Western Courier| November 16th, 2018

Opinions: Should there be limits on free speech?

Sports: MLS Cup is hastily approaching

Sports: Swim dives towards House of Champions

Friday, November 16, 2018 - Vol. 119 Issue 37

AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY. SERVING MACOMB SINCE 1905.

Western instructor and news coordinator receives recognition

LINKEDIN.COM

WIU.EDU

By Steven Barnum assistant news editor A news coordinator at Western Illinois University is being recognized for outstanding work in journalism.

Jasmine Crighton has always had a passion for journalism. She started writing for her college newspaper as a student, which laid a foundation for her in the news

world. Crighton jumped into the production side of the business following college, where she worked as a production assistant in grad school. She climbed the ladder and worked her way up to assistant director. Her last stop before joining the Macomb community was Steubenville, Ohio, where she was a news producer.

Crighton brought her Emmy award-winning talent to Western, where

she has been supervising NEWS3 for the last six years.

In addition to supervising, Chrighton is also an instructor in Western’s awardwinning broadcasting and journalism department.

Crain’s NewsPro magazine has selected 10 individuals for its “Outstanding Journalism Educators” of 2018.

Crighton put a lot of effort into the news program leading up to this recognition.

She also wasn’t afraid to mix

editor-in-chief

In response to an announced protest by a well known hate group, the Westboro Baptist Church, students and faculty of Western Illinois have planned a counter-protest scheduled this Saturday.

The Westboro Baptist Church is based out of Topeka, Kan., and has gained infamy through their various protests throughout the country. The church is vehemently against homosexuality and the gay rights movements as seen through their website name,

“GodHatesF-gs.com.” Westboro has protested the Sept.

11, 2001, attacks along with the mass shooting in Newtown, Conn. in 2012. They have chosen to come to Western to protest Jake Bain, the openly gay defensive-back of the Indiana State Sycamores.

The WIU Rally for Love Facebook page has over 1,400 people interested in going to the counter-protest.

The page already has 577 members of the community that have pledged to attend the event.

The protest has nine events planned including five guest

Encouraging students to explore stories that interest the public is a priority for Crighton, but there is much more to the job. She assembled a news production staff from teaching a studio production class, which she created after coming to Western. All of NEWS3’s producers were or are in one of Crighton’s classes.

Crighton page 3

Police find two dead bodies

WIU Rally for Love events announced Devon Greene

the routine up; she changed one of the newscast days.

Crighton didn’t waste any time-sharing her knowledge on what makes a worthy news story to students in her classes and those looking to work on the NEWS3 team.

“When I came to WIU, I asked my students to work news beats, go out into the community, and cover issues important to the area,” Crighton said.

speakers. The event starts at 11 a.m. where Dannie Kyle is scheduled to kick off the event in the southeast section of Q-Lot, closest to the Tanner Hall circle. Following Kyle, indie band Father Talljasper will speak to the crowd before they move inside Tanner Hall. Due to the forecast of 23-degree weather with snow showers, the event will also be moved inside of Tanner Hall.

Rally page 2

By Steven Barnum assistant news editor

The Macomb Police Department is searching for answers in a death investigation.

Macomb Police Officers checked in on a North Edwards St. home Thursday at 9:13 a.m. A postal worker on that route saw cause for concern after noticing the stack of mail that had been accumulating outside of the home. After speaking with the postal worker, the officers entered the home, where they found two individuals who had died from gunshot wounds.

The police department declined further comment on the scene, but a press release revealed that the nature of the scene would prompt an investigation into a potential murder-suicide.

The subjects’ bodies were sent to Springfield, Ill. for an autopsy. Authorities are not releasing the names of the deceased until family members are notified. Illinois State Police, the McDonough County Sheriff’s Office and the Western Illinois University Office of Public Safety aided the Macomb Police Department with the crime scene.

2

NEWS

Friday, November 16, 2018

Broward County, FL. Recount at voting machine denied after voting #s were delivered 2 minutes late.

Canada 2,550 Americans apply for asylum in 2017.

WesternCourier.com

Istanbul, Saudi Arabia Prosecuter calls for death penalty of 5 in wake of the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

Agra, India Monkey kills newborn baby after grabbing him from his brother.

MEANWHILE...

Rally from front page

Another music act will kick off the event in Tanner Hall as The Lone Daisy is scheduled to perform at 11:15 a.m. as Father Talljasper performs in the parking lot.

Knox College student Eli Hicks is next on the agenda to speak in Tanner Hall at noon. Hicks will be traveling from Galesburg to oppose Westboro. Hicks is encouraging fellow students to travel to Macomb on Saturday.

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

“I’m here, I’m queer, we will not disappear,” Hicks posted on her Facebook page on Thursday afternoon. “If members of the Knox community are struggling to get transportation, message me and I'll see what I can do.”

Two more bands will play at 12:15 p.m. with Chew Toy performing on the Q-Lot stage and Two Cents in Tanner. To close out the scheduled events, Josua Allen and Terribly Happy will be in Tanner Hall.

The WIU Rally for Love’s Facebook page has advertised free t-shirts for attendees.

However, community members are encouraged to get to the event early, as there will only be 100 shirts donated to the rally. Making signs is encouraged but there will also be some there for anybody who doesn't have the means to make one. Additionally, official Rally for Love Snapchat filters are being offered for anyone who uses the app on Saturday.

Parking for the rally will be available in the northeast section of Q-Lot and include rows A-D, adjacent to the rally space.

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

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

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

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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No reproduction or reuse of material is permitted without written consent of the WC. All rights reserved. To request permission to reprint any material from this publication, please contact Devon Greene or Willl Buss at 309-298-1876.

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Friday, November 16, 2018

@WesternCourier

Campus Crime Reports

NEWS 3

Now Hiring at

Western courier

assistant Production Manager, Assistant Sports Editor & edge editor Legend Cannabis

if interested please contact Alcohol by a Minor

Burglary/Theft

Fire Alarm

Other Report

•On Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. OPS and the Macomb Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at the International House. No smoke or fire was found and no injuries were reported.

•On Nov. 9 at 11:59 p.m. Alex Scott, 18, of 415 Henninger Hall, was issued a notice to

appear Dec. 11 for a Macomb city ordinance violation for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor in the Corbin Hall lot. A juvenile non-student also received a Macomb city ordinance violation for illegal consumption of alcohol by a minor.

Devon Greene

dj-greene@wiu.edu Crighton from page 1

She says this process allows her to increase the stability in the newsroom, which is comprised of student directors with vast experience.

She is also proud to have shaped the culture that exists on the production staff and in the newsroom today. She recognizes the impact her career creates.

“Journalism is one of the professions that can totally change people’s lives,” she said. “I take that responsibility very seriously.”

Students who hope to receive or retain positions at NEWS3 must apply or reapply each semester. Crighton also holds auditions for talent positions on the station. She is dedicated to offering the highest possible quality of content.

“I’ve always thought it’s

very important to tell the stories of people who can’t always tell them for themselves,” she said.

William “Buzz” Hoon is a College of Fine Arts and Communication Associate Dean at Western, and is very familiar with Crighton’s work. Hoon nominated Crighton for the award noticing her continuous impact.

“We are successful in part because of the teaching, service and extra effort Jasmine provides to our students on a daily basis,” Hoon said in an interview with Western Illinois University news.

The magazine can’t list everyone involved, but Crighton believes those at NEWS3 should be aware of their success.

“I’m happy to receive this recognition,” Crighton said. “But ultimately, it’s a recognition of my entire NEWS3 team, both past and present.”

4 OPINIONS

Friday, November 16, 2018

WesternCourier.com

Should hate speech be JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

For almost three centuries, freedom of speech has defended the right of the individual to freely express themselves without government intervention.

This allowed the press to remain detached from government overreach, helped protect minority groups from being silenced and has awarded fringed religious groups the protection that they deserve. Overall, freedom of speech has done more good than bad. It has also caused harm because, unfortunately, the right to freedom of speech and the right to freedom of expression are also extended to include individuals who hold racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, anti-Semitist and anti-women’s rights views. It is these perspec-

tives that are labelled today as hate speech.

Hate speech is any speech that spreads fear and hate towards any one person or group of people. Dialogue like homosexuality being a sin, immigrants being rapists and drug dealers, African-Americans being more prone to violence and crime are only a few examples of hate speech. Hate speech is currently protected as freedom of speech and the question arises of why. It is, for example, illegal for a person to enter a movie theater and scream that there is a fire when there isn’t one. Yet, it is not illegal for a politician to scream that immigrants are coming to cause harm, even when they are not.

This leads to the question of why

is one freedom of speech protected but the other is not? The answer might not be as simple as you would think; it is illegal to enter a movie theater and scream fire when there isn’t one because there isn’t one and it is not an opinion. No one can say that it’s their opinion that there is a fire in a movie theater when there isn’t, but it is an opinion to say that homosexuality is a sin even when others say it isn’t. Freedom of speech protects individual opinions, not factual nonsense.

Now, it is an opinion to say that homosexuality is or is not a sin, it is not an opinion to say a building is on fire or that it isn’t, when it is or isn’t. It is an opinion to be sexist, racist or anti-immigrant.

Those opinions, although found by the overwhelming majority of society to be incorrect, are nonetheless opinions and that is why hate speech is currently protected as freedom of speech.

Now, you may ask why does it matter? Why should fringe

groups within society have their opinions, which appear false to the majority, be protected? The answer is complicated but true, because today that might be so, that hate speech is seen as inaccurate, but it wasn’t this way a century ago and might not be in the near future. What I mean is that a century ago, it was a popular sentiment to be racist and sexist. Just like it’s a popular sentiment today to not be sexist or racist. Today, popular sentiment has changed, but it may change again for the worst in the near or distant future. That is why minority opinions are protected, because today the opinions of hate speech might be the minority, but tomorrow it might be the majority. If we allow hate speech in its current form to be criminalized, then what’s stopping other majority groups in the future from doing the same things that we find prevalent today. For example, homosexuality is protected and women have

the right to vote, but what if, God forbidding, that would change a century from now? What if a century from now, popular sentiment goes in the opposite direction and homosexuals and women, for example, are alienated and looked down upon and their opinions and views are labeled as hate speech by the majority, then it would be nice to have their hate speech (although today viewed as the opposite) be equally protected under the freedom of speech clause in the U.S Constitution. Overall, it is important that all opinions, no matter how morally wrong or factually incorrect they may be, are protected because morality changes, and so does popular sentiment as we know it, but the right to freely express yourself does not. I do not agree with hate speech, but I do agree that all opinions, no matter how rude or wrong they may appear, ought to be protected. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.

Math 99 should count as a credit

As someone who has taken math 099 here at Western, I can say that, in my opinion, it should be a class that gives credit. For those who do not know about math 099, students who are placed in math 099 have math every day.

Monday, Wednesday and Fridays are lecture days; and Tuesdays and Thursdays are lab days where a teacher assistant in the department teaches smaller sections to students. I do not think math 099 should be required to get into math 100. Math 099 is a four credit hour course, but you do not get credit for it. You have to pay for it and you have to pass it. Another downfall of math 099 is you have two teachers.

The main lecture teacher will teach you material for an hour and then the lab teacher assistant teaches on Tuesday and Thursdays.

Having two people teach you

math if you’re not good at it is very confusing. The teacher assistants are great, the only bad thing is that they know how to do math and use shortcuts.

I think for how much work I put into the class each week; I should have received credit for that work.

Having this class be required for some students and not have it credited is going to highly unmotivate any student. In my opinion, math 099 here at Western is just another way for the University to make money. Let students go straight into math 100 or 101. It is not the University's decision to tell us what we are ready to take.

Math 100, for me, was easier than the material in math 099. I think students should be able to go straight into math 100, but also have the option to take math 099 if they want a refresher course.

Again, it is just very confusing having math five days a week and having two different people teaching the material. I personally had to take math 099 because my ACT math score was on the lower side.

The ACT math problems should not dictate if you are good or bad at basic algebra skills. The questions on the ACT were not basic algebra.

Math 099 here at Western should be optional and not required by the University.

Getting credit for the course is also another great idea because students will be motivated and actually be glad their money is going towards some type of credits. Some students do not think the class is worth the time. There needs to be an incentive behind this class so students feel like their work is worth something. Labs should not be mandatory, but more like a resource. If a student needs extra help, they should attend the labs and get extra help from the assistant teachers. All of these suggestions I have stated would benefit the class greatly and make the class more enjoyable for students.

Math can often be a tough subject for some students.

MAXPIXEL.NET

Friday, November 16, 2018

@WesternCourier

OPINIONS 5

Start saying no to using plastic straws

Restaurants, fast food chains, even households hold one of the deadliest pollutants that fill our oceans. Day after day, drink after drink, humans use over 500 million straws a day.

We put straws in our orange juices, smoothies, iced teas from McDonald’s, Polar Pops full of Coke and in our glasses of milk. What are the reasons we use plastic straws? Some could argue they use them to stir their drinks. Others may say they need it to stop the ice

from bombarding their face when sipping on the quencher. The most valid reason I can think of is medical reasons. I personally know many people that cannot physically consume fluids without the help of a straw, but even they rarely use these forbidden plastic disposable straws. Immediately sitting at any given restaurant, the waiter or waitress tosses a handful of straws on the table, and we instinctively reach for one, unwrap the pa-

per and plop the straw in our glass. Rarely do we think twice or recognize the waste we cause. Where does that straw go? Straws, although plastic, cannot be reused for the thin amount of substance and the potential contamination.

There is no point to melt down such a small amount of plastic that cannot be used for much.

So these straws enter our landfills, so we think. What if I told you these straws don’t go to our landfills, but instead float towards our oceans?

These straws float side by side with all the creatures of the sea. Of all the sea turtles in the sea, 100 percent of tested sea turtles have ingested plastic. Plastic is a very broad

category, so why do we blame this on straws? Because of the advances in recycling, we can reasonably assume that plastic straws, blow out of our landfills, beaches and especially vacation resorts. Plastic straws are the number one form of plastic found in ocean clean ups. Straws are so thin, that they have been found in throats of sea birds, nostrils of sea turtles and stomachs of most marine life. Who knew that a simple tool for our convenience could be the most deadly thing in our oceans?

It has been projected by many reliable sources that in the year 2050 we will have more plastic straws in our oceans than fish.

Our oceans make up about 70

Write for Opinions

percent of our Earth and hold approximately 3.5 trillion fish.

If there will be more straws in our oceans than fish, we can expect to see straws covering the water on our tropical excursions, find plastic in our water systems and have straws drift from our freshwater pools, into our large bodies of water. A simple "no, thank you" to straws could potentially save half of our marine life, in and out of water. If not refusing straws for our animals and our planet, Mother Earth, refuse straws for the humans that use ocean water to convert into drinking water. Save our oceans, turtles and marine life. Save the planet and all who dwell on it.

Contact Allison Young

AN-Young@wiu.edu

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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

Friday, November 16, 2018

6 SPORTS

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Football from back page

Indiana State comes into this matchup riding a four-game winning streak after defeating the Illinois State Redbirds.

Ryan Boyle, their quarterback, and Ja’Quan Keys, their running back are the leaders of this very dynamic offense.

Boyle has been very efficient this year completing 119 of his 188 passes while only throwing two interceptions. The main reason he has been so reliable all season is because they are a run heavy team,

Erica Hagen competes in butterfly event at a meet in Brophy Hall.

Swim

from back page

In addition to Hagen’s impressive times, two more first place finishes came in the individual competitions and in the 400-medley relay.

Freshman Laramie Reed and junior Casey Roberts capitalized in the individual meets including the 100-breast (1:08.98) and the 100-free with 54.61. In the 100-free, Roberts was .05 seconds ahead of one

of the Omaha competitors.

The squad of juniors Madison Chao and Miranda Mathus, senior Marissa Purdum and Hagen concluded the home event, when they won the 400-medley relay by .02 seconds with a time of 4:04.04.

As of Nov. 6, Hagen was named The Summit League swimmer of the week, which makes it her second time she has earned this career honor.

Not only has Hagen received this honor, but so has Bladel

GOLEATHERNECKS .COM

and junior diver Colin Parker after their last meet back in October. These three Summit League honorees will be quite the threat to the other teams heading to Indianapolis this weekend.

Both teams will have one more meet to finish up the current year before the new year starts. Western will be on the road once more to take on Truman State on Dec. 1, in Kirksville, Mo. at 1 p.m.

Twitter: boxin_briecoder

CLASSIFIEDS

WC

For Rent

For Rent

Submit a classifieds ad to JD-Day@wiu.edu

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.

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: Leasing season has officailly begun, and we’re showing properties now! 1-5 bedroom houses close to campus are ready to be leased for this upcoming school year! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule an appointment! Stay updated with us on Twitter @Western_Invest 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!

.

and Keys is the one who carries the offensive load. He has run the ball on 158 snaps and has accumulated 977 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns. He is going to be a big problem for the Leatherneck defense. They may not be able to stop him, but they have to find a way to contain him if they want to walk away with a victory.

Western Illinois will kick off against Indiana State this Saturday is at 1 p.m.

Make sure to come out to Hanson Field, and cheer on the seniors.

BECCA LANGYS/PHOTO EDITOR

Sean McGuire looks to find a pass downfield on Hanson Field.

LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! First come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall.

NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing.

Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message.

Westen Investments: Are you looking for an apartment? We are now showing our beautiful 1-3 bedroom apartments for this upcoming school year! Don’t like paying for utilities? Ask about our ALL UTILITIES options, and be sure to check out our website (westerninvest.com) to see our listings! Schedule an appointment with us today at 309-833-5995.

The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

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.

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 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.

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.

Sports 7

Friday, November 16, 2018

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The long road to the MLS Cup

The MLS (Major League Soccer) is like no other soccer league in the world. In countries like Spain, Italy, England, France, etc. the team with the most points win the league. Three points for a win, one for a draw and none for a loss. In each of these countries, each team typically plays 38 games and a winner is crowned come May. That’s generally how the MLS regular season is as well. Each team plays 36 regular season games, and the top four from each conference (East and West) will make the Audi MLS Playoffs.

The top two teams from each conference will have a bye-game, while four knockout round games are played. It’s simple, win those games and you’re in. Lose, and your season is over.

The MLS postseason is about halfway over, with the final culminating the tournament on Dec. 8 and we’ve already seen some instant classics. So, let’s break them down thus far.

Let’s go chronologically, starting with the four knockout round games. The brand-new LosAngeles Football Club (LAFC) took on Real Salt Lake at home.

RSL was the six seed while LAFC was the three, so you could say this was an upset. RSL won 3-2

in comeback fashion to move on to the Western Conference Semifinals. I was saddened by this, because an expansion team has never won the MLS Cup before and I kind of wanted to see it happen.

Moving on though, the Portland Timbers traveled to Toyota Stadium to take on FC Dallas.

With a couple of goals from Diego Valeri, the Timbers were able to leave with a 2-1 victory, setting them a date with their heated rivals, the Seattle Sounders, but we’ll get to that later.

Next up was the Philadelphia Union who took on New York City Football Club (NYCFC) at Yankee Stadium. Yes, you read that right. A city with over eight major sports teams has to share stadiums with a baseball team. A regulation size soccer stadium can’t fit in a baseball stadium, especially one of the smallest ones, but I digress.

NYCFC won 3-1 to return to the Eastern Conference Semifinals for the third straight year.

The last knockout round match was by far the most dramatic.

DC United were stunned on their home field when they lost to the Columbus Crew SC on penalties.

The match was tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, meaning overtime. Each

team would score another goal to make the score 2-2 after 120 minutes, meaning penalty kicks.

Federico Higuaín scored both goals for the Crew and converted his penalty. Wayne Rooney’s penalty was saved, and his teammate Nick DeLeon skied his kick over the crossbar to give the Crew the win.

Onto the Conference Semifinals.

The format changes into an aggregate score. Meaning the teams will play a home and away series with the other teams. The rules are fairly complicated, but it makes for more drama. Score more goals than the other team after two games, and you win. But away goals are the tiebreaker. Meaning that if two teams are tied at three goals each, but Team A has three away goals while Team B only has one, Team A will move on. Away goals don’t matter in overtime, which is even more complicated.

I’m going to go out of order to save the best for last, so let’s start with the East. The Columbus Crew took on the New York Red Bulls. The Crew won the first match at home 1-0 from a goal from Gyasi Zardes in the 61st minute. It could’ve been worse, as Columbus controlled the majority of that match but couldn’t convert, but it didn’t matter to New York. A 1-0 win in the second leg would take them to overtime, but a 2-0 win would mean they win on aggregate 2-1.

So, they went out and won 3-0 to prove a point. The Red Bulls put

on some of the best pressure and caused the Crew to make many mistakes, leading to their win. It was 1-0 after halftime, but Daniel Royer changed that really quick.

He scored two goals within three minutes, and assisted on the first goal, to get his team the win.

Staying in the East, NYCFC took on the No. 2 seed in Atlanta United. Atlanta won 4-1 on aggregate, cruising to their first conference championship. They won 1-0 at Yankee Stadium, in a hardfought match taking that lead back home. Then Atlanta kept their foot on the gas and won that match 3-1 in front of a sellout, 70,000 plus crowd at the beautiful MercedesBenz Stadium, which set a playoff record attendance by the way, from a team that’s only been in the league for two years.

Moving onto the West, Real Salt Lake took on Sporting Kansas City at home. The first leg played out to a really boring 1-1 draw, but the series made up for itself in the second leg. SKC won 4-2, but it was a tough win. RSL just never gave up in this match, which is what you love to see in the playoffs. Unfortunately it just wasn’t enough, as SKC scored two goals in each half, to get them to the conference championship.

That leaves one conference semifinal left, and it was by far the best MLS series I’ve ever seen. It had a little bit of everything from fouls to injuries to blown calls to penalty kicks. I’m a little biased because this is my favorite MLS rivalry,

and yes there are plenty of good ones, but this one delivered on every aspect.

The Seattle Sounders took on the Portland Timbers at Providence Park in the first leg. The Timbers won 2-1 at home putting them in good shape headed to Seattle. The second leg was tied 1-1 until extra time when Raul Ruidiaz scored the goal to force overtime because of the aggregate 3-3 score line.

Portland scored first in overtime, but four minutes later a penalty was awarded to Seattle. Nicolas Lodiero slotted home the spot kick, and the game finished 4-4 on aggregate after 120 minutes, meaning more penalty kicks. A couple years ago, Seattle won the MLS Cup on penalties, but they feel short against their arch rivals and lost 4-2 from the spot.

Just like that, the MLS playoffs were down to four teams.

Sporting Kansas City will take on the Portland Timbers in the West and the New York Red Bulls will have Atlanta United in the East.

These games will have the same aggregate home and away format, while the MLS Cup Final is a one game do or die format.

I predict Portland to win the series after penalty kicks, and I think Atlanta will easily get to their first MLS Cup Final. In the final I have Atlanta beating Portland 3-2 after extra time. No matter what happens, it will be dramatic and undoubtable fun to watch. The first leg of conference championships kicks off Nov. 25.

Men’s basketball dominates Dominican

By Jacob VanZuiden courier staff

After dropping the season opener to Creighton, the Western Illinois University men’s basketball team has stormed back to win two straight games, including a dominant 95-56 victory Wednesday night against Dominican University.

When the Purple and Gold fell short against Creighton, it wasn’t seen as entirely negative.

After playing toe-to-toe until the final buzzer with a team that boasted a dazzling 16-2 home record last season, the young squad for Western began to ooze with confidence. They’ve played brilliantly overall thus far, as this also marked the second straight contest where five different Leathernecks finished with double figures in the scoring column. This time out, the team was able to find scoring contributions from all angles.

Leading the bout for the Leathernecks was senior big man Brandon Gilbeck, a player not particularly known for his scoring prowess. He had the hot hand in this matchup, however, as the Dominican Stars had no answer for the 7-foot center. Gilbeck led the team with 19 points on a very efficient shooting night (85.7 percent from the field) while serving as the anchor of their defense, and managing to add four blocks to

an already-impressive total on the season.

Sophomore guard Isaac Johnson, one of the more pleasant surprises on the team thus far, was able to chip in with 18 points of his own.

The freshman duo of Ben Pyle and Zion Young continued to impress in the early stages of the season, contributing with 12 points each.

The narrative was different for sophomore guard Kobe Webster, as he just couldn’t seem to find his rhythm against the Stars.

His opportunities were limited in a game where the Purple and Gold jumped out to a large lead right from the get-go. He ended up in double figures, accruing 11 points on just 2-6 shooting. Despite his off-game, Webster still leads the team 18.7 points per game. He’ll have a good shot to bounce back next time out.

Dominican University struggled to get things going right from tip-off, as they were unable to crack double-digits in the score column until just after the 10-minute mark of the first half. 6-foot-6 forward Braquan Echols was the lone bright spot for the Stars, notching a doubledouble with 12 points and 10 rebounds. Sophomore guard Dennis Handy placed second on the team in scoring, finishing the contest with nine points.

This victory puts Western

Illinois at 2-1 through three games. While the last two opponents haven’t posed the stiffest competition to the Leathernecks, head coach Billy Wright has been pleased with how his team has taken advantage of these matchups.

He remains adamant that the Purple and Gold need to continue executing their offensive plan, regardless of who they face.

“We always want to play the right way. On offense, it's moving the ball, sharing the ball, making the extra pass when guys are open,” Wright said.

“We have to make the right decisions, whether it's getting in the paint off the bounce, catching and shooting the three or dumping it down low to the big fella (Gilbeck).”

This is undoubtedly a great start for this program after finishing last season below .500 at 12-16. In fact, the men’s basketball program hasn’t seen a winning season since the 2012-13 season. This is a streak they’ll look to end this year as Wright continues to groom and develop his inexperienced roster.

The Leathernecks will aim at keeping their momentum churning on their upcoming road trip starting Saturday.

They’ll face off against Eastern Illinois and Tennessee-Martin before finishing their road trip against Nebraska on Nov. 24.

Isaac Johnson shoots a free-throw at Western Hall.

FILE PHOTO

Necks swim towards finish line

By Brie Coder copy editor

GOLEATHERNECKS.COM

Brennan Bladel swims the freestyle event in a home meet.

INDIANAPOLIS — It has all come down to this. The Western Illinois University men and women’s swim and dive teams will be swimming and or diving towards the finish line at the House of Champions this Friday through Sunday.

Even though The Summit League Championships are three months away, this meet coming up is considered the midterms for these teams.

What happens this weekend will determine what works well for the team, and what still needs to be practiced to better the Purple and Golds stance and rankings for their upcoming meets next semester.

The last time the Leatherneck men’s team competed was back in October at the IUPUI in Indianapolis.

Junior Brennan Bladel won in the individual 100-back, and came in third in the 200-IM with 1:56.91. In his first competition of the season, senior Chance McQuigg registered a second-place finish in the

100-breast at a time of 58.49 Four astonishing third place finishes concluded the individual men’s competitions.

The first came from freshman Adam Peterson in the 100free (53.55). Second came from junior Phillip Kudela in the 100-free (47.74). Third was from freshman newcomer Nicholas Kontos in the 200-back (2:00.50). The final swimmer was junior Connor Owens in the 200-back, coming in at 2:16.34.

In the 200-medley relay team, senior Samir Almhiemid, McQuigg, Bladel and Peterson wrapped up the event, locking in a second place finish at 1:35.23.

The Purple and Gold women’s swim and diving teams’ last meet prior to House of Champions was here at home against University of Nebraska Omaha on Nov. 2.

At this event, senior Erica Hagen earned two individual wins in the 100-IM (1:00.40) and in the 100-fly (59.42).

Swim page 6

Football faces Sycamores on senior day

By Brendan Reidy courier staff MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois University Leathernecks (5-5, 4-3) will face off against the Indiana State Sycamores (6-4, 4-3) in the regular season finale. It will be Senior Day this weekend, and there will be 21 Leathernecks who will suit up for their final game at Hanson Field.

Not only is it the seniors last game at home, but there is also a potential playoff spot on the line. These two teams are currently tied for the third spot in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, and there has been lots of chatter saying the winner of this matchup may receive the final spot in the upcoming FCS Playoffs.

Western is coming off a heartbreaking loss to the University of South Dakota.

After losing 17-12 and not scoring any points on offense, the team will look to rebound in this critical conference matchup. The team will look to follow their senior leadership in their final regular season game. Look for senior

quarterback Sean McGuire to come out poised, and to make a big statement in his last time under center on Hanson field. The key for the Leathernecks will be what it has been all year, defense.

They have one of the best units, and have the ability to completely take over ball games. Senior defensive lineman Khalen Saunders and senior linebacker Pete Swenson are the leaders of this unit, and are finalists for the Buck Buchanan Award that goes to the best defensive player in the FCS. However, Western’s defense will have their hands full on Saturday against a rolling Sycamore team. Head coach Jared Elliott said on “The Coaches Show” that he likes the matchup his defense has against Indiana State’s offense. They are a run heavy team, and that his defense excels at this best. The key for the Purple and Gold to walk away with the win on Senior Day is to stop their explosive ground game.

Football page 6

BECCA LANGYS /PHOTO EDITOR

Khalen Saunders goes to tackle a University of Northern Iowa player at a home game on Hanson Field.