Opinions: Self identity is important in college
Sports: Urban Meyers suspended for three games
Sports: Volleyball prepares for season opener
Friday, August 24, 2018 - Vol. 119 Issue 3
Four cadets commission into U.S. Army By Marc Ramirez news editor
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Francisco Aquino (top) and Shannon Norris (bottom) receive their gold bars from their parents during their commissioning as second lieutenants.
The mission of the Department of Military Science at Western Illinois University is: “to Commission the future officer leadership of the United States Army and motivate young people to be better citizens.” last Friday, they did just that. Four of Western’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) cadets were commissioned as second lieutenants in The U.S. Army during the on campus ceremony surrounded by friends, family and University staff. The award-winning program has been apart of Western since 1968. Since then, the program has produced 1,082-second lieutenants. Due to the ongoing success and everlasting tradition of excellence, the military science program has won the General Douglas MacArthur Award for the best ROTC battalion in the Midwest in 1994, 2001
and 2002. Western’s ROTC Leatherneck Battalion is a member of the 3rd Brigade, housed in Great Lakes, Ill., including 22 other colleges and universities spanning from states such as Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Of those 22 institutions, our program was named the best large program and top 15 percent school in all Cadet Command’s 272 programs in 2005. Western is a four-time winner of the Best ROTC program in the Brigade. Francisco Aquino, Kenneth A. Davis, Devin Lionberger and Shannon Norris all took the oath of office of a commissioned officer. Aquino of Waukegan, Ill., received his bachelor ’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration and Spanish, commissioning as an adjutant general officer. His mother Victorina Aquino, and father, Jose Aquino, pinned on Aquino’s gold bars.
Davis of Colombia, S.C., received his bachelor ’s degree in law enforcement and justice administration, commissioning into the Illinois Army National Guard and will serve as an ordinance officer. His Aunt Norma Gaddy, and father, Captain Kenneth Davis pinned on his gold bars. Lionberger of LaHarpe, Ill., received his bachelor ’s degree in athletic training, commissioning into the Illinois Army National Guard and will serve as a medical services officer. Mother Tina Lionberger and father, former Army National Guard SSG Michael Lionberger pinned on his gold bars during the ceremony. Norris of Rockford, Ill. received her bachelors degree in law enforcement and justice administration, commissioning into the Army on active duty and will serve as an adjutant general officer. Parents Gerline and Carl Norris pinned on her gold bars.
Alpha Gamma Rho recieves National recognition
JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER
By Marc Ramirez news editor
Alpha Gamma Rho, better known as AGR, a Greek organization here at Western Illinois University was recently recognized as a Gold Award chapter. Their fraternal advisor was also honored as one of the top in the county. The awards were presented to the chapter during the 65th Alpha Gamma Rho National Convention Aug. 2-5 in New
Orleans. Only 23 of the 77 chapters nationally received the recognition of the Gold Award, the Alpha Tau Chapter being one of them. The Gold Award is the highest recognition a chapter can receive. In order to be eligible the chapter must meet six of seven requirements: academic excellence, lifelong membership development, continued alumni engagement, chapter crescents, recruitment excellence and communications.
Western School of Agriculture Professor and AGR chapter advisor Kevin Bacon was individually recognized as one of the top three advisors nation wide. Bacon explained to university relations that much of what they were recognized for is an ongoing initiative throughout the course of the year. Bacon’s leadership team helped bring home the hardware, from writing letters of support to heading the team they made sure to get the job done. “I was simply fortunate
enough to have a leadership team that followed through on applying for the awards,” said Bacon to university relations. “I would like to offer special recognition to Tyler Wilson (Class of 2018) who headed up that team – without his leadership, I am not sure we could have pulled it off. We also had several alumni board members writing letters of support and providing input to undergraduate members on specific sections of the application – it truly was a team effort.”
In attendance of the bi-annual conference to receive the award were President Carson Bloomberg, Cyle LaFollett, Kevin McCutchan and Jake Foy, all senior agriculture majors from Illinois. Also in attendance were alumni and former chapter president Wayne Whipps, agriculture graduate from Cedar Falls, Iowa, along with Gerry Salzman, agriculture economics graduate, current director of national AGR Educational Foundation and former chapter president.
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Friday, August 24, 2018
NEWS
WesternCourier.com
Throwing Third Thursdays are back By Marc Ramirez news editor
Western Illinois University has made “Throwing Third Thursdays” a tradition on campus. Throughout the course of the fall semester, the Western ceramics program encourages all students to come out and relieve some stress by making unique sculptures. From 5-7 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month the ceramics program will host the event in the Heating Plant
Annex in room 111. The event will be free to all students as long as they provide proof of a Western student ID. Participants will learn different techniques and how to throw on a potters’ wheel. Regardless of skill everyone is encouraged to come out and experience a throwing Thursday. No previous skill or materials are required, just show up. Sept. 20, Oct. 18 and Nov. 15 are the three remaining sessions for the semester.
American Red Cross continues to have an emergency need for blood and platelet donors so we would like to urge all eligible donors, especially type O donors, to make an appointment today to donate to help overcome the summer blood shortages and help save patient lives. To schedule an appointment please contact Cadet Jennifer Lopez at jj-lopez2@wiu.edu or sign up in Union Concourse or at the Horrabin ROTC Desk.
WIU Blood Drive Wednesday Aug. 29 Horrabin Hall 11 A.M. - 4 P.M.
Sponsored by WIU ROTC
JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER
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
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu assistant news editor Steven Barnum SS-Barnum@wiu.edu opinions editor Mark Tolliver ML-Tolliver@wiu.edu sports editor Haley Richards H-Richards@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Bradley Piros BJ-Piros@wiu.edu edge editor Jonathan Lynch JJ-Lynch@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu
proofreader Alexis Lowe AL-Lowe@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 Jacob Day JD-Day@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu
PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION
The Western Courier is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the regular school year, excluding holidays, finals week and semester breaks. The WC updates the website weekly during the summer. All content reflects the editorial discretion of the students operating the newspaper and must be interpreted as unofficial university communication. While every attempt is made to determine the validity of advertising contained herein, the advertising in the WC is not to be construed as endorsements of any specific products or services. The WC assumes no responsibility or liability resulting from the content of paid advertisements. Subscription price is $36 per year mailed third-class bulk rate from Macomb. The WC is printed by The Galesburg Register-Mail in Galesburg, Ill.
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Friday, August 24, 2018
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NEWS 3
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By Steven Barnum assistant news editor
More kindness and positivity will soon begin to circulate around Western Illinois University’s campus. For the Fall 2018 semester, the program ‘Kinder Mondays’ (KM) will be offering random acts of kindness to passing students across the Macomb campus. Western counselors Ana Diaz and Amy Buwick initiated the program in 2016,
which has grown into a university-wide program. In addition to spreading positivity around the campus, the program also seeks to encourage others to pay it forward. “Kindness, no matter how small a gesture, typically has a ripple effect,” Buwick said. “We want kindness to ripple across Western and beyond.” Each and every Monday, a different office or department will serve as the host of the program. The host on Aug. 20 was Beu Health Center,
which gave students water and maps of the campus. This coming Monday, University Counseling Center will offer freezer pops in Memorial Hall. Students can tweet with the hash tag #WIUKinderMondays to continue to grow the program. There are still dates not yet filled so if an office is interested in hosting Kinder Monday, contact Buwick at 309-298-2453. “We need to do our part in making the world a kinder place.” Buwick said.
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4 OPINIONS
Friday, August 24, 2018
WesternCourier.com
Self-identity is key to college success The first week of school is always the most tedious. You have to memorize your schedule, buy the proper supplies, and figure out the cheapest way to get books. Entering my second year of college as a sophomore, I’m pretty accustomed to the university and the people in it. However, my perspective of college has changed since I completed my freshman year. Every incoming student has a vision of how they will live their college experience. Often times they see themselves making new friends, getting involved or going to parties. But that vision may be modified with the
more you experience. The number one modification of my college vision is my lack of desire to fit in. Being away from home gave me the opportunity to learn more about myself as an individual. Not having parental supervision and learning to make important decisions on my own has impacted my character both as a student and as an adult. I appreciate the friends I already have, but I’ve learned that the real ones come when you are ready; not when it’s forced. One of the best things to establish during your college years, in my opinion, is independecy. Being able to rely on myself and make decisions
on my own has helped in my transition to adulthood. Over the years I have gained and lost many friends. It even got to the point where I blamed myself. But in reality, the reason is because I didn’t know what to look for in a friend. Throughout high school and even in my freshman year of college, all I wanted to do was fit in. I wanted people to like me, and so I did everything in my power to be “likeable” to certain people. The friendships that I did make didn’t last because I wasn’t able to relate to them on a personal level. The reason is because I didn’t even know who I was as a person. I was so focused on being liked that I never took the time to get to know myself. Being in college has really given me the opportunity to stay in tune with my innerself. I left home to come to a completely new place and I
found my way without guidance from my parents. It was like starting from scratch. Now, entering my sophomore year, I’m very comfortable with who I am which means I don’t need to look for acceptance from anyone else. If I make friends now, it’s because me and those people have something in common. All of this goes to say that it’s okay to be independent. My advice to all of the incoming freshman is to know yourself before trying to get to know others. Find out your interests. Join clubs with people who like the same things as you. Don’t be afraid to be different and try new things. I’m not saying you shouldn’t have friends, but make sure your friendships are based off of the right things. It’s cooler to stand out than to fit in, and it’s even better to be completely comfortable with who you are as an individual.
More options for college classes With college being as emotionally, physically and mentally draining as it is, it would be nice to be asked what I want to learn about other than when it’s time for me to select, and or drop my classes. I appreciate the great selection of majors and minors that are available to the students here at Western Illinois University. However, even with a great selection to choose from, the information in my opinion doesn’t seem to fit the courses that we either choose as electives, or are required to take to graduate. As a journalism major, I have
learned far more than what I knew prior to joining the department. Many of my classes involve information about careers in the news department of journalism. Now, there is nothing wrong with learning about news, considering that it is a valid definition for journalism. However, it would also be nice to focus on other areas that could interest me in my career as well. Many of the classes that I take become repetitive with the information that is being taught. At times it feels as though I’m having deja vu after a day of back-to-back classes. Even if we’re not go-
ing to be asked our preference on what’s to be taught each semester, at least provide us with more variety in the lessons we learn. It’s already below zero degrees in each class giving our bodies the permission to fall asleep during mid-lecture. So, how am I expected to sit and learn for 50 minutes to an hour and a half a day, when I feel as though the information I’m listening to was just taught during my previous class? Since becoming a college student, I can’t remember the last time that I was asked what it is that I wanted to learn about. When I graduate I want to know enough without having to be ignorant to what I am expected to know when I start my career. Many students come back after working at an internship and they learn more than they did
during the school year, which is expected, yes. However, we should already know these things before going out into the field. Maybe, if we were given the option of learning about objectives that we know will help us have an impact on our career, we will be more than willing to sit in class and learn about. After paying tuition each semester, and finding the energy to show up to a 9 a.m. class, I would just appreciate the same energy in return as to teaching me practical and useful information in my possible career. I’m tired of thinking that I may have learned more in high school than I am in college, yet the time and energy that I am putting in does not seem to match what I’m getting back. Either give me more options or don’t expect me to listen.
Friday, August 24, 2018
@WesternCourier
OPINIONS 5
New school year resolutions
With the start of another semester, goals and expectations from students are abound. Students across campus have goals of earning that 4.0 GPA, or that hope of getting involved on campus more. Some might simply just coast through their last semester, or year, before they leave WIU and Macomb, for good. Whatever your goals and aspirations are for the year, go get them. Don’t overlook the fact that you have a plethora of resources available to you at WIU. There is tutoring available within each academic program, or you can visit your professors during their pre-scheduled office hours each week. The University Writing Center is a great resource for students who may
need help with their writing, or simply do not know how to format a bibliography or works cited page. The UCC has multiple locations and hours available to fit almost any schedule. It’s needless to say, but resources are everywhere at WIU so use them! First year and transfer students, don’t waste time immersing yourself in WIU and the surrounding community. WIU is also filled with traditions. From homecoming, to the annual Purple and Gold banquet, University Housing and Dining’s Mud Volleyball, which is happening this Saturday, Aug. 25, behind Bayliss Hall, the Macomb Balloon Rally is happening on Sep. 6-7, and brings in hundreds of people
every year to get up close and personal with hot air balloons to see them light up the area around Vince Grady Fields. Macomb is a hidden gem, also. Yes, it’s small and no, it does not have a mall or Portillos, but these small Illinois towns have a lot to offer those that invest themselves into them. For example, Ball Fore Entertainment on West Jackson Street (next to R.P. Lumber) offers mini-putt, a driving range, sand volleyball courts and batting cages all at affordable prices. There are several unique shops around the square and plenty of food options for students to practically explore a new choice every week. Don’t be afraid to branch out and try something new in Macomb. Don’t be afraid to go out around campus and Macomb to find “your people” either. In the end, there are people all across campus that want you to leave Macomb with positive memories.
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Being a former student-athlete; along with having student-athlete friends, I strongly believe that student-athletes should be paid. Being a student-athlete is a full-time job that takes a lot of time, commitment and attention. You are tied between classes, practices, games and even tournaments. These studentathletes are have to stay on top of their daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal schedules, which can be extremely tedious. The structure that they have on
campus can help them down the road, if they choose to remain a athlete and maintain other priorities such as raising a family. In relation to their hectic schedules; this is great foreshadow of what their life will be like after school, and how their schedules will be fuller, especially if they decide to have a family. Being able to receive compensation for being a student-athlete will cause the students to get the real feel of being an athlete who still has other respon-
sibilities both personally and with the team. This will cause students to learn how to be more accountable and responsibile. These students are accountable to themselves, families, coaches, teammates and fans. Additionally, the student-athletes are the ones who are the face of the sport for the school. In other words, when publicity happens for sport websites and papers; the students in action are the cover pictures. These student-athletes are the ones who are hustling day-by-day to push through to accomplish both school and sport work. With great accomplishments and recognition from press media, the students should receive
some compensation. This would mean that pay would vary from player to player and even university to university. The universities with the more successful teams usually receive more press time, than those who don’t have such successful teams. Coaches are just as influential when it comes to a teams success. However once the wins come, the coaches start receiving raises and promotions, but not the student-athletes. Student-athletes don’t need to receive pay as high as coaches and athletic directors, but they definitely need some compensation for their determination to stay focused on both school and sport at the same time.
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.
Letters & Local Forum Policies E-mail letters to the Editor and Local Forum messages to micour@wiu.edu. Letters should not be more than 350 words in length. The author’s name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Failure to include such information will lead to the letter being discarded. The WC staff will edit letters in cases of timeliness, obscenity length and grammer, and we do not guarantee publication of all letters.
2018 Fall Semester Editorial Board Edge Editor - Jonathan Lynch Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Markayle Tolliver
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Friday, August 24, 2018
6 SPORTS
Soccer
from back page
The somewhat local addition from last year made 12 starts in 14 games for the Leathernecks while recording 10 shots, half of them on goal. It isn’t just the underclassmen getting things done. Already mentioned, Romay was the main outlet in the attack last year, and she’ll look to convert more this time around. Also keeping things steady in the back is senior Lily Butler and juniors Kayla McCormick and Natalie Sielaff. Butler usually playing in a defensive midfielder role often finds herself coming back to help out on defense. Alongside freshman Clarke,
WesternCourier.com will be McCormick. She appeared in all 17 games and started 15 of them, totaling over 1400 minutes over the course of last season. Rounding out the defense will be Sielaff; who started all 17 games last season, and hardly ever left the field. The only person not mentioned out of the starting XI is undoubtedly the backbone of the team. That being junior goalkeeper Ines Palmiero from Viladecavalls, Spain. Recruited two years ago, she started five games her freshman year still as a backup. Last year she made her main stay and had 13 starts, missing out on the other four only to a slight injury. She’ll be one of the leading factors to Western’s success
this season. All these talented players seem to be the start of something special in the women’s soccer program. They are young, and they are more importantly versatile. A lot of these women can be switched back and forth between all kinds of different positions to give coach Johnson an endless variety in formations and game plans. As long as this team can clique together and get along, they will be a force to be reckoned with this season. They’ve showed promising signs already this season, now it’s time to see if they can fire on all cylinders. They’ll be in action this Sunday at home at John Mackenzie field at 1 p.m. twitter: bradjp08
FILE PHOTO
Mackenzie Steckler jumps for a spike off of a set from teammate.
Volleyball from back page
The Golden Eagles have a very young roster, but will be looking to make big strides this season under head coach Jeanette Waldo. Tennessee Tech will be bringing back two key defensive cogs from last year’s defense in Kirsten Brugere and Rachel Thomas. Both players will be key assets for the Golden Eagles if they want to finish the Leatherneck classic on top. The Leathernecks want to get the 2018 season off to a hot start, but they will need to do all the
little things well to make sure they can win the tournament they are hosting. They will have to play pristine defense because their opponents are all very scrappy and will be looking to get points at any opportunity they receive. The Leathernecks will also have to buy into the senior leadership of the team spearheaded by Sanders. If Western can accomplish all these objectives, they should have no problem defeating the opposition. Buckle up Leatherneck fans, this will be a very exciting season for the Western volleyball team. twitter: brendanreidyII
CLASSIFIEDS
WC
For Rent
For Rent
Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu
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!
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FILE PHOTO
Lily Butler dribbles the ball down the sideline.
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. 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.
RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)
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 Still have some nice large locations available at reasonable prices. Excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. 1-8 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Pets at some locations. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.
@WesternCourier
Friday, August 24, 2018
Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, was suspended the first three games of the year and cannot join the team until Sep. 2. The decision came Wednesday night after a 12-hour meeting with the Board of Trustees. Urban’s former coach, Zach Smith, was accused of committing domestic violence against his ex-wife back in 2015. When Urban was asked about the situation on July 23, at Big 10 Media days, he said he knew nothing. A week after those comments, text messages leaked between Smith's ex-wife, Courtney, and Meyer’s wife, Shelley. Courtney told Shelley that she was being abused and told her to tell Urban about it. The next day Urban was placed on administrative leave on Aug. 1. He eventually came out and said he told his superiors.
“I gave Zach Smith the benefit of the doubt... I should’ve done more... The suspension is tough, but I accept them.” Urban said. G. Smith said he did not know about Zach’s past, but will be more careful during his hearing process. Urban also stated that he did not know about the text messages between Courtney and Shelley, when she was asking for help. It is unfortunate what happened to Courtney and those kinds of actions should have never happened. With all the knowledge we now have, Urban has been consistent with one thing, his lies. The moment he was asked about it he told the media he knew nothing, then suddenly, when the story broke out, he then said he knew about it. “I wish I would have done more.” he said Wednesday might. “I wish I would’ve known more.” Well which is it Urban? Do you know, or don’t know? I guess we’ll never know what he knew, but we do know is
Sports 7
Meyer supended three games Meyer and his wife had been counseling the ex-couple since 2009, when they were at Florida University. Smith followed Urban to Columbus in 2012, when he got the job at OSU. The Board of Trustees needed two weeks before making a final decision. On Wednesday night they went ahead and suspended him and AD Gene Smith (no relation to Zach). After the all-day meeting, immediately following was a press conference, involving President Michael Drake, G. Smith, and Meyer. They released statements, which took 20 minutes for them to answer the questions. During President Drake's statements, he said G. Smith and Meyer did not take sufficient action in the case. Ultimately leaving him no choice, but to suspend them.
that he got a slap on wrist. Being the head coach at a top university, you are responsible for every player and every coach on your staff in your program. He clearly was not in charge of this situation. He claimed he did not know his wife received texts asking for help. It was reported after the suspension was made, that he deleted text messages after they were a year old. I wouldn’t be surprised with more information coming out involving this case within the next day or two. OSU also released a statement saying that Urban ‘sometimes suffers from a short-term memory loss.’ Obviously, OSU is supporting and still believes in Urban Meyer. But the big question is, will there be more evidence that goes against Urban to get him fired? OSU's first three games will be against Oregon State, Rutgers and TCU. Urban will join the team if he doesn't get fired before then.
Necks hit the road to Oakland
Coach Johnson talks with his team.
By Michael Harms courier staff
JOSH DEFIBAUGH/COURIERSTAFF
Western Illinois University men’s regular soccer season opener kicks off against Oakland University on Friday. This will also be the Golden Grizzlies season opener as well, so both teams are looking to start off on a high note. The game plan for the Leathernecks starts with a couple of formation options. A typical formation that may come out of the gate is a 4-4-2. However, Oakland is known to run a 3-5-2 and Western may want to match up with them in midfield. Either way the teams will look to match up the best way possible, but the name of the game is scoring. “We are trying to score goals in three ways. One from counter-attack by pressing the ball, two from buildup if we can play out of the back from the other teams’ low pressure we can switch the play and go from right to left through the midfield and even through the backline, and obviously from restarts,” said coach Eric Johnson, who seems to have his game plan already lined up and hopes his team can perform.
This first game looks like a difficult task for the Leathernecks as the Golden Grizzlies already have mauled some top tier talent. Their first exhibition game they played was the No. 9 ranked Drake University and actually came out on top, 4-2. In their two exhibition games they have five goals and two wins, whereas Western has five goals in three games with one win and two ties. A huge question for this game will be how the 10 newcomers will respond to the increased pressure of regular season play. “They put the pressure on themselves… they want to play, so training has been intense and competitive and has led to good showings” coach Johnson said. What seems to be intense training in practice is bound to lead to more wins for the Leathernecks. The two players to look out for from Leathernecks roaster will be freshman midfielder Xavier Brown and senior defensive back Jamison Kozar. Brown scored his first goal last match and coach Johnson had some pleasing remarks about him after the game. Brown hasn’t quite earned a
starting role yet, but look for him to come off the bench and help the team out with some fresh legs. Kozar has been red hot in the exhibition games scoring in all three matches. After missing most of the season last year due to injury, he seems to be ready to play and make a huge impact for the Leathernecks. The Golden Grizzlies will rely on junior forward Nebojsa Popvic and senior midfielder Jacob Moore. Popvic had the second most goals on the team and lead the team with six assists tallying a total of 14 points last year. His talent up front lead too many goals and the Grizzlies will probably send the ball to him as much as possible. Moore started all 17 games for the Golden Grizzlies and is a leader for the team. With the pressure mounting in the season opener look for him to calm the team down and have poise on the pitch. The Leathernecks goal this year all starts with the first game. They hope to make it back to the NCAA tournament after a few years and it starts by getting to the Summit League Tournament at the end of the year. This game will help accomplish that goal.
Volleyball set for season opener By Brendan Reidy courier staff
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Shiah Sanders awaits the ball in a home series at Western Hall.
MACOMB, Ill— IT. IS. HERE. Western Illinois Volleyball is ready to kick off this weekend for their first matchup of the season. The Leathernecks will host a tournament at Western Hall to kick off the season. They will play Fairleigh Dickerson, Tennessee Tech, and Evansville University throughout the weekend. Western will start the tournament playing Fairleigh Dickerson Friday at 7 p.m. The Leathernecks have some notable talent returning for the fall season. Leading the team is Shiah Sanders who is their starting right-side hitter. Last year, Sanders made big strides in making her game more complete. In the 2017 season, she had career highs in all offensive and defensive categories. Most notably in digs and kills with 204 and 148, respectively. Another player to keep an eye on this season will be Mackenzie Steckler who was on the list of players to look out for in the Summit
League. She will be the starting middle for Western this season and is looking to surpass the impressive number of blocks she posted last season (105). The Fairleigh Dickerson University Knights had a rough season last year, going 5-24. The Knights are led by Andrea Nolan who is in her second year as head coach, and is looking to make some tremendous improvement. Dickerson will turn to sophomore Magdalena Maksimovic who had 207 kills last season. Evansville went 10-20 in the 2017 season, and is looking to get off to a hot start in 2018. The team will bring back electric hitter Rachel Tam who lit up the court with 306 kills. The Purple Aces will also bring back the passing machine who Allana McInnis who led the squad with 836 assists. Tennessee Tech finished last season with a 4-24 record, and are looking to bounce back in the Leatherneck Classic.
Volleyball page 6
Necks head home to face UMKC By Bradley Piros
assistant sports editor MACOMB, Ill. — This weekend the Western Illinois women’s soccer team will kick-off a four-game home stand over the course of the next three weeks. Their home opener is this Sunday against the University of Missouri-Kansas City Kangaroos at 1 p.m. The last time these two teams met was back on Aug. 13, 2016 when the Roos defeated the Leathernecks 3-0 in Kansas City. The loss did not go on Western’s record because it was only a pre-season exhibition match. Since then, the Leathernecks have lost some key players, including defender Mary Street who graduated last year, and forward Brianna Hughes who graduated the year before. Those two ladies had a huge role in the team, as well as some others, that are no longer with Western. Either way, the Leathernecks learned how to move on without them and rebuild entirely. Coach Dr. Eric Johnson has recently been depending on his underclassman to get the job done for his side.
He started six underclassmen, three of them being their first year as a Leatherneck. Freshman Zoe Clarke and Amy Andrews were brought in all the way from Birmingham, England to continue the rebuilding process for the team. Clarke will keep things steady in defense while Andrews will look to put some shots in the back of the net at forward alongside junior Bianca Romay, who is coming off a record year last season. The other starting freshman was Cassidy Grunewald in midfield. She will try to be the last piece to the puzzle in Western’s midfield, solidifying it for years to come. She’ll play alongside two more underclassman, sophomores Natalie Nagle and Lauryn Peters to round out the midfield. If not in midfield, you will find Grunewald in the back four as well in defense. Last but certainly not least, is sophomore Bridget Schuler out of Peoria.
Soccer page 6
Bridget Schuler shuffles back on defense for the Leathernecks.
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