Western Courier| September 27th, 2019

Sports: Volleyball drops first conference game of season.

WesternCourier.com

Opinions: It's time to start taking the Kardashians seriosly.

Friday, September 27, 2019 - Vol. 120 Issue 17

@WesternCourier

Suspect in custody after aggravated battery at Walmart

DEVON GREENE/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Macomb Police responded to an emergency call at Walmart in Macomb to reports of a man wiedling a knife at an employee early Thursday morning.

By Devon Greene editor-in-chief

An employee at Walmart on 1730 E Jackson St. was taken to McDonough County District Hospital after receiving multiple cuts and bruises on his body on Thursday morning.

The altercation occurred between an employee and Macomb resident, Duane Gosa, after the two met in the restroom. The Walmart employee exited the restroom and soon after, Gosa followed. Gosa then approached the employee again, this time wielding a knife.

According to witnesses on the scene and Walmart video, Gosa approached the employee with the knife, tackled him to the ground and tried to slash the employee. The employee fought off Gosa and was able to knock the

knife away as they continued to struggle on the ground. As the two fought, a female employee stepped on the knife and scooted it away while contacting police.

Police were dispatched to Walmart at 8:08 a.m on Thursday morning where they apprehended Gosa at the service desk after a short struggle with the first responders. After they took Gosa into custody, police blocked off the area with shopping carts while they gathered evidence and photographed the crime scene but did not close Walmart down.

Gosa has been charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and aggravated assault and other charges may be pending, according to the Macomb Police Department.

The Western Courier reached out to a Walmart employee, but they were unable to

DEVON GREENE/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Walmart employee was transported to McDonough County Hospital following the incident.

2 NEWS

Friday, September 27, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Horn Field Campus prepares for annual Corn Maze

JIMMY PIERSON/ PRODUCTION MANAGER

By Tea Wheat courier staff This week Lincoln, Washington and Grote halls (LWG) debuted their new capstone- Rocky’s Escape Challenge. Rocky’s Escape Challenge took place from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and was enjoyed by many students, on Sept. 24.

LWG’s previous capstone event was the Warrior Dog Dash, which took place outside of Lincoln and Washington halls. The Warrior Dog Dash was an obstacle course that anyone could participate in, and gift cards were awarded those with the fastest times.

Proceeds from the Warrior Dog Dash went to the Warrior Dog Foundation, which helps to rehabilitate all canines that have been wounded in active service.

The creation and idea of Rocky’s Escape Challenge began with LWG’s Hall Government two years ago.

“For two years the Linc/Wash/Grote Hall

Government created and executed an Escape the Hall event, which many enjoyed but desired something that was more of an escape room atmosphere rather than a murder mystery case to solve.” Complex Director Dakota Fields said.

From there, it was decided that it would be appropriate for a new capstone for LWG to be considered, and soon it was decided that Rocky’s Escape Challenge would be the Complex’s new capstone event.

Fields took this challenge on head first and put in extensive work and research to make Rocky’s Escape Challenge a success. “I took the information from the successful Escape the Hall event, looked into the cost and logistics of creating our own escape rooms, and made it happen!” Fields told me.

Rocky’s Escape Challenge consisted of 13 rooms in total, with three themes. There was a zombie room, disappearance room and a rebellion room. These rooms, housed

in Seal Hall, hosted over 300 individuals.

The grand prize for the fastest finishing teams in all three rooms, will have their choice of a movie at Rialto Cinemas and small concessions or to go bowling at Digger ’s College City Bowling and have pizza.

Additionally, everyone that attended the capstone event was entered a raffle for gift cards. The grand prize winners and raffle winners have yet to be determined but will be notified soon.

Rocky’s Escape Challenge was immensely successful, with a line forming even before the event itself had begun at 6:00 p.m., and lasting all the way until the last group was taken in to the escape room experience around 9:15 p.m. While there was a long wait to get into the rooms, once groups were inside, they were completely immersed in the escape room experience, working with their teammates to solve the escape room andhoping to be the fastest team out of their themed room!

Sunday, October 6 - noon - 5 PM Saturday, october 12 - noon - 5pm Sunday, october 13 - noon - 5 pm Saturday, october 19 - noon - 5 pm Sunday, october 20 - noon - 5 pm Saturday, ocotber 26 - noon - 5 pm

Sunday, october 27 6 PM - 7 PM ( Family-Friendly ) 8 PM - 10 PM ( Scary )

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

proofreader Mary Kilbourne

news editor Marc Ramirez

MC-Kilbourne@wiu.edu

MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu

photo editor Becca Langys

opinions editor Allison Young

RE-Langys@wiu.edu

AN-Young@wiu.edu

assistant photo editor Sara Remar

sports editor Bradley Piros

SE-Remar@wiu.edu

BJ-Piros@wiu.edu

production manager Jimmy Pierson

assistant sports editor Chris Bean

JM-Pierson@wiu.edu

CR-Bean@wiu.edu

business manager Janiya Haynes

edge editor Rachel Greene

J-Haynes2@wiu.edu

R-Greene2@wiu.edu

assistant business manager Nash Miller

copy editor Amanda Wandachowicz

NK-Miller@wiu.edu

A-Wandachowicz@wiu.edu

advertising manager Tyler Hoffman

proofreader Alexis Lowe

TE-Hoffman@wiu.edu

AL-Lowe@wiu.edu

adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu

DEVON GREENE/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Western Illinois University's Horn Field Campus prepares for their annual Corn Maze.

By Marc Ramirez Western Illinois University's Horn Field Campus will be hosting their annual Corn Maze. The Maze will open Oct. 6 and will last the remainder of the month.

“Horn Field Campus (HFC) is a unit of Western Illinois University's College of Education and Human Services administered by the Department of Recreation, Park and Tourism Administration (RPTA),” wiu. edu reads. “HFC is available for campus and community use year round upon request and reservation. The purpose of HFC is to facilitate environmental responsibility and human development.”

Admissions for the Corn Maze will be $5 per admittance and the event is family-friendly; therefore, people of all ages are welcome.

However, attendees under the age of 16 are required to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

The Maze will open Oct. 6 and the weekends of Oct. 12, 19, 26, and on Oct. 27 from noon to 5 p.m. There will also be a Haunted Trail that will be open from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for a family-friendly maze and from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a scary version of the ride.

“Groups may also schedule a time outside of the open hours by contacting HFC staff at (309) 298-HORN to make arrangements,” University Relations said.

Horn Field Campus is located south of Macomb on China Road. To get there, attendees can take South Johnson Street past Macomb High School. They can then turn right on China Road and follow the road one-quarter of a mile to the Horn Field Campus entrance.

PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION

ADVERTISING POLICY

news editor

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 Will Buss at 309-298-1876.

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.

Friday, September 27, 2019

@WesternCourier

NEWS 3

Important Dates Leading up to President Trump’s Impeachment Inquiry On Tuesday, Sept. 24, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., addressed the nation to inform that a formal impeachment inquiry has began into President Trump. This forth-coming investigation comes to the public light after a whistleblower informed the U.S. government about an “urgent concern.”

The concern was in regards to a phone call between President Trump and Ukraninian President Volodymyr Zelensky, where President Trump suggested President Zelensky investigate Joe Biden,former Vice-President of the United States and Democratic candidate, and his son Hunter.

The following timeline will give a history of the event that lead us today.

July 25: President Trump called Ukrainan President Volodymyr Zelensky, which they spoke about corrpution and Trump suggested Zelensky start an investigate in Joe Biden and his sonHunter, who has had business interested in Ukraine.

August 12: A whistleblower informed the inspector for national intelligence, Micheal Atkinson, about an “urgent concern” related to the phone call.

August 26: After review, Atkinson deemed the complaint credible and reports to the act director of national intelligence, Joseph Maguire.

September 9: Atkinson, without substance, reported the complaint to House Intelligence Chairman, Adam Schiff, D-Calif. Atkinson said Maguire did not agree the complaint was of “urgent concern.” Following three House chairman - Schiff; Foreign Affairs Chairman Eliot Engel, D-N.Y.; and Oversight and Reform Chairman Elijah Cummings, D-MD. - announced a wide-range investigation into Trump, his personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani, and their dealing with Ukraine.

September 17: Atkinson told Schiff that he was told not to report the complaint to Congress by Maguire and the Justice Department.

September 19: House Intelligence Committee meets behind closed doors with Atkinson, where he doesn’t discuss details about the complaint.

September 24: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., addressed the nation that the House will proceed with a formal impeachment inquiry into Trump because of his efforts to press Ukraninian President Zelensky into investigate the Bidens.

September 25: A five-page summary of the phone conversation between Trump and Zelensky was released by the Department of Justice after tensions for the release were stressed.

September 26: The complaint from the whistleblower is released and which urged that Trump had “used the power of his office” to solicit foreign help from the President Zelensky to help discredit his rival, Joe Biden.

Then, Maguire appeared before the House Intelligence Committee, and stated that he delayed the whistleblowers complaint from Congress becuase of privilege to executive privilege which protects commuincations for President Trump.

Sourced from: CNN & USA Today

Introduction and Layout by: Jimmy Pierson

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

At time of application, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no more than 35 years of age. Military veterans may extend the age limit one year for every year of active duty, not to exceed ten years. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent; must have completed 60 semester or 90 quarter hours from an accredited academic institution; must possess a valid driver’s license.

To move forward in the hiring process, applicants must pass physical and written exams, medical and psychological evaluation and background investigation; must have visual acuity 20/20 each eye corrected (minimum) with normal color vision and depth perception; must have good habits and be of moral character. Proof of U.S. Citizenship and if hired, McDonough County residence required.

STARTING SALARY as of 05/01/2019, $48,020.34 per year.

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

Application packets may be obtained at the Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 232 E. Jackson St., Macomb, Illinois 61455, Phone (309)-833-2558, or on-line at https://cityofmacomb.com/employment-listings/ All applications and attachments must be completed, signed and on file by 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2019.

If submitting the application packet in the mail, it must be postmarked on or before the application deadline date AND received at the Mayor’s Office with five (5) calendar days of the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Testing date is October 26, 2019. Applicants should report to Brophy Hall on Western Illinois University campus at 7:30 a.m.

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

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

4

OPINIONS

Friday, September 27, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Stop laughing at the Kardashians

Last Sunday at the Emmys, both Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner were presenting the next award and as they were speaking, the audience noticeably laughed at them.

While the Kardashians have partaken in obnoxious and unbearable actions throughout the years, somehow this family always ends up getting the last laugh. The Kardashian-Jenner family, within a decade, have turned a typical reality TV show into a collective billion-dollar empire. Love them or hate them, this family has had a major impact on American culture.

I understand why it’s easy to dislike the Kardashians and I wouldn’t be surprised if people are rolling their eyes as their reading this; they’ve appropriated other cultures and are constantly embroiled in controversy, often started by themselves. But you've got to ask yourself, how have they stayed relevant and

amassed so much influence?

It’s because of their marketing geniuses; the Kardashians have shown things that we all want as a society but don’t admit: money, attention, fame and, most importantly, good looks. I’m not saying I approve or even like this tactic that the Kardashians have used for so long, but it’s the reason they are who they are, and deep down inside from the average person to actors in Hollywood, we resent them, yet we still consume their content because it represents the things that society really wants.

Even though this family isn’t known for a specific talent, the constant exposure of their personal lives has opened conversations on real life issues that average people are facing.

From interracial marriages to plastic surgery, infidelity, and even gender transitioning, this family’s life is turbulent in a way that makes us feel normal and like we know so much

Kim Kardashian smiles at friends during an event.

about them because they've been so open. Once you let people into your personal life, it’s really hard for them to not pay attention to you.

In all honesty, this family is an example of how ambition or any idea can be achieved through a strategy and hard work. Kylie Jenner’s self-produced lipstick business eventually became a billion-dollar entity in a few short years and Kim Kardashian’s efforts to meet with President Trump even led to a black woman named Alice Johnson, who served a lifetime sentence for a non-violent drug offense, to be freed from prison. To show that she’s serious about criminal justice reform, Kim’s even studying to become a lawyer. If that doesn't say determination, then you’re not being fair.

I used to perceive the Kardashian-Jenner family as pretentious, stuck-up, Beverly Hills white people who only cared about themselves, and part of me still does. But, you can’t deny the hard work and discipline this family has done to get to where they are and instead of ridiculing and laughing at them, we actually can learn a lot from this family.

FLICKR.COM

Kendall Jenner poses on the red carpet.

FLICKR.COM

OPINIONS 5

Friday, September 27, 2019

@WesternCourier

A Western Illinois University refresh is long overdue

I’m guessing that almost all of you have not even realized that our school, Western Illinois University, has changed its tagline.

But in reality, our tagline has changed before your eyes.

If you go onto our Western Illinois University website, www. wiu.edu, and see what is in the top left corner of the screen, just under from where you see our schools purple “W”, our mission statement is stated: “You’re potential, our purpose.”

But, wait that was not there when I started at this school this semester? Yet, it is there it is. This is one of the many few changes that have recently happened and have become part of the new slowly changing Western Illinois University's marketing transformations. Another recent change includes dropping the Western Illinois lettering from our Rocky’s logo to give full emphasis to our mascot moving forward.

This refreshing of our school’s

brand is a process that is not going to happen overnight. It is something that is going to be accomplished for the past few years is something. This leads to the question of why are we changing?

What is the purpose? Why now?

Recently, stories and rumors of gun violence, fighting, sexual assaults, vandalism, heavy arrest and judicial board referral counts because of drugs and alcohol in and around campus, administration misconduct, the mass termination of Western Illinois University staff and faculty, and the removal of course majors and courses have been littered within the conversations ranging from students all the way into the outside world over the past few years. Not one

of these actions or events is something to be proud of, or even something administrations wants to be talked about, but we need to if we want to see change. We need to change these conversations of gossiping and complaining about all the negatives and change them into points that we can expand on and improve.

Now, a few days over our school’s one hundred and twentieth anniversary of opening their doors, over three years of continuous enrollment decline and leading in the second decade of two-thousands, Western Illinois University is finishing changing these conversations. The realization for the need is now at the forefront. This need is to change the

image of our school’s reputation is here. We need to stop highlighting the horrors of the past and move into the future of our university with a brighter sense of character and purpose.

This leads us back to our questions from earlier. Why are we changing? Because there has been an ever growing need to for the last few years. What is the purpose? It is for Western Illinois University to refresh their brand image for the students, community, and farther. Why now? Because this is overdue.

We need to embrace our refresh with the ‘potential’ of positive results in the future. It is our ‘purpose’ as a student. I am ready, are you?

How to tackle the stress of college life ANDRE WHITLEY courier staff

As college students, we encounter some type of stress almost every single day.

Whether that be that you have a big test coming up, trying to find time to do your homework because you’re busy with sports or school-related activities or even money problems. Stress can often be a good thing to have in your life; it motivates you and makes you more disciplined. Having good nutrition, exercising and getting adequate sleep can also help you

cope with stress.

Eating healthy can reduce the negative effects of stress in your body. Although when you become more stressed, it is easy to get away from these healthy habits and eat out or eat more unhealthy foods. I have found that meal prepping can help in these stressful times. First, you don’t have to think about what you need to make for dinner because you have it already planned out for the week. This helps reduce stress since you already know what

is for dinner, you can heat it in the microwave and you can focus on studying for that big test. Secondly, meal prepping allows you to eat healthier. When I meal prep, I usually make some chicken with rice and some type of vegetable on Sundays, that will last me for the whole week. Eating at home generally increases the likelihood that you will eat a healthy diet.

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it is impossible to eliminate completely, but learning how to manage stress can help you out tremendously. Exercise may be the easiest way to reduce stress. Exercise can take your mind off of any stress that is going on in your life.

For me, when I step on the football field, it is my place to get away

from the world, and the same thing goes for the gym. Although it takes time out of your day to workout, or go to the gym, you will feel more energized and your ability to concentrate and get your homework or studying done more efficiently. Along with feeling more energized and concentrated, you will feel more confident about yourself. Exercise and other physical activity produce endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers, and also improve the ability of sleep, which in return will help reduce stress.

A good night’s sleep makes you able to tackle the day’s stress more easily. When you are tired, you are less patient and more easily agitat-

ed, which increases stress drastically. As college students, we need about 7-9 hours of sleep per night, but we all know that doesn’t happen every single night. So, on your less busy and stressful days, go to bed earlier so you can make up for the hours you lost the night before.

Also, if you know you have a busy day the next day, getting those full 7-9 hours of sleep can help you be more focused and alert. We can all tell when we don’t get enough sleep, we wake up tired and not motivated to do anything planned or that we need to do.

So, being able to read your body and get in a good breakfast to refuel your brain can help you tackle any task that you might face that day.

6

Friday, September 27, 2019

SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Fall sports teams looking to “turn a new leaf”

The seasons are changing.

The sun is setting earlier and the temperature is dropping, which is signaling the end of the summer months and the transition into winter as fall has arrived. The leaves will begin to change color and Western athletics will look to turn over a new leaf. Many fall sports teams have been off to a rocky start, but here’s how they can turn themselves around.

Football: current record 0-4. What went wrong? The offense seems to be out of sync. The running game for Western is solid but never seems to be the workhorse they need it to be. The passing game has struggled immensely in the first few weeks for Western with junior quarterback Connor Sampson. A lack of big plays and too many giveaways have left Western with an offense incapable of finding a consistent rhythm.

What went right? The defensive takeaways. The Leathernecks have two takeaways in two straight weeks, not to mention the defense has taken a leap every week in improvement. They have yet to keep a team from scoring over 20 points but have key stops in important situations each week and

are on the verge of taking the next step.

What’s the outlook? The offense has too many questions to know. Who will be the starting quarterback, Sampson or Kevin Johnson who played last week when Sampson went down with an injury? The team can still put up a playoff appearance as conference play starts next week.

Men’s Soccer: current record 0-7. What went wrong? For now, nothing, technically.

This team has 15 newcomers. Soccer only starts 11 including the goalkeeper. Of course, head coach Dr. Eric Johnson is using his players in as many ways possible before conference play starts. The only problem may be the backline.

With senior Tim Trilk in goal, it would seem that Western would have a few clean sheets, but that has yet to happen. They have given up a goal in every game and have given up three goals in five of their seven matchups.

What went right? Trilk. The man in the net has just been amazing. In the early days of September, he found himself in the lead for saves in the NCAA. With this many unfamiliar faces on the pitch, it’s nice to see a familiar

dominant face in between the posts.

What’s the outlook? To go 2-3 in the conference. With only five Summit League matchups, the team needs a couple of wins. Playing powerhouse Denver University will be a tough matchup, but both Eastern Illinois and Purdue Fort Wayne appear as winnable matchups. With a little luck, they could even end up with a winning conference record.

Volleyball: current record 3-11. What went wrong? A tough road schedule. Out of those 14 games only one has been at home. It is never easy to win on the road and that has proved true for the volleyball team.

What went right? Mackenzie Steckler. She was ranked sixth in the NCAA for blocks this year. The Western defense has struggled, but Steckler has been a star. Hopefully, she can help the team turn things around as Summit League play has arrived.

What’s the outlook? For Summit League play, the Leathernecks should look to have a .500 record. After two seasons with only five total Summit League victories, the team should look to double that total with seven this year.

As fall turns the leaves’ colors, it allows for WIU athletics to turn over their leaf: to get back on track and dominate. Keep the tradition of tough alive throughout this fall, as the new season is getting ever closer.

BECCA LANGYS/ PHOTO EDITOR

Demetri Royer and a teammate team up for a tackle.

Cesar Cosio points to his teammate.

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

CLASSIFIEDS

WC

For Rent

For Rent

For Rent

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.

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.

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

Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu

Westen Investments has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well!

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.

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!

Westen Investments has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out.

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.

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

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.

Sports 7

Friday, September 27, 2019

@WesternCourier

Breaking down College Football playoff hopefuls, maybes and title contenders

The college football season is still fresh and just getting underway, but there are already teams surprising their way into the College Football Playoff picture. Let’s take a look at some of the super hopefuls, the maybes and the title contenders.

If we start by looking at those teams that have done well up to this point, but still have a lot of work to do if they want a legitimate shot at the title, there’s one team that makes us question their validity: the University of Florida. They’ve gone undefeated these first four weeks and have shown flashes of just how good they can be. The problem is that so far, they haven’t played any good teams. After the scare they had in their season opener to Miami, they’ve played relatively bad schools such as the University of Tennessee Martin, the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee. That last one especially has been horrible

so far this season, so beating them isn’t much of an accomplishment. However, if Florida can manage two wins against Auburn, LSU and Georgia they have a shot at being in the final four.

A team that is on the outside looking in that isn’t getting a lot of national attention, but who I personally like as a dark horse, is the University of Iowa. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking.

Iowa doesn’t have a shot at winning the Big Ten West, let alone the whole conference, which is the only way a Big Ten team is going to make the CFP. And while all of that is certainly true, I like the way Iowa’s schedule plays out. The Hawkeyes have an easy game this week against Middle Tennessee and then they go on the road to play a Michigan team that right now is just feeling defeated after dropping 10 spots in the rankings this week. If Iowa can steal a way on the road,

against a good Big Ten team and then follow that up with a win at home over No. 12 Penn State, they will be flying high when they meet Wisconsin on Nov. 9. That is the game that the Hawkeyes are going to have to win if they want to win the Big Ten West. They have the talent with Nate Stanley leading the way offensively. There are a lot of ifs in the Hawkeyes way, but if they can pull off these wins then I like their chances in the CFP. Now let’s take a look at those teams that are right outside of the top four at the moment but can easily crack into it. I know I just talked about how much I like Iowa’s chances, but the first team we have to talk about is Wisconsin. Lawrence Taylor just cut up one of the best defenses in the NCAA. With talent like that and with a relatively easy remaining schedule, they have the best shot to win the Big Ten West and they have the talent to beat Penn State or Ohio State in the Big Ten Championship.

With their only games against ranked opponents being Michigan State, Ohio State and Iowa, the Badgers should be easily able to crack that top four.

Another team that, at this moment, is in the top four, but it will take a lot to keep them there is LSU. Head coach Ed Orgeron’s team has played well so far, winning handily against opponents they shouldn’t have and played a tough game and earned their victory over Texas in week two. That being said, the easy part of their schedule is behind them and now they have the daunting part on them as they head into conference play in the SEC. With ranked games against Florida, Auburn, Alabama and Texas A&M still ahead of them, the Tigers have a lot of work if they want to be one of those four teams hearing their named for the CFP. Now let’s take a look at the two teams who, if they don’t make the championship, let alone the CFP, the NCAA world would be shocked: Alabama and Clemson.

Looking to play each other again for what will be the fifth time in just as many years, there is no reason that Dabo and Saban shouldn’t be playing against each other in the final game. Both teams are returning their starting quarterback from last year ’s

National Championship game and both have been on a tear through the first four weeks here in 2019. Tua is a lead candidate for the Heisman this year, while Trevor Lawrence has thrown for seven touchdowns and a 62.3 percent completion rate. Clemson will have all the opportunities in the world to make the CFP, with the remainder of their schedule against unranked conference foes. Alabama will have a more difficult task with ranked games still left to play against Texas A&M, LSU and Auburn. However, with Saban being the best college football coach, perhaps in all of history, the Tide should have no problems meeting Dabo and the Tigers in the championship.

All that being said, I think that we will see another repeat championship between Clemson and Alabama.

However, I’m still hoping for an Alabama vs. Oklahoma matchup, just to see the Tua Tagovailoa against Jalen Hurts game. But, let’s be honest, college football fans just don’t want another rematch. There is plenty of time left in the season to find out if our hope will become reality.

NFL off to a dramatic start with quarterbacks Sebastian gamboa courier staff

It is not even week 4 in the NFL yet and we have already had an entire seasons worth of drama. Most notably of all perhaps is the topsy-turvy world of the NFL QB. In less than four weeks of the regular season, onefifth of the teams in the NFL have had a change at quarterback. Four quarterbacks have been injured (three of which are Super Bowl champions), two have been benched for younger replacements, and one has infectious mononucleosis (mono).

First off, Jacksonville Jaguars QB Nick Foles, who in the 2017 season stepped in for the injured Carson Wentz to lead the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots, was injured in his first game with the Jags against the Kansas City Chiefs. It was later announced that he suffered a broken clavicle and is slated for a return in week 11 at the very earliest. Possibly more interesting is his replacement, Gardner Minshew II. Minshew has become an instant internet sensation for his very interesting personality, his mustache and his stellar on-field

performance. Minshew has completed 74 percent of his passes for 692 yards and five touchdowns while only throwing one interception.

He has thrown for over 200 yards in each of his games and most recently led his team to a 20-7 win over the Tennessee Titans. Jags fans are hopeful as Minshew will lead the team against the winless Denver Broncos in Mile High Stadium for their week 4 matchup.

Moving to New Orleans, the Saints took two devastating losses against the Los Angeles Rams in week 2. They were demolished 27-9 and lost their future Hall of Fame Super Bowl MVP quarterback, Drew Brees. In the first quarter, Brees hit his throwing hand on the helmet of the LA Rams’ star defensive lineman, Aaron Donald. It was later confirmed that Brees tore a ligament in his throwing thumb and had to undergo surgery.

He is expected back on the field in a minimum of six weeks, but he could possibly not be back to full strength until next season. His backup, former Minnesota Vikings QB Teddy Bridgewater, finished out the loss against the Rams

with a 57 percent completion rate for 165 yards. Then in week 3, Bridgewater led the saints to a one score, 33-27 victory against the previously undefeated Seattle Seahawks.

In this matchup, Bridgewater had a 70 percent completion rate for 177 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. This week, once again without Brees, Bridgewater will lead the Saints against the red-hot Cowboys at home.

One would assume that long term injuries to two Super Bowl Champion QBs would be enough, but Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers suffered an undisclosed elbow injury in a week 2 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Big Ben was placed on injured reserve and is listed as out of the season.

His replacement is Mason Rudolph a second-year backup out of Oklahoma State.

After Big Ben was injured Rudolph stepped in and kept the game close completing 12 out of 19 of his attempts for 112 yards, two touchdowns and a pick. The Steelers and Rudolph ended up losing a close one, 28-26. The following week Rudolph led the Steelers into San Francisco against the 49ers. The Steelers once again came up short in a 20-24 loss, falling to 0-3.

Rudolph struggled barely completing 50 percent of his passes, throwing for only 174 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. Rudolph

will get a chance to redeem himself in his first home start against their winless divisional rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals.

To wrap up the injuries, Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton suffered a Lisfranc injury in his foot. This injury is a potential seasonender for many athletes and Newton’s status is listed as out indefinitely. Originally it was thought that Newton would only miss a couple of games, but, in fact, he stands to miss a minimum of four games and may require surgery which he has opted not to do at this time. This means the next man up is Kyle Allen the undrafted QB best known for his time at Texas A&M. Allen had his first career start against the Arizona Cardinals in week 3 where he lit up the Arizona defense throwing for 261 yards, a whopping four touchdowns, and a perfect 0 interceptions. He also manages a solid 73 percent completion rate. He will make his second start once again on the road this week when the Panthers play the Houston Texans. The Panthers hope he can continue his wonderful performance as it is uncertain when or even if Newton will return.

Enough with the injuries!

The last thing related to QB health would be the story in New York as the NY Jets are missing their franchise quarterback, Sam Darnold with a

case of infectious mononucleosis (mono). He is scheduled to return in week 5 which means he would not miss any more games as the Jets have a week 4 bye. This is probably good news as the Jets don’t having to play again without their starter as they currently sit at 0-3.

To finish up on the NFL’s QB drama we have two benchings. Both Eli Manning and Ryan “Fitzmagic” Fitzpatrick have been benched in favor of younger quarterbacks. For the Giants, Daniel Jones, the future of the Giants’ franchise, will be taking up the reigns as staring quarterback. In Miami, former Cardinal Josh Rosen will lead the Dolphins until they inevitably cycle quarterbacks once again.

Jones threw for 336 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions in his first start and comeback win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Rosen had a poor performance in his with 200 yards and a measly 46 percent completion rate.

Many are saying that all of the injuries and changes at QB show a “changing of the guard.” This whirlwind of QB uncertainty also comes after Colts QB Andrew Luck announced his retirement shortly before the regular season began. We will see what happens in the weeks to come, but as always the NFL proves to be filled with drama and intruige.

Volleyball opens up conference play with an away loss to Fort Wayne

By David Koier courier staff

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

JoJo Kruize rears back for the spike.

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Riley Schumacher jumps for a spike.

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Audrey Putman celebrating with teammates.

Saturday Sept. 28 - 1pm Men’s Soccer VS.

After matching last year ’s win total during their preseason tournament schedule, head coach Ben Staupe and the Western Illinois Leathernecks women’s volleyball team marched into Fort Wayne this Tuesday to play in their first conference matchup against the Purdue Fort Wayne Mastodons. The Leathernecks played strong behind the defensive leadership of Mackenzie Steckler but fell to the Mastodons three sets to none.

Steckler, who has been a force at the net so far this season, found out some exciting news on Monday before the team headed to Fort Wayne.

On Monday, the NCAA came out with team and individual rankings across the nation.

Steckler found herself ranked sixth in the nation in total blocks with 74 and 16th in the nation in blocks per set with 1.51.

Steckler and her senior teammate JoJo Kruize started set one off strong for the Purple and Gold with a tandem block. Summit League leader in serving aces Jessie Connell took advantage of the block and recorded an ace to put the Leathernecks up 2-0.

The Mastodons took the next seven thanks to a kill by senior Elizabeth Fuerst and five attacking errors by Western. This proved to be too much for Western as Fort Wayne took set one 25-15.

Set two didn’t go any better for the Purple and Gold. A 7-0 run thanks to a pair of kills by Katie Crowe and a duo of service aces by Madison Gates gave the Mastodons another lead that Western couldn’t recover from.

The Leathernecks have struggled throughout the season with their hitting percentage. In set one, not only

Saturday Sept. 28 - 1pm Softball @

was Western’s hitting percentage sub-.100, it wasn’t even positive. In the first set, Western recorded 10 errors while only earning eight kills for a -.056 hitting percentage.

The Leathernecks did better in the second set with a .097.

Western started set three with another service ace by Connell and took advantage of an attacking error

by Fuerst. A serving error

by Connell and an ace by Crowe tied up set three at two apiece.

Kills by Steckler and freshman Aubrey Putman put the Leathernecks on top again.

The set went back and forth for a while, but it looked like Western would run away with it. A service ace

by Putman gave Western a 17-13 lead over Fort Wayne.

A kill by the Mastodons and two attacking errors by Western brought the set back within one.

A few back and forths put Western back up 20-17.

A kill by Mastodon freshman Sidney Schiller was the turning point in the set for the Mastodons. Down 20-18, three straight service aces by Alexandra Traciak catapulted Fort Wayne up 21-20, a lead they did not relinquish. Four straight points ended the set in favor of the Mastodons who completed the sweep for their first Summit League win of the season.

Set three proved to be Western’s best of the evening, recording 12 kills and only six errors for a hitting percentage of .182. While the offense may not have been there for the Leathernecks, the Purple and Gold were still able to out-block the Mastodons nine to five. Leading Western in blocks were Steckler, Mariah Mitchell and Elle Shult.

The Leathernecks will head to Brookings, S.D. on Sunday to take on South Dakota State.

Sunday Sept. 29 - 1pm Baseball VS.

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Emma Norris prepares to serve.

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Jessie Connell sets her eyes on the serve.

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Mackenzie Steckler prepares for the block.

Sunday Sept. 29 - 1pm Women’s Soccer Vs.

Sunday Sept. 29 - 1pm volleyball @