help students get registered.

Ask the editor: Q of the week

What are you most looking forward to this semester?

“Learning InDesign” Ryan Welch “The College Media Association Convention in Washington D.C.” Nicole Roberts @NReneeRoberts

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“Being the Life Section editor” Sarah Teague @SarahTeague96

“Repping my paper and school in D.C.” Wyatt Wheeler @realYitWheeler

Big and tall for all

The fashion industry should give bigger men more options Caleb Hearon Columnist @calebsaysthings

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“Making my grad cap/graduating” Rebecca Biundo @rebeccabingo

Fat guys could lose weight. We could go to the gym and run on the treadmill for four to five minutes and then hop off because our calves hurt real bad and our high school gym teacher told us to trust our bodies when something hurts. That doesn’t feel like a good pain, it feels like a bad pain.

We could walk over to the rec center bikes and do that for half an hour, because that isn’t even working out––it’s just fun.

Especially when they have the little TV screens on the front and reruns of “Gilmore Girls” are playing. We could walk past the free weights, literally laugh a little bit, then find the easiest looking suspended weight machine and do a little time on just that one machine.

Those things could happen. We could go to that public gym across town from our apartment (where we have a membership because how mortifying would it be to use the campus gym) and ignore the barbecue restaurant that is directly across the parking lot. It is literally 10 feet from the gym, and that is a cruel truth.

We could go back to our apartment and drink water and not even touch the cosmic brownies in the pantry, even though they’re the ones with the tiny chocolate candies on top. And maybe we will do all these things. Maybe we will, for good measure, even follow some fitness accounts on Twitter and save some workout routines from Pinterest.

While we motivate ourselves to do all of those things a bunch of days in a row––stop ordering the no. 6 special from

417

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As a voting American and a proud Missouri State student, I’d love to see MSU rock the vote this year and influence the political environment for years to come. We have reached the age where we are in control of our nation and we can make our government work for us.

That is how representative democracy works. I don’t care who you vote for; I just want to see you at the polls in November.

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the Thai place around the corner and lose a little weight––we still have to wear clothes. And it’s a war zone out here.

If you are a fat guy in 2016, your style options are seriously abysmal. Those Big Dog t-shirts your uncle wears on trips to the lake are definitely available in our size. Jeans with the hammer loop on the leg that don’t taper even a little bit, sure thing. If you are into Hawaiian button downs, then the Big & Tall section is your forever home.

But if you want a decent fitting skinny jean––goodbye. If you would rather wear a jacket without a sports logo on the chest––keep dreaming. Maybe you have toyed with the idea of a fun patterned button down––no such luck; it’s a blue/ white/blue stripes world for you.

Somebody out there has to want our money. Clearly, some of us make it work, because there are big guys around who look incredible, but I won’t name names (Caleb D. Hearon, author of this article and very available bachelor).

I know this may never reach the desk of the fat guy fashion bosses who apparently have a very cozy relationship with flannel distributors, but in case it does: please help. We need you.

Recognize the fat men in the world who aren’t gruff television dads that work in construction and play backyard football. Give us a chance to look fashionable when we go home and lie to our mothers about “actually eating pretty healthy lately.” It’s all we ask.

I want to be buried in a name brand suit and timeless loafers, not the Michael Strahan suit separates collection from JC Penney and whatever black dress shoe we could find in a 13 at Shoe Carnival.

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life THE STANDARD Welcome Weekend brings Bears together 4

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

From running through a tunnel of cheering students to mingling during Bear Bash and hearing Jeff Houghton of “The Mystery Hour” speak, new students were accepted into the Bear family last weekend

Students gather for annual Belong-B-Q Layne Stracener Staff Reporter A crowd gathered around, eating barbecue and cheering along while different fraternities and sororities performed dances to rap music, stepped and told everyone who they are.

The Belong-B-Q is an annual event hosted by the Multicultural Resource Center where different organizations promote themselves and perform. It is dedicated to multicultural organizations and students.

Some organizations there were the African Student Association, Sister Circle, Association of Black Allegiance, Untamed Tongues, His Legacy, and various sororities and fraternities. Each organization had a table showcasing trophies, pictures, t-shirts, and information about their organization.

Marketing Communications Coordinator of RHA Savanna Shriver said the Belong-B-Q is a great event MIRANDA ROLLER/ THE STANDARD for minority students.

Students dance in the courtyard of Freudenburger House during Missouri State’s annual “RHA enjoys sponsoring this event because multicultural students with Belong-B-Q.

more diverse backgrounds can find their place at Missouri State,” Shriver said.

The Belong-B-Q has been located in Strong Hall every year. This year, it was in the Freudenberger Courtyard.

The location was changed to bypass the construction and to be located in the center of campus where it is more accessible and more people can see it. Students that have gone every year say that this year, more people showed up. The Freddy Courtyard is also next to the Multicultural office.

Executive Director of the Multicultural Programs Yvania Garcia-Pusateri said she plans to have the Belong-B-Q in the Freddy Courtyard every year from now on, and she also plans to change many aspects of the multicultural program now that there are many new people in the office.

“It was a great turnout,” Garcia-Pusateri said. “We wanted to demonstrate that we are here and have new program opportunities.”

Houghton encourages students to not be afraid Bailey Vassalli Staff Reporter @baileyvassalli The class of 2020 was invited to the New Student Convocation to be given the official welcome from fellow students, faculty and staff at JQH Arena on Aug. 21.

Students watched performances from the Beartones, Pride Band and spirit squads before hearing this year’s keynote speaker, Jeff Houghton.

Houghton is the host of “The Mystery Hour,” a late night talk show performed live in Springfield’s Gillioz Theater. He is not only a host; but also a comedian, actor and writer. For years he has worked with improv, been featured on various commercials and even once worked for “The Late Show with David Letterman” in New York.

“You guys gave Clif Smart a much better welcome,” joked Houghton after his introduction. “I am excited to be here at Missouri State.” He

once again joked with the students, saying that he should not be there and they should not be listening to him.

“I should not be here because, in a lot of ways, I did college wrong in my early years,” Houghton said.

He went on to talk about his accomplishments and how things ended up working out for him, and he eventually gave students the reason he believed he did college wrong.

“I was very worried about what I should do, what was the right thing to do. I was scared. I was scared to take risks. I was scared to get out of my comfort zone. I was scared of the pressure. I was scared to talk to girls, so scared,” he said.

Houghton encouraged students to have fun, step out of their comfort zones and not worry so much about what others think of them. His advice all centered around the idea that students should not isolate themselves but instead find ways to involve them-

selves.

He went on to talk about things that happened once he stepped out of his comfort zone.

“All of these things happened because I respected the part of me that wanted to do something that didn’t seem to make sense and had the courage to try it.”

Houghton closed off his speech by telling students they were attending an amazing university and even more amazing things were to come.

“I think the convocation and Jeff Houghton did a really great job of bringing all of the new students together,” Bri Keen, freshman exercise and movement science major, said. “It helped me feel more comfortable in my new environment and allowed me to relax more.”

As the event drew to a close, students were challenged one last time to try new things and think about how they would make their Missouri Statement over the next four years.

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

The Mystery Hour’s Jeff Houghton speaks to students during the 2016-2017 New Student Convocation on Aug. 21.

Students bond over games at Playfair

By Casey Struble Staff Reporter At 6:45 p.m, Aug 19, over 200 freshmen queued around The Betty and Bobby Allison Recreation Fields and past Hutchens House on East Harrison street. The line awaited to flood Playfair, a high-energy event promising to encourage friendships.

Playfair, sponsored by the Office of Student Engagement, is a seven-year tradition of Welcome Weekend. It kicks off the evening after freshmen have moved into their dorms.

“Tell freshmen to get super excited, and get ready to meet as many people as possible,” Sean Moran, this year’s DJ and facilitator for Playfair, said.

At 7 p.m, the line flooded into Betty Bobby Allison Recreation Fields.

The freshmen sprinted through a tunnel of eager upperclassmen volunteers.

After high-fiving and running through, the new MSU students became a part of the tunnel to help welcome their peers behind them. A community of positivity was instantly created.

NINA TODEA/ THE STANDARD “They’re going to meet people and Students formed groups and circles based on shared interests and similarities. find confidence. This lets them know it’s not high school,” Loren Berner, a resident assistant at Hutchens Hall, Music blared as upperclassmen danced on said. Berner, among many resident assistants, ees to create groups and circles based on similarities. Soon, the new students were hugging bleachers and cheered for the new students. brought nearly their entire floor to Playfair.

“Find three people... now four more... now over shared birthdays, high-fiving for Snapchat, Freshmen ran back and forth for different five new people!” Moran announced into the and taking pictures with friends that had the games, laughing as they were made to come microphone. He instructed the Playfair attend- same amount of siblings. up with dance moves, secret handshakes and a

list of things they liked about each other.

“My favorite part? Where everybody was holding each other on their shoulders and playing rock paper scissors 20 feet apart from each other,” Rohit Utkarsh, freshman biology major said, referring to the giant rock-paper-scissors tournament at the end of Playfair.

The tournament had winners face off against each other. Those who lost had to cheer for the winner and forfeit whoever was cheering them.

After a few matches, huge groups of students were hoisting their victors in the air as champions.

“We didn’t have anything like this last semester,” Utkarsh said, whose first semester was in spring.

He wished that there was an equal level of excitement for all incoming students and was grateful he could get the experience.

As the event ended, students walked out in huge groups talking and getting each other’s contact information. The evening still promised free events, concessions and a movie on the North Mall.

“Everyone is so welcoming. I’m pumped,” Nikki Huffman said, as she walked out of Playfair.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG 5

Let the festivities begin: Fan Fest and Bear Bash Left: Students socialize on the North Mall on Aug. 20 during Fan Fest.

Below: Students try out the Coca-Cola Hug Me machine in the Plaster Student Union during Bear Bash on Aug. 20.

MADDY CUSHMAN/THE STANDARD

MADDY CUSHMAN/THE STANDARD

Matt Campanelli Staff Reporter @THE_MattyCamp New and returning students packed in front of the Plaster Student Union Saturday night for Fan Fest and Bear Bash.

“It blows my mind seeing this many people in one place,” junior business major Sean Horgan said. Horgan is a newly transferred student from Kansas City.

The evening was filled with music, free food, bounce houses and other games. There were also gift cards for the bookstore that were given out to students who could successfully answer Missouri State University trivia.

Fan Fest and Bear Bash gave new students a chance to meet other students on campus.

“It’s a little overwhelming, but I look forward to meeting people and mingling,” freshman wildlife biology major Sam Rothman said.

Shayne Sondermann, a sophomore transfer student from Ozark Technical Community College majoring in computer information systems, said that a bigger school offers more activities for students.

Student athletes, Fraternity and Sorority Life and a number of student organizations were also at the events.

Recruiting Emerging Alumni Leaders also had a tarp where students could dip one of their hands in paint and leave their mark.

The handprints are to signify students as future alumni.

Bear Bash also allows returning students the chance to reconnect after summer and meet new students.

“It’s exciting to see the freshmen excited about the year,” Ashley Slater, a senior elementary education major, said.

The PSU opened its doors at 9 p.m; the first 1,000 students who entered received a free t-shirt. Crafts, a photo booth and board games could be found throughout the PSU, as well as a soda machine that dispensed cans of Coca Cola in exchange for a hug. A hypnotist was featured in the PSU Theater to help top off another successful Bear Bash.

Outdoor Adventures adds new equipment rentals

By Chloe Skaar Staff Reporter Students of Missouri State are arriving for the fall 2016 semester to find a campus full of new experiences and new people. Along with these changes, Outdoor Adventures has brought to campus new equipment rentals and guided trip opportunities to enable students to see the Ozarks’ natural environment.

Outdoor Adventures, located on the first floor of the Foster Recreation Center, enables students to take guided nature trips, preparation and informational clinics, rock climbing tutorials and inexpensive equipment rental for

tons of outdoor activities.

New rental equipment available to students in the fall will include paddle boats, kayaks, double-nested hammocks and plenty of replaced inventory. According to Jarrad Chester, coordinator of Outdoor Adventures, things like hammocks and yard games are anticipated to be some of the most popular for rentals among students.

“Our coolest equipment now is definitely the brand new double-nested hammocks,” Chester said. “They’re lightweight, comfy and sturdy. All the rentals come with durable straps for hanging almost anywhere. Really fun for relaxing in the trees on a nice day.”

Weekly Crossword © 2016 King Features Syndicate

ACROSS 1 Vacationing 4 Rotating parts 8 Grouch 12 Melody 13 Garfield’s pal 14 Golf target 15 Not restricted by convention 17 Facility 18 Sprite 19 Wing part 21 Strolled 24 Perched 25 Yoko of music 26 Storm center 28 Skewered entree 32 And others (Lat.) 34 Moray, e.g.

36 Vagrant 37 Aligned oneself (with) 39 Cosmetics mogul Mary -Ash 41 Caviar base 42 Type measures 44 Fifth and Main, e.g.

46 Take away (from) 50 Dictionary information 51 Jai follower 52 Out of jeopardy

Answers in next week’s issue 56 Uninteresting 57 Sweater material 58 Chow down 59 Partner 60 Swiss range 61 Mound stat DOWN 1 Lummox 2 Evergreen type 3 Mooch 4 Java 5 Fuss 6 Actress Sorvino

7 Big rigs 8 Fast cat 9 Bellow 10 As well 11 Existed 16 Wapiti 20 “Mighty -- a Rose” 21 Troubles 22 Opposed 23 Color 27 “A mouse!”

29 Elsa’s story 30 Reed instru ment 31 Transvaal trekker

33 With a suspicious eye 35 Fond du -38 “CSI” evidence 40 Sings in 60-Across?

43 Unstressed vowel 45 Ump 46 Arp’s genre 47 Hebrew month 48 Lofty 49 Implement 53 Swab the deck 54 Corn spike 55 Greek H

Hammocks can be rented for an initial fee of $5, with a rent charge of $2 per day. This adds up to about $9 to rent a hammock, straps included, for an entire weekend.

Chester also said that many new kayaks are now available to rent, due to their popularity among students during the summer months.

Kayaks and tents are the most frequent of summer rentals at Outdoor Adventures.

“We’ve replaced all of our two, four and six-person tents,” Chester said. “Some weekends over the summer, every tent we had would get rented out. So we have replaced them all with enough to triple our inventory.”

According to Chester, Outdoor Adventures

sees its highest demand for rentals starting Labor Day weekend and going through September and October, which will lead the organization to increase inventory to prepare for the students’ return to campus. However, most rentals are anticipated to stop after late fall.

“By Thanksgiving break, most kids stop renting outdoor equipment and focus on the other things we offer,” Chester said. “The staff for our guided trips really try to get outdoors in these fall months, when it’s really pretty and quiet out. One of the best times of the year for our whole purpose: exploring and seeing sights.”

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sports

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016 | THE-STANDARD.ORG

Steckel wants QB decision soon

for the same job.

“At the end of the day, coach is going to choose whoever proves to be the best quarterback,” Lambert said. “We try to push each other every day and strive to get better to make this offense as good as we can.”

Lambert and Ruddick split time last season while battling for the starting position. Lambert threw for three touchdowns while also throwing 11 picks in 11 games. Ruddick threw two touchdowns and only threw one interception in seven games.

Even though they are in a tight battle to be QB1, Ruddick laughs when asked if he’s still able to be friends with the other quarterbacks.

“Everything that happens on the field, that’s strictly business,” Ruddick said. “Outside of football we’re still the bestest of friends.”

Senior linebacker and captain Dylan Cole is not in a battle for his starting spot, as he’s received a number of preseason awards including First-Team All-MVFC and STATS FCS All-American.

Cole acknowledges that it’s nice to be recognized in the preseason without having played a game yet.

“It’s nice to get a preseason award for doing nothing,” Cole said. “It kind of motivates you, but at the same time I just want to win.”

Cole led the MVFC in 2015 with nearly 14 tackles per

Wyatt Wheeler Sports Editor @realYitWheeler

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

Coach Dave Steckel

Clear eyes, full hearts, Bear Up! Football Bears have bought into slogan Alec McChesney Staff Reporter @Alec_McChesney To almost everyone on the Missouri State University campus: the slogan Bear Up is seen as a hashtag, joke or play on words. But, the simple phrase means so much more to the Missouri State Football team.

Head football coach Dave Steckel (Stec) came up with the slogan shortly after arriving on campus in 2015. Although it was originally his idea, he doesn’t want people to think that it’s all about him or even just the football team.

“It’s our thing; we came up with it, but I hope that everybody embraces it. ‘Bear Up’ means to support and encour-

age as well as to be socially and academically responsible.

It’s not just a catchphrase,” Stec said.

And it’s not just coach Stec that believes Bear Up can bring together a community.

All of the student athletes on the football team are buying in to the philosophy and they hope it can help bring the community together.

“It applies to the entire Missouri State University. We are challenging everyone to encourage and support,” senior quarterback Brodie Lambert said. “It’s something to get the people going and to hopefully get people into stands for all of the teams here at school.”

In years past, the MSU football team has struggled in getting the student body to

attend its games. Both the players and coaches are aware of that and are actively trying to get more people into the stadium on Saturdays.

“We are sitting on a gold mine here,” Stec said. “I love when they are over there (outside the stadium) partying and having a great time, but now we gotta get them from over there into the bleachers. We need everyone to get this thing going.”

Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to get high attendance numbers at sporting events especially if the team is struggling, and the players realize that. In 2015, the 1-10 record played a major role in the low attendance numbers, but the players are ready to show the rest of the student body that it’s time to buy in and Bear Up. “Obviously, the easiest answer to attendance is to win games,” sophomore safety Tre

be a big decision when we are making our starting lineup between player A and player B,” Stokes said. “Who was consistently getting it done two-adays and got it done tonight at the scrimmage.”

Stokes says that her freshmen did not play like freshmen Saturday and if they continue to play well, that will help them find their way into the rotations.

Paige Perry, Daniele Messa and Laynie Dake are three of those freshmen that played exceptionally well in their first action in front of a collegiate crowd. They are part of the highly touted freshman class for MSU, and they did not disappoint.

Perry had a double-double with 14 kills and 12 digs and should add some depth at the outside hitter position for the Bears.

Dake added a team-high 10 blocks and adds more height and length to the middle for MSU. One of the biggest questions coming into the season was who would replace the

NCAA assist leader, Kinsey Batten. The answer on Saturday was Daniele Messa, finished the night with 38 assists and 13 digs. She has a big hole to fill with the departure of Batten, but Messa will have help as she should finds her way onto the court throughout the season.

The freshmen are not the only new thing about the MSU volleyball team this season.

Those who went to the match Saturday might have noticed some changes to Hammons Student Center. By the end of the season, HSC will look like a new place.

“We’re trying to brand this into a volleyball facility, and I think we are doing that one step at a time,” Stokes said. “I think getting this place the colors that they are gets our players to take pride, our alumni to take pride in our building, and I think it shows that volleyball is important here.”

The biggest additions are the maroon seats that are being added into the lower bowl throughout the season. The $200,000 project will happen

Betts said. “Win games, never give up and play hard. If we do that, they’ll start to come out. But it starts with winning games.”

The Bears will have their first opportunity to prove to the student body that they’re here to play this year on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6:00 p.m. against Southwestern College.

“On that night, we need everybody on-campus to Bear Up. Let’s pack the house and sell an attendance record for that night,” Stec said.

One thing is for certain, Bear Up is not going anywhere. It has became a real thing for the Missouri State football team. The players and coaches plan to bring it to the rest of the school as well as the Springfield community.

“Bear Up is a universal term for all of Missouri State University,” Lambert said.

Motivation isn’t hard to find when you’re on the Missouri State football team.

“We were 1-10 last year,” head coach Dave Steckel (Stec) said. “If they need any motivation, we’re in trouble.”

The focus on improving everyday was a common theme among players at Friday afternoon’s football media day.

“Obviously, we want to improve from last year,” senior quarterback Brodie Lambert said. “The goal is always going to be the Missouri Valley (Football) Conference championship and always the national championship. We’re not going to shoot for anything less than that.”

Lambert finds himself in a quarterback competition with sophomore quarterback Breck Ruddick and redshirt-freshman quarterback Michael Briggs.

The three-way battle to be the team’s signal caller when the Bears open up against Southwestern College on Sept.

1 is coming down to the wire with only a handful of practices remaining.

“I really hope we have a decision soon,” Stec said.

“Right now there is no decision and it is a three-headed race.

Hopefully (the decision) is sooner than later.”

Lambert admits that he feels like competition is helping bring out the best of him and the other quarterbacks going u See QBs, page 7

Volleyball opens with Maroon and White Scrimmage

Eric Knifong Staff Reporter @e_knifong

The Missouri State volleyball team finished their Maroon and White Scrimmage Saturday night and is now set to officially begin the 2016 season.

The scrimmage is ultimately a warm-up match to get the players and coaches in the groove of a live match. This can be especially helpful for incoming freshmen.

“I was really pleased with our freshmen,” Head coach Melissa Stokes said. “I thought they did a really nice job. I don’t think any of them looked nervous.”

The ladies played all five sets with the white team winning four of them. Normally, three set wins would secure a team a victory. However, players continued to switch teams throughout the match to help determine rotations and build chemistry.

“We will take a look again tonight (Saturday) on how we performed and that’s going to

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one section at a time while the Bears are on the road.

An MSU logo will now greet fans as they walk through the building’s east doors along with a new MSU volleyball sign hanging above. Flags and bear logos will also line the walkway between HSC and JQH Arena.

Other additions to the interior include new paint and

MSU decor wrapping on the walls of the east entrance, MSU’s volleyball greats will now be lit up in an updated light board gates inside of the lobby and new banners and images can be spotted throughout the arena. These will create more of a home feeling for Bears fans.

For their first regular season match of the season, MSU

travels to Champaign, Illinois Friday for the Illini Classic, Aug. 26. The Bears will take on Xavier University in the tournament’s opening match.

The Bears first home match of the regular season will come at the annual Dr. Mary Jo Wynn Invitational on Sept. 8 against McNeese State.

Four Bears compete in Summer Olympics Trevor Martin Staff Reporter @Trevorsaur As the opening ceremonies began on Aug. 5, thousands of the greatest athletes from around the world began their journey onto the biggest athletic stage in history: the Summer Olympic Games.

The athletes represented over 200 countries, but four of those athletes also represented the Missouri State Bears.

Uvis Kalnins, Latvia; Jamial Rolle, Bahamas; Fabian Florant, Netherlands; and Marissa Kurtimah, Canada; each represented their individual countries.

Kalnins was the first former Bear to perform in his event, the 200m Individual Medley. Kalnins competed in the 1st heat, finishing with a time of 2:02.34. His time was good enough for

a 24th place finish, missing the semifinal cutoff by under three seconds.

Proud of the performance, MSU swim and dive and Latvian swim coach Dave Collins tweeted “Uvis & I would like to thank everyone for the tremendous amount of support this week! It has been amazing!”

Rolle was the next to perform in his event, the 100m dash. Rolle finished 8th in his heat with a time of 10.68 seconds; .64 seconds behind eventual third place finisher Andre De Grasse.

Rolle eventually missed the cutoff for the semifinals.

Marissa Kurtimah was the only current Bear of Missouri State’s representatives in Rio. She was tabbed as an alternate runner for her Canadian team.

The team finished 7th with a time of 42.70 and advanced to the finals where they finished 7th overall with a time of

43.15.

Fabian Florant was the most veteran Bear at the Olympic games, and his journey to Rio, for him, began back in 2012.

“I was ranked 5th in the world in 2012, and I had jumped 55 ft twice,” Florant said. “I was convinced I would make it to the London games, but I sustained a calf strain and didn’t recover in time to qualify.”

For Florant, his injury drove him to be more determined than he had ever been.

“That was when reality hit me,” Florant said. “I knew I was capable of making it to the Olympic games, but nothing is guaranteed in life. So, I picked up my broken heart and started training for Rio.” Florant shared a bit about his experience in Rio, as well as his experience

making it to the olympics.

“I feel so proud of myself to have made it this far,” Florant said. “I made a personal lifetime goal to be an Olympian and perform well at the games. I feel like I’ve accomplished that at this year’s Olympic Games.”

For Florant, the atmosphere in Rio was nothing like he had ever experienced.

“I competed against 50 of the best triple jumpers in the world and missed the finals by a few inches,” Florant said.

“There can never be a stronger field of jumpers to compete against. I’m happy with the way I handled the pressure.”

When asked about his time at MSU, Florant spoke highly of his alma mater.

“I loved campus life,” Florant said. “I got to travel every weekend to different states, meeting people from all over the world. It was a great experience as a

student athlete.”

Florant also had some advice to give for any future Olympians in training.

“Planning and sticking to that plan will make a big difference in being successful,” Florant said. “You will fail at one point or another, however, if you fail, don’t stop. Failure is part of the journey, and it will only make you stronger four what is ahead.”

Florant finished by listing his Olympic advice that he follows.

“Plan properly, choose wisely the best coach that is available, secure financial funds for your journey and work hard with determination,” Florant said. “Treat every day like it is your last day as an athlete!”

TUESDAY, AUGUST 23, 2016

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New indoor golf facility due in November

Parker Padgett Staff Reporter @PadgettParker

Earlier this summer, Twin Oaks Country Club, along with the Missouri State Board of Governors, agreed to a partnership towards a brand new, state-of-the-art indoor practice and training facility on the grounds of Twin Oaks.

The facility, still in construction, is on an estimated $1 million budget.

It is expected to be completed in the middle of November and Twin Oaks general manager Jim Adkins, couldn’t be more excited.

“I believe that this is truly a great partnership that we’ve formed,” Adkins said. “It’s a great opportunity for recruiting for both the men’s and women’s golf teams. It’s a great amenity for the membership moving forward and a great partnership with Missouri State.”

The facility, which club members and the Missouri State golf teams have access to, contains copious amounts of new technology and ways to help improve a golfer at their game.

With that also comes new locker rooms, putting greens and a bigger, better user-friendly Pro Shop.

“We have a machine that will analyze a golfer’s swing,” Adkins said. “It will tell a golfer’s loft, the spin of the ball, the distance of the ball and with all that information should help our professionals and the coaches at Missouri State to help a player understand their swing.”

Along with Adkins, head golf professional at Twin Oaks, Rich Brittan, will spend a lot of time at the facility. His job is to help members play their best round of golf, whether its with new teaching lessons or refitting for clubs.

Included in the deal, which will last 15

PARKER PADGETT/THE STANDARD

The new indoor golf facility is being built at Twin Oaks Country Club. years, Missouri State golfers would gain access to the outdoor driving range on the Twin Oaks grounds. In addition, both men’s and women’s teams host one tournament at Twin Oaks per year.

Men’s coach Neal Stafford shares Adkins’ excitement for the new facility.

“We’re really excited; it’s a dream project”

Stafford said. “It’ll be a great benefit for our team and a great place to showcase for our families. We’re fortunate to have access to something like this. It’s a great place to call our own” Women’s golf coach Kevin Kane is feeling the hype as well.

“It’s a game changer for us,” Kane said.

“It’s going to be first class. It’s going to be ranked up there with the best of them and it’s a big deal to our program. Twin Oaks will be kind of like our home base.”

Both men’s and women’s golf seasons start in the fall.

QBs

Continued from page 6

game. Cole was named First-Team All-MVFC last season.

Joining Cole on the All-MVFC preseason team and last year’s regular season All-MVFC team is junior wide receiver and kick returner Deion Holliman.

Holliman set the MVFC record in single season kick return yards last season and is hoping to use his big-play ability on the offensive side of the ball this year as well as the kicking game.

“I’m a receiver at heart,” Holliman, who had 13 catches for 92 yards last season, said. “I’m hoping that I can help my other brothers on the offensive side of the ball out.”

With the drop in attendance last season as the Bears started to lose more and more games, Stec says that fans filling the seats plays a key role in getting off on the right foot.

“We need everyone to Bear Up,” Stec said. “We can’t do it ourselves. We need (the community) to go from (BearFest Village) to the bleachers.”

The Bears open their season up at home against Southwestern College on Thursday, Sept. 1 at 6 p.m.

This week’s schedule: Women’s Soccer: Aug. 24: 7 p.m.- @UMKC Aug. 26: 6 p.m.- Little Rock Men’s Soccer: Aug. 26: 8:30 p.m.- Green Bay Field Hockey: Aug. 28: 10 a.m.- Saint Francis (PA) Aug. 29: 11 a.m.- Saint Francis (PA) Volleyball: Aug. 26: 4:30 p.m.- Illini Classic (IL) Aug. 27: 12:30 p.m.- Illini Classic (IL) Aug. 27: 7 p.m.- Illini Classic (IL)

Answers in next week’s issue

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