Western Courier | April 24th, 2019

Opinions: There's a lack of trust in the Journalism field.

Sports: Baseball falls in South Dakota series.

WesternCourier.com

Monday, April 24, 2019 - Vol. 119 Issue 81

@WesternCourier

Student leaders express the need for change is now

wiu.edu

Madison Lynn (left), Justin Brown (center) and Grant Reed (right) all gave speeches at the State of the Student Address. Each speech is designed to address the current state of the Univeristy and what they feel needs to be done.

By Marc Ramirez

edge editor

The Western Illinois University Student Government Association held a Special Session and hosted the annual State of the Student Address on Monday in the University Union Heritage Room.

The purpose of the State of the Student Address was originally founded during the time of the budget impasse by the, then SGA President Wil Gradle, to address concerns and share the viewpoints that many students on campus were facing.

The theme of this year's State of the Student Address was “The Time is Today.” Every year, SGA student leaders sit down to develop a theme which they feel accurately describes the current environment of the University.

SGA Vice President Madison Lynn was the first to take the podium and give her speech.

Lynn spoke about how in the

current state the University sits in, it’s time to become realists and adjust our sails, and the time to do so is today.

“My goal today is to share with you an honest reflection of the student experience, our concerns and the direction we’d like to see the University move in,” Lynn said.

She proceeded to talk about her time as vice president and all the goals she set and the success of seeing them all out.

Whether it was the Superhero Blue Light Fun Run/Walk to coordinating the Mayor ’s Student Roundtables. Everything Lynn focused on addressing at the University, transparency, safety, morale and our relationship with the City, weren’t the only things that the Student Government Association needed to work on. But it is something that she believed needed to be worked on, on a Universitywide scale.

In turbulent times, plagued by an insufficient budget,

layoffs and declining enrollment, we cannot afford to breed distrust,” Lynn said.

“A former student trustee once told me, “Sunlight is the best disinfectant.” I believe that couldn’t be truer in our current state. WIU has had more than its share of publicity. Now that it’s out in the air, it's time to disinfect.”

Lynn continued on to say

“”

“As we stand at a crossroads as a University, the meaning of this poem is magnified,” -Justin Brown Student Member to the Board of Trustees

that we all must be forthcoming with information and give every party its due process in decision making because uncertainty and distrust is what will cause poor morale across the board.

“Now more than ever, we need a team of people fiercely advocating for WIU’s best interests,” Lynn said.

Next to speak was Student Member to the Board of Trustees, Justin Brown. He opened his speech by stating that he is a proud student who wants nothing more than to see Western grow, prosper and adapt in this unique time of change.

“It would be remiss of me to not start by thanking countless individuals and organizations all across the institution that have had an impact on not only the student, but also the person I am today, and who also serve as the driving force for countless others,” Brown said.

He added how students like Reed constantly pushed him to venture outside of his comfort zone and get involved. Without this push, he wouldn’t have had the opportunity to serve his second term on the Board. Staff like

Nick Katz who does sp much for the University does not get as much recognition for pushing students to reach their full potential as student leaders, and faculty like Janice Gates, who go above and beyond in the classroom and in every organization she helps advise.

“These are just a few of the countless individuals that make Western a place I am proud to call home,” Brown said. “Individuals like these remind me of a poem by Will Allen Dromgoole titled, ‘The Bridge Builder.’”

The poem speaks of promoting the idea of building a bridge for those who will come after you. That it is necessary to do what you need to do in order to make it easier for the person coming after you, to pass the torch on to the younger generation.

State of the Student

page 3

2

NEWS

WesternCourier.com

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Broadcasting and Journalism professor to retire after 30 years

By Steven Barnum news editor

Mike Murray is retiring after more than 30 years at Western Illinois University.

The Fulton, Ill. native worked at radio stations in Minnesota and Wisconsin before coming to Macomb to begin his teaching and advising career. While his interest in higher education started while he was in college, Murray’s passion for broadcasting started much earlier.

“Even when I was a little guy, I was captivated by broadcasting,” Murray said.

“It was like voices in the sky to me. They would come from places like Chicago and Denver and sometimes even New York City, which was a big thrill. Getting signals from those cities that you only read about was really cool.”

He enrolled at schools like the University of Iowa and the Brown Institute of Broadcasting with the intention of joining the radio industry for the

long haul. After recognizing that the radio business was turning to automation, Murray shifted his focus to the classroom.

I became aware of the power of a good teacher,” he said. “Teachers seemed to have a magical power to illuminate material and show you connections between things. I wondered if I could do the same and I think that I was able to succeed at least some of the time.”

Western’s broadcasting and journalism department helps prepare students for the workforce, according to Murray, in several different ways.

“We’re a very well-connected department and part of that is because we’ve graduated thousands of students who are out there working in the industry,” Murray said. “Our connections have helped a lot of students get jobs.”

He references William “Buzz” Hoon, a fellow member of the department, when he talks about the department’s “legacy” of students who graduated from the

program and helped create a respectable reputation.

Another reason for why the department is a good choice in Murray’s eyes is its ability to offer students a hands-on experience. Broadcasting majors can work at the university’s radio station or at the morning news show. They are able to learn about the industry while also developing skills.

“It also helps because it’s combined with a certain degree of academics,” Murray said. “They learn the protocols for getting news in a proper way. They know what’s acceptable and unacceptable and they just know what they’re doing.”

The department is currently in the process of a dramatic transformation.

Several faculty members are retiring as of recent after what Murray refers to as more than two decades of stability.

“We had this core of people that worked as a team,” he said. “We went about 25 years straight with that team before the party started breaking up. We were

in a state of equilibrium, which I think is pretty darn rare in academic circles.”

Murray talked about receiving necessary state funding for so long, something that he thinks is absent now, as one of the department’s strengths.

Aside from knowledgeable faculty members, he also lists leadership’s ability to allow for freedom of expression as a positive aspect of the department.

“It was like riding a wave for two and a half decades,” he said. “I defy you to find a department somewhere else on the campus that had that kind of stability.”

With the new faces in the department, Murray makes it clear that the program is in good hands. Theresa Simmons will take over his advisory duties and Patrick Johnson will replace him in the classroom. Murray remains optimistic that the new crop of instructors will create a similar atmosphere to what he and his colleagues built.

Murray quickly recognized how teaching required classes often makes it difficult to

energize students about the material. He discovered that teachers can’t force certain students to be as interested in the material as they are, a challenge that he accepts as reality. He also thinks that the traditional method of teaching is evaporating.

“No longer is the guy who stands up there and lectures for 45 minutes as valuable.

I think teachers need to respond to the way students learn, which has changed,” he said.

When he ponders what he’ll miss the most, he doesn’t hesitate to say interacting with students.

“Helping them fulfill their organizational and educational goals and desires is what I’ve enjoyed,” Murray said. “I’ll miss having discussions with students about their dreams.”

When he reflects on his career, Murray describes his trajectory as unusual, but he also recognizes that there is no right or wrong path to take. Once he transitions into retirement, he plans to get rid of clutter through a major house cleaning project.

FIND US ON @westerncourier THE WESTERN COURIER

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photo editor Becca Langys

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sports editor Bradley Piros

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assistant sports editor Chris Bean

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State of the Student from page 1

“As we stand at a crossroads as a University, the meaning of this poem is magnified,” Brown said. “Whether you feel like you play a large role in this institution or not, we are all standing at the very same crossroad, we have all reached the same chasm.”

Brown stressed that it is imperative to the success of our institution that we band together and move forward as a united community. He continued to say that if we don’t do it for ourselves or the people sitting around us, we should at least do it for all the students who will become a part of our Leatherneck family.

“We are standing on the shoulders of those who preceded us, and future gen-

Wednesday, April 24, 2019 erations will need our shoulders to be strong enough to support them,” Brown said.

“It is easy to fall into the trap of “the Western way, thinking that everything can and should be done the same way, but that is no way to think when higher education as a whole is changing and adapting all around us.”

Brown stated that we need to be at the forefront of innovation, opportunity and student success. He referenced back to the poem and said that we need to do things that will benefit future generations because being complacent won’t build any bridges.

“Every single one of us in this room has the ability to be a ‘bridge builder ’ for every student who will be here in a semester from now, year from now or 119 more years from now,” Brown said. “It is our duty as Leathernecks to ensure that everyone who follows in our footsteps to discover their home here at

Western, that same home my father found 30 years before me, has the opportunity to do so.”

According to Brown, Western is a place where leaders are cultivated, where tradition is fostered and where countless memories have been made.

“It is our responsibility to set in motion the changes that will set this university on a positive, enduring path,” Brown said. “Thank you all for not only listening to me speak today, but also for your commitment to this place that I, and so many before me, have the privilege to call home.”

Next to the podium to speak was Reed. He began his speech by recognizing his executive cabinet, the legislative body and advisor Michelle Janisz. Reed then began to explain that he could use his opportunity on stage to air every grievance, complaint and criticism that he has with

NEWS 3 the state of the University, but that it wouldn’t do any good.

“Maybe it would be cathartic, maybe each of you are thinking similar things, but would it inspire any action, or move any of you a little closer towards believing that our University is still worth fighting for,” Reed asked. “Probably not.”

Reed continued to say that this academic school year, student governance is celebrating 100 years at Western.

It symbolizes a historic commitment to the shared vision of all students, faculty, staff and administrators.

However, Reed explains that as humans we naturally separate ourselves into groups. Groups that make us betray our shared vision.

“Once we begin to villainize one side over another, for the sake of glorifying our own cause, we have lost all hope of ever seeing other ’s perspective and truly understanding where

they come from,” Reed said.

“This cannot be allowed to continue. To move forward, we have to put aside agendas, differences, and anger.

Power and decision making must be shared amongst all individuals at all levels, not just in statute or written word, but in practice and action.”

He later brought up that many people are willing to criticize from the outside and complain to those who are trying to make change.

He described these people as people in “the cheap seats” and “people who are to not enter the arena” and explained that sometimes we do find ourselves there. Reed then challenged faculty, staff, students and administrators to get into the arena.

“As a University, we have sat in the seats for far too long, Reed said. “Today is the day to embrace a bias for action, work together, and step into the arena.”

MARY FLOWER Saturday April 27, 2019 7:00 pm

Tickets: online at TSPR.com By phone: 298-1873 or 800-895-2912 Tri States Public Radio Members—$10 General Public —$15 Canned good for local food pantry

Location:

Tri States Public Radio Vallillo/Holtz Performance Studio 320 W. University Drive Macomb, IL

4

OPINIONS

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

WesternCourier.com

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

It’s become increasingly frustrating to witness respect for journalists dwindle to what seems to be an all-time low.

With the transformation of how we get news thanks to the Internet, there is still a lot of adjusting to be made.

I tend to get the vast majority of information from Twitter, Facebook and a few other sites online. In addition to the convenience factor, I’m able to get news more quickly and accurately on-

line in a way that was never possible before.

But the negative side effect to this is that it’s even easier for people to spread misinformation. Most of us blindly believe anything that we read just because it’s online, which is dangerous and irrational.

It’s great that we have a medium that informs us on a lot of important stories, but we should take everything with a grain of salt.

Clickbait seems to be difficult to escape with online

journalism. Too many journalists focus on attracting us with eye-popping headlines, which is not going to earn my trust. I understand the need for your work to break through amidst the competition, but reporters should all be choosing accuracy over shock.

As our attention spans become shorter and shorter, the chances people read entire articles instead of just headlines is unlikely. This means that we often form opinions based on a very brief summary about an article that may not even be accurate.

As much as social media appears to be influencing our opinions, I still think that it happens just as much on cable

news. I don’t watch a lot of news on TV because I find all of it to be one-sided. One of my favorite sayings is “There are two sides to every story and the truth is usually somewhere in the middle,” which should be the model for news.

Even without watching CNN and Fox News, I still feel that I am as informed as I need to be. Networks like those claim to be balanced, but they seem to show major bias toward certain issues and politicians that makes it difficult for me to respect them. I have a problem with news networks who seem to be more obsessed with the left vs. right world than simply telling us the truth.

Whether you watch the news

or just read about it online, it’s troubling when so many people have a lack of faith in it. It seems like every outlet has an agenda or perspective that they are trying to shove through our ears. I am often influenced in some way by what I hear and I’m probably not alone.

Journalists can gain back the public’s respect in many different ways, but the most important way is by being as unbiased as they possibly can.

Some won’t believe it either way, but it’s critical for them to be honest. And for those who are still reading this article, I hope that we can find trustworthy sources that prioritize informing us over giving us their spin.

Earth day may be over, but you can still make a difference As Earth Day has come and gone, I feel the need to talk about the movement happening to protect our Earth. With so much pollution around the globe, it is a difficult topic to talk about. In the efforts to reverse the damage we’ve caused, a lot of influential people have stepped forward to put an end to global warming and pollution. One key artist I would like to point out is Lil Dicky. While his name may not scream “let’s help the Earth,” his new song definitely does. “Earth” by Lil Dicky is a song all about coming together to help save, well, the Earth. Not only does the message ring loud and true, he also brought in 30 or more other famous artists to collaborate on the track.

These names include Justin Beiber, Miley Cyrus, Snoop Dogg and Halsey just to name a few. Not only does the song literally talk

about how we are killing the Earth, he also touches on the fact we only have 12 years to reverse our damage, or it will be irreversible. You are probably thinking, “what is a song going to do to save the Earth?” That is a good question.

All the money being made from the song and video is being put towards environmental help. Along with this, Lil Dicky has a website called WeLoveTheEarth.Org. On this website, you can watch videos to learn about the damage being caused, and the ways you can help stop it. You are also able to sign a petition, sign up to vote and pay a fee to reverse your monthly or yearly carbon footprint.

In my opinion, what Lil Dicky is doing is an amazing movement towards saving our planet. The way he went about getting this message across is truly inspirational.

Including so many other artists in

this song is a great way to get people to come together and realize what we are doing to our home.

While Lil Dicky is definitely not the only one to attempt to make a difference, his way of doing it is going to reach so many young people. I truly think that we can all work together to save our Earth, even in the smallest ways. I have been very aware of my bad habits that harm our environment for the past few months. I have also found an app called “Ecosia” which replaces your web browser and every time you search something, the money from ads, goes to planting trees. This is just one example of the small things you could change in your everyday lives’ to make a difference.

I think if everyone could educate themselves on the small things they can do to make a difference, we could fix this problem in no time! So please, if you are reading this, look up some ways to help the Earth and start being more aware of the things you are doing in your personal life to contribute to the horrible habits that are killing the Earth we live on.

Schriever Air Force Base

Earth day is always April 22nd, and it gives us a chance to appreciate the beautiful planet.

OPINIONS 5

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

@WesternCourier

The importance of exercise Exercise is extremely important, not only on a physical level but also on a mental level. When done correctly you get the benefit of losing weight. Working out is great, but you must make sure you continue going to the gym.

Depending on what dorm you stay in or how far you live from campus, it’s not always a convenient trip.

The part of waking up and going to the gym is not always a feasible option.

Whether it be time or conditions like the weather being atrocious, there are aspects that discourage people from going. I propose an area in each of the halls where people can workout.

I do not believe that the area must be big; it can be as small as the laundry rooms if a treadmill or two can be accessible and maybe a few free weights can be used. I feel like this type of alternative will be a huge success for

people that want to do things later or earlier.

Having a gym in the halls would benefit people that are involved in multiple clubs and classes. The area that could be used for such a room could be the space located near the elevators. If this area was used it could be utilized instead of a makeshift lounge area.

Another reason having a gym in the dorms would benefit the students is to instill healthy habits in your daily routine. If the gym is closer to home, then you will be able to get a workout in constantly and then you will feel motivated to go to the recreation center where you

can do more types of exercises that you cannot do in the dorms.

Many people that exercise continuously understand the hardest things to do is workout every day and start again once you stop. This idea combats both perfectly since starting becomes easier with the proximity of the gym and consistency is easier with less excuses.

A bonus that having a gym in the dorm has over the recreation center is that a staff member is not needed to have a gym in the dorms, all you need is a camera and the ID swipe to make sure you know who is in the gym.

This will save the hassle of

trying to make sure you have people on duty in this potential 24-hour gym. The last big advantage that a gym closer to home creates is bonds. As clichĂŠ as it may sound, meeting people in college is an important thing and is very fun when you find someone with a similar interest.

If you and another person are in the gym and you strike up a conversation, you two instantly have something in common with the other person, so you both can chat about how you are trying to stay healthy and better yourselves. Above everything else, I want everyone to have the opportunity to live a safe and healthy life.

Right Here at Home for Summer School Western’s 2019 Summer Session offers numerous classes to fit your schedule and your major!

Advance registration for currently enrolled students is April 1-19.

Open registration begins April 22.

Stay on track ... or get ahead ... through a variety of classes in general education and undergraduate and graduate degree programs, delivered in face-to-face, online or extension formats.

Additional summer opportunities include youth summer camps, internships and study abroad.

Visit wiu.edu/summer for more information.

6

Wedenesday, April 24, 2019

SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Why Giannis Antetokounmpo is alreeady th NBA MVP

By Josh Purnell courier staff

In my opinion, I think Giannis “The Greek Freak” Antetokounmpo is the league MVP. There were other exceptional players that had an MVP season, player like James Harden, Paul George and Stephen Curry. “The Greek Freak” should be the winner and honestly it should not be close. I know you are thinking, “have you seen Harden?” Yes, I have seen the way Harden played all season long and what he’s done is unbelievable.

Without a doubt he is the best scorer in the league and quite honestly it’s not even close, but this is Antetokounmpo's year.

The Milwaukee Bucks are not only the No. 1 team in the East, they are the No. 1 team in the league, finishing the year with a 60-22 record. Antetokounmpo averages 26 points per game, 12 rebounds per game, four assist and two blocks. What an outstanding season he has had.

There is no other player in the league like him. He is absolutely unstoppable. Talk about a player that plays every game like it’s his last. He is a fierce competitor and all he wants to do is win. Milwaukee Bucks haven't had a player at his caliber since Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Back in 1971, Abdul-Jabbar delivered Milwaukee their first

NBA Championship, but he did it alongside the great Oscar Robertson. No disrespect to Khris Middleton; he did make the NBA All-Star team this year, but Middleton is not one of the best players in the league. He’s not even in the discussion to be in the top 20 best players in the league. Players like Harden play alongside Chris Paul, Curry plays alongside Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson and George plays alongside Russell Westbrook. Antetokounmpo led the team to the playoff with the best record in the league while playing with no one, and I consider that to be an incredible feat. Not to mention his loyalty to the team. He really wants to win a championship in Milwaukee and I think he can.

They are in a great situation right now. Milwaukee Bucks played the Detroit Pistons in the first round. Bucks swept the Pistons and will be moving on to the next round.

In the last game, Antetokounmpo scored 41 points, nine rebounds and four blocks. He made sure to put on a outstanding performance so his team could move on to the next round. The Boston Celtics swept the Indiana Pacers to move on to the next round as well. Bucks versus Celtics is going to be a great series to watch. I know Celtics have a great team and their leader,

Kyrie Irving, has been playing phenomenally well. There is no other player in this league that knows how to take over in the fourth quarter like him.

This series, everyone will be watching Antetokounmpo to see what he’s going to do.

Everyone knew the Bucks were going to beat the Pistons. This series against the Celtics is up in the air. No one knows who’s going to win.

Well, I’m sure Bucks and Celtics fans do. The young Celtics players have experience.

They’ve been deep in the playoffs and lost in the Conference Finals last year with their star player out the entire playoff.

Celtics are going to be tough to beat but I believe in “The Greek Freak” because that’s exactly what he is: a freak of nature. I don't think anyone on the Celtics can contain him and I’m sure they know that as well. The other players on the Buck's will be tested. Players like Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, Brook Lopez and the rest of the players have to be ready to play. They obviously can't win without Antetokounmpo, but he can't get to the NBA Finals alone. It’s going to be a serious dog fight. Whoever wins this series moves on to the Eastern Conference Finals. Get your popcorn ready because it’s going to be a great show to watch.

Giannis Antetokounmpo carries the ball down court.

WASHINGTON POST

If you are interested in writing for sports contact Bradley Piros - bj-piros@wiu.edu

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!

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.

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

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

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

@WesternCourier

Previewing St. Louis Blues vs. Dallas Stars

The first round of the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs isn’t quite over yet with one game-seven remaining tonight with the Washington Capitals hosting the Carolina Hurricanes. Lots of teams already know who their opponent for the second round will be, and we found out Monday night that it would be Blues vs. Stars.

Both of these teams failed to make the playoffs this time last year, but they’re both back and through to the second round, but how did they get here?

The St. Louis Blues were dead last in the league on Jan. 2. Since then, they managed to go on a 10-game win streak in February and move into a wildcard position.

Ironically, it was the Stars that ended that amazing run.

They continued to win as the season winded down and were competing for first place in the Central on the final day of the season. The Blues ended up third in the Central, meaning they got to take on the second place Winnipeg Jets on the road in the first round. Five of those six games were decided by only a one goal margin.

I made a prediction in my last article that had the Blues going on in six, and what do you know, I was right.

Although, it didn’t go exactly how I thought it would have.

The Blues opened the series back on April 10 with a close 2-1 win. The first goal of the series was given to one of the fastest and most skilled players in the NHL, Patrik Laine, seven minutes into the game.

No goals were scored in the second period which shaped the game to have a terrific

Jamie Benn

ending period of play. A little over four minutes into the third period, David Perron got his first goal to tie the game. With 3:05 left in the game, Tyler Bozak silenced the “White Out” Winnipeg crowd with the eventual game winning goal to take a 1-0 series lead.

St. Louis went on to win game two 4-3, but let the Jets tie the series back up in dramatic fashion. It clearly wasn’t the Blues’ night in game three 6-3, but the same couldn’t be said for game four. It was a scoreless first two periods thanks to terrific goaltending from both sides.

Rookie sensation Jordan Binnington for the Blues and Connor Hellebuyck for the Jets, both goalies played all six games. The deadlock was broken 35 seconds into the third period with Vladimir Tarasenko’s second goal of the series, but Mark Scheifele tied it up seven minutes later and that’s how the game ended after regulation. The game before was now over and it was time for sudden death overtime. Kyle Connor scored for the Jets to break every Blues fan’s heart inside the Enterprise Center in downtown St. Louis and tie the series at 2-2.

It seemed like the Jets were going to take a 3-2 series lead after scoring in the first 12 seconds of game five back in Winnipeg and doubling their lead to 2-0 at the end of the first. No goals were scored in the second which meant the Blues were in need of one big comeback. Ryan O’Reilly scored 1:29 into the third with a powerplay goal to cut the lead in half and give Blues fans hope. Brayden Schenn scored his first goal

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Mats Zuccarello

of the series to tie the game at 2-2 in the 13th minute, but the scoring wasn’t done yet.

With 15 seconds left in the game, Bozak made a desperation pass towards the net right onto the stick of Jaden Schwartz who redirected/ tipped it into the back of the net to go up 3-2 in the game and the series.

It was on to game six, and the Blues could clinch it at home. This time it was the Blues off to a quick start when Schwartz carried over that momentum from game five to score just 23 seconds into the game. He picked up another one in the second to double the lead and send the Enterprise Center into a frenzy. Nearly four minutes into the third period, Schwartz scored yet again to make it 3-0 and complete his hattrick. Dustin Byfuglien and Bryan Little scored for Winnipeg to make it 3-2 and get the crowd on edge, but the Blues hung on to make it through to the second round, winning the series 4-2.

That’s how St. Louis got there, but what about Dallas?

They ended the season as the first wildcard in the Western Conference which meant they had to take on the Central Division Champions, the Nashville Predators. The Preds have made it to the playoffs for the past five straight seasons, including a run to the Stanley Cup Finals where they fell to the Pittsburgh Penguins four games to two.

I predicted this series would go all seven with Nashville coming out on top, but I was wrong; it only took Dallas six. Four of them were decided by one goal and two in overtime. This series was back-and-forth as everyone expected it to be.

The series opened in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena, one of the toughest places to play on the road, but Dallas managed to come

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out victorious. Roman Josi scored the first goal of the series to give the Preds a 1-0 lead 12 minutes in and they took that lead into the locker room. Dallas scored three straight goals to take a 3-1 lead with goals coming from Miro Heiskanen, Alexander Radulov and Mats Zuccarello. P.K. Subban scored the final goal of the game but the Stars hung on to a 3-2 win to take a 1-0 series lead.

Nashville won the next two games, game two in overtime 2-1 and game three 3-2 in Dallas. Dallas bounced back in a huge way to tie the series at 2-2 with an impressive 5-1 win at home. The series headed back to Nashville tied 2-2. Dallas won game five 5-3 with two goals coming from Radulov to take a 3-2 series lead.

Dallas was now in the same position as St. Louis, they could clinch the series at home in game six. Austin Watson broke the tie six minutes into the game to give Nashville a 1-0 lead and silence the Dallas crowd.

Blake Comeau scored for the Stars five minutes into the second period to tie the game at 1-1. The third period saw some fantastic back-andforth action, but no goals, which meant overtime. If the Stars were going to clinch, they were going to have to work for it. John Klindberg finally broke the tie with only three minutes left in overtime to win the game 2-1 and clinch the series 4-2.

Both teams battled hard to get here, but what makes this matchup between the Stars and Blues so good? The history. The last time these two met up in the playoffs was in the second round back in the 2015-2016 season. The Blues won the series 4-3 to move on to the Conference Finals where they lost to the San Jose Sharks 4-2. St. Louis was led by former captain

Jordan Binnington

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David Backes’ four goals and four assists in that series and were backed by goaltender Brian Elliot.

Head to head this season, Dallas is 3-1 against the Blues, outscoring 13-7. The last regular season game between these two, Jamie Benn recorded a hattrick in a 4-1 win for the Stars.

Dallas’ first line of Jamie Benn (one goal, five assists), Tyler Seguin (two goals, four assists) and Alexander Radulov (four goals, two assists) have obviously played very well when you look at those statistics. The Blues’ first line Schenn, O’Reilly and Tarasenko on the other hand, wasn’t all that. The Blues made a change to put David Perron on the first line in place of Schenn to give the first line a right-handed shot and they immediately looked better, especially on the power play.

The biggest reason both of these teams are here is because of their spectacular goalkeeping. I already mentioned Binnington for the Blues with a .908 save percentage and a 2.63 goals allowed average. They aren’t the fantastic stats that he recorded in the regular season in his quest for the Calder Trophy, but then again, this is the playoffs.

On the other side of the ice stands Ben Bishop. He’s been playing out of his mind as of late, boasting a 1.89 GAA and a .945 save percentage.

He only allowed 12 goals in six games while Binnington allowed 16. If it wasn’t for both of these goalies, I don’t think either team would be here in the second round.

That’s how they got here, and that’s how they match up. The Blues have home ice, but the schedule has not yet been released for the second round, so I have to sit and await a date. Until then all I can do is make my bold prediction: Blues in five.

Jaden Schwartz

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Baseball loses series to South Dakota Coyotes 2-1

By Christopher Gibson courier staff

CJ Schaeffer makes contact with the ball.

Deion Thompson

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MY'ANNA PURDUE / PHOTO STAFF

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — This past Friday and Saturday, the Western Illinois University baseball team (15-22) traveled up north to take on the South Dakota State University baseball team (18-16). The Leathernecks dropped the first two games in the series by scores of 3-11 and 9-11, respectively, but bounced back and won the final game 7-6 in extra innings.

The final game on Saturday saw sophomore Jack Carberry get the start for the Leathernecks. He went six innings, giving up three runs while fanning six. The game started out scoreless until the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Jackrabbits scored first off a single to right field. They would continue to lead until the top of the sixth inning.

Senior CJ Schaeffer Jr. started things off hot in the top of the sixth inning for the Leathernecks by hitting a solo shot to tie the game. A couple batters later, senior Steve McShane singled to center field. Junior Trenton Bauer then hit a double to advance McShane to third, setting up

runners in scoring position with only one out. Junior Grant Hannat singled to right field a couple batters later, driving in both runs and giving the Leathernecks the lead, 3-1.

However, the Jackrabbits answered right back by scoring two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, tying the game up at three runs apiece.

The score stayed that way until the bottom of the eighth inning when South Dakota State scored three more runs to take the lead, 3-6, leaving our Leathernecks three outs away from getting swept.

Senior Deion Thompson started the Leatherneck charge off in the top of the ninth inning with a double to left field. Freshman Diego Munoz followed up Thompson with a home run, driving in Thompson and making it only a one run game, with no outs for the Leathernecks. After a pitching change and a groundout, junior Drue Galassi singled to right field, followed by Schaeffer Jr. singling to left field. This set up men on first and second for sophomore Alex Dorethy. Dorethy reached on a fielder’s choice,

which saw Schaeffer Jr. out at second, but moved Galassi to third. McShane singled to the pitcher and tied the game in the process. That would be the end of the scoring in the top of the ninth inning for the Leathernecks, but it was all they needed to keep the game going.

The top of the 10th saw nothing from the Jackrabbits.

Then in the bottom of the 10th inning, Thompson singled to right field. After an errant throw, Thompson advanced to second and then again to third after a failed pickoff attempt from the pitcher. Munoz hit a sacrifice fly to score Thompson, driving in the winning run for the Leathernecks. Dorethy put the exclamation point on the victory by striking out three in the bottom of the extra inning.

After this series, the Leathernecks remain at fourth in the conference right behind Oral Roberts. Yesterday, they had a rematch game against Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville (15-22) in Macomb. The Leathernecks looked to get some revenge after losing to the Cougars 3-13 on April 16.

New faces leave their mark in Leathernecks history books

By Brie Coder copy editor COLUMBIA, Mo. — It was all smiles and successful records when the Western Illinois University track and field teams traveled down to Missouri to compete in the Tom Botts Invitational this past weekend.

While there were 16 total individual and team performances that finished in the top half of their respected events, two new names were also inked in as well. Field athletes Tia Dorshorst (freshman) and Carrissa Tinsley (junior) both made a name for themselves over the weekend.

Dorshorst came out with a 3.66 meter mark in the pole vault competition. Her mark was so good at the invite, that she won the event overall. In addition, Tinsley, who is a transfer from Lincoln College, placed 10th all-time in the shot put. Prior to this accomplishment, Tinsley also etched her name in the same event with a sixth-place showing during the indoor category earlier this year.

Along with the well established wins from Dorshorst and Tinsley, other individual athletes swooped in for the Purple and Gold in the running and field events. Junior Josh Kirby raced in at 54.76 in

the 400-meter hurdles, before being one out of the four in the 4x400 meter relay team for the men’s division.

Next was senior Isaiah LeSure, who added two of his own personal records in the 100-meter (11.00) and the 200meter (22.11) dashes. To add to the collegiate best category, both sophomores Dyllan Bonk and Amelia Peterson came out prosperous in the 100-meter (11.01) and 200-meter (25.80).

The last big event for the Leathernecks, was the 4x400 meter relays. The men’s team consisted of freshman Lucas Hofer, Kirby, sophomore Johnny Dickson and junior Justin Montalto. It was a first place scoring for the men, with a time of 3:19.68.

The women’s relay team had freshman Sierra Long and juniors Bo Brasseur, Michaela Busch and Megan Reed. They were not a team you wanted to mess with at the invite, as they took home a second place finish with time of 3:53.54.

This week will be back-toback for both track and field teams, as they head to the Drake Relays today through Saturday, and the Kip Janvrin Open this Thursday through Saturday. It looks like both track and field teams will be split up in Iowa, but there is still more to come, especially with their outstanding performances.

BECCA LANGYS / PHOTO EDITOR

Justin Montalto stretches before practice.

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Bo Brasseur warms up before practice.

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Josh Kirby prepares for his running events.

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Michaelo Busch competes in a hurdles event.