VOL. 100 – ISSUE 15
THE TRUMPET WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
MARCH 4, 2021
WLU’s Student News Source
March 2021 marks 100-years of publication for The Trumpet - pg. 10
WLU Acrobatics and Tumbling team win their first meet of season against Davis and Elkins - pg. 13 @WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwestliberty @thetrumpetwlu
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THE TRUMPET
NEWS
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
COVER BY: SAMANTHA SNYDER
CULTURE SPORTS Photo Credits: Emma Beatty
West Liberty’s annual MADFest continues - pg. 4
Topper Idol winner Alexia Schmader - pg. 7
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
West Liberty Athlete of the Week: Dalton Bolon - pg. 16
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 WLU community with fair and accurate reporting on matters of significance and interest.
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Annalise Murphy Online Editor Creed Kidney News/Copy Editor Intern Lizzy Griffith Culture Editor Morgan Kafana Opinion Editor Haley Blakemore Sports Editor Intern Anna Johnston Graphic Designer Intern Katlyn Roberts Sports Writer Maxwell Fiedorczyk News/Culture Writer Emma Beatty Faculty Adviser Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell
Letters to the Editor
To submit a letter to the editor, please email anmurphy@westliberty.edu. Please put your name, address, phone number, email address. If the editor decides to publish it, she will contact you to conform your identity.
Contact Us
Wltrumpet@westliberty.edu (304) 336-8873
NEWS
MARCH 4, 2021
NEWS
News/Copy Editor Intern: Lizzy Griffith
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- elgriffith@westliberty.edu
Master of Arts and Education adds three new concentration areas starting fall 2021 full master’s program.
Even amid a pandemic, West Liberty University continues to expand their educational horizons. Beginning in fall of 2021, WLU’s College of Education and Human Performance will begin introducing new 100 % online full master’s programs in education. The three new convenient master programs include: visual art education, leadership in education administration, and instructional design for learning. Program director for the Master of Arts and Education, Dr. Nicole Ennis, shares information about each of the three new programs being added to the Master of Arts Degree (MAD) tracks this fall. The first new program is the Virtual Arts and Education track, which is a full master’s program for people who already have a bachelor’s degree and teacher certification in art education. Leadership in Education Administration is the second track being added and is also a
Particularly, this versatile program is designed for “practicing teachers who want to become principles. It allows them to get the content knowledge and apply to get principal supervisor of general instruction or superintendent added to their teaching certificate – which is required to be employed in any of those positions,” according to Ennis. Not only is this program versatile, but it is completely online to accommodate working professionals. Ennis said developing this track to suit working professionals was important because everybody that would be in this program would be a certified teacher with a full-time job. The third and last program track being added this fall is the Instructional Design for Leaning. The program has Ennis and other faculty members in the MA department “really excited”. Ennis excitedly shared, “this prepares individuals to be instructional designers, which is a growing field. In the wake of the pandemic, it is an even more desired field as we look at all of the things that we’ve had to change from face to face to online.
Program director for the Master of Arts and Education, Dr. Nicole Ennis Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
Instructional design is not specific to teachers or K12 education. It’s for all industries!” This program is designed to train individuals to create space in the online environment for training, teaching and designing content that works in either synchronous or asynchronous learning environment. According to Ennis, each program is approximately 30 hours (typically 2-year programs); however, “there are ways to accelerate” the amount of time it takes to complete chosen program. Applications for the three new programs are currently being accepted for the fall semester and can be found by going to the WLU College of Education and
Human Performance – Master of Arts website. Ennis explained financial aid for these programs is currently available and individuals interested in seeing what their options are should contact Ennis at nicole.ennis@westlibery.edu. For more information about this article, please email Annalise Murphy at anmurphy@ westliberty.edu. Questions regarding the new programs can be directed to Ennis. WLU Director of Media Relations, Maureen Zambito, also published press release, “New tracks for MA in ED start this fall” and includes more information on the subject.
MARCH 4, 2021
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NEWS
West Liberty’s annual MADFest continues accepting applications until March 7 Famous to not only our campus here on the Hilltop but the greater Ohio Valley is West Liberty’s MAD Festival; standing for Media, Arts and Design, the competition is a culmination of countless creative minds throughout the tri-state area, it offers an invaluable opportunity to young and mature creators alike to showcase their work with some good natured competition and receive feedback from not only West Liberty faculty but professional jurors from the work’s respective field (i.e., creative writing, digital art, traditional art, etc.). For high school students, there’s also a chance to earn some substantial scholarships if they should choose to continue their creative pursuits and studies here on the Hilltop.
Dr. Matthew Harder, Dean of
the College of Arts and Communications and Director of Music Technology, said the university has hosted as many as 400 high school students from around the Ohio Valley and tri-state area for festivals in the past to submit and showcase their work; “It’s a wonderful celebration of the arts coming together, digitally or traditionally, drawn or painted, animated or composed, sometimes even documented, it shows the sheer amount of talent, culture, and creativity we have here in the valley. Of course the competition and feedback provided to the students is a great opportunity for them, but it’s also a great opportunity for recruitment for the university to get even more talented and creative individuals here on campus.” Of those creative and talented minds already here on campus, MAD Fest in previous years had opened its competition and gallery opportunities to West Liberty’s own students; this year however, it will only cater to high school students.
When asked if there was any particular reason for this change, Dr. Harder said it really laid in the ease of management for the festival as a whole; “Because of COVID-19, there won’t be any actual campus festivities, no jurors present, and no in-person workshops, so focusing on the recruitment aspect of the festival and limiting the competition aspect to high school students seemed like the easiest most natural change to make. Of course we may go back to including college students and the campus back into the competition and festival again in the future, but this year we wanted to keep it as manageable as possible. Students here at West Liberty, though, do have the opportunity to enter any creative works into the RECAP competition.” Entries for this year’s RECAP competition close on March 5, categories include creative works and performance, oral presentation, research papers, and posters. Even if COVID-19 has limited the festival in some ways, submissions for the competition have always been online through a university created portal, form,
or website; when asked what the overall transition into going completely virtual was like for the festival, Dr. Harder was optimistic in speaking of some interesting opportunities for the competition coming from the change. “Even though there won’t be any on campus workshops or festivities, we’ve reached out to various creative arts teachers throughout the area, who would have usually brought their class up to the campus for the festival, and offered them the chance to Zoom into multiple different faculty workshops we’ll be streaming from campus; so that could provide some interesting streamlining from our university to them, it’s not ideal but it definitely still works and is getting the students of the area engaged and active within this year’s festival.” Entries for the 2021 MAD Festival competition will be accepted until March 7, with categories ranging from audio, digital, traditional, and video submissions; from April 12-16, virtual workshops and awards ceremonies will be held. More information can be found on the festival’s website at https://westliberty.edu/madfest/.
NEWS
MARCH 4, 2021
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Diversity committee celebrates Black History Month through Read-In event
West Liberty’s Campus Diversity Committee celebrated Black History Month this year by participating in the National African American Read-In event set up by the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). WLU participated in the event for the second year in row by creating a compilation video featuring several members of the West Liberty community reading passages from their favorite African American authors.
The Diversity Committee asked throughout the month of February for video submissions of people participating in the read-in. The final compilation video was released on Topper Station on Feb. 25 and is over an hour long. Dr. Franklin Evans, West Liberty University’s first African American President, who took the reins at the beginning of this semester, opened the video with a piece by poet Maya Angelou on aging. The selection is moving and sets the tone for the rest of the video. Evans’ reading is followed by several more clips of WLU community members participating by reading quotes from black
authors that have in some way touched them or impacted their way of thinking.
Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
The reading selections chosen came from a variety of authors including Maya Angelou, Britney Cooper, Ruth Moore Dunbar-Nelson, C. Riley Snorton, Gloria Naylor, Langston Hughes, Gwendolyn Brooks, Lucille Clifton, Derrick Barnes, Gordon C. James, and James Baldwin. Dr. Linda Cowan, accompanied by Dr. Gerald Lee on piano, also performed “Could be” and “Shadow of the Blues, Silhouette” by Langston Hughes and John Musto. Each submission highlighted a different aspect of the culture and talent that Black History Month strives to recognize. The selections chosen by the WLU participants ranged in content, time-period, gender, and type of impact.
Some readings were thought provoking pieces from the late 19th century, and some were recent children’s books. Regardless of these factors, each reading was selected due to the impact that it had on both the reader and society as a whole. Events like these which showcase the talent of the African American Community are important actions to bring attention to a group that has historically been quieted. The WLU African American Read-In compilation is available to view on Topper Station. To find out more about what the Campus Diversity Committee have planned for this year reach out to Chris McPherson by email at Christopher. mcpherson@westliberty.edu.
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MARCH 4, 2021
Women’s History Month celebrations to start this March
March is known for new beginnings as it is the month the seasons’s change, but it is also Women’s history month. Women’s history month is an annual celebration of women and their contributions to America. As told by the official Women’s history month website, the original dedication was only a weeklong which was passed by Congress in 1981 and beginning in 1982. It was not until 1987 that Congress dedicated the entire month of March after being petitioned by the National Women’s History Project. Some women recognized during this month include past and present figures such as First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt, Harriet Tubman, and Dolly Parton. Women do not have to be famous to be celebrated. It includes everyday heroes such as Director of Student Activities and Title IX Coordinator Kate Billings and Instructor of Communications Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell here at West Liberty University. Kate Billings received her Bachelor of Science in Management with concentrations in Marketing & Consulting/Leadership degree from Binghamton University in 2008. After her undergrad degree, she went straight into the workforce. She explains, “I worked in Independent League baseball for about 6 years, with the Bridgeport Bluefish & Washington Wild Things. While in the Frontier League of Professional Baseball, I received the Commissioner’s Award for Excellence in 2013 for my work on the 2013 Frontier League All Star Game. During my time in Washington, I was also the Assistant General Manager for the NPF team, the Pennsylvania Rebellion, and worked with our owners and
NEWS
league in bringing the team to Washington.” Billings added that going into such a male dominated field was especially challenging and intimidating, but once she got started, it was much easier, and she gained respect.
Originally from New York, she made the adventurous decision to attend West Liberty University and receive her Master of Business Administration degree in 2018. She comments, “Here at WLU, I feel like my experience professionally, and how I got here can help encourage students here to go out and try anything. I made it to West Virginia all the way from New York. Students can do the same if that is what they see for themselves, take that jump, that risk, it may be scary, but you will most likely learn and grow as a person.” Throughout her time here at WLU, she has Frank J Harrar Award for Outstanding Service in Student Services for the Division of Enrollment and Student Service in 2018. She also earned Staff Member of the Year from the Student Government Association and the student body in 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Her final comment was, “Through West Liberty, I have been able to meet and engage with so many faculty, staff, and students. I just hope that I have been able to support and influence them as much as I have been over the past 6 years here. As a Director in the Student Services Division, Scott Cook, my supervisor, really gives the directors the power to do what we see fit in our departments. I can continually grow professionally and personally here, learning from failures and successes. I believe and hope that the continual work we do will lead to a growing Student Life Office.” Another significant woman at West Liberty is Professor Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell. As recorded by her WLU biography, she received her Bachelor of
Arts from Wheeling Jesuit University, Master of Arts in Education from Muskingum University, and a Masters of Arts from Bowling Green State University. Mehlman-Brightwell had several leadership positions in her college experiences including Student Government at secretary and treasurer role, editor-in-chief of the student newspaper, and editor of the school’s literary magazine. She is working on her PhD from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her research includes, in her own words, “…why more women ran for office in the 2018 midterm election than in prior years. This qualitative study consisted of interviewing women representatives and senators from all over the state of Pennsylvania who won in the 2018 election...What I have learned from my research is that although women make up 51 percent of the United States population’s electorate, women have yet to break through proportional numbers in politics (Dolan & Hansen, 2018)... Knowledge can help make changes,
Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt so I encourage students to learn about politics/different policies and how it affects them and their loved ones and get involved in clubs and leadership roles now.” Mehlman-Brightwell is an instructor of communication as well as senator elect for West Liberty’s College in Arts and Communication. She currently supervises The Trumpet and is the executive producer for Newsline 14 on Topper Station. She serves on several other committees on campus such as RECAP, The Trumpet’s 100th-year Committee, The Trumpet Adviser, and Distance Education Committee. There are several ways to celebrate Women’s History Month. The most common and encouraged way is to educate yourself on women’s history as well as the issues they still currently face. Other ways include posting about the celebration on social media, promoting women-owned businesses, and simply telling the women in your life how thankful you are for them this month and every day of the year.
CULTURE
CULTURE MARCH 4, 2021
Culture Editor: Morgan Kafana
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- mkafana@westliberty.edu
Topper Idol winner Alexia Schmader finalizes 2021 competition Feb. 24, 2021, marked the end of Topper Idol 2021. This week the contestants were allowed to sing any song of their choosing. Despite this, it seemed that all the participants picked Broadway-like songs. The judges were Jared Thompson, Madison Linzy, and Christopher McPherson and Yodev Ocasio hosted. The first singer of the night was Charli McConnell. She performed “I Dreamed A Dream” from the musical “Les Misérables.” This is a difficult Broadway piece to sing, or as Christopher McPherson put it, “an all-time Broadway Banger.”
The judges asked McConnell why she chose this song to which she replied, “I chose this song because I loved the Broadway round, and Les Mis seemed like the obvious choice. My sister also encouraged me to sing it.”
McConnell is originally from Richmond, Ohio, and is a History Political-Science major with a minor in Criminal Justice at West Liberty University. She is also a Hall Director in Curtis Hall. Next was Alexia Schmader who sang “With You” from “Ghost: The Musical.” When asked about the Topper Idol competition, Schmader commented, “It is such an honor to be a part of it. Even though it may not be a big event for everyone, it is to me. It is a
Photo Credits: Emma Beatty Pictured Above: 2021 Topper Idol winner, Alexia Schmader huge honor to be grouped with all of this talent. My favorite round was this one, and I feel so lucky to have made it this far.” Schmader is from South Park, PA, and is a Music Education major. She is minoring in Creative Writing which assists with her love for writing original music pieces. The final performance of the night was Emily Rudy with her rendition of “Shallow” from “A Star is Born.” Rudy, like the other two contestants, said that she enjoyed the Broadway round.
Photo Credits: Emma Beatty From left to right: Madison Linzy, Charli McConnell, Alexia Schmader, Emily Rudy, Christopher McPherson, and Jared Thompson
The judges once again asked why this was the song choice to which the answer was, “I picked this song because I love ‘A Star is Born.’ Also, if I could be any singer, I would be Lady Gaga. As soon as I
heard this song for the first time, I knew I had to sing it in front of people.” Rudy is an Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology major with a minor in Political Science. She is originally from Martinsburg, WV. Rudy is also the host of “What’s Up West Lib” and a Resident Assistant in Curtis Hall. The big winner of the night was Alexia Schmader. Emily Rudy placed second and Charli McConnell placed third. Each contestant received a basket of West Liberty University merchandise. In addition to that, Schmader received a $1000 scholarship, Rudy $500, and McConnell $250.
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MARCH 4, 2021
CULTURE
NFL official, Sarah Thomas, makes history being first female referee to officiate in NFL for women everywhere: women deserve just as much respect and equality as any other person in sports. Just a few weeks ago on Feb. 7, millions of people nationwide watched the first female referee to officiate the Super Bowl game. The woman is Sarah Thomas. This made history for the NFL and women in the industry. Thomas also was the first woman to officiate on the college level. She continues to make history in the field and inspires women in the industry and sports across the nation. In 2015, Thomas was the first woman to be hired full-time NFL official. Then in 2019, she became the first female on-field official in playoff history. She continues to break gender roles in sports and shows women everywhere to fight for what they want. Cassandra Seth, head coach for the women’s basketball team at WLU, says, “We’ve come a long way since Title IX, but just like with any disparity, the more it is recognized, talked about and understood, the more change occurs… we have to see it as ‘acceptance’ and the more it becomes the societal norm.” Women have had to fight to be seen as equals when it comes to women in sports. Women are not as often seen as coaches or officials in men’s sports, like men are seen in women’s sports. Seth says, “Respect is earned, and I think as a society we are on our way to more acceptance and normalizing females as ‘athletes’ not ‘female athletes.’ ” Seth added, “My job as a female in a leadership position is to show up for our athletes every day and empower them to have the courage and confidence to succeed while setting an example of what that looks like.” Women like Seth and Thomas are being the example
Also making history alongside Thomas, is Lori Locust and Maral Javidifar, both women coaching staff for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. According to The New York Times, “Before 2015, the N.F.L. had never had a female coach. But this season there were eight, by far the most ever.” The article goes on to say, “Advocates of women in sports are cautiously optimistic that the number of women coaching in the N.F.L. will continue to grow.” Lindsay Humble is a thirdyear student at WLU and is on the women’s basketball team. Humble says that she was happy to hear when these women were making history in sports but can also relate to the gender barriers women face in sports. Humble says, “I have [experienced] that I don’t receive the respect as a man playing collegiate basketball does.” Humble went on to say, “On a daily basis I have to prove my abilities to men, especially those who do not participate in collegiate sports and think they could beat me in competition or invalidate the difficulty of playing my sport at the collegiate level since it is women’s basketball.” Women at all levels in sports are continuing to break gender-barriers and prove that men and women can be seen as equals. These three womenThomas, Locust, and Javidifarprove to girls and young women everywhere that they deserve to be seen equally and have the same chances as men do, but especially in sports. For more information or questions about this article, email Lizzy Griffith at elgriffith@westliberty. edu.
Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
CULTURE
MARCH 4, 2021
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West Liberty welcomes Professor Kinsey Guthrie back to the Hilltop result, being able to combine both education and zoo science into a career is an absolute dream come true. The biology department has added an alumnus to their zoo science program, and it isn’t an animal either. Professor Kinsey Skalican Guthrie just recently joined the teaching faculty at West Liberty in 2020. However, Guthrie was a member of the staff from 2016 until 2020 when she became a member of the faculty. “I am truly thankful for the opportunity I have been given here at WLU,” stated Guthrie. Guthrie attended West Liberty to obtain her undergraduate in environmental biology and education, MA in community education, and MS in biology as well as zoo science. She decided to become an educator because she has always had a passion for animals, especially the odd ones that most people are unsure about Guthrie feels that she learned through her experiences that she loved teaching people about the unique animals that they encounter. As a
Currently, Guthrie teaches courses such as introductory biology for non-majors, principles of zoo science, and the husbandry training lab for zoo science. In addition, she also leads all undergraduate and graduate student work with the living animal collection on campus. Besides teaching, Guthrie assists with the science fairs on campus as well as Sifi day each year. She also prior to the pandemic was involved in regular educational programs for the K-12 classes on campus in the zoo science community. Her decision to teach at West Liberty came from her love of the biology department when she was an undergraduate. She felt proud of her degrees and decided that “when the opportunity arose for me to be on the opposite side and assist others in expanding their knowledge and reaching their goals,” she had to join the WLU biology department. Welcome back to the Hilltop Professor Guthrie!
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
MARCH 4, 2021
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THE TRUMPET’S CENTENNIAL
100 Years of Hilltop Voices March 2021 marks 100-years of publication for The Trumpet The Trumpet officially turns 100-years old this March! Volume 1, March 1921 marked the first documented issue of “The Normal Trumpet” (now known as “The Trumpet”) which was the original name of the newspaper because West Liberty University (WLU) was once known as “West Liberty State Normal School”. WLU’s Dean of college of arts and communication Dr. Matthew Harder said, “The Trumpet is the oldest student organization on campus.” Unlike the present day Trumpet newspapers, the very first issue contained zero pictures and was only six pages long versus the current Trumpet issues varying between 15 to 16 pages long. Also, the first documented issue of “The Normal Trumpet” was not organized in any particular section such as today’s issues which are news, culture, opinion and sports. However, like current Trumpet publications, page one was home to all of the hard news stories for each issue and page two included editorial staff names. The second page was home to editorials, and this printed text regarding publication times can be seen in the top left corner: “Published monthly by the Students and Faculty of the West Liberty Normal School.
Subscription — $0.75 per year”. Page three contained a page long article titled, “Henry’s Biography” and page four contained another page long article titled “The White Heather”.
Finishing off this issue in pages five and six were articles pertaining to alumni updates, clubs on campus, and introductions as to how the summer quarter of 1921 was scheduled to proceed. Although The Normal Trumpet reported the newspaper was printed every month, unknown causes have left issues of The Normal Trumpet/The Trumpet missing from documentation throughout the past 100 years of publication. As of right now, the only issues the university still has access to from 1921 include the March, July, August, and December issues. As previously stated, the most important stories appeared on page one of the Volume 1,
March 1921 issue. This page included reports on men’s and women’s’ basketball, professor impressions, superintendent meetings, and a poem titled “A Bird”. The men’s and women’s basketball teams were reported on with an article titled, “Did West Liberty Shine”? Another snippet on page one tilted “Mr. Koon’s first impressions of some of the members of his American History class” listed eleven students with Mr. Koon’s first impressions of them to the right of their names. “The Spring Quarter” reported the spring enrollment numbers for the 1921 spring semester. According to the article, the spring quarter was “larger” than it had been in several years and reports of the normal school expanding educational opportunities was underway. “Echoes from meeting of the dept. of superintendents” covered meeting notes from the Nation-
al Council of Normal School Presidents in Washington between Feb. 24-25. According to the above article, “West Virginia had 100% representation of her Normal school presidents…”. In January of 2020, West Liberty’s head of learning resources, Katy Zane, began the process of converting each Trumpet issue Elbin Library had on file to high-definition PDFs that are available anytime and anywhere. The 100-years of the student run newspaper is available via two Google Drives, which are organized from 1921 to 1990 and 1990 to 2017. Be sure to use your West Liberty email accounts to view the PDF documents within these links.
At the beginning of August 2020, The Trumpet underwent a media convergence process and has switched to a completely digital publishing platform. To view certain issues of past Trumpets and all the newest ones, please visit issuu.com/thetrumpetwlu. West Liberty’s director of media relations, Maureen Zambito, wrote a press release on Monday, March 1, 2021 and discusses The Trumpet turning 100 years old. Celebrations for the centennial include production of a documentary and a coffee table book.
Page 1 & 2 from March 1921The Normal Trumpet Photo Credits: The Trumpet Archives
For more information regarding the history of The Trumpet, how to join the current staff or general questions, please email Annalise Murphy at anmurphy@westliberty.edu.
OPINION
MARCH 4, 2021
OPINION
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Should a new bill introduced in West Virginia forbidding the display and teaching of sexuality in schools pass? This is a step backward in the progress of equality. This is not equal treatment. It’s just not fair for any student involved.
A new bill, recently introduced on Feb. 10, would forbid the display and teaching of sexuality in public schools. House Bill 2157, introduced by Joe Jefferies, John Mandt and Dean Jeffries, would send us back in time. This bill is an addition to the Code of West Virginia 1931. Section 18-2-7g states, “The state board shall prohibit persons from putting up displays relating to sexuality in public school facilities and shall forbid the teaching of sexuality in public schools.”
A parent of a WLU student and a West Virginia high school teacher, initials TJB, said, “As a teacher and a parent, I think it’s important for kids to learn about sexuality and how to properly stay safe when having sex no matter who your partner is. A lot of kids don’t have the support at home to help them understand what is happening with their bodies. As a middle school and high school student, I had to learn things for myself because my parents didn’t explain anything to me or give me “the talk”. That was as a straight
teenager. We need to support all students and help their peers learn about different sexualities because we are not all the same but that doesn’t have to make us different. It shouldn’t be a big deal. We are dealing with the potential of an increase in bullying. However, Gen-Z is the most accepting generation yet, so we will fight back. According to a Gallup poll, one in six (15%) Gen-Z identify with something other than straight.
Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
That means there has been a 5.6% rise, and the numbers are still expected to increase. Also, according to the Pew Research Center only 15% of Gen Z, as well
as millennials, think same-sex marriage is a bad thing. No displays equal no more LGBT+ clubs. Having no safe space is scary. This is just a slap in the face, especially for small-town people. Going from experience, hiding is scary enough when around ignorant people. If we teach sexuality, LGBT+ education will be normalized in these towns. Health class is already insufficient enough. This bill would only make things worse.
MARCH 4, 2021
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Review on West Liberty’s student run “The 304 Podcast” So far, the 304 team has covered a variety of topics including encounters with traffic court, high school throwbacks, travel fails, music, and the Super Bowl.
West Liberty’s student-run podcast, “The 304 Podcast” is a testament to the creativity and talent of the WLU student body. Michael Plesa, Chase Green, Dylan Moran, Josh Spratt and Max Fiedorczyck operate as the show’s hosts and editing crew with guest stars featuring on most episodes. The show began fall 2020 and is currently in its second season and seventh episode with two extra sport-specific episodes in the “304 Sports” spin-off show. “There are two separate podcasts we produce. The first podcast “The 304 Podcast” covers any topic we can think of. There is honestly no topic we won’t cover,” said Fiedorcysk. “ The second podcast is “304 Sports”, where we discuss everything in the sports world.”
Each episode is 30 minutes to an hour long and makes the perfect companion when going to and from classes, making dinner or during some downtime. The light-hearted conversation and humorous anecdotes make the listener feel included and part of the group. The tone is upbeat, and the genuine connection between the hosts and guests is clear in every sentence makes listening all that more enjoyable. WLU has a variety of media platforms with several groups in charge. “The 304 Podcast’’ is one of the latest editions. “What inspired us to do this podcast primarily was to bring something new to West Liberty, not seen before,” said Fiedorczyck. “We believe that a university focused podcast was an incredible idea to bring to life, so we did.” Podcasting has become one of the most influential types of new media in the last few years so diversifying WLU’s media portfolio has certainly benefited the university and all those involved in terms of exposure and experience. Bringing the podcast to life has been challenging but worth it. “The favorite part of our podcast as a whole is coming together and doing something we all enjoy and meeting new people along the process!” said Fiedorczyck.
Graphic By: Maxwell Fiedorczyk
“The 304 Podcast” is available on a variety of media platforms including iTunes and Spotify. You can also check out “The 304 Podcast’s” social media accounts with the handle @ the304pod on Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.
OPINION
Experience “Paradise” while listening to Stephen Thomas’s first EP It made me feel like I could cry listening to it, and I know it will make others feel that way, also. Looking for a new artist to get into this year? “Idiot” is the one to check out! Stephen Thomas, a self-working artist, has recently come out with a new project called “Idiot” and recently released his first EP. The EP was released Feb. 19, 2021. He is a 20-year-old from the Pittsburgh area that has been working in music for quite some time now. From starting other projects to working on this current one now, everything he has put out has been a success.
As the EP opens with “Another Boy”, it has a sound that I feel like I haven’t heard before. It draws you into listening to the rest of the EP right there, instead of skipping through it. While it also closes with “Generation Deprivation,” another favorite of mine, it makes you want to get up and dance. I feel like just by listening to these five songs you can really feel a sense of Thomas’s every emotion. Love, hate, sadness, etc. There is truly a song for everyone.
“For a large portion of the past year, I lived in a really unhealthy state of isolation and self-deprivation. This project was born out of this.” Stephen says, speaking about his new EP. All five songs on this “Paradise” EP were written, recorded, and performed by himself. The EP had two singles before the rest of it followed, “New Obsession” (my personal favorite) and “Mary.” As I listened to the whole thing, I felt like I could understand Stephen better and felt as if I have known him longer than what I actually have. Others also may be able to feel like they know him through his music. This project shows you insight into how he felt at some low points. I personally feel like writing and releasing something so vulnerable such as track three, is a very courageous thing.
You can stream “Paradise” by Idiot on all streaming services, including Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube.
With only a few hundred monthly Spotify listeners, I feel Thomas’ music could be taking off soon with this EP. I feel like there is a song that anyone could relate to. Whether you’ve had a bad relationship in the past or just feel alone sometimes, Thomas says something you will be able to understand personally. With each song not being more than 4 minutes at most, the EP is a quick listen that will make you want to go back and relisten again and again. “Thank you for the support you’ve given the project thus far, and for that which is yet to come,” says Thomas on his project.
Photo Credits: Stephen Thomas
SPORTS
SPORTS MARCH 4, 2021
Sports Editor: Anna Johnston
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- acjohnston@westliberty.edu
WLU Acrobatics and Tumbling team win their first meet of season against Davis and Elkins WLU’s Acrobatics and Tumbling Team had their first meet of the season on Tuesday against Davis and Elkins. The Ladies won 255.720-244.355 against a competitive side. Head Coach Kelsey Kyle’s ladies have had a long wait since their last competition since the 2020 season was postponed due to COVID-19. Since then, the team has been hard at work preparing for the chance to compete again. Tuesday night saw the Lady Toppers take on the Senators under their new Head Coach, Mariah Ack, who got the job in December after serving as the Graduate Assistant Coach for the WLU over the last 18 months. This added element
made this week’s meet even more exciting as the Hilltoppers fought to keep their 3-0 streak against D&E. The Hilltoppers added to their win streak making it 4-0.
Kyle’s squad has four more regular season meets this semester. The next three meets are away trips to West Virginia Wesleyan College, Frostburg State University, and Glenville State College, followed by a home fixture against Fairmont State University on March 28. West Liberty’s Acrobatics and Tumbling Program is still relatively young, but the steam has quickly become a force to be reckoned with in the MEC. “Our expectations are high,” said Kyle. “The team has been working extremely hard this entire year. They have overcome every challenge and setback thrown at them due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are not at all lowering our expectations for this season because of those challenges.” Despite being cut short, the 2020 season saw the Hilltoppers beat their own records and achieve new high scores. Several members of the squad also received National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association (NCATA) awards for their personal achievements during
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports competitions. Kyle and the squad hope to add to this growing list of achievements in the 2021 season, she said, “The team is very focused and has their priorities set in order to have our best season yet.” In every sport, and for every athlete, getting the chance to compete again after such a long hiatus is a very exciting feeling. “It’s hard for me to put into words how excited I am to watch my team compete again,” said Kyle. “I am so proud of how hard each athlete on my team has worked to prepare for this season. I am so thankful for West Liberty and the MEC for everything that they have done in order for us to compete safely.” The Topper’s next meet is on March 8 at 6 p.m.. Check in with Hilltoppersports.com and the future issues of the Trumpet for updates on how the ladies get on! For more information about this article, please email Anna Johnston at acjohnston@ westliberty.edu.
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Softball and Baseball teams prepare for long awaited 2021 seasons men and twenty-three upperclassmen, West Liberty is undoubtedly prepared for this year’s season, as well as the years ahead.
West Liberty University baseball and softball team are gearing up for the 2021 campaign. Undoubtedly, the Hilltoppers are filled with anticipation, leaving much to address for both teams, just in time for the season’s opener this upcoming week. While preparing for their first game against Malone University on March 2nd, the WLU baseball team is putting their difficult 2020 campaign behind them, and focusing on what lies ahead. It is no doubt that going 4-10, before the COVID-19 season cancellation, is difficult to say the least. However, what is most intriguing about this particular Hilltoppers squad is the roster in which they are returning. With a total of twenty-one underclass-
Those highlighting the upperclassmen leadership are Graduate Students Brian Campbell and Chad Matthus, two players who will receive heavy playing time this season. Head Coach Eric Burkle looks forward to this upcoming forty game season. The WLU softball team is just as excited about their upcoming season, as their first two games against Saginaw Valley State University and Ohio Dominican University takes place on March 5th. Although their team numbers are a bit smaller, they have just as much youth and leadership then any other team in the Mountain East Conference. The Hilltoppers softball team features an eye popping twenty-six underclassmen, paired with seven upperclassmen. Among those seven upperclassmen are Juniors Allie Cook, Haley Collett, Kat Donzella, Mackenzie Amend, Laral Saunders, Katie Beeman, and Con-
nor Assif. Just as the team was beginning to figure themselves out during the 2020 campaign, the COVID-19 outbreak struck, halting their season at 7-9. With the added motivation, expect Head Coach Herb Minch and the rest of the Lady Hilltoppers to open the season stronger then they have ever done before during their forty-four game season.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
To stay up to date with all West Liberty sports, please check hilltoppersports.com.
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MARCH 4, 2021
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Men’s and Women’s basketball teams compete in tournaments this week dence that they can win the game and progress to the semi-finals.
Contributing Writer: Mark Donnelly
If they are to end this losing streak, they will need big performances from seniors Audrey Tingle and Olivia Belknapp, the teams two highest scorers this season so far.
The MEC Men and Women’s basketball tournaments get underway this week at the WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, W. Va., with West Liberty being represented on both sides. WLU’s Men’s basketball go into the tournament as the #1 seed in the MEC North Division after finishing the regular season with a 13-3 record meaning they will automatically receive a place in the quarterfinals. The Lady Hilltoppers will also receive a bye to the quarterfinals as their 8-8 regular season record left them as the #3 seed in the North Division. The Men’s side will start their defence of the conference championship with a quarter final matchup against Concord University on Friday Mar. 5 at 2pm. The finished as the #4 seed in the Men’s South Division and narrowly edged out Davis & Elkins 107-101 after 2OT in Monday night’s first round game to set up Friday’s quarterfinal matchup against the Hilltoppers. The Mountain Lions had an 8-7 regular season record, winning against West Liberty in the early stages of the season in January. This was one of only 3 losses for WLU this season so they will be out for revenge in this week’s postseason matchup. This will be a repeat of last year’s quarterfinal which saw West Liberty progress as 100-85 victors on their way to the MEC Championship title. They boast an impressive 20-4 record against the Mountain Lions across the last 11 years, winning nine of the last ten matchups between the two sides.The Hilltoppers have made the MEC semi-finals
Belknapp boasts an impressive 19.6 points per game while Tingle leads the team in assists, rebounds, steals and minutes played, playing an average of 34 minutes a game.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports every year since the conference was formed and they will be looking to continue this streak this Friday afternoon. Head Coach Ben Howlett will be looking to some of his key players to bring their excellent regular-season form into the postseason and help their team progress through the tournament. Junior guard Pat Robinson III was recently named MEC Men’s Basketballer of the week after averaging 26.5 points and shooting 61.1 percent from the floor in his last two games, while leading the Toppers to the MEC North Division Championship.
will take place Saturday Mar. 6 at 8pm. The Lady Toppers face a tough task against Glenville State in their quarterfinal on Thursday Mar. 4 at 11am. The Pioneers have had an impressive season so far, recording 11 wins and just 2 losses, defeating WLU 101-98 in an extremely close game back in January. They are the reigning MEC Conference champions, winning the 2019 conference tournament to reach the NCAA National tournament, which was inevitably cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Robinson is the team’s second highest scorer so far this season, behind only Dalton Bolton, who has also had another impressive season, averaging 22 points per game. WLU will be without the injured Will Yoakum who has played an important part in the team’s success in his 3 years on the hilltop.
Head Coach Kyle Cooper will be hoping that his side can break their 11 game losing streak against the Pioneers and record their first win against them in over 5 years. WLU’s last win in this matchup came back at the start of 2016 in a 101-100 overtime victory.
Either Glenville State or Notre Dame College (Ohio) awaits the winner of this matchup in the semi-finals of the tournament, which
The Pioneers are coming off the back of a loss in the last game against Concord, a result that will give West Liberty confi-
Freshman guard Karly McCutcheon has also had an impressive first season for the Toppers, averaging over 10 points per game and recording a team-high 2.6 3-point field goals per game. Their opponents have also not been shy of some impressive performances this season, with Junior guard Zakiyah Wingfield being the standout. Wingfield comes off the back of being named MEC Women’s Basketballer of the week after scoring 68 points and collecting 26 rebounds in her last three games. The winner of this matchup will progress to the semi-finals of the tournament where they will face either Notre Dame College (Ohio) or West Virginia Wesleyean to fight for a place in the conference finals.
West Liberty University’s MEC’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will compete in tournaments at WestBanco Arena in Wheeling, W. Va. Check hilltoppersports.com to stay up-to-date.
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Hilltopper athlete of the week, Dalton Bolon, continues to shine on the basketball court
When thinking about the success the West Liberty University Men’s Basketball team has had over the past three years, perhaps the most prominent name contributing to that success is this week’s athlete of the week, Dalton Bolon. After seeing massive accomplishments while attending Indian Valley High School, Bolon signed his name to play for the Hilltoppers, eventually cementing himself as a Hilltopper legend. While many consider receiving a redshirt to be a hindrance at best, Bolon embraced it, as it gave him an extra year to work on his craft, in which he had soon perfected. As a redshirt freshman, Bolon was named the Mountain East Conference Freshman of the Year, averaging almost seven-
teen points per game while shooting 46% from the floor through thirty games. Perhaps what is most impressive about Bolon is the quick step up he took during the next year. During his sophomore year, Bolon was named a NCAA Division II All-American, all while being ranked as one of the best players in the nation. While averaging twenty points per game, Bolon set the West Liberty University school record for three pointers made in a season (106). His dominance continued into his junior year, being once again named a NCAA Division II All-American, and helping the Hilltoppers continue their success on the national stage. Despite being one of the most dominant players in not only the Mountain East Conference, but also on the national scale, Dalton Bolon was far from finished in his career as a Hilltopper. It comes to no surprise that the COVID-19
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
pandemic proved to be a shot in the achilles heel for the Hilltoppers title hopes last season. Prior to the season shutdown, the Toppers were cruising from the likes of a 27-4 record, including a ten game winning streak entering the NCAA Division II Tournament. Now using it as motivation, the Hilltoppers and Bolon are enjoying a 13-3 record, just in time for the Mountain East Conference Tournament. As for Bolon and his individual successes this season, he has undoubtedly enjoyed the honor of joining the exclusive WLU 2,000 point club. An incredible feat indeed, as Bolon is also enjoying the likes of 23 point-per-game average on 53% shooting. Although he understands this season is far from individual, it does not take away the
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports legacy Dalton Bolon has brought to the Hilltoppers Men’s Basketball team, and is one that will be remembered for years to come. For more information about this artilce, email Fiedorczyk at mrfiedorczyk@westliberty.edu.
