The Bruin M a y , 2 0 1 6 | K e l l o g g C o mm u n i t y C o l l e g e |
Prepping for retirement Professors Randy Kopf and Robert Griffin share some of their fondest memories before their retirements take place in August. - Pg 4
Ready for Spring sports? Meet some of the players on pg 8
i s s u u . c o m / kcc b r u i n
A message from President O’Connell 2016 Graduates: read a letter from the President, as well as important information regarding your big upcoming day. - Pg 2
Students help at S.H.A.R.E. center Alyssa VanderWeg staff writer
At about 8:30 in the morning on a Friday at the Self Help Awareness Recovery and Enrichment (Share) Center, around 30 customers stood in a line next to a table laden with eggs, sausage, bread, cereal and milk. Some customers wanted cold cereal while others dared to try the spicy sausage, but all were quick to smile and thank the Kellogg Community College students who had provided them with a morning meal they might not receive otherwise. The customers were benefiting from a breakfast program run by Kellogg Community College, where KCC students make and serve breakfast for the Share Center. KCC students and Glenda Morling, a psychology professor at KCC, started the breakfast program at the Share Center in 2013. The process of forming the program began when Morling had “noticed that some of her students chose to complete their service learning hours at the Share center and decided to check it out.” When she “checked it out” Morling said she was “really impressed with how much [her students] were helping the vulnerable people in our community.” She saw during the visit that the customers were provided with doughnuts from the local doughnut mill for their breakfast and spoke with the then supervisor of the Share Center, Geoff Stevens, about the situation. She discovered that the customers only received this breakfast if the doughnut mill had extra doughnuts and was concerned about the nutritional value of the customer’s breakfast. Her concern for customer nutrition sparked an idea in her head. Why not propose to make the customers breakfast?
photo by alyssa vanderweg
Glanda Morling amd a student help dish out some breakfast
“Customers come off of the street every morning. They need food.” She said. Morling consulted a student in her class named Marissa Ramey, who had previously started a breakfast program at a church and had a connection with a food bank. The two of them developed a bond with the Battle Creek Food Bank and with the support of other students and the supervisor Geoff Stevens, Morling and her students began to serve the customers a cold breakfast of cheeses, yogurt, and cereal every Monday at 7a.m. Over time the breakfasts have become more extravagant, including scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon and various sweet breads and are now being served on both Monday and Friday mornings at
8a.m. Despite these changes, the current students are as dedicated as the ones that started the program. Students in the breakfast program cook and serve breakfasts and also carry out breakfast food from the food bank. Students can help serve breakfast to receive their service learning requirement, as psychology student, Cara McConnel did. She said she enjoys serving breakfasts and likes “learning people’s names.” “The first time I called someone by their first name, their face lit up and it was awesome.” She added. Names aren’t the only thing that students learn by serving breakfasts. Morling said that students learn human relations by interacting with customers. They also learn how to cook and calculate nutrition in meals, manage the budget they receive from a loan and interact with a local organization like the food bank. Director of the Share Center, Doug Stewart, is a fan of the breakfast program. He said he “values a strong collaboration with Kellogg Community College faculty and students who provide support to the Share Center and the community.” Stewart added, “When a homeless, undervalued person sees a younger person having a desire to give back and also provide a breakfast and conversation makes that person feel valued and appreciated.” All KCC students are welcome to help make and serve breakfasts at the Share Center on Mondays and Fridays at 8 am. Contact Alyssa VanderWeg at bruin@kellogg.edu
Summer classes at KCC: Find your path Sarah Gerke staff writer
Kellogg Community College’s spring classes may be ending, but summer classes are only just beginning. Registration for summer classes started April 11, so there’s still a little time to sign up for a course to take over the summer. Classes start May 16 and go until August 8, making the semester a rather short one. Meghan Jackson, a part-time advisor here at the college, said that since the summer semester is significantly shorter than the spring and summer semesters, the classes will often be longer or more frequent than they would be in any other semester, which “may be a negative to some people.” Fewer classes are offered as well, but many of the general education classes are still available, giving students the opportunity to take any classes
they may have not been able to take with their program requirements during the spring or fall. Meghan encourages students to try one summer class, and states that two classes are often enough for most students for the summer. But she also urges students to take a look at their summers as they are. If a student is planning to go on a vacation for a week, it may not be the best idea to take a summer class because of the amount of work they would miss
during that one week. Alyssa Vanderweg, a student at the college who has taken a summer class before, said that the class was a rush because there’s limited time to finish everything that is needed. She also stated that she had to take her schedule into account and work around her class. On the flipside, Alyssa said that taking summer classes is a good way to make sure that you have all of your necessary classes and prerequisites taken care of. She advises that students should take a class like a lecture and not a lab or difficult class that has a demanding workload. The available summer classes are all listed on the school website, and classes are starting within the month, so pick your classes soon. Contact Sarah Gerke at bruin@kellogg.edu
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Campus News
An open letter from President Mark O’Connell to the class of 2016 As you celebrate your accomplishment and as my mission as president is to remain focused on your success, I wish to share some wisdom I have learned over the years that may not be commonly taught but will help you excel. Your path to this day of completion has most likely been a long journey, but you have made it successfully. As you wind down your time here at KCC, I want you to think about the workforce you are entering. Today’s workforce is more complex than ever, and will require you to not only draw from the competencies you have learned from the pursuit of your degree or certificate, but also from your ability to problem-solve by using your innovation and intellect. The way you
handle yourself with other people is incredibly important. People are key to any organization’s success; just as KCC exists to serve students (because without the students we would have no purpose), so will your future workplace need its people to work with one another toward a common goal. In today’s workforce, you will need the ability to solve unstructured problems placed before you, and often at the very moment the problem presents itself. Do your best with the given situation, weighing the pros and cons of your options, and always take responsibility for your decisions and actions. You will soon discover it takes a broad combination of skill sets to be successful in today’s workforce. Employers move quickly to remain competitive, and the sooner you learn to embrace the changes that are sure to come your way, the sooner you will be able to help move your future employer forward toward their goal
Bruin Bots in action deandre a. webb staff writer
Imagine two pairs of robots, each with a mountain-like obstacle behind them and debris scattered on a playing field. Then a bell rings. The Bruin Bots, which is an afterschool youth robotics program, is back in action. The club, available for sixth through ninth graders in the Kellogg Community College service area, began in January and will run until May. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, from four thirty to six at the Regional Manufacturing Technology Center (RMTC), these students come together to learn how to design, build, and program robots. Through a partnership with the Lifelong Learning Department, the program also incorporates leadership and character development skills, giving the students valuable experience for the future. The program started as a way to give the youth a more hands-on activity that would challenge their minds and slowly grew from there. In charge of the Bruin Bots are Robb Cohoon, an
Engineering instructor at KCC and the team coach, and Kimberlee AndrewsBingham, a fellow instructor, the team administrator and a coordinator for the Lifelong Learning Program. Each year the students participate in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Tech Challenge, which is a competition pitting several teams and their robots, against one another in various challenges. Although the team is relatively new, they advanced to the state finals during their rookie year in 2012, giving them much-needed skills as a team. “These are skills that will be essential as they continue their education and select careers that they love,” said Andrews-Bingham. She was thrilled to be giving the students a chance to use their knowledge, not only as a part of the team but also in preparing them for the workforce. Cohoon shared her optimism in regards to the future of the members of the Bruin Bots. With over fifteen years of experience teaching robotics though, he was always more interested
while at the same time accruing skills not often taught in the classroom. I challenge you to draw not only on the knowledge you gathered while at KCC, but also the problem-solving skills, the ability to handle spontaneous situations with grace, the innovation, and the willingness to take risks. You have learned much during your time at KCC, and now is the time to apply it. Best of luck to all of you, and congratulations on a job well done. And remember: “What lies behind us and what lies before of us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”
in the physical act of building a robot. “The best thing about being here [at the RMTC] is being able to make our own things. We use plastic, aluminum and 3D print [to design and build the robots].” Contact Deandre A. Webb at bruin@kellogg.edu
photo by deandre webb
A student, with their own googley eyed robot
Campus News
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Your step-by-step transfer guide rochelle lyle staff writer
As the Spring semester comes to an end, students who intend to transfer to a fouryear college or university need to meet with an academic advisor to discuss an intended major, degree requirements, general education and transferability of courses. It’s important to stay on top of college deadlines. Touring a prospective school and becoming familiar will also help. Transitioning from a small community college to a big university can be very challenging but there are resources to help the process go smoothly. KCC website suggests
that you consider the following: 1. Obtain a Transfer Guide developed by the transfer institutions to assist students through the transfer process. 2. Learn to use the Michigan Transfer Network to verify transferability of KCC courses. 3. Evaluate transfer institutions to learn about entrance and degree requirements. 4. Visit and meet with an advisor at the transfer institution. 5. Apply early and meet deadlines for financial aid, scholarships and housing at the transfer institution. 6. Request to have KCC transcripts sent to the transfer institution.
In Michigan, community colleges and universities maintain the MACRAO/MTA Transfer Agreement, which is designed to facilitate transfer from community colleges to four-year colleges and universities. The agreement provides for transferability of up to thirty semester credits to meet many, and in some cases all, of the General Education requirements. Students may complete the MACRAO Transfer Agreement as part of an associate degree or as a stand-alone package. Contact Rochelle Lyle at bruin@kellogg.edu
Important Commencement 2016 information Heidi Gartley
editor-in-chief
By now, eligible students have already submitted their commencement confirmation form to the Bookstore, which means it’s official: they are going to be KCC graduates. However, that is only the first of many responsibilities before the big day arrives. An invitation was sent in the mail regarding the commencement breakfast that will be held at 8:00 AM in the Kellogg Arena on May 12. That invitation should be filled out and returned to Records and Registration
(located near the Hub). In return, they hand over a ticket- a ticket that should not be misplaced! It is your admission into the breakfast. Directly after the breakfast, a commencement rehearsal will take place. All graduates are required to attend. If for some reason this is not an option, a graduate needs to have another individual participate for them. The substitute will have to discuss all of the important details and directions to their graduate before commencement takes place. All graduates are expected to arrive at the Kellogg Arena by 6:15
p.m to prepare for the ceremony. The programs that are handed out at commencement will include each graduate’s name under the degree(s)/ certificate(s) they are receiving. With that being said, students are only permitted to walk with one degree/ certificate group during the ceremony. The diploma tube handed to graduates on the stage during the ceremony will be empty. Degrees/ certificates should arrive in the mail approximately in the first half of June. They will be sent to the address students included on the confirmation form.
Caps and gowns, which should already have been ordered, can be picked up at the Bookstore on the Battle Creek campus from May 2-May 10. Picture I.D. is required. For more information about 2016 spring commencement, graduates should check their student email. A few documents regarding the big day have been sent from Bobbie Brawley, Manager of Graduation and Transfer, including a brochure about the activities and responsibilities. Contact Heidi Gartley at bruin@kellogg.edu
It’s Easy to Transfer
Your Credits to DU Whether you have college credits or valuable learning or work experiences from outside a classroom, you may be able to turn these into course credits. We simplify accepting your credits when you graduate from your community college, so that you can apply them towards your DU degree in business, technology or health. We offer transfer scholarships up to $6,000! Sign up for courses at your local DU campus held days, evenings or online. Classes start January 5. 200 West Van Buren St., Battle Creek 4123 West Main St., Kalamazoo 800-686-1600 | davenport.edu/apply
Get where the world is going
4
Campus News
KCC professors prepare for retirement heidi gartley
editor-in-chief
In August of 2016, Randy Kopf and Robert Griffin plan to retire from their current positions at KCC. Griffin is an Industrial Technology professor who has been with the college for five years. One of the greatest lessons he learned in this period of time followed his development of a new program of training at the RMTC: “I learned that it is a real responsibility to make sure the training is what the students need to be able to function in the work environment. I took development of the program very seriously, and I am quite proud of the results,” he shared. Griffin continued, “My fondest memory is the graduation of the first student from the program. This person earned an associate’s degree and was immediately employed after graduation. He told me that the training that he received at the RMTC was and still is relevant to his work day.” His plans for retirement include traveling a couple of times each year, completing some genealogical research, as well as “[spending] more time with my wife fishing- she enjoys that even more than I do!” Despite these fun activities to look forward to, Griffin states he will miss “meeting all of the students. At the RMTC, company employees start at all times of the year, and I really enjoy meeting all of these people. I will miss
my fellow instructors also. We are like will also miss seeing my students grad- he can do bicycling, cross-country skia real family here.” uate and go out into the world to make ing, paddle boarding, and kayaking. “I Randy Kopf, also known as “Mr. a living and design cool stuff.” Some of hope to do some drafting/design work in industry or Randy,” will get involved also be retirin STEM and ing from KCC robotics proin August. He grams.” has been a “It has been C o m p u t - -Randy Kopf an honor to be er-Aided Drafting and Design professor for 30 his fondest memories include getting a part of this institution for the past 30 years and was even the Director of the opportunity to witness his students years, and I feel very blessed for the Technical Programs during 1992-1993. walking across the stage at commence- time I have gotten to spend with our When asked what he will miss ment each spring. students here at KCC,” Kopf shares. most, Kopf replied, “The people; those Once Kopf is retired, he plans on Contact Heidi Gartleyat that I work with, and the students. I moving to northern Michigan, where bruin@kellogg.edu
Back In The Game Soon. We may be benched now, but The Annex of Battle Creek will be ready to play in August 2016. The Annex is the only student housing community located right across from KCC’s Miller Gym. This $6 million total renovation is an apartment community designed to support all aspects of student life. Live, study and play at The Annex.
(269) 288-1601 www.annexofbattlecreek.com
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Feature
In the spotlight: Dantrell Johnson rochelle lyle staff writer
Meet Chicago native Dantrell Johnson. Johnson started his general education classes at KCC last semester. With hopes of owning his own accounting firm, Johnson plans to attend Western Michigan University starting next fall where is goal is to graduate with his BA in accounting. Basketball, working out, Xbox, and playing the piano at Hopeful Missionary Baptist Church are some of the things Johnson
photo by rochelle lyle
Dantrell Johnson
enjoys doing with his spare time. Johnson says his transition from Chicago to Battle Creek has been a little challenging because he is used to the big city and everything it has to offer. He says, “Battle Creek is way much smaller than Chicago. I guess when you look at it, both cities have pros and cons. Chicago may have more recreational activities and a better variety of food, but to me Battle Creek has less violence and I’d prefer safety over fun.”
When Johnson was asked if he’d return home any time soon he stated not unless his mother needed him to. Contact Rochelle Lyle at bruin@kellogg.edu
Raster
by Mathew Headley
On a warm spring day and you’re stuck in school
Continue on your path... Finish your bachelor’s degree with Siena Heights University at Kellogg Community College! For more information stop by our office in the Lane Thomas Building in Room 304 Phone: 269.965.3931 ext. 2950 Email: battlecreek@sienaheights.edu
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TRANSFER FRIENDLY Transfer other college study, college-equivalent military, corporate or professional training, work experience, and/ or CLEP tests toward your Siena Heights bachelor’s degree.
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Opinion
Why not have a daycare on campus? rochelle lyle staff writer
Have you ever thought how beneficial it would be to have a daycare on college and university campuses? Offering that reliable support will not only take stress off the parents, but will also help the enrollment rate and generate more money for the school. Campus daycares would be restricted to students only who are maintaining a minimum of a 2.5 GPA. Hours would operate during the time school is in session and parents can only bring their child when they have class. Speaking from experience, it would be phenomenal to have
daycares available to students. I struggled with finding a daycare that had room for my son to attend. Living in a small community where daycare centers were limited, most of the seats were filled by children whose parents work, leaving little to no room for children whose parents attended school. Sometimes something so small like not having a sitter can cause parents to not further their education and with that problem arising I was forced to withdraw from school. Tiara Collins says she agrees that daycare services should be provided because even with the help of her husband it was still difficult for her to complete school the way she wanted to. “My husband
and I both were trying to complete school. We tried our best to get classes when one another didn’t have class but even that came to an end.” They both have managed to graduate from Eastern Illinois University, Collins with her BA in Family & Consumer Sciences and MBA in Sociology, and her husband with his BA. Pictured are Shontae and her son Marco Jr. Shontae is a current student here at KCC who managed
to still attend all her classes while caring for her son. While situations like this can show how strong and determined she is to continue her education, it can still be a challenge because the school doesn’t allow children in their classrooms. Contact Rochelle Lyle at bruin@kellogg.edu
photo by rochelle lyle
Shontae and her son Marco Jr.
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Feature
Dr. Destiny Dr. Destiny, What’s the best way to pull an all-nighter possibly a couple? -True Procrastinator True Procrastinator, Most students resort to energy drinks; you can take your pick from Rockstar, Amp, Monster, or even traditional coffee. However, those should be used sparingly. Otherwise, try to get some other people involved to keep you distracted from sleeping. Recruit friends and family to help you study. Call up the person in your phone who always has the greatest jokes or best drama to wake you up after a couple hours of having your nose in a book. Just remember that you should not be driving after pulling an all-nighter especially a couple of them. That is just an accident waiting to happen. -Dr. Destiny
Dates for Summer Students: • May 16: Classes start • May 30: College closed for Memorial Day • July 4: College closed for Independence Day • Aug. 8: Classes end
Dr. Destiny, Where is the best bathroom to use on campus? -Taking Care of Business Taking Care of Business, Without a doubt, the best bathroom to use on campus is in the lowest level of the library, near the comfy chairs that look out on Spring Lake. If you walk towards the door that takes you outside and connects to the C Building, behold, you have found it. Most people don’t even realize there is a bathroom down there, so it’s perfect for getting the job done without having to deal with other people coming in and out. -Dr. Destiny Dr. Destiny, How should I decorate my cap for graduation? I want to be original. -Unique Grad Unique Grad, If you really want to be original, don’t use quotes like “Now hotter by one degree” or “Adventure is out there.” When you search on Pinterest or Google, they’re going to be the first ones to show up. Instead, try creating your own design by combining some of your interests, passions, and values. For instance, you could always do a shout out to those who helped you along the way or inspired you, such as parents or professors. You could use a theme from your favorite t.v. show or music band. Also, it’s never a bad idea to incorporate your program of study or your future career. All in all, make sure the design is short and sweet. If you have too much going on with the cap on top of your head, it’s just going to look weird to all of the people in the audience staring at you as you receive your degree/certificate. -Dr. Destiny
BRUIN Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Graphic Editors
Advisors
Heidi Gartley
Marra Boulanger
Drew Hutchinson
Assistant Editor Mackenzie Hunter Leson
Timothy Stillson
Penny Rose
Staff Writer
Thomas Webster
Rochelle Lyle
Editorial Policy The KCC Bruin is a free student publication produced monthly by Kellogg Community College students during the fall and spring semesters. The KCC Bruin welcomes letters to the editor from members of the College and the community. Letters must be signed and submitted with a current telephone number or email address. All letters become property of the Bruin and may be edited for clarity and length. By-lined opinion columns represent the opinion of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Bruin staff or the College. Letters may be submitted by mail to: KCC Bruin student newspaper, c/o Kellogg Community College, 450 North Ave., Battle Creek, Mich. 49017. Letters may also be submitted at all three KCC sites. At the Battle Creek site, letters may be dropped off in the English Department on the 4th floor of the C Building; the College Life Office in the Student Center; or the student newspaper office. At the Grahl and Fehsenfeld Centers, letters may be submitted at the information desks. The Bruin office is located in room 202 of the OITC Building. The staff can be reached at (269) 965-3931, Ext. 2630 or e-mail the Bruin editor at bruin@kellogg.edu
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Sports
Joe Wolf sharpens his academic edge mackenzie leson
assistant-editor
Now pitching from your Bruins baseball team: number 20, Joe Wolf! If you ever go to a KCC baseball game this spring, chances of hearing that very same line are pretty high. From the east side of Detroit, Joe comes to KCC from the high school of Sterling Heights Stevenson, which is in Shelby Township. Joe is a right handed pitcher who has been playing this game since he was about four years old. I had a chance to sit down and talk with him about the season so far because the team had just gotten back from their trip to Louisiana where they played the number one team in the nation. Keep in mind this year’s team is ranks 5th in the nation as well. I had asked him how is the season looking and he said, “Right now, we are not doing as well as we hoped, but I think we are on the turn around. We were in the same position last year so I think the season will turn out successful as well.” I also asked him what his typical week looks like because they tend to play three times a week and he said, “I have class until 12:50 on Monday’s and Wednesdays, after class we will usually have practice until 3 and I work on homework or study the rest of the night. Tuesdays and Thursdays are usually game days so I have class until ten and then if our game is away we will usually leave at 11:30-12 depending on where it’s at. If it’s a home game we will usually be at the field by 12:30. We get done usually around 7-7:30 and after I usually have homework. Then Friday or Saturday we will usually have games. Lastly Sundays are my [catch up] days where I can get done what I did
not do during the week.” Not only is Joe a baseball player but he also happens to hold one of the highest GPA’s on the team. He has made the dean’s list all three semesters here at KCC as well. The past semester he was actually awarded the Male Scholar Athlete Award here at KCC as well for athletics and academic accomplishments. While we were talking to the question arose about what are some goals or
photo by simon thalmann
Joe Wolf
accomplishments he wanted to achieve this year individually and as a team and he told me, “As an individual I would like to become Academic All-American. As a team we are looking to win our conference, win our regional, and win a national championship for the first time in school history,” which is what seems to be a common goal in the whole team’s mind according to head coach, Coach Laskovy.
I was curious as to why Joe had come all the way down here to play baseball at KCC when there are many other schools much closer to home and he said, “I chose KCC because of their previous success in baseball as well as school. I knew coach Laskovy was one of the best coaches around and he takes us down to Louisiana every year to play the best competition in the country and that was the kind of program I wanted to be a part of.” Joe says that his team is one of his top motivators because they make him want to put forth the most amount of effort to bring them and himself closer to their end goal; which is to win the national title in May. I asked him what he was going to do after KCC and he told me that he is going on to play baseball at Indiana Tech where he will finish his bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, with hopes of landing a job at Boeing where he will use his mechanical engineer degree to help build and design airplanes. As we were wrapping up, he said, “There will always be hard times and you will constantly be facing adversity but there is always a way out you just have to find it,” The best advice he has received: “fake it till you make it, and just to be confident in my ability and what I can do.” Which couldn’t be any truer to any aspect of life not just sports. Come on out and support Joe and the rest of the men’s baseball team as they fight their way to hopefully win a national title this May. Contact Mackenzie Leson at bruin@kellogg.edu
Kassidy Butler takes her job seriously mackenzie Leson
assistant-editor
From wearing number 24 at Parchment High school to wearing 24 here at KCC, Kassidy Butler stands at 5’3”, and she is a right handed catcher and outfielder. Kassidy is currently in her first year here at KCC and she is taking classes here so she can transfer to University of Michigan - Dearborn to play softball and attend Pre-Physician Assistant School. I asked her why she choose KCC and she said it’s a great starting point for her. She also said that the transition from high school to college isn’t the easiest but going here has helped her. She also loved the school, and that softball is a bonus. She also really likes the professors and the class sizes here it makes it easy to talk to her teachers. Concerning the season, she said that they had just got back from Florida and went 8-2 for the week, playing some of the ranked teams across the nation. Many do not know this but Kassidy is the record holder in the state of Michigan for most home runs in one season. She hit nineteen in her senior season and ended her high school career with 32 total homeruns. She said that it was great for her to achieve this but the best part of this whole experience was watching her community come together. What is the best advice that she has received: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.” She said that this does not just fit for sports and softball but life as well. Kassidy has very high hopes for this season when I asked what her specific
photo by simon thalmann
Kassidy Butler
goals were she told me, “Individually I would like to bat over .500, and help my team get as many wins as possible, but as a team, we want to make it to Nationals. We have a lot to follow after last year’s success, and I’m positive we can do it again this year.” With that being said, I asked Kassidy what makes her put forth her greatest effort and she said, “The thing that motivates me to put forth my greatest effort is success. Success is something everybody wants in life, and that is definitely a big motivation.” She feels that to have that type of success the team is hoping for, there must be a solid team chemistry set in place. She said that if they can’t find a way to get a long the success of the season will start to go downhill. Kassidy believes that team chemistry can make or break a team and she firmly believes that if love everyone--even if that person is
not your best friend—then that person will ALWAYS be your teammate. When I asked her about her biggest weakness, she told me that it was the fact that she is too hard on herself. She said that over the years it has been a challenge for her to let the last ball go and keep moving forward, but slowly but surely she is learning how to. Her biggest strength? She said, “My greatest strength is being a TEAMMATE. I am a very humble person. Ask anybody. I will always be there to pick somebody up if they’re down. I will always think of the team. If I hit a homer - great, I did it to help my team. Not for my numbers. If I throw somebody out - great. It’s because that’s my job.” This is the mind set of someone who is willing to do anything for the team and that’s the one thing that every coach will take over talent every day. In my final question I asked: what was the one thing she will be able to take from this sport for the rest of her life and she said, “Work ethic. Sports has taught me to work hard. And in order to be good, you have to work for it.” This couldn’t be anymore true for anything in life. Come on out and watch the Kassidy and the other lady Bruin players this season out at Bailey Park.
Holly VanTilburg: playing to inspire mackenzie leson
assistant-editor
Name: Holly VanTilburg Age: 20 Height: 5’9” Sport: Softball Position: Pitcher Year: Sophomore Major: Psychology Hometown: Paw Paw, Michigan High School: Paw Paw High School Hobbies: Fishing, photography Accomplishments: The team set several records last year along with winning a state championship. My biggest accomplishment was being named an All- American pitcher, along with freshman of the Year. I was about to talk to Holly just a bit about the season and what she did before the season to get ready for it and she said she was a part of the KCC woman’s basketball team so that is what helped keep her in shape for the majority of the offseason. She also throws with her dad. Once the season came around she was practicing with the whole team for softball strengthening their legs and throwing the ball around. Holly likes to listen to music while she warms up for her games and she never steps on the white line beforehand. Holly said, “We all live life’s people do not entirely know about and NF speaks about his. I play to inspire my younger sister and many other young ladies to further their careers on the diamond along with their education inside the classroom,” which I think is an awesome way to look at what she is doing. I wish the best of luck to Holly and the Lady Bruin softball team as they try to take this season like they did last year. Come out and support the ladies at Bailey Park. Contact Mackenzie Leson at bruin@kellogg.edu
Contact Mackenzie Leson at bruin@kellogg.edu
photo by simon thalmann
Holly VanTillburg