Western Courier| November 2nd, 2018

Opinions:

Sports:

Sports:

Friday, November 2, 2018 - Vol. 119 Issue 31

Western unveils new 'MyWestern' app

By Marc Ramirez news editor

Western Illinois University Center of Innovation in Teaching and Research graduate assistants Harish Jujjavarapu and Balakrishna Uppathi launched a new app called “MyWestern.”

Under the direction of CITR Director Roger Runquist, they graduate assistants were able to make an app after about six months of development. After discussion and feedback following the Spring 2018 President’s Round Table, the student’s decided to create an easier to use app for everyone.

“We know students have been asking for a one-stop-shop app that would give them almost any bit of information they wanted about, and at, Western,” Runquist said in an interview with University Relations. “We designed this app to help students quickly locate these resources.”

The app consists of 12 tabs including: social media, help me, academics, health, my schedule, money, a better me, links, things to do, civic engagement, miscellaneous and grade calculator.

The app can be used as an everyday resource to check ones class schedule, check the bus schedule and attain any other resources you’d need.

Information on the app is attained after a student logs in with

their ECOM username and password. It then syncs to their student information, which is how it can attain one’s specific schedule, links to email course professors, tutoring opportunities for the course load and even financial aid information. However, this feature does not appear when faculty and staff log in.

“We tried to connect the dots with some latest technologies like Ionic 3 and Angular 5 to create 'MyWestern,'” Runquist said in an interview with University Relations. “We can write and deploy the same code for iOS, Android, Windows mobiles simultaneously through hybrid app development. We are already working on a new version of the app to customize the student experience even further.”

The link doesn’t only provide academic and legal resources, but they also provide resources that can benefit students’ social and personal lives. Under the “Things to Do” tab, students can find lists of organizations to join to get involved in campus, lists of events happening and even a website that leads you to makeitmacomb.com. Make It Macomb provides visitors and students lists of places to eat, educate, gather, play, shop, stay, and relax.

In addition, they provide historic, scenic and local information for anyone interested.

Roger Runquist (lower right) oversaw the creation of the new "MyWestern" app, used to help students better navigate school.

given to tournament winners.

A “Taste of India Scholarship Dinner” will be held at 6 p.m. in the Campus Students for Christ House at 1545 Riverview Drive. Tickets are sold in Memorial Hall 347 and proceeds international education scholarships.

Monday, Nov. 5, the Heritage Room in the University Union will host a Switzerland-focused cultural café from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, an international

café hour will focus on Mexico in Horrabin Hall 1 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Both events will offer authentic food to sample and an opportunity to learn more about different cultures.

Wednesday, Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., students can apply for a passport at a table in the Union Concourse.

Those looking to apply should bring a copy of their birth certificate and a photocopy of their Illinois driver ’s

wiu.edu

Western celebrates International Education Week

By Steven Barnum assistant news editor

Western Illinois University will be holding cultural and informative events to celebrate International Education Week.

An Indoor World Cup Soccer Tournament today and Saturday will kick off the week of events. Participants had to form teams of five to eight players and sign up by Oct. 30. Medallions will be

license. Passports will be approved for $50 via cash or check. Applicants may also enter a drawing to have their passport paid for.

Later on Wednesday, the University Union Fox Room will hold a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) Panel from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The panel will give the audience a chance to learn more about teaching opportunities abroad.

Thursday, Nov. 8, the au-

ditorium on the third floor of Sherman Hall will offer an Acirema Cultural Stimulation. The event will take place at 5 p.m. and will offer information about international studies.

Friday, Nov. 9, Horrabin Hall will gather faces from all around the world for an International Game Night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

International

page 2

2

NEWS

Friday, November 2, 2018

Campus Crime Reports

WesternCourier.com

RockyVotes: EARLY VOTING

Legend Cannabis

Alcohol by a Minor

Burglary/Theft

Fire Alarm

Other Report

•On Oct. 25 at 9:15 a.m. a student in Tanner Hall was judicially referred for behavior (possession of BB gun on campus) and drug paraphernalia.

•On Oct. 26 at 5:04 p.m. three students in Henninger Hall were judicially referred for possession of cannabis.

•On Oct. 26 at 8:01 p.m. one student near Wetzel Park was judicially referred for possession of cannabis.

•On Oct. 26 at 9:25 p.m. one student near the Adams/Clay streets intersection was judicially referred for open alcohol in public.

•On Oct. 27 at 5:59 p.m. one student in the Thompson Hall lot was judicially referred for possession of cannabis.

•On Oct. 27 at 10:08 p.m. one student in the 700 block of West Adams Street

was judicially referred for illegal possession of alcohol by a minor.

•On Oct. 28 at 2:27 a.m. non-student Mason Flack, 21, of North Henderson, IL, was arrested in the 1300 block of West Riverview for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 3:29 a.m. where he was lodged pending bond.

International

will be recognized in an induction ceremony. The process will take place at 5 p.m. in Knoblauch 239.

Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Multicultural Center will play the film “Bad Ass Beauty Queen” at 6 p.m.

The film is a documentary that stars a woman who embraces the idea of putting her inner beauty and confidence over physical looks.

Wednesday, Nov. 14, students will have an opportunity to learn or build on their foreign language skills. “French Conversation Hour” will take place from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. in room 303

of Morgan Hall. Later on Wednesday, the University Union Fox Room will host a Peace Corps Application Workshop from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Those who attend will learn more about how to apply for the Peace Corps.

International Education Week is designed to celebrate the progress made in international education around the world. The U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education started the initiative, which encourages all students to participate and improve their cultural knowledge.

from front page

Players can use the game night for their enjoyment and to meet new people with strong cultural backgrounds.

Sunday, Nov. 11, a five-hour event in the Grand Ballroom will highlight food, performances and tattoos. From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Grand Ballroom will hold this event titled “Diwali Night” on the first floor of the Multicultural Center.

Monday, Nov. 12, members of the Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society

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 Allison Young AN-Young@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 Amanda Wandachowicz a-wandachowicz@wiu.edu proofreader Chance Darby ca-darby@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

Come cast your early vote in the University Union

10/29 - 11/02 10 A.M. - 2 P.M.

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.

COPYRIGHT 2017

No reproduction or reuse of material is permitted without written consent of the WC. All rights reserved. To request permission to reprint any material from this publication, please contact Devon Greene or Willl Buss at 309-298-1876.

ADVERTISING POLICY

The WC does not knowingly accept advertisements that discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, handicapped status, veteran or sexual orientation, nor does it knowingly print ads that violate any local, state or federal laws.

One copy of the Western Courier is free.

Additional copies $1.

CORRECTIONS AND CLARIFICATIONS The WC needs your help to maintain accuracy. If you find a factual error, call the WC office at 309-298-1876 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Please ask to speak to an editor to ensure the inaccurate information can be corrected as quickly as possible.

2

Friday, November 2, 2018

2018 Basketball Preview

WesternCourier.com

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

Women’s Basketball Schedule Mizzou - nov. 6 Drake - nov. 10 Macmurray College - nov. 12

Purdue @ nov. 15 bulter @ nov. 17 SMSU @ nov. 26 Austin peay - dec. 2 Bradley @ dec. 4 eastern illinois @ dec. 8 Northern illinois @ dec. 8

utep @ dec. 20 furman @ dec. 21 sdsu - dec. 28 denver - dec. 30 oru @ jan. 5 ndsu @ jan. 11 north dakota @ jan. 11 omaha - jan. 16 fort wayne - jan. 19 South dakota @ jan. 26

By Jacob VanZuiden courier staff

The Western Illinois University women’s basketball team has the bar set extremely high coming into their new campaign, looking to build on the impressive year the team had last season. Just last season, the Purple and Gold finished with a dazzling record of 2210 and a 10-4 record in conference play. Their efforts were good enough for a third-place finish in The Summit League.

However, this team will be eager to lace up and get back out on the court in an attempt to prove that last year ’s firstround exit from the Women’s National Invitation Tournament (WNIT) was simply an anomaly. While reaching the tournament is an immaculate accomplishment alone (third time reaching the tournament in school history), the season’s conclusion didn’t go quite as planned as the team dropped two straight to end the 2017-18 campaign.

The Leathernecks lost in The Summit League semifinals to South Dakota State before falling short against Colorado State University in a heartbreaker in the WNIT’s opening round.

Western Illinois was selected third in The Summit League preseason poll this fall, garnering 192 votes, respectively. This team sets their sights on winning The Summit League after falling just

short last year. In order to accomplish this, the team will need big contributions from senior guard Taylor Higginbotham, the lone returner from last year ’s starting five.

The only senior on the entire roster, Higginbotham was voted to the Preseason AllSummit League First Team.

She is only the eighth player in program history to surpass 1,000 career points and 500 career rebounds.

Redshirt junior guard Annabel Graettinger could play the role of second-in-command to Higginbotham this season.

She has the ability to score at a high clip, something she displayed in the team’s first preseason matchup, leading the Leathernecks with 28 points. With four new players set to take on starting roles, this team will have to find their chemistry early if they desire to replicate last season’s output.

This young squad features a plethora of fresh faces, as they managed to recruit five incoming freshmen. Former AAU standout, guard Jinda Guidinger, heads the bunch as a highly-coveted prospect.

Another freshman who could make a sizeable impact right from the get-go is 5-foot8 guard Mackenzie Rogers, who thoroughly impressed in her high school career by notching four First Team All-Conference awards in as many years. First-time collegiate athletes Payton Cou-

rier, Elizabeth Lutz and Carla Flores Garcia will also look to crack the rotation in the new season.

In turn, the team also sought out to acquire a couple junior college transfers. The Leathernecks got the benefit of the doubt late in the recruiting process when 5-foot-9 Avery Hamm, a player known particularly for her three-point prowess, opted to join the squad after spending two years at Parkland Community College. Another former Parkland Cobra, 6-foot junior forward Krya Washington was lured into Western Illinois over the summer as well.

The Purple and Gold opened up the preseason on Oct. 28, topping Truman State 92-86 in the ladies’ first court action of the young season. Head coach JD Gravina has aimed to do his best to get his squad prepared for the season opener. That starts with scheduling the first couple exhibition games against more polished teams that would force the Leathernecks to be on top of their game. That’s exactly what Western Illinois got in their first practice contest against Truman State, who posed a difficult challenge. Gravina liked what he saw from the contest and was pleased with how his ladies played.

“That was exactly what we wanted out of an exhibition game,” Gravina said. “We scheduled Truman State be-

cause we knew they were physical, skilled and could shoot. There were a ton of positives and also a lot of things we identified that we need to improve on.”

Gravina’s influence on this program since being hired as head coach in 2011 should not be overlooked. Since taking over the job, this program’s fortunes have drastically changed. In each season, he has improved this team’s win total and has a sparkling record of 48-17 over the past two years. Now faced with a steeper challenge as head coach with such an inexperienced team, another winning season this year by Gravina’s squad would speak dividends to the impact he has made.

The Leathernecks will kick their season off on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m. against outof-conference opponent, Mizzou. For this group of ladies, confidence in themselves is peaking at the right time. If they are going to overcome last season’s losses from the roster, they will need to do so through contributions from unfamiliar faces. Gravina has done a superb job of preparing this team for their upcoming journey and shaping positive mindsets amongst his players. The team will aim to set a new standard for this programming by making an impact in The Summit League tourney and clinching their second straight WNIT berth.

women’s Preseason Poll Summit League 1. South Dakota state university

2. university of south dakota

3. western illinois university

4. university of north dakota

5. oral roberts university

6. university of denver

7. north dakota state university

8. university of nebraska - omaha

North Dakota - feb. 1 ndsu - feb. 3 Fort wayne @ feb. 6 omaha @ feb. 9 south dakota - feb. 16 oral roberts @ feb. 23 denver @ feb. 28 sdsu - mar. 2

9. purdue university - fort wayne

3

Friday, November 2, 2018

2018 Basketball Preview

WesternCourier.com

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

By Brendan Reidy courier staff

The temperature is starting to get a little brisk, and the leaves are starting to fall.

That means basketball season is right around the corner.

The Western Illinois men’s basketball team will look to build off what they created last season.

The team welcomes back Kobe Webster and Isaac Johnson, two key cogs in the Leathernecks rotation.

They are joined by reigning Summit League Defensive Player of the Year in Brandon Gilbeck, Jeremiah Usiosefe and CJ Duff.

These are the familiar faces returning for the upcoming basketball team. With a good foundation in the place, the Leathernecks brought in one of the best recruiting classes the program has ever seen.

The recruiting class was headlined by Zion Young, Ben Pyle, Keshon Montague, and Perrion Little. All the players listed above will have significant roles within this team. Let’s take a deeper look into the rotation.

Kobe Webster is returning as a sophomore point guard this season. He was the leading scorer a season ago, averaging 15.9 points a contest and shooting 43.1 percent from beyond the arc.

He led the team in assists

and ranked third in the Summit with 3.5 dimes per game. This preseason he was named on the second team preseason All-Summit Team. This season with all the experience he built up as a freshman expect Webster to explode on the hardwood and display his elite overall game.

Isaac Johnson is returning as a starting forward for the Leathernecks this season.

He came onto the scene late last season, and had a very impressive second half of the year. He started in eleven games as a freshman, and made his presence felt. He had his best game of the season in the first round of The Summit League Tournament where he scored 17 points while adding 15 rebounds.

He will look to pick up right where he left off from last season.

Brandon Gilbeck, the reigning Summit League Defensive Player of the Year, will be the senior leader of this year ’s squad. He is the All-Time leader in blocked shots in Leatherneck history,and ranked 14th in the nation with 2.57 rejections per game. Last season he led the team in double doubles with six, and averaged 10 points per contest, while leading the Summit league in field goal percentage by shooting at 65.7 percent clip. Along with

Webster, he was also named to the Preseason All-Summit Second Team and will look to finish out his Leatherneck career with a bang.

Jeremiah Usiosefe will be a returning sophomore this season. His season was cut short last year after a seasonending hip injury. Before the injury he was one of the most versatile players on the roster and could play almost any position. He averaged 6.2 points while shooting at a 38 percent mark from downtown. Usiosefe will look to regain the momentum he had before his injury last season and create waves in The Summit League this year.

CJ Duff is a junior shooting guard who has started in every game he has played in throughout his Leatherneck career. He is arguably the most fundamentally sound player on the roster and does all the little things well. He is one of their best on-ball defenders swiping 18 balls away a season ago. He will get the starting nod early in the season and is looking to improve all facets off his game.

This past year ’s recruiting class may be the best Western has ever seen and is highlighted by Zion Young and Ben Pyle. Young, a combo guard, played for historic high school Simeon Academy

on Chicago’s Southside, where he helped lead Simeon to the number one ranked team in Illinois. He was ranked as a three-star recruit

by ESPN and will be one of the most explosive players in the entire Summit League for years to come.

Ben Pyle was tabbed “Mr. Basketball” in the state of Kansas, where he played McPherson high school.

During his senior campaign he averaged 22 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. He was First Team All-State his Junior and Senior seasons, and he will look to bring his winning pedigree into the Leatherneck culture.

These players will lead the charge for the Leathernecks this upcoming season and it should be a good one. Old faces blending with new ones looking to create a contender within The Summit League, but it will be a tough road.

Western Illinois will be playing a program-record 16 road games this upcoming season. They will also square off against Creighton and Nebraska, with Creighton being the opening game for the Leathernecks this season. A fun road lies ahead, so make sure to find a way to Western Hall this winter to check out your Fighting Leathernecks.

Twitter: breidytv

men’s Preseason Poll Summit League

1. South Dakota state university

2. university of denver

3. university of south dakota

4. purdue university - fort wayne

men’s Basketball Schedule creighton- nov. 6 north park - nov. 10 Dominican - nov. 14 eiu @ nov. 17 ut martin @ nov. 17 nebraska @ nov. 26 siu-e - nov. 28 southeast missouri state @ dec. 1

Steton @ dec. 5 Eiu - dec. 8

iupui @ dec. 15 northern illinois - dec. 17

Chicago state - dec. 20 sdsu - dec. 28 denver - dec. 30 oru @ jan. 5 ndsu @ jan. 10 North dakota @ jan. 12 omaha - jan. 17 purdue - fort wayne - jan. 19

South dakota @ jan. 26

5. western illinois university

6. north dakota state university

north dakota - jan. 31 ndsu - feb. 2 purdue - fort wayne @ feb. 7

7. oral roberts university

8. university of nebraska - omaha

south dakota - feb. 16 omaha @ feb. 20

9. university of north dakota

oru - feb. 23 denver @ feb. 28

4

Friday, November 2, 2018

2018 Basketball Preview

By Haley Richards sports editor

Over the past three years, basketball fans at Western Illinois University have become familiar with the name Brandon Gilbeck.

Gilbeck is a 7-foot center entering his senior year here at Western Illinois. The Wisconsin native has been a standout player since his high school years where he broke many of his school’s records. He broke the River Valley High School record for most free throws in a game, most free throws in a season, most blocks in a game, most blocks in a season and most blocks in a career.

His passion on the court translated over in his college career as well.

As a freshman, Gilbeck played in all 27 games and started in 18 of them. He led the team with 22 blocks. As a sophomore, he started in all 28 games and set a school record with 85 blocks in a single-season. Gilbeck also ranked amongst the top four in Division I college basketball with 3.0 blocks per game.

Last season, as a junior, was when he really stood out. Gilbeck earned Summit League ‘Defensive Player of the Year,’ Summit League All-Honorable Mention and became Western Illinois’ all-time leader in blocked shots (150). He ended last season with 72 blocks, which ranked him fourth in program history for blocked shots in a total season. The accolades don’t stop there either. Gilbeck led The Summit League in field goal percentage, shooting 65.7 from the field. He was ranked 14th in the nation and first in the conference in blocked shots per game (2.57), ended 27th in the nation in total blocks, and was ranked fifth in the League in rebounds per game (7.1).

His efforts last season did not go unnoticed as Gilbeck was named to The Summit League Preseason Second Team which was announced on Oct. 4. Gil-

beck was nominated alongside his teammate Kobe Webster and it was the first time a Western Illinois men’s player had been selected since 2016.

“Brandon has worked very hard and is very deserving of being recognized as one of the top players in the league,” head coach Billy Wright said.

“He is a dominant force at both ends of the floor and continues to improve each day. I'm really happy for Brandon and I look forward to an even bigger senior year from him.”

As he enters his last season as a Leatherneck, Wright has high hopes for him as a leader on the team.

“We return four starters and we are led by (Brandon) Gilbeck,” Wright said. “Obviously, I feel like he’s a potential First Team All-Conference Player.”

Gilbeck’s performance goes beyond that, however. The stats that he puts up rank him amongst the best in all of college basketball.

“He’s a tremendous shot blocker,” Wright said. “Not only in the League but in the country. He’s a rare presence to move at 7 feet, he’s very impressive.”

Not only does Gilbeck excel on the court, but off of it as well. This summer Gilbeck was named to the National Association of basketball Coaches Honors Court. To qualify for this honor, the student-athlete must be of junior or senior standing with a GPA of a 3.2 or higher.

In his time as a student-athlete here at Western, he has shown impressive work ethic and passion. Fans of Leatherneck basketball should be sure to keep an eye out for Gilbeck this season, he won’t be hard to miss.

Brandon Gilbeck previous season stats ppG 10.8 Rebounds 7.1 Assists 0.7 Steals 18 Blocks 72

WesternCourier.com

@WesternCourier

2018 Basketball Preview 5

Friday, November 2, 2018

Taylor

higginbotham

previous season stats ppG 16.6

Rebounds 7.0 Assists 1.8 Steals 76 Blocks 8

By Michael Harms courier staff

As Western Illinois begins to see the weather cool off and activities move indoors, their most dominant sport begins.

Women’s basketball is set to tip-off this week and hopes to prove once more that they can bring championships to Western Illinois.

After losing six seniors last year in Morgan Blumer, Olivia Braun, Taylor Hanneman, Michelle Farrow, Krishna Merriman and Emily Clemens, people are wondering who will take the reins. The answer is the only returning starter and lone senior Taylor Higginbotham.

Higginbotham comes from Germantown, Wis. and was brought in by head coach JD Gravina for her tenacious spirit and play that allowed her to average 16.6 points per game and 7 rebounds per game. Higginbotham sat down to talk about her expectacions for this season.

“It’s been difficult with the amount of newcomers and the learning curve that comes along, but it’s been fun to be helpful and be a teacher,” Higginbotham said. “Being able to help the new players learn all the different aspects of our offense and defense has also helped me become better too. Just being more aware of what I do in certain situations because if I can explain it really well, I can perform it really well.”

Higginbotham, being the lone senior on this team, will be the veteran that the freshman and transfers look to for guidance.

“I feel like I have stepped up being a senior because of how much I know about our offense and defense,” she said. “When the younger, new players have questions or things like that I like

being able to help and give criticism when I can.”

Higginbotham’s personal goals are to improve everything about her game. From making the smart play on offense to always being focused on defense, rebounding, steals, and more, but she still has another expectation for this season.

“With it being my last year I want to have fun and enjoy myself,” Higginbotham said.

“I want to make more memories with more good people.”

Looking for those experiences, Higginbotham is most excited to play highly competitive teams like the University of Missouri and Drake University in Western Hall this year. Along with a road trip to Las Vegas this team is bound to have some fun times.

Higginbotham experienced winning a conference title two years ago, and last year failed to once more. The fans of Western are nervous about the team’s ability to get to the top of the leaderboard this year, but she isn’t consumed with that.

“It’s not something that we have put too much of a focus on.” She looks to this year ’s team as a new challenge. “While we have talked a little bit about wanting to get to that postseason run, it’s also so early and we have so many new people that the focus is on getting better and getting ready for when that time comes.”

After finishing third in the regular season and having a second-round exit in The Summit League Tournament the Leathernecks are looking to get back to winning form. With the veteran leadership of Higginbotham and the fighting spirit of this team, they are capable of such feats, but will not have an easy road.

6

2018 Basketball Preview

Friday, November 2, 2018

WesternCourier.com

Johnson pushes through setbacks

By Christopher Bean courier staff

Sophomore Isaac Johnson was one of the bright spots in a Leatherneck basketball uniform during his freshman year. The 6-foot-5-inch guard from Minneapolis, Minn. was first recruited by the Necks in an AAU tournament in Las Vegas.

When it was time to make his decision he said, “I had two visits left on my schedule, one was at Western Illinois and one was at UW-Green Bay. I took mine to Western Illinois first, and committed here and canceled mine with Green Bay.” In his freshman year, he averaged 7 points and 4.2 rebounds a game, but that doesn’t tell the whole story of his first year as a Leatherneck.

The first half of the season did not go as planned for Johnson.

“I didn’t start the season the way I wanted to due to small injuries,” said Johnson.

Senior Dalan Ancrum and sophomore Jeremiah Usiosefe were his biggest mentors in helping him settle into the new system. When Usiosefe had his unfortunate season-ending injury, Johnson replaced him in the starting lineup, starting the last 11 of 12 games. It wasn’t unfortunate for Johnson as he made his presence felt right away. In his second start for the Leathernecks, Johnson led the team with 19 points against The Summit League Conference Champions, the Jack Rabbits from South Dakota State. Less than a month later he had his best three-game stretch where he scored 23, 20 and 29 against Purdue-Fort Wayne, South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University; three of the top four teams in the Summit last year. He finished the season with arguably his best game of the year when he put up 17 points and 15 rebounds in a 66-60 loss to SDSU. When Johnson was asked how it felt to put up those numbers, his response was: “It felt good, but we didn’t win, and the main goal is to win.”

Western finished eighth last

year, which was dead last.

When the Summit League posted their projections, they had Western finishing ninth because the University of North Dakota was added to the League this year. When asked what kind of motivation it gave the team he said, “It gave us an extra little chip on our shoulder, but we don’t take it personal.”

Johnson said.

Johnson is not the only returning sophomore starter on this Leatherneck team. His roommate and close friend, Kobe Webster, started every game last year and received AllSummit Honorable mention.

Both created great chemistry over the year and continue to grow on it. Western brings in Freshmen Zion Young and Ben Pile. Johnson and Webster have helped the two freshmen since they were in their shoes last year.

“We talk to them both through everything on and off the court. Whether it’s life skills or how do deal with stuff in class. Or on the court, and how to deal with the coaches,” said Johnson.

Many Leatherneck fan are excited to see these four players together on the court and see what they have in store for the future.

During the offseason, Johnson said he improved on his consistency with shooting the ball, ball handling and worked a lot on his defense. Johnson talked about the teams goals.

“Winning obviously is the team goal for sure.

Try to win the conference and win the tournament.”

Johnson said.

The Leathernecks come into the season with a lot of people not expecting them to do anything. This is mainly because they are a young team with only one senior starter, and they finished eighth last year.

They want to become the first team in Western’s history to make the NCAA tournament.

With all the young talent they have, they will only grow and get better just like Johnson did in his freshman season.

Twitter: cre_bean

Danni Nichols

2018 Basketball Preview 7

Friday, November 2, 2018

@WesternCourier

Payton Courier

Elizabeth Lutz

Carla Flores Garcia

Mackenzie Rogers

Jinda Guidinger

Freshman ready to leave their mark on Leatherneck hoops

By Bradley Piros

assistant sports editor

It’s no secret that the Western Illinois women’s basketball team lost some major talent last season.

The Leathernecks had six seniors graduate and leave the team, four of them being reliable starters.

You may have heard these names before: Emily Clemens, Olivia Braun, Morgan Blumer, Taylor Hanneman, Michelle Farrow and Krishna Merriman.

Those are the six women that Western won’t be able to rely on this year. Of those six, the four starters were Clemens, Braun, Blumer and Farrow.

To make up for those major losses, head coach JD Gravina recruited six new freshman to join his squad. Danni Nichols, Payton Courier, Elizabeth Lutz, Carla Flores Garcia, Mackenzie Rogers and Jinda Guidinger all look to keep this team alive and lead them back to the success that was last season.

So, let’s breakdown the loses and compare them to the new additions that hope to rebuild this team.

Let’s start off with the most notable graduates. Leading things off is Emily Clemens, averaging 18 points and 36 minutes a game last season, she was the team’s leading scorer. She ended her col-

legiate career having played 127 games, starting 99 of those. She had a .447 field goal percentage and went for .304 from beyond the arc. She made 41 three’s last season on 135 attempts.

Next up is Olivia Braun.

She only played two season for Western but still played 65 games for the Purple and Gold and started 61 of them.

She might have only averaged 6.8 points per game last season, but she made up for it on defense. Going for 72 blocks and 42 steals last year, she was a key player in locking the other teams down.

That leads us to Morgan Blumer. She also only played two seasons with the Leathernecks, starting 64 out of her 65 games played. She ended with a perfect 2,000 minutes played and averaged 31 a night. She averaged 14 points a game with a .448 field goal percentage and went for .364 from the three, the best on the team.

That leaves us with our fourth and final starter that Western lost, Michele Farrow.

She was a four-year player, appearing in 126 games, starting only 47 of them, mainly in her senior year.

She averaged 27 minutes and 8 points a night and really shined in her rebounding ability, especially on defense.

She grabbed 76 defensive boards and 95 overall and

finished the season with 35 assists.

You also had the likes of Hanneman and Merriman for depth. Hanneman appeared in 11 games, starting only two of them. She averaged 10 points and 19 points a game. Merriman only played her senior year, making 31 appearances, but never getting the start. Whenever she went in though, she was a force defensively having nine blocks and 10 steals.

That leads us into our incoming freshman. Western lost six seniors but added six freshman to “rebuild” the team. Three of them made their colligate debuts in the opening season exhibition game against Truman State, which Western won 92-86, so let’s start with them.

None of them made the start, but a few of them did get some minutes.

Guard Elizabeth Lutz from California, Mo scored a school record 1,905 over four years. She also beat the record for most three’s made with 250 and tallied 10 in one game to grab that record as well. I think she will be a great fit to replace Blumer at the three-point line.

She played 18 minutes in the Truman State game and tallied seven points. She made three field goals as well as a three pointer to help the team get the win. She went

2-5 on field goals and was 1-3 from behind the arc. Not terrible numbers to shake of the jitters of your first college game.

Also seeing time on the court was Danni Nichols.

She subbed in for eight minutes and went a perfect 1-1 scoring two points. She comes from Columbia, Mo averaging 16.2 points, 4.2 rebounds. 2.4 assists and 2.4 steals a game for Hickman Highschool. She also lettered in golf as well as track, being a year-round athlete.

Moving on, Jinda Guidinger was the only other freshman to touch the court for Western but was unable to put any points on the board.

She was able to grab three boards but didn’t cash in on her two shots taken. She is from Pewaukee, Wis. And was a two-time First Team All Woodland Conference honoree and All-Metro Honorable mention for her high school.

Next up is a four-sport athlete in Payton Courier. She lettered in basketball and volleyball all four years. She started off playing soccer and volleyball for Big Foot High School in Walworth Wis. but decided to pursue a college career in basketball.

That brings us to the only international recruit in Carla Flores Garcia from Barcelona, Spain. She attended Mare de deu de la Salut and played

three seasons of club basketball for State of Cataluña. Her biggest achievement though was playing for the Spain National Team and winning the gold medal at the U16 European Championships.

Last but not least is Mackenzie Rogers from Mediapolis, Iowa. She played her first three high school seasons for her coach as well as her dad Todd Rogers.

She played her fourth year but under a different coach, not slowing her down at all though. She made First Team All-Conference all four years.

She also holds records for her high school in most points in a game (46), most threepointers made in a game (9), most assists in a game (15), most points in one season (528 in 23 games) and most assists in one season (200 in 26 games.)

All of these women have had success for her high school, many of them playing multiple sports and being in the best shape of their lives.

Some of them hold school records while others are winning gold medals.

Without a doubt, coach Gravina has some talent coming off the bench and fighting for starting positions going forward, and only time will tell if they can turn their past achievements into success for their new Western Illinois team.

Chubby’S Eat & Drink

2 w side square Wiu Wings WEdnesday 1-Pound house-smoked wings for

$5

Friday, November 2, 2018

@WesternCourier

OPINIONS 5

The importance of staying safe on black Friday November is the time when college students anticipate going home in hopes to spend time with their families and stuff their bellies with all the food that comes with Thanksgiving. However, Black Friday shopping is also on the list during the holiday break and it’s important that we stay safe.

Now if we’re being completely honest here, I’ve only gone Black Friday shopping once or twice many years ago. After hearing about the possible dangers involved with going

Black Friday shopping, I decided to settle for Cyber Monday. Now, I’ve said before that I'd rather go thrift shopping than going shopping in malls. However, frugal deals no matter where they are will always sound good to my bank account. Aside from the deals offered during black Friday shopping and Cyber Monday, it’s important that we stay safe, because not every deal is worth the dangers that could possibly come with them.

There have been many viral

videos of Black Friday shoppers each year that exemplify the chaos it brings. There have been people stepping over one another, employees fighting, customers arguing, as well as some physical altercations that have occurred.

Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that cheaper televisions and Victoria Secret sales can bring some gruesome damages and confrontation among people. So, with this information, I encourage students I encourage you to be safe during this upcoming holiday break. Make sure you travel with friends or family and be smart about your surroundings. The world outside of our small island of Macomb doesn’t seek safety the way that we do, so it’s important

CLASSIFIEDS

WC

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!

that we stay protected especially when we travel.

Also, purchasing online can be just as dangerous especially with unprotected websites.

Make sure that your information is secure and that no one is asking you to meet up at a random gas station promising you a brand-new car.

This world is clearly not getting any better. We must be smart about what potential dangers are among us and who they are targeting. Now, if this will be your first time engaging in Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, I’m not looking to scare you away.

Even though I have only participated a handful of times I did enjoy the excitement that came with shopping with a reasonable and realistic bud-

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.

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.

.

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 - Allison Young

get. Personally, shopping is not even on my mind. I’m more so looking forward to the food that will put me to sleep after I finish eating it.

However, I’ve been told that “If you’re going to accept the good, then you have to accept the bad too.” So, even though the deals that are advertised during this season are refreshing in opportunity we still need to be informed about what comes with those deals as well. Going back home is refreshing enough and is the focus for most college students upon returning home to their families and friends each holiday break.

Just make sure that safety is your main focus as well, because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

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.

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.

4 OPINIONS

By now, most of the general public is familiar with the health risks that come with contact sports, primarily in football, hockey and fighting sports such as boxing or mixed martial arts.

As far as football and hockey go, there are alternatives to these sports that do not include contact such as flag football and non-contact hockey. These do not prevent collisions but provide a much safer option than full contact.

Friday, November 2, 2018

The concern I have with restricting the age at which contact sports are allowed is that kids will miss out on learning the fundamentals of how to tackle, hit, take a hit and learning how to fall. At a younger age, our bodies are not as strong or developed, therefore it would be much better to learn when you cannot do as much damage when you hit or tackle. Also, the process of learning how to fall to prevent injuries would be easier as you

do not have as much body weight coming down. There are many knee injuries and fractures to the arms and legs due to the player not knowing how to come down.

We had a gruesome injury in high school when a first-year player came down on his arm wrong. The player decided to try to catch himself with his arm instead of just letting his body hit the ground. He knew there was no way catching himself was going to keep him from being tackled, he said he was just trying to break the fall some. If he had learned how to properly go to the ground at a younger age, the weight and force of his body would not have fractured his arm.

The argument to this is that the

WesternCourier.com

more contact a child endures will create more wear and tear on their body and decrease their quality of life when they are older. This is a valid point as well; fundamentals can still be learned without pads and full contact. The process of falling will be a little more difficult to teach without full contact because we usually do not take a player to the ground with no contact. We can still teach form on how to tackle, what side to put your head on and to keep your head up to avoid neck injuries. This also reduces the amount of head injuries the player would have. Having multiple concussions myself from playing at a young age, I would have to say it would have been beneficial not

playing at such a young age.

Ultimately, it is up to the parent's discretion. I think more flag-football leagues and non-contact hockey leagues should be created to allow other options for parents who have health concerns for their children. I also believe that the health factors of these sports should be made more aware to parents when they go to sign up their children for these sports. A small pamphlet on the pros and cons of health factors would help parents make a more educated decision on whether they believe that these sports or for their child. Do you think that there should be an age restriction on contact sports?

Should Macomb allow alcohol sales on Sunday?

Macomb is known for many things and their bars and places to go out during the weekend is a big one.

People say that there are specific places to go on each day as it may be the best day to see people and have the most fun.

If you ask anyone, they recommend a specific day each night except for Sunday. Why is that? As many of you know or may find out once you turn 21, in the city of Macomb, alcohol sales are prohibited on Sundays. Actually, most

of the McDonough county prohibits alcohol sales on a Sunday which is why most college students must travel a few miles in order to find the nearest store or gas station that is willing to sell them alcohol.

Being from Chicago and the surrounding Chicago-land area this was news to me when came to Macomb. I actually learned that many states and towns practice the Blue laws. Blue laws or Sunday laws are laws that ban some

or all Sunday activities due to religious reasons. States that still ban alcohol sales include Alabama, Indiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and that’s only to name four out of 12. So what is the point of not selling alcohol on Sundays?

Is it just because of religious reasons? Is this the right approach for preaching and enhancing a religion? Some people may argue that these laws are not fair as they do not follow that specific religion that doesn’t allow alcohol on Sundays. Do they get a pass to disobey the rules? Is this in a low key manner, forcing a religion upon someone?

These blue laws exist today in order to try to reduce the excessive alcohol consumption, especially in a college

town like Macomb itself. Some may argue that it doesn’t have much of an impact as students are still willing to drive a town or two over in order to buy what they need. Thinking about this from a business standpoint, business owners lose money without the sales of alcohol on Sundays. A thing to remember is that students are not the only ones living in Macomb, but there are residents here who have lived in Macomb for years. The blue laws specifically are aimed to reduce excessive drinking ,but how does this benefit residents? Say a family is having a nice big dinner party on Sunday night and forgot to buy wine for their guest the night before. That means they would have to drive over to

Write for Opinions

Bushnell in order to get some.

This creates an inconvenience for the residents and the businesses of Macomb.

Although Macomb may be known for the good nightlife or the tasty drinks throughout the week, there is plenty of things to do on a Sunday that doesn’t involve alcohol.

Typically, Sundays include catching up on school work, sleeping in or hanging out with friends. Whether hanging out with your friends includes getting dinner, going bowling or seeing a movie it all depends on you and your friends. So with or without alcohol sales on Sundays, it’s pretty safe to say Macomb is still an awesome place to live and attend school at.

Contact Allison Young

AN-Young@wiu.edu