Western Courier| November 1st, 2019

Opinions: How can Beto O'Rourke find his momentum?

Sports: Football searches for first win.

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Friday, November 1, 2019 - Vol. 120 Issue 31

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SGA stresses importance of open sessions

By Marc Ramirez news editor

Markeysha Marshall kicked off Tuesday’s Student Government Association meeting by introducing a guest speaker from the Spin Bikeshare company to propose bringing them to campus.

However, due to technical difficulties, the meeting has been postponed once again to the next meeting.

During the wait, Marshall led into cabinet reports. President Colton Markey started by stating that the Student Government Association Scholarship has been closed with a total of 39 applicants, an all time high anyone who has previously sat in the room has seen.

“Over the next few weeks we will review those to find the best recipient,” Markey said.

Marshall then yielded to Vice President Daria Levchenko who spoke about the Mayor’s Roundtable. She explained that it was a successful first meeting and informative to all in attendance.

“The next Mayor’s Roundtable will be on Thursday Nov. 14, in two weeks, at 6 p.m. at Gelsosomo's Pizza,” Levchenko said. “We’re going to have a member of the Economic Development Team here in Macomb come out and talk to us about new economic development efforts coming to Macomb.”

Levchenko let the room know that she will be sending an email and Google Calendar invites to all those interested; however, she did comment that this meeting, unlike the other, is only open to members of the Student Government Association. Levchenko yielded to the cabinet for reports where no one had anything to say.

Marshall then yielded to Student Member of the Board of Trustees Justin Brown to read his report. Brown said

that at the next Board meeting, they will be discussing what they want to see in the next President of Western Illinois University.

“That is the first step of the presidential search that we approved at the last Board meeting back in October,” Brown said. “We usually provide some guided questions for you to give out to your constituents so that next week when we have this conversation you guys are as prepared as possible.”

Advisor Michelle Janisz then spoke to the importance of attending open sessions for institutional services across the university.

“There are some taking place, or about to take place across campus,” Janisz said. “Specifically two positions in the Multicultural Center. Those two processes have actually started and they go throughout the week. There are open sessions available to the entire campus to hear for those candidates for those positions.”

Janisz encouraged students to check out the Human Resources website to find information listed about when and where each of the institutional services open sessions take place. She also informed the room that it’s important for students to do this to learn more about what’s going on and have a way to voice their opinions or concerns.

She also thanked everyone who was able to make it out and support Make A Difference Day. “I know the mayor showed up at our event and was very appreciative of the community members that assisted and our students who helped in a variety of roles,” Janisz said.

Marshall then spoke to the floor and informed them that if they know they will not be able to make a meeting beforehand, to send her an email as she doesn’t see a reason

to meet if the Senate will not make quorum.

Following committee reports, the Senate revoted on SGA Bill of Appointment .003 to appoint Savannah Osborne to the Council of Student Activities Funds. Marshall announced that she made an error the last time the bill was brought forward. Chief of Staff Rachel Greene spoke on Osborne’s behalf, explaining that she is a finance major looking to get more involved on campus. The bill was passed by committee with a vote of 4-0-0 and passed Senate by a vote of 11-1-4.

SGA Bill of Appointment .005 to appoint Jordan Huff to the Council on Student Activities Funds was next on the agenda. Huff was present to speak on his behalf and explained his involvement on campus and how he would like to serve on the committee to bring different opinions to the table. The bill was passed by committee with a vote of 3-1-0 and passed Senate by a vote of 15-1-0.

The last item on the agenda was SGA Bill of Resolution .002 to support a formal statement of support in recognition of the support and service Jack Thomas provided to Western.

“In light of the overwhelming amount of achievements and dedication to the students of Western Illinois University and the Student Government Association that has been demonstrated by the awards and professional affiliations and activities of Dr. Thomas, that it be authorized that the Student Government Association give a formal statement of support in recognition of the service and dedication demonstrated by Dr. Thomas in his role as the 11th President of Western Illinois University by a vote of 13-3-0,” SGA Bill of Resolution .002 read.

The bill was passed with no discussion.

FILE PHOTO

Markeysha Marshall talks at the SGA meeting.

FILE PHOTO

SGA President Colton Markey speaks at the SGA meeting.

2 NEWS

Friday, November 1, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Marketing Club hosts Sleep Out for the Homeless

By Tea Wheat news editor

The Sleep Out Movement is a national movement in the United States as well as Canada, to stand in solidarity with those who experience homelessness. Did you know that on any given night throughout the year, over half of a million people are experiencing homelessness? According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, this is true, and this number represents “17 out of every 10,000 people in the United States.”

These statistics are shocking and disheartening, but many people forget about others experiencing homelessness

as they continue with their daily lives. This statistic alone tells us that 17 percent of the United States population is homeless on any given night of the year. This includes times of extreme weather, be it heat or cold. Not all areas have heating and cooling centers, and not all those who are homeless have the means to travel to such locations.

Deaths among those that are homeless are beginning to increase yearly.

The Sleep Out Movement is one night, for one goal: to help youth that suffers from homelessness. When participating in a Sleep Out, you will register, fundraise and sleep outside the night of the

event. Participants will sleep outside the night of the event just like half a million people do each night. According to the Sleep Out American website, “4.2 million young people will find themselves without a safe, stable place to sleep.” There are many reasons for homelessness, but one thing is for certain, we all need to work to end homelessness amongst the youth in America.

According to the website for The Sleep Out Movement, “Through Sleep Out, you become an advocate for homeless youth and raise funds.”

The Sleep Out movement allows for anyone to advocate and make a difference for the

homeless youth in America and Canada, it means accepting to sleep outside for one night, so that a child may never have to sleep outside again.

This year, the Western Illinois University Marketing Club and Samaritan Well Inc. will be hosting Macomb’s very first Sleep Out for the Homeless event. The event will take place from 6 p.m. on Nov. 8, and will conclude at 6 a.m. on Nov. 9. The funds raised through this event will go to benefit the Samaritan Well Inc. and the Men’s and Women’s Shelter. These are both local entities that will directly give back to the Macomb community. It costs $25 to participate in the Sleep

Out, and children under 10 years old are free.

There will be a variety of games and activities at the Sleep Out which include a live band, hayrack rides, scavenger hunt, bags, nine square, capture the flag, guest speakers and much more.

There will also be pizza provided at the event, which will be served at midnight.

If you are an advocate for homelessness or are inspired to participate in this event, more information can be found at the “Sleep out for the Homeless” Facebook page. Any questions about the event can be directed to the Western Illinois University Marketing Club.

Oldest known living survivor of Iwo Jima dies

By Devon Greene editor-in-chief

John Moon, the oldest known survivor of the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, died on Tuesday.

Moon was born in Macomb on April 3, 1916 and grew up with five sisters and four brothers. Moon went on to attend Western Illinois University where he graduated in 1939.

Moon cited the attack on Pearl Harbor as the main reason for joining the United States Marine Corps where he served on the 5th Division.

Moon was awarded a Purple Heart for his contributions during the war. Following his service, Moon came back to Macomb and has lived in the community ever since.

Moon not only got national recognition for his contributions to the armed forces but for his patriotism late in life.

He performed the Star Spangled Banner in 2017 when he was 101 years old and the video went viral on ESPN. The Western Illinois University Facebook page posted the performance on Friday morning, memorializing the veteran.

“Mr. Moon was an active member of the WIU and Macomb communities, and we were so fortunate that this incredible gentleman was a member of our #Leatherneck family,” the post said.

Services are pending at Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home.

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John Moon sings the Star Spangled Banner.

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NEWS 3

GWENDOLYN BROOKS CULTURAL CENTER hosts week long awareness events JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

By Araiyah Willis news editor

The Black Student organization, Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center Dance Troupe had a week full of events to promote recruitment for the dance team and spread awareness of their organization to the Western Illinois University community.

The whole week was full of fun activities leading up to Halloween.

“The Gwendolyn Brooks Cultural Center Dance Troupe, is a dynamically diverse student company that was established in the fall of

1979,” PurplePost reads. “The group strives to promote Black Culture through the Art of Dance. The Troupe's repertoire includes, but is not limited to, a vast array of dance styles such as African, Caribbean, ballet, jazz, spiritual, modern, contemporary, hip hop and tap.”

The first event started Sunday at Christian Faith Campus Ministries (CFCM) at 1 p.m.

GBCC Dance Troupe led service and assisted with passing out flyers. The organization did the tithes and offerings as well. They spoke about their organization and their event week to the church.

Monday, the group kicked off their night with a fun and engaging Zumba class in the MultiCultural Center Dance Studio. GBCC Dance Troupe invited students to come out and take the class to have fun and exercise at the same time. The instructor led the group in multiple dances that include some salsa, hip hop and some Latin moves in the mixture. The event was mixed with culture and the girls had an amazing time.

On Tuesday, GBCC Dance Troupe’s “S’mores and Chill” event was held on MultiCultural Center ’s lawn and within the center. The event was

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outside and indoors, people were able to roast marshmallows for their s’more and were able to enjoy hot chocolate and nachos inside. Musical chairs, Twister, Uno and bunch of other fun games were offered at the event.

GBCC Dance Troupe's Boo’d Up Dating show was held on Wednesday. It was set up as a bachelorette and bachelor game consisting of three girls and three boys as contestants and one bachelor and bachelorette. Free food and drinks were provided in addition to a raffle ticket sale. Tickets were sold for a dollar and they raffled off baskets con-

sisting of blankets, candy and other prizes.

“Dance Troupe members have opportunities to serve in leadership positions and choreograph dance routines,” PurplePost reads. “As choreographers, members have the artistic freedom to create dances that embrace the past, present and future as it relates to Black heritage and culture.

New member auditions are usually held at the beginning of the semester during the second week of school. The practice is held in the Multicultural Center on Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4

OPINIONS

Friday, November 1, 2019

WesternCourier.com

Beto O’Rourke for Senator instead of President?

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

A year ago, Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke was drawing huge crowds, getting national media coverage and was right up there with Ted Cruz in their U.S. Senate race.

Even though O’Rourke lost, he had been closer than any other Democrat in Texas in decades. Right after his loss, he was already being encouraged to take his hopes high for a presidential bid, and he did just that. Now a year later,

O’Rourke is in the single digits and barely making any impact with his campaign. What went wrong?

O’Rourke was only admired by a lot of people for his optimism, the amounts of money he was able to acquire from small donors and his appeal to young people to vote in the polls.

But honestly when you really look deep, it’s no surprise that O’Rourke eventually plateaued in his candidacy for president.

His introduction into the campaign by appearing on Vanity Fair and saying, “I’m just born to be in it,'' really rubbed people the wrong way; he made himself seem privileged and entitled to the presidency.

But the most telling sign that O’Rourke’s notability would fade is the fact that he doesn’t have a platform for people to get behind. Elizabeth Warren is known for rallying against Wall Street and the big banks, Andrew Yang is known for his universal basic income, “The Freedom Dividend,” and O’Rourke really has nothing.

In his Senate race in Texas, it was easy for him to prevail because it was only him and not

10 other people going against Ted Cruz, who isn't the most popular politician himself. Unfortunately, O'Rourke has been drowned out by others who have wider name recognition, bold ideas and charisma. One policy that O’Rourke has tried to make the core idea of his campaign is gun control. It affects him personally due to the recent shootings that happened in El Paso, but he hasn’t expressed how different his plan is from the others.

O’Rourke has actually caught the wrath of conservatives for even suggesting that he would confiscate automatic rifles from people who already have them, and yet failed to provide a solid

plan to do so. If anything, he has just gone with the obvious approach of blaming President Trump but not really driving his own message.

O’Rourke was honestly covered nonstop by the media a year ago and probably is the result of national media coverage for his candidacy for president. But so far, he just sounds like a motivational speaker with no substance but flowery words.

Either O’Rourke needs to relaunch his campaign or just run for the U.S. Senate in Texas in 2020, because his chances of being Senator seem more likely to me than actually becoming president.

close and personal with them can turn you off quickly.

After you settle into a relationship, the sparks can start to fizzle out. You see them constantly, know their likes and dislikes and have heard all of their stories. With the right person, this can lead to a comfortable and steady relationship. With the wrong person, though, it can lead to a lot of resentment. In the wise words of Chris Rock, “Why do you stop talking? Because at some point you have heard everything the person has to say and it makes you sick to your stomach.”

Deciding that you want a relationship with someone is great and even greater when they reciprocate, but

being in a relationship is a huge responsibility not only for yourself but for the other person as well. It is teamwork; some people are solo players and only realize that when they come out of the relationship.

Commitment and communication are some of the most important aspects of a relationship. Not all people are ready to be with one person and everyone can work on their communication skills, which is where a lot of the problems lie in relationships.

There can be a boatload of problems that can be solvable if people communicated better with one another, but because of poor communication, the problems can get worse and worse and eventually spiral out of control.

Relationships can be beautiful things, but they are usually better when you know yourself, your values and work on your communication skills.

Some relationships last forever, some are destined to come to an end.

Relationships are not always as fun as people think

Being in a relationship is not all that it is cracked up to be. The grass looks greener on the other side, but that might not be the case. Most relationships end one way or another. Once the honeymoon period ends, and it will end, you will be left with a person that you will look at and think, “How did we get here?’

Relationships usually start off great. The person is attractive, you have so much in common and you can imagine a future together with them. They can do no wrong in your eyes. You are still getting to know each other after making it official, and that is where the problem lies. You can be in lust with someone from afar, but getting up

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Friday, November 1, 2019

OPINIONS 5

Bring back the Halloween fun Cameron Dillefeld Opinions Writer

Halloween was this Thursday, and I hope all Leathernecks had a good one and attended celebrations.

This spooky holiday has been practiced in America since its earliest days in the colonies.

Halloween originated as a Celtic tradition in Britain almost 2,000 years ago. It was a tradition of bonfires and costumes to scare away evil spirits. It really came into its modern form in the 1950s after a crack down on vandalism and a social push to aim the holiday towards children. Halloween has become a nationwide holiday, challenging the same levels of participation as the 4th of July and Christmas.

A recent survey reported that an increase of Americans, especially millennials, buying costumes for their pets. Twenty percent of Americans gave their pets costumes in 2018, up from sixteen percent in 2017.

The goal of my article here is to address the countless crit-

ics of Halloween costumes and accusations of racial insensitivity and cultural appropriation.

A Toronto newspaper warned people to not be surprised to see “triggering” costumes like Native American headdresses, hula skirts and mexican sombreros or ponchos. If anyone is brave enough to wear a hula skirt in the frigid temperatures of a late October night, I say let them. Wearing those costumes are a way to celebrate the many cultures of the world. Now, if a person dressed as one of these groups and began to belittle them with insults, I see this as a completely different scenario.

There is a difference between a costume and racist remarks.

Most of the people wearing these costumes are not trying to put out any sort of message; it’s for fun! This year went as a prison inmate. Does this mean I’m trying to make a political statement on prison reform in the U.S.? Of course not, I chose

it because it was fun to make and compare to other costumes.

St. Patrick’s Day has been a holiday in the U.S. for many years: the day we wear green and many adults ingest unhealthy amounts of alcohol. I have yet to see any Irish citizens take such offense as Halloween critics do.

The same can be said for Cinco de Mayo. Is it a day to listen to Mexican music, go out to Mexican restaurants and drink margaritas till the sun goes down, or is the entire country trying to throw shade and make fun of Mexico and Mexican Americans? The same way these holidays are about celebrating different cultures, Halloween is about celebrating our creativity and collective American culture.

Halloween in the American context has always been about having fun and spending time with our friends and family. It is not a place for politics and outrage. This way of politicizing of holidays always ends in hurt feelings and useless insults.

Don’t be that guy at the Thanksgiving table or at Halloween parties. Let's leave the politics out of it and enjoy ourselves during joyful times like our naCarving pumpkins is a Halloween tradition for many people. tional holidays.

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6

Friday, November 1, 2019

SPORTS

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Men's soccer picks up Volleyball looks for second first draw of the year straight win against North Dakota

By Bradley Piros sports editor INDIANAPOLIS – The Western Illinois University men’s soccer team (4-11-1) took home their first draw of the season on Wednesday against the Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis Jaguars with a score of 2-2. With the draw, Western is undefeated in their last five games.

The teams took turns scoring goals, but the Leathernecks were up on the scoreboard first in the 12th minute. Junior defender Paul Kirdorf was awarded a penalty and he calmly put it away for his second goal of the season.

Western didn’t hold the lead for very long because in the 20th minute, the Jags tied the game at 1-1.

Twenty minutes later, the Leathernecks regained the lead though. In the 41st minute, freshman defender Kyle Owen scored his second goal of the season with an assist from sophomore midfielder Cesar Cosio to regain a 2-1 lead, but the Leathernecks couldn’t hold onto this one either.

In the 82nd minute, IUPUI tied the game at two goals a piece and that’s how it stayed until full time, causing overtime.

Two overtimes still didn’t make the difference as neither side

found the back of the net for the golden goal. Helping Western was senior goalkeeper Tim Trilk who made two crucial saves in overtime to keep his team in it. Trilk made a total of five saves on the night.

Western outshot IUPUI 26-18 and 10-7 shots on goal. Ten different players let a shot along the way to another new in game team-high. Midfielder Enric Ferrer and Daisuke Otsuka led the attack with four shots each while eight other players had two or more on the night.

The Leathernecks have two regular season games remaining and The Summit League Championship could come down to the final game of the season against Oral Roberts. If Oral Roberts were to lose to Omaha on Saturday, then the winner of Western vs. ORU will win the conference. If ORU beat Omaha, they will outright win the division regardless of what Western does because of their overall better regular season record.

The Leathernecks don’t have to worry about that game just yet, because on Monday Western will make their final home appearance against the Bradley University Braves. It will be Western’s last non-conference matchup and it kicks off on Monday at 2 p.m. on John Mackenzie Alumni Field.

Twitter: @bradjp08

Paul Kirdorf settles the ball with his chest.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

By David Koier courier staff The Leathernecks volleyball team suits up to face off against the Fighting Hawks of North Dakota at Western Hall this Friday.

This past weekend the Leathernecks were successful in sweeping the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. With the win the Leathernecks moved to 6-17 overall record (triple the wins the team had last season) with a 3-7 conference record. The Purple and Gold sit in sixth place in the Summit League standings, one win and one place above the 2-8 (10-14 overall) Fighting Hawks.

Friday’s matchup marks the second time this season that the two teams have met this season. Back on Oct. 4, North Dakota was able to edge out the Leathernecks with a 3-1 victory. JoJo Kruize and Mariah Mitchell led the offensive front for Western as Kruize put up 19 kills on the day with Mitchell following her up with 14 kills of her own.

Ashley Brueggeman of North Dakota was able to pierce the Purple and Gold’s defense with 19 kills of her own.

Arguably the strongest aspect of the Leathernecks game is their defense. This season, the Purple and Gold have only been out-blocked by their opponents five times.

Western sits fourth in the Summit League in total blocks with 178.5. With her seven blocks on Sunday, Mackenzie Steckler rose to the top spot in terms of blocking in the Summit.

She leads the conference in solo blocks (18), assisted blocks (99), total blocks (117) and blocks per set (1.44). Her season high blocks came against the Mississippi State Bulldogs earlier this season when she recorded 12 blocks in the match, which happened to be more than the Bulldogs’ total of nine.

Steckler has also made a name for herself on the national scale with her blocking performance placing her 16th in blocks per set and ninth in total blocks. The last time the Leathernecks faced the Fighting Hawks, they had Steckler ’s number. North Dakota, who has the third lowest kills in The Summit League, were only blocked by Western twice in their previous matchup holding Steckler to no blocks in four sets.

North Dakota’s offense this season is led by Brueggeman who leads the team with 278 kills.

Helping Brueggeman out is Peyton Sewell who sits fifth in The Summit League with 438 assists on the year.

Western and North Dakota face off this Friday from Western Hall in Macomb at 7 p.m.

Twitter: @DavidKoier

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Mackenzie Steckler tries to block a return.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Mariah Mitchell goes up to spike the ball.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

JoJo Kruize helps her team return the ball.

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Sports 7

Baker Mayfield looks to quite the criticism Sebastian gamboa courier staff

All throughout the world of sports, new players are faced with inescapable scrutiny and a public opinion that is hesitant to shift from negative to positive. While criticism in sports is a part of the culture and should probably remain, it is also imperative that fanbases do not prematurely jump to conclusions.

For this piece, the focus will be on the NFL where every year the lowest performing teams get first pickings of college stars in the NFL Draft. That means that every year, superstar players from the college arena are put under even bigger lights and stronger microscopes with high hopes to revive often-struggling franchises.

One of the most prominent current examples of this problem is Cleveland Browns QB, Baker Mayfield. Mayfield is a second year HeismanWinning QB out of Oklahoma who was picked No. 1 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.

That season, he would rank 17th in the league in passing yards and 22nd in quarterback rating. He completed about 64 percent of his passes and had a TD/INT Ratio of

27/14. With those 27 touchdowns, he broke the rookie passing touchdown record previously held by Russell Wilson and Peyton Manning (26). He led the Browns to a 7-8-1 record where they were in a position to earn a playoff spot. They ultimately missed that opportunity, which even then was impressive because it was the only year before the Browns had gone winless at 0-16.

Halfway through the season with the bye week behind them, the Browns are 2-5 and struggling. Mayfield has completed around 59 percent of his passes for 1,147 yards with a 4 to 8 TD/INT ratio.

Browns’ fans and critics all around the league are crying out for change and assigning blame. Common criticisms include Mayfield being “immature,” “childish,” “a one-read QB” and “overrated as h***” (last one courtesy of former NFL coach Rex Ryan). These criticisms as a whole epitomize the problem at hand. Sports communities are too fast to judge new players.

This year, Mayfield has more new team troubles.

The Browns have new players including former Giants'

star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and it is the first full season for head coach Freddie Kitchens. Under a new coaching regime with new players with which he has not even had a full season to build chemistry with, Mayfield cannot yet be treated as if he is a veteran quarterback with a pattern of poor performance.

With a new team and coaching staff, it is important to let the offense gel, which takes time. Eventually, Mayfield will develop good chemistry with his teammates and settle into the offense. The Browns are full of talent that has been proven on some level, so counting them out the first season that things look like they are settling down is very premature.

What applies here also applies around the league and across sports. East of Cleveland in New York, the New York Jets selected USC quarterback Sam Darnold in the same year as Mayfield.

While not completely winless like the Browns were, the record of the 2017 Jets was still abysmal. They finished 5-11 in last place within the AFC East. Bringing in one player doesn’t automatically mend all of the issues that the team had to perform so poorly, and it is unfair to expect things will be dramatically different. Similar to the Browns, this year is the first under a new head coach and

also a new offense completely. That means that Darnold, like Mayfield, needs time to settle in and develop.

A criticism of this grievance is that “It’s part of the job to be judged and it doesn’t actually affect the players or staff.” However, this is untrue. For one, of course criticism is part of the job.

The issue, however, is that such criticism and judgement is handed down overhastily. Fan bases that truly support their teams should do so. Have faith and lend encouragement. The second part of the rebuttal is that opinions of the fan-base have no repercussions of the players, coaches or organizations.

This is just plain wrong and an example that is proving to be played out in the 2019 season.

After their defeat in the 20162017 NFC Championship game against the Atlanta Falcons, the 2017 Green Bay Packers had high expectations to return to the postseason. Instead, after a 4-1 start, future Hall of Fame quarterback Aaron Rodgers was injured with a broken collarbone. The Packers were only able to scrape by three more wins for the rest of the season, finishing 7-9. The next season with Rodgers back, it seemed as if Green Bay was bound for the playoffs once again. Instead, they got off to a 4-7-1 start and after their loss to the

Arizona Cardinals in the 13th week of the regular season head coach Mike McCarthy was fired.

This made huge waves across the NFL. McCarthy finished his career as a head coach with a 125-77-2 record in the regular season and a 10-8 (winning) post-season record. This stellar record was complemented with a Super Bowl XLV victory. For a coach to be fired before the season was even over with such a strong history with the team he coached for was partially a result of public outcry. After such a strong history of winning and back to back future Hall of Fame quarterbacks in Rodgers and his predecessor Brett Favre, Packers fans held their team to a higher standards and missing the playoffs two years in a row was unacceptable. Fans got their way at the expense of the embarrassment of a franchise coach who earned success for his team.

This shows that public outcry and judgement are not just noise. When we as the consumer jump too quickly to judgment or criticize, we may be hit back with negative consequences worse than if we were to just sit back and give players (and coaches) time to develop and grow.

Who knows? One day Mayfield could “wake up feeling dangerous” every day.

he needs to produce. Wilson is one of those guys who can throw his body around and that is a massive part of his game. Unlike Reaves, Wilson can put in 20 goals and hit.

Following in the mold of power forwards like Wayne Simmonds are David Backes and players who had scoring touch but were extremely physical. When he’s able to play a full season, Wilson is routinely in the top five of hits. The reason he has not been able to play a full season at times is not because of injury, but because he has been suspended for dirty hits.

All over the league, there are guys that are amazing at getting players off their game. Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins could make the Hall of Fame just based on his ability to irritate. What makes Wilson different is, unlike a majority of players who are just meant to be irritating, Wilson seems to be out to hurt people. Injuries happen and predatory hits happen every season. Nazem Kadri was suspended in the playoffs last year because of a dirty predatory hit. Brent

Seabrook laid a dirty hit years ago on Backes, but by no means is Seabrook a dirty player (nowadays he is barely even a player). Kadri can be a dirty player, but the focus remains on Wilson. Wilson is in rarefied air for NHL players. He has been suspended four times in his career and missed 105 games due to those suspensions. Roughly 20 percent of Wilson’s career penalties have been majors (five minutes), he also has 11 misconducts and one match penalty. His last suspension was 20 games for a dirty hit to the head of Blues forward Oskar Sundqvist. Very few players have ever had a suspension of that length. The only way to get a suspension number that high is to be a repeat offender.

What makes Wilson dangerous now is he knows his next suspension will be on the 40 game variety, because that’s how the NHL does things.

The NHL does not have the guts to suspend him for that long. So he roams around freely. In his last game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Wilson knocked out

two players with hits. Both hits could have been considered charging penalties as they were way after the puck was let go of. Adding to that, though, is he appears to have raised his knee and extend the damage on both Tyson Barrie and Jake Muzzin. If a normal NHL player lays that hit, it is easily a one or two game suspension but with Wilson it will be nothing because the NHL isn’t going to suspend him until he does something worth a 40 game suspension. I could go on another rant about how awful George Perros is at running the Player Safety division, but Wilson is a special special case of incompetence shown by that department.

Wilson is a good player and a key piece on a very talented team that has a chance to win a second cup in three years.

He is also the most hated player in the league right behind Marchand and draws much of the ire of opposing teams fans. He deserves it, though with all the dirty hits he lays and injuries opposing players have suffered.

The curious case of Tom Wilson Zach Remelius courier staff

Hockey is a physical game played extremely fast by talented players. Although hitting has gone down in recent years, there is still a place for it.

The St. Louis Blues and Washington Capitals won the Cup by being physical, getting in on the forecheck and playing strong team defense.

The NHL is going fast with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadians and Tampa Bay Lightning put a heavy emphasis on speed and skill over just simply bruisers and brawlers. How many enforcers are there really left in the NHL? Ryan Reaves, Michael Haley and Mark Borowieci are the only ones that get regular playing time off the top of the head.

Guys with little skill who are on the ice simply to throw their bodies around and fight if need be. Fights aren’t a

common occurence anymore, as six led the league last year, which brings us to Capitals forward Tom Wilson.

Wilson is an extremely talented player who has broken out the last couple of seasons. In the 2017-18 season, Wilson scored 35 points in 78 games while also totaling 15 points in 21 games in the Capitals march to the Stanley Cup. In the 2018-19 season, Wilson saw his playing time with Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Ovechkin go way up and scored 40 points in just 62 games which, over a full season, would bring him around 50 points which is very respectable. No one can deny the obvious talent that Wilson brings to the table and he isn’t just a plug in the Capitals top six. The cap hit for Wilson sits at a touch over five million, so with the low salary cap of the NHL,

Football hosts second-to-last home game against South Dakota Coyotes

By Brendan Reidy courier staff

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Clint Ratkovich carries the ball in warmups.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Connor Sampson watches his pass fly by.

The Western Illinois Leathernecks (0-8) take on the South Dakota Coyotes this Saturday. The Leathernecks have gone 10 games without a victory, dating all the way back to last season. The streak started against South Dakota a season ago on Nov. 3, and this Saturday will mark 364 days without a Leatherneck victory.

The game this weekend will be very interesting regardless of the weather conditions, which could make the game even more interesting if the snowy conditions continue. Not only will the weather be something to watch on Saturday, but the head coaching matchup will be must-see TV as well. Bob Nielson, former Western head coach and now South Dakota’s lead man, will return to Hanson field for the second time during his tenure at USD. During his time with the Coyotes, he has had the Leathernecks’ number. He is 2-1 against Western Illinois and will look to add another victory over his former team. On the other end of the head coaching battle, is head coach Jared Elliott. He has struggled to find a groove this season after a fairly successful first season taking the reins. He is 0-8 on the season and in desperate need of a victory over their Missouri Valley Conference rivals.

Western Illinois is going to need their offense to step up after a very slow start to the season. The Leathernecks have opted to go with a high tempo offense over the last few weeks, and it has brought the offense to life. They should stick to that style of play to keep South Dakota on their toes. They also should stick with young running backs Jordan Schippers and DeShon Gavin who have shown some flashes in their small sample sizes. As for the passing attack, Connor Sampson has shown improvement in the pocket from week to week, but he needs to be better at distributing the ball to different receivers. He has predominantly been zoned in on George Wahee, their number one receiver, but I would like to see more action with their speedster Tony Tate, who has been quiet the last few weeks.

South Dakota has had an up and down season, but they will be tested with their conditioning this week against Western Illinois and their high paced offense. The game plan for the Coyotes should be simple, and that is to play at their pace of play and keep the Leatherneck defense on the field.

With the snow, the losing streak that could potentially end and Western’s former coach returning, it should be a good one at Hanson Field come Saturday afternoon.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. on Hanson Field and live on ESPN+.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Kevin Johnson eyes up a pass.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Tony Tate runs a route during a game.

The future is bright for Leatherneck Marquis Smith

By Michael Harms courier staff Western’s football team may not be winning on the field, but that does not mean the locker room is absent of talent and amazing student athletes. Enter Marquis Smith. He came to Western from Cincinnati University and was looking to make a huge impact.

Not only has he become Western’s top corner, but his demeanor and drive are something that all Leathernecks should aspire to have.

Smith starts every game day the same. He looks at his jersey, thinks, prays, says amen and gets dressed. The large number two staring directly at him is a reminder for him never to forget where he came from.

“Got to give it up to God before anything. Good, bad and the ugly,” Smith said. In 2004, Smith buried his Uncle, Marvin Lewis, who also wore the same number. “He was one of the best in his days,” Smith said. “Everyone sees that and just expectations are known.” Smith has lived up to that reputation becoming the second highest ranked CB out of Michigan before graduating high school.

“There’s always ways I can be better, at the end of the day I was number two and I wanted to be number one,” Smith said. “I was always focused on staying humble, positive and always working hard to be the number one competitor.”

It’s clear from Smith’s play on the field that he has a huge motor and only one gear: all out. People struggle to bring that type of work and energy to the field every single play, but Smith pulls strength from every facet of his life.

“I have a son, that’s my motivation… I have other people depending on me,” Smith said when talking

about where he gets his drive.

Western. He has one interception and leads the “[My son] added some extra fuel to the fire. My team with nine pass breakups. He is consistently goal is to make it to the NFL and now that he’s here the best player in the secondary for Western, and Smith will have it no other way.

“It’s just consistency. Knowing who I am, knowing what I can do and what I am capable of doing. Always try and be the best, always be hard on yourself, whether it’s a good break or a bad break,” Smith said, who also credited coach Brandon Blackman for continuing this mindset.

“I got enhanced into that when Blackman is telling me it’s not good enough. Even if it is good enough, it’s not good enough.”

Despite the high expectations and the need for constant improvement, Smith shrugs the load off like it was a mosquito trying to bite.

“Pressure is when you don’t know what you are doing and I have been doing this a long time, and it’s what I love so it’s no pressure. Even if there was pressure, I’m comfortable with it,” Smith said.

Not only does he manage his expectations well, he sets his expectations for himself high too.

“I’m a playmaker. I am capable of making plays. If the ball is in the air, I want to pick it off, it I can’t it’s going to be a P.B.U. Come to my side, it’s a tackle.

I’m an aggressive physical corner,” Smith said.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR Marquis Smith lines up on defense.

Now with Western still looking for just one win this year, it’s tough to stay motivated.

I have to do everything extremely harder, Smith “I’m a positive bug,” Smith said.

“I am said. “So, when I’m bench pressing and on that last always trying to stay positive; the past is rep that and I feel that I can’t get it up my spot- gone you cannot dwell on it. So, I am going ter will say ‘this one’s for Major ’ and every time I to change the future and try and come out hear my son’s name, Major, I’ve got to get this one on Saturday with a win.” done for him. When he was born, nothing except Marquis loves his teammates, his family and footgreatness is acceptable.” ball. Western is glad he chose to play here and the Smith has shown brightness in a dark time for future can only get brighter for this young man.