Opinions: Buy books now, not earlier.
Sports: NBA trade deadline makes an impact.
Sports: Mavericks and Leathernecks prepare for tip-off.
Friday, February 16, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 56
UGC steps up to the stage
By Marc Ramirez assistant news editor
JOSH PURNELL/COURIER STAFF
Members of Western Illinois University's United Greek Council participate in an education demonstrating the intricacies of UGC organizations, including strolling, stepping and saluting.
By Steven Barnum
courier staff
A native of South Holland, Ill., Nissi Smith is preparing to perform in the Kennedy Center’s American Collegiate Theatre Festival. Smith loves to perform. Currently a junior at Western,
she is on track to earn a bachelor’s of fine arts degree in musical theatre. “I think I’m still in disbelief of this whole situation. It hasn’t really hit me yet,” Smith said. In mid-January, Smith and over a dozen students in the Theatre and Dance Department competed in an acting competition known
as the Irene Ryan Scholarship Competition. She partnered with Drake Pough, a Museum of Fine Arts student who was nominated to compete. While the duo did not win the highest award, their scene together did win the award for “Best Comedy.” At that same festival, Smith competed in the Musical Theatre
The United Greek Council (UGC) at Western Illinois University extended invitations to all Interfraternal Council fraternities and Panhellenic Council sororities to educate them on the different cultural aspects associated with being in UGC Greek Life. Margarita Sotelo, President of UGC, opened up Wednesday evenings meeting with a brief, “Meet the Greek” presentation introducing the different fraternities and sororities found within UGC. Sotelo then explained what makes these Greek organizations different from others on campus.
Intensive Competition. She sang her way into first place with “I’m Here” from the musical “The Color Purple.” Over 80 people auditioned to be a finalist. Of that group, 18 were accepted, and of those 18 finalists, Smith was the last one standing. She understands how impressive
“The United Greek Council serves as the governing body for all cultural interest fraternities and sororities at Western Illinois,” Sotelo said. The UGC includes member chapters from the National PanHellenic Council (NPHC), the historically AfricanAmerican organizations and along with the Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) for Multicultural and Latino/Latina fraternities and sororities here at WIU.” Four of the 10 of these organizations fall under the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the remaining six are apart of the Multicultural Greek Council.
UGC
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it was to win, citing the size of her region (which includes students from Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana) and noting that the finalists were all “insanely talented performers.”
Smith page 3
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Friday, February 16, 2018
NEWS
By Jasmine Yates courier staff
When applying for college, Jenny Gonzalez knew she would be doing this process alone. Being a first generation student to go to college in her family was not only new, but difficult as well. “I remember when I got my acceptance letter to Western Illinois University, I had to sit my parents down and explain how college went, and how I would be going away for school,” Gonzalez said. Gonzalez grew up in Chicago with her parents and older
UGC
from front page
Vice President Ventura Melchor of the United Greek Council explains that just like other Greek organizations, fraternities and sororities in the UGC do similar events to better the community and get their name out to the public. “So just like every other Greek organization, we all have a week throughout the semester to put on a community service event,” Melchor said. “We all have streets so usually we’ll do a street clean or have a volunteer event at Genesis Garden and help out there.” “We also participate in the activities fair, which is a campus event that happens once every semester, and we really use this to our advantage to help recruit new members to our individual organizations and our council as a whole,” said Secretary Jacquilyn Frausto. However, some differences are known, and were explained by the council executive board members. Stepping and strolling for example, which are traditions in which African-American and Multicultural institutions
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sister. Even though she has several nieces, nephews, and cousins no one in her family really understands what it’s like to go away to school. “Trying to talk to my family about college life is very hard because they don’t understand,” Gonzalez said. “I get jealous of my friends being able to talk to their parents about how they had three tests in one week. For me, there’s not much talk about school.” Even though Gonzalez doesn’t talk about her experiences away at Western Illinois University much with her
parents, they’re still there to help in other ways. “My parents are amazing and they help pay for college expenses,” Gonzalez said. “They also helped me get a car since Western Illinois is about four hours from home. They wanted to make sure I was safe.” Being a first generation student comes with a lot of stress for Gonzalez, and a lot more responsibility. Her decision to pursue higher education came with the price of leaving her family behind. “College is stressful, but also having the responsibil-
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ity of having to be the best because I am first generation and I have to graduate and set the standards,” Gonzalez said. “I recently changed my major to RPTA and it was the best decision for me even though I have to add a semester to complete my degree I am happy.” Gonzalez joined different things on campus and just like other students, she wants her family to attend a Dad's weekend or Mom’s weekend; however, it’s difficult for her family to travel such a long way. “My parents both have
jobs to help me with school so they don’t get a lot of time off. Even though they are not here, I know they wish they could come to my family weekends at college,” Gonzalez said. With this being her last year she looks back on her time here at Western. She’s almost done and will be the first person in her family to graduate from college. “I've been in college for four years, and next semester will be the first time my parents step onto my college campus to see my graduate,” Gonzalez said.
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take part. “Both stepping and strolling were introduced by Black Greek lettered organizations in the mid-twentieth century, and since then have been adapted by other organizations such as Multicultural Greeks,” Sotelo said. “These are both often performed in a circle to represent unity and strength.” The act of stepping and strolling is when members of the Greek organization complete complex rhythmic motions, footwork and sayings in a line. It is a tradition used by the various Greek lettered fraternities and sororities used to show pride and unity amongst its members. Lambda Theta Phi and Lambda Theta Alpha have slightly different traditions, as they are the only Greek Life organizations on campus to salute. Saluting is an act similar to stepping and strolling. “It’s considered poetry in motion, it’s a form of art that represents the struggles that we’ve went through and the obstacles we’ve faced as a minority,” said a member of Lambda Theta Phi fraternity. Each United Greek Council fraternity and sorority then proceeded to demonstrate their different steps, strolls, and salutes.
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Nicholas Ebelhack NA-Ebelhack@wiu.edu assistant news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@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 edge editor Baylee Brynteson BM-Brynteson@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu proofreader Valerie Clemens VN-Clemens@wiu.edu
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NEWS 3
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Smith from front page
For winning, Smith was awarded a $600 scholarship to attend The Open Jar Institute in New York, N.Y. But It doesn’t stop there; she now has an opportunity to compete on a national scale. “It’s crazy because I wouldn’t even have been at the festival had Drake not asked me to be his partner, and participating in the Musical Theatre Intensive was sort of a ‘why not’ kind of thing.” On April 9-14, Smith will once again perform “I’m Here” at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. She will
go up against the seven other regional winners and look to take home the top prize, a full scholarship to The Open Jar Institute. Should Smith be unable to perform in that competition, Samantha Bonzi will take her place. Bonzi, a senior musical theatre major and a friend of Smith’s, was selected as her alternate. “I was elated to be a finalist, but to win was crazy.” Smith feels she is now being rewarded for all the training and hard work. “Studying Musical Theatre is already seen as odd or impractical so of course I want to prove all the naysayers wrong,” Smith said.
“When you’re doing well in something so impractical I’m like ‘Yes! I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing.’” Performing can be exciting, but Smith said it comes with pressure. “Before I perform, I say a quick prayer to feel confident, try to breathe all the nerves away, and just go do my best.” Smith credited the people who have helped her get to this point in the competition, and the hard work she has put into performing. “I rehearse and train so much here at school,” Smith said. “The faculty does such an amazing job with pushing me and working with me. I couldn’t have done any of this
without the training I have gained here.” After college, Smith wants to continue performing regionally, on tours and hopefully on Broadway. She loves theatre and the ability to inspire people. “I want to spark conversations and put smiles on faces,” Smith said. “The theatre is magical, and I want to share that magic with any and everyone.” In Broadway, Smith admires Cynthia Erivo, Patina Miller, and Audra McDonald. “If I could have half or a quarter of the career these women have had I would be more than satisfied and blessed.”
Friday, February 16, 2018
4 OPINIONS
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Wait before buying your textbooks Buying books as a college student is based upon observation and reference. I have always waited until after the first two weeks in the semester before buying my books. As students, we are so eager to get all our supplies ahead of time to assure proper preparation for each class. However, I've learned that just because a book may be required in the syllabus does not mean that it will be needed for the course. Many students have spent
money on books only to discover the necessity for them was unnecessary. Now, when it comes to math and science classes that require a lab book or an access code then that may require having to purchase those needed materials right away. Although, I did take a science course during my freshman year that required a dissection kit, only later to discover that as long as one person in my group had purchased one, that was enough for the whole
group to complete the activity Knowing that I didn’t need a kit would have been insightful prior to me tearing off the plastic cover after buying it. I have become so accustomed to not buying books that I don’t even budget them into my expenses for the semester anymore. Most of the time I can find a student who previously took the course, or my professors have already reserved their textbooks for the course at the library. I have also had professors who will allow their students time to visit them during office hours to borrow the textbook. Considering that our professors have also gone through college they can understand
the struggle of not only the financial burdens of buying textbooks, but the necessity of having to buy them as well. To remember a time where using a required textbook was useful would possibly give me a headache simply, because I can’t remember the last time that I bought a textbook. Why buy a textbook only for it to collect dust somewhere in my room? During syllabus week, professors usually tell students if the textbook is mandatory, and whether it will be resourceful for any class assignments and tests. Since coming to college, I have had one online class which made me feel a bit uneasy considering the negative
reviews that I have heard about them due to the lack of physical attendance. However, my biggest concern was whether I would have enough sufficient resources to pass the course without having a textbook. Later, I found that the lecture notes in addition to the class readings that were provided on Western Online in the course folder were enough to sufficiently prepare me for my assignments. Textbooks do come in handy for courses that are solely based on the required material that the syllabus outlines for the semester. So remember to consider your resources and observe your courses before dipping into your emergency fund to buy unnecessary textbooks.
Western makes financial sense When I was picking out colleges, I was very nervous on where to go. Growing up I didn’t have a lot of money and I thought I was going to have the option to come to a four-year university right away without going to community college. I applied to 18 schools and I got into 14 out of 18 of them and most of them were not in my budget. I did get some scholarships and financial aid, but I was scared that I wasn’t going to be able to afford them,
and that I was going to be in debt and not be able to come back here. So I was on my way to Iowa State University, when my mom told me to detour to Western even though I didn’t want to go here I decided to look anyway. Little did I know I cannot actually drive for more than three hours because I get irritated, so Western was the perfect distance. Not only is it a good distance from my house since I only live 3 1/2 hours away, but is also
reasonably priced. There are so many opportunities on this campus to be able to afford it if they really needed help. Yes, school is expensive, but if you take matters into your own hands then something might work out in the end. I was blessed enough to get most of my tuition paid through these opportunities. Unfortunately I can’t speak for everyone who goes to Western, but this school is definitely one of the more affordable schools in Illinois.. Not only is tuition affordable but they also have off-campus housing that is cheaper than living in the dorms. I know some schools require you to
live in the dorm for three years but at Western you’re only required to live in the dorm for two years. After that you can live where you want and that can help save money. We’re provided with an affordable meal plan, transportation, and save so much more that helps make the cost of going to college feasible . Yes, being in college costs a lot, but being at Western, we’re paying around $20,000 and some change a year. When comparing this to other state schools and the Ivy League that are up to $200,000 more, we are receiving the same degree with more financial benefits. Had I gotten into an Ivy League school, I might’ve been
okay with being thousands and thousands of dollars in debt, but that is not the case so I am glad that I chose Western on her university for my undergrad. It also is beneficial because my major is Law Enforcement, so this is one of the top rated schools for that program. Anyone who is in law enforcement that goes here is benefitting greatly from their education. I love Western Illinois University, I love the opportunity it provides me, and I’m glad I chose to go here. It is affordable, there are forms of transportation to get you around, there are houses to stay in, and it’s a great experience all around and I wouldn’t want anything different.
Friday, February 16, 2018
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OPINIONS 5
Be sure to value your friends
Being away at college and very far from your best friends makes one realize how special they really are and how much of an impat they make on you and your daily life. With this being my first year in college, I had to learn how to let go of my old life in my hometown. I had lived there for 15 years, and went to school with the same people since I was 5 years old. Everyone knew each other because we all grew up together. It was bittersweet realizing I
would be surrounded by new people with different personalities I was not familiar with. It was a rude awakening to see the different kinds of people I'd be going to school with. My best friend of 13 years who lived in my neighborhood had moved a few times throughout grade school, at first she moved five minutes away from her first house and ended up changing schools. My nine year old self thought that was hard, when she moved again this time it was 30 minutes away and I
thought that was terrible. Now we are in separate states and it has never felt more strange, but knowing that we have never failed to remain in contact has always made me happy. It was the kind of friendship where even our parents would talk or hang out, and our siblings get along as we did everything together. They were even included on family vacations. My best friend introduced me to a great group of girls that I can always come home to. The summers were the best and I always looked forward to being with these crazy people, driving down Route 59 at 2 a.m. with the windows down and singing our favorite songs on our shared playlists.
Trump is not my kind of President
The 2016 election was a weird sight to see. You had Hilary Clinton against Donald Trump, the weirdest combo ever. On one hand, you have a woman with a lot going for her. She has experience and credibility, but was thrown under the bus because of the email scandal. Then you have Donald Trump, a reality show star and casino tycoon, who had no experience in politics. Fast forward to 2018 and he’s the current president of the United States. Trump is the most incompetent, lousy commander in chief we have seen in our lifetime. His rhetoric is toxic, and at times racist. I would’ve impeached him after the comment he made about Haiti. If you have heard it, it’s one of the most racist statements from someone who is suppose to be leading our country. His idea about the wall is really dumb. Once built, it
will only buy people a couple seconds, or minutes at most at the checkpoint. Airplanes can fly over walls. Boats can sail around walls. The wall won’t stop illegal immigration at all. I am not bashing the Republican Party. I would have been fine with Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz or Ben Carson. Presidents shouldn’t set this kind of example for children, who are our future leaders. They shouldn’t say things like, “I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger and more powerful one than his, and my Button works!” He was referring to Kim Jong Un. When he tweets this, he is threatening nuclear war to the whole world. He hasn’t gotten much done in his first year. It’s probably because he spends his mornings watching Fox News, and tweeting throughout the day instead of focusing on his main priority of “Making America Great Again.” At
this point in history, with all the stuff going on, the ruler of the free world shouldn’t be this lazy. This president is ruining America’s reputation worldwide. People wonder if America is going down the tubes. It’s a strange and sad thing to see. Is politics a joke now? There’s something fishy about it too. Russia definitely meddled in the 2016 election, and now the white house looks like it’s trying to hide something. Was there collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia? The FBI and Robert Mueller are investigating this now. You may completely disagree with me. But hear me out; I think Trump is the worst president we’ve ever had. Obama was better. For example, when he gave speeches, he would pause once in a while to think about this impact of his words. Trump just rambles, and if something he says is mean or racist, it doesn’t matter to him as long as it gets media coverage. George Bush was better too. At least Bush was a good leader. Trump is not my kind of president.
The times that we would take late night trips to Ihop just to order the sweetest thing on the menu, or when we would chase down the metra train to go downtown Chicago to roam Lake Shore Drive and the beaches. We always ended the night together, sunburnt and exhausted even though we had spent the entire day together. It’s those kinds of days that make me miss being at home but it keeps me sane in a sense, knowing I have all of summer to enjoy those times. Our friendship hasn’t always been that magical though, many of us have struggled with our own problems, emotions and hardships at times. But it is so important how accepting we are of each other
and how we value every single person within our group of friends. That’s what makes a healthy relationship with your friends, being there to support one another through thick and thin, miles apart. We still uplift each other because that’s what friends do. I haven't always had the greatest of friends that would be there to give the support that I give them, friends who were there to watch you fall and not help you grow, toxic people had once surrounded me, it was nothing but an eye-opener to see the great group of people life had to offer me later on. It is something to always be thankful I have these girls to get through life together with and come home to.
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.
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2018 Spring Semester Editorial Board Editor-in-Cheif - Nicholas Ebelhack Edge Editor - Baylee Bryntesson Opinions Editor - Ryan Zurek
Friday, February 16, 2018
6 SPORTS
Women from back page
The Leathernecks kept their foot on the gas pedal during the second quarter, taking a demanding lead of 50-13 into the halftime break. Blumer had 11 points in the first half while Higginbotham followed right behind her with 10. Also getting on the score sheet was senior forward Olivia Braun with seven points. Western opened up the third quarter with a successful layup from senior forward Krishna Merriman followed by a threepointer from Clemens. Both players would end the night with 12 points each. After another 10 minutes, the Leathernecks would lead 74-31 heading into the fourth quarter. Once again it was Western that was kicking things off, with shots from Merriman and Higginbotham, making it 77-31, and there wasn’t anyone who could stop the Leathernecks at that point. They went on to win their third straight game as well as their seventh straight home game with a final score again of 98-46. The Leathernecks are now 11-2 at home, but SDSU looks to add to those home
losses and snap Western’s winning streak. The last time these two teams met was about a month ago, when the Leathernecks lost to the Jackrabbits to a score of 84-48. The Leathernecks were away and haven’t boasted a great away record to their standards, currently sitting at 8-5. Western looks to win this rematch in front of a big home crowd on senior day. The Jackrabbits on the other hand, are 21-5 overall and 10-1 in the Summit League. Their one loss came from the Coyotes. SDSU follows them for second in the Summit League while the Leathernecks trail right behind in third. The Jackrabbits have also won five straight games, winning 11 out of their last 12. Both teams only have three games remaining, including this one, before the Summit League tournament. Both sides want to win this game and finish the season off strong to get the highest seed in the tournament. Western’s senior class will be giving these last couple of games everything they’ve got, because they’re looking to reclaim that championship and they aren’t letting anything get in their way. Twitter: bradjp08
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Men from back page
They are now two games under .500 with an 11-13 record. This is the lowest the have fallen under the .500 mark this season. Fort Wayne snapped their two game losing streak. They are now 12-1 at home this year. They improved their overall record to 17-12 and 6-6 in the Summit League, staying at third. They have two more
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1 & 2 bedroom apartments, new $250 signing bonus on 10 and 12 month leases. Two blocks from campus. Bus stops nearby. Free water, garbage and parking. Laundry onsite. Clean, well maintained and secure. Call Ted 309-837-5600 or visit markertrental.com. Spacious 2-5 bedroom homes for rent. 10 month lease available. Great locations, close to bus stops, plenty off street parking, all new windows, AC, energy efficient furnace, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, free washer/dryer. Well maintained (24 hrs.) by local landlord. Call 309-255-1233. Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122. FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!. NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565. Westen Investments has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well!
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LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! Firsrt come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall. NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing. CLEAN, REMODELED, AND WELL MAINTAINED HOUSES AND APTS FOR RENT IN GREAT LOCATIONS. UTILITIES PAID FOR APARTMENTS. RENTING NOW FOR FALL 2017. ALSO RENTING TWO APTS FOR SPRING 2016. CALL JASON AT 309-221-3985. Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message. Westen Investments has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out. Looking for 2 roommates to share a 3-bedroom furnished house beginning in August for 2018-19. 10- to 12-month contract. New carpet, air, garage w/ storage, laundry. $300 each per month, plus utilities. Call Sharon at 309-338-3888.
games in the regular season that will determine if they’ll hold onto that spot. With three games left for the Leathernecks, they’ll be traveling to South Dakota State this Saturday to play the top team in the Summit League. This will be their last opportunity to win their first and only road game this year. There is no better way than to get that win by upsetting the Jackrabbits of SDSU. Twitter: Cre_bean
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For Rent Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished. Ceiling fans and a/c. Professionally maintained. No pets. Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site. No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment. Westen Investments still has affordable 1-4 Bedroom Apartment/Houses available. Be sure to check out our website (www.westeninvest.com) to see our available listings, and call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to win prize giveaways! APARTMENT FOR RENT: FOR QUIET PERSON. ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT LOCATED AT 314 West Carroll ST Macomb, Ill 61455. Available end of August 2017-new carpeting yearly lease SMALEST FURNISHED IN MACOMB $345.00/month - HEAT & AC INCLUDED private entrance, off-street parking included call for appointment309-837-4748 or 255-5075 woodburning fireplace, ask for Paul. For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo. (309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime. Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message
Sports 7
Friday, February 16, 2018
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Trade deadline revitalizes NBA season
The trade deadline in the NBA usually consists of a ton of bluffing about megadeals but ends with role players getting moved for cash, however this year we witnessed shocking deal after shocking deal. Whether it was the Cleveland Cavaliers dropping their entire roster off on the side of the road and picking up hitchhikers, or the Detroit Pistons going all in on the often-injured Blake Griffin, the deadline definitely did not lack excitement this year. Teams just don’t trade for the fun of it, each team has a goal and most likely the trades we see before the deadline will put these teams a step closer to achieving their goals, at least they hope. Let’s examine some of the deals and see the impact they will have on the rest of the season and upcoming playoffs. While everybody stalked the Cavs and their deals, I paid more attention to what Stan Van Gundy was brewing in Detroit. After acquiring Griffin days before the deadline, the Pistons still needed help on the wing. Hours before the deadline was up they took James
Ennis III away from the struggling Memphis Grizzlies. The causal fan might blow this below the radar trade off, but this is a solid piece for the Pistons. His shooting, defense, athleticism and timely scoring should help the team get off the bench. Ennis is averaging 10 points per game since joining the Pistons, which is a giant uptick from his season averages. They are currently 9th in the Eastern Conference with a 28-29 record, but when this team starts to mesh, and their starting point guard Reggie Jackson returns from injury, I expect a playoff spot to be secured. They currently have a 6-3 record since the Griffin trade. The New Orleans Pelicans also made a deal before the deadline to try and make a playoff push. They sent a firstround pick to Chicago and added Nikola Mirotic, who is averaging a career high in points with 16.5 and rebounds with 6.9 this season. This trade was made because of the season-ending injury to All-Star Center Demarcus Cousins. Mirotic is a stretch four that knocks down the three at a rate of 39 percent and puts the
ball on the floor well enough to fit effortlessly next to their superstar Anthony Davis. Together they hope to keep the Pelicans steady in the tough Western Conference. As of now they are tied for 7th with a 31-26 record. This will be a tight race, but I think with Mirotic and Davis the Pelicans can outlast the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz, and end the year in the playoffs. A first round exit is the most likely outcome but with the lack of success the Pelicans have had since the name switch, from their former Hornets moniker, a playoff berth should satisfy the organization. The trade will also serve as insurance for the future in the case that Cousins walks in a free agent this summer. Before we get to the team that was most active on the trade deadline, lets turn our attention to teams that won’t make the playoffs, but made trades that will impact their future in a positive light. The Jazz moved Rodney Hood to the Cavs, clearing the way for their star rookie from Louisville Donovan Mitchell, who is currently leading them in scoring with 19.6 points per game. The Lakers got back a firstround pick and Isaiah Thomas in the trade with the Cavs. Thomas an all-star and a great scorer will just be a rental for the Lakers. They are looking for cap space so they can make a run at signing Paul
George and LeBron James. This trade helped them with that tremendously. As for Thomas expect him to be playing for his sixth team entering his eighth season next year, something you wouldn’t expect from a guy who averages 19 points per game and five assists for his career. The New York Knicks passed on Emmanuel Mudiay in the 2015 draft in favor of Kristaps Porzingis. At the time New York fans were disgusted now the “Unicorn” is the most celebrated athlete in New York right now. Mudiay is a talented player and the Knicks finally got him three years later. He could be the George of the future, alongside rookie Frank Ntilikina who’s capable of playing shooting guard. The Suns also are hoping they’ll get their point guard soon. They picked up Elfrid Payton from the Orlando Magic for a second-round pick and a chuck of cash. Payton is currently averaging 13.5 points, 6.4 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. The Magic are convinced after three and a half years that he is not their guy and refuse to pay him through a contract. The Suns think it will be a big pay-off as Payton continues to get better; he’s been averaging more than 20 points since joining the Suns. The Cavs were the most active at the deadline, and their deals will also have the most affect
on the playoffs. The “King James” led his squad through the first half of the season. However, nobody expected this much change. This is probably the biggest turnover a roster has seen during a season in NBA history. The formula was rather simple though, bring in LA Lakers Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., and then add Jazz players, Rodney Hood and George Hill, and you have the perfect tailored made King James roster we’ve ever seen. Yes, they lost future Hall of Famer and James’ best friend Dwyane Wade along with an all-star point guard in Thomas among others, but neither of those players fit a James style offense. James is at his best when he has guards who can shoot, and men who can rebound, defend and shoot. The proof is in the pudding because the Cavs are 3-0 since the deadline. In each of the wins they have blown their opponent out while also putting up at least 120 points. Everybody in the East is done. James will make his eighth straight final appearance with ease once again. This roster does not have the star power to beat the Warriors in a seven-game series, but I think the team will compete a lot better then from last year. With all the mix-up that recently occurred, the playoffs will be intriguing again.
Softball hits the road to North Carolina
By Haley Richards
assistant sports editor Boiling Springs, N.C. — The Western Illinois softball team is headed to North Carolina this weekend to play in the Gardner-Webb Tournament. The Leathernecks are currently 2-2 in the season after participating in the Bradley Tournament this past weekend where they faced teams such as the University of Washington and Saint Louis University. The softball team started their trek for Boiling Springs on Wednesday and will travel nearly 800 miles to play in the Runnin’ Bulldogs Softball Tournament. They will play a total of five games this weekend. The Purple and Gold will start the tournament with a double-header on Friday. The first game is against Eastern Illinois University at 11 a.m. The Panthers are currently 2-3 on the season. The second game of the series will be against GardnerWebb University, the host of the tournament. This game is set for
1 p.m. GWU is 3-3 overall and this will be their first game of the tournament. On Saturday, Western Illinois will have two more games, the first game is against Creighton University at 9 a.m. The Bluejays are 3-2. Their next game that day will be against Western Carolina University. WCU will start their season at the tournament so they currently hold a record of 0-0. Then on Sunday, Feb. 18, the Leathernecks will face the Panthers of Eastern Illinois to wrap up their tournament. The Purple and Gold are off to a good start this season. The team recorded a .304 batting average in their first tournament of the season. Senior infielder Kelsey Marlow led the team with a .417 batting average and sophomore Halle Hollatz was behind her at .385. Freshman pitcher Abby Carlin made her debut as a Leatherneck playing 10 of the 23-overall innings for Western Illinois. She recorded a 3.50 ERA and gave up two extra-base hits. Head coach Beth Golitko earned her first career win as
a coach as well. Golitko was named head coach of the softball team in December. She has spent nine years around the Leathernecks as a player, graduate assistant, and assistant coach. “I'm very excited and honored to be given the opportunity to lead the Western Illinois softball program. I would like to thank Matt Tanney and the entire administration for giving me this chance and for their support,” said Golitko. “I have been in the Purple and Gold for over nine years and it is so exciting to be at the helm of Leatherneck Softball. I believe in this team and this program and I can't wait to continue the winning tradition at Western Illinois.” The Leathernecks went 22-32 overall in the 2017 season but were 11-7 in conference play. They were picked second in the Summit League preseason poll which was announced on Feb. 1. Junior pitcher Emily Ira and Marlow were placed on the league’s preseason ‘Players to Watch’ list. twitter: hayfourrr Kelsey Marlow chases down a ball in the infield.
GOLEATHERNECKS.COM
Monday, August 21, 2017
Women eyeing senior night win By Bradley Piros courier staff
BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR
Emily Clemens searches for an open teammate.
MACOMB, ILL. – The Western Illinois university women’s basketball team is looking to keep their three-game winning streak going on Friday afternoon when they take on the South Dakota State Jackrabbits inside Western Hall at 4:30 p.m. on Friday. This will be the last game on their three-game home stretch before heading to North Dakota State University on Thursday. It’s also their last home game of the season, meaning it’s senior day as well. Western has six seniors leaving this year, which leaves a gap in the next couple of years to keep up their success as of late. Among those seniors are Emily Clemens, Olivia Braun, Morgan Blumer, Taylor Hanneman, Michelle Farrow and Krishna Merriman. All of these players have had a terrific final season with the Leathernecks and are looking to finish their college basketball careers off right. The Leathernecks are in terrific form, having won five out of
their last six games; their only loss coming to the University of South Dakota Coyotes 9281. Four of those wins were against Summit League teams, and the other against the Eureka College Red Devils. The Leathernecks won that game 98-46, completely dominating Eureka College, and increasing their record to 19-7. Senior guard Morgan Blumer tallied 18 points with two assists, shooting 46 percent from the field and making 5-11 three-pointers. Following her performance was junior guard Taylor Higginbotham with 15 points and two steals. Western started that game off strong as they went on an 11-0 run in the early minutes, contributed mainly by senior guard Emily Clemens with two layups. The Red Devils would get on the board with a successful three-point shot, but they couldn’t do much else. The Leathernecks went back on the attack, scoring 17 unanswered points, giving them a lead of 28-3 after the first quarter.
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Necks drop rematch against Mastodons By Christopher Bean courier staff
FORT WAYNE, IND.-Western Illinois University was on the road Wednesday night visiting the Mastodons of Fort Wayne, and it didn’t go as planned. The Leathernecks trailed the whole game, losing 90-74. They gave up 45 points in each half on 52.4 percent shooting from the Mastodons. Although the Leathernecks made it a competitive second half, only getting outscored by two, the 14 point lead at half made it too much for Western to come back from. One of the highlights for the Leathernecks was C. J. Duff, Kobe Webster and Issac Johnson scoring double figures. Johnson recorded his career high in his first year playing at the collegiate level. He shot 7-13 from the field, and was also the only Western player who shot over 50 percent. Western went on a 9-0 run to cut the sixteen-point deficit to seven in the middle of the second half. They only trailed 60-53 with 11:57 to play, but never got closer than that, as the Mastodons pulled away. Fort Wayne was in control
since the tip-off. They were able to get whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted. They had five players in double figures: Jordon King with 10, Xzavier Taylor with 11, John Konchar with 19, Bryson Scott with 19 and Kason Harrell with 20. Six players shot 50 percent or better from the field. Konchar proved in the second game against Western why he’s one of the most valuable players in the Summit League. He’d also add to the game 19 points, along with 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 blocks. The main struggle for Western was their inability to move the ball around. They only had seven assists on 27 made shots. Webster, Johnson, and Duff were the only three starters that recorded an assist with just one apiece. Forward Jalen Morgan, had three assists on Wednesday night, but only averages 0.4 a game this season. This was the eighth doubledigit loss in conference play, making it eight out of nine where they have lost by 11 or more points.
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Issac Johnson squeeses past a defender on his way to the paint.
FILE PHOTO