VOL. 101 – ISSUE 14
THE TRUMPET WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
WLU’s Student News Source
WLU alumna presents Black History Month - pg. 3
West Liberty Baseball swept by Union season-opening series - pg. 15 @TheTrumpetWestLiberty
@WLTrumpetOnline
@thetrumpetwestliberty
@thetrumpetwlu
@WLTrumpetOnline
@thetrumpetwlu
westliberty.edu/thetrumpet
thetrumpetwlu.org
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
THE TRUMPET
NEWS
COVER BY: LACEY DEEM
CULTURE SPORTS
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
Dr. Monique L. Akassi joins the Hilltop as new DEI assistant - pg. 4
Photo Credits: Brenden Sands
Annual MADFEST competition back on the Hilltop - pg. 9
THE TRUMPET
The Student Voice of the Hilltop
The Trumpet’s mission is to provide WLU students of all majors an opportunity to learn how to gather and present news information to the campus community, and to serve the campus community with fair and accurate reporting on matters of significance and interest.
Track and Field smash school records at Doug Raymond National Qualifiers pg. 14
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief
Annalise Murphy
Assistant Editor Brianna Hamon Online Editor Creed Kidney News Editor Olivia Romick Culture Editor Intern Kenley George Opinion Editor Intern Hanna Perry Sports Editor Intern Joshua Spratt Graphic Designer/Photographer Haley Blakemore Graphic Designer/Illustrator Lacey Deem News/Sports Writer Anna Johnston Sports Writer Maxwell Fledorczyk Staff Writer Samantha Bell Director Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell
Letters to the Editor
To submit a letter to the editor, please email anmurphy@westliberty.edu. Please list your name, address, phone number, and email address; if the piece is published, you will be contacted to confirm your identity.
Contact Us
wltrumpet@westliberty.edu - (304) 336-8873
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
NEWS
NEWS
News Editor Intern: Olivia Romick
PAGE 3
- ogromick ogromick@westliberty.edu @westliberty.edu
WLU alumna presents Black History Month program in curriculum studies and early childhood emphasis from Indiana University-Bloomington in 1996. She received her Ph.D. in those subjects in 2004, also in Indiana. Starting in 2003, Lash began working at Kent State University where she remains to this day.
West Liberty alumna Martha Lash, Ph.D. is part of the Ohio County Public Library’s “Lunch with Books” program to celebrate Black History Month. Lash, a professor and the interim director of the School of Teaching at Kent State University, came to the library on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The program took place both virtually and in-person where Lash discussed the life of Eileen Miller, an African American teacher who taught at Warwood and Lincoln School. Miller had the experience of teaching both before and after the Brown v. Board Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations of Education case, which ended racial segregation in schools. Lash’s inspiration to discuss Miller’s life came from a discussion she had in her classroom. In an interview with West Liberty’s News and Media Relations director, Lash said, “A master’s degree student posed the following question to our professional development in teaching class: ‘Did anyone in class have an African American teacher during any of their PK-12 years?’ Only two raised their hands: the African American female student posing the question, and I, a middle-aged, female, Caucasian professor. The class discussion revolved around the topic of the relatively few teachers of color who grace our public schools. It also left me with lingering questions of how and why an educated and talented African American teacher had taught me in eighth grade in my predominantly European American community on the northern
edge of Appalachia during my school years in the 1960s and 1970s.” Lash will be accompanied by Monica Ratcliffe Cooper of Pittsburgh (one of Lash’s previous students) to explain the significance of Miss Miller’s story, as it provides an example of the local desegregation experience. Both Lash and Cooper believe Miss Miller deserves her place in Black History Month for her teaching career that spanned across many important political changes. Lash and Cooper had the opportunity to interview Miss Miller in 2008, just two years before she passed away. W. Va., of Arts Liberty ceived
Lash is from Wheeling, and received a Bachelor in sociology from West University. She also remaster’s of education
Other programs from Ohio County Library include a presentation from Rev. Stephen Wright, the first African American graduate of Linsly. He will be accompanied by four other African American Linsly graduates on Feb. 15th. The library’s program will conclude on Feb. 22 with the presentation of the Ann Thomas Memorial Lecture Series with Dr. William H. Turner, author of “The Harlan Renaissance: A Memoir of Black Life in Appalachian Coal Towns.” If you are interested in attending “Lunch with Books,” the Ohio County Public Library allows adult patrons to bring a bag lunch but complimentary beverages are provided. Attendees can choose between the live streamed broadcast or an in-per-
son presentation. For more information about Ohio County Public Library’s Black History Month program, or to watch previous “Lunch with Books” presentations, visit https://www.facebook.com/ohiocountylibrary. For more information about this article, please email Olivia Romick at ogromick@westliberty. edu.
“It also left me with lingering questions of how and why an educated and talented African American teacher had taught me in eighth grade in my predominantly European American community on the northern edge of Appalachia during my school years in the 1960s and 1970s.” - Martha Lash, Ph.D.
PAGE 4
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
NEWS
Dr. Monique L. Akassi joins the Hilltop as new DEI assistant including: assistant to the president, associate provost, director, full-professor tenured and department chair. Earning her bachelors in English and comparative literature from the University of Cincinnati, Akassi went on to earn a master’s in English and composition and rhetoric from Wright State University.
West Liberty University has named Dr. Monique L. Akassi as interim Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) leader. Effective as of Jan. 31, 2022, Dr. Akassi’s full title is special assistant, DEI and strategic initiatives. A member of the President’s cabinet, Akassi replaces Shemrico Stanley who resigned due to family obligations. Akassi says her experience at WLU has been nothing short of incredible. “Everyone welcomed Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations me with open arms. I have never ation higher education graduate, felt so welcomed in my entire aca- Akassi says she knew from the demic career. I am very grateful to start that the power of education be here and apart of the family,” was extremely important. She says she explained. she has been working towards her Akassi is the oldest of her dreams and golas since she was 14 four siblings and the only female, years old. which she says created a lot of “My purpose in life is to pressure to “raise the bar” for her uplift as many people as I can along younger siblings. As a first gener- the way while I am on this journey in higher education. It’s important to me to stay humble and treat everyone with love and kindness along the way,” Akassi said. She continued saying, “I believe once you discover your purpose in life, then it’s up to you to do what you have to do as far as reaching those goals.”
She earned her doctorate degree in English composition and rhetoric with minors in literary criticism theory and African American literature from Morgan State University. Akassi also completed postdoctoral studies and earned a certificate in diversity and inclusion from Cornell University; additionally, she earned certificates in management and development and women in higher education leadership from yond, and Bowie State University’s Harvard University. Journal on Undergraduate Research Akassi has authored and/or Across The Disciplines. edited nearly 23 publications includAkassi is from Cincinnati, ing: W.E.B. Du Bois and the Africana Ohio and says “it’s good to be back Rhetoric of Dealienation; Postcolo- in the midwest.” She is married to nial Composition Pedagogy: Using Dr. Clément A. Akassi who is an asThe Culture of Marginalized Stu- sociate professor at Howard Unidents To Teach Writing, Research versity. They also have a son named and Writing Across The Curriculum; Amare. Research and Writing Across The Curriculum, Virginia Union UniversiIn her free time, Akassi enty’s Journal on Undergraduate Re- joys gardening and spending time search In The Humanities and Be- with her two Yorkshire Terriors named Blue and Teddy. She also enjoys writing. “West Liberty is like a writing paradise for me. Something about the rolling mountains and nature air, it has inspired me to start writing again.”
Present day, Akassi has more than a decade of experience as an administrator, researcher, educator and higher education consultant.
For more information, please visit WLU’s News & Media Relations resource page by clicking this link. You can also watch the special YouTube video of Akassi introducing herself or visit her webpage using this link.
Prior to climbing the Hilltop, she lived in Fredericksburg, Va. and worked at Howard University in Washington, DC as a full-time faculty member. One of Dr. Akassi’s favorite hobbies is gardening! Provided By: Dr. Monique Akassi
She also served as an adjunct professor at The George Washington University in Washington, DC. In addition, Akassi has held executive positions at other institutions of higher education
For more information about this article, please email anmurphy@ westliberty.edu. Provided By: Dr. Monique Akassi
NEWS
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
PAGE 5
West Liberty University Regional Science Fair returns great time and the competition was tough! They all did a great job.”
The mission of the RSEF is “to encourage young people to become interested in science and to promote the growth of applied scientific investigation.” Students who qualified for first place in each category and division will go to the West Virginia Science and Engineering Fair on March 7, 2022.
The West Liberty University Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RSEF) took place Saturday, Feb. 12, 2022 after years of absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The event was located at the WLU Highlands Event Center. This is the 63rd year WLU has hosted the RSEF. The fair was funded by the West Virginia Department of Education, the Community Foundation of the Ohio Valley and the NASA Space Consortium, according to Director of Media Relations, Maureen Zambito. Assistant Professor of Biology and coordinator of the fair, Dr. Holly Racine said, “Everyone is very thankful that WLU is able to host the Regional Science and Engineering Fair again this year.” Racine added, “We welcomed 3rd grade through 12th grade to compete in the elemen-
Photo Credits: Dr. Holly Racine tary, junior and senior divisions. We will be able to send qualifying students that are awarded first place from each category, and in each division, to the State Science and Engineering fair in Charleston, W.Va.” WLU student volunteers in Biology Club, Chemistry Club, STEAM Club, the crayfish lab and the Zoo Science program arrived
at the fair with planned activities for the students to do and helped monitor the rooms during the judging period. Kirsten Bogunovich, a junior biology pre-medicine major at WLU said, “This was my first time volunteering for the fair. Dr. Racine introduced me to the opportunity. I helped direct the participants to their tables, checked them in and completed any other tasks necessary to keep the event organized and running smoothly.” According to Zambito, “The fair started at 8:30 a.m. with check-in for the elementary School Student Division and was followed by exhibit set-up and judging.
“It was so much fun helping out and watching the event come together. The projects were incredible and it was very exciting to see so many young people interested in science.” -Kirsten Bogunovich, WLU junior biology pre-medicine major
The junior and senior Student Division checked in from 1212:30 p.m. and was followed by exhibit set-up and judging. The award ceremony concluded the day and was in-person and virtual through Topper Station.” Bogunovich said the fair was excellently done. “It was so much fun helping out and watching the event come together. The projects were incredible and it was very exciting to see so many young people interested in science. I definitely hope to volunteer at the fair next year!” Photo Credits: Dr. Holly Racine
Racine noted, “The event was a success. The students had a
Photo Credits: Dr. Holly Racine
PAGE 6
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
NEWS
Creative Arts Therapy program in need of students While the Creative Arts Therapy program is still relatively new to the Hilltop as an area of study for students to major or minor in, it cannot be said that its infancy has impeded its growth in any sense of the word. Beginning in the academic year of 2021 through 2022, students at West Liberty University could enroll in the Art Therapy and Counseling (ATC) graduate program. The addition of this option provides students to receive the necessary education to be a licensed, practicing professional within the larger field of Art Therapy, as a 60-credit master’s program degree with specific courses in art therapy and counseling, as well as the completion of post-graduate supervision hours and the successful passing of respective exams are necessary for proper certification and licensure. For those enrolled in the Creative Arts Therapy (CAT)
“With the traumatic experiences of COVID-19, as well as the underlying mental health issues that existed prior to the pandemic, there is a greater need for theraputic services for all ages.” -Dr. Susan Ridley, assistant professor of Creative Arts Therapy
undergraduate program, there is a unique course of action, called the Bridge program, that can be taken as well; this path allows students to complete their studies sooner as well as save money on tuition by completing classes that are needed to graduate from the master’s program by taking them during their time in the CAT undergraduate program.
The Bridge program also prepares students who wish to pursue professional certification such as art therapist registration (ATR) within the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT) within the International Expressive Arts Therapy Association (IEATA), and State licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in West Virginia and other States. Dr. Susan Ridley, assistant professor of CAT and program director of ATC, spoke on the value the Bridge program brings to the Hilltop through its unique approach to versality and accessibility; “At the graduate level, students meet in synchronous zoom meetings which allows working professionals to further their education and professional development. Depending on the type of job students have, they can gain experience at the same time, which can help them move into this profession. It also helps students by making it easier and [more] cost-effective for them to pursue their dreams of being an art therapist and counselor.” ATC is not alone in forging this new path through graduate studies, either, as many other master’s programs here on the Hilltop have come to take this “3 + 2” approach to obtaining a degree in higher education, in which students complete everything necessary for their respective undergraduate degree except for the courses designated as necessary for completion of both the
undergraduate and graduate programs. These courses can then be taken at the graduate level and count for both degrees simultaneously, thereby allowing students to graduate with their undergraduate degree and transition directly into their respective graduate program of study. When asked what the inclusion of this path meant for West Liberty as, not only a university, but a community, she discussed how it met an “unmet need” within the larger community by providing a “continuity of education services.” “With the traumatic experiences of COVID-19, as well as the underlying mental health issues that existed prior to the pandemic, there is a greater need for therapeutic services for all ages. Not only in West Virginia, which consistently scores low in all aspects of health and wellness (mental health, substance abuse, poverty, etc.), but for everyone. The virtual format of the graduate program will allow students from different states and [countries] to work towards healing their communities by filling in the gaps of services. These are unprecedented times. The United States and the World are dealing with social justice issues, economic upheaval, climate change, and a pandemic. The Bridge program empowers students to take a part in helping to heal themselves and their communities.”
CULTURE FEBRUARY 17, 2022
CULTURE
Culture Editor Intern: Kenley George
- kcgeorge@westliberty.edu
West Liberty University celebrates Black History Month due to concerns surrounding COVID-19. This year, the event is primarily in-person, but participants can send in recordings of readings as well.
February is Black History Month. It marks a four-week period dedicated to acknowledging and celebrating the impact and influence of Black individuals throughout time and bringing attention to the issues that are currently being faced by the Black community. Black History Month is celebrated all over the country and West Liberty is no exception.
“The committee got together to determine events that could be planned to celebrate diversity and make the West Liberty Community more inclusive of different perspectives,” said Tennant. “I had seen it at my church in Pittsburgh. So, that’s where I first became familiar with it and we decided it would be worth trying at the university.” WLU President, Dr. W Franklin Evans participated in last year’s read-in with a piece by poet Maya Angelou on aging. “Maya Angelou is certainly one of those people that I admire. She is certainly one of those people who was a great thinker, great philosopher, but just a kind and generous person who understood that we’re all in this together and that we have to love and work with one another,” said Evans.
Liberty has an initiative to certainly Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations have an appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion. And so, for me, it’s more about just a theme or just a goal, it’s reality and what I’d like is for the institution to embrace diversity more,” said Evans. Evans has been surrounded by activism all his life. His parents were highly involved in a number of activities and were members of the NAACP. Since then, he has continuously spread his desire for more inclusion and diversity throughout his career. “I don’t necessarily consider myself an activist, others do. But I will tell you it’s just a part of who I am,” said Evans.
For the third year in a row, the WLU Campus and Community Since becoming the WLU President, Diversity Committee has organized Evan’s has played an important role an African American Read-In event. in increasing the levels of diversity reThe read-in is part of a broadgarding campus faculty. “Since I have er project set up by the Nationbeen here, we have hired a Black dial Council of Teachers of English versity officer and one of our deans (NCTA). The NCTA website says is Black,” said Evans. This combined the event was “established in 1990 with the efforts of the diversity comby the Black Caucus of the Nationmittee is progressing WLU towards al Council of Teachers of English to it’s target of being diverse, inclusive make literacy a significant part of Black History Month. This initiative Evans is WLU’s first African Amer- and culturally aware. has reached more than 6 million ican President and is using his po- Black history is important to acparticipants around the world.” sition to support the work of the knowledge and incorporate into our The WLU read-in is set to committee and promote diversity learning. Understanding how differtake place on Thursday, March 24, and inclusion on the hilltop. “West ent communities have influenced in the Alumni Room of the College Union. The goal is to have as many individuals as possible participate in reading aloud from texts writ“West Liberty has an intiative to certainly have an ten by African American authors. Dr. Amanda Tennant, the diversity appreciation for diversity, equity and inclusion. And committee member directing the so, for me, it’s more about just a theme or just a event said, “The goal is to have a goal, it’s reality and what I’d like is for the institutime to listen to African American perspectives in recognition that tion to embrace diversity more.” those perspectives are often marginalized in our society.” -West Liberty University President, Dr. W Franklin Evans After the read-ins initial success in 2020, the diversity committee opted for a virtual event in 2021
the world we live in today and being aware of those experiences is essential in helping us to understand and support one another as a broader community. “I think it’s important to celebrate because black perspectives have often been historically marginalized in our culture. There are ways that we are trying to respond to that. I think that this is just one small way to acknowledge the importance of different perspectives and realize that we need to make attempts to be more inclusive,” said Tennant. Evans said, “Although this is black history month, it’s sad that we only pay homage to it in February. For black people, we celebrate black history twelve months of the year, but for other people, February is the month that they acknowledge and celebrate it. I’m just happy that this month is still designated as that and that we can highlight and identify the accomplishments that people of color have made. (Continued on page 8)
PAGE 7
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
PAGE 8
WLU Celebrates Black History Month Continued... Though specific attention is dedicated to black history during this month, the conversation surrounding diversity and awareness must persist past Feb. 28. “Although this is black history month and we certainly want to focus on the accomplishments of black people, I think it’s important that every month, every week, that we’re able to recognize someone, a nationality, a race, a group and that we do so and that we’re showing sensitivity as well as appreciation for those differences,” said Evans. The read-in is a great opportunity to get involved in black history month and take a first step in spreading awareness and raising a voice. “This is a way to set aside a chunk of time and listen to a variety of texts that represent different aspects of African American experiences and perspectives,” said Tennant. Evans said, “You can be a committee of one. If nothing but to just be enlightened, go to an event, go to an activity. It only takes one person to get involved, to be an activist, to make things happen.” The diversity committee’s efforts extend beyond just the read-in. In conjunction with the Elbin Library, a display has been set up exclusively featuring black literature and poetry. A call also went out to campus at the end of January seeking recipes from students, faculty and staff inspired by African American cuisine and culture to be incorporated into a lunch menu for the Marketplace during Black History Month. For more information about events orchestrated by the diversity committee, contact Chris McPherson or Dr. Felipe Rojas.
Research Creative Activity Performance Competiton
West Liberty Univeristy’s (WLU) RECAP competition has made a comeback this year. WLU students interested in RECAP can submit work in categories of research papers, creative writing, poster, presentation, creative work and performance. All entries to the competition must be submitted by March 4 at 11:55 pm to the RECAP portal. When asked about the main purpose behind holding RECAP, Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell, assistant professor of communication, said “It’s a good way for students to get involved in research and creative activity in their undergraduate and graduate years.” RECAP will be held virtually this year, so all submissions must be submitted under certain criteria designated to the category they choose. According to the RECAP committee, “Research papers and posters require an abstract and full paper, completed study, and/or research at the time of submission. Oral research presentations are required to have an abstract and recorded research presentation at the time of submission.” The awards ceremony will take place in-person on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at 3:00 p.m. in College Hall with a remote option available. Here is RECAPS full committee: Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell (co-chair), Dr. Robert Kreisberg (co-chair), Dr. Gayle Jesse, Dr. Melinda Kreisberg, Dr. Raymond Holsapple, Dr. Drew Banghart, Dr. Jason Metz, and Dr. Ronald Hulewicz. The big differ-
ence between RECAP and MADFEST is the amount of research that goes into the submissions for RECAP. Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell discussed some of the main criteria in the oral presentations she coordinates and judges by stating, “Do they have a solid research question? Do they answer their research question? Do they have their methodology in ways they went about proving or disapproving their hypotheses?” For more information about what MADFest and RECAP have to offer, visit West Liberty’s website.
CULTURE
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
CULTURE
PAGE 9
Annual MADFEST competition back on the Hilltop
West Liberty University’s (WLU) research and design competition MADFest is back on the Hilltop for another year of celebrating the hard work and creativity of students in the area. Sponsored by the WLU College of Liberal and Creative Arts and the WLU Foundation, MADFest is back for its 22nd year in search of media art and design talent within West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Students enrolled in grades 10-12 at public or private high schools or home schooled in the selected areas are qualified to participate in MADFest. High school students interested in MADFest can enter up to two pieces in categories of traditional art, digital, audio and video. All forms of art must be submitted to the MADFest portal by March 7 and winners of each category will be announced in a virtual awards ceremony held in April. Prizes include a gift card to the person chosen as “Best of Show” by the jurors and a $4,000 scholarship to the person chosen as the “Faculty Choice”. The individual chosen as “Faculty Choice” will receive $1,000 a year to attend WLU as a major in art, music, theater or communications. Sarah Davis, associate professor of graphic design, relayed an important message about MADFest by saying: “Most competitions are not inclusive. They are looking for the best of the best of the best and a lot of students feel intimidated by that. That’s usually what I see more than anything. Students never think their work is good enough to put in, but the spirit of MAD-
Fest is that it’s a celebration of work and everybody should be submitting their work because we post everything. We want to see what kind of art is happening in our region.” The jurors selected for this year’s MADFest categories will include faculty members Moonjung Kang, Sarah Davis, Martyna Matusiak, Matthew Harder and Jeff Pfister. The MADFest committee oversees juror selection and tries to bring in great designers and educators that are diverse to the campus community. In addition to finding great artists, Davis expressed the committee’s passion for continuing the focus on diversity, equity and inclusion through their juror selections. This year’s MADFest theme was inspired and created by Cierra Buchanan, WLU graphic design student. In response to Buchanan’s work, Davis had this to say about why they chose her: “We select students who have shown a really good track record of being responsible, meeting deadlines and having really good design skills. This is Cierra’s second year of doing an internship with the marketing department, so we combined those efforts.” “The important difference from this year and last year is that we are focusing on submissions from high school students only,” said Davis. In the past, MADFest was open to WLU students as well as high school students, but RECAP is now taking the place of MADfest and expanding submissions to allow for a category in art and design so college level students with creative work can submit their pieces. The RECAP competitions main focus is to recognize and reward students for their outstanding achievements in scholarly research, creative activity and performance.
Graphic by: Cierra Buchanan “Students never think their work is good enough to put in, but the spirit of MADFest is that it’s a celebration of work and everybody should be submitting their work because we post everything. We want to see what kind of art is happening in our region.” -Sarah Davis, associate professor of graphic design
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
RA APPRECATION WEEK PAGE 10
CULTURE
We love our Resident Assistants! From Feb. 14 to the 18, RAs here on the Hilltop can feel the love on campus by stopping by various offices and spaces to get some free “thank you” goodies from different faculty and staff members. From our staff here at the Trumpet, thank you for all you do!
Jaden Rusnak, a sophomore in Hughes Hall, said, “I love meeting new people and friends. I thought training was pretty fun. We came in a week early, so we did a lot. I love animals. I am a zoo science major. This is my third semester as an RA.” Topper Idol Week #3 Recap Contestants moving on to Finals: Mackenzey Infanti Shawn Ball
Mary Thinzar Khine Sarah Booth
Be sure to go see the final competition of Topper Idol for a special surprise performance!
Mikayla Ging, fourth-year junior and nursing major in Boyd Hall, said, "My favorite part about being an RA is being able to interact with everybody and get to know everyone. I wouldn't know half of the staff and residents if I wasn't an RA. My favorite memory was training and orientation. I got to get to know everybody and we played fun games. I'm pretty easygoing. If anyone needs anything I try to be here as much as possible. Always feel free to reach out. I've been an RA since last semester."
Brooke Anderson, a sophomore in Hughes Hall and second education math teacher major, said, “My favorite part of being an RA is getting to be in charge of a whole community of girls, seeing friendships made, different aspects of people’s lives, and seeing people go from strangers to friends and family. My favorite memory is me and my coRA becoming best friends by being RAs. I would like my residents to know how much I love them. They all hold a special place in my heart. They are my first residents and they are just the sweetest. I’ve been an RA since Fall of 2021.” Photo and Interview Credits: Haley Blakemore
OPINION
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
OPINION
Opinion Editor Intern: Hanna Perry
PAGE 11
- heperry@westliberty.edu
4 Money Saving Tips for College Students It is often difficult at times to try to find ways to save money while you’re still in college. You might be working a job currently, but once you have money in your pocket, you probably feel the urge to spend it on something. Sometimes it’s difficult to know when you should spend the money on something you need or something you want. These money-saving tips might help you find more ways to save money! 1. Always have a monthly budget It is important to try to stick to a monthly budget so that you’re spending your money the right way. For example, let’s say you have a monthly budget of $200 which covers the things you should need like groceries to get you through each month. However, the thing about creating a monthly budget is that you can’t spend any amount of money over your set budget. This may be kind of tricky for many college students because sometimes we tend to get a little carried away with our spending habits by buying things we don’t really need. Sticking to a budget every month will not only help you limit your spending habits, but it will also help you learn that you don’t need to spend money on useless things.
include movies, intramural sports and Paint n Sits just to name a few. Since the university offers a variety of activities for students then there is most likely going to be at least one activity that students will enjoy attending. When I first started college, I never took the time or opportunity to attend these activities, but now that I’m a senior, I regret not trying to attend on campus events. Attending campus activities instead of going out to places off-campus to do other activities will not only give you an opportunity to save money but may also help you meet new people. The next time you think about wanting to go off-campus to find a way to entertain yourself, you might want to consider attending an activity that is offered on campus instead because it’s a fun alternative to an activity that requires spending.
to choosing what you should eat. WOW Café offers students a wide variety of different foods including chicken wings, salads, wraps, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas, sandwiches and they also offer a few breakfast options every morning too. Jazzman’s Bakery offers students a variety of different coffee beverages to choose from such as muffins and breakfast sandwiches. Sandella’s offers students a few choices such as rice bowls, paninis, quesadillas and grilled pizzas. Bear Necessities Convenience Store offers students a variety of prepackaged meals to purchase. Marketplace Cafeteria is another popular dining option for many students here on campus. They offer a variety of different foods served to students cafeteria-style. If you have a meal plan, make sure to use it as often as you can when you’re hungry and want something to eat.
3.
4. Try shopping at places like thrift stores instead of department stores
Use your meal plan
If you’re currently living on campus, chances are you most likely have a meal plan. It is always a good idea to use your meal plan often because then you won’t be spending extra money that you have on extra food. With a variety of different places to purchase food on campus, there is quite a lot to choose from when it comes
2. Try to attend activities on campus sometimes instead of going out West Liberty University normally has a variety of different student events going on every week but sometimes not all students take advantage of the opportunity to attend these events. Some activities
Graphic By: Hanna Perry
It is often difficult to find places that sell affordable clothing and most people want to go out to spend their money on new clothes at a department store. Spending money on the latest fashions and keeping up with the latest trends tends to make you want to spend
Graphic By: Hanna Perry
more money. However, you could be buying your clothes at somewhere like a thrift store instead. When you shop at a thrift store such as St. Vincent De Paul or the Salvation Army, their prices are fairly reasonable. For example, let’s say you’re wanting to buy a few sweaters but you don’t want to spend more than $5 that day. If you go to a department store, you probably can’t afford to buy one sweater, but if you shop at a thrift store you’re more likely to find a few options within your budget. The good thing about thrift stores is that they have a wide selection of gently used clothing to choose from for you to purchase. They also sell things like books and CDs too so if you haven’t ever been to a thrift store before and you don’t enjoy spending a lot of money, you might want to consider visiting one the next time you want to go out shopping. For more ideas on how to save money while in college, visit the College Scholarships website where they provide many other ideas on how to save money.
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
PAGE 12
OPINION
Do Students prefer PDFs or Paper Copies?
word searches and hyperlinks which makes moving within and between documents easier. Physical texts are more comfortable to use since you can move them around with your hands -- you don’t have to crane your neck to look at a bright screen. They also give a better sense of how much text there is in a given document. Screens don’t give much of a sense of total length, so you may be guessing where the end is. Lastly, I think you remember more when you read off physical texts. The researcher Naomi Baron has actually published studies on how much more we tend to remember with physical texts. I’ve always liked Daniel Deronda by George Eliot. It’s an old and very long Victorian novel. It’s available in many print and electronic formats.”
By: Haley Blakemore Graphic Designer/Photographer hrblakemore@westliberty.edu
Some students prefer a physical copy rather than a PDF or online version and vice versa. Both options have negative and positive qualities, but I prefer a physical book. A physical book is less staining on my eyes, but I find it easier to take notes in a PDF version of a book. Anna Griffith, a sophomore majoring in English Rhetoric and Writing, commented on the pros of physical and online/PDFs, “(Online/PDFs are) portable and downloadable. I can read them on my phone wherever I am even if Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore I don’t have service. Digital verGriffith also gave her opinsions are also usually cheaper than ion on the cons of both physical physical books and they take up no and PDFs, “(PDFs) Can be a pain space compared to carrying around to read. There can be different fora stack of books. (Physical) You can matting options that can be confustake them with you anywhere and ing as well as some online books they don’t need to be downloadnot having the same content as ed and will not run out of battery. physical novels. Reading novels and With physical books, you can tab PDFs on a phone, laptop, or taband bookmark them easier than it let can also be very harsh on your would be with digital versions. They eyes. As an English major, I am on are also prettier to look at and can my computer quite a lot reading make good decorations and can be many different PDFs. In the past good conversation starters.” year, I have really noticed the strain it has started to put on my eyes and how harsh it is even with blue light glasses compared to reading a paperback text. You cannot read them when it gets dark without a light compared to reading a digital version. They can be heavy and awkward to carry and take up a lot of space. They are also usually more expensive. Paperbacks are cheaper than most hardcovers but the prices can add up especially if you are an avid reader.” Even with both pros and cons, she still prefers physical books. Griffith said, “I prefer physical books because they are what I grew up with and I enjoy their aesthetic and their cover art.” Graphic By: Annalise Murphy
This seems to be a trend for English majors.
Devin Yano, a sophomore history and English major said, “I prefer physical books. Online books are way easier to use and to have on hand and with you, but physical books make it easier to flip through and find information. They also look way nicer and it’s better to have a physical representation of the money I’m spending and have it forever instead of having an Ebook that maybe someday I won’t be able to use for whatever reason.” Brittany Batton, a senior majoring in secondary English education with a minor in psychology, said, “Physical books for sure! PDFs and online books hurt my eyes and I have a hard time reading them. I like the smell and feel of real books. It creates more of a personal connection.” However, between online and physical, English professors seem to be at a stalemate. Professor Drew Banghart said, “I’ve always preferred physical text when possible. Online books and PDFs give more access, though. You can get almost any text from anywhere with online databases, so the opportunities are greater with electronic texts. Also, electronic texts also have features like
Dr. Gerard NeCastro said, “If I have a choice, I like the ease of the Kindle Paperwhite. Most books I read, though, come only in paper form. The Paperwhite is so light and useful: it’s the perfect vehicle for me. The downside is that I remember things by their position on the page, so I lose that quality on the screen. As students need to remember what they are reading and to make lots of marks in their reading, I think they are better off with paper.”
SPORTS
SPORTS FEBRUARY 17, 2022
Sports Editor Intern: Joshua Spratt
PAGE 13
- jtspratt@westliberty.edu
Women’s Basketball defeats Charleston, falls to No. 1 Glenville and Concord When the West Liberty University women’s basketball team began this season, they knew there was going to be a long season ahead of them, with many highs and lows and speed bumps they had to manage. The season for the Lady Toppers began fantastic, with key victories against out of conference opponents and with Mountain East Conference (MEC) foes. However, as of late, the longevity of the basketball season is starting to keep up with the black and gold, signifying the need to regroup and finish the season the way it started. If there is one word to describe this youthful Hilltopper squad, it would be pure grit. Fans who regularly watch the WLU Women’s Basketball team would know the amount of effort they exert on a daily basis. As of late, West Liberty unfortunately fell to West Virginia State in Institute, W.Va. However, the response the team received from support casts, and how that support translated to their play against the University of Charleston on Feb. 5, showcased what this team can become. In their previous meeting, West Liberty outlasted Charleston in overtime, in what was an incredibly fought matchup. This one was no exception, with punch after punch thrown. The Lady Toppers extended a lead early, and maintained it for most of the game, but the end of the third and beginning of the fourth saw Charleson respond, and eventually took a lead over WLU. After many lead changes, West Liberty secured a single point edge over
Photo Credits:
Charleston, courtesy of incredible efforts down the stretch from Freshman Baillee Smith, along with clutch free throws from Karly McCutcheon following the injury to Arriiana Manzay. With only four seconds remaining in the game, the Hilltoppers needed a big time defensive stop, and got just that, outlasting their conference foe in the ultimate, “put up, or shut up” game. While success was found in the state’s capital, it was also important to remember that this part of the schedule marked the hardest for West Liberty, who was met by the No. 1 team in the entire nation, Glenville State College. West Liberty played absolutely fantastic in the matchup held at the ASRC, but had a couple mishaps down the stretch, leading to the capitalization of GSC to prove victorious. The team then traveled to Concord University and unfortunately fell to the hands of defeat, marking only the second time this
season West Liberty had lost backto-back games. Currently sitting at 16-8, the season is far from over for the team. However, they will have to respond yet again in their four remaining games against Frostburg State University, Fairmont State University, Notre Dame College and Wheeling University. Hoping that everything goes according to plan, WLU can be set up nicely heading into the highly anticipated Mountain East Conference Championships. In a league that is as unpredictable as ever, with teams appearing as if they have settled down and secured themselves, game after game has proven that this is simply not true. While it is incredibly fun to watch teams continuously sucker punch each other any chance they get, it is also very stressful as a fan of the sport. However, make no mistake, in a game of uncertainty, this Hilltoppers squad in particular will be carried to where they need to be, not only through their talents, but with their mindsets and drive to win.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports West Liberty Basketball Upcoming Schedule Feb. 16 vs. Frostburg St. Feb. 19 at Fairmont St. Feb. 23 vs. Notre Dame Feb. 26 at Wheeling Mar. 2-6 MEC Tournament WesBanco Arena
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
PAGE 14
SPORTS
Track and Field smash school records at Doug Raymond National Qualifiers Last weekend, the West Liberty men’s and women’s track and field teams traveled to Kent State University in Ohio to compete in the Doug Raymond National Qualifier meet. The team had a successful two days as the squad saw several new personal and school records set. West Liberty’s long distance star, Hannah Kemp, set the tone by destroying her own school record for the indoor mile by 10 seconds, clocking in with a time of 5:10.96. Hailey Carreon followed suit in the 200-meter sprint, breaking her own previously held school record. She holds a spot in the top ten for 200-meter times in the Mountain East Conference this spring. In the 60-meter hurdles, Mikihi Anderson also broke the previous school record by a tenth of a second, earning himself the third fastest time in the MEC so far this season. Success also came for the team in the relay events. The women’s 4x400 squad finished fifth in the conference with a time of 4:21.81 while the men finished with the fourth fastest time in the conference with a time of 3:31.32. The track and field also claimed strong positions in the women’s high jump and pole vault events. Aubree Story cleared 1.55-meters in the high jump, placing her in the MEC this spring. In the women’s pole vault, the Hilltoppers claimed three of the top five spots in the MEC with Olivia Miler sitting in third, Olivia Combs in fourth and Mackenzie Rine in fifth.
The men’s side also had some significant success. Reese Burnside also came out strong in the men’s pole vault, clearing 4.50-meters, enough to put him second in the conference this spring. Danah Phillips also did enough to earn fifth place in the MEC in the 800-meters with a sub-two-minute time of 1:58.85. Success came at the individual level for several athletes with multiple beating personal records and achieving career highs. Zayne Brakeall, a senior multievent athlete, achieved personal records in several events including the 60-meter hurdles, 200-meter dash, 4x400-meter relay and the shot put. “I PR’d in all my events creating some great times going into the conference,” said Brake-
all. “The atmosphere at Kent State is always great. We always have a great meet with a bunch of athletes PR-ing in their races. Plus, it’s always great competition with a lot of Division I athletes.” Brenden Sands, a junior distance runner, also achieved a new personal record in the 3000-meter event for the second time this spring. Sands improved his time to 8:45 at the Kent State meet, enough to qualify for the indoor conference championship. “Every weekend this season, I have seen distance runners in the MEC run really fast times, and I wanted to be part of that group,” said Sands. “I still have a long way to go, but with my team and coach, I feel that I can truly be competitive if I remain focused.” In a tweet regarding Sands, Head Coach Justin
Photo Credits: Brenden Sands Simpson said, “This man exemplifies work ethic and the drive to improve never waivers in his training. Unbelievable job.”
The drive and effort from Brakeall and Sands is a personification of the work ethic of the team as a whole. Sands said, “Throughout this short indoor season, I’ve witnessed the team display their hard work and dedication with every opportunity we’ve had to compete, and I have no doubts about our preparation for Conference next weekend.” The MEC Indoor Championship meet is set for Feb. 28 and 29 in Huntington, W.Va.. Check out Hilltopper Sports for more information. For more information about this article, email Anna Johnston at acjohnston@westliberty.edu.
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
SPORTS
PAGE 15
West Liberty Baseball swept by Union in season-opening series top of the seventh was quickly erased by three runs by Union in the bottom of the inning, making the game 8-3.The Hilltoppers scored two runs in the top of the eighth and another in the top of the 9th, but the comeback came up short and Union won their third consecutive game, 8-6.
Head Coach Eric Burkle’s West Liberty Hilltoppers traveled to Jackson, Tenn. this past weekend to open their 2022 season versus the Union University Bulldogs in a fourgame series. The series consisted of back-to-back doubleheaders on Friday, Feb. 11 and Saturday, Feb. 12 and marked the first of three series to start the Hilltoppers’ schedule. Union, who finished last season 15-21, started their season on a low note, being swept by No. 26 ranked Young Harris College in a three-game series. However, after two one-run losses in their final two games of the series, their luck was bound to change, and it most certainly did on the first day of their series against West Liberty. West Liberty, coming off a 21-20 record last season, started their season off strong with a two-run homer in the first inning of game one by designated hitter Bradley Goodyear. However, things quickly went south for Toppers starting pitcher Logan Grimm, who walked Union leadoff hitter Trey Frierson then gave up a 2-run homer to second-baseman Patrick Music. After two Union atbats, West Liberty had lost the lead, and the Bulldogs never looked back after scoring five runs in their first six batters. After coughing up two more runs in the second inning, Grimm turned things around, keeping Union scoreless until he exited after the fifth inning. Things went from bad to worse for the Hilltoppers as the bullpen gave up another ten runs and Union cruised to a 17-2 victory in game one. Union was buoyed by an impressive
Still searching for their first win of the new season, the Hilltoppers moved onward to game four behind starting pitcher Justin Pennybacker.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
performance by their mid-lineup combination of Josh Bozoian, Grayson Swanson and Jake Baker, who combined for 13 RBI. Looking to turn things around, the Hilltoppers moved on to game two. However, things went south in the first inning, as starting pitcher Ian Brady loaded the bases with the first three batters of the game for the Bulldogs. A wild pitch to the Bulldogs’ cleanup hitter Bozoian scored the leadoff hitter Frierson, and one batter later the game was 3-0 Union after a two-RBI single by Swanson. Brady would allow four more runs before being removed from the game after the fourth inning with West Liberty trailing 7-0. Any hope for a West Liberty comeback was lost in the bottom of the sixth, when the Bulldogs tacked on an additional six runs to put the game far out of reach. A single by Ty Helmke in the top of the seventh provided the only run for West Liberty as Sam Leach scored, but the come-
back bid came up way short as the Toppers were defeated 13-1 in game two. The Hilltoppers looked to turn around their fortunes in game three on Saturday with Justin Studd starting on the mound. A sacrifice fly by Bozoian gave Union a 1-0 lead in the first inning, and an RBI double by center fielder Billy Beckham gave them a 2-0 lead in the second. However, West Liberty rallied back to tie the game in the third with Connor Ferguson scoring on an error and Ryan Talbert scoring on a sacrifice bunt by Ross Salvatori. The game remained tied at two until the bottom of the sixth inning, when a strong performance by Studd turned sour as Bozoian hit an RBI-double and was scored by Swanson on a base hit to make the game 4-2 Union. After Baker reached on an error, Swanson advanced to third then scored on wild pitches. A run by West Liberty in the
Once again, Union took the lead in the first inning with an RBI single by Bozoian, and kept it until the top of the fourth inning, when a sacrifice fly by Ferguson made it a 1-1 game. West Liberty took the lead in the top of the fifth as Ross Salvatori capitalized on an errant throw as he swiped third base, scoring to make the game 2-1 West Liberty. The lead wouldn’t last long however, as Bozoian scored on an error by the pitcher Pennybacker to tie the game, Swanson scored on a wild pitch to take the lead for Union, and Slater Schield and Ben Smith added unearned runs to make it a 5-2 ballgame for the Bulldogs. In the top of the seventh, West Liberty rallied, loading the bases with walks by Salvatori, Helmke and Kaden Blomquist. With two outs, the Hilltoppers brought the go-ahead run to the plate with the bases loaded. However, Ethan Conley struck out swinging to seal West Liberty’s fourth, and most heartbreaking loss of the weekend. The Hilltoppers baseball team returns to action next Wednesday, Feb. 23 against Malone University for another four-game series in Mason, Ohio. For more information about West Liberty baseball, visit hilltoppersports.com.
FEBRUARY 17, 2022
PAGE 16
SPORTS
Top-Ranked Acro and Tumbling begins highly anticipated 2022 season Wesleyan fifth, Davis and Elkins sixth and Alderson Broaddus dead last at seventh. As the sport of Acrobatics and Tumbling continues to grow in popularity amongst the United States, West Liberty University (WLU) continues to remain at the forefront, as the newfound blue chip program is gearing towards what they believe is yet another strong season. This preseason in particular for the Hilltoppers have marked historic precedents, as the team is slotted as the eleventh best team in the nation, their highest ranking in program history. Contrary to other sports and given that Acrobatics and Tumbling is very new, rankings for the sport stem across all divisions, making this ranking for the black and gold that much more impressive. Slotted at the top team in the nation is Baylor, followed by Azusa Pacific and Oregon rounding off the top three. Next is Quinnipiac, Hawaii Pacific, Gannon and Converse. Fairmont State is ranked eighth in the nation, representing one of three teams in the Mountain East Conference for the Top 15. Limestone and King, Tenn. capture the remainder of the Top 10. With West Liberty being eleventh, they need to fend off those behind them, which are Presbyterian, Belmont Abbey, Mary-Hardin Baylor and a familiar face in Frostburg State. Ironically, when looking at the 2022 MEC Preseason Poll, fans can begin to scratch their heads in regards to the rankings. Out of the seven competing teams, West Liberty ranks first in the conference, barely edging out Fairmont State by one first place vote. Frostburg State is a distant third, with Glenville State fourth, West Virginia
It is safe to say that Head Coach Kelsey Kyle is undoubtedly extremely happy with how her squad has developed over the off-season and much of this development can be attributed to the veteran leadership the Hilltopper squad has. Graduate student Kenzie Kyle, graduate student Abby Bauer, senior Theresa Evangelista, and senior Lexus Ficca highlight this leadership, and have been a part of the Hilltopper Acrobatics and Tumbling team since its origin. The month of February marks the beginning of the highly anticipated season for the Hilltoppers, as they open their campaign against West Virginia Wesleyan College on Feb. 17 at the beautiful ASRC on the campus of West Liberty University. From there, they travel to Alderson Broaddus, for a tri-match against Alderson Broaddus University and Davis and Elkins College on Feb. 24.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
The Hilltop’s Athlete of the Week
Hannah Kemp
To follow are matchups against Glenville State College on March 1, King University on March 8, Gannon University on March 16, Fairmont State University on March 27 and Frostburg State University on April 2. These contests should prove to be enough for the Hilltoppers to gear up for a successful Mountain East Conference Tournament. The Hilltoppers have claimed a runner-up finish in each of the past two years, trailing only Fairmont State University. As a result, it is safe to say that the Lady Toppers are looking forward to clinching a MEC Championship. The season does not end here with the NCATA Nationals held in Eugene, Oregon on the campus of Division I Baylor University following. For all your sports information, please visit hilltoppersports. com. For more information about the contents of this article, email Josh
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Track and Field Year: Junior Hometown: Bethesda, Ohio About Kemp: Kemp beat her own school record in the onemile run by over 10 seconds at the Doug Raymond Invitational