VOL. 101 – ISSUE 17
THE TRUMPET WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
MARCH 17, 2022
WLU’s Student News Source
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine advances - pg. 3 Freshman Ukrainian athlete, Daria Shchoma speaks about Russian invasion - pg. 7 Cole Laya wins second consecutive national champtionship - pg. 13 @TheTrumpetWestLiberty
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THE TRUMPET
NEWS Photo Credits: WLU Spices Instagram
Spices Club celebrates Carnaval during ‘Around the World’ event - pg. 6
COVER BY: LACEY DEEM
CULTURE SPORTS Graphic By: Haley Blakemore
Who was St. Patrick and why do we celebrate ‘‘Paddy’s Day’’ every year? pg. 8
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.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Hilltopper Softball earns eight wins over busy spring break - pg. 16
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 Sports Writer Mark Donnelly 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
NEWS
MARCH 17, 2022
NEWS
News Editor Intern: Olivia Romick
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- ogromick ogromick@westliberty.edu @westliberty.edu
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine advances At the end of February, Russia launched a full-scale invasion on neighboring Ukraine. The invasion has been classified as the largest military invasion by a sovereign state since World War II. So far, the conflict has displaced around 2.5 million Ukrainian individuals according to the United Nations Refugee Agency. Tensions have been present along the Ukrainian-Russian border since 2014 when Russia annexed the southern part of the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine after pro-Russian President, Viktor Yanukovych, was ousted by the Ukrainian public. Fighting and tensions have persisted in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions with Russian backed speariest forces contesting the Ukrainian military. Following the election of current Ukrainian President,
Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine has moved towards improving connections with the west and European Union and attempted to reduce the influence of Russian oligarchs in the country. Current Russian president, Vladimir Putin, holds the belief that Ukraine should exist as part of Russia as it did during the existence of the Soviet Union. Officially, Putin has stated that Russia could not feel “safe, develop and exist” because of his perception of a threat from Ukraine’s inclusion into NATO. Since the first day of the invasion, Ukrainian cities and military bases have been continuously shelled and bombarded by Russian forces resulting in mass displacement of citizens, destruction of infrastructure and deaths. The Ukrainian capital, Kyiv has been withstanding constant bombardment from Russian military forces since the early days of the conflict. The city still remains under Ukrainian control at this time. Zelensky said that the Russians would take the Ukrainian capital “only if they kill us all.” The port city of Mariupol in Ukraine is under Russian besiegement and has been a set location for most casualties of the war. The Mariupol City Council is estimating that constant Russian shelling and bombardment has caused the deaths of at least 2,180 people. According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the levels of human suffering in the city are “simply immense” with hundreds of thousands of residents “facing extreme or total shortages of necessities like food and medicine. Humanitarian
Graphic by Lacey Deem aid for the city has been blocked by Russia and an increasing number of non-military targets including apartment buildings and a maternity hospital has been bombed. On Sunday, the conflict reached just 15 miles shy of the Ukrainian-Polish border. Ukrainian officials said at least 35 people were killed and 134 were wounded as over 30 missiles were launched at the Yavoriv military range where Ukrainian military personnel are trained and international NATO drills are regularly hosted. NATO has warned of a swift response if Russian troops go beyond the Ukrainian border and into a NATO member state. Zelenksy has asked for NATO assistance to close the skies above Ukraine by saying, “If you do not close our sky, it is only a matter of time before Russian mis-
siles fall on your territory. NATO territory. On the homes of citizens of NATO countries.” The United States, as well as its allies, have imposed heavy sanctions on Russia and provided financial aid to the Ukrainian military. The U.S. is unwilling to become involved in a more direct manner at this time due to high risk of escalation.The U.S. has provided $1.2 billion in the past year to help Ukraine in combating Russian forces. The situation is constantly evolving, with updates occurring by the second. To stay up to date with what is happening in Ukraine visit trustworthy news sources such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, National Public Radio and the Associated Press News.
MARCH 17, 2022
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NEWS
West Liberty professor runs for Ohio County Schools Board of Education an interest in giving back to the community, which is one of the reasons why I’ve hosted free demonstrations of my Viking Living History Project at area schools over the past decade.”
If Cox wins a seat on the board of education, his first plan is to make sure libraries are properly funded in the county. Cox stated that he would also listen to what teachers have to say, as he believes teachers are the experts within the classrooms.
West Liberty University Professor of History, Dr. Darrin Cox, is currently running for a seat on the Ohio County Schools Board of Education in the upcoming 2022 election. Dr. Cox first joined the faculty of West Liberty University in 2008 and has been a professor of history at this university ever since. His classroom experience dates back to being a master’s student at West Virginia University in 2000 where he held a graduate teaching assistantship in Women’s Studies. Overall, Cox currently holds a teaching career that expands beyond a total of 20 years. Cox added, “My plan from the beginning of my pursuit of a Ph.D. was also to return to W.Va. in order to fight the “brain drain” that has been afflicting Appalachia for decades. As such, my education, experience, and expertise lend themselves to serving on the Board of Education.” Cox’s father was a high school teacher for over 30 years and served as a board of education member for a few terms. Initially, Cox said that he didn’t want to
Dr. Darrin Cox. Photo Credits: westliberty,edu
become an educator because he saw all of the long hours his father worked and the grief he got from disgruntled parents. However, once he started Viking reenactments as an educator, he discovered a love for educating people and realized that the challenges a teacher faces is the cost of trying to make the world a better place. Cox stated, “There are a number of reasons why I was inspired to run in the election to become an Ohio County School Board member. Many of them have stemmed from the current board’s handling of recent events but some are also long term. I’ve always had
“Being a teacher has allowed me to see that administrators need to listen more to teachers because they are the ones on the front lines.” - Dr. Darrin Cox
His hope in prioritizing the voice of educators is to remove obstacles from their attempts to educate students. For example, he believes forcing high stakes testing on children has destroyed a teachers ability to utilize innovative techniques because they have to be single-mindedly focused on test scores.
taking to further damage public education.” If you’re interested in learning more about Cox and his campaign for running for the Ohio County Board of Education you can visit the Facebook page or search for Darrin Cox for the Board of Education. For more information regarding this article, please email Hanna Perry at heperry@westliberty. edu. Stay with The Trumpet for updates.
Cox stated, “I would like to raise awareness in how a comprehensive history education can act as a curative for what ails us, socially and politically speaking, that is. The focus for so long has been on STEM and the result is that we’ve forgotten how to be good citizens and neighbors because we no longer have a memory of a shared destiny. Lastly, I’d like to defend local authority to determine local solutions, so long as those solutions rely on the expertise of professional researchers and not a few hours spent on Google.” He also stated, “Being a teacher has allowed me to see that administrators need to listen more to teachers because they are the ones on the front lines. Being on West Liberty University’s Faculty Senate where I was the senate Chair and Chair of the Finance Committee for over a decade has given me experience on how boards function.” He continued to say, “I’m also currently West Liberty University’s representative on the Advisory Council of Faculty, who also elected me to serve as the Legislative Liaison, so I’m very much in tune with the measures the state is currently
One of Professor Coxs’ interests is Viking reenactments. Photo Credits: westliberty.edu
NEWS
MARCH 17, 2022
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WLU communication professor Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell wins prestigious award election. Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell stated that she found an abundance of research dedicated to why women don’t participate in elections and very little research dedicated to the women who do run in elections.
The month of March is dedicated to the celebration of strong women who have contributed their success and knowledge to the world. West Liberty University acknowledges this month by honoring the successful women home to this campus and Dr. Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell, assistant professor of communications in the College of Liberal and Creative Arts, is no exception to the long list of females worth celebrating. Receiving the Best Presenter award at the Fifth Annual International Conference on the Future of Women, Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell sheds light on the empowerment of women in a new decade by studying their involvement in the political realm. Her winning presentation “Women in Power: What motivated more women to run in the 2018 United States Election?” was selected among other presentations from speakers representing over 20 countries. Other categories of work consisted of gender and media, gender based violence, women and workplace, women and health and empowering women. With an interest in women and political communications and a desire to participate in an international conference, Dr. Me-
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
In response to her findings, Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell stated, “I wanted to fill that gap by exploring the reasons why women do run.”
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
hlman-Brightwell knew the Future of Women conference “would be a good fit” for her research. This was her first time presenting at this conference and her first time participating in an international conference. “I was so honored to receive this award because I heard from women from all over the world! It wasn’t just the U.S., I got to hear from women in Nigeria, Spain and I heard from women in India. All of these wonderful women had something to say so I’m thankful,” said Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell. With midterm elections approaching, she felt her research on this topic was timely and notable to share after a never-before-seen increase in women running during the 2018
To fill this gap and answer the broad questions surrounding why women run, Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell conducted a qualitative study where she interviewed senators and representatives throughout the state of Pennsylvania. “I chose Pennsylvania because they have an average number of women. They weren’t the lowest in the United States, but they weren’t the highest.” The results of her study indicated two main trends among the women who ran: access and support. In terms of access, Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell explained that many women expressed that the timing was right because events like the Brett Kavanaugh case and #MeToo movement was circulating which fueled an incentive to run. Another large reason behind the increase in election involvement for women was the support they received from friends, family and other women. Despite barriers stemming from stereotypes and socioeconomic challenges, Dr. Mehlman- Brightwell stated that most of the women interviewed found ways to work through these barriers to run in the election. With the 2020 election showing tremendous growth, Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell is curious to see the growth rate following the 2022 midterm elections. “Research is suggesting that more women are trading off their occupations right now because they don’t have steady childcare due to COVID-19 shutdowns and this might change once COVID-19 gets into pace. I’m curious to see in the next midterm election: will these rates continue to grow or is COVID-19 going to hinder that trend?” Other presenter awards went to: Dr. Sarwat Nauman
“I was so honored to receive this award because I heard from women from all over the world!” -Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell
(Institute of Business Management, Pakistan), K.C. Sony, Pita Y. (University of Bern, Switzerland), Elizabeth Mngusen Kembe (Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Nigeria), G. Jonastasya (California State University, United States) and Dr. Rachana Pandey (Vasanta College for Women, India) To view the award ceremony, click here. Among her newest title of Best Presenter, Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell holds a Ph.D in communications media and instructional technology from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. She also serves as the director of the student-run newspaper, The Trumpet, academic liaison to Topper Station, WLU’s streaming service, co-executive producer of Newsline 14 and a communications and broadcasting professor in the College of Liberal and Creative Arts. For more information regarding the 2022 International Conference on the Future of Women, please contact Dr. Mehlman-Brightwell at danielle.mehlman-brightwell@westiberty.edu.
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MARCH 17, 2022
NEWS
Spices Club celebrates Carnaval during ‘Around the world’ event Muertos and taught students how to play cricket. They have also encouraged West Liberty students to travel abroad by hosting meetings with students and staff who have traveled to different countries during their time in higher education.
West Liberty University celebrated Carnaval on Tuesday, March 1 during their “Around the World” event by the Spices Club.
All students and staff involved in the event were pleased with the turnout and hope to have more events like this in the future. As Mahatole said, “It was fun to be a part of it as really few events happen like this.”
From 11-1 p.m. in the Union Ballroom, the WLU Spice Club celebrated Carnaval with dancing, beads, crepes and drinks. Those who attended were encouraged to wear costumes and masks that represented the Carnaval theme. West Liberty’s Spices Club was established Jan. 30, 2009 and celebrates diversity on campus with the motto “Diversity is the Spice of Life.” Run by Ryan Glanville, coordinator of international programs and recruiting enrollment services, the event was open to all students on campus, but many members of the Spices Club made up the majority of the attendees. One of these attendees was Siddhi Prabhanjan Mahatole, who was excited to be a part of the event. “Everyone was dressed up really fancy and I was so glad to see them. Ryan Glanville really planned it well and his excitement could be seen clearly,” Mahatole said. Many students commented on the authentic crepes and other foods presented at the event. This
From left: Angie Campos, Gopika Sampathkumar, Ishika Agarwal and Siddhi Mahatole. Photo Credits: WLU Spices Instagram
is largely due to the fact that the crepes and pancakes were made by Russian students, Angelina and Mia. Another member of the Spices Club, Gopika Sampathkumar, said, “The turnout was great! Many students and staff joined the
event and also everyone liked the traditional crepe. My favorite part of the event was the interaction with everyone. It was nice that we were able to interact with everyone and wear traditional outfits.”
“...this was a good opportunity to have more events happen on campus [to] educate about different cultures and traditions around the world.” - Gopika Sampathkumar
During the event, the members of the Spices Club handed out ribbon pins with Ukraine’s flag colors to support Ukraine in their ongoing conflict with Russia. Sampathkumar gave some background into how the event came about by saying, “This idea was by the International Center, and Spices joined them as this was a good opportunity to have more events happen on campus [to] educate about different cultures and traditions around the world.”
Ryan Glanville (on right) poses with an attendee at the event. Photo Credits: WLU Spices Instagram
This is the idea behind all events put on by the Spices Club. The club has previously presented events during International Education Month which celebrated Dia De
Photo Credits: WLU Spices Instagram
CULTURE
CULTURE MARCH 17, 2022
Culture Editor Intern: Kenley George
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- kcgeorge@westliberty.edu
Freshman Ukrainian athlete, Daria Shchoma, speaks about Russian invasion Russia continues to invade Ukraine in the largest military action since World War II, causing massive destruction and casualties across the country. The Russian-Ukraine conflict has caused effects worldwide — especially for countries who depend on the region’s energy, wheat and nickel supplies which are continuing to spike up in price. But for Daria Shchoma, the effects of the war are far more severe and frightening. Shchoma is a freshman at West Liberty University (WLU) where she majors in business administration and is an active athlete of the women’s tennis team. She is the daughter of Andrii and Taisiia and her hometown (where her family is located) is in Novomoskocsk, Ukraine. Graphic By: Haley Blakemore
Imagine waking up to notifications on your phone stating your country was being attacked by a neighboring country — this was Shchoma’s reality.
Waking up to ten missed calls from her mother and the news of Russia’s invasion into her homeland on Feb. 24, 2022, she was in a state of pure disbelief. “I had a feeling it was just a stupid nightmare,” she said — later adding, “I feel miserable too, because I can’t do anything to make the situation better or stop the war. So, I just sit and wait [to see] what his (Putins’) next step is.” As far as Shchoma shared, her family is safe and staying out of harm’s way. Her mother and other relatives left Ukraine to head towards Poland, but her father had to stay in Ukraine “because he can’t cross the border as he is liable for military service if he tries to leave Ukraine,” according to Schoma. She said her father is staying in Western Ukraine and waiting. While her family, relatives and some friends have made it to safety, she still worries for her friends that have not been able to flee Ukraine and are in parts of the country that is currently in harm’s way. “When I receive the messages from them like ‘we are being bombed again and we are running to shelter now’ [for the fifth time in] a day, I am so shocked. And I don’t really understand how.
To react to those messages or what to say to them,” Shchoma shared. She added saying “everything will be ok” to her friends and family is “not true to be honest and everyone knows that.” Sitting in shock and disbelief that the Russian-Ukraine War is happening in “our time,” Shchoma is thankful she is here on the Hilltop and safe but still has concerns for her family, friends and relatives who remain in Ukraine.
In a recent Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports article by NYTimes, Russian rockets have “rained down” of course, for me and my family,” all over Ukraine that have included she shared. “My parents’ busiair strikes landing dangerously close nesses’ are going down right now, to Poland, a NATO county. The Po- and I don’t know how much savland border is also a “known” life- ings they have. I am very scared line to Ukrainian as more than one about that. We will appreciate million refugees have escaped to Po- that a lot,” Shchoma said. land for safety. For more information on how you can donate money to The war on her homeland Daria Shchoma and her family, has affected Shchoma in more ways than one. Now, she wakes up each please email her at dshchoma@ day hoping she can still talk to her westliberty.edu. She will provide mom, dad and friends via FaceTime you with a card number and card and that “they will be alive and safe.” recipient to transfer money to. She added, “This is so scary.” The war has caused so much loss for Ukraine, but the Anyone who is interested in country remains stronger and helping the Shchoma Family can do more united than ever. so through donating money to help supply food, water and shelter. “I am Shchoma shared a “citaso grateful that everyone is willing to tion” for every Ukrainian since help,” said Shchoma. the outbreak of the war — “Every “None of us can stop those ‘how are you?’ now equals ‘I love horrible things but if [anyone] really you’ and this is so true,” Shchoma wants, they could [help by] trans- said. Stay with The Trumpet for fer[ing] money. As much as you can, updates on the war in Ukraine.
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MARCH 17, 2022
CULTURE
Who was St. Patrick and why do we celebrate ‘‘Paddy’s Day’’ every year? March 17 represents a global celebration where people around the world come together to appreciate Irish culture and the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. “St. Paddy’s Day” is a unique holiday when numerous cities are painted green and streets are lined with people in celebration. Although the true meaning of the day is often lost and overshadowed by wearing green and drinking Guinness, for almost 400 years, Irish people have dedicated the day to commemorating their patron saint and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. A typical “Paddy’s Day” in Ireland consists of attending parades and concerts, participating in ceilis and Irish dancing, and honoring St. Patrick at religious services. You may be surprised to hear that St. Patrick himself wasn’t Irish. He was born in Britain and brought to the Emerald Isle by Irish raiders as a slave. His involvement
in the expansion of Christanity in Ireland, along with his appreciation of the Irish language and culture is why he remains such an important figure in Irish history and is commemorated each year.
The immigration of Irish people has meant that St. Patrick’s day has evolved into a worldwide event and has been adopted by many cultures. No matter where you are on March 17, you will never be far from a Paddy’s Day party or festival. In fact, some of the most spectacular events often take place in the United States. This holiday is so passionately celebrated in the U.S. due to a vast number of Americans claiming Irish heritage. Tremendous festivals in New York, Boston and Chicago are amongst the largest in the world and along with other events in the U.S., they allow those who consider themselves Irish-American to join in with the festivities and acknowledge their ancestry. St. Patrick’s Day is especially important and sentimental to Irish people who are living away from home as it gives them an opportunity to come together with fellow Irish and enjoy the day. At West
Graphic by: Haley Blakemore
Liberty University (WLU), there are a number of Irish staff and students who are able to carry on their home traditions and celebrate together. “It’s great to have the opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s day with other Irish people,” said Cormac McGinley, a freshman from Derry, Ireland. “It’s a really special day in Ireland and it’s great to know that I’ll be able to carry on a few traditions even while being a long way from home.” “Usually I just like to spend time with my family and friends and enjoy the local parade,” McGinley said. “Everyone is always in good spirits and I always find myself feeling especially proud to be Irish.” Being so far away from home is already a challenging experience, and during this time it can be even tougher for WLU’s Irish students. “It’s tough being away over St. Patrick’s day and seeing everyone celebrate together at home,” said Adam Lynch, a junior from Sligo, Ireland. “I try to still enjoy the day and the experience and I’m glad that I can be with other Irish students here at WLU. It makes it more enjoyable.”
Over the last two years, celebrations have been limited due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, but as the situation begins to ease, this year’s plans look to rejuvenate one of the most eagerly anticipated days of the year. Party planners and city councils in some of Ireland’s biggest cities, including Dublin and Belfast, are ready to host true Paddy’s Day events and allow the Irish people to combine in appreciation of their culture and heritage. Join in on the St. Patrick’s day celebrations and wear your green with pride as people from all over come together to immerse themselves in one of the worlds most influential cultures.
“It’s great to have the opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s day with other Irish people.” -Cormac McGinley, freshman from Derry, Ireland
CULTURE
MARCH 17, 2022
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WLU PRIDE Club presents ‘Second Chance Prom’ Activities and Title IX Coordinator, Kate Billings.
Dr. Kimberly Underwood, associate professor of sociology, is PRIDE Club’s advisor, but the club also works closely with Dr. Felipe Rojas, associate professor of Spanish and the Diversity Committee. “Having faculty members like Dr. Rojas, Dr. Underwood and the entirety of the Diversity Committee makes everything feel so much more safe and normal. That’s all I want is to feel normal when I walk into our dance with my boyfriend and celebrate the beauty of love and self-expression with so many of my friends who have worked so hard to be able to make such an event a reality for the Hilltop,” said Kidney.
The West Liberty University (WLU) PRIDE Club is holding a prom on Friday, March 25, 2022. This is the first prom the club is having since PRIDE Club was reestablished in spring 2021. PRIDE Club was restarted by Emma Beatty, sophomore human biology major and president of PRIDE Club. “I wanted to reopen the club because it is important to have a safe space on campus where LGBTQIA+ students and allies can come together.” Beatty noted that the club has around 50 members and they meet about once a month. Creed Kidney, sophomore creative arts therapy and illustration major and vice president of PRIDE Club said, “This is the first event I’ve ever felt comfortable taking my partner to. Of course my feelings and comfort level here at WLU are wildly different than the ones I had at my high school, but having this kind of event on campus specifically for our community, where truly anyone is welcome
PRIDE Club’s prom will take place from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the Gary E. West Event Center. Beatty explained that anyone is welcome to attend the prom. “We are charging admission to the event. It will be $5 for PRIDE Club members and $10 for all other students. We are also asking that students bring their IDs to the event.”
Designed by: PRIDE Club’s Social Media and PR Chair Maddie Linzy to come as they are, be who they are and love who they do, is like a dream come true.”
Graphic by: Kenley George
Kidney added, “Myself and the rest of PRIDE Club’s executive board, President Emma Beatty, Secretary Andria Templeton, Treasurer Kaitlyn Bailey, Social Media and PR Chair Maddie Linzy and Senior Representative Riley Duda, were the first members of the club, as WLU used to have a PRIDE Club here on campus, but it kind of fell apart over time as many of the members and executives graduated or moved on.” Kidney noted that they, Beatty, Templeton, Bailey and Duda were some of the people to respond to the call of reforming the club which was made by Director of Student Life
PRIDE Club’s mission is to “create and foster a diverse LGBTQIA+ affirming community of students, faculty and staff,” according to Beatty. “We aim to promote advocacy and action towards bettering human rights, with a strong emphasis on LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as promote awareness and education of the LGBTQIA+ community, its background and current standing.” For more information regarding PRIDE Club, contact Dr. Underwood at kimberly.underwood@westliberty.edu, Dr. Rojas at felipe.rojas@westliberty. edu, President Beatty at ejbeatty@westliberty.edu or Vice President Kidney at ctkidney@westliberty.edu.
“It is important to have a safe space on campus where LGBTQIA+ students and allies can come together.” -Emma Beatty, PRIDE Club President
MARCH 17, 2022
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CULTURE
Campus Ministry hosting ‘Learn to Loom’ events all semester
“I think attending the looming event can provide three major benefits for students. It will allow them to experience a fellowship and allow them to make friends with new students. Hobbies can be a great stress reliever and many of the students this past year said once they learned the basics, it was easy and fun and people can feel good about working on a service project that helps others. Students can work toward donating to whatever agency or organization that touches their hearts,” said Nickerson.
West Liberty University’s (WLU) Campus Ministry² (CM²) hosts a looming event every Thursday evening from 4-6 p.m in the Interfaith Chapel Lounge. Students can come to the event for the entire duration or drop in and out. Students are also allowed to take their projects home so they can work on them in their free time. The looming events began back in fall 2021 and have continued ever since. CM² is a collaboration between Catholic Campus Ministry and Protestant Campus Ministry. Shirley Carter, director of Catholic Campus Ministry, and Diann Nickerson, director of Protestant Campus Ministry, both decided their programs needed to work on collaborating with one another instead of being separate programs. They decided that they needed to do something fun as a fellowship opportunity for students to participate in. Nickerson said, “Looming is an easy hobby to learn and allows for conversation and fellowship. As a new member of the WLU community, I thought it would be a great way to meet and learn about the students in a casual way, all while doing some community ser-
She added that she believes making something gives students a sense of accomplishment and pride. The times and days of the event may change in the upcoming semesters in order to meet the needs of the students who attend. If you’re interested in learning more about the looming or how you can get involved with campus ministry, contact Diann Nickerson at diann.nickerson@westliberty.edu.
Photo Credits: Diann Nickerson vice work.” This semester, CM² made hats for the Wheeling Freeze Shelter. Nickerson said, “I would like to continue by making hats for an anti-bullying campaign for a local school in the fall. I hope to work with the principal and teachers at West Liberty Elementary School in the upcoming weeks to get approval to provide the hats in October for Anti-Bullying Awareness Month.” Nickerson hopes that more students will learn about the looming events and projects and participate. She noted that between four to six students come to the looming events. “We provide the tools and the yarn so there are no out-ofpocket expenses for you to just try it!” Haley Blakemore, junior English literature major, has attended some looming events. “Looming is highly soothing and simple to learn,” said Blakemore.
Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
OPINION
MARCH 17, 2022
OPINION
Opinion Editor Intern: Hanna Perry
- heperry@westliberty.edu
PAGE 11
Bored in your dorm? Here are a few ways to get involved on campus Going to college can be tough at times, but getting involved in campus activities can help to enhance the experience and make long lasting memories for you to look back on. Participating in campus life can be a great way to explore your interests and meet new people. “Getting involved on campus is an easy way to venture out into meeting new people,” said Ali Rhinaman, a resident assistant in Beta Hall. “The activities also keep your mind and body active.” West Liberty University offers a broad range of opportunities to get involved with.There are a variety of clubs and organizations that meet on a regular basis ranging from history club, to investment club, to soccer club. A group or organization exists for almost every niche. A full list can be found on the WLU website. Graphic By: Haley Blakemore
The West Liberty University Diversity Committee is one of the most active groups on campus. They set up a large variety of events throughout the academic year with the goal of promoting inclusivity and diversity on the hilltop.
So far this semester, the committee has hosted numerous events for Black history month and women’s history month including an African American read in, African drum and dance display, and a lady’s night in the student wellness center. The West Liberty University international club also organizes exciting activities and interactive events for both students and faculty throughout the year. Graphic By: Haley Blakemore Popular events include the international food festival and Mardi out to your RA for more information about upcoming events in Gras festival. your building. The College Union West Liberty’s resident ballroom is also regularly busy assistants (RA’s) also coordi- with student activities. The Student nate a variety of small events Life team at West Liberty, headed and activities in each residential by Kate Billings, offers a rotation dormitory on campus. These ac- of easily accessible activities with tivities are ideal for those who several different dates and times. need a break from studying or Events include paint and sits, Mario prefer quieter settings. Reach Kart tournaments, Jackbox Games and bake sales. Details are posted on bulletin boards around campus and flyers are also posted on the WLU Snapchat. “Most of the time for our events you just have to show up and no signing up is necessary!” said Rhinaman. As the sun starts to shine on the hilltop and the temperature increases, the number of outdoor activities ticks up as well. During the warmer months, the quad is often host to events that get people up and active. “Some big hits are Kan Jam, cornhole and volleyball!” said Rhinaman. Volleyball and cornhole tournaments are easy to sign up
for and be a part of. “There are countless activities that go on at West Liberty. If you are someone who loves sports but is not on a sports team, we have intramural sports such as indoor soccer, volleyball, basketball and many more,” said Rhinaman. Club and organization activities are not the only way to become more engaged in the campus community. West Liberty is home to a variety of NCAA Division II sports teams which compete all year round. WLU athletics events regularly have a high supporter turnout which helps to produce an exciting and welcoming atmosphere. West Liberty’s softball, baseball, track and field, acrobatics and tumbling, tennis and golf teams have on-campus competitions remaining this semester. A full schedule of sporting events can be found on Hilltopper Sports.
MARCH 17, 2022
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OPINION
Kappa Phi seeks to add more sisters to Christian based sorority By: Haley Blakemore Graphic Designer/Photographer hrblakemore@westliberty.edu
West Liberty University’s (WLU) Kappa Phi sorority is looking for more members. Kappa Phi is a christian sorority that is accepting and open to anyone interested in joining. They have a great connection with the campus community that spurs from their mission as an on-campus organization. Caitlyn Hufford is Kappa Phi’s current president. “Kappa Phi is a non denominational National Christian Organization. Our four main focuses are worship, study, service and fellowship. We have partnered with different organizations over the years for service projects such as breast cancer awareness fundraisers called Pink Party, mentoring Shriner’s children and a suicide prevention walk. We
have recently created a relationship with C^2,” said Hufford. Kappa Phi aims to get people together for long lasting friendships. Hufford
Photo Credits: Calesha Williamson. Starting from the back Pastor Debra Dague, Emily Everson, Calesha Williamson, Ashley Cole, Serena Smith and Samantha Shipley.
Photo Credits: Barbara who is the national treasurer for the Kappa Phi sorority. Front Row from left: Kaitlynn Wheeler, Shelby Simonton, Taylor Rice and Olivia Romick. Middle row from left: Kaitlin Wallace, Hunter Knight, Jess Horn, Ashley Cole and Emily Everson. Back row from left: KP Advisor Maureen Golick, America Knuckles, Jess Schultz, Caitlyn Hufford, Riley Rouse (no longer in KP) and National Board member Mindy Howell.”
explained, “I became president to change the dynamic of Kappa Phi. We have so much diversity within our organization, and I and the vice president, Jessica Horn, had ideas to showcase that and enhance our sisterhood.” Jessica Horn is the vice president of Kappa Phi. “I joined my first semester at WLU to gain friends because I knew no one here on the hilltop when I came here. I also went to a Christian school my whole life, so it was nice to have familiarity!” Horn encourages individuals interested in Greek life to join Kappa Phi. “You can never have too much support on the hilltop!”
in your faith. They will support you and accept you no matter what. They help you grow, make some great memories and laugh a lot along the way.”
“My favorite Kappa Phi memory would be the Rose Tea recruiting event my freshman year.” said Cole. “I met some amazing and kind girls who welcomed me. They convinced me to join and later to help take leadership in Kappa Phi and help it grow.” Horn mentioned that one of her favorite memories as a member of Kappa Phi was the Suicide Prevention Walk last year. “My other favorite is Big/Little when I got one of my best friends as a Big, then a year later, I got another best Ashley Cole is a member friend as a Little,” said Horn. of Kappa Phi and had this to say Kappa Phi will be holding about her reason for joining the another Suicide Prevention Walk group: “I joined Kappa Phi looking this year. The walk will take place to deepen my faith and to find on the quad on Wednesday, April 6, new friends on a campus where 2022. I didn’t know anyone.” Cole noted that she has gained so many If you are interested in joinamazing sisters over the years ing Kappa Phi, contact Kappa Phi that will be there for the rest of at @wlukappaphi on Instagram or her life. “Kappa Phi is an amazing West Liberty University Kappa Phi group of women who will meet on Facebook. you at any stage of your journey
SPORTS
SPORTS MARCH 17, 2022
Sports Editor Intern: Joshua Spratt
PAGE 13
- jtspratt@westliberty.edu
Cole Laya wins second consecutive national championship Over the weekend, the West Liberty University (WLU) Wrestling team embarked on yet another journey that has taken the program to new heights, with this instance being the NCAA Division II National Tournament in St. Louis, Missouri. After a long regular season, WLU has yet another National Champion. Not only this, but the black and gold as a whole was able to produce the best season in program history. With the success the Hilltoppers saw last season from a Mountain East Conference Championship, a Super Region 3 Championship and two National Champions, many thought that a repeat of this success as a team would be near impossible, but not Danny Irwin, coach of the team. Since coming to West Liberty, Coach Irwin has elevated the WLU program to new heights. Coach Irwin began his career at Bluffton High School during the mid-2000’s in which he led his team to a conference championship. From there, Irwin took the coaching job at Wabash College, a Division III school in Crawfordsville, Ind. After winning an eye-opening three assistant coach of the year awards, he landed his first head coaching job at Wheeling University, formerly known as Wheeling Jesuit University. Whilst at Wheeling, Irwin won the NCAA Division II Coach of the Year, all while coaching a couple National Champions in the process. Now at the Hilltop, Coach
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Cole Laya won his second national championship in the 125 pound division. Photo Credit: Hilltopper Sports
Irwin is continuing on his legendary career with this season as proof. The Hilltoppers were able to secure yet another team MEC Championship while defeating Glenville State University in the process. Not only has the team won back-to-back MEC Championships, but they also saw four individual MEC Champions in Cole Laya, Chase Morgan, Ty McGeary and Francisco Borsellino. Not only this, but WLU was able to secure yet another Super Region 3 Championship. Fast forward to Nationals where the success kept coming for West Liberty. The weekend proved to be one of the best in season history, as WLU as a team was able to secure a third place finish in the National Tournament, their highest team ranking in over thirty years and the highest ranking in the NCAA Division II era.
The highlight of the championship was Cole Laya who battled and secured his second straight National Championship, becoming the first ever Hilltopper to capture back-to-back National Championships. Right behind Laya was Connor Craig, who captured a runner-up finish for the second straight year. Ty McGeary finished third overall, Ty Warner finished fourth and Logan Kemp finished eighth. To cap it all off, the five Hilltoppers all clinched All-American status. Having success in the National Tournament for the second straight year is thrilling for all Hilltopper fans alike and cement the Hilltoppers as one of the premier NCAA Division II wrestling teams in the country. It will be exciting to see what is next for the black and gold, and with Coach Irwin at the helm, the team does not show any signs of slowing down anytime soon.
2022 NCAA D2 Nationals Wrestling Results 1. Nebraska-Kearney 127 points 2. Central Oklahoma 86 points 3. West Liberty 75.5 points 4. St. Cloud State 67 points 5. Adams State 65 points
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MARCH 17, 2022
SPORTS
Men’s Basketball wins MEC Title the tournament semi-finals.
West Liberty University’s Men’s basketball team were crowned MEC Champions after defeating Charleston 70-59 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling last weekend. This win secured the Toppers’ third MEC title as they remain the only program with multiple conference titles since its emergence in 2013. They had been dominant throughout the regular season and wasted no time in picking up where they left off in the conference tournament. Led by all-region selections Bryce Butler and Pat Robinson III, WLU offensive flair was on show as they averaged 92 points per game in the tournament. Their road to the championship was by no means an easy one, with Ohio County rivals Wheeling University awaiting them in their first March matchup. The Cardinals defeated Glenville State College in the opening round of the tournament to set up the rivalry game, a fixture that had gone in West Liberty’s favor in each of the last nine meetings between the two sides. An 89-81 win meant that they made it 10 wins in a row and progressed to
Another tough task awaited the Hilltoppers in the next round as they faced off against Fairmont State University for a place in the championship game, with the Falcons being one of only two teams to get the better of WLU so far this season. Even a career-high 42 points from Isaiah Sanders was not enough to stop the free-flowing Toppers as they put up a staggering 117 points to progress to the conference final. One of the biggest takeaways from the game was a statement performance from senior guard Will Yoakum, who had a season-high 25 points having just returned from over a year out with a knee injury. In just his third start of the season, Yoakum made an impressive five three-point field goals while averaging 70% from the floor and contributing heavily to a win that meant WLU would face off against Charleston for a chance to regain the conference title. It was the Hilltoppers offense that secured their place in the championship game; however, it was their strong defensive performance against the Golden Eagles that ensured they were crowned MEC champions. Renowned for their offensive skill and swagger, West Liberty dug deep and modified their game —
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
limiting their opposition to a season-low 59 points over 24 points below their season average. Robinson continued his string of strong performances and was named on the all-tournament first team along with his teammate Yoakum, a heartfelt reward having suffered from a long-term injury just last season. Serbian forward Viktor Kovacevic led the scoring for WLU, putting up 19 points in just 22 minutes. Bryce Butler also put in an impressive performance scoring 17 points, coming off the back of being named MEC and Atlantic Region player of the year. Head Coach, Ben Howlett was impressed with the diversity of his team’s wins throughout the week, admitting that they had to mix things up to get the job done
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
in the championship game. “Good teams find a way to win no matter what and I thought we won three different ways this weekend,” Howlett said to Hilltopper Sports. “Tonight we had to get down in the trenches and really grind one out against a very good Charleston team. I’m really proud of these guys right now.” Unfortunately, WLU were unable to progress in the Atlantic Region tournament as they bowed out to conference rivals West Virginia State in the opening round on Saturday. This was a season-ending loss for the Toppers who will be eager to put up a longer run in next year’s national tournament.
SPORTS
MARCH 17, 2022
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Women’s Basketball falls to Charleston, misses tournament After almost five months of basketball, the West Liberty University (WLU) Women’s basketball season came to an end at the hands of the University of Charleston in the mountain east conference Tournament (MEC) semi-finals. The loss cemented the Hilltoppers final record at 219, which was not quite enough to make the NCAA tournament, finishing just outside the bubble of the top-eight teams in the region. Although the ending was quite unfortunate for everyone involved, and not one that was certainly envisioned, the biggest takeaway of this season was the storylines it produced, the player development experience, and the groundwork placed for seasons beyond. When the season began, West Liberty was ranked fifth overall in the MEC preseason media poll, slotted behind Glenville State University, a team which spent the majority of the season ranked as the top team in the country, the University of Charleston, a team coming off an Elite Eight appearance and primed to make another deep run, Notre Dame College, and the University of Concord. As the regular season concluded, West Liberty finished better than their initial projection, finishing third overall in the conference, only behind Glenville State and Charleston. Early in the season, WLU had to figure out ways to manage one of the most youthful squads in the entire conference, a team that featured a total of five freshmen and two sophomores on a roster of ten. Head Coach Kyle Cooper and Associate Head Coach Cassie Seth managed this task to near per-
fection, winning five of their first seven games. Likewise, this youthful squad also showed their capability to win against powerhouses in the conference, beating the University of Charleston twice alone in the regular season. With the season continuing, West Liberty would go on to win a season-high of five or more straight games, twice. The regular season concluded, with the Lady Hilltoppers eclipsing 20 wins for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
The success of this season came from incredible playmaking abilities from the Hilltoppers leaders. Leading the way in this charge was none other than Audrey Tingle, a star-studded graduate student who returned for one final season to help the Hilltoppers find the success they did this year. Tingle produced one of the best seasons in all of college basketball this year, and arguably one of the best since the turn of the millennium, finding herself not only in almost every major statistical category, but also in the history books. Tingle averaged a near triple-double on the season, showcasing a 13.9PPG10.6RPG-7.1APG stat line. Speaking of triple-doubles, Tingle had six on the season, a feat undoubtedly incredible, and one that broke the single-season triple-double record for NCAA Division II. Likewise, her seven-triple doubles for her career tied the record for the most all-time in a career for Division II as well. Her accolades did not stop here, as she was named the MEC Player of the Week four times during the season, and was a part of the All-MEC First Team, All-MEC Tournament Team and First Team D2CAA All-Region. Although she fell just short of the MEC Player of the Year, Tingle’s season was one of the best all-time throughout all of Division II Women’s basketball and one which has cemented Tingle’s legacy as one of the best to ever play for the black and gold. West Liberty overall is in utterly tremendous hands in regards
to the talent they are bringing back, especially with Coach Cooper and Coach Seth at the helm. Although they are losing Audrey Tingle and fellow Graduate Student forward Molly Bauer, the two are passing the torch to the duo of All-MEC First Team selection Corinne Thomas and MEC Freshman of the Year Bailee Smith. Thomas, who averaged 3.1 made 3PT on 39% 3PT shooting this season, looks to catapult her game even further next season, while Smith, who averaged 15.2PPG this past season, looks to continue her dominance play as a floor general. With many more returners coming back for the black and gold, including Karly McCutcheon, Arriana Manzay, Paige Julian, Jenna Riccardo, Grace Faulk, and Anna Lucarelli, paired with a talented newcomer class, the Hilltoppers look to continue to develop their game to new heights, in which they saw the second-best scoring offense in the nation and the second-best defense in the conference. West Liberty Women’s basketball primary core values of family and teamwork showcase what it means to come through the program. Whether players are beginning their first season with the program or buying into the promise with their final year of eligibility, the leaders at the helm showcase time and time again
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
how every program in America should be run, and how this program differentiates itself from the rest. Although it was certainly a tough pill to swallow to have the season ended just short of the ultimate goal, the entire West Liberty coaching staff, along with those returning, are certainly eager for the offseason and can assure followers of the program that the team is on the best path they can possibly follow for the years to come.
Women’s Basketball 2021-22 Team Leaders Points Per Game Bailee Smith (15.2) Rebounds Audrey Tingle (314) Assists Audrey Tingle (212) 3-Point Field Goals Corinne Thomas (93)
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MARCH 17, 2022
SPORTS
Hilltopper Softball earns eight wins over busy spring break
While West Liberty students enjoyed their spring break, the grind didn’t stop for the Hilltopper softball team, who completed a slate of 10 games over a five-day stretch last week. The Toppers enjoyed a successful week, winning eight of ten to improve to 8-8 on the season after an 0-6 start to the year. Spring break began with a pair of games on March 4 for the Toppers in Mount Olive, N.C. against Mercy College and the University of Mount Olive. West Liberty cruised to a 9-2 victory in game one of the day versus Mercy behind homers by Riley Conkle and Annie Paterson, scoring their first victory of the young season. The Hilltoppers were shut out in their second game of the day by Mount Olive’s Lauren King. The Hilltoppers returned to action the next day with another pair of games. Their first
match against Mount Olive was a scoreless tie for the first five innings before a two-run homer by Riley Conkle broke the ice in the sixth inning, leading to a 4-1 victory for West Liberty. The second game of the day saw another victory for WLU, with a five-run fourth inning proving to be the difference in a 7-2 victory for the Hilltoppers.
Head coach Herb Minch’s Hilltoppers traveled to Charlotte, N.C. on March 6 for a two-game set against Alderson Broaddus and Queens University. West Liberty’s pitching staff put on a clinic in their first game of the day against ABU, with Makenzie Amend and Taylor Bonnett combining to pitch a onehit shutout, striking out a total of 17 batters in a 4-0 victory. The Toppers looked poised for another win in their second game of the day versus Queens, but a three-run home run by Jordyn Thompson in the sixth inning gave Queens a 5-4 lead that they wouldn’t relinquish.
three innings before scoring 10 unanswered runs en route to a 10-4 victory. Makenzie Amend put up a dominant start in game two, pitching a complete game shutout and striking out a staggering 14 batters. Amend pitched three days in a row, allowing just one run in 20 total innings pitched.
ry as Riley Bennington and Taylor Bonnett held Shepherd at bay from the mound. Annie Paterson pitched a complete game shutout in game two, striking out nine batters as West Liberty cruised to a 6-0 victory to complete their spring break and make it back to .500 on the season.
For the final day of their grueling spring break stretch, the Toppers traveled to Shepherdstown, W.Va. for a doubleheader against Shepherd University. A five-run third inning in game one lifted West Liberty to a 5-1 victo-
West Liberty softball will be back in action Wednesday, March 16 in Salem, W.Va. against Salem University. For more information about West Liberty University softball visit hilltoppersports.com.
The Hilltop’s Athlete of the Week
Cole Laya
On March 7, WLU softball traveled to Richmond, Va. for a doubleheader versus Virginia Union University.The Toppers trailed in the first game of the day 3-0 through
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Wrestling Year: Senior Hometown: Fairmont, W.Va. About Laya: Laya earned his second straight national championship at the NCAA DII Nationals on Saturday Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
