Aug 29, 2017

WKU GUARD JORDAN BRANGERS NO LONGER ENROLLED

SPORTS, PAGE B3

CAMPUS ORANIZATION CREATES A SAFE SPACE FOR STUDENTS LIFE, PAGE B1

TTUESDAY, UESDAY, AUGUST AUGUST 229, 9, 22017 017 > W WESTERN ESTERN KKENTUCKY ENTUCKY UUNIVERSITY NIVERSITY > VVOLUME OLUME 993, 3, IISSUE SSUE 0033

Laundry prices increase on campus

BY JOHN SINGLETON HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU As the school year is beginning, students are finding themselves facing higher fees in laundry rooms across campus.

This semester, the cost of laundry has been increased to $1.50 per load in residence halls on campus. However, the cost of washing and drying clothes was not always so high.

In the past, laundry cost $1 per load in residence hall laundry rooms.

When laundry prices were lower, the machines were known to break down frequently across campus.

This semester, WKU changed contracts for laundry facilities and has purchased new washers and dryers for every residence hall. For the most part, the new machines have worked well, according to students, but the higher cost has annoyed others.

Some students said they understand the price, while others called it unreasonable.

“I am assuming that since the equipment is new, it means that you can do laundry faster,” freshman Corey Westman said. “And for better equipment, it needs to be more expensive, so it is probably worth it.”

Westman lives in Pearce Ford Tower and said she has already done laundry twice within the past two weeks.

Westman said she has had no problems with the new machines, while other students are having issues with the instructions written on them.

“The very first time I did my laundry, I was confused because I inserted my coins in the wrong dryer,” sophomore and McCormack resident Garrett Evans said. “I put my clothes in the bottom dryer when I paid for the top dryer, because the directions weren’t clear on which coin slot belonged to which dryer.”

Another student living in McCormack, freshman Joel Sizemore, didn’t think the higher priced laundry was worth it, even for newer machines.

“I think I’m just going to start going back home every other weekend to do laundry for free,” Sizemore said.

According to a survey conducted by the Residence Hall Association during the spring 2016 semester, most students living on

SEE LAUNDRY PAGE A2

WKU freshman center Mitchell Robinson (23) scores a basket for Chalmette High School in a game against Ballard High School on Sat. Feb. 11, 2017 at Bowling Green High School. The 5-star recruit signed arrived on campus Monday.

He’s back BRENDAN O’HERN/HERALD

Mitchell Robinson returns to WKU one month after leaving

BY JEREMY CHISENHALL & EVAN HEICHELBECH HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU

I

t looks like the Mitchell Robinson saga has come full circle.

Robinson is expected to return to the WKU basketball program for the 2017-18 season, as Chad Bishop of WBKO first reported Sunday morning. Rumors and reports in college hoops circles had been circulating that Robinson was mulling sitting out the upcoming season before yet another dramatic change of events in his recruitment led to his return to campus on Monday.

Robinson had until 4 p.m. Monday afternoon to register for classes as an undergraduate for the fall semester. He was identified as a registered student on the WKU online student database around 9 a.m. Monday.

Barring any unforeseen restric-

tions by the school or the NCAA, Robinson would be eligible to play this season for the Hilltoppers.

“I’ve said it many times – Mitchell is a good kid who can benefit greatly from the structure and accountability provided to him here,” head coach Rick Stansbury said in a statement Monday afternoon.

Robinson also commented on the whole process in the statement.

“I’ve learned from some decisions I’ve made in my life,” Robinson said. “I accept all responsibility for my actions and look forward to gaining back the respect of all of my coaches, teammates and fans. This is where I want to be, and I want to help the Hilltoppers compete for a championship.”

Robinson never transferred to another school after being released from his athletic scholarship at WKU, therefore he’ll be immediately

eligible to practice and play for WKU from an NCAA standpoint this season After committing to WKU and joining the team this summer, the 5-star player departed from campus and the basketball program on July 26. He was then suspended indefinitely by head coach Rick Stansbury on July 31.

“You know it’s probably just as much a surprise to me as it was you, when I found out he wasn’t here,” Stansbury said at an Aug. 4 press conference. “But like I said, per my statement, Mitchell’s a good kid, he was doing fine here. But for whatever reasons, he’s no longer here.

As I said, he would benefit from structure, and he was doing fine.”

Robinson has not given insight as to why he left campus, although it’s believed by many that the resignation of former WKU assistant coach and Robinson’s godfather, Sham-

SEE ROBINSON PAGE B3

Cafe kicks off International Year of Bosnia

BY YASMINE SADRINIA HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU

WKU’s International Year of Bosnia and Herzegovina officially began on Monday with a cafe in Centennial Mall serving traditional Bosnian cuisine and coffee.

The “International Year Of” ... is a celebration of a single country that occurs for the entirety of each academic year. Throughout the year, students are encouraged to explore and interact with the culture of the selected country through various programs and activities.

Lauren Reyes, the programming coordinator for the Office of International Programs and organizer of the cafe, said she thought that Bosnia was a natural choice for this year’s country.

According to Reyes, approximately 10 percent of Bowling Green’s population is Bosnian-American.

Reyes said she hopes the cafe itself will encourage students to learn more about Bosnian culture. More specifically, the cafe was about the idea of “ceif,” or taking a moment to connect with one another over coffee, according to Reyes.

The organizers of the Interna-

tional Year of Bosnia have partnered with many members of the Bosnian-American community in Bowling Green who look forward to helping faculty, staff and students gain a new appreciation for their country.

Molli Guelde, a Bowling Green senior, has a personal connection with the Bosnian members of the community.

“A bunch of my friends that I grew up with are Bosnian, so I think it’s awesome that their country is this years [International Year of] selection,” Guelde said. “I look forward to learning more about the culture of some of my best friends.”

While stirring coffee in a heated metal pot called a Dezva, Lily Nellans, a senior from Des Moines, Iowa, talked about her connection with the country and what she hopes the International Year of Bosnia will achieve.

“I studied abroad in Sarajevo, Bosnia for nine weeks this summer so I’m really here to talk about my trip,” Nellans said. “I hope that the [International Year Of] Bosnia will encourage people to study abroad there.”

Despite the rain, the cafe drew in many students as they made their way across campus. The tents provided a dry space to sip a cup

To kick off the Year of Bosnia the International Center along with the Study Abroad program hosted an event in Centennial Mall on Monday, Aug. 28 with traditional Bosnian coffee and cookies to promote the Bosnia tradition of ćeif. Ćeif is the practice of slowing down and enjoying one’s time peacefully, like slowly enjoying a cup of coffee with friends or meditation. KATHRYN ZIESIG/HERALD of freshly brewed coffee, listen to music and enjoy some cookies.

Hopkinsville senior Elizabeth Settle said that stopping by the cafe was a great start to a rainy Monday.

“I really enjoyed getting to try some Bosnian food on my way to

class and learn a little bit about how coffee plays a role in the countries culture,” Settle said.

The International Year of Bosnia continues in the Downing Student Union auditorium on Tuesday at

SEE BOSNIA PAGE A2

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COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD

AUGUST 29, 2017

SGA makes sustainability permanent effort

BY OLIVIA MOHR HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU On Thursday, Aug. 24, SGA’s Sustainability Committee held its first meeting as a permanent SGA committee.

During the meeting, the committee discussed ideas for the semester, event preparation and upcoming events.

SGA’s Sustainability Committee Chair Ian Hamilton said he feels the committee will make progress toward the SGA initiative of sustainability.

“I’m fairly confident we can get a lot done,” Hamilton said. “Especially with the progress we’ve made in the past few years and with Dr. Caboni. I think he’s really receptive to what we’re trying to do ... what I’ve learned in the past years [is] we can pass a lot of things, but if the board isn’t behind it or [WKU’s president] isn’t behind it, it doesn’t get far.”

Coordinator of Resource Conservation Elizabeth Gafford said she is trying to engage students in an app called Litterati, which would allow students to take pictures of litter and trash on campus. The app would then log where and what the litter was and create data about what litter we have in various areas around campus.

Gafford encouraged members of the committee to start using the app and spread the word.

“That can help us with ed-

LAUNDRY

Continued from FRONT campus were unhappy with the residence hall laundry facilities.

About 50 percent of respondents of the 2016 survey disagreed with the statement, “When I am ready to do my laundry using my residence hall laundry facilities, the washers and dryers are working and operational.”

Another question on the survey asked if students would prefer

ucation and outreach and fine tune that effort,” she said.

Gafford also discussed the Diddle Arena recycling program, through which each participating student organization can bring 30 student volunteers to pick up trash and recycling in exchange for service hours,

mentioned ideas for the semester, none of which have been instituted. Some of the ideas mentioned were No Shave November to conserve water and save razors, a green game or football sustainability initiative, expanding the Big Red Bikes program and a Green Squirrel of

All the ideas bring a smile to my face because they’re good to hear that students are thinking about these things and wanting to see this kind of change on our campus.”

Office of Sustainability Coordinator Christian Ryan free t-shirts for student volunteers and a $500 donation to the participating student organization. The program was piloted last February.

“It was a huge success, so now we’re implementing it for the entire basketball season for all women’s and men’s games, and we have a lot of interest so far, but we need a lot more to make sure this goes off without a hitch,” Gafford said.

The committee members also

Approval program for students, which would educate students about sustainability on campus.

SGA recently put a reusable bag program in place in the SGA office, where each student who wants a reusable bag can exchange 25 plastic bags for a reusable bag, as the committee discussed.

Office of Sustainability Coordinator Christian Ryan said she feels excited about members’ ideas for

potential sustainability efforts.

“All the ideas bring a smile to my face because they’re all good, and it’s just really good to hear that students are thinking about these things and wanting to see this kind of change on our campus,” she said.

Ryan is also looking forward to starting a climate change conversation on campus through deliberative dialogue, which trains people to have “difficult conversations.”

She feels climate change conversation often “doesn’t go anywhere” because some people “believe it’s just political,” and she feels conversation is important.

“Maybe if we start talking about it enough, then we start having some momentum for actually taking some action,” she said.

The committee is planning on showing “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power,” as well as hosting a climate conversation and deliberate dialouge training in October.

Committee meetings will be held every Thursday in the senate chambers on the second floor of DSU, with events beginning in October.

Reporter Olivia Mohr can be reached at 270-745-6011 or olivia.mohr564@topper.wku.edu.

paying a flat fee at the beginning of each semester to cover the cost of laundry, as opposed to paying on a per-load basis. About 73 percent of respondents said they would prefer to pay a flat fee. At the time, it was estimated that the flat fee would be approximately $17 per semester.

Reporter John Singleton can be reached at 270-745-6011 or john. singleton676@topper.wku.edu.

Glasgow sophomore Heidi Holgate works on one load of laundry out of several, in Southwest Hall on Sunday. This year the price per load of laundry has risen to $1.50 with cash or $1.25 with Big Red Dollars. “You’re a college student, and you’re always looking for the cheapest route... not everyone has the luxury of being able to go home to do your laundry,” Holgate said.

GRACE PRITCHETT /HERALD

Puracic, Bosnia graduate Dzenana Kadric, 22 (left), and Sarajevo, Bosnia senior Sanida Palavra, 21 (right), prepare the traditional Bosnian coffee on Monday, Aug. 28 in Centennial Mall during the Year of Bosnia Kickoff event where students and faculty could stop by the tents and enjoy coffee and cookies while learning about Bosnian traditions. like ćeif. KATHRYN ZIESIG /HERALD

BOSNIA

Continued from front

students can expect to learn about Bosnia during the rest of the year.

5p.m. with Bosnia and Herzegovina 101. This presentation will provide history and context for what

Reporter Yasmine Sadrinia can be reached at 270-745-6011 or yasmine.sadrinia100@topper.wku.edu.

Upcoming International Year of Bosnia and Herzegovina Events: Bosnia and Herzegovina 101 Location: DSU Auditorium Time: Tuesday, August 29 at 5 p.m.

Film Festival, “Welcome to Sarajevo” Location: Cherry Hall 125 Time: Tuesday, September 5 at 7 p.m.

Film Festival, “10 Minutes” and “No Man’s Land” Location: Cherry Hall 125 Time: Wednesday, September 6 at 7 p.m.

Film Festival, “Fog of Srebrenica” Location: Cherry Hall 125 Time: Thursday, September 7 at 7 p.m.

The International Year of Bosnia Film Festival will run throughout September.

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COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD

AUGUST 29, 2017

WKU Chief of Police decision is imminent

BY CAMERON COYLE

his resume. Walker also served on the Bowling Green/Warren County Drug Task Force for three years.

Jim Hyde, former Assistant Chief of Police for Bowling Green, is also a candidate. Hyde started his career at the Eastern Kentucky University Police Department as a patrol officer in 1990. Since then, he has performed the duties of an undercover narcotics officer, executive director, patrol sergeant and captain/ shift commander in multiple cities.

According to Hyde’s resume, he graduated from the F.B.I. National Academy in 2011, from the Department of Criminal Justice Training’s School of Strategic Leadership in 2008, from the Criminal Justice Executive Development

HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU The search for a full-time Chief of Police at WKU is coming to a close, with three finalists announced for consideration.

Current Interim Chief of Police Mitch Walker is one candidate for the position. Walker assumed the role last August after Chief Robert Deane resigned. Walker was previously a patrol captain for a year before being named interim chief.

He also has experience as a criminal investigation division detective, crisis negotiator, police training officer, firearms instructor and patrol officer, according to

Course in 2007 and from the Academy of Police Supervision in 2003.

The final candidate for the position is Tom Saccenti, Chief of Police at Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina. Saccenti is also a recipient of the Medal of Valor, the Medal of Merit and the Medal of Courage. Saccenti is also the president of the National Association of Campus Safety Administrators.

He recently served as the Chief of Police for the Marietta College Police Department in Ohio and as the Director of Campus Safety at Trine University in Indiana. During his time at Furman University, Saccenti established new recruitment methods that have raised minority employment from 14 to 45

percent, according to his resume.

All three candidates were on campus during August for meetings, forums and interviews.

According to Lynne Holland, chief diversity officer, and members of the selection board, they expect to bring the deliberations to an end prior to Labor Day weekend.

In an email, Holland wrote, “We were seeking individuals steeped in community-oriented policing strategies appropriate for a college campus who would also be both visionary and tactical in providing leadership to a university police department.”

Reporter Cameron Coyle can be reached at 270-745-6011 or cameron.coyle803@topper.wku.edu.

WKU develops new diversity, equality plan

BY REBEKAH ALVEY

HERALD.NEWS@WKU.EDU WKU’s newest diversity, equity and inclusion plan is awaiting approval from the Board of Regents, according to university administrators.

The diversity plan was crafted by Lynne Holland, chief diversity officer, with assistance from various stakeholders such as students, faculty and staff at WKU. Holland said each university diversity plan lasts five years and is based off initiatives set by the state. Holland began working on the plan over a year ago with input from across WKU. Holland said the process of getting the plan approved involves writing the plan, approval from the Equal Opportunity Committee, a co-committee on the Council on Postsecondary Education, approval from stakeholders such as the provost and finally, approval by the Board of Regents.

In comparison to the previous plan, Holland said the new plan is similar but is more focused on opportunity, success of students, faculty and staff and impact. She said the plan attempts to create “cultural competency” at WKU and increases persistence of minority students and allows them to see themselves as scholars.

“You change the environment, you change the behavior,” Holland said.

Cultural competency takes a large role in both WKU’s and the state’s initiatives for diversity. Holland described it as using tools and strategies to engage

with people unlike ourselves.

“Can we suspend our judgement and figure out a way to work carefully and closely, with kindness and compassion,” Holland said of cultural competency.

Martha Sales, executive director of TRiO Programs and the Intercultural Student Engagement Center, said this year’s plan is “qualitative results rather than quantitative.” In the past, Sales said the plan addressed meeting required numbers. This year, Sales said

Sales said she appreciated the remarks as well as her colleagues’ response. She said she loved the transparency, boldness and sincerity of Caboni’s remarks.

“Sometimes it just needs to be said,” Sales said. “We assume that you understand that racism isn’t tolerated but why not just say it?”

The Intercultural Student Engagement Center and the new ISEC Academy are programs involved with the new diversity plan and

Can we suspend our judgment and figure out a way to work carefully and closely, with kindness and compassion.”

Chief diversity officer Lynne Holland the plan has more “substance” with more effort toward ensuring success.

“Access without success is nothing,” Sales said, quoting remarks made by President Timothy Caboni during his convocation speech.

The old plan provided diversity student access to WKU, while Sales said the new plan provides success.

Caboni also addressed issues of race and diversity in his convocation speech following the events in Charlottesville, Virgina and said “Bigotry and hate have no place on this campus,” according to a previous Herald article.

serve as examples of promoting student success. Sales said ISEC turns no one away and works to recruit, retain and graduate all students.

In addition to the ISEC Academy, there are several other strategic initiatives and programs.

Holland said one addition she is particularly proud of is the creation of a Student Equity Council.

Throughout the formation of the new plan, Holland said student input was important. The new council will include 25 students, some who had input for the new plan, who will provide Holland with infor-

mation about diversity, equity and inclusion from their perspective.

Other initiatives include targeted recruitment of low income and first generation students and pre-enrollment orientation. Holland said these programs allow students with little to no knowledge about college to understand the language and dynamics before arriving on campus.

In the plan, Holland said there is an emphasis on high impact on students through faculty and staff relationships. She explained the implementation of “campus connectors,” who are peers, faculty and staff that repeatedly connect with students before and during their four years to ensure success.

Through the new plan, Holland said she is excited to position WKU as a university that “warmly welcomes students.” She referred to former WKU President Henry Hardin Cherry’s philosophy of being a “light on the hill,” and said the university should be a place for new ideas and a true beacon.

“We should truly be a beacon of a place that creates those environments where all folk can be successful,” Holland said. “Can we stretch and become that place, that shining example on the hill where folks can learn.”

The plan will go before the Board of Regents for committee approval at their Sep. 22 committee meetings, according to Holland.

Reporter Rebekah Alvey can be reached at 270-745-6011 and rebekah.alvey660@topper.wku.edu.

Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall

August 29th, 7:00 pm The Capitol Arts Center

Aug 31st – Sept 4th 24hr viewing

VIETNAM WAR EXHIBIT Historic Military Impressions Museum

Free Admission

8am-10pm

A Discussion with Co-Producer Gill Holland The Making of Look & See 4:00 pm, Cherry Hall 125

QUILTS OF VALOR EXHIBIT Creative Quilters Guild

8am-8pm

FALLEN HEROES DISPLAY Follow WKU Cultural Enhancement Series on Facebook and @wkuces on Twitter.

wku.edu/go/ces

Honoring Combat Casualties Allen, Barren, Butler, Edmonson, Hart, Logan, Metcalfe, Monroe, Simpson, Warren

24hr viewing

Cave City Convention Center 502 Mammoth Cave St. Cave City, KY 42101

Thursday - Sept 21 4:00 P.M Grise Hall 439 Ken Burns and Lynn Novick Present

The Vietnam War

BY Sept 20th for 2 Entries for door prizes

Receive gmat prep discount for attending

TWC 24.1 or 917 Glasgow EPB 24 wkyupbs.org

Begins Thursday, October 12th, 8pm CT Ten years in the making, this ten-part series captures the epic story of one of the most consequential, divisive, and controversial events in American history.

WKUHERALD.COM ABOVE THE FRAY

OPINION

AUGUST 29, 2017 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY Have an opinion? Tweet us @wkuherald or find us on Facebook at WKUHerald as well. Let us know your thoughts about the editorial, or write us with what is on your mind.

KALYN’S CORNER

English majors: We’re not all teachers

BY KALYN JOHNSON HERALD.OPINION@WKU.EDU

From WKU with Love Learning Life Lessons on the Hill

BY ERICK MURRER

1. Be genuine

HERALD.OPINION@WKU.EDU

D

ear bright-eyed freshman, What an exciting time it is for you to be alive! You’re living away from home, enjoying unprecedented amounts of freedom and are just beginning to experience the throes of adulthood.

To that I say, “Welcome to Western.” Your life is about to change in some pretty noticeable ways.

Even though you’ve only been on the Hill for a week now, you probably have figured out that college involves trial and error. While waiting in Panda Express’s line to satisfy my orange chicken addiction, a bubbly freshman dutifully informed me of Panda and Chick-fila’s atrocious waiting times. I couldn’t help but chuckle, and reply, “Oh, I know. I’ve been here for four years.”

Four long, hectic, painful, joyful, and rewarding years later, I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.

Not only have I mastered avoiding the calf-busting Hill by taking the Cravens Library elevator to the fourth floor (can I get an “Amen”?), but I’ve also learned some key life takeaways.

I’m going to impart advice for self-care — the kind of insight not typically shared in your ordinary M.A.S.T.E.R Plan sessions.

College is a time of self-discovery and individual formation.

There will be many epiphanies and revelations as to how you relate to yourself and the world, what you value and what you believe in.

Don’t worry about how others perceive your own development. This is your journey and time to shine.

I can’t emphasize enough the importance of following your dreams and cultivating your passions. Any major, club or professional activity you set out to do should be a reflection of who you genuinely are – not just a resume selling point. Continually ask yourself, “Is this what I want for my life?”

2. Be your own best friend If you are lucky, you will make some of your best friends in college.

Unlike high school, you aren’t forced to associate with anyone. Who you actively spend time with outside of class is completely your own choice.

While growing in these friendships, learn to become a good listener, and make sure to be there for your friends.

But balance is important, and it’s impossible to hang out with your friends all the time. At some point, you come back to a quiet dorm room. In these moments, you must learn how to be

alone, and this can be really hard.

Sometimes, friends can’t reply to texts or won’t be able to hang out with you. You learn that you have to be your own best friend. Pursue your interests and venture out to places by yourself. I’ll never forget the first time when I went to the movies alone, and it was a fun experience! That’s when you learn how to appreciate company even more.

3. Remove toxic people from your life You most likely have toxic family members, old acquaintances and hometown friends that have been involved in your life. Disparaging comments and hurtful actions dampen your willingness to associate with these people.

You deserve supportive people in your life who love you for who you are and who want to build you up. Cut people out who aren’t making you better a person. Toxic people impact every facet of your life, even spilling over into your school work, so it’s important to not let that negativity bog you down.

There’s no one “right” way to experience college, but I hope these points will be helpful in shaping a fruitful experience.

Thrive, and become the best version of yourself – we’re all cheering and rooting for you from the sidelines. You’ve got this!

On Friday August 25, The Department of English hosted their first ever convocation. The ceremony successfully showcased the different concentrations that the Department of English has to offer. The Head of the Department of English, Robert Hale, invited many students who have successfully used English degrees inside and outside of the classroom to speak on the topics of scholarships, internships and even study abroad opportunities.

Having the chance to hear upperclassmen from every concentration of English speak on their experience was uplifting. Not only did students talk about their experience within the department, but they validated their degrees by discussing publication opportunities. “The Ashen Egg” and “Zephyrus,” both university publications, allow students to hone their craft outside of class. This event showcased all of the opportunities that are located within the English department, such as the Film Club, Korean Pop Culture Club, Professional Writing Club and the English Club.

What I found most striking about the event, however, was the amount of passion with which everyone spoke.

With an English degree it can be easy to get bogged down with the uncertainty of a crooked job market, or thinking that we can only be editors and publishers. This convocation showed that an English degree is diverse and necessary.

My experience within the Department of English has been filled with uncertainty as I’ve fallen completely out of love with editing and into an intense relationship with the realm of Student Affairs. I felt that my degree was useless and a waste of time or I’d spent thousands of dollars only to fall out of love with something that was my passion. But that isn’t what happened.

I was looking at the situation through a dirty lens and the convocation was the clarity I found. I, like many others, found a way for my English degree to complement my new passion.

I spoke at the convocation and could only echo what those before me had said: a degree in English is one of the most valuable degrees a person can receive because it can teach us so much about the world and ourselves.

With all due respect to these occupations, I believe it is important for everyone to know people with English degrees are not all editors, publishers or teachers. We write speeches for government officials. We are lawyers and medical professionals. We run conventions, write screenplays and even re-write technical manuals for NASA. The many students who spoke at the convocation did something for the incoming class that I wish I’d had as a young professional writer: validated a degree that gets very little respect.

WK-CHEW

Taste the rainbow at La Michoacana

BY CHRIS DIMEO

HERALD.OPINION@WKU.EDU For those lamenting the end of the bright and bustling summer season and the coming of the droll and dreary winter, worry not. You can still cherish the spirit of summer with the incredibly diverse colors and flavors at La Michoacana!

Occupying an unmarked storefront in Buckhead Plaza on Campbell Lane, this authentic Mexican dessert shop appears unassuming at first, but once you step inside its doors, the experience is completely transformed. The only way to accurately describe it is an explosion of color. Everything, from the walls, to

the lights, to the eye-popping array of treats behind the counter, is awash with rainbow. What’s more, equally as colorful is the diversity of options to enjoy.

Of course, no “heladería,” or ice cream shop, would be complete without the titular sweet treat, and La Michoacana is no exception. The shop offers a wide variety of different flavors, from the standard fare seen in an American Baskin Robbins, such as vanilla, chocolate or chocolate chip, as well as specialties unique to the Mexican palate for example, “Mexican Twinkie” or rum raisin. And while Mexican dessert neophytes such as myself may be surprised to find that the ice cream served here has less of a sugary or creamy taste

than that of the typical American ice cream shop, I actually preferred this lighter flavor because it doesn’t leave you with that feeling of guilt that comes with downing an entire quart of heavy cream via waffle cone.

However, I have to say that the true MVPs of the menu were the popsicles, of which La Michoacana serves two types: sweet fruit popsicles, made with 100 percent real fruit and whole slices of strawberry, mango, kiwi and more frozen inside as well as more savory pops dipped in chocolate, then sprinkled with a menagerie of colorful toppings such as sprinkles, nuts and shredded coconuts. Both types, in addition to being mouth-wateringly delicious, are remarkable in their use of color that

is sure to captivate the imagination of children, making this a great place to take a family.

But La Michoacana doesn’t stop at being colorful in appearance and flavor alone. It also stands out in accessibility to a diverse customer base because all of its staff members speak Spanish and English.

So, all in all, because of its diverse and colorful menu, as well as its equally welcoming atmosphere, I found La Michoacana to be the kind of culinary experience that can appeal to anyone. Whether you’re a Spanish-speaker and Mexican dessert connoisseur or you just want to try something new, there’s a dessert with your name on it at La Michoacana!

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Indiana Jones Trilogy ©2017 PuzzleJunction.com

1. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, what was Marion's last name? (a) Ravencraft (b) Ravenwood (c) Ravenstone 2. Willie dowses an elephant with what brand of perfume in Temple of Doom? (a) Chanel (b) Arpege (c) Shalimar 3. What does Indiana Jones desire most in life? (a) Peace & Quiet (b) Fortune & Glory (c) Pride & Wealth 4. What does Indy's dad have a fear of? (a) Flying (b) Heights (c) Rats 5. In The Last Crusade, what is printed on Indy's lighter? (a) A cross (b) A horseshoe (c) A four-leaf clover 6. What is Indiana Jones's first name? (a) Henry (b) Harold (c) Harry 7. What type of trucks do the Nazis drive in Raiders of the Lost Ark? (a) BMW (b) Mercedes (c) Renault 8. What is the name of the Indian palace where children are being held in Temple of Doom? (a) Pankot (b) Bangrah (c) Pahljit 9. In Raiders of the Lost Ark, what fruit did Indy almost eat only to find out it was poisoned? (a) Fig (b) Date (c) Olive 10. Who met Indy in Venice to help him find his father in The Last Crusade? (a) Nicola (b) Nina (c) Elsa

1 Toil 6 Knock down a peg 12 Palm tree dropping 14 Net education?

15 Magician Harry 16 Heavy hydrogen, e.g.

17 Fitting 18 Quirky 19 Jamboree shelter 20 Bar staple 21 San Francisco’s ___ Hill 22 Boo-hoo 23 Tax pro, for short 26 England’s Isle of ___ 28 Make, as money 29 Fall behind 32 Captivated by 33 Lecture 35 Composer Albéniz 37 Total 39 Syrup flavor 40 T-shirt pattern 42 Wise one 44 Census datum 45 Circle overhead?

46 Way too weighty 48 “Star Trek” rank (Abbr.)

49 Wing it?

50 Beer holder 52 Battering device 55 Dart 56 Genetic info carrier 57 Promising words

Solution 1.b 2.a 3.b 4.c 5.c

6.a 7.b 8.a 9.b 10.c

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58 Render unnecessary 61 Greek goddess of fate 63 Shortages 64 Ties up 65 Means of escape 66 Geneva’s river Down 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Eccentric Sharp as a tack Physique, slangily Bagel choice Decrepit Strands Durable wood

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 23 24 25 27 28 29 30 31 32 34 36

Baseball glove Plastic ___ Band Kind of dance Bard’s before Burn slightly Choice morsels Warlock Bivouacs Drudge Building addition Overcharge Baseball stat Willowy From the East Highlanders Frigid Australian runner Botheration

38 Beaver-like aquatic rodent 41 Crude stone artifacts 43 Come in again 47 Memory units 49 Drivers hate them 51 Brooks of country music 52 Turn red, maybe 53 Dig deeply 54 Trunk growth 55 Send packing 58 Jonson work 59 Entreat 60 Dictionary abbr.

62 Cry of surprise

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

2 3

8 7 9 5 6 3 1 8 6 2 9 1 5 2 8 6 4

7 8

Previous solution

9

5 3 8 4 7

Copyright ©2017 PuzzleJunction.com

To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

1 2

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AUGUST 29, 2017 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

WKUHERALD.COM

PHOTO

Competitors come from all over the United States to compete in the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing tournament. Racers competed for the North Central Division title, on Saturday at Beech Bend Raceway Park.

Photo finish R

acers and enthusiasts came from as far as Florida to participate in and watch the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series at Beech Bend Raceway in Bowling Green on Saturday. Drivers have a chance to earn points leading to divisional, regional and even national championships. Driver Greg Lubben, who is a long time racing enthusiast, and recently started competing in the last six months, said “It’s a great event. I really enjoy the competition.”

Photos by: silas Walker

A racer waits for permission to go to the starting line during the Lucas Oil Drag racing Two-year-old Levi Zahn plays with a toy car at Beech Bend Raceway. Zahn’s family competition on Saturday at Beech Bend. comes to the Lucas Oil Drag Racing competiton every year from McMinnville, Tennessee.

Greg Lubben admires a car at Beech Bend Raceway on Saturday. Lubben came all the way from Florida to complete in the Lucas Oil Drag Race Series.

Jenn Liggetc, from Seymour, Indiana, pulls her helmet on as she prepares for her race on Saturday at Beech Bend Raceway. Leggetc has been racing since 1998 with her father.

AUGUST 29, 2017 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

WKUHERALD.COM

LIFE This is Campbellsville, Ky. senior Jeremy McFarland’s third semester leading the Transgender and Non-Binary branch of the Queer Student Union. For McFarland, having a place where students feel safe to be themselves is important. “I’m transgender and didn’t have any support like this,” he said. “People are more openly vitriolic towards transgender people and students need to have a space they feel like themselves.”

JENNIFER KING/HERALD

Safe space

Queer Student Union revamps for fall semester

BY SARAH YAACOUB

HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU

For many students, finding safe spaces for civil discourse and shared experiences is an important part of college and coming to terms with who they are.

With the changes made to Western Kentucky University’s Queer Student Union, WKU is more prepared to address those needs in the LGBTQ community.

Campbellsville senior Jeremy Mc-

Farland is in his first semester serving as student coordinator of QSU. He described the organization as a group for all queer, allied and questioning students, meaning it’s open to students who support LGBT+ people as well as those who consider themselves queer or who are still unsure of or figuring out their orientation and identity—referred to as “questioning”.

The organization is good for networking and making connections with others in the community, as well as learning about queer history and

speaking freely without judgment or discrimination, McFarland explained.

“I think it’s important because there’s a massive need for students on campus that have the support of each other ... that’s a really isolating feeling, when you feel like your institution doesn’t have resources to help you,” McFarland said.

He went on to explain QSU is working to expand its services to include niches for minorities whose voices often go unheard within the queer community or within society as a whole.

One new subset of QSU is the Transgender and Nonbinary Group, known as TNB. It’s a confidential group for students who are transgender, nonbinary or questioning gender identity, and students interested in joining can email qsu.tnb@gmail.com. The identities of students involved and the times and locations of meetings are not disclosed except by direct contact with the organization in order to protect members’ privacy.

QSU is a campus organization for students who identify as queer, a blan-

SEE QSU B2

Library renovates with focus toward future

BY GRIFFIN FLETCHER

HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU The Bob Kirby Branch of the Warren County Public Library system located on Scottsville Road is undergoing its second expansion since being built in 2008.

Renovations started in late February 2017 and are expected to be finished in a few months. Renovations include more floor space for book collection, a larger room for Educational Delivery Services and a “maker’s space,” where people will be able to work on individual projects. The maker’s space will provide basic tools and supplies, sewing machines and potentially a pottery kiln.

Branch Manager Ashley Fowlkes believes the maker’s space will modernize Bob Kirby Branch and be a great addition to the Warren County community.

“We want to provide as much service to the community as possible,” Fowlkes said. “Libraries aren’t just a place to come and read anymore. It’s a place to create.”

Fowlkes was born in Louisiana, but came to Bowling Green in 1997. As Branch Manager, she saw Bob Kirby Branch through its first renovation in 2013, which included the creation of a children’s room and community meeting rooms.

These community meeting rooms are free of charge and open to non-profit businesses and organizations.

The Children’s Room not only contains books and a brightly colored wall mural, but also hosts various programs designed for families and kids, including yoga and Spanish classes.

The library recently started its own “seed library,” as well, as written about in a past Herald article.

With further renovations and expansion, Bob Kirby Branch looks to continue impacting the community in a positive way.

Bowling Green local and SKYCTC student Kristine Riggsbee regularly attends and studies at the library. She believes its calm and comfortable atmosphere keeps Warren County secure.

“I believe it has a positive impact on the community because it is a safe and fun place for families and kids,” Riggsbee said while seated at one of the library’s many isolated desks.

Aside from the multiple desks and narrowly separated rows of books, DVDs and magazines, the library’s constant rhythm of clicking keyboards and scrolling desktop mouses indicates free wifi and many computers.

The computers are housed at a large desk near the center of the library and can be used to rent and secure items from the library, or simply to browse

A woman approaches the entrance of Warren County Public Library on State Street, reading a sign regarding how all branches of the library will be closed on Monday Aug. 28. TYGER WILLIAMS/HERALD the web.

Shelby Gore is from Bowling Green and graduated from WKU in December of 2016. She worked at Bob Kirby Branch throughout high school and came back after graduating from college.

Gore is enthusiastic about the library’s future and in-progress renovations.

“I think we’re all excited about the renovation,” Gore said. “We need the

room to grow, because we’re doing great things.”

Bob Kirby Branch is hosting its Annual Book Sale event from September 15 to September 17 and is advertising for the first ever Young Adult Southern Book Con, or YAS Book Con, scheduled from October 20 to October 21.

The book con will take place in downtown Bowling Green and will include book signings from over 30 authors of

SEE LIBRARY B2

B2

AUGUST 29, 2017

COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD

Volunteer Opportunities at Riverside at Hobson Grove

BY LAUREL DEPPEN HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU Located just a few miles outside of campus, the historic Riverview at Hobson Grove museum is searching for passionate volunteers.

The house that is Riverview at Hobson Grove is a picturesque Italian Villa styled house in western Bowling Green, overlooking the Barren River.

The Hobson family played a crucial role in the development of Bowling Green and in Bowling Green’s position during the Civil War. Construction began on the home in 1857, but, due to the war, it wasn’t finished until 1872. Union Colonel William Hobson, son of the builder, grew concerned with the safety of the prop-

erty during wartime. He requested that the southern commanding officer Simon Bolivar Buckner not destroy the property. However, Buckner used the property as a confederate munition magazine. In spite of this, Atwood Hobson, a strong supporter of the Union, borrowed $30,000 to aide with Union causes.

Now, over 100 years later, the museum is always looking for enthusiastic people to volunteer as docents.

Roma Tyrie, Hobson Grove’s weekend manager and a docent herself, calls for people with an interest in history or architecture to apply for jobs.

“Anyone who has a special place in their heart for older homes and historic architectures, Civil War history, and pretty much anything Victorian,” Tyrie

said.

Docents begin their training by learning the history of the home, its furnishings, and its original owners. Docents lead tours sharing this knowledge with visitors and continue to preserve the vastness of its history.

Throughout the year, the house hosts festivals related to the holiday seasons.

Docents adorn the home with decorations related to the various holidays and lead visitors in Victorian holiday traditions.

Tyrie emphasized the importance of the museum and her own job as a docent.

“The mission is to kind of give people a step back in time ... you know, getting people back in touch with their history.”

Now a site on the Civil War Discovery trail and listed as a landmark on the National Register, Riverview is open to the public as a nonprofit organization, and opportunities at Hobson Grove are not necessarily limited to history buffs.

“This is [a] really neat architecturally designed house for this region,” Tyrie said. “We’re just trying to get people to come out here and just enjoy history and historical things.”

Those interested in volunteering are welcomed to visit during office hours.

The director of the museum at Hobson Grove is open to inquiries Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Reporter Laurel Deppen can be reached at (270)745-2655 and laurel. deppen774@topper.wku.edu.

‘Welcome Back’ festival to offer giveaways, free food

BY OLIVIA MOHR

HERALD.FEATURES@WKU.EDU The Welcome Back WKU Festival will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow, Aug. 30, on South Lawn. Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce partners, including local businesses and restaurants, will set up tents and offer food, activities and giveaways to students.

The purpose of the festival is to allow WKU and the Chamber of Commerce to bring the Bowling Green community to the students, said Director of WKU Campus and Community Events Rachel Goodman.

“Instead of having to go out into the community and find all these different places, [students] can literally stay on campus and travel from tent to tent, booth to booth, to learn the community surrounding our campus,” she said.

Goodman said she feels educating students about what the community has to offer is beneficial to both students and Chamber partners.

“For all of the businesses, you’ve got students’ undivided attention for a couple of minutes, and a lot of

times, the better the giveaway, the longer you keep the students in the tent, the more likely they are to maybe come see you later,” she said.

Goodman also feels Chamber partners’ abilites to establish connection with students through the festival is beneficial.

“Establishing that contact and that face-to-face interaction to me is priceless, so they have one-on-one contact with students for a certain amount of time that [they] would not normally have,” she said.

Chamber partners will be offering several giveaways, including packages from businesses, prizes, pizza, laundry detergent, food samples, ramen noodles and drinks, Goodman said.

Chamber partners will also offer games like spin wheels and cornhole to win prizes.

According to Goodman, the festival has gone well in past years, and it typically attracts about 2,500 to 3,000 students.

Goodman said WKU is grateful for the partnership it has with the Chamber of Commerce and for the ability to organize the festival.

“I think it’s been a valuable partnership with the Chamber, and we are grateful to be a part of it,” she said.

Program and events director for the chamber of commerce Katie Dykes said she feels all students can benefit from attending the festival.

“The festival is great for students whether they are a freshman or a senior, new to Bowling Green or have lived here all their life,” she said. “Our vendors are there to promote their student discounts, available jobs, internships [and] volunteer opportunities and more.”

Dykes said the Chamber partners look forward to the event every year.

“WKU students and their visiting families have a big economic impact on our local businesses,” she said.

“With this event, our partners have the opportunity to welcome the students and showcase their businesses to a large number of students in just one afternoon.”

Like Goodman and Dykes, Vice President of Community and Public Policy for the Chamber of Commerce Kim Phelps also feels the festival is beneficial to students and Chamber

LIBRARY

Continued from B1 Young Adult Literature, food trucks and various presentations and workshops.

Gore hopes renovations at Bob Kirby Branch please the public and reveal li-

Every piece is important. text

WKU 88188 to

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free

10 inch pizza!

861 Fairview Avenue, Bowling Green, KY 42101 (270) 715-5111

QSU

Continued from b1 ket term that encompasses lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and other sexual identifications.

Through the organization, members can receive access to a number of resources, including an LGBTQIA+ , or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, asexual, ally, support group that meets weekly.

There is also a subgroup specifically designed for transgender and gender non-conforming people, where they can discuss issues they face as a result of their gender identity and expression and advocatefor rights andaccommodations.

WKU’s Counseling and Testing Center is linked with the Queer Student Union, providing counseling to LGBT+ students and offering off-campus therapist referrals when necessary, in addition to referring transgender students to medical specialists for treatments like hormone replacement therapy, a process by which biological sex is altered to match the gender identity of the patient.

QSU has also created resources for queer students, specifically geared toward transgender people, including a list of all-gender bathrooms and an explanation of Title IX’s application

partners.

“WKU is a vital part of our community, and this event gives us the chance to meet students face to face and help them familiarize themselves with local businesses and available opportunities,” Phelps said.

Phelps said the festival is one of the most popular events at the Chamber and that the Chamber has a strong connection with WKU. She said she hopes the festival will encourage students to “feel at home in Bowling Green” and be part of the Bowling Green community.

“Bowling Green is a great place to live, work, and play,” she said. “Each year we look forward to Western students coming back to town and bringing their special blend of excitement to everything we do. We hold this event each year to welcome them home and look forward to them being part of this community for a long time to come.”

Reporter Olivia Mohr can be reached at 270-745-2655 and olivia. mohr564@topper.wku.edu. braries’ true potential.

“A library is so much more than what we think it is,” Gore said with a smile.

Griffin Fletcher can be reached at (270)745-2655 and griffin.fletcher398@topper.wku.edu.

to the queer community. The group worked with the ID center and the IT division to allow name changes on student IDs and TopperMail accounts for those who request them.

Groups for people of color, people of faith, and people on the ace, or asexual, spectrum are currently in the works, with more coming soon. Students are welcome to suggest and create more subgroups if they see a need, and anyone who wishes to join QSU is encouraged to email wku.qsu@gmail.comor come to a meeting. The organization meets weekly on Mondays at 3 p.m. in Downing Student Union,room 2113, and no sign-up is required to attend.

Changes are in place to make resources and peer support more accessible to queer people in the WKU community, but as the Queer Student Union growsto meet the needs of thestudent population, its mission stays the same.

“The goal is to include everyone,” McFarland said. “It’s really to educate the campus and community on the needs and humanity of queer students.”

Reporter Sara Yaacoub can be reached at 270-745-6291 andsarah. yaacoub214@topper.wku.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @sarahyaacoub1.

Wkuherald.com WKu's no. 1 source for campus news FOLLOW US

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B3

COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD

AUGUST 29, 2017

Brangers, Idehen no longer enrolled at WKU

BY JEREMY CHISENHALL

HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU Redshirt junior shooting guard Jordan Brangers is no longer enrolled at WKU, according to the WKU online student directory.

The news of Brangers’ absence from the directory surfaced around 3 p.m. Monday afternoon.

“After a standard review completed of all WKU transfer students, junior guard Jordan Brangers has not met NCAA transfer requirements and is no longer a member of the Hilltopper program,” WKU Basketball released in a statement Monday afternoon.

Brangers, who was expected to start at shooting guard for the Hilltoppers this season, is a transfer from South Plains College, a junior college

ROBINSON

Continued from A1

mond Williams had something to do with it. It’s important to note that Robinson enrolled in summer classes, took financial aid and practiced with the team after Williams resigned.

“There was really no questions anywhere,”Stansbury said on Aug. 4. “I guess there was a few questions that got brought up a month or so ago when Shammond left. That’s probably the first questions that ever got brought up. But it’s very obvious that he came on to school.

“I can’t say that. I can’t say that,” Stansbury continued when asked if he thought Williams’ absence had

in Levelland, Texas. He holds the single-season three-point shooting record at South Plains, as he made 151 attempts last year. He ranked fourth in the nation for points scored among JUCO players last season. That shooting helped him lead South Plains to a third-place finish in the NJCAA Men’s Basketball National Tournament. He was also named the Western Junior College Athletic Conference Player of the Year, and the Region V Player of the Year in 2017. He was the No. 3 JUCO recruit in the nation after the 2016-2017 season, according to JUCORecruiting.com.

Brangers originally committed to Texas Tech on Sept. 19, 2016, but then de-committed and signed a letter of intent with WKU on April 12 of the same year.

Brangers traveled with the WKU

basketball team to Costa Rica, contributing to three wins overseas by scoring 15.7 points per game, and hitting four 3-pointers per contest.

Brangers is a Kentucky native, having finished his high school career at Eastern High School in Louisville.

Brangers’ departure comes at the time of other major news for the basketball program as it has recently been revealed that McDonald’s All-American Mitchell Robinson has returned to campus. Additionally, three-star recruit Robinson Idehen did not enroll in time to play this semester. Idehen attended WKU as a student in the spring 2017 semester, but is currently in London. Idehen, a 6 foot 9, 210-pound center from Modesto Christian School in Modesto, California and originally from Spain, averaged 15.8 points, 8.7

anything to do with Robinson’s departure. “When [Williams] left, he said he wanted to pursue other opportunities and avenues in his life, whether it’s coaching or not. I don’t know where that is, but that’s what I was told.”

It’s also worth noting that another relationship of Robinson’s, his relationship with Stansbury, is what got him to WKU in the first place. The seven-footer was originally committed to Texas A&M, where Stansbury was an assistant coach. Stansbury was able to get him to flip his commitment once he became WKU’s head coach.

After the two sides talked, Stansbury granted Robinson’s release from the team on Aug. 1, allowing him to enroll elsewhere for the academic year. An NCAA waiver would still have

been needed for him to play basketball for another school this season.

“We had a very brief conversation that was on the phone, and that was about it,” Stansbury said three days after he released Robinson from his scholarship.

Robinson then took visits to Louisiana State University, the University of Kansas and the University of New Orleans. After the visits, he considered sitting out and preparing for the 2018 NBA Draft instead of playing college basketball at all.

That deliberation lasted about a week, with several different reports coming out claiming a variety of possible outcomes. Jon Rothstein of FanRag Sports said Robinson was leaning toward sitting

rebounds and 2.8 blocks in his last season at Modesto Christian.

In addition to that, the Hilltoppers just landed a commitment from JUCO transfer Matthew Horton for the 2018 season.

Horton, a 6 foot 10 forward from Shelton State, committed to WKU late Saturday night. In his freshman season at Shelton State, he played 27 games, and averaged 5.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game.

Horton chose WKU over the University of Arkansas and Georgetown University, according to Brad Stephens of the Bowling Green Daily News.

Reporter Jeremy Chisenhall can be reached at 859-760-0198 and jeremy. chisenhall921@topper.wku.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @JSChisenhall.

out, while Adam Zagoria of ZagsBlog said on Aug. 22 that Robinson was down to Kansas and WKU. It is unclear at the time of publication whether or not Robinson will still have to serve his indefinite suspension, or how long that will last.

“As I stated previously, there are requirements for his return that will be handled internally,” Stansbury said in the statement.

Reporters Jeremy Chisenhall and Evan Heichelbech can be reached at 270-745-56291 and herald.sports@wku.edu.

Follow the Herald Sports coverage on Twitter at @wkuheraldsports.com

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AUGUST 29, 2017 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

SPORTS WKUHERALD.COM

Senior forward Bria Mosley (23) goes to hug freshman forward Ashley Leonard (7) after she scored a goal in overtime to win WKU’s game verses UT Martin on Sunday at the WKU Soccer Complex. SILAS WALKER/HERALD

WKU Soccer looks to stay aggressive after OT win

BY CASEY MCCARTHY

HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU The WKU women’s soccer team has looked potent this season when it has been able to apply the pressure.

On Sunday afternoon, the Lady Toppers were able to do so as freshman Ashley Leonard found the back of the net four minutes into the overtime period, defeating UT-Martin 1-0.

Head coach Jason Neidell said after the game he feels his team can be comfortable to be in that position.

“We have good enough athletes that we want to be a pressing team that pushes a team down to their end and defends with numbers,” Neidell said. “I thought there were times that we looked really sharp today.”

Neidell said it was frustrating early on for him as his team had some trouble breaking down a Skyhawks

team that stayed tight and pushed back most of the game. Neidell said he felt the team did a good job figuring things out towards the end of the first half.

“If our execution was a little better early in the game, then maybe we could’ve ended the game before overtime,” Neidell said. “It’s always the last piece of the puzzle that you put in as a soccer coach. You’re always working from the back to the middle and the front piece just wasn’t quite there today.”

The Lady Toppers (2-2-0) outshot the Skyhawks 20-4 (9-3 on goal) and applied the pressure aggressively all afternoon. Neidell said the team’s execution needs to be sharper though.

WKU has come out zon top in both matches this season when able to apply more shots on goal, holding a 6-3 advantage in the win against Lipscomb University to start the season.

While they were able to apply the pressure and come out on top Sunday, the Lady Toppers were unable to be as dominant on Friday against Austin Peay, falling 2-1. Neidell said Sunday that the team is still working towards improving on closing space.

“We lost some important pieces [from last year],” Neidell said. “We had Iris Dunn up front, who was such a presence up there that no one really wanted to face against her.”

WKU has seen signs of hope from its youth, as Leonard’s decisive goal Sunday was the second goal by a true freshman for the Lady Toppers this season, after Tally Bishop scored in the season opener.

Leonard only needed four minutes on the field Sunday to secure hers.

“It feels awesome, amazing to be here in the first place and to be able to get out there and get it done for the team,” Leonard said. “I think it

means a lot to the team because we put a lot into winning on our home field and to have it be a win is a great feeling.”

The Lady Toppers will have a longer week to prepare than they have so far this season, as Neidell said the team will take the time to work on a few things, forward runs being an example.

WKU Soccer will play again Sunday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. against University of Evansville in Bowling Green.

This Sunday will double as Youth Soccer Day, as younger players are encouraged to join the atmosphere of a collegiate match.

Reporter Casey McCarthy can be reached at (270)-929-7795 and email at casey.mccarthy573@topper.wku. edu.

Echols-Luper to make impact in final collegiate season

BY SAM PORTER HERALD.SPORTS@WKU.EDU In late May, former Texas Christian University and Arkansas State wide receiver Cameron Echols-Luper graduated from ASU with one year of eligibility left to play college football.

Needing another place to call home for his final season of eligibility, Echols-Luper reached out to former WKU wide receiver Stephon Brown Jr., whom Echols-Luper said he’s good friends with.

According to Echols-Luper, senior quarterback Mike White vouched for him as well and head coach Mike Sanford and company agreed to bring him in.

“We all want weapons, and we want as many as we can get,” offensive coordinator Junior Adams said.

“I think by adding Cam we’re just adding another weapon. We got a lot of weapons on the receiving corps.

As an offensive staff we’re just trying to figure out how we’re going to use them all.”

Last season at Arkansas State, the Texas native caught 26 passes for 407 yards and one touchdown while helping Arkansas State to an 8-5 record Although those numbers aren’t staggering, Echols-Luper brings more than just skill at the wide receiver position; he’s also been a starter at punt returner. In fact, the biggest play of his college career was a punt return.

During the 2014 season, fourth ranked TCU found itself on upset alert on the road against a 2-7 Kansas squad. With the Horned Frogs trailing 27-24 late in the third quarter, Echols-Luper returned a punt 69 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, outsprinting every Jayhawk down the left sideline once he found an opening. The touchdown would be the last of the game as the Horned Frogs held on for a 34-30 victory to keep their college football playoff hopes alive.

While at TCU, Echols-Luper also starred on the Horned Frogs’ track team where he was a member of the Horned Frogs 4x100 meter relay that finished 11th in the nation.

“The fact that he has a punt for a touchdown in the Big 12 is significant,” Sanford said. “His speed is verified by being on one of the elite 4x100 teams as a freshman and sophomore at TCU. I think this is a great fit for him culturally.”

Whether WKU fans will see Echols-Luper on special teams is still up in the air. Senior wide receiver Nacarius Fant returns at punt returner after tying the school record for punt return touchdowns (2) in a single season. While Sanford mentioned he believes the addition of Echols-Luper brings more depth to the receiver position, it also appears bring more depth in the return game as well.

“My dog Fant is the starter right now, so I’m backing him up,” Echols-Luper said.

“If my opportunity comes, I’ll take full advantage. Right now I’m working on learning new plays and learning everything I need to on offense to be the best receiver I can.”

While Echols-Luper and Fant give the Hilltoppers strength in the re-

turn game, the two are both expected to play major roles in the receiving game. During the Hilltoppers’ second scrimmage, Echols-Luper got his first chance to show what he could do. The Ennis, Texas native made several notable plays, including a one- handed grab in the back of the end zone. The graduate transfer will look to help a position that lost over 60 percent of its production from last season.

The Hilltoppers open the season this Saturday at 6 p.m. when they host Eastern Kentucky University.

Echols-Luper is expected to see the field despite just arriving just two weeks ago.

“It’s honestly a tremendous feeling to get my third opportunity to play at a school where I truly feel the love,” Echols-Luper said. “I can’t do anything but give the love back on the field.”

Reporter Sam Porter can be reached at 270-799-8247 and sam.porter270@ gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter at @SammyP14.