Northwest Missourian

Kent Porterfield looks to return to Northwest

Familiarity — it’s something that sets one of the Northwest presidential candidates apart from the others. Kent Porterfield, current vice provost of student affairs at Gonzaga University, spent the first 40 years of his life in Nodaway County, and after 17 years away, he is hoping to find himself back in Northwest Missouri.

Porterfield was the first of four presidential candidates to visit campus during the month on Feb. 2 and participated in a student session, an open session as well as meetings throughout the day to talk with stakeholder groups and tour campus facilities.

These buildings are not new, though, as Porterfield grew up in the small town of Hopkins, Missouri, just 22 miles from Maryville. In 1989, he only applied to Northwest because of the proximity and knowing he wanted to be a teacher. He then ended up staying there for the next 14 years after obtaining his bachelor’s and master’s degree. He always knew he wanted to be a teacher, but strayed from his original plan

David Jones points to his background in teaching, student life

of being a history teacher and a coach. He spent the last 31 years in administration in higher education all because of previous mentors asking if he had ever considered it.

“In a small community, the people I looked up to were teachers and coaches,” he said. “I wanted to be like that. … (After graduating) I had some doubts about whether I made the right choice. I was really uncertain so I talked to faculty, student affairs and mentors, and they asked me if I had ever considered a career in higher education.”

That question sparked a career path for Porterfield that started on the Northwest campus. He began as the director of the J.W. Jones Student Union from 19901992, then moved on to the assistant dean of students and assistant vice president for Student Affairs for the next five years. For the following nine years, he worked as the vice president for student affairs.

“I have deep roots,” Porterfield said. “... My life has been student success and working with students to help students find a passion and purpose and pathway.”

After earning the position of vice president for student development at Saint Louis University and now at Gonzaga, he said he was exposed to different types of students, all with different backgrounds.

When it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion, Porterfield said he has helped make scholar programs and cultural identity centers and programs to help underrepresented students acclimate to campus.

“There’s a lot of work, I think, to making institutions that are predominantly white and their demographic makeup more welcoming to students,” Porterfield said.

At Gonzaga, he has had senior leadership over the division with diversity, equity and inclusion; the Center for Community Engagement; the Lincoln LGBTQ+ Resource Center; the First Generation, Transfer, Veteran and Returning Adult Students Office; the Unity Multicultural Education Center and other offices.

With over 25 years of experience in working with students every day, Porterfield’s expertise stems from student success.

For the last 30 years, student success has guided one Northwest presidential candidate’s career path. David Jones, current vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Minnesota State University - Mankato, has deep roots in student affairs and said his long journey throughout the office has given him a different perspective.

Jones was the second of four presidential candidates to visit campus during the month on Feb. 7 and participated in multiple forums throughout the day and talked to stakeholder groups and toured campus facilities for the first time.

ing to be a high school guidance counselor. He then realized he didn’t enjoy that type of work, he then got a doctorate in education policy, planning and leadership and found a life in higher education. He started his career teaching social studies for Carlisle Community School, a public school district in Iowa, in 1993, but then quickly made the switch to working administratively in higher education. Beginning in residential life at the University of Nebraska - Kearney, he has since made his way to working for more than a decade in student affairs at Minnesota - Mankato.

“I’m about as geeky as you will get in higher ed,” Jones said. “I’ve done every little step along the way to write for my graduate hall director to a professional hall director all the way through. So with that pathway, I’ve been experienced and exposed to a ton of stuff. … You know, it’s a whole spectrum and so with 30 years of this kind of background experience … I think all of that kind of provides me great breadth and understanding of the various things that the University can do to really help students.”

Jones explained his office as a ‘problem solver’ where he has not only had to work with students to solve problems, but other offices throughout the institution. When it comes to underrepresented students, he said he has met with different organizations and groups for years to find out if the university is meeting their needs. In that, he said helping those groups meet their needs and feel comfortable is important.

“We got to make sure that our attraction and interest in that person is genuine,” Jones said. “And it’s not just because we feel like ‘Oh, that’ll be good,’ and then you would hit this percent or whatever it might be. It’s more than that. But genuinely, I mean, we need to make sure we have the investment, the resources, the services in place to help anybody whether it’s a student or a new employee here at the University feel like they can be a part of the community.”

Jones started his education at State University of New York College at Oswego with a bachelor’s in secondary education, originally setting out to be a social studies teacher. During his master’s program, the idea for his career path changed to want-

Being a teacher for a year, and his wife, Jennifer, being a professor herself, Jones said teachers should be able to control their own curriculum.

SIDNEY LOWRY Managing Editor | @sidney_lowry

SIDNEY LOWRY Managing Editor | @sidney_lowry

One of the four finalists in the presidential search, Kent Porterfield, answers questions from audience members during the community session. Porterfield spent his first 40 years in Nodaway County and hopes to make his return back to Northwest.

MAKAYLA POLAK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

The second of the four finalists in the presidential search to visit Northwest, David Jones, talks during the community session. Jones has been the vice president for student affairs and enrollment management at Minnesota State University - Mankato for over a decade.

MAKAYLA POLAK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

“ “

You know, it’s a whole spectrum and so with 30 years of this kind of background experience … I think all of that kind of provides me great breadth and understanding of the various things that the University can do to really help students.”

-DAVID JONES

Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat, I think that is really true. There’s something about the DNA of the institution that gets a hold of you.”

-KENT PORTERFIELD

ALYNA THIBAULT Missourian Reporter | @TheMissourian

Mike Hollingsworth has been the principal at Nodaway-Holt R-VII Jr-Sr High School for four years. He has decided to take on a more significant role in the school district — superintendent.

Hollingsworth is also the athletic director for cheerleading and baseball and the coach for the baseball team. He has past experience at Fairfax R-III School District as a business teacher, technology director, at-risk coordinator and administrative intern.

His role as principal is to provide direction and coordination within the school, lead the whole school community, create a positive environment for conducive learning and so much more to provide to the students and teachers.

“As a principal, I was able to impact everybody that came in my specific building, whether that is teachers, parents or whoever,” Hollingsworth said. “As a superintendent, I’ll be able to impact the lives in a positive light for anybody that comes into our district, whether that’s elementary or high school.”

Nodaway-Holt is where Hollingsworth attended high school and graduated from in 2005. He then went on to further his education at Northwest to major in business management and marketing with a minor in business education from 2007 to 2009.

Hollingsworth is achieving his longterm goal of becoming superintendent at Nodaway-Holt. He will start his new position July 1. He said any decision he makes is not taken lightly. He has decided when he takes on his new position, he will no longer be athletic director if the position is filled, but he will still coach baseball.

“Oftentimes, whenever people become superintendent, they have a background in education,” Hollingsworth said. “Whereas in my situation, it’s a little unique because I do have that bachelor of science in marketing and business as well that is going to assist me in doing the financial things that’s required for a superintendent.”

As superintendent, Hollingsworth will be expected to oversee the day-today operation of the school district, lead students and teachers to improve student achievement and establish policies and evaluate outcomes of district operations. He is in training with Jeff Blackford, the current superintendent, and is learning everyday decisions and duties

superintendents have to make.

Blackford has been in administration roles for 12 years, he gained administration experience at Rock Port R-II and Chilhowee R-IV school districts, then spent four years as superintendent at Rich Hill R-IV and is now in his sixth year as superintendent at Nodaway-Holt. He has decided to resign from the position at NodawayHolt to take on an instructor position at Northwest School of Education.

As superintendent, he has learned to go slow in order to move fast. Blackford said it wasn’t an easy decision, but he was given the chance to do something that doesn’t come around often. He is still in the superintendent position and plans to keep giving children the education they need in order to succeed in the future.

Four times a year, the 10 Squared Men organization donates money to something in the community that needs it. The first donation this year went to the Firefighters Association after being recommended by a community member.

The local organization whose members promise to donate $100 each four times a year to a local cause. The organization consists of community business leaders.

The Firefighters Association was donated $13,800 to help with whatever it saw fit. President Jeremiah Bragg and Vice President Thomas Shifflett said the main thing the money will be going towards is training for the members.

“We are looking forward to putting it towards some trainings,” Bragg said. “We have also been working on getting antennas put up to help with radio communication with dispatch.”

The members of the Firefighters Association are all volunteers around Nodaway County. These trainings are to help ensure safety for the members and is important that every member receives.

Shifflett said the association does not normally receive donations this large, and it is very grateful that 10 Squared Men decided to donate to it. Shifflett said Minnie Lane owner Melody Blair told 10 Squared Men that the association deserved the money.

“In order to get some of those good trainings here for our community and for the county and things that are highly sought after, it takes funds, and so this is money we’ve never had before,” Shifflett said. “It will allow us to do things like that to get the

“We will be creating a three to five year plan for the district, and it will be exciting to see Nodaway-Holt to continue to provide an excellent education and experience for all students,” Blackford said in an email to The Missourian.

Nodaway-Holt decided this school year the district would move to a fourday school week. There are many opinions surrounding this topic. Hollingsworth said he has already seen attendance go up among teachers and students, but he has made it known it is still too early to see real improvements, and it will take some time in this new experience.

“I still feel that the kids are getting the education they need, and so far I think it has been a good transition,” Hollingsworth said.

Hollingsworth said he is excited to continue the new four-day school week system and learn more from the new position and take the next step in his career.

proper training in place.”

10 Squared Men member Todd Hill said the organization is important to the community, and it deserves to have funding to ensure the volunteers have what they need.

The organization has quarterly meetings, and at each meeting, there are three presentations to decide where the money it donates goes. Hill said each meeting has really good participation, and they are all very connected.

“We wanted to help get the equipment to train and support them, keep them safe,” Hill said.

Training the volunteers will make sure that safety is a priority. All of the 13 fire departments in the county come together and are a part of the association.

“Everyone can learn something from somebody, but this allows us to bring in experts, and so without that, we can’t bring in those outside groups,”

Shifflett said. “Without donations, we can’t do things in the community or buy the stuff that’s needed.”

Northwest organization Order of Omega - Lambda Omega Chapter donated $142.50 to 10 Squared Men. The organization decided to add this money to its donation to the Firefighters Association.

10 Squared Men is not the only organization like this in Nodaway County. 10 Squared Women has been gaining more traction within the community, Order of Omega - Lambda Omega Chapter also donated the same amount to it.

Hill said the organization is committed to the community, and every member is ready and willing to donate to the things they find important.

“We’re going to continue building and keeping our community strong and work very hard for that,” Hill said.

R-VII Jr-Sr High School Principal Mike Hollingsworth stands next to the sign displaying the school’s name before the entrance in the building. Hollingsworth

worked at Nodaway-Holt for

superintendent.

HANNAH CLAYWELL Asst. News Editor | @Hannah_9504

“

As a superintendent, I’ll be able to impact the lives in a positive light for anybody that comes into our district.”

-MIKE HOLLINGSWORTH

Business celebrates successful opening

ALYNA THIBAULT Missourian Reporter | @TheMissourian

Jenny’s Happy Tails cut its ribbon Jan. 31 to a new location at 513 W. Seventh St. Jennifer Combs shared lots of joy and tears with many friends and family that have supported her since the beginning of her grooming journey.

Combs' grooming business has been around for six years and was previously located in a space of 60 square feet in the back of the Nodaway Veterinary Clinic. She currently has about 230 clients that are on a rotation. Combs works on her own; she currently doesn’t have staff, but when she does need help with keeping up with her tasks, she asks her family and friends to give her a hand.

“My story is kinda like an underdog story, I came from a very poor family. Sometimes I was in and out of foster care,” Combs said. “I ended up aging out of foster care as I got older so I came from that to now owning my own business in Maryville and it being very successful.”

Combs is from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and was attending Three Rivers Community College as an education major when she realized she wanted to pursue grooming instead. She followed her heart and decided to leave school to go after a new dream.

She was inspired by an incident in her 20s when she took her dog Pixie to a groomer and was dissatisfied with the cut. Combs decided she would learn how to groom on her own. Combs learned how to groom through YouTube, had several mentors — Elaine Wallace, Robbie Beck and Jane Jackson — that showed her grooming and business skills, read lots of books for all breeds, dog grooming school and seminars taken at St. Louis Groom Fest 2022. For practice, her friends and family let her

groom their dogs.

“Who am I to judge somebody when I don’t even know what that entails? So let me learn, I want to learn how to do this,” Combs said. ”This looks like something I can do. I know I can teach myself or get mentors, take classes and things that can help me to learn how to do this not to just my dog but other people’s dogs.”

Jenny’s Happy Tails name took inspiration from how Combs wants her clients' dogs to leave her business — happy and wagging their tails. For the logo of her company, she wanted to include her dog Beckham that passed away in April 2022. Beckham encouraged her to take that step forward in her career and look for a space for herself so she wanted to make sure he was represented in her business.

“He pushed me to make a move because as much as I was thankful for where I was at, I am much happier where I am now,” Combs said. Combs is grateful to Nodaway Veterinary Clinic for giving her the opportunity and space she needed to learn and start growing her clientele. She took in dogs that many groomers couldn’t handle. Combs said she needed a bigger space and a more uplifting environment because she

witnessed deaths and sickness at the clinic, which started to weigh on her.

Combs and her wife, Wendy Combs, looked for a long time to find a new location and started talking to Matt Crawford, sales and marketing integrator at Guardian Property Management. He helped them build their space and get them set up to open up officially Jan. 3.

Jenny’s Happy Tails was booked its first month open, so Jennifer Combs waited until she had an open time to have its official ribbon cutting. Combs felt very appreciative and emotional at the ribbon cutting.

“It’s been so hard, you reflect back in that moment and reflect back to your whole life,” Combs said. “You’re that little kid at home with no electricity or in and out of foster care and parents and here you are now, owning a business and being successful and so much support from family, friends and the community. It made me very grateful.”

This year has been the start of a new journey for Combs, and her goals are still big, but she is waiting to see how things play out. She does hope in the future to build a staff and expand her services to offer boarding.

Fitness center sees new classes, machines

Walking through the front doors of Foster Fitness Center, students are greeted with new equipment and creative exercise challenges.

Last semester, the fitness center had the walls painted, installed new mirrors and got spin bikes. This semester, it has new StairMasters, a new fitness challenge for the month of February and a new class called Fitness 101. The fitness center made improvements last semester and got new equipment at the end of January. Vice President of Student Affairs and Campus Recreation Greg Hansen, Foster Fitness Center Director Robert Veasey and Personal Trainer and Workout Instructor Jordyn Suchan explained these new things in detail.

There is new equipment at Foster Fitness Center, new workout programs and classes students can look forward to seeing. Hansen said Foster Fitness Center got four new Stairmasters Jan. 30. Hansen also said the staff in the fitness center look for high grade equipment because of the usage it sees. Prior to the new equipment, Veasey said the previous

StairMasters were eight years old. Through time, several people have used this equipment which perpetuated the fitness center to order new equipment.

“We’ve got to have a system of replacing equipment before it gets to a point where it’s unusable. … So stuff that’s being used more often is gonna get replaced more often,” Veasey said.

Hansen said the ordering process for the equipment is under a state contract and companies provide the equipment after a successful bid. Some of the companies in the contract include Lifetime Fitness which provided the StairMasters. Hansen also said the new equipment received a lot of positive feedback through students' actions. He said as soon as the StairMasters were installed, students were already using them.

Suchan has not only witnessed the use of the machines, but also heard positive feedback.

“I’ve seen that they’ve added specific workouts you can do,” Suchan said. “So before it was just the machine would run and count your steps, your calories and heart rate, but this one does that and then it sets the workout.

You don’t have to manually adjust the machine yourself. It just takes you through that workout.

And I’ve heard that's pretty cool.”

The fitness center tries to keep the facility up to date by making the necessary improvements.

“We want to keep Foster Fitness Center looking new and fresh. That way when students come in here, they’re like ‘Wow, look at this place,’” Veasey said.

With newer equipment, also comes new workout challenges and classes students can look forward to. Suchan said the February challenge instructor is helping the students get exercise.

“For the month of February, we have a heart health challenge,” Suchan said. “So basically you can just sign up, and you get a shirt. It’s like $10, and they have a little tracking sheet so you’re supposed to do 150 minutes of exercise per week.”

Students also have the option of attending new classes. Suchan said there is a new workout class with fitness instructor Hannah Graham, called Fitness 101. It meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays 5:15 p.m. With all these new improvements, the fitness center is always looking for new suggestions.

“We are also looking for anybody that has ideas, suggestions, their friends or if they have a small group to let us know and see how we can serve you,” Hansen said. “Let’s sit down and discuss it and let’s get it going.”

FAITH y o u r yourfeed feed

KAYLA ALLISON | MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER

Jennifer Combs is surrounded by (Getting names Wednesday) during the ribbon cutting of her new business, Jenny’s Happy Tails, Jan. 31 at 513 W. Seventh St. Combs began her dog grooming journey after being unsatisfied and decided to take matters into her own hands.

DAKOTA WEAVER PHOTO EDITOR

County follows Missouri state laws, regulations

MAKAYLA POLAK Editor-in-Chief | @kaypolak

Dispensaries across Missouri opened their doors this week, allowing anyone 21 or older to legally purchase and use marijuana. The passing of Amendment 3 comes with specific laws and restrictions to keep the community safe.

Nodaway County will be following the Missouri state laws in regards to recreational marijuana as Amendment 3 was passed on a state-wide scale.

Nodaway County Sheriff Randy Strong attended a webinar Feb. 6 and heard from the Missouri State Prosecuting Attorney’s office. He attended an hour and a half class that went over the material from the office.

Strong said rather than seeing criminal penalties resulting in incarceration, certain offenses are being switched to civil penalties which will result in fines or drug counseling. He said it’s going to be a learning curve for law enforcement throughout this change.

“I kind of have a grasp of it, but I would need a cheat sheet to go through,” Strong said.

Medical use went into effect December 2018 and was the start of Missouri marijuana laws. Strong said the laws for medicinal marijuana were hard to understand and doesn’t think it will be much easier to understand with

recreational use.

“The people that laid the groundwork for this intentionally made this difficult,” Strong said. “I have friends that I’ve known for a long time that are now in law enforcement went to work in compliance with that, and they just threw their hands up, like, this is just nuts.”

Different laws are in place for recreational marijuana compared to its counterpart, medical marijuana. Missouri has placed a limit on the amount of recreational marijuana you can purchase and keep in your home. The new laws allow a person to buy 3 ounces of marijuana flower or the equivalent in other products at a time.

Other states across the country allow different amounts. Alongside New York, Missouri has one of the highest legal limits, falling behind Oregon, which allows eight ounces of recreational marijuana.

Smoking marijuana in public places, other than licensed areas, is still prohibited. Missouri laws state that if a person is smoking outside of designated areas, they are subject to a civil penalty up to $100.

Anyone under the age of 21 found with three ounces or less will be forced to forfeit the marijuana and can either pay a fine of, at most, $100 or attend up to four hours of drug education or counseling.

Anyone under 21 in posses-

sion of twice the legal limit will be forced to forfeit the marijuana and can either pay a fine of up to $250 or attend, at most, eight hours of drug education or counseling.

Also in ordinance with state laws, Nodaway County does not allow the use of marijuana within a motor vehicle that is being operated. This includes a car, truck, train, aircraft, motorboat or any other form of transportation.

Incompliance with this statute could result in being charged with driving while intoxicated, which is a class D misdemeanor.

Colorado passed its legalization of recreational marijuana in November 2012. Since then, the state has seen a 140% increase in traffic fatalities where the driver tested positive for any cannabinoid, according to a study done by the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice July 19, 2021.

“That’s gonna be a huge impact,” Strong said about the DWI increase. “We’ve already figured that, and we’re already seeing that. I know some of the troopers here locally are stopping people that are smoking in cars, and they’re under the influence.”

Strong also said they plan on seeing an increase in wrecks and arrests. He said the fallout is much larger, impacting families and insurance companies as well as the community as a whole.

No laws currently prohibit usage within a person’s home. Peo-

ple over the age of 21 are able to consume and be under the influence legally. Strong said it is different for apartments and rented homes, though.

Strong said a person smoking on their porch or patio is legal, but landlords can make their own rules.

“A lot of landlords that I see around here have no smoking policies in their apartments,” Strong said. “So that’s going to be a civil thing. They’re gonna have to, I would guess, they are going to contact the renter and say ‘You can’t smoke, I don’t care whether it’s weed or tobacco.’”

Marijuana possession or consumption is prohibited on the grounds of public or private preschools, elementary or secondary school, higher education institutions and in school buses. Marijuana accessories are also prohibited in these areas.

“Stay out of trouble and don’t drive, please, don’t drive,” Strong said. “... Go home. If you wanna smoke weed, go in the backyard and smoke weed, but don’t do it if you have to take a vehicle from point A to point B. Chill out at home, it’s legal now, just chill out at home. That’s the sheriff’s advice.”

CRIME LOG

JONES CONTINUED FROM A1 for the week of Feb. 9

Northwest Missouri State University Police Department

Feb. 6 There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in South Complex.

Feb. 4 There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Tower Suites East. There is an open investigation for an alcohol violation in Tower Suites West.

Feb. 2

There is a closed investigation for an alcohol violation in Hudson Hall.

Maryville Department of Public Safety

Feb. 5

There is an ongoing investigation for a hit and run on the 500 block of West Davidson Square. There was an accident between Jaqueline I. PerezEspinoza, 19, and Julie C. Ammons, 50, on the 500 block of West Seventh Street. PerezEspinoza was issued a citation for careless and imprudent driving.

A summons was issued to Hunter J. Barnthson, 19, for a minor in possession on the 300 block of North Market Street.

A summons was issued to Alexys N. Anderson, 20, for a minor in possession and possession of a fake ID on the 300 block of North Market Street.

Feb. 4

There is an ongoing investigation for littering on the 1300 block of North Main Street.

A summons was issued to Hailey S. Mahoney, 18, for a minor in possession, being under 18 in a bar, littering and possession of a fake ID on the 500 block of North Buchanan Street.

A summons was issued to David S. Masters, 37, for having a dog at large and harboring a vicious animal on the 300 block of South Saunders Street.

A summons was issued to Landon P. Clouse, 19, for a minor in possession, disorderly conduct and possession of a fake ID on the 400 block of North Market Street.

Feb. 2 There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 1000 block of South Main Street.

Jan. 31

A summons was issued to Landon P. Jones, 20, for possession of a fake ID on the 400 block of North Vine Street.

A driver’s license was recovered on the 1300 block of South Main Street.

“I know that from my own teaching experience, semester to semester, I never taught the same thing exactly the same way,” Jones said. “I learned from my teaching, I made changes. I didn’t repeat some teaching concepts that proved to be outdated. … That’s part of the fabric of who we are, what we do.”

Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, and having moved all around the country, Jones said he isn’t a stranger to smaller areas. He said he and his wife say that if ‘If you’re bored, it’s because you’re boring.’ Community is something Jones said was important to him.

“I write lots of thank you cards, lots of notes of congratulations, quick to pick up a phone call and congratulate somebody not only for work accomplishment at the university, but if, I mean it’s a community, so if you see some faculty member’s son made All State in a robotics competition or something, you drop a note because that’s what a community does,” Jones said.

After being asked what he would do if the University and the community were to be divided on a decision, he said it all comes down to understanding and rebuilding trust.

“There’s some degree of healing that may need to occur, whether that’s just general time and understanding of what a new leader can hopefully bring to the university to invite people back into,” Jones said. “... It’s still from passion, it’s love of this place. And I can understand if it’s something you love and it didn’t make the decision that you would have made.”

When it comes to rebuilding trust, he said the new president is fallible, and they will need to learn and alongside that, it will come with having to rebuild connections that may have been lost.

“Any president who steps into this role is lucky enough to be a steward for some small part of the history of this University,” he said. “And that is a great, tremendous honor that I hope anyone would enjoy and express because of the work they’re going to do at the University, hopefully making it better, as well as the relationships and everything they’re going to build from that experience.”

With this being his first time visiting the Northwest campus, Jones said he got an insight into different aspects of university life by meeting with staff, students, faculty, administration and more.

“I think you’ll likely know that this University is better than my current university,” Jones said. “I don’t know how else to say it when you’ll get all the measures. Your graduation rate is better, your students are achieving more, your employment rates are better. Anyway, I would be lucky to join a University of this quality to help us continue to get better.”

REMAINING PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SCHEDULE

PORTERFIELD CONTINUED FROM A1

“Some people might question whether student affairs is the best preparation for a college president, but the point I often try to make is that, you know, in student affairs, you touch every part of the institution,” he said. “Everything you do and want to do has to be a collaboration, a partnership, a negotiation, a conversation with someone else. … You learn how to navigate in the institution.”

With his background in student affairs, he said he has been a part of many different academic meetings ranging from budget meetings to casual gatherings with groups on campus. Since he has spent time being involved in different sectors of a university, he said the future of an institution boils down to the impact it has on students and what students become.

“The ultimate measure of whether we are achieving our mission, you know, sort of leaning into the vision, is really the degree of how we help students build futures,” he said. “The challenge is that there are a lot of forces that are making that really challenging.”

Porterfield said the enrollment cliff with there not being as many traditional students enrolling at universities is something that will have to be balanced with the value of the experience students will get and how well the University is able to meet people where they’re at.

During the general forum session during his campus visit Feb. 2, there was a submitted question about the departure of former Northwest President John Jasinski and the rebuilding of trust between community members, alumni and the University. His answer: harm reduction and openness.

“It’s very, very difficult to move forward until that is repaired,” Porterfield said. “My dad used to say that a wound doesn’t heal, doesn’t scab over until it gets air in it. There’s a lot of wisdom in that. Sometimes, you know, you have to give air to something. … Certainly if I am in this position to respond to this issue going forward, I would be committed to trying to do that.”

“All good relationships, whether they’re Board, president relationships, whether they’re a part of your team, or relationship with administration and students, or faculty and students, start with a predication of trust, right and openness,” he said.

Despite spending nearly two decades away from Northwest Missouri, Porterfield is hoping to make his way back to his alma mater.

“Once a Bearcat, always a Bearcat, I think that is really true,” Porterfield said. “There’s something about the DNA of the institution that gets a hold of you. I’ve worked in a lot of places and have done a lot of things, but there’s kind of a family element to Northwest. There’s a sense of being connected to each other that isn’t typical for every university. You never really forget that no matter how far away you get.”

INFOGRAPHIC BY MAKAYLA POLAK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

CORBIN SMITH Guest Columnist

It’s been nearly three years since police brutality was mentioned in every story in the news, and you couldn’t escape social media without seeing a debate about if Black lives mattered or not. I thought the world would’ve grown or changed a little since then, but I guess not.

Tyre Nichols was beaten to death by Memphis police officers on his drive home Jan. 7.

Body cam footage from that night shows officers forcefully removing Nichols from his car and wrestling him to the ground before attempting to tase him. After fleeing the officers, Nichols was chased down, punched, kicked, beaten with a baton and peppersprayed until he unconsciously slumped against a police car.

An independent autopsy found that Nichols suffered extensive bleeding caused by a severe beating, according to The New York Times’ coverage. He died three days later.

Currently, the public is unaware of the reason for the traffic stop. Officers credited reckless driving for the stop and an alleged hand on an officer’s gun as the inciting incident. However, Police Chief Cerelyn Davis said her department found no evidence to support these claims.

Historically, white officers harassing people of color has been the issue. This time, five of the officers involved are Black. For anybody that argues that skin color has nothing to do with over policing or harassment, although that narrowminded perspective can apply here, it shouldn’t be applied. I shouldn’t have to explain why either. Regardless of race, excessive force is just that – excessive.

Racism is an aspect of police brutality that shouldn’t be neglected, but the main issue is the abuse of power. It’s been the main issue since the American Revolution, or in a majority of global historical conflicts. In any conversation of police brutality, people tend to get carried away in the details, but it’s as simple as not harming the people you’re supposed to protect.

As a Black man, it’s horrifying to think of a Black person in power doing something like this. It makes me question whether I can trust people who look like me in positions of power to do right by me. Commonality in race isn’t an excuse for leniency in the law, but an officer of color should understand how we’re treated by the occupation they choose. They shouldn’t add another layer of distrust to a system that already makes people of color over-monitor their behavior.

Black residents of Memphis are two-thirds of its 628,000-person population. Since 2016, in 86% of encounters in which offi cers used force, Black individuals were the subject. So, a predominantly Black city with Black offi cers can’t save or avoid harassing Black lives. Black people already have enough enemies. Black officers should aim to change the stigma around law enforcement and prove to be a light in the darkness that looms over people of color.

Law enforcement needs to do better. Law enforcement needs compassion, morals or just an understanding that their job is to protect. The police department was right in firing the officers, but it doesn’t solve the problem. We need officers to think before they swing.

OUR VIEW:

HAILEY JOHNSON-NESSER CARTOONIST

Freelancing is not designed for newly-graduated students

During your last semester in college, there is only one thing that you are probably thinking about — getting a job. The tedious and long process may become tiresome, but in the end, it’s worth it.

Throughout the duration of your college experience, depending on your major, you may start to hear about the option to freelance rather than working for one company. This may sound like the route to take, but it isn’t a viable option.

Fresh out of college, your field experience is minimal. Majority of the work you have done comes from classes, internships or part-time jobs you had. Your four years are dedicated to learning, growing and experimenting. Therefore, after just receiving a diploma, you are not an expert.

No one is an expert though. With the constant advancement in numerous fields and things constantly changing, there is always something more to learn.

Depending on the field that you are going into, there is a possibility you can make more than the average job you may find. You can essentially choose your income depending on how much you charge for the work that you do, but that also depends on the experience and knowledge you may have.

Freelancing is a great opportunity for

YOUR VIEW:

Do you think freelancing out of college is a viable option? Why?

BRADY NELSON Junior Cybersecurity

“I think really depending on the major mostly like I’m a computer science person, freelancing is kind of difficult to do right out of college, but it is definitely a viable thing you can do. But like business majors and stuff like that, unless you have the money to start up your own business, I really don’t think it would be a super viable thing without enough money to back it up. But I think for most career fields it’s probably a very viable option.”

those who have been in their field and want to work towards something more. For college students, getting experience in the field beforehand is vital.

Freelancing as a full-time job can be a risky move for even the most skilled professional. It relies heavily on networking and promoting yourself and finding multiple opportunities that will pay enough for you to live off of.

Insurance of many forms can usually be offered by employers, giving them benefits and, sometimes, a cheaper option than what you may receive outside of the job. As a freelancer, you are not tied to one company for long enough to receive those benefits.

Insurance isn’t the only issue though. If you are unable to find a place to hire you, you are without income. For someone with heavy experience, it may not be hard to find a job to take on, but recently graduated students don’t fit that profile.

The Editorial Board believes that students need to be more cautious when considering the option to freelance full time after graduating. Securing a job first will set you up for success in the future if you decide to freelance.

Teachers need to recognize this too. In your time as a student, you may hear a professor tell you that freelancing would

be a great fit for you. It should be clarified that freelancing part-time or as a “side-hustle” while also working a fulltime job is the best route to take at first.

Students are constantly in learning mode, specifically when in the classroom. Telling a student that they can freelance may result in them thinking it is a fulltime option for them when it isn’t. The average age for freelancers is 38 years old, according to Zippia.

Whether you are a student focusing in computer science, mass media, fine arts or writing, you may have heard about freelancing. Though we want to put our trust into the ones teaching us, everyone should keep in mind that they have years of experience and an established income.

Part-time freelancing can bring in extra income, allowing you to live comfortably. Most freelancers do work on a temporary basis. We recommend this for all students that have the opportunity. Not only is the money a perk, you are able to gain more knowledge along the way.

The industry is growing as more people are beginning their transition into freelancing. We see nothing wrong with the career path, but it is important to note the different challenges you may face if it’s the route you chose to take fresh out of college.

LANDON JONES Sophomore Marketing

“I think freelancing straight out of college is not the best idea because you need a little more experience before you get into the field even if it is your major.”

KATARZYNA MEYERS Freshman Mathematics Education

“I like it [freelancing], however for my role it is not feasible, I think it’s a great opportunity with the economy we are in. We have the ability to do that now. I know right now it’s a little bit rough, but personally I think it’s a great idea.”

STROLLER:

Your Bearcat has beef with kitchens THE

Have you ever sat back and thought about how disrespectful you are to kitchen appliances? Just me? Oh well. Either way, I feel as if I need to go to couples therapy with my microwave.

I was casually cutting a block of cheese, as one does, and found myself yelling, yes, yelling, at my microwave. You can’t blame me, I was busy and it relentlessly kept beeping at me, telling me I needed to take my food out. OK, got it, you can stop now.

It isn’t just my microwave though, my air fryer does the same thing, except somehow worse. That thing will beep until it can’t anymore. I could pass out on the floor, die, have a funeral and force my student debt on someone else, and that stupid thing would still be beeping.

Screaming “shut up” to my kitchen appliances seems reasonable. I wish everything was like my toaster. My precious toaster only pops up the food. It doesn’t beep, it just burns

my food, or lets me have the most golden piece of bread to exist.

My fridge and I get along nicely. It just sits there, calm and cold, keeping my food safe. My ice machine however, we have beef. It doesn’t yell at me, telling me that it’s full, but it sure does make some of the loudest ice imaginable and not the good kind of loud.

Don’t even get me started on my dishwasher. Hold me back, because I’m about to turn into Ronda Rousey. There are cars quieter than that thing.

I’m sorry to my appliance for taking my days worth of anger out on you, but sometimes you really deserve it. So the next time I slam the microwave a little too hard and call it a name, just know, it was probably personal, but I still appreciate all you do.

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

Excessive police force shouldn’t be tolerated

Caden Stoecklein said the team’s communication has been better going into the final stretch of the season.

“We’ve been moving the ball and communicating well as a team and getting the best shot for us,” Caden Stoecklein said. “On the defense, we are pressuring and playing good help side defense.”

The Spoofhounds will go back on the road down Highway 71 to play Benton Feb. 10 in St. Joseph. Benton will come in with a 9-10 record and has won three straight games. Both squads met earlier this season, where the Spoofhounds sent the Cardinals flying back with a 65-53 win.

“We’ve already played them once, but they are playing better, and they’re playing a few more kids that they weren’t playing earlier this season,” Matt Stoecklein said. “We just need to make sure we are focused and not take anything for granted.”

Bearcats look to sweep MIAA foes

kids enjoy being around each other.”

After Maryville’s rematch with Benton, the Spoofhounds will play Mid-Buchanan (1112) the next day Feb. 11 in Faucett, Missouri. Then, they’ll return home for the first of three straight home games and the final non-conference of the regular season against Creston (Iowa) Feb. 14. Maryville has defeated the Panthers three consecutive times.

Northwest women’s basketball was on a three-game losing streak before the Bearcats snapped the skid with a thrilling, 1-point victory over Washburn Feb. 4 in Bearcat Arena.

The win moved the ’Cats to 11-11 on the season, and they are the No. 8 team in the MIAA standings. Coach Austin Meyer said he hopes the overtime win will help boost the Bearcats’ confidence.

“To win one of those close games, obviously we’ve talked a lot about being in a lot of close games and losing 1-point games,” Meyer said. “To be on the other side of it, hopefully that helps.”

Next, the ’Cats will go on the road for three games. All three games are rematches with teams Northwest defeated the first time around. The difference this time is the Bearcats will be playing in a hostile environment.

“It’s really tough — every place we go is tough — but I think our team enjoys it,” Meyer said. “We get a chance to be with our team. We always talk about culture, team chemistry and stuff. Road trips allow us to bond even more. We’re going to be on a couple of five-hour bus rides and hotels together. It brings us closer together, and all our

Northwest will travel over 300 miles Feb. 9 to Claremore, Oklahoma, to have a rematch with Rogers State. The first clash between the Bearcats and Hillcats resulted in a thrilling 5350 win for the ’Cats Jan. 2 in Bearcat Arena. Rogers is ranked last in scoring offense out of 14 teams in the MIAA, averaging 55.4 points per game. The Hillcats are No. 10 in the MIAA in scoring defense, allowing an average of 67.3 points. Northwest has the No. 11 scoring offense, scoring 61.2 points per contest while the Bearcats’ defense allows an average of 61 points per game, which has them as the No. 6 defense in the conference.

Sophomore guard Molly Hartnett said if the Bearcats play how she knows they can, then the ’Cats will have a good chance at winning.

“We need to stay confident, even if things aren’t going our way and keep fighting until the end,” Hartnett said. “Just come together and be confident on offense, and playing team defense is huge for us. Hopefully, all of those things come into play when we play Rogers and Northeastern.”

After the rematch with the Hillcats, Northwest will go to Tahlequah, Oklahoma, for the second game of the season with Northeastern State.

In the first meeting of the season Dec. 31,

DISTRICTS

CONTINUED FROM A8

Senior guard Anastyn Pettlon said the chemistry on the team plays an important role during its week-long break, as the players have had some time to focus on themselves.

“Our chemistry as a team and learning how to play together is pretty important, and that is kind of what we have been focusing on these last couple practices,” Pettlon said.

With districts starting in just over two weeks, Maryville looks to finish strong in its last five games of the season, with four being against conference opponents. The Spoofhounds will play Benton, Cameron, Savannah (7-15) and Chillicothe (15-4) in a two-week span to finish the regular season.

Missouri’s Class 4 District 16 consists of all but two MEC teams — St. Pius X and Bishop LeBlond. Maryville, Lafayette-St. Joseph, Benton, Cameron, Savannah and Chillicothe are all looking for a district championship plaque to bring back to their school.

Pettlon and Obley said these last few games are important as districts inch closer.

“They are pretty big games because basically everyone in our conference is in our district, so just being able to play them is pretty big because they are all good teams,” Pettlon said. “It kind of helps us prepare, just being able to play them and see how they play and hopefully it will help us down the road.”

“They’re all big because every team in our conference is so good and knowing that you might see them again in districts adds to that too,” Obley said.

Obley said the girls are excited to play in these tough games and showcase what they have been learning and working on this past week.

“The girls are excited just to get to play in those games,” Obley said. “We just take every game we are in, and we learn from it and continue to get better.”

STREAK CONTINUED FROM A8

Against a team like the Hillcats, who are 10-2 at home compared to 2-8 on the road, Northwest coach Ben McCollum said he expects a much tougher matchup in Claremore, Oklahoma, than when Rogers came to town earlier in the season.

“You just got to handle the physicality,” McCollum said. “I think understanding that they’re considerably better at home … and so it’s something that you have to be prepared for that what happened here, isn’t going to happen there. You have to compete. We’ll have to make sure we’re ready to go and ready

NW vs. Rogers State

5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 Claremore, Oklahoma

NW vs. Northeastern State

1:30 p.m. Feb. 11 Tahlequah, Oklahoma

the Bearcats defeated the ’Hawks 67-55. That win moved their win streak over Northeastern to two, Northwest has won four of the last five games against the Riverhawks.

“Knowing any team can win, having those two wins in a row against them is a good confidence booster, and I think we should be able to win another and make it three,” Hartnett said.

Northwest will have two days off before hitting the road again. This time the Bearcats will travel roughly two hours to have a rematch with Washburn Feb. 14 in Topeka, Kansas. The ’Cats haven’t won in Topeka since Feb. 28, 2019.

“It’s definitely motivating that we haven’t won there in a couple of years,” Hartnett said. “They’re a great team defensively. We always have close games against them. Obviously with this win against them last week, it kind of boosts our confidence and hopefully puts us on the right path.”

to handle their physicality.”

Northwest blew out Northeastern 79-58 in the two squads’ first meeting of the season Dec. 31. The Bearcats were led by two 20-point performances from Dreamer and Bernard.

As the second game of the week for Northwest, the rematch with Northeastern also pits one of the top defenses in Division II against one of the top offenses in the conference.

Prior to the RiverHawks’ game against Missouri Western Feb. 9, they are No. 3 in the MIAA in points scored per game with 74.6. They are also one of the top teams in the conference shooting-wise, as they are No. 2 in field goal percentage (49%) — just behind North-

west’s 52.3% from the field — and No. 1 in 3-point percentage (40.7%). However, they have been held to under 70 points in their last three games.

On the other side, the Bearcats boast the No. 2 scoring defense in Division II, allowing 57.3 points per contest. The ’Cats have held their last seven opponents under 60 points, en route to their sevengame win streak.

“Just trying to not look too far ahead,” Bernard said about the preparation for the RiverHawks. “Just try to take it one game at a time, and once we go down there, we’ll just try to make it hard for their shooters to get shots off.”

over the Ichabods.

SIDNEY LOWRY MANAGING EDITOR

RIVER BOYD Sports Reporter | @RiverBoyd5 UP NEXT

Maryville girls basketball senior forward Rylee Vierthaler stopped in between a four corners passing drill during practice Feb. 6. The Spoofhounds are 5-9 this season, and they will play at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 13 at home against Cameron.

GRACE ROTHWEILER MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER

“

We just need to make sure we are focused and not take anything for granted.”

-MATT STOECKLEIN COACH

Junior athlete uses inspiration from community to play football, basketball

The people in Maryville take pride in its college and its sports teams. It’s a common sight to see team posters in windows or fans packing the stands of a Maryville or Northwest game.

The community’s pride in sports has influenced a lot of the people who live in town. One of those people is Maryville junior Derek Quinlin. Quinlin has been surrounded by sports his whole life. His dad, Joe Quinlin, is the head strength coach at Northwest and his mom, Kelly Quinlin, has her own physical therapy training in Maryville.

“Obviously he has been around athletics and got to know a lot of the players,” Joe Quinlin said. “Had a lot of good friendships through the athletes that he is still in contact with them. It’s pretty awesome to see them come help teach him some of the ways to do his sport.”

Derek Quinlin seemingly agrees with his dad, noting his father and Northwest had a major impact on him.

“My dad played at Northwest when he was in college, so I’ve grown up around sports,” Derek Quinlin said. “Big influences were just some players that played at Northwest, like Kevin Berg and Jack Young — they were both on the national championship teams. They were always good mentors to me, and I’ve always just grown up around sports.”

Derek Quinlin is a dual-sport athlete. He leads the Spoofhounds football team on the field as the quarterback in the fall. As the weather gets colder and fall turns to winter, Derek Quinlin transitions to leading the ’Hounds on the hardwood as a guard.

Derek Quinlin started playing football in seventh grade at St. Gregory Barbarigo Middle School, and he started playing basketball as early as he could remember. He said he started playing travel basketball in first grade.

“I’ve always wanted to play both sports because I love both sports with a passion,” Derek Quinlin said. “I love the effort of just being on a team and being a part of a team that is always there. It’s fun because you’re not out-of-season a lot. I have the little offseason in the spring, but, other than that, I’m always on a team and playing with others and having fun.”

During the 2022 football season, Derek Quinlin was named the starting quarterback as a junior. He was named first-team all-conference quarterback and first-team all-district quarterback. He said he was honored to be given the opportunity.

“Not a ton of people get to have that chance,” Derek Quinlin said. “I was really nervous because it’s a big step and a very good high school program. I had nerves,

DUAL - THREAT

but the people around me always trusted in me, and we had a great season. I wish it could have been longer, and I wish we could have gone farther, but it was a great learning experience for next year, and I loved every part of it.”

Now Derek Quinlin is on the court passing around a ball that is orange and round instead of a pigskin. The Spoofhounds are 17-4 on the season and in first place in their district.

Joe Quinlin said watching his son play has been fun.

“I played at Northwest and playing is stressful but it’s more nerve-wracking to watch him play but it’s been a blast to watch him enjoy it and get better and grow,” Joe Quinlin said.

Derek Quinlin said it is nice to transition from one winning team to another winning team.

“Nobody likes to lose, and that’s a big thing for me,” Derek Quinlin said. “I’m very competitive. Going into this basketball season, we had high hopes for our team. We knew we could do what we’re doing, and I feel like over the season it’ll just get better and better. Hopefully, we’ll make another deep run. It’s all the people around me helping and supporting me.”

Playing two sports can help certain skills and talents develop in an athlete. Joe Quinlin said playing two sports has helped Derek Quinlin develop time management skills.

Being a two-sport athlete isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, though, as the athlete has to balance a lot in order to succeed. Two-sport athletes don’t get an offseason and have to balance their lives while being busy.

“Mixing two sports and schoolwork and just having the time to focus on yourself and like making sure you stay healthy,” Derek Quinlin said. “My mom always told me that I always need sleep, and I can feel it sometimes when I just feel tired. I feel like, through football and basketball, I’ve gotten a lot better. I feel like you need to focus on what you need to do to be healthy.”

Playing two sports has its challenges, but it also has its benefits, allowing athletes to train the whole year and stay in shape the whole year. Derek Quinlin said playing two sports is a lot of fun and gives him chances to grow and learn.

For Derek Quinlin, sports are something more than just fun, they are something he has been surrounded by since he was born. He said sports have made a major impact on him and his life.

He has one year left of high school before he will begin to look at colleges and decide what sport he wants to play and where he would like to go. He said he hasn’t thought too much about his plans for the future yet.

“I want to go to college and play a sport, that’s exactly what I want to do, right now it could be either football or basketball,” Quinlin said. “Only time will tell, but I feel like I’ve got a lot more time to just think about that and see what offers and opportunities I get.”

Whether in need of help for yourself or to help someone else, you can find resources available and free to Northwest students at the link below. Together we can become Bearcat Better.

The past few years have not been easy. It is more important than ever to understand and prioritize your mental health and take the time to Be Kind to Your Mind.

Junior guard Derek Quinlin motions for his teammate to join a team huddle during Maryville boys basketball’s 73-57 win over St. Pius X Feb. 3.

WESLEY MILLER SPORTS EDITOR

Junior quarterback Derek Quinlin attempts to make a throw downfield in Maryville football’s 55-13 Homecoming win over Benton Sept. 30.

INTO THE FIRE Boys basketball nears final stretch

CRAIG MCMULLEN Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

As the regular season winds down, two more games are in the rearview for Maryville boys basketball. Maryville came in with a 15-4 record and dominated in a 73-57 win against St. Pius X Feb. 3.

Senior guard Caden Stoecklein and senior forward Keaton Stone, junior guard Derek Quinlin and sophomore guard Peyton McCollum had themselves an excellent night on the court. McCollum finished with 17 points off 66.7% shooting from the field, Stone recorded 14 points while being 77.8% from the field and Stoecklein totaled 17 points, partly due to being 54.2% from the 3-point line.

“It was fun to beat one of our rivals,” Stone said. “There were a lot of words said between both teams which made it sweeter to get that win.”

Coach Matt Stoecklein said this was a revenge game from last season’s match, where the Spoofhounds came up short against the Warriors 55-43 Feb. 4, 2022.

“It gives our team confidence going forward,” Matt Stoecklein said. “They played all four quarters hard.”

The win kept the Spoofhounds undefeated at home and gave them the rest of the weekend off to prepare for a road trip to Cameron Feb. 7.

The first game of the season between the Spoofhounds and Dragons (8-11) ended with a 71-41 win in the Cameron Tournament for Maryville Jan. 27. The Spoofhounds’ dominance over the Dragons continued into the teams’ second meeting of the season Feb. 7.

Three players for Maryville scored double-digit points, including Stone (14), McCollum (13) and Caden Stoecklein (11). The trio’s offensive performances helped the team get a 69-37 win over the Dragons and improve the Spoofhounds to 17-4 and 3-1 in the Midland Empire Conference.

“Our defensive pressure and intensity kept up for all four quarters, and they didn’t let a 24-point lead satisfy them,” Matt Stoecklein said.

With five games left in the regular season, the Spoofhounds sit at first place in Missouri’s Class 4 District 16 at 16-4.

SEE FINAL | A6

Northwest aims to continue seven-game winning streak

The last stretch of the regular season is nearly here for No. 4 Northwest men’s basketball. With only six games left before postseason play, the Bearcats will soon be shifting gears from the regular season to the MIAA Tournament March 1-5. They aren’t quite there, yet, though. Before even the final week of the regular season, the Bearcats have one last road trip. For four consecutive weeks, Northwest alternated from two home games one week and two away games the next. The next two weeks will look a bit different, as the team is set to embark on a four-game road trip.

Senior guard Diego Bernard has played 82 games away from Maryville throughout his collegiate career, so he knows what to expect by now. He also knows what he said he needs to do to remain focused.

“Going into the game knowing that everybody’s against you except for your team that you came with on the bus that you’re on every road trip with,” Bernard said. “Just feeling like your family is with you going in there. Going in there, nothing

matters, just trying to go out of there with a win.”

In the first week of Northwest’s road trip, the Bearcats (21-2, 14-2 MIAA) will match up with Rogers State (12-10, 8-8 MIAA) Feb. 9 and Northeastern State (10-10, 7-9 MIAA) Feb. 11.

It’ll be the second game of the season against the Hillcats and RiverHawks for Northwest. In the first game against Rogers, it was a back-and-forth contest through the first half until a last-second 3-pointer by junior

forward Wes Dreamer gave the Bearcats a 12-point lead at halftime en route to their 87-65 win in the team’s first game of 2023.

UP NEXT

MHS vs. Benton

7 p.m.

Feb. 10

St. Joseph, Missouri

MHS vs. Mid-Buchanan

5 p.m. Feb. 11

St. Joseph, Missouri

MHS vs. Creston (Iowa)

7:30 p.m. Feb. 14 Maryville High School

Maryville girls basketball is looking to improve off a long break with the team’s next three games coming up within a span of four days Feb. 10-13. The Spoofhounds play some familiar opponents in this four-day span — two will be Midland Empire Conference opponents. The ’Hounds will play Benton Feb. 10 in St. Joseph, Mid-Buchanan Feb. 11 in St. Joseph and Cameron at 6:15 p.m. Feb. 13 inside Maryville High School.

girls basketball forced against Cameron.

Coach Kelly Obley said she wants the players to keep getting better everyday, building up to the next three matchups.

“We’re going to play three great teams here coming up, so we want to focus in, defensively, getting rebounds and, offensively, focusing in on running our action and scoring efficiently,” Obley said. “Just to hope that we can continue to get better for districts.”

The Spoofhounds (8-10) shot 47.8% from the field and caused 22 turnovers in their last outing in a 31-point, 5827 win against Cameron (811) Jan. 27. Maryville looks for success in these next two conference games against Benton (16-3) and Cameron, as it could shape up brackets for districts starting Feb. 28.

Maryville boys basketball senior guard Drew Burns brings the ball up the floor for the Spoofhounds during their 73-57 win over St. Pius X Feb. 3. The Spoofhounds won five out of the past six games against the Warriors.

WESLEY MILLER SPORTS EDITOR

WESLEY MILLER Sports Editor | @wesleymiller360

MAKAYLA POLAK EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Girls

turnovers