Opinions: Allison Young: University Union needs more healthy food.
Sports: Track and Field to compete against Iowa Hawkeyes.
Sports: Women's basketball shutout Denver Pioneers 118-93.
Friday, January 26, 2018 - Vol. 118 Issue 49
JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER
By Tea Wheat courier staff
Western Illinois University introduces “The Vagina Monologues,” a global activist movement whose goal is to abolish violence against women that raises funds and awareness through the productions of Eve Ensler. “The Vagina Monologues,” is a play created from the powerful stories of women around the world, and its purpose is to act as a catalyst for the empowerment of women.
Eve Ensler, who based the art off the many interviews she conducted, wrote “the Vagina Monologues” in 1994. “The Vagina Monologues” tells stories of women with different identities that span from race, gender, sexual orientation, and more. This play empowers people to step up, and take action to help end violence against women, as this is the mission of the national V-Day campaign. V-Day is a movement that acts as a catalyst for these many forms of activism, and any funds raised are used to support local shelters and crisis
centers. The V-Day movement has raised over $120 million, and has also educated millions about the problem of violence against women. The first adaptation of “The Vagina Monologues” was performed at Western in 2001, and over the years the monologues have been gaining more popularity on campus. It is no surprise that the Women’s Center here on campus accepted the challenge of performing this wonderful play for the past 17 years, and now continues the tradition. “The Vagina Monologues” is com-
posed of many short monologues directly relating to sexuality and empowerment of women. Mychele Montgomery, a graduate student with the Women’s Center, said the monologues aren’t restricted for one gender, and men often times enjoy the monologues and the powerful spirits achieved from it. “The Vagina Monologues are enjoyable for men too,” Montgomery said. “The Vagina Monologues not only encompasses all different types of women, but also supports an inclusive environment where
all are welcome. Women of all shapes, sizes, majors, and academic credits will be found on stage this February, continuing the empowering tradition that is V-Day.” According to Lindsay Gleason, a senior at Western and president of Feminine Action Alliance has taken part in “The Vagina Monologues” for the past three years. The event is empowering to women and gives them a sense of hope and strength.
Monologues
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JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER
By Nicholas Ebelhack editor-in-chief Despite steady declines in enrollment, Western Illinois University’s recruitment initiatives continue to find ways to reach markets across the state of Illinois. According to Director of Admissions Seth Miner, in contrast to other perceptions, Western has been increasing recruitment efforts across the state in order to attract more students despite an upward trend of Illinois high school
graduates seeking higher education out of state. “Each one of our admissions counselors are visiting the high schools, encouraging them to apply and building value with students, that ‘Western value,” Miner said. Statistics show that nearly half of all students who attend Western Illinois University come from the Chicagoland area. According to Miner, that results from a number of qualities, such as population shifts and the ease of access to Western from Chicago. “Forty-nine percent of our students end up coming from
the Chicago area, that’s where we are seeing a lot of our increase, but we have always had that pipeline, we are an Amtrak city,” Miner said. “When you look at high school graduate enrollments, you are seeing a shift from rural communities to urban communities, so you are going to see a bigger presence on campus from larger cities than from rural areas.” Outside of Chicago however, recruitment efforts continue. University Relations’ Darcie Shinberger said that Western continues to utilize diverse tactics in order to recruit
more students. “We don’t just focus on one area in our marketing campaigns, we focus on a variety of areas in a variety of mediums, from traditional such as newspapers, radio and television and digital,” Shinberger said. “We also do a lot of specialty advertising in Illinois, especially around the holidays such as in theaters throughout the state.” Additionally, Shinberger said that the university targets individual academic programs, such as law enforcement, in order to draw people to some of Western’s signature programs.
“We know for instance that the College of DuPage has a really successful law enforcement and homeland security focus so we are focusing marketing efforts there because we know at that school there are a lot of student interested in transferring into a four-year program,” Shinberger said. Students who attended theaters in Illinois in the surrounding states may also of seen specialty advertisements over the last few months.
Admissions page 2
2
Friday, January 26, 2018
NEWS
By Marty Rogers assistant news editor
Western Illinois University’s Grand Ballroom over capacitated Wednesday afternoon as Leathernecks in search of an extracurricular explored over a hundred different clubs and organizations at the Student Activities Fair. There were more than 125 student organizations advertising at the event. The fair was a great way for students to get involved on campus and to see what organizations Western has to offer. Approximately a quarter of the booths were designated for sport clubs, including the Wrestling Club, Lacrosse, Ultimate Frisbee,
Admissions from front page
“We do some of our marketing efforts around the holidays, including Missouri, Indiana, Iowa and Wisconsin, usually from Black Friday to after the first of the year, such as in movie theaters to do some specialty ads since that’s when a lot of people are going to movie,” Shinberger. Focusing locally, Western also is planning a new experience for prospective students. “In the local market, on Feb. 7, we have a welcome reception for area high school students,” Miner said. “We sent out invitations to sophomores,
WC
Paintball, Dodge-ball and Roller hockey. The Western Equestrian Club, devoted to horseback riding, was also in attendance and doesn’t require you to own a horse to participate. According to former president of the Wrestling Club, Fil Czarnecki, there are a multitude of clubs at Western that students can get involved with. Clubs aren’t solely related to sports, but also include the genres of Hall Government, political interest clubs, Gamers guild, film, food and finance clubs. “Going to college doesn’t mean you have to be out of shape,” said Czarnecki. “Just because high school is over doesn’t mean that your ath-
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
our Love Your Melon crew raised over $2,000 for Team Reid. Team Reid is a foundation set up for Reid Brewer, a child who tragically passed away from neuroblastoma last year.” Various Greek organizations were in attendance to advertise to interests and recruit new members. The PanHellenic Council had representatives from each of the six sororities, as did the Interfraternity Council for its 11 fraternity chapters. There were also professional Greek organizations present like the business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, and Western's art fraternity, Kappa Pi. “Not only has (Delta Sigma Pi) helped me become more
prepared for the professional world, but an employer would love to see it on my resume”, said Jose Sanchez on his membership in the business fraternity. The Office of Student Activities (OSA) hosts the fair each semester. OSA invites all students who are interested in joining a student organization to attend. If any students are interested in volunteer opportunities, there will be a Volunteer Fair at the same time and date, in the University Union Gallery. For more information about student activities and getting more involved on campus, contact the Office of Student Activities at 309-298-3232.
PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION
ADVERTISING POLICY
juniors and seniors inviting them to come to campus, which is going to be hosted at the President’s university residence, and then we will take them to a basketball game on campus to show them a different side of the university.” These initiatives are a part of what Miner described to increase interest in the opportunities he believes students can find at Western. “We want to show them something different, but also let them know how invested our faculty, staff and president are in the local market.” This article is a follow up to Jan. 17, 2018’s article “Springfield struggle: Capital students unattracted to Western.”
STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Nicholas Ebelhack NA-Ebelhack@wiu.edu news editor Isaiah Herard IA-Herard@wiu.edu opinions editor Ryan Zurek RP-Zurek@wiu.edu sports editor Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Haley Richards
Located on the third floor of the Heating Plant Annex on the south end of campus across from Sherman Hall.
letic career has to be over too.” One of the most interesting organizations at the Student Activities Fair was Love Your Melon, an apparel brand dedicated to ending pediatric cancer. The company has representatives at over 800 schools across the country and donates half of their proceeds to non-profit organizations, such as the Make-AWish Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. “Not only are we raising money to end cancer, we’re making a personal impact on the life of a child in the hospital,” said Taylor Jordan, a Western crewmember. “Last year we sent care packages that had toys, and hats and
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H-Richards@wiu.edu edge editor Baylee Brynteson BM-Brynteson@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu proofreader Valerie Clemens VN-Clemens@wiu.edu
proofreader Alexis Lowe AL-Lowe@wiu.edu proofreader Tacuma Venzant T-Venzant@wiu.edu photo editor Pedro Avila PJ-Avila@wiu.edu assistant photo editor Becca Langys RE-Langys@wiu.edu production manager Jimmy Pierson JM-Pierson@wiu.edu business manager Faith Rucker F-Rucker@wiu.edu advertising manager Patryk Mazur P-Mazur@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu
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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Friday, January 26, 2018
@WesternCourier
NEWS 3
Joyner appreciates life journey By Isaiah Herard news editor
Western Illinois University Communication Graduate student Mercedes Joyner, of Aurora, Ill. developed a hardworking mentality and learned from her African-American roots to maintain high standards and a refutable reputation as an AfricanAmerican woman. “My family culture has been predominantly a mixture of being a self-aware black American woman while being conscious of how the world responds to not only myself but others who may be different from me,” Joyner said. My parents were very realistic when raising me and my sisters but presented and upheld a certain standard to ensure our discipline and success would be of the highest level that we could obtain.” Growing up in a household of prestige and high standards, it wasn’t until she got older that Joyner began to appreciate the success her parents instilled in her and her siblings. “Education wasn’t only a conversation but a requirement in my household,” Joyner said. “Growing up with well-rounded and educated parents, not just on the collegiate level but on the commonsense level has been a blessing. It’s put me in better situ-
ations rather than if I would have just gone with certain decisions of my own.”
become independent and develop entrepreneurial skills. “My father has been an influ-
business owner since birth has not only powered my love for communication but also networking.”
COURTESY PHOTO
Mercedes Joyner, 22, of Aurora, Ill. smiles about her hardwork, determination and persistancce in pursuit of her master's degree in communications at Western.
Joyner’s mother is a nurse while her father is an independent entrepreneur owning many clothing businesses. The presence of Joyner’s father in her life helped her
ence of my whole life, in fact my first whole sentence included me asking my father how he was making a specific piece of clothing,” Joyner said. “Being around a
Joyner’s mother has also had an impact on the way she values her time and how she treats others within her life. She has been taught to not get caught up in the
Monologues
from front page
According to Lindsay Gleason, a senior at Western and president of Feminine Action Alliance has taken part in “The Vagina Monologues” for the past three years. The event is empowering to women and gives them a sense of hope and strength. “This production means so much to me because it is one of the only yearly events worldwide and campus-wide that allows women to be proud of their bodies, empowers women, and gives women the space to grow and become stronger through the support of other strong women,” Gleason said. “The Vagina Monologues” are set
litle things that occur on a day to day basis. Being an individual who studies communication, Joyner focuses on forming a balance between listening and talking effectively. “Balance is key but with the lifestyles we live today,” Joyner said. “I’m not sure if it can truly be obtained thus we tend to create what we think is a way of balance for ourselves. My parents have taught me so many lessons individually and collectively that I could never repay them but as I step into womanhood and my adulthood I try my best to follow a path that has been laid out for me.” To maintain a level head and triumph in the face of disaster, Joyner remains humble and understands life is much bigger than her. She grasps the concept that life is a big picture made from the small things that people do when faced with adversity. Joyner also has philosophies, parables, and proverbs as motivation to get through life and become as wise as possible. “My favorite philosophy is ‘to change the world you must affect people’s mindsets, implant the idea and let them claim it as their own,’” Joyner said. “This speaks to who we are as individuals, understanding that every human has a selfish part to them but to make a difference you must appeal to them.”
to take place Feb. 9-11, and will be held at Western’s Multicultural Center. Tickets bought in advance will be $5 for students and $7 for non-students; and tickets purchased at the door will be $8 for students and $10 for non-students. Tickets purchased in advance can be found in the MCC Women’s Center, at the University Union, and from any “Vagina Monologues” cast member. Doors will open for seating, feminist mocktails, a photo-booth, and a special pre-show performance at 6:30p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings, and at 1:30p.m. on Sunday afternoon. All proceeds from ticket sales will benefit the Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency (WIRC-CAA), which supports survivors of both sexual and domestic violence.
Friday, January 26, 2018
4 OPINIONS
As a second semester freshman at Western I really enjoy spending time in the Union every day, because it is a friendly environment for all students, and I get to see my friends that I would not normally see throughout the day. But when it comes time to eat, I dread going to the Union because there are not many healthy food choices available. I have always been told to be careful of the freshman fifteen and in high school I
truly did not believe the day would ever come that I would gain any weight. But now I have put on more than fifteen pounds and I only have one semester under my belt as a college student. Since second semester has begun, I have decided to live a healthier life style. I’m working out three times a week and eating as healthy as possible. But when I am at the Union I feel even more restricted because there
is a lack of healthy food options available. As most students know, the restaurants in the Union are all based around fast food. I would say that the two healthiest options would be available at Rocky’s One Stop Shop and Colonel Rock’s Bistro. When students are on the go, the Bistro is not always the best option available. As for the One Stop Shop, there are some options that are on the healthier side, but personally the premade salads are not very appealing, or appetizing to me. I can’t help but wonder if I am the only student that feels like they have the same issues with the food offered at
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the Union. During the fall semester, I would meet up with all of my friends to have our daily cheese pizza and bread sticks from Sbarro, but now we all go our separate ways for lunch because of the lack of options available to eat in the Union. Sometimes we meet up at Corbin-Olsen but normally it is just out of the way and inconvenient for all of us. If healthier options were provided for students I feel that it would be beneficial for everyone. I know of several students who have restrictions on their diet and feel even more restricted by the food in the
Union. By adding more options such as fresh fruit, vegetables, and salads that are fresh, all students would be allowed to enjoy the socializing space that is provided without having to go get lunch or a snack somewhere else that might be out of their way. Another solution to the issue would be to add some healthier food options in Rocky’s One Stop Shop or a kiosk set up during busier hours of the day with food options like trail mix, dried fruit, lunch meat, etc. Obviously, this would be an investment for the University but it would be beneficial to many students like my friends and I.
Letter to the Editor
To whom it may concern-
In response to the piece reported Jan 24, "A Major Problem with Minor Policy," I would like to clarify some inaccuracies. As I stated in my previous letter to the editor, under the policy proposed by "some faculty" (nowhere did I state Faculty Senate proposed this), students could not minor within the same academic department. All this being said, the Faculty Senate chose to send the definitions of academic programming back to CCPI for fur-
ther review. Not reported in the article was my statement that this was now a non-issue, as it was not discussed during the 1/23 faculty senate meeting and the terms are still being reviewed by CCPI. While the propositions are not being discussed further at this time, they may be in the future." Madison Lynn Director of Academic Affairs WIU Student Government
@WesternCourier
Friday, January 26, 2018
Recently North Korea released a statement where Kim Jong-Un voiced his support for a unified Korea. Many people I spoke to were surprised by this. However it really isn't that big of a deal. North Korea has always been in support of joining the two nations, but no one should take this as an indicator that the regime is going to step down. They don't want to join South Korea, they want South Korea to join them.
A military solution to the problem would be equally terrible for both the North and South, as well as for China, Japan and other nearby countries which would see massive floods of refugees fleeing the violence. A peaceful solution would require an extreme amount of diplomatic compedence on part of the US president as well as the leaders of both Koreas, and the cooperation of China, which certainly does not want a US friendly state right on their border. I truly hope that one day we will see a democratic unified Korea. But there are too many factors involved for me to be optimistic about it happening in the near future.
OPINIONS 5
Single Korea unlikely Because of this, it is incredibly unlikely that the two countries are going to begin the process of reunification anytime soon. No South Korean in their right mind would ever want to join their oppresive and dangerous nation to the north. If there is to be any hope for reunification, it must be acompanied by the current regime stepping down, or at least loosening their hold on the country. All other avenues lead to disaster.
Don’t forget to care for yourself What exactly comes to mind when you think of “selfcare?” Some may think it is a whole day of staying in bed, binge-watching Netflix and pigging out all while under their favorite blankets. Others may think it is a day of soaking in the tub with a brightly colored bath bomb and face mask. It may be relaxing but I’m talking about a completely different type of self-care. The one where you detox your mind of all negative energies and remove yourself from bad situations and relationships. It is a concept that should receive more attention, being self-aware has lead me to learn this. As a freshman in my second semester of college, self-care has never been more needed. It can be the changes that your life needs for the sake of your success and happiness. Sometimes many people become so caught up with taking care of others and wor-
rying about how others are feeling rather than taking care of their own self. I myself am guilty of this until I had come to my senses, therefore I’d like to share how important self-care is. It can be difficult to look at the people you surround yourself with, and ask are they rooting for you? Or are they waiting for you to fall through the cracks? It is very important that you surround yourself with positive energy from people who are there to see you succeed. Your confidence and the way you carry yourself has much more to do with the kind of people you hang around with than you think. It made me rethink what friends I was choosing to be around. Removing anything that is holding you back from your full potential is an important way of taking care of yourself, it is something to think deeply about but not
dwell upon. It is okay to turn off your notifications, stay in and not go out, what can you possibly miss out on by staying in one night? To have time to think about your future, your decisions and upcoming opportunities gives you the chance to set up for what is to come and learn as much as you can. It is okay to change your daily routine, and to be open to change. Having an open mind is something I’ve learned to do while in college. This is a time of change, a new chapter of life that is going to teach you more than you realize. Change is necessary. As time passes by we are constantly evolving. Our minds are being shaped by every experience we are approached with. It is okay to change your major, to rearrange your room; and change your mind about everything you thought you wanted. Change is inevitable and so many of us are afraid of it, but to be stuck in a rut of routine and become ignorant towards other possibilities is not a healthy way to live life. Let life take you where you are meant to go.
Editorial Policy 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.
Letters & Local Forum Policies 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.
2018 Spring Semester Editorial Board Editor-in-Cheif - Nicholas Ebelhack News Editor - Isaiah Herad
Edge Editor - Baylee Bryntesson Opinions Editor - Ryan Zurek
Friday, January 26, 2018
6 SPORTS
Track
from back page
Kirby won the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.52 seconds. Tranchitella won the 600-meter at a time of 1:41.29. Senior Jamieria Stennis took second in the 400-meter dash at 1:01.07. Along with their individual performances, Stennis, Tranchitella, senior Raytoria Richardson, and sophomore Abigail Richter took second in the distance medley. Freshman Dylan Smerillo concludes the track wins with his impressive finish in the 200-meter dash (23.00), which placed him in third. In addition to all the excitement on the field, a new coach has been added to the Leatherneck team. Dian Wholey has had a 30-year career coaching national and
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collegiate level conferences. She has also assisted Team USA, holding several coaching and managerial positions with the USA Track & Field. On Tuesday, Wholey announced her determination to help the Purple and Gold continue to strive for this season. “I'm very excited to be a member of the Western Illinois Athletic Department family and be a part of the University,” Wholey said. “I'll be working with a very knowledgeable staff, and a young team that has a bright future ahead. I had a chance to meet with several members of the team, and they seem very energetic and positive. I'm eager to put my stamp [on this program] and help everyone achieve their goals to be better athletically and academically.”
Basketball from back page
In the third quarter, Denver closed the point gap between the two teams. The score was 77-70 at the 6:01 mark in the third. However, the Leathernecks began to pull away and ended the quarter with a score of 93-81. The Purple and Gold kept this momentum for the remainder of the game and finished with the score of 118-93. The 118 points scored marked the third time this season that the Leathernecks have scored 100-plus points. It also was a career high for senior guard
CLASSIFIEDS
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1 & 2 bedroom apartments, new $250 signing bonus on 10 and 12 month leases. Two blocks from campus. Bus stops nearby. Free water, garbage and parking. Laundry onsite. Clean, well maintained and secure. Call Ted 309-837-5600 or visit markertrental.com. 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 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!
Emily Clemens, who was one rebound short of a triple-double. However, her 39 points were a new career high, and she tied her career high of 13 assists for the second time. Blumer tied her career high with 28 points and Higginbotham had 26 points on the night. Although Denver did not have the best outcome, a few individuals still had a successful game. Sophomore guard Lauren Loven led the Pioneers with a career-high 28 points and freshman guard Claire Gritt had 17 points. After this game, Western
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. 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. CLEAN, REMODELED, AND WELL MAINTAINED HOUSES AND APTS FOR RENT IN GREAT LOCATIONS. UTILITIES PAID FOR APARTMENTS. RENTING NOW FOR FALL 2017. ALSO RENTING TWO APTS FOR SPRING 2016. CALL JASON AT 309-221-3985. 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.
remains at third in the Summit League standings. South Dakota University and South Dakota State University are still at first and second. Each team has about seven more league games to play before the end of the season. Western Illinois will continue their conference play hosting North Dakota State University on Saturday at Western Hall. Tipoff is set for 4:30 p.m. This will be the annual Think Pink game, and all proceeds will go to Linda’s Fund for breast cancer awareness Twitter: hayfourrr
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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. Westen Investments still has affordable 1-4 Bedroom Apartment/Houses available. Be sure to check out our website (www.westeninvest.com) to see our available listings, and call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule a showing. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter to win prize giveaways! APARTMENT FOR RENT: FOR QUIET PERSON. ONE BEDROOM APARTMENT FOR RENT LOCATED AT 314 West Carroll ST Macomb, Ill 61455. Available end of August 2017-new carpeting yearly lease SMALEST FURNISHED IN MACOMB $345.00/month - HEAT & AC INCLUDED private entrance, off-street parking included call for appointment309-837-4748 or 255-5075 woodburning fireplace, ask for Paul. 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
Sports 7
Friday, January 26, 2018
@WesternCourier
‘I just signed your death warrant’ In the world of sports, many of us fans long for touchdowns, slam dunks, home runs, and even chip shots. However, once every four years, the eyes of the world embraces sports that are not typically covered. Every Summer Olympics, American homes tune into the Olympic coverage to watch Michael Phelps win yet another gold medal, or to gaze upon Usain Bolt blazing across a finish line, but recently the world fell in love with the “Final Five” gymnasts, but unfortunately, so did a man named Larry Nassar. The group of girls who go by the “Final Five” are Gabby Douglas, Laurie Hernandez, Madison Kocian, Aly Raisman, and Simone Biles. Each one of these girls made their country proud and represented America about as well as any Olympian ever has, but recently news broke that their athletic trainer, Nassar, had been sexually assaulting them and many other teenage girls for decades. In the official report filed
against Nassar, more than 150 women claimed victim to sexual assault from Nassar. Those that were affected by Nassar were Raisman, Biles, and Douglas. In Biles’ testimony she wrote, “It is not normal to receive any type of treatment from a trusted team physician and refer to it horrifyingly as the ‘special’ treatment. This behavior is completely unacceptable, disgusting, and abusive, especially coming from someone I was told to trust.” Biles was not the first, nor the last patient of Nassar’s to come out. Raisman accused Nassar of assault, but she was also at Nassar’s latest hearing where he was sentenced to 40 to 175 years in Prison. “Larry, you do realize now that we, this group of women you so heartlessly abused over such a long period of time are now a force and you are nothing,” Raisman said. “I am no longer the little girl you met in Australia when you began grooming and manipulating.
You are pathetic to think anyone would have sympathy for you. You think this is hard for you? Imagine how all of us feel. Imagine how it feels to be an innocent teenager in a foreign country; hearing a knock on the door, and it’s you… lying on my stomach with you on bed, with you insisting your inappropriate touch would help to heal my pain… We will use our voices to make sure you get what you deserve.” Finally, justice was served to a criminal that should, and will endure isolation for the rest of his life. However, there is push back on how Judge Rosemarie Aquilina handled this case. Nassar wrote a letter to Judge Aquilina saying that the media manipulated the victims and that everything he did was medical. After the judge read his plea aloud to the courtroom, she tossed the letter and condescendingly asked if he would like to withdraw his plea. Later in the trial right after she said that Nassar was sentenced up to 175 years, she said, “I just signed your death warrant.” If the issue at stake was theft, vandalism, drug distribution, or counterfeiting, I would be the first to brush this aside and
I probably would not ever think twice about Nassar’s crimes. However, sexual assault to minors that were all forced to see him everyday makes the judge’s actions completely and utterly justified. I am not a lawyer, but if there was a way to isolate this man even longer, I wish she would have done that. After 150 women accused him of assault, did he think he had the right to ask for sympathy? I give O.J. Simpson more sympathy than I give Nassar. If you are in the minority and think that Judge Aquilina was in the wrong, shame on you. I would feel the exact same way if it were just one of the gymnasts, but 150 women were silenced out of fear. I pray that Nassar rots in a cell that sits beside Jerry Sandusky. Even though many of the women will not get the justice that they deserve, Judge Aquilina made sure the record was set straight. Only God will have enough grace to protect a man of this stature. However, Larry Nassar said one thing right in his plea, “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.” Nassar will face hell’s fury for the rest of his life.
Leathernecks look to trample Bison By Devon Greene sports editor
Brandon Gilbeck looks to make a pass.
PEDRO AVILA/PHOTO EDITOR
FARGO, N.D.— The Western Illinois Leatherneck men’s basketball team is heading to Fargo, North Dakota for a Summit League matchup with the North Dakota State Bison. North Dakota State holds a 10-10 record this season and is 2-3 in Summit League play. The Bison have defeated the Leathernecks in the past 8 of the last 10 matchups. The last time Western came out on top was on Feb. 14, 2012, with a 49-36 win over the Bison on the road. This matchup will be a tough one for the Purple and Gold as they sit last in the Summit League with a 1-4 record in conference. North Dakota State senior guard Paul Miller is 3rd in Summit League scoring, averaging 18.9 points per game, and is 5th in total points
scored this season with 378. The Leathernecks’ defense has been strong allowing for 69.5 points per game, which is good enough for a second-place finish in the Summit League. They will need to shut down Miller in order to keep this a competitive game on the road. Junior center Brandon Gilbeck has been dominant on the defensive end this season recording 53 blocks, which is by far the best in the Summit League. The 2nd ranked player only has 36 blocks. Gilbeck’s presence has helped the Purple and Gold’s defense immensely, and should be an X-factor in their matchup against the Bison. The Leathernecks also are the leaders in steals per game with 7.5. Look for a high steal total in this matchup as Miller records the fourth highest turnover rate in the Summit League with 2.6 per game.
The Bison defense is nothing to ignore as they rank 4th in the Summit League only allowing 70.3 points per game. They also are holding opponents to 40 percent from the field this season. Western is shooting 48 percent this season, but the intensity of the Bison defense is bound to cause some pushback for the Leatherneck offense. Western will need to move the ball around more than they have in previous matchups this season, since they rank last in assists with 13.3 per game this season. Even with the low assist number, freshman forward Kobe Webster ranks 3rd with 4.4 assists per game. This should be a competitive game with plenty of defense being played by both teams as they look to improve their in-conference play. They play this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Scheels Arena. Twitter: @devondeadlysins
Monday, August 21, 2017
Leathernecks win shootout at home MACOMB, Ill.-- The Western Illinois women’s basketball team faced the University of Denver last night and won 118-93. They move onto 15-6 overall and 5-2 in conference play. Denver is now 12-10 on the season, and 3-4 in the Summit League. The game on Tuesday night featured one of the marquee games of the season. Multiple records were broken and the atmosphere was lively inside Western Hall. This game broke the NCAA Division I single-game record for three-pointers. Sacramento State University and Montana State University previously set the mark at 34 on Feb. 6, 2016. Sacramento State hit 25 threes while Montana State had nine. In that game game, Western Illinois and Denver both recorded 18 treys each. The Pioneers went 18-for-42 from beyond the arc and the Leathernecks went 18-for-30. “As a fan, and as a person who loves basketball, that was a great game,” said head coach JD Gravina. “Offensively, we couldn't have played better. I am proud of
the way we bounced back from our poor offensive effort at South Dakota State and really played well. For us, we were getting a lot of threes but we were also scoring around the basket quite a bit and getting to the free throw line. I think that ended up being the difference in the game. [Denver] was dependent on hitting the from outside, which they did.” The Purple and Gold won the tipoff, but after a foul on junior guard Taylor Higginbotham, the Pioneers would get on the board first with a free throw. The Leathernecks immediately recovered after senior forward Olivia Braun hit a 3. Just immediately after that shot, senior guard Morgan Blumer hit two 3’s in a row. With 5:28 left in the first quarter, the score was 13-13. By the end of the first, the Leathernecks had an 11-point advantage.
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Morgan Blumer spots up at the three point line.
ANGEL STRACK/STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Track and Field looks to ground Hawkeyes By Brie Coder copy editor
Josh Kirby flies over the hurdles
VISUAL PRODUCTION CENTER
The Western Illinois University indoor track and field team will head to the Black and Gold Premier this Friday to compete against the University of Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City, Iowa. The event will be a twoday competition. The meet begins on Friday at 3 p.m. with the weight throw competition. On Saturday the additional field events will begin at noon, followed by the running events at 2 p.m. The last time Western competed was last weekend at the John Craft Invitational hosted by Eastern Illinois University Panthers. The Purple and Gold placed third in the invite, which helps motivate them for another successful finish for this weekend’s competition. During last weekend’s meet, senior Jasmine Brown had a pair of second place finishes in the long and triple jump. Brown finished with 5.45 meters in the long jump, and 11.87 meters in the triple jump.
Right behind her was freshman Amelia Peterson, who finished third in the long jump with a mark of 5.34 meters, and fourth in the triple jump at 11.03 meters. Sophomore Michaela Busch finished third in the high jump at 1.57 meters. The Leathernecks would continue to shine in the field events with freshmen Nick Olson and C’Andria Campbell in the throwing events. Campbell placed fourth with 12.15-meter throw and Olson in fifth with a 14.91-meter throw. Concluding the field event highlights was sophomore Michael Rinella, who placed third in the pole vault at 4.24 meters. The sophomore has now added back-to-back third place finishes in a row. In the track events, both sophomore Josh Kirby, and freshman Hailey Tranchitella took first place in their respective events.
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