Western Courier|February 7th, 2018

Sports: Foles is the “Sharknado” of NFL quarterbacks.

Opinions: Respect Native American culture.

Sports: Mavericks and Leathernecks prepare for tip-off.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 53

Sheriff responds to DUI allegations

By Nicholas Ebelhack editor-in-chief

MCDONOUGH COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

McDonough County Sheriff Rick VanBrooker released a statement Tuesday pertaining to allegations that he was involved in a DUI incident.

McDonough County Sheriff Rick VanBrooker responded to allegations of driving under the influence in a press release yesterday after the release of a series of audio files and a Facebook post from former McDonough County State’s Attorney James Hoyle garnered attention from community members.

The audio files, received from a Freedom of Information Act request, depict a 911 call from April 4, 2017 at 5:40 p.m., describing VanBrooker as disoriented, repeating that he was “comfortable” when questioned by the caller. The call proceeded as follows.

“This guy just came blazing down my lane and I have a lot of potholes, I mean he had to be doing 30,” said the caller.

“He comes and almost hits the back of my truck. I walk up to him to make sure he doesn’t

get out of the car because I have dogs out. I said, ‘Hi’. And he goes, ‘I’m just getting comfortable.’ His eyes and everything were glazed over. I asked him, ‘Do you know where you are at?’ He said, ‘I’m just getting comfortable. I don’t understand the question.’ I don’t know if this is the number to call to make sure he doesn’t hurt somebody.”

Following the call, the operator who received it put out a call for a gray or silver Nissan, driven by a white male wearing an orange shirt. A moment later, the dispatcher identifies the driver by name as VanBrooker.

Minutes later, Sheriff Department’s Chief Deputy Nick Petitgout calls the operator: Operator: Radio.

Petitgout: What was that?

Operator: What?

Petitgout: That you just put out?

Operator: The reckless driving?

Petitgout: On the sheriff?

Operator: Yeah… oh, I didn’t even.

Petitgout: Yeah.

Petitgout then hangs up the phone.

Monday morning, Hoyle posts on his personal Facebook chastising VanBrooker and Petigout regarding the incident.

As of 7 p.m. Tuesday, the post has 239 reactions and 189 comments, and has been shared over 300 times.

“I now have had the misfortune of hearing the actual 911 audio from dispatch of the caller and the call out to officers to respond to the reckless drunk driving incident,” reads Hoyle’s post. “I also could hear Nick Petitgout, candidate for McDonough County Sheriff, call in his usual sarcastic voice to chastise the dispatcher for putting out the call on the sheriff over the radio.”

Sheriff page 2

SGA debates grading policy bills

JOSH PURNELL/COURIER STAFF

Amanda Wrenn (left) and Shayd Laye (right) debate legislation on the Student Government Association floor pertaining to participation and attendance policies in the classroom on Tuesday night.

By Marc Ramirez courier staff

During Tuesday, Feb. 6, the Legislative body of Western Illinois University’s Student Government Association (SGA) discussed College of Business and Technology Senator Amanda Wrenn’s proposal of two bills. The bills pertained to student

attendance policies and class participation affecting students grades.

When Wrenn was asked to explain what the current attendance policies at Western look like, she responded that they have are not regulated and are problematic.

“As far as I’m aware, teachers can make any attendance policy they want as long as

they ask the chair of the department for permission, but sometimes they don’t so it depends on the teachers to what the attendance policy is,” Wrenn said. “Not all instructors do it, but enough of them have done it for it to become a problem.”

SGA Bill 2017-2018.004 reads, “Many students have made it known that they view some

class attendance policies and grades attached to attendance as excessive, over-reaching, or unfair.”

Wrenn said the purpose of her bill was to open up the discussion and make the faculty aware that this is a problem.

When asked where she received the evidence specifying policies Wrenn stated that she had primarily taken stu-

dent perspectives into account when authoring the bill.

“Us in ourselves can’t enact this without discussion between faculty and ourselves.” said Madison Lynn, Director of Academic Affairs, during discussion.

SGA page 3

2

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

NEWS

Sheriff from front page

-On Jan. 26 at 12:28 pm. Jeanell Harris, 20, of 302 Henninger Hall, and Tatiana Glenn, 18, of 1123 Tanner Hall, were each given a notice to appear March 6 for a Macomb city ordinance violation for fighting outside of Morgan Hall.

-On Jan. 26 at 9:28 p.m. three students in Q-Lot were judicially referred for possession of cannabis/drug paraphernalia.

-On Jan. 28 at 1:55 a.m. non student James Jordan, 20, of 930 N. Albert St., was arrested at Western Avenue/Riverview Drive for driving under the influence of alcohol, disobeying a stop sign and illegal transportation of alcohol. He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 3:10 a.m. where he was lodged pending bond.

-On Jan. 31 at 8:52 p.m. one student near the Union Plaza was judicially referred for behavior (driving on sidewalk).

-On Feb. 1 at 1:32 a.m. Ryan Smith, 20, of 825 Corbin Hall, was arrested in the Corbin lot for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was transported to McDonough County Jail at 2:35 a.m.

-On Feb. 1 at 4:55 p.m. a student came into Mowbray Hall to report that his wallet, containing $50 cash an $80 gift cards, was stolen from his backpack in the COFAC Recital Hall. The incident is under investigation.

-On Feb. 1 at 9:56 p.m. one student in Bayliss Hall was judicially referred for possession of drug paraphernalia.

-On Feb. 2 at 1:46 a.m. non

WC

student Colton Tracey, 24, of Prairie City, was arrested near Westbrook Circle for driving under the influence of alcohol and disobeying a stop sign. He was transported to McDonough County Jail at 2:52 a.m.

-On Feb. 2 at 7:37 p.m. a student reported that his iPhone and headset, valued at $1,100, was stolen from an unlocked locker at the Student Recreation Center. The incident is under investigation.

-On Feb. 3 at 3:09 a.m. nonstudent Joseph Conway, 19, of South Lake Villa (IL) was issued a notice to appear March 6 for a Macomb city ordinance violation for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor near the West Adams and Lafayette intersection.

-On Feb. 3 at 8:09 p.m.

Krystyna Long, 27, of 1415 E. Wheeler St., Apt. D, was arrested in the 100 block of West Pierce Street for driving while license suspended. She was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 8:22 p.m. where she was lodged pending bond.

-On Feb. 4 at 7:52 p.m.

Malcolm Sturdivant, 20, of 1003 Henninger Hall, was arrested in Henninger on a McDonough County warrant for failure to appear. He was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 8 p.m. where he was lodged pending bond.

-On Feb. 4 at 11:27 p.m. two students in Henninger Hall were judicially referred (one for behavior and one for illegal possession of alcohol by a minor).

STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Nicholas Ebelhack NA-Ebelhack@wiu.edu opinions editor Ryan Zurek RP-Zurek@wiu.edu sports editor Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Haley Richards H-Richards@wiu.edu

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

Hoyle further stated that he intended to publish the audio files on his Facebook page, and calls for an investigation by the State Police and Attorney General.

“This serious citizen complaint and the attempt to cover it up should result in a call for their resignations,” reads Hoyle’s post. “We can't have a Sheriff and a Chief Deputy that disregards protocol, public safety and the law.

I ask you all to be on the look out and try to listen to the audio yourself.”

VanBrooker ’s response on Tuesday directly addressed Hoyle, citing that his intentions are politically motivated, pertaining to the upcoming McDonough County Sheriff’s Election on March 20.

“I would like to first point out that the recent allegations are strictly political,” reads VanBrooker ’s statement.

“James Hoyle is supporting Bryan Baca in the upcoming Sheriff’s race and is attempting to use this incident to advance his candidate.

In his statement, VanBrooker

edge editor Baylee Brynteson BM-Brynteson@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu proofreader Valerie Clemens VN-Clemens@wiu.edu

proofreader Alexis Lowe AL-Lowe@wiu.edu proofreader Tacuma Venzant T-Venzant@wiu.edu photo editor Becca Langys RE-Langys@wiu.edu production manager Jimmy Pierson JM-Pierson@wiu.edu business manager Faith Rucker F-Rucker@wiu.edu advertising manager Patryk Mazur P-Mazur@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu

WesternCourier.com admits to being the driver referenced in the audio recordings, but denies driving under the influence.

“On April 4, 2017 I was driving into Macomb when I experienced the onset of what felt like vertigo,” reads VanBrooker ’s statement. “I had been to my doctor about the problem prior to this incident. I pulled off Jackson Street onto a lane and then into a drive way hoping to let the feeling pass.”

Vertigo is a sensation of uneasiness, dizziness, rotation, rocking or spinning experienced when motionless, much like how one would feel after spinning in circles and then attempting to stand still.

VanBrooker then says in his statement that he did mention getting comfortable, saying that he also told the caller needed a minute. He then says that he didn’t tell the man what he was feeling so that he would not call an ambulance.

He then says that he left and drove home once he regained himself.

“The deputies did what they should have done by searching the area where the call came from before locating me at my house,” reads VanBrooker’s release. “I had

been at my house for a period of time prior to the deputy’s arrival. What was covered up? Nothing.”

He concluded his statement stating that he intends to continue to perform his duties up until his planned retirement.

VanBrooker has previously announced that he will not be running for sheriff again this year. Instead, three republican candidates (Petigout, McDonough County Sheriff ’s Office Detective Justin Lundgren and Illinois River Correctional Center Operations Warden Bryan Baca) seek the open position.

“I have been your Sheriff for over a decade and in that time a lot of good things have happened here at the Sheriff’s Office,” VanBrooker said.

“During that time I have also made enemies that will seize upon this opportunity make baseless allegations.”

In a Facebook post published Tuesday morning, Hoyle stood by his claims.

“You have now heard the tapes, just like I posted. Now (it’s) up to you to decide what you will do about it. I hope you do the right thing.”

The Western Courier will continue to report on this story as it develops.

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By Jasmine Yates courier staff

For college students, the first semester is usually an exciting time, but for Natalie Mota, the semester did not start off well because she noticed a lump on her neck.

“When I came to Western I saw the bump and then me and my parents decided to get it checked out. For the first couple of months I was being tested and had to travel to Chicago a lot. During this process my bump kept getting bigger and bigger,” Mota said.

Mota went for a cancer scan and her parents mailed

SGA from front page

Lynn suggested that the legislative body should get the discussion started with faculty rather than basing it solely off of student comments, so that it would be more likely to result in change.

“The discussion between faculty and students is necessary,” Lynn said.

Some members of the Student Government Association stated their uncertainties with the proposal. During the meeting, it was brought up that some people do not wish to offend faculty members who do not fall under this umbrella statement.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

the results.

“I had totally forgot that I would be getting the results of my scan in four days,” Mota said. “That weekend my parents came for family weekend. When they came I was so excited to see them. They were crying but I didn’t think anything of it because I had totally forgot and I just thought they were excited to see me. They sat me down and told me I hand Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Early that day I had put on makeup and it was ruined by all of my tears,” Mota had to leave to get treatment. She didn’t know if she could return or if she could finish school.

“I left that weekend and I just

packed one bag, and then my parents went back to get the rest of my stuff because I could not return to WIU and went on medical leave.”

Mota was unprepared for the long stressful process that was ahead of her.

“As soon as I went home I got the lump removed and then underwent chemotherapy. My hair started to fall out and I had no control over it. I had a lot of side effects to the chemo like I had rashes and still have the scars from it.”

After undergoing chemotherapy, Mota decided to lift her spirits up by picking out a new hairdo before returning to Western.

“I went to a place where they

Others stated that the the wording of the resolution is flawed due to faculty members deciding if attendance policies are reasonable or not.

Corbin-Olson Senator Shayd Laye suggested a friendly amendment during the discussion. “(We should) change the wording to include that we are willing to work with the faculty to review these clauses so that we can come to a mutually beneficial agreement.”

Wrenn accepted the motion.

“If we are asking them to make a change to their policies and the way they do their occupation we should be willing to work with them.”

Maddie Henizer, Senate Clerk, brought to the floor

that the survey size pertaining to the bill wasn’t substantial enough to represent the student body.

“We should maybe do more studies,” Heinzer said.

“Right now this is at a smaller scope and I feel that this could open us up to criticism, so if we do a larger study I do think this could bring more weight about education quality overall.”

With this, the Student Government Association took a vote to table both of the bills until more concrete, significant sufficient data could be recorded. The agreement to table was based on a vote of 18:1:1, prior to any discussion of bill 20172018.005, which pertains to participation policies.

NEWS 3

specialized in making wigs for people who lost their hair because of chemo or another disease. My insurance did not cover the wig and my parents paid for the expenses. The whole ordeal was physically and financially stressful.”

Not only did she have to deal with cancer, she had to deal with almost not being able to come back to Western to finish school.

“Since I had to leave WIU financial aid took my money away because I never completed the semesters,” Mota said. “Even though I had cancer it didn’t matter. So every semester from now on I have to appeal to get my financial aid. I only have two

more appeals available for me to use. I am not sure what I will do if I don’t get the financial aid.”

Life after being deemed cancer free for Mota is still a struggle, especially with the fear of it coming back, and also how it has affected her memory.

“I was shocked when I got cancer but I am also scared that the cancer could come back,” Mota said. “But for right now I just live one day at at time.

The aftermath of chemo is that my brain can contain so much information. It affects studying for tests in my classes. But I’m get help from the school and I’m still trying to figure out how I can be successful at school after having cancer.”

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

4 OPINIONS

WesternCourier.com

Learn your Native American history

During an anti-immigration protest late last month outside of the Arizona state Capitol building, protesters were reportedly stopping individuals walking by and asking about their views on immigration.

Unfortunately there were also reports of protesters asking darker-skinned members if they were here illegally and were yelling at them to go home, and other derogatory comments. Members of the protests contacted by the media denied that the harassing comments and questions were made, but unfortunate-

ly for them we live in the 21st century. A video was released of protesters asking Arizona State Representative, Eric Descheenie, who is of Navajo descent, if he was here illegally and seemed infuriated when he would not give a yes or no answer.

A Native American man was asked if he was an illegal immigrant. He answered that he was “indigenous to these lands” and did not suffice the needs of the protester.

Picking up a history book or just looking up the definition of “native” would have answered their question. Pay-

ing attention to history class in elementary school might have also helped avoid the question entirely. This really doesn’t help the protester ’s claim that the people they were reportedly harassing were based on skin color, unless they actually know nothing about Native American history, but I’ll get to that later.

Latino legislators and other minorities also reported being harassed, which still doesn’t make a whole lot of sense and could be easily answered by a trip back to middle school. In every state in the U.S., you must be a U.S. citizen to become a state legislator which I assume they will actually check. Asking legislators if they are here illegally is about as useless as checking the fridge 10 min-

utes after you just looked in it. The result is not going to change no matter how hard you look. There is a more gray area on the First Lady’s original immigration status in the 90’s than the status of these representatives.

These puzzling interrogations show either one of two (or both) problems that seem to be becoming more prominent in the U.S. The lack or misinterpretation of education (especially in history) or just blatant ignorance. Even in the most whitewashed textbooks that discuss Native American history, the fact they were here before the U.S. was formed is pretty well stated. Now different states have different requirements in terms of education but there isn’t a version of history where white settlers

No Donald, not clapping during your speech is not treason

During President Trump's first state of the union address, many people were unsurprised to see that Democratic members of Congress often refrained from clapping.

Perhaps less expected was the response from Trump on Monday, when he called those who remained seated “treasonous” and “un-American.”

Not only is this sort of state-

ment childish and entirely unpresidential, it is also the result of a much larger problem in America. As a nation we have an incredibly unhealthy idea of what it means to be patriotic.

So many people have this idea that patriotism and loving ones country entails an unwavering support of whatever the government does. This is absurd, but it is a problem that

has plagued our country for a long time.

For instance, people who spoke out against invading Iraq were instantly labeled traitors to their country. Same for protests against the Vietnam War. Time and time again we see this toxic idea that every single citizen must line up behind a president and support every war they declare, every immigration ban they propose or surveillance program they start.

It is not the duty of either the American public or of Congress to fall in line. If Trump thinks that branding dis-

senters as traitors or worse will cause people to stop disagreeing with him then he is sorely mistaken.

Every president has to deal with an opposing party. Most of them managed to do it maturely and respectfully. Whining and calling people names for disagreeing is the opposite of that. As Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth said, “I swore an oath...to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States, not to mindlessly cater to the whims of Cadet Bone Spurs and clap when he demands I clap.”

were here first. This is a major part of the reason why the term “Native American” is more properly used now instead of “Indian.” So how does a Native American come here illegally? The situation with representatives of other minorities being questioned is just as troubling.

All high school graduates had to pass a U.S. civics test, which for some states includes a states civics test as well. While these tests are relatively easy to pass, it appears that the information may not be sticking with people as much as people would hope. U.S. citizenship is required for public office at any level. Protesters can always choose to ignore these things, but facts are facts. Just because you don’t believe it doesn’t make it not true.

@WesternCourier

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

Classic Rock is timeless. I listen to Rush, Led Zeppelin, and Queen a lot. I listen to songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s every day. I would say I have an obsession with 20th century music. On the way to class you’ll see me wearing my headphones and possibly hearing me blasting Phil Collins, Michael Jackson, The Hollies, or Yes. That may seem like a broad range of musical taste and you’ve hit the nail on the

head, my friend. That’s right.

“To be a rock, and not to roll,” that is the question. (Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin).

Today’s youth are into hiphop, and pop… and that’s cool and all, however it doesn’t have the same sound as the classics.

Today you can make music solely on a computer in a Digital Audio Workstation. I find mainstream music to be not of my taste. Maybe I’m old fash-

ioned. Or I listen to too much ‘Dad Rock.’ It doesn’t matter what people say.

When I play 80s music today, there’s always a person that says they heard it in a recent movie or something. This is because the impact of the 80s still resonates. The songs are so catchy, so good, and the lyrics are still relevant. Especially “99 Luftballons” by Nena.

If you haven’t tried listening to classic tunes, I suggest following my playlists on Spotify.

Search my name and you’ll find plenty of them. Does that sound excellent? Good because I’m just getting started. (“C’mon baby finish what you started. I’m incomplete. That

ain’t no way to treat the broken hearted.” (Van Halen’s Finish What Ya Started)) I own a walkman, and prefer vinyl over digital sound. I aspire to become an audiophile, an aficionado of sound vibrations.

If you’re reading this and still want to listen to your modern music, consider the past.

My parents said before the internet, life was more fun. I don’t know about that, but I do know one thing. The music was better; the advent of digital music killed music, and if it didn’t kill it, less of the music that is released today is good.

This might be because, when you make it easier to make music, more non-talented peo-

length of a complete Super Bowl game, including half time, is 3 hours and 44 minutes. The game this past Sunday began at 5:30p.m. and was over by 9:30pm. This might not seem late, but throw in about 15 minutes of talking afterwards, 10 minutes to help clean up food, 5 minutes to say your goodbyes, and a 30 minute drive home from the party; before you know it you aren’t getting back to your house until about 10:30p.m.

This, combined with the possible hangover the next day if you were drinking, is a big cause of the famous “Super Sick Monday.”

“Super Sick Monday” is the Monday after the Super Bowl when according to USA Today; an average of 14 million people will not show up to work. “Super Sick Monday” is the second most called in day of work after New Year ’s Day. Because of the high expectancy of this skip day, USA Today also reported that 33% of employers would further investigate if employees were actually lying about why they are not coming in to work.

Twenty-two percent of these employers have even reported firing an employee because of a fake excuse used on “Super Sick Monday.”

All of these facts had me thinking, what are some ways we can help lower these numbers a bit?

Obviously, no one wants to skip out on a Super Bowl party, so the idea of just stay-

ing home seemed a little out of the question. It’s no fun to have to leave the party early either, especially not during the always famous half-time show. So, I came to the conclusion that the Super Bowl should merely be moved up a couple hours.

If the event started at 2 or 3p.m., I think that would benefit many people. Super Bowl parties could begin around noon, the game could be getting over around 6p.m., and everyone could have a little more time to rest before heading off to work the next morning.

Super Bowl Sunday is such a big tradition for football fans nationwide. It doesn’t seem right to move it to Saturday.

Moving the big game up a couple hours though could help us all drag our butts to work and class the next day.

OPINIONS 5

Tune in to your dad’s music

Don’t get Super bowl sickness

The Super Bowl has been a long-standing American tradition for generations. This past Sunday many of us spent our afternoons stuffing our faces with finger foods, and watching the Eagles take down the Patriots in Super Bowl 52.

The Super Bowl time has been argued on many occasions that it should be moved to Saturday instead of Sunday.

Although I can see the perks to this change, I have a different alternative. I think the Super Bowl simply needs to be moved up in time, perhaps to 3 p.m.

According to a report done

by The Verge, the average

ple think they can make it big.

Old school dance songs are also things I appreciate. “You can dance if you want to, you can leave your friends behind.”

(The Safety Dance - Men Without Hats). You can find me listening to “Whip it” by DEVO on the way to class. There’s nothing wrong with old music.

There’s also nothing wrong with new music, but it‘s beyond my realm of listening.

Old music is my pride and joy.

Its my happy place, and my groove. You shouldn’t consider old songs unworthy of a listening time. You can take these words with a grain of salt, or you can turn up the radio. It’s up to you.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

6 SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Men

from back page

On offense, Western must to give Gilbeck the ball. He went 7-11 from the field last game with 16 points. The 16 points matched his season high in Summit league plays.

If the Necks can do these two things, they will win backto back games for the first time in the Summit League this year.

With five games left in the season, look for the Necks to amp up their play, and play their best games down the stretch.

They are still fighting for a spot in the tournament, only down two games behind fourth seeded North Dakota State (4-5).

Don’t give up on the Leathernecks quite yet, as they still have their goal of making the NCAA tournament still in front of them.

Twitter: Cre_bean

Women from back page

Seniors Morgan Blumer and Olivia Braun also have showcased why this season is so special as Blumer has recorded her career high in three pointers made against NDSU, and Braun has recorded her career high in blocks with four also against NDSU. These seniors are determined to run deep into the Summit League tournament. As the Summit League defending champions this team understands that they must play at a high level to do it again. Coach JD Gravina states “We must play like champions in order to get their names into the record books once again.”

The Leathernecks are coming off a loss at USD with a tale of two

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Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu

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halves. First half the leathernecks shot a horrid 27 percent from the field, but in the second half shot over 60 percent. This loss serves as an important lesson for the Leathernecks of playing at that championship level for an entire 40 minutes.

Last matchup against Omaha, Western showed how easy it was for them to play at an elite level over time. Playing at this level takes energy and the Leathernecks’ physicality isn’t a worry for Gravina. He has talked about how his practices aren’t typical and conditioning is never a focus because of how this team plays.

High paced offense, and track meet style games help tire out teams and provide an advantage for Western.

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

For Rent Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished.

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Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site.

No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment.

Westen Investments still has affordable 1-4 Bedroom Apartment/Houses available. Be sure to check out our website (www.westeninvest.com) to see our available listings, and call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to win prize giveaways!

APARTMENT FOR RENT: FOR QUIET PERSON. ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT LOCATED AT 314 West Carroll ST Macomb, Ill 61455. Available end of August 2017-new carpeting yearly lease SMALEST FURNISHED IN MACOMB $345.00/month - HEAT & AC INCLUDED private entrance, off-street parking included call for appointment309-837-4748 or 255-5075 woodburning fireplace, ask for Paul.

For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo.

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Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message

Sports 7

Wednesday, February 7, 2018

@WesternCourier

Foles conquers Patriots dynasty

There were a few things at the beginning of the 2017-2018 NFL season that I knew to be true. The Cleveland Browns were going to be the worse team ever, Deshaun Watson was going to be the breakout star, and the New England Patriots were on their way to another Super Bowl.

I ended up being correct on all of these things, but an unfortunate injury caused Watson’s breakout rookie year to end prematurely. But, I along with other football fans were shocked to hear that Nick Foles was going to be the man that dethroned the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady.

Now I don’t want to overreact, but I think it is safe to say that Foles cemented himself as the best athlete to ever live. He was sitting on the bench behind a young NFL star and MVP frontrunner Carson Wentz six games ago.

He’s performed on the biggest stage of them all, and went up to the quarterback who dominated this league for over a decade and slapped him right in the face. Brady, surprised and hurt by the slap, sat down

gingerly and wept as Foles snatched that metaphoric crown right off the 40-yearold quarterback’s head, and has now become the greatest quarterback off all time.

I like to compare a lot of things to movies because movies are perfect, and life should always be a movie. I will compare Foles’ situation to one of the greatest movies that has ever graced the SyFy network, “Sharknado.” The cinematic masterpiece only has a 3.3 out of 10-star rating on IMDb, with 39,568 viewers reviewing the film.

I am here to tell you that they are all wrong. The star of the film Ian Ziering, portrays Fin Shepard, a former surfer who is a bar owner on the beach.

The movie quickly turns when a storm hits and tornadoes fly over the ocean, causing sharks to be pulled into the air and terrorize the city of Los Angeles. The entire 126-minute runtime of this movie is unapologetic, utter absurdity, and fun, which happens to be exactly what happened to Foles.

Foles started off his NFL career with the Eagles and

never played more than 13 games in a season while with the team. He was an average NFL quarterback but in 2014, he had the season of his life after starter Michael Vick fell to injury. He made the Pro Bowl and he ended up winning MVP. He threw for 2,891 yards in his pro bowl season, along with 27 touchdowns.

These were his glory days, like Shepard when he was a surfer in his prime. Foles time in Philadelphia came to an end in 2015, when he went on to play for the worst coach to ever exist in the NFL, Jeff Fisher.

His career then began to spiral downward as he struggled under the Fisher led, St. Louis Rams, rest in peace to the St. Louis Rams, and only played 3 games in Kansas City in 2016. It reportedly got so bleak for Foles, he considered retirement. But he got one more chance with the team that drafted him with the Eagles in 2017.

Wentz going down with a complete ACL and LCL tear along with a broken leg in week 14 was the beginning of the “Sharknado.” Chaos was running over Philadelphia; the NFL world wrote off the Eagles after they looked like a Super Bowl caliber team.

Everyone was getting eaten by sharks and the city was beginning to panic.

Foles immediately embod-

ied exactly what Shepard did in “Sharknado.” He was the strong human who could handle anything that came his way. Foles held down the fort for the remainder of the regular season but a second sharknado formed as the playoffs began. He didn’t even blink an eye. Foles played the best he ever had under unbelievable pressure. He got out his trusty chainsaw and began to shred through NFL defenses, along with one of the best defensive units the NFL had seen in years in the Minnesota Vikings. It looked like the Eagles were riding high on their way to the Super Bowl, they already stopped the first two sharknadoes and they had the entire city of Philadelphia behind them. But then the third sharknado formed.

This sharknado was the fiercest the world had ever seen. We will call this one, the Patriots. But in a moment of unbelievable courage, Foles stared dead into the eye of that sharknado and never flinched.

He drove his Humvee with a bomb in the backseat and stopped the sharknado but there was one thing left for Foles to do. He had to save the city of Philadelphia from the pit of obscurity that had plagued them since 1960, when they won the NFL Championship Game before the Super Bowl even existed.

Brady and the Patriots were a

shark falling from the sky after Foles had stopped the final sharknado and the Lombardi trophy was inside the stomach of that shark.

Foles grabbed his chainsaw once again and performed the most majestic leap he ever leaped into that shark’s stomach. He was swallowed whole and was in that shark’s stomach for minutes.

The world stood still as the Patriots had the ball left with one-minute left on the clock. It was a moment all too familiar for sports fans, where it seemed like the vicious Brady was going to sink his teeth into an NFL defense once more for a game winning drive, but then Brandon Graham appeared. Graham slipped by Patriot right tackle Cameron Fleming and strip sacked Brady and the Eagles gained possession after Derek Barnett recovered the fumble.

As the stadium fell silent, Enrique Iglesias’ golden pipes began to ring out through U.S. Bank Stadium. His masterpiece of a song “Hero” played as Foles cut through the stomach of the shark holding the first Lombardi Trophy to ever grace the city of Philadelphia.

Foles is the new hero of every football fan out there, except New England, and will forever go down in NFL history as the backup quarterback who beat the best dynasty that ever stepped onto a football field.

Swim and dive plummets in Iowa

Hannah Fisher comes up for air during breast stroke event.

GOLEATHERNECKS.COM

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Casey Roberts delivered a pair of second-place touches last Friday in Western Illinois' dual meet at Iowa. Despite several high finishes, the Leatherneck women lost 128-65, while the men fell 127-75.

Roberts netted the first top-two individual performance of the meet for Western Illinois, tunneling for second in the 200-free in 2:00.39. Later on in the 100-free, she sprinted for a 54.77 mark that placed her 2nd.

In the 50-free, Allison DeWane (26.24), Megan Carver (26.28), and Claire Straetker (26.38) took second, third and fourth, respectively. The Leathernecks did the same, courtesy of Marissa Purdum (27.99), Amy Borgstede (28.46), and Angel Sturdivant (29.94), in the 50-fly, as well as the 50-back with Taylor Winkel (29.31), Madison Chao (29.64), and Straetker (29.71).

In the 500-free, Amanda Schaefer (5.30.60), Hannah Fisher (5:43.00), and Kathryn Ferguson (6:05.15) registered the second-through-fourth slots.

Brittany Erickson also propelled to second in the 50-breast with a time of 33.44.

Western Illinois' men also saw several top-two performances. Ian Johnson (22.38) and Seth Brady (22.86) went backto-back for second and third,

respectively, in the 50-free. The Leathernecks compiled second, third and fourth in the 50-fly thanks to Josh Hill (24.81), Anfernee Sturdivant (25.03), and Drake Stierman (25.14).

They did the same in the 100free with Brennan Bladel (47.20), Phillip Kudella (48.80), and Johnson (52.17).

Samir Almhiemid checked in for second in the 50-back with a mark of 24.31. Behind Almhiemid was Garrett Kemp (25.62) and Stierman (28.68). Connor Owens (4:56.90) and Isaiah Pihlstrom (5:02.57) went consecutively for second and third, respectively, in the 500-free. Kyle Siebert (28.15), Anfernee Sturdivant (28.72) and Austin Martin (28.98) collected second, third and fourth, respectively, in the 50-breast.

The Western Illinois 200-free relay team of Winkel, Borgstede, Schaefer, and Dana Kaftan posted a second-place touch (1:46.16), and the men's squadron of Seth Brady, Almhiemid, Kudella, and Chance McQuigg (1:27.39) did the same.

Friday's meet in Iowa City was Western Illinois' final competition of the regular season. The Leathernecks will race next at The Summit League Championships from Feb. 14th-17th in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

GoLeathernecks.com

Monday, August 21, 2017

Men ready to rein in Mavericks

By Christopher Bean courier staff

ANGEL STRACK/COURIER STAFF

Brandon Gilbeck jogs to get back on defense.

OMAHA, Neb.-The Western Illinois Leathernecks set to take on the Omaha Mavericks this Thursday in Omaha. Western is coming off their second win in the Conference, when they snapped their four game losing streak on Saturday, beating Oral Roberts 82-56.

Western is now 2-7 in the conference, and 11-11 overall. The Mavericks are 2-6 in the conference, and only 7-17 overall.

Their 7-17 record is the worst in the league. They are only ahead by half a game of Western for the last spot position in the Summit League. They are currently on a three game losing streak, and coming off of a 20 point loss to South Dakota State last Tuesday.

Both team’s losses in the Summit league haven’t been close, losing every game by 11 or more points. This is their second time facing each other this year. The first game was in Macomb, when Omaha got the best of Western, in a 87-66 win. Four out of the five Omaha starters scored in double figures, and made six or more field goals. They also had a season high with 13 three

pointers. Western only made five threes, while shooting just 23.8 percent from beyond the arc.

Even though both teams have struggled this year, both teams have had solid production from their players. Junior guard, Zach Johnson has been the Mavericks best player this year. He’s 4th in the Summit League in scoring, with 18.7 points a game. He’s also seventh in rebounds with 6.7 a game. Freshman forward, Matt Pile, is third in blocks with just over one a game with 1.2.

Freshman point guard, Kobe Webster is still third in assists and sixth in scoring. Junior center Brandon Gilbeck continues to be a beast for Western. He leads the Summit in blocks (2.8 per game), and field goal percentage (66.9 percent per game).

He is also fourth in rebounds with 7.6 a game. The key on defense for Western is to contain the Mavericks behind the arc.

The Mavericks have struggled all year from three, but last time it was the main reason why they won the game.

Men page 6

Necks fighting for conference supremacy

By Michael Harms courier staff

Western Illinois University is looking to grab another win with a matchup against the Omaha University Mavericks at home tonight. Western is near the top of the Summit League holding a 17-7 record and 7-3 in conference while Omaha is at the bottom with a 10-11 record and 1-7 in conference.

In the last meeting between these two teams, Western hardly broke a sweat swiftly taking down the Mavericks 90-51 on the Jan. 13 game.

Clemens showcased why she has won the Summit League player of the week nine times, by dropping 29 points and dishing out 6 assists. The Leathernecks had four players over double digits in the scoring column and couldn’t be stopped offensively.

This stat line is nothing new to Western fans as they are at the top of the Summit League with 82.1 points per game. Western is chasing South Dakota State University and the University of South Dakota for top spots in the conference, and needs every

game to solidify their rank in the Summit League.

This game doesn’t hold much upside for Omaha as they trail in every category except turnovers. They are looking to shock the world coming into enemy territory and taking a W off of a high-powered offensive team. Omaha’s one conference win came against North Dakota State on January behind Amber Vidal’s tremendous performance. She had 21 points and six assists, along with averaging 12.8 points per game, and just a few assists.

Vidal’s young talent will need to be relied upon when facing the more experienced Western Illinois team.

Western has the advantage on paper as they lead the Summit League in points per game, assists, and steals. Emily Clemens moved up in the record books passing Natalie Seacamp with most assists in Summit League history at 628.

She continues to dominate in the Summit League and is leading the Leathernecks in another fantastic season.

Women

page 6

Morgan Blumer attemps to block an inbounds pass.

FILE PHOTO