the trumpet
www.westliberty.edu/thetrumpet
Volume 99, Issue 16
By RAEANN WILLIAMS and LIZZY GRIFFITH Contributing Writers
West Liberty University
The theatre is located roughly 25 minutes from West Liberty University. WLU students are encouraged to visit and check out the artwork of CreWest Liberty Art Therapy stu- ative Art Therapy (CAT) majors. Department chair Brian Fencl dents are currently showcasing original art in Oglebay Institute’s Towngate said, “The goal is to create awareness in the community of what Art Therapy Theatre ending Feb. 28. All month long, students and is and what we are doing with students. the public can see the art exhibition at It has already led to conversations the Towngate Theatre on Market St in about groups we can partner with.” Not only do students get to Wheeling. It is open from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Monday through Friday and there show off their hard work, but the comis no cost to attend. There are 11 stu- munity is becoming more aware of the dents participating, showing a variety of benefits art therapy offers. Fencl also paintings, mixed media, altered books, said that the art is more than just art- it is a “path to healing.” ceramic sculptures and masks. Exhibitions are opportunities The creative arts therapy program at WLU has been offered since for anyone to learn more about how art 2014 and has been working on building therapy works and to show how stua strong program for its students and dents are being trained. Dr. Susan Ridley, assistant the community to learn how art can be professor of Creative Art Therapy, said, used for both therapeutic alternatives “This exhibition provides information and self- expression. about what art therapy is and how it can help multiple age groups and different populations.” This means art therapy can be helpful in mental health services, hospital settings, substance abuse, schools and after-school programs for any age group. “Art therapy is about using the creative process as a tool for healing,” said Ridley. As a certified professional clinician, she believes that anyone can benefit from the practice. Art therapy is a form of treatment that involves asking a patient to create art as part of a plan to focus on selfawareness, recognize coping mechanisms or even strengthen communication skills. The art modes could include drawing, painting, sculpture or creating Photo Credit: Raeann Williams collages.
February 20, 2020
Manuela Hoffmann, a student in the CAT program said, “[Art] helps people see things through other people’s eyes and adds curiosity. If you see the process of it and its presentation, you get a full view of how it affects each person.” Creative Art Therapy helps people in various ways and gives the community the opportunity to see how it affects them personally. One of Ridley’s third-year students, Savannah Allen, said that “Art helps you express yourself in ways that words cannot.” She continued, “There are people who don’t always understand what is going on in their minds. Art is a great way to reveal that.”
Upcoming events in the current spring semester include a poetry session discussing the subject of aging on March 19 and on March 26 CAT students will have the opportunity to talk about their experiences with adults at the Continuous Care facility at Wheeling Hospital. Any students interested in seeing more local artwork can visit the Nutting Gallery in the Fine Arts building to view pieces created by WLU art faculty. Their “Myths and Legends” themed exhibition went up Jan. 22. liberty.edu. Due to successes of this year's exhibition, the Towngate offered to host
Photo Credit: Raeann Williams Currently about 25 students are enrolled in the undergraduate program, and Ridley is working to integrate a Master’s Art Therapy and Counseling program beginning in the Fall of 2021. Art therapists must hold a Master’s degree to be considered a professional in the field, and the new program would prepare students to meet standards for board certification.
an annual CAT exhibition. Professor Ridley says that the 2021 CAT Spring Exhibition will open on Jan. 23 and be open to the public for a month. The opening will also feature a spokenword performance from The Prosers. For more information, Dr. Susan Ridley can be contacted by phone at 304-336-5281 or by email at susan.ridley@westliberty.edu.
commentary&entertainment The Trumpet- Page 2
By ASHLEY COLE Contributing Writer Sexual consent is a very important and hot topic in current news. With news stories everywhere with people of positions of power abusing consent and movements like “#MeToo” advocating for more education on sexual consent, it’s a topic that is gaining a much-needed awareness. Recent pop culture products such as the bookturned-Netflix series 13 Reasons Why have paid attention to the topic and how sexual consent is an important aspect of any healthy relationship, as well as some ways to help people who have been sexually assaulted. Respecting sexual consent is very important not only in pop culture and media but in the lives of students here at West Liberty. Consent is an agreement to participate and engage in any sexual activity. Before engaging in any type of sexual activity, participants should talk and make sure that they are comfortable to know each other’s boundaries and knowing to stop if either person requests too. Respecting sexual consent is important, and is a key factor in maintaining a healthy relationship with a significant other. Whether it’s a hookup, a long-term relationship, or even a married couple, everyone in any sexual situation deserves to have their boundaries and rights respected. It is important to remember that in certain situations, such as when someone has been drinking, they cannot consent.
Photo Credit: Ashley Cole As someone who has friends who have suffered sexual assault due to their consent not being respected, it so very important to always keep in mind that at any time your partner can change their mind and has the right to say no: and that is something to be respected. Kate Billings, Director of Student Activities and Title IX Coordinator had the following to say about sexual consent. “Participants should obtain and give effective consent in each instance and before each sexual act. Consent is informed, freely and actively given through mutually understandable words or actions that indicate a willingness to participate in the sexual activity. Consent cannot be gained by ignoring or acting in spite of the objections of another.”
Consent can be withdrawn at any time and for any reason. If there is any ambiguity or confusion, the initiator of the sexual activity should stop and clarify the other’s willingness to continue and the capacity to consent. Assumptions about consent or willingness to engage in sexual activity should never be made. A person who is incapacitated by alcohol or other drugs cannot give consent. If you are too drunk to make decisions and communicate with your partner then you are too drunk to consent. The absence of a "no" doesn't mean "yes." Respecting consent is important in any sexual relationship. Communication, honesty, and respect make sexual relationships better. Asking for and getting consent shows respect for yourself and your partner.
It eliminates the entitlement that one partner might feel over the other. Neither your body nor your sexuality belongs to someone else. People may say things like: "There’s no sexy way to ask for consent. It kills the mood", "Partners don’t actually want the other to ask.", or "Asking for consent is emasculating," but this is not the case. There are a number of different ways to discuss consent. 1. Ask your partner explicitly. 2. Tell them what you want. 3. Ask them what they want. 4. Ask about their comfort levels. Rather than treating consent like a request, treat it like a conversation. Both parties should be able to commu-
nicate their limits, boundaries, level of comfort, and be able to fully participate without feeling guilt or pressure over the matter. This information and advice can go along way toward making sure that in any situation, everyone is comfortable. Another resource for students could be the website for the West Virginia Foundation for Rape and Information Services where you can find information and services regarding sexual assault, harassment and consent. The website is fris.org. All of these resources and information can help any situation where consent is needed to be an easier conversation that can lead to a healthy relationship for both parties.
Follow the Trumpet Online at westliberty.edu/thetrumpet and on social media: Facebook:
The Trumpet at West Liberty University
Twitter: @WLTrumpetOnline Instagram: @WLTrumpetOnline
The Trumpet- Page 3
By ANNA JOHNSTON Online Editor This time of year is notoriously known for people getting sick. This year, the news has been taken over by the spread of a disease named COVID-19, known more colloquially as the coronavirus. Despite holding the status of a super spreader, there are only 15 confirmed cases in the US with zero related deaths. The coronavirus originated in Wuhan, China at the end of last year and has since resulted in the deaths of over 1660 people in China with almost 68600 confirmed cases. These numbers are definitely scary, but in reality, the mortality rate is less than 0.02% - in some areas of the US, the death rate of the flu
is greater than 20%. The virus family which COVID-19 originates from, coronaviridae, is actually known for many diseases. For example, the SARS virus which spread in the early 2000s was a form of coronaviridae. So, the coronavirus is not an entirely unknown issue. In order to contract the coronavirus you have to actually come into contact with it either through contact with an infected person or a surface hosting which the disease has touched. Taking basic precautions, such as washing your hands or avoiding touching your nose or mouth can help you to protect yourself against getting sick, just like with any other generic illness. According to ASAP Science, “Once the virus
comes in contact with your cells it binds to receptors on that cell. You can think of the outer layer of the virus like a key and if the virus has found the right cells, in the right species, its keys are able to open the lock on these cells.” This means that the virus has access to start disrupting all the cell’s “machinery” and is able to start producing more viruses. The immune response from your body is what creates the symptoms of illness which, according the World Health Organization include: “serious respiratory illness with fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties.” The coronavirus often presents itself as pneumonia. These are common symptoms for a number of illnesses which in part is what has made the virus so tricky to track.
CAST YOUR VOTE!
In the vast majority of cases the body and immune system is able to fight off the coronavirus, it is only in those with compromised immune systems (generally elderly people or the very young) who are at serious risk of death. Being aware of the coronavirus is certainly important and it is well within reason to be concerned with its rapid spread. However, there a far greater health threats currently present in the United States. The most prominent at this time of year is the flu. WLU Director of Student Health Services, Nurse Christy Bennington commented, “With communal living and so many students sharing classroom space, spreading colds and viruses is easy if you're not careful.” Paying extra atten-
tion to basic self-care habits such as hand washing, coughing into the bend of your arm, drinking lots of fluids and getting a flu shot is particularly important at this time of year. “If you have symptoms that aren't showing any signs of clearing up within a few days, you may need to take a trip to Student Health Services or your doctor,” said Bennington. “Simple illnesses can sometimes turn into more dangerous ones if left alone so make sure to seek help if you aren't feeling any better.” Stay vigilant of the coronavirus and do not diminish its importance, but avoid undervaluing the threat of other more common, and potentially more dangerous, illnesses which are more potent in the US. Take care of yourself this flu season!
EDITORIAL POLICY
Go to our Twitter @WLTrumpetOnline to vote in this week’s online poll:
Letters to the editor must be received one week before
Are you ready for mid-terms?
writer. All letters will appear as received unless the
Last week’s poll:
publication. They must be typed and signed by the
writer requests that they be corrected. Letters can be
What is your favorite part of winter?
emailed to wltrumpet@westliberty.edu. They will be run
Poll Question
as needed. Writers’ names may be withheld upon
33% Snowy Days
request, but anonymous letters will not be accepted.
33% Winter Sports
Letters to the Editor do not necessarily reflect the
30% Hot Drinks
opinions of West Liberty University, The Trumpet, or its
4% Winter Fashion
staff.
The Trumpet- Page 4
From THE ARCHIVES Hilltopper Sports Burial Holmes is a graduate of the Tiltonsville High School of Ohio. He enrolled at West Liberty State in 1958 and attended intermittently from 1958-1961. He played one year for the Wheeling Ironmen football team in the United Football League in 1962. Burial joined the U.S. Air Force in December of 1962. Upon completion of his military duty, he returned to his education at West Liberty and participated in football and track. His senior year, 1968, saw Burial honored by the N.A.I.A. as a Second Team AllAmerican in football. As a member of the track team, he won first place honors in the discus throw and second place in the shot put in the West Vir-
ginia Intercollegiate Conference track meet. Burial was honored by the conference in 1974 as a member of the "All-Time" AllConference football team. Following his graduation from West Liberty, he taught and coached football, baseball, and track at Grant Middle School in Steubenville, Ohio. In 1971 he entered graduate school at Youngstown State University and received his M.A. degree in guidance and counseling in 1972. That same year he served as a counselor, grade 10-12, in the Warren City School System of Ohio. In 1974 Burial was hired by the Ohio County School system of Wheeling, W.Va. He was hired as an assistant principal and has worked in this capacity for the
past 19 years serving the community and children as an outstanding school administrator. Burial was introducedinto West Liberty’s Hall of fame in 1992 and introduced by his good friend Dr. Albert Blatnik. During the introduction, Blatnik said, “Bo Holmes was the first black to play varsity sports at West Liberty. (There was one black who participated in a minimal track program before integration. President Elbin used to be proud of the fact that he had allowed this light-skinned black to attend West Liberty before it was actually legal.) Bo is the one who made history at West Liberty! Make no mistake about it – Bo Holmes was the first to undertake the almost dehumanizing task of integrating the West Virginia Conference, at least as far as West Liberty State College was concerned.”
MISSION STATEMENT "The Trumpet's mission is to provide WLU students of all majors an opportunity to learn how to gather and present news and information to the campus community, both in print and online, and to serve the WLU community with fair and accurate reporting on matters of significance and interest."
Burial (Bo) Holmes was inducted into the West LIberty Hall of Fame in 1992.
Photo Credit: Hilltopper Sports
Editor’s Note: In honor and celebration of Black History Month, we at the Trumpet have chosen to look to our past and remind those in the present about what has come before, and hopefully help to inform a more positive future. “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” -George Santayana
The Trumpet- Page 5
By ISSAC RINE Contributing Writer On average, West Liberty experiences four to five water line breaks each year, which forces West Liberty university students and staff to be without water. A boil order is put in place each time the line breaks to fix the pipes and clean the water, leaving a 24hour period where water is not accessible through the pipes. Physical plant director Joe Mills said, “When there is a water line break, I get a call from campus police or the health department telling me if it is on or off-campus.” Mills goes on to say, “If the break is on campus, [we] have extra water stored for instances like this.” Buildings like the ASRC and the Rogers Hall Cafeteria are the first to get this water according to Mills. Mills says that water line breaks happen because of sporadic temperature change. He adds that when this occurs, “[My] guys below me do a great job of getting the breaks fixed as soon as possible.” Staff and students that are on campus during the day are saved by the extra water that is stocked up, but students that live on campus are forced to have dirty water in the dorms for at least a day. Students are informed by the Health Department to not use the water to brush their teeth and be cautious while showering Anthony Salatino, health and safety specialist at
West Liberty University, says, “As soon as I get a call from [Joe Mills] about a water line break, we get the boil instructions out to the students living on campus and even those living off of campus.” Salatino says that there is no cost for these boil orders. The only burden is on the people who are active or living on campus. Aiden Lucey, a freshman at West Liberty, says, “It is hard going from living at home and having my parents make sure I am not using the water if there is a break by my house, but I catch myself either drinking the water or using it to brush my teeth when we have a break on campus.” Commuter Tyler Riedel explains why it is rough even for students that live offcampus to deal with having no water while on campus. “I live 25 minutes away from campus, so I basically have to schedule all of my classes on top of each other to save some gas,” he says. “Not having water in the toilets or having some food options taken away because they can’t use tap water to make certain foods really puts a burden on how I go about my day.” As frustrating as the water line breaks are, we can rest assured that Mills and his staff are doing the best they can to get the pipes fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep stocked up on bottled water! For information regarding water line breaks, contact Joe Mills at jmills@westliberty.edu.
By JOEL PORTER Contributing Writer West Liberty University was introduced to a new streaming service, called Topper Station, in the Fall of 2019, and many new opportunities arose for students and WLUTV-14. “Topper Station represents the evolution of WLUTV-14,” said Jason Koegler, Vice President of Institutional Advancements. Topper Stations crew is completely student run, and although most of the students are broadcasting majors, this is not a requirement. The budget was also brought into question when referring to a new media service. “WLUTV-14 has always been a platform to generate revenue that invests in the WLU student experience,” Koegler said. A completely new website was erected with the help of OMNI Technologies out of Wheeling, WV. Along with that, new equip-
ment has started to roll in, including the start of wireless video streaming from the cameras. Topper Station is being run and operated by Executive Director of Visual Media, Theresa Gretchen as well as being organized by The Voice of the Hilltoppers, Todd Ullom. Ullom explains how this new branch of WLUTV-14 has enhanced the learning and hands on experience for students. “You can sit in a classroom and be taught what tilt, pan, and truck mean, but until you work with a camera you don’t know the real details of how to use a camera. An on-air student can be told what not to say or how to form questions, but they need to be on camera to make mistakes and learn,” he said. Sponsorships and partnerships are a couple of ways a news and sports station can obtain funding. “We are optimistic in a world where Topper Station can be a significant revenue generator for
Photo Credit: Joel Porter
WLU in the future. These come in the form of sponsorship from local and regional companies and organizations. There are also many grant and private funding opportunities that we will also explore,” Koegler said. According to Koegler, Topper Station could further promote academics and he believes this opportunity gives students experience. “The goal of Topper Station is to reflect this paradigm shift and become a "HULU" of higher education if you will. All the while continuing to serve as an academic, promotional and community engagement tool,” he said Many different shows are filmed for Topper Station, not just sports. Other, more campus-oriented videos get produced like HealthyU, along with other sports related content, like “Jock Talk,” run completely by students at West Liberty. Ullom explained how the students are getting real world experience by working for Topper Station. “That’s a lot of positions open for students to get real-world experience without the real-world pressure of getting things right the first time. No one expects our broadcasts to look like ESPN or any of the big networks, but it doesn’t hurt to strive for that.” For questions regarding Topper Station, please contact Todd Ullom at todd.ullom@westlibery.edu. Or, Jason Koegler at jkoegler@westliberty.edu.
The Trumpet welcomes all students, faculty or staff members to reach out to any of the Trumpet staffers with story ideas, comments or concerns. You can also email the Trumpet directly at wltrumpet@westliberty.edu. And if you want to write, take pictures, draw art, or help out with anything else, let us know! You are always welcome here!
The Trumpet- Page 6
By ANNALISE MURPHY Editor As the days get shorter, the nights get longer, and the temperature continues to drop, the winter months are infamous for leaving many of us feeling more tired, gloomy, and sad than usual, also known as the “winter blues.” In a recent Twitter poll consisting of 70 votes from both high school and college students, nearly 86 percent said they felt unhappier in the winter compared to summer months. West Liberty’s on-campus counselor, Lisa Witzberger, confirms that these blue feelings are very common, and many people experience a mood shift during the cold and short daylight hours of winter. While some people may be suffering from the winter blues, others may be dealing with a more serious disorder known as seasonal affective disorder, or SAD. Dr. Tammy McClain, a psychology professor at West Liberty, explains the primary difference between SAD and the winter blues is “In terms of severity.” SAD is not an official diagnosable disease, but McClain said, “It is a specifier that can be added to the diagnosis of one of the identified depressive disorders.” If you or someone you know is strugglings with SAD, it is important to seek help from a professional immediately. The winter blues affect people in different ways, but Witzberger said that the most common symptoms include, “Difficulty sleeping, feeling less social than usual, and difficulty taking initiative.” While no one can control the weather, there are ways that may help alleviate unhappiness during the cold months of winter. Witzberger suggests four ways to overcome the win-
ter blues, which include setting Witzberger said. help normalize your body a sleeping and waking up Bethany Light is a stu- rhythms.” schedule, eating smarter, exer- dent who lives on campus and 2. Eat Smarter cising, and listening to upbeat majors in digital media design. For some people, music. She agrees that the winter has foods such as candy, carbohyBy following these four negative effects on her mental drates, and processed foods tips, in no particular order, you health and her sleep. “It does offer a temporary feeling of satcan say goodbye to the blues take a toll on my mental health. isfaction but could be intensifyand hello to the smiles! ing your case of 1. Set a sleeping and the winter blues. waking up schedule Going to bed Witzberger said at a reasonable hour these foods, “Ulwhen you have assigntimately inments that need done crease feelings seems impossible of anxiety and sometimes. Then sadness,” which morning comes, and are common that annoying alarm winter blue sounding off just resymptoms. minds you that you Madihaven’t gotten nearly son Cavicchia, a enough sleep. commuter stuGetting into dent who majors and maintaining a norin English rhetomal sleep schedule can ric and writing be hard in the dark cold said, “I generally mornings of winter have less motiwhen you just want to vation in the pull warm covers over winter, so, my your head. Our mood eating habits and energy levels are are not the best. partially influenced by I just do not feel two hormones: melalike cooking tonin and serotonin. good, healthy “The body meals every makes more melatonin day.” in the dark. It stays dark Ye s , out for longer in the getting out the winter which might lead pots and pans to the overproduction of and actually melatonin, causing Looking out your window and seeing snow, cooking can be sleepiness and a bit daunting. ice, and sloppy roads can contribute to the But, the good lethargy,” Witzberger blues (unless you hope for a snow day!) said. news is that it In the summer, can be easy to Picture Credit: Annalise Murphy serotonin levels are incorporate higher due to longer daylight I seem to feel tired, and I isolate healthier foods into your diet by hours. Higher levels of sero- myself from the outside world simply choosing to eat fruit or tonin are linked to elevated due to the cold weather,” Light vegetables instead of a candy mood and energy. In the winter- said. bar or other sweet treats, helptime, less light decreases vitaHaving a sleep and ing reduce negative feelings. min D production, therefore, waking up schedule can actu- 3. Exercise serotonin decreases. ally help level your melatonin Exercising and eating “Serotonin is one of the and serotonin levels and ease smarter go hand in hand. When key transmitters in the brain reg- that winter blue sleepiness. you begin to eat smarter, it is ulating mood and trouble reguWitzberger said, going to give you more energy, lating serotonin levels can lead “Going to sleep and waking up which can be used to get movto seasonal imbalances,” at the same time every day to ing. Witzberger said, “talking
yourself into taking a walk when the temperatures plummet isn’t easy, but the benefits are big! Spending your time outside, even when it is chilly, can improve focus and lower stress levels.” In winter, serotonin levels are less active, and cause increased tiredness and hunger, which triggers cravings. Staying positive in the winter can be tough, and exercising can help. Exercise releases endorphins, also known as the “feel good hormones,” which can help boost your mood and increase motivation. 4. Listen to upbeat music Have you ever just had a really bad day, and everything seems to be going against you? But then you hear one of your favorite songs, and you instantly felt better. Music is a great way to ease stress, boost your mood, and make you feel better altogether. Witzberger suggests “Listening to upbeat and cheery music,” can induce a happier mood, increase productivity, and help keep your mind busy. Whenever you begin to feel down about the cold, turn on your favorite playlist and try to keep your mind off of the chilly weather! At the end of the day, the winter blues and the symptoms they cause affect everyone differently. It is very normal to feel more sad, tired, and just over all unhappy during the colder months of the year. Hormonal changes affect our sleep and mood so, it is really important to find what works best for you. When alleviating the general unhappiness brought on by the winter blues, these four tips suggested by Witzberger are a good place to start. If you need help, contact Lisa Witzberger at lwitzberger@westliberty.edu, or stop by her office to schedule an appointment.
sports
The Trumpet- Page 7
Multi-year letterman brings senior season to close By ANNALISE MURPHY Editor
Senior Michael Games is a team member on both the men’s cross country and track teams. A multi-year letterman for both sports, Games is returning this year for his final season as a Hilltopper. Originally from Kingsport, Tenn., Games moved to Moundsville, W. Va. at a young age and went on to graduate from John Marshall high school. Although he is majoring in exercise physiology with a health and fitness concentration at WLU, those weren’t always his plans. Initially Games planned to go to a different university that he loved but changed his mind last minute stating, “I realized that I really didn’t have much passion for the major I had [originally] declared, and they didn’t offer the major I decided to change to. I took a tour here at West Liberty and fell in love with the atmosphere here immediately.” Being an athlete for two sports at the collegiate level and going to school to
earn a degree can take a toll on a person’s mind and body. Games admits that it sometimes can be a lot to handle, and jokingly said, “It’s lots of late nights and strong coffee!” He also mentioned that he tries to take any challenge that comes his way head on. “I accept the fact that I am going to have some tough days. I know there are going to be days where I’ll have to miss out on something fun in order to study or go to practice. But, I remember that I chose to do this,” Games said after talking about his love for academics and sports. “I am blessed to be able to be a part of it all, and that pushes me when I feel stressed and overwhelmed,” Games said. When he isn’t on the track or in the classroom, Games enjoys swimming, reading, and spending time with his girlfriend and family. The Hilltop has truly become a “home away from home” for Games, saying he has learned valuable lessons and is going to miss West Liberty. “Be prepared for anything. Setting expectations for what you think will happen in class
or workout or race will leave you feeling overwhelmed when something unexpected happens. Be ready to face challenges head-on,” Games said. “I am going to miss watching the sunrises and sunsets, and sharing this beautiful campus with my friends,” he said. Games has found that for him keeping “God at the center” of his life has helped him better himself in both academics and athletics. “I’m not consumed with me, myself, and I. And, in turn, I end up enjoying life so much more. The enjoyment itself produces positive results all on its own. I give God the credit for that,” Games explained. Although his time here on the Hilltop is coming to an end, his journey is just beginning. Upon graduation, he hopes to find a job. “Eventually I’d like to go to grad school, but I want to get some on the job experience before I do that. Outside of that, I hope to get married and start a family of my own,” said Games. Giving advice to future
Calling all sports enthusiats! Interested in Sports? Like to write? Join us on Wednesdays at noon in CU22 for our weekly Trumpet meeting E-mail WLTrumpet@westliberty.edu for more information
and current students, Games said, “My biggest piece of advice to anyone is this: don’t be afraid to do something that’s uncomfortable.” Empathizing that life rarely improves inside
someone’s comfort zone, Games believes it is important to get out and try something new. “Don’t stay stagnant. Nothing good ever comes from that,” he said.
Michael Games (left) and Coach Justin Simpson (right) Photo Credit: Michael Games
Coming up this week: Track and Field at MEC Indoor Championships Baseball vs Malone University, Walsh University and Bluefield State College Softball at Southern Indiana Tournament Men and Women’s Basketball at Fairmont State University and Notre Dame College
The Trumpet- Page 8
WLU’s Lady Topper Softball team are gearing up for their season opener. The Ladies prepare to take on six different opponents in the Southern Indiana Tournament in Evansville, Ind. this weekend. Head Coach Herb Minch’s team polled at
number on in the preseason MEC coaches poll coming off the back of an NCAA Atlantic Region title attempt last season. The Ladies finished as runners-up after winning the MEC North title. West Liberty received 10 out of 12 first place votes in the coach’s ballot beating out Fairmont State University by eight points. Nine out of 10 of last
Photo Credit: Hilltoppersports.com
years starters are returning this year with a number of awardees coming back for the 2020 season including All-Region catcher Kat Donzella, MEC Tournament MVP Katie Beeman, All-MEC Standout Allie Cook, MEC All-Tournament picks Taylor Bonnett and Riley Bennington, and former All-Region pitcher Mackenzie Amend. The Lady Toppers Photo Credit: Hilltoppersports.com have their first test of the to close the weekend. season this Friday at the to stamp their mark. Saturday sees the This will be an excitSouthern Indiana Tournament. On the first day, the team take on Kentucky ing season for the Lady team will come up against Wesleyan College at 10 Hilltoppers. The team will Bellarmine University at a.m. and the University of not see any MEC action 1.30 p.m. followed by Indianapolis at noon. This is until March 14th but have Quincy University at 3.30 West Liberty’s first match- plenty of non-conference p.m. WLU have lost in their up with either team giving matchups in the meantime. previous two encounters the girls a fresh challenge. On Sunday, the To keep up to date with the Bellarmine Knights with the WLU Softball team Ladies play Northwood Uniand will be looking to turn the tables and it is the first versity at noon and then follow them on Twitter time the Ladies will play the take on the host, University @wlu_softball and keep an Quincy Hawks and will aim of Southern Indiana at 2 p.m eye on Hilltoppersports.com
WLU Athlete of the Week: Isaiah Robinson Junior Men’s Track and Field From Washington, Pa. Broke the WLU triple jump record with 47 feet 7.25
How many points have the Men’s Basketball team scored so far this season?
inches - the best jump in the MEC this spring. answer: 2511
By ANNA JOHNSTON Online Editor