Western Courier | March 18th, 2019

Opinions: Parents should encourage their kids to earn college degrees

Sports: Leathernecks fall to Wildcats in Florida

WesternCourier.com

Monday, March 18, 2019 - Vol. 119 Issue 65

@WesternCourier

Presidential candidate talks

higher education funding

devon greene/editor-in-chief

Presidential candidate Beto O'Rourke speaks in separate campaign stops in Iowa.

By Steven Barnum news editor

Former Congressman Beto O’Rourke kicked off his campaign trail in Iowa last Thursday after announcing that he will run for president of the United States.

The Texas native served on the El Paso City Council before representing the 16th congressional district of the state. He stepped down in 2018 and committed to running for a Senate seat. Senator Ted Cruz, the incumbent, retained the seat by less than three percent.

O’Rourke joined the already-crowded field of candidates in the 2020 race to the Democratic nomination. With less than one year left until the Iowa caucuses, Democratic hopefuls are looking to build a case on why they are the strongest voice to represent the party.

After the recent layoffs at Western Illinois University, the funding of higher education may be a top concern for voters in the Macomb region. O’Rourke talked with the Western Courier about his intentions at the Beancounter Coffeehouse and Drinkery in

Burlington, Iowa.

“We would be fools not to ensure that every single American can avail themselves of higher education,” O’Rourke said. “It’s an investment that we will have to make. It’s not inexpensive, but the cost of not making that investment is even bigger.”

One of the ways that O’Rourke said that would help students and those who just recently joined the workforce would be to eliminate the $1.5 trillion in outstanding student-loan debt that exists in America at this moment. He said that he also believes in

expanding the opportunities that future workers have in apprenticeships and trade.

“We can make sure that community colleges are an iatrical part of higher education,” he said, “and that cost is not an object or a barrier to more Americans being able to get more education.”

O’Rourke said that these goals cannot be achieved without implementing before college.

“We can begin in high school,” O’Rourke said, “by making sure that credit hours are earned at no expense and no debt to the

students and their family.”

After gaining national attention through his campaign message, O’Rourke raised more than $78 million; almost double the amount that Senator Cruz collected. O’Rourke plans to run a similar grassrootslike campaign in his quest for the presidency, but he declined to say how much his supporters have donated since he announced he will run. He will also make sure that education is a large part of his platform.

O'Rourke

page 3

2

NEWS

WesternCourier.com

Monday, March 18, 2019

Campus Crime Reports

Legend Cannabis

Alcohol by a Minor

Burglary/Theft

Fire Alarm

Other Report

•On March 1 at 6:16 p.m. Jacobi Dixon, 18, of 411 Henninger Hall, was arrested in Henninger on a McDonough County warrant for failure to appear.

He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 6:20 p.m. where he was lodged pending bond. One student was also judicially referred for illegal possession of alcohol by a minor.

•On March 1 at 10:31 p.m.

Cyrus Goines, 23, of 324 1/2 W. Elting St. Apt. B, was arrested in the 500 block of West Pierce Street on a McDonough County warrant for failure to appear.

He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 10:36 p.m. where he was lodged pending bond.

•On March 2 a student in Olson Hall reported that speakers, valued at $190, had been stolen from the seventh floor women's side bathroom. The incident is under investigation.

•On March 2 at 10:15 p.m. one student in Tanner Hall was judicially referred for

suspicion of cannabis.

•On March 3 at 12:57 a.m. non student Canon Klauer, 19, of Davenport, Iowa, was arrested in Q-Lot for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor. He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 12:59 a.m. where he was lodged pending bond.

•On March 5 at 8:31 p.m.

Fuad Abdulkarim, 18, of 317 Bayliss Hall, and Wendell Fairman, 19, of 701 Bayliss Hall were each issued notices to appear in court April 3 for a Macomb city ordinance violation for fighting.

•On March 6 at 4:56 p.m. two students in Henninger Hall were judicially referred for alcohol and possession of cannabis and three students in Henninger Hall were judicially referred for possession of cannabis.

•On March 8 at 4:50 p.m.

Keila Estrada, 20, of 935 Tanner Hall, was arrested in Tanner for domestic battery. She was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 4:58 p.m. where she was lodged pending bond.

NOTICE OF EXAMINATION MACOMB POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners of the City of Macomb, Illinois hereby gives notice that examinations will offered to all eligible applicants to create an Eligibility List for hiring for positions with the Macomb Police Department.

At time of application, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no more than 35 years of age. Military veterans may extend the age limit one year for every year if active duty, not to exceed ten years. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent; must have completed 60 semesters or 90 quarters hours from an accredited academic institution; must posses valid driver’s license. To move forward in hiring processes, applicants must have physical and written exams, medical and psychological evalutions and background investigations; must have visual acuity 20/20 each eye corrected (minimum) with normal color vision and depth perception; must have good habits and be of moral character. Proof of U.S. Citzenship and if hired; McDonough County residency is required.

STARTING SALARY as of 05/01/18, $47,078.76 per year.

Forty-hour work week with time and a half for all overtime.

Applications packets may be obtained at the Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 232 E. Jackson St., Macomb, Illinois 61455, Phone (309) 833-2558, or on-line at: https://www.macombpolice.com/application-requirements/ All applications and attachments must be completed, signed and on file by 4:30 P.M., Tuesday, March 12, 2019. If sumbitting the application packet by mail, it must be postmarked on or before the application deadline date AND received at the Mayor’s Office within five (5) calendar days of the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Testing date is March 30, 2019. Applicants should report to Brophy Hall, on the Western University campus at 7:30 A.M.

The City reserves the right to require reimbursement of training expenses on a pro-rata basis if an officer resigns within the first two years of employment.

The City of Macomb is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer Minorities and women are encouraged to apply.

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STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu news editor Steven Barnum

proofreader Amanda Wandachowicz

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A-Wandachowicz@wiu.edu

opinions editor Allison Young

photo editor Becca Langys

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sports editor Bradley Piros

assistant photo editor Sara Remar

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SE-Remar@wiu.edu

assistant sports editor Chris Bean

production manager Jimmy Pierson

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edge editor Marc Ramirez

business manager Faith Rucker

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copy editor Brie Coder

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JD-Day@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu

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O'Rourke from page 1

“We know that educational attainment is correlated with what you’re able to earn over the course of your lifetime,” he said.

Presidential hopefuls will make their way across the state of Iowa, where

Monday, March 18, 2019

NEWS 3

O’Rourke also campaigned in Keokuk. After the Iowa caucuses, the race will head to New Hampshire and South Carolina.

To watch O’Rourke’s speeches and question and answer sessions, you can view them on the Western Courier pages on Twitter and Facebook.

devon greene/editor-in-chief

devon greene/editor-in-chief

devon greene/editor-in-chief

devon greene/editor-in-chief

4

OPINIONS

Monday, March 18, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Parents, let your kids earn college degrees

One of the major headlines that has been rocking the nation this past week is the college admission scandal that has arrested over dozens of CEOs, actresses and other wealthy parents of college age students.

These parents reportedly gave bribes and altered documents or fixed test results to give their child an advantage to get into more selective schools such as Yale, Stanford and USC. Some examples of cheating were of proctor’s correcting SATs tests

to improve scores by almost 400 points, and altering images and documents to show their child as a superstar athlete to get in, via an athletic route while never having played the sport. One student’s SAT score jumped from 1000 on a practice test to a 1400 on the actual test (the equivalent of going from a 19 to a 31 on the ACT for us Midwest folks). That is an insane difference and probably should have been a red flag right there.

I get that kids can improve their

scores but come on now. The other tactic had parents superimposing their child’s face on pictures of high school rowers, pole vaulters and even water polo players.

This whole situation is just baffling to me, are these specific colleges really that important that it is worth bribing and cheating your way in and knocking out students who actually pulled off the test scores, or have worked so hard in their respective sport? One of the students who got in through parent meddling is actually a social media personality who posted a video saying she doesn’t even care to be in school. Her mom cheated her way into this school just for her to probably never go

to class and just sit in her room and take selfies. She could have done that at a lower level school and allowed someone else to take her spot. Her dorm room is even sponsored by Amazon, they paid for all of her decorations and housewares. Where was that option on Amazon Prime again? I could have done that easily. This girl seems like she’s doing well enough that maybe she doesn’t even really need college, it’s not like she’s going to class anyway.

The altered sports photos really frustrates me. I realize it may be hard to find rowers at collegiate level (or maybe not, I have no clue), but pole vaulters and water polo players are not that hard to find. They could

easily find people who actually did those sports in high school to take those spots, especially if they didn't have the grades or funds to get into those schools otherwise. While I may not be USC or Stanford caliber, I did play water polo all throughout high school and continue to play it in college. It’s not an easy sport to just pick up. It’s incredibly easy to spot someone who hasn’t played before.

Coaches could just have them hop in the pool and they would have had a pretty good idea in a minute or two whether or not they’ve played before, it’s that obvious. So rich parents, please make your kids earn their way into college like we all have done.

There wasn't much of a spring break this year

Now that spring break is over, we can rejoice that we are back to continue our education at Western. The only problem is that it did not really feel like a break. There are a multitude of reasons why.

So, spring break is a week.

Let’s start there, a week for break is little to be desired, it feels like an extended weekend. If you are like most students, taking the Amtrak or driving back home can take away a day or more of your spring break.

It could be anywhere between two to four, well two, because you must travel and that is not break, it is work, especially if you are driving. This means that a day traveling back home and to Western was taken by some sort of tansporation. The extra day is if you are the type of person that is tired the day after. This usually happens because the energy you put into traveling is catching up to you.

If this is not the case and it may not be for some people, they have an extra two days.

What happens to the vacation part? If someone wants to travel somewhere to see family or just relax somewhere nice, a week is not nearly enough time to enjoy yourself anyway.

Yes you can go, but for a day or two you have to factor in traveling all over again.

As of now, traveling to your destination is a factor that plays into it. We have family and vacation problems which is the point of breaks in the first place! Looking at the big picture leads us to find out that we have the same amount of time off for Thanksgiving break. Most people tend to see each other on Thanksgiving so a week is appropriate.

This does not mean that the same amount of time should be given to us for spring break.

Furthermore, winter break is a few days shy of being a whole

month. Personally, a month for break is extreme excluding summer vacation. I propose that one less week from winter break can allow us to have more time on spring break.

If this were in place, it would mean we could potentially have two weeks for spring break and be able to enjoy it, as it should be. This would also allow us to have time with our friends from other schools that have spring break around the time we end ours, which is another con to our current spring break.

This does not only benefit the students, but also the faculty and staff, who probably get less time then the students, due to meetings and or work that needs to be finished up before break. This means that the professors can’t take a break from grading and teaching since some of their break involves doing that.

Breaks in general are appreciated regardless of the amount of time we get. That being said, if you are going to do something it should be done correctly, and this proposal is a huge step in the right direction.

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2019 Fall Semester Editorial Board

Edge Editor - Marc Ramirez Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young

Winter is finally coming Two weeks ago, HBO displayed posters for “Game of Thrones,� which had 20 different characters sitting on the Iron Throne. HBO also launched a social media campaign along with these posters asking viewers to Tweet out a hashtag of who they think will be the one sitting on the throne at the end of the series. This is just the latest in social media campaigns for the popular series. The show previously had a multitude of things, ranging from a Spotify quiz to determine which character you are through your music, to making posters of different characters with their eyes closed and their head on the wall of Faceless people.

Layout by: Jimmy Pierson

CONT. E.2

Written by: Tea Wheat

E2 EDGE

Monday, March 18, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Final season leaves fans wondering

Game of Thrones from page 5

Many are speculating that these 20 posters of their favorite characters sitting on the Iron Throne are the only ones who will end up on the throne in the end. The obvious ones being Jon Snow, Daenerys Targaryen and the Ice King. However, some of the other posters have got people intrigued at some of the different possibilities.

Snow makes the most sense to be on the Iron Throne at the end of the series because as we found out at the end of Season 7, he is a Targaryen.

Not just any Targaryen either. He is the heir apparent to throne since his father, Rhaegar Targaryen, legally married his mother Lyanna Stark. This was groundbreaking news that can easily solidify Snow’s place on

the throne. The only problem is that he doesn’t want the throne. Snow would prefer to live his life on the Wall instead of ruling.

One of the intriguing possibilities is Samwell Tarly.

Tarly being a brother of the Night’s Watch can’t as he gave up claim to everything when he joined the Watch.

Not to mention that him leaving the Wall for anything other than Maester training would consider him a traitor, which is only punishable by death. Knowing “Game of Thrones” though, I wouldn’t rule out anyone for the command of Westeros at the end.

This will be the final season of “Game of Thrones.”

With the first episode being released April 14, this season will not be like any of the others, as it will only have eight episodes. In all the other seasons there have

been 10 episodes. The reason for the change in number of episodes is the time length of each episode. This final season will have eight episodes that are all about an hour and a half, increasing the episodes’ time by half an hour.

I highly recommend watch “Game of Thrones” if you aren’t already. This show has it all; romance, action and comedy. Each episode is so intricate, but also super easy to follow along with. While the first couple of episodes are a little slow, once it picks up you are sure to not stop watching. Thanks to the University we all have HBO. It’s free to make an account on HBO GO through WIU. Even though April 14 is rapidly approaching, it’s not too late to catch up. Who do you think will end up on the Iron Throne?

Write for Edge.

If interested contact Marc Ramirez, Edge Editor

The series Game of Thrones published posters of several fan favoriutes sitting on the Iron Throne to peak fans interest with the upcoming season.

ma-ramirez3@wiu.edu

ITHISISWHYIMBROKE.COM

E3 EDGE

Monday, March 18, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Captain Marvel takes viewers on journey of self-discovery Devon Greene Editor-in-chief @Starewaytodevon

FLICKR.COM

“Captain Marvel” finally made its release to the waves of anxious fans waiting to see the next step for the Marvel cinematic universe after the devastating end to “Avengers: Infinity War” last April.

Brie Larson made her introduction into the superhero genre with a splash as she did a fantastic job portraying Carol Danvers on the big screen. To me, Larson is most memorable from “21 Jump Street” from her role as Molly Tracey so I was hesistant to see her jump from a comedy role to an action hero role but she put those worries to bed over the 124-minute runtime.

In my eyes, Captain Marvel’s strongest asset is it’s plot about self-discovery.

Danvers was rescued by the Kree, when she crashed an jet and she has no memory of her life before the crash.

The movie begins with Vers (Captain Marvel’s Kree name) going on a secret mission to investigate a group of Skrulls who are alien shape

shifters who are at war with the Kree. The mission goes south quickly and Marvel ends up crashing on Earth where she meets Samuel L. Jackson’s iconic character, Nick Fury. Fury and Marvel work together to investigate and find out more about the Skrulls to try and stop them from finding the Tesseract.

While all this is happening, Marvel is remembering more and more about her time on Earth while she was still Carol Danvers. She finds pictures of her when she was still an Air Force pilot and tracks down one of her best friends, Maria Rambeau, before she crashed. Rambeau and her daughter bring out pictures and clothing of Marvel’s that they still had away in storage and Marvel begins to remember who she is.

The final 30 minutes of the movie is the stretch that will stick in my mind the longest.

Marvel finally comes to grips with who she is and has full control over her powers. She defeats the Kree, who were only using Marvel for her

powers and were the actual antagonists. Marvel then helps the Skrulls find a new home after their relentless war with the Kree.

Strong female characters have begun to take over the superhero genre and I feel like it can only get better as time goes on. Gal Gadot did a fantastic job in her role of Diana Prince in “Wonder Woman”, which is easily the best movie that the DC franchise has put out in the past 10 years. The D-Day scene in Wonder Woman was talked about extensively by everyone who saw the movie and is one of the most memorable scenes I’ve ever seen in a superhero movie. When Captain Marvel finally realizes that she has control over her powers and not the Kree, it’s a moment that elevates this movie from just another run of the mill superhero movie, to something that many people across the world can identify with and use as motivation to try and find out who they really are.

“Captain Marvel” is a fantastic addition to the Marvel cinematic universe and I am eager to see what she can bring to the table to help the remaining Avengers defeat Thanos in “Avengers: Endgame.”

FLICKR.COM

E4 EDGE

Monday, March 18, 2019

WesternCourier.com

“The Enemy Within” comes to NBC

INSIDER.DIRECTV.COM

Watching a new show always comes with a risk, because you sometimes start to watch it and it gets canceled with no satisfying ending. But after seeing the first episode, I'm willing to risk it. The show is called “The Enemy Within.” It is a psychological thriller about a former CIA operative named Erica Shepherd who is now the most hated woman in America, and branded a traitor for her role in the deaths of four people, resulting in her being sentenced to a supermax prison for life.

Three years later, FBI agent Will Keaton enlists her help to track down a dangerous and elusive criminal that she is familiar with. The show stars Jennifer Carpenter who plays Shepard. I thought she looked familiar, but I haven't seen any of the shows or movies she has been in, it must be because she's the spitting image of former USA goalie Hope Solo. Morris Chestnut plays agent Keaton, you might recognize him from the FOX show “Rosewood,” which aired a few years ago.

In the beginning and just by knowledge of common storylines, we know that she is either a bad guy overall or she is a bad guy, but she will turn good by the end.

I personally love redemption stories because it shows that nobody is irredeemable.

It was pretty much obvious throughout the episode that it was most likely the first choice.

I will say that the writers played their hand a bit

quickly, and I'm trying to decide if I like that or not.

On one hand, you have motives straight away, so you don't risk that question being left answered.

On the other, I prefer these shows to have a slow burn.

I've watched enough TV to know that there will probably be more to the story and the second scenario could end up being played out, either way, redemption will definitely come into play.

With it being an FBI show, there are going to be a lot of betrayals. Some people you thought were good will prove to be bad guys, and even bad guys could actually turn out to be good guys.

At the end of the first episode, we had one of those Jim Ross "ah son of a" moments and those can be fun, but at times disheartening. With this being the first episode, we aren't that close to the characters yet, so betrayals may not affect fans until later. You can't judge a show on the first episode, it’s something where you have to decide at the end of the season whether you liked it or not. I think it is good and is worth watching. I definitely think more will be revealed and as we get closer to the characters, we will get more involved in the story, a story that will no doubt make us happy, sad and even angry at times, but that is what makes a good show.

You can catch “The Enemy Within,” Mondays at 9 p.m. on NBC, or catch it anytime on demand or on Hulu.

OPINIONS 5

Monday, March 18, 2019

@WesternCourier

For the first time in the history of the United States of America, a president has had his emergency declaration challenged, and now faces a mutiny amongst his own party. Twelve Republican Senators, along with the entirety of the 47 Democratic Senators, voted in favor of a resolution calling for the elimination of the presidential emergency declaration. This is after an overwhelming majority voted likewise in the lower Chamber of Congress, the House of Representatives. Both votes, a direct challenge to the power of President Donald Trump came as a surprise because the overwhelming majority of Senate and House Republicans are in favor of border security, but a great deal of

them are uneasy about the president circumventing Congress to get his border wall funding.

The reason why senators balk at the presidential emergency declaration is because, historically, emergency declarations have always been aimed at helping provide immediate aid to communities devastated by natural disasters like hurricanes, floods and wildfires. This is the first time a sitting president has used this power for what many on both sides of the isle see as not being a real immediate threat, immigration. Politically he has to do this to achieve, or at least appear to achieve, success in accomplishing one of his center campaign promises, a border wall with Mexico.

He has even admitted, that he didn’t have to do this but that he doesn’t want to wait for Congress.

Since the inception of emergency powers in the second half of the 20th century, presidents have used them to help provide a sense of leadership and a quick response to developing and rapidly changing situations and emergencies. Many presidents have used them, and so have many state governors, although at the state level emergency declarations are primarily used as a means to force federal aid into the region at a quicker and more efficient way then it would otherwise go if done via state legislature. So, a president declaring an emergency is not entirely unheard of, what is unheard of is a president using it as a means to circumvent Congress altogether.

A rising problem that Republicans see with this is the precedent that it sets, if this is allowed to go unchallenged it will mean that

any future Democratic president could do likewise to get their way, like using it as a means to expand gun control, increase spending for the welfare state and a whole array of other things that presidents would otherwise have to depend on Congress for to achieve. The idea is that if a president can circumvent Congress, then the power that Congress wields is diminished at best, and at worst it is eliminated altogether, because if a president can declare an emergency, real or not, then they can in theory do just about anything without any congressional checks on the executive branches power.

This is completely unconstitutional, and more so it is dangerous, because it removes the delicate balance of powers that are spread across the three branches of government.

The good news is that Congress sent a strong message to the executive branch, and even though the president ultimately vetoed

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the resolution, it shows that Congress will not just roll over for what the president says. The question that now arises is, what’s next? The executive branch created this constitutional crisis when Congress failed to provide the funding for what the president wanted, and now the final decision falls to the courts, the third branch of government. The courts have to remain independent, and adhere only to the constitution and not party politics or beliefs.

In other words, the ruling from this court could very well set the tone for politics for the foreseeable future. If the checks and balances of power were to be upheld, or if the time has come in a more monolithic form of government in where the president has more power and sway than any other president beforehand has had. It appears that the time has come for the courts to decide if we as a nation will remain Democratic, or turn Authoritarian.

Contact Allison Young

AN-Young@wiu.edu

6

Monday, March 18, 2019

SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Softball falls in final non-conference series Baseball misses out on upBy Davd Koier set against No. 10 Arkansas courier staff

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The Western Illinois University softball team traveled to Florida this past week to face off in their final series before The Summit League. The Purple and Gold faced off in a doubleheader this past Wednesday against the Wildcats of Bethune-Cookman.

Game one of Wednesday’s doubleheader was a pitcher’s duel that only had two base runners in the first three innings. BethuneCookman junior Jacki Smith singled in the bottom of the first, but was thrown out

by Western catcher Meghan Henson.

Leatherneck junior Halle Hollatz walked on four straight pitches in the top of the second but was left stranded when pitcher Emily Ira struck out.

The Leathernecks gained some momentum in the top of the fourth when senior Hailey Duwa recorded Western’s first hit of the game with a two out double to left field.

Immediately following Duwa’s double sophomore Ashley Minyard knocked a single to right field that advanced

Duwa to third.

After a steal of second base by Minyard, the Leathernecks had two runners in scoring

Earining the win for the Wildcats was pitcher Alexis Bermudez.

Bermudez only let up three hits, walked two and struck out six while pitching seven scoreless innings.

GOLEATHERNECKS.COM

Hailey Duwa watches the ball after her hit. position for Hollatz.

The loss was given to Western couldn’t capi- Ira who let up six hits, talize as Hollatz struck two runs and no walks, out, leaving the two while striking out five runners stranded. in six innings pitched.

The Wildcats finalGame two was anothly broke the scoring er pitching duel that silence with a double saw a total of four hits steal in the bottom of and no runs between the fourth which gave the two teams in the them a 1-0 lead. A sin- first four innings. gle by Kaiya Epps-Lee Western were the first scored another and the on the board in the top Wildcats would take a of the sixth. A leadoff 2-0 lead. bunt and an immediThe Leathernecks ate steal by sophocouldn’t find home in more Alyssa Ealy gave game one and dropped Western a runner in the first game in the scoring position early doubleheader 2-0. in the inning. A sacri-

fice bunt by Jasmine Lara advanced Ealy to third and a sacrifice fly by Payton Abbott scored Ealy for a Leatherneck lead of 1-0.

The Wildcats responded quickly in the bottom of the ninth as junior infielder Brianna Paysinger doubled off of Leatherneck pitcher Abby Carlin to score two and give Bethune-Cookman a 2-1 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.

The Wildcats would take game two and the doubleheader with a 2-1 victory over the Purple and Gold. Earning the win was Destiny Enriquez, who let up five hits, one run and one walk, while striking out one in seven innings pitched.

The loss was awarded to Western’s Abby Carlin who pitched six letting up six hits, two runs and no walks while striking out two.

The Leathernecks head home this week for their first home series and first Summit League series against the 16-15 Coyotes of South Dakota. The first pitch of game one happens this Saturday with a doubleheader at noon.

CLASSIFIEDS

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Submit a classifieds ad to JD-Day@wiu.edu

Spacious 2-5 bedroom homes for rent. 10 month lease available. Great locations, close to bus stops, plenty off street parking, all new windows, AC, energy efficient furnace, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, free washer/dryer. Well maintained (24 hrs.) by local landlord.

Call 309-255-1233.

Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122.

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NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565.

Westen Investments: Leasing season has officailly begun, and we’re showing properties now! 1-5 bedroom houses close to campus are ready to be leased for this upcoming school year! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule an appointment! Stay updated with us on Twitter @Western_Invest STC Investments now leasing for the 18/19 school year. We have 1-6 bedroom apartments/houses ready for you to call home! Check out our selection at www.stcinvestments.com.

You can also find us on Facebook to see daily posts!

By Taylor Jordan courier staff

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Western Illinois baseball team spent their spring break traveling to Arkansas where they fell short in two games against the 2018 College World Series runners-up.

The Leathernecks took on their stiffest competition yet in the 10th-ranked team in the nation on Tuesday and Wednesday inside Baum-Walker Stadium.

The Leathernecks are coming off a 2-1 last weekend over Saint Louis. The Purple and Gold shutout SLU in their first game 3-0, held tight for a 5-4 victory for the second game but fell short in the last game 2-8.

Western held the Razorbacks to three hits through the first four innings, before falling 8-0 in their first game. Drue Galassi put an end to Arkansas’ no-hitter with an infield single in the fifth inning, as his team trailed 3-0 on the scoreboard, and the hit marked Western’s only one of the game.

Alex Dorethy was given the start and restricted the home side to just three hits in his appearance (3.1 innings) with runs scored on an RBI-groundout in the first frame before Arkansas got the bases loaded in the fourth. The Razorbacks extended its advantage to 3-0 on a walk and sacrifice fly, with Javin Drake called to escape the inning.

Western used two more pitchers, Jordan Cheek and Chandler Fochs in the game. This outing marked Fochs’ second of the season, and he saw the most action on the mound, behind Dorethy, in two innings with two hits,

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Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing.

Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message.

Westen Investments: Are you looking for an apartment? We are now showing our beautiful 1-3 bedroom apartments for this upcoming school year! Don’t like paying for utilities? Ask about our ALL UTILITIES options, and be sure to check out our website (westerninvest.com) to see our listings! Schedule an appointment with us today at 309-833-5995.

The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

one run and a strikeout.

Arkansas took game No. 2 on Wednesday with an 11-1 final.

The first run was the result of an error in the second inning, and the Razorbacks continued to expand their lead in each of the next three frames to hold a 7-0 control by the end of the fifth.

Western responded in the sixth when Kevin Raisbeck and Dillion Sears each touched base to start the inning. Arkansas was well on its way to logging its thirdconsecutive shutout before Bailey Montgomery brought a run home on an RBI-single to left field. It snapped a streak of 23-consecutive scoreless innings thrown by the Razorbacks pitching staff going back to its 11-0 shutout of Louisiana Tech last Sunday. Wednesday’s game marked the ninth in the last 10 games that Hog pitchers have struck out 10 or more and ninth time they’ve walked two or less.

Seven Leatherneck pitchers made an appearance in the afternoon, kicked off by Justin Foy and Jace Warkentien, who each worked two full innings with three strikeouts. Warkentien had notched a pair of saves against SLU, coming in relief in the first two games, and persisted with another stellar effort on 3.1 innings in the finale.

Western have started their Summit League schedule weekend against the Jackrabbits. Due to weather-related issues, the weekend’s series between Western Illinois and South Dakota State will be moved to the University of Illinois-Springfield. The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday and a single-game Sunday.

RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)

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No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment.

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(309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime.

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Sports 7

Monday, March 18, 2019

@WesternCourier

UEFA Champions League announces quarterfinal draws

The UEFA Champions saw some very one-sided round of 16 games. Some teams were absolutely run over in the first leg. Some of them came back, some of them embarrassed themselves, but every single game was exciting.

I already wrote about the biggest upset when Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands) came back to beat Real Madrid (Spain) 5-3 on aggregate after going down 2-1 in the first leg, so I won’t do it again.

That same day though, Dortmund (Germany) had the opportunity to dig themselves out of a 3-0 hole after losing to Tottenham Hotspurs (England). The German side fell 1-0 in the second leg to go out 4-0 on aggregate. Harry Kane broke the deadlock in the opening minutes of the second half, killing any hope of a Dortmund comeback.

Match day two, back on March 6, saw two controversial comebacks. The first was FC Porto (Portugal) coming

back to win on aggregate after a 2-1 loss in the first leg. They tied the game 3-3 late to force extra-time. They were awarded a controversial penalty and won after the ball hit the back of the net, putting them through 4-3 on aggregate.

The second game that day was my personal favorite.

Paris Saint-Germain (France) won the first leg 2-0 at Manchester United’s famed Old Trafford. Man U was one of the teams to complete an extraordinary comeback.

It took only two minutes for the Reds to score, giving them plenty of hope as Romelu Lukaku slotted the ball home. PSG didn’t give up though, as Bernat tied the game at 1-1 in the 12th minute, making it 3-1 on aggregate. Lukaku scored again in the 30th minute to keep his team alive, but they needed one more score to go through on away goals.

In the 94th minute, deep into stoppage time, a handball

was awarded to United after VAR (video assistant referee) decided the call. The 21-yearold Marcus Rashford would take the kick. Score and the comeback is complete, miss and you’re the one to blame.

It didn’t matter as he put the ball in the opposite corner the goalkeeper was diving to make it 3-3 on aggregate and go through to the quarterfinals on away goals.

The last four games took place over spring break. I didn’t get to watch them because I was at work, and I missed 20 goals being scored over four games. Needless to say I was a little upset I missed out on the live action.

Athletico Madrid (Spain) won the first leg at home 2-0 against Christiano Ronaldo and Juventus (Italy). What happened in the second leg though can only be described in one word; domination.

Ronaldo opened the scoring in the 27th minute to cut the aggregate score in half at 2-1 and that’s how the first period of play would end.

Ronaldo scored again in the 48th minute to kick off the second half and tie the game.

Tied now at 2-2 on aggregate, the game would have gone to extra time, but Ronaldo

didn’t need it. He scored late in the 86th minute to cap off a super hatrick performance and carry his team into the quarterfinals.

The next game was an absolute slaughter. Manchester City (England) beat Schalke 04 (Germany) 3-2 in the first leg, so the second could have gone either way. Instead Man City walked all over their opposition in a 7-0 win at home. It was a lopsided affair that saw one team triumph and the other completely embarrassed of themselves.

The last two games ended 0-0 in the first leg; so all four teams had everything to play for. First was FC Barcelona (Spain) defeating Lyon (France) 5-1 at home.

Barcelona opened the scoring when Lionel Messi put away a penalty kick in the 17th minute. Phillippe Coutinho doubled the lead in the 31st minute to take a 2-0 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Lyon did respond to cut the lead in half in the 58th minute, but Barcelona scored three unanswered goals in the final 20 minutes from Messi, Pique and Dembele to secure their spot in the next round.

The final game was

Liverpool (England) beating Bayern Munich (Germany) 3-1 on the road. Sadio Mane scored in the 26th minute to break the tie, but Bayern would get one back after a Liverpool own goal. It didn’t slow the English side down though, as Virgil van Dijk and Mane scored again to make it 3-1 on aggregate.

And that was it. That wrapped up the round of 16 and now the tournament is down to eight. UEFA held the drawings for the games last Friday and they go as follows: Ajax vs. Juventus, Liverpool vs.

Porto, Tottenha vs. Manchester City and Manchester United vs. Barcelona.

They will all be exciting, but I’m going to play it safe and pick the favorites to go through. My final four are Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City and Barcelona. At this rate, it’s possible to see a rematch between Juventus and Liverpool from last year ’s final but only time will tell.

The quarterfinal matches will follow the same aggregate scoring rules. The first leg matches will be April 9 and 10, each game kicking off at 2 p.m.

Men's basketball ends tough 10-21 season against NDSU in Summit League tournament semi-final

By Bradley Piros sports editor

While most students were either at home or on vacation with family and friends, the Western Illinois University men’s basketball team shocked The Summit League with a never before seen upset.

The Leathernecks came into the tournament as the No. 8 seed, facing them up against a bigger and better South Dakota State team. Western became the first team in the tournament’s history to upset a No. 1 in the first round winning 79-76.

Moving on to the semifinals for the first time since the 2012-2013 season, the Leathernecks took on the North Dakota State University Bison. They lost 76-73 in heartbreaking fashion.

Western was able to get two three-point attempts in the last 20 seconds to try and tie the game, but they just didn't fall. Instead the Leathernecks ended their historic run after making many people believe

they could go all the way.

That’s the best thing about the tournament, anything can happen. Everyone wrote off the Leathernecks after a disappointing 10-21 season and 4-12 conference record.

The more depressing stat is their 2-14 away record.

The leathernecks are better at home but not by much going 7-6 with three of those wins coming against Summit League teams.

The Leathernecks had a relatively bad regular season, but made up for it in the tournament. Next year they’ll have the drive to get back there and go farther.

The team will be losing four seniors, with only one of them regularly starting.

Western will say goodbye to Otis Dortch, Ryan Maas, Jordan Hughes and Brandon Gilbeck. Gilbeck was the teams main big man and will be extremely difficult to replace. He was a blocking machine, leading the NCAA, and an offensive powerhouse that was hard to stop on a good night.

While the four of them will be missed, Western has to look to the future. With freshman Zion Young and Ben Pyle absolutely lighting it up in the tournament, the future seems pretty bright.

Sophomores Kobe Webster and Isaac Johnson continued to put the team on their back and junior CJ Duff played his best year yet.

As long as these five continue getting better, there’s no doubt they’ll be next season’s starting five. Going into their senior season next year will be Perion Little, Jeremiah Usiosefe, James Claar and Duff. Duff showed everyone what he was about this season, but the other three will need to step up when they're called upon.

The other good news is that it won’t be that difficult to improve upon a 10-win season. Look for the Leathernecks to have a bounce back season and a deep run in the tournament next year. If there is a time to be “all in” on this team, it’s right now.

Twitter: bradjp08

Ben Pyle pulls up for a jumper inside Western Hall.

GOLEATHERNECKS.COM

Women's basketball fall in first round to No. 4 Oral Roberts after five-game losing streak to conclude regular season

By Titus Perez courier staff

Olivia Kaufmann backpedals into the play.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

The season has come to an end for Western Illinois University Leathernecks (12-18, 8-8 Summit) women's basketball team. The rough year ended in a first round exit in The Summit League Tournament, with a defeat of 68-64 by Oral Roberts University Golden Eagles. The Leathernecks were hoping to make a postseason tournament for the third straight year but couldn't get on track this season. The five game losing streak that ended the season highlights the struggles Western faced all season.

Western opened the season hosting No. 16 ranked University of Missouri Tigers in Western Hall.

This game was the first of its kind; WIU men or women’s teams had never hosted a top-25 team until this point. Although the Leathernecks fell short, it was one of the most highly attended games of the year and sparked energy into the program. The Purple and Gold hosted another top-25 opponent later in the season, when they lost to the No. 25 ranked University of South Dakota Coyotes. Losing both games was disappointing, but being able to host

Missouri shows the direction the program is headed.

While WIU could not get on track as a team, they had plenty of individual success. Senior guard Taylor Higginbotham broke the programs career scoring mark and will finish her career with 1,806 points.

Her scoring will be missed. She has been a solid performer for the team for four years averaging 14 points for her career, replacing her production will be tough. Junior guard Olivia Kaufmann led the team all year and was an all conference performer. Her return next season should soften the blow of the Higginbotham lost. Kaufmann averaged 16 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals on the season. She should only get better with a full offseason of work.

Her teammates will be familiar; the only senior on the roster this season was Higginbotham. Head coach JD Gravina should feel confident heading into the off season because of the experience they will have coming into next season. Annabel Graettinger will be the leader of that group of experienced players. She averaged 12 points in her first season with the Leathernecks after transferring from South Dakota. Her versatility

was a weapon for the Necks; she scored 18 points and grabbed six rebounds against Missouri, proving her rare skills.

In the off-season, Western will likely work on their three point shooting and defense. They gave up nearly 80 points a game, allowing opponents to score that many points will result in problems for the most talented teams. Playing better defense could’ve given them a chance in a lot of games this season. Their offense was solid, despite the down year from outside the arc.

A staple of Western’s success from the last two years has been shooting. To get back to that success they have to get their three point shooting percentage back to at least 35 percent. Gravina and the coaching staff should center plenty of practices on achieving that goal.

This season didn’t end the way the Necks wanted, but the future is bright. Gravina has proven what he can do with a lot of returning talent.

The last team he had that returned with this many players was the 2016-2017 Leathernecks, which he led to the programs first NCAA tournament bid. With almost the entire roster coming back, next season should look a lot better for the Leathernecks.