The Index Vol. 109 Issue 18

Truman State University tmn.truman.edu THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018 tmn.truman.edu

@TrumanMediaNet TrumanMediaNetwork

OPINIONS | EIC comments on admin response in wake of death Page 4

FEATURES | Members of MAE program discuss passion for teaching Page 7

Truman mourns loss of student

BY BRENTLY SNEAD Editor-In-Chief

Maya Warr, a second-year freshman student at Truman State University, died Saturday, Feb. 3, in her residence hall room. Warr was a biology and pre-med student who lived in Missouri Hall.

In a campus-wide email sent Sunday morning, Janna Stoskopf, vice president for student affairs, shared the news and addressed students’ wellbeing. Stoskopf followed up with an additional email Monday morning, which reminded students it’s normal to grieve while offering additional self-care tips.

The Index received a follow-up statement from Stoskopf. In her written statement, Stoskopf said an untimely death of a student is a tragedy for any campus community, and she encourages members of the community to get help wherever they might need it.

“What I have observed in my short time at Truman is an extremely caring and family-oriented environment where people look out for and uplift one another,” Stoskopf wrote in her statement to The Index. “I ask all of us to be very intentional about our support, patience and concern for others, while also engaging in appropriate self-care.”

Director of Residence Life John Gardner shared a statement with The Index on behalf of Residence

Life encouraging students to be aware of those around them.

“The loss of a student within our community is a terrible tragedy,” Gardner wrote. “Our thoughts are with Maya’s family, friends, and all of those impacted by this loss. We encourage all members of our community to pay special attention to one another during this difficult time. While our community is hurting, there are many prepared to help those who are struggling. If you or someone you know is hurting, please reach out for assistance.”

University President Sue Thomas echoed Stoskopf and Gardner’s concerns and support for the students in a personal statement made to The Index.

“There is no greater tragedy that can befall a campus than the unexpected death of a member of its community, especially when it is a death of a student,” Thomas wrote. “As our hearts break for Maya, her family and friends, I implore everyone to pay extra close attention to one another’s needs and to support each other not only during this difficult time, but in all the days ahead. If you need help, please do not hesitate to ask for it. I, and many, many members of our community stand ready to assist you.”

At the time this article was written, a representative of the Department of Public Safety was not available for comment.

Campus Resources for Counseling & Mental Health University Counseling Services McKinney Center, behind Kirk Memorial (660) 785-4014 ucs.truman.edu After-hours crisis line: (660) 665-5621 Janna Stoskopf Vice president for Student Affairs Student Union Building 1110 First Floor in the CSI Complexx (660) 785-4111

Thomas, Walker weigh in Students form Positive Peers on proposed state cuts wellness and

BY NICOLAS TELEP News Text Editor

Truman State University is facing a possible decrease in state funding for the 2018-19 school year as the state’s budget for the 2019 fiscal year makes its way through the General Assembly.

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens has proposed significant cuts to the core funding of state universities, including a 7.7 percent cut for Truman. This would be the third round of funding cuts since the beginning of 2017, after the governor’s office withheld a portion of the University’s funding in January 2017 and passed a budget with lower core funding for the 2018 fiscal year, beginning this July.

University President Sue Thomas said after the state withholdings announced in January 2017, the

University stopped spending money on non-personnel costs. For example, the University had planned to buy a new bus for sports teams with money from the general fund, but that was put on hold when the withholdings went into effect. Thomas said the bus was eventually purchased with money raised from the student athletic fee.

To deal with permanent reductions in state funding, Thomas said the University offered a retirement incentive to faculty members and examined staff and faculty positions left vacant to see if they needed to be filled. She also said the University made an effort to become more energy-efficient, which cut down on energy costs. Some buildings, like Fair Apartments, were decommissioned to save on utility and upkeep costs.

See BUDGET, page 3

Board meets for first time in 2018

Photo by Dana Bartch/TMN Truman State University’s Board of Governors meets in the Student Union Building’s Conference Room. The first meeting of 2018 for the Board saw comments on the budget from University President Sue Thomas and the approval of two new online graduate programs for the University.

BY DANA BARTCH Staff Writer Truman State University’s Board of Governors gathered for its first meeting of 2018 this week.

University President Sue Thomas addressed the governor’s recent proposal to reduce funding to all of Missouri’s public universities, including Truman, and what this means for the 2018-2019 academic year. She also announced Truman expects to meet all six of the performance goals set by the state Coordinating Board for Higher Education. This would enable Truman to receive all core state funding under the proposed budget. Were Truman to not meet all six goals, parts of the institution’s core funding would be withheld. In addition, Thomas said the Sesquicentennial Presidential Celebration is coming up in April to celebrate all 16 of Truman’s presidents. Thirteen of the 16 presidents will be represented at the event and a few living presidents will also be able to attend.

VOLUME 109 ISSUE 18 © 2018

Also during the meeting, Senior Kyra Cooper, Student Senate president, and senior Sarah Holtmeyer, Student Senate vice president, shared Student Senate accomplishments since August. These include changes to the University’s Liberal Studies Program, creating domestic violence prevention posters and the addition of the Purple Fridays committee to the Senate. They also presented plans for the spring semester of 2018, which include a renovation of the library pit, a list of Kirksville resources for students new to the area, and the creation of multilingual maps and emergency procedures.

Laura A. Crandall, Board of Governors vice chair, presented three action items for the board to vote on. The first two were the inclusion of new online graduate degree programs at Truman, a Masters of Mental Health Counseling and a Masters of School Counseling. Crandall said there are few programs conducted completely online in the nation for these subjects, and the courses would be great for students currently at Truman.

support group

BY RAQUEL PITTY-DIAZ Staff Writer

A student-led mental wellness support group will be enacted at Truman State University at the end of this month.

Positive Peers is an all-student support group created by senior Alex Frogge. With the help of Enactus, an international nonprofit organization, Frogge — along with a few other Truman students involved in the program — was able to gain the resources needed to begin this project.

“After the suicide cluster [at Truman] last year, it was on a lot of people’s minds, and it was on mine as well,” Frogge said. “How can we make a positive change to prevent suicide as well as emotional distress?”

The program will have 4-12 members per group depending on the topic of discussion and the number of students interested in the new program. Each meeting will last an hour and a half at most. The support group will feature two student facilitators per meeting. Enactus members chose facilitators to be involved with the project through a blind application process based on experience with support groups or mental health services.

“We ultimately chose the facilitators we thought showed the most passion and were capable of doing [the job],” said sophomore Jonie Welland, Positive Peers’ main coordinator.

The Positive Peers coordinators chose six facilitators, all of whom completed training with University Counseling Services. The training consisted of reading a detailed document on what a support group is and how to deal with any problems that arise.

The facilitators have also participated in roleplaying exercises so they can become more familiar with how support groups work.

Frogge said it was important for facilitators to be students to avoid power dynamic issues within the support groups. The facilitators will not only participate as a guide — they will also participate as members of the groups themselves.

Facilitator senior Kayla Thompson said there needs to be an open dialogue at Truman to promote mental wellness. Thompson said she also thinks by reducing the stigma of mental illness on Truman’s campus, many students will feel confident enough to seek help when needed or to allow themselves a well-deserved mental break.

“We almost romanticize over-exertion,” Thompson said. “We see sleepless nights as commitment.”

Thompson said although the idea of joining a group with a stigma associated with it might sound intimidating, if it is something that will allow students to better themselves and provide them with a long-lasting support system, it will be worth it in the end.

“It will increase connections between people and help them feel less alone,” Frogge said.

Positive Peers will begin support group meetings at the end of February. The dates and times will depend on the need of participants.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Rock Ya Body rocks campus

Photos by Daniel Degenhardt/TMN Top: University Swingers, Truman State University’s competitive swing dance team, hosted Rock Ya Body Feb. 2-4. The annual three-day dancing and instruction event is free for students and open to alumni.

Right: An instructor teaches swing dance lessons in the Ryle Hall main lounge. Rock Ya Body events were hosted all over Truman’s campus.

Bottom Left: Many of the dances took place in Kirk Gym. The Gym is also home to TruHop, a campus group which hosts weekly dances in the space.

Bottom Right: Senior Audrey Leclou and Jeanette Bailey perform a competition dance in Kirk Gym. Instruction, competition and open dances are parts of the event.

staff Serving the University community since 1909 Editor-in-Chief Brently Snead Assistant Editor Johanna Burns News Editor (Text) Nicolas Telep Features Editor (Text) Rachel Fechter Opinions Editor Morgan Gervais Sports Editor (Text) Rachel Steinhoff Sports Editor (Multimedia) Jeremy Jacob Copy Chief MacKenna Palazza Assistant Copy Chief Trevor Hamblin Photo Editor Bethany Travis Design Chief Mariah Radle

Distribution Manager Jessica Rose Staff Writers Jase Willhite, Ashley

Murphy, Kennedy Martin, Paul Province, Patrick Pardo, Stephanie Hulett, Brooke Bailey, Travis Maiden, Ryan Pivoney, Dana Bartch, Gordon McPherson, Justin Newton, Aura Martin, Lindell Sconce Sales Manager Joey Iaguessa Copy Editors Molly Thal, Bethany Spitzmiller, Ellen Thibodeau, Allyson Lotz, Elise Hughes, Cara Quinn

Cartoonists Annie Kintree, August Davis Designers Georgia Gregory, Maddie

Kamp, Emmett Divendal, Emily Taylor, Kaitlyn Farmer Photographers Lawrence Hu, Athena Geldbach, Austin Dellamano, Daniel Degenhardt, Hannah Ahlenius, Samantha Garrett Distribution Representatives Greta Roettegen, Amanda Claywell Adviser Don Krause

The Index

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

3

BUDGET | Thomas, Walker discuss state budget proposal Continued from page 1

Thomas said the University has been working to ensure budget challenges can be handled in a way that does not compromise the mission or the identity of the institution. She said when the University learned there would be a substantial cut in state funding for the 2017-18 school year, a committee comprised of 75 students, faculty and staff met for three sessions to discuss the University’s priorities and distinctiveness.

“It was really focused on, ‘Who is Truman? What’s important to us? Where are we going?’ so if we’re going to have to reallocate money, we want to make sure that we’re doing it strategically and to fit with our priorities,” Thomas said. “The whole purpose of it is that, if we come to the point that we have to start making these very difficult decisions, we want to make sure that we’re doing it very strategically and focused on allocating resources to our priorities, so we are doing the best and the highest with the resources that we have.”

Thomas said now that the governor’s budget recommendations are available, Truman will begin preparing for the worst-case scenario so departments don’t have unplanned cuts or expenses at the last minute. She said a surcharge like the one that was instituted during the spring 2017 semester is not currently being considered.

Thomas said Truman’s planning process for the cuts will start with examining financial scenarios the University could be in. She said planning is a collaborative effort as the administration consults with the

provost, deans and department heads to see where money can be conserved.

Thomas said legislation currently stops state universities from raising tuition annually more than the consumer price index — a measure of inflation — from the previous year without a waiver from the state Department of Higher Education. She said there is currently a shell bill, a general bill to be amended later, in the State Senate to raise the tuition cap above the CPI. Thomas said this was an important conversation to have at this time, but the shell bill does little more than start that conversation.

Thomas said a tuition increase would only come if all other options had been explored and there was still a difference that needed to be covered. Even at that point, she said tuition would only be raised to a level necessary to meet the gap.

“We will only raise tuition as high as we think we need to to maintain the health of our institution,” Thomas said. “We don’t want to put all the expenses of the institution on the backs of students. We don’t want to raise tuition one more penny than we think we need to given all the efficiencies we’ve put in place and all the innovations and changes we’ve put in place.”

Thomas said Kirksville’s delegates in the Missouri General Assembly — Sen. Brian Munzlinger and representatives Craig Redmon and Nate Walker — are supportive of Truman and higher education in the state.

She said groups from the House and the Senate have expressed their support of the state’s higher education institutions and have demonstrated its value and positive economic impact to the General Assembly.

Walker said the current budget proposal is a starting point, and the budget is being examined and worked on by committees in the Assembly. He said he and many others in the Assembly recognize the importance of higher education and especially the mission of Truman as the state’s only public liberal arts institution.

“I think that Gov. Greitens has been somewhat shortsighted in his thinking with this budget,” Walker said. “My colleagues in the House of both parties have been very concerned about these deep cuts proposed to the core funding for higher education in the state of Missouri, and I would anticipate that as the budget process proceeds in the House, you’re going to see a markup of more money for higher education.”

Walker said other state programs are getting cut as well, including programs for those with disabilities.

Walker said there is talk in the Assembly about raising the tuition cap by 2 percent or higher, and such a policy might be necessary if the proposed reductions in core funding are adopted.

“Everything’s out on the table, but we have to make sure we don’t slice the budget for higher education to the point where we have mediocre schools,” Walker said. “Education is a key to a strong economic base for our state, and it’s also to give the students, the young people, an opportunity to get some higher education that is affordable, and Truman State University has worked very hard … to be one of the best buys for education, and it seems like we’re getting penalized for our efficiencies here at Truman State University, and that shouldn’t happen.”

calendar State of the City Address Feb. 12, 2018 4 p.m.

K-REDI Building

State of the University Address Feb. 13, 2018 3 p.m.

SUB Georgian Rooms

German actor performance Feb. 12, 2018 5 p.m.

Baldwin Hall Little Theater

The Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Governmental Affairs Committee is hosting the annual state of the city address in the Economic Development Alliance Building, located at 315 S. Franklin Street. Residents of Kirksville are welcome to ask questions and receive updates on city departments. Mayor Phillip Biston is the guest speaker at the event.

Truman State University President Sue Thomas will speak to the University on the budget and other university-related topics in this yearly address. Students and faculty are encouraged to attend.

Jurgen Kuttner, German radio personality, actor and theater director, will be presenting his video-clip performance, titled “I Wanna Be Americano: A German Crisis of Identity,” in which Kuttner comments on film clips in a Berlin accent. The performance is sponsored by the Department of Classical and Modern Languages.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Submitted Photo Spencer Schram and Paul Williams, co-owners of the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Kirksville - University Area, cut a ribbon in recognition of the hotel’s opening. The ribbon cutting ceremony was organized by the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce and hotel staff attended the event. The hotel is one of several recently constructed businesses to open in Kirksville in the last year.

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Caffeine does more harm than good

BY MORGAN GERVAIS Opinions Editor I owe most of my college successes and busy social life to my large consumption of caffeine. Every morning following a long night, or when I’m up late studying, I crack open a can of Red Bull.

I know I’m not the only student that heavily relies on caffeine. A lot of students depend on multiple cups of coffee to keep up with their studies, be involved in organizations, work at their jobs and maintain a social life outside of school.

Despite this reality, almost everyone is aware that caffeine is harmful. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education program teaches the effects of caffeine to fifth graders across the nation to guide them toward a healthy path for the future. Even though I was in D.A.R.E. almost 10 years ago, I still remember the values that were taught, and I strongly agree with what was instilled in me.

However, I never paid much attention to the harms of that drug.

This all changed when I realized I had a caffeine problem coming out of last semester’s finals. I would go days without sleep because I was living on caffeine pills and energy drinks. When 2018 started, I decided to

better improve my health. It would be impossible for me to completely cut caffeine out of my diet, but I have decided to limit my consumption — and I suggest others do the same.

I have successfully made it a month without any energy drinks. To achieve this goal, I have been looking to friends and family for advice and ideas to help limit my caffeine intake.

A few ideas I have found helpful are short workouts, drinking green tea, getting more sleep, drinking more water, eating healthy snacks, and doing yoga and meditation. Personally, I have been relying on the more natural options in place of caffeine.

I have found green tea to be a sufficient substitute for coffee. A short power nap between classes is my cure to a dragging afternoon. Finally, small, healthy snacks like fruits and nuts are perfect for a late-night study session. The protein and natural sugars will get your mind flowing and get you through the night.

I recommend using alternatives to caffeine because it has not only physically helped me have clearer skin, but my overall mental health has improved because reducing my caffeine intake has allowed me to sleep better and feel less anxious in all aspects of my life.

EIC expresses concerns about University communication

BY BRENTLY SNEAD Editor-in-Chief

I will always take pride in my choice to attend Truman State University. There’s something about the professors, the students and the history that has led me to call this place home. That being said, there are some things I have struggled with at this University. Throughout my time at Truman, there has been a number of student deaths, and each time, the lack of communication between the various levels of our University appalls me.

Don’t get me wrong, I applaud the new vice president for student affairs who reached out to students in a timely fashion and followed up Monday morning. However, I feel as though these events call for more than an email from a single administrator. It’s time for a conversation, and it’s time for the University to pull together and address the issue rather than simply having this discussion and expecting students to move forward. In the past, we’ve “addressed the issue,” but we’re still struggling to find out what that means to us as a university.

In August, The Index printed an article about Truman becoming a JED campus, a program that is to assist with the mental health issues on campus. I checked the other day and saw that our University is included on JED’s site, but I haven’t seen any fruit from this. I haven’t seen a survey come across my email. I haven’t heard about the consultation that is to occur, and I haven’t heard the steps we’ll be taking as a campus to improve the current situation.

Like I said, I don’t blame any one individual, but I do think it’s time we come together and address an issue that appears to be growing. It’s time for administrators, faculty and students to move forward not blindly but with a clear vision as to what we want, and need, at this University.

[ Our View] The University should include students in budget crisis It is not news to students that Truman State University is in a budget crisis. We, as an institution, have been facing budget cuts for several years, and many have spoken about this issue. This is partially from constant cuts to higher-education funding on a state level. Now, the state has added an extra hoop for colleges and universities to obtain funding — six new performance goals.

With these recent provisions, 10 percent of our core funding is now based on meeting these six performance goals. These new goals focus on career placement outcomes, degrees granted, success on senior tests, core expenditures on instruction, the increase in the University’s payroll, and the change in net tuition and fees for in-state undergraduates.

Despite Truman’s confidence in meeting all the goals, many universities across the state are concerned about not being able to meet them. Failure to meet any or all of the six would affect tuition rates,

availability of faculty and staff, resources, and other important parts of how a university functions.

We understand that this is a struggle for administrators, but it’s important to recognize this affects students and faculty too. Addressing this process could be easier if the Truman administration would be more transparent about our situation. Truman puts a high value on communication, yet students have received little to no information about this change to University funding. In the last few weeks, The Index has reported on the budget situation, and Index staff know that the administration has reached out to faculty.

However, the only information students have received from administration so far was in a statement from University President Sue Thomas to the Board of Governors in which she projected Truman would meet all six goals.

The first step toward progress is addressing the problem. We, The Index Editorial Board, think the

EDITORIAL POLICY: The Index is published Thursdays during the academic year by students at Truman State University, Kirksville, MO 63501.

The production offices are located in Barnett Hall 1200. We can be reached by phone at 660-785-4449. The Index is a designated public forum, and content of The Index is the responsibility of The Index staff. The editor-in-chief consults with the staff and adviser but ultimately is responsible for all decisions.

Opinions of The Index columnists are not necessarily representative of the opinions of the staff or the newspaper. Our View editorials represent the view of the Editorial Board through a two-thirds majority vote. The Editorial Board consists of the editor-in-chief, managing editor, section editors, copy chief and assistant copy chief. The Index reserves the right to edit submitted material because of space limitations, repetitive subject matter, libelous content or any other reason the editor-in-chief deems appropriate. Submitted material includes advertisements and letters to the editor.

LETTER POLICY: The Index welcomes letters to the editor from the University and Kirksville community. Letters to the editor are due by noon the Sunday before publication and become property of The Index upon submission. Once submitted, the letter is subject to editing for grammar, punctuation and spelling errors.

Submissions must contain a well-developed theme and cannot exceed 500 words, except at the discretion of the opinions editor and/or editor-inchief. The Index suggests that submissions be written about current events or public issues that need to be brought forth, and should offer a valid argument. Submission does not guarantee publication, especially when submissions fail to add something to the current discussion. Letters containing personal attacks, libelous attacks or inaccurate information will not be published. All letters to the editor must be typed and submitted by email to index.opinionseditor@gmail.com. Include the words “letter to the editor” in the subject line of the email. Letters which are not submitted digitally will be taken into consideration.

University should be up front with students about the issues it currently faces — not just because it influences the futures of students at this institution, but also because students have the power to affect this issue.

Truman students, when properly informed, have the ability to stand up against the budget cuts at the state level. Many students are registered Missouri voters and, as such, can start a discussion with the Missouri government about how these cuts affect students. This requires students to not only be aware of the issue but to be educated about the possible options and steps for action.

We applaud the University for promoting Truman before the appropriations committee, but students could have also been part of that process as well. If the University wants students to get involved and help with issues, transparency must be present. Only then can the University properly address the budget problems on a social level.

Contact tmn.truman.edu

660-785-4449

index.editor@gmail.com

ADVERTISING POLICY: For up-to-date information on current advertising rates or to inquire about the availability of classified ads, contact Truman Media Network’s Advertising Manager, Joey Iaguessa, at 660-785-4449 or jai6847@truman.edu.

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The Index

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

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Truman offers retirement incentive

BY RYAN PIVONEY Staff Writer

Truman State University’s Board of Governors instituted an early retirement incentive program for eligible full-time faculty members at its Dec. 2 meeting.

The program is a lump sum cash incentive of $25,000 received upon retirement, which must occur by May 31, 2018. The incentive program is only available to full-time faculty members that are at least 60 years of age and are a Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System or College and University Retirement Plan participant, according to the Board of Governors meeting minutes. Faculty members must have not already given their written intent to retire or have previously retired with the MOSER or CURP program.

The University began accepting applications Jan. 4, and faculty members have until Feb. 16 to enroll in the program. The program is limited to 30 applicants, and if there are more, then applicants will be chosen on a seniority basis, according to the Board of Governors meeting minutes.

Sally Herleth, executive director of human resources, said the University has seen a desire for this type of program in the past, but there is currently not a strong demand with only four applicants. The focus of the early retirement incentive program is largely centered around the budget for the 2018-2019 school year, Herleth said.

“Hopefully, if we have some faculty who take advantage of this incentive, we can have some more flexibility in perhaps filling positions in different areas,” Herleth said. “That’s the focus — the budget

Board of Governors Meeting - program passed

Enrollment Period Begins

Enrollment Period Ends

Applicants Must Retire

Dec. 2, 2018

Jan. 4, 2018

Feb. 16, 2018

May 31, 2018

• •

doesn’t seem to be good for next year, so we are trying to bring back some resources.”

With state-wide budget cuts, Herleth said there are other schools instituting similar incentive programs to avoid layoffs despite increasingly tighter funding.

Dave Rector, vice president for administration, finance and planning, said the early retirement incentive program is targeted at faculty members who might be close to retirement but need extra motivation. He said he does not expect a large number of faculty members to take advantage of the program, but those who do create more flexibility in the budget.

“The idea is — financially it helps out in the long run of the institution,” Rector said. “ In most cases, we would be able to replace the person at a lower cost or, depending on where the vacancy occurs, may not have to replace them.”

Accepted applicants receive a $25,000 lump sum when they retire Eligibility requirements for applicant: - Must be a full-time faculty member - Must be at least 60 years old by May 31, 2018 - Must be in the MOSER or CURP retirement programs - Must not have already announced retirement - Must not have previously retired under MOSER or CURP

SAB hosts bingo for groceries

Photos by Lawrence Hu/TMN

Above: Sophomore Mackenzie Beck poses with her winnings at the Grocery Store Bingo event Monday, Feb. 5. Truman State University’s Student Activities Board sponsored the event.

Left: A bingo card sits at the beginning of a round of Grocery Store Bingo. The game featured groceries as prizes, and the top prize was a Crock-Pot. Below: SAB hosted Grocery Store Bingo in the Georgian Room of the Student Union Building. The event is one of about 20 events SAB plans and hosts each semester.

The Index

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Campus mailroom sends personal packages

Left: A Truman State University student worker accepts a package to be mailed out of the campus mailroom. The mailroom recently started sending personal packages for students, staff and faculty.

Bottom Left: A student worker organizes mail in the University mailroom. Roger Marsh, director of campus mail services, said this is the first semester the University has offered personal mailing services for packages.

Bottom Right: A student worker in the mailroom demonstrates the software used to tag packages for delivery.

Students will be able to drop their packages off during business hours in the mailroom.

Submitted photos by Tim Barcus, Campus Photographer

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Proud to be M.A.E Truman MAE program gives faculty chance to invest in prospective teachers

Photo by Travis Maiden/TMN

Education Department Chair Lisa Goran and Interim school of health sciences and education dean and director of field experiences, Jeanne Harding, stand next to a sign hanging outside Violette Hall offices with a quote about teaching. Both have found working at Truman and equipping future teachers with proper skills to be rewarding and the MAE program at Truman to be a success.

BY TRAVIS MAIDEN Staff Writer

tablished undergraduate content and teaches future teachers how to properly educate.

“That’s the model that shows they come out with more knowledge,” Goran said. “They come out with more experience, they have more opportunities in the classroom than you would get in any other teacher preparation program in the state.”

Goran said there are five required education classes at the undergraduate level, so students can engage with the theory and practice as soon as possible. She said in ED 393: Clinical Field Expe-

for that internship semester or year — depending on how that works — they are actually conducting an action research style assessment on their Within every teacher, there is a student learning students to see, ‘If I implement this intervention, how to better their teaching skills. With Truman what impact does that have on my students?’” GoState University’s Master of Arts in Education proran said. gram, future teachers can take part in a program Goran said she never had the desire to become where they undergo extensive coursework to help a teacher when she was in high school. She said them lead their own classroom. she wanted to work in a medical setting, but after Jeanne Harding, interim school of health scievents in her life, she was drawn to a service-oriences and education dean and director of field ented job and realized she loved teaching. experiences, said Truman’s MAE program has naGoran said her first career-oriented job out of tional accreditation through the Council for the college was at a middle school where the Accreditation of Educator Preparation. This tistudents changed her life and her perspectle is not something every university is granted. tive on the kind of impact an educator could Harding said to be a good teacher, an MAE have. She said the impact is powerful but the student must have a solid understanding of responsibility was immense. their content and ability to teach the subject.

“I don’t have the energy I used to have to She said students in Truman’s MAE program do that on an everyday basis with my stuspend a minimum of 100 hours observing in dents,” Goran said. “But I can carry that forclassrooms before doing a full-semester internward and then teach the next generation of ship. teachers who have that same drive and pas“They’re working with mentor teachers,” sion and that kind of zest for life.”

Harding said. “They’re working in the field.

Senior Rebecca Neihouse realized she They get to see how that ties to the coursewanted to be a teacher by the age of 6 years work, so there’s that correlation of theory and old. She said she never remembered the dispractice, which is where all those pieces are gotinct moment when she wanted to teach, but ing together to help them get to a point where she always loved kids. they’re ready to take on that classroom of their “I love being able to make a difference in own and be successful.” kids’ lives,” Neihouse said. “Because if you Harding said the education department tries are to ask somebody, ‘Oh, do you rememto work with students from the first time they -Education Department Chair Lisa Goran ber your favorite teachers’ names?’ they can set foot on campus. She said the Living Learnname you a whole bunch of teachers they ing Community for future teachers, located in had because [teachers have] such a big imDobson Hall, is a place where students who pact in children’s lives. And a lot of times want to teach can meet like-minded individuals riences, there’s a 45-hour component where stu- teachers really can be some of the only positive and learn from one another through a variety of dents are placed in a local school to teach classes role models in a student’s life, and I think that’s events. Harding said education professors also in a real-world setting. really important.” visit the residence hall community so students can Goran said to be certified, a student specializing Neihouse said she chose Truman because of form connections with them. in elementary education must pass state-required the MAE program. She said the program offers so Harding said she was a first generation college assessments in English, language arts, science, much field experience before beginning to teach student, and she had mentors and people who be- math and social studies. She said there is also a while there are some colleges where education lieved in her more than she believed in herself at research component because it’s a graduate level students might only have one class before they times. She said she feels the need to pay it for- program. jump into teaching. Currently, she is planning on ward and invest in other students because her life “Our students, when they’re in the classroom participating in the MAE program for elementary is so different from having a college education. education because she wants to be a classroom “There’s this sense of purpose, and I think teacher for kindergarten up to second grade. that’s really common among people who are Neihouse said she got to experience several educators,” Harding said. “Most of them really hours in actual classroom settings. She said she have this sense of fundamental drive of making had 10 hours of observation in a fifth grade the world better. Making a difference for kids class at Tiffany Ridge Elementary School. She and supporting the good of our society and our said, last spring, she did 45 hours in a second world. For me, that’s kind of where it’s at.” grade classroom at Brashear Elementary.

Harding said it isn’t always popular to be “My class had 10 kids, and it was awesome,” a teacher. She said students at Truman might Neihouse said. “I got to make very good connecregularly deal with peers and others asking tions with all of them, and I also got to teach them why they are going into education. a lot of stuff. Pretty much every day I was in “It’s not always a career choice that their there after the first two weeks I was teaching. I peers go, ‘Oh, wow, you’re going to be a teachtaught math because that’s what [the students] er!’” Harding said. “It’s sorta like, ‘So why did while I was there, and the teacher let me aren’t you going to be a physician?’ or ‘Why basically teach the entire geometry unit, so it don’t you go into engineering or business?’ or was really interesting. Having that practice to ‘What are you doing? That education thing?’ plan and do lesson plans and plan out a unit So I’m going to be a part of supporting [teachwas really fun.” ers] because I feel like if your drive and sense Neihouse said her passion for teaching has of purpose is teaching, it’s important. It drives always been a part of her life. She said she alevery other profession, and I want to make ways liked going to school and loved going into sure I am helping move that forward for the different classrooms to see different teaching next generation.” styles and ways classrooms were set up. She Harding said she came to work at Truman said there are many different ideas of how edubecause it gave her an opportunity to be part cation should be handled, which was very interof a world that she never knew existed. She has to her.

Photo by Travis Maiden/TMN esting appreciated the drive and motivation students “There are just so many different ideas about display at Truman. She related to the students Senior Rebecca Neihouse is finishing up her time how to do things, or is one way more effective who want to change the world with her. than the other?” Neihouse said. “Or this way in the pre-MAE program at Truman State UniverEducation Department Chair Lisa Goran said works better for this class, but this works better a student can have an undergraduate degree in sity. Neihouse has wanted to be a teacher since for this certain class, which is really interesting, one area, while working on receiving a master’s she was 6 years old and hopes to teach within the and I just, I really can’t imagine my life withdegree in education. She said Truman’s MAE kindergarten to second grade age range once she out being a teacher. I don’t have an idea what I program is strong because it builds on the es- gets her master’s degree in elementary education. would do.”

don’t have the energy I used “toI have to do that on an everyday basis with my students. But I can carry that forward and then teach the next generation of teachers who have that same drive and passion and that kind of zest for life.

”

VOLUME 109

ISSUE 18

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The Index

8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Tips for a healthy sexual relationship!

1.

Consent is always required, no matter how long you’ve been together.

2. Openly communicate your likes, dislikes and boundaries.

3. Never use sex as a weapon or bargaining chip.

4. Use protection, and get STI tested.

5. Be open about your sexual history so your partner is aware of anything new or intimidating for you.

6. Keep all forms of communication open.

7. Be aware of body language. If their body is saying no, listen.

8. All parties should pee after sex.

9. Test all new lubrications on skin before intercourse to check for allergies.

10. Have a positive relationship with yourself.

-Courtesy of the Women’s Resource Center Executive Committee

Top 5 Best Pickup Lines To Win Over That Special Someone #1 I U& #2 #3

If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.

#4

Are you a tower? Because Ei-ffel for you.

#5

Is your name Wi-Fi? Because I’m feeling a connection.

Are you a dictionary?

Because you add meaning to my life.

Do you have a phone I can borrow? Because I promised my mom I would call her when I fell in love.

The Index

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

“Hostiles” explores racial prejudice, violence and moral ambiguity

9

This movie gets a 3.5/5 mustaches

BY GORDON MCPHERSON Staff Writer Unrelentingly grim, director Scott Cooper’s deliberately paced “Hostiles” is a complex, though flawed, analysis of the nature of violence.

“Hostiles” begins with a brutal confrontation, which effectively sets the tone for the remainder of the film. This sequence underlines the fact that the film is not meant to be enjoyed in the traditional sense, especially not as a Valentine’s Day film. For viewers looking for a romantic date night, “Hostiles” should be avoided at all costs. In the world of “Hostiles,” violence can strike at any moment, often when one least expects it.

Set in 1892, “Hostiles” centers around racist United States Cavalry captain Joseph Blocker, portrayed by Christian Bale, whose many years of slaughtering Native Americans have taken a severe psychological toll on him. By the request of the U.S. president, Blocker and a small group of cavalry soldiers reluctantly escort the dying Chief Yellow Hawk of the Cheyenne people, portrayed by Wes Studi, and his family to Yellow Hawk’s homeland in Montana. Their arduous journey across the American West leads Blocker and his men to reflect on the atrocities they have committed throughout their careers and gain an appreciation and respect for their Native American prisoners.

Cooper’s film should satisfy fans of the western genre with its convincing acting, tactile cinematography and relevant themes.

Though set in 1892 during the prolonged conflict between European settlers and Native American tribes, the film contains themes which profoundly resonate in today’s politically-charged society.

Escorting Yellow Hawk brings Blocker extreme mental anguish because he is unable to reconcile his deep-seated hatred and prejudice toward Native American people, a group he’s been conditioned to kill. Blocker’s character arc throughout the film proves satisfying, though predictable. His initially unsympathetic worldview changes during the film, illustrating a central theme — the

importance of unity and mutual understanding amid tumultuous circumstances.

The film also examines the psychological impacts of violence, particularly with regard to post-traumatic stress.

The film sends a message that violence and hatred only yields more violence and hatred, which resonates amid 2018’s toxic partisan climate.

Though “Hostiles” has good intentions, the film fails to fully realize its potential. For a film with such profound themes, it’s surprising that Cooper decides to give the central Native American characters significantly less character development than the central white characters.

This ironically white-focused perspective lessens the film’s emotional power, relegating Yellow Hawk’s character arc to the background. Witnessing the apathetic Blocker and his bigoted men be redeemed doesn’t carry the emotional weight Cooper intends.

Nevertheless, Studi gives a memorable performance as Yellow Hawk, conveying intense emotion without relying on dialogue.

Bale gives a surprisingly nuanced, subtle performance as Blocker, a soldier whose stoic mannerisms contradict his inner mental turmoil. Despite Bale’s acting, much of Blocker’s dialogue is mumbled beneath a thick mustache, which renders some conversation sequences difficult to follow.

Rosamund Pike’s performance as the grieving Rosalie Quaid, whom Blocker and his men encounter along their journey, is also emotionally raw. Quaid undergoes her own arc during the film, where she eventually forms deep motherly bonds with Yellow Hawk’s family. While her character has surprising depth, her arc doesn’t feel earned, given the film’s limited perspective.

If the harsh plot and philosophical themes prove off-putting to viewers, Cooper’s eye for scenery should at least impress audiences — often juxtaposing the small group of voyagers against an arid, barren, imposing backdrop of the American West.

Though frequently hard to watch because of the extreme brutality and the bleak plot, “Hostiles” should satisfy viewers intrigued by ambitious themes and morally gray characters.

Truman provides social work resources

By JUSTIN NEWTON Staff Writer

There are 12 official student-led service organizations at Truman State University, and many more that include service as part of their activities, but senior sociology major Rachel Smith saw a gap in the existing system. Along with other students and faculty members, Smith decided to fill that gap, founding a new club for students interested in going into social work.

Smith said the club exists to offer resources and information about careers in the field to students who have an interest in social work. Because Truman does not provide a degree in social work, Smith said students who want to go on to get their master’s degree in the field are at a disadvantage. Smith said the club exists to try to neutralize that disadvantage.

“Our club is trying to give you some educational foundations and [help you] explore graduate opportunities, internship opportunities and that kind of thing before you really jump into a master’s program in the field without really knowing what you’re going to do,” Smith said.

“We’re really trying to have people explore different field opportunities before they have to pick specializations within a master’s course.”

She envisions the club as something like a course to give students a preliminary education in social work before pursuing further education in the field.

Smith and the founding students and faculty started the club last semester, but because the chartering process is somewhat drawn out, the organization was unable to hold any meetings at that time. Many of the founding members of the club are close to graduating, so Smith said the members are currently trying to get together an officer board of underclassmen to keep

Photo by Lawrence Hu/TMN

Social Work Club meets in Barnett Hall 2225. The club is meant to operate somewhat like a course to give students a preliminary education in social work before pursuing further education in the field.

the club going after the founding generation is gone.

Psychology lecturer Rebecca Zimmer is one of the faculty sponsors for the social work club. As a licensed clinical social worker herself, she found herself sought out by students who wanted to learn more about the field. “[Social workers] look at not just the whole person, but the whole system that they’re involved in,” Zimmer said. “Their family, the community, the school ...”

Students formed the club to improve the existing system at Truman. Zimmer and other faculty saw a gap in outlets for prospective social workers on campus and, in partnership with students, moved to fill it.

“That’s one of our ethical mandates, and something that we believe in ... not just refusing to participate in systems that we don’t like but to try to become involved in the systems and make it more userfriendly and better for the people that are using that system,” Zimmer said.

Zimmer said there were a few factors Photo by Lawrence Hu/TMN different that contributed Senior Rachel Smith smiles for a photo after a to the formation social work club meeting. Smith helped start of the club. One the group after discovering a missing gap in of those factors

social-work-specific resources at Truman.

emerged when Truman faculty noticed how a social work perspective would benefit an existing educational partnership between A.T. Still University and Truman. This program pairs pre-medic and service students with elders in the community to provide service and help for those citizens, using the students’ specialties. Zimmer said the club offers a way to connect the students that come to her door with existing opportunities.

Zimmer added, “If you are going to be a social worker, advocacy is part of your ethical mandate, and so just bringing awareness and supporting activities that would focus on social justice here on the Truman campus would be another reason [for the club].”

ated from Truman as a health science major in 2016 and is now at Washington University in St. Louis working toward master’s degrees in social work and public health. She offered some thoughts on how Truman prepared her for social work.

“I think the fact that Truman as a campus is so service oriented and really values people sort of made it a really natural transition [to social work],” Kuykendall said.

Kuykendall said even in health classes professors recognized the importance of discussing the entire lives of patients. She had some advice for Truman students interested in social work.

“I think my top recommendation is to be humble in that pursuit, and

I think the fact that Truman as a campus is so “service oriented and really values people sort of

made it a really natural transition [to social work].

-

Alumna Ashley Kuykendall

Since social workers can fill a broad range of roles, having a network to explore those opportunities gives Truman students a better grasp of what social work is.

“Social workers work everywhere that people are,” Zimmer said.

“There’s international social work, medical social work, school social work, really everywhere. Social workers work in all kinds of places.

Anywhere where there’s people you will find social workers.”

Alumna Ashley Kuykendall gradu-

”

recognize that the purpose of social work is not to save people from themselves,” Kuykendall said. “The purpose of social work is to help to create systems that better serve the people who live in our communities … The second recommendation is to read a lot about other people’s perspectives, because I think in order to be good at social work, you need to understand where people are coming from and why things are the way they are.”

10

The Index

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Questions on The Quad What is your opinion on Valentine’s Day?

Truman is starting a new Positive peers mental wellness support group here on campus. Do you think you or someone you know would benefit from this group?

“I particularly don’t like it. I think it is very commercial, but I don’t have anything against people celebrating it.”

“I think absolutely it would be beneficial to have. We need as many support tools as possible.

If people don’t like it, they don’t have to go.”

Issac Davison, sophomore

“I hate it. It’s pointless and stupid. It’s a fake holiday. OK.”

“I think it would be beneficial.

Truman has such high rates of depression, and they need ways to combat it and help people cope because what they are doing now is not working.”

What is your learning style, and what kinds of things help you learn best?

“I would say my primary learning style is through writing, however, I have had success with all learning styles. I think it is good to focus on your strong suit, but it is good to explore and be open to all learning styles.”

“I’m a visual learner. I learn best when I see how things work out.”

Sarah Rauls, junior

Tiijonnae Blackwell, sophomore

“Well, I have a boyfriend now, but before then it was just a normal day. My boyfriend and I go to different schools, so it’ll be pretty much a normal day with lots of phone calls.”

“I’m a big fan of it. I think it is fun. My girlfriend and I have plans to go out of town.”

“Yes, obviously it is needed for the community. I think it would be helpful for myself and others.

Truman is hard, and students need a way to de-stress, so this would be helpful.”

“Absolutely. I think it would be a good thing. I think it would be easier to open up to people of my own age range and are going through similar things as myself.”

“With studying, I have recently found out that I learn best if I can connect the concept to something funny.

This helps me remember all the material and helps me score higher on tests.”

“I’m a visual learner. I tend to rewrite things a lot to help me study.”

Tanner Hageman, senior

“Oh God. It’s a nice holiday if you are in a relationship, but if not, it’s just a normal day.”

“I definitely think this is a good idea and something Truman needs. It will be helpful to people who thrive in that type of group setting.”

“I’m probably a visual learner.

I like to see how things are done because if I can see it, I can do it.”

Bailey Alexander, sophomore

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30

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

The Index

11

‘Dogs losing streak hits six

BY PATRICK PARDO Staff Writer What started as a promising season has turned into a minor setback for the Truman State University women’s basketball team. Currently on a six-game losing streak, the longest streak they have endured under head coach Amy Eagan, the Bulldogs are searching for their missing confidence.

“We weren’t able to handle the pressure,” Eagan said. “When you can’t handle the pressure, it’s hard to run plays, get shot opportunities. We looked really scared.”

Eagan said the problem lies with the Bulldogs being unable to finish in the fourth quarter. They

Senior forward Ashley Hartwig jumps for a free ball. Truman shot less than 40 percent both games.

were limited to 5 points by Drury University in the final quarter, and in their recent match with Rockhurst University Saturday, the Bulldogs were outscored 3119 in the fourth after what had been a relatively close game.

Against Drury, the Bulldogs made a total of three 3-pointers out of 18 attempts. Two days later against Rockhurst, the Bulldog’s 3-point shooting suffered because the players only made six out of 23 attempts against the Hawks.

“When we do good defensively, we struggle offensively,” Eagan said. “When we do good offensively, we do bad defensively. At this point, we are trying to control what we can control and go from there.”

Since the beginning of the Bulldogs’ six-game losing streak, they have turned the ball over at least 20 times in three games. They didn’t have a game with that many turnovers in the last 13 games. In their game against Drury, the Bulldogs turned the ball over 24 times, causing them to be outscored 24-3 from turnovers alone.

Senior forward Ashley Hartwig said the team is trying to do too much at once. Hartwig said each member should focus on what they do best, hopefully leading to better results.

“Personally, I’ve been a poor leader the last few games,” Hartwig said. “I’ve lacked confidence, and it’s showed in my free throws. So I know that’s something I have to find within myself to improve on.”

Hartwig, a career-77-percent free-throw shooter, went 1-8 from the foul line against Drury and Rockhurst. The rest of the team has struggled at the line as well, shooting 45.6 percent against Drury and 38.1 percent against Rockhurst. The Bulldogs rank last in the conference at 67 percent.

Photos by Kara Mackenzie/TMN Junior forward Rachel Edmundson dribbles around a Rockhurst defender. The Bulldogs scored less than 50 points the second straight game.

Despite the slump, junior forward Rachel Edmundson said the team can still make the conference tournament because the players have not performed as well as they can. Edmundson only shot 17 percent from the field in the last two games, even

though she has averaged 40 percent this season.

“We have had great leadership from some of the players with keeping up the positivity throughout our team,” Edmundson said. “We just have to stay positive and stick together.”

Wrestling | Bulldogs defeated by two conference opponents in one night

Photos by Kara Mackenzie/TMN

Top Left: University of WisconsinParkside’s Pernevlon Sheppard grapples Truman State University redshirt freshman Angelo Talabert.

The Bulldogs went into the meet Sunday against GLVC opponents Drury University and WisconsinParkside winless in conference duals. They started the night by winning four matches against Drury.

Top Right: Redshirt junior Caleb Osborn struggles to break free of a hold against Wisconsin-Parkside’s Airk Furseth. The Bulldogs lost their dual to Drury 32-18 and faced Wisconsin-Parkside afterward.

Bottom: Redshirt junior Dakota Schutter stretches over Drury’s Jordan Jones. Schutter won his match against Jones and lost his second one. The Bulldogs were swept in their matches against WisconsinParkside, losing 57-0.

The Index

12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

COACHING | Athletes grow youth volleyball as coaches in community Continued from page 14 Briney said his players can also benefit from watching the girls’ techniques. Briney said observing the detail from a coaching standpoint can help his players stay aware of their own techniques when they play.

Briney said the young amateur players really benefit most from watching his players compete during the season.

He said his players can serve as qualified role models because they were in the same position when they were younger. Observing even just one person can give an amateur the motivation and interest needed to pursue a volleyball career, Briney said.

Briney said his interest in the sport grew after watching three-time-Olympic-gold medalist Karch Kiraly play the beach volleyball circuit in the 1990s — a time when he won his third gold medal at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. He said this helped convince him to pursue a volleyball career.

Sophomore setter Megan Gasper said she became interested in the sport at a young age, when her father — who was also a volleyball coach — taught her the game at about the same time she was learning to walk. As she grew up, she said this interest turned into a passion for the sport.

Gasper said her excitement to be a head coach this year is because of her father. She said she had her first coaching opportunity in an amateur league in her home state of North Carolina and would love to have similar opportunities to be a part of the game after college.

Gasper said she sees this years’ coaching opportunity more as a hobby than another schedule commitment because anything where she can use her passion for volleyball is enjoyable. She said she hopes she can influence the girls she coaches to see volleyball in a similar way.

“Seeing that they love being there and that it’s important to them — I think that’s probably the most important thing for me as a coach,” Gasper said.

Gasper said she loves to see the girls’ growth when they are able to learn a skill they might have been struggling with the previous practice.

She said seeing them regularly overcome these challenges without being discouraged reminds her to be persistent when she plays. This pays off when the girls come to Gasper’s games to study their role model.

Aware of their presence, Gasper said it is surreal when her girls watch her play, because she was once in the stands watching her own role models of the sport. She said she dreamed to

Submitted Photo Gasper’s team runs various drills every practice on Monday nights and Saturday mornings. These drills cover essential skills such as passing. become a college volleyball player after watching players like Pennsylvania State University’s Alyssa D’Errico. D’Errico is the only player in NCAA Div. I volleyball history to have won four national championships after also winning state championships in her last three years of high school. She went on to become a coach herself. Gasper said having good

role models is important because they not only provide guidelines on how to be successful in sports but also how to live all aspects of life.

“It gives you a good outlook on your life,” Gasper said. “You can value those characteristics and also implement them into your daily life to make people and the world around you a better place.”

TENNIS | Doubles teams excel despite winless weekend for Bulldogs

Photo submitted by Truman Athletics

Junior Maura Dunn prepares to return the ball during a match. Dunn was able to win two doubles matches with senior Lindsey Schlichting, but the women fell short in all three of their duals.

Continued from page 14 “In the match against Missouri Western, we started off down early,” Schlichting said. “We didn’t ever get down on ourselves, and that confidence got us back in the match. We shook off our bad points, communicated well and were able to play much better that way … We both are such competitors, but somehow manage to keep a cool head when we’re together.”

To make the postseason conference tournament, Schlichting said the duo will have to win two dual matches. As a senior, Schlichting said her goal is to get that opportunity, but more than anything, she wants the last several months of her collegiate career to be spent appreciating the sport and the great relationships she has formed during the years.

On the men’s side, the duo of senior Paul Province with freshman Arpit Sahoo won their match against Quincy to score the men’s only meet points during the weekend. Neither the men’s nor women’s team was able to record a singles win.

“The singles matches didn’t go like we would like them to,” Blodgett said.

“The other teams were very strong, but we can do better.”

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The Index

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2017

‘Dogs hold second in GLVC West

13

February

09

Friday

Swimming

TBA in Crawfordsville, Ind. at GLVC Swimming and Diving Championships

Softball

2 p.m. in Huntsville, Ala. at Charger Chillout 2.0

10

Saturday

Swimming

TBA in Crawfordsville, Ind. at GLVC Swimming and Diving Championships

Wrestling

9 a.m. in Pella, Iowa at Last Chance Open

Track and Field

11 a.m. in Indianapolis, Ind. at Indianapolis Team Invitational

Photo by Kara Mackenzie/TMN Redshirt junior Jack Green defends against a Rockhurst University forward Saturday afternoon. The Bulldogs beat the Hawks 82-71 to complete the season sweep. Truman is now 8-4 in GLVC play, while Rockhurst fell to 4-8.

BY JASE WILLHITE Staff Writer The Truman State University men’s basketball team finished the week on a high note, winning against Rockhurst University Sunday in Pershing Arena after falling to Drury University on the road earlier in the week.

The loss to Drury was a tale of percentages and rebounding. The Bulldogs were only able to shoot a 37.3 field goal percentage compared to 53.6 percent by Drury, and Drury out-rebounded Truman by 12 points.

There were positive aspects, however, as two Truman players accounted for the leading scorers among all players. Junior guard Jake Velky led all scorers with 20 points and redshirt sophomore guard Brodric Thomas accounted for 18.

The win against Rockhurst saw a welcome change as the Bulldogs bested the Hawks by a margin of 11 points. The Bulldogs shot better than the last game, going 47.4 percent from the field, while also beating the Hawks in 3-point and free throw percentages. Thomas led the Bulldog’s scoring attack as he and redshirt

freshman guard Turner Scott each put up 17 points for the Bulldogs while shooting more than 50 percent from the field. Redshirt senior forward Zach Fischer threw in 14 points, securing the Bulldogs victory.

With the week over, the Bulldogs sit at 13-8 this season, going 8-4 in conference play. This puts them second between Drury and William Jewell College in the GLVC West. With just six games left before the start of postseason, head coach Chris Foster said the Bulldogs are fine-tuning every detail so they are prepared for this year’s postseason. Foster said a couple of key areas for them will be defense and rebounding.

“Defense and rebounding is always key for us,” Foster said. “We have done a pretty good job but will need to continue to improve there to finish the season strong.”

Foster said the team has been unselfish on the offensive end and that this has been a huge focal point to its success in scoring the ball. He said passing the ball and open communication have led to great efficiency on offense. Foster also said the mindset of the team right now is to stay fo-

cused on the task at hand. He said this will be key in preparing them to have success.

Fischer agrees with the coaching staff that defense is going to be important in getting the Bulldogs to a good spot going into postseason.

“Defensively, we have struggled a little bit this year, but we are getting better at playing defense as a unit,” Fischer said.

Fischer said the Bulldogs have a smaller lineup than most teams they face. He said this makes it extremely important for the defense players to communicate with one another and cover the whole court to make the offense uncomfortable.

Fischer said because the team is a little undersized, it has worked on double teaming the post to try and force more turnovers.

The Bulldogs will look to keep disrupting offenses and sharing the rock as they look ahead to William Jewell at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Quincy University Saturday, Feb. 10.

The Bulldogs will then have a fourgame home streak to finish the year as the regular season winds down to a close.

Softball

Noon in Huntsville, Ala. at Charger Chillout 2.0

Women’s Basketball 1 p.m. in Quincy, Ill. vs. Quincy University

Men’s Basketball

3 p.m. in Quincy, Ill. vs. Quincy University

Men’s Tennis

5 p.m. in Pella, Iowa vs. Central College

11

Sunday

Softball

10 a.m. in Huntsville, Ala. at Charger Chillout 2.0

15

Thursday

Women’s Basketball

5:30 p.m. in Kirksville, Mo. vs. University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Men’s Basketball

7:30 p.m. in Kirksville, Mo. vs. University of Wisconsin-Parkside

COLUMN | Bulldog softball player talks about the pressures of recruitment

BY ASHLEY MURPHY Staff Writer Every college athlete can recall their journey through recruitment. Some would say it’s fun and exciting, but it seems like most athletes find it more stressful and overwhelming than anything — and I agree with that majority.

One moment I was 8 years old playing Wiffle ball in my backyard, and the next thing I know I am a freshman in high school, playing in front of large crowds that are full of Div. I softball coaches from all across the nation. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, one of my first teammates committed to play college softball by accepting a full ride from University of Louisville.

Throughout the next year, my entire travel team would sign their college careers over to big Div. I schools: University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of Iowa, Pennsylvania State University, University of Missouri, Wichita State University, Northern Kentucky University. At the time, I couldn’t even decide which sport I wanted to play in college, but I was under pressure to make a decision. All I wanted to do was hide or run away. I was on the brink of quitting sports forever.

I’m not the only one who has felt so overwhelmed at this time in their athletic careers because I hear stories similar to my own all the time. So much pressure is put on young athletes to make a decision about where they want to continue their sporting career in college — oftentimes, before the athlete even knows how to drive a car or make dinner.

Within the last week, Alexia Carrasquillo became the youngest person to commit in any sport at 11 years old when she accepted a full-ride offer to play for one of the best softball programs in the nation at the University of Florida. She hasn’t taken the ACT, but she knows where she will continue her education after she graduates from high school — which she hasn’t even begun yet. So much more goes into choosing a college than the strength and reputation of their athletic programs — academic opportunities, job placement, postgraduate outlook, school size and geographic location. On top of that, athletes have to worry about a sports program even wanting to sign them.

Luckily for me, my recruiting journey ended better than I ever imagined. Truman State University was never on my radar as a prospective school to attend. Toward the end of my recruiting journey I was running out of hope for my future. After three years of frustration, I received an email from Bulldogs’ softball head coach, Erin

Submitted by Truman Athletics Senior infielder Ashley Murphy fields a grounder during game. Murphy was relieved when the recruiting process landed her a home at Truman.

Brown. At first, I was very reluctant and skeptical of Truman, but after my unofficial visit, I decided this was where I wanted to spend my collegiate softball and academic career. When I put on my cap and gown in May, I will be able to say that I loved the last four years at my dream school, received an undeniably incredible education, took advantage of opportunities of a lifetime, and gained the sweetest of friendships.

I’m a true believer that God does everything for our good, and it’s no doubt that Truman was my blessing in disguise. If there’s one thing I could tell young athletes with a dream of pursuing a college sport, I would say have faith. You don’t have to have everything figured out by the time you’re 11 years old. Take the recruiting process in stride, don’t worry and trust more.

Despite the hours of overthinking, stressing and maybe even crying, everything will work out better than you think if you just keep an open mind. It might not turn out the way you plan — it might turn out even better.

ATHLETE o f

t h e

w e e k

Junior distance runner Michael Grasing finished first in the men’s 5 km race at the Jim Green Invitational Saturday in Jacksonville, Illinois. Grasing beat fellow Bulldog freshman Brandon Schaff with a time of 15:32.81. Four men placed in the top 10 while four women placed in the top 10 in their 5 km race.

Michael Grasing

14

Growing the game,

sharing their passion

Submitted Photo

Sophomore setter Meghan Gasper (back row, second from right) and junior setter Savvy Hughes (back row, third from left) coach a group of 13-year-old girls in the offseason.

BY JEREMY JACOB Sports Multimedia Editor

The transition from amateur to college player involves many things, including finding enough passion and motivation to pursue a place at an elite level of the game. Commitment, hard work and love for the game — that is what the members of the Truman State University volleyball team want young girls to understand through their example and instruction as youth coaches in the community.

During the offseason, the Bulldog volleyball players step off of the court and onto the sideline to fill the coaching leadership role and teach volleyball to girls in the Kirksville community. Head coach Ben Briney said his players instruct girls from ages 11-18 to spark early interest in the sport throughout the community and provide to his players with an opportunity to see the game from a different perspective.

“They get an opportunity to see what it’s like to be that coach and

have to come up with a coaching plan,” Briney said. “I think that makes them better at the game.”

Instead of participating in the drills prepared by Briney as they would in their daily practice routines at Truman, players are in charge of preparing drills that will test the girls. He said this can help his players see the value in drill work that refines fundamentals and challenges their skills.

See COACHING, page 12

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2018

Tennis takes winless start

BY RACHEL STEINHOFF Sports Text Editor The Truman State University men’s and women’s tennis teams had winless starts to their spring schedules following a fall season when they had a 1-5 combined record.

The men lost their two duals against University of Southern Indiana and Quincy University in Quincy, Illinois, last weekend. In St. Joseph, Missouri, the women lost their three duals against Missouri Western State University, Newman University and Augustana University.

Even though the overall results weren’t ideal, head coach Dan Blodgett said the team still performed well in specific areas. He said the women’s doubles teams had a good showing against three challenging teams. They were able to win two out of the three doubles matches against Missouri Western.

Two Bulldog pairs, junior Maura Dunn with senior Lindsey Schlichting and freshman Kayla Peterson with junior Finessa Rassel, were able to win their matches. The Griffons defeated the Bulldogs 5-2. Dunn and Schlichting were able to win against Newman. The Bulldogs lost the overall dual to the Jets 5-1.

Dunn said the pair is held together by supportive communication and using each other’s strengths. Dunn said Schlichting has a tough serve that opponents struggle to return, and she capitalizes on easy volleys that she can spike for the point.

Schlichting said she was also pleased with their opening matches, and she said they stepped away from the weekend with confidence to overcome adversity and win against challenging teams.

See TENNIS, page 12

Softball returners set tone for 2018 Percentages in major statistical areas contributed by returning 2018 players

GLVC RANKING LAST YEAR Hits: 1st Returning 73% contributed by returning players 2B Hits: 1st Returning 70% contributed by returning players Total Bases: 1st Returning 70% contributed by returning players RBI: 1st Returning 69% contributed by returning players HR: 2nd Returning 56% contributed by returning players Innings Pitched: 1st Returning 100% contributed by returning players VOLUME 109

ISSUE 18

tmn.truman.edu

BY STEPHANIE HULETT Staff Writer Truman State University softball travels to Huntsville, Alabama, to begin season play on Friday, Feb. 9, playing six games in three days.

Opening weekend begins with no lack of competition for the Bulldogs as Truman will face six opponents outside of the Midwest Region including No. 11 Lee University. Head coach Erin Brown said this will be a great tournament for the team to see high quality opponents they typically do not play during the season. She said the competition will be challenging so the team needs to be prepared.

Take a walk outside, and it’s evident that outdoor sports can face adversity because of the cold Kirksville weather that hangs around at the start of spring sports season. Sophomore infielder Alyssa Rivera said although the players have been outside only a handful of times before beginning their season, they are already more than prepared for the season to begin.

“We work around not being able to go outside much before our first couple sets of games by making sure we get as much work done inside as we can,” Rivera said.

Rivera said this means the team sometimes has to lift at 7 a.m., hit inside at 8 a.m. and practice defense as a group in the large gym after classes.

Brown said preparation began at the end of last season but the way the team approached this offseason has been different than before. During offseason, the team split into mini teams and could earn points for various tasks like lifting, studying together, conditioning and even a lip sync battle.

“It allowed them to really practice team building but also to always be competing,” Brown said. “We would really try to compete with the end in mind in the offseason, so we really stay focused on why we are doing what we’re doing.”

Rivera said they also approached this preseason with a new motto of “We over Me.” This reminds the team members to focus on playing for one another and not for oneself. She said this motto has helped her push herself harder to avoid letting the team down.

This season, the team has three newcomers, which is fewer than often seen

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previous years. With so many returners, Brown said it has been easier to dive into live play. The team doesn’t have to describe playing styles and build the basics before being able to practice.

Senior utility player Kadie Orenstein said the high number of returners has been a huge advantage to the team. She said this has helped the team develop chemistry early. Teammates know what everyone does well and how to give each other support.

Amongst returners poised to make big contributions for the Bulldogs is junior outfielder Christa Reisinger, who was noted as a preseason All-American for the second season in a row. Brown said despite earning these accolades, Reisinger is very humble and sometimes even harder on herself than others might be.

“She sets a tone for our team with the way she plays,” Brown said. “We’re excited for her, and there’s some things we’ve talked about on other teams’ approaches when it comes to her, so we are preparing her for that during preseason.”

Reisinger racked up several versions of first team All-American awards as a sophomore last season and was named the GLVC Softball Player of the Year — Truman’s first since 2008. Reisinger won the Div. II batting title with an average of .509, and set new school single season records with 63 games played, 216 at-bats, 75 runs scored, 110 hits and 152 total bases.

In addition to talented veteran leaders, Brown said the newcomers will add some depth to the team and the returners will pick up right where they left off.

She looks forward to the entire team improving as a unit this season.

“The young players know what to expect now, and so I’m hopeful they will grasp the mental side of the game a little better now that they have been through a couple seasons,” Brown said. “I’m hopeful the older girls, and especially the seniors, will keep improving individually, and they will feel good about the hard work they’ve put through all four years and that it’s paid off.”

The Bulldogs face off against Ohio Dominican University at 2 p.m. and Lee at 4 p.m. Feb. 9 in Huntsville at the Charger Chillout 2.0 tournament. They will face five more teams during the three-day event.

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