VOL. 101 – ISSUE 7
THE TRUMPET
OCTOBER 21, 2021
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
WLU’s Student News Source
WLU Homecoming Queen - Grace Dodson WLU Homecoming King - Parker Sherry
West Liberty crowns new Homecoming King and Queen- pg. 4 WLU Golf finishes 2nd in Nancy Nichols Fall Invitational - pg. 16 @WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwestliberty
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THE TRUMPET
NEWS
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
COVER BY: WLU MEDIA RELATIONS
CULTURE SPORTS Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
SGA invites students to help Homecoming court clean town of West Liberty pg. 5
Photo Credits: Sean Duffy
WLU African Drum and Dance Ensemble performs at Lunch with Books program pg. 7
WLU Downs Fairmont on Homecoming 52-31 pg. 13
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.
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Annalise Murphy Online Editor Creed Kidney News Editor Brianna Hamon Culture Editor Intern Faith Hayes Opinion Editor Intern Kailey Carpino Sports Editor Intern Ross Salvatori Graphic Designer/Photographer Haley Blakemore Graphic Designer/Illustrator Samantha Snyder Sports Writer Maxwell Fledorczyk Staff Writer Micahel Antley Director Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell
Letters to the Editor
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “The Trumpet: WLU’s Student News Source” lettering on the front page will be pink for the remainder of the month to show our support of breast cancer research and awareness.
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
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NEWS
OCTOBER 21, 2021
NEWS
News Editor: Brianna Hamon
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- bnhamon bnhamon@westliberty.edu @westliberty.edu
WLU Board of Governors meet to discuss campus updates and Dr. W. Franklin Evans’ alleged plagiarism
15 to welcome first-year freshmen to campus. At this time, he admitted to not properly citing information in his convocation speech and mentioned the memorandum he West Liberty University’s sent to the “West Liberty Univer(WLU) Board of Governors met sity Family” via email on Sept. 20. last Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2021, in the Following President Evans’ Board of Governors meeting room on the second floor of Shaw Hall on update, reports from President WLU’s main campus. The regularly Cabinet members Interim Provost scheduled public meeting started Bonnie Suderman and Vice Presat 4 p.m. after a call to order, roll ident of Enrollment Scott Cook call and statement of the universi- briefed the Board on important ty mission. Attendees were able to scheduling and enrollment updates join in-person—following all campus this fall. COVID-19 safety precautions—and Suderman started with sayvia Zoom through a previously proing she assures as a cabinet memvided link. ber that “the number one concern The board welcomed a new is and always will be the education member, alumnus Thomas Cervone, of students and opportunity for current resident of Knoxville, Tenn. them to succeed.” Moving forWLU President Dr. W. Franklin Ev- ward, she discussed the recent creans introduced Cervone to those in ation of the spring 2022 semester attendance saying the university was schedule and expressed her goal “honored” to welcome him to the of handling scheduling concerns before the permanent provost is board. appointed so “they [new provost] Next, a presentation by will be able to concentrate on othChris Wade with CMTA Energy er important tasks.” Solutions described expected en Cook followed up with energy savings for the university with recent updates to campus. There rollment reports giving estimates were no public comments and the on enrolled students and number minutes from the full Board of Gov- of students in on-campus housernors meeting on Aug. 18 were ap- ing this year compared to prior proved without opposition. Minutes years. WLU has seen a decline in from the Sept. 29 Executive Com- enrollment and student housing mittee meeting were also approved. this semester. He repeatedly reNo action items were on the board’s marked on the university’s displeasure with the declines, claiming the agenda. reductions occurred due to the Evans gave his president’s COVID-19 pandemic. Final enrollreport starting with explaining the ment estimates for fall 2021 will be university’s five year (2019 through available soon. 2024) strategic priorities plan. The Faculty Representative, Jastrategies listed included academic success, branding, community en- son Metz, discussed a recent facgagement, operational excellence ulty vote regarding a COVID-19 and student experience. During his vaccine mandate, 125 of 145 facreport, he mentioned the fall 2021 ulty participated. Results revealed convocation that took place on Sept. 86% of participating faculty were in favor of the mandate, arguing
This lettering can be seen above the historic Shaw Hall entrance doors. Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations requirements for other mandated vaccines are already in place for students and faculty to ensure campus safety. After the COVID-19 vaccine discussion, Metz reported on faculty discussions and actions regarding President Evans lack of proper attribution in speeches. Metz informed the board of a four-question survey sent to faculty members where 66% [95 faculty members] anonymously responded to the survey. Of those who voted, 86% felt President Evans leadership has been compromised, 45% believed issues could be resolved through lesser punitive action, 73% stated they would choose “no confidence” if a vote took place as of Oct. 13 and 60% believe he should resign. (All statistics listed above provided at the Board of Governors meeting are confirmed by Sean Ryan, faculty chairman.) Mackenzie Jones, Student Government Association (SGA) President, was unable to attend but Chairman Rich Lucas read her report to the board. Her report contained updates on campus activities for Homecoming week. The reports ended with Angie Zambito-Hill, executive director of the WLU Foundation and a financial report by Lori Hudson, vice president of fiscal affairs. An Executive Session was then called, and the board left to attend the session—Dr. Evans was not present.
Returning from Executive Session at 6:28 p.m., the board took no formal action on behalf of Evans’ plagiarism and referred the matter to WLU’s Human Resources Department. Lucas was quoted in a release by Maureen Zambito, WLU’s director of media relations, saying, “Human Resources will provide the Board of Governors with all pertinent materials and answer any questions the board may have. Human Resources will come back to the board and the Board of Governors will make the final decision. The Board of Governors will reconvene to make the final decision after proper notice and time frames following Freedom of Information Act requirements and West Virginia HEPC regulations,” said Lucas. The meeting was adjourned and the next scheduled meeting of WLU’s Board of Governors will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021, at 4 p.m. in Shaw Hall. On Oct. 20, 2021, West Liberty University’s Board of Governors held a special meeting to address President W. Franklin Evans alleged plagiarism. According to WLU’s News and Media Relations, “A motion for termination of the president was made by Richard Carter and seconded by Jason Metz. It failed by a vote of 7-5.” For more information, visit westliberty.edu/bog.
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
NEWS
West Liberty crowns new Homecoming King and Queen Note: The following article was cultivated from WLU Media Relations Director, Maureen Zambito’s, press release. West Liberty University (WLU) kicked off their annual crowning of the Homecoming King and Queen during the Saturday, Oct. 16, football game. After a year of putting Homecoming on hold due to COVID-19 rules and regulations, WLU students and alumni congregated at West Family Stadium for tailgating and other festivities. Voting for Homecoming King and Queen began online starting Friday, Oct. 15 where WLU students chose from a total of seven candidate couples representing different parts of campus life. All five sororities and four fraternities on campus were represented as well as groups ranging from the football team, track and field, the dental hygiene program and housing and residence life. The seven pairings who ran for Homecoming royalty were: Joey Adams and Autumn “Grace” Dodson, Parker Sherry and Sierra Aniballi, Sydney Jefferys and Chris-
tian “Gary” Braithwaite, Mycah Ritchea-Yoho and Jacob Walker, Jenna Mankowski and Michael Runkle, Hannah Jacobs and DiDi Prajnabhakti and Tianna Myer and Parker Mazik. The Homecoming activities began with an early parade where the chosen candidates of Greek Life and other WLU organizations drove through campus and the town of West Liberty for a pre-celebration to the halftime crowning ceremony. After the 1 p.m kickoff where West Liberty took on the Fairmont State Falcons, the football players cleared the field for the crowning of WLU’s Homecoming King and Queen. The crowning ceremony was ushered in by the playing of WLU’s alma mater by the Marching Hilltoppers. The queen and king, chosen by the student body, were named as Autumn “Grace” Dodson and Parker Sherry. Dodson, a resident of Colliers, W.Va and a member of Lambda Psi Sigma and Sherry, a resident of East Palestine, Ohio and quarterback for the Hilltopper Football team, was announced as king. Dodson is the daughter of Robert, Rhonda and Wendy Dodson and a senior pre-veterinary biology major. Dodson’s post-grad-
From left, Queen Grace Dodson, President W. Franklin Evans and King Parker Sherry celebrate at the 50-yard line. Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations uation plans consist of veterinary school or graduate school for a master’s in biology at WLU. Her interest in running for Homecoming Queen sparked from an interest in representing Lambda Psi Sigma in a positive manner. “I was completely shocked and over the moon when they announced that I had won. Being the Homecoming Queen means that I am held to a higher standard than others with regards to my behavior and how I carry myself because I am presenting my university as a whole, ” said Dodson. Sherry is the son of Elizabeth and zZach Sherry and a junior triple major in the Gary E West College of Business. Sherry’s majors consist of finance, marketing and accounting.
Jonathan Howard presents Hannah Jacobs with a ring during his surprise Homecoming proposal. Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
Dodson and Sherry’s running mates were both selected as runner-up’s. Joey Adams, a resident of Crooksville, Ohio and a member representing Kappa Delta Kappa received Homecoming King runner-up and Sierra Aniballi of Greensburg, Pa. and a representative of Housing and Residence Life was selected as Homecoming Queen runner-up. Before the crowning of Dodson and Sherry, a surprise marriage propos-
al took place between homecoming candidate Hannah Jacobs, and WLU alumni Jonathon Howard. Howard presented Jacobs with a ring as her parents and running mate escorted her down the 50-yard line. Jacobs is senior elementary education major and the president of Delta Theta Kappa, a local sorority founded on WLU’s campus. During his attendance at WLU, Howard was a member of Phi Delta Theta. The surprise proposal and crowning was followed by a wellearned win for the Hilltopper Football team. The Hilltoppers fought their way out of a 30-30 tie within the last two minutes of the game and raised the spirits of all WLU students and alumni who were in attendance. Students concluded the Homecoming day full of music and festivities with a dance that began at 10 p.m. and ended at 2 a.m. in the Academic, Sports and Recreation Complex Building (ASRC). For more information about this article and last week’s Homecoming festivities, contact Maureen Zambito by calling (304) 280-6074 or view her press release regarding the Homecoming game-day events.
NEWS
OCTOBER 21, 2021
PAGE 5
SGA invites students to help homecoming court clean town of West Liberty On Friday, Oct. 15, West Liberty University (WLU) students were invited and encouraged to join their 2021 Homecoming court members and the Student Government Association (SGA) in cleaning up the neighboring town of West Liberty, W.Va., as an act of service. Following a week of Homecoming festivities, SGA wanted to encourage students to reflect on how they can give back to the campus community that has made all that the Hilltop has to offer them possible. SGA’s Secretary, Maddie Linzy, a junior elementary education major, touched upon the idea that the Hilltop needs to be prepared, in a sense, to welcome back our alumni every year when Homecoming season rolls around; “Our Homecoming candidates, as well as all the other students here at WLU, are asked to give back to the community by aiding in our annual Town Clean Up event. It helps prepare our university for the return of our alumni. This initiative is not only to give back to the town and university, but also to increase school pride and spirit as well.” As a Hilltopper, herself, when asked if she felt WLU should do more things with or for the town of West Liberty, Linzy went on to discuss how the state of, not only our campus, but our town should be something hilltoppers take pride in, citing how she would love to see more Town Clean Up Days brought to our greater campus community simply because of rewarding it is; “Aside from being proud of your campus and the town around us, when you know that you helped play a part in creating a safer, cleaner environment for everyone here on the hilltop, you get to feel the goodness that comes with it.” Linzy also works as a student ambassador for WLU, so
when asked how she felt projects like Town Cleanup Day impacted WLU and the greater campus community as a whole, she brought up how hypocritical it can feel when she’s giving a tour to a prospective student and explains to them how WLU is a dry, tobacco free, and no tolerance campus, yet at the same time walks them past stray garbage, empty beer bottles, and lost vapes; “It’s just embarrassing, really, especially when you’re in the position that’s supposed to offer these new students a transparent and honest point of view of our school while also encouraging them to come here. Past that, though, I think as an entire campus we need to rethink our relationship with the community that we share our home with. There are residents who live in the town of West Liberty who aren’t college students. Their houses do not deserve to have their lawns littered with trash, it’s just disrespectful.” An annual Town Cleanup Day is just one small step, but a step nonetheless in direction towards an even more beautiful campus, stated perfectly by Linzy in her wish for the future of the Hilltop; “I want to see a change in the way the town is perceived. I want to see the school give back to the town that gives us so much.”
A graphic of Topper the bear cleaning the town. Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
“Aside from being proud of your campus and the town around us, when you know that you helped play a part in creating a safer, cleaner environment for everyone here on the hilltop, you get to feel the goodness that comes with it.” -SGA Secretary, Maddie Linzy A graphic of the Annual Town Clean Up. Graphic By: Haley Blakemore
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
NEWS
Speech and Hearing Clinic urges students to schedule appointments for National Audiology Awareness Month with approximately 10 million of those attributable to noise-induced loss. Managing sound exposure can protect hearing because once your hearing diminishes, it’s permanent. The simplest way to protect your hearing if you can’t avoid loud sounds is to wear hearing protection. An audiologist can help you identify or customize hearing protection that can provide a comfortable fit and good sound quality.
Note: This information was cultivated from Maureen Zambito’s, director of media relations, press release. October is National Audiology Awareness Month, and the West Liberty University (WLU) Speech and Hearing Clinic urges students to take care of their hearing health. “Since October is National Audiology Awareness Month, it’s a perfect time to remind everyone to protect your hearing and get it checked,” said Stephanie Bradley, director of the speech pathology and audiology program in the College of Sciences. According to the Speech and Hearing Clinic’s webpage, “Speech, language and hearing are all integral pieces of human communication. Any difficulty or loss in communicative function can lead to decreased success in reaching developmental, academic and vocational goals. Communication is a social tool that should be accessible to every individual no matter the circumstances. Our goal is to serve our community by offering a wide variety of services for adolescents to adults experiencing communication difficulties in the areas of hearing, speech and language.”
An inside look of the Behavioral Health and Speech & Hearing Clinic. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore A study published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care cited nine risk factors for dementia where midlife, untreated hearing loss is listed as one of those risk factors. The report also stated that dementia typically starts many years before it is recognized. Untreated hearing loss can impact the brain and cognitive health. “There is also a link between untreated hearing loss and falls,” said Bradley.
According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, an increase in hearing loss in an individual is associated with a three-fold increase in fall risk. Increase in hearing loss can range from having normal hearing to a transition of untreated mild hearing loss. One of the factors in maintaining healthy hearing is being conscious of the degree and amount of loud sound exposure. More than 40 million Americans, ages 20 to 69, have some type of hearing loss
Students can schedule an appointment by visiting the Speech and Hearing Clinic’s page on WLU’s website or by calling the clinic at 304.336.8199.The clinic currently requires out-of-pocket payment in the form of cash, check or credit card. Payment for services is expected on the day of the scheduled appointment. A list of costs and services is displayed within the clinic and can be requested while scheduling an appointment. For more information about the Speech and Hearing Clinic, visit www.westliberty.edu/shc.
For speech and language services, the clinic accepts patients ages two and up. For hearing services, they accept patients ages five and up. They accept self-referrals, physician referrals and referrals from other healthcare professionals. The National Institute of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders states there are growing numbers of younger people reporting hearing difficulties.
“Anyone suspecting that his or her hearing has diminished, should see an audiologist and get tested as soon as possible,” Bradley recommended. WLU offers both an undergraduate and graduate degree in the field of Speech Pathology and Audiology. The university also operates a Speech and Hearing Clinic that offers hearing and language healthcare services to the public at a reasonable cost
A poster outside of the Behavioral Health and Speech & Hearing Clinic. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
Visit the Speech and Hearing Clinic and schedule an appointment for National Audiology Awareness Month by calling 304-336-8199.
CULTURE
CULTURE OCTOBER 21, 2021
Culture Editor Intern: Faith Hayes
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- fbhayes@westliberty.edu
WLU African Drum and Dance Ensemble performs at Lunch with Books program ticipate in singing, clapping, drumming and dancing.
On Tuesday, Oct. 12, the West Liberty University (WLU) African Drum and Dance Ensemble performed at the Lunch With Books program put on by the Ohio County Public Library. Dr. Mitch Greco, assistant professor of music, directed the ensemble. The event was open to the public, inviting everyone to learn about the GA ethnic group of southern Ghana. It is a unique music-culture that fuses idiophone timeline instruments such as the gankogui, double-bell and axatse rattle, with drums played with hands, the jembe and kpanlogo. People who attended the event were encouraged to par-
According to the Ohio County Public Library’s website, “Lunch with Books is the library’s flagship program for adult patrons. Bring a bag lunch and enjoy presentations by authors, poets, historians, musicians and a variety of other people. Complimentary beverages are provided.” “I love bringing a group of strangers together in participating in a music-culture that may be completely new to them.” Greco continued, “Seeing people let their guard down, allowing themselves to be vulnerable - singing, dancing, clapping without fear, these may be uncommon things in modern Western society, but they should be cherished! I also seek out these outreach performances for the benefit of my students. These
The WLU African Drum and Dance Ensemble performing during the Lunch With Books program. Photo Credits: Sean Duffy provide real-world experiences for my music students that are certainly an enjoyable break from all the hours of practice and rehearsal in and around the Fine Arts Building.” The WLU Percussion and World Music Department offers a variety of performance opportunities for students and the surrounding communities. A primary focus of the program is performing in a variety of ensembles to build wide ensemble skills while developing musicianship and cultural awareness.
The WLU African Drum and Dance Ensemble with some audience members after the performance. Photo Credits: Sean Duffy
Greco is also the director of percussion and World Music at West Liberty. He directs the Percussion Ensemble and Marching Hilltoppers Drumline, as well as the world music ensembles. The world music ensembles includes the Advanced and Beginner Steel Bands, the African Drum and Dance Ensemble and occasional “special topic” ensembles. He also teaches applied percussion lessons, as well as courses on percussion funda-
mentals, world music and ethnomusicology, music technology, and professional development for musicians. Visit the Ohio County Public Library’s website for more information about the event and to watch a recording of the livestream. Visit the library’s YouTube channel and Facebook page for more information about the Lunch with Books program.
“I love bringing a group of strangers together in participating in music-culture that may be completely new to them,” - Dr. Mitch Greco Assitant Professor of Music
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
CULTURE
Megan Ciacci Petrella, Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene, goes full circle in her career Contributing Writer: Kayla Deem As a child, Megan Ciacci Petrella would play pretend by placing braces on her dolls and today she is an educator in dental hygiene for students that are striving to achieve their goals. Ciacci Petrella was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and moved to Caldwell, Ohio at six-years-old. After spending a year there, she and her family which consisted of her mother, father and younger brother moved to Pleasant City, Ohio for the remainder of her childhood. Her time was spent in this small town in the country and on her grandparents’ farm when she was growing up. A lot of her memories come from the town, being outdoors and the time that she spent with her family. After being asked what her favorite thing about her childhood home was, she stated: “My favorite thing about my childhood home was the country, rural location. We had a big yard and plenty of space. I could look out my window and see farm fields and plenty of trees and grass all around.” When she was in high school and trying to figure out what career to go into, she was able to receive insight from a friend’s sister
Provided By: Megan Ciacci Petrella
that was in the West Liberty University’s Dental Hygiene program. She made the decision to shadow at a local office and pursue dental assisting after graduating from Shenandoah High School in 2006. Ciacci Petrella graduated from Jefferson Community College in 2008, now known as Eastern Gateway Community College, with an Associate Degree in Dental Assisting. While working to complete this degree, listening to an instructor in one of her classes made her feel like education was something she was going to pursue, as she had always felt education was something she would want to go into. She made the statement, “From then on, it was a goal of mine to be a dental educator.” To continue working towards this goal, she pursued a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and graduated from the program at West Liberty University in 2013. She went on to be an educator in the dental assisting program at Eastern Gateway Community College after graduating. Timing made things difficult which persuaded her to work in private practice fulltime. Throughout this period, she met her husband Jay and made a permanent move back to Steubenville, Ohio in 2014. They have three children consisting of Jameson who is fiveyear s-old, Maylynn who is three and Aida who is one. She recognizes the connection of now raising her own family in the place that she is origi-
nally from. She stated that her most favorite hobby is “being a mom.” Her family participates in many activities. She said: “We participate in sports, soccer and baseball, dance and tumbling, gymnastics, and ninja class (American Ninja warrior type class). We spend a lot of time at the lake and on the boat, go cart or fishing. We do festivals, fairs and local events.” When the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene was introduced at West Liberty, she was immediately interested. She saw this as an opportunity to make her way back into an educator role. She applied, was accepted and graduated with her MSDH as part of the first cohort of students in 2021. Now, by taking on the role of an Assistant Professor of Dental Hygiene at WLU in 2021 she is not only accomplishing her goal of being an educator but is also working at the institution with colleagues that have been her mentors. She stated, “They show so much compassion, support and guidance with not only their students, but with me as well. I could not ask for a better position.”
Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
Provided By: Megan Ciacci Petrella
“From then on, it was a goal of mine to be a dental educator.” - Megan Ciacci Petrella
OCTOBER 21, 2021
CULTURE
PAGE 9
Tent Day Hosted by 2021 Homecoming Candidates
Tent of Mycah Ritchea-Yoho and Jacob Walker. Tent of Hannah Jacobs and Gupaliy Projuabhaldi (DiDi). All Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
Tent of Parker Sherry and Sierra Aniballi.
Tent of Grace Dodson and Joey Adamsi.
Tent of Jenna Mankowski and Michael Runkle.
Tent of PJ Mazik and Tianna Meyer.
Tent of Sydney (Syd) Jefferys and Christian (Gary) Braithwaite.
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
CULTURE
WLU Homecoming Parade 2021
Contributing Photographer: Kaitlynn Wheeler
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
OPINION
OPINION
Opinion Editor Intern: Kailey Carpino
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- kcaprino@westliberty.edu
Why you should double major or add a minor “Personally, as a student double majoring in creative arts therapy and illustration with way too many minors, I wanted to get the With spring registration just around the corner, it’s a perfect time for students to think about the changes they want to make to their academic and collegiate plans. What classes will you take? Which ones will you avoid? What do you want your semester to look like? While those are all perfectly natural questions to ask, it’s also a great time to consider adding a second major, or even a minor, to your scholastic roadmap. Adding a second major or minor can open up your options of courses in a huge way, and while it can be extremely daunting when you look at Degree Works after adding that proposed plan, it also gives you more leeway in planning out the rest of your time here on the Hilltop.
most out of my time here at West Liberty as I could.” - Creed Kidney, sophomore get the most out of my time here stances had been different, I feel at West Liberty as I could. like I would’ve been drawn to the same path, or paths, for that matter, However, I also know it’s because I really just love to learn. important to recognize that my Having the ability to jump from situation is different from many area to area is something I’m realother students, as I’m attending ly thankful for, and I personally just school mainly on scholarship, so think it’s a lot of fun. picking up multiple different fields of study wasn’t something I had to Picking up another major or necessarily think too hard about. minor really comes down to the individual in question and where they I also came into school would like their college experience with a multitude of general edu- to take them, along with what excation credits completed, so it felt actly they want that experience to natural for me to find something look like. to occupy my time with. In the end, though, even if my circum- When asked if she thought
Alexia Schmader, sophoemore, music and elementary education double major and creative writing minor, echoed much of these same ideals when asked why she originally chose to pursue a double major; “I realized that in order to find the path that’s right for me I needed a broader scope of knowledge for my future. My love for teaching early education was too powerful just to major in music and my love of music was too powerful to go straight elementary ed! I’m still trying to figure out which direction I’m leaning, but I love having the opportunity to learn and grow in both of my passions!” Personally, as a student double majoring in creative arts therapy and illustration with way too many minors, I just wanted to
Graphic by Haley Blakemore
if double majoring or minoring is something other students should take advantage of or not, Schmader agreed, “If you can’t decide between two of your passions then you should definitely take advantage of double majoring! You can always change your focus later in life, but it’s much harder to go back for another degree.” Looking into other fields of study in conjunction with your own can also open up a conversation of utility; like Schmader said, it’s much harder to go back to school for another degree later in life, I came to the same conclusion when choosing what I wanted to study. I had known for a long time that I wanted to study art in some capacity, but I was never sure what I wanted to do exactly with it. From the beginning of my freshman year, I had the illustration major tacked onto my profile, but different secondary majors and minors often filtered through, until I came to find creative arts therapy. In studying illustration and CAT (creative arts therapy), I was able to study and, hopefully, will receive the art degree I knew I always wanted, along with a degree that would ultimately get me a job in a field I loved and was interested in. They also go together in their focus on the creative arts. At the end of the day, every student has a lot of thinking to do about what they want their life to look like after school, but as pre-registration happens from Oct. 11 to Oct. 29, it never hurts to consider how a second major or minor might help you ultimately get to your desired path.
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
OPINION
Wondering how you can stay healthy as a college student? Read below! On Oct. 7, the Student Government Association (SGA) sent out a survey via email to see what food options students would prefer. Out of the 184 responses to “If you were able to replace a food provider, which one(s) would it be?” 58 (31.5%) students said WOW, 38 (20.7%) said Jazzman’s and 116 (63%) said Sandella’s. Subway is to be replaced with a different restaurant. In response to “Any specific places you’d rather see and eat at on campus? (Chick-fil-a, Dunkin’, etc.)” students seem to favor Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Dunkin, Starbucks or Taco Bell. Out of 191 students in response to “What food options would you like to see more of?” students seemed to put healthier options more. Rhonda Noble, interim chair and professor of physical education said, “Although most fast
for students to do would be to follow the replacement strategy. This is replacing unhealthy foods with healthier options. Instead of filling their rooms or homes with cookies and chips, replace them with fruits and vegetables.”
The salad bar in the cafeteria Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore food places are not the healthiest, something similar to Subway where students can get a fresh made salad and not a premade one or get a veggie wrap or sub.”
Sandella’s has plenty of healthy options, but it seems like we are looking for something
healthy with more flavor. Not everyone likes barbecue pizza or bean bowls. We need something more universal. Jazzman’s was most favored, so Starbucks and Dunkin won’t work. Chipotle has some items that have less calories than Chick-fil-A, but they also have things that are higher in calories. Sandella’s has similar items to Chipotle, so that also wouldn’t work for some people. Chick-fil-A is good, but their variety isn’t like Taco Bell’s. Taco Bell’s calories are similar to Chick-fil-A’s. It’s flavorful, with the health benefits people are looking for. The decision for the replacement has not been decided yet, so how can we stay healthy on campus now?
Duncan said, “Fitting anything into your schedule is based on how much you prioritize what you are trying to fit. Start out deciding when you will set aside time to exercise, then fit the rest of your day into your schedule. You’ll likely find that you have more time than expected. Naps, TV and phone time are generally more prioritized by college students who believe they do not have time for exercise. Eating healthy is largely a matter of personal accountability. Setting and maintaining goals will take away any perceived hopelessness or lack of opportunity.” The Cafe has a salad bar, fruits and vegetables and soy milk for the most healthy options. You can get the Bite by Sodexo app to see the calorie intake for everything served. Bear Necessities has grapes, granola bars and other healthy snacks. Students can work out in the basement of Krise. We also have two tracks, a pool and other work equipment at the ASRC building. Do your part to stay healthy!
Noble said, “I always recommend scheduling a time every day for exercise. Exercise does not have to be jogging or spending hours in the gym. Go for a walk around campus or at Oglebay or play racquetball or tennis. The key is to find something you enjoy doing! For example, take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk to class.. Just as a note, exercise is the best stress reliever. All of the bad things stress does to your body, exercise counteracts. Get those endorphins flowing! The best thing Poster for the Bite by Sodexo app Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
SPORTS
SPORTS OCTOBER 21, 2021
Sports Editor Intern: Ross Salvatori
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- resalvatori@westliberty.edu
WLU Downs Fairmont on Homecoming 52-31 Contributing Writer: Isaac Basinger
against the Falcons, and West Liberty now leads 30-24.
It was Homecoming on the campus of West Liberty University (WLU), and the Hilltoppers took on the Fairmont State University Falcons. The Hilltoppers started slow, but were able to come out victorious after a second half comeback to win 52-31.
Scoring slowed down for a while until late in the fourth quarter. Floria was able to find receiver Jerimiah Taylor in the back of the endzone for a touchdown on a 17-yard score. The extra point was good, and Fairmont State took a 31-30 lead with 2:28 remaining.
The Hilltoppers were without starting quarterback Jack Allison due to an undisclosed upper body injury. West Liberty rolled with redshirt freshman, Jamie Diven. “Jamie is extremely composed,” West Liberty head coach Roger Waialae said. “I never have to tell him to calm down. He doesn’t ride that emotional roller coaster and that allows him to be successful in pressure situations.” After a three and out by the Falcons, the Hilltoppers had a chance to strike first. After an 11 play 89-yard drive finished with an 18-yard Diven touchdown pass to Isaiah Robinson, and an Owen Rozanc extra point the Hilltoppers had a 7-0 lead. This would be the only points West Liberty would score in the first half. Fairmont State responded with a Colin Harvath 21-yard field goal to cut into the Hilltopper lead. With 10:46 remaining in the first half, quarterback Michael Floria scores on a 41-yard draw play and a Harvath extra point to give them the lead 10-7. With 6:44 remaining in the first half Floria was able to find receiver Shawn Harris on a 51-yard passing touchdown to extend the Falcon lead. After the extra point was good the Falcons now lead 17-7. This would be the score at
halftime. After a stalled Fairmont State drive, the Hilltoppers were able to block the Dima Amaya punt, and Jordan Wood was able to pick it up and scamper into the endzone from 15-yards out. The extra point was good by Rozanc, and the Hilltoppers cut into the Falcon lead 17-14.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports West Liberty led again 28-24. The game now enters the fourth quarter and Fairmont State has the ball deep in their own territory. Floria was able to complete a pass down the field, but there was a holding penalty in the endzone. By rule the play results in a safety
On the ensuing drive, Diven came up clutch and found Robinson again on a 46-yard touchdown strike that gave the Hilltoppers the lead once again. Diven found Robinson once again on the two-point try to make the score 38-31. After back-to-back “pick 6’s” by West Liberty’s J’Aire Pritchett and Elijah Hadley, the Hilltoppers were able to hold on to the lead and win 52-31. The Hilltoppers are back in action next Saturday as they travel to Wheeling to take on the Cardinals at 1 p.m.
West Liberty wasn’t done just yet. With 3:29 remaining in the third quarter Tyler Moler was able to cap off a four play 58-yard drive with a 15-yard touchdown run. West Liberty regains the lead 2117. The Hilltopper lead was short-lived as the Falcons went to the air once again. This time Floria was able to find receiver Javon Hayes from 56-yards out to finish their three play 60-yard drive. The Harvath point after was good and Fairmont State leads again 24-21. West Liberty was able to respond again, this time in 58 seconds. Diven rolled out to his left and was able to find junior receiver Nate Phillips on a 77-yard touchdown bomb to answer the Falcons. The extra point was good, and
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
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Exclusive Player Spotlight: Hannah Kemp ite moment has been throughout the entirety of her career, Kemp responded with, “my favorite memory in my running career has not been a specific moment, more so, the transition to collegiate running. I have been able to find ‘my people’ and develop a deeper passion for the sport. I have met a great group of runners, on my team and from other teams, and I have a really great coach. I’ve also had some of the most enjoyable runs and races since I entered college. I am very fortunate to have plenty of beautiful places to run and embrace nature, like some of the back roads surrounding campus.”
Hannah Kemp has not only been the model of consistency for the West Liberty University women’s cross country and track teams, but she has also found herself to be one of the premier runners throughout the Mountain East Conference (MEC). An attendee of Union Local High School, Kemp’s high school career featured a regional qualification, and also included a OVAC championship. That success was easily noticed by college coaches, and Kemp eventually committed to West Liberty University, where she is now currently majoring in Exercise Physiology, with a concentration in Pre-Athletic Training. When Kemp first stepped foot on West Liberty’s campus as a freshman, she took the conference by storm as a dual sport athlete. As it currently stands, Kemp holds numerous university records, including indoor track records in the mile run and 3,000 meters, as well as Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
outdoor track records in the 1,500 meter, 5,000 meter, and 10,000 meter. The success on the track has undoubtedly transferred to cross country, where Kemp was undefeated in competition during the abbreviated 2021 season. That same season, Kemp was named the MEC 2021 Runner of the Year, which only adds to her accolades. In her entire career, she has also been named to the 2021 MEC All-Academic team, and is a 2-time All-Region and All-MEC selection in women’s cross country and track. This year she picked up right where she left off. Out of the three races she’s competed in, she’s won two. She placed first in the Bethany Invitational which had 12 teams competing. She also won the Carnegie Mellon Invitational which had 14 schools and over 100 runners. She also placed in the top 15 at the Lock Haven Invitational where she competed against 250
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
runners and several division one schools. At this race she was only one of three MEC runners to place in the top 20. With this success, one might have expected she had been running her entire life, but she hasn’t. “I have been running since the summer before I entered 7th grade, which is roughly nine years,” said Kemp. She also went on to add that in regards to her interest in running distance, her love for it did not begin in high school, rather, her entrance into college. Kemp said “in high school, I quickly found that sprints were not my forte. I did not develop a love for longer distances until I came to college. Last spring, my coach introduced me to the 10k. I have run numerous 5k’s but the 10k distance on the track was a new, yet interesting, experience. Running distance is a privilege, and I find it extremely rewarding. I enjoy getting the ‘runner’s high’ and it’s a great stress reliever. Sometimes there will be times when I don’t want to go out the door to run, but there is never any regret once the run is over.” It is easy to recognize the difference between Kemp’s love for the sport compared to others. When asked about what her favor-
The love Kemp has for her teammates had been shown throughout all of the interview, and when asked about not only hers, but the team’s overall vision for this season, Kemp explained that, “I like to enter each season with a clean slate. There will always be expectations, but I have found it best to take each race as it comes to avoid any unnecessary stress. As far as team goals, it is in our best interest to stay healthy and each do our part. We can accomplish more than we think when we have a positive outlook on each task at hand. I see great things for us in the future.” Kemp also liked discussing her plans after West Liberty, and when asked about it, went on to add, “after college I would like to pursue a career helping people in either a therapy or athletic training setting. I would like to find a job where I am needed, but also active. I also plan on continuing to run for enjoyment, garden, and take up hiking.” What makes Kemp such a special runner, as well as an overall person, is her outlook on her team, her career, life, and future goals. With the ongoing cross country season, Kemp looks forward to adding to her success and fortunes, with everybody on the Hilltop supporting her. For more information, please visit hilltopper sports at hilltoppersports.com.
SPORTS
OCTOBER 21, 2021
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Men’s and Women’s Soccer look to finish season strong against MEC teams. As it currently stands, the Hilltoppers currently sit at second place in the MEC North Conference, trailing only Frostburg State University, who holds a 8-21 overall record including a 7-1-1 record in the MEC. Overall, West Liberty’s performance sits them at fourth in the entire MEC, trailing only Concord University (9-0-2, 7-0-2), Frostburg State University, and West Virginia State University (7-3-1, 6-2-1).
Men’s Soccer West Liberty University men’s and women’s soccer teams are continuing their efforts as the end of the season looms near. For the men’s team, they have appeared to have hit a rough patch in the month of October. Following a 4-4 start to the season, which included a 3-3 record in Mountain East Conference play, the Hilltoppers went on a difficult four game losing skid in which they conceded a total of 14 goals. Understandably, this losing streak has been a tough pill to swallow for everyone involved, but there are actually some positives the team can focus on despite the difficulties they are facing. The first positive, the Hilltopper men’s soccer team can look at the youth the overall team possesses. West Liberty only has seven upperclassmen: Junior Adam Lynch, Junior Tyler Swafford, Junior Spencer McDonald, Junior Drew Theiss, Senior Arun Sankar, and Graduate
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports Students Bernardo Vilchis and Mikel Ubeda. The remaining entirety of the Hilltopper roster includes a staggering thirty-one underclassmen, with twenty-seven of those underclassmen being freshmen. Although currently holding a 4-8 record, West Liberty can salvage their season and focus on the development of their young players. Another positive West Liberty can identify is the efforts of Vilchis, Vitor Otsuka, and Liam Toman. The trio of Hilltoppers are responsible for a combined total of 25 points for the team, which is about 73% of the entirety of team points. Freshman Toman has posted an extremely respectable seven points in his first season, while Vilchis and Freshman Otsuka have both tallied eight points. The leadership of these three men, in which two out of the three will be returning next season, offers a terrific bright spot for the team as a whole.
No matter the outcome, the West Liberty men’s soccer team is positioned strongly for the long haul, with youth in the masses preparing them for years to come. Women’s Soccer Next, the Lady Hilltoppers are experiencing a terrific 2021 campaign. West Liberty, who is 4-1-1 during their last six games, currently holds a 6-3-2 season record, which includes a 5-2-2 record
A huge part of the Lady Hilltopper success is the play of Kaelyn Oskin, Alyssa Rhinamen, Rileigh Gualtiere, and Isabella Aperfine. The four stars have combined for thirty points, which is incredible given how difficult the MEC has been as a whole. Aperfine has logged six total points, and while both Rhinaman and Gualtiere have contributed seven points each, Oskin has ten points on the season, and have really paved the way for the Lady Toppers success this year. With six games remaining, two of which are against Concord and Frostburg State, West Liberty looks to continue their strong pursuit of first place this season, as the MEC Championships begin on Nov. 8.
With West Liberty having six remaining games against MEC foes to close out the season, the team hopes to string several wins together and close out the year strongly before the MEC Championships. Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
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OCTOBER 21, 2021
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WLU Golf finishes 2nd in Nancy Nichols Fall Invitational After finishing second in the Mountain East Conference (MEC) championships, the men’s golf team headed to Florida to play in the Nancy Nichols Fall Invitational on Oct. 11 and Oct. 12. Freshman Noah Seivertson liked what he saw out of his team at the tournament. “I felt like the team had one of our best performances in Florida, we played some really good teams, and we were able to compete and get second place,” said Seivertson. The first day the team played two rounds of golf for a grueling total of 36 holes. After the first 18 holes, the Hilltoppers were sitting in third place with a total of 294 strokes. The second-place team, St. Thomas University had 293 and the first-place team, Southeastern had 285. The second round saw West Liberty take possession of second place by scoring a total of 295 shots while St. Thomas dropped a spot with a score of 301. Southeastern padded their lead with a score of 281. The second and final day
of the tournament the Hilltoppers looked to hold the second place spot and hopefully try to catch the dominant Southeastern squad. The final round saw the Hilltoppers finish with 297 strokes, while St. Thomas carded a 303. Southeastern stayed hot and finished with 290 strokes. The final round saw Southeastern shoot an incredible three round total of 8 shots under par. The Hilltoppers finished 22 strokes over par for second place with a comfortable lead. St. Thomas tied for third place with Webber International with 33 over. Junior Alex Easthom was happy with the team’s performance. based on how exhausted the team was.
Hilltoppers hope to claim a spot in the regional tournament. Since the Hilltoppers did not win the Mountain East Conference Tournament, they will have to receive a bid based on their record and the competition they’ve faced. From the season that the Hilltoppers have had so far, the team fully expects to be playing in the regional tournament come the spring. Not only do they think they will be playing in the region, they feel that they can turn the tables and make a run at winning the whole tournament. “I think we have a
really good chance [at winning the regional tournament]. We’ve competed with every team in our region” said Peterson.
Easthom said the key to the team making a run at the regional tournament is to continue to work hard and improve every week just as the team has done all year. West Liberty will next participate in the Shriner’s Hospital for Kids Invitational in Ravenswood, W.Va. on Oct. 23 and 24.
The Hilltop’s Athlete of the Week
Nina Bilotto
Individually, West Liberty had four of their five golfers in the top 20 places in the whole tournament and all five golfers were in the top 25. Easthom led West Liberty with a five over par total for the three rounds. He claimed an overall ninth place finish. Behind Easthom, Howie Peterson IV and Derek Graham both finished nine over par and tied for 14th place. Seivertson finished 10 over par and tied for 18th place. Bo Orecchio finished 11 over par and claimed 21st place. With one more remaining tournament in the fall season, the
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Volleyball - Middle Blocker Year: Junior Hometown: Oakland, Michigan About Bilotto: Helping lead the Hilltoppers to victory against Concord, Bilotto amassed a career high,18 kills while adding in a block and 2 digs. She also had 6 kills, 4 blocks and 3 digs. Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
