Opinions: Leave Crocs in middle school, they
Sports: Fighting Leathernecks look to take on Rams Thursday.
WesternCourier.com
Friday, September 6, 2019 - Vol. 120 Issue 8
@WesternCourier
Getting to know acting President Abraham
By Marc Ramirez news editor Thursday afternoon, Western Illinois University’s Acting President Martin Abraham visited the Western Courier office to meet with editors and answer questions and get to know the student production staff. Abraham attended Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he received his Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering in 1982 and the University of Delaware where we earned his Ph. D. in Chemical Engineering. Before being hired at Western, he has worked at Youngstown State University where he was a Founding Dean for the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics; Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost and Academic Vice President; and Professor of Civil/Environmental and Chemical Engineering with tenure. He was employed at Youngstown for 12 years between 2007 and 2019. He also worked for the University of Toledo as a Professor of Chemical and Environmental Engineering with tenure, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies and the College of Engineering and Dean of the Graduate School. He served at the Un iversity of Toledo for eight years from 1996-2004. Abraham kicked off his career in education at the University of Tulsa as an Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering in 1987 and became an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering with tenure in 1992. He left Tulsa for Toledo in 1996 after nine years at the institution. At the beginning of this academic year, Abraham was hired at Western as a Professor of Engineering and Provost and Academic Vice President through the Provost Search Committee, which took place in the spring semester of 2019. However, with the resignation of past President Jack Thomas, Abraham was selected Acting President by the Board of Trustees. When asked why he chose to pur-
UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Acting President Martin Abraham meets with the Western Courier team to answer questions, comments and concerns the student media may have.
sue a career at Western he responded that his background at past institutions that were Regional Comprehensive Universities. “I saw a university that was similar to the universities that I had experience at and at least when I first looked at the position, one of the things that I thought I knew about Western was a history of excellence,” Abraham said. “As I researched it, that history clearly came out, it has been a well thought of institution for a long time and it still is in terms of ranking and in terms of reputation.” He explains that one of the attractions of moving to Western was the chance to move up in terms of equality of the students that he’d be working with and the opportunity to look and new issues and challenges
and continue to be at a regional comprehensive university. “It created a level of excitement for me,” he added. After looking at some of the challenges the institution was facing, he found that they were challenges that he had potential answers and solutions for. When asked if becoming the President of Western was something he was comfortable doing and ready for, Abraham answered that it entirely a decision up to the Board of Trustees. “I’ve enjoyed what I’ve been doing for the last two months,” he said. “I’ve enjoyed getting to meet the students, being able to participate with faculty and staff, being out and engaged and representing the university within the community. I would be happy to listen if
the board were to come forward and offer me the opportunity.” When asked what he can bring to the table to help overcome challenges that we still face as students and an institution, he said that he would start by bringing the things he’s learned from previous institutions like Youngstown State and try to implement and examine those factors here at Western. “That background and that experience, fixing an enrollment problems something I bring to the table,” he said. “Doesn’t mean we can do what we did in Youngstown. But I have experience looking at some of these problems, and I can look at the challenges we have here and take some of the solutions that worked there and try and see if they can work here.”
In addition to this Acting President Abraham has had experience working with retention issues at his past institution. An issue that he was able to help improve by increasing the retention rate from 69 percent to 74 percent over his time in that leadership role. He also added that in order for us as students to flourish we should be open, communicate, voice concerns and voice appraisals. “Those are really the critical pieces,” he added. “You really need to be present and vocal so that we know when we are succeeding and so that we know when we are failing. If we know those two things, we can continue to do more of the things that are creating success and correct in places where we’re failing, and that will make us better.”
2
NEWS
Friday, September 6, 2019
WesternCourier.com
n r u t e l b u o d y l r a e IHC n g n i t e e m t s r i f t out a By Nathan Clark courier staff
Last Wednesday, approximately 25 students filtered into the Lincoln Room of the University Union for the first Inter-Hall Council meeting of the academic year. “Inter-Hall Council is comprised of representatives from every community on campus at Western Illinois University,” the IHC page on wiu.edu reads. “IHC is a student organization serving as the governing body and large scale programming source for students living in the residence halls. IHC's goal is to represent the views and concerns of all students living in the halls, as well as provide event development for students. All students living on campus are welcome to get involved with IHC.” The organization is popular across many college campuses, but in recent years has experienced much decline at Western. Just last year alone, there were only 14 members from Western's campus who actively involved in the organization. IHC's important and students should attend or get involved because they have the opportunity to make changes in regards to residence hall and dining services on campus. Last year, IHC was able to pass wording that would make it possible for the student's swipe cards to go from $1875 to $1900. Students are also encouraged to get involved because they get the opportunity to put on
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cool events like the Taste of Macomb, Silent Disco, Mom's Day Bowling and many other events on campus. But this year seems different, there was an enthusiastic vibe in the air. People were excited to show up and seemed like they wanted to actively get involved. The meeting started off with organization President, Megan Rasmussen, explaining what IHC's purpose is followed by a brief description of the Executive Board. After the Executive Board introduced themselves, each of the hall representatives introduced themselves too. When this was over, everyone did an icebreaker to get to know each other better where each person was given a playing card and had to find someone with a pair, same suit or same color to what your card was. When finding your pair, you had to ask questions such as where the person is from, what their favorite show on Netflix is and what they are hoping to get involved in on campus. After the meeting, everyone started filtering out in groups and it was apparent there was a lot of enthusiasm about IHC. “I was very happy with the turn out, it is the highest I have seen since I have been on campus and they seem like they are generally interested,” Rasmussen said about the meeting. If interested in IHC contact Andrew Haugen at AJ-Haugen@wiu.ed for more information on how to join.
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Friday, September 6, 2019
@WesternCourier
By Jelene Evan courier staff
Women in Business kickoff first interest meeting
On Sept. 4, the women of Western Illinois University came together and discussed what it is like for women in the business world, all while enjoying pizza. The meeting held in Stipes Hall Room 226 kicked off at 5 p.m. and concluded right after 6 p.m. Women in Business, also known as WIB, is an undergraduate organization dedicated to providing young women with a strong alumni network and an array of professional, academic and career development activities. At the start of the meeting, everyone in attendance introduced themselves by name, grade level and their choice of business in which they are studying. Here at Western, there are a large amount of students who are studying business, including but not limited to business analytics, economics, finance, human resource management, management and marketing. Although many have chosen already, the women of the Leatherneck
NEWS 3 Nation have joined together to talk about Women in Business. The female population of business studies is increasingly higher than males. Women in business are increasing highly because of the amount of opportunities that are growing throughout the world every day. With the growing economy, there’s new technology and inventions coming out every day and it’s because of women creating brands for themselves. This organization gives women who are studying business the opportunity to create a brand for themselves and be able to brand themselves. In the spring semester, the women in business organization will be taking place. The meeting was an informational meeting about joining the organization and learning more about it, to create more standards for women in business. If any females are interested in being apart of the organization, they can contact Michelle Howe by email at mc-howe@ wiu.edu, or by phone number at (309) 298-1535.
Notice of Examination Macomb Police Department The Board of Fire & Police Commissioners of the City of Macomb, Illinois hereby gives notice that examinations will be offered to all eligible applicants to create an Eligibility List for hiring for positions within the Macomb Police Department. At time of application, applicants must be at least 21 years of age and no more than 35 years of age. Military veterans may extend the age limit one year for every year of active duty, not to exceed ten years. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent; must have completed 60 semester or 90 quarter hours from an accredited academic institution; must possess a valid driver’s license. To move forward in the hiring process, applicants must pass physical and written exams, medical and psychological evaluation and background investigation; must have visual acuity 20/20 each eye corrected (minimum) with normal color vision and depth perception; must have good habits and be of moral character. Proof of U.S. Citizenship and if hired, McDonough County residence required.
STARTING SALARY as of 05/01/2019, $48,020.34 per year. Forty-hour work week with time and a half for all overtime. Application packets may be obtained at the Mayor’s Office, City Hall, 232 E. Jackson St., Macomb, Illinois 61455, Phone (309)-833-2558, or on-line at https://cityofmacomb.com/employment-listings/ All applications and attachments must be completed, signed and on file by 5:00 p.m., Monday, October 7, 2019. If submitting the application packet in the mail, it must be postmarked on or before the application deadline date AND received at the Mayor’s Office with five (5) calendar days of the deadline. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Testing date is October 26, 2019. Applicants should report to Brophy Hall on Western Illinois University campus at 7:30 a.m. The City reserves the right to require reimbursement of training expenses on a pro-rata basis if an officer resigns within the first two years of employment. The City of Macomb is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer Minorities and women are encouraged to apply
4
OPINIONS
Friday, September 6, 2019
WesternCourier.com
JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER
Is it a slipper? A sandal? A clog? Regardless of what shoe category a Croc falls into, it is ugly and deserves zero respect in the fashion world. Those who wear crocs claim that they are comfortable and durable. You know what else is comfortable? Being naked, but people wear clothes in public because be-
ing naked would be weird. It is the same principle with the shoes; just because they are comfortable that does not mean they are acceptable in public. The fact that some people claim they are durable is frankly absurd. It is literally a backless rubber shoe with holes all throughout it. Not only is the shoe absolutely hideous, wearing
the shoe can actually compromise your health. According to Dr. Megan Leahy, a Chicago-based podiatrist with the Illinois Bone and Joint Institute, “These shoes do not adequately secure the heel. When the heel is unstable, toes tend to grip which can lead to tendinitis, worsening of toe deformities, nail problems, corns and calluses. The same thing can happen with flip-flops or any backless shoes as the heel is not secured.” The fact that the shoe is backless is not the only issue; According to Dr. Alex Kor, president of the American
Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, “The most important part of any shoe is the shank — a supportive structure that rests between the heel and toe, and runs under the arch of the foot,” Dr. Kor said. “Patients are more likely to have foot pain if their shoes bend in the shank.” Crocs are quite literally the “poster child” for this type of footwear. Dr. Kor further elaborated, saying that he sees “patients who come into [his] office complaining of arch or heel pain and they are wearing Crocs.” So now that we have established that not only are they hor-
rid, but they can contribute to foot problems. The fact is that Crocs are a potentially dangerous shoe to wear, and everyone should stop wearing them. Really think about the last time you saw someone wearing Crocs and thought “Wow those are so cute!” or, “Look at how those Crocs complete that outfit!” You are probably having a tough time because no one complements Crocs. Crocs have been around since 2002 and I think it’s time to shut down this disgusting trend, because they have been around for 18 years too long.
Why should everyone be at
the first home football game? Being a student at Western for the last two years, I have noticed that there are not very many people who tailgate before football games, even if there are tailgaters they typically do not end up in the stands at the football game. It has become a thing that is seen as a big party instead of it being an opportunity to
support your university. This is something I would love to see change in the future. As a cheerleader, I am very aware of how many people show up to tailgate and to the games. In the past, the biggest tailgate I have ever seen is homecoming 2017. This was my freshman year and the whole front half of Q lot was
full of people that was amazing, but a majority of these people were alums or parents of athletes, and it is time for students at Western to start participating and joining in on the activities that make more memories for everyone. I always hear people complaining about how much they want to be a part of a big school atmosphere and this is one of the ways to change that. If everyone would go to tailgate, be safe and head into the game, it would make for a memorable day for not only the people you
do these things with but also for the football players on the field. It would make for a phenomenal atmosphere for everyone. As most people know, Western has a reputation of being a big party school and that is the only reason why people choose to tailgate. It’s an excuse to drink and party with your friends at an early hour. Just because it is tailgating does not mean that it is acceptable to get so intoxicated that you can’t handle yourself. The point of the tailgate is to come together, have fun, and go to
the game and support your home team. I would personally love to see much more of this happening at Western. With all of this being said there are three home games coming up and I think that if Western wants to start seeing a change in the atmosphere, then there should be a lot of students at the game. On the plus side, everyone that has a student ID gets into the games for free, so there should be no reason as to why the stands are not filled. Hopefully, I will see some new faces at Hanson Field on Sept. 14, at 3 p.m.
OPINIONS 5
Friday, September 6, 2019
@WesternCourier
Being the oldest in general classes The great thing about college Is that it is full of so many diverse and unique individuals. Not everyone is the same age, same race/ethnicity and things like that. That can be very beneficial because not everyone was brought up by the same education system. Some people may excel in a certain class because they excelled in that subject in high school or other places. Using your classmates as a tool to pass is something
that is very relevant to get through college. One thing that might be super hard is taking gen-eds later than a typical college student would. A lot of students take their general education courses in the first years of the academic career, but that does not apply to everyone. Some people just learn at a different pace. There can be a senior in a freshman level biology class, and that’s okay. Yes, that senior is older, but that doesn’t
mean they don’t belong in that class, it just means they took it later than the typical freshman. Sometimes it’s harder because the professor may expect more from the student who is older because they’ve had more experience in college and that cannot be fair sometimes. Just because someone is older doesn’t mean that they know all the information for that class or they most likely wouldn’t have taken it in the first place. That does not always happen and shouldn’t discourage people from going at their own pace. It actually can be very smart for taking general education classes late because you can balance out what your ma-
jor or classes that tend to be harder. The age of someone doesn’t defy their intelligence, so people should not be afraid to do what is best for them academically. General educational courses are required in order to graduate so as long as that is being met, it should not matter when it is being met. Being older can also have its benefits. People who are older are sometimes more looked up to and perhaps people will go to the older student for help. Not everyone is willing to help, but it may feel good to an older student when a younger one looks up to them. Being that person that everyone goes to for help when the professor can not be there can
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be super beneficial. It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of. Whether it is inside or outside of the classroom, this can be beneficial. The professor could even see that interaction and think the older student is a great aspect of the class. General education classes have their strengths and weaknesses so perhaps people take those classes because they may not have passed in the past, but at the end of the day that is okay. When it comes down to it, people will still get the same degree, some people just take the road less traveled to get there. General education classes are required, so it shouldn’t matter when people take them.
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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
6
September 6, 2019
SPORTS
WesternCourier.com
Volleyball prepares for second straight road tournament By Becca Langys photo editor CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Western Illinois women’s volleyball team is traveling this upcoming weekend to Cape Girardeau, Mo. to participate in the Redhawks Invitational. The invitational will start today at Southeast Missouri State and will continue into tomorrow afteroon. The Leathernecks are scheduled to play three games this weekend, against the University of Evansville, Southeast Missouri State and Jackson State, respectively. The Purple and Gold are entering the Redhawk Invitational with a 1-2 overall record, and they are looking forward to building off their current momentum to come out of this weekend with a positive record. The Leathernecks displayed a strong sense of fight and determination during their previous tournament, taking Mississippi State to five games, and they plan to bring that fire into this upcoming weekend as well. Senior outside-hitter JoJo Kruize currently leads the Leathernecks' offensively, raking up a total of 25 kills last weekend at the StarkVegas Classic. Following Kruize is sophomore rightside hitter Mariah Mitchell with 23 kills. Freshman setter Jessie Connell had her Leatherneck debut this past weekend and currently leads Western with 42 assists. Following Connell, junior setter Cassie Hunt will enter the upcoming weekend with 22 aces under her belt. Defensively, the Leathernecks are being led by freshman defensive-specialist Gabby DePersio with a total of 31 digs so far this season. DePersio is a standout addition to the Western Illinois women’s volleyball team,
meaning she is someone to look out for during this upcoming invitational. Following DePersio is Kruize who has raked up 17 digs. At the net, the Leathernecks are led by senior outside-hitter Mackenzie Steckler who has a total of 14 blocks so far this season. Looking at the opposing teams, Southeast Missouri State enters this tournament with a 1-2 record, directly lining them up with the Western Illinois women’s volleyball team. In contrast, Jackson State currently holds a record of 3-1, making them more seasoned as they enter the weekend. Finally, the University of Evansville currently has no record because their first tournament was cancelled, making them a wildcard for the Leathernecks as they approach the weekend. The Leathernecks have gone up against all three teams in their previous seasons, and they are looking to improve on their previous records in regards to their opponents. The last time the Leathernecks faced off against Jackson State (2017) and Southeast Missouri State (2017), they did not come out with a win. The Purple and Gold are determined to come out on top this time around against both of those teams, as well as against the University of Evansville, who were taken down by the Leathernecks during their 2017 season. The schedule for the tournament includes games today at 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m., and Saturday 11 a.m. The Leathernecks are ready to focus in on a few key concepts to improve their game and ultimately want to bring home more wins than their previous tournament. Twitter: @beccalangysxo
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Cassie Hunt sets the ball.
GOLEATHERNECKS.COM
Mackenzie Steckler looks into the crowd.
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Riley Schumacher returns the ball.
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Aleezah Washington passes the ball.
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Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122. FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!. NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565. Westen Investments has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well! STC Investments now leasing for the 18/19 school year. We have 1-6 bedroom apartments/houses ready for you to call home! Check out our selection at www.stcinvestments.com. You can also find us on Facebook to see daily posts!
NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing. Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message. Westen Investments has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out. The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.
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Sports 7
Friday, September 6, 2019
@WesternCourier
Does Antonio Brown have a point? Dramatic, hardheaded, stubborn, head case. These are all words that have been used to describe Antonio Brown over his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders (maybe.) The mythos around Brown grows by the day as he in in jeopardy of losing around $30 million in guaranteed money from his current contract with the Raiders. Last Wednesday, Brown got in a shouting match with Raiders’ general manager Mike Mayock after Brown was sent a notice of a $13,000 fine for skipping practice. This most recent outburst is only the latest instance of Brown’s shenanigans over his career. In 2017, Brown found himself in hot water when he decided to do his best Logan Paul impression and whipped out his phone in the locker room to live stream the locker room celebration on Facebook after the Steelers’ victory over the New England Patriots. This put him in even deeper hot water with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and head coach Mike Tomlin who Brown had already been involved in disputes with in the past. Brown’s Steeler career was just as bumpy going forward as he skipped practices, got into more arguments with Roethlisberger and even threw footballs at his teammates. Yet, in February 2019, Brown decided that his time in the black and gold was up. He posted to his social media accounts that his time was up in the Steel City and said it was time to move on. The only problem with this was, he posted his goodbye with three years left on his contract in Pittsburgh. It all worked out in Brown’s favor when he was traded to the Raiders a month later. We’ve all heard the old proverb, “the grass is always greener on the other side.” Brown was excited for the change of scenery and I think most NFL fans were excited
to see what he and Derek Carr would do together during their last season in Oakland before the move to Las Vegas. Before he even suited up for Raiders, Brown got into a spat with the NFL when they told the receiver that he must use a different helmet after his old
the NFL twice to try to get his old helmet approved for the upcoming season and they've both fallen flat. All that came after Brown was unable to practice due to a severe case of hypothermia on his foot which left the skin on his foot peeling off. It seems like Brown can do no right as of late, but I think it’s important to look at his perspective too. Shea Serrano, No. 1 New York Times best-selling author and columnist for The Ringer, hosted a podcast last year
Antonio Brown runs down field in practice. one was deemed unsafe by a safety committee. Brown’s response was more shocking than the end of Fight Club. He said that he would retire if he couldn't use his old helmet. Since then, he's appealed to
entitled “Villains.” In this podcast, Serrano presented some of the worst villains in film history like Amy Dunne from “Gone Girl” or Reagan McNeil from “The Exorcist.” I bring this up because Serrano
presented a new idea that many people don’t think about when watching those films, “Maybe they had a point.”I've decided to look at Brown like these various Villains Serrano brought up in his podcast. In the mysterious case of Brown’s helmet, I think it’s pretty easy to relate to when you break it down to the simplest terms. I’m sure all of us have something we’ve grown comfortable with over the years and would feel uncomfortable without. I don’t wear
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glasses, but for those who do, imagine if you were told that you were unable to use your specific pair of glasses that you had been using for years and the new pair of glasses that you were being told to
wear, obstructed your vision, leaving you unable to move efficiently, the way you had become accustomed to. For Brown’s severe case of hypothermia, there really isn’t much fans can complain about when we try to criticize an athlete’s training and heath regimen. Obviously, Brown could’ve and probably should’ve had people around him to tell him about the dangers of cryotherapy and the importance of wearing the right footwear, but athletes must do whatever they can in order to stay in peak physical condition so they can play at their best. When the report came out about Brown’s feet, his reputation in the past was the only reason that this story gained any traction and in this case, any gripe fans or experts had about it was out of line. On Brown’s exit from PIttsburgh, I propose a question. When is a breakup in sports ever pretty? My most clear examples don’t come from the NFL but the NBA. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and so many more have all had their jerseys burned, posters ripped up and character criticised because of decisions that they made that they deemed best for their career (Durant is still a snake though.) Brown had reached his limit in Pittsburgh and it’s understandable that he wanted a change of scenery in order to regain some of the love that he had lost from the game. As for the Facebook live stream, that’s a big ol’ yikes. I think Brown’s insistence of his social media presence is his biggest Achilles’ heel. It will continue to bite him in the butt until someone close to him finally gets it through his head that he needs to focus more on football than his impact on Instagram or Twitter. Brown is one of the best receivers in the league when he is focused and ready to play football, and it’s a shame that we’re at the point we’re at now (especially since I drafted him onto my fantasy team.) Hopefully, he can get his contract dispute cleared up with the Raiders for the sake of the Raiders, fans and fantasy team owners.
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Tony Tate runs with the ball.
By Brendan Reidy courier staff
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John Brunner stands at the line of scrimmage.
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Cole Watts prepares to make block his opponent.
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Conor Sampson makes a throw during warmups.
MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois Fighting Leathernecks (0-1) are set to face off against the Colorado State Rams (0-1) this weekend at Fort Collins. Both teams are off to rocky starts this season after losing their first games of the season. This one should be an interesting matchup between two teams that have bright futures, but only one team will be able to right the ship after their week one loss. Western comes into the ball game after a disappointing 26-17 loss to North Alabama. The Leathernecks could not get the job done on the road despite being 20-point road favorites against the Lions. However, Coach Elliott said after the game it was a good teaching moment, and that they cannot let this loss define them. They will have a chance to redeem themselves against FBS opponent Colorado State University. Under the Coach Elliott tenure, the Leathernecks are 0-1 against FBS opponents after
falling to the University of Illinois a season ago. On another note, this is the perfect matchup for the Purple and Gold to regain their confidence, but things will have to be different from their week one defeat. Coach Elliott and the Western Illinois offense run a modern offense that keeps the defense thinking, but they will have to be more creative against the Rams if they would like to come out victorious. The Leathernecks run a lot of pre-snap motion plays, as well as jet sweeps, but need to be more diverse in terms of taking shots downfield. Western needs to take advantage of Colorado State’s shaky defense, who gave up 52 points to Colorado last week. One way they can do that is by taking more shots downfield. The Leathernecks have explosive playmakers all over the offense and they have to utilize them. Last week against North Alabama, the only explosive play Western had was a 48-yard completion from Conor Sampson to Tony Tate. They will need to
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Clint Ratkovich tries to beat a defender on the run.
emulate more plays like these if they would like to pull off the upset on the road. Western will have their work cut out for them this weekend if they would like to get the victory at Fort Collins. Colorado state should have plenty of fans in attendance because it is one of their promotional games throughout the season. They will be hosting “Denver Day” as well as “High School Spirit Day.” Western also needs to watch out for the pass-heavy attack the Rams bring to the table. Last week quarterback Collin Hill threw 374 yards to go along with three touchdowns. Hill’s favorite target is wide receiver, Warren Jackson. Jackson caught eight passes and had 87 yards to go along with a touchdown. The keys to a Leatherneck victory are to shut down the dynamic duo of Hill and Jackson on defense, and give Sampson enough time in the pocket to make some big plays on offense. Game time is set for 2 p.m. on Saturday. Twitter: @breidytv
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Mike Viti makes a catch during warmups.
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Eric Carerra looks scans the field for any offensive threats.