Opinions: Where do you stand when it comes homework?
Sports: Baseball wins off grandslam walk-off against SDSU.
WesternCourier.com
Wednesday, March 20, 2019 - Vol. 119 Issue 66
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Western Professor publishes new academic book
Professor Jo-Ann Morgan recently published a book titled "The Black Arts Movement and the Black Panther Party in American Visual Culture."
By Steven Barnum news editor
A professor of African American studies and art history at Western Illinois University finished writing her second academic book. Jo-Ann Morgan joined the Western community in 2007 when she started teaching at the university. Morgan’s courses typically focus on African American studies, but some classes have a higher emphasis on writing. Her students use her latest book, “The Black Arts Movement and the Black Panther Party in American Visual Culture,” in her current African American art class. This book takes readers on an in-depth journey to the Black Panther era in the 1960s. Morgan researched
and studied the lives of Black Panthers, which allows her to give readers more insight. For example, Morgan discovered that a leader of the group made blue dress shirts part of the uniform because he said that most black men already wear those shirts to church. Morgan’s book also discusses the rest of the group’s uniform which included a leather jacket, black dress pants and black dress shoes. She is surprised at how much information she found by just researching old photographs. “You uncover a lot when you move into the visual side of things,” Morgan said. The book maintains a strong visual theme from front to back. Morgan said that she took the opportunity to include as many pictures as
possible. Readers will find dozens of these pictures, many of which are in color. One of the biggest obstacles in completing the book was getting permission to use each picture, which cost her hundreds of dollars and more than six months to earn the rights. “I wanted lots of imagery,” she said. “I don’t think you learn as much unless you look at all of the images and try to put the pieces of the puzzle together.” The inspiration behind writing a book with a high emphasis on pictures came from Morgan’s time as a college student. Her professor suggested that she should incorporate the visual culture into her dissertation. Doing so could help readers understand the topic better, ac-
cording to Morgan, which is why she also used this method when writing her awardwinning first book. It was Morgan’s passion for learning and her time teaching about the Black Power era in the classroom that sparked her interest for writing this book. “In the beginning, I was just putting together images for teaching,” Morgan said, “but then I found that students were really interested in it, and then I became interested. You get an idea and then it takes over.” Morgan doesn’t want anyone to question how diligent she was when writing her second book. In addition to taking 10 years to complete, editors and publishers heavily scrutinized the book in its initial development. Morgan
courtesy of jo-ann morgan
said that the feedback was helpful in making the book even stronger. “It’s a very difficult and long process to get an academic book published,” Morgan said. “They point out the weaknesses that you don’t always see because you’re so close to the material. You think you’re done but then the editing process overtakes you.” Throughout her experience writing “The Black Arts Movement and the Black Panther Party in American Visual Culture,” Morgan enjoyed the knowledge that she gained.
Morgan page 3
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NEWS
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
WesternCourier.com
City Council approves Sunday liquor sales
felicia selmon/courier staff
Nate Cobb (left) discusses the transportation budget and Mayor Mike Inman (right) talks about the Sunday liquor license ordinance.
By Steven Barnum news editor
Businesses in Macomb will soon be allowed to sell packaged liquor on Sundays. After being part of a larger discussion during previous meetings, the Macomb City Council decided to end the Sunday prohibition. Monday’s unanimous vote means that businesses will be able to sell the liquor between the hours of 12 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Sundays. The ordinance does not allow for the sale of beer kegs.
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
Employees who scan alcohol in checkout aisles must be at least 18 years old and each computer system must have an identification scanner. If someone in a group of people purchases alcohol, then the store must card each person in that group. Business owners in Macomb will need to apply for a “Class P” liquor license in order to sell liquor on Sundays. The ordinance will be effective in April. Hy-Vee Store Director Melissa Worley initially proposed that the city should lift the Sunday sales ban in
February. Worley worked with members of the city council and other businesses in order to make the request a reality. Mayor Mike Inman said that he applauds Worley for stepping up and pushing to improve business in Macomb. “I want to thank Mrs. Worley and the folks at Hy-Vee for bringing this to our attention,” Inman said, “and for helping us pass this ordinance.” In other business, Nate Cobb, the Director of McDonough County Transportation, gave a review of the poten-
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu news editor Steven Barnum
proofreader Amanda Wandachowicz
SS-Barnum@wiu.edu
A-Wandachowicz@wiu.edu
opinions editor Allison Young
photo editor Becca Langys
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RE-Langys@wiu.edu
sports editor Bradley Piros
assistant photo editor Sara Remar
BJ-Piros@wiu.edu
SE-Remar@wiu.edu
assistant sports editor Chris Bean
production manager Jimmy Pierson
CR-Bean@wiu.edu
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edge editor Marc Ramirez
business manager Faith Rucker
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F-Rucker@wiu.edu
copy editor Brie Coder
advertising manager Jacob Day
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JD-Day@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu
tial transportation budget. The deadline to approve the fiscal year 2020 transportation budget in McDonough County is April 1. The proposed budget for the fiscal year operating expenses is for $376,000. The budget accounts for door-todoor transportation services around the city of Macomb. Roughly 65 percent of the budget would be made up of state money and federal funding and local match funding will account for the remaining amount. “We are anticipating seeing the same hours of ser-
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vice for next year,” Cobb said. “There will be some reduction in the combination of routes.” Cobb said that routes can be combined in the fall, especially with Western Illinois University’s decision to shut down the North Quad. As of now, there are no plans to eliminate bus routes and all routes should remain on their normal or similar time schedules. Cobb said that the department is trying to find a more efficient and practical solution since there is a limited amount of funding available.
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Wednesday, March 20, 2019
NEWS 3
Art Department continues first Wednesday events Printmaking - Film Screening - Drawing - Folding Bamboo Fans - Clear Packing Tape Sculptures Palette Paint Painting - Beachy Bliss Photographs - CNC Cutter “Rocky” Medallions Wire Wrapped Bead - Pendants - Wheeling Throwing
April 4th - Garwood Hall - 7 P.M. to 9 P.M.
jimmy pierson/production manager
By Karla Foster
courier staff
The spring time is a time where flowers are in full bloom, the temperature starts to get higher, children play basketball and lots and lots of rainfall. Even though the Spring Equinox doesn’t really start until March 20, things were already blooming at the First Wednesday event. For those who don’t know, First Wednesday is an activity held in Garwood Hall and the Heating Planex. The event mostly caters towards children and families, but
Book
from page 1
“The more I worked on it, the more I realized I didn’t know,” she said. “I learned more about the black arts movement and civil rights movement in order to piece together the concept of black power. I invested so much that I wanted to share it wherever I can.” With an upward trend in the use of the Internet in the classroom, Morgan’s book is available for students to rent online. Her class combines elements of writing and history, which makes the book a critical piece in students’ appreciation for
students are welcomed to create art as well. Students from different majors come to do art with the First Wednesday program to either find something to do after studying, or as a hobby but this is the only time they get to practice art themselves. There were even some faculty who teach different subjects that participated in either hosting, helping or doing some of the art that was in the program. However, it is hard to recognize them because they do a swift transformation from the best dressed to something casual. Some students from the art department the subject matter. Although she describes herself as “old school,” she said that the eBook is affordable, accessible and practical. After being one of the victims in Western’s 2018 round of layoffs, Morgan would still like to teach and continue to share research. She said that her experience writing books was challenging yet rewarding, so there’s a possibility that she’ll publish more in the future. “It was a wonderful experience,” Morgan said. “I love to write and I’m not one to sit around and do nothing.” For those interested, Morgan’s book is available on Amazon as a hard copy and for the Kindle.
also came to lend a hand in the creation of some products. Finally, some refreshments like cheese puffs and cookies were served at the event as well. Students and children were able to get their hands dirty by messing with products such as paint and charcoal. They were also able to make stencils of different images such as flowers or the school mascot. The stencils seemed to be more popular as more people were on the first floor of Garwood Hall trying to create some beautiful stencils. There was really no theme
for this First Wednesday event, so it was just a comeand-create day. “There really is not a theme for this event right now, but it’s nice to see people come out,” one student said. While the theme wasn’t as visible as people would have hoped to expect, I could find a theme using some context clues such as the flower stencils and the young children. The theme was obviously new beginnings! The reason it was new beginnings is because it is the springtime, and when you think of the springtime you think of things being born like the
baby animals and new plants, hence the flower stencils. Plus, the children were very young and at the beginning of their lives. That’s why the theme of the First Wednesday event could be considered as “new beginnings.” It was a great thing that it was held right around the springtime because spring is usually a time for beginning, and who knows, maybe one child went to go paint and it was the realization of their true destiny and they began their career as an artist! There are only two more First Wednesdays before the end of the school year.
4
OPINIONS
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
WesternCourier.com
Coming out of seasonal depression With winter coming to a close, many people are buzzing about the effects of seasonal depression. In my last article about seasonal depression, I gave a few tips on how to cope and get through it, however, we need to expand our discussion about it. Personally, I struggle with my depression worse during the winter months, and I think this issue needs to be addressed in a more widespread manner. With many factors playing into
seasonal depression, the worst I believe is the shorter days and less sunlight. Obviously, other factors have an effect as well, but many issues stem from these. In my experience during winter, I am rarely spending any time outside more than necessary, resulting in less vitamin D from the sunlight. This can lead to lack of motivation, sleeping more often and lack of personal hygiene. I think we need to take into account the comparison of a
person's abilities during different seasons. In my experience, I will often skip class and miss assignments more often during the winter as opposed to spring and fall. While this may be a personal issue, I am sure others have had the same experience. Sometimes, I am aware of it happening, but most often, I do not care enough to go to counseling or take initiative in other ways. Almost as soon as the time changes in spring, I notice how bad I did over winter and have to make up for it. While I agree that these things should be taken care of on a personal level, it needs to be acknowledged on a social level. Schools should notice this happening with students and
take initiative to help out. Some things I could think of that schools could do is have mental health days or a leniency policy. Students that are struggling during winter months and acknowledge their lack of motivation should be able to explain to their professors that they are experiencing this and get some amount of days allowed off. While I am not saying the people struggling shouldn’t go to counseling or do other things to help their issues, other precautions should be put in place for those who feel they cannot do that. I truly hope colleges will start acknowledging the issues that arise in their students lives. Colleges should work to be
more helpful for students with disabilities, as the issues that go with them develop. In the future, as colleges progress, I hope precautions will be put in place for those of us that struggle mentally in college, but still have the drive to continue and get our degrees. Mental health is a serious issue in our society today, and while we have moved mountains in the progress of helping those of us with it, we still have a long way to go. If you are struggling with depression please do not hesitate to get help and end the stigma. Please refer to my last article on coping and getting through seasonal depression, and go to the counseling center on campus.
What can we do to live a positive lifestyle?
We all need advice and help when it comes to maneuvering through life. However, it’s important that the decisions we make for ourselves are in the best interest for our future. Deciding what’s best for our future also includes who we want to be a part of our lives during these important times. We can be what’s considered “people pleasers.” People pleasers do not cause damage to those in their lives. They’re some of the most thoughtful, considerate, compassionate, giving and helpful people that we know. However, they have a tendency to refrain from using the word “no.” It’s true that there is no better contentment in giving than receiving as it is encouraged, but that shouldn’t entail signing away our rights to do things and or make decisions that help to benefit us and not feel guilty for doing so. We must remember that while it’s okay to be there for others, we want to make sure that
some of those very people have our best interest at heart to return the favor. Now I’m not referring to volunteering and or assisting those who we know are not able to return the favor, nor am I suggesting that we do for others in hopes to receive a favor in return either. This is just a reminder that we have our own futures to worry about. Helping others along the way is a good deed indeed, but that same help shouldn’t exclude ourselves. Individually, we are just as important as anyone else and that’s why self-care is so vital and needed. Aside from helping others, ensure that you too also have some form of support to assist your needs as well. Mentally, emotionally and spiritually life drains all of us, if not every day, then majority of our days. That is why we need healthy association, positive vibes and good company surrounding us and hopefully those same people will follow us into the future. I’ve of-
ten been told that the people we meet in college are destined to become a part of our lives for the long-run and while that is true for some people, it doesn’t necessarily apply to all of us. Some of us may have a difficult time acquiring good, wholesome friendships and or associations opposed to others, so support may be limited. Friendships are another genre of relationships, so it’s almost crucial to ensure that they are worth the time and energy, especially if they’re meant to follow us into our future lives. Our time and energy are two things we can never get back once used or wasted. Keeping positive company and support around to assist us, “people pleasers,” and making healthy decisions for ourselves to help benefit our futures is nowhere near a selfish act. In fact, it’s our own act of kindness that we owe to ourselves, considering that we can be our own worst critiques at times. Just remember that just as others are in need of healing powers, we too are in need ourselves. The support from others that we allow into our lives can either help make or break the many day-today decisions that we make along the way.
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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.
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2019 Fall Semester Editorial Board
Edge Editor - Marc Ramirez Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
@WesternCourier
Homework is a means to an end in some cases, but in other cases, it can be an extremely helpful tool that students not only benefit from but also learn from. What factors make homework beneficial? What makes it irrelevant? Using different approaches and perspectives we can get an answer to whether homework should be in existence to begin with. The important thing to remember is that it’s not true for everyone. Like most things, this idea is from the gener-
ally accepted opinions on homework and no study was taken. The first position we are taking is the advocation of homework. There are assumptions being made that the professor requires the students to do the homework for points. This motivation through a point system will force students to not only do the homework, but to also do the homework to their best ability. Sometimes students can be caught up in the busy life of being a student and will just do
the homework until completion. The problem is that completion does not always mean proficiency. This can lead to a lack of understanding in the given topics. If a student does not understand the topics from doing homework, when the test comes around they don't kbnow what is going on. If treated with good intentions and work ethic by the students, the homework can act as multiple preemptive attempts at a future test. Another benefit is the confidence it provides a student because once a student gets into the groove of things, they will feel comfortable in the class and with their grades Speaking of grades, assuming the homework is for points, the student could boost their grades. Since some stu-
OPINIONS 5
dents suffer from exam anxiety, getting more points on homework can help level out their overall grade. With the added benefit that we are in the 21st century, we have an extra option. Online forms of homework are not only more efficient, but usually are more convenient for students. Like most things, this idea is a double-edged sword and the cons are trifling but need to be expressed. When a student needs to do their homework, they should do it since most classes will not give them time in class hence the term “homework.” Some students have extremely tight schedules or responsibilities that do not allow for
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adequate study and homework time. These students will be negatively affected by a point system with the homework, and if they do not have Internet access, they are at a disadvantage. Homework should be required because only so much can be retained in these classes at any given time, especially if the teacher is hard to understand or talks too fast or slow. God forbid the teachers hand writing is not legible which is a sin in of itself. The bottom line is that homework is one of those things you never look forward to, but do it anyway. If you don’t do your homework, your overall grade may suffer.
Contact Allison Young
AN-Young@wiu.edu
6
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
SPORTS
Women's tennis hosts University of Missouri-St. Louis in home opener By Bradley Piros sports editor
TULSA, Okla.—The Western Illinois University women’s tennis team hasn’t had the best stretch recently, currently sitting on a three-game losing streak and a 3-7 season record. The Leathernecks opened their Summit League slate last weekend against Oral Roberts University Friday afternoon and North Dakota University St. Patrick’s Day morning. They lost both matches 5-2 and 7-0, respectively. The two points scored against ORU were both in singles play. One half of the sophomore sisters Mary Bjelica won in two sets 6-3 and 7-5 in the No. 3 spot. Junior Laura Ballesteros also won in two sets 6-3 and 6-0 in the No. 5 spot. Ballesteros teamed up with freshman Megan Tagaloa in the No. 1 doubles spot but lost 6-1. The freshman duo of Anouk Maajong and Mia Melnizki was in the No. 2 spot, but they were shutout 6-0. Rounding out the match were the Bjelica sisters who lost in an unfinished match 4-3. Luckily, the Leathernecks had an opportunity to bounce back against the newest member of The Summit League, NDU, but were shutout on the match 7-0. The highlight of singles action was Maajong taking her match to three sets but los-
ing 11-9 in the tiebreaker. Singles play was rounded out by freshman Camryn Rossa when she was forced to retire after going down 1-0 in the first set. Western lost by default in the No. 6 spot as Ballesteros was out sick. “It was bad timing for us for two of our girls to come down with the flu. Therefore we had to default two singles and a doubles match,” head coach Mirko Bjelica said in an interview with WIU Athletic Communications. “Nevertheless, Anouk (Maajong) and Megan (Tagaloa) were just a few points away from winning their singles matches, and Megan (Tagaloa) and Mary (Bjelica) were up 5-0 when the doubles were called off. It was a tough trip, but we will regroup and press on.” Western will be trying to bounce back in their home opener against the University of Missouri-St. Louis Tritons. UMSL are currently 5-2 on the season and 4-2 on the road. They also come into this match on a three-game win streak. It won’t be easy for the Leathernecks to turn themselves around, but it’s back to Summit League teams after this match and a very talented University of Missouri team. It only gets harder from here on out. The match against UMSL will be at 2 p.m. this afternoon.
Men's golf strives in warm Florida and Georgia temperatures over spring break By Jacob Vanzuiden courier staff
While most students traveled home last week for spring break, the Leatherneck men’s golf team stayed at work. The team departed to warmer pastures on the shores of Jacksonville, Fla. for the Don Benbow Invitational before journeying north for a one-day event at Savannah State. Each match proved to be important, as the Purple and Gold saw the same continual growth they’ve seen since the launch of the spring season. In each of their spring break events, the Leathernecks rolled out two different starting lineups. The purple lineup was comprised of: Parker Govern, Wyatt Spier, Jackson Wetherbee, Kyle Irlbacker and John Duggan III. In turn: Cameron Karney, Joe Burke, Graham Conrad, Nick Ceruzzi and Dennis Reedy rounded out the gold lineup for Western. The Don Benbow Invitational was stacked with strong competition. Competing against the Leathernecks were: Alabama State, Butler University, Northwood University, University of Evansville, Eastern Illinois and Chicago State University in a hard-fought competition. Both teams as a whole maintained sturdy play in the event. Starting with the purple lineup, Spier narrowly led his group with an impressive two-round tally of 149 (+5). Right behind him was the standout senior Wetherbee, who finished with a score of 152 (+8) after a 75-stroke afternoon on day two. The performances of Irlbacker, Duggan III and Karney may not have been flashy, but provided solid numbers to round out the back half of their lineup. Each of the three finished with a 154 (+10). Their combined contributions were good for an 807 total and fifth place in the event out of eight qualifying schools. Things didn’t go as smoothly for the gold group. Their squad struggled to get things going early on, but one bright spot happened to be ever-consistent freshman Parker
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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. 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: Are you looking for an apartment? We are now showing our beautiful 1-3 bedroom apartments for this upcoming school year! Don’t like paying for utilities? Ask about our ALL UTILITIES options, and be sure to check out our website (westerninvest.com) to see our listings! Schedule an appointment with us today at 309-833-5995. 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.
Govern. Govern led all Leathernecks in the event with a magnificent total of 148 (+4) after a team-low 74 on the event’s last day. Interim head coach Lia Biehl Lukkarinen seemed to like what she saw at the invitational, but acknowledged that her team had a rough go-around close to the cup. “We had consistent play and solid ball striking,” said Lukkarinen. “We struggled on the Bermuda greens.” In short notice, Western packed up their gear and headed to the Crosswinds Golf Course in Savannah, Ga. for the Savannah State Spring Fling. For the Leathernecks, this would be their first trip to the venue. Along with Western’s purple and gold lineups, Savannah State, Butler University and Earlham College made up the rest of competition. The purple squad once again fired on all cylinders, tying host Savannah State for first place in the match. Irlbacker was on top of his game, shooting one under par with a 71 and receiving a co-medalist honor. Also placing in the top-five, tying for fourth-place with a total of 73 (+1) was Wetherbee. Govern and Spier both paced the team with 77 (+5) each while Duggan III fell just behind at 80 (+8). Both Burke and Karney gave their best efforts for the gold squad, but once again came up short with another last-place finish. The two ended the one-day event with scores of 76 (+4) and 77 (+5), respectively. Conrad (81), Ceruzzi (83) and Reedy (88) made up the latter-half of their group. When Lukkarinen spoke after the Spring Fling, she was more than pleased by what her team accomplished. “The team finished spring break strong,” said Lukkarinen. “Great round on an unseen course.” With The Purple and Gold beginning to build momentum, the team will aim to keep things up next time out. On March 30, Western will stay in-state when they travel to Peoria, Ill. for the Bradley Intercollegiate.
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Sports 7
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
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Should the Steelers move on from Ben? Welcome to keeping up with the Steelers. On this encounter, we examine who is the drama queen now, who should the blame be put on and what drama will happen next. Antonio Brown is gone, Le’veon Bell is gone and now the only killer B remaining on what used to be the most explosive offense in the NFL is Ben Roethlisberger. The question now is why such a dramatic split, and who will lead Pittsburgh through this mess? A leader is more than someone that plays well on the field. They control the mood, tempo of the team and can influence the entire locker room. The Pittsburgh Steelers captains last year were Markice Pouncey, Roethlisberger, Cam Heyward and Chris Boswell. Pouncey is one of the best centers in the NFL and has long been a large and understanding voice in Pittsburgh. Heyward is the same way. He’s dominant on the field and is also a voice in the locker room that everyone listens to. He even bought the entire team nice snuggly pairs of Ugg’s in 2017 for Christmas. Boswell earned his C on his jersey for his campaign in the 2017 season, winning multiple games and earning an all-pro selection. Roethlisberger’s captain decision is simple. He won two Super Bowls and he is the quarterback. The NFL has been a quarterback league. They are in charge of running the entire offense, making audibles and split-second decisions that can win or lose games. To Roethlisberger’s credit, he has done his job exceptionally well in Pittsburgh. Since 2014, he has been in the top 10 for QBR and led a highly explosive offense. He has won two Super Bowls for Pittsburgh, one of which he was the game’s MVP, and is well respected and admired throughout Pittsburgh and its fan base. Since the last Super Bowl with Roethlisberger, the team has drastically changed. Roethlisberger is now the only remaining player that won a ring with the Steelers. Most players have retired like: James Farrior, Brett Kiesel, Ike Taylor, Hines Ward, Heath Miller, Casey Hampton, LaMar Woodley, Ryan Clark and Troy Polamalu. While
others left for other reasons including James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons and Santonio Holmes. Not to mention a key defensive player missing multiple years on IR due to a life changing injury, Ryan Shazier. What this means is that the team lost its veterans that knew how to win and young talent emerged in the Steelers locker room. Brown and Bell both came in and made some serious noise both on and off the field. On defense, the leaders went from Harrison, Polamalu and Gay, to players like Artie Burns, Heyward, T.J. Watt and Terrelle Edmunds. The dynamic in the locker room began to change. Players in the organization have talked about how the old ways of doing things are beginning to change. Roethlisberger is an isolated man trying to maintain what he believes is a winning mold of behavior. Without the help of his old crew, the new players failed to fall in line. Even with something simple as music. In a report by Jeremy Fowler on ESPN, he talks about Roethlisberger’s rules in the locker room. “There's an unwritten rule in the Steelers locker room that Roethlisberger works to protect -no blaring loud music during core business hour.” Roethlisberger says the Steelers' setup has been this way since he arrived in 2004 and veterans such as Alan Faneca and Keisel kept the speakers off. He ends by saying “’I always tell [teammates], too -- when I retire, you guys can change the rules, do whatever you want," Roethlisberger said. "But I hope that I can pass down some of the same things that were passed down to me. I think that on gameday and even at practice, everyone wants to get prepared differently. How am I supposed to get prepared if this guy is listening to rap and this guy is listening to country and this guy is listening to hard rock? It's hard to focus. So it's just a matter of respecting everyone's area and their process.” Even with Roethlisberger’s rules, the team still blasts music the moment he leaves the building. The traditions are respected but seem to be ending. As the older players leave, the newer ones fail to continue the traditions; instead they
make a new environment opposite of Roethlisberger’s plans. Along with changes in traditions, players have also started changing who they looked up to. Brown started butting heads with Roethlisberger. Brown believed he deserved greater respect and a larger voice in the locker room. After five years continuously ranking as a top three wideout in both receptions and yards, and being the league leader last year in reception TD, he has an amazing resume and respect from the Pittsburg community. But this is a quarterback league, and Roethlisberger knows how to win. This is what led the Rooney family and the head coaching staff to call him the “unquestioned leader” of the team. In fact, general manager Kevin Colbert said in an ESPN report with Jeremy Fowler, "If our players were smart, they'd listen to him because he's been there. He's done it. He can tell them, 'No guys, what you're doing is or is not good enough to do this.'” It became apparent that Brown was not happy with that decision. He chose not to fall in line with Roethlisberger and his leadership style ended his time there with a trade to the Raiders. But these two players aren’t the entire locker room, so what did Roethlisberger do wrong? According to other ex-Steelers, Roethlisberger himself ignored typical Pittsburgh Steelers traditions. Unfortunately, Roethlisberger tries to do most of the monitoring himself, publicly. Roethlisberger has not held his tongue on his thoughts on coaches and players with the media. After an interception in the final seconds playing the New England Patriots two seasons ago, Roethlisberger stated that he wanted to spike the ball to stop the clock while the coaches called for a play. Roethlisberger threw a pick and lost the game. He disagreed with the coach’s decision and stated that to the public. This year in a game where he threw an interception in the end zone intended for Brown against the Broncos, he blamed the loss on Brown, stating he ran the wrong route. He has publicly shamed rookies James Washington and Mason Rudolph as well. Through the media, Roethlisberger critiques his players and they are no consequences for these actions. “When your leader can get cussed out by the coach, then anyone can be,” Ward said while remembering times in which Cowher cussed
out leader Jerome Bettis, which created an environment that everyone had one goal to be a part of, The Super Bowl. Meanwhile, coach Mike Tomlin and Colbert continue to be behind Roethlisberger's and his decisions and actions. This creates an unequal treatment of players. The Steelers organization has chosen to put Roethlisberger above others due to his experience and longstanding success with the team. And the other players had issues with this. Now that Roethlisberger has started using the media to share his opinions on current players, exSteelers players are voicing their issues with him. Former Steeler’s running back Josh Harris stated Roethlisberger fumbled on purpose in a game. On his Twitter account he said “2014 week 17 we were playing the Bengal’s. Todd Haley called a run play with very little time left in the game. Roethlisberger wanted to kneel. He rolled his eyes in the huddle. He then purposely fumbles the ball. I had to recover it. At that moment I knew what kinda person he was.” Whether this is true or not, it’s definitely up for debate, but it shows the crumbling dynamic of the Steelers as more and more current and ex-players are blaming other players in the media. Roethlisberger believes he has earned his leadership role saying, “I think I have earned the right to be able to do that with as long as I have been here, and I’ll just be just as critical of myself [in the media], as well.” The real question is, has he earned that right? Harrison doesn’t think so. “I don’t have a problem with it but I have a problem because you went out and you publicly said it to the media,” Harrison said in an interview. This is another example of a former Steelers player stating that Roethlisberger was wrong to voice his frustrations and concerns with the media instead of keeping it an in-house matter. Roethlisberger believes that his talent and expertise is all it will take to get back to the Super Bowl, or at least that is the message the front office is saying. But what about the defense? In the six times Pittsburgh has won a Super Bowl their worst defensive standing was third. In fact, the only Super Bowl that Mike Tomlin has won for the Steelers had the best defense and 20th best offense per ESPN stats.
Even in the second Super Bowl that Tomlin attended, the defense was his primary weapon. Going into the game, Pittsburgh’s defense rated first overall, the offense was ranked 13. Clearly, Tomlin creates success when he puts a primary concern on defense and defensive personnel. Over the past few years Pittsburgh’s defense has been through turmoil. In 2014, Pittsburgh had the third worst secondary in the league according to ESPN stats and information. Last year they ranked 10th in passing yards allowed. They transferred from Burns at corner and relied upon Cody Sensabaugh and rookie Terrelle Edmunds to help their secondary. Their defense took a large hit two years ago when Shazier injured his back against the Cincinnati Bengals. Their linebacking core has struggled to make up his absence as Bud Dupree struggled on the edge, and John Bostic just doesn’t have the same skills as Shazier. Luckily T.J. Watt added some edge rush ability and some young leadership for the future. In the secondary, Pittsburgh transitioned from Polamalu, Clark and Gay to bring in Burns, Joe Haden and other young talent. Burns has found his way only on special teams. Haden may have talent, but he can’t shut down top receivers by himself. Sensabaugh and Hilton were nice assets last year, but Hilton is mainly in blitz packages, and his size limits his ability to cover larger wideouts and tight ends. Should Roethlisberger be the unquestioned leader in Pittsburgh? He led the NFL in interceptions last year with 17. He led the league in RedZone interceptions and his worst quarter for QBR was the fourth quarter, which is where you want your players to perform their best, not their worst. With players on the team like Heyward, who is so dominant on defense and such a prominent leader for this team, why is he not the unquestioned leader for the front office? Only time will tell if the remaining players will work well with Roethlisberger. None of this should even matter. JuJu Smith Schuster said it best when he compared the Steelers to the drama-filled Kardashian family. Instead of worrying about where the next Lombardi Trophy will be, Pittsburgh struggles getting their team on the same page. Hopefully now the necessary changes have been made and the only problem now will be to get to seven first.
Who will be this year's Cinderella?
By Christopher Bean assistant sports editor
It’s that time a year again where everyone thinks they have the perfect bracket. As you fill out your bracket, you can’t forget about the underdogs. In this article I'll tell you who has a chance to be this year's Loyola-Chicago. Starting in the East, the biggest potential upset is the 14-seed Yale Bulldogs over the 3-seed LSU Tigers. Yale has a record of 22-7 and won the Ivy League. The Tigers have had somewhat of a surprising season coming in with a 26-6 record winning the SEC regular season after beating Kentucky and Tennessee. However, their season took a turn two weeks ago when head coach Will Wade was allegedly accused of bribing a recruit to come to LSU. He has been
suspended indefinitely, and LSU lost their first game without Wade in the SEC tournament to a 15-loss Florida team. Last year, the Arizona Wildcats were in a similar situation and lost to 13-seed Buffalo in the first round. But even more intriguing is that LSU gives up 73.0 PPG and Yale allows 73.2, both teams average over 81 PPG. Yale is led by Ivy League Player of the Year Miye Oni, who averages 17.6 PPG, 6.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists. They are a solid rebounding team, which will need to come into play against LSU’s length. The team to take out in the South Region is the Oregon Ducks. The Ducks won the PAC 12 tournament and have won eight in a row. Head coach Dana Altman, who led the Ducks to the Final Four in 2017, is still their coach. They have a favorable matchup against Wisconsin in the
first round, who has struggled to score all year. If junior sharp shooter Payton Prichard can knock down the deep ball at a consistent rate, he’s the type of player that can carry his team to the second weekend. The team that catches my eye in the Midwest Region is the 13-seed Northeastern Huskies. They play the 4-seed Kansas Jayhawks. The Jayhawks aren’t as strong as last year's Final Four team because they lost center Udoka Azubuike due to a season ending injury, and Lagerald Vick for personal reasons. Because of this, they aren’t as depth and talented. Senior Vasa Pusica, who averages 17.8 PPG on 49.7 percent shooting, leads the Huskies. They are also one of the hottest teams in America, winning 16 of their last 18 games.
My last team to look out for is the 12-seed in the West Region, the Murray State Racers. In my bracket, they are the highest seed advancing to the Elite 8. I think they can be this year’s Loyola because of their point guard Ja Morant. Morant is expected to be a top-three pick this year, who averages 24.6 PPG and 10 assists. I think their first round game against Marquette will be the most entertaining game of the First Round because of their point guard Markus Howard. Howard averages 25 PPG and scored 45 against Buffalo earlier in the season. However, I think Murray State will pull out a close one and claw their way to the Elite 8. However you fill out your bracket, there is an easy way to pick a perfect bracket. I wish you the best of luck, and happy March Madness.
Baseball comes out on losing end of three game series By David Koier courier staff
The Western Illinois Leatherneck baseball team opened up Summit League play this weekend with a three-game series against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State. The Leathernecks came up short in the series, dropping two of the three games to SDSU. Game one on Saturday was a pitcher’s duel in the first four innings, but in the fifth the Jackrabbits finally broke the silence. In the top of the fifth, SDSU left fielder Nick Smith walked and immediately advanced to third after shortstop Gus Steiger doubled off of Leatherneck pitcher Javin Drake to put two runners in scoring position. A sacrifice fly by Braeden Brown brought SDSU on the board first 1-0. A two out single by first baseman Josh Falk scored one more for the Jackrabbits, giving them a 2-0 lead. The Leathernecks had a few baserunners in the bottom of the fifth but couldn’t capitalize, keeping them scoreless through five. SDSU tacked on three more in the top of the seventh, widening their lead to five. Tacking on two more runs in the top of the eighth, it looked like the Jackrabbits were going to shut out the Leathernecks in a dominating fashion. Western wasn’t going down without a fight. The bottom of the ninth saw the Purple and Gold rally back with a sixhit inning highlighted by doubles from Steve McShane and Nolan Ard and a two-run home run by Deion Thompson. The Leathernecks were unfortunately halted
after only scoring six and the Jackrabbits took game one of this Summit League series 7-6. Game two of Saturday’s doubleheader started with a much faster tempo than its first, game counterpart. A two-run shot down the right field line by Falk in the top of the first, gave the Jackrabbits an early 2-0 lead. SDSU tacked on three more in the next two innings as first baseman Drew Beazley hit a solo homer in the top of the second and Steiger hit a two-run shot of his own in the top of the third, bringing their lead to five. A leadoff walk by Alex Dorethy followed by a double by CJ Schaeffer put two in scoring position early in the bottom of the fourth for Western. A single down the line by McShane put the Leathernecks on the board as Dorethy crossed the plate to ruin SDSU’s chances for a shutout. Schaeffer scored on a passed ball that also advanced McShane who had stolen second base a pitch earlier. A groundout by Ard scored McShane, bringing the score within two. The Leathernecks tacked on another run in the bottom of the fifth after a single by Dorethy would score Kevin Raisbeck, who had doubled earlier in the inning. After five full innings the Jackrabbits still lead 5-4. McShane crossed the plate once more to tie the game in the bottom of the sixth after Logan Holtz of SDSU couldn’t play a ball off the bat of Justin Fitzpatrick. A sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth by Luke
CJ Schaeffer in position to catch the pitcher's throw
Ira scored Brown, giving SDSU the lead once more. McShane scored once more in the bottom of the eighth off of a Drue Galassi double, sending the game into the ninth all tied up. Two singles and an intentional walk loaded the bases in the bottom of the ninth for Schaeffer, a player who had two winning hits already this season. With one swing of the bat, Schaeffer cleared the bases and walked off the game for the Leathernecks 10-6, with a four-run grand slam home run. Head coach Ryan Brownlee told GoLeathernecks.com after the game that he was expecting these games to be competitive with SDSU. “In our league, everyone is just about the same and all these games are going to be close. I give our guys credit after bouncing back after the first game. We didn't play poorly, we just didn't play good enough to win.” Brownlee said. The Leathernecks would go on to drop game three on Sunday 7-4. Game three was highlighted by two home runs by Galassi; a three-run shot in the fifth and a solo homer in the seventh. This series loss brings the Purple and Gold’s overall season record to 5-12 and starts off their Summit League play with a 1-2 record in conference. The Leathernecks start their conference this Friday, when the North Dakota State Bison travel to Macomb this weekend. Game one on Friday starts at 3 p.m. at Alfred D. Boyer Stadium. Twitter: thefluffy66
JOSH PURNELL / COURIER STAFF