The Times-Delphic (09.02.15)

[td]

Wednesday Sept. 2, 2015

timesdelphic.com

A new story begins PRESIDENT Martin started his Drake career by helping move in the other new kids, the first-years. Martin started as Drake University’s 13th president on July 1. PHOTO BY YING CHYI GOOI | PHOTO EDITOR

CAMPUS NEWS

New president begins new journey, gets acclimated with campus Jessica Lynk News Editor Jessica.lynk@drake.edu @jessmlynk

Earl F. “Marty” Martin III is no stranger to change.

Throughout his life, Martin has spent a few years in law school at the University of Kentucky, a few more at Yale University for his advanced law degree and then six more overseas working for the Air Force Judge Advocate General corps.

On July 1, though, Martin underwent a new change. Martin became the 13th president of Drake University.

Although he may have begun a new chapter through his life at Drake, his past life still serves him well.

“Just living overseas for six years was life shaping, life changing,” Martin said. “That is cliché to say, but it just gives you a whole other

Bucksbaum Lecture initiator passes away, leaves legacy Melva Bucksbaum, an integral part of the of the Martin Bucksbaum Distinguished Lecture series, passed away this past weekend.

Bucksbaum was 82 at the time of her passing.

Bucksbaum and her husband created the lecture series through a donation to the university.

The series is named after her husband, Martin Bucksbaum, who passed away in 1995.

The series brings speakers from all over the world to campus and gives students the opportunity to hear from a variety of issues.

Bucksbaum was known as a philanthropist and continuously gave to the university.

Since the beginning of the lectures, the series has hosted 34 speakers, including President Jimmy Carter and poet Maya Angelou.

The next Bucksbaum speaker is Peter J. Neufold on Oct. 27.

perspective.”

Martin’s time in the Air Force JAG corps gave him more than just a new perspective. He learned to be mission orientated, which will serve him here.

“It is not about any kind of personal agenda or personal desires I might have. They are really irrelevant,” Martin said. “It is all about ‘Are we able to deliver on that mission promise that we made to our students and our families?’”

As Martin makes his transition to his new role as president, he has started and will continue having community conversations in front of a group of around 30 faculty and students.

“It starts with all these conversations and visits that I am having and coming to understand what the possibilities are,” Martin said. “The whole purpose of that is to better understand the place, the people, and to work with the community to articulate a vision for the future.”

“It is not about any kind of personal agenda or personal desires I might have. They are really irrelevant. It is all about ‘Are we able to deliver on that mission promise that we made to our students and our families?’”

Earl F. “Marty” Martin President

Some students have expressed concerns about past problems that Martin hopes to address. One of those is diversity.

“A lot of students love claiming

they have friends who are people of color,” junior broadcast news major Nadia Valentine said. “However, that doesn’t necessarily make them automatic allies. It’s more than a conversation piece. It’s a promise to listen and to ask questions.”

Martin wants to help open up the path to listening and questions, so no students feels neglected.

“We want to make sure every single student here is welcomed and supported and sees that pathway to success. [We don’t want there to be] any obstacles that in any way are driven by issues around equity and inclusion,” Martin said.

Another concern for students is the rising cost of tuition.

“It’s hard to go to school and work knowing that tuition is always rising,” junior public relations and magazine double major Sarah Mattes said. “It puts a lot of pressure on myself and I am sure other students.”

Martin wants to make that pressure worth while.

“It is an expensive proposition to put on the program that we put on, especially one that is the quality that Drakes is, so the tuition reflects that,” Martin said.

“It (tuition) does represent a very wise investment to these are outcomes (jobs, graduate school, professional programs) that students are able to achieve.”

A Drake education may be an investment in Martin’s opinion, but that doesn’t mean he takes that lightly.

“We keep that front of mind that we are entrusted with those funds to use them to great effect in furtherance of the educational program,” Martin said.

Although students have expressed concerns about Drake, Martin has felt nothing but welcome.

“Everybody is invested in this place and they are very welcoming and very enthusiastic about me being here and that is so appreciated,” Martin said.

CAMPUS NEWS

Admission rids ACT requirement for class of 2020 Jake Bullington Digital Media Editor Jacob.bullington@drake.edu @JakeBullington

The magic number for getting into college is often thought to be an ACT or SAT score. Until this year, this magic number was a requirement on the application for admission to Drake University.

However, this year, the Office of Admissions offered students an alternate approach.

A press release this summer announced students applying could choose a test-flexible path, which means their application would not require a standardized test score.

However, there are exceptions for certain students, like pre-pharmacy and pre-occupational therapy majors or NCAA athletes.

Drake University is following in the footsteps in private or selective institutions like New York University and George Washington University, but Director of Admissions Laura Linn says this new path for admissions is not simply a “cookie cutter” plan.

“We want [the test-flexible plan] to be very specific to Drake,” Linn said. “It will allow us to get to know a student in a very different way than just looking at pieces of data or portions of a student’s application file.”

Instead of submitting a test score, students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher can choose to give an interview oneon-one with an admissions counselor.

The incoming Class of 2020 will be the first group of students eligible for the new application path, according to Linn. Some of them are already applying.

“Applications have really just started coming in, and we make our first admission decisions about the 15th of October,” Linn said.

Although the first batch of applications has started arriving at the Office of Admission’s doorstep, there are already several test-flexible applications in review.

Some students have mixed opinions about this new system. ““If the interview was questionbased loaded with common knowledge and their applying major questions then I think it would do better than an ACT, although it might do damage to those who are better at studying over

Twitter: @timesdelphic | Instagram: @draketimesdelphic | Facebook: Times-Delphic

time, like an entire semester and not good with on the spot interviews,” sophomore Mathematics major Nathan Fastje said.

Linn believes once Drake staff conducts high school visits in the fall, the number will rise as awareness of this new option increases.

The application review process will remain the same: looking at students’ activities, coursework and how they will succeed in college.

The process for implementing this new path was a lengthy one.

According to Linn, the process from the policy’s inception to releasing test-flexible path applications took about 18 months, while receiving feedback from faculty.

As testing changes throughout the country, the magic number of ACT or SAT will slowly fade away.

02 | news

SEPT. 02, 2015

NEWS CAMPUS EVENTS

Pre-pharmacy students celebrate official pharmacist student status Beth LeValley Staff Writer beth.levalley@drake.edu @bethlevalley

Friends, family and supporters of Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences students attended the Doctor of Pharmacy White Coat Ceremony last Friday to celebrate the success of the future class of 2019.

One hundred and six students, who were officially accepted into the pharmacy school, walked across the Sheslow auditorium stage to receive their white coat along with the Pharmacy Student’s Pledge of Professionalism.

In their white coat pocket, they received a pin along with the name of a sponsor in the professional field to guide them throughout the next four years.

Natalie Roy, a P4 student and the 2015 Iowa Pharmacy Association Karbeling Leadership Award Recipient, spoke to inspire students on the importance of the next four years.

Roy said creating a life mission statement and posting where the students would see it every day would help them focus their work back to their life goals.

“Take every opportunity possible,” Roy said. “It sounds cliché, but every decision impacts the direction of your life more than

you know.”

Roy also told the parents and guests present to show visible support in future years.

“Friends, family, these next four years will be the hardest and most rewarding years of their lives,” Roy said. “Be patient when he or she does not answer phone calls right away.”

Renae Chesnut, Interim Dean for the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, spoke highly of the accomplishments of this class and reminded students of the importance the white coat.

“Please reflect on the profound symbolism on the simple yet important image of the white coat,” Chesnut said.

“White represents life, purity, innocence and superhuman power.

The coat also represents the art of healing and science and signals nurturing and learning. This is symbolizing your first step into the profession as pharmacy students, take it with a sense of deep pride and responsibility,” Chestnut said.

After receiving their white coats, the students took a voluntary pledge to reinforce the core values of a pharmaceutical profession. To lead that pledge, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association Kate Gainer spoke.

“Wherever you may travel, when you run into someone that asks where you went to school and you say, ‘Drake University in Des Moines,’ you will be met with a wide

STUDENT PHARMACISTS begin their journey as official pharmacy students during the White Coat Ceremony Friday. 106 students walked across Sheslow to receive their white coat. PHOTO BY YING CHYI GOOI | PHOTO EDITOR smile, and I guarantee they will know someone that graduated from here as well,” Gainer said. “Your education is truly unmatched.”

After the ceremony, a reception with cookies and lemonade was held, and many students reunited with their families to take pictures of the momentous event.

Erin Engbring, a P1 student

receiving her white coat, spoke highly of the past two days.

“I enjoyed learning what to expect,” Engbring said. “At orientation, we got to meet the transfer students and get to know each other better because we’ll be spending the next four years together.”

Engbring isn’t sure what field

of pharmacy she will end up in, but knows that she received a good education at Drake.

“The next four years will be intense,” Engbring said. “But, I know I’ll have a lot of good friends coming out of pharmacy school.”

CAMPUS NEWS

Summer alerts cause some students comfort, others concern Ethan Fickau Staff Writer ethan.fickau@drake.edu

KATE GAINER, the Executive Vice President of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, addresses Drake Pharmacy students as they prepare to fully enter the pharmacy school. PHOTO BY YING CHYI GOOI | PHOTO EDITOR

Though most students go home during the summer, some stay close to campus for work or summer courses.

This summer, students at or near Drake University were notified by multiple Bulldog Alerts in the course of 72 hours in late July.

The alerts were about two separate shootings. One took place at the Kum ‘n’ Go gas station at 22nd Street and University Avenue, while the other occurred at 29th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue, putting both in Drake University’s backyard.

Bulldog Alerts are sent out by Drake Public Safety via email, text or phone call/voice mail. While many students say they feel safe thanks to the Bulldog Alerts, some feel a little annoyed.

Emma Wilson, a Drake senior,

loves the concept of the Bulldog Alert and thinks the Guardian Mobile App is perfect for students, but she also expresses concern about how something is determined to merit a Bulldog Alert.

“I’ve grown up around here so I’m used to things happening,” Wilson said. “I think sometimes alerts are sent out when it’s not really in the immediate Drake vicinity and it’s hard to determine whether something should have an alert sent out about it or not.”

Wilson says she would rather know what’s going on in the area than be unaware of serious events taking place nearby.

“I’m glad we get the alerts and it’s a comfort to a lot of students,” Wilson said. “Drake Public Safety and Student Senate do a great job protecting students.”

Drake junior Kayla Kroner agrees, saying the Bulldog Alerts help keep her updated on serious and sometimes dangerous things that take place around campus.

“One time last year, my roommate was out for a walk and

a Bulldog Alert was sent about a shooting nearby,” Kroner said. “So I called my roommate to make sure she was okay and [she] came back to the dorm.”

But despite the security and guidance the Bulldog Alerts provide, other students do not have such high praises for the system.

Drake junior Sarah Beth Coleman says that while Bulldog Alerts are helpful, they can be a bit irritating.

“I don’t like it at all when I get woken up in the middle of the night by a phone call that turns out to be a Bulldog Alert,” Coleman said. “I can’t sleep when that happens!”

Nevertheless, Wilson, Kroner and Coleman say that first and foremost, the Bulldog Alerts do give students a sense of security in an environment where random, criminal events sometimes take place and it is better to be aware of the danger, even if — like many other things in life — it can be a little inconvenient at times.

03 | opinions

Sept. 02, 2015

OPINIONS CAMPUS EVENTS

New TD Editor-in-Chief outlines goals for 2015-16 Publication embraces expected challenges in year of change

There are a lot of things changing around Drake’s campus this year.

A new president takes the reins, while several other high-level positions will see fresh faces.

In the fall, when campus would be gearing up for Halloween celebrations, we’ll instead be bracing for something far scarier: the runup to the Iowa caucuses, including a nationally-televised debate on November 14.

And then there’s perhaps the most startling change of all: Hubbell’s decision to move the location of the pasta line.

Maybe Hubbell’s changes haven’t left you quite that distraught about your dining experience, but there will be plenty of other things that look different throughout Drake and Des Moines this year, and we’ll be here to help guide you through them every step of the way.

There’s one more change you should know about as you begin the year.

My name is Tim Webber, and I’m the Editor-in-Chief of the Drake Times-Delphic for this school year.

I’m committed to bringing you the best possible publication every Wednesday, with all the information you need to know to stay up to date on campus and city happenings.

We’re always looking to improve the paper, so you’ll likely see several changes within the Times-Delphic

this year as well.

One of our goals for this year is to put a greater emphasis on our online content. Stories will be published every day on our website, timesdelphic.com, including several that will be written exclusively for the site.

A significant part of that online coverage will no doubt revolve around the Iowa caucuses.

The caucuses provide a unique opportunity for students of all kinds, especially those of us in the journalism department. Keep an eye out for our political coverage, with which we’re expecting to transcend our traditional print medium.

Later this year, you’ll also be able to be access more video content from the website and through our Facebook and Twitter feeds. Watch for updates from our writers on stories from across campus and reports from athletic events.

Love theSkimm? Let us introduce you to the Drake edition. After its successful debut late last year, the TD+, our weekly e-newsletter, will return, making its way to your inbox every Sunday morning. You can subscribe to the newsletter through our website.

One thing will stay the same, however.

We’ll continue to bring you the Times-Delphic print edition every Wednesday, filled with the quality content you’ve come to expect from this publication.

At the same time, we’re always looking to improve, and you’ll likely see some new features grace our pages as the year rolls on.

With all the changes taking place, there’s no doubt this will be a challenging process. Fortunately, I’ll be assisted by a fantastic editorial and business staff who work hard to put this publication together from scratch each week.

But the real stars of the TimesDelphic are students like you. Each week, dozens of students take the time to report and write on stories and issues that are important to them, providing us with a diverse range of opinions and allowing us to be a true voice for the Drake community.

You can write for us, too—there’s no prerequisite class or grade requirement. You don’t even have to be a student of the J-school.

Stop by our booth at the Activities Fair on Thursday, or send us an email, and we’ll be happy to get you started in the right direction.

Tim Webber Editor-in-Chief timothy.webber@drake.edu @HelloTimWebber

FILM REVIEW

Edgerton’s latest production a gift to thrill seekers Anyone who’s seen Animal Kingdom or Warrior knows that Joel Edgerton has been one of the cinema world’s better-kept secrets for some time now.

Having established himself as both an actor and screenwriter (The Rover), Edgerton wears both those hats and one more – director – in his newest film, The Gift. What results is a smart, slow-burning thriller that finds its greatest success in that which is the pitfall of most scary movies of the 21st century – how real it all feels.

Simon and Robyn (played by Jason Bateman and Rebecca Hall) are a young couple looking to leave their

past behind. While settling into their new home and neighborhood, they are approached by Gordo (Edgerton), Simon’s generous but socially awkward old high school who seems to think their friendship is closer than Simon recalls.

When Simon tells Gordo to back off, the housewarming gifts Gordo continues to deliver start to take a darker turn.

As more and more is revealed about Simon and Gordo’s past, the line between good and bad begins to blur like the black and white static of Simon’s television set, and everyone involved learns that ghosts of the past,

no matter how well-buried, will always find a way to put themselves to rest.

The Gift picks its moments well – it has several well-timed jump scares, several jaw-dropping reveals, and individual moments where you both hate and love the characters.

Rebecca Hall gives what is at times a terrifyingly paranoid performance as the one caught in the middle of a fight she knows nothing about.

Bateman, perhaps not making the transition from comedy to drama quite as seamlessly as fellow comics Jim Carrey or Steve Carell have, reaches emotional depths unxpected from those who only know him from

fare such as Horrible Bosses.

But the real star of the night is Edgerton – his directing feels as slow, subtle, and mysterious as his assured performance, which is why this film works as it does.

The lights will come down, and you’ll be left hanging onto your seat, realizing the very power that the audience member sitting next to you can have over your life, should they choose to take advantage of it.

Even if the final payoff isn’t quite as satisfying as it might have been, it is still a lesson that deserves to be learned, making this film one ride you’ll want to take.

Grade: B+

Eric Deutz Staff Writer eric.deutz@drake.edu

With you from your first day of class, to your first futon, to your first house.

At U.S. Bank, we offer Student Banking that can grow with you. Our Student Checking account has no monthly maintenance fee or minimum balance,1 free access to more than 5,000 U.S. Bank ATMs, and convenient Online and Mobile Banking.2 And when your needs change, you’ll have the resources of U.S. Bank ready to help. Start the journey with us today.

Des Moines Drake Office 2401 University Avenue 515.248.7710

04 | opinions

SEPT. 02, 2015

OPINIONS NATIONAL ISSUES

HUMANS OF DRAKE

Tragedy strikes the world of journalism A week ago, two journalists were fatally shot while conducting a livebroadcast interview. I speak for many when I say this was one of the hardest news stories I’ve ever had to read.

Virginia is, unfortunately, no stranger to gun violence. It was home to one of the most infamous, deadly mass shootings, the Virginia Tech campus massacre, where 32 innocent people were shot dead, and another 17 were injured just eight years ago.

It is frightening to think people who were doing something I hope to someday do myself were killed.

It is even more frightening that I saw the video of the shooting on social media faster than CNN or FOX could pick up the story. Twitter and Facebook’s new auto play feature forced me to watch the horror unfold.

The perpetrator’s main goal was to make as many people as possible witness his acts and know his name.

Social media, with the added effect of it being broadcast live on morning television, boosted this man’s evil message.

The publicity this man received on national media frustrated me, as journalists across the country plastered his name and face on Twitter. On one hand, it’s important for journalists to inform the public of what has happened and to tell the story of the two slain reporters. On the other, giving the killer exactly what he wanted may not have been the best course of action.

No matter his motive, whether it be jealousy or anger, the undeniable role mental illness played in this shooting makes it all the more saddening.

The ‘disgruntled ex-employee’

scenario happens too frequently, and in this case, his former employers knew the killer had unaddressed mental health issues. He could have had received treatment if his behavior and his former employer’s concerns had been reported to the proper authorities.

In addition, the ease with which this man was able to acquire a firearm is disheartening.

I’m not sure what the answer is, but then again, I’m not a legislator.

I don’t have the ability to introduce solutions to end these massacres.

Whether it be reforming and improving our nation’s mental health accessibility and treatment, or adding meaningful changes with background checks and the accessibility of guns, I believe we should have said “enough is enough” many deaths ago.

Jacob Bullington jacob.bullington@drake.edu @jakebullington

What advice do you have for first-year students?

“Try everything, and if you don’t like something you can always change it. But try everything.”

Each week, Hudson Webber will be capturing students around Drake’s campus.

DEAR BRANDI

Dear Brandi: How do you strike up a conversation? w“What do I do if a guy ghosted on me this summer? We had decided to make our relationship exclusive, but then he just stopped replying.

I want to confront him but am I overreacting?” –M.

Brandi Dye Staff Writer brandi.dye@drake.edu @14bad01

If you would like your question included in future Dear Brandi columns, email her or DM her on Twitter

I am all for confrontation. It really does not matter if other people think you are overreacting. If he was mean and hurt your feelings, he deserves a confrontation.

It is a billion times worse to live with regret for not confronting him than to have to hold in that anger every time you see him. Drake is way too small of a school for that.

Confrontations do not always have to be dramatic. It could be as small as pulling him to the side for a quick chat or as ostentatious as dumping Coke all over him in the middle of Hubbell.

As a female you are going to be called crazy, or dramatic, or overreacting no matter what you do. You might as well get a little satisfaction out of the situation.

THE TIMES-DELPHIC The student newspaper for Drake University since 1884

TIM WEBBER, Editor-in-Chief timothy.webber@drake.edu JILL VAN WYKE, Faculty Advisor jill.vanwyke@drake.edu

SYDNEY PRICE, Managing Editor sydney.price@drake.edu

JESSICA LYNK, News Editor jessica.lynk@drake.edu

JAKE BULLINGTON, Digital Editor jacob.bullington@drake.edu

ADAM ROGAN, Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu

CLAUDIA WILLIAMS, Page Designer claudia.williams@drake.edu

GOOI YING CHYI, Photo Editor yingchyi.gooi@drake.edu

COURTNEY DAY, Page Designer courtney.day@drake.edu

SARAH LEBLANC, Features Editor sarah.leblanc@drake.edu

MICHAEL LOPEZ, Design Editor michael.lopez@drake.edu

ANNA ZAVELL, Op-Ed Editor giovanna.zavell@drake.edu

SYDNEY SCHULTE, Copy Editor sydney.schulte@drake.edu

MATT HARDING, Ads Manager timesdelphicads@gmail.com

CHAMINDI WIJESINGHE, Business Manager wachamindi.wijesinghe@drake.edu

“I am a natural introvert, but I really want to increase my social life.

I don’t want to just stand awkwardly everywhere I go. What do I do?” –N.

My number one piece of advice is to find an extrovert and befriend them. In any social situation, there is someone holding court. Join that court.

The quickest way to get a conversation going is to ask people questions about themselves. Everyone likes to talk about his or her own life.

If all else fails, single someone out and talk about how terrible Hubbell is.

Boom. New friend.

Any Drake student living on campus between 1953 and today has plenty to say about the quality of Hubbell and Sodexo.

The fastest way to become friends is to have a common enemy. And there is no greater enemy than Hubbell Trouble.

The Times-Delphic is a student newspaper published weekly during the regular academic year and is produced by undergraduate students at Drake University. The opinions of staff editorials reflect the institutional opinion of the newspaper based on current staff opinions and the newspaper’s traditions. These opinions do not necessarily reflect those of individual employees of the paper, Drake University or members of the student body. All other opinions appearing throughout the paper are those of the author or artist named within the column or cartoon. The newsroom and business office of The Times-Delphic are located in Meredith Hall, Room 124. The Times-Delphic is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. The editor-in-chief sits on the Board of Student Communications.

LETTERS & SUBMISSION POLICY The Times-Delphic strives to represent student views as accurately and honestly as possible. We rely on readers to provide us with criticism, comments and new ideas so that we can continue to serve the interests of the students in the fairest possible way. We encourage interested readers to submit letters to the editor. Letters must include the author’s name and phone number. Unsigned letters will not be published. Deadlines for guest submissions are noon Sunday for the Wednesday edition. The Times-Delphic reserves the right to edit letters and submissions for space and in the interest of taste. Letters and submissions reflect only the opinions of the authors and should be limited to 250 words. Emailed letters can be sent to tdeditorinchief@gmail.com.

ADVERTISING POLICY The Times-Delphic’s business office is located at 2507 University Avenue, 124B Meredith Hall, Des Moines, IA 50311.

The Times-Delphic is published on Wednesdays during the university’s fall and spring academic terms. The newspaper is distributed for free around the Drake campus. All advertising information is to be submitted noon Sunday for the Wednesday edition. Advertisements can be designed by The Times-Delphic or submitted via e-mail. We accept cash and check. A 10 percent discount is offered for prepayment on advertisements. The business office can be contacted at 515-271-2148.

© The Times-Delphic

05 | features

Sept. 02, 2015

FEATURES HOUSING

Housing reflects students’ changes over four years Sarah LeBlanc Features Editor sarah.leblanc@drake.edu @sarahleblanc201

From their first year to their last year, students at Drake University go through some major changes in living arrangements. With largely temporary spaces, it can be difficult to make a room dozens of other students have inhabited feel like home.

Anna Austin, a sophomore prepharmacy major living in Ross this year, noted several differences in the

style of her decorations compared to her first year.

“This year the decorations in the dorm are mixed with my roommates as compared to last year, where we each just took a side of the room,” Austin said.

Austin also favors the apartmentstyle living that Ross offers, which lends the hall a more relaxed atmosphere accompanied by a larger sense of independence.

“Ross is much larger and has an open apartment feel to it rather than the claustrophobic feel of my firstyear hall,” Austin said. “Ross also is very laid-back and quiet.”

Brenna Paukert, a junior Broadcast News major, also enjoys the increased freedom Drake West Village allows in terms of decoration and living space, but qualifies that there are still restrictions in terms of what students are allowed to do to their rooms.

“We get furniture like in the residence halls, and we still can’t hang things by nails on the walls,” Paukert said. “But there is more personal space and more overall shared space to decorate.”

In order to make the apartment feel comfortable, Paukert relies on making her own decorations that

reflect her personality and can be reused year to year.

“It’s cheaper to make your own decorations and it’s more fun that way too,” Paukert said. “I still use a lot of the same decorations that I used my two years in the dorms.”

Although West Village allows students more space to express themselves, junior Radio and Television Production major Lauren Baker, who lives in a house offcampus, is able to assert the most ownership over her space.

“I feel like there is a lot of more freedom to decorate in a house,” Baker said. “I can decorate it as I like and all

the furniture is ours. (The house) isn’t regulated by the university.”

Even off-campus, Baker doesn’t feel that she is separated from the Drake community.

“I still feel like I’m part of campus when I live in a house,” Baker said. “I am actually closer to my classes now than I was when I lived in GK last year.”

However, living in a house doesn’t prevent Baker from experiencing the communal living style of student life “I am still living with several girls, so you have to cooperate and figure out how to get along just like you do in a residence hall floor.”

IOWA POLITICS

Trump’s campaign enters Iowa Popularity poses threat to seasoned politicians Jake Bullington Digital Editor jacob.bullington@drake.edu @JakeBullington

AUSTIN’S LIVING SPACE (top left) uses muted tones, while Baker’s den (top right) embraces simplicity. Paukert’s living space (bottom left) reflects her creativity PHOTOS BY ANNA AUSTIN, LAUREN BAKER AND BRENNA PAUKERT

SUMMER SONGS

Behind summer’s catchy tunes What makes the “song of the summer”?

Morgan Muraski Staff Writer morgan.muraski@drake.edu @little_muraski

Whether it was during lake lounging, the work grind or a road trip to nowhere, students everywhere were plugged into their favorite music this summer.

Well-known music publication Billboard.com states that there were two songs that battled for the top spot throughout most of the season: Wiz Khalifa and Charlie Puth’s “See You Again” and OMI’s “Cheerleader.”

According to the site, both are undeniable successes, the former playing on the feeling of nostalgia and the latter on the carefree vibe that is commonly associated with summer.

“People pick music that reflects them. What they do, who they hang with, what kind of clothes they wear. It divides people into categories.”

Sarah Plum Associate Professor

But what truly makes something a “song of the summer?”

Drake University sophomore Parker Klyn said that there is a distinct pattern that has emerged over the last several years that characterizes mass music culture in the summer.

“Over the last three years, since about 2012 or so, every top song has been upbeat, off kilter and just a little bit different than the usual,” Klyn said.

Klyn, who hosts his own radio show on 94.1 The Dog and writes a music blog, has done his fair share of research that reaches back decades.

He has identified a few trends in summer song selection that seem to defy the other changes that have

occurred in mainstream culture.

Referencing the 80s hit “Walking on Sunshine” and more, Klyn said that the songs we choose as our summer anthems haven’t really changed all that much.

“For a long time, we’ve gravitated toward upbeat summer music,” Klyn said. “The song can’t take itself too seriously, and is normally associated with fun.”

Drake Health Center Counselor Melissa Nord delivered her psychologically based opinion on what has created the unbreakable streak of fun summer music.

“Music is a way for us to connect with and release unconscious feelings,” Nord said. “It taps into both our personality and brain organization and therefore directly affects our mood.”

Nord said that, given this kind of logic, it makes sense that upbeat and easy listening songs are what people crave when the sun shines.

Associate Music Professor Sarah Plum also identified a characteristic of summer music, saying that it lacks lyrics and musicality that would turn off large populations of listeners.

“People pick music that reflects them,” Plum said. “What they do, who they hang with, what kind of clothes they wear. It divides people into categories.”

Plum said that the songs that avoid falling into those dividing ruts are those that we find the most attractive.

As important as musical analysis is, all three referenced the need for personal expression in music taste, emphasizing personality over society.

“Your song of summer is what fits with your own, personal definition of what summer is,” Klyn said. “You can make cookie cutter pop and maybe break the top 10 on Billboard, but we like our music to be relatable and changing, not static.”

It’s caucus season, which means the state largely known for corn and agriculture will take the political spotlight for the next few months – and where the politicians flock, the media follows.

So far, five Democrats and over 20 Republicans have announced their candidacy in the race for the White House. Politicians and their platforms have dominated the airwaves for Iowans in the last few months, more than a year out from the election.

Hillary Clinton and Jeb Bush have been considered the ‘establishment’ politicians for their respective parties, while ‘fringe’ candidates like Donald Trump have gained momentum since May — utilizing shareable sound bites and images on social media to point all eyes and ears to what they have to say.

Trump has commandeered a vast majority of the media coverage in recent months, boosting his name recognition, thus poll numbers and popularity in several early key states, including New Hampshire and Iowa.

Although the election is often thought of as a marathon and not a sprint, it is difficult for voters not to speculate about the eventual nominees.

“The way it’s going, it looks

like [the nominee] is going to be Donald Trump, although I can’t take him seriously,” said junior Politics and Public Relations major Nick Frandsen. “I don’t think a lot of Iowans can either.”

Some national polls show Trump leading by nearly double digits above Bush, who frequently polls in second place nationally.

“Americans like to see national polls because they like to see what the rest of the country is thinking, but campaigns should be focusing on state polls,” said Frandsen. “It’s all a state-by-state race until you pick a nominee.”

Regardless of how the public seems to perceive his comments as brilliance or as outrageous, Trump’s numbers continue to rise above the competition. His ability to seize the “sick and tired of politics as usual” feeling in many voters’ minds has undoubtedly become one of his biggest tools on the campaign trail.

The more bombastic the quote, the more likely he’ll grab the media’s attention.

“It’s easier for him to cut through (the noise) with his flamboyant personality,” Frandsen said. “He’s able to spit out quotes that the media then picks up.”

Frandsen attributes Trump’s success to his ability to campaign more effectively in early-voter states like here in Iowa.

“A lot of it comes down to visibility, I think.” Frandsen said. “His name is always in the news, his face is always

out there, even during RAGBRAI he was handing out ‘Trump for President’ water bottles to the riders.

He has his name plastered across the state in ways the other candidates haven’t been able to.”

Name recognition will continue to be a large aspect of maintaining a lead in the race, considering one could not even count the Republicans in the race on two hands.

Trump’s status as a celebrity and his subsequent ability to overshadow his competitors in terms of namerecognition may bode as an obstacle his opponents will have to overcome by proposing practical and relevant solutions to political issues.

REPUBLICAN presidential candidate and television personality Donald Trump greets the crowds at the Iowa State Fair before grabbing a pork chop on a stick and giving children free rides in his helicopter. PHOTO BY SARAH LEBLANC | FEATURES EDITOR

Tracy Codel, la’86, shared her passion for math education by creating the Tracy and Franklin Codel Excellence in Math Education Scholarship to benefit Drake students who aspire to become math teachers.

06 | features

Sept. 02, 2015

FEATURES MUSIC

Independent artist JMSN shares soul with Des Moines

CHRISTIAN BERISHAJ, know by his stage name JMSN, performs at Outland Tavern in Springfield, MO. Now on tour, the singer performs R&B music with a twist of soul. PHOTO COURTESY OF JOHAN COLLINS Sarah LeBlanc Features Editor sarah.leblanc@drake.edu @sarahleblanc201 At the heart of Iowa, Des Moines hosts a vast and varied live music scene. Commonly found at bars and outdoor concerts, independent and local talent gather to share their songs and souls with the city. One such soul, Christian Berishaj, known by his stage pseudonym JMSN, lent his voice to a crowd gathered at Vaudeville Mews in downtown Des Moines on the night of Aug. 26.

Tyler French, a friend of the band from Burlington, Iowa, attended the show among a small crowd to hear Berishaj perform for an hour.

“I don’t think the people knew what to expect. But I think once they started playing they were blown away,” French said. “(They) stayed enthralled the whole show.”

Currently on tour, Berishaj’s music serves as a reflection of his personality aiming to captivate audiences with varied rhythmic and soul undertones.

“(JMSN was) born out of hip California R&B and Detroit yacht rock; I think it is something new with great hooks and soul,” French said. “I believe that the music he produces is exactly what he wants to reflect.”

An independent artist from Detroit making a name for himself through R&B and soul music, Berishaj is motivated by a constant goal of making each song and album better than the last.

“I just want to keep (making music) and see how far I can take it because it’s a journey,” Berishaj said.

Though largely unknown, Berishaj has collaborated with bigger-name artists such as Kendrick Lamar, Tyga and J.Cole and views these opportunities as a chance to challenge himself and work on improving his music.

“Collaborations are practicing your craft; you’re honing in on your craft,” Berishaj said. “You grow by just doing it - by having other people challenge you.”

Berishaj’s tour manager Adam Miltenberger, also a native Iowan

from Danville, has known the singer since 2009 and noted his progression from when he met the group over 5 years ago.

“I knew there was something special about (Berishaj’s music), and I wanted to be a part of the project in any way I could,” Miltenberger said.

“As he’s worked on his songwriting and production over the years, you can tell he’s really started to find his voice.”

With the knowledge that he wanted to dedicate his life to music since he was young, Berishaj hopes audiences take away core values from his performances.

“What I want to people to take away is honesty,” Berishaj said. “Be honest to yourself and do what you truly want to do.”

For inspiration, Berishaj turns to Prince and R. Kelly as models of uncensored melodies.

“It’s about the song in the end; that’s the most important thing,” Berishaj said. “Don’t feel bad about saying what you have to say; in hindsight it’s just going to benefit the

song by being honest.”

With one of his songs, Alone, boasting over 800,000 views, Berishaj credits this success to his ability to translate the energy he gets from

“It’s about the song in the end; that’s the most important thing. Don’t feel bad about saying what you have to say. In hindsight, it’s just going to benefit the song by being honest.”

Christain Berishaj

a song does not mean he’s reached his goal. Part of his drive consists of creating songs that constantly transcend those that came before.

“As long as it keeps paying off and filling my soul, I’ll keep doing it,” Berishaj said.

Unwilling to follow a path of security, Berishaj refuses to live anything less than the life he dreamed of since he was young. Independent both personally and professionally, Berishaj’s status as a largely selfmade yet still successful artist stands as a testament to his ability to follow his passions despite the possible risks.

“Some people enjoy just existing and living life, but I have a passion for music, not just living, and this is my life.”

finishing a song to the video, which culminates in a feeling of fullness.

“I’m trying to make a piece of art you would like to watch yourself,” Berishaj said.

For Berishaj, however, finishing

DINING

Five must-visit cafés and eateries for college students

Managers and owners explain locations’ popularity for students Ethan Fickau Staff Writer ethan.fickau@drake.edu

Des Moines features a number of great eateries, but not all are cheap enough or close enough to campus for Drake students.

Sure, there is Zombie Burger, which, along with other high-profile restaurants, is on everyone’s college bucket list, but they can be off the beaten path and hard on the wallet.

No need to fret for those who are looking for a change in the daily routine of Hubbell and Quad Creek; here are five awesome places to eat a full meal with friends or just grab a coffee and a table and pull out some homework.

First on the list is a popular name around campus. The Drake Diner is ideal for grabbing a quick bite when students are short on time and do not want to spend too much. It offers an extensive menu full of specialty items and is open for early risers and night owls alike.

“Breakfast all day is always a plus with kids, especially student athletes,” said General Manager and owner Shannon Vilmain. “We’ve also got a friendly environment along with good food.”

Some of the Drake Diner’s many popular dishes include their Captain Crunch French Toast and their famous cake shakes.

However, if students want more of a true café-style restaurant, La Mie is the place to go.

Located a short bus ride from campus on 42nd Street, La Mie is often full of customers grabbing their favorite pastry or mid-morning coffee. Somehow, however, there is always room for a few more patrons.

In addition to their illustrious list of pastries, La Mie features omelets, quiche and other customized breakfast foods. Of course, they also serve good coffee.

“Most of the products that are made here on a regular basis are fresh and made from scratch which really appeals to our customers,” said General Manager Nicholas Percheron.

While La Mie is perfect for morning commutes and brunches, most students have more time in the evening to eat out. Enter Woody’s

Smoke Shack and their delicious choices of pork, ribs and other meaty delights.

Located just a stone’s throw from the Drake Diner on 25th Street, this small yet renowned restaurant is hidden among the houses and looks like a big grill and picnic area, but the food speaks for itself. Pulled pork and, naturally, barbecued ribs, are the top choices at this food joint.

Night Manager Elizabeth Linhart claims Woody’s Smoke Shack is perfect for college students looking for a cheap, delicious meal.

“It’s a fun, cozy, welcoming environment,” Linhart said. “It’s within walking distance of campus, and we serve barbecue all year-round and you can’t go wrong with that. Our ribs are to die for!”

If students have a little more time on their hands, they can drive farther into the city area where the recently opened Scenic Route Bakery has made its stamp on the list of downtown cafés to visit.

With an array of fresh scones, Danish pastries and their extremely popular cinnamon rolls in their warm and welcoming establishment, it is easy to see why the Scenic Route Bakery is so revered by local patrons.

Owner Katy Nelson calls it her pride

and joy.

“This has been a dream of mine since I was 14,” Nelson said. “I am where I am because of my dad, my partner in all this.”

Drake students should also make a point of visiting Smokey Row Coffee Co., located a few blocks from campus at Cottage Grove Avenue and MLK Jr. Parkway.

Smokey Row Coffee Co. is a college student’s safe haven. With lots of tables to browse through a textbook and plenty of coffee and other caffeinated beverages to keep the body going, this is a perfect retreat from the mayhem of rushing between classes.

“It’s a really good place to spread out and study,” said General Manager Catherine McCabe-Powers. “We have free Wi-Fi and you can sit here as long as you want. We offer free refills on mugs of coffee and fountain drinks.

It’s nice to come and cram for a test and get away from the dorm room.”

SMOKEY ROW (left) is a popular coffee shop for students. Scenic Route Bakery (top right) offers a view of Des Moines. The Drake Diner (middle right) is within walking distance of Drake. Woody’s Smoke Shack (bottom right) offers a budget meal on Cottage Grove Ave. PHOTOS BY ETHAN FICKAU | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

07 | sports

Sept. 02, 2015

SPORTS WOMEN’S SOCCER

Freshman’s overtime winner the high point of Bulldogs’ 2-2 start

DESPITE THEIR EFFORTS the Bulldogs were defeated by South Dakota State University in front of several hundred fans at Drake Stadium on August 30. (Left) Freshman Vanessa Kavan embraces junior Kayla Armstrong after Armstrong’s equalizer. Kavan provided the assist, the first of her career. (Right) Freshman Alyssa Brand controls the ball while in traffic. JOEL VENZKE | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Adam Rogan Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu @Adam_Rogan

Before most students even arrived on campus, the Drake Women’s Soccer team had already begun their season, playing in four games before the start of the fall semester.

The Bulldogs came up short in their first match of the season against the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), but bounced back quickly and won their next two games against University of the Pacific and the University of South Dakota.

Their record dropped to 2-2, however, after falling to the South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits on August 30.

“We’ve done all right up to this point,” head coach Lindsey Horner said. “I think 2-2 is a fair reflection of what we’re deserving of right now.”

Facing UMKC at home on August 21, Drake fell behind early, giving up a goal in just the 12th minute of the match.

The Bulldogs nearly tied the match back up as the first half drew to a close when junior Rebecca Rodgers had a chance to send a shot past UMKC goalkeeper Nina Tzianos, but the shot deflected off the crossbar.

Both teams finished with seven shots on goal, but UMKC walked away

with a 1-0 shutout victory.

Two days later, Pacific travelled to Des Moines to take on Drake at Cownie Soccer Complex.

Both teams scored in the first half. Hannah Wilder was the one who put Drake on the board, sending a rebound into the back of the net after teammate Kasey Hurt’s shot was blocked by goalkeeper Melissa Ma. The second half came and went without a goal being scored, and it looked as though the game might end in a 1-1 tie as the teams retook the field for the extra period.

Drake freshman Alyssa Brand had other plans. Taking possession of the ball near midfield, Brand fired a rocket towards the net. The ball glanced off of Ma’s hands and powered past into the goal, giving Drake the 2-1 win.

“That was really exciting… surreal,” Brand said. “(I was) happy to get the result for our team, because we worked hard and we deserved to win.”

Brand’s coach was pleased with the young forward’s performance.

“I think Alyssa can be a really dangerous player, but I think the exciting part about her game is that she’s nowhere near her potential,” Horner said. “She’s got a lot of learning to do and will be an even better player by the time she graduates.”

Following the overtime win, Drake travelled to Vermillion to face off with the University of South Dakota Coyotes for a game that ended up

being much less of a nailbiter than the last two were.

Brand scored her second collegiate goal early in the first half on an assist from sophomore Ali Smith to put Drake up 1-0.

Senior Emma Winstead extended the lead to two with her first goal of the season off of a corner kick from Kasey Hurt.

Four more goals came in the second half for the Bulldogs, courtesy of Rodgers, Vanessa Kavan, Mariah Boncek and Gabby Charles. The team also exemplified smart passing and decision-making, tallying four assists in the game.

“I think our best game comes out when we play together as a team and we all believe in each other,” Armstrong said.

The game ended as a 6-2 Drake victory in the team’s first road match of the season.

The win is sure to build the Bulldogs’ confidence as the season progresses, but Horner is trying to focus on the present.

“Obviously we want to compete for a championship, but I think this time in the year we’re laying the foundation for figuring out who we are and what we’re capable of,” Horner said.

Regardless of Horner’s practicality, dreams of a championship don’t seem farfetched. The Bulldogs are predicted to finish third in the conference and have three players who were named to the preseason all-conference team.

Drake took on SDSU under overcast skies on August 30 for their first and only match of the season at Drake Stadium.

The Jackrabbits got out to an early lead on a 12th minute goal by senior midfielder Alyssa Brazil, who slipped the ball past Dennis’s outstretched fingertips into the top-right corner of the goal.

Just a few minutes later, SDSU had a chance to extend their lead to two on a free kick taken from 40-plus yards out by junior midfielder Madison Yueill, but the ball was deflected out of bounds by Dennis.

Another scoring chance for the Jackrabbits came when Drake defender Sarah Grace Nicholson overplayed a pass in SDSU’s attacking third, but her hustle back to the ball helped turn what could have been a goal into a turnover.

The Bulldogs responded to the clutch defense with vigor, getting the ball back across midfield and generating some scoring chances of their own.

Junior midfielder Cayla Armstrong tied the game up for the Bulldogs in the 31st minute after receiving a through ball from Kavan behind enemy lines and beat the goalie to even the match at one.

Even though the game was tied after 45 minutes, the first half followed an unfortunate trend for the Bulldogs. In three of their first four games Drake has given up the first

MEN’S SOCCER

Despite coaching change, Men’s Soccer wins first game Adam Rogan Sports Editor adam.rogan@drake.edu @Adam_Rogan

After tying their first exhibition game with Northwestern University and defeating the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the second, the Bulldogs were primed to head into the regular season with confidence.

However, the boost from the highquality preseason may have been dampened by Friday’s news.

It was announced that Sean Holmes, the now-former head coach of the Drake Men’s Soccer team, would no longer be coaching the Bulldogs.

“It was really sad for him to leave us,” senior Alec Bartlett said. “We were told that it was an administrative decision.”

Holmes was about to start his 18th season of coaching at Drake when

his tenure came to an end on August 28. Drake Athletics announced the change in a press release that came out a little more than two hours before kickoff.

The reasoning behind the termination is still unclear. The Des Moines Register reported on August 28 that Holmes said he had been fired, but this has not been confirmed or denied by Drake Athletics.

Assistant coach Gareth Smith will be stepping up to fill the void on an interim basis. He has been part of the Bulldogs coaching staff for the past six years.

A native Scotsman, Smith is certified as a fitness and conditioning coach. Before coming to Drake he played for Motherwell Football Club in the United Kingdom as a youth and was part of the Glasgow Regional Select Team for three straight years.

Smith is also part of the U.S. U-14 National Team Program.

Regardless of the changes to their coaching staff, the team appeared unfazed as they took to the field with tenacity in the season opener on August 28 at Cownie Soccer Complex against the University of the Pacific Tigers.

Drake managed to fire off 11 shots in the first half, compared to the Tigers’ four, but neither team was able to score in the first 45 minutes.

The scoring seal was broken at about the same time that the skies broke open, unleashing a brief rainstorm to accompany the beginning of the second half.

Pacific’s Gaku Lange managed to make it behind the Bulldogs’ defensive line in the 54th minute amidst the falling rain. Lange beat Drake goalkeeper Darrin MacLeod in the box and put the Tigers up 1-0.

Their lead didn’t last long.

Forward Gabe Edel put a shot on goal for Drake 15 minutes later, which was blocked by Pacific goalkeeper

SENIOR ERIC WILLIAMS gets airborne in pursuit of a free ball in a home match against the University of Illinois at Chicago last September, a game in which the Bulldogs fell 1-0 in the second period of extra time. FILE PHOTO

Curtis Goldsmith. When Goldsmith was unable to grab hold of the ball, sophomore Alex Prussa took advantage and put the rebound in the back of the net for his first goal as a Bulldog.

Junior James Wypch had a chance on goal in the 81st minute, but was fouled in the box before having a chance to shoot. Bartlett took the penalty kick for Drake, slipping it past the goalie’s outstretched arm to give his team a 2-1 lead, a lead that would hold until the end of the game.

“I feel good,” Bartlett said. “It showed resilience (being able) to come back from being down onenothing.”

Two days later, the Bulldogs hit the road to face off with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (UWGB) Phoenix.

Both Drake and UWGB played near-flawless defense for the final 88 minutes of the contest, but a mistake in the 2nd minute would prove to be decisive.

MacLeod was called for a foul after a collision with a Green Bay attacker inside his own goalie box. A penalty kick was granted, and junior Audi Jepson capitalized to give his Phoenix an early 1-0 lead.

“The performance against Green Bay was good, it was just a tough game,” MacLeod said. “That’s just how soccer is. Some days it goes in and some days it doesn’t.”

The Bulldogs were able to get plenty of opportunities to tie the game back up with 15 total shots, eight of which were on goal, but none were able to find their way past the keeper.

The loss brought their record down to 1-1 on the season.

This weekend the Bulldogs will travel to Evansville, Indiana for the Aces classic, playing two matches against Belmont University and the Air Force Academy.

goal of the match, each of those goals coming within the first 25 minutes of play.

“We have to be more consistent,” Horner said. “We just aren’t starting games well. We can’t get to halftime and then decide its time to play with some urgency.”

That urgency might have been taken slightly too far, as Nicholson committed a foul in the box, leading to an SDSU penalty kick and goal just seven minutes into the second half.

Armstrong had a chance to tie the game back up in the 59th minute with her second goal of the game, but sent the ball sailing over the crossbar and through Drake Stadium’s field goal posts.

As the second half wore on, it became clear that both teams were growing sluggish and making more mistakes with the ball, but neither side was able to capitalize on the other’s errors.

Drake had plenty of chances to put the ball in the net and tie the game at two, but still came up short largely because SDSU goalkeeper Nicole Inskeep’s 11 saves.

The game resulted in a 2-1 road victory for the Jackrabbits.

The Bulldogs will play four road games over the next two weeks.

Their next matchup will be against the University of Northern Colorado on Friday night, followed by a trip to Laramie, Wyoming to take on the University of Wyoming on Sunday.

This week in Drake Athletics SEP.T 4

Women’s Soccer vs. Northern Colorado Greeley, Colorado

SEPT. 4

Men’s Soccer Aces Classic - vs. Belmont 12 p.m.

SEPT. 4-5

Volleyball Omaha Invitational Omaha, Nebraska

SEP.T 5

Football vs. William Jewell Drake Stadium - 6 p.m.

SEPT. 6

Men’s Soccer Aces Classic - vs. Air Force Evansville, Indiana

SEPT . 6

Women’s Soccer vs. Wyoming Laramie, Wyoming

SEPT. 6-7

Women’s Golf Redbird Invitational Normal, Illinois

08 | sports

Sept. 02, 2015

SPORTS FOOTBALL

Bulldogs putting trust in veterans as season approaches

THE BULLDOGS LINE UP against Marist on September 20, 2014 at Drake Stadium. The Bulldogs went on to win the game 21-6, thanks in part to Andy Rice’s 261 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns. The Bulldogs only gave up 211 yards on the day, a trend of tough defense they would like to replicate as eight of last year’s starting defenders return for the 2015 season. FILE PHOTO Austin Cannon Staff Writer austin.cannon@drake.edu @NotAustinCannon Drake enters 2015 with perhaps the most seasoned roster in the Pioneer Football League, and now its coach can boast some experience of his own.

Rick Fox has completed his first full year at the pinnacle of Drake’s football program and is now in his second season as the Bulldogs’ head coach.

“The second year is a lot better than the first,” Fox said. “I get to proact a little more than react to things that I wasn’t expecting. I feel a lot more comfortable. I hope the guys feel more comfort with me.”

Fox’s team finished 2014 at 7-4, 6-2 in the PFL and finished third in the conference. The Bulldogs won back-to-back PFL titles in 2011 and 2012. Winning the conference again would mean an automatic spot in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), but that rule was not implemented until 2013.

Experience, seasoning, age, whatever you want to call it, the Bulldogs have plenty. With 16 returning starters (eight on both offense and defense), Fox said that

his team would respond well to the unexpected.

After a dip in production last year, the offense will need to step up its performance in order to take pressure off the defense if Drake wants to become a championship contender again.

Fox hopes to see an improved offense this season, and his hopes should be realized if all goes to plan.

One of the keys to the offense this season will be fifth-year senior Andy Rice as he returns for his third season at quarterback, along with a veteran supporting cast.

Rice threw for 2,261 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, a regression from 2013 when he recorded 2,801 yards and 21 touchdowns. 2014’s leading receiver Michael Hudson will be returning as well, looking to improve on last year’s 365 yards. Also returning are tight ends Eric Saubert (6-foot-4) and Lee Snell (6-foot-5), who both caught more than 30 passes last season.

“We play to our size as an advantage as much as we can. We’ve got a lot of big receivers,” Saubert said. “We’re hoping that that matchup against other defenses is going to be advantageous for us.”

While it was somewhat pedestrian, Drake’s passing attack was balanced: Five players recorded at least 200 yards receiving.

“There’s a lot of competition and a whole lot more depth than we had year ago at receiver, and that’s just going to help us tremendously,” Fox said.

During the offseason, Rice and a group of receivers, including Saubert, would meet periodically to polish their timing and strengthen their onfield connections.

“We worked really hard this offseason,” Saubert said. “I think we’ve meshed well this camp. We’ve got a great relationship on and off the field. Big things are coming this season.”

One possible reason Rice’s touchdown number dropped was the rise of running back Conley Wilkins.

He ranked second in the PFL with 13 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2014 while running for 669 yards.

Fifth-year senior Gary Scott Jr. will be returning as well, adding to the seasoned backfield. After leading Drake in rushing in 2012 and 2013, Scott battled injuries throughout 2014, but is healthy going into this season.

If nothing else, the offense will try to build off its success in last year’s final two games, two Drake victories including a last-minute, come-frombehind win over Dayton on Nov. 8.

“We want to pick up where we left off, not take a step back,” three-year starting lineman John McMahon said.

“That’s easy to do with eight returning starters. It’s exciting.”

While the offense has plenty to prove in 2015, the guys on the other side of the ball will look to continue a tradition of stout defense.

Over the past four years, the Bulldogs defense was ranked either No. 1 or No. 2 in yards allowed in the PFL each season. In 2014, Drake finished with the top overall defense and was third in both pass and rushing defense.

Because of the — you guessed it — returning experience, the Drake D will likely be at least near the top of the PFL. In the middle of the defense, linebackers Taylor Coleman and John Hugunin teamed up in 2014 and acted as if they were robots specifically designed to take down ball carriers.

The two combined for 18.5 tackles per game last season.

“With more experience, I think you can make more plays because you’ve been out on the field longer,” said Hugunin, who led the PFL with 10.3 tackles per game in 2013. “You know what to see. You know what to expect.”

The entire starting secondary from a year ago returns, hoping to create even more turnovers than the 28 the defense forced last season.

“That’s something we’ve been good (at) in the past on defense, but I think

we can get to the next level if we start getting turnovers, maybe creating points for ourselves but also putting our offense in better situations,” cornerback Brad Duwe said.

The defense is good enough that losing two key players in the offseason doesn’t alter expectations.

Interior linemen Matt Acree and Brett Park now both play professionally in the Canadian Football League after combining for 14 sacks and 20 tackles for a loss in 2014.

In their place step fifth-year senior Colton Rodgers and senior Al Wegener. The two played in five and seven games, respectively, last year with limited contribution. But Hugunin thinks their addition is an instrumental part of the defense that he feels will be superior to the 2014 Bulldogs.

“We’re excited about them,” he said. “I think, collectively, we’re a better defense than we were last year.”

The Bulldogs open the season Saturday night, hosting William Jewell College. With all starters healthy as of Saturday, their secondyear coach has cause to be optimistic.

“Our guys have done a great job through the offseason, managing themselves and working hard and all those kind of things great teams will do in the offseason,” Fox said.

“They’ve positioned themselves to be successful.”

FOOTBALL

Bulldogs to take on revamped William Jewell this Saturday Drake looks to win first season opener since ‘12, captain Hugunin confident Austin Cannon Staff Writer austin.cannon@drake.edu @NotAustinCannon

The Drake Football team watched some video of the William Jewell College Cardinals during fall camp, but that might not matter much since the Jewell coaching staff underwent a facelift this offseason.

Longtime assistant Shawn Weigel took over as head coach for Jerod Kruse, who resigned earlier this year.

Jewell alum Trent Figg became the new defensive coordinator, coming in from Southern Arkansas.

On Saturday, Drake head coach Rick Fox said his team didn’t know much about the team they will face Saturday night at Drake Stadium.

“They’ve got a new coaching staff,” linebacker John Hugunin said. “We’re

not exactly sure what they’re going to do, but we’re expecting a tough game, so we’ve got to be ready to play our best.”

It’s the opening game of the season, and video from past years could be out-of-date with the new coach perhaps changing his team’s style. Even with the uncertainty, Drake will still be utilizing the film room to look for trends and tactics to strategize against in Saturday’s game.

Bulldog Football Week One Preview vs. William Jewell Cardinals 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5 at Drake Stadium William Jewell 2014 Record: 5-6

Conference: Great Lakes Valley

Offensive Player to Watch — Junior wide receiver Anthony Mullins had 94 Yards per game in 2014 and was elected to second-team All Great Lakes Valley.

Defensive Player to Watch ­— Jimmy DeStefano led the Cardinals with 110 tackles as a sophomore linebacker last year, including three sacks.

Fast Facts • This will be Shawn Weigel’s first game as the new head coach of William Jewell after Jerod Kruse resigned in January.

• William Jewell is predicted to finish seventh out of nine teams in the Great Lakes Valley Conference.

“They run kind of a spread offense, spread the ball, throw it around a little bit,” Hugunin said.

“It’s kind of cliché, but those guys keep running down the play until the end,” lineman John McMahon said.

“They play hard, so it’ll be a tough game.”

Jewell will begin its fourth year as a Division II program in 2015.

They are a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) and were picked to finish seventh in the conference’s preseason poll.

Drake played GLVC member Truman State last season on Sept.

6, winning 13-7 on a Conley Wilkins touchdown run in overtime. The Cardinals also defeated Truman State in 2014, en route to a second place finish in the conference in a season in which they were picked to come in last.

“We expect them to be a very, very good team,” McMahon said.

It’s only the first of 11 Drake football games this season, but the season opener has not been kind to the Bulldogs over the past two seasons.

They lost to cross-town Grand View both years, including a 45-22 blowout to begin 2014 in which the Bulldogs fell behind 28-0 in the first quarter.

The Cardinals won their first game in 2014, but lost their season openers in 2012 and 2013.

Hugunin Feeling Good John Hugunin, a fifth-year senior and team captain for two years in a row, was Drake’s leading tackler in 2013. If not for a knee injury last year, he likely would have kept that distinction.

Although he missed midseason games against Jacksonville and Valparaiso, Hugunin still finished second on the team in tackles with 89 and earned All-Pioneer Football League second team honors in 2014.

The injury looks like it may not affect him too harshly this season.

Going into Week 1, Hugunin said he feels like his younger self.

“I haven’t felt this good since my freshman year of camp,” the fifth-year senior said. “Not bad for an old guy.”

Paw Prints Drake starts out ranked third in the PFL preseason Coaches Poll with one first-place vote behind the University of San Diego and Dayton University.

Hugunin, cornerback Brad Duwe and lineman Aaron Melton were voted onto the preseason All-PFL team. All three were 2014 secondteam All-PFL. Duwe and McMahon will serve as the 2015 team captains alongside Hugunin.