Western Courier| November 7th, 2018

Opinions: Make the most of your chance to vote.

Sports: The Warriors ruined the NBA.

Sports: Soccer ends season with 5-1 win over Fort Wayne.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018 - Vol. 119 Issue 33

Pritzker wins 2018 Midterm Illinois Governor election Election Results

By Steven Barnum assistant news editor Voters have chosen J.B. Pritzker to be the 43rd Governor of Illinois.

The 53-year-old venture capitalist collected 45 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary in the spring, defeating challengers Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss. With 90 percent of the vote reporting, Pritzker will unseat Gov. Bruce Rauner, who will become the second consecutive governor to exit after one term.

Even with 35 other governor races in the country, Illinois continued to draw headlines.

In the general election, Rauner and Pritzker spent more than $200 million combined for the governorship, making it the most expensive guber-

natorial governor ’s race in political history.

Pritzker ran on legalizing marijuana for recreational use, college affordability and raising the minimum wage.

With a net worth of $3.5 billion, he will become the wealthiest governor in the United States.

Politico projected that Rauner was one of the most vulnerable governors running for re-election in this year ’s midterm elections, referencing polls that indicated Pritzker had a double-digit advantage.

Rauner ’s loss comes in the midst of a financial crisis in Illinois. Pritzker continuously drew attention to lawmakers’ inability to pass a budget for two years, which has voters increasingly frustrated with the gridlock in state politics.

McDonough County Board Results District One

Governor J.B. Pritzker Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton

Illinois 93rd District House of Representative

Norine Hammond

Illinois 18th Congressional District

Darin LaHood

No Photo Listed Larry Aurelio (Republican) Incumbent 637 votes 27% of votes

Lee Calvert (Democrat) Incumbent 479 votes 21% of votes

Wm. Digger Oster (Republican) Incumbent 467 votes 20% of votes

Lifelong Resident of Macomb, IL.

Appointed to seat in 2017

Vice President for Administrative Service at WIU

Owner of Larry A’s - Macomb, Illinois

Member of the Law Director of & Legal Committee Insurance, Risk on McDonough Managment and County Board Compliance at WIU

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White

Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendonza

No Photo Listed Jerry Cremer (Republican) 554 votes 31% of votes WIU Alumi - Class of 1989 - BAgrSc

Has been an active member Western Athletic Club since 1998

Ronald C. Bricker (Republican) 431 votes 24% of votes Resident of Macomb, Illinois Jimmy Pierson/production manager

Jimmy Pierson/production manager

2

NEWS

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

By Chance Darby proofreader

Once again Norine Hammond managed to keep her position as the District Representative of District 93.

“I was one of six individuals to be interviewed to replace Representative Richard

WesternCourier.com

Norine Hammond retains Representative seat

Myers and was ultimately chosen and felt it was a mission that I wanted to continue,” Hammond said in a previous interview.

She has for sure held tight onto that mission as this will be her eighth year in a row winning District Representative.

Hammond is very invested

in continuing the growth of higher education and keeping students in Illinois.

In August, Hammond cosponsored a legislation that would keep Illinois students in Illinois and bring in new students. One of the ways of doing that is with the AIM HIGH grant program, and the other being a four year

Monetary Award Program also known as M.A.P. Both of these provides grants, which do not need to be repaid, for Illinois residents who attend approved public Illinois colleges and demonstrate the information provided on FASFA. In September, Hammond signed on as Co-Sponsor

of House Resolution 766, a resolution that voices opposition to taxing Illinois drivers per mile traveled.

Illinois residents currently pay over 34 cents per gallon in state and federal taxes for gasoline. This House Resolution opposes raising that price by a 1.5 cent per mile tax.

Student Government Association celebrates Election Day

felicia selmon/courier staff

Jacob Livingston (left) talks to the Senate about applying for Western Leader applications and Grant Reed (right) gives report about getting involved during Tuesday's meeting.

By Marc Ramirez news editor

On Tuesday’s Student Government Association meeting, it started off with guest speaker Jacob Livingston. Livingston serves as an Assistant Complex Director of the Corbin-Olson residence hall, who joined Tuesday’s meeting to let the student body know that Western Leader applications are now out and open.

“We have nine positions for student leaders here at Western,” Livingston said.

“Those being Admission Ambassadors, Housing Ambassadors, Desk Assistants, Orientation Leaders, Resident Assistants, University Conduct Board members, Turning Point

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

Peer Mentors, University 100 Peer Mentors and Summer Assistants.”

Livingston went on to explain that the applications opened on Nov. 1 and are hiring the staff for the 2019-2020 academic year. The application will close on Jan. 28, 2019, and interview processes for selection of the positions will take place on Feb. 8. Senators were urged to not only apply, but to share the opportunity with their constituents.

The legislative body then went into cabinet reports starting with President, Grant Reed, who began by thanking Attorney General, Kelly Rodgers, for using her graphic designing skills and creating thank you cards for

students to write to their state Senator Representatives back home or at school during the Election Watch Party, held in the Multicultural Center immediately following the meeting. He then proceeded to survey the crowd and make sure everyone in the room completed their civic duty by voting in Tuesday’s election.

Reed then made it clear once more that the Talent Grant and Tuition Waiver Committee is in need of students. The meetings would be scheduled around the individuals’ availability. If interested it is recommended that they get in contact with Reed.

Speaker Aaron Steele then yielded to Vice President, Madison Lynn, for the remain-

STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu assistant news editor Steven Barnum SS-Barnum@wiu.edu opinions editor Allison Young AN-Young@wiu.edu sports editor Haley Richards H-Richards@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Bradley Piros BJ-Piros@wiu.edu edge editor Jonathan Lynch JJ-Lynch@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu

proofreader Amanda Wandachowicz a-wandachowicz@wiu.edu proofreader Chance Darby ca-darby@wiu.edu photo editor Becca Langys RE-Langys@wiu.edu assistant photo editor Sara Remar SE-Remar@wiu.edu production manager Jimmy Pierson JM-Pierson@wiu.edu business manager Faith Rucker F-Rucker@wiu.edu advertising manager Jacob Day JD-Day@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu

der of the cabinet reports.

Lynn yielded to Rodger’s who had no report. Colton Markey, Director of Academic Affairs, reported that Interim Provost, Kathleen Neumann, will be stepping down from the position on Dec. 31, 2018. Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, Billy Clow, will replace Neumann.

Student to the Board of Trustees, Justin Brown, followed by adding that Board of Trustee member, Cathy Early, also stepped down from her position with the University.

On the business agenda, both SGA Bill of Appropriation 2018/2019.005 and 2018/2019.006 were approved by the Finance and Special Projects Committee

by a vote of 4-0-0. Director of Finance noted a change in the second bill making the total allocated funds under the amount of $100, not requiring it to be passed by the Senate just the committee passing it.

The bill was in regards to allocating money to print new handbooks.

SGA Bill of Appropriation 2018/2019.005 was in regards to allocating funds made from the Superhero Blue Light Fun Run/ Walk to the WIRC-Victims Services. The Senate passed this bill unanimously, giving $590 to WIRC produced from registration fees and donation, none of which CSAF appropriated to SGA.

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@WesternCourier

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

NEWS 3

Feliciaa Selmon/courier Staff

Felicia Selmon/courier staff

Alderman John Vigezzi (left) and Fire Chief J.R. Hyde (right) speak at Monday's city council meeting

By Steven Barnum assistant news editor

The city of Macomb has found a new Community Development Coordinator.

On Monday evening, the city council voted unanimously to appoint John Bannon to the Community Development Coordinator position. The position has been vacant since Ray Heitner departed in September for a city planner job in Iowa City, Iowa. The council is certain that they found the perfect fit for Macomb.

“He’s very well qualified,” Alderman John Vigezzi said.

“I think he will be a great asset to the city.”

Mayor Mike Inman also shared his thoughts on the hiring, which he feels was

an easy choice.

“John has been an excellent addition to the community development office. I’m looking forward to his continued contributions,” Inman said.

The council also approved Fire Chief J.R. Hyde’s request for a new vehicle for the fire department.

Hyde explained that the city of Macomb owns three pumpers, one ladder truck and one rescue truck. The new vehicle, which is a 2016 E-One HS Rescue Pumper demonstrator model, would replace two of the existing vehicles.

It holds more firefighters and will be able to carry rescue equipment. The new vehicle would be used for frontline purposes, meaning it will be the first truck to head to an emergency. Older trucks in the inventory will be pushed

to the backline.

Of many advantages to the new truck, Hyde knows that it would likely cut down on maintenance issues throughout the year. Inman also acknowledged how this could be an opportunity to increase efficiency and improve response times.

Banner Fire Equipment, Inc. out of Madison County, Ill. will supply the vehicle, which will cost $550,000. According to City Administrator, Dean Torreson, a brand new model would cost more than $800,000. Money for the truck will come from the restricted fund used for fire protection services and not from the general fund. Additionally, the city will sell the outdated vehicles to help make up the financial difference.

To purchase the truck, the

council agreed to enter a loan-financing plan with Citizens Bank for $57,190.10.

The plan has a 3.53 percent fixed interest rate, and the city will make annual payments for 12 years. Although Macomb chose Citizens, Inman was appreciative of Mid America National Bank, United Community Bank and First Bankers Trust Company, who were also involved in the bidding process.

Introduced by Public Works Director Scott Coker at last week’s committee of the whole meeting, Macomb has now agreed to enter a mutual aid program.

The Illinois Water/ Wastewater Agency Response Network is a group of Illinois towns who can offer aid to those who are hit with sudden an unexpected expenses.

Towns who come to the rescue will be reimbursed, but those who join the network are not required or committed to help.

The motion to enter the network was moved and seconded, making Macomb the 155th municipality in Illinois to join.

To close out the meeting, the city council decided to approve an application submission for the “Abandoned Residential Property Municipality Relief Program". If approved, the city will be able to use the awarded money to demolish vacant and dilapidated homes. Torreson says that the grant comes with a $75,000 maximum per community. According to City Attorney Kristen Petrie, there is no guarantee that Macomb will get the money since the majority of funding opportunities are given to cities in the Chicago area.

Interested in writing

NEWS? contact Marc Ramirez News Editor

@ ma-ramirez3@wiu.edu

4 OPINIONS

As most of us know on Tuesday voters all over the United States headed to the polls to vote in the midterm elections.

The midterm elections provide United States Citizens the basis for electing our future senators, as well as local government officials. The trouble is, although voter registration may be high, not even half of voters actually show up to the polls for most midterm elections. According to research

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

done by political scientists and an article from Pew Research Center, not even 40 percent of the public that falls within the voting age shows up to vote during the midterm elections.

After reading about this statistic, I spent a lot of time thinking about how this shockingly low statistic can negatively affect our country as a whole as well as our college aged generation.

A video by BBC News stated that many of the voting-aged public reported that they don’t

vote for three reasons. The first is that voter ’s report that they either don’t care, or feel that their votes don’t really matter. An interview in the news video showed a college student who said “I feel like my one vote isn’t going to really make a difference.”

The next reported reason that many people don’t vote is because they feel that the politicians don’t care about the voters. Many politicians have targeted groups that they spend much of their time focusing their campaign to win votes from. When politicians focus their efforts on certain groups, those people are highly likely to hit the voter ’s booth on election day. However, if you don’t fall into one of the tar-

WesternCourier.com

geted groups, you are much less likely to vote. It is also statistically proven that if you don’t live in one of the highly competitive districts, then you are also less likely to vote.

The third reason many people may not vote is because of the barriers many states have to casting ballots and their large amount of election laws. In order to prevent voter fraud, many states have extensive requirements for people to be allowed to vote. This can make the voting process quite difficult.

Some people may also not vote simply because of the struggle of getting to the voting booth or getting there during the designated voting times. I know being a college

student, it can be difficult for many of us to make it back home to our designated voting districts for elections. They have mail-in ballots of course, but it's also easy to forget to register for one of those while you are here at school surrounded by plenty of other stressors and priorities.

Voting may not always be the easiest process, but we can’t lose sight on why it is extremely important. We are blessed to be living in a democracy where we have the right to vote and have a say in who represents us.

I hope that many of us hit the voting booths on Tuesday and help shape an America we are all proud to live in.

Changes keep happening at Western As students at Western Illinois University, we have all heard the rumors about enrollment going down on our campus. I have talked extensively with my close friends about what they think the problem is here.

We’ve all had our input on what should and shouldn’t be changed, and this list covers a wide span of problems. First, classes need to be cut due to lack of funding in Illinois

and at our college. This problem has caused other issues to start. Things like C-store hours getting cut, food options being limited and prices of on-campus items being priced ridiculously higher than off-campus, are just some of the issues we’re dealing with because of the budget cuts. Other issues that are important and pertain to lack of enrollment are as follows: parking problems,

on campus counseling waittimes, lack of entertainment and lack of punishment due to privilege.

While the lack of funding is something that the college itself cannot do much about, but the smaller things mentioned can be changed.

Our university faculty and higher-ups should think carefully about what classes they decide to cut. I don’t know how they come to the conclusion of these things but I am just here throwing out ideas.

In a previous article I have written, I discussed the importance of general education courses and why we should not be forced to take them. I believe those are the courses

that should be cut instead of courses that students are planning on using as tools in their specific field. Our oncampus options for various things become a big part of our everyday lives, meaning there should always be more options all around campus.

Specifically, food options and times. As students, we don’t have the same schedules or preferences. To alleviate any issues with these things, the faculty needs to come up with a solution for more options and more times to access these items.

Other things like parking problems could be solved with more funding. Until that can be fixed, I believe our

Write for Opinions

meter monitors should be a little more lenient with students parking. Another issue I have heard about is the waittimes at the on-campus counseling center. I understand there are not many employees to cover the amount of students that need counseling, but this is important for students that are in need of counseling. I have heard from close friends that the wait time can be up to a month before someone gets in. This is a problem, because so much can happen in someone’s life in one month. Enrollment at Western is going down because Illinois’ lack of funding and the poor response to it by our school.

Contact Allison Young

AN-Young@wiu.edu

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

@WesternCourier

OPINIONS 5

New drug Dsuvia, may cause problems for addicts

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 115 people die each day from an opioid overdose in the U.S. That’s almost 42,000 people a year dying from an opioid overdose.

Many politicians and health professionals have stated there is an opioid crisis in America as people have relatively easy access to opioids and become too easily hooked. While most warnings about overdoses focus on illegal drugs such as meth and heroin, those two combined killed 26,000 Americans in 2017. Those substances are illegal, yet opioids can be obtained with a prescription. Opioids are the most commonly abused prescription drug

due to their addictive qualities which leads to them trying to find ways to get more once their prescription runs out or moving onto other substances such as heroin. Common opioids are morphine and fentanyl which are both very powerful and effective painkillers, but apparently not effective enough.

Last weekend, the FDA approved a new opioid called Dsuvia as a fast acting painkiller to be used in hospitals. The drug is 1,000 times stronger than Morphine and 10 times stronger than Fentanyl. Both drugs that are known for being insanely strong and very potent. Many of the opioid overdose warnings have

been about Fentanyl, as deaths due to Fentanyl use including Mac Miller’s recent passing have become more common. If we have something as strong as Fentanyl already, why do we need something stronger? The drug will only be used in health care settings such as emergency rooms or hospitals according to the release. The concern is that Morphine and Fentanyl also started out the same way. Drugs of this potency are never meant to be released to the public or be administered by anyone except a health professional. The problem is that people get addicted and if there is a will there is a way. People with addiction will do whatever it takes to get that substance, especially when the substance alleviates pain. Dsuvia will obviously be used and advertised as a drug only used in hospitals but sooner or later someone will find a way to move it from that

setting and into the general public. The question becomes how long will that take, and how long until we see the first overdose.

Numerous people have already overdosed on Fentanyl which is a tenth of the strength. We could potentially see overdoses on Dsuvia at even faster rates as users may not realize just how strong the drug is and don’t have medical training to know how much they should take. Introducing this drug with the current state of opioids is just begging for a disaster to happen. You’ll either have users move from Morphine or Fentanyl to Dsuvia or we’ll see patients given Dsuvia in a hospital setting feel like they need it once they leave. A drug as strong as that can’t have negative backlash or side effects.

The amount of pain that can take away is immensive, and some users will not be able to give that up.

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

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2018 Fall Semester Editorial Board

Edge Editor - Jonathan Lynch Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young

CONSUMERREPORTS .ORG

Prescription drugs can often be addictive.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

6 SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Soccer

from back page

Following this season closer, Whalen received one last Summit League accolade. He was named ‘Offensive Player of the Week’ after his performance on Saturday. The League announced this on Monday and would be the last award Whalen would win as a Leatherneck.

This was his fourth Summit League accolade in his career.

In an interview with GoLeathernecks.com, Johnson had some very kind words about Whalen.

“Fantastic performance for Drew in his final game,”

FILE PHOTO

Angel Sturdivant swims in her preferred butterfly event.

Swimming from back page

“This was a different meet for us given that we didn't have the men's events to give us a bit more rest. We were out the gate strong leading by a small margin after the 50 free. UNO is more accustomed to this format, so they were able to finish the meet out stronger than us," Nauman said. "We had some great swims and close races that we were able to pull out to win.

We had some individuals swimming races that we wanted to get some times on going into our midseason resting meet at IUPUI in two weeks. This created a couple of lineup issues

that we needed to do as we look at the bigger picture."

The good news is that the season is far from over, but the bad news is that they are getting ready to go into one of their toughest meets yet, House of Champions hosted by the IUPUI (Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis) Jaguars.

Last year, the women placed 13th out of 14 teams while the men came in at 11th, so they are both looking to do better this time. Some of the teams competing last year were the University of Connecticut (who took first), IUPUI (who hosted), University of Green Bay, Butler University and McKendree

University just to name a few.

This should be a really hardfought meet, just like it was last year. Last time, Hagen earned multiple school records while many of her teammates went for new PR’s. Nauman schedules this meet knowing it will be difficult, doing so to prepare his teams for The Summit League Championships.

They still have a long way between now and Valentine’s Day, when the championships kick off. Until then, they’ll be worrying about House of Champions at IUPUI and they’ll have two weeks to train for it. The meet will begin Nov. 16 and go till Nov. 18.

Twitter: bradjp08

CLASSIFIEDS

WC

For Rent

For Rent

Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu

1 & 2 bedroom apartments, new $250 signing bonus on 10 and 12 month leases. Two blocks from campus. Bus stops nearby. Free water, garbage and parking. Laundry onsite. Clean, well maintained and secure. Call Ted 309-837-5600 or visit markertrental.com.

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Call 309-255-1233.

Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122.

FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!.

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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!

.

Johnson said. “He has dealt with a lot in terms of season-ending injuries and to see him play in our last two games despite the pain was awesome for him, his family and his teammates.

Then to top it off with two goals on our home field to help us win our last game makes it a sweet ending.”

Unfortunately, the Purple and Gold will not compete in any post-season competitions.

Only the top four teams compete in the conference tournament, and the Leathernecks nearly missed the cut, with a fifth place rank in the Summit League.

Twitter: hayfourr

Drew Whalen shoves off a Drake defender.

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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.

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ALSO RENTING TWO APTS FOR SPRING 2016. CALL JASON AT 309-221-3985.

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Looking for 2 roommates to share a 3-bedroom furnished house beginning in August for 2018-19. 10- to 12-month contract. New carpet, air, garage w/ storage, laundry. $300 each per month, plus utilities. Call Sharon at 309-338-3888.

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.

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RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)

For Rent Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished.

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Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site.

No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment.

Westen Investments still has affordable 1-4 Bedroom Apartment/Houses available. Be sure to check out our website (www.westeninvest.com) to see our available listings, and call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to win prize giveaways!

APARTMENT FOR RENT: FOR QUIET PERSON. ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT LOCATED AT 314 West Carroll ST Macomb, Ill 61455. Available end of August 2017-new carpeting yearly lease SMALEST FURNISHED IN MACOMB $345.00/month - HEAT & AC INCLUDED private entrance, off-street parking included call for appointment309-837-4748 or 255-5075 woodburning fireplace, ask for Paul.

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(309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime.

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Sports 7

Wednesday, November 7, 2018

@WesternCourier

How the Warriors ruined the NBA

I’ve loved the NBA for as long as I can remember. I’ve been watching it since I was a kid, but something has drastically changed my attitude towards the NBA this year.

The Golden State Warriors have made me fall out of love with the NBA. I still care about the NBA and I will still follow my favorite players, but I’ve already noticed that I’ve watched the least amount of basketball than I ever have this season.

I was a loyal League Pass customer because I wanted to watch as many games as I could, but this season is so much different that any season in recent memory.

I’ll go back to the first time that I remember when people complained about a super team. It was July 8, 2010, when the best player in the NBA, LeBron James, held a press conference on ESPN to announce his decision on free agency.

When he announced that he was taking his talents to South Beach, NBA fans erupted with rage. He was seen as weak for going to play with two other all-stars in Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh.

The Miami “super team” was anything but. Key players in their rotation were Norris Cole, Mario Chalmers, Joel Anthony and Mike Bibby. Do you know who those players are? Probably not, and I wouldn’t have either if I wasn’t a fan of the team. If you went up to a causal NBA fan and pointed to some ran-

dom tall guy on the street and said that it was any one of those players, I’m 1,000 percent positive they would believe you.

The Warriors on the other hand, have five future hall of famers in their starting lineup. It’s absolutely disgusting.

I wanted to punch myself in the head when Kevin Durant announced that he was joining the already stacked Golden State roster. So when DeMarcus Cousins announced he was joining the Warriors this offseason, I just about threw my phone out the window. Cousins is the best center in the NBA and has absolutely no business joining a team that just swept the greatest player of all time in the finals.

I was in such disbelief that I had to go check Cousins’ Twitter after the announcement. After seeing that his direct messages were open, I sent a few messages to him pleading him to rethink his decision. I sent him a link to the song “Fight the Power”

by Public Enemy to give him some motivation. Shockingly, my attempt to save the NBA fell flat and I never got a reply from the big man.

Golden State are the heavy favorites for the NBA title this season and we have no reason to believe otherwise. On any given night Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Durant or Cousins (when he returns from injury) can put up an easy 50 points on any team in the league.

I am an avid NBA 2k play-

er and I wouldn’t even construct this team if I had the power, because my conscience wouldn’t be able to handle the guilt for the rest of the league.

Yet, the Warriors seem to be having a wonderful time in the Bay. All smiles and fun for them while the fans and other players are curled up in the fetal position praying for some way to take them down.

This is the worst thing that has happened to the league in my lifetime. I remember when I was about 8 years old, I went over to one of my mom’s friend’s house and her kids and I decided that we were grown up enough to watch “Freddy vs. Jason.”

We were wrong. We watched the movie, and when it was time for bed, I was petrified.

As I laid down, every noise felt like it could be Freddy Krueger or Jason Voorhees on their way to come get me.

I eventually fell asleep and I never watched that movie again until this year. I realize now, that it’s not that scary of a movie and it’s actually bad, but still fun. However, it still scares me because I can’t get the memory out of my mind.

In the movie, Voorhees and Krueger end up fighting each other but the Golden State situation is a bit different.

This would be like if Voorhees and Krueger decided to be friends and then contacted Michael Myers, Leatherface and Pinhead to join up in a movie and wreak havoc on humankind. There’s no escaping this nightmare. I don’t know what to do about the Warriors but pray that there is some in-fighting that leads to a trade or one of them leaving in free agency. I need the NBA I love back.

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Steph Curry surveys the defense

Klay Thompson shoots over a Wizards defender.

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Women’s volleyball to wrap up season

Shiah Sanders goes up to spike the ball.

By David Koier courier staff

BECAA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

MACOMB, Ill. — After a final road trip that saw the Western Illinois Leathernecks volleyball team earn their first win since Aug. 24, the Leathernecks are heading back to Macomb this week for their final three game home stand of the season.

This Friday, the Purple and Gold will face off in a conference matchup against the University of Denver. With their win this past weekend, the Leathernecks bettered their record to 2-24 (1-12 conference record) compared to the Pioneers’ Summit League topping 24-1 overall record (13-0 conference record).

This will be a very emotional week for the few seniors on the Leatherneck squad, as they will be playing in their final games as Leathernecks in these last few matchups. The seniors on the team are Shiah Sanders, Jamie Johnson and Melanie Patenaude.

Each of these seniors has had great seasons here at Western and is

preparing for their journeys here to end.

This season has seen Patenaude lead Western offensively with her 202 kills. She also leads the team in kills per set with 2.20.

Patenaude is going to have to be on her A game this Friday as Denver sophomore Tina Boe is a force herself to be reckoned with at the net.

Boe leads the Summit League with her 96 block assists and is fourth with her 100 total blocks.

Offensively Boe isn’t so bad herself. She currently ranks in the top five in the Summit League with her .336 hitting percentage, Boe is a duel threat who will put up a fight for the Leathernecks and Patenaude. It will be a battle at the net to see who gets the upper hand when these two face off.

A defensive leader for the Purple and Gold is junior Mackenzie Steckler. While her 144 kills are impressive, that’s nothing to what she can do on the defensive side of things. Her 1.11 blocks per set sits her comfortably at third on the Summit League leaderboards

in that category. She also leads the team with 94 total blocks making her a defensive force to be reckoned with.

Not only will Steckler have to face off against Boe, also Denver senior outside hitter Becca Latham, boasts a pretty good offensive resume herself. Latham places in the top five in the Summit League in three major offensive categories (kills, kills per set and hitting percentage). Her 293 kills (fifth), 3.18 kills per set (fourth), and .329 hitting percentage (fifth) are going to bring a challenge to the Leatherneck front line).

The Leathernecks first game this week is against the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks on Tuesday. The matchup against the Pioneers takes place at Western Hall this Friday with first serve scheduled at 7 p.m. Following that matchup, the Leathernecks close out the season this Sunday on senior day against the Jackrabbits of South Dakota State University.

First serve on Sunday is scheduled for 1 p.m.

Twitter: thefluffy66

Swimming sinks in home meet

By Bradley Piros

assistant sports editor

FILE PHOTO

A Western swimmer stays afloat during a meet.

MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois University women’s swim team hosted the University of Nebraska-Omaha Mavericks in a dual meet at Brophy Hall. The Leathernecks lost 210.5-101.5.

There were still some highlights for Western, especially from senior Erica Hagen.

She earned two individual wins on the day including the 100-IM (1:00.50) and the 100-fly (59.42).

She wasn’t the only one to reach first though, as two of her teammates did as well in individual events. Freshman Laramie Reed took first in the 100-breast (1:08.98) and junior Casey Roberts won by only half a second in the 100-free (54.61).

The Leathernecks onlydrew out one more win, this time in the 400-medley relay.

The relay included juniors Madison Chao and Miranda Mathus, as well as seniors Marissa Purdum and Hagen.

The team won by .02 with a time of 4:04.04.

Western was also able to grab a few second-place touches. Freshman Alexis Dreyer reached second twice in the 1000-free (11:07.91) and the 200-back (2:14.71).

Rounding out competition was Mathus, collecting second in the 100-back (1:01.02).

“Omaha was a very tough team to compete against,” said head coach Greg Nauman in an interview with GoLeathernecks.com.

“They've always been very strong within The Summit League, and they proved it tonight.”

This was the Mavericks first win of the season, boosting them to 1-3 after Saturday’s loss against the Illinois State University Redbirds.

Western are now 0-2 in dual meets, after doing well in their opening Purple and Gold Alumni meet back in September at Brophy Hall.

Swimming page 6

Leathernecks end season on a high

By Haley Richards sports editor MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois University men’s soccer team ended their season on a high defeating the Purdue UniversityFort Wayne Mastadons 5-1.

This will close the year with an overall record of 4-10-3.

The Leathernecks said goodbye to eight of their seniors. These seniors were: goalkeeper Bruce Corrie, defenders Jamison Kozar, Orsy Gonzales, Angelo Amato, Jacob Bjornsen, midfielder Daniel Kadima and forwards Feli Keti and Drew Whalen.

“I'm really pleased with the team today and it was long overdue,” Director of Soccer, Eric Johnson, said in a quote from GoLeathernecks. “We started off on our front foot with an early goal and never looked back.

Our seniors really led the way today. What a fitting way to end the season on a positive note.”

In this game, Whalen had two goals and Kadima had one goal. Sophomore for-

ward Michael Howell had one goal, and freshman midfielder Jonah Dancer had one as well. The goals started early in the game, when Howell finished the ball off of a cross from sophomore midfielder Paul Kirdorf.

Six minutes later was when Dancer got his goal after shooting a rocket into the bottom left corner of the goal. Whalen saw his first goal of the season in the 37th minute, giving them a 3-0 lead going into halftime.

The goals didn’t stop there, just two minutes into the second half, Whalen got his second goal. A free kick outside of the box gave Whalen the perfect opportunity to find the back of the net once more.

A minute later, the Mastodons got their first and only goal of the game after receiving a penalty kick. The Purple and Gold sealed the win with one last goal from Kadima in the 68th minute.

Soccer page 6

Bruce Corrie watches on from the goal line during practice.

FILE PHOTO