THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016 www.easternprogress.com Independent student publication of Eastern Kentucky University since 1922
Historian to speak on FDR's conservation
IN MEMORY OF A ARON SCHMIDT
By MARY MCGILL progress@eku.edu
Freshman remembered for humor and spirit By DAN KLAPHEKE daniel_klapheke@mymail.eku.edu
Schmidt, and his brother Jacob, as well as grandparents, aunts and uncles, and his dog, Margarita. Schmidt loved video and card games, soccer and writing. He was a good student, and his career goal was to join a CSI unit. His friends knew him for his humor and spirit. Nick Cornelissen, a freshman fire science major from Troy, Ohio, was Schmidt's
Campus mourned last week after an Eastern student died unexpectedly on campus. Freshman Aaron Schmidt, 19, was found dead in Palmer Hall on Monday, March 21. Schmidt, 19, was a forensic chemistry major from Medina, Ohio. He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Jeanne
›› SEE SCHMIDT, PAGE 3
Hailed as one of the greatest cultural, presidential and environmental historians in America, Douglas Brinkley will be presenting the next Chautauqua lecture about Franklin Roosevelt and the relevancy of his contributions to the environment. The lecture, Rightful Heritage: Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Land of America, is scheduled for 7:30 p.m., April 7, in O’Donnell Hall in the Whitlock Building. Connecting to the theme of “Land of America,” the lecture is serving as the keynote address for Earth Day 2016 at EKU. “This is a wonderful opportunity for faculty, students and the community to hear one of the best shared stories and research about one of our monumental presidents on a topic of deep and continuing concern—our relation to the environment,” said Erik Liddell, the Chautauqua Lecture Coordinator. Brinkley is a known spokesperson for conservation issues, and he is the author of dozens of best-selling and award-winning books, including Wilderness
DOUGLAS BRINKLEY
Warrior: Theodore Roosevelt and the Crusade for America. In the book, Roosevelt is portrayed as a conservationist who worried about how human actions such as hyper-industrialization would negatively affect the earth. At a time when global warming is an ever present concern, Brinkley’s research shows how important it is to conserve the environment. It won him the prestigious National Outdoor Book Award with his biography the “Naturalist President." Brinkley's work on The Great Deluge: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and the Mississip-
›› SEE BRINKLEY, PAGE 3
Mock Trial moves on to national debate competition By STEPHANIE DARIA progress@eku.edu
Eastern’s Mock Trial Team is headed to the National Championship Tournament after bringing home two first place victories in the Opening Round and Regional competitions. The team will compete among 48 other schools at Nationals in Greenville, S.C. from April 15 through April 17. Mock Trial consists of attorneys and witnesses participating in trial simulations of criminal and civil court cases ran by the American Mock Trial Association. Over the course of the year, the team competes in invitational competitions performing the same simulation up until the National Championship Tournament (NCT) where they get assigned a brand new case and have four weeks to prepare it. The team then goes through a series of competitions leading up to nationals, two of which EKU received first place for
the first time in the program's history. The students who play the role of the attorney’s learn to argue as the prosecution and defense, challenging students to evaluate both perspectives. The team’s national case this year is the murder of an undercover police officer who was working a drug sting operation. Thomas Parker, coordinator of the Mock Trial Program, said the team prides itself on its ability to develop critical thinking skills and to take more than one perspective on an issue. “This case involves the death of a police officer, which presents a challenge for the defense team to present because the prosecution is going to be something emotionally compelling,” Parker said. Advocacy and public speaking skills are two of the main things the program looks for during auditions. Students prepare a 2-3 minute speech showcasing their ability to speak in front of crowd fighting for their spot in a competitive
›› SEE MOCK TRIAL, PAGE 3
Day elected as faculty rep on Board of Regents By LEXI WALTERS alexia_walters29@mymail.eku.edu
Eastern’s faculty will have new representation on the university’s governing board. After a three-week election that ultimately went to a run-off between two candidates, a winner emerged Tuesday, March 29--Richard Day, an associate professor in the School of Clinical Education Preparation. Day has served the past two years as chair of Faculty Senate, RICHARD DAY beat out Donna Corley, a professor and associate chair in the nursing department, who has also been active in Faculty Senate. He will fill the lone seat representing the university’s faculty on the Board of Regents, said he hopes to be a voice for the faculty’s concerns. “I have been put in a place where I can understand what’s on the faculty’s mind and what they would like to see improve,” Day said. Day, who served in Kentucky’s public school system for 31 years before joining the university ranks, is a prolific author on the subject of the education system in Kentucky.
›› SEE DAY, PAGE 3
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Senior Matt Boggs addresses the courtroom during a Mock Trial competition earlier this year in Memphis, Tenn.
Faculty Senate wants EKU to hire ombuds By NOENA ZERNA progess@eku.edu
Eastern Faculty Senate conducted a survey on March 7 to allow full time faculty members to describe how they feel about shared governance at Eastern. Due to the results of the survey, the Faculty Senate Rights and Responsibilities Committee provided recommendations, such as EKU hiring an ombuds. Faculty Senate's report defines an ombuds as “a confidential, impartial, independent resource to mediate and discuss issues in response to faculty’s expressed concerns in the interest of promoting civility, mutual respect and ethical conduct.” EKU, as well as other universities nationwide, describe the position with the term "ombuds" rather than the more traditional term "ombusman" to avoid gender-specific language. EKU Provost Janna Vice said the university has had an ombuds before, but she said didn't know the circumstances for why it went away. Vice said with the current budget circumstances, the best choice is to hire an ombuds who is already familiar with EKU. Vice said an ombuds is not a role
of authority or a member of administration, and he or she must keep in mind that the overall goal is to help faculty and administration work together on open communication. “An ombuds is a neutral sounding board,” Vice said. Vice said the ombuds would be a mediator who is impartial and unbiased as well as able to make recommendations to the administration. John Fitch, co-chair for the Faculty Senate Rights and Responsibilities, said the Senate decided to begin its recommendation by researching an ombuds's responsibilities and reviewing other universities that have the position. “I feel as though an ombuds would help the trust,” Fitch said. Fitch said the recommendation, which hasn’t been presented to the Faculty Senate yet, was created to protect the faculty. The Faculty Senate Rights and Responsibilities Committee want to help the faculty members feel like they are not in danger. If a faculty member has a problem with someone in the administration, he or she might not confront them for fear of retributive action, Fitch said. However, even though the recommendation is fo-
cused on helping the faculty, the committee wants someone who is not associated with the faculty. “The ombuds should be an unbiased ear for the faculty and administration,” Fitch said. Nicola Mason, co-chair for Faculty Senate Rights and Responsibilities Committee, agreed there is a need for an ombuds. An ombuds will show the importance of faculty and respond to the faculty’s concerns, Mason said. “It’s a gesture of good faith,” Mason said. The committee wants to intensify their research within the next five weeks and will have two options when they finish researching, Mason said. The Faculty Senate Rights and Responsibilities Committee can either present a motion or provide a report. After their decision, the Faculty Senate Committee will convene and decide next year if they will move forward with the decision to hire an ombuds. Mason said her main concern is the financial climate, and wants to present the recommendation at the right time. She said due to the budget cuts, it may not be the right time for an ombuds. “Our faculty's needs are more important than the budget at this time,” Mason said.
Page 2
The Eastern Progress, Thursday, March 31, 2016
CAMPUS BRIEFS
POLICE BEAT
Sneak Into Work and Walk the Ravine
March 22 A staff member reported a rock was thrown through a window at 11:26 a.m. in the New Science Building. A person reported tools were stolen from his truck at 12:17 p.m. in the Perkins Lot. He said he might have left the door unlocked. A student reported his cell phone was stolen from his bag at 6:56 p.m. in the upstairs gymnasium of the Weaver Building. A staff member reported an unresponsive male at Palmer Hall.
The American Cancer Society is partnering with Healthy You! at EKU to host the upcoming events, Sneak Into Work and Walk the Ravine. These events are an opportunity to raise awareness for cancer control month. The first of the events—Walk the Ravine—will occur Monday, April 4, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Participants will not be required to walk the entire time. The second event, also happening on April 4—Sneak Into Work— will kick off the faculty and staff step challenge against Morehead State. Staff will be able to donate $5 to wear their sneakers to work for the day. Students and faculty can come
March 23 A student reported someone had hit her car and left the area. A person reported tools were taken from a secure toolbox on his truck.
to the Ravine at 11 a.m. to start walking. Games and activities will occur on the Ravine stage during the walk. A surprise door raffle will take place upon registration for anyone who comes out to walk, and donations are welcome. For more information, contact Tammy Cornett at tammy.cornett@eku.edu, or Healthy You at healthyyou@eku.edu. Amber Booth
Professionalism/ Dress for Success Eastern’s Center for Career and Co-op Office will host a free Professionalism/ Dress for Success workshop Wednesday, April 6, in the Whitlock Building from 12:10 p.m. to 1:10 p.m. The event is open to all students and faculty no registration required. Students will have the chance to take part in an open discussion
to help understand the benefits of dressing for success in a professional setting. The Center for Career and Co-op will bring attention to resources it has to offer the students at Eastern to help lead them to success. The “Dress for Success Closet” functions on the willingness of community members to donate their gently used clothing, and is offered for students to have a place to receive professional attire. The ultimate goal is for students to leave the workshop having a better understanding of how to present themselves as professional, and take advantage of what Eastern’s Center for Career and Co-op has to offer. Brianna Bell
THE COLONEL’S CALENDAR
THE COLONEL’S CALENDAR Week of Nov. 13 – Nov. 19 Week of March 31 – April 6
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SUNDAY
MONDAY
6 p.m. Planetarium Night Hummel Planetarium
10 a.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Jacksonville State Jacksonville, Fla.
Noon Men’s Tennis vs. Tennessee Tech Cookeville, Tenn. 4 p.m. Baseball vs. Morehead State Richmond 1 p.m. Softball vs. Morehead State Morehead
1 p.m. Baseball vs. Morehead State Richmond
3 p.m. Relaxation and Meditation Group Whitlock, Room 568
10 a.m. Women’s Tennis vs. Jacksonville State Jacksonville, Fla. 6:30 p.m. Baseball vs. Morehead State Richmond
TUESDAY 11 a.m. Women’s Tennis vs. Morehead State Richmond
1 p.m. Softball vs. Morehead State Morehead
2 p.m. Men’s Tennis vs. Morehead State Richmond
5 p.m. Junior Recital Borck Auditorium
6 p.m. Baseball vs. Ohio University Richmond
WEDNESDAY 10 a.m. Latino Street Fair Powell Corner 12:20 p.m. Professionalism/ Dress for Success Whitlock, Room 460
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The Eastern Progress, Thursday, March 31, 2016
Page 3
Business author: Personal decisions have impact on career
DAY
FROM PAGE 1 Day has been published in the Register of the Kentucky Historical Society, among other journals, and contributed a chapter to Kentucky: Government, Politics, and Public Policy which received the Thomas D. Clark Medallion. He also maintains a blog called Kentucky School News and Commentary. Day’s term will last for three years, during which he will vote at the Board of Regents meetings on behalf of the faculty. He said his role is to look out
SCHMIDT FROM PAGE 1
roommate. He remembers Schmidt as a caring and unique person. "He was definitely one of the most loyal friends I ever had," Cornelissen said. "He was a wonderful person and will be dearly missed." Rachel Knoebel, a public relations sophomore from Florence, was Schmidt and Cornelissen's group leader at this past summer's Colonel Camp. She remembers Schmidt for
for the interests of the faculty and determine what is important to them, and bring that to the board when they have decisions to make. According to Day, the biggest challenge the university will face in the foreseeable future are budget cuts and the rise in tuition costs. “The state is not supporting its students as it used to do, and as I believe it ought to do,” Day said. If state lawmakers do ultimately cut funding to higher education, it will require some difficult decisions to be made, such as cutting programs, Day said. He also said he hopes to help ensure that the university follow through on
his kindness and friendliness. "He was honestly the sweetest person I have ever met," Knoebel said. "He was known for his huge smile." Eastern is no stranger to tragedy, as Schmidt is the latest in a string of deaths this academic year, and the first this semester. The EKU Counseling Center is located on the fifth floor of the Whitlock Building, and the office can be reached at (859) 622-1303. The center aids in academic, social and emotional growth.
COURTESY PHOTO
Peter Sims, a best-selling business author, talked to EKU students about leadership.
its own policies. Day said this is not currently a problem, but it is something he hopes the board will address so all faculty and administration have clear directives, as well as know what is expected of them and how they’re supposed to operate. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity of working as a team member on the board and bringing the faculty input to situations,” Day said. In light of Day’s newly elected position, he said he will be stepping down from his current post as chair of Faculty Senate. He said his decision to step down is not based on a conflict of interest but rather a desire to see the faculty to be represented by a variety of
MOCK TRIAL FROM PAGE 1
program. Those who are selected get an override for the class and will receive two credits for both the fall and spring semesters. Those who qualify for nationals receive an extra credit. The program requires no law background. Eastern’s Mock Trial Team is the
BRINKLEY FROM PAGE 1
pi Gulf Coast, is a record of Brinkley’s first-hand experience of the damage and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina from New Orleans. It won the Robert F. Kennedy book award, which is known as one of the most prestigious awards an author can receive. Brinkley “brings characters and issues to life with an accomplished literary sensibility,” Liddell said. Four of Brinkley’s biographies have been selected as “Notable Books of the Year” at the
different people, whether on the Board of Regents or in Faculty Senate. During the Faculty Senate meeting Monday, April 4, Day said he will resign and have Shirley O’Brien, the current vice chair, take his place as chair. Day said one of his main goals will be to help retain Eastern’s strength as an institution of higher learning. “There’s a good energy on campus, and I’m optimistic about our future,” Day said. “But I would be more optimistic if we had more supportive state funds.”
only regional comprehensive institution who has made it through to the national championship in the last two years, as well as the only institution from Kentucky to make it through to the NCT. With a program record of three victories this year, there are high hopes for a great outcome at the National Championship Tournament.
New York Times. Deemed “America’s new past master” by the Chicago Tribune, Brinkley has a broad range of experience. He currently holds the role of Presidential Historian for CNN and is a professor at Rice University. He is a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, American Heritage, and Audubon. Before the lecture, Brinkley will be available for a “meet-and-greet” in Library 201 from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. Also that morning at 11 a.m., Brinkley will appear on 88.9 WEKU’s Eastern Standard for a live call-in radio show with EKU President Benson.
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Students in Tom Martin’s principles management class got a visit from Peter Sims, CEO of Parliament and author of Little Bets: How Breakthrough Ideas Emerge from Small Discoveries. Sims discussed his diverse career, qualities of a leader and the effect personal decisions have on the future. Martin has known Sims since recruiting him to speak at IdeaFestival in 2013, and he knows the importance of Eastern students being exposed to innovative leaders. “The value-add that EKU provides to students is our array of programs and that you can follow your well-established passion, or EKU provides you with the freedom to be unfocused and explore, until that leads you to something that you want to spend your life’s work pursuing,” Martin said. “Making people like Peter available to our students while they pursue that passion or exploration, is critical for their personal development.” Sims collaborates with Ed Catmull,
the co-founder and President of Pixar Animation Studios and founder of FUSE Corps and the BLK SHP Foundation, as well as Stanford’s Institute of Design. After earning his MBA from Stanford, Sims worked in venture capital with Summit Partners and was a member of General Electric’s Innovation Advisory Panel. Sims is a thought-leader in creativity and social innovation, and is considered a relationship-builder and collaborator for a wide range of talent, from Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz, to Pixar Studios and musician Aloe Blacc. Sims presented his tips of how to develop yourself to become an authentic leader, and asked the class questions about how personal decisions made now will affect their future careers and futures as professional leaders in society. Sims said what success looks like for one person is not going to look the same as the checklist promoted by a success and money-driven society. He also encouraged forming connections with those who compliment your visions and values, and to cultivate that network in order to remain focused, innovative and dedicated.
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North Carolina has interesting ways of enforcing new bathroom policies
Cassy Grey/PROGRESS
Nuanced homophobia is a serious issue in homes
COREY WALL In 2003, Britney Spears kissed Madonna during their performance at the MTV VMAs. At this point same-sex marriage was just starting to be a hot topic, had yet to go into effect in any state and LGBT representation in media was virtually nonexistent. Everyone was talking about it. Nobody knew what to think. It was bold, jaw-dropping and unexpected. But I didn’t understand why everyone was freaking out about it.
Homosexuality was largely avoided as a discussion topic in my family. I didn’t know what gay meant and didn’t have the vocabulary to define two people of the same gender kissing. I’d seen people kiss on TV before, so what was the big deal? I remember seeing the clip on the news, my mom scrambling for the remote and her shutting off the TV as quickly as she could. I remember the word “disgusting,” and feeling like there was something deeply, inexcusably wrong with me. In the start of my senior year of high school, there was a news story about Raven Symoné. She commented on the expanding legalization of same-sex marriage, stating that, “I was excited to hear today that more states legalized gay marriage. I, however, am not currently getting married, but it is great to know I can now, should I wish to." This was a big deal. Raven didn’t explicitly state she was gay, and to this day still doesn’t want to label herself,
but a star who was so close to so many young people starting a discussion about sexuality was monumental. The story was everywhere. All the morning news shows, blogs and radio stations were talking about it. I don’t really remember what everyone was saying, whether the media treated her positively or negatively, or what the general consensus was. I just remember my mom talking about it. I remember sitting in the passenger seat of her Durango as she was giving me a ride to school and commenting on Raven’s reveal. She said it was shocking and irresponsible. That it was reckless and she couldn’t believe that someone who was supposed to be an example for children would do something like that. She was mad at Raven. Mad that she would do something like that because she had had so much respect for her. Sitting there, silently in the passenger seat, I thought about how quickly she could lose all respect for me because I knew that I was gay.
Last year, in regards to me not telling her about my sexuality for a long time, my mom told me that she had always been supportive of me and I should’ve been able to tell her sooner. She had always told me that she would love me no matter what and I could talk to her about anything and that’s true. She has always told me that. All my life I really had heard that I would be loved no matter what, and that I could talk to her about anything. But that doesn’t mean that I felt safe doing so. I never felt comfortable telling my mother I’m gay, even though by what she told me I should have. Homophobia can be nuanced and subtle, and just because I’ve never heard her use a gay slur or be directly hateful to gay people doesn’t mean I didn’t feel like she had negative feelings towards gay people and possibly towards me, because over the years I had witnessed her subtle homophobia.
The word Trump is now considered hate speech
ZEYNAB DAY Can simply saying or writing a name insight fear and intimidation? Students at Emory University in Atlanta, GA are saying it can, but their arguments bring up questions about freedom of speech on campuses. The idea is that certain words can cause individuals such psychological discomfort that they should not be used, in this case the words are “Trump 2016.” Agencies like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) have been speaking out about ever-growing problems regarding free-speech on campuses. Emory is just the latest in a line of controversy regarding stopping hate speech while maintaining freedom of speech on college campuses. Policies and responses from administration are teetering on a fine line at many universities and could put students' rights at risk. Students at Emory University wokeup to sidewalk chalk messages in support of presidential candidate Donald Trump scattered all over campus benches, sidewalks and buildings on Monday, March 21.
More than 50 students went to the office of Emory President Jim Wagner saying the drawings were more than a statement about a political candidate, rather they saw them as a threat. Students argued the words were written as a tactic to intimidate certain groups on campus, noting Trump's recent racially charged rhetoric and the fact that the messages were written in the middle of the night. Wagner later released a letter condemning the drawings saying Trump’s platforms clash with the mission at Emory and their “values regarding diversity and respect.” University administrators like Wagner have begun weighing-in more often regarding discourse on campuses between students. Pressure to censor students is on the rise as the internet puts universities under the microscope. Administrators are likely considering possible push-back from donors and parents regarding statements made by students that may not meet their expectations, or could be considered controversial or insensitive. The fear of public relations crises have pushed some campuses to go overboard to prevent any controversy. UCLA has argued, in First Amendment cases involving other universities, that tight free-speech regulations have been used as a means to silence ideas administrators feel to be too controversial or threatening to the political identity of the university. One issue at Emory is that the Trump supporters did not follow protocol. Although chalk drawings are allowed on Emory’s campus, they are only allowed in certain locations and the words “Trump 2016” were found in places where chalk writing was not
permitted. Campus administrators say they have opened an investigation and are looking for the individuals involved. Some students have argued that the administrators are picking and choosing who they reprimand, as a few weeks prior drawing were found in similar areas supporting the Black Lives Matter Movement and no investigation took place. Similar issues have come up in courts cases in the past. Three students at Modesto College in California were prevented from handing out Constitutions and opposing NSA surveillance because the university said they did not follow the "time and place" requirements posed by the campus for free speech activities. The College lost a law suit posed by one of the students and paid out more than $50,000. The judges ruled that the regulations posed by the university were so strict that they unfairly limited free speech on the campus. Where Emory is concerned, it’s not surprising that some see the name Trump scribbled all-over campus as a sign of aggression, as his platform has a hateful and aggressive undertone. Much of his current dialogue focuses on specific races as problematic, rather than the actual issues themselves. Comments by Trump suggesting deporting all Mexicans or banning Muslims from entering the country doesn’t target individual issues, but lays the blame on entire groups of people. The student government at Emory also spoke out in support of the students and against the writings, saying they are going to utilize “emergency” student funds to respond to rash proTrump chalk drawings on campus.
They are also offering free counseling to those effected. It's not the support to the students who feel threatened that has prompted a backlash, but the condemnations of the Trump supporters and the threat it poses to free speech on college campuses. The opposition has prompted even more Trump scrawling on campus this week, illustrating that banning speech does not address the underlying issue and does nothing to quell the ideology itself. A campus is a place where examination and dialogue should be encouraged. Right now is a time for discourse, not silence. The new “safe spaces” on college campuses initiatives leave so much grey area when it comes to what is considered threatening and not. It's important to remember that different people can find different ideas threatening. In the 1950s during the Cold War, simply being called a communist could land someone with a subpoena to appear in front of one Sen. McCarthy’s anti-communist committees where they were treated like a criminal. In the 1970s, feminists were considered a threat to family and the American way of life, and were arrested during peaceful protests at college campuses. Emory, like any college, is meant to serve as a soundboard--even for ideas that may stand separate from those of the university. Stifling ideas to protect freedoms is hypocritical and unproductive. The only way to truly effect change and harbor a safe environment is to open up the channels of dialogue, promote debate and further education.
Taylor Weiter, Editor
The Eastern Progress | www.easternprogress.com
Thursday, March 31, 2016 Page 5
CASSY GREY/PROGRESS
DNCE takes over Spring Concert By TAYLOR WEITER taylor_weiter@mymail.eku.edu
Girls in T-shirt dresses and Chuck Taylors sheltered themselves from the rain in the EKU Center for the Arts on Thursday, March 24 as hot new artist DNCE took stage at the SAC Spring Concert. The crowd, though mostly filled with college students who remember every line of Camp Rock (myself included), featured a diverse mix of pop music fans and indie-rock festival-goers as well as the additional begrudging father taking his too-young-to-drive children to see a band that sings about sex on the beach with a cool beat. “I came here for Joe,” said Shelby Shackelford, a freshman political science major from Lexington, as she got ready to go inside the auditorium alongside her friends. Her friends agreed, but cited their love for the song Cake By The Ocean
and the extremely low tickets prices as more reasons to love the concert. Though the band’s frontrunner Joe Jonas can often be remembered as the boy who straightened his hair and wore a purity ring alongside his eerily similar looking brothers, that side of him seemed to be a distant memory as he sang and danced like a twenty-something who just really wanted to have fun. Jonas and the rest of the band put on a full hour of entertainment, singing songs from their four-song EP SWAAY, in addition to putting their spin on hits from the 80s and 90s. Particularly, their medley of TLC’s biggest hits showed both the great range of Jonas and the tremendous musical talents of guitarist JinJoo Lee, drummer Jack Lawless and bassist Cole Whittle. The care-free vibe of band was in full effect as they sang fun renditions of Crank That (Soulja
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Boy) and Thong Song while taking breaks to drink from their red solo cups. The eccentric group was nothing but energetic throughout the setlist, running out into the crowd, taking videos of themselves and the crowd and dramatically throwing water--and whiskey--into the crowd during the finale. While DNCE is considered a new band, getting them to come to EKU was not easy after major performances at places such as Ellen Show and South by Southwest Musical Festival. Student Activities Council’s Jennifer Hurst worked tirelessly with a talent agency and the band’s tour manager to create the perfect experience for both DNCE and Eastern students. Karlee Tanel, VP of SAC, praised Hurst and the rest of SAC for pulling off such an amazing night in addition to expressing how excited she is to see how SAC can get bigger acts to perform in the coming years.
“I know Jade [McClure, elected 2016 VP for SAC] really well--we worked together this year on SAC, and I know she will continue to look for awesome acts to perform here in the next year,” Tanel said. While the Center was not sold out completely, the crowd took over much of the auditorium and appeared to enjoy the band--especially those in the front who got the chance to keep Lee’s guitar picks and Lawless’ drumsticks. By the end of the concert, nearly every member of the audience was on their feet and screaming along to the lyrics of Cake By The Ocean. DNCE left a lasting impression on those who went, and according to Jonas, Eastern left a lasting impression on the band as well. “I think we might have to come back to Kentucky,” Jonas said to his bandmates after the audience sang along to their new single Toothbrush.
Evan Nichols, Editor
The Eastern Progress | www.easternprogress.com
Thursday, March 31, 2016 Page 6
Freshman’s rise bodes well for future of Eastern basketball
Basketball tournament offers students way to help by hooping it up
By ROBERT RISTANEO progress@eku.edu
By TAYLOR CUSICK progress@eku.edu
Spring may be unable to decide whether or not it wants to fully grace us with its presence, but spring activities are in full swing on campus. If your preferred spring activity is basketball, then look no further for entertainment this April Fool’s Day weekend. At 5 p.m. Friday, April 1, in the EKU Fitness and Wellness Center, New Hall and Campus Rec will be sponsoring a 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Entry for the tournament will cost $15 per team, and each team must contain at least 3 players. The tournament is open to all students, as well as faculty and staff. Proceeds from the tournament will be used to benefit students with disabilities living on campus. “The way we use the money will depend on how much money we receive,” said LeRon Collier, the residence hall coordinator for New Hall. “The ultimate goal is to set up a scholarship. We won’t be able to make that happen this year, but the idea is that this will be a New Hall tradition each year.” On top of benefiting a good cause while exercising and getting your game on, free Raising Cane’s chicken will be provided at the event, and the winning team will receive T-shirts. Other activities will be set up around the Rec center, such as free fitness assessments and prize opportunities. “We’ll be determining rules based on the number of teams,” said Justin Raymer, Assistant Director of Competitive Sports and Clubs. “Most likely 10 minute games, ball has to be checked outside of the 3-point line every time as long as the ball hits the rim, kind of school yard, team with the most points after the time limit wins.” Those interested in registering for the event can do so by visiting imleagues.com. Once there, tournament participants will be asked to select Eastern from a list of schools and will then be walked through the remainder of the registration process. “It’s for a great cause,” said Raymer. “It’s another way to keep with March madness - play a little more basketball before we’re gone for the summer.”
Eastern freshman forward Nick Mayo became a star in the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) throughout the season, earning awards such as OVC Freshman of the Year and All-OVC First Team. The dominant inside presence averaged 14.5 points, five boards and one block during his first collegiate season. The story of how he came to EKU is even more interesting. Hailing from Oakland, Maine, Mayo committed early to the Colonels just before the start of his senior year to former Head Coach Jeff Neubauer. When Neubauer left EKU to take the Fordham job, Mayo said things got a little crazy. “It was stressful because I didn’t know who the coach was at first,” Mayo said. “A week later McHale got the job and he flew to Maine with Coach Bradley and talked to me, so it was a good chance to meet them.” With Mayo still committed to the Colonels, EKU knew it had a big time talent. Local news stations did profiles on the 6-foot-9 forward before he even arrived on campus, turning up the pressure on Mayo to succeed from day one. Mayo appears to have answered that call in amazing fashion with some big games and monstrous dunks during his freshman season. The forward even inadvertently turned his signature headband and long hair into something everyone on campus recognizes. Mayo said the pressure can still be weird. “Sometimes it’s cool coming from a different state and people know who you are and stuff, but usually it doesn’t bother me,” Mayo said. “I just take it day by day.” When EKU’s conference play started, Mayo had rounded into form by scoring in double digits in all but two conference games. He had a career-high 28 points against SIUE and led the team in scoring, field goals and blocks. Only Mayo and Cameron Payne, the backup point guard for the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder, won OVC Freshman of the Year and were selected to the All-OVC First Team during their first seasons. Mayo found out about the honors in an unconventional way.
COURTESY OF EKU SPORTS
Eastern basketball standout Nick Mayo. “We were in the locker room having a meeting talking about next year and one of the guys was on the Twitter and it popped up,” Mayo said. “They started telling me I had won and stuff and then coach told me and congratulated me. So yeah, I found out through Twitter.” Now that the Colonels are in the off-season, they are lifting weights four days a week and doing individual drills three days a week on the court. With the type of season Mayo had as a freshman, it would be easy to sit back and coast. But hat’s not how he’s approaching it. Mayo has several different facets of his game that he’s trying to improve. “For me, just trying to get bigger,” Mayo said. “I’ve already put on a couple pounds. Really just my whole game, though. Trying to become a better shooter. I’ve worked on rebounding. I know I have to be a better rebounder for next year; and just being more of a threat on defense.” With Mayo being around another three years and Head Coach Dan McHale continuing to implement his system and recruit, the future for EKU’s basketball program is bright.
Colonels drop two games to Evansville, one to Dayton By EVAN NICHOLS evan_nichols11@mymail.eku.edu
After a six game road trip, Eastern returned home to Turkey Hughes Field to host a three game series against the Purple Aces of the University of Evansville, followed by a one-game stint at the University of Dayton. The Colonels played its first game at 3 p.m. on Friday, March 25, losing to the Aces (11-11) 4-0, followed by a double-header on Saturday, March 26. EKU (11-14, 1-5 OVC) won its first game of the double-header 6-5, before dropping the second game 10-2. Three days later, the Colonels traveled to Dayton, Ohio and fell to the Flyers (6-17, 0-3 A-10) by a score of 5-2. Since a three game win streak that pushed the Colonels record to two games above .500, EKU has gone 1-6 in its last seven games.
Evansville 4 Eastern 0 In the first game of the series, Evansville pitcher Connor Strain (2-1) earned the win after helping the Purple Aces throw a shutout. Strain pitched six innings, striking out eight batters and giving up just three hits to the Colonels. Strain walked just one batter. Evansville had six hits during the game, two of which left the park for home runs. Designated hitter Travis Tokarek hit the first homer in the top of the fourth inning and scored two runs on the shot that made its way over the right field fence. The home run was Tokarek’s only hit in four at-bats. The second home run came in the top of the sixth inning when third baseman Jonathan Ramon hit one out of left field. Ramon went 1-for-3 at the plate with one RBI. The loss was EKU starting pitcher Eric Nerl’s (3-1) first of the season. Nerl pitched eight innings, striking out five batters and giving up six hits that resulted in four earned runs.
COURTESY OF EKU SPORTS
EKU junior outfielder Shea Sullivan (41) at bat during a game earlier this season.
Evansville 10 Eastern 2
Eastern 6 Evansville 5
The third and final game of the series was one-sided, as the Aces scored six runs in the top of the seventh inning and three in the top of the ninth. Evansville had 11 hits to the Colonels’ nine, but EKU was unable to make the most of its opportunities. The Colonels registered three errors during the loss. Purple Aces’ first baseman Eric McKibban had two hits in four at-bats and scored runs on both. McKibban had two RBI’s. Ramon went 3-for-5 at the plate for Evansville. Evansville pitcher Patrick Schnieders (2-1) earned the win after pitching seven innings. Schnieders had five strikeouts and gave up seven hits to EKU, allowing just two earned runs.
Sophomore center-fielder Daniel McFarland singled down the right field line to score the game’s winning run in the bottom of the ninth inning. EKU led 5-1 after five innings, but Evansville scored three runs in the top of the sixth inning to narrow the margin. Caleb Johnson (3-1), a junior right-handed pitcher, earned the win for EKU. Johnson pitched four innings, striking out two batters and giving up three hits that resulted in one earned run. The Colonels had 12 hits to the Aces’ nine. Senior left-fielder Kyle Nowlin cranked two homers during EKU’s victory; one out of right field in the first inning, and one out of left field in the fifth inning. Nowlin went 3-for-5 at the plate with three hits, two runs and three RBI’s. McFarland went 4-for-5 at the plate with one run and one RBI.
The Colonels took to the road on Tuesday, March 29, to face the Flyers from the University of Dayton. Despite committing five errors, Dayton was able to score five runs on 10 total hits. The Flyers scored two runs in the bottom of the third and fourth innings to go up 4-0 on EKU. The Colonels lone scoring inning came in the top of the seventh inning when second baseman Kenny Hostrander scored on a fly-out from McFarland. EKU short stop Cole Warrenfeltz scored right after on a Dayton error. Flyer outfielder Glenn Jones led Dayton at the plate with three hits and a run in four at-bats. Sophomore left-hander Mason Kutruff (1-3) earned the win for the Flyers, pitching seven innings and not allowing any earned runs.
Dayton 5 Eastern 2
EKU will host conference and in-state rival Morehead State for a three-game weekend series that begins at 6:30 p.m., Friday, April 1. The series will resume at 4 p.m., Saturday, April 2, followed by a final game against the Racers at 1 p.m., Sunday, April 3.
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