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Kirk Smalley delivers anti-bullying presentation
Trevor Hamblin shares how media should fulfill wishes
Alumna Courtney Strait discusses basketball abroad
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
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Photo by Nicolas Telep/TMN The Greenwood School, located at Normal and Haliburton, was built in 1935 and closed in 1998. A plan to transform the Truman-owned building into an interprofessional autism clinic has faced nearly $5 million in state funding cuts.
Truman responds to budget cuts
By Nicolas Telep Staff Writer
Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens proposed major cuts to the state budget last week, including funding for Truman State University and specifically for the proposed Greenwood Autism Clinic. Greitens announced the proposed cuts in a video posted on Facebook and Twitter last Monday, citing revenue shortcomings and a need to balance the state budget. According to Greitens’ website, the state could need to cut more than $700 million over the next 18 months to balance the state budget, and the $146 million withheld this month will be one step toward that goal. Eight percent of Truman’s core funding will be withheld, in addition to $1.5 million that was previously allocated to renovate the vacant Greenwood School and open an autism clinic in the space. The budget changes could result in noticeable setbacks for the clinic and will result in a significant funding shortage for the University. However, efforts are already underway to make up for the deficit in the short term and, eventually, restore the funding. Dave Rector, Truman’s vice president of Administration Finance, and Planning, said under the proposed plan, about $3,144,000 of Truman’s core state funding would be withheld. Rector said this comes out to roughly 4 percent of Truman’s general budget. Rector said even though the withholding of state funds did not come as a surprise to the higher education community, they had hoped the cuts would come out to about half of what they eventually did. “That was kind of the surprise — the magnitude of it,” Rector said. “We expected a cut. We just didn’t know how big it was going to be.” Rector said preparations for the budget shortage are already underway, with Interim University President Sue Thomas, Interim University Provost Richard Coughlin and those who report to the University president formulating a plan to handle the $3.1 million budget hole that wasn’t there a few weeks ago. Rector said a full plan is expected to be made public in the next few weeks. Rector said the University will be able to save money by freezing equipment purchases that have been requested but not actually made yet. He also said in addition to saving money from vacancies on campus and lower-than-expected utilities expenditures, money has been saved thanks to recent energy-efficient upgrades to campus facilities. He said there will be discussions to determine which purchases are critical — like those related to safety — and those transactions will still be made. Other plans for purchases, especially of equipment and new technology, will be frozen for the time being. Rector said because of a number of factors, it is unclear as of now whether or not the cuts will significantly affect tuition costs for the next semester or future school years. Rector said tuition depends on whether Greitens continues these budget cuts or restores the funding — partially or fully — in the next fiscal year. While there might be indications over the next Visit: www.greenwood. truman.edu/support-the-greenwood-center/
VOLUME 108
ISSUE 13
few months, specifics on funding for next year will remain uncertain until the State Legislature’s mid-May deadline for passing a state budget for the next fiscal year. Rector said the University president and other representatives from the University will visit Jefferson City to discuss the matter with the state government, and all the state’s public universities are working together in the attempt to restore the funding. Even though this is not an ideal situation, Rector said Truman has seen worse. “The worst cut we ever had, back in 2002, was 17 percent,” Rector said. “That was really tough to absorb.” Rector said University staff and faculty understand and have experience cutting costs in difficult financial situations. Additionally, Rector said the cuts will not affect the renovations of Baldwin Hall and Stokes Stadium or the search for a new University president. Rector also said even though the University will have to curb its expenditures, the impact on students will be minimal for the spring semester. He said affordability is still a priority for the University, and recent efforts have been successful in keeping costs low for students. He referenced stability in housing costs over the past few years as an example, saying that, while the cost of a meal plan slightly goes up annually, housing rates have remained stable. “From a student perspective, we’ve been trying to keep it as affordable as possible,” Rector said. “So even if we do have to raise tuition a little bit this spring, for a student that’s living on campus, the total cost probably isn’t going to go up that much.” In addition to the cuts to Truman’s core funding, Rector said the $1.5 million to be withheld from developing the Greenwood Autism Clinic — in addition to the $3 million cut by former Gov. Jay Nixon when he was in office — brings state funding down to just over half a million dollars of the more than $5 million originally allotted for the clinic. This is enough to complete the design and planning stage of the project but not much else, Rector said. Janet Gooch, Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Education, Interim Dean of Science and Math, and Department of Communication Disorders staff, has been part of the Greenwood Clinic project since its conception. Gooch said the project began about 20 months ago with a vision from former University President Troy Paino, who was interested in renovating and putting the Greenwood School to good use. After consideration as to how the building could be used to best serve the community and the University, Gooch said the idea of an autism clinic emerged as an option. “We tossed around a few ideas and felt that developing an interprofessional autism clinic within the Greenwood School would be a wonderful community resource,” Gooch said. “Not only a community resource, but a wonderful opportunity for our faculty and students.” Gooch also said many partners from the Kirksville and larger Northeast Missouri communities are involved with the project. She mentioned A.T. Still University as a major collaborator in the project, bringing staff as well as record-keeping systems
and expertise to the clinic. Other partners Gooch listed were the superintendents of the Kirksville R-III and other Northeast Missouri school districts, the Kirksville extension of the St. Louis-based Judevine Center for Autism, and multiple Truman departments and programs including communication disorders, Masters of Arts in Education, special education, psychology, nursing and health sciences. Despite these budget setbacks, Gooch said this is not the end for Greenwood. “We’re not giving up hope — I want to send that message loud and clear,” Gooch said. “We really don’t feel like the nail’s in the coffin. There’s hope that we might get the money back, and we’re going to do everything possible to express how much this is needed in the community.” Gooch said State Representatives Nate Walker and Craig Redmon are very supportive of the clinic, and efforts will continue to regain the funding and move toward opening the clinic. Additionally, Gooch said, the Office of Advancement has created a website for the project where people can make a donation to the Greenwood Clinic and explore the possibility of obtaining grant funds. Currently, Gooch said, most families in need of autism services have to travel to the Thompson Center for Autism & Neurodevelopment Disorders in Columbia, Missouri, which specializes in diagnostic services. She said while there are therapy services available in local public schools and there are some private providers in the area, there just is not enough to cover Northeast Missouri’s needs, especially with many small school districts that do not have the resources to provide services to their students. Gooch said there has been collaboration with architects to continue with the design process. Despite the setback, the planning process will continue. “We’re hopeful about this, because it would really mean a lot,” Gooch said. “I really look at this more as a resource for this part of the state rather than Truman. Sure, it would benefit our students, but really, it’s meant for the people. I think this is one of the best ways that Truman can really live out its public liberal arts and sciences mission.” Paino, former Truman State University President and current President of the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia, said he heard about the proposed budget cuts to higher education and to the Greenwood Autism Clinic last Tuesday. By the end of summer 2015, Paino said, the University reached out to community members and officials in an effort to advocate for the project during the 2016 legislative season. Paino said it took a coordinated effort of local schools, Northeast Regional Medical Center, ATSU, and local and state politicians, including Rep. Walker and Redmon to gain local support. Paino said he has no doubt support for the project will continue, even with the current budget situation. He said Rep. Walker and Redmon, as well as the leadership in the House and the Senate, are still committed to this project. “From what I understand, they have been steadfast in their support and their
TO MAKE A DONATION TO THE GREENWOOD CENTER tmn.truman.edu
www.facebook.com/TrumanMediaNetwork
WITHOLDINGS COMPARED TO LARGER BUDGETS Cuts from Truman State’s appropriated funds = $3,144,000
TRUMAN EDUCATION AND GENERAL BUDGET $97,317,725
4%
STATE APPROPRIATION $44,681,673
8%
Source: Truman Budget and Institutional Research Office and Missouri Governor’s Office
advocacy for this,” Paino said. “I have the utmost faith in the local leadership, and in the current leadership at Truman, to continue to carry this until it’s complete.” While Paino said he still thinks there is support for higher education in Jefferson City, he said he thinks the value of the liberal arts is not fully understood. He said schools like Truman will always need advocates. Paino said changes over the past several years to Missouri’s tax code have created budget shortfalls for higher education, among many other important things, which might have put Gov. Greitens in a tough spot. However, Paino said the students of Truman might have more influence than they realize. “Whether the students of Truman know it or not, they have a voice — a statewide voice that needs to be heard,” Paino said. While he was not available to be interviewed, Missouri State Rep. Nate Walker of District 3 said he is still committed to Greenwood. “I will continue to work with Truman University [Interim] President Sue Thomas, Gov. Eric Greitens, and members of the Missouri General Assembly to get this project funded,” Walker said in an email. While Walker remains a strong proponent of the project, he pointed out the need to balance the state budget before the end of the fiscal year. According to the email, a budget shortfall has made cuts necessary to the state budget on many levels. However, Walker said Greenwood is still a priority for him, and he said he is confident the project will be completed eventually. State Senator Brian Munzlinger, Redmon, and the Governors’ Office were contacted but did not respond to requests for interviews. Contact the Truman State University’s Office of Advancement at 800-452-6678
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
CORRECTION
Daschke leads study abroad information session on Peru
In an article from last week on pg. 6 titled “Students and administration look toward tackling diversity issues,” we incorrectly identified Jerad Green as the former Multicultural Affairs Center director. Green actually served as MAC program coordinator.
STUDENT SENATE IN BRIEF
The Student Senate introduced a resolution in support of putting the Suicide Prevention Hotline on the back of student ID’s. The Student Senate is putting a solar powered bench in the clock garden near the greenhouse where it will remain temporarily. The Student Senate’s Athletic Fee Accountability committee will meet to review its 25 closed proposals.
Top: Dereck Daschke, philosophy and religion professor, stands clad in a hat with a “Sacred Healing in Peru” poster behind him. “Sacred Healing in Peru” is a summer study abroad course Daschke is leading. Right: Junior Caroline Ong intently listens during the “Sacred Healing of Peru” information session. The study abroad course in Cusco, Peru, is worth 4 PHRE upper-level or general elective credits. Bottom: Students gathered in McClain Hall 212 to hear about a Peruvian study abroad opportunity. The trip to Cusco will be for three weeks in June. Students will learn about traditional medicine and rituals and how they play a role in modern Peruvian culture.
Photo by Hannah Conner/TMN
NEWS IN BRIEF
Annual WGST Conference to take place this weekend The 21st Annual Women and Gender Studies Conference, titled “Engendering Social Justice,” will take place throughout the day Thursday, Friday and Saturday, January 26-28 in the Ophelia Parrish Black Box Theater. There will be 16 sessions hosted across the three days, with topics ranging from “Women in the Media,” to “Gendered Caring” to “The Synergies and Differences Between Activism and Academia,” among many others. The Rev. Hanna Bonner will deliver the keynote address on Saturday night.
Photo by Hannah Conner/TMN
Peace Corps Prep Program to host informational meeting Truman’s Peace Corps Prep Program, a program preparing students for international work and service in the Peace Corps, will host an informational meeting Feb. 9 in the Student Union Building Georgian Room A. The program includes coursework and hands-on experience in preparation for Peace Corps service or other international service. Completion of the program gives students transcript recognition, recognition from the Peace Corps and a competitive advantage when applying to the Peace Corps.
Photo by Hannah Conner/TMN
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Staff
Editor-in-Chief Austin Hornbostel Managing Editor Johanna Burns News Editor (Text) Rachel Fechter Lifestyle Editor (Text) Austin Hornbostel Lifestyle Editor (Multimedia) Brently Snead Sports Editor (Text) Rachel Steinhoff Sports Editor (Multimedia) Seth Wolfmeyer Opinions Editor Will Chaney Copy Chief Megan Robison Assistant Copy Chief Molly Thal Design Chief Samantha Nielson Staff Writers Emily Merkle, Clayton Berry, Stephanie Hulett, Brooke Bailey, Curt Wichmer, Chris Burk, Lesley Reno, Mercy Tee, Kayla Perkins, Nicolas Telep, Kira Hintz, Spencer Foust, Morgan Alexander, Jeremy Jacob, Jessica Shultz, Maddie McDermott Cartoonist Annie Kintree, August Davis Copy Editors Julianna Foster, Megan Gibbons, Trevor Hamblin, Katie Puryear, Ian Madden, Bethany Spitzmiller, MacKenna Palazza Designers Clarissa Todd, Lawrence Hu, Mariah Radle, Emily Mollet Photo Editor Damian Soane Photographers Athena Geldbach, Austin Dellamano, Hannah Conner, Hudson Taylor Distribution Manager Kain Kneib Distribution Representatives Jessica Rose, Taylor Libbert Adviser Don Krause
1/23 Theft reported at the 700 block of 1/21 Fight reported at the 2300 block of S. Fifth St. E. Illinois St. 1/23 Theft reported at the 1300 block of E. Harrison St.
1/20 Assault reported at 300 block of S. Osteopathy St.
1/23 Domestic disturbance reported at 1/20 Vandalism reported at the 600 the 700 block of W. Elizabeth St. block N. New St. 1/22 Hit and run reported at the 300 1/20 Forgery reported at the 100 block block S. Osteopathy St. W. Washington St. 1/21 Suspect arrested for unlawful use of weapon and domestic disturbance at the 2200 block of E. Normal Ave. 1/21 Narcotics offense reported at the 500 block of E. Scott St.
1/20 Suspect arrested for theft at S. Lewis Street 1/17 Suspect arrested for vandalism at the 500 block of W. Normal Ave.
Mark your calendar Global Issues Colloquium
SRBI Information Night
7-9 p.m. Jan. 26 Magruder Hall 2001
7-7:45 p.m. Jan. 30-31 DSP Conference Room in Violette Hall
Physics professor Taner Edis will discuss how public debates in Western countries about Islam often take a liberal and secular approach and will explore if this approach accommodates Islamic culture.
The Student Run Business Initiative is looking for new members for their organization. SRBI’s goal is to create a fully student run business by 2018 and create hands on experiences for its members.
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[
Our View
]
In an effort to balance the budget — a Constitutional requirement in Missouri — Gov. Eric Greitens is cutting $146 million from the Missouri budget, $80 million of which comes from the higher education fund, according to a Jan. 17 STL Today article. This is the first phase in a plan that will cut the Missouri government’s spending by more than $700 million. Truman will lose $3.1 million, or 8 percent of its budget, according to a Jan. 17 email from Interim University President Sue Thomas. The combination of budget cuts and the legally mandated tuition freeze for Missouri’s state colleges means Truman will have to make significant changes in the months to come. We, the Truman Media Network Editorial Board, oppose these cuts to education and other government services. While Greitens justifies these cuts as necessary to make government institutions more efficient, losing so many resources will impose large burdens on the affected institutions. Truman’s leadership will be forced to make “tough decisions” — as Greitens called it in his public address about the cuts — that only harm the experience of students, faculty and staff. Furthermore, Kirksville will also suffer from these cuts because Truman is one of the largest employers in town and interacts with it in many ways. Prospective students across Missouri might also be affected if Truman is unable to offer the same level of excellence for a low cost, which could have incalculable costs in the future. However, only the current Truman community can do something about this issue. When it comes to issues of politics, we have noticed more and more students recently voicing their opinions on social media, encouraging their friends to contact their state representatives and other political leaders, and sharing information about what is developing at the state and national level. However, it is important to recognize that much of our direct followings on social media might carry the same opinions as we do, especially as college students. We should aim not just to influence opinions about what is going on when those opinions are already wellestablished — we must encourage action. This action can take many forms, in the short term and the long term. Following the close of the election season, many students have taken to calling and emailing state leaders in opposition to their decisions. If you disagree with policies at the state or national level, this is a great way to stay civically engaged — making your voice heard is an important part of democracy, after all. But don’t stop at just opposing what is happening in our nation’s day-to-day politics. If you agree with the changes at work, give your legislators a call and let them know. Too often, we consider this kind of engagement to be purely negative and don’t use it for what it is — a way to let our political representatives know whether we think they’re doing a good job. You can also take direct action. This could mean building a relationship with an advocacy group or even starting your own. It could mean exercising your constitutional right to peaceful protest and assembly by taking part in marches or counter-protesting when need be. It could also mean respectfully circulating accurate information to those who don’t know about recent political events or distributing contact phone numbers and email addresses of political leaders so others can contact them. These types of conversations are especially important, and should be more than just preaching to the choir. Opinions are one’s own to form, and a call to action is often a better route to take than attempting to impose your opinion on someone else. We, the Truman Media Network Editorial Board, urge everyone — regardless of your political leanings — to remain engaged. Don’t stop caring. If an issue was worth getting up in arms about now, you must be prepared to continue following through during the coming months and years. Even more importantly, we must not stop caring if progress appears to come slowly. This issue will affect thousands more people down the road, and probably more intensely than it will affect us in the short term. Problems tend to become more expensive the longer they are left unsolved, whether this be a broken computer in Barnett or Blanton-Nason-Brewer Hall’s parking lot. In the coming months and years, other issues will undoubtedly appear in the Truman community’s consciousness — and many of these will have to be thought about — but forgetting about this issue only allows those who implemented this round of cuts to win. It is important to remember this is not a new battle — Truman had more funding in 2001 than any year since then. So moving forward, recognize that if you see a battle to be fought, it won’t be won unless you engage in sustained action. Education is an essential feature of developed societies — otherwise, we wouldn’t filter kids through a compulsory 13 years of schooling, or even feel the need to be here at Truman ourselves. As engaged citizens, we can recognize that cuts are necessary, but all of our opinions don’t have to fall in line with one another. Whether you agree or disagree, continue to make it known. This is still our institution of higher learning — we hold more power than we often think.
Media should practice wish fulfillment Trevor Hamblin There are a lot of reasons that humans consume fiction. Novels, plays, movies or video games — we spend a lot of time playing make believe. Fiction can help us reflect on fundamental truths of the world or examine the intricacies of human nature. It can facilitate empathy or illuminate a different time or place. But perhaps most commonly, fiction is used as a form of wish fulfillment. And that’s not a bad thing. I’ll often see someone say that a piece of fiction is “blatant wish fulfillment” as if it’s a bad thing, and I don’t think that’s the case. Rather, I argue that it’s one of the foundations of how fiction operates. We typically don’t watch action movies to reveal something about human nature, and first-person shooters aren’t intended to make us feel introspective. Similarly, your average romance novel or romantic comedy isn’t meant to discuss human relations as a lofty goal. Instead, these are meant to give us, the audience, a narrative to insert ourselves into and satisfy basic emotions or wishes, like the thrill of adventure or romance. However, there are forms of literature that are more often derided for this, and those are often devoted to certain demographics — largely things like fanfiction — which is mostly focused at younger audiences, often girls. This demographic often makes use of literary tropes that fulfill this very directly, like self-insert protagonists or the perceived “Mary Sue,” i.e. a character who is all-powerful and the center of the narrative. But these critiques often ignore the many cases of these tropes in well-respected literature — Dante’s “Inferno” is one of the most wellknown self-insertion stories of all time, while Jonathan Harker from “Dracula” has the excessive skill and narrative weight necessary to be equivalent to the dreaded “Mary Sue.”
Are you worried? Worried that President Trump’s “post-truth” rhetoric will make problem-solving difficult? That his racist, sexist, and ableist comments will make prejudice socially acceptable again? That his promises to restore the manufacturing jobs of yesteryear will obscure the economic reforms that would actually help people? That our new president does not represent your views or those of most Americans? If you are worried, what might you do? First, support reputable, fact-based journalism. Don’t get all your news from the social media. Use your critical thinking skills in evaluating information that comes your way. Second, remind yourself that prejudice remains counter-productive (not to mention unfair), and consider making cross-race, cross-gender, and cross-ability group alliances in the pursuit of common goals. Third, support economic justice initiatives like raising the minimum wage. Many services jobs are vitally important and only look like bad jobs because they don’t pay well. Finally, vote in the congressional elections of 2018. And vote in local elections whenever they occur. If your president does not speak for you, make sure that your local, regional, and state representatives do. Don’t bother moving to Canada because there is no country in the world that is beyond the reach of American power. Sincerely, Linda Seidel, PhD Professor of English
S TA T E F U N D I N G to Truman 50-
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Which isn’t to say “Inferno” or “Dracula” are bad for those reasons like fanfiction, but rather that fanfiction is, like all media, an expression of one’s self and wishes. Fanfiction also has a unique place of allowing the author to interact with a world and characters they’ve already connected with, which is near-impossible in most other media. Even in video games where interaction with the world is paramount, it’s only in ways predetermined by the designers — in fiction, a writer can more directly address their desires. These desires of fanfiction, however, are mirrored in the popularity of first-person games. In many, the player is given a sense of power and skill via their ability to play the game and evoke their will upon the world. Whether it’s a shooter game, where they address their desire for action, or a fantasy game, where it’s the power and adventure that are important, these games address a desire to interact with and control an aspect of the world. This is a very common desire that is hard to find in real world, but is very easily achieved with fiction. The important part of understanding why wish fulfillment isn’t bad is the idea that just because you don’t relate to something doesn’t mean it’s bad. There’s a reason we write with target audiences in mind. Not everything will be relatable or understandable to all audiences, and that’s fine. But it does mean if your major complaint with, say, “Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens” is that Rey is a “Mary Sue” — which is an entirely separate argument — then maybe you need to reevaluate if the movie was actually low quality or if you didn’t try to relate to it. And it’s fine if you didn’t relate to it, but using that to say it was bad is doing a disservice to fiction as a whole. Despite how much fiction we consume on a daily basis, it could take us lifetimes to really understand how and why it affects us in the ways it does. But saying wish fulfillment is a bad thing, even though it is one of the easiest and most common uses of fiction, is simply missing a huge part of understanding fiction as a concept. If we’re to move forward with our understanding of this huge part of our culture, then we need to accept all parts of it. Even the ones you maybe didn’t think were worth understanding at first.
Trevor Hamblin is a junior English and communication major from Moberly, Mo.
Letters to the Editor
Dear Reader:
$ amount in millions
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
02
07
fiscal year Source: institutionalresearch-budgets.truman.edu
12
17
“Local Demand Doesn’t Warrant the Mark Twain Transmission Project” Ameren MO has filed with the MO Public Service Commission for a rate increase, as it does every year. This year Ameren MO has stated on an “Important Notice” which was enclosed in a recent Ameren MO customer bill, that the main drivers of this rate increase request include: new investment in Ameren MO’s system, higher regional transmission operator charges, reduced revenues from Ameren MO’s largest customer, and reduced revenues due to reduced demand on Ameren MO’s system. Similarly, Ameren MO’s Integrated Resource Plan – a 20 year projected plan, indicates a 7% reduction in electricity generation, due to reduced demand from a weakened economy, and efficiencies on both sides of the meter. With the current and projected long term reduced demand on Ameren MO’s system, I don’t find a need for the proposed Kirksville substation, or the additional transmission line proposed by the Mark Twain Transmission Project. (Ameren MO is the only utility in MO that would make use of Mark Twain.) If half of the reasons for Ameren MO’s rate increase is due to reduced demand, then why is Ameren Transmission Company of Illinois indicating Kirksville needs another substation, and a 100 mile 345k V transmission line as well? It doesn’t make sense to be adding infrastructure when the projected 20 year demand is decreased by 7%. Local demand doesn’t warrant the Mark Twain Transmission Project. Could it be that Ameren is hoping the transmission line and substation would generate revenue to offset the reduced revenue? It is important to remember that MO reformed its eminent domain law in 2006 to prohibit condemnation of private property for economic reasons such as increased corporate profit. It’s also important to remember that utilities have a responsibility to minimize land use impacts. This would include using existing easements wherever possible, even though it may be more profitable to build a new line. For instance, on the connecting line in IA, MidAmerican Energy is using the existing 161k V line, and adding a 345k V line. Furthermore, it’s important to remember that both the City of Kirksville and the Adair County Commissioners have denied approval for the Mark Twain Transmission Project. They apparently don’t see a need for the project, and it sounds like Ameren MO doesn’t either. The MO Public Service Commission (PSC) is holding a hearing for Ameren MO’s rate increase on Monday, January 30, at 6:00pm at Truman State University, Student Union Activities Room, 901 S. Franklin St., Kirksville. Please join me to let the PSC know — Additional transmission is not needed to meet reduced demand! Thank you! By Deborah Games, Kirksville MO
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
In commemoration of the World War I centennial anniversary, the Truman State University Art Gallery and Pickler Memorial Library Special Collections have collaborated on two interrelated exhibitions
JOIN SAVE BUY AND
ARTS AGAINST THE GREAT WAR Running Dates:
Opening Reception:
26 January – 3 March 2017 University Art Gallery, Ophelia Parrish 1114
Friday, 27 January 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Free and open to the public
Closing performance in collaboration with the Department of Music : Thursday, 2 March, 7:00 p.m.
For more information visit: WorldWarI.truman.edu
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
speaks out BY SPENCER FOUST Staff Writer
In an age where bullying is pervasive among students across the country, one organization is working to bring awareness to the bullying epidemic and the damage it causes. Last Thursday night, nearly 100 Kirksville area students and parents gathered in the auditorium of William Matthew Middle School to hear Kirk Smalley deliver a speech about bullying. Smalley founded the Stand for the Silent organization in 2010 after the death of his stepson, Ty Smalley. Ty, who Kirk described as “always smiling,” took his own life May 13, 2010, after being suspended for retaliating against his bully. He was at the end of his sixth grade and 11 years old. In the auditorium, Smalley’s appearance was less of a speech and more of a conversation. Smalley frequently received loud, emphatic answers from the crowd and encouraged those who could Photo by Spencer Foust/ TMN see him struggling to hold up the American Sign Language gesture Five folding chairs sit at the front of the stage, each with a photo representing one of the thousands of children lost to bullying for “I love you.” For what seemed each year. The bullying seminar was hosted by the Kirksville Rotary Club. like difficult parts of the story to tell, Smalley found an empty seat a state and nationwide level, and it was through one most, because he thinks the older students have the in the audience and used it to speak face-to-face with of these nationwide meetings that the Be A Buddy Not greatest impact on younger ones’ behavior. someone next to him. A Bully organization was formed. “Hopefully we can cascade this message from the “Nobody wants their kid to be 11 forever — beThe next morning, Jan. 20, Smalley gave the same high schoolers on down,” Bergman said. “It’s all about cause right there, that’s forever.” Smalley said as he presentation to the middle schoolers, followed by the culture— if you can create a culture in the high school raised a shaking finger to Ty’s shrine on the stage high schoolers. Crowds of that size were sure to sur- system where bullying is not tolerated, and [bullying] behind him. pass Thursday night’s turnout, but that didn’t bother becomes the abnormal instead of the normal, then the Five orange folding chairs sat in a row across the Bergman or Smalley. kids in the lower levels will really resonate with that.” stage, each with a portrait of a bullied victim they rep“We didn’t know what to expect — we would have Karla Dwyer, a Hy-Vee pharmacist and Rotary Club resented, a small biography, and a pile of light blue liked an entire lecture hall, but what we got was some- committee chair, was another member of the team bracelets that bear the words “I AM SOMEBODY,” the thing we still really liked,” Bergman said. “Kirk even present that night. In 2012, Dwyer met with Adair catchphrase of Stand for the Silent. told us today, he said ‘don’t worry about the turnout.’ County Sheriff Robert Hardwick on behalf of the club, Smalley began the evening by saying he wasn’t a He said ‘I’d rather have 50 people that are intense and and Hardwick suggested bullying prevention as an public speaker, just a construction worker who really serious about taking this message throughout your idea for something the community could address. The cared about something. It was the sort of attitude Tru- community, than I would 500 people who just show Rotary Club piggybacked off the “Be A Buddy” proman State University alumnus Jim Bergman wanted up just to show up.’” gram, and they’ve since held numerous anti-bullying from Smalley when the Kirksville Rotary Club picked Bergman said he was also impressed with the events within the Kirksville area. him for the event. presentation, even after having seen a similar dress Dwyer said her favorite memory of the past five “It was very, very powerful,” Bergman said. “I was rehearsal performance of it that morning. Smalley years of the “Be A Buddy” program came down to the just absolutely inspired. I felt like we were bringing the had done presentations in Schuyler County, Scot- one or two people each time that would tell her just right guy in, because we weren’t looking for another land County, Knox County and Monroe City already, how much this program has helped them. suit and tie, you know, we wanted a real person.” making Kirksville another stop on his northeastern For more information about Kirk Smalley’s group, Bergman is a member of the Kirksville Rotary Club Missouri trek. Stand for the Silent, visit standforthesilent.org. and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award by Bergman said his hope is that the high schoolers For more information about “Be A Buddy Not A Truman in 2012. The Rotary Club attends meetings on absorb the message of Smalley’s presentation the Bully,” visit beabuddynotabully.org.
“It’s all about culture — if you can create a culture in the high school system where bullying is not tolerated, and [bullying] becomes the abnormal instead of the normal, then the kids in the lower levels will really resonate with that.”
— Kirksville Rotary Club member Jim Bergman
Photo by Spencer Foust/ TMN Wristbands spread across shrines to the children who died as a result of bullying read, “I Am Somebody.” Audience members were encouraged to show support to children struggling with bullying by wearing the blue wristbands.
VOLUME 108
ISSUE 13
I AM SOMEBODY
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© 2017
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
REACTING TO MUSIC BY AUSTIN HORNBOSTEL Editor-in-chief index.editor@gmail.com
Whenever I get to the start of a new year, I — probably like a lot of people — find myself thinking back to all my favorite things from the year gone by. I’ll think about the best movies I saw in theaters — for me it’s "Deadpool," hands down, but if I’d seen "The Jungle Book" or "Zootopia" in theaters instead of on Netflix, they’d challenge for that category. Or I'll look at the most revisited inclusions in my Netflix “Continue Watching” queue. This year was a little different. I’ve been caught up the past few weeks thinking about the music I listened to during 2016 and how it’s different from anything I’ve heard before. Music is my media of choice, at least on a dayto-day basis. I comb SoundCloud and music blogs like Pigeons and Planes, constantly looking for new songs and artists. I always have an album playing when I’m doing homework or in Barnett Hall for work, and I listen through them again during my three-hour drive to Kansas City when I go home for breaks. I’m the kind of person that stays loyal to artists and waits impatiently for their next albums, and the releases this year weren’t an exception. When I think about my favorite albums of the year, it’s pretty easy for me to narrow down, and they all happen to be artists I’ve loved for a while — Chance The Rapper’s "Coloring Book," Run The Jewels’ "RTJ3," Frank Ocean’s "Blonde," Gallant’s "Ology," Modern Baseball’s "Holy Ghost," PUP’s "The Dream Is Over," and Childish Gambino's "Awaken, My Love!" There you go, enjoy that impromptu top seven list. If I comb back through this list, however, I see a trend with some of these albums in that they redefine the sound traditionally associated with the artists. The biggest examples, for me, are "Awaken, My Love!" and "Coloring Book." "Coloring Book" represents a mesh of genres, similar to Kanye West’s "The Life of Pablo" from last year, as it resides firmly with one foot in the realm of rap music and the other in that of gospel music. And then it uproots itself and takes a step into the radio-friendly auto-tuned rap music that permeates today’s airwaves, then it flips the script again, taking a step into the world of R&B. The result is an incredibly positive, genuinely engaging album with a range of songs that refuse to sound alike. This album serves as a testament to how versatile an artist like Chance The Rapper is. A song that features Lil Wayne and 2 Chainz — “No Problem," which is one of the most by-the-book rap
songs on the album — sounds just as much like a Chance The Rapper song as “How Great,” a song that begins with a nearly three minute choral refrain of the hymn “How Great Is Our God.” One of my favorite songs on the album, “Juke Jam,” is a pure R&B track with Justin Bieber on the bridge, and it’s followed immediately by another upbeat rap song. "Coloring Book" marks the shaping of an artist who feels at home not only making just about any kind of music but also getting that collection of differing sounds to work together cohesively in an album. And then you have Childish Gambino. I’ve loved Childish Gambino — a moniker Donald Glover came up with using a Wu-Tang Clan name
generator — since I discovered his music in high school. It also helps that he wrote for and starred in two of my favorite shows of all time, "30 Rock" and "Community." And his newest television show, "Atlanta," has quickly climbed up my list of alltime favorites, too. So it follows that I should have seen Childish Gambino’s latest shift coming, given his propensity for attempting everything he possibly can artistically. He released a short film and a 72-page screenplay with one of his albums, in addition to all the projects I already listed. But I truly didn’t expect his newest album to sound like this. See MUSIC, page 7
Throwback Thursday: Campus improvements through the years As work continues on Baldwin Hall and bulldozers begin the process of overhauling Stokes Stadium, we look back to a time when the sounds of construction were a major part of campus life. During the winter of 1964, construction was on schedule for the completion of Violette Hall, according to a Dec. 16 Index article. The article goes on to specify the 50-classroom hall was set to cost $1,397,861 with the project slated to finish June 1965, a little over a year after the original groundbreaking. Violette Hall was originally earmarked to house six departments — the Division of Business Education, the Division of Education and Home Economics, the Department of Mathematics of the Division of Science and Mathematics, the Speech Correction Department, the Division of Language and Literature and the photography section of the Division of Industrial Arts. There was even space reserved for the Index offices. Over the years, departments continue to shift location — or disappear altogether — and construction will always be a part of our everchanging institution. We can only hope that construction on the stadium and Baldwin Hall will remain on schedule like Violette Hall in the ’60s.
Submitted photo Above: Truman students pose in front of the still-inprogess Violette Hall construction in 1964. Violette Hall was one of several projects in the works.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
EVENTS Purls of Wisdom
5-7 p.m. Jan. 27 University Art Gallery, OP 1114
6:30 p.m. Jan. 31 Adair County Public Library
The University Art Gallery is hosting a reception to celebrate the opening of two exhibits, “Join, Save, Buy: U.S. World War I Posters on the Home Front” and “Arts Against the Great War.” The exhibit will run through March 3.
If you’ve ever wanted to knit your very own temperature afghan, now’s your chance. Purls of Wisdom, a knitting and crochet group, invites members to attend its weekly Tuesday meetings. Supplies not provided.
TOP
Art Gallery Reception
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Podcasts To Listen To During Study Breaks Overinvested. Of all the pop culture review podcasts out there, this is one of the best. Hosts Gavia Baker-Whitelaw and Morgan Leigh Davies cover everything from cult classics like “American Psycho” to blockbusters like “Batman v Superman.” The hosts bring very different perspectives to the table and always provide new ways to look at old favorite movies.
Lore. In this creepy nonfiction podcast, horror writer Aaron Mahnke describes some of the most unsettling urban legends and unsolved crimes he’s encountered while conducting research for his novels. These stories will keep you wide awake during any long drive.
Misunderstood An eight week study of commonly misunderstood passages of the Bible
Beginning Wednesday evening February 1 “Surely I was sinful at birth…” Psalm 51:5
6:00 – 7:00 PM Central Church of Christ 2010 South Halliburton Street
Jason Poznich, Professor of Preaching and Bible, Central Christian College of the Bible in Moberly, MO has been invited to teach the class. Jason has experience in pulpit preaching and youth ministry in addition to now being a full-time faculty member at CCCB. Central Church of Christ is a nondenominational congregation of the Lord’s church located just across Laharpe Street at the SE Corner of Truman’s Campus. We welcome visitors from the campus and community to join us for the study and the brief time of fellowship with food to get acquainted beginning at 5:15 PM prior to the study each week. Each week will focus on a new topic. February 8 will be “Do not judge…” Matthew 7:1-6. For more information and the schedule of topics to be studied each week, call Rose Marie at the church office (660)349-6560 or Larry Morley (660)988-1355.
MUSIC | EIC weighs in on favorite albums of 2016
Continued from page 6 It wasn’t just a new album, it was an entirely new sound for Childish Gambino. It was a funk album that followed two albums and a handful of EPs and mixtapes full of mostly rap music. And it wasn’t just funk music — it was nostalgic. It sounds like how I imagine the 1970s sounded — like early Prince, like Sly and the Family Stone. It hearkens back to an era that, though I might be far removed from it, I feel like I can grasp. I feel like I understand the feelings a 22-year-old like me might have felt during that time when they first heard music that sounded like this.
Where we have an album full of different styles and genres morphing in and out of one another in “Coloring Book,” we have an album that is a complete departure from the norm in “Awaken, My Love!” And I love that this is some of the music I had the pleasure of listening to during 2016. I continue listening to it frequently now, and I’ll likely keep it in my rotation for years to come. As much as I’ll always enjoy the releases that sound like more of the same great music from artists I love, such as “RTJ3” and “Holy Ghost,” I’ll enjoy the surprises even more. I hope that a few more artists pull a fast one on me during 2017.
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The Worst Bestsellers. If you’re looking for something lighthearted to listen to while multitasking, this is your podcast. Kait and Renata, a former bookseller and librarian, have made it their mission to “read bad books so you don’t have to.” Highlights include episodes covering “Fifty Shades of Grey” and the “Animorphs” series.
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Pacific Northwest Stories puts out some of the best auditory entertainment you’ll ever feed into your ears. “The Black Tapes Podcast” follows a classic horror monster-ofthe-week formula, while its companion, “Tanis,” is a must for any sci-fi lover or conspiracy theorist.
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Stuff You Missed in History Class. This podcast is appropriate for all ages, making it good for family trips or classroom usage. Hosts Tracy V. Wilson and Holly Frey set out to prove history is neither stuffy nor boring with research on topics such as incompetent pirates and cross-dressing stagecoach drivers.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
Swimming ends season, team Track and field preps for GLVC championship season begins at Snow Bird Meet
The men’s team won six events while the women took four, both teams winning the meet. BY BROOKE BAILEY Staff Writer
Photo submitted by Truman Athletics Junior Derek Mielke races toward the wall in the men’s 100 yard breaststroke. The Truman men fell to No. 7 Washington University-St. Louis in the opening meet of 2017. BY CURT WICHMER Staff Writer
UPCOMING EVENTS
In the final meet before the GLVC Championships, Truman State University Swimming faced off against No. 7 Washington University-St. Louis. The Bulldog women pulled out a 145-117 win, but the men’s team took a narrow 140-122 loss. The women’s team won seven races with senior Evyn Spencer contributing three in the 100 meter back, 100 meter fly and the 200 meter individual medley. The men’s team carried eight wins. Junior Kortney Betz said the meet took place on the Bulldogs’ senior day, so the team was “pumped up and excited to get going,” and the results speak for themselves. In preparation for the GLVC Championships, Betz said the team’s depth will play a big part in the Bulldogs’ performance. She said by maintaining focus, taking events one step at a time and showing a strong start in the preliminary rounds, the women can match the high energy level they had last year when the team won the GLVC Championship. “We need to stay focused and trust in all the work we’ve done over the season,” Betz said. “We’ve trained very hard for this meet and need to just be confident that it’s all going to work out well.” Junior Will Shanel said a strong start would be great for the men’s team, but it will also be important to keep an open mind during the champion-
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL
ships. In the event the team does not get the start it wants, he said the team needs to be able to step back, pick itself back up and continue cheering on its teammates. “Team unity is probably the biggest factor here,” Shanel said. “The family aspect of the team is what brought me in freshman year. What’s great about our team is everyone enjoys what they’re doing, and they’re all working together to realize their goal.” Head Coach Ed Pretre said the GLVC meet will be a series of strategic battles that will test the depth of the team as a whole. He said on paper, other teams in the conference might have faster top times but are not as strong as Truman when it comes to capturing second, third and fourth place finishes for points. Pretre also said team spirit will play a big part in pushing the athletes beyond their limits at the meet. “The team has to cheer for each other,” Pretre said. “Not just for individuals or themselves — it has to be unified. They have to have each other’s backs — that’s the difference between the average and the really good teams, and something we’re really going to harp on in the next few weeks.” The GLVC Championship is a four-day event that takes place Feb. 8-11 in Crawfordsville, Indiana. The Bulldog men will attempt to improve upon their fourth-place finish last year, and the Bulldog women are trying to land their second-straight championship title.
MEN’S BASKETBALL
After more than a month off competition, last weekend Truman State University men’s and women’s track and field finished on top at the Snow Bird Indoor Meet hosted at Illinois College. The men took home wins in 6 events — the 200 meter dash, 4x400 meter relay, 800 meter run, 4x200 meter relay, triple jump and weight throw. Sophomore Eddie Barrett ran 22.6 seconds in the 200 meter dash to finish first in a pool of 54 runners. Senior Brice Pavey ran the 800 meter race in 1:58.41 to earn another individual gold on the men’s side. In the field, freshman Brandon Hackamack climbed to the top of the podium in triple jump and collected silver in the long jump. Junior Sam Stewart also earned top spots on the weekend, earning gold in the weight throw and silver in the shot put. The Bulldog women earned four top finishes of their own in the 3,000 meter run, shot put, 4x200 meter relay and high jump. After a dominating cross country season, senior Laura Tarantino, an all-GLVC distance runner, picked up right where she left off. Tarantino crossed the 3,000 meter finish line nearly 50 seconds ahead of her closest competition. Senior Sydney Cornett tied the high jump with three other competing athletes, clearing 5-5, but Cornett did stand out with the fewest misses of any of the competitors. After a breakout freshman season that ended in a 15th-place finish at the NCAA Div. II National Championships, sophomore Cassidy Smestad once again found herself atop the podium in the shot put. Smestad threw 43-5.75. With this success in the first meet, back from Winter Break, the ‘Dogs will now get a chance to find their groove, competing in four meets in the next month. To ensure they came back from Winter Break prepared for the indoor schedule, the athletes were expected to keep up on training on their own time. Sophomore distance runner Keegan Walsh said Head Coach Tim Schwegler, who’s in his fourth season, sends out a specific plan for each group of athletes. “As long as we trust the training and follow it, we should come back ready to go,” Walsh said. Looking ahead, the Bulldogs prepare to compete at the Jayhawk Classic at the University of Kansas this weekend. Junior thrower Claire Vasilis said last weekend was a good opportunity for the team to get a good mark this weekend and during future indoor meets. “We will see some good competition at the Mizzou meet and conference at University of Indianapolis,” Vasilis said. “The overall goal is to place well in conference, and that’s something we are always working towards.” Indoor Championships are Saturday, Feb. 25 in Indianapolis. With little break, the team will almost immediately head into outdoor season whose championships take place at the end of May.
WRESTLING
1/26: 5:30 p.m. vs. Drury University Kirksville, Mo.
1/26: 7:30 p.m. vs. Drury University Kirksville, Mo.
1/27: 7 p.m. vs. Maryville University St. Louis, Mo.
1/28: 1 p.m. vs. Missouri S&T Kirksville, Mo.
1/28: 3 p.m. vs. Missouri S&T Kirksville, Mo.
1/28: 5 p.m. vs. McKindreeUniversity Lebanon, IL
TRACK & FIELD 1/27: Jayhawk Classic Lawrence, Ks.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2016
STRAIT | Former Index sports editor and Truman basketball stand out Courtney Strait writes back on her experiences playing basketball overseas in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. Continued from page 10 On the academic side of things, there is a major difference between English and American classes, or modules. Unlike at Truman, modules in England only meet for lecture once a week, usually for two to three hours. Later in the week we attend seminar, where we practice what we learned in lecture. For example, in my Journalism Principles and Practice module, we learned how to write different types of stories and use specific equipment in lecture then practice writing and using cameras, video programs, and Photoshop, etc. in the seminar session. In my opinion, the English style of teaching is a lot more student-led than in the States. Professors give lecture and include a set of additional readings we are encouraged to complete on our own time. If we do not complete the readings the professor might not care, but you definitely won’t be prepared for the big essays and exams throughout the term, which are usually worth at least 40 percent of your grade. There is no busy work in England — you don’t get worksheets or chapters assigned from a textbook. Instead you are instructed to complete outside readings to prepare for the assignments. They way I look at it, in America the professors are behind you, pushing you to the
finish line. In England the professors are sprinting ahead of you — you have to keep up or you won’t pass. After my time here in Newcastle is over, I hope to play professional basketball somewhere in England or Europe. I just can’t shake this basketball bug ... I want to play as long as possible while my mind and body are still able. I want to be a kid forever, and I can absolutely attribute my time at Truman to strengthening my love for the game. Because of the coaching staff — shout out to Eags, Tandez, Theo and the grad assistants — my incredible teammates, and the memories I made as a Bulldog, I was able to pursue basketball at the next level. Time and time again, my years on the Truman State women’s basketball team reminded me how much I have to be thankful for — I am forever indebted to everyone who helped me get to where I am today. This time last year, I scored my 1,000th point with Truman #23 across my chest — a milestone I thought I couldn’t top. Never would I imagine that a year from then I would be playing basketball in a different country and earning another degree. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity I have been given here in England, and though I’m wearing red and navy as a Knight, I’ll always bleed purple.
Photos submitted by Courtney Strait Left: Strait and her teammates pose for a picture as they sightsee in Scotland. Strait said she enjoys travel time in addition to basketball. Top right: Strait shows off her Truman “Always Reppin” shirt as she represents the Bulldogs on her endeavours in England. Strait was a member of Bulldog women’s basketball from 2010-2015. Bottom right: Strait fires a three in warmups for a match in Newcastle. Strait made 132 three pointers in the Truman uniform.
ROSE | Index staff writer voices his opinion in favor of Pete Rose’s opportunity for a MLB Hall of Fame nomination. Rose was banned from Major League Baseball for placing bets while acting as a team manager. Continued from page 9 Now that he is in his 70s, Rose has asked only to be ruled eligible as a nominee for the Hall of Fame. Rose’s legacy deserves the opportunity to be considered by the voters. It doesn’t seem like too much to ask for if you consider that anyone with ties to performance-enhancing drugs, whether speculative or substantive, have been granted full eligibility. While everyone will think of Barry Bonds or Roger Clemens when you mention the acronym PED, they are hardly the only players to have their reputations tarnished by banned substances. Rafael Palmeiro is one of only 27 players in history to hit 500 home runs and one of 30 players to have 3,000 hits. A PED suspension in 2005 destroyed his reputation and Hall of Fame candidacy, failing to receive the minimum five percent of votes to stay on the ballot his fourth eligible year. Manny Ramirez appeared for the first time on the ballot this year, six years removed from his second major PED suspension. He received 23.8 percent of the vote—allowing him to stay on the ballot for at least another year. In 2022, Alex Rodriguez will be eligible for induction despite his admission of PED use from 2001-2003 and his role in the Biogenesis scandal
in 2013. Other players connected to PEDs—like Andy Pettitte, Jason Giambi and David Ortiz—will also appear on ballots in the next five years. Regardless of their transgressions, each of these players deserve an opportunity to have their careers judged by the voting populous. Pete Rose should be extended the same courtesy. Betting on baseball has been the game’s most serious offense for more than a century because it affects the outcome of the game. The surfacing of PEDs in the 1990s and early 2000s also arguably affected the outcomes of games. A home run has proven repeatedly to be the difference in games, and the steroid era presented many players who were hitting home runs more frequently, using less effort. Voters have been forced to question the validity of candidates numbers year after year, often skeptical that PEDs stimulated their annual production. While players gambling on games in which they’re involved also damages the game’s integrity, it doesn’t affect a player’s individual numbers anywhere near the level of PEDs. Of course, the unofficial “Pete Rose Rule” revokes a player’s Hall eligibility as long as they’re on the league’s permanently ineligible list—making judgment impossible. This rule was adopted
by the Baseball Hall of Fame board of directors in 1991 two years after Rose was banned. If the Hall had not enacted this rule when they did, Rose would have appeared on the ballot that year. The timing of the rule already appears suspicious, but it looks even worse when you consider many players added to the permanently ineligible list long before Rose appeared on the ballot. Shoeless Joe Jackson — one of eight perpetrators in the Black Sox Scandal during the 1919 World Series — was judged by the writers in 1936, garnering only 0.9 percent of the vote. While Jackson wasn’t inducted — and is guaranteed to never be if the “Pete Rose Rule” is maintained — he was at least given a chance. Rose’s chances for eligibility seemed to be ruined two years ago when MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred denied his request for reinstatement, but Manfred made it clear that his eligibility for the Hall of Fame is a different issue. “In fact, in my view, the considerations that should drive a decision on whether an individual should be allowed to work in baseball are not the same as those that should drive a decision on Hall of Fame eligibility,” Manfred said. The fate of Rose’s candidacy should rest with hundreds of voters rather than just sixteen people.
SPORTS
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@trumanathletics
tmn.truman.edu
Photo submitted by Truman Athletics Sophomore Sam Reeves faces off against Bellarmine University’s Brian Carman in the 197 lb. weight class. Carman defeated Reeves by decision, 7-3, but Truman won the team dual 21-19.
Wrestling splits opening weekend on GLVC mats BY STEPHANIE HULETT Staff Writer
Truman State University wrestling had a historic day in Pershing Arena as the team competed for the first time in a GLVC league dual on Jan. 21. The Bulldogs fell to University of Indianapolis but were victorious over Bellarmine University. UIndy is nationally ranked, and the ‘Dogs kept a close battle as redshirt senior JJ Dorrell, redshirt junior Caleb Osborn and redshirt senior Dustin McClintock all won their matches to close the gap to 1412 against the Greyhounds. In the end, the Greyhounds rallied off a few consecutive matches to beat Truman 34-12. Later in the day, Truman wrestling came out on top against Bellarmine with a 2119 victory, which came down to freshman Ashton Mutuwa’s heavyweight match win. Osborn said it was a solid day for the ‘Dogs as a team. He said they left some points out on the mat, but wrestlers have to be prepared to take bad breaks and compete through mistakes. Osborn said the team is focusing on eating and training right to help be the best it can be on the mat. “We approach each match the same regardless of who they are, as right now the matches are just learning experiences to prepare us for Regionals,” McClintock said. This is the first year Truman wrestling has been a part of the GLVC, and McClintock said he hopes joining a conference will impact the future and that the sport earns a greater appreciation. McClintock said the team fundraises all its
money, but many of the other teams in the conference are fully funded programs. Truman also deals with some physical hardships this season. “The toughest obstacle this year is by far injuries,” McClintock said. “I don’t think anyone in our starting line up has been healthy all season and not had an injury.” Freshman Jules Joseph said the team is not looking ahead at GLVC play until it competes against Hannibal-LaGrange. Joseph also said Coach David Schutter has been pushing the team to be more active on the mat and to be in better shape. Joseph said the team started off wrestling
at a high level as soon as the season started. “Our main focus this season has really been to just go out and wrestle with everything [we’ve] got,” Joseph said. “We’ve been making real big improvements in how we wrestle mainly because we started off the season wrestling as many tough and nationally ranked teams as we could find.” Following Tuesday’s meet at HannibalLaGrange University, the Bulldogs are back on the mat in the GLVC. The ‘Dogs travel to St. Louis, Missouri, to square up with Maryville University at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 27. They will cross over to Lebanon, Illinois, on Saturday to take on McKendree University at 5 p.m., Jan. 28.
Photo submitted by Truman Athletics Junior Ethan Rentschler takes the mat against Bellarmine University’s Tyler McCoy for his first ever match in the GLVC. Rentschler won his match 12-10 by decision, and Truman wrestling earned its first ever GLVC team win.
In defense of Pete Rose... BY JEREMY JACOB Staff Writer
Major League Baseball will honor five more inductees who will see dreams become reality as part of the illustrious Hall of Fame induction July 30, 2017. Jeff Bagwell, Iván Rodríguez, Tim Raines, John Schuerholz and Allan H. “Bud” Selig will share memories with the best and most impactful figures in the game’s history. Each of them accumulated feats that made their careers sparkle more than other candidates this year, although none of them can
claim to be the “Hit King,” Pete Rose, who has never been allowed as a candidate for the Hall of Fame. If Rose’s career was judged exclusively by numbers, he would be a first-ballot hall of famer without a doubt. It’s hard to look past his numerous all-time highs, such as his 4,256 hits, 3,562 games played and 15,890 plate appearances. The Hall of Fame, however, is anything but a sole numbers game. A player’s integrity and sportsmanship are also considered along with their playing ability, according to the Baseball Hall of Fame website. Since
1989, when Rose was permanently banned from the game for betting on baseball while managing a team, he hasn’t been able to seek a position in either Major League Baseball or the Hall of Fame. He has remained in historical limbo, only being recognized by the Hall for his accomplishments — not his career. For years the public has been pleading for Rose to be reinstated so he could have a shot at baseball immortality. Rose obviously wanted that too, applying for reinstatement many times since the fateful ruling in 1989. See ROSE, page 9
Cory Myers In Truman’s first triple-double performance in over 22 years, redshirt senior guard Cory Myers tallied 25 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in the Bulldogs’ win over Maryville University Thursday night. To add to this historic night, Myers also became the 28th member of Truman’s 1,000-point club. The week’s momentum was still escalating, and Myers registered 18 points, six steals, and five assists as the ‘Dogs picked up an overtime victory at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Myers’ jam-packed stat line earned him Truman’s first GLVC Player of the Week accolade this season.
VOLUME 108
ISSUE 13
tmn.truman.edu
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017
Strait enjoys basketball overseas BY COURTNEY STRAIT Guest Columnist
It seems like only yesterday I was suiting up in the purple and white. I can still hear the crowd cheer from the sidelines and the announcer shout out the famous “T-R-U ... M-AN” chant whenever the ‘Dogs make a big play. I would be lying if I said I didn’t miss Truman immensely. That being said, I am having a ball — no pun intended — in my new home playing basketball for the Newcastle University Knights and working toward a master’s degree in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England. Both basketball and school are quite different here from how they are back in the USA. From classes, to lifting weights, to style of play and even the slang — I have had to learn a whole new way of life on and off the court here in England. The first thing I noticed at Newcastle was the difference in facilities and funding. University sports teams do not receive the same amount of support that schools in America do. At first it felt strange not to play the most popular sport on campus, as I had my whole life. As one might guess, football — soccer — and rugby reign supreme in England and receive most of the attention. The Newcastle Sport Centre has two basketball courts, but they are not regulation-sized, so we have to host our home games at a different university across town. In addition, we don’t have a designated locker room and all the fancy gear that usually accompanies a spot on the basketball team — we even have to buy our own basketball shoes. Despite the conditions being so different than when I was spoiled rotten at Truman, I am still humbled that I get to further my basketball career and earn a master’s degree in Media and Journalism. I think my favorite difference between basketball here and back at home is the style of play. Here, there are very few set plays — everything we do on the court is fluid and constant. During preseason, we learned a style of play similar to the “Regular” offense the Bulldogs use, but we are given more freedom in the system than in the States. I have also found myself running a lot more here in England. Despite my pure hatred for long-distance running — my 1.5 mile test can attest to that — I feel that I can play for almost an entire 40 minutes without needing a sub. See STRAIT, page 9
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