Western Courier| November 6th, 2019

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Opinions: Home appliances that everyone should have.

Sports: Men's Soccer loses to Bradley in the second half.

AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY. SERVING MACOMB SINCE 1905.

WesternCourier.com

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 - Vol. 120 Issue 33

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Military Appreciation Week is coming to Macomb

By Devon Greene editor-in-chief

Ronald Pettigrew hands out hot chocolate to students.

The Veteran's Resource Center is located directly across from Sherman Hall.

DEVON GREENE/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DEVON GREENE/ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The Western Illinois University Leatherneck community will be celebrating Military Appreciation Week next week from Nov. 11 to Nov. 16.

Before the Military Appreciation Week celebrations begin, the Macomb community will mourn the loss of the oldest known living survivor of Iwo Jima, John Moon, who died on Oct. 29 at the nursing care facility, Wesley Village. Visitation will be held today at 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home. The memorial services for the veteran will be held on Thursday at 10 a.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church.

Academic advisor and Director of the Veterans Resource Center, Ronald Pettigrew, will fly the flag of the United States Marine Corps outside of the Resource Center at half mast during Moon’s funeral service. The Resource Center flies four flags on its front lawn including the American Flag, POW/MIA Flag, Illinois Flag and the flag of the Western Illinois University.

Even with the loss of an important member of the Macomb community, Pettigrew is excited for the upcoming week and even handed out hot chocolate to students and faculty alike on Monday to raise awareness for the upcoming festivities.

The theme for the week this year is “Honoring Leathernecks: Past, Present and Future,” and the celebration will begin on Nov. 11 with the Military Tribute Ceremony at the Sherman flag pole at 11 a.m. where participants will honor veterans and service members. Pettigrew said this is an event that he looks forward to the most due to its longstanding history. It traces back all the way to World War I when it

ended at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918.

Since then, a two minute silence has been held across the nation as a rememberance of those who have served the country.

Following the Military Tribute Ceremony is a Family Salute, which will take place in Sherman Hall at noon. This event is focused on the families of those who have served in the Armed Forces.

“We are trying to be intentional in recognizing families that allow them to serve.”

Pettigrew said.

The second day of Military Appreciation week starts off at 3:30 p.m. at the Rock Hanson Statue near Hanson Field. The Colonel Ray “Rock” Hanson was unveiled two years ago on Sept. 19, 2017 in memoriam of the man who inspired many on the Western Illinois campus. Dave and Jackie Thompson, both Western Illinois graduates and former Homecoming Grand Marshals, will be making comments at the event.

From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., an AllStar Tug of War will be held in the Spencer Student Recreation Center where student organizations can register for the inaugural event.

To close out the second day, a discussion on “Why Appreciate the Military?” will be held in the University Union.

On Wednesday, two more events will be held, including “In their own words: Korea and Vietnam,” which will be a discussion where veterans who served in the military at the time of those wars will speak of their memories and experiences in the Lamoine Room from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and the “Battle of the Branches Press Competition” in the Recreation Center.

Military Appreciation page 3

2 NEWS

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

WesternCourier.com

HALF

•On Oct. 22 at 2:56 a.m. two students in L-Lot were judicially referred for behavior.

•On Oct. 23 at 5:04 p.m. Kaitlyn Hardin, 18, of Thompson Hall 1723, was arrested in Thompson Hall on a McDonough County warrant. She was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 5:08 p.m. where she was lodged pending bond.

•On Oct. 25 at 1:15 a.m. Brooke Barlow, 18, of Thompson Hall 1332, was issued a notice to appear Dec. 3 for a Macomb city ordinance violation for possession of drug paraphernalia on Western Avenue.

•On Oct. 26 at midnight Aiyana Hinton, 21, of 420 W. Elting St, was arrested at Adams and Normal streets for operating a motor vehicle with a suspended driver's license and on a McDonough County warrant for failure to appear. She was transported to the McDonough County Jail at 12:09 a.m. where she was lodged pending bond.

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

•On Oct. 26 at 8:51 p.m. a 17-yearold juvenile was arrested at Charles and Elting streets for operating a motor vehicle without a license. He was released to the custody of his parent at 9:53 p.m.

•On Oct. 28 at 4:24 p.m. a student came to Mowbray Hall to report the theft of her student identification card, with $300 in charges made on it, and a jacket, valued at $40. The incident is under investigation.

•On Oct. 28 at 10:01 p.m. OPS and the Macomb Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in Thompson Hall. No smoke or fire were found and no injuries were reported.

•On Oct. 31 at 10:27 a.m. OPS and the Macomb Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in the heating plant annex. No smoke or fire were found and no injuries were reported.

•On Nov. 3 at 1:40 p.m. a student reported that she was battered (grabbed) by someone known to her.

The incident is under investigation.

Beginning Monday, Nov. 4, a section of University Drive (from Brophy Hall to Western Avenue) and a section of Western Avenue (to University Drive) will have one lane closed for street repair. Construction will last approximately two weeks weather permitting.

STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene

proofreader Mary Kilbourne

DJ-Greene@wiu.edu

MC-Kilbourne@wiu.edu

news editor Marc Ramirez

photo editor Becca Langys

MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu

RE-Langys@wiu.edu

opinions editor Allison Young

assistant photo editor Sara Remar

AN-Young@wiu.edu

SE-Remar@wiu.edu

sports editor Bradley Piros

production manager Jimmy Pierson

BJ-Piros@wiu.edu

JM-Pierson@wiu.edu

assistant sports editor Chris Bean

business manager Janiya Haynes

CR-Bean@wiu.edu

J-Haynes2@wiu.edu

edge editor Rachel Greene

assistant business manager Nash Miller

R-Greene2@wiu.edu

NK-Miller@wiu.edu

copy editor Amanda Wandachowicz

advertising manager Tyler Hoffman

A-Wandachowicz@wiu.edu

TE-Hoffman@wiu.edu

proofreader Alexis Lowe

adviser Will Buss

AL-Lowe@wiu.edu

WJ-Buss@wiu.edu

PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION The Western Courier is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the regular school year, excluding holidays, finals week and semester breaks. The WC updates the website weekly during the summer. All content reflects the editorial discretion of the students operating the newspaper and must be interpreted as unofficial university communication. While every attempt is made to determine the validity of advertising contained herein, the advertising in the WC is not to be construed as endorsements of any specific products or services. The WC assumes no responsibility or liability resulting from the content of paid advertisements. Subscription price is $36 per year mailed third-class bulk rate from Macomb.

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Military Appreciation from front page

Thursday’s festivities will kick off at 3:30 p.m. with a similar discussion from the day before where veterans from the Middle East and Afghanistan will speak of their experiences. Following the discussion, Military Trivia will be held at the Macomb VFW on 1200 E. Jefferson St. where teams of eight will compete in five rounds of 10 questions. Registration for the

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 event is still open until Friday with a $40 entrance fee.

The Veteran’s Resource Center will host an Open House on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in a celebration of the 10th Anniversary of its opening. The Veterans Resource Center was donated to Western Illinois University in 2007

by Ken and Betty Wright. The Wright Residence made the transition into the Veteran’s Resource Center in 2009. Inside the Resource Center hangs a photo and a plaque

of Byron Wright who originally bought the home in 1946 after leaving the Navy.

To close out the week, Hanson Field will host a Military Appreciation Football game.

The Western Illinois football team is hosting Southern Illinois University after a big win against the University of South Dakota. All service people with a military ID will receive free admission for themselves and a guest and a special halftime recognition will take place.

young women on campus,” PurplePost reads for the description of the organization.

“Our vision is to create a Society where inner beauty, selfconfidence and class shows and promotes the preeminent lady that is she.’’

PLS has been working in collaboration with Beyond Beautiful Organization, which was established on Sept. 26, 2016, to provide motivation, networking and empowerment for women on Western Illinois University campus.

“Beyond Beautiful is an organization created for all women to come together and communicate the issues we face and what we can do to bring about change,” PurplePost reads for the description of the organization. “This organization serves as an umbrella giving women on campus the chance to voice their opinions and to meet other women.

Women Empowerment's sole purpose is to bring us women together! We will hold a women's conference at WIU every Spring Semester.”

The Cinema Week kicked off on Monday in Morgan Hall Room 101B with the movie “Enough.” Monday’s movie focused on the topic of do-

mestic violence and bringing awareness to the issue. The movie began at 5 p.m. and when it concluded, students had the chance to join in on a conversation about domestic violence awareness.

On Tuesday, the organization played the movie “Why Do Fools Fall In Love” in Stipes in room 121 at 5 p.m. met to talk about the movie afterwards.

There is a “Krispy Kreme” donut sale today at Morgan Hall from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Thursday, the organization is promoting self defense and watching the movie “Creed” in the Donald S. Spencer Student Recreation Center at 5 p.m.

On Friday, the movie “Friday” will play at Sandburg Theatre at 6:30 p.m. and they will close out the week on Saturday with “The Finale,” which is a community closed event.

The Preeminent Ladies Society meets every Wednesday from 4 p.m to 5:30 p.m. at University Union-Sandburg Lounge. Beyond Beautiful Organization meets every Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Leslie F. Malpass Library on the first floor.

Black Student Organizations host Cinema Week

By Aariani Allen courier staff

The Black Student Organizations, Preeminent Ladies Society and Beyond Beautiful Organization are hosting a volleyball tournament on Nov. 17, 2019 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. as well as Cinema Week this week.

On Monday, students had the opportunity to sign up for the tournament from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the cost of registration was $5 per participant in the University Union Concourse. Students who missed sign up for the volleyball tournament still have the opportunity to support the Preeminent Ladies Society by attending their Preeminent Cinemas Fall Week. The week kicked off on Monday and will conclude on Saturday. Each day of the week, the two organizations will be showing different movies with a specific purpose or topic tied to each day.

The Preeminent Ladies Society was founded at Western Illinois University on Jan. 17, 2017 with the intentions of women embracing who they are.

“An organization geared towards the development of

NEWS 3

4

OPINIONS

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Small appliances that will make cooking a breeze There are several small appliances that can make your day to day life way easier and can even be speedier than regular appliances.

Sometimes when we are in a rush, it is nice to have easy options to cook food, but microwave meals are not always appetizing. I have found throughout my college years that there are appliances that are almost a necessity now. I have invested in a Pizzazz, a water boiler and a small George Foreman grill. They

all have come in handy and I wish I would have had them when I lived in the dorms because it would have been a way to avoid dorm food every now and then.

For those of you who don’t know, a Pizzazz is a machine that was invented to cook pizzas on, but I have found that you can use it to cook essentially anything you want.

It has a small rotating pan and an overhead part that acts as an oven. As the pan turns, it cooks the food on

both the top and the bottom.

It has made my life easier and it is not very hard to store.

With having a Pizzazz in my apartment, I have rarely used my oven because I am cooking a lot of frozen foods and it is just easier than preheating the oven.

The next small appliance that I had no idea would be so helpful is a water boiler.

This looks like a tall kettle but it has a hot plate under it that will warm up the water very quickly. This has come in handy because I am a big tea drinker and it is almost instant hot water. But there are other things you can use it for. If you had one in the dorms, you could cook pasta in it or use it to pour water

into a ramen cup. I didn't even know that these existed until I came to college and my friend had one. I highly suggest having one around because they do not take up much space and they come in handy.

The last appliance that I never would have thought would save my life is a George Foreman Grill. We have all seen the cheesy commercials and thought that there is no need for one, but if you own one, you know they can be a lifesaver. You can cook frozen burgers, quesadillas and so much more in such a short time. I think my frozen burgers cook in eight or so minutes which is great! All you have to do is put your food

on it, close the lid and you can walk away while it cooks.

My favorite part about my George Foreman is that it is so easy to clean and I have a smaller one so I store it in one of my cabinets. It has made my life so much easier, and it only costs $15 at Walmart.

This is not an appliance I would suggest having in the dorms because it can smoke a little, but it has come in handy in my apartment.

Who would have ever thought that there were so many things that could make cooking a breeze? If you do not have these small appliances, I highly suggest that you invest in them. They will save you time, and can make cooking faster!

you are making for the week, you tend to forget some things, and usually it’s those fruits or vegetables because those are no one’s favorites.

Another key to ensure that you actually eat groceries you just bought is to cut up your vegetables, wash your fruit and put your other food items where they are easy to reach and see.

Sometimes when you put your food in the back of your pantry or fridge, you can’t see it and forget that it is there, and sometimes you end up wasting it.

Not only will eating healthy improve your overall health and reduce major health risks such as diabetes, heart problems and weakening of the bones, it also helps with your mood, memory and energy throughout the day. When you eat healthy, you become more energized and fueled for your day. When you are energized and ready for your day, you are able to accomplish more and get more work done. Since you have the right nutrients in your body, you become more alert and that allows you to focus and accomplish more tasks.

Eating healthy is one way to keep your body happy.

The benefits of eating healthy ANDRE WHITLEY courier staff

As a college student, you may find it hard to eat healthy, whether you are living on or off campus, but making the right eating choices can help improve your overall health.

When it comes to living on campus, you already struggle with not being able to choose what you eat to an extent. So, when you are walking through the dining hall, try to choose foods that look appetizing and healthy. One way to ensure that you are getting the right balance in your diet is to hit every aspect of the food pyramid, so that includes, grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins and oils. Although that does seem like a lot to include in your diet, you can hit multiple of these with one item. For example, with cheese you get a little bit of protein and some dairy along with it. Ensuring that you get all six food groups in your

diet is very beneficial, not only for your health, but also to improve your mood and give you more energy throughout your day.

Now let’s talk about students that live off campus. In a way, we have it a little easier than those that live on campus. We get to go to the grocery store and pick out what we want to eat instead of it being chosen for us in advance. But, this can be a problem for some people because they tend to pick the cheaper or easier option instead of the healthy, more beneficial items. When going to the store, it is very important to plan out your meals a week in advance. This will help you save time and money. When you plan your meals ahead of time, it is easier to ensure that you hit all six food groups.

When you go to the store without a list or have no idea what

PIXABAY.COM

OPINIONS 5

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

@WesternCourier

Theories on how Earth came to be What we fear coming into contact with the Earth today may actually be the thing that gave us life. That is what some scientists believe and they have some interesting theories to back it up. When claiming something so bold, some type of research or evidence must be brought in, which is what we will dive into.

Our solar system began with a solar nebula. The nebula gave birth to our sun by the process of gravity and high temperatures. During the creation of the sun and other

celestial bodies, elements like hydrogen and helium were scattered far out into our solar system while the heavier elements stayed closer to the sun. These heavier elements would then begin to collect together like dust balls.

During this collection period of the solar system, collisions happened nonstop and huge masses of rock began to form. As time passed, the conglomerate of rock became extremely massive, but not planets yet. Some masses of spheres were extremely large but could only be

deemed planetesimals.

Planetesimals would sometimes gravitate too close to one another. Another suggestion is that the Earth had collided with another planetesimal and the debris of the collision slowly gravitated around the Earth, creating the moon. This is another theory that scientists are trying to prove with studies and research.

Once the Earth became the size that it is today, it still had to endure another 100 million years of comet and asteroid impacts. During this time, it would have been very likely for icy comets to deliver water to Earth. The theory is that ice comets on a collision course with Earth evaporate in the Earth’s atmosphere. This evaporation

created storm clouds over vast areas of the planet. Those clouds would then have created a deluge of hot acidic rain that would continue for years.

Water can contain another element, HDO, or heavy water, which contains another neutron. Comets have an extremely high amount of HDO while the Earth’s oceans do not have as much. Currently, scientists study comets by using spectroscopy.

Measuring comets through spectroscopy requires scientists to analyze images of the comet and measure the light that the comet reflects.

Analyzing the comets tells the scientists the properties of individual comets, which helps them understand the structures.

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Many times it seems as though the answer is right in front of us, which is why we cling on to ideas if they sound good. Upon further investigation, we typically find that there is always more to the bigger picture. Regardless of how good something may sound or how well it works in a model, there is always an exception or deeper understanding that can be found.

Similar to other theories of our Earth or the universe as a whole, it is incomplete or in progress. There is rarely a concrete answer in the universe because the expansion of the universe creates more problems than we can solve.

It truly is a race against time and space because both of them never stop.

Contact Allison Young

AN-Young@wiu.edu Editorial Policy

The editorial views of the Western Courier shall be confined to this editorial and are to be separate from news coverage otherwise noted. The editorial presented is based on the ideas and views of the WC editorial board.Columns are the opinions of the columnists alone and should not be construed as the opinions and beliefs of the WC staff as a whole.

Letters & Local Forum Policies

E-mail letters to the Editor and Local Forum messages to micour@wiu.edu.

Letters should not be more than 350 words in length. The author’s name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Failure to include such information will lead to the letter being discarded. The WC staff will edit letters in cases of timeliness, obscenity length and grammer, and we do not guarantee publication of all letters.

2019 Fall Semester Editorial Board

Edge Editor - Marc Ramirez Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young

6

Wednesday, November 6, 2019

SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Volleyball falls in four sets to North Dakota State University Bison

By Christopher Gibson courier staff The Western Illinois women’s volleyball team took to the court at Western Hall this past Sunday to take on the North Dakota State University Bison. The match went for four sets with the visiting Bison taking home the victory, 3-1.

The Leathernecks went into the game after duking it out against North Dakota on Friday, but barely lost that match as well, 3-2, leaving the team tired but ready for NDSU. The Leathernecks came out of the game fast, getting out to a three point lead. After the Bison tied it up a few minutes later, Western took another lead thanks to junior Cassie Hunt, who got an ace. This ace set up a little run for the Leathernecks who weren’t caught until the set was tied up again at 11 all. From there, on, the Leathernecks cruised to a first set victory of 25-19.

The second set between the two squads was a much more fiercely contested set. The teams went back and forth with each other, resulting in a 21 tie. This tie ended up being broken by a Bison push that saw the away team take the second set by a score of 25-21, evening things up at one apiece.

The third set was once again back and forth between the teams. The Leathernecks were in a good spot and pushing towards a victory midway through the set, when the Bison equalized things thanks to their offensive barrage. This

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Gabby DePersio gets set to return the serve.

barrage was good enough to help the Bison take the lead and force things in their direction. The Leathernecks fought back to equalize things at 19 all. From there, the teams fought back and forth for the final points in the set, but after a 25-25 point stall, the Bison scored the final two points needed to win the sets, giving them a one-set advantage.

With the match on the line, the Leathernecks were looking for something to go their way in the fourth set. Just as the last set had ended, this set seemed to pick right back up from where it ended. There was a tie in the game until the Bison secured a small lead at 15-13. The set remained at a two point distance the rest of the way until the Leathernecks tied the game at 18.

Ultimately, Western’s push to win the fourth set was all for naught as NDSU took the fourth set 25-22.

While the Leathernecks might have lost the game, there were some bright spots to note.

Freshman Gabby DePersio was a force on the court, recording 22 digs between the four sets.

The team also kept their errors down, with eight less than the Bison.

This season hasn’t gone the way that was intended for this team. However, with the season starting to wind down, every game becomes more and more important, as it might be the last time playing the sport for some of the players.

The next game will be on the road against Oral Roberts on Friday, with two more home games left to play before the team heads to The Summit League Championships.

Mackenzie Steckler stays ready for the serve.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Cassie Hunt looks above to return the ball.

JoJo Kruize jumps up to spike the ball.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

CLASSIFIEDS

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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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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.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Sports 7

Is Lamar Women's soccer wraps Jackson making up fall season a case for the MVP award?

By Bradley Piros sports editor

There’s a new elite quarterback in town, and his name isn’t Patrick Mahomes.

In just his second season as a pro, 2018 first-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, signalcaller Lamar Jackson has come into his own. Through eight games, the budding star has led his team to an impressive 6-2 record, good enough for first place in the AFC North.

In his most-recent flash of brilliance, Jackson led the Ravens to a commanding 37-20 win over the previously-unbeaten New England Patriots. Heading into the game, Bill Belichick’s squad boasted the unquestioned top defensive unit in the league, one that had held opposing offenses under 10 points per game with a league-leading 25 takeaways.

However, Jackson proved the bright lights of this primetime Sunday night matchup weren’t too big for him, completing 17 of 23 passes for a touchdown to go along with 61 yards on the ground and an additional two scores.

While this victory was utterly impressive, it was just another instance of Jackson silencing his critics whilst bringing his game to an entirely new level in 2019.

A player that’s always been commended for his athleticism, the 22-year-old was heavily criticized throughout the draft process for his throwing ability.

Many experts were unsure of his future as a quarterback in the NFL, some even suggesting a position switch to wide receiver or running back to better fit his skills.

Maybe the most famous of the bunch was former NFL general manager turned ESPN analyst Bill Polian, who was a major skeptic of Jackson. When describing his abilities throughout the 2018 pre-draft process, Polian stated the following: “Short and a little bit slight.

Clearly, clearly not the thrower that the other guys are. The accuracy isn't there,” Polian said. He continued by suggesting that Jackson would be better off as a pass-catcher. “I think wide receiver. Exceptional athlete, exceptional ability to make you miss, exceptional acceleration, exceptional instinct with the ball in his hand and that's rare for wide receivers.”

Did someone forget to mention to Polian that the 6-foot3 Jackson just so happened to be the Heisman Trophy winner back in 2016, a season in which he compiled nearly 5,000 total yards and an immaculate 51 touchdowns? Accuracy issues?

Jackson currently places in the top-12 of the league with a serviceable 64.2 completion percentage. Besides the fact, Jackson has now proved each one of these analysts wrong in his sophomore season with the Ravens.

With superb play throughout the first-half of 2019, Jackson has supplanted himself into the thick of the MVP race. While his stats don’t jump off the page like some of the other quarterbacks, Russell Wilson, Deshaun Watson or Tom Brady, he’s brought an entirely new aspect to the position as a true dual-threat playmaker. On the season, Jackson’s 637 rushing yards is by far the most at his position (Kyler Murray is second with 313 yards). The Louisville product is currently on pace for over 3,500 passing yards and 1,200 rushing yards, a feat that’s never been accomplished throughout NFL history (not even by Michael Vick).

While he may not be the best passer in the league yet, he doesn’t need to be. After shipping away veteran quarterback (and former Super Bowl champ) Joe Flacco this past winter, Baltimore head coach John Harbaugh tailored his offense to perfectly fit Jackson’s skillset, turning it into a spread, run-first option scheme. After the offseason addition of two-time Pro Bowl ball-carrier Mark Ingram, this has become an offensive two-headed monster that no team wants to face. Through eight games thus far, no opponent has been able to defend it with any sort of success.

Through endless amounts of highlight reel plays, it’s a fair argument that Jackson may be the most electric player in the game today. He’s played absolutely lights-out, showing the poise of a 10-year vet when the stakes rise as he just proved against the defending Super Bowl champs. Following the game, coach Harbaugh had nothing but praise for his blossoming superstar.

“The kid -- he’s so tough,” Harbaugh said to reporters.

“He’s smart. He’s got a great feel for the game. And he learns fast. One of the things I’ve noticed about him is he never makes the same mistake twice.”

As the Ravens departed the field Sunday night, the “M-VP” chants echoed throughout M&T Bank Stadium, and for good reason. When it’s all said and done this season, don’t be surprised if it’s Jackson who’s hoisting the prestigious award.

The Western Illinois University women’s soccer team wrapped up their 2019 season after suffering a 2-0 loss on the road against the South Dakota University Coyotes. After a season with its highs and lows, the Leathernecks finished with a record of 6-11-1. Let’s see how they got there, who helped along the way and what to expect next season.

It looked like it was going to be a great season from the two exhibition games. Western hosted Southeastern Community College and Quincy winning by scores of 5-0 and 2-0, respectively. Then, they opened their regular season against Missouri State at home in a 2-1 comeback win after going down 1-0 in the second minute. Sophomore forward Amy Andrews opened her account to tie the game and junior midfielder Bridget Schuler scored the game-winner halfway through the second half.

Western followed that outing with a 0-0 tie against IUPUI and a 3-1 loss to the University of Missouri – Kansas City Kangaroos. The Leathernecks were able to bounce back and did so against the University of Illinois at Chicago in a 2-1 win; Andrews scored both goals that game.

After a quality win at home, Western went on a four-game losing streak to four very good teams. They were shutout in four straight

by Northern Illinois (1-0), Milwaukee (3-0), Illinois State (1-0) and Drake (1-0).

After a rough stretch of really tough games, the Leathernecks were able to turn themselves around and go on a four-game winning streak. It began against Northern Iowa on Sept. 22. Western beat UNI 3-2 with goals scored by junior midfielder Jenna Lundgren, sophomore defender Zoe Clarke and once again, Andrews.

Western kept things rolling when they took on Chicago State and won narrowly 1-0; Andrews scored the lone goal in the 59th minute. Western then opened up Summit League play at home against Omaha and won 1-0. Lundgren buried a penalty kick in the 38th minute and that was enough to make a difference in a well earned 1-0 victory. The Leathernecks were off to a perfect 2-0 start in The Summit League after a 2-0 win against Purdue Fort Wayne at home. Clarke took the lead in the 55th minute off a direct free kick and junior forward Lauryn Peters doubled that lead only four minutes later.

At that point in the season, the Leathernecks were 6-5-1 and 2-0 in conference. They were looking pretty good and bound for a Summit League Tournament appearance. That was not the case, however, as the team derailed a little

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Natalie Sielaff makes a move past an opposing

bit and ended the season on a six-game losing streak, all against Summit League opponents.

Five of those games were shutouts, and it just goes to show that The Summit League is no joke. Western missed out on the tournament again, with their last appearance in it being in 2012.

The Leathernecks shouldn’t beat themselves up because there were still plenty of good times along the way. All good things must come to an end though, and this season it ended for six seniors: Ines Palmiero Herrera, Natalie Sielaff, Emily Bollman, Maddie Wilsey, Madison Bulin and Kayla McCormick.

With those departures, it leaves a big hole in Westerns defense, especially at goalkeeper.

Palmiero Herrera totaled more than 1600 minutes in goal throughout her 18 starts and made 81 saves. She was named Summit League Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in her collegiate career, continued to set program records and climbed the rankings in the career saves department throughout program history.

Sielaff, Wilsey, Bulin and McCormick were all key players in Western’s defense over the last four years and they will be missed as well.

The same can be said for the only offensive piece leaving, that being Bollman. She finished her collegiate career with nine goals and four assists, good for 22 points. She took 70 shots over the years, 32 of them being on goal.

Western will severely miss these players, but they have the talent that’s going to step up and continue to produce as well as some unfamiliar faces that will have some big shoes to fill.

The team will still have the duo of Clarke and Andrews out of Birmingham, England who teamed up for eight goals and two assists on the season. Or the pairing out of Yakima, Wash. of Lauryn Peters and Natalie Nagle who control the midfield at all times and always lend a helping hand.

Expect to see two sisters seeing more time next year, that being Lynette and Elainya Hawkins. Lynette made 17 starts in the defense and played a huge role, totaling nearly 1500 minutes while her sister appeared in nine games for 211 minutes. On the other side of the field will be Carolina Gomes who should see more playing time after scoring a goal and appearing in 13 matches.

The Leathernecks have plenty to look forward to, and it’s definitely not going to be a rebuilding year. The pieces are all going to be there still, or at least most of them. It will be up to the team to put it all together and get back to The Summit League Tournament. It’ll be a long offseason, but the team should be proud of themselves and optimistic of what is yet to come.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Ines Palmiero Herrera takes a goal kick.

Men’s soccer falls 2-1 against Bradley Braves after last minute goal

By Alex Staab courier staff MACOMB, Ill.– An unusual 2 p.m. kickoff time on the Monday after daylight saving time brought the Bradley Braves (6-6-4) onto John Mackenzie Alumni Field to take on the Western Illinois Leathernecks (4-12-1). With the sun just about to go down behind Brophy Hall and only seconds remaining in the second half, Bradley’s Gerit Wintermeyer took a ball in front of the goal, went left and then fired it past Western Illinois’ Tim Trilk for the game-winner with just 28 seconds to go.

Early on, this one was back and forth. You could say it was even down to individual touches. As soon as it looked like Western Illinois had cleared the ball away, Bradley quickly regained possession, and vice versa.

Despite the way the pace played out, it would be the Leathernecks that found the hole first, with Ryan DeBois finding the goal with only

about 10 minutes in the books.

After the goal from DeBois, it turned out to be more of what had been happening earlier, a battle for possession.

As the first half wound down, the visiting Braves saw numerous opportunities on corner kicks, but they were not able to convert any, at least in the first 45 minutes. Halfway through, the Leathernecks were holding on to a 1-0 lead.

The second half got off to a much quicker start, with Western Illinois’ Cesar Cosio booting a shot wide just seven seconds in.

Then, without missing a beat, Bradley got right back to the corner kick game, taking plenty of them. Naturally, they’d be bound to convert on one of many opportunities, and that’s exactly what happened when Braves freshman Devin Slingsby scored his first career goal at the 57:10 mark of the game.

One thing is for certain: the pace of play changed in the second half. Plenty of shots and fouls, but it looked like this game was headed for

extra time, with the closest opportunities for both sides being a corner kick here and there, just not at the clip that Bradley was getting them earlier in the game.

Yet with the thought of extra time looming large, and the sun, well, not looming large, fans could feel the intensity build as the seconds ran off.

With only 28 seconds remaining, the aforementioned goal from Bradley’s Wintermeyer found the net.

The Leathernecks needed to hurry if they wanted to at least force overtime, but 28 seconds was just not enough time, and the game went final, 2-1, in favor of the Bradley Braves.

The loss is behind the team now, and enables them to look forward to an exciting Saturday night road game at the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles on Saturday at 7 p.m., as this one is for the top seed in The Summit League Tournament. All of three points separate these two squads, so you won’t want to miss it.

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Ryan DeBois celebrates after scoring a goal.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Cesar Cosio tracks back to make a defensive play.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Kyle Owen dribbles the ball upfield for his team.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Tim Trilk dives down to make a save.

Daisuke Otsuka looks to his dad for motivation

By Michael Harms courier staff

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Daisuke Otsuka keeps an eye on the play going on in front of him.

If you have been to a men’s soccer game this year, you may have heard the players talking to one another on the pitch. If you listen closely, you realize that they are not speaking English. In fact, head coach Dr. Eric Johnson has enticed players from all over the world, including Canada, Spain, England and even Japan.

Daisuke Otsuka is a first-year player for Western after transferring from Tyler Junior College. He is the only player from Japan on the team and is trying to make his mark. Otsuka has had no problem doing just that since he has been playing since he was about three feet tall.

“When I started watching my dad’s film when I was young, I thought it was really cool and I wanted to be like him, you know, he gave me my motivation,” Otsuka said, who takes pride in how hard his dad tried to play at the professional level.

Otsuka wishes to play professionally, but he was torn between education and the sport.

“When I graduated high school, I wanted to get out of Japan… people said I should go to Europe to try and play professional, but I would have to choose to play soccer or go to college, but in the U.S. there is opportunity to play soccer and study to get my master’s or bachelor’s which is a good

second option if I don’t get to play professional.”

Otsuka said.

The hardest part to Otsuka making the transition, one word: language. “In Japan I didn’t speak any English,” Otsuka said. He had time to practice his English before coming to Western after playing at Tyler Junior College. “Tyler is not a big city just like Macomb, I’m still young, but right now I need to focus on soccer and this environment suits me,” Otsuka said about his transition here.

Otsuka made the move from Tyler to Macomb over the summer.

“When me and E.J. started talking about the program, I was very interested and started thinking ‘I want to play here’ I just love the program.”

Otsuka said.

Now the soccer team is 4-12-1 and has a chance to become The Summit League champions on Saturday.

“It’s not easy to make a national tournament, but we have a chance if we work harder than any other team," said Otsuka. "That’s the only way to be successful this season.”

After dropping the first 11 matches, the team has made a dramatic turnaround to set themselves up in a great position in postseason play.

Otsuka is just one of many international players that have made a dramatic impact on the team this year. They play Oral Roberts on Saturday for The Summit League crown.