Opinions: Make a good first impression, dress to impress.
Sports: Women's soccer looks ahead to five-game home stand.
WesternCourier.com
Wednesday, September 18, 2019 - Vol. 120 Issue 13
@WesternCourier
Western is awarded $10
million for agriculture research By Marc Ramirez news editor
Western illinois university
Western illinois university
Western illinois university
Acting President (top), Win Phippen (middle) and Andy Baker (bottom) announce the reception of a $10 million grant to study and progress Pennycress cover crop.
Western Illinois University and the School of Agriculture held a press conference Tuesday to announce the selection of Agriculture Professor Win Phippen as the recipient of a $10 million federal grant for Integrated Pennycress Research Enabling Farm and Energy Resilience or IPREFER research at Western. Interim Provost and Academic Vice President Billy Clow opened up the conference by thanking everyone in attendance and highlighting public officials Representative Norine Hammond, Jay Burgess representing Congressman Darrin La Hood’s office, Macomb Mayor Mike Inman, Senator Jill Tracy and a number of other university officials and community leaders. “This is a day that has been in the making for a while and I know that Win is very exciting and I am very excited to be able to present this,” Clow opened with. Acting President Martin Abraham approached the podium to welcome and thank everyone in attendance. He added that this is going to be a great day for the University and community. He made it evident that he wanted to thank everyone that has been a part of receiving the large grant. “You don't do things like this on your own,” Abraham said. “You are successful by building partnerships, by working hard together over long periods of time, building groundwork and growing from the opportunities that you put together and that develop and that's what we've done here and that's what Win will tell you about.” Abraham added that this is what he is here to tell us about and that this is what Western is all about. He states that this is part of his agenda here as Acting President. Growing partnerships and building relationships to help create mutually beneficial relationships is what he strives to do with his time at Western. “The School of Agriculture, one of our signature programs here at Western, I had the pleasure a couple weeks ago of going out and touring the facilities,” Abraham said. “It’s
truly a world class facility, its unique to what we can offer here at Western Illinois. It’s a tremendous activity and a tremendous opportunity.” He then thanked Phippen and School of Agriculture Director Andy Baker for all the work they do, their dedication to the University and the support they provide to their students. “So I’m going to cut right to the case,” Phippen said. “I’m glad to announce that Western Illinois University has been awarded $10 million. This is a federal grant that’s going to be used to investigate the use of an alternative crop called Pennycress.” According to Phippen, Pennycress is a new cash cover crop for the midwest region. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture. This will allow researchers to establish Pennycress as a new winterannual cash cover crop for use by the biofuel industry. Researchers from Illinois State University, Ohio State University, University of WisconsinPlatteville and the University of Minnesota will join Phippen’s team. “Western is one of only eight schools across the United States to receive the National Institute for Food and Agriculture grants for sustainable research,” Phippen said. "Pennycress is unique among the cover crops because it can generate income and this helps incentivize it for producers. The integration of Pennycress into existing corn-soybean rotation extends the growing season on established crop ground with avoiding the issues with food versus fuel issues. All while yielding up to two billion gallons of oil annually." The overall goal of the project is to produce 50 billion gallons of fuel in the next 25 years. The project will work on commercializing Pennycress in just five years. The goal is to commercially launch Pennycress as a cash cover crop in two years by 2021. “Research will focus on improving Pennycress genetics (germplasm) for plant breeding and preservation, agronomic management, ecosystems and supply chain management for post-harvest seed control,” University Relations said in their press release.
Agriculture Grant
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2 NEWS
Agriculture Grant
from front page
Phippen says that the project can make a huge contribution to the state of Illinois as well as the rest of the midwest. The integration of the alternative cash cover crop will positively impact producer profits, help decrease soil erosion, improve nutrient runoff which will positively impact our water supply, helps diversity pollinating species, suppresses weeds and helps diversify the nations energy sources while benefiting rural economies. “I am most appreciative to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and NIFA for their faith in my research,” Phippen said. “I look forward to leading a team of researchers to help build this crop as a new viable crop for the midwest.” “CoverCress, Inc., of St. Louis, MO, is working closely with our team, they are our corporate partner, and they will support most of the breeding and some of the post-production efforts,” he said.
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
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
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According to University Relations, Trial Pennycress planting in Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin and Minnesota will begin this month, with the first harvest anticipated in May 2020. The alternative crop is planted immediately following a corn harvest. After harvest, Pennycress storage will be tested, along with the quantity and quality of oil extracted, and the shelf life of Pennycress oil. The oil and meal will be further studied to determine uses for fuel, feed and food applications. Next to the podium was Baker, who congratulated Phippen his grant approval as it is a phenomianl coup for not only Pippen but the School of Agriculture as well. He added that 19 years ago Phippen was hired to lead an alternative crops program that was relatively new to the University. “Not only does this grant and research put our School and his program further on the map, it provides learning opportunities for our students that they will not find anywhere else," Baker said.
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu
proofreader Jacinda Martinez
news editor Marc Ramirez
JS-Martinez2@wiu.edu
MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu
photo editor Becca Langys
opinions editor Allison Young
RE-Langys@wiu.edu
AN-Young@wiu.edu
assistant photo editor Sara Remar
sports editor Bradley Piros
SE-Remar@wiu.edu
BJ-Piros@wiu.edu
production manager Jimmy Pierson
assistant sports editor Chris Bean
JM-Pierson@wiu.edu
CR-Bean@wiu.edu
business manager Janiya Haynes
edge editor Rachel Greene
J-Haynes2@wiu.edu
R-Greene2@wiu.edu
assistant business manager Nash Miller
copy editor Amanda Wandachowicz
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proofreader Alexis Lowe
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adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu
PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION The Western Courier is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the regular school year, excluding holidays, finals week and semester breaks. The WC updates the website weekly during the summer. All content reflects the editorial discretion of the students operating the newspaper and must be interpreted as unofficial university communication. While every attempt is made to determine the validity of advertising contained herein, the advertising in the WC is not to be construed as endorsements of any specific products or services. The WC assumes no responsibility or liability resulting from the content of paid advertisements. Subscription price is $36 per year mailed third-class bulk rate from Macomb. The WC is printed by The Galesburg Register-Mail in Galesburg, Ill.
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Wednesday, September 18, 2019
NEWS 3
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
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OPINIONS
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
WesternCourier.com
Dress to impress Regardless of what your major is or the career you go into, at some point you are going to need a job, which is why practicing how to make a resume can be essential to getting a job. However, a resume can only get you into the door. The interview is what decides whether or not you get the job. This means that preparing for the interview is very important. Most people will practice what they will say and how they will get to the interview, which is good. Few people prepare what they are going to wear for the interview, which is critical to an employer. This is because you can tell a lot about a person by the way they dress. If you come to an interview in street clothes, you will be lucky if you even get in the building. Dress clothes are a necessity. Even after you have gotten the clothes you need to wear, it is important to avoid certain colors or styles to avoid unnecessary attention to yourself. Having the correct clothes is important, but you also must avoid overdressing for the situation. If your meeting allows for “business casual” clothing, you may have more restrictions than you think. You may be overdressing if you wear a suit, vest, suspenders, high heels or
a skirt. Casual harder
clothing
can to
be do
c o r r e c t l y because you can overdress or underdress very easily.
Formal wear in job interviews may separate you from the pack.
This just means that simplicity will be your best friend in this situation. In a casual interview, it is best to go with a polo and khakis. This allows you to look professional and not waste time thinking about the numerous options you have to choose from for a casual interview. If you do well in the interview, the first thing to do is thank the employer for their time. After you do this you may have to wait for a call back. When you do get a call back, employers usually take you around the facility to help you understand where you will possibly work. Even though it is not an interview, it is important to still wear attire similar to what you wore during your interview. This can show consistency and that you can blend in with the personnel they already have. Think about it like this: if you show up to your potential job looking like you do not work there, people will treat and look at you like that. The point of the interview and visit is to see how compatible you are with the company and how compatible the company is with you. This means that anything that draws unnecessary attention to yourself will only hurt your chances and overshadow the accomplishments you listed in your resume and spoke about in your interview. Jobs are getting increasingly competitive, meaning that employers are going to look at candidates closer than ever. It may seem silly or even paranoid, but failing to do these things can be the difference between you and another candidate.
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Present the best version of yourself in every job interview.
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OPINIONS 5
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
@WesternCourier
Make mental health your first priority ANDRE WHITLEY courier staff
The concept of mental health needs to be taken more seriously. There have been multiple occasions where friends of mine and I’m sure friends of yours have dropped out of school or quit something due to issues with their mental health. Our mental health should also come first in the sense that if we are doing something that is stressing us out past our limits, we need to reconsider the thing
that we are doing. There are many things that I think people can do to help deal with mental health issues as well as stress. The first thing that we can do to help with these issues is to simply talk to someone. I feel like sitting down and talking to somebody can help get a lot off your chest. Also, if you are sitting down and talking to someone who is qualified and knows what they are talking about, they can give you sug-
gestions and help you through your issues. The next thing people can do to help with mental health and stress is to step back and do things that they love to do. For example, if you are stressing over school, a relationship or whatever it may be, sometimes it is good to take a step back and do something fun like going to the pool, going to the gym, etc. Another thing that can help with mental help is simply thinking positive. If you walk around all day thinking negatively, frowning and giving off bad energy, that will affect you and your day. Also, not only people with mental health and
high stress issues, but people in general need to eat better. We need to educate ourselves in nutrition so that we can fuel our bodies with the right things in order to function on a daily basis. Eating better will not only have us feeling better, but it will also have us looking better. I feel all of these things build on each other in the sense that if you eat better and consistently exercise, you will feel better. If you feel better, your confidence will be higher as well as your self-esteem. The last and final thing that I think you can do to deal with mental health is to write. I’ve seen many times that keeping a journal and writing down your
thoughts as well as how your day went can keep you on the right track and happy. We need to be aware of our mental health status because it can lead to too much stress for us to handle. If you are struggling with something, do not keep it to yourself. Talking to someone can be very beneficial to you and will help you in the long run. Last, if you know someone who is struggling with this topic, you should make it your duty to step in and get them help. We never know what someone is going through so we should never judge someone or make fun of them because they struggle with certain things in life.
It’s time for China to realize its influence When President Donald Trump ran for office in the 2016 election, one of his many criticisms was the relationship between the United States and China. Trump would constantly criticize the way China manipulated its currency, was involved in intellectual property theft against U.S. products and engaged in unfair trading practices. From then on, Washington and Beijing would reply in an exchange of tariff increases from products pertaining to agriculture and computer software. China has been a key trading partner to the U.S. for over a decade; its rise in the global market has had a significant effect in modern times, but some people are starting to view the country as more of an adversary. From an economic standpoint, the increase in China’s influence will be felt immensely in international relations. According to Chinese estimates, China is expected to be an economic superpower by 2035, surpassing the United States. One reason this makes it in-
creasingly difficult for other nations is the fact that China still regards itself as a developing country. In October 2017, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China was both “strong” and “great” 26 times, but still regarded China as “the world’s largest developing country.” This approach by China draws countless criticism from countries like the U.S., who complain that the Chinese government makes it increasingly difficult to be partners with such limited and controlled markets and high tariffs; this results in the U.S. having large deficits in imports. As a result, the Trump administration has retaliated against China’s practices by increasing tariffs on their behalf, to the dismay of China. China’s unwillingness to accept the responsibility as being the second largest global economy by refusing to allow more access to their markets only negatively affects nations who are denied such production capabilities that China is unwilling to share.
Donald Trump stands with Xi Jinping during a visit to China.
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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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E-mail letters to the Editor and Local Forum messages to micour@wiu.edu. Letters should not be more than 350 words in length. The author’s name and phone number must be included for verification purposes. Failure to include such information will lead to the letter being discarded. The WC staff will edit letters in cases of timeliness, obscenity length and grammer, and we do not guarantee publication of all letters.
2019 Fall Semester Editorial Board
Edge Editor - Marc Ramirez Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young
6
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
SPORTS
Men’s golf finishes in three-way tie for 10th at first tournement By Brendan Reidy courier staff MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois University men’s golf team took part in their first golf tournament of the year in Charleston, Indiana. The team started off the season playing in the Crusader Classic, and they had plenty to work on after day one of the tournament. After the first round of the tournament, the Leathernecks shot a 36-hole score of 603. Strong showings from Kyle Irlbacker and Cameron Karney kept the team together, but was not enough to get the Leathernecks in the front of the path. They sat tied in ninth place after day one and in command with a huge lead was Wright State. They shot a combined score of 567. In the individual competition, all eyes were on Irlbacker. He shot a 144 over 36 holes, which was good enough to be placed just outside the top-10 in
11th place. Karney shot an impressive 71 on the second round of the day after a shaky first round to end the first day with a combined score of 149. The Western Illinois golf team went back in action Tuesday to close out the tournament, and looked to climb the leaderboard before the tournament concluded. It was Irlbacker, again on Tuesday who turned in a stellar performance. The senior leader shot one under par to cement his spot in 11th place. In his first tournament at the Division-I level, Kolby Chup shot a combined score of 241, which was good for a +25. As a team, the Leathernecks ended the Crusader Collegiate with a combined score of 901. The Purple and Gold finished in a three-way tie for 10th place while Wright State won the event, shooting a team score of 853. Western's next tournament will be the Derek Dolenc Invitational in Madison, Ill. on Sept. 23. Twitter: breidytv
GOLEATHERNECKS.COM
Kyle Irlbackr follows through his swing and watches the ball.
GOLEATHERNECKS.COM
Cameron Karney eyes the hole and prepares to make a putt.
WesternCourier.com
Gimale Essacu picked to play for U-23 Papua New Guinea National Team
goals with eight assists and led his team to a sports editor Region IX Championship. He was once again Gimale Essacu, a senior named First team Allfrom Port Moresby, Papua Region IX and First Team New Guinea, received the All-West District. call that every kid socLast year, his first as a cer player dreams of. He Leatherneck, he started was called up to play for six games and recorded his country’s U-23 team 398 minutes, taking 13 in the 2019 OFC shots (five SOG). Men’s Olympic This season, he has Q u a l i f y i n g logged 241 minTournament in Fiji. utes over a fiveThis isn’t his first game span but time being called remains without up either. a goal. “This is my secIn pre-season, he ond Olympic qualassisted the gameifiers campaign, winner against and I'm a lot older the University of and a little wiser Illinois-Springfield this time around, and scored the especially training game-winner every day here at against Quincy in Western,” Essacu a 2-1 victory. He said in an interview knows what he’s with WIU Athletics doing out there Communications. and he completely He played for his deserves the opporGOLEATHERNECKS.COM country in a 2015 tunity to play for Gimale Essacu gets called up to play for his Olympic Qualifier U-23 National Team. his country. and advanced to The tournament the semi-finals. Of course plays for Northern runs from Sept. 21 to if his country wins this Kentucky University. Oct. 5. All games will be tournament, they will Essacu transferred to played at ANZ National automatically qualify to Western from Otero Junior Stadium in Suva, Fiji. In play at the 2020 Summer College his junior year. that span Essacu will miss Olympic Games in Japan. He was named All Region five games for Western, Papua New Guinea is in IX in 2016 (his freshman including a Summit Group B with last tourna- year) when he scored five League matchup against ments winners, Fiji, along goals and assisted anoth- Omaha. He should return with Vanuatu and Tonga. er five. His sophomore in time to play Denver at Vanuatu was runners up year at OJC he scored 10 home on Oct. 12.
By Bradley Piros
in 2015 while Tonga has never made it out of the group stage. Essacu is one of only two players on the 20-man squad that currently plays in the United States. He obviously plays at Western while the other player, Felix Komolong from Lae, Papua New Guinea,
CLASSIFIEDS
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For Rent
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For Rent
Spacious 2-5 bedroom homes for rent. 10 month lease available. Great locations, close to bus stops, plenty off street parking, all new windows, AC, energy efficient furnace, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, free washer/dryer. Well maintained (24 hrs.) by local landlord. Call 309-255-1233.
LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! Firsrt come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall.
Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished. Ceiling fans and a/c. Professionally maintained. No pets. Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com
Submit a classifieds ad to Micour@wiu.edu
Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122. FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!. NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565. Westen Investments has only two 4-Bedroom brich houses available. Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing! We will show to 2-3 person groups as well! STC Investments now leasing for the 18/19 school year. We have 1-6 bedroom apartments/houses ready for you to call home! Check out our selection at www.stcinvestments.com. You can also find us on Facebook to see daily posts!
NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing. Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing. Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message. Westen Investments has just one 3-Bedroom ALL UTILITIES INCLUDED (Water, Sewer, Trash, Gas, Electric, and Internet) Apartment left! That’s right you just pay for rent, and the rest of it is on us! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to check it out. The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.
RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)
ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site. No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment. For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo. (309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime. Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message Still have some nice large locations available at reasonable prices. Excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. 1-8 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Pets at some locations. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.
Wednesday, September 18, 2019
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Is Eddy Pineiro the Bears' savior? josh purnell courier staff
Last season was unforgettable for the Chicago Bears and their fans.The team finished the season 12-4 and number one in the NFC North division. The Bears had the number one ranked defense in the league and everyone associated with the Bears whether it was the front office, coaches, players or fans thought they were on their way to the big dance. Unfortunately, the season was cut short in the Wildcard playoff game at Soldier Field. With 10 seconds on the clock, Bears kicker Cody Parkey missed a 43 yard field goal. Every Bears fan in the world was shocked and upset. It caught so much attention that Cody Parkey went on The Today Show and head coach Matt Nagy was not okay with that. Parkey was
cut from the team and the Bears went on a mission to look for a new kicker. Bears fans were hoping old Bears kicker Robbie Gould would come back, but San Francisco 49ers would not allow it. So, the Bears spent an entire off-season looking for a new kicker. Nagy brought a bunch of kickers to Halas Hall and they all competed against each other. Nagy “The Genius” came up with different game situations to see if the kickers could deliver under pressure. Sure enough, before the 2019 season started, the Bears had their kicker, Eddy Pineiro from Florida University. Pineiro made a couple of kicks in the pre-season, but it’s pre-season and those games never matter. On Sept. 15, the Chicago Bears knew
they had made the right choice. Pineiro connected on bith of his attempts in the first half. Towards the end of the third quarter, the Bears scored their first touchdown of the game, the score was 13-6. With 31 seconds left on the clock in the fourth quarter, the Broncos scored a touchdown and a two point conversion, putting them up 14-13. With nine seconds left on the clock, it was 4th and 15 and the Bears needed a first down to get into field goal range. Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky connected with wide receiver Allen Robinson for the first down. Trubisky called a timeout while Broncos players celebrated because they thought the game was over. After the referee reviewed the play, the Bears had one second left on the clock after calling a timeout. As Pineiro walked on the field, all everyone could think about was the “double doink” kick in last
Eddy Pinerio celebrates with the fans walking to the tunnel.
year's playoff game against the Eagles at Soldier Field. This is the time; this is the moment every Bears fan has been waiting for. With one second on the clock, Pineiro had to kick a 53 yard field goal. As soon as the center hiked the ball, all you could do was hold your breath. As Pineiro took a step forward to kick the ball, the ball went right down the middle. Every single Bears player ran on the field excited and full of emotion because they knew they had themselves a new kicker on the squad. After the game, coach Nagy told the press, “We talked about creating and craving pressure with the kickers over the summer. I credit our guys for just being able to go ahead and turn over every rock in the summer to figure who is going to be that kicker for us. I feel like we found him, and I’m just super stoked for Eddy.” Well coach, Bears fans are super stoked as well.
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Week one’s loss to the Green Bay Packers wasn’t exactly what Bears fans had seen coming in a season where many have Super Bowl aspirations. However, the Monsters of the Midway were able to right the ship this past Sunday as they took down the Denver Broncos in emphatic fashion. Good news: it appears that they have finally found their guy. Aside from his clutch game-winner on Sunday, Pineiro has been a major bright spot for the Bears thus far in 2019. After struggling to an extent in the preseason (badly missed an extra point), the former Florida Gator has been perfect in the early stages of the regular-season, making all four of his attempts, including two kicks from 50-plus yards. Through two games, he has been the Bears’ leading scorer. As a whole, the team looked much better than in the seasonopener. In a 16-14 grind-it-out road win, the Bears showed poise that allowed quarterback Mitchell Trubisky and co. to drive down the field with just over 30 seconds left on the clock and steal the game from Denver. The Broncos, who trailed almost the entire game, roared back late in the fourth quarter by scoring a touchdown to bring the game within a point before taking the lead with a two-point conversion. While Trubisky underwhelmed again, perhaps no other play in the game was as big as his 25-yard completion to star wide receiver Allen Robinson to put the team within field goal range with just one second remaining. Trubisky finished the game with just 120 passing yards and zero touchdowns. However, he showed great poise on the last offensive play of the game as he eluded pressure and kept his eyes locked on Robinson the entire time, delivering a strike downfield to put the game on ice. In the post-game presser, Trubisky reflected on the play by walking reporters through what was going on in his mind. “I knew it was going to be the last. I liked our call. I knew I just had to buy a little more time to let the middle open up,” Trubisky siad. “I
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knew it wasn’t going to be open right away, but if you kind of delayed, they kind of play soft and back off as time goes. I think as a defense you just want the clock to run out. I climbed the pocket, Allen was there. He got down and we had enough time to call timeout.” Defeating Denver at home early in the season is no easy feat, as the team had compiled a 17-1 record in homeopeners since 2001 before Sunday’s game. Playing in higher elevation, this is something that has more times than not given the Broncos the upper-hand as their bodies are acclimated to the elements from playing in them year-round. On the surface, it may have looked like a sure win for the Bears heading into the game, but it was anything but that. It took every ounce of grit and determination to come out with a victory. Additionally, this was a game that many experts pegged as a must-win for Chicago ahead of their daunting schedule that awaits them in the second-half of the season. There’s still plenty of things this team needs to improve upon in the coming weeks, as the offense has yet to hit their stride in the early-going. This is no shocker, as some rust was expected from them after head coach Matt Nagy opted to rest his starters throughout the preseason. Although, in week two, the team finally got their run-game established, gaining 153 yards on the ground in 29 attempts (just 12 rush-attempts in week one). Trubisky should only get better as the season progresses. It may be tough-sledding for the Bears as the road ahead presents matchups with the Saints, Chargers, Eagles, Rams, Cowboys and Chiefs for their out-of-conference games. However, they’ll receive what looks to be a big scheduling break in week three when they travel to Washington, D.C. to face an 0-2 Redskins squad. Look for Trubisky and the offense to get back on the right track against a Washington secondary that has allowed the 10th-most passing yards in the league through two weeks.
Women’s soccer regroups and looks forward to five-game home stand By Bradley Piros sports editor NORMAL, Ill. — The Western Illinois women’s soccer team played two away games over the weekend and fell short in both contests. The team is riding a three-game losing streak now after losing to the Northern Illinois University Huskies 1-0 at home back on Sept. 8. This past weekend, the Leathernecks lost to the University of WisconsinMilwaukee Panthers (3-0) on Thursday and the Illinois State University Redbirds (1-0) on Sunday. This losing spell brings the team's record down to 2-4-1 with both of the wins coming at home for Western. They have yet to win an away game, but rest assured, they have a five-game home stand starting this Friday (Sept. 20). Western knew the difficult task they had over the weekend, and they had prepared all week for it, but no amount of preparing was going to help stop both the Panthers’ and the Cardinals’ stellar offenses. Not only were their offenses great; so were their defenses. Neither team allowed Western any breathing room as the Leathernecks were held to back-to-back shutouts. Western has now played UWM six times and have never finished the 90 minutes with a win. The same goes for ISU. Western played them last year, making this their second meeting, but Western lost both games to the Redbirds as well. In the game against UWM, Western was outshot 15-4 (8-3 SOG) with senior goalkeeper Ines Palmiero Herrera making five saves along the way. The Leathernecks managed only four shots, two in each period of play. Western did figure out how to shut down the Panthers for the first 45, but it was the three second-half goals that made the difference. The team tried to regroup for Sunday’s match against the Redbirds, but one of the best forwards in the nation, senior Kate Del Fava, scored her ninth goal in eight games, which ended up being the game-winner. She leads the Missouri Valley Conference with those nine goals and her 19 points. Those nine goals also rank her
second in the NCAA Division I. With all that being said, Western had to try to stop her and the task just proved to be too much. The good thing about last weekend is that it’s in the past. Western learned what they need to improve on and now they can regroup for the next upcoming five home games. Let’s take a look at how western matches up against some of those teams. The Purple and Gold will kick off that home stand against the Drake University Bulldogs this Friday and the University of Northern Iowa Panthers on Sunday. The Leathernecks and Bulldogs have squared off nine times since 2011. Drake has won five games while Western won the other four. The series has never produced a tie. Last season the Bulldogs won 2-1 with a first half goal being scored by sophomore forward Amy Andrews. All three goals came in the second half. On the other hand, the matchup against UNI favors the Leathernecks. The two played a pre-season match last spring, but the last time they played in the regular season was 2016. Western has an 8-4-2 record against the Panthers but lost 3-0 in that 2016 meeting. Western is more than capable of beating both of these teams. The game against Drake will be a good one like always and the Panthers are a good test as well. After this weekend, Western will be back at it again next Sunday against their final non-conference foe: Chicago State University. The last and only meeting between these two teams was back on Aug. 21, 2016 in which Western triumphed in an eight-goal thriller by a score of 5-3. CSU will be a great final “tune up” match, if you will, where Western can really hone in on their shortcomings. The team will be fully focused and more than prepared to take on their Summit League opponents come October. The first of those Summit League divisional matchups will be on Thursday, Oct. 3 against the University of Nebraska Omaha Mavericks and that ensuing Sunday against the Purdue University Fort Wayne Mastodons. Western has a long way to
go before they have to worry about that, though. Right now they have two games that they have to look forward to, and they’ll need their key playmakers to represent. Look no further than the team’s leading goal scorer, Andrews. She’s got three goals on the season and is looking for more. Bridget Schuler and Emily Bollman each have a goal to their name as well. Lately, defense has been creating offense abundantly. In the last home game against NIU, freshman Lynette Hawkins played wingback and was constantly taking the ball down the wide areas and whipped in some strong crosses. While Western hasn’t really connected on any of those aerial crosses, it’s always a plus when your defenders are getting up into the action. Hawkins is the only freshman on the backline surrounded by upperclassman. Seniors Maddie Wilsey, Natalie Sielaff, Kayla McCormick and Madison Bulin are typically starters along with the sophomore Cassidy Grunewald. Head Coach Eric Johnson has some depth to the defense, something he hasn’t had in years past. Now, let’s move on to the midfield. There are as always the juniors out of Yakima, Wash., Natalie Nagle and Lauryn Peters. The duo has only combined for one point this season, but the two of them are the ones running things in the center of the field. Along with them is fellow junior Jenna Lundgren who is third on the team with her nine shots. The three of them run the midfield game in and game out to assist the forwards. As always, the last line of defense remains Palmiero Herrera. She just passed the 200 career save mark and has so much left in the tank. Look for her to make some key saves to keep her team in it this weekend. The Leathernecks have yet another tough weekend ahead of them, as they won’t have one off for the remainder of the season. The game against Drake kicks off this Friday at 4 p.m. on John Mackenzie Alumni Field followed by a 1 p.m. start time against UNI on Sunday. Twitter: bradjp08
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Emily Bollman passes the ball out wide to a teammate.
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Amy Andrews dribbles the ball against Louisiana Tech.
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Natalie Nagle makes a move past a defender at John Mackanzie Field.