Western Courier| April 17th, 2019

Opinions: Is the wealth privilege problem getting better?

Sports: Baseball is coming off Summit League sweeps.

WesternCourier.com

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 - Vol. 119 Issue 78

@WesternCourier

Macomb names replacement for Dean Torreson

FELICIA SELMON/COURIER STAFF

City Administrator Dean Torreson (left) will retire in May and Chief of Police Curt Barker (right) discusses police vehicles.

By Steven Barnum news editor

Macomb’s City Administrator Dean Torreson will vacate his seat after his second term in the position.

Torreson, a native of Iowa, spent eight years as the city administrator before retiring in 2016. After Sue McLaughlin’s sudden departure, the city brought back Torreson on an interim basis. During Monday’s meeting, the city of Macomb approved Scott

Coker as Torreson’s replacement. The city hopes that Coker, the current Public Works Director, is more than a temporary solution.

“Having worked with Scott for two years, I know that he’ll do a very fine job,” Torreson said.

Alderman Tom Koch echoed his belief in Coker ’s knowledge, saying that he will have big shoes to fill but that he knows that he is capable.

The city council approved a four-year contract with Coker that includes a $100,000 salary and pay increases in

each year of the contract.

Coker will start the job as of May 1, which is when the city begins its new fiscal year.

Coker has lived in the Macomb region for most of his life and worked at Western Illinois University for 14 years.

He said that he has been interested in the job for about a year.

“I’ve worked with the city for less than two years so I’m still learning how city government works,” Coker said.

“But it’s a very easy group of people to work with so that will help tremendously.”

In a separate employment agreement, the city of Macomb also approved a contract extension with City Attorney Kristen Petrie. Petrie has been with the city since 2011 and will now remain in her position until at least 2023 with an annual salary of $96,000. Alderman Gayle Carper praised Petrie’s work ethic.

“As a lawyer myself, I never did any of the kind of work that she’s doing,” Carper said. “I really appreciate her expertise and her advice and I’m really happy that she

FELICIA SELMON/COURIER STAFF

agreed to stay with us.”

Mayor Mike Inman is also appreciative of Petrie’s presence.

“She’s done nothing but outstanding work for the citizens of Macomb,” Inman said. “After eight years in office, there’s only one intercom extension that I know without having to look it up – Petrie’s. We rely on her here and I couldn’t be happier that she’s sticking around.”

City Council page 3

2

NEWS

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Western graduate will perform on Broadway

By Steven Barnum news editor

A 2009 graduate of Western Illinois University is now a cast member in the Broadway show “Waitress.”

Melody Betts will play nurse Norma on the show, which will run now through August. Previously, Betts landed roles on “Chicago PD” and “Chicago Code,” which she feels were stepping stones to even bigger and better projects. She said that it certainly helps to have those credits, but professionalism is perhaps the most important impression to make.

“Whether it’s television or Broadway, they all have the potential to open doors for us as actors and actresses,” Betts said. “When you complete these jobs successful-

ly, you’re professional and pleasant to work with, then people will trust you to do more. Trust leads to work.

When people know that you can be trusted, they won’t hesitate to hire you.”

Through her experience in “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert,” Betts had the pleasure of working with entertainer John Legend. She admired his kindness and his work ethic, qualities that she also thinks are critical in the business of performing. But even if she surrounds herself with talented and confident people, the nature of the career is still going to create instances where she has to combat nerves.

“I used to find some success in settling my nerves by centering myself through closing my eyes and doing a little deep breathing,” Betts said.

“But then the more people

who showed up to see me, the more pressure I felt to impress. So now I specifically choose what I will and won't focus on and take authority over my mind. If you can control what you think, you can control your nerves.”

Betts is thankful for Western’s theatre program because she believes that it effectively balances the academic and performance side of the craft. The program gave her ample stage experience outside of Macomb, which she found helpful.

“You’ll need that before joining the workforce.

Every actor needs to experience what it means to work with different types of people from different cultures and places.”

As for what the program could have done differently, Betts said that she was disappointed in the lack of diver-

sity within the characters, which presented a lack of opportunity for all students.

She also recalled a time when she personally wasn’t cast in a play while she was a graduate acting student, something that she later used as motivation.

“There was nothing available for me and I felt as though I was an afterthought and forgotten at a time when I needed the program the most,” Betts said. “It wasn’t pleasant but it taught me to fight for myself, which was a much needed tool for the real world experience.”

When it comes to pursuing a career path like Betts has, she said that there is no right or wrong method. Her mother told her that college isn’t for everybody, but it just so happened that it was a productive experience for Betts.

“Everyone doesn’t need to go to college to do what they

love, are passionate about and are purposed to do,” she said.

“But I absolutely loved graduate school. I had waited for such a long time to get to the part of school where my education was concentrated in my chosen area of study.”

Whether aspiring performers attend college or not, Betts said that there are other qualities that are just as or more critical to have when looking to stand out.

“If you have the gifts and talents that work well in this career, then go for it. You’ll have to love it in order to stay in it and succeed,” Betts said.

“Go at your own pace because comparison kills. You must be a whole person who knows what they want and knows who they are so that you don’t get eaten alive or eaten up – and just like any other entity, there is no such thing as perfection.”

COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Above is Western graduate Melody Betts who is currently starring in Broadway's "Waitress".

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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 Steven Barnum

proofreader Amanda Wandachowicz

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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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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

advertising manager Jacob Day

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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.

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City Council from page 1

Macomb Police Chief Curt Barker requested two new vehicles and it was granted by the city council. The department will purchase a 2019 Dodge Charger for $23,000 and a 2019 Chevy Tahoe for $36,000. The department will receive $3,000 after trading in a vehicle in the fleet.

Inman stressed that the funding of the vehicles will come from sources that are designed to aid the police department.

They will pay for the Charger with money from the police protective fund and they will pay for the Tahoe through the drug asset forfeiture fund, where the courts award departments with cash from drugrelated criminal activities.

In a continuation from last week’s business, the city will allow Forgottonia Brewing Company to serve liquor at its soon-to-be location in downtown Macomb. The special use liquor license is necessary for the brewery to offer on-site

Wednesday, April 17, 2019 wine and beer because it will be a new business. Petrie said that there were no objections to the brewery getting the license.

A spokesperson for the brewery thanked the city council for their decision and said that it’s a long process to open the business but that it’ll be worth it in the end. The brewery expects to employ six people in the initial stages, but if all goes as well as they hope, they are prepared to eventually double their staff.

In an unusual circumstance, the city council went into executive session before returning to the chamber and holding a vote on a pay increase for an office manager. The council ultimately approved the $2,400 raise, although Gayle Carper and Alderman At-Large Don Wynn voted no.

“Whenever we’re discussing individuals and compensation, we want to be candid about it,” Inman told the Western Courier after the vote.

“There were some questions from aldermen regarding the issue, so we wanted to conduct those discussions in a private manner.”

NEWS 3

FELICIA SELMON/COURIER STAFF

Mayor Mike Inman (above) is glad that Kristen Petrie will remain as the city's attorney.

FELICIA SELMON/COURIER STAFF

FELICIA SELMON/COURIER STAFF

City Attorney Kristen Petrie (left) agreed to stay in her position for four more years and Alderman Gayle Carper (right) talks about Petrie's value to the city.

4

OPINIONS

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

WesternCourier.com

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Privilege has always existed in the United States, but wealth especially, allows people to get away with more than they should.

For years, we’ve seen wealthy people break laws and find a way to get out of serving time in prison. Ordinary citizens like myself wouldn’t be able to use status as an excuse for committing similar crimes, whether it’s money laundering or even something much less serious.

Even when rich and famous people can’t use their name to get out of going to jail, they are sent to prisons that are relatively safe and easier to endure. With this trend, people like Martha Stewart essentially go on a bad vacation for a few years and then go back to living a normal life.

Bill Cosby, possibly the most prolific rapist in the history of the world, will only serve three years because of his name, fortune and age. Looking at it from a glass

half full perspective, it seemed unlikely that Cosby would have went down, which indicates progress. The same assumption could be made for R. Kelly, who also faced time in prison speculation that he wouldn’t face the consequences. At one point, they would have certainly gotten out of it.

Jordan Belfort, who took money from millions of people that he had no intention of giving it back to, only served a couple of years in a “prison.” There’s even a movie that glorifies his story and he is played by none other than Leonardo DiCaprio. I don’t just think that he should have served more time because I’m jealous of his life, but it’s also messed up

how he could knowingly be that corrupt and only get a slap on the wrist.

Then there’s Jussie Smollett, who lied to the police about being attacked, which wasted millions of dollars in investigations. As of now, the charges are dropped and he will not serve time in prison. It makes no logical sense why somebody who lied like that would get away with it, but that’s what happens when you have an empire.

Recently, the theme of rich celebrities getting out of potential prison time may be turning the other way. After the college admissions scandal, Felicity Huffman and Lori Loughlin both appear to be destined for pris-

on. Loughlin even pleaded not guilty, showing that she knows what her wealth could do for her. If they both serve time, then that may prove that the days of getting away with everything are over.

To me, it’s not enough that these people lose their reputations and their careers; they also need to pay a price that they would definitely be paying if they were in our shoes. The saying, “You are treated better if you are wealthy and guilty than if you are poor and innocent” remains to be true.

The standards within the criminal justice system seem to be changing for the better but there is still a lot of work to be done to eliminate wealth privilege.

Does Macomb need more entertainment?

College is a place of learning, and as students, that should never be something that we stray from or get distracted from. Having things to do after a hard test or on the weekend is nice because everyone wants to be rewarded sometimes.

So, is Western desolate? If so, what type of things can be improved? Both questions will be addressed as we dive in the conversation of leisure. Coming from a big city like Chicago, my opinion and a lot of others are going to be against

quiet towns like Macomb.

Now, this is reasonable because Macomb is not a city in comparison and does not try to be. What Western does specifically to counteract the monotony is to be involved with the campus. Students are welcomed and encouraged to participate in events and organizations.

This may seem very simple and cliché, but this does help.

Students being involved on campus or just being cordial with one another makes the campus seem even more like

home and something you can connect with. Involvement typically is an easy way to forget what is not going on in the area at times.

If someone really wants to make the most out of their situation, the best thing to do is connect with friends and do things together whether its on campus or not. College teaches us the value of having friends, especially when we are stuck doing nothing.

Studying is exponentially easier than it would be in a big city because the saying, “out of sight out of mind” is very powerful. With the correct mindset, someone can improve their production since they would have less distractions. This is a lesson for some students that has to be learned

Contact Allison Young

in the form of bad grades.

Keep in mind that the time you spend is valuable because most of the time you are watching it tick away. As crazy as it may sound, it may be beneficial for some people that there is nothing to do. Juggling extracurricular activities and school is more difficult as an adult because the responsibility is all on you.

Not everything should stay unchanged, though.

One change that could be implemented could be reopening the bowling alley that is now being used for storage. Since people typically go to the Union anyway, this would be a no-brainer since traffic is already guaranteed. The addition of a bowling alley would be just as popular if not more

popular than the Chick-Fil-A. Most people enjoy bowling and it has always been an easy way to get people together.

Another idea would be to hold more events in the actual dorms. This would encourage people to not only get involved on their floors or hall but to just get out of their rooms in general. The events that could be held could be as simple as a movie night or competitions that reward people with prizes. If the prizes and the events are enticing, this idea will also work.

At the end of the day, what you see is what you get in life.

All of us chose Western because we think it's the right decision for us, the best thing to do is make the most out of it!

AN-Young@wiu.edu

@WesternCourier

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

OPINIONS 5

SGA winners announced

Friday night was a time that was eagerly awaited by the candidates of the Student Government Association election.

From the time voting opened on Monday, it was all that was on any of our minds. As we waited for the results to be announced, I watched both sides of the room nervously listen to Attorney General Kelly Rodgers announce the winners.

In my opinion, a lot was riding on the results of this race.

While either pair of presidential and vice presidential candidates could have done an

outstanding job in office, I have watched Colton Markey and Daria Levchenko spend countless hours working towards this goal. After a week of intense campaigning that I felt would never end, it was even more evident to me that Markey and Levchenko deserved these positions. Not only have they worked with Grant Reed and Madison Lynn for the past year, but they have allowed them to become mentors and are well equipped to follow in their footsteps. Working closely with the SGA Cabinet over the

course of this past year, I have spent a lot of time with Markey and Levchenko. Not only are they heavily experienced in how SGA operates, but they also have impeccable attendance records. SGA is already a priority in both of their lives, showing that they are prepared to handle the immense commitment that the positions entail. When the results were announced, I felt a sense of relief in knowing that these two people would be leading the student body and that the race was finally over.

Markey and Levchenko, while working effectively as a team, also have strong individual strengths. As a Macomb native, or “Macombie Homie,” as some would say, Markey possesses unique insights into the

Macomb community. Not only does he have a connection with the mayor, but he also has a deep passion for this school and community. Markey is a Western Illinois University Legacy, and his brother, Caleb Markey, also served as Student Government President. Levchenko balances academics and extracurriculars in a way that is quite admirable; including her sorority, SGA, University Union Board and Homecoming. She exhibits passion about student activities and has taken on various projects to better the lives of students. She hosted a parking forum to discuss concerns students had about parking on campus and continues to work with admissions to improve Western’s marketing to prospective students.

The leaders of SGA impact everyone on campus. Even if you do not always see it, they are behind the scenes making important decisions and changes to benefit you, the student body.

Markey and Levchenko have each worked so hard to make this University a better place, and I know that they will do the same in their positions of president and vice president. I firmly believe that this will be a great year in SGA because of these two individuals and I am grateful to everyone who took the time to vote. We have elected these two to be our voice, and I know they will not take that responsibility lightly.

Congratulations again to Markey and Levchenko, hard work truly does pay off.

6

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Baseball begins to heat up with back-to-back Summit League sweeps

By Christopher Bean assistant sports editor

MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois University men’s baseball team hosted a three game series against the Fort Wayne Mastodons. The Leathernecks entered the weekend series with an 11-19 record and 5-7 in conference play and only two games out of second place. Meanwhile, the Mastodons were 5-25 and 0-12 in The Summit League.

The series opener started on Friday, and Jace Warkentien got it started for the Purple and Gold.

After a scoreless first, Warkentien gave up a solo shot with one out in the second to Robert Young III giving them an early 1-0 lead.

However, it did not take long for the Necks to respond. After going three-up and three-down in the first two innings, they finally got the bats going in third, getting five hits and scoring four runs in the third to take a 4-1 lead.

The Mastodons got one back in the top of the fourth, when Andrew Lawvere crossed the plate on an error from Dillon Sears. Again, Western didn't take take long to answer. The Necks scored seven runs on six hits, three of them coming off the bat from Diego Munoz.

The score remained 11-2, until Aaron Chapman tripled down the left field line, scoring Young. Chapman scored on a

ground out to score the fourth and final run of the day for the visitors.

Warkentien got his last two outs in the eighth, and Jordan Cheek secured the last out of the inning with runners on the corners. Warkentien picked up his second win of the year after going 7 2/3 on six hits and three earned runs. In the bottom of the eighth, Grant Hannant singled to score Trenton Bauer. The next at bat, Steve McShane, had runners on second and third and singled to complete the 10-run mercy rule. The 14-4 scoreline was Western’s second mercy win this year.

On Saturday, the two teams would play a doubleheader because of inclement weather on Sunday. The first game of the doubleheader was the closest game of the series. Western edged the Mastodon’s 4-2.

Starter Javin Drake was on his A game right out of the gate, striking out seven in the first three innings. He finished with 10 K’s and only gave up six hits and one walk in seven scoreless innings, picking up his fourth win this year.

The Necks scored two runs in the second after an error by the pitcher Chase Phelps scored CJ Schaeffer Jr. Two batters later, Phelps walked Kevin Raisbeck with the bases loaded, scoring Deion Thompson.

Western added to their 2-0 lead

in the seventh after back-to-back RBI singles from Munoz and Raisbeck to give Western a 4-0 lead after seven. However, Fort Wayne would not go away scoring two runs in the eighth, but Justin Foy came in to relieve Kyle Rosenfeld, and successfully completed the four-out save for his first save of the year.

In the second game of the doubleheader and last game of the series it was all Leathernecks from start to finish. Jack Carberry started the game, and for the second game in-a-row he shutout the Mastodon’s offense.

Carberry won his fifth game after six scoreless innings, one walk, three walks and six K’s.

Western's offense took care of the rest after a five RBI day from Drue Galassi. In the bottom of the seventh, McShane hit his second walk-off hit in as many days with another two-run RBI single scoring Bauer and Galassi. They won 10-0 in seven innings completing the series sweep.

The Purple and Gold improved to 14-19, and 8-7 in The Summit League. They moved to fifth to third and are only one game behind South Dakota State for second. Western will travel to SDSU for a three-game series this weekend. This will begin a stretch of 14 road games in the last 19 games of the year. If they can survive this stretch, look out for a deep postseason run from the Leathernecks.

CLASSIFIEDS

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For Rent

For Rent

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.

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: 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!

MY'ANNA PURDUE/ PHOTO STAFF

Javin Drake releases a pitch at Alfred D. Boyer field.

Steve McShane follows through on his swing.

LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! First 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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

Sports 7

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

@WesternCourier

NBA Playoffs off to historical start

The NBA playoffs are in full effect, as a busy weekend of game one’s have begun. The road to The Finals started last Saturday with four games on the schedule. Two more games took off on Monday.

The Philadelphia 76ers made a statement by blowing out the Brooklyn Nets in game two. After leading by just one point entering halftime, the Sixers tied an NBA record by scoring 51 points in the third quarter. The game ended at a 145-123 defeat over the Nets to tie the series up.

Ben Simmons posted a triple-double (18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds) as Philadelphia rested their starters for most of the fourth quarter.

On Saturday, the Nets were on fire when it came to threepointers. Their long-range attack led to a rare sequence in the first quarter where

they hit two and-one 3s in a span of 90 seconds. D'Angelo Russell flaunted some postseason gold, playing like the All-Star leader Brooklyn needs with 26 points, and Caris LeVert scored 23 to lead the Nets to an impressive win.

In the second game of the doubleheader on Saturday, the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers repeated their rivalry. The Warriors pulled away from the Clippers for a win in game one, even though Kevin Durant and Patrick Beverley both got ejected.

With a 121-104 win, Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 27 points. Durant is scoring 26 points per game while averaging 6.4 rebounds for the Warriors. Draymond Green has averaged 6.4 rebounds and added 8.7 points per game over the last 10 games

for Golden State.

The Warriors have gone 13-3 against division opponents.

Golden State ranks third in the NBA with 36.5 defensive rebounds per game, led by DeMarcus Cousins averaging 6.8 while the Clippers are 11-5 against the rest of their division. Los Angeles is 48-25 when scoring 100 or more points.

In game two on Monday night, the eighth-seeded Los Angeles Clippers came back from 31 points down in the third quarter to beat the Warriors 135-131. This comeback win is the largest in NBA playoff history, surpassing the 1988-89 Los Angeles Lakers comeback from 29 points down versus the Seattle Supersonics.

The Clippers were led by Lou Williams’ 36 points and Landry Shamet’s gamewinning three-pointer with 16.5 seconds remaining. Los Angeles outscored Golden State 85-58 in the second half.

The Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers tipped off game one of their first round series on Sunday afternoon

and following the first half, the Celtics took a 1-0 series lead over the Pacers thanks to a 26-8 third quarter.

Boston was led by Kyrie Irving, who finished with 20 points, 11 assists, five rebounds and two steals.

They also had the help of Marcus Morris, who ended with 20 points and seven rebounds off the bench.

The Pacers went 0-9 from the field to start the second half and they didn’t score their first points until the 1:27 mark of the quarter. The Celtics defense helped get them their victory despite their offense. Game two is set for today.

Milwaukee Bucks made a statement to the Eastern Conference after game one on Sunday in a stunning 121-86 victory over the Pistons. Superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 24 points, 17 rebounds and four assists in just 23 minutes. At just 24-yearsold, he is the favorite to win MVP along with leading Milwaukee to the best record in the NBA this season.

Bucks had finished the regular season ranked first in the NBA with a net rating of plus-8.6. While the Pistons have lost seven on their final 11 games, the Bucks and Pistons will face off for game two tonight at 7 p.m.

The Utah Jazz were run off the floor Sunday night by the Houston Rockets after a 122-90 win. Houston’s entire starting lineup had at least 10 points. Eric Gordon had 17, Cline Capela scored 16, Chris Paul added 14 and P.J. Tucker had 11.

The Rockets had a doubledigit lead for most of the game, but the Jazz got within five points midway through the third quarter before Houston used a big run to victory.

It’s the second consecutive year these teams have met in the postseason after the Rockets eliminated Utah in five games in the second round last season. Game two is scheduled for tonight in Houston.

The NBA Playoffs will continue with games all throughout the week.

Who will replace Manning as next Giants QB josh purnell courier staff

When a franchise goes through the rebuilding process, the first thing they are looking for is a franchise quarterback. A quarterback they believe has all the intangibles to help a team win.

Whether that is arm strength, understanding the offensive and defensive schemes, performing well under pressure, scanning the field for open receivers and leadership. You can say a few quarterbacks in the league have all those intangibles, players like Tom Brady, Drew Brees or Russell Wilson. They are all hands down future Hall of Fame quarterbacks, but someone like Eli Manning is not.

Everyone thinks Manning gets a free pass to the Hall of Fame because he has two Super Bowl rings and is also a four time Pro Bowler. I have to disagree with that. The New

York Giants defense is the reason why Manning has two rings and started with their defensive line. The Giants defensive line was one of the best during the 2008 and 2012 season. They were unstoppable and hard for the offensive line to contain. Giants had defensive linemen like: Michael Strahan, Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul. The only reason the Giants won in 2008 was because of one play.

It is the most famous and probably best play in Super Bowl history. It was the fourth quarter, with a 1:15 seconds left, with New York having the ball on the 43 yard line.

It was third down and five and they needed to get to the 48 yard line for a first down.

When Manning said hike and the center snapped the ball, the Patriots defensive line

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came off the line so quick that they already had Manning by his shoulder pads. Somehow, Manning managed to escape, threw the ball down the middle field and a receiver by the name of David Tyree caught the ball with his helmet. I’ll admit, it was an unbelievable play, but that play signified the game and changed the momentum of the game.

Then, in 2012, the Giants faced the Patriots again and won again, 21-17. Manning threw for 296 yards and had one touchdown.

Now you’re probably thinking after all that I said, how is Manning not a Hall of Famer?

I personally believe that one of the key components to becoming a Hall of Famer is consistency. A player that is consistent at the quarterback position seperates good quarterbacks from great quarterbacks.

Brady is a consistent player.

His level of preparation every single week shows in each game he plays in. Brady has been to the Super Bowl four times in the last five years. I think that is amazing knowing

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how physical and dangerous the game is. Now, some players like Ben Roethlisberger or Brees are consistent players as well, but getting to the Super Bowl, let alone winning, is the ultimate goal. Since 2013, Manning has led the Giants to the playoffs only once and that was in 2016. Also, he has thrown more than 10 plus interceptions every season.

People in the media started to question Manning’s performance on the field and wondered if he was still valuable to the Giants.

During the 2017 season, Manning was benched by head coach Ben McAdoo and started backup quarterback Geno Smith against the Raiders in week 13. The people of New York were furious and I don't understand why. The team was 2-9 and clearly were not going to the playoffs. There were only four games left to play. I thought McAdoo made the right move by benching Manning. McAdoo was fired before the season was over and I think the organization did it because the fans wanted him

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out of New York. The next season, the team drafted a prominent running back, Shaquon Barkley, and they still didn’t make it to the playoffs. Giants traded Odell Beckham to the Browns and signed 30-yearold receiver Golden Tate.

Manning has not improved over the years and it is time for the Giants to look for a new quarterback. A young quarterback that they can build a team around. The Manning era needs to end if they want to become playoff contenders again. He is not the answer to their team, at least not anymore. I can't even see Manning starting anywhere else, I think it's time for him to play the backup role or retire. Even if the Giants want to keep Manning, they should still draft a quarterback in the first round. In this year’s 2019 NFL Draft, there are some potential quarterbacks in the draft, including players like Kyler Murray, Will Grier and Dwayne Haskin. Hopefully, the Giants will make the right move and go for a quarterback in the first round.

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Tennis wraps up season after back-to-back cancellations

By Bradley Piros sports editor

GALESBURG, Ill. – The Western Illinois University women’s tennis team was scheduled to host Lindenwood UniversitySt. Charles this Saturday afternoon, but after its cancellation, the Leathernecks saw their season come to an end.

Western finished a tough schedule going 4-10 on the spring season and 1-4 in conference play. They never hosted a match in Macomb, because they were all cancelled due to either rain or snow. Their match against University of Missouri St. Louis was rained out back on March 20. As for the Lindenwood match, it was cancelled on Monday after about two inches of snow fell overnight.

The Leathernecks’ team consists of four freshmen, two sophomores and a junior, which means they will all be returning next season. Making their collegiate debuts this season were: Megan Tagaloa, Camryn Rossa, Mia Melnizki and Anouk Maajong. Returning to the team were the sophomore sisters Ana and Mary Bjelica as well as junior Laura Ballesteros.

The team started off their season with a 4-0 loss to the Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville Cougars but immediately bounced back the following day to beat

the University of WisconsinGreen Bay Phoenix 6-3. In that match, Western lost all three doubles matchups but bounced back in singles competition to pick up the come from behind win. All six Leathernecks won their singles matches, while Rossa didn’t compete that day.

The team then traveled to Springfield, Mo. to take on the Missouri State University Bears but came up short, losing 4-0.

They looked to bounce back against Creighton University the next day but fell 6-1. They were able to pick up their second win of the season against St. Ambrose University when the Leathernecks took the match 7-0.

Western continued their road travels to Peoria to take on the Bradley University Braves but were shutout 4-0. They took a week off before coming back to pick up their third win of the season against the Quincy University Hawks. The Leathernecks prevailed 6-1 after winning two doubles matches and five singles.

Quincy’s one point came due to Western having to forfeit those matches because they were a player short due to Maajong’s short injury.

After this, Western went on a three-game losing streak to Illinois State, Oral Roberts and North Dakota (4-0, 5-2 and 7-0, respective-

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Laura Ballesteros follows through her serve.

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Ana Bjelica backhands the ball.

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Anouk Maajong returns a serve.

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Megan Tagaloa returns the ball.

ly). Western secured their final and only conference win of the season back on March 30 to the University of Nebraska-Omaha 4-3.

The pairing of Ballesteros and Tagaloa won the first doubles match 6-4, but Western dropped the doubles point after losing the following two matchups.

Melnizki lost the first singles match in two sets (6-2 and 6-4) to give Omaha a 3-0 lead. But Western battled back to win the five remaining singles matches and pick up an exciting 4-3 comeback win.

The Leathernecks had four scheduled matches left after Omaha. They were against the University of Missouri Tigers and the University of Denver Pioneers, two very good teams. Western lost both 4-0 and 7-0, respectively. And after their remaining two matches were cancelled, that would close the book on their spring season.

They failed to get back to The Summit League Tournament but still made a good effort. All six of these women will hopefully be returning next season along with a few new freshmen faces and the team will be in good shape.

The fall schedule is a ways away from being released, but when it does, the Leathernecks will be ready to take on whoever and whereever after dealing with such a tough schedule this spring.

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Mary Bjelica follows through her backhand.

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Mia Melnizki forehands the ball.