theSentinel THE OFFICIAL STUDENT MAGAZINE OF NORTH IDAHO COLLEGE
theSentinel Emily Kinsella Editor in Chief
Katie Hartwig Photo Editor
Anna-Lee Boerner Sports Editor
Kaylee Dinkel Visual Editor
Rebecca Pratt Graphics Editor
Nick Neale Webmaster
Paul Celeri Patric Granlund Robert Perry Riley Rehberg Luke Wilhelm Staff Writers
Letter from the Editor: As we all know, the world of journalism has been in flux for some time, with print media experiencing a loss of readership and market value, not to mention a politically-motivated erosion of trust in the fourth estate. The Sentinel, a nationally renowned and awarded newspaper, has made the difficult but invigorating transition to a different kind of print product. This transition isn’t the reactionary result of a changing tide, but an opportunity to take what has worked, and redirect towards a more nuanced style of campus coverage. With that has come an enhanced push to engage more on social media, and to explore opportunities in new media. I stepped into the role of managing editor, new to a campus publication but full of life experience. In this time of adaptation, we are a team that is equally comprised of members who are tested, and those who bring refreshing inexperience. We are prepared to embrace a new paradigm in journalism, while continuing to create content that is profound and relevant to our campus community. For all intents and purposes, we’re still reporting the news. We look forward to showing you what that looks like now.
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Table of
Contents
The New Sentinel
4
Swede Dreams
6
You, too. Me, too.
7
What’s your happy study place?
8
Boswell Takes on USA Wrestling
10
Fall Sports
12
Winter Sports
14
Adventure Priest Lake
16
Cd’A Give Away
19
Iron Man: Coeur d’Alene says goodbye
20
Classic is the Key
24
Good Vibrations
25
Destination: Dallas
28
In For a Penny, in for a Dress
30
The North Idaho College Life Style:
Our transition from Newspaper to Magazine Rebecca Pratt Graphics Editor
I wish I could say we didn’t come to the decision lightly. I wish I could say there were more of us fighting for the tradition and classic appeal of a newspaper. I also wish this transition had happened sooner. Newspapers all over the world have been suffering from poor circulation. And these papers cover everything from local to world news. Our small student paper has been long restricted to what was happening on campus. Were we a larger university with over 10,000 students maybe we wouldn’t be scraping the bottom of the bucket of content for so long. Honestly, how long can we report on the same six things until somebody notices? I noticed after my second issue here two semesters ago. All this alongside declining staff members meant we needed change, despite being an award winning publication (third place winner of the Pinnacle Award for Best Newspaper in 2017, various awards from the society of Professional Journalism, Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association, the Pacific Northwest Association of Journalism Educators, and many more). Not only was the publication world around us changing, but so were its consumers. Students were not as drawn to hard-hitting news pieces, and the few that read our content for the colorful features and event pieces were deterred by the lack of quality that comes from printed papers. Gorgeous photos taken by our staff were smudged blobs, and any attempt at graphic design seemed futile. Towards the end of the semester, our editor at the time presented the idea of a strictly online publication. Those of us on the staff who enjoyed having a printed product were not completely in love with the idea. We began
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tossing and turning, throwing out different ideas, when one of our other staff members brought up the idea of a student magazine. We have fallen in love with our design and our new content, and we are confident that you will too. We have focused our publication more on visual appeal, though we will still be covering sports and campus news on our website and multiple growing social media accounts. We will be publishing mainly features and lifestyle pieces. The Sentinel has long been about this campus and its students. This will change some. The lifestyle of the Pacific North West has been trendy and popular for a while now. No surprise, as it is aesthetically pleasing and a ridiculously fun place to live. And though North Idaho is technically not a part of it geographically, Idaho has its own unique culture, both on-and-off campus. We plan on surveying and celebrating NIC’s culture in its true light, because who doesn’t love coffee, rainy days, and everything outdoors? Couple these with a few things that are signature North Idaho College: insane weather, finals, sports, campus life, downtown Cd’A, Cardinal culture, and viola! We present to you the new and improved student publication of North Idaho College. There is so much beauty and so much underground culture in our area and not many have been able to touch on it. Our campus alone has amazing programs such as an intensely active English club, a vibrant Outdoor Pursuits program, a student-run restaurant tucked safely away on the edge of campus, and a booming art community. All these lie in wait for more students to read about and enjoy for themselves. The Sentinel aims to inspire its students and community with beautiful awareness.
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Swede Dreams: Capsule Banking in Twin Peaks Patric Granlund Staff Writer
Twenty-three years. For this long I’ve roamed the planet, from Beijing to Seattle, from Stockholm to Cairo. I’ve climbed the mountains of Canada, cut a swath through the jungles of Azores, caroused down the streets of Nanjing with Baijiu coursing through my veins; yet, nothing could’ve prepared me for what I would encounter in North Idaho. Drive-thru banking. With the lobby closed, I found myself without other options. I had to ask my friend to take me around the corner of the bank, for my mission was urgent and of great importance. Pedal to the metal, the little Subaru screeched across the lot, burning rubber as it made haste around to the drive-thru queue, skidding to a halt right behind a thick, voluptuous yellow truck. Alas, the joy of beholding such powerful machinery was cut short as it wheezed, clouding one Swede’s vision with thick, black, smog, and introducing the decrepit scent of its crushed hopes to my twitching nostrils. Once, this vehicle was in its prime, but from the days of glory naught but a shadow remains. After an eternity in purgatory, we rolled up to the spot. Like a deer in headlights, my chestnut eyes would dart around, inspecting this unfathomable technology. There in front of me was a camera, a digital screen with a woman, and to my great surprise, a long tube which lead towards the main building. Legend has it that the smudged imprint of my Swedish face can be seen on the window of the Subaru to this very day. “Patric. You need to put your ID and check in this capsule.” My friend held me by my shoulders, attempting to rouse me from my sudden-onset shell shock. Ears were ringing. Explosions echoed with a muted force in the distance, layered with hacking machine gun fire. “Patric! Your passport! Put it in the capsule!” I snapped out of it and sprang into action, placing my check, their pen and my passport in the capsule. With iron discipline and steely reserve, I slipped it inside the tube, sending it straight to the poor lady contained within the cramped screen before me. The capsule vanished from my sight for a moment, before once more appearing. Did it dematerialize and warp to her? Did it fly through the rusted old tubes above? Was it pushed by a massive gerbil? How does such technology function?
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Was I in Coeur d’Alene, or Twin Peaks? I no longer knew.
You Too,
Me Too
Emily Kinsella Managing Editor
My mother, sister, friends, and acquaintances too. I do not know of a woman who has not experienced some form of sexual harassment or trauma. In light of the explosive Harvey Weinstein allegations, powerful men everywhere are bracing for their own fall. It’s invigorating. But it’s not enough. I’m coming for the men with no power. I’m coming for the homeless man on the corner who says “Smile, sexy.” Pitchforks are being sharpened. We’ve reached a point where we can’t go back. Did you grab an ass in an elevator in 1994? We know, and it’s not ok. Do you have a reputation for cornering drunk girls and forcing a makeout? We already know. If you’re reading this and getting nervous, good. We’re taking names. We’re printing receipts. It’s not ok. It never was. I had a family friend who painfully pinned me to the ground in 1st grade and tried to kiss me, because he “had a crush.” There was the grown man in the coffee shop where I worked at age 17. He waited for the elderly coffee klatch to clear out, and then slipped me a note offering me money to sleep with him in the hotel next door. The teenage boys who yelled out, “Suck my cock” to my friend and I, walking to the ice cream store one summer day, when we were 10 years old. These are just some of the experiences that come to mind when I search my own memories for all the moments, big or small, when my gender made me a target. The most shocking discovery is that none of these examples are shocking. They are common-place. Women have been running through these events together since the dawn of time. We’re reminded when our fathers hand us pepper spray for protection when we sign up for a night class. We’re reminded every time some well-intentioned product hits the market like nail polish that detects date rape drugs, or apps that send distress texts to your friends when you’re walking home alone. The fact that we’re shamed for having the nerve to exist in the world alone. That we should “know better,” watch our drinks, adhere to the buddy system, and dress
modestly. That no one has acknowledged that it shouldn’t be our job to not get raped. That no one has told men they should “know better” than to commit assault. A woman reports being groped by an elderly man, and responses include “Focus on the real issues like rape.” Are you telling me that my body is only entitled to a finite amount of respect and autonomy? That we have to pick and choose the ways in which we are not assaulted? That our asses are fair game because no one got physically hurt? IS ANYONE ASKING THESE QUESTIONS? We prop up this illogical institution by holding men and boys to a low standard. That standard is supported when girls are sent home from school for wearing shorts in the second grade. It sends a clear message: “We can’t trust boys not to behave inappropriately.” Even more than that, we don’t want to trust them. Studies have shown that a simple course on consent could have dramatic positive effects on campus rape statistics. But we don’t hold them. We like our institutions to be convenient. If we acknowledged that consent is but one factor in the overall picture, we’d have to admit just how badly we’ve failed our women historically. Some men are uncomfortable that we’re approaching a shift in perception. They’re outraged that we ask, time and again, to leave us alone. I call upon men to be brave. Don’t let this society tell you that because you have a Y chromosome you can’t control yourself. Don’t believe it when they tell you that a woman’s body is owed to you — you’re fully capable of finding sex or love without cashing in on this backwards expectation. The longer we continue this cycle of fear-mongering and denial, the longer you remain a threat. I believe in you. I ask you to speak up, and then step aside. Speak up when you see garbage behavior. Step aside when we need to be heard. Live up to your potential as humans and stop dining out on the free pass of toxic misogyny. You should know better.
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What’s Your Happy Study Place
Rebecca Pratt Graphics Editor
Dylan Siegel, 21, NIC University of Idaho student, spends most of his study time at the Molstead Library on campus. Siegel says he spends most of his time there reading material he missed and needs to brush up on, or studying for his U of I Hemmingway Literature class. “I like the library because it’s always quiet, there’s always somewhere to sit, and its just really welcoming,” said Siegel. “Everyone is here for the same reason; to learn and study.” Siegel’s favorite spot in the library is the couches in the back where he says he finds the privacy he needs. While studying, Siegel likes to snack on mixed nuts and chips. “I usually only drink water while studying because its free, and coffee is too expensive,” said Siegel. Nora Kennedy, 19, is an Elementary Education major at NIC. She spends most of her time studying for her geography class because of its extensive content. “Repetition is my friend,” said Kennedy. “I use a lot of note cards to study, just going over them over and over again.” Kennedy says there is less distraction, she “is not worried about who is doing what” around her when she studies at home. “I like that I don’t have to worry about the place I’m at closing. I always have what I need at home, my computer charger, my stuff.” The way Kennedy stays focused while studying is by drinking plenty of cold water and having background noise. Her six siblings and parents she lives with are not a distraction for her, Kennedy said, because they sometimes help her study by quizzing her and she is so used to having them around, It is just comfortable background noise. “I can just really get into it when I’m at home,” said Kennedy. “I just feel comfortable at home.” Megan George, 19, studies in the upper level of the Student Union Building for her Accounting degree. George said she spends most of her study time on her math problems and memorizing formulas. “I copy my notes in different colored pens and highlight my text books with fun colors to keep it interesting,” said George. “Sometimes I put a gummy bear on my next page in reading to have something to look forward to- like a reward.” George said she likes to study in the upstairs of the sub, because it’s more quiet than the downstairs levels and is free from crowds. “There’s always somewhere to sit and there’s no big loud groups up here- they make me nervous and I can’t focus.” George says she eats gummy bears and other sweets for study snacks and drinks plenty of water, but she likes that when she needs coffee, it’s not far away.
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Photos by: Rebecca Pratt
NIC Builds Champions Katie Hartwig Photography Editor
Former NIC student, Killian Estes, 21, of Post Falls, is competing for a professional MMA contract on December 9th in Reno, Nevada. Although Estes’ opponent for the upcoming bout has yet to be decided, he said has no doubt that he will win the contract. Estes is no stranger to the sport. He has a wrestling background that dates back to when he was three-years-old. His father, Parker Estes, has been the main influence in his life and fight career. Estes’ father was a wrestler and began fighting at 19. The passion for the sport continued in the next generation as Estes watched and built up his skills over the years. The sport became a passion of his and he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father. After high school, Estes wrestled for North Idaho College under current coach Pat Whitcomb. Whitcomb has coached other wrestlers who have moved onto MMA, such as professional fighter Jamelle Jones. Estes wrestled with NIC for about a year before he decided to break away and become a full-time fighter. He is a King of the Cage Amateur Middle Weight Champion, and holds other titles from other promotions. He is currently sitting undefeated at 9-0 in the amateur division and is making his own impact in the fighting community. Estes follows many fighters, but is largely influenced by Conor McGregor. Estes is currently training at Trevor Prangley’s AKA facility, under the tutelage of Prangley, a veteran in the sport. Prangley himself has fought in major pro-
motions such as the UFC and Bellator. Typical training changes from day to day but a sparring day will include Muay Thai Kickboxing and No-Gi jiu-jitsu (wrestling and submissions put together). Other days, Estes focuses on heavier cardio, including airdyne bikes, focus mitts, and heavy bags to constantly work on lungs and breathing. Estes’ mother and father had separated when he was young and were living in separate areas. When Estes was just 16, his mother became very sick and passed shortly after. His mother was later diagnosed with an autoimmune disease which ultimately made her organs fail. Estes said the traumatic experience had pushed him to keep fighting and to train harder than he had before. “I’ve never been able to explain the cage fight feeling, except that I put every good emotion and every bad emotion into my fighting and let it all out in the cage,” Estes said. Estes has 5 sisters, and one brother who wrestles at Post Falls High School. Estes himself was an Idaho Wrestling State Champion at Lake City High School. The day of each fight, Estes hears from people who want to wish him good luck, which he says gets him prepared mentally. Estes has many sponsors including: Boars Nest in Spirit Lake, Freezia in Post Falls (owned by his manager Shawn Carr), and Patriot Supplements in Coeur d’Alene. Although his mark in the world of MMA is in its infancy, Estes is ready and willing to make a name for himself in professional MMA. Photos by: Katie Hartwig
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The World Team
Boswell Takes on USA Wrestling Anna-Lee Boerner Sports Editor
A successful career is often found to be rooted in passion and a strong work ethic. Randy Boswell, the athletic trainer of North Idaho College, displays daily what it means to thrive on dedication. “I pride myself on my work ethic,” Boswell said. “These guys practice twice a day, and whether one is there or not, I still have to be there for the rest of the guys.” While traveling with the NIC wrestling team for the 2017 National Tournament in Iowa, Boswell was notified that he would be accompanying some of the United States’ best wrestlers as they competed in Paris, France. This past August, Boswell watched matside as the United States Senior World team claimed their first team title in 22 years. He served as their athletic trainer.
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The team title came down to a final match between Russia and the United States of America. “Everyone there was either for the United States or Russia,” Boswell said. “No one was neutral.” History was made as Kyle Snyder of Ohio State secured the team victory against Abdulrashid Sadulaev in the final thirty seconds of their finals match. Snyder’s wrestling wasn’t the only mark he left on Boswell. “Everything with Kyle is always thank you,” Boswell Said. “He is always so grateful.” Boswell stresses the importance of gaining the trust from the athletes on the team. Jordan Burroughs suffered a fractured ankle in 2013, just 27 days prior to the World Championship in Budapest, Hungary. “I had to tape it so no one could see the
A successful career is often found to be rooted in passion and a strong work-ethic. Randy Boswell, the athletic trainer of North Idaho College, displays daily what it means to thrive on dedication.
tape,” Boswell said. “He couldn’t ice it in public. I had people looking at me going, ‘you knew!?’” Ultimately, the early reveal of the injury could have been detrimental to Burroughs’ success. His opponents could have targeted his injured ankle. This could have made his injury worse, forcing him to forfeit the competition. According to Boswell, gaining team trust doesn’t end with the athletes. “Every time a new coach is hired,” Boswell said, “I have to redeem myself.” Boswell’s medical guidance didn’t stop at the coaches and athletes. “Other country’s trainers, even doctors, were coming to me asking questions,” Boswell said. “They don’t have the medical information that we do here in the United States.”
Boswell has been a member of the NIC staff for the past 25 years. “This is my first love,” Boswell said, “Just look around. The lake, campus, it’s all beautiful.” Coach Pat Whitcomb introduced Boswell at the 2017 Coaches Showcase hosted by the NIC Athletics Boosters Tuesday Night. “All of our sports are pretty fortunate to have Randy,” Whitcomb said. “He’s not just a wrestling guy, he’s a sports guy.” Boswell intends to work with USA Wrestling as long as the opportunity is available to him, and while the NIC administration will allow him to. “Blessed is sometimes over-used,” Boswell said. “But I really am blessed.” Photos by: Paul Celeri and Katie Hartwig
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Anna-Lee Boerner Sports Editor
Camaraderie thrives in passion, and dedication to that passion is found in the platform of any successful team. The process of building a team goes beyond finding strong athletes that excel. A strong and positive character transforms an athlete into a role model, and makes a team legendary. This NIC Volleyball team became NWAC Eastern Conference champions this season, and they will be doing everything necessary to make sure that the success continues. One major part of the process has been the relationship the coaching staff has established with each player on the team. “Coming from my experience in college, you are away from home, from your family,” Stanley said. “It’s nice to have that person you can rely on.” The volleyball players believe that the balance between coach and a second mom is crucial to their individual and team growth. “Off the court, they’re more like mom figures,” freshman Hailee Etter said. “On the court, sometimes we’re scared of them. They can be tough, but they push us in a really good way.” No two seasons are the same , and each group of new players has the opportunity to define themselves. This year’s group brings more to the court than their athletic ability.
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“This team is different this year because of the personality each and every one brings to the court,” Stanley said. “Every single girl is unique.” Between the new freshmen and veteran sophomores, this year’s team has a infinite supply of passion. “There is more urgency to have a good season,” sophomore Rachel Leshikar said. “It’s just really exciting that my last season gets to be with them.” Part of being a freshman means absorbing the experience and guidance from the sophomores. “They aided me mentally. I was there physically.” said freshman Kayla Neumann. “I could play with them but it was the mental part I was missing.” There is one thing on this team’s mind for their ideal end to the season. “We’re really excited to see how the season goes,” sophomore Halle Hess said. “Our main goal is NWAC (Northwest Athletic Conference) championships.” The returning sophomores have established themselves as leaders, but Leshikar made sure to note that having captains hasn’t stopped any players form dedicating themselves to the championships. The team has earned their spot in the NWAC Volleyball Championship tournament, and is proud to be representing NIC. “I am so proud to wear NIC gear. I love this program so much. I love my coaches, I love my team,” Neumann said.
Fall Sports
Photos by: Katie Hartwig
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Winter Sports
Photos by: Katie Hartwig and Geoff Carr
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Wrestling Looks to Claim 15th NJCAA Team Title
Anna-Lee Boerner Sports Editor
One individual’s success can often overshadow the passion and determination of a team. Wrestling, a sport rooted in individual success, routinely falls victim to this. North Idaho College Wrestling is determined to make sure that the team produces success as a whole at the national level, not just individual champions. “We all want one thing this year, and it’s a team title,” said returning All-American, Trey Meyer. Returning All-American Trey Meyer wrestling Cody Warner at the second Red vs. Grey Dual. Accompanying Meyer are two fellow returning All-Americans (Placed in the Top 8 at Nationals) , Levi Perry and Damian Trujillo. Brent Evans and Thomas Stevenson also return to the team after barely missing the All-American honor at nationals last season. To earn a team title, each wrestler that qualifies for nationals will need to contribute to the team score by advancing in their weight class’ bracket. NIC’s returning National Qualifiers intend to lead the team in bring home the national title, which has not been won by NIC since
2013. Part of building a successful season is found in the influence of the coaching staff. “They are a younger staff, so we bond with them as friends,” Meyer said. “When we get down, they can use that relationship to bring us back up and build us stronger.” Coach Brandon Richardson coaches mat side at the second Red vs. Grey dual. This year’s coaching staff consists of returning Head Coach Pat Whitcomb, and Assistant Coach Keri Stanley. Both previous NIC Wrestling National Champions. The newest addition to the staff is Coach Brandon Richardson, returning to Coeur d’Alene after wrestling at the University of Wyoming. “Guys really respond well to [Richardson] and what he brings to the room,” Stanley said. The first home dual of the season will be held on November 17, 2017, when the wrestlers will face their rival, Clackamas, at 7:30 p.m. “All we want from the school is your amazing support and pride,” Meyer said. “We will win a title for this school this year. I say it with passion.”
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Priest Adventure
Lake
Rebecca Pratt Graphics Editor
On October 27, I was running through my checklist to be sure I had everything. Enough food? Enough layers of clothing? Enough socks (cause you can never have enough wool socks)? I had been so preoccupied with coordinating food and supplies with my camping confidant and good friend, Emily Jesenberg, I had forgotten to go to bed. So at five in the morning, running on as many hours of sleep, I was up packing the last of my gear and preparing for North Idaho College’s Outdoor Pursuits trip to upper Priest Lake. Unlike most camping trips, this one was unique because we were going to load our supplies and gear onto canoes and kayaks and make our way on a two hour long paddle trip from Lions Head Boat launch to our destination. Much like everyone else there, Emily and I found that we were over-tired and cold, but extremely excited. Between yawns we all packed the trailer tight with our gear and boats. In the van, people nervously and excitedly introduced themselves. Some knew one another from previous trips and the OP program, others were just as new to these trips as I was.. Eventually the stiffness of strange introductions wore away. And then as the small city of Coeur d’Alene turned to Post Falls, which soon faded into small businesses in even smaller towns, then to fields and farmhouses, and eventually to woodland, we were still surrounded by an eerie fog. The spooky environment gave birth to discussion of scary movies, then to movies in general. Before long, many of the campers in the cramped van were on a first name basis- sharing photos of their pets, children,
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and previous trips. When we arrived at Lions Head, Terry Brinton, OP’s assistant coordinator and the leader of our expedition, expressed he was hopeful the fog would lift shortly after we got moving in the water. On the water, we had only three things to look at: the white abyss of the fog, the mirror-like water that made it seem as though we paddled through the sky itself, and the stem of one of the camper’s banana costume, which was bright yellow and our beacon for direction. We were not the only ones dizzied by the fog, as Brinton had to kindly shout to an older man outside his lake home smoking a pipe for directions as to which channel would be best to get to Upper Priest. Among the campers, the skepticism was as thick as the fog around us, but, like Brinton had suspected, about half an hour in we could see the fog lifting from the still water, slowly and delicately. After the conversation faded to silence, we paddled our separate ways, each enjoying the silence of the morning and scenery the newly-cleared fog allowed. After arriving at the end of the channel my kayak coasted around an edge of land. I was taken-aback by the sudden view of a large green and orange mountainside, framed by a blue sky and the lake’s reflection. Later, we came to our site, and though it was still so cold, the bright sun warmed the ambience as we put up our tents and ate snacks. After some rest, we all went our separate ways. Chris Lennox in his banana costume sat along the bank, a father and son duo left for a canoe fishing trip, the interns cuddled in their hammocks, and Brinton curled up in his sleeping bag under a tree to sleep the day away. Others went for a hike or out on a canoe to explore. Emily, Ryleigh Darn-
ton and I grabbed food and walked along the bank of the lake before finding a place to plant ourselves. Here we talked, slept, ate, and laughed. We exchanged horror stories from life, and dreams we had after our time at NIC. The interns later steered us in the direction of a makeshift bar built out of splintered wood and sticks suspended between two slender pines. It looked as though someone had built a tiki bar with a PNW twist. Someone had hung a sign with a picture of a man in the 20s who claimed to not be lost in the woods, but just refusing to come home and assured his wife he was fine and to stop looking. That night the OP staff prepared a fire-baked pineapple upside down cake that was more than impressive. The campers feasted, ate s’mores, and after the conversation quieted to a low hum, most of us simply sat mesmerized by the flames. The easiness of the people is what I will remember most from this experience. Though we all came from different backgrounds, ages, and career paths, when we disagreed it was with calm explanation. The teasing was light, and the energy was calm and kind. Though I nearly froze by the fire, as soon as I crawled into my sleeping bag I was warmed and fell easily to sleep. The next morning, however, was about as unkind as the one before. I awoke dehydrated, groggy, and
exhausted, but when I finally gathered the courage to leave my comfy tent, I was greeted by Emily and many other friendly faces. It is hard to stay grumpy when so many nice people say “good morning” to you and the lake is a misty gold-blue from the morning light. On the voyage home, the wind was fighting us and our exhaustion was slowing our movements, but I still had the time to speak with some of the campers on the experience. The interns stated that this trip embodied many of the things they loved about recreation sports. They told me how they came to be here. “Both Paige and I were summer interns. There’s nothing like being out here. We both stayed on because we loved it so much here, there’s so much to do,” said Emma Pappas. Paige Small explained how she had gotten her bachelor’s degree in southern California, but had come to NIC for the internship because the OP program here was much more “experienced and developed.” “I’m staying up here after this semester to work on a ski mountain,” Paige Small explained. She said she was unwilling to leave here because of North Idaho’s outdoor recreation options. After paddling hard against the wind, I caught up to Riley. We talked about why we had come on this trip and what we had gotten out of it. “I think I like just getting to know all the different people! We had so many different types
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Everyone had a different reason for being there, but everyone had the same fascination and draw to nature. The wind picked up after we were out of the channel again, violently threatening to knock us over into the chilling water. I got high-centered in the shallow water, only freed after a mercenary wave knocked my kayak off the sand bar. After everyone and everything was loaded back
into the van and trailer, we sat in exhausted stillness while Brinton played a compilation of his favorite folk songs on the journey back. This is not the only adventure Outdoor Pursuits hosts and provides opportunities for. They have encouraged me to spread the word of their many trips and workshops.
Photos by: Rebecca Pratt and Emma Pappas
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Years in the Making Emily Kinsella Managing Editor
On Thursday afternoon, a group of NIC students, staff, faculty and trustees gathered to celebrate a dream finally realized with the grand opening “rope-cutting” of the new state-of-the-art student recreation and wellness center. “We’ve only been waiting for this for about fifteen years,” said Vice President for student services Graydon Stanley, who hosted the event. His brief remarks addressed the long journey from an emotional trustee meeting where the project was approved over a decade ago. He was followed by Quanah Matheson with the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, who led the group in a prayer over the native lands on which the new
center will reside. A true team effort from the beginning, staffed by students and administered by members of NIC staff. More than 800 students have already checked into the facility more than 3500 times in the two weeks since it opened doors, according to Jessica Bennett, Director of Student Wellness and Recreation. LPN student Caralina Fischer said, “I signed up in the first week. I love their drop-in classes.” During the dedication, which was moved indoors due to air quality, attendees heard from NIC President Dr. Rick MacLennan, among others. MacLennan, one of the first staff members in line to purchase a membership, said, “We’re so thrilled about this facility. It will change the lives of students, and
Photos by: Paul Celeri
greatly impact the community.” The completion of the center was a true team effort with a personal significance to many. Gabe Bujko of Ginno Construction is also an NIC graduate, and helped supervise the project. “To get my degree in construction management from NIC and then to work on this building was a real privilege for me, kind of like a divine appointment,” said Bujko. “I’m happy to have executed the project on schedule and on budget after the winter we had.” Full-time NIC students (12 credits) will be offered admission at no charge, and students enrolled in under 12 credits will pay $7.25 per credit until you reach 12. Adjusted pricing for summer students, staff, spouses and alumni will be offered as well.
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Photos by: Robert Perry
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Luke Wilhem Staff Writer ronman Coeur d’Alene showcased for the last time why it has been a main attraction in the North Idaho College backyard for so many years. The full Ironman triathalon is a weekend of competition that brings racers from accross the country and fans and vollunteers from around the Pacific Northwest. This year the energy never ceased. On Sunday morning the water temperatures lingered in the 50s and the swimmers lurking on the beach weren’t the only individuals anxious to get the race day started. NIC was well represented by multiple staff members, faculty, and students. Last year, NIC was awarded several grants due to its dedication and work at this event. Heidi Schrader, who has led NIC volunteers at Ironman for five years now, said the volunteers raised more money this year that will go towards scholarships and other student programs. Schrader described the volunteering and funds as an “opportunity to make it easier for students to go to school here.” Schrader competed in Iron Man several years ago, and the desire to raise money goes along with the tremendous sense of pride in the community and our spirit of competition. The people that go out there and volunteer aren’t doing it for themselves; they see this day as a chance to do something special for others, to leave a bene-
ficial and meaningful impact on the community. For many of the volunteers, including some from NIC that sacrificed their time, they looked at it as something dear to them, rather than an obligation. Many carry the same mindset as the racers themselves: ready to commit until the big finish. I am convinced the conviction shown by many of the volunteers stems from watching these racers compete at the highest level. Are they impressed with the sheer force of will, or are they intimidated by the show of strength? This intrigued me because I might see these almost ‘super’ humans and feel a certain emptiness or lack of success but each and every person I asked described a deep sense of inspiration at being privileged to see so many fierce athletes triumph in the face of incredible adversity. Once again, the event this showcased the talent of these competitors, the energy of the community, and the will of these volunteers. In the wake of its final year, it is clear this has been more than a race or a reason to go ring a cowbell on Sherman Avenue. For years this event has elevated the community, providing incalculable benefit to local businesses, opportunities to volunteer, and a chance to stand toe to streets and witness perseverance personified in all the athletes and competitors. Coeur d’Alene will still have the pleasure of hosting the half-Ironman each summer, and the positive effects of the full triathlon will reverberate across the community for many years to come.
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Cd’A give away Riley Rehberg Staff Writer
The resort lawn. The bathroom of a coffee shop. NIC's literal backyard. Fun and games have been sweeping Coeur d’Alene since this summer, when the idea of one individual came to life. "It's like Pokemon GO!, but better," said local resident Jessica Jolliff. A successful local man, who wished to remain anonymous, was generous enough to start up a cash and prize scavenger hunt using Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as platforms for clues. Prizes have included cash, bicycles and even a car. “I don’t have a game plan. I’m just a normal person, I carry around a pile of cash and when I see a good place, I just hide it and snap a photo,” Anonymous said in a Twitter interview with The Sentinel. “I don’t really have a playbook and I don’t have any help. It’s just me.” Deemed, simply, the “CDA Give Away,”
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many have wondered if there is some ulterior motive behind the sudden goodwill, such as an elaborate marketing scheme. Anonymous has stated plainly that it's just not the case. “It’s a really simple concept, and I’m not a genius or anything,” Anonymous said. “It’s just a simple, fun way to engage the community.” The communal outreach has touched many, and people are asking if the source will expand to Post Falls or Hayden. “It’s not that I don’t want to do Post Falls or expand, it’s just that it dilutes the overall view. Right now, Coeur d’Alene has this great, fun game going on, and they own it,” Anonymous said. “It’s amazing. Some people really have nothing, even people with tons of money, and when you disrupt a community in a good way, it’s positive for anyone.” Anonymous also said to be on the look out for bigger and better prizes during the holiday season.
Photos by: CDA Give Away
Photo by: Mason Miles
“MY GOAL WAS TO CAPTURE HOW THESE INDIVIDUALS TICKED OUTSIDE OF THE REALM OF WHERE OTHERS SEE THEM”
Robert Perry Staff Writer
Mason Miles, photography student at North Idaho College, is the curator of the Art Spirit Gallery in down town Coeur d’Alene. Miles was born and raised in Boise, Idaho, but has called Coeur d’Alene home for three years. Mile’s passion and eye for curating was formed under the tutelage the late Steve Gibbs, founder of The Art Spirit Gallery, and assumed the role of gallery curator after Steve’s passing in 2016. Miles has curated numerous solo exhibitions by well-known area artists such as Harold Balazs, Del Gish, and Mel McCuddin. His largest and according to Miles’s “most challenging” exhibition included 196 pieces all by separate artists for The Art Spirit Gallery’s 20th anniversary celebrated in July of 2017. Miles also curates various downtown Coeur d’Alene businesses, selecting works to match the style and space of each establishment. For the 2017 Coeur d’Alene Parade of Homes sponsored by the North Idaho Building Contractors, he was recruited by area designers to curate three homes on the tour. With what spare time he has, Miles attends art classes at North Idaho College to further his knowledge in the full spectrum of various mediums. He says he “has a passion for photography and prefers using old school film cameras.” In his own words Mason described a personal creative project that he is currently working on through the lens of his camera. “Sub-Coeur is a body of work I have been exploring for the last year. It is a visual study of the sub-cultures of the Coeur d’Alene area; mainly dealing with groups that are involved with skateboarding and rock climbing. My goal was to capture how these individuals ticked outside of the realm of where others see them.”
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Riley Rehberg Staff Writer weeping vibrations and “exhilarating nerves” could not have been a better combination to win two state competitions and achieve the runner up title at nationals. At least, that is what it took for one gifted North Idaho College fiddler. NIC student Ashley Dreyer has been playing the fiddle for seven years. She said she instantly fell in love with the music when her family took a trip to a Bluegrass Music Festival when she was 12. Her passion for the fiddle has flourished ever since. In 2017 alone, Dreyer won first place in the Idaho Open Fiddle Competition, first place in the Colorado State Competition, and second place in the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest. The first and only time she competed in the Idaho Open Fiddle Competition before this year, Dreyer did not make the first cut, let alone place in the top five. “It was really redeeming to go back and actually win it this year,” Dreyer said. “It felt really good.” As a fiddler from Idaho, Dreyer was encouraged to participate in the Colorado State Competition by two of her former fiddle teachers. “I had gone once before, and this year I decided I had to go back because it was so much fun,” Dreyer said. “So I just bought a plane ticket and went. It’s really cool because it’s in Denver during the National Western Stock Show, which is a huge event. It’s a fun venue for a contest. That one was fun to
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win because it was far away and out of state.” Dreyer said she has been competing in the National Oldtime Fiddlers’ Contest since she was 13 years old, and her first year she took 50th place. As she continued to work hard, she slowly moved up the ranks and landed a spot in the top five. “I was really calm this year,” Dreyer said. “I was just able to have fun and not care as much about how I did in the contest, and then I ended up doing my best.” As Dreyer continues to pursue her passion, she said her biggest goal is to start moving towards professional musician gigs. “A lot of contest fiddlers only do contests and they only know how to play that one genre of music, so I really want to work towards expanding my repertoire of genres,” Dreyer said. “I’m really excited and I have a lot of really fun gigs this month. I’m playing in three of the concerts here at NIC, I’m playing at the Bartlett in Downtown Spokane at the end of this month, and I’m playing at the Coeur d’Alene Fall Fest.” Dreyer’s hard work and efforts have started to pay off, but she does not plan on stopping there. “I could never stop. I’ve put so much effort into it. It’s what I love.” She also went further and said that her favorite part about fiddling used to be competing, but now it is performing. “I love entertaining people,” Dreyer said. “I love playing for people and having that connection. That is the best feeling.”
Good Vibrations Riley Rehberg Staff Writer
A new band director with artistic vision, authenticity, and involvement was welcomed to North Idaho College this fall. Bryan Hannaford, formerly from Cleveland, Ohio, was brought to Coeur d’Alene by a teaching opportunity at NIC. With Survey of Music, Pep Band, Jazz Band, and Wind Symphony Ensemble as his four areas of focus, Hannaford has one major goal: put out awesome music. It was his first time ever coming to a school with an established program and solid foundation. Hannaford came for something new and different because in previous years he was either rebuilding a program or starting anew. “This place already had something going,” Hannaford said. “There’s such a supportive community here and I instantly knew it was a good place. I moved here because I knew I could conduct what I wanted to conduct.” Hannaford’s Jazz Band has a mix of local professionals and students, so he got to pick any chart of music with any level of difficulty and they were able to play it. “I couldn’t believe the things we were doing already after one rehearsal,” Hannaford said. “I think we can handle anything.”
Photo by: Katie Hartwig
For Pep Band, Hannaford’s priority was to update the music to more recent pop songs. The biggest change, however, came when Hannaford had all his students audition for the Wind Symphony Ensemble. “The goal was to get to know everybody on an individual level,” Hannaford said. “Not just in the way they play, but personally.” Hannaford had the chance get to know his new students, which allowed him the opportunity to buy music based upon the talents and capabilities of his group. With Wind Symphony, he wanted to bring the newest music possible with the newest composers. Hannaford’s passion for teaching is clear when he broaches the subject of helping others. He said there is music inside everyone. Everybody knows about music and everybody has music in their soul, it is just a matter of connecting the gaps between what one person knows and what they don’t know. Hannaford keeps that in mind especially when teaching Survey of Music. He tries to compare differences between composers and close gaps between generations. “I love talking about the social context of music,” Hannaford said. “If you want to make it, you have to challenge the status quo. Everyone is trying to be a little different, and that’s why music can start riots and wars.”
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Gender & Sexual Alliance Patric Granlund Staff Writer
Programmers, anthropologists, ASNIC members, artists and veterans. These are but a few of the social tribes that make up the various clubs available on campus, organizing students from all walks of life amongst like-minded professionals within their chosen field of interest. However, out of these, there is one group that seeks to unite them all behind a common cause in order to make North Idaho College a bastion of understanding and liberty for both individual and society as a whole. The North Idaho College Gender and Sexual Alliance. Created in 1994, the GSA has provided a safe place for the LGBTQA+ community in an environment that has been less than accepting of its members, allowing those in need to find a place of belonging, understanding and community. Dedicating time and effort to combat social repression and to uphold the concept of happiness and liberty for all, the GSA keeps its doors open for anyone who’d wish to help, learn and contribute to the cause. By focusing efforts on education, both on issues such as gender dysphoria and sexuality, the club hopes to shine a light on an often-overlooked issue of day-to-day repression of love, whilst simultaneously promoting health and sexual responsibility through preventive measures. “I think the most important part of the club for me has been the fact it’s provided an educational space and a chance to talk to people with a similar experience. In general, people aren’t very accepting, even within the LGBTQ community. It’s frustrating concerning bisexuality, because there’s rejection from both sides.” Said Lizzie Welker, a 24-year-old member of the club who had been seated across from an elaborate collection of colorful rubbers, conversing with various curious students who, like moths to a lightbulb, were drawn in by the cheerful demeanor and carousing attitude radiating from the corner of the sub that housed the GSA. After reaffirming the stance and commitment of the club, the topic inevitably had to turn towards the unfortunate reality concerning the need of the club itself, for, if there was no issues around the world in regards to the LGBTQ+ community, the need for a movement around it would simply dissolve due to redundancy. “There’s been a lot of altercations outside of campus through the years, and it’s unfortunately more common than not that someone has had such experiences.” For many, harassment is a mere fact of life. From violence directed towards club members to social ostracization, the methods used to violate someone vary in approach, yet the intent and purpose remains the same: to reinforce a social hierarchy with those who do not follow the norm confined at the bottom and in held in submission to the status quo. Since the 2016 election there has been a surge of concerned students who find themselves worried of being targeted due to merely attempting to be oneself and express their love towards their partners. With the current Presidential administration taking the side of anti-LGBTQ politicians such as Kansas Governor Sam Brownback, questioning the right of trans-personnel in the military, or the Justice Departments pivoted course away from evolving laws concerning protection extended across sexual orientation, it’s hard to argue that there is no legitimacy to these concerns. For those curious, inclined or in search of a safe place that can provide aid, the North Idaho College Gender and Sexual Alliance (GSA) can be visited during their weekly meetings in Blue Creek Bay, Thursdays at noon.
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Destination:
Dallas Anna-Lee Boerner Sports Editor
Embracing any opportunity to grow and expand is necessary when you are dealing with your life’s passion. In order to grow, you must be open to learn, to take in advice, and to absorb the experiences of others. When I am given the opportunity to grow, I embrace it with all that I can. The NIC Sentinel staff selected myself and one of our photographers to attend the 2017 ACP/ CMA Media Convention in Dallas, Texas. With four days full of sessions, critiques, and workshops, I had very limited time to experience all that I wanted to. We arrived in Dallas in the late afternoon after a layover in Portland, Oregon and almost 5 hours total spent in the air. The plane time was extremely useful in deciding on what sessions we would attend over the next couple of days. Upon arrival, I didn’t hesitate to start my trip off indulging in one of the best things Texas has to offer– Tex-Mex from Chuy’s. My Friday kicked off with a visit to the
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Dallas ABC channel, WFAA. I met up with reporter Hannah Davis, and had my own personal tour of the station. She walked me through the news room, introducing me to producers, those involved with digital media, her bosses, and everyone in between. While at the station, I was exposed to the behind-the-scenes of journalism, but also the adjustments that journalism has made to adapt to the new digital age. This was the day after thousands of previously withheld documents from the JFK assassination were released to the public, so the newsroom was buzzing. Other than observing the jobs being done at the station, Davis gave me some inside information on how she conducts her own Facebook Live videos. We walked through the process from caption to position to interaction with the audience. You can catch the result of our live-stream on the NIC Sentinel Facebook page. The rest of Friday was filled with workshops and sessions at the convention. My sessions of choice were selected in an attempt to challenge myself, and show me what it means to branch out as a
journalist. In challenging myself, I took sessions that centered around photography and adapting to the digital age. It is my personal philosophy that no job ever will be too small for me, so it is important that I learn and experience each part of both written and broadcast journalism. The remaining workshops that I attended on Friday were all faith-based workshops. Having a strong Christian belief can be a challenge in any profession, let alone one as public as journalism. Journalism deals directly with politics in many cases, so it was extremely valuable to discuss and listen to challenges Christian journalists face on a daily basis. Saturday was my day to be the Sports Editor that I am and attend a true Texas football game. I took a bus to Waco, Texas and met up with some of our family friends. The game, played between the University of Texas Longhorns and the Baylor Bears, was frustrating, exciting, and a great reminder of why I have chosen to cover sports. There wasn’t anything short of excitement at the game, reminding me that sports are a lifestyle
for many. My journalism career path means traveling and enduring the elements to give a recount of what could be some of the the best and worst historical events in sports. Sunday I was back at the conference, ready to embrace more from those around me. I began my day with another session on the intersection of being Christian and working in media. The conclusion is that it absolutely is possible. It is crucial for journalists to have a strong foundation, and mine just so happens to be my faith. It was reassuring to know I am not the only journalist with a strong faith. We had a keynote speaker and awards to finish out the conference. The Sentinel took the 3rd place Pinnacle Award for Two Year Newspaper of the Year for the 2016-2017 academic year. My final trip to Chuy’s felt like first place. The conference was meant to be a time to make connections, have fun, and explore various forms of media. It did just that and more—it reminded me why I chose this career. Photos Provided by: Anna-lee Boerner
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Luke Wihelm Staff Writer
Earlier this semester, the NIC theater department had plans to produce The Threepenny Opera, a musical adapted from John Gay’s The Beggar’s Opera. However, theater instructor Joe Jacoby encountered the unexpected during the early stages. “I’m just not sure what really happened,” said Jacoby after no male students showed up for auditions. This was unfamiliar territory for him, but instead of scrapping the whole production and giving up, Jacoby realized he could make good use of the female students who had performed extremely well in auditions. He was willing to tackle something new with minimal preparation time, determined to make it work. Just a few weeks later, the group was set to debut their new production, Five Women Wearing the Same Dress by Alan Ball. A perfect use of surplus feminine talent, the script tells the story of a group of bridesmaids at an extravagant, southern wedding reception. For some, the excitement and anticipation was unchanged. Their love for theater was alive and well, and they saw this as a great opportunity to show their talents and have fun. Carrie Lasher, who plays Trisha, said, “The transition has been both rewarding and challenging.” Brooklynn Freer, who plays Georgeanne, was unfazed by the switch, explaining that the cast is a close group who is prepared for the new production. “The show really is wonderful and it’s been a blast to be a part of.” The lone male in the production, Brandon Miller, played the role of Tripp, an amorous wedding usher. “Sometimes small roles are more important, more memorable than the lead roles,” Miller said. Led by the enthusiasm of their director, the performers were equipped to put the dramatics of the transition behind them.
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In For A
Penny In For A
Dress
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