The Index Vol. 110 Issue 4

Truman State University tmn.truman.edu THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 tmn.truman.edu

@TrumanMediaNet TrumanMediaNetwork

Check out our extended coverage on Northeast Missouri farming

FARMING TAKES FINANCIAL HIT

Truman adds digital fluency to reqs NICOLAS TELEP Managing Editor

As part of its transition away from the Liberal Studies Program, Truman State University will replace the curriculum’s computer literacy expectations with a digital fluency program.

As the University prepares to roll out the new Dialogues curriculum next school year, the two-decade-old computer literacy requirement will be retired along with the LSP. Part of the new program will be two seminars for freshmen — dubbed the Truman Symposium and the Self and Society Seminar — which will Farmers in Northeast Missouri are experiencing the effects of a summer drought and trade disputes, which affects exported contain the basis for the new U.S. crops. The USDA and state of Missouri have created assistance programs to help minimize the financial impacts on farm- digital fluency requirements.

Two hundred freshmen are ers. Submitted photo taking the Truman Symposium this year as a pilot test of the program.

Faculty Senate President the trade disputes have dra- changes. He said fluctuation ing livestock farmers the least. Scott Alberts said computRYAN PIVONEY AND matically affected the prices of in supply can occur because of “Most [of] Northern Mis- er literacy became part of MORGAN GERVAIS soybeans in particular because drought, flooding, other weath- souri is diversified producers, the essential skills portion News Editor and Opinions, about half of soybeans grown er conditions and other factors. and while there are some, of the LSP in 1997. He said Features Editor in the U.S. are exported to Seipel said to help address there are not a lot [of farmers] there was a required class in Farmers in Northeast Missouri other countries, with one third fluctuation and diminish the that are just strictly livestock, computer literacy, but a reare feeling the effects of national of U.S. grown soybeans being financial impacts of tariffs, the strictly field crops,” Erwin said. view committee removed the United States Department of Farmers being more diversi- course requirement in 2005, tariffs and an unusually harsh exported to China. drought, hurting corn, soybean Seipel said seasonal condi- Agriculture has introduced an fied is usually a way to ease sea- saying the skills could be tions and the tariffs have cre- assistance package for farm- sonal risks a farmer might face. taught through other classes. and livestock farmers.

Missouri corn production has ated a $2.10 drop in price for ers. This package targets sev- This past farming season not Alberts said the computer litdeclined 23 percent since 2017. soybean bushels since their en commodities and will cost only endured financial pres- eracy mandate requires students $4.7 billion. Soybean farmers sures with the agriculture tariff to learn skills like using email Soybean production has also de- peak in late May. creased nearly 8 percent since “Part of that [price drop] is will receive the majority of the put in place but Northern Mis- and retrieving information last year. In Northeast Missouri, seasonal,” Seipel said. “Once funding from this assistance souri has also been experienc- from the internet, things most pasture and hayground make the market is comfortable that program, an expected $3.6 bil- ing different levels of drought. students who come to Truman up a majority of farmland, but the yields will be there and lion, because they are the most “When you look at trade already know how to do. He soybeans and corn are the most the crop size is going to be heavily affected by the tariffs. barriers from a field crop said the requirement is fulfilled adequate, prices often decline The program will offer farm- standpoint and drought, not through several other classes in popular cash crops.

Michael Seipel, agricultur- through the summer, so that’s ers $1.65 for every bushel of only from low field crop pro- the LSP and individual departal science department chair not totally unexpected. But, soybeans produced. The USDA duction but also from a live- ments, for example, by using at Truman State University, again, a significant amount of has stated that additional pay- stock standpoint, North Mis- Microsoft Excel in the required said the national tariffs and that decline was due specifi- ments could be given if they souri in 2018 has been hit just LSP statistics course. extremely hard,” Erwin said. trade disputes with other na- cally to the concern over the are warranted by December.

Alberts said the new digital Zachary Erwin, field specialtions are taking a toll on the impact on trade with China.” fluency requirement will go befarmers growing goods in the Seipel said the agricultural ist in livestock at the University yond these basic computer skills.

United States, even locally in market tends to be volatile be- of Missouri Extension in Adair

See FARMING page 8 See DIGITAL page 3 Northeast Missouri. He said cause there are a lot of supply County, said the tariff is affect-

Drought, tariffs affect northeast Missouri farmers

Exercise science takes on university mental health RACHEL BECKER Staff Writer

A faculty council is creating a non-credit form of the wellness classes previously required of Truman State University students because of the mental wellness decline among students and faculty.

The specific plan for the mental wellness program has not been determined yet, but certain initiatives have been started this semester, like yoga at 7 a.m. Mondays and Wednesdays in Missouri Hall and the #BetterBulldog webpage.

Jennifer Hurst, Co-Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee, said there was an increasing rate of students who report having mental health disorders and more suicidal ideation than in previous years.

“When we think of the typical Truman student and we’re thinking of the typical mentality of this campus, sometimes we feel that that mentality or mantra is, ‘I am not doing it

VOLUME 110 ISSUE 4 © 2018

right if I am not suffering,’” Hurst said. “Sometimes students aren’t the only ones who have that idea in their head.”

Hurst said Truman has exact data showing the decline of health insurance claims of faculty and staff because Truman is a self-insured university. Hurst said Truman has declined in student and faculty well-being, and the Health and Wellness Committee was created to address the issue.

Roberta Donahue, Co-Chair of the Health and Wellness Committee, said their biggest struggle is how to take a course that is no longer required — because the state no longer mandates wellness education — and still enforce wellness without students seeing it as another hoop to jump through.

Donahue also said the committee has been struggling with how to track a student’s wellness while still recognizing activities an individual can do to better their wellness. For instance, Hurst said she prefers hiking

while others might like yoga.

Donahue said student opinion on a non-credited wellness program has not been as positive as she expected. The average Truman student is gradeoriented, so there has been some struggle getting students and faculty into the idea of a non-credit-based program. She said that indifference is why the committee saw it necessary to continue awareness on mental wellness.

“We just want to make sure that faculty and students get the message that even though it doesn’t have an academic credit tied to it, it is really important to academic success that you pay attention to your wellness,” Donahue said.

Donahue said she will be going on sabbatical next spring, and the committee plans to go through the planning and approval process this fall. Donahue said one of the committee’s goals this semester is to try and get people talking more about wellness.

Donahue said there is a need to address both faculty and students with this program, which would be another change from the previous state-required wellness cours-

es. She said the thought that wellness was worth a certain number of credit hours made her uncomfortable.

See HEALTH page 3

Truman’s exercise science department is creating a Health and Wellness Committee to address mental health on campus. One of the activities the committee has already planned is yoga Monday and Wednesday mornings in Missouri Hall.

Submited photo

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Sen. McCaskill visits Truman for Q&A RACHEL BECKER Staff Writer U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-M.O., came to Truman State University Sept. 10 for a 15-minute speech and 45-minute Q&A session regarding her campaign for re-election.

College Democrats of Truman State University sponsored the event, and students received emails about the event the day of. The crowd, made up of students and faculty, filled up the room, leaving some viewers standing in the back.

Chade Shorten, Truman alumna and president of the Young Democrats of Missouri, introduced McCaskill, and McCaskill spoke about the voting age gap, and how she was making a point to go to colleges in Missouri to help mend the problem. McCaskill is running for a third term in the Senate against the Republican nominee, Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley. In her speech, she compared her and her competitor’s stance on insurance policies, subsidies for higher education, climate change and the Roe v.

Wade verdict.

She then opened the room to questions. McCaskill faced a challenging question on the topic of abortion, and she said while abortions should be prevented, the focus should be on free birth control and the funding behind Planned Parenthood. Many questions focused on Medicare and health care. One student questioned McCaskill’s opposition to Medicare, to which she said there were financial problems with Medicare and there needs to be more emphasis on end-of-life counseling. Another question referred to the inflated price of insulin. McCaskill said she has worked to find the source of the problem and used her work with the opioid epidemic as an example. Another question referred to the U.S. Supreme Court nominee, Judge Brett Kavanaugh, and how she will vote in his approval hearing. She said she would not share her vote because she is still looking into the 40,000 documents shared with her and her colleagues hours before the hearings started.

Midterm elections are Nov. 6. With elections 52 days away, McCaskill said young people need to go out, get involved in a campaign and vote in the upcoming elections.

Top: Chade Shorten, a Truman alumna and the president of the Young Democrats of Missouri, presented U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill to an audience of students, faculty and Kirksville residents. McCaskill stopped at Truman for a speech and Q&A session.

Top Right: McCaskill answered questions about health care, among other issues. The speech and Q&A session lasted about an hour.

Bottom Right: McCaskill also spoke to the university crowd about the need to get involved in campaigns and vote. McCaskill is up for re-election in the midterm elections Nov. 6. Photos by Rachel Becker

staff Serving the University community since 1909 Editor-in-Chief: Brently Snead Managing Editor: Nicolas Telep Digital Director: Dana Bartch News Editor: Ryan Pivoney Opinions, Features Editor: Morgan Gervais Sports Editor: Curt Wichmer Copy Chief: Allyson Lotz Photo Editor: Daniel Degenhardt Design Chief: Emmett Divendal Distribution Managers: Dustin Snead, Tyler Hanson Cartoonists: Annie Kintree Designers: Georgia Gregory Photographers: Kara Mackenzie Copy Editors: Elise Hughes, Cara Quinn, Jenna Faulkner Staff Writers: Travis Maiden, Gordon McPherson, Justin Newton, Aura Martin, Elisabeth Shirk, Rachel Becker, Jessica Venvertloh Adviser: Don Krause

Crime Reports DPS & KPD 9/10 Stolen property report- 9/8 Shoplifter reported at ed at the 700 block of South the 2200 block of North Fifth St. Baltimore St. 9/10 Property damage report- 9/4 Theft reported at the 500 ed at the 1200 block of North block of South Franklin St. Elson St. 9/10 Vandalism reported at the 600 block of North New St.

9/3 Burglary reported at the 900 block of East Washington St.

9/9 Vandalism reported at the 9/3 Property damage report700 block of West Elizabeth St. ed at the 1800 block of North Baltimore St. 9/9 Theft reported at the 200 block of East Missouri St.

9/3 Shoplifter reported at the 2200 block of North Baltimore St.

9/9 Burglary reported at 9/3 Theft reported at the 700 the 900 block of South Os- block of West Elizabeth St. teopathy St. 9/9 Theft reported at the 2200 block of Baltimore St.

9/3 Theft reported at the 500 block of South Franklin St.

9/9 Vandalism reported at the 9/2 Narcotics offense report900 block of East Wall St. ed at the 700 block of North Franklin St. 9/9 Property damage reported 9/2 Theft reported at the 1700 at the 300 block of South Oste- block of East McPherson St. opathy St. 9/8 Burglary reported at the 1100 block of South Porter St.

9/2 Burglary reported at the 2400 block of South High St.

The Index

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Ryle Hall presents capsule key to Thomas

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Last year, former Ryle Hall Council President Allison Phillips headed a movement to create a time capsule in celebration of the 150th anniversary of Truman State University. The time capsule was an opportunity for various members of the Truman community to place an item in that would represent Truman.

The time capsule is a 50-year capsule that is to be opened during the 2067-2068 school year. Phillips and the Ryle Hall Council presented the key to the capsule to University President Sue Thomas recently. The key will hang in the president’s office until such time that the capsule is opened. Photos by Daniel Degenhardt.

HEALTH| Truman is working on a program to ad- DIGITAL| Truman has taken away its computer litdress the mental health problem on campus and eracy component, replacing it with a digital flupromote mental well-being ency program Continued from page 1 The committee plans to put in the non-credit based system that encourages students to think about wellness long-term, rather than short-term for just one class.

Fitness-Wellness Director Janes Dreamweaver started the #BetterBulldog program, an online self-driven wellness journey. He said the #BetterBulldog initiative was sparked by a column from The Index by Johanna Burns, a former student.

“This article came out — I thought we needed to at least answer this article in some regard, coming into the fall,” Dreamweaver said. “The tough part is that it takes a while to get things going at the University.”

The newly updated website houses most of Dreamweaver’s content. Students, faculty and anyone interested in bettering their wellness can sign up for

the #BetterBulldog wellness program at wellness.truman.edu. The site also has a weekly podcast by Dreamweaver and connections to a Facebook group.

Dreamweaver said wellness is mainly about developing weekly habits and introspection. However, there are resources for support on a wellness journey. Dreamweaver said he sees it as a group effort to improve the culture around wellness on campus.

“We are all on the same team of finding the best information related to wellness and sharing it with one another,” Dreamweaver said. “I am not worried on if we can find a good recipe for the Bulldogs. We have a leg up on a lot of people when you graduate here, but that’s academically. We need to have a leg up on other students’ wellness when you leave here.”

Continued from page 1 “That’s where it’s moved away from being computer literacy to being digital fluency,” Alberts said. “Things like, ‘Can I look at a website and tell whether it’s full of crap? If two people are arguing, how do I evaluate which one is maybe more credible and more believable?’ That’s different computer literacy.”

Alberts said another skill digital fluency covers is protecting against hackers. He said some of these skills will be taught in the first-year seminars, and some will be taught in later courses by each individual department. He said professors from a variety of departments will teach the Truman Symposium sections.

Janet Romine, associate dean of libraries for research and instruction, said the program will also teach students about ethical use of technology and how to manage their reputation online.

“These things are very important,” Romine said. “You’re going to see them from the very first classes all the way up

to your senior [year], and you’re going to be developing these. Some of them will be more major-specific, but this is really just sort of a baseline.”

Romine said the program’s developers are still deciding which parts of the digital fluency requirement will be included in the one-credit Truman Symposium and what will be taught in the three-credit Self and Society Seminar.

She said students in the Truman Symposium will be required to build a website about the content of the course, and this is one of the ways students will develop their practical skills.

Romine said even though not all the professors teaching the classes will have formal training in technology, they all have a baseline understanding and will be assisted by people from the library and learning technologies teams.

“It’s really, really big, and it’s lots of things that are interconnected, so it’s a challenge, but it’s also exciting that we’re trying to tuck it into the first-year experience,” Romine said.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Observe important days respectfully

BY BRENTLY SNEAD

Editor-in-Chief

As time goes on, I think we sometimes forget the meaning behind various rituals and actions. We fail to take the time to truly reflect on what matters. We forget why a day is important or even how to respectfully observe a day that might have changed a country’s history.

Tuesday marked 17 years since 9/11, a day that I feel we can all agree should be observed with respect. With that in mind, I was disappointed to see Truman State University did not move the flag on The Quad to half-staff. Perhaps the University has what they view as a

legitimate reason behind this, but for someone who was raised to understand flag etiquette, I was more than a little let down.

Sec. 9.134 RSMo is a piece of legislation that, simply put, suggests government buildings and all others flying a flag to move their flag to half-staff from sunrise to sunset in observance of 9/11. This is one small way we can pay respects to those who died in terrorists’ attacks 17 years ago.

More so, I think there are appropriate and inappropriate ways to go about recognizing days like 9/11.

On Tuesday, Sodexo decorated and made red, white and blue cupcakes.

While I appreciate the attempt to foster observance, I don’t think this was necessarily the way to do so. I believe there was a motivation that came from the kindest of places, but I also think cupcakes and decorations suggest a celebration and might lead to the wrong idea.

Quite honestly, it’s more than the wrong placement of a flag.

Small things like this give way to us forgetting why these small rituals matter. Seventeen years ago, our country was torn apart and pulled back together. I, for one, don’t want that forgotten, and I don’t want that part of our history lost. Our country has enough working against it as is.

Keep taking mental health action Last semester, The Index printed a column discussing the topic of a “Typical Truman Student” and how Truman State University needs to address the mental health decline on campus. Since then, the University has started working on a program to supply students with activities and opportunities to better student and faculty mental health. This program is being spearheaded by the exercise science department’s Health and Wellness Committee. Student Government has also given students the opportunity to increase the mental health fee, which students elected to do.

Initiatives like the #BetterBulldog website and yoga every Monday and Wednesday morning in Missouri Hall are just the start of the expected changes to come to campus. Even smaller events are a good start.

We, The Index Editorial Board, commend the University and everyone working to shape and redefine the culture of mental wellness at Truman. Although the program is not completely planned out, at least an effort is being made. It is important to confront this issue for the safety and well-being of the student population.

Additionally, with the decline in mental health of faculty and staff, it is clear Truman has a problem. Students are not the only members of the Truman community experiencing mental health issues, so it is beneficial for everyone to pursue more support for addressing the declining mental health problem on campus.

Stu Gov

Buzz

Student Government updates students After only being on campus for one month, Student Government is already hard at work continuing old projects and starting new endeavors as well. We have a few exciting upcoming events and many opportunities to get involved to share with you: TEDx: As you may have heard, Truman is hosting our first-ever TEDx event here on campus on November 4. Many of you have probably watched TED talks on social media or in your classes; TED is a non-profit organization which sponsors independent conferences around the world. These conferences strive to spread new ideas through short, powerful talks that can cover a wide range of topics.

We are especially excited that our conference, TEDxTrumanStateUniversity, will feature students and faculty of Truman State as the majority of our speakers. The theme of our conference is “The Web of Thought.” We are looking for speeches that represent a liberal arts perspective: for example, ideas that challenge our thinking, shine new light on an old idea, showcase scientific discoveries, explain the artistic process, or develop connections between different subject matters. Speaker applications are due September 15. Please direct any further questions to the committee chair, Katie Alexander, at kga5644@truman.edu. More specific details can be found on our speaker application, which is available at http://senate.truman.edu/ applications/. We hope you will consider applying to share your creative ideas!

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 EDITORIAL POLICY: forum, and content of The Index is the responsibility of The Index staff e editor-in-chief consults the staffKirksville, and adviserMO but 63501. ultimately is The Index is published Thursdays during the academic year by. Th students at Truman Statewith University, responsible for all decisions.

The production offices are located in Barnett Hall 1200. We can be reached by phone at 660-785-4449. The Index is a designatedofpublic forum, and content The Indexrepresentative is the responsibility of TheofIndex staff.

Thenewspaper. editor-in-chief consults withrepresent the Opinions The Index columnists are notofnecessarily of the opinions the staff or the Our View editorials staff and adviser but ultimately is responsible for all decisions. the view of the Editorial Board through a two-thirds majority vote. The Editorial Board consists of the editor-in-chief, managing editor, section Opinions of The Index columnists are not necessarily representative of the opinions of the staff or the newspaper. Our View editors, copy represent chief and assistant copy chief.

The Index reserves the right to edit submitted material of space limitations, repetitive editorials the view of the Editorial Board through a two-thirds majority vote. because The Editorial Board consists of the subject matter, libelous content or any other theeditors, editor-in-chief deems appropriate. includes advertisements and letters editor-in-chief, managing editor,reason section copy chief and assistant Submitted copy chief.material The Index reserves the right to edit sub-to the editor. mitted 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 LETTER POLICY: theThe Sunday before publication andtobecome property ThUniversity e Index upon submission. submitted, the letter is subject editing fornoon grammar Index welcomes letters the editor fromofthe and KirksvilleOnce community.

Letters to the editorto are due by and spelling errors. the Sunday before publication and become property of The Index upon submission. Once submitted, the letter is subject to Submissions containpunctuation a well-developed anderrors. cannot exceed 500 words except at the discretion of the opinions editor and/or ediediting formust grammar, and theme spelling Submissions must contain a well-developed theme and cannot exceed 500attacks, words,libelous except attacks at the discretion of information the opinions tor-in-chief.

Submission does not guarantee publication.

Letters containing personal or inaccurate will not editor and/or editor-in-chief.

The Index suggests that submissions be written about current events or public issues that need be published. All letters to the editor must be typed and submitted by email to index.opinionseditor@gmail.com or online at tmn.truman.edu. to be brought forth, and should offer a valid argument. Submission does not guarantee publication, especially when submiswill notor beinaccurate taken in consideration.

Include to the editor” the subject line of the email.containing Letters which are not submitted digitallyattacks sions the failwords to add“letter something to theincurrent discussion.

Letters personal attacks, libelous information will not be published. All letters to the editor must be typed and submitted by email to index.opinionseditor@gmail.

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Elections: Student Senate Elections are officially underway!

Student Senate is the official legislative body of the Student Government and is comprised of elected Student Senators who work hard to represent their fellow students and improve Truman. If you are interested in running for election, please email Speaker Adam Barker at amb5637@truman.edu for more information! The filing deadline to be on the ballot is Friday September 14th. In addition, remember to vote at vote.truman.edu September 17-19 to elect your newest representatives!

How to Get Involved: If running for office is not your thing, there are still many ways to get involved with Student Government and help to make Truman an even better place for its students.

We have six Standing Committees: Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Environmental Affairs, Campus Diversity, External Affairs, and Health, Wellness, and Safety. If you are interested in working on projects or even just have ideas for projects which fall under the scope of one of these committees, send us an email at kjl3514@truman. edu for more information about how to get involved!

As you can see, we have plenty of upcoming exciting opportunities, and would love for you to participate in as many of them as possible. As always, also know that we would love to chat with you about any questions or concerns you may have. Come visit our office in the CSI Complex, or send us an email at kjl3514@truman.edu.

Have a great week, Bulldogs!

Contact Contact

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

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calendar NORTH STAR BARBEQUE COMPETITION SEPT. 15 4:30 TO 9 P.M. WOODEN NICKEL PARKING LOT

FRAT DUDES IN UNORDINARY SHOES SEPT. 16 NOON TO 2 P.M. THE QUAD

THE OFSTAD READING SERIES SEPT. 19 6 TO 7 P.M. DEL AND NORMA ROBISON PLANETARIUM

The sixth annual Missouri’s North Star Barbeque for Books Championship will be held in the parking lot south of the Wooden Nickel. The competition showcases regional slow cook meat chefs. Attendees can sample meats for $7 or buy a meal for $10, with a reduced price of $7 for children’s meals. Money raised at the event will help fund North Star Rotary literacy projects in the community.

Phi Sigma Kappa is hosting the second annual Frat Dudes in Unordinary Shoes with the Women’s Resource Center to bring awareness to sexual assault. Truman State University President Sue Thomas will be the featured speaker for the event and will introduce the University’s new Title IX Coordinator Lauri Millot. A barbecue open to the public will be hosted at the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity house after the mile walk.

Marissa Fond, fall 2018 Clayton B. Ofstad Scholar-in-Residence, will conduct the latest in the Ofstad Reading Series with a reading of “Metaphor in Action.”

DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS SPEAKER SERIES SEPT. 20 7 TO 8:30 P.M. BALDWIN HALL LITTLE THEATER

MIDWEST ANTIQUE FEST AND FLEA MARKET SEPT. 21 TO 22 9 A.M. TO 6 P.M. NEMO FAIRGROUNDS

CAREER AND GRADUATE SCHOOL WEEK SEPT. 24 TO 28 STUDENT UNION BUILDING

Professor Randy T. Simmons will give a presentation on free-market environmentalism to Truman State University students as part of the Department of Economics Speaker Series. Simmons is a political economics professor at Utah State University. He has a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Oregon, and he is a Senior Fellow at the Property and Environmental Research Center and the Independent Institute.

The Midwest Antique Fest and Flea Market offers collectables, repurposed finds, vintage items and artisan creations for sale. The weekend-long event will offer live music and food as well. General admission for the event is $5, but early access admission is $15.

The Career Center has designed a series of events to prepare students for career and job searches and graduate school opportunities. Scheduled events include expo bootcamps, mock interviews, personal statement writing workshops, pre-selected employer interviews and more. Graduate school admission expert Donald Asher will conduct the personal statement writing workshop, the career week’s feature event.

news in brief SEXUAL ASSAULT OCCURS ON CAMPUS

U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT RANKS TRUMAN NO. 1 AGAIN

TRUMAN FACULTY AND STAFF RECEIVE AWARDS

Public Safety Director Sara Holzmeier sent an email to students Sept. 6 to inform them of a sexual assault that occurred on campus. Holzmeier’s email said the sexual assault occurred on Aug. 31 in a residence hall. The email stated the individuals involved knew each other and the report was made to a mandated reporter, not DPS or local law enforcement, so no criminal investigation is taking place at the moment.

U.S. News & World Report has named Truman State University the No. 1 best public school in the Midwest. Truman is the only public school to appear in the top 25 schools in the Midwest, taking the No. 9 spot. This marks the 22nd year Truman has made the top spot on the list. Truman also appears on U.S. News & World Report’s Midwest best value list, best undergraduate teaching list and was named one of the most innovative schools in the Midwest.

The communication disorders program and Institute for Academic Outreach received the Bulldog Award to recognize the achievements of each department. Bethany Gibson, administrative assistant in academic affairs, was awarded the Mark and Robin Gambaiana Purple Pride Award for her service to many departments on campus. Points of Excellence awards were also presented at the ceremony to multiple individuals for innovation, diversity, Truman values, excellent work performance and acts of service in the community. The awards are presented yearly and are decided through nominations.

Cardinal Key, Blue Key host blood drive

Top Left: Freshman Kaitlyn Umfleet donated blood at the blood drive hosted by Cardinal Key and Blue Key. The drive was held Sept. 11.

Top Right: Freshman Josh Steffens also donated blood at the blood drive. The drive was held in the SUB Georgian Rooms.

Left: The blood drive was organized through the Red Cross. Donators are allowed to give blood every 56 days. Photos by Daniel Degenhardt

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The Index

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

SAB brings comedian Carmen Lynch to campus

Left: Student Activities Board invited comedian Carmen Lynch as the Welcome Back Comedian.

SAB brings a comedian to campus every fall to welcome students back to campus after summer break.

Right: Lynch has appeared on “Last Comic Standing,” “Inside Amy Schumer” and “A Prairie Home Companion.” She performed for approxImately one hour in Baldwin Auditorium.

Left: Lynch’s comedy album “Dance Like You Don’t Need the Money” won SiriusXM Comedy’s 2017 Comedy Album of the Year. She is a Spanish-American native of Maine. Photos by Daniel Degenhardt

ADVERTISE With TMN Advertising. trumanmedia@gmail.com 660-785-4449

life

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

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Poetry is born Truman home to award-winning poet

Truman home to award-winning poet

BY AURA MARTIN Staff Writer

Jamie D’Agostino, English professor and poet, is fond of notebooks. He writes down titles of poems, images and details of people and objects. D’Agostino also likes to eavesdrop and jot down stray, out-of-context fragments to capture ideas for future poems. It is out of these notebooks that D’Agostino’s poetry is born, including his latest book, “Weathermanic.”

“I could not have done this without Truman students. Teaching and having conversations with students are really at the heart of where these poems come from.”

-English professor Jamie D’Agostino D’Agostino mainly writes poems that record a particular landscape at a particular time, like an autumn drive from Kirksville to Iowa City. D’Agostino also likes to incorporate music and images into his work.

D’Agostino describes his poetry as someone looking at stuff, mistaking it for other stuff, and then writing about those observations and building up sounds and playing with patterns.

“I’m someone who wishes they were a painter,” D’Agostino said. “Someone who wishes they were a musician. I found poetry

which lets me pretend both talents are there.”

It took several years for D’Agostino to learn how to write place poems. He was in Chicago when he first started writing poetry as a student at Loyola University. He said it was a struggle to pierce the fog and add details about the place around him. Now teaching at Truman State University for 12 years, he finds that it is an ideal place to write because there is a lot of looking to be done in a rural place. D’Agostino likes the challenge of trying to find new things to see in a familiar landscape.

“There are so many beautiful spots around here that I feel like it’s a really reliable source of images,” D’Agostino said.

While drafting, D’Agostino spends a lot of time making the poems feel cohesive.

He is interested in the ricochet of letting a stray idea bounce around. He said he does not always know where the poem might go, but he likes to play with sounds and try to build up those layers of paint until there’s a face on the canvas.

D’Agostino said much of the drama of writing poetry unfolds when trying to have the poem revolve around some center of gravity, whether it be from the title, theme or tone.

During revision, he will correct errors and look for deficiencies in the poem, such as the broken pieces and awkward lines. He also looks to rough it up strategically in different places. He said he tinkers with it until some new bus comes along and he hops on it.

D’Agostino said he is addicted to the idea of a finished poem, so when he feels it is time to move on, he will print out the poem and carry it around with him. He rereads it several times throughout the day.

“I’ll look at it and think it’s good or it stinks, but I have this thing that didn’t ex-

Submitted photos

ist before and that just floors me. I love it,” D’Agostino said, emphatically slapping his hand against the armrest.

Over the years, the way D’Agostino perceives his audience has changed because of his experiences teaching and working with writers at Truman. As a result, he feels that his current poetry is a little more conversational and relaxed than his previous works.

Unlike other books, D’Agostino said “Weathermanic” was more collaborative because it involved writers, faculty and students. Before writing his book, he remembered instances of showing poems to his students during class and listening to their feedback, and he has since started thinking of classes as little laboratories to incubate new poems.

“It’s great to work with so many writers who are curious about what I am doing and then offer really good informative feedback,” D’Agostino said. “I could not have done this without Truman students. Teaching and having conversations with students are really at the heart of where these poems come from.”

D’Agostino will read selected poems from “Weathermanic” at 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13 in the Baldwin Hall Little Theater.

Jamie D’Agostino’s works and accomplishments “Weathermanic” won the “CutBank” Chapbook Contest

VOLUME 110

ISSUE 4

tmn.truman.edu

“Slur Oeuvre,” was awarded the Diagram/New Michigan Prize.

His poetry also appeared in “Forklift, Ohio,” “TriQuarterly,” “Conduit,” “ird Coast” and “Indiana Review.”

www.facebook.com/TrumanMediaNetwork

@TrumanMediaNet

© 2018

The Index

8

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Kirksville welcomes new students

BY ELISABETH SHIRK Staff Writer

As a former military child, I know how difficult it can be to move to a new place, meet new people and learn the culture of that place. Even though I came from Kirksville High School, I know what college students from out of town are feeling when they arrive in Kirksville and on campus.

What I wanted when I arrived to a new place was to feel welcome and comfortable, so it was particularly nice when people would greet me and welcome me to the community, just like many Kirksville-based businesses and organizations did for the new college students on Sept. 9 at the annual New Student Welcome.

The New Student Welcome, organized by the Chamber Merchants Committee of the Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce, was held downtown on the lawn of the courthouse. The event has taken place annually for over a decade.

After nearly four days of rain, the sun came out for the event with a gentle breeze and temperatures in the 70s.

Businesses and organizations filled in nearly every space next to the sidewalks, hoping to grab the attention of as Students gather at The Square in downtown Kirksville for the New Student Welcome Sept. 9. The many students as possible.

“We have a lot of great students in town, and we want Kirksville Area Chamber of Commerce hosts the annual event aimed at introducing new Truman them to have a good experience in Kirksville,” said Sandra students to the city and its local businesses. Photo by Elisabeth Shirk Williams, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

“We want you to shop in our local stores, we want you to get to know our busiSome booths offered food and candy while others offered promotions and ness people, and our ultimate goal, although we don’t tell you this, is to get you discounts. A few booths brought some furry four-legged friends along to greet to find that Kirksville is such a great place that you may decide to make this your the passersby. permanent home,” Williams said.

Williams said one of the Chamber of Commerce’s responsibilities is to promote That was precisely the goal of each of the 64 businesses and organizations that the local businesses. participated in the event. Members of the Chamber did not have to pay a fee to set up a booth, but non-members paid a $50 fee.

Williams said the Chamber used to provide free hot dogs and other foods for students at the event where her husband would man the grill, but now Hy-Vee provides the food.

“Hy-Vee for the last couple of years has provided the hot dogs and buns, the grill and the crew to do the grilling, and that is wonderful to have them do that,” Williams said.

Williams said the event is fairly inexpensive to put on because Hy-Vee provides the food and most people find out about the event by word of mouth.

Behind the grill this year was Hy-Vee Store Director Scott Johnson. Johnson has been staffing the event with Hy-Vee for four years and said they typically serve around 500 hot dogs.

Hy-Vee also offered sushi and Starbucks samples. Starbucks is located inside the Hy-Vee store.

“I think it’s important to introduce students to some of the services we have that we think would appeal to people of that age group,” Johnson said.

Freshman Megan Vogl attended the event with a few of her friends and said she enjoyed the free items and promotions handed out.

Vogl said she had enjoyed the small town feel of Kirksville before the New Student Welcome, but the event made her like Kirksville even more.

Students pick up free lemonade from a vendor at the New Student Welcome. “I love how friendly everyone is,” Vogl said. “It’s nice that you can actually see people and form relationships with them.”

Over 60 local businesses participated in the event. Photo by Elisabeth Shirk

FARMING| Drought, tariff affect NEMO farmers Corn Soy

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Yields in Bushels

Continued from page 1 D uring times of drought, a shortage water is not the only issue, but also a shortage of feed for farmers. Erwin said North Missouri has some field crops that farmers are able to turn into feed.

E rwin said producers this season have been seen chopping their corn for silage to feed their animals and setting aside feeds to have for the winter. With farmers growing their own silage, it will help with the winter feed shortage that normally follows after droughts, but it is not a cheap thing to do.

If farmers are going to experience a shortage in feed, they will have to make a decision on where and how they will be able to feed their animals.

“As a producer, if I’m going to have a feed shortage going into winter, I’ve got two choices,” Erwin said. “I got to buy it. I’ve got to replace that feed shortage with something or I’ve got to reduce the number of animals that I have on my farm to meet what I do have or a combination of both.”

Ken Windstrom, a Northeast Missouri farmer, said the summer drought has stunted his grain crops, such as his corn. He said he also had to sell about 25 percent of his sheep because of the increase in the price of hay, which he uses as feed.

The tariffs have not had a drastic effect on Windstrom’s farm. He said the price of his grain commodities has remained consistent, but cattle and sheep prices have fallen. Windstrom said he has not started looking at the prices he can expect for his soybeans, because he will begin harvesting them within the next month.

J ames Wilson, a Macon farmer, said the drought has been particularly hard on livestock farmers because of the resulting lack of hay that can be grown and the abundant need for water for the animals. The need for hay as feed for livestock will continue through the winter, Wilson said.

“You know, at the end of the year, it will look like we had average rainfall for the year,” said Seipel. “It’s not just about average temperature, average rainfall — it’s the timing of those things. So we’re getting all of this rain now after, you know, after key crop-producing pollination germination times.”

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QUICK FARMING facts: • Average yearly precipatation for North Missouri 39.7 inches • There are about 99,171 farms in Missouri • Cows can eat about 28 pounds of hay daily • Approximately half of all soybeans grown in the U.S are exported • Missouri’s top farming commodities include cattle, hogs, corn, hay, turkeys, chickens and eggs, rice and soybeans

Members of Truman State University’s equestrian team ride at the University Farm. Farmers in Northeast Missouri have been hurt by federal tariffs and a historic drought. Submitted photo

The Index

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Students find their passion on the dance floor

BY TRAVIS MAIDEN

Staff Writer

Do you like jazz? Walking down the stairs of the Pershing Building on a Wednesday night, you can hear the faint sound of a hot beat playing on speakers in the arena. Around that corner you’ll see the University Swingers moving their bodies, dancing alongside other students and teaching the art of swing dancing.

Junior Emilee Kendall, president of the University Swingers, said she had no dance experience prior to joining the University Swingers. Kendall started dancing with the University Swingers at the beginning of her freshman year when her friend convinced her to try it out. Kendall auditioned for the team at the end of her freshman year and joined the following semester.

Kendall said the dancing lessons bring people together and have helped her cope with her anxiety.

“Talking to people is really hard for me,” Kendall said. “Dancing, being on the team and teaching people has really helped me kind of grow as a person, you know? It’s helped me talk a lot easier to others.”

Kendall said the University Swingers’ performance team tries to go to at least one competition every spring. She said the University Swingers haven’t won anything in a few years, but the experience is amazing and it’s cool to watch other teams perform.

Kendall said the team has had some struggles getting people to join, so it is encouraging to see so many people showing up at the beginning of the semester and enjoying themselves.

Secretary junior Audrey Brinkhorst said she’s been taking lessons since her freshman year and joined the team this semester. She said she used to be very shy until joining because she had to get out of her comfort zone and meet new people if she wanted to dance.

Brinkhorst said swing dancing pro-

The University Swingers teach students basic swing dance techniques in Pershing Arena. The organization travels to competitions, but also teaches weekly swing dance lessons to anyone who is willing to learn. Photo by Daniel Degenhardt vides Truman State University students a way to relieve themselves.

“The lessons are just a great way of relieving stress,” Brinkhorst said. “I know Truman’s not a huge school, but it can get lonely, and swing dance is a great way of relieving stress because Lord knows Truman students stress themselves out too much.”

Brinkhorst said there is a $13 fee for dancing a semester and $20 for a year. She said some students might be deterred because of the costs, but it is worth it for the experience.

Treasurer sophomore Hermann Keys said this was his first semester being a part of the team. He said it is his first experience trying to dance to a particular style.

Keys had a friend who asked him to come to lessons his freshman year, and he was too polite to refuse. He said he continued to come back for more even after his friend stopped.

Keys said swing dancing is a break from stresses like homework, military and school. He said it is a great way to

have fun and everyone should try it at least once.

Keys said he is happy he didn’t say no to his friend’s request to go to a lesson because he might have never found his passion.

“If I would have went off my instinct or just not have come out of my room that night, I might not even be here,” Keys said. “So I guess you should try everything in life just once. If you don’t like it, the worst thing that can happen is, you know, a bad experience. But you know, bad experiences can make good stories, and good experiences can make even better ones.”

Freshman Tyler Beauregard said he has been attending swinging lessons for two weeks and has enjoyed them so far.

He said professor Donald Bindner convinced him and others from his freshman seminar to try it.

Beauregard said he likes how open it is to newcomers and how every skill level is accepted without question. He said everyone was willing to help when he didn’t understand a dance move.

9

Beauregard said this club is different from other organizations because of its focus on dancing and stress relief.

“I like the University Swingers for more than just being so open,” Beauregard said. “It’s different than the other clubs that a Truman student might join, whether or not it’s a part of some service organization or some kind of academic organization. All the organizations have their merits, but this is nice because you’re just going to have a fun time, let loose and forget about the rest of the things you have to worry about.”

Beauregard said he will continue to attend the lessons, unless something stops him from dancing. He said it reminded him of church.

“I like the lessons because everyone who’s teaching is willing to go over things with you,” Beauregard said. “I like how they are always listening to questions and how they will dance with you at the end if you ask them to.”

Two weeks ago, I was the newbie like Beauregard. I attended two lessons and found great satisfaction getting the dance moves correct after tripping over my own feet more than a couple of times. Each of my partners was very supporting and the teachers helped us through every bouncing step.

I found myself talking more and more to each passing partner as I crawled out of my shell. Instead of worrying about classes, work and anxiety, I was far too captivated in dancing to amazing music with a partner who had just as much experience as myself while having a blast. If this writer with two left hands for feet can learn to swing dance, you can too!

With a beat that refuses to stop, the University Swingers welcome all who wish to give swing lessons a shot and maybe even join their organization.

Every time you hear that jamming music playing over your speaker system, you’ll always know how to keep on swinging.

3

“Fallout: New Vegas” You play as a very angry mailman looking for the man who shot you in the head and stole your package. Traveling through a nuked Mojave desert, you come across some of the cruelest gangs and creatures. Quests are around every corner with several ways to complete them. With deep characters and a controllable storyline, this game is a must-have for any RPG fan.

Role-Playing TOP [5]Games As told by Travis Maiden

4

1 “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt”

Winning the best game of the year from the 33rd Golden Joystick Awards in 2015, “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt” stands up to be one of the best role-playing games of all time. The plot follows a monster hunter named Geralt who goes on a quest to ind his daughter. Along the way, you will experience the worst of humanity and ights with epic creatures. With over 100 hours of playtime, this game will keep you longing for more.

“Dark Souls” “Dark Souls” is a game all about cycles like life and death, light and darkness, and money and taxes. You begin your quest as a cursed undead searching for a way to either link the embers and continue the age of ire, or allow it to go black and thus begin the age of dark. With lore and story to be found in every item you pick up on your quest, this game will only accept the most die-hard players, as it is known for its dif iculty and its catchphrase that has become popular in its community, “Get good.”

2 “Skyrim”

5 “Dragons Dogma”

The RPG that spawned thousands of popular memes about how often it got re-released for other gaming systems, Bethesda’s “Skyrim” continues to impress gamers through its colossal world and in-depth lore. You can customize your own character, become whatever you want through skill trees and shout loudly enough to blast people away. Personally, I always try to play a warrior with a shield until accidentally building a stealthy archer.

With an over-the-shoulder approach to camera angle, this game will have you travel through the medieval fantasy lands searching for the dragon that took your heart. With an amazing combat and loot system, this game brings awesome battles with beasts you never thought you could defeat. You can also create a pawn that follows you wherever you go, so be ready to have a traveling buddy or three!

“Predator” (1987) is action extravaganza

4/5 human skulls

BY GORDON MCPHERSON

Staff Writer

The 1987 version of “Predator,” starring an unrealistically buff Arnold Schwarzenegger, is a macho, explosive and brainless film that still holds up surprisingly well in 2018.

The film stars Schwarzenegger as Dutch, an elite soldier sent in with his team of misogynistic alpha males to the steamy jungles of Guatemala to rescue some politicians captured by guerilla fighters. Upon arrival, the WWEesque military men find themselves hunted by a monstrous, technologically advanced creature, known as the Predator, that enjoys toying with its prey before ripping it limb from blood-soaked limb. Hilarity ensues in this film of toxic masculinity and over-the-top carnage. “Predator” has a viscerally satisfying sense of fun that ultimately overshadows all my numerous critiques.

Across the board, the performances in “Predator” are suitably exaggerated for such a ridiculous premise. Everyone involved in the production seems to know they’re in a cheesy science-fiction action film and adapts accordingly.

Schwarzenegger gives a performance that often proves more humorous than compelling. Nevertheless, his one-liners sprinkled throughout the film — including the timeless “Get to the chopper!” — always left a smile on my cynical face.

The rest of the characters are forgettable, but their dialogue proves thoroughly entertaining. Lines such as, “If it bleeds, we can kill it,” and, “Time to let old painless out of the bag,” kept me eager to see what outrageous exclamation the burly boneheads would spout next. The writers definitely knew the tone they were trying to set, and that deserves recognition, even though the characters themselves aren’t noteworthy.

Despite the tongue-in-cheek tone, “Predator” also features some surprisingly effective suspense, at least when the Predator itself isn’t directly visible.

The film’s tension comes mostly from the cinematography and orchestral

soundtrack, which provides viewers a sense of uneasiness and vulnerability.

Much of the film is seen through the Predator’s perspective as it stalks the soldiers from the treetops, which gives certain sequences a darkly satisfying flair.

Occasionally, the cinematography is to the film’s detriment. The Predator’s heat-seeking vision is visually nauseating, to say the least. It’s honestly baffling how the Predator can find anything at all.

The Predator itself also never reaches the shock factor of Xenomorphs from Ridley Scott’s “Alien” franchise, as the creature’s often computer-generated appearance diminishes the dread established earlier in the film. The film was released in 1987, after all, so viewers will have to overlook the technological limitations of the time.

The action, on the other hand, has aged perfectly well. The stunt work is top-notch, with bombastic explosions that could still challenge anything directed by simple-minded Michael Bay. The characters waste tons and tons and tons of ammo when in combat, which plays into the film’s semi-comedic tone and provides ample opportunities for unbridled destruction.

I do, however, feel pity for the foliage the soldiers mow down. One prolonged sequence in particular, as the soldiers fire into the brush hoping to wound the Predator, is cringe-inducing. The plants didn’t do anything to deserve this torture.

All these elements combine to make a film that harkens back to a simpler time. Plot, characters and emotion all take a backseat in favor of unapologetic action. Political correctness is also thrown to the wayside. Indeed, there’s only one female character in the film, who’s so forgettable and passive she doesn’t do much of anything to advance the story.

For viewers looking for a film where muscular army men face off against a super mutant, “Predator” is top-shelf. And for anyone who doesn’t feel like watching it as a respite from school-induced stress, well, “You got a real bad attitude.”

The Index

10

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Ouestions ?

on

Breanna Sutter, freshman

Brandon Langer, sophomore

the

Ouad ?

Kai Brewer, freshman

Question 1: If you could be a member of any TV show friend group, which would it be?

“I grew up watching ‘Teen Titans.’

So, it would be cool to be a Teen Titan.”

“I’m going to pick the TV show ‘Arrow.’

They seem like such a tough group to get into, and I feel like if I could be in it, that would be pretty cool.”

“It would have to be ‘Friends.’ All their personalities are different, and they do a lot of crazy things.

I feel like that is my personality. I am very spontaneous.”

Question 2: What is your favorite restaurant in Kirksville?

“Maybe like Ruby Tuesday. [Kirksville] has a lot of diner places here, so I just like it, I guess.”

“Ruby Tuesday would have to be it.

I didn’t know we had one until this year, and when I went there, the food was great.”

“I don’t have one. I’m not from here, and everything I’ve tried so far is nothing close to home.”

Question 3: If you could disinvent something just to reinvent it, what would it be and why?

“If I could reinvent Sticky Notes or something, because those were such a great idea.”

“I would disinvent the phone to reinvent it because I would be famous and [the phone] is super relevant to everyone’s day. [I wouldn’t] make it as expensive as it is now.”

“Recycling. I don’t think people see the importance of recycling and how much recycling can do and how much we can actually reuse instead of wasting it and throwing it in the ocean and hurting sea animals.”

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the opportunity, as the team discussed doing more volunteer work after last semester. Roghair said the team has raised money for the swimming program before, but this will be a new experience that will give back to the community.

Roghair said she does not have personal motivation to swim in this event, but she is cognizant of stories that are out there and has seen afflicted children in the hospital as part of her premed volunteer work.

“Almost everyone knows someone that’s been affected,” Roghair said. “Any change or difference that we can make, I’m excited to be able to do it.”

swimming because of her ability and experience in covering long distances. She said pace and mental commitment are important factors in open water swimming.

She said she and her teammates will have to be aware of the lack of visibility far ahead and below water level that comes with swimming in a lake.

Roghair said the team has reached out to friends and family to reach the $300 minimum and will eventually post a fundraising page on social media. She said collecting the money for cancer research makes this upcoming experience worthwhile, but she also said the event will bring the team even closer together.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

ally motivated to swim as his mother had breast cancer in 2010. Kruse said Swim Across America donates proceeds from the event to organizations that help people with breast cancer, so he said he wants to give back to prevent other people from enduring a similar situation.

“Every little thing that you can do to help others will make a difference,” Kruse said.

Kruse said he is looking forward to the relaxed and noncompetitive atmosphere of the event and being able to participate in an open water swim. Kruse said he is typically a sprint swimmer, and his races end

thon swimmer.

Kruse said the team has done open water practices before at Thousand Hills State Park, so this will not be unmarked territory for them. He said everyone will have to keep their heads partially above water and stay close to make sure other swimmers do not stray off course.

Kruse said it is impossible to not have fun at an event like this because it is for an important cause, and he will be able to swim with his teammates.

“Our team is extremely close, and we hang out all the time,” Kruse said. “The fact that we’re all doing this together makes it even more special.”

The Index

11

Men’s, women’s cross country split

Cross Country teams look to freshmen to replace lost seniors

BRENTLY SNEAD Editor-in-Chief The Truman State University men’s and women’s cross country teams competed in their first meet Aug. 30 against Lindenwood University.

While the women brought home a win, 42-19, the men struggled to keep up and ultimately fell, 33-24.

Head coach Tim Schwegler said so far, the athletes looked good coming back, and despite the loss, he thinks the teams will do well this year.

“The majority of the people did their summer training, and that’s what makes me pretty optimistic about this season,” Schwegler said.

Last year, the men’s cross country team finished fifth in the GLVC standings, but many of the athletes have since graduated. Despite having a younger team, Schwegler said he feels they will be able to once again place in the top 5 this season and do well throughout.

The women finished fourth last year, and many of them will be returning. Schwegler said the women’s team has done well, Submitted by Truman Athletics Bulldog Brice pictured the center.

Sinceredshirt Pavey’s at the ofThe the 2017 especially for howPhotos intense submitted the competition can be. HeHulett said

by Stephanie The men will bring fivePavey, freshmen into the fold toin complement their standout seniorgraduation Brice Pavey, pictured in theend middle. women will

BY BROOKE BAILEY go forward this yearBulldogs without theirhave standout senior Laura season, the brought inTarantino. three new freshmen to the men’s squad: Nathan Stinson, they are currently fighting some illnesses, but overall he has Top: Members of the Truman State University Writer Jackson Foster and Kelvin Cummings.Staff Photo from TMNStandout Archives BY BROOKE BAILEY last season. senior Laura Tarantino led the team after taking 5th and 18th good feelings about the upcoming season. golf team pose with their second place trophy Staff Writer place, respectively.

Men’s and women’s cross country will compete Saturday at “You don’t replace a Laura Tarantino, but we think we can recreate her with the inTuman State University men’s cross country looks to top runner and redshirt senior the Buccaneer Spring Classic Tennesse last coming freshmen we have,” Schwegler said. women’s golf team got theat The Truman State University Brice Pavey to lead the team this year.

Missouri Southern Stampede in Joplin,in Missouri.

Five freshmen joined the team this year — three were at the top of their state in high

back intoschool. action overwasSpring Break at the Buccaneer Gemma Saathoff the 4th best cross country runner in Missouri, Emma Harrelson was the 25th in Illinois, along with Kelly Doerr, who was the 60th in Illinois. In Spring Classic in Tennessee.

Although the tournament addition to the five new women to campus, redshirt sophomore Taylor Burlis joins the team after solely being a track and field athlete. Schwegler said with the new additions, was cut short on the day cold weather if the returners step upsecond to the challenge, theybecause could be a goodof team again this year.

Sophomore Courtney Bakken said the meet to out watch is theseven GLVC conference meet. conditions, the ‘Dogs placed second of teams.

This year, Truman is hosting the meet Oct. 21 at the Kirksville Country Club. Bakken said she’scame hoping Truman students will come out and cheer them on to another top finish.

Truman home with two top-ten finishes behind The ‘Dogs start their season at the Lindenwood Dual — also known as the “Dog and Cat Fight”Barmettler, on Aug. 31. The winner of the meet brings home the “Dog Cat Fight Cup” junior Nicolle who also made theandall-tournaand bragging rights for the season. ment team, and freshman Lindsey Repp, who placed topten for the first time. Repp also shot a career-low 74 in the ALLYSON LOTZ second round.

Copy Chief Barmettler said the team is really proud of her, and she said she hopes it will give her confidence to continueState to play well thegolf restteam of the season.toJuniors The clubs are coming out as the Truman University prepares tee off StephaMonday.

Last season, the Bulldogs ranked No. in the NCAA East Ressel Regionwere and top finished the nie 12 Hulett and Amanda 20 atfifth 11thinand 2018 GLVC Women’s Golf Championship.

Truman golfers gave their strongest performance 19thThe place overall. of last season when they placed second inRessel the Bearcat Fallcold Collegiate, one stroke behind the said the weatherjust conditions really tested trophy. the Bulldogs’ mental toughness — the temperature never Three seniors graduated after last season, including Nicolle whorain. tied They for 16th got above 34 degrees, andBarmettler, it was pouring werein the 2018 NCAA East Super Regional as an individual competitor. Stepping into their shoes are able to get through only seven holes on the second day benew leaders like senior co-captain Brooke Kelley. foresome play was canceled, holes didn’t count.

Resselto “We lost some really great players and really big partssoofthese our team, but we’re excited said a lot of the competition they faced came from lower see what the newcomers can bring and what us returners can kind of step up to do,” Kelley said. southern states that weren’t used tosince the cold and being The ’Dogs have been practicing individually at Kirksville Country Club the first day of from Kirksville it easier adapt. NCAA compliance classes. Kelley said they didn’t start earlier like othermade Truman teamstobecause requirements restrict when the golf teamThe can Bulldogs’ start practice. next meet is this weekend at Perry Park The Truman golfers will take their first shots on the green atsaid the Evangel Fall Invitational.

Kelin Kentucky.

Barmettler this tournament is a big one ley said the Bulldogs haven’t gone to this competition so they’ll getEast to play against because almost before, every team in the Region willsome be new faces. there. Barmettler said the team should have a good shot “We’re really excited to see how that first tournament goes,” Kelley said. “It’ll be a good gauge in making it as a team to regionals — a big team goal this for us for the rest of the season.” year — and this weekend willspring be a great chance to com The Bulldogs will play four total tournaments this fall.

Truman’s schedule has not been pete against good competition. announced.

Sophomore Brooke Kelley said after having a short Spring Break and continuing training on their own at home, the teammates are back working on their overall game and especially trying to get their consistency back after the long winter months of not competing.

Junior Keegan Walsh said the team goals for the season are to improve individual times and to place top five in the conference.

“This is the year to do it with Brice Pavey on his last year and the core group at its healthiest and strongest,” Walsh said.

The men graduated two seniors last year, Andrew Gordon and Daniel Aiken, and finished 8th at the GLVC meet and 18th at the NCAA Midwest Regional. Head Coach Tim Schwegler is entering his fourth year with the Bulldogs. He said five freshmen are joining the men’s team including Bryan Chac and Branden Schaff. He said they will need some college race exposure, but he said he has high expectations for them to be ready by the conference meet.

Truman women’s cross country looks to have another good season after finishing 5th at the GLVC conference meet and 15th at the NCAA Midwest Regional during

week. This was the top team finish for the ‘Dogs thus far this year.

Bottom: Junior Stephanie Hulett concentrates as she lines up a putt at the team’s most recent meet. Hulett was one of four Bulldogs who placed in the top 20 at the tournament as she finished 11th overall.

New athletes fill in graduated golfers’ shoes

Stephanie Hulett lining up for a putt during a March 2017 meet. Hulett was one of three golfers who graduated at the end of last season. Photo from TMN Archives

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The Index

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

Hopwood two-time Defender of the Week NICOLAS TELEP Managing Editor

Freshman Beth Hopwood, Truman State University women’s soccer goalkeeper, began her college career in style by taking home the GLVC’s Defensive Player of the Week honor two weeks in a row.

Hopwood, a native of Scotland, won her first four regular season games as a Bulldog, giving up just one goal in that time. The team also went undefeated in preseason play.

Hopwood said the team has several freshmen, and this early success has given the team a lot of confidence. She said soccer in the United States is friendlier than in her home country.

Hopwood said her favorite moment of the season so far was making a save in extra time last Sunday against Upper Iowa University.

She said the game was in the “golden goal” stage — also known as sudden death — when she stopped a Peacocks attacker from scoring. Redshirt sophomore midfielder Hanna Burke would go on to score the winning goal to seal the 2-1 victory for the Bulldogs in the second overtime period.

Hopwood said she had help from the team’s defense, and she is happy with the team’s early success.

The Bulldogs, with Hopwood in goal, look to extend their winning streak Friday afternoon against the Lewis University Flyers at Bulldog Soccer Park.

Redshirt sophomore midfielder Allie Cross stepping over a Davenport University defender’s sliding tackle. Cross is distinguished for being awarded Academic All-GLVC during the 2017 season.

Freshman goalkeeper Beth Hopwood making a save at the Bulldogs’ first game against Davenport University. Hopwood was awarded GLVC Defensive Player of the Week two consecutive times over three consecutive shutout wins for Truman State University. Photos by Kara Mackenzie

FOOTBALL| Saturday’s game marks halfway point of non-conference play Continued from page 14 Defensive coordinator Kellen Nesbitt said Truman athletes are a bunch of committed, hard-working students, from both an athletic and an academic standpoint. He said the students constantly have to shift their mindsets throughout the day, from academics in the morning, to athletics in the afternoon and back to academics in the evening.

“These kids are in no-joke majors and continue to work well and test well,” Nesbitt said. “We still do really well [during the season] though. Our team GPA has stayed over 3.0 since I’ve been here, and that’s higher than a lot of colleges out there. I’d say most are in the 2.3-2.5 range. Same with our graduation rates…

You can tell our students do a good job balancing both sides of their work.”

Nesbitt said next week’s game at Saginaw Valley State University will be a new experience for the team, as the Bulldogs have never played the Cardinals before during his tenure of over nine years at Truman. Nesbitt said Saginaw is a solid, middle-of-the-road team capable of sending the ball down the field with its shotgun offense while still maintaining a reasonable rushing threat on the ground.

“Hopefully we can find a way to make enough plays and minimize mistakes to get ourselves on the board with that victory,” Nesbitt said. “I know our kids are working hard, and we sure would like to get that first W out of the way for them.”

The Bulldogs face an 11-hour drive to University Center, Michigan, before they square off on Saginaw Valley’s home turf Saturday. Following Saturday’s game, Truman faces one more non-conference opponent, Valparaiso University, before GLVC play starts.

Redshirt sophomore wide receiver Dante Ruffin snagging a first down. Ruffin made five receptions for 57 yards, including a big 29-yard catch on Saturday.

Redshirt junior quarterback Jaden Barr dropping back for a pass Saturday night. Barr went 22 for 47 through the air against the Broncos, marking up a total of 173 passing yards.

Senior Brock Rohler winds up for a punt from the Bulldogs end zone. Despite having the same number of punts in both games, Rohler improved his total punting distance from 178 yards to 234 yards. Photos by Kara Mackenzie

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

The Index

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COLUMN| Truman coaching Upcoming Events needs more women in charge

14 Friday

tion went from coaching 90 percent of women’s college teams to 43 percent in 2014, according to an Acosta & Carpenter study. Researchers Women’s Soccer and coaches — like Marlene Bjornsrud, former 1:00p.m. in Kirksville, MO executive director of the Alliance of Women Coaches, and Muffet McGraw, head women’s vs. Lewis University basketball coach at University of Notre Dame for over 30 years — cite a variety of reasons for this, Men’s Soccer including the increasing appeal and availability of other job opportunities for women, the con3:30p.m. in Kirksville, MO flicting demands of coaching and motherhood, vs. Lewis University homophobia towards lesbian coaches, and the greater number of men applying for coaching poMen’s Tennis ALLYSON LOTZ sitions than women nationally. Any or all of these Copy Chief could apply to Truman — none of our women’s TBA in Kirksville, MO sports programs existed before Title IX — but at Truman Men’s Tournament In my short time reporting for The Index’s getting to the root of our specific problem would sports section, I’ve written three stories on three require more independent research than the Women’s Tennis different sports. With those three sports came hours I spent crunching numbers, poring over three different head coaches: Jerod Simek from record books and contacting Truman athletic TBA in Quincy, IL men’s and women’s swimming, Ben Briney from personnel to bring you this column. at Quincy Women’s Tournament women’s volleyball, and Mike Cannon from wom- Regardless of why Truman has more men en’s soccer. While these coaches have been very than women leading our women’s sports prosuccessful, indeed, your eyes do not deceive you grams, it’s undeniable that this is a problem. A — those are all men coaching women’s sports.

2017 article in The Atlantic cites several studies, Women serve as the head coach for only two scientists and sports personnel that emphasize of the nine women’s teams offered at Truman the importance of having women coach women’s State University. Men lead the other seven, along sports. Notably, they discuss how women in head with every men’s team. Sadly, this lack of female coach positions serve as role models for other representation in head coaching roles is nothing women. When men fill those positions instead, Women’s Tennis new at Truman. OCTOBER 26, 2017 the women they lead are less likely to become THURSDAY, For many of these programs, Truman’s cutting coaches in the future. This contributes to the TBA in Quincy, IL corners by having one man oversee the men’s decline of women in leadership and the increase vs. Quincy Women’s Tournament and women’s divisions of each sport, but that of what sociologists Michael Messner and Suzel doesn’t justify the mostly male coaching histories Bozada-Deas call “team moms,” where women of these programs. The women’s cross country, do administrative work on sports teams for sigFootball swimming, tennis, and track and field teams nificantly less recognition and pay. have been around for a combined 173 years, yet 12:00p.m. in University Center, MI This is systemic sexism, and Truman is comwomen have served as head coaches for these Brown said he has shared h breast cancer, and honor his mom, plicit in it as an institution. at Saginaw Valley State a major sports fan herself. with his teammates and they programs for only 21 of those years, a measly 12 Having said all this, I’m not necessarily calling Brown said his family found out why he takes October so serio percent. On average, each woman maintained for the immediate termination of all men leading about his diagnosis the “You know if it affects so her position for 1.6 years. our women’s sports programs. I’ve interviewed a mother’sVolleyball same day his parents dropped his close like a family member, yo Truman soccer, notably, has separate coaches few of these men, and they’re respectable trainbrother off for his first year of it more 3:00p.m. in colKirksville, MOto heart than you wou for the men’s and women’s teams, just like the ers worthy of being head coaches. Abruptly lege, sooverhe said the condition came other person,” Brown said. basketball, baseball and softball programs. None- hauling our coaching system would also at a plague major time of transition the The Brown family is no st vs. QuincyforUniversity theless, the women’s soccer team has a man as the psychological well-being of our student family. He said living with his moth- to dealing with breast cance head coach. Only one woman has ever served as athletes, and that’s not fair to them. er and father and having them help Brown said her family has had head coach for Truman women’s soccer, and she But we cannot avoid the issue. Weeach must other take through it all is what tory of breast cancer, includin made October personal. her mother and her grandmo only held the position for two years. every opportunity available to hire women and Our golf and volleyball programs’ structures only women for our women’s head coach posiare even weirder. Neither program has a men’s tions from here on out. Such drastic measures “Every team, yet men lead these women’s teams. This are necessary to enact change, especially when stage I had to go through, from losing is the only reality the women’s golf program has hair, the problem runs as deep as it does in our ath- to the weight loss — he never showed it b Golf ever known. In contrast, the volleyball program letic department. ered him and took it like a champ.” hired women exclusively as head coaches until So long as women are applying for our coachTBA in Springfield, MO - Pam Qi Wang took over in 2001. Men have controlled ing positions, we need to give them greater con-Brown the court ever since. at Evangel Fall Inivitational sideration for the role if for no other reason than This issue is not exclusive to Truman. Since our leaders should look like the Bulldogs they’re She said the news first ca “The chemotherapy was definiteTitle IX’s passing in 1972, women across the nacoaching. It’s the least we can give them. a shock, especially consideri ly a tough experience too, just bechecked with her doctor, who t cause my mom is just a huge sports nothing was amiss shortly bef fan and has always been there for was diagnosed. my games,” Brown said. “She’s very Because of her experience Submitted photo energetic, very outgoing, so it was Brown realized it was importan very different — her personality Senior defensive back Jordan Brown wears pink every October to raise awareten to her body and get a secon ness for breast cancer. He supported his mother during each treatment stage. changed during chemotherapy, and ion. She said she’s doing a lot BRENTLY SNEAD additional importance. For Truman naturally, she got really tired. And now than she was at the outs

BY CURT WICHMER Editor-in-Chief State University senior defensive just being around the house and see- is proud of how her son has h Staff Writer back Jordan Brown, breast cancer ing that transition was definitely a the entire process. She said he big thing.”

The Truman State University men’s and womhits particularly close to home. eighth grade when she found Different organizations Brown said his dad works in the en’s swimming teamssports will be starting their seasonsDuring the month of October, news, but she said he has staye dedicate October as Breast Cancer at home next week.

Brown said he dons pink socks, medical field and helped him a lot tive through every single stage Awareness Month, decorating sta Last year, both teams placed in the Div. II top 25, a pink mouthpiece and, under- in understanding breast cancer and “I used to be so energetic, b diums, andsaid players with and head coachbanners Jerod Simek he hopes they can the difficulties that come with it ing the whole process I just neath his pads, a pink shirt with in and an effort increase build pink off that anchortothe teams inpublic the top “Pam 20 Brown” — his mother’s name and what research is being done in went down to zero … He and m awareness.

Although just about this year.

Respectively, the women’s teamany finished — written on the back. Since his the field. He said in the end, raising band had to live with me thro athlete willthe say they thinkforBreast in third place and men’s in fifth last season. mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer awareness is impor- of it,” Pam Brown said. “Ever Cancer Month those is imporThey’re hopingAwareness they can replicate outcomes breast cancer in August 2009, tant, and it is encouraging to see I had to go through, from los forteam. athletes who either have with atant, strong Brown said he has consistently the NFL and similar professional hair to the weight loss — he “With the depth that bothwith teams have, canit is a very relatives diagnosed breast changed his uniform throughout sports leagues bring it to the pub- showed it bothered him and strongcer possibility makediagnosed [the top 20] a reality or havetobeen themOctober games to acknowledge lic’s attention. like a champ.” with constant focus and determination at practice,” selves, the month of October carries Simek said.

Simek said the athletes came back from the offseason in good shape, allowing them to push a little harder in these early weeks.

Simek said the team got together and set goals a few weeks ago. He said the swimmers showed a passion for working on the mental side of the sport.

BYarea BROOKE “It is an that weBAILEY have struggled [with] as a Staff team with the Writer balancing demands of being a student athlete at Truman,” Simek said. “We look to The Statebecome University capitalize on thisTruman passion and the most men’s and women’s swimming mentally tough teams in the conference. We have teams lostearly to Lindenwood already had some success with Univerit and will continuesity to build on it.” Oct. 14 after starting Saturday, The season for men’s women’s the season withand wins againstswimming Uniwill beginversity with the MeetLouis at 9 a.m. of Intrasquad Missouri-St. and Saturday, Sept.

22 at Pershing Natatorium. Prior to the Maryville University. first meet, they will winning be hosting theofAlumni Meet at Despite five 11 events, 6 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21. the women came up 6 points short of Lindenwood’s 105. Interim head coach Jerod Simek said it was disappointing to be so close and still fall short at the meet, but the races were Top: Truman Bulldogs warming up before practice. reflections of the work the team has Truman swimming been historically put into its has aerobic base training. strong, He with the said women’s teamphase taking seven GLVC the next ofhome training is in titles. full swing, which will focus on frontend speed before the midseason taBottom: per Jasmine at the 2017 McKendree meetRoghair at Northwestern University.

Tri-Meet. Roghair was one of several swimming The swimming program faced its captains biggest that graduated at the end of the change shortly before last the season. Photos from TMN Archives season started, with former head coach Ed Pretre leaving for another coaching position at Div. I Villanova University while adjustments were still being made to team training.

This left Simek to resume all respon-

15 Saturday

The Index

Brown wears pink in October 17-18 Monday-Tuesday

Swimming to start season with alumni meet

Swimming looks to adjust after start of season

Photo by Sonam Wagynal/Truman Athle

14

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018

SOFTBALL GEARS UP FOR FALL SEASON

Senior infielder Brooke VunCannon sliding into second base during Truman’s last game against Lewis University in April. The Bulldogs split their last series against the Flyers 1-1. Photo by TMN Archives

Softball plans to use the fall games as practice for the spring season MORGAN GERVAIS Opinions, Features Editor Head coach Erin Brown said the team is coming together this fall to prepare for the spring season. The team will have a few games this fall, and Brown said those will be used as opportunities to practice.

The fall schedule will also allow the coaches and players to see how the team

functions together, Brown said, which is crucial for a team welcoming seven new players. There are also a few players working through injuries, and Brown said this will give them time to focus on those who are healthy and get the team moving forward.

“I have a lot of expectations,” Brown said. “We’re so far out of next year that my expectations are that we learn the

fundamentals and that we hold ourselves to a high standard in doing things that we work hard, that we are going to work together and welcome all the new players and become one team working towards one goal.”

Brown said she also expects the team to be a contender in the conference, but achieving that goal means working through the basics of play and building

upward from there as the year goes on and the team continues to develop.

Softball will begin play with a doubleheader Sunday, Sept. 23 at Bulldog Softball Park. The first game will begin at 10 a.m. against North Central Missouri College and will be followed at noon with a game against Westminster College.

Bulldogs fall to No. 3 Morningside after first-quarter lead CURT WICHMER Sports Editor Following a tight first half ending with a score of 21-17, the Truman State University Bulldogs slipped during the second half of Saturday’s game against Morningside College for a final score of 35-17.

Truman took a 14-7 lead early on and made some big plays on the kickoff team, spearheaded by a kick return by redshirt sophomore defensive back Lawrence Woods for a touchdown. After the early lead, Truman ultimately lost the field positioning battle, allowing a few key quick touchdown drives from Morningside. Plays on special teams had a huge effect on the score of the game, with major plays both helping and hurting the Bulldogs before the game’s end.

Senior punter Brock Rohler stressed the importance of consistent play on special teams, largely because of how few times special teams take to the field compared to the offensive and defensive setups. Rohler, who punted for 234 yards on five attempts against Morningside, also said the upcoming non-conference games are going to be a good opportunity for the Bulldogs to show what they’re made of. “[Consistency] is even more important on special teams because you only

get a couple plays,” Rohler said. “You either execute or you don’t. There’s no second chances. And winning the field position battle is obviously very important for us. The successes we’ve had in that battle can be attributed to the high effort put forth by the players on those units.”

With the Bulldogs facing another non-conference team, Saginaw Valley State University on Saturday, redshirt junior defensive back Travis Myerson said the team was going to take things one week at a time.

“Our primary focus going into the Saginaw game is to obviously be 1-0 for the week … and winning the game,” Myerson said. “We just need to keep it simple and do our jobs individually — 11 guys working as one.

When pressure rises, we have to count on our techniques and trust what the coaches are telling us to do.”

When discussing the Bulldogs’ defensive focus, Myerson said the team strives to be as perfect as possible, and with dedication and the coaching staff, it has all the tools to do so. He said this focus starts with the minor details, and the most important part of improvement starts with consistent practice, habits and focus. According to Myerson, maximum effort in practice leads to maximum results in-game.

See FOOTBALL page 12 Top: Redshirt junior defenders JD Hurd, Travis Myerson, and Eric Yakle bring down a Morningside runner. Myerson posted a total of three tackles against the Broncos.

Middle: Redshirt junior quarterback Jaden Barr tucks the ball for a rushing attempt. Passing yardage notwithstanding, Barr posted 106 rushing yards and one touchdown on the ground at Saturday’s game.

Bottom: Junior running back Jordan Salima carrying the ball through the line of scrimmage. Salima carried the ball for 38 yards on 12 carries Saturday.

Photos by Kara Mackenzie

VOLUME 110

ISSUE 4

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