Opinions: Refusing to stand for the flag.
Sports: Masters kicks off golf season.
Sports: Baseball prepares for SIU Cougars.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 76
NICHOLAS EBELHACK/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Student Government Association President Grant Reed (left), Student Member to the Board of Trustees Wil Gradle (center) and Speaker of the Senate Patrick Quinlan speak at the State of the Student Address, “Why We Stay.”
SGA presents State of the Student Speakers answer to why the stay at Western
Nicholas Ebelhack editor-in-chief
The Student Government Association hosted their third annual State of the Student address in the Sherman Hall Auditorium Tuesday afternoon, focusing on the issue of “why we stay,” at Western Illinois University. Pamphlets were handed out with pictures of students and
their experiences at Western to emphasize the focus of the address. SGA President and President elect for 20182019 Grant Reed and Student Member to the Board of Trustees Wil Gradle both shared reasons for why they chose to stay at Western in their individual speeches. “I stayed for the administrative leadership that had made difficult choices that keep
us moving forward,” Gradle said. “I stayed because as a second generation Leatherneck, I wanted to do my part to make this place better for future students.” In his remarks, Gradle spoke predominantly on how progress can be achieved at Western while the school faces challenges, including recovering a state budget impasse that lasted over two years and be-
ing in the midst of prolonged contract negotiations and declining enrollment. “I wholeheartedly believe that our people keep us moving forward,” Gradle said. “But I believe with equal fervor that our greatest liabilities to the university are those who are dead set on holding us back. I understand that it is uncomfortable to talk about the challenges that lay before us, but
progress demands it of us. “It requires restraint, and a willingness to support institutional goals rather than personal ones.” Reed followed Gradle’s remarks by updating the university on SGA’s accomplishments and goals from the last year from his cabinet.
SGA
page 3
Debt service fee increase discussed
Mayor Miken Inman facilitates discussion on debt service fees Monday.
By Steven Barnum assistant news editor
In a short gathering, the Macomb city council continued discussions on next year ’s budget and raising the debt service fee. With several absences on the council, the public hearing for the town’s budget took place on Monday night. City Administrator Dean Torreson recapped to the public that the city of Macomb is expected to take in around $26.5 million in revenue, while expecting to spend around just $25.7 million. These numbers indicate that for the 2018/2019 fiscal year, which stretches from May 1 of this year to April 30 of 2019, Macomb will have a
balanced budget. While there may be a $200,000 deficit in the general fund, Torreson assured that it wouldn’t be as issue; Macomb’s cash balance is expected to be at 28 percent of the budget at the end of next year, which is more than the recommended 25 percent of the budget.
“”
“This is moving us in the right direction in being fiscally conservative and being good stewards of the taxpayers' dollars.” -Mike Inman
Mayor of Macomb
“We’re forecasting that it will result in a balanced budget in the coming years,” Tor-
reson said. “We should be in good shape.” Mayor Mike Inman thanked everyone who thoroughly worked on the budget over the past few months, and offered his thoughts on the town’s future. “This is moving us in the right direction in being fiscally conservative and being good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars,” Inman said. With the perceived balanced budget, one proposal is that the town put more money into the police and fire department pension. That proposal, along with the rest of the budget’s proposals, could be finalized at next week’s meeting.
Council
page 3
2
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
NEWS
WesternCourier.com
Jimmy pierson/production manager
By Marc Ramirez assistant news editor
Saturday April 14, Western Illinois University’s Horn Environmental Learning Project will be hosting its annual Earthfest celebration. This year, “Making a Difference from the Ground Up,” will start at 10 a.m.
WC Located on the third floor of the Heating Plant Annex on the south end of campus across from Sherman Hall. Mail: 1 University Circle, WIU, Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: 309-298-1876 Fax: 309-298-2309 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays E-mail: micour@wiu.edu Member: Illinois College Press Association, National Association College Press
and run until 5 p.m. The fest will be held at Chandler Park located within the Town Square. The Earthfest celebration is free to the public and will have events for people of all ages. Activities range from live bands to arts and crafts. The event will also feature environmental speakers and earth-friendly activities.
“This fun family event has something for everyone! It gets bigger and better each year. There are many free activities for all ages to enjoy. It's a great way to celebrate our beautiful earth," previous attendee Heather McKeekan said. The event has been undergoing planning since Feb 14, and was
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Nicholas Ebelhack NA-Ebelhack@wiu.edu assistant news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu assistant news editor Steven Barnum SS-Barnum@wiu.edu opinions editor Ryan Zurek RP-Zurek@wiu.edu sports editor Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Haley Richards H-Richards@wiu.edu edge editor Baylee Brynteson BM-Brynteson@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu
proofreader Valerie Clemens VN-Clemens@wiu.edu proofreader Alexis Lowe AL-Lowe@wiu.edu proofreader Tacuma Venzant T-Venzant@wiu.edu photo editor Becca Langys RE-Langys@wiu.edu assistant photo editor Sara Remar SE-Remar@wiu.edu production manager Jimmy Pierson JM-Pierson@wiu.edu business manager Faith Rucker F-Rucker@wiu.edu advertising manager Patryk Mazur P-Mazur@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu
open to Western students of all major backgrounds for help. The Earthfest has also made posts on their Facebook page in search of people interested in selling artwork, performing or speaking at the event. The event will have musical performances by Blue Dream, Cole Hollow and Formerly
the Fox. The fest will also consist of public speakers including Western’s Professor Bill Knox, Professor Gordon Rands and Associate Professor John Hemingway. The public is also encouraged to come out not only for the free music but for a free Jimmy John’s sandwich.
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SGA
from front page
“We have began conducting end of the semester goal assessments,” Reed said. “Each cabinet member sat down with me before winter break and identified their individual goals in three main areas, developmental, professional and personal.” From this, the cabinet worked to find areas in which the organization could improve upon in coming semesters. “Our five goal groups are team building and bonding, increased SGA awareness, constitution and job descriptions, the SGA transition process and the diversity of the organization,” Reed said. “In these smaller groups they have been working on developing plans of action to accomplish these goals, and have been having active meetings and have been working very well together outside of SGA.” Reed also highlighted programming from the last year, such as the “lunchtime with leaders” initiative. While he admitted the event drew few students, he said those who did show stood for what SGA intended. “The conversation was plentiful,” Reed said. “It stood as a symbol to our students, that at Western Illinois University, you are so much more than just a number. You have a voice and your voice matters.” He also spoke on the Mayor’s
Council
from front page
The council also discussed amending the city’s fee schedule, which calls for an increase in the debt service fee of $2 per month. If you can recall, this has been discussed in multiple meetings and was criticized by Macomb citizen Dana Walker. “I still really object to raising the debt service fee for everybody,” said Alderman Gayle Carper, sticking up for Walker. “I wish we had a better way.” Echoing Carper ’s objection was Alderman at Large Don Wynn, who spoke on behalf of disappointed residents who have voiced their concerns. “I had a few calls about this (raising the fee),” Wynn said. “I got to wonder if there were any other alternatives.”
Wednesday, April 11, 2018 Roundtable, an effort to connect Western students with the Macomb community through Mayor Mike Inman. “No questions too simple, no questions too complex, nothing to hide, nothing to shy away from, just brilliant discussion on how to work together.” In his closing statement, Reed spoke on why he has chosen to stay at Western, citing the university’s affordability and programming as reasons for him to come in the first place. “I came to Western for so many reasons, but I stayed because of the people. WIU is my home and my heart, as I know it is for all of you.” Reed said. “As we move forward, may we recognize the people around us a little more, appreciate one another, and remember that we are blessed to wake up everyday as a member of this Leatherneck family.” Gradle closed his remarks with what he believed the state of the student to be. He shared that he believes that students are looking forward to change and stability in the future. “The state of the student is hopeful,” Gradle said. “Hopeful for a better, and stronger and more ambitious tomorrow. Hopeful that leaders of each governance and negotiating group can work together with university leadership to put forth an institution with breadth and expertise to prepare the leaders of tomorrow.”
Explaining why raising the debt service fee makes the most sense was Torreson. “We need a certain amount of revenue from the water department to pay the bills,” he said, “and the debt service fee is the proven way of raising the funds that we need.” In previous years, there were water rate increases, recalls Torreson, and those increases were ineffective. Regarding Walker ’s idea, which proposed that higher volume users pay a higher fee than lower volume users, Torreson and the Public Works Committee believe doing so will harm the town’s chances of landing potential businesses, while also harming its reputation with existing businesses. Final action for raising the debt service fee will take place at next Monday night’s meeting at 5:15 p.m.
NEWS 3
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
4 OPINIONS
There are many states that offer a free public school education until students complete the 12th grade; once higher education becomes an option, then tuition fees and cost becomes a factor that affects people’s decision to pursue higher education. Should higher education be free? Attaining a college degree is a high achievement and milestone that many dream about completing. Yet, the high cost of higher education begins to deter many individuals from pursuing the dream of a higher education degree. Many people are in favor of the idea of free college education and there are some in op-
position to it, but I personally think that college education should be free. The price for college tuition should be free, but there can be charges and fees for other things, such as room and board. A great question to pose: How many people in the world want to pursue a higher education but stop after high school due to financial reasons? For so many people to want this dream but not be able to afford it, school administration and state officials should offer free education to assist in dreams coming true. There should be more information and assistance in terms of financial aid and scholar-
Editorial Policy The editoral views of the Western Courier shall be confined to this editorial and are to be separate from news coverage otherwise noted. The editoral presented is based on the ideas and views of the WC editoral board.Columns are the opinions of the columnists alone and should not be construed as the opinions and beliefs of the WC staff as a whole.
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2018 Spring Semester Editorial Board Editor-in-Cheif - Nicholas Ebelhack Edge Editor - Baylee Bryntesson Opinions Editor - Ryan Zurek
ships for students to gain financial support. People who can’t afford college decide to drop out and turn to other activities that aren’t beneficial. Many people decide to do other things that may negatively impact their future while a college degree will bring knowledge and a career. Achieving a college degree can help millions of people improve their lives and have a positive impact on society as a whole, and especially a free education. People who are born and live in impoverished areas would have the chance to improve their social and economic classes through hard work and determination. Being able to be happy in life is what everyone in the United States strives for, and having free education will aid in citizens’ happiness. Having free college educa-
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tion would result in student debt rates being low. Having student debt limits and stalls other important in our lives. With free education, students will have a fresh slate coming out of college and can be focused on making money to achieve milestones. Milestones that many want to pursue after college are buying a house, a car, starting a family and even getting married. These milestones will be great accomplishments once students are financially stable without student loan debt. Free college tuition would greatly benefit and aid the economy as a whole in regards to more people being in the workfield. More people in the work industry means more successful people. With more people working in the world, we will be able to have more people who are able to pay higher taxes. The
more people we have working, the more revenue we can bring in that will benefit the greater good in the economy. With more entering and graduating from college, they can receive a great paying job for themselves and their families. More job placement will increase productivity in the workfield. Businesses and companies with more workers can produce and sell more goods and services, which will increase revenue, which fuels job and economic growth. I believe that college tuition should be free for students, yet there can be other fees required such as meals and recreational activities that students pay for. A college education is a great accomplishment that many want to pursue and allowing it to be free will benefit the greater good of society.
@WesternCourier
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
As a writer and a future journalist, I feel like it’s my calling to be the voice for those who are often silenced by society and the government. People such as the LGBT community, minorities and people in general who are against bigotry and social injustice like myself. Before I begin to discuss the main topic of this article, I want to say that I am speaking from things that I have seen and have personally experienced as an African American woman. I am not trying to offend anyone with what I write. However, I will not apologize for speaking the truth. I will
years? A flag that is drenched by our blood and the blood of our ancestors. The fact that black men being murdered has become normal is not only sickening, but it horrifies me. We are up against a government and a system that is biased towards whites. It is hard for us to receive equal education, jobs and judicial sentencing. Yet, for some strange and peculiar reason, we are expected to stand and honor the American flag during the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. Well, I will not. Call me disrespectful, call me a disgrace. But out of respect for all of those who died unprotected by this country, I will remain seated. I supported Colin Kaepernick for taking a knee during the National Anthem in the NFL. Even though he is now a free
not allow anyone to silence me or my people. So without further ado, here’s my opinion about standing for the National Anthem. America is a country that has allowed the slaughtering of African Americans for decades. Yet, we were still called to fight in wars to protect the country. With tragic occurrences such as the murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till, the Rosewood Massacre, the Birmingham church bombing and more recently, the killing of unarmed black men by white officers, why would we want to honor a flag that represents a country that has been killing us for
OPINIONS 5
agent, he has made a substantial impact in black culture. Many white Americans don’t realize that we have a purpose. When we rally in protest, we are told to “go back to Africa” since we don’t like the way things are. Apparently, this country belongs to white people. Wrong! If there is anyone to have a say about who should leave this country, it would be the Natives, whose ancestors were also slaughtered by Christopher Columbus for their own land, a man who is nationally celebrated and has his very own holiday. Our children are even being taught at a young age that he was the one to discover America. However, I would be willing to bet that white nationalists would be the first on the list to be exiled from this country if it were up to the Natives, not blacks.
Donald Trump basically gave NFL players an ultimatum to either stand and respect the flag, or to be kicked out of the league. Keep in mind, Trump has a solid reputation for his ignorant and racist comments not only about minorities, but about women and people with disabilities. This is the man who was voted to run our country, so you all can’t possibly expect me to take it seriously. Yes, I am thankful for the veterans who risk their lives every day to fight for our limited freedom. I even have family members who have fought in the Army. But I pay my respects to them in different ways. Until I see more effort to protect the freedowms and rights of minorities, I will not honor the flag. I am not sorry about that.
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
6 SPORTS
Track
from back page
Freshman Nick Olson had himself a day in the field events as he came out with two new PR’s of his own in both discus and the javelin throw. He came in second in the former with a throw of 36.48 meters and finished mid-pack (50.30 meters) in the latter. Sophomore Michaela Busch accomplished other defeats in the field events as she finished
fifth in the long jump (5.58 meters). Coming in at fourth right before her was her junior teammate Jasmine Brown, who jumped a mark of 5.74 meters. Busch later placed third in the 100-meter hurdles as well (15.41 seconds) to round out her day. Junior Darius Patterson kept things rolling with two PR’s. First in the 200-meter dash, where he placed fifth (22.93 seconds) and then later in the 100-meter where he finished in
WesternCourier.com
seventh (11.03 seconds). In the end, personal records are great and all, but Western needs to start coming in first and winning some meets; and the Redbird Invite is a great place to get things going. After lots of disappointment in not getting to perform in front of their home crowd, each athlete is coming out with a little chip on their shoulder to kick start the remainder of the season. Twitter: bradjp08
JASMYNE TAYLOR/COURIER STAFF
Ian Koch throws out the pitch
Baseball from back page
Darius Patterson competes in an indoor track event.
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1 & 2 bedroom apartments, new $250 signing bonus on 10 and 12 month leases. Two blocks from campus. Bus stops nearby. Free water, garbage and parking. Laundry onsite. Clean, well maintained and secure. Call Ted 309-837-5600 or visit markertrental.com. 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. FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!. 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 has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well! 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!
Thompson has been the focal point for the Leatherneck offense all season long. He’s hit .273 on the year, and leads the team in RBIs, runs and hits. Western Illinois University will need to keep up their dynamic offense if they would like to start a winning streak on Wednesday. SIU-E has been very inconsistent all year long. However, they
LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! Firsrt come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall. NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing. 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. CLEAN, REMODELED, AND WELL MAINTAINED HOUSES AND APTS FOR RENT IN GREAT LOCATIONS. UTILITIES PAID FOR APARTMENTS. RENTING NOW FOR FALL 2017. ALSO RENTING TWO APTS FOR SPRING 2016. CALL JASON AT 309-221-3985. 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 has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out. Looking for 2 roommates to share a 3-bedroom furnished house beginning in August for 2018-19. 10- to 12-month contract. New carpet, air, garage w/ storage, laundry. $300 each per month, plus utilities. Call Sharon at 309-338-3888.
are led by pitcher Kenny Serwa who has been the most consistent player for the Cougars this season. Serwa has been dominate on the mound throughout the season and has posted an impressive ERA of 3.74 to go along with 33 strikeouts. Despite only having two wins on the season, the Cougars will have to rely on Serwa to help them get the victory on Wednesday. The first pitch is at 6:30 p.m. Twitter: BrendanReidyII
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For Rent Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished. Ceiling fans and a/c. Professionally maintained. No pets. Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site. 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. Westen Investments still has affordable 1-4 Bedroom Apartment/Houses available. Be sure to check out our website (www.westeninvest.com) to see our available listings, and call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to win prize giveaways! APARTMENT FOR RENT: FOR QUIET PERSON. ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT LOCATED AT 314 West Carroll ST Macomb, Ill 61455. Available end of August 2017-new carpeting yearly lease SMALEST FURNISHED IN MACOMB $345.00/month - HEAT & AC INCLUDED private entrance, off-street parking included call for appointment309-837-4748 or 255-5075 woodburning fireplace, ask for Paul. For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo. (309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime. Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message
Sports 7
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
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A perfect ending for Reed
Tiger Woods watching the ball after his swing.
WIKIMEDIA.COM
Golf is in full swing now after the Masters. The four-day event took place at the Augusta National in Georgia. This showed us once again how golf is full of drama packed action that all boils down to just a few strokes. Coming into this event, there were too many stories and athletes that captivated the public, but one stood above all. One of the most dominant players of all time and what some may call the biggest star in the world returned to golf. Tiger Woods returned to the Masters after his personal life imploded, and his back pain led him to an opioid addiction. He relied on opioids for his lower back pain, which he says has finally disappeared. He went to rehab and is now healthy and has a new look on the sport. He came into the Masters happy to compete, and unfortunately, he was not the Woods that fans grew to love so many years ago. It hurts to see people you grew up with not be the superstar they once were. Just ask Bulls fans watching Michael Jordan in a Wizards jersey, it is not a sight that should
be remembered, and yet it was amazing. As spectators, we got to see Woods once more wearing red on Sunday, which many thought may never occur again. After finishing plus one after the event, he knows there is more to work on and yet we cannot wait to see him battle at the top once more. Another story that sprung up during the tournament occurred during the par three contest, where we saw an unfortunate accident and miraculous recovery. Tony Finau sunk a hole in one during the par three contest and while walking backwards celebrating his tremendous victory, Finau twisted and dislocated his ankle, then popped it right back in and finished 12 after Sunday. The final day started off with the top two competitors throwing shade at one another. Patrick Reed has never won a major, but his partner Rory McIlroy had participated in the Masters and choked during the last day. McIlroy said that all the pressure is on Reed, trying to avert the eyes of the media off of himself
and add pressure to Reed that may have affected his play, but Reed knew how to deflect it. He reminded us that McIlroy failed to win at the Masters before and he must be reminded that he cannot fail again. Reed and McIlroy did not start the final round well, but it was the back nine where the drama began. Jordan Speith attempted to break the course record with an eight under, but failed to make it nine under with a bogey on 18. The crowd roared as he birdied again and again as Reed had yet to get to the final six holes. Meanwhile Rickie Fowler, who has yet to win his first major, denied Speith the chance to win his third green jacket by having his own amazing final round and being the clubhouse leader at under 14 after his four rounds. Reed was the leader by one stroke and it all came down to his final hole. Could he hold off the pack or not? He had an amazing first two shots that got close to the hole and two putted to make par for the win. He handled the pressure in the best way possible, by winning at Augusta. Patrick Reed ignored the media, his haters and McIlroy to hold up his first major and get a new tailored green jacket that proves he can handle pressure as well as any golfer in the world.
Career-high finishes for women's golf
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — Led by a career-best finish from senior Alex Krehbiel, the Western Illinois women's golf program placed third at the Indiana State Spring Invitational on Monday. “The team struggled a bit today as the conditions were harder than the previous day,“ said head coach Lia Biehl Lukkarinen. “We will be focusing on short game and our mental toughness going into the conference tournament. I was pleased with the performances from Alex Krehbiel as she has played really well here in the past few years.“ Krehbiel tied for second, which beats her previousbest of tying for fifth at the same tournament just a season ago. The senior capped off her two-round total with a 151 to finish 7-over par. Behind Krehbiel was fel-
low senior Allie Leingang, who tied for 14th after posting two 78s for a 156 (+12). Rounding out a top-20 finish for the Leathernecks was sophomore Cassidy Jurkaites, who totaled a 158 (+14) to tie for 16th. Nicole Hamilton-Cross shot a pair of 81s to finish 18-over (162), and Ashley Dumler rounded out the team score with an 85 on the final day to finish one stroke back from her teammate at 163 to tie for 31st. “Overall, it was a good tournament for us and we will take away the positives and get ready for the conference,“ said Lukkarinen. Western Illinois now focuses on the postseason, as they travel to Nebraska City, Neb. for The Summit League Championship, which is slated to take place April 22-24. GoLeathernecks.com
Alex Krehbiel putting on the course for the Leathernecks.
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Necks get back on Track By Bradley Piros courier staff
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Josh Kirby clears his way over the hurdles.
MACOMB Ill. – The Western Illinois track and field teams will finally get back to competition after two weeks of terrible weather and indoor practice. They were scheduled to compete in their one and only home meet last week in the Lee Calhoun Memorial, however it was cancelled due to the weather. So, the last time out was back in March, about a week and a half ago, when they traveled to Cape Girardeau, Missouri to take part in the Joey Haines Invite, hosted by University of South East Missouri. The women finished third out of ten schools, and the men sixth. It also saw four Leathernecks achieve new PR’s in their respected events, which made head coach Diane Wholey very satisfied. “I am very pleased with the athletes that set personal bests or matched their personal bests, particularly with it being the second meet of the outdoor season and the second meet we have dealt with adverse weather.” Wholey said. It was another meet of windy
and rainy conditions, as no runner will post good times in such circumstances. Wholey, along with the rest of her team is hoping it will start to feel like spring this weekend. They’ll be traveling to Normal, Illinois to compete in the Redbird Invite hosted by Illinois State. The Leathernecks are ready to start winning these meets. They haven’t clinched first place in a meet, rather having multiple new PR’s and school records broke instead. Either way, in thier last meet in Cape Girardeau, the Leathernecks finished rather in the middle of the pack. No one was able to pick up an individual victory to help out their side, but a couple of close finishes and lots of new records. Two Leathernecks were able to notch second place finishes as senior Raytoria Richardson ran a time of 26.17 seconds in the 200-meter dash, while sophomore Josh Kirby ran 15.55 in the 110-mmeter hurdles; both contestants finishing in second.
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Baseball sets eyes on Cougars Brendan Reidy courier staff
Macomb, Ill. - The Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks (6-19) will face off against the Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville Cougars (7-22) on Wednesday in Edwardsville, Illinois. The two teams have struggled greatly this year with both teams posting sub-par records. Both programs are looking to get their season back on track with a big victory on Wednesday. The Leathernecks are coming off a big weekend after winning a conference series against Oral Roberts two games to one. The Purple and Gold now have a 6-6 record in Summit League play and are currently tied in fourth place with North Dakota State University. The Cougars of SIUE are currently riding a four-game losing streak and are coming off a three-game series sweep against Eastern Kentucky University. Western Illinois University will look to keep up their extraordinary pitching and hitting into their matchup against SIU-E. Ian Koch and Ryan Dunne lead the way
for the Leathernecks on the mound. Both pitchers are putting up flashy numbers this year on the mound and look to keep their momentum going strong till the end of the season. Koch currently ranks sixth in the conference with a 3.94 ERA. In 45.2 innings of play, he has 42 strikeouts, which ranks third best in The Summit League, with two wins. Dunne, on the other hand, displays his dominance through the form of strikeouts. He currently sits atop the Summit League in strikeouts and has eclipsed his previous career-high with 10 Ks versus Oral Roberts this past weekend. The pitching is not the only thing that has been magnificent for the Leathernecks. Their bats have been heating up as of late. In the batter’s box, they are led by Alex Dorethy and Deion Thompson. Dorethy is in the midst of a seven-game hitting streak and recorded 10 hits this weekend with five RBIs while batting a superb .556 average.
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Deion Thompson sprints his way to second base.
ANGEL STRACK/COURIER STAFF