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Opinions: If you could only eat fruit, pick these ones.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 - Vol. 120 Issue 2
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Dance Marathon gets ready to host 2nd Annual Color Run By Marc Ramirez news editor Western Illinois University Dance Marathon is scheduled to host their 2nd Annual Color Run Saturday, Sept. 28. The event will be hosted at Veterans Park from 3-6:30 p.m. “Miracle Network Dance Marathon is a movement benefiting Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds and awareness for more than 170 pediatric hospitals across North America,” Dance Marathon’s official website reads. “We are the only children’s charity committed to having 100 percent of the funds raised stay local to support local kids. Since inception, Miracle Network Dance Marathon has raised more than $250 million for kids across North Americaensuring that no child or family fights pediatric illness or injury alone.” Dance Marathon was founded on Western’s campus in 2014 and has been a philanthropic sensation since. Since its inception, the organization has raised over $560,957 for children being treated in CMN Hospitals. Students are highly
encouraged to participate in the Color Run to get a taste of what it is like to get involved in Dance Marathon. “One of my cousins stayed at a CMN Hospital and I just really like the idea of raising money, especially for kids who don’t see outside four walls for such a long time,” Sara Remar said. “With studying to become a nurse, all I really hope to do is help acclimate children to as normal of a life as possible. Being a kid is hard enough, so being in the hospital at such a young age is unimaginable, I just want to show them the hope the future has in store for them.” Check in will start at 3 p.m. and race will start at 4 p.m. All the money raised from the event will go back to the St. Louis Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The cost is $30, which includes five color stations, a t-shirt and water. Register today at Tinyurl.com/ DMCOLOR2019. For more information on how to get involved in the organization, people can register at tinyurl.com/wiudm20 or they can email DM President Julianna Kessler at jr-kessler@wiu.edu.
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2
NEWS
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
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Wednesday, August 21, 2019
NEWS 3
MACOMB, IL – A new addition to the top of Western Illinois University's Memorial Hall in recent weeks will result in the ability to better predict weather systems approaching the region, as well as added educational opportunities for University students. The WIU Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Geographic Information Sciences recently purchased a Doppler Radar from the Furuno company. The unit was partially paid for by a trust gift from WIU Professor Emeritus John F. Blauvelt, who taught at Western for 45 years and passed away in 2016, and by donations from McDonough Power Cooperative in Macomb and a group of donors through an online campaign to pay for radar maintenance. The unit, which has the WIU logo on its outside covering, was raised on to the roof of Memorial Hall two weeks ago by Supreme Radio and placed on its tower. Technicians from Furuno were on campus last week to install and activate the radar and to conduct training sessions on its use. The installation was aided by the campus offices of Facilities Management, University Technology and Central Receiving. In the coming weeks, the machine will be calibrated and available for use in University classrooms and by the county's Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA) office. Prior to the installation, local weather information came from a radar based in the Quad Cities. Because the radar beam had to travel so far, the image was typically only being read from the tops of local clouds. The new radar, which rotates 360 degrees, will read about 70 kilometers, or 45 miles surrounding Macomb. The new unit will give a much higher resolution radar image and will offer more detailed information to forecasters, including rainfall totals, possible rotation in clouds, hail formation and other weather features. "This is a total departure from traditional radar images; the resolution is many times clearer," said Gil Passwaters, Furuno project manager. "The data will look totally different from what people are used to." WIU Meteorology Professor Redina Finch said the higher
resolution weather information will allow better storm tracking capabilities. "We have a graduate student creating a users' guide to the radar for the public so they will know how to use and interpret the data," said Finch. WIU Associate Professor of Meteorology Marcus BĂźker said the data produced by the new unit will be invaluable in the University's classrooms. "We will be able to show through the radar data what's happening on the ground," said BĂźker. "We will be able to tell, within seconds, when it's going to start raining. This unit has two beams to access how big particles are in two ways, which will allow us to classify precipitation, such as whether it is rain, snow, or hail. This is the first time we will be able to differentiate." The National Weather Service will have access to the data images produced by the new unit. The new images will also allow for the tracking of bird, bat and insect migrations, and debris plumes from fires. Officials will be able to control the radar from Linux workstations in the Meteorology Lab or from home if interesting weather happens at night when no one is in the office. Passwaters said the radar allows for the archiving of data, so regional storm systems can be used as examples for academic lessons. "It allows for storms to be studied later," he said. "The images are very involved and the information the unit can provide can be lifesaving." The hope is that the images can eventually be linked to a weather app, so live, local radar can be accessed on local residents' mobile devices. Finch said she envisions the new radar being used by students in meteorology classes, but also in emergency management, law enforcement and justice administration and broadcasting classrooms. Students will also be involved in radar image interpretation and maintaining the website where the radar images will be available. The department is continuing to raise money for the project to purchase additional software and data storage for the unit. For more information about the WIU Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Geographic Information Sciences, visit wiu.edu/eagis. Courtesy of WIU News
4
OPINIONS
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
WesternCourier.com
3
fruits you need for survival
Fruit has been eaten by the majority of mankind for as long as anyone can remember. Fruit has also been paired with vegetables as the perfect combination of enriching vitamins and other nutrients that our bodies need for healthy survival. Across cultures, fruit is prepared differently, used in different dishes and, in some cultures, even considered directly coming from the gods. We all love a good crisp apple, tart strawberry or juicy watermelon, and some of us dread the tingly aftertaste of pineapple, the furry peel of kiwi or the task of peel-
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ing an orange. Looking at each fruit individually, they all have a specific purpose. In casual conversation, many have agreed that fruits and vegetables are both extremely healthy and vital for functioning to the highest potential every day. But, peers have also stated that vegetables are much healthier than fruit, and that you could not survive on just fruit. Because I love all things fruit, I decided to prove that if deserted on an island with nothing but three fruits, you could survive, receiving all vital nu-
trients, without your health deteriorating too much. I came to the conclusion that avocados, coconuts and pineapples would be nutritious enough to sustain you. Not many people are aware of the avocado’s membership in the fruit circle. Because of its pit, and how it grows on trees, an avocado is, in fact, a fruit. The reason it is on the list is because this fruit is packed with healthy fats. The healthy fat, oleic acid, has been proven to reduce inflammation and support heart health, two things you would definitely need during survival. Unlike most fruits, avocados are extremely low in carbs. This is the perfect combination for a body when limited to nutrients. Avocados also contain more potassium than bananas, which helps replenish energy and promote healing.
You might be thinking, why is coconut on the list? How could it possibly be composed of enough nutritional value for survival? Coconut contains high levels of iron, magnesium and copper. The main reason I have placed it so high on the list is because of its versatility. Once cracked open, the inside contents consist of the coconut meat (the white part along the inside), coconut milk or water and coconut oil. Coconut meat is very high in potassium and, once dried out, can be heated and eaten similar to a grain. The coconut milk is extremely hydrating and because you are on a deserted island, you will need some form of hydration. Coconuts contain five strong electrolytes naturally: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. Coconut oil is a natural antifungal, another great thing for
survival. The universal aspects of this fruit definitely put it above most. Pineapple is a very underrated fruit when it comes to nutrient content. Pineapples have over 130 percent of your daily vitamin C needs, as well as 76 percent of your daily manganese. This yellow fruit also contains bound antioxidants, which means they can survive harsher conditions and have longer lasting results. Pineapple also contains the enzyme bromelain, which aids in digestion and congestion. Of course, there are countless other fruits that share similar qualities as these three fruits do, but the combination of nutrients in each fruit makes each of them the better choice. They may not be your first choice, or the best tasting, but I think we all owe these fruits a try, as they could be life sustaining!
The perks that come with living alone After being required to live in the dorms for two years, I finally have the luxury of having an apartment all to myself. I have visitors quite often but it’s essentially all mine. Contrary to most people, I really didn’t mind living in the dorms because I had the opportunity to live with people who became my best friends. We made it as fun as we possibly could, but it was time to start a different lifestyle.
Now, some people might think that living on your own comes with more trouble than living in the dorms, and while I agree, I think that having an apartment has its perks as well. Living on your own comes with learning a whole new kind of responsibility. When you have your own place, you have to worry about bills, groceries, cooking, cleaning and so many other daily “adult-ish” things.
As someone who has never had to worry about most of those things, it has definitely been an adjustment. I have had to learn to budget my money way more than I ever have before. One of the hardest adjustments I have had to make is the fact that I do not have anyone to entertain me. I’ve had roommates my whole college career, so living by myself was a hard adjustment. I am a social butterfly and enjoy spending time with people, so when I chose to move in early and there were not very many people I knew on campus, it was very hard for me. There were several times that I would get scared
because I was not used to hearing all of the noises above me or that came from all over the apartment. Though, now that all my friends are back, I tend to entertain them at my place several times a week. I find that the absolute best part about having an apartment is that it is a perfect place for me and all of my friends to hangout. We haven’t even been here for a week and have already made so many memories. It’s the best place to get ready before we go out, a great place for movies and it’s also great for when we want to have dinners together. A few of my friends still live in the dorms,
so they really enjoy the fact that they can come and borrow my kitchen. Ultimately, it is a very big step to move from the dorms to your own place, even if you are sharing the responsibility with other people. There is so much adjusting to do, but it is worth it. You learn responsibility, time management, budgeting and so many other valuable lessons. If you are debating about living the dorm life because it is easier, I highly suggest taking the opportunity to find your own place and make it yours. In the end, you are learning so much about yourself and how you like to live early on.
OPINIONS 5
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
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Explore your housing options When you first get to college, a big adjustment comes with living in the dorms. For at least the first two years, you don’t have the choice of living off campus. A big question among students is once you get the chance, should you? I believe that when the opportunity presents itself, you should experience living off campus. The first time living in a dorm at college is a unique experience for most because it forces
you to work with what you have. Whether it is roommates, floormates or your room itself, this is a very valuable lesson to learn once you’re on your own. As time goes on, people change and more importantly your friend group changes, meaning that you can do other things with your living situation. This includes becoming an RA, living in a greek house. I wanted to focus on why living off campus is better and should be
sought after. The biggest reason is money. Over the course of a year living off campus, you can theoretically spend the same amount on rent you would in only a semester on campus. Saving money on rent usually means having three to four roommates, which may be hard for some people. Another big advantage is learning how to manage your finances. While we are in the dorms, we just give our money to the school at a set rate and do not worry much about our finances. Living and paying bills is a huge part of living out in the real world and the better you get at it, the better off you
will be. If you live in a fraternity or sorority house, you will be able to be closer to your brothers and sisters, which is the whole point of being in Greek life. Although this option is not available to everyone, people that are in Greek life should consider it. You will save money on food and may learn how to cook as well while living off campus. When you do not live in a dorm, you are not required to pay for a meal plan, meaning that you can spend as much on food as you see necessary. The money that you do not use on your meal plan can be better spent on making your
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own food. Trips to Walmart will now replace trips to the dining halls. Living off campus forces you to become more independent. Since we are technically adults yet still have a lot to learn, college is our last chance to get away with making mistakes. We should take the opportunity to live on our own in an environment where we can learn without extreme repercussions. While living on campus has its benefits, I do not believe that it should be a four year commitment. If it is possible, I believe it should be split down the middle, having underclassmen live on campus while upperclassmen do not.
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2019 Fall Semester Editorial Board
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6
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
SPORTS
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MLS is finally coming to St. Louis It’s been a long time coming, but as of yesterday, St. Louis will be rewarded the 28th team in Major League Soccer and will play their inaugural season in 2022. The league has been growing significantly since 2004 adding clubs every other year or so. It’s a very different league than it was almost 15 years ago and has had its ups and downs. In 2004, league gave a second team to the Los Angeles in Chivas USA as well as a team in Salt Lake City, Real Salt Lake (RSL). In 2005, the San Jose Earthquakes were put on a hiatus. That’s because they were unable to obtain a soccer specific stadium. Some cities allow the NFL and MLS teams to share a stadium, for instance, the Seattle Sounders. They share CenturyLink Field with the Seahawks and it’s one of the loudest stadiums in both sports. Either way, the players from San Jose and their coach were relocated to Houston and became the Houston Dynamo. In 2007, Toronto FC played their first season and in 2008, San Jose resumed play. Speaking of the Sounders, they weren’t a thing until 2009. In 2010, Philadelphia began play after becoming the 16th franchise in the league. That same year, St. Louis lost the competing bid. St. Louis investor Jeff Cooper led the bid
and there was even a stadium deal in Collinsville, Ill. but it lacked funding. In 2011, the Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Portland Timbers began play and are
given a team as Orlando City FC in 2015. The league took a year off before adding another two teams in 2017 with Atlanta United FC and Minnesota United FC. Last year, Los Angeles got their second team back with a brand new stadium and new name, Los Angeles FC. This current 2019 season, FC Cincinnati began play as the 25th team in the league.
failed attempts, it’s finally our time to shine. After the leaving of the Rams, the city has wanted more, and that’s what we got. We got an XFL team with more details being released today. We got a Stanley Cup and now we got an MLS team. It’s a dream come true for most people in the city, including myself. I remember growing up and I went to my first and only
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MLS commisioner Don Garber (right) and Carolyn Kindle Betz (left) celebrate the new expansion team. still one of the best rivalries The league has no intentions of MLS game when I was about in the league. In 2012, the slowing down either. Next year 10. It was between the Kansas league got its second Canadian will be the debut of Inter Miami City Wizards and the Los team in the Montreal Impact. FC. They were announced back Angeles Galaxy at Arrowhead They now have a great rivalry in 2014 as being led by an invest- Stadium. It was so long ago with Toronto. ment group including former that I don’t even remember the At the end of the 2014 regu- player David Beckham. Also in score. I was just excited to see lar season, Chivas USA were 2020 will be the inaugural MLS my favorite player of all-time: disbanded leaving the league season for Nashville SC. In 2021, David Beckham. with 20 teams. To make up for Texas will get a third team in Ever since then, I’ve wonthe loss, New York City was Austin FC. dered what it would be like if given a second team as New That leads us up to today; my city had a team, and now York City FC and Orlando was MLS in St. Louis. After multiple I get to find out in a couple of
years. The city has two semipro teams right now. They have an indoor soccer team as the St. Louis Ambush, part of the Major Arena Soccer League. St. Louis also has Saint Louis FC, a team in the USL Championship league, and the league right below the MLS. The city has had a long history with the sport and has an expanding fan base. The city didn’t have a big team, but still hosted big scale matches at Busch Stadium, the home of the St. Louis Cardinals. The first of those stadium games was back on May 23, 2013 when the Premier League giants Manchester City took on fierce rivals Chelsea in an exciting seven-goal thriller. That same year, later on in November, the city hosted their first International match between Argentina and Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was at this game as a kid with my Lionel Messi jersey on in a sea full of Bosnia fans. Since then, the stadium has hosted both the men's and women’s United States National teams and are hosting a USMNT team game on Sept. 10 when they take on Uruguay. The point is, the city wouldn’t bother putting on these games if people weren’t going to show up, but they do. Whenever the national teams come to town, it’s usually a sellout. People are and have been ready for MLS in St. Louis and we’ve waited long enough. Now we just get to wait and see the name of our new club; I’m all for the St. Louis Archers.
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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.
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
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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! 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!
NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing. Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message. Westen Investments 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. The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.
RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)
ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site. No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment. For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo. (309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime. Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message Still have some nice large locations available at reasonable prices. Excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. 1-8 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Pets at some locations. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.
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With August coming to an end and September just around the corner, the MLB playoff picture is starting to come into a little more focus. Some teams have been red hot all season and have no fear about making the postseason. For others, each of these next thirty-something games means life or death when it comes to their playoff push. Here are my predictions for who will win each division and which two teams will duel it out for their respective league’s Wild Card spot. Batting leadoff is quite possibly the easiest decision in the MLB: the NL West. The Los Angeles Dodgers have been one of the hottest teams in the past couple of years and they haven’t cooled down this year. Since 2012, the team has made the postseason six times, made the NLCS four times, including each of the past three seasons (2016-2018), and has made an appearance in the World Series the past two seasons (both in losing efforts). While history shows that the Dodgers can’t win the big one, this season feels a bit different. At 82-44, the Dodgers not only have the second best record in the MLB, but they hold an 18.5 game lead in the West in front of the San Francisco Giants. The majority of their remaining games are against divisional rivals, which doesn’t pose much of a threat to the team. The Dodgers’ 36-18 record against NL West opponents is far and above the best interdivisional record in the National League. As boring and repetitive as this may be, it seems like once again the Dodgers will be pulling away with the West. The NL East comes next with a little tighter of a race. A four way chase for the top
Sports 7
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
of the division includes the Atlanta Braves who currently hold a five-game lead on the division, the Washington Nationals who hold a twogame lead atop the NL Wild Card and the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies who are both nine games behind in the division and two games out of the second Wild Card spot. The Atlanta Braves have sat atop the division with fluctuating leads all season, but atop the division, nonetheless. However, any team in this division could get hot at the right time and snatch the East right out from under the Braves. The Mets, for example, have caught up considerably in the month of August. On Aug. 1, the Mets sat in second last in the East, 11 games behind the division-leading Braves. With a sub-.500 record of 53-55, it looked like another rebuilding year for the team that just made it to the World Series back in 2015. Then the winning streak happened. The end of July and beginning of August saw the Mets win seven in a row, bringing them closer to that magic .500 record. On Aug. 20, the Mets sit four games over .500 after going 12-5 so far this month and within reach of making the postseason once again. While the Mets are as hot as they are, they still aren’t my pick for the winners of the NL East. No, my pick for the NL East is the Washington Nationals. While injuries to top stars like Max Scherzer may have slowed the team down for some part of the season, August has been red hot for the Nats. Leading the NL in onbase-plus-slugging (.923), runs (116) and batting average (.293) for the month of August proves that if these
bats can stay hot, the Braves better watch out. Even with their Cy Young caliber pitcher (Max Scherzer) on the IL, the Nats have managed to post an 11-5 record in August, with a mediocre 4.94 ERA. With the imminent return of Scherzer, if the Nats’ bats remain hot, the East is theirs for the taking. In quite possibly the most competitive division in the MLB, there’s no clear frontrunner to win the NL Central. Last year it pained me to say it, but I had the Chicago Cubs winning the division. Then a miraculous September by the Brewers saw the Crew force a game 163, the team win the Central and make it to the NLCS. This year, however, may not be a similar story. Three games behind the St. Louis Cardinals, the Brewers sit only three games above .500 for a season that just hasn’t gone their way. After having the top bullpen just a year ago, the Brewers seem to struggle in finding someone who can force an out. Despite being in their divisional position, the Brewers have one of the worst rundifferentials in the NL at -32. Their offense, however, led by reigning NL MVP Christian Yelich is producing enough, but if the pitching allows 8-10 runs a game, it’s almost certain that it’s quitting time for the Crew. That then brings me to my pick. Since it’s a tossup between the Cardinals and the Cubs, it’s a loselose situation for a Brewers fan like me. And once again, as much as it pains me to say this, I pick the Chicago Cubs. The Cardinals of recent years have consistently found ways to excuse themselves from the divisional runnings. It hasn’t helped that the Cubs have been a powerhouse since 2015, but it still makes it hard to pick them to win the division. So once again I pick the Cubs, and once again I hope that me picking
them somehow ruins their season, opening the division up to the Brewers to snag at the last second. The NL Wild Card race will come down to five teams: Brewers, Cardinals, Phillies, Mets and Braves. Out of these five teams, there is one obvious choice who will earn a Wild Card spot and that’s the Braves. As mentioned before, the Braves have been consistent all season and the only reason they aren’t winning the East is because of how hot the Nationals have become. The second team to earn a Wild Card spot will either be the Phillies or the Brewers. This may sound biased, but the Brewers have been in the Central race as well as the Wild Card race all season. Once pitchers like Brandon Woodruff and Jhoulys Chacin return from the IL, hopefully the Crew can go back to their winning ways to secure a spot in the Wild Card game. Finally, on to the American League. While the National League may be up for grabs, the American League isn’t as hazy. The AL East leading New York Yankees have been atop the AL East the AL, and the MLB for most of the season. They currently have an 11-game lead in the East over the also hot Tampa Bay Rays. Despite injury after injury after injury this season, the Yankees just don’t seem like they are going to be stopped. Moving to the AL West, it is almost the same story. The Astros may not have been as dominant as the Yankees all season, but they have made a name for themselves recently. It all started when, at the trade deadline, the Astros added former Cy Young winner Zack Greinke to their already unhittable starting rotation. Since the addition of Greinke, the Houston Pitching staff has gone 11-6 in the month of August, while tossing an MLB fifth best 3.43 ERA. If pitching doesn’t impress you, look at how the ‘Stros
are hitting. In the month of August, the Astros have been in the top three in the MLB for runs (124), batting average (.298), OPS (.919) and slugging percentage (.550). This combination of hitting and one of the best starting rotations in MLB history is good enough to lead the Astros to their second World Series appearance in three years. It would even be almost surprising if they don’t go on to win the whole thing. Like its counterpart in the National League, the AL Central is up for grabs with the Twins only two games ahead of the Cleveland Indians. The Central won’t start to show a true winner until late September, but I think the Twins will be on top of the Central like they have been for most of the season. The AL Wild Card picture is just as clear as the rest of the league compared to the National League picture. The Indians, Twins, Rays and Oakland Athletics are the three real competitors for the two Wild Card spots. The Indians sit atop the Wild Card with a 1.5 game lead over the Rays, who themselves have a game cushion over the A’s. While the reigning World Champion Boston Red Sox are six games out of a Wild Card spot, which is still sort of in the race, this team is nowhere near the caliber of last year ’s champs and I don’t think they stand a chance in this race. The two teams who will duel it out in the one game Wild Card playoff game will be the Rays and the Indians. Last September saw teams come from nowhere to take a playoff spot and saw other teams blow their postseason chances. With August running out of days and September quickly approaching, the Road to October is starting to heat up. Will your team ride to victory, or will they blow a tire and kiss their championship hopes goodbye?
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Top 10 Western athletes to watch this year
By Michael Harms courier staff
As everyone gets their class schedules figured out, parking passes purchased and new rooms decorated, everyone is figuring out what to expect this year at Western. Well one thing everyone can expect is a new sports season. Some of Western athletics are already underway, so here are the top 10 athletes to watch for this year. Coming in at number one is junior guard Kobe Webster. This year will be all Kobe. He led the team last year in points per game and assists per game and will run the offense. He is explosive and full of swagger. Opposing teams struggle to slow down his handles and are unable to squander his offensive brilliance. As one of the most fun players to watch on the court, it will be an absolute blast when basketball rolls around to watch him dazzle. Second is junior running back Clint Ratkovich. Ratkovich will be the star running back and a core piece of Western’s game plan this year. With Steve McShane graduating, it will be Ratkovich that takes the workload in the backfield. He already is effective in the passing game, last year recording 54 receptions for 600 yards and three touchdowns. As a new offense takes the field for the fighting Leathernecks, look for Ratkovich to help lead the charge. Junior quarterback Connor Sampson comes in at number three. Sampson will be the man under center. The captain. The man to watch for the Leathernecks as he will be the starting QB. After two
years studying the offense, he is poised to take over the reins and dominate. Sampson may not have the stats to dazzle on this list, but he is still going to end up being one of the best athletes to watch leading the Purple and Gold onto the gridiron. Next up is redshirt junior guard, Annabel Graettinger. Graettinger came in as a transfer from South Dakota State last year and just took over. She will be the leader this year for a young team looking to get back to the top of the leaderboard. Her size and speed combination makes for a headache for defenders and a gem for head coach J.D. Gravina to use against his opponents. Fellow junior guard Olivia Kauffman is up next. Despite being one of the smaller teams in athletics, the women’s basketball team has been one of the most notable teams at Western in recent years. Because of that, it is no surprise that they have two athletes on this list. Kauffman will be the ball dominant guard this year for Western. She was fourth in conference a year ago in scoring and looking to repeat such a dominant performance. With just a little luck this team will be amazing, so watch out for Kauffman. Coming in at number six is senior Bo Brasseur. On this list, this may be the most dominant athlete. Brasseur won gold last year at the Summit League Outdoor Track and Field Championships here in Macomb. She then went to NCAA West Prelims and placed 22nd. The only athlete to represent the Purple and Gold. The long jumper set records for both indoor and
outdoor track at Western and is only looking to improve. Stay tuned. Next up is senior midfielder Paul Kirdorf. Men’s soccer is continuing to climb the ladder. They are constantly changing, but Kirdorf’s production sure isn't. The midfielder can play multiple positions on the pitch and has earned a “Player to Watch” nomination from The Summit League. He is looking to lead his team to greatness this year. Next up is senior Drue Galassi. The outfielder is the highlight of the baseball team. Last year, he recorded 56 hits and 10 home runs. Baseball is one of the last sports in the school year, but it will all be worth it to watch Galassi play. His ability at the plate will marvel and stun opposing pitchers, and he will help lead this Leatherneck team. Moving along is junior wide reciever. The young wideout is looking for a big production increase due to Isiah Lesure graduating. He has already impressed his fans with his speed downfield and big play ability. Sampson will need a top target and look no further than Tony Tate to take the title and run away with it this year. Last but certainly not least is goalkeeper Ines Palmiero Herrera. The senior is in her third year at Western and looking to be even more commanding. Her sophomore campaign saw her record a Summit League Defensive Player of the Week award and 62 saves. Last year she recorded an amazing 93 saves. She is looking to shut out opponents this year in a women’s soccer season primed for takeoff.
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Kobe Webster dribbles past an Omaha defender.
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Connor Sampson hands the ball off to a teammate.
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Olivia Kauffman looks to make a pass inside Western Hall.
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Paul Kirdorf dribbles through the midfield.
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Tony Tate runs downfield after making catch.
Drue Galassi leads off on base.
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Ines Palmiero Herrera punts the ball.
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Clint Ratkovich makes a leaping catch at Hanson Field.
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Annabel Graettinger goes in for a layup.
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Bo Brasseur competes in the long jump event.