The Northwest Missourian

NORTHWEST

MISSOURIAN

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2021

MARYVILLE, MISSOURI

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

VOL. 110, NO. 8

@THEMISSOURIAN

Campus supports assault survivors Shirts hung at Bell Tower for victims SIDNEY LOWRY News Editor | @sidney_lowry

H

As of now, the program has been presented to multiple student organizations on campus. Emily Nine, North Star Advocacy Center intern, helped with the outreach.

The donated funds will be deposited into the shelter’s general operation fund unless the donor specifies where they want the fund to go. Donors will also be able to get a 50% tax credit if they donate $100 or more.

If someone was not able to do the Adopt-a-Client program, other donations like supplies or smaller amounts of money will still be accepted.

Mattson said being able to adopt someone who is being helped by the shelter helps bridge the gap between them and the public.

“There are people who have lived here their whole life and have no idea that we exist, what we do and how much we help people. So the idea of Adopt-a-Client is trying to fulfill the three pieces: help us with funding, help a client feel valued and spread the word about our services,” Mattson said.

anging under the Memorial Bell Tower and woven through trees, dozens of multi-colored shirts display the words from domestic violence victims and survivors.

A blue shirt reads “Just because you paid for dinner, doesn’t mean you get dessert,” while a white shirt shows a hand-drawn angel and a poem. Another had “I will not be defined by what you did” written across the front.

These violence victims and survivors are a part of the Clothesline Project. By displaying a shirt with their message on it, survivors share their stories and support for other students who may be going through something similar.

Though the rainbow of colors is eyecatching to people walking around on campus, the color on the shirts have meaning. The colors correspond with the type of domestic violence that occured.

Red, pink and orange are for survivors of rape or sexual assault, yellow is for survivors of physical assault or domestic violence, blue and green are for survivors of incest or sexual abuse, and purple is for people who were attacked because of their sexual orientation.

Brown or gray is for people who have experienced emotional, verbal or spiritual abuse. Black is for people who became disabled because of an attack, or were assaulted due to their disability. White is in memory of those who have died from violence or assault.

It’s On Us, a new student organization aiming to fight sexual assault on campus, partnered with Green Dot to put on this visual-arts display, which started Oct. 1 and will end Oct. 8.

Vice President of It’s On Us Courtney Rowe said the project was meant to get people talking about domestic violence and to show solidarity for the victims.

“We encourage allies and survivors to paint whatever message they want,” Rowe said. “Whether that is sharing their story, showcasing their artistic abilities or sharing a statistic. Anything they want, nothing is off limits.”

SEE ADVOCATE | A4

SEE CLOTHESLINE | A4

ADDALYNN BRADBURY | NW MISSOURIAN

Vice President of It’s On Us Courtney Rowe adds a shirt to the Clothesline Project hanging under the Memorial Bell Tower. The multi-colored shirts display the words from domestic violence victims and survivors and will stay up until Oct. 8.

North Star seeks funds for clients

vices, the North Star Advocacy Center launched a new Adopt-a-Client program Oct. 1. This program allows one person, a group or organization to donate money to support the clients at the shelter.

Executive Director Linda Mattson said this helps the center financially support victims by paying for things such as housing or legal fees. She also said that any donation, whether it is money or supplies, impacts a client emotionally.

“If they need something like a toaster, we probably would have a brand new one, so I would bring it to them and say, ‘people can’t know who you are, but they care enough about you that they want you to have this,’ and they would just cry because they didn’t feel worthy and they didn’t deserve things or for people to care about them,” Mattson said.

The advocacy center said that every client on average costs around $1,200 to serve their needs. People can sign up for $100 monthly payments for a year, or a one-time $1,200 payment. Donations can be made through checks, Venmo, PayPal or with cash.

SIDNEY LOWRY News Editor | @sidney_lowry

A small, yellow and green building on Second Street has been a temporary home for victims of domestic and sexual violence for 173 nights in 2020 alone.

North Star Advocacy Center is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping victims, regardless of age or gender, every step of the way. It offers free and confidential services, such as crisis management and housing, to anyone who walks through its doors.

To help with costs related to these ser-

COVID-19 hospitalizations rise, cases decline in county NATHAN ENGLISH Managing Editor | @nathan_3nglish

A Nodaway County resident died from COVID-19 Sept. 28 — the 34th death the county has seen from the virus since the beginning of the pandemic. The individual who died was in the 8089 age bracket. Their vaccination status was unknown.

The death was the third in the month of September. The county also had three deaths in July and August, respectively.

The U.S. crossed 700,00 deaths from COVID-19 Oct. 1.

Nodaway County hospitalizations have increased in recent weeks. As of Oct. 4, there were six hospitalizations in Nodaway County, and the seven-day rolling average for hospitalizations was nearly six per day. The seven-day rolling average Sept. 26

was slightly over three per day.

“They’re kind of a lagging indicator,” Administrator of the Nodaway County Health Department Tom Patterson said of hospitalizations.

34

Deaths from COVID-19 since March 2020 in Nodaway County Despite a rise in cases among children in the past few weeks, none of those hospitalized with COVID-19 are children. Cases in older age groups have gone

down, while cases among children continue to rise.

Patterson said the hospitalizations don’t correlate with a rise in recent cases; instead, they correlate with higher case levels in the past, like the beginning of September. Local cases have declined in recent weeks.

There were 31 active cases Oct. 4, while the beginning of September saw a peak of 73 active cases on a single day.

At Northwest, cases have mirrored Nodaway County’s trends. There were seven active cases on campus, according to the most available data at the time of publication.

“The data looks good. And, you know, we are going to trust in that and move forward,” said Crisis Response Team 2 member Lt. Amanda Cullin.

One of the promising statis-

ADDALYNN BRADBURY | FILE

A group of nurses prepares to give a COVID-19 vaccine during one of the county’s last mass vaccination clinics of the spring semester April 21.

tics the team continues to look at is campus vaccination rates.

At the time of publication, 57% of students and 67% of staff reports being fully vaccinated to Northwest Wellness.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services released a new standing order Sept.

27. The order outlined new guide-

lines for booster dose eligibility in the state. Those eligible include: individuals 65 years or older, people 18 years or older who are at high risk for transmission because of work and/or have underlying conditions, and those aged 50-64 with underlying conditions.

SEE COVID | A4

Northwest Missouri’s oldest and largest independently-owned and operated bank.

Maryville Savannah Mound City St. Joseph 660-562-3232 660-442-3131 816-324-3158 816-364-5678 AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1914.

Member FDIC PLEASE

RECYCLE

Oct. 7, 2021 @TheMissourian

A2

NEWS

Student Senate swears in new representative RIAN CASWELL News Reporter | @rian_caswell

The 99th Student Senate appropriated funds for three on-campus organizations and swore in the new personal advisement liaison Representative at the Oct. 5 meeting.

Organization Appropriations The Organization Finance Committee introduced three clubs, and Senate voted on appropriating funds for the Bearcat Winter Guard, Alternative Spring Break and the Bearcat Marching Band.

The Bearcat Winter Guard asked for $1,490 to cover the registration cost of two competitions that the group attends during their winter season. Student Senate amended the proposed number and approved increasing the amount to $1,500.

Vice President of Bearcat Winter Guard Megan Lau said the money would go towards covering the cost of registration fees for the Mid Continent Color

Guard Association and Winter Guard International competitions that the team competes in.

Alternative Spring Break, a service organization that fundraises and travels to provide disaster relief, asked for $2,000 for the organization’s trip to Florida in March. During this trip, 10 members will go to Florida to help prevent flooding and restore seagrass.

“We did not get to go on a trip last year due to COVID-19, so this year we will be going back to the same location we did in 2020.

This money will cover lodging, flights, food and transportation once we are in Florida for our group,” said Alternative Spring Break President Makayla Manna.

Student Senate voted to provide the organization with the full $2,000 for their Spring Break service trip.

Kappa Kappa Psi asked for $510 to fund the Bearcat Marching Band’s end-of-season banquet. During the banquet, the band is celebrated and recognized for the time and energy its

members give to the BMB during the fall season.

The event usually costs each individual $10 to $15. This year, however, the group will make it free so more people can attend.

“This money will go towards awards, refreshments and speakers for the banquet. The marching band isn’t recognized that much, so this event gives us the opportunity to do this, and the funding will allow us to make sure they are celebrated,” said Kappa Kappa Psi member Nick Shutts.

Student Senate appropriated a total of $510 to the Bearcat Marching Band.

New PAL Representative sworn in Junior Ayush Kanauiia was sworn in as the new personal advisement liaison representative, a part of Career Services.

“I was chosen as part of Career Services to be our representative for Student Senate, and I am excited to get started,” Kanauiia said.

ROSCOE FLINT | NW MISSOURIAN

Jillian McNamara, Student Senate off-campus representative and Student Affairs co-chair, discusses whether or not to allocate funds toward Alternative Spring Break. The senators voted to grant money to Alternative Spring Break, the Bearcat Winter Guard and the Kappa Kappa Psi service fraternity.

First phase of South Main construction to begin next week RIAN CASWELL News Reporter | @rian_caswell

The South Main Improvement Project, which aims to provide Maryville with a safer and more welcoming entrance, will proceed with construction Oct. 11.

The first phase of the project, which received its funding at the City Council meeting Sept. 7, will begin the process of building underground power lines.

The contractor — VF Anderson Builders LLC — and Evergy will be onsite to oversee this process.

The project will go through three phases before it is complete. In total, the South Main Improvement Project will cost

around $12.6 million. The cost will cover a new roadway, storm sewers, curbs, sidewalks, signalized pedestrian crossings, traffic signals, landscaping and updated street lighting.

There will be no complete closures of South Main Street during the project.

Phase I is expected to take 15-18 months to complete. It will include improvements from South Avenue to the north entrance of Walmart.

Phase II, which has not yet received full funding, will take place from the north entrance of Walmart to Highway V. Phase three will provide changes from Highway V to the Highway 71 By-

pass. During this time, temporary poles will be left until fiber and telecom companies can bury their lines later in the project.

“Through these improvements, we hope to create a safe and functional complete street with enhanced traffic control and pedestrian features,” said Maryville Mayor Benjamin Lipiec.

City Manager Greg McDanel said that Phase II of the project could begin at any time if appropriate funding is met. This means the city could have multiple phases under construction simultaneously.

South Main Street is what visitors and residents first encounter when they enter the city, and is the road with the

most day-to-day traffic.. The area that will be improved in this project encompasses 62% of Maryville’s retailers.

“The project will create a functional, safe and attractive street in Maryville’s mode-crucial commercial corridor,” said City Manager Greg McDanel.

The City of Maryville and City Council have wanted this project to take place since the Maryville Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2012.

The city hired RDG Planning and Design in 2011 to develop the Maryville Comprehensive Plan and plan for future growth of the city.

In the Maryville Comprehen-

sive Plan, the City Council anticipated new growth in the southern part of town, as it wanted to avoid isolation in this area. The plan will include connections to unite this expanding area with the already established community and South Main Street.

“As City Manager, I am directly responsible to ensure the project’s success. I will be working with the VF Anderson Builders, Missouri Department of Transportation, and the Federal Highway Association and other entities to coordinate progress and reporting on the project,” McDanel said.

All improvements are planned to be completed in June 2023.

Green Dot Bystander Trainings

NEWS

Oct. 7, 2021 @TheMissourian

A3

LGBTQ+ History Month shows campus inclusivity QUENTIN MORRIS News Reporter | @TheMissourian

“When I was here as an undergraduate, there were very few of us who felt it was safe to come out here. There were a lot more impulses on us to stay in the closet, so what that essentially means is, we would rather replace ourselves with a stranger,” Wilcox said.

The event kicked off Northwest’s schedule of events aiming to support the LGBTQ+ population on campus in order to inform students, staff and encourage conversations.

Northwest will host a showing of “Moonlight,” an Oscarwinning movie about a young, Black man who struggles with his own sexuality and family life. The showing will be held at 6 p.m. Oct. 13 in Colden Hall Room 3500.

Once the movie is over, attendees will get to have a conversation about LGBTQ+ History Month.

The final event will take place Oct. 27. The Diversity and Inclusion Office will bring in Dr. Rik-

Students gathered around the J.W. Jones Student Union as Jessie Peter and Brittany Morgan-Roberts of the Diversity and Inclusion Office draped flags over the second-floor ledge. The nonbinary flag, Philadelphia’s people of color inclusive flag, pansexual flag, genderfluid flag and genderqueer flag waved as leaders spoke.

“This is important. For our students that walk by here several times a day and to see the flags is a reminder that there are elements of this University that care about them and want them to thrive as they are,” said instructor Kenton Wilcox.

Student Alex Underwood attended the ceremony. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Underwood said this event was significant to him.

“This means a lot. I have never really had this in my hometown, and now I can experience it here,” Underwood said.

COVID-19 vaccination drawings award over $60,000

ki Charlene Frucht, who will discuss LGBTQ+ community in her presentation “Battle Against the Concept of Others.”

Frucht is a retired Northwest history professor and taught in the department for more than 25 years. During her tenure, she served as the chair of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Morgan-Roberts breaks down the basics on what Frucht will be discussing.

“She is bringing insight on what is going on in the LGBTQ+ community. She will show us things that sometimes you really don’t get to see or hear about in a smaller town like what’s going on in Congress, and she is going to be breaking it down for everybody,” Morgan-Roberts said.

Wilcox has been at Northwest for a couple decades, as both a student and professor, and he said there’s been a significant growth in Northwest’s acceptance of the LGBTQ community.

As part of the community, Wil-

ADDALYNN BRADBURY | NW MISSOURIAN

Students stand around the J.W. Jones Student Union as Brittany MorganRoberts and Mark Hendrix drape flags over the second-floor ledge. The flags waved as leaders spoke about events planned for the month.

cox said it gives him firsthand experience of how the campus has changed over time.

“Now I think students and employees feel less compelled now and can make their own

choice about being out,” Wilcox said. “There is a much greater sense among our resources with places like the wellness office, for instance, the very existence of a diversity office.”

NORTHWEST COVID-19 VACCINE DRAWING INDIVIDUAL SCHOLARSHIPS

1 $5,000

1 $10,000

21 $2,500

$67,500 MAKAYLA POLAK | NW MISSOURIAN

QUENTIN MORRIS News Reporter | @TheMissourian

Bassey won a prize in the first drawing, and she said she was happy about winning a $50 gift card to the Bearcat Commons.

“Although I didn’t win the $2,000 scholarship, I wasn’t disappointed because I love eating. And it’s always nice to have free money to spend on food,” Bassey said.

The fourth drawing took place Oct. 1. This drawing awarded money to the Greek organization with the most vaccinated members and also to one large and one small student organization with the most vaccinated members.

At the time of publication, the Wellness Center is still working on finalizing the rosters of the student organizations. The Well-

Wellness Services has hosted four drawings, giving away $60,000 in prizes, to incentivize students to get the COVID-19 vaccination.

Northwest has been trying to increase the amount of vaccinated students on campus by having the Wellness Center host four different drawings.

The first three drawings took place Aug. 1, Aug. 18 and Sept.

13. Prizes for those drawings included scholarships, parking passes, money to be used at the Bearcat Bookstore and dining dollars that could be used at any eating establishment on campus.

Student Edidiong Idong-

ness Center is working with the Office of Student Involvement to determine what constitutes a large and small organization.

The fourth drawing also gave money to individuals. It included one $10,000 scholarship and 10 $2,500 scholarships.

Assistant Vice President of Health and Well-Being Chris Dawe is a part of the COVID-19 Crisis Management Team.

Its goal is to see as many students get vaccinated as possible and correct any vaccine myths.

Dawe said the vaccine drawings were an effective way to encourage students to get vaccinated and to turn in their vaccine cards.

“There is significant evidence that there was a bump in vacci-

nations occurring at the Wellness Center, as well as the number of individuals submitting records of their vaccinations, each time promotions about the incentives went out and each time we closed in on drawing dates,” Dawe said.

Northwest is not the only University using incentives to get more students vaccinated.

Colleges around the country are coming up with more than just cash giveaways to encourage students to get vaccinated.

Ohio University will award prizes such as a dinner with the men’s basketball coach, a VIP ride in the school’s homecoming parade and a drink named after the winner at the campus coffee shop.

The College of Charleston in South Carolina will bring therapy dogs to campus if the student body can reach a 70% vaccination rate.

At 80%, the college will host a pizza party, and at 90%, the college president has promised to put himself into a dunk tank.

As of Sept. 29, half of Northwest students and 66% of staff are fully vaccinated.

While there are no current plans to offer more incentives to increase student vaccinations, the University has not closed the door on offering incentives.

Dawe said there are ongoing discussions about continuing drawings or other incentives.

Worship in Maryville Disciples of Christ

Dale Baker, Pastor

Sundays: 9 a.m. Discipleship Classes 10:30 a.m. Worship onsite live livestreamed on our facebook page Fa Facebook.com/FFCMaryvilleMo 201 West Third, Maryville 660.582.4101

Phone - (660)562-2616

Campus contact: Deena Poynter

Email - fbcmaryvillemo@gmail.com

660.541.1336

Join Us On Sundays Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Worship gathering - 10:45 a.m.

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Eve Everyo very ry ne ryo ne IIss Wel Welcom Welcom come e Here

WWW.MARYVILLEFUMC.ORG EMAIL: PASTORKIM@MARYVILLEFUMC.ORG YOUTUBE: MARYVILLE FUMC

FACEBOOK: FUMCMARYVILLE

Join us for worship Sundays at 9 and 11 am

Website - www.fbcmaryville.com

121 E Jenkins St Maryville MO 64468

St. Gregory’s Catholic

Church

333 South Davis Street Maryville, MO 64468

Mass times: Saturday- 5:00 p.m.

Sunday- 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Monday- 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday- 12:00 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday- 8 a.m.

Reconciliations by appointment. www.stgregorysmaryville.org

www.fccmaryvillemo.com fccmaryvillemo@gmail.com

660-582-4821 CORNERS OF 1ST & MAIN MARYVILLE MO

9 AND 10:30

SUNDAYS

First Christian Church

ADVERTISE YOUR CHURCH s536943@nwmissouri.edu

1122 S. MAIN STREET THEBRIDGEMARYVILLE.COM

Oct. 7, 2021 @TheMissourian

A4

CRIME LOG

CLOTHESLINE

Northwest Missouri State University Police Department

“It gives survivors a chance to get their voices back and allies a chance to show their support.” Rowe said.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and in addition to the Clothesline Project, there are multiple events hosted throughout the month.

The Purple Ribbon Campaign took place during the first week of October. Green Dot Coordinator and It’s On Us Adviser Ben Moran said the Purple Ribbon Campaign is a way to show

for the week of Oct. 7

Oct. 5 There is a closed investigation for an accident.

Oct. 3 There is an open investigation for property damage at MOERA. Sept. 29 There is a closed investigation for trespassing at College Park Drive.

CONTINUED FROM A1

support and start conversations about domestic violence.

“If you see those on someone’s shirt or backpack, it signifies they are an ally, and you can go to them if you need,” Moran said.

During the third week of the month, It’s On Us will be doing sidewalk chalk with words of encouragement for victims and survivors. By holding all of these events, Moran said the overarching goal for Green Dot and It’s on Us is to get people talking about the problem at hand.

“I believe that the problem isn’t going to solve itself unless we are talking about it, unless we’re bringing awareness to the

fact that this is what violence can look like. You may not even know you’re going through it,” Rowe said. “By us talking about it, showing the effects, it helps educate our general population and allows us to find solutions to these problems.”

Green Dot will continue to host its regular events, as well as a special bystander training Oct. 16.

“Domestic violence and abuse come in so many different forms, so being able to know that others have gone through the same thing is kind of inspiring in a way. It just makes you feel less alone,” Rowe said.

Maryville Police Department Oct. 3 There is an ongoing investigation for failure to yield on U.S. Highway 136.

A summons was issued to Jacob H. French, 19, for a minor in possession on the 800 block of North Main Street.

A summons was issued to Trey A. Kothe, 25, for driving while intoxicated and having improper plates on the 300 block of North Main Street.

Oct. 2 There is an ongoing investigation for disorderly conduct on the 700 block of South Laura Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for larceny from a motor vehicle on the 400 block of West Ninth Street.

Joshua L. Salas, 30, is wanted on a warrant for failure to appear in court on the 400 block of North Market Street.

A summons was issued to Blake A. Mast, 19, for a minor in possession on the 700 block of North Buchanan Street.

Sept. 29 There was an accident between Grady D. Kellam, 19, and Autumn L. Wagner, 20, on the 1900 block of South Main Street.

There was an accident between an unknown driver and Amy C. Gessert on the 400 block of South Main Street.

SILVIA ALBERTI | NW MISSOURIAN

Executive Director Linda Mattson stands by the North Star Advocacy Center in Maryville. Mattson provides financial and personnel leadership by applying for grants, submitting monthly reports, paying bills, among other things.

ADVOCATE

CONTINUED FROM A1 Nine said it’s important to inform people that the center is here to help people when they are in a time of need.

“I just think a lot of people in Maryville don’t know who we are and don’t know who we serve, so education around this is important,” Nine said.

Donors will receive a person-

al thank-you note from a client that they were able to help financially support with their donation. They will also have a photo of them or their organization put on one of the main walls in the shelter.

“It’s kind of an inspirational wall, so the client can see who is adopting them, and then they can write a thank-you note to somebody who is adopting a client and tell them a little about their story,” Mattson said. “Of

course, it’s confidential, but they can tell them whether we helped them go to court or helped them do their first month’s rent deposit. I think the feeling that the clients would have when seeing that wall would be really inspiring to them.”

To sign up for Adopt-a-Client, people can contact Linda Mattson at 660-562-2320 and fill out a form with preferences on payment and where the funds will be allocated.

NEWS

COVID

CONTINUED FROM A1 In response to an increased local demand for booster shots, NCHD, Mosaic - Maryville and Northwest will be partnering to host another mass vaccination clinic in the Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse Nov. 9. The event will be the first mass vaccination clinic held in the county since May. As of Oct. 6, officials say the vaccination clinic is only for booster shots.

Mosaic - Maryville had been receiving regular calls from individuals inquiring about the vaccine. The hospital sent an email survey to those who attended previous vaccination events to gauge interest in the booster shots. It received around 360 responses to the survey saying they would be interested in a booster clinic, but Bridget Kenny, community health nurse at Mosaic - Maryville, said they anticipate a larger number are actually interested.

“You know, many people don’t respond to surveys,” Kenny said.

NCHD received the same phone calls inquiring about the vaccine, and Patterson said he expects many of those who got vaccinated early in the process will want to get the booster as soon as they are eligible.

“It gives another layer of immunity. It’s gonna give you that extra boost,” Patterson said of the booster.

At the time of publication, only the Pfizer booster has been approved, and only individuals who were vaccinated with Pfizer the first time around will be eligible for a booster shot at the clinic. The booster dose should be taken at least six months after the completion of the primary vaccine series, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Those wishing to sign up for the clinic Nov. 9 should visit mymlc.com/vaccine or call 660562-2755 to schedule an appointment. Health and University officials will continue to reevaluate whether more booster clinics of this nature are needed.

02%,/( $33

\§ æ§æ Ý

OPINION

Oct. 7, 2021 @TheMissourian

A5

Adversity restricts LGBTQ romance NICK SHUTTS Columnist @TheMissourian

People of every sexuality struggle to find their perfect match, but there’s a plethora of dating challenges that only the LGBTQ+ community has to wade through. As a gay man in Missouri, I’ve experienced my fair share of these issues that make dating difficult.

For starters, the gay community has a much smaller dating pool than the straight community. In the U.S., only 4.9% of men and 6.4% of women identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community, according to a 2020 study by Gallup. The smaller pool of people lowers any chance of finding a compatible match. This is especially discouraging when gay people see their straight friends surrounded by eligible partners.

This manifests into a sense of loneliness in gay youth. As all their friends get into relationships for the first time, they’re still coming to terms with their sexuality. It’s difficult to focus on internal growth and finding a partner that’s good for you.

However, the surrounding pressures to experience a relationship leads gay people to date purely for the sake of dating.

These forced relationships can be incredibly damaging to gay youth’s self-esteem since they may internalize these failed relationships as a fault of their own.

Additionally, it’s not as straightforward for a gay person to find people of their sexuality as it is for straight people. For example, a straight person at a bar can reasonably assume that anyone around them will also be straight, thanks to heteronormative biases. However, a gay person can’t assume the same.

If I approached someone at a bar and assumed they were gay, I would be running the risk of assuming their sexuality. A solution to this issue would be to make our sexuality obvious.

However, that would alert homophobic individuals and force us to behave somewhat like animals performing a mating call.

The ever-present threat of homophobia also makes it difficult for gay individuals to come out in the first place.

I dated a boy in high school who couldn’t come out to his conservative parents. This was an immense strain on our relationship since we could never fully be ourselves around his family. This is a common situation I’ve witnessed in my gay friends’ relationships.

However, even if two people in a same-sex relationship are out, hateful people still exist. I’ve gotten called slurs for holding a boy’s hand on the street, and I’ve seen horror stories in the news of gay couples being beaten in public for displays of affection. Gay couples have to be on guard every time they leave the house, which is anxiety-inducing.

The fight isn’t over for equality. Just because gay marriage is legal, it doesn’t mean there’s equality in the dating world. Support your gay friends in the ways you can. In doing so, you can make the world a safer place for your gay friends.

ALEXANDRIA MESZ | NW MISSOURIAN

OUR VIEW:

Northwest should consider days-off vaccine incentive The seventh full week of classes on campus will be Oct. 8. Disregarding the week we have blocked off for Thanksgiving, Northwest is exactly halfway through its fall semester — give or take a few days.

Many students are starting to feel the weight of midterms, the cooling of temperatures and the usual decline in motivation to attend class. Many Bearcats would appreciate Northwest offering days off from classes.

If Northwest were to set a target vaccination percentage to earn days off, the offer would be a good incentive for students to get vaccinated.

We know this sounds like a group of students just begging for a break from classes, but there are numerous reasons why this new incentive could be effective.

First, Northwest could be strategic and offer a break that is beneficial to both students and faculty. For example, Northwest implemented prep week during the pandemic as a way to give students a break prior to taking finals. This year, prep week has disappeared, but the stress COVID-19 puts on education has not.

Offering the Friday before finals week off as part of the hypothetical incentive would give students extra study time and professors extra time to submit grades prior to finals week.

It’s also a day when classes rarely, if ever, introduce new material. Most sessions on those days are dedicated to review time anyway, or sometimes canceled by professors individually.

Second, this incentive would ensure that all students get a piece of the prize. The drawings were a great way to incentivize students to report their status, but students were forced to rely on luck to try and get something out of it — besides being protected

Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor News Editor Sports Editor Opinion Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Social Media Editor Cartoonist

Your Bearcat loves glitchy social media Everyone’s favorite alien parasite cosplaying as a computer science nerd with daddy issues lost $7 billion on Monday. Mark Zuckerberg lost a mere fraction of his total net worth because Facebook and Instagram didn’t work for the majority of the day. He’s not the only one who lost something yesterday, though.

Anti-vaxxers and racists had to find another outlet to share their unwanted opinions. Most of them likely re-

NEWS STAFF Quentin Morris Rian Caswell Lincoln Hipsher Roscoe Flint Silvia Alberti Renee Haskell Wesley Miller Cecilia Nguyen Cheyenne Hellebust

News Reporter News Reporter Photographer Photographer Photographer Photographer Sports Reporter Designer Designer

CONTACT US Newsroom: Advertising:

(660) 562-1224 (660) 562-1635

to adopt an identical campaign; October has already started, and the University’s calendar has no fall break.

However, there are other options.

Northwest could implement this for the beginning of winter break, with a Dec. 1 deadline or plan for action during spring break.

After the removal of last year’s spring break, it’s doubtful that Bearcats would be opposed to the opportunity to earn a longer break this year. Additionally, faculty and staff would earn extra days to escape the confines of educational buildings.

If vaccination rates cease to rise, it would be wise for Northwest to think of multiple ideas to encourage students to receive the vaccine. Although redundant, it’s better to offer solutions than to idly watch the problem continue.

A days-off incentive would directly impact each student and eliminate the demand to care for your fellow classmates; it’s somewhat of a personal reward for a collective effort.

Earning days off would also be easier than winning one of Northwest’s five scholarships for reporting the existence of a vaccination card. Someone who’s skeptical of lottery-esque entries would be more intrigued by the guarantee of excused days than a lottery they probably won’t win.

The Northwest Missourian is once again advising students to get vaccinated because it’s a safe and effective way to save lives, but this time there’s a little extra on the line. It would be nice to have a couple days off — essentially for good behavior — to relax, study for finals or even make a trip home. The University should seriously consider the option, both for the happiness of the students and the safety of campus.

THE STROLLER:

EDITORIAL STAFF Kendrick Calfee Nathan English MaKayla Polak Sidney Lowry Jon Walker Corbin Smith Addalynn Bradbury Mary Grace Rice Noah Crowe Alexandria Mesz

against a deadly virus. With a days-off incentive, everybody would benefit, not just the small percentage of students with their name chosen.

Third, we need other incentives to give the people making decisions the data they need to make them. Vaccine rates of students are an important factor in the mitigation efforts placed on campus. If vaccination rates reach a high threshold among students, the need for a mask mandate would be reduced.

A new incentive of this nature could encourage more students to get vaccinated or report that they are vaccinated, and give leadership more data to make informed decisions.

It wouldn’t be too far-fetched, as other colleges have done so. The University of Central Oklahoma introduced a Move the Needle vaccine campaign to encourage students to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Unlike Northwest, Central Oklahoma will have a fall break Oct. 13-15, and it offered students the chance to increase the break based on self-reported vaccination statistics before Oct. 1.

If 50% of the student body was vaccinated, one day would be added to the break. Two and three days would be added if student vaccinations reached 60% and 70%, respectively. As of Oct. 1, 41% of the student population at Central Oklahoma was vaccinated, according to the university’s twitter.

Three days later, Central Oklahoma tallied its vaccination results and failed to hit its 50% vaccination goal.

Despite the failure of Central Oklahoma’s incentive, it still gave them data to make informed decisions in the future. So, even if students don’t hit the incentive threshold, the incentives can still be useful.

It would be difficult for Northwest

Circulation: Fax:

(660) 562-1528 (660) 562-1521

sorted to going outside and yelling their garbage takes at clouds — amazingly, many of them somehow managed to misspell words longer than one syllable while speaking.

People whose day of birth was Oct. 4 technically didn’t even have a birthday. In the 21st century, birthdays don’t count unless a person you haven’t talked to in six months makes an overly aggressive Instagram post with the caption, “Screaming Happy Birthday to

my best friend!”

I guess a birthday also counts if a parent posts an ugly childhood photo of you looking like a gremlin and the most recent photo they have of you on Facebook.

These photos are often somehow related to the fact that your parents “can’t believe how fast you’ve grown up,” even though you aged at the normal rate.

Finally, we were all robbed of the one guy — presumably

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN THE INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF MARYVILLE, MISSOURI

An Independent Student Newspaper since 1914.

800 University Drive, Wells Hall Maryville, MO, 64468

CORRECTIONS POLICY If you believe information within our publication is incorrect, please email us at northwestmissourian@gmail.com, call our newsroom (660) 562-1224, or leave us a comment on www.nwmissourinews.com.

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

Your first copy of the Northwest Missourian is free. Additional copies cost 25¢ each.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We publish letters from readers for free. All letters become the property of the Northwest Missourian, which reserves the right to edit them. Letters should include your name, address and telephone number.

Letters should be between 150 and 300 words and sent to k.calfee.missourian@gmail.com.

named Tyler or Gage — who has continually posted on his story about how “Certified Lover Boy,” is the greatest rap album of all time. Tyler, or Gage, has never even heard of Outkast or MF Doom, nor has he listened to a Notorious B.I.G. album all the way through, but he’s ready to make that call.

The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of The Northwest Missourian.

DIRECTORS Steven Chappell Anna Swink

Student Publications Director General Manager/Ad Director

AD STAFF Brooke Volgelsmeier Cora Stout Jerilynn Hoover Sydney Cook Vanessa Weiler Grace Murphy Devin Jernigan

Advertising Manager Ad Design Manager Advertising Designer Advertising Designer Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive

Oct. 7, 2021 @TheMissourian

A6

FOOTBALL

CONTINUED FROM A8 Northwest’s offense is hoping to lean on the MIAA’s best rusher, senior running back Al McKeller, to stay unblemished. The transfer from the University of Indianapolis has punished opposing defenses this season, averaging a league-best 144 yards per game.

He hasn’t done his damage by gouging defenders for large chunks of yardage, though. Instead, he’s bulldozed his way right through the middle.

During the Bearcats’ 30-7 win against Missouri Western in Week 5, McKeller tallied a season-high 171 yards rushing on 28 carries.

He had two touchdowns against Western, too, including a 2-yard rush to cap off a 14play drive that took more than six minutes off of the clock in the fourth quarter. On that drive alone, McKeller had eight carries for 77 yards rushing.

“I don’t feel it out at the beginning, but I try to power up each quarter,” McKeller said Tuesday afternoon. “I don’t give it my all then work down; I kind of work myself up throughout the game to make it hard on the defense.”

The running back has received an outpour of support via social media following each of Northwest’s first four games this season. McKeller usually appreciates them, responding with some sort of gratitudefilled message.

Sometimes, though, he just mentions that there’s more in the tank.

“It’s a surprise every week,” McKeller said. “I just try to show everybody everything from running somebody over to stiffarming to jumping over someone — whatever I need to do to help the team win is what I’m

going to do. If I don’t have to run nobody over, I won’t. But if I need to, I will.”

The matchup with Pitt will serve as only Northwest’s second home game. The Bearcats were supposed to have five this season, but that number was reduced to four when the Lincoln Blue Tigers canceled a Week 2 matchup in Bearcat Stadium due to COVID-19 protocols.

The inconsistent play in both Pittsburg and Maryville, of course, is due to the programs traditionally meeting inside of Arrowhead Stadium. It’ll be the first time since 2016 the Gorillas will make the three-hour trek from Pittsburg, Kansas, to Maryville — where Northwest holds an all-time advantage of 9-8 over Pitt.

“It will be loud, and it will be a big-time environment,” said Wright, who is undefeated against Pitt throughout his five years as the head coach. “A lot of former players have called me saying they’re rolling up to The ’Ville to watch this one. There’s a reason why we win football games at home. We have a great fanbase, and we’re expecting that 12th man to show up.”

Of course, the matchup carries implications that could impact who ultimately wins the MIAA. With a Pitt win, the Gorillas would be tied with Northwest and hold the tiebreaker over them in the instance it was needed. With a Northwest win, the Bearcats will continue to remain the only undefeated team left in the league.

The Bearcats know that, and they’re aware they’re the team to beat in the MIAA. “Due to us being 4-0 and them being 4-1, it’s kind of like a battle to share the MIAA conference championship,” Mckeller said. “I’m sure we’ve got a target on our backs.”

Visit

Dr. Dallas Fitzgerald at the Walmart Vision Center 18 years at this location!

Eye-health Eye-healthexams examsasaslow lowasas$65 $65. .

Contact Contactlens lensfitting fittingofofallallmajor majorbrands. brands.

Many Manyinsurance insuranceplans plansaccepted. accepted.

1605 1605S.S.Main MainSt.St. Maryville, Maryville,MO MO 660.562.0215 660.562.0215

Pitzenberger Body Shop

2711 South Mulberry

‘When quality counts!’

DR. JONATHON LAYDEN

We’ve got your back 120066 S Main St. 1206 Maryville, Ma aar MO

coming matchup. Reflecting on the past doesn’t just include the wins for Webb, though.

He was never worried about leading the program to three state titles, either. He just wanted to lay the foundation for the football program’s culture.

Webb said when someone grows up in Maryville, they grow

up in a community that values its young people and loves to help them become successful.

“When we’re on the field, we play for each other’s back,” Webb said. “Family and playing for each other as great teammates, on and off the field, is a huge key to our success.”

NATHAN ENGLISH | NW MISSOURIAN

In this file photo, Northwest outside hitter sophomore Jaden Ferguson skies for a block attempt in the Bearcats 3-1 win against Pittsburg State Sept. 25 at Carl and Cheryl Hughes Fieldhouse.

ROAD TRIP

CONTINUED FROM A8 Having no answers for Kearney’s offensive attack, the Bearcats lost the first set 25-16.

However, the Bearcats quickly evened it out at a set a piece after winning the second set 25-22 to put themselves in a good position to secure the upset in front of over 1,000 fans.

“I think we use it as motivation,” junior libero Hannah Koechl said of the hostile environment. “We love playing in Kearney’s gym because it gives us the opportunity to beat them in front of so many people.”

Northwest took a commanding 2-1 lead heading into the fourth set, where the Lopers jumped out to a quick 10-3 lead.

The Bearcats responded, though, and eventually won the set 25-22.

“Being able to push them-

DIRECTORY

Maryville is coming off two big wins against Midland Empire Conference foes — Cameron and Benton — scoring over 45 points in each contest.

Despite the results of the two

keep it up for Lincoln,” Burns said.

With Maryville Homecoming Friday night, the focus will be on history and Spoofhound alumni.

For Spoofhound football, the past includes a 35-12 playoff record and five state championships.

Since Webb took over the program in 2012, the Spoofhounds have never lost a Home-

selves to the level that they needed to be able to get the win was huge,” Woerth said about the team’s ability to face adversity.

The Bearcats made their presence felt on the defensive side, led by Koechl with 12 digs and freshman setter Alyssa Rezac and junior outside hitter Kelsey Havel with 10 each. Havel also led the team in kills with 16.

Northwest left Kearney with a win, then quickly got back on the road to make the trip to Hays, Kansas, for a match against Fort Hays State.

The ’Cats found their second win of the weekend in as many tries, taming the Tigers with a 3-0 triumph.

The Bearcats hit .392% and out-killed the Tigers 51-22, leaving Hays with no response for the dominant attack “I think we did a fantastic job putting their game out on the line … not letting Fort Hays have

1305 East First • Maryville Mo 64468 • James Beemer, Owner

MUFFLER CENTER 660.582.2800

AUTOMOTIVE

CONTINUED FROM A8

games, Webb said he doesn’t think jumping from those two games to an undefeated team is an issue at all.

Junior defensive back Drew Burns said the last two games have been huge confidence boosters.

“We have the confidence, and we’ve just been playing better as a whole, as a team, so we just need to

UP NEXT NW @ Newman 6 p.m. Oct. 8 Wichita, Kansas

a say with anything we were doing,” Woerth said After the two-game road trip, Northwest improved to 11-2 on the season and is currently ranked third in the MIAA (41) behind foe Central Missouri.

Central Oklahoma, one of this week’s opponents, is right behind the Bearcats in the conference standings.

After moving up to No. 10 in the country, the Bearcats will get on the road for another long, two-game road trip. They’ll travel Oct. 8 to Wichita, Kansas, to face Newman. On the heels of that game, they’ll head to Edmond, Oklahoma, looking to upset Central Oklahoma Oct. 10.

‘

HOCO

SPORTS

Custom Exhaust & Repair Flowmaster • Magnaflow • K&N

MACHINE SHOP 660.582.4622

Machine Work • Stick, Mig and Aluminum Welding • Auger Repair and Much More...

James Beemer

Shells

For All Your Auto Repair Needs 24/7 Towing, Lockouts & Roadside Assistance

Day: 660-582-4711 Night: 660-582-1692 985 S. Main Maryville, MO 64468

Serving you since 1958

Dakota Beemer

660-562-2900 1403 East First Maryville, Mo 64468

A Division of Beemer’s Muffler LLC

24-Hours 660.582.3104 “Pulling for Northwest Missouri for over 53 years.”

SPORTS

Oct. 7, 2021 @NWMSports

A7

Soccer faces long road trip to play Kearney, Fort Hays WESLEY MILLER Sports Reporter | @wesleymiller360

After five consecutive home games at Bearcat Pitch, Northwest soccer will start a four-game road stretch this weekend against a pair of MIAA foes.

The first stop on the Bearcats’ road trip will be in Kearney, Nebraska, to take on NebraskaKearney. The Lopers enter the Oct. 8 matchup with a 2-8 record on the season, and they are coming off a 3-0 loss against Central Oklahoma.

The Bearcats hold an all-time record of 2-3-3 against the Lopers. The last game between the two programs ended in a 1-1 tie in 2019.

Coach Marc Gordon said the Bearcats don’t know much about the current state of the Lopers. He said they have been hit with an injury bug and haven’t been able to play at full capacity yet. However, a few of their players are starting to come back, he said.

From what he has seen, the Lopers can move the ball with ease.

“So, you know, we’ll have to disrupt their play,” Gordon said.

“For us, I think it will start in the midfield and with how well we

can take care of the ball.”

Gordon said team defense will be a key to the matchup and being able to come away with a win.

After the game against the Lopers, the Bearcats will travel over 140 miles to the site of Northwest’s second soccer match of the weekend: Hays, Kansas.

Fort Hays State has found a tad more success throughout the season than Nebraska-Kearney, carrying a 5-3-3 record into the weekend. The Tigers were able to tie with No. 6 Emporia State, whereas the Bearcats lost 4-1 at home Oct. 3.

Gordon said Hays moves the ball similar to his own team. He said the turf at Fort Hays State Soccer Stadium plays fast, and the Tigers train on it everyday.

That will be a key adjustment for the Bearcats when they show up.

As far as the location, Gordon said there is another adjustment the Bearcats will need to make.

“Western Kansas in early October, it could be unbelievably windy, or it could be gorgeous, and we won’t know what to expect until gametime,” Gordon said.

For both games, redshirt freshman goalkeeper Ashley Williams said the team will need to have a

SILVIA ALBERTI | NW MISSOURIAN

Northwest freshmen Ashley Williams makes a save during the game against Emporia State University Oct. 3. The Bearcats lost the game 4-1. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, the game’s theme was pink out.

strong mindset to bounce back from the loss to Emporia.

“I feel we will have a good comeback this weekend,” Williams said. “I feel we could put up two wins this weekend.”

Even though it will be Northwest’s first road matches since Sept. 17, and the first trip out of state since the first game of the season, Gordon said he doesn’t mind it.

He said they will just have to create a rhythm the same way they do at home.

“I think it’s a great way to bring the team together and maybe spend some time with teammates that you generally wouldn’t,” Gordon said.

’Hounds use rally to fend off Dragons for sixth win

UP NEXT NW @ Nebraska-Kearney 2 p.m. Oct. 8 Kearney, Missouri

in that area generally equals wins.

Gordon said the focus is on remaining consistent throughout the week and into the next weekend. He said it shouldn’t matter who the opponent is; the team should be capable of playing well each match.

“Maybe it’s the youth, that you can play great then 36 hours later play not so great,” Gordon said.

“Each phase of the field has responsibilities, and we need to find and keep a rhythm every game.”

Offensive inconsistency, defensive mishaps result in Maryville’s loss to SHS TRISTAN LYNCH Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

KESTON OLTMAN Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

DENISE NEAL | NW MISSOURIAN

The Maryville High School volleyball team celebrates after scoring a point in its third straight winning set. The Spoofhounds claimed their sixth win after dropping set one to beat Mid-Buchanan Oct. 4.

to get a block up, I knew where the holes were going to be. I really owe it all to them.”

Maryville jumped out to a quick 8-3 lead in the fourth set, and just as it looked like the Spoofhounds would run away with it, the Dragons came firing back.

Mid-Buchanan tied the set at 15 before going on a four-point run, giving them the 19-15 lead.

Maryville clawed back to make it 21-20, but the Dragons quickly scored twice, expanding the slim lead to 23-20 and forcing a Maryville timeout.

The Spoofhounds came out of the timeout on fire, going on a 4-0 run to take a 24-23 lead.

Maryville won the set 25-23 and the match 3-1 on a Dumke block that Mid-Buchanan promptly sent into the stands.

The set-four comeback displayed the Spoofhounds’ determination, and Wright said the team has been trying to come together to earn wins like that one.

“It was amazing,” Wright said. “We’ve really been trying to work as a team. Just being able

UP NEXT MHS vs. Benton 7 p.m. Oct. 8 ’Hound Pound

to come together like that and pull off a win was awesome.”

Maryville now looks forward to hosting the Benton Cardinals (7-7) Oct. 7.

The Benton game has been on the team’s mind since Aug. 30, when the Spoofhounds traveled to St. Joseph, Missouri, and lost 3-1 to start the season. Cook said they’re ready for another shot at the MEC foe Cardinals.

“It didn’t count for conference then; it counts for conference now,” Cook said. “It’s also our pink-out game. It’s a home game with our home crowd. Just all across the board, we’re excited to play them. We’re excited to show them what we can do now, with this being a different team than the very beginning of the season.”

‘

Maryville volleyball stormed back to win three straight sets and claim the team’s sixth win after dropping set one to beat MidBuchanan Oct. 4 at Maryville High School.

The Spoofhounds (6-10) started set one slowly, allowing the Dragons (11-9-1) to jump out to an early 5-1 lead. Maryville came back from the deficit and took a 13-11 lead before Mid-Buchanan rattled off an 8-2 run, giving the Dragons a 19-15 advantage.

Mid-Buchanan eventually won the first set 25-22.

Maryville’s first-set struggles were caused by Mid-Buchanan’s ability to get the Spoofhounds out of system, forcing them into awkward hits. Maryville coach Bailey Cook gave the Dragons credit for their game plan.

“They were very strategic and smart with where they were placing the ball,” Cook said. “Making us move, getting us out of system to the point where we weren’t getting those passes where we could get a perfect set to a quick hit.”

This season, Maryville has responded well to losing sets, coming out stronger for the next one.

The Mid-Buchanan match was no different, as the Spoofhounds quickly rebounded. Getting back into system, Maryville jumped out to a 13-4 lead and ultimately took the second set 25-11.

“That’s always kind of my mentality — that anytime we lose a set, to come back strong,” Cook said. “Our whole thought process is point by point, game by game. When that set ended, there’s nothing we can do about it. Just having that mentality that, that game is over, come out strong, it’s a new game.”

Mid-Buchanan and Maryville traded points throughout most of the third set, staying neck and neck until a six-point Spoofhound run gave Maryville a 14-9 lead. After the run, the Dragons cut into the lead but never got within three points. The Spoofhounds took set three 25-20.

As the match progressed, the Spoofhounds found their stride, getting some tough digs from senior Grace Wright.

Those digs allowed for some clean passes and big kills from junior Rylee Vierthaler and sophomore Ava Dumke.

“Honestly, our blockers really helped me out tonight,” Wright said. “Them being able

Despite having faced 67 shot attempts in the past four games, the Bearcats’ defense has given up seven goals during that span.

Williams played the entirety of the 90 minutes in the last two games and went up against 41 of those shots, including 23 against Emporia.

“You can’t let the tiredness get the best of you,” Williams said.

Williams said she has a mindset to keep herself in the game as long as she possibly can. She doesn’t get tired in general, she said, but it does become tiring facing so many shots.

For Gordon, the defense for the Bearcats starts in the midfield, and the ability to control the ball

Shells Service 24 Hour: Towing

Lockouts

Jumpstarts

The only one stop shop for all your automotive needs.

Brakes Tires Suspension Batteries Oil Changes Tune-Ups Transmissions Alternatives Air Conditioning Engines

985 S. Main Maryville

Day 660-582-4711

Serving Maryville since 1958

Night 660-582-1692

The Maryville softball team is hoping to find consistency and lock in, mentally, as defensive mistakes led the Spoofhounds to a 12-0 loss in five innings in their matchup against Savannah Oct. 5 at the ’Hound Pound.

The ‘Hounds found themselves down 5-0 by the end of the first inning, as they struggled to find any defensive consistency and get started offensively.

Maryville coach Chandra DeMott noticed her team’s difficulty to stay consistent but was proud of how the girls were able to shuffle positions on the fly and play through minor injuries.

“Still struggling a little bit to find our consistency across the board, but they have been flexible, being able to shuffle some positions around,” DeMott said.

“Claira dislocated her finger the other night during practice, so her glove was a little off right now, but otherwise, the girls looked good tonight.”

The ‘Hounds continued to struggle to find a groove throughout the game, and by the third inning, Savannah scored four more runs to go up 9-0.

By the middle of the third inning, DeMott decided to switch

UP NEXT Benton Tournament Oct. 9 St. Joseph, Missouri

pitchers and replace freshman Emma Sprague for sophomore Ella Schulte, trying to throw off Savannah’s timing and rhythm.

“We try and give them a different look,” DeMott said. “Try a couple innings with one of them, and then flip to the other to try and throw them off a little bit, along with to see what is working, what isn’t and try to mix it up a little bit.”

DeMott said she was happy with the overall performance from both of her pitchers and believed they did what they needed to do.

Although the ‘Hounds struggled defensively for the rest of the game, Sprague said her team’s defense was looking better than the past and saw signs of improvement.

“I definitely felt like we have done better than the past, we have definitely improved in certain areas, like trying to get our mindset right — definitely felt like tonight

FULL STORY ONLINE:

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

You can do this.

If you need help, let us know.

c o n t i n u u m f a m i l y c a r e. c o m

SPORTS

Welcome to the jungle For live coverage of NW football’s matchup with Pitt,

On the road, again Soccer starts four-game road trip against Lopers, Tigers

see nwmissourinews.com

see A7

Oct. 7 2021

JON WALKER | NW MISSOURIAN

Northwest football senior running back Al McKeller — who transferred to Northwest from the University of Indianapolis — runs through a diving defender during the Bearcats’ 30-7 win against MIAA rival Missouri Western Oct. 2 in St. Joseph, Missouri. After Week 5, McKeller leads the league in rushing with 576 yards rushing, good enough for an average of 144 per game.

No. 2 ’Cats hope to take next step against Pitt JON WALKER Sports Editor | @ByJonWalker

T

here’s a staircase that resides on the westernmost side of Lamkin Activity Center on Northwest’s campus, one that’s placed directly outside and to the left of the locker room for the University’s football program.

It’s symbolic, Northwest football coach Rich Wright said, and the stairway is utilized for more than transporting athletes from one level of the building to the next.

Between each step is a sticker that features the next opponent on the No. 2 Bearcats’ regularseason schedule.

“That staircase is perfectly set up for a reason,” Wright said.

“You don’t get up the staircase

without making that fifth step or that sixth step.”

The Bearcats will, of course, have to take that next step either way. After this weekend, they’ll have to move on, regardless of how their matchup with MIAA foe Pitt State goes Oct. 9 in Bearcat Stadium.

But Wright and company are hoping they end up closer to the top of that staircase without their first loss of the season.

“Currently, we control our own destiny,” Wright said Oct. 5. “The only way we can continue to control that destiny is finding ways to win each and every week. … Obviously, this is a big game coming into it. … It’s that next step.”

The Gorillas (4-1) are hoping to force Northwest (4-0) to take a step further with a blem-

ish on their now-perfect record. If the recent meetings between the two programs serve as any indication, that won’t be the case.

The Bearcats have won four out of the last five meetings, with Pitt’s lone win since 2015 occurring when the Gorillas won 20-10 Oct. 28, 2017, in Pittsburg, Kansas.

The trend hasn’t always been this way, though. When Wright joined Northwest’s staff as a graduate assistant in 1995, the Gorillas were four years removed from the program’s third national title. Pitt was the MIAA’s perennial powerhouse.

“For me, personally, that’s always a big game,” Wright said.

“That was the team to beat. We were able to — moving forward, we were able to flip the pendu-

lum a little bit, and we’ve had some good success against Pittsburg, but it’s always kind of a benchmark game for us.”

At the Northwest Athletics Media Luncheon Oct. 5, Wright spent time noting the Gorillas will enter the matchup on the heels of a successful start to the season. Specifically, he noted that Pitt will present a spread offense to Northwest’s defense — a scheme that differs from the option-based attack the Gorillas adopted in the past.

They’ll be led by sophomore quarterback Mak Sexton, who is third in the MIAA for passing touchdowns (10), yet owns the fourth-worst efficiency in the league (146.6).

Three of Sexton’s touchdowns have been reeled in by senior wideout Jalen Martin,

Six times this season, Maryville football has taken the field, including twice in the ‘Hound Pound. However, when the Spoofhounds take the field at home this week, it may just be the most significant game of the season.

When the Spoofhounds match up with the undefeated Lincoln College Prep Oct. 8 at the ‘Hound Pound, it’ll be the main event of Maryville’s homecoming.

“It should be a great time,” Maryville coach Matt Webb said. “It’s a lot of fun for the fans and the kids, so yeah, it should be a great time.”

Standing in the way of Maryville’s homecoming celebration are the Blue Tigers, who have scored over 40 points per game and allow an average of 9 points per contest.

In comparison, Maryville scores 29 points per game and allows an average of 19 points.

“They’re a monster at everything they do, and they’re a Godzilla on offense,” Webb said of the Blue Tigers. “They run the ball at will. They have an extremely fast and athletic tailback behind a big, physical offensive line.”

In Lincoln’s 45-7 win over Pembroke Hill Oct. 1, its offense was seemingly doing whatev-

UP NEXT MHS vs. Lincoln Prep 7 p.m. Oct. 8 ’Hound Pound

er it pleased. The Blue Tigers amassed over 380 yards of offense — 176 through the air and 208 on the ground.

Webb said with a high-powered offense like the Blue Tigers’, the Spoofhounds will hope to control and contain them as much as they can, and they will be sure to play team defense.

“You hope to get a lot of hats to the football,” Webb said. “Eleven bodies are better than one.”

He said when they get to the ball, they have to tackle. The ‘Hounds have played stout defense recently, allowing an average of 8 points throughout the last three games.

The Blue Tigers feature a stout defense. At this point in the season, only two teams have scored more than 7 points against Lincoln.

Webb said the Spoofhounds will have to match the intensity of the Blue Tigers in order to combat their defense.

“They’re very violent,” Webb said. “When you talk about a physical brand of football, they are very violent. We need to be

dream

Unlocking your is our number one priority! i i !

NW vs. Pitt State 1:30 p.m. Oct. 2 Bearcat Stadium

a graduate transfer from Iowa State. Martin leads the league in receptions (28), as well as yards receiving per game (93.6).

“Watched them on tape on Sunday, watched them quite a bit yesterday — like I said, they’re a very good football team,” Wright said. “They’re throwing the ball around really well; they’ve got a run game to go with it, and they do some good stuff on the defensive side of the football. We’ve gotta have our A-game on Saturday.”

SEE FOOTBALL | A6

Volleyball secures key win against NebraskaKearney

MHS readies for homecoming bout WESLEY MILLER Sports Reporter | @wesleymiller360

UP NEXT

JAYVON MCKINNEY Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

run excellent routes, so they allow him to have games similar to the one against the Cardinals in Week 6.

“It’s just easy,” Drake said.

“I just got to go out and execute, and my teammates allow me to do so.”

Maryville is coming off two

Following Northwest volleyball’s win over then-No. 5 Tampa Sept. 4, coach Amy Woerth entered the locker room, picked up a water bottle and began shaking it everywhere.

Woerth isn’t sure why she did it, she said. She didn’t know it then, but she started the team’s newest tradition.

When the Bearcats made the four-hour trip to face No. 10 Nebraska-Kearney Oct. 1, they captured a 3-1 win, and Woerth’s players returned the favor that she provided in early September.

“They had a good trap for me in there,” Woerth said of the locker room in the aftermath of the win. “When I walked in, I saw them all ready and poised with the water, and I think that was just a really special moment. I was drenched, and I loved every second of it. It was fun to be in.”

SEE FOOTBALL | A6

SEE ROAD TRIP | A6

WESLEY MILLER | NW MISSOURIAN

A Spoofhound pass attempt sails through sophomore receiver Drew Burns’ hands in the closing quarter of Maryville’s 47-12 win against Benton Oct. 1.

Maryville’s drubbing of the Cardinals put them at 3-3 on the season.

able to consistently move and operate on offense.”

Maryville senior quarterback Connor Drake said it’s about continuing the rhythm that he’s found over the last few weeks, including a two-touchdown performance in the game against Benton.

He said his lineman make great blocks and his receivers

(660) 582-8255 213 N Main St. Maryville, MO www.sellingnwmissouri.com