The
JACKET JOURNAL Black Hills State University
Vol. 133 No. 1
www.BHSUMedia.com
April 8, 2022
Yellow Jacket basketball finishes as Final Four contender in 2022 NCAA Tournament By Claysen Davis & Ryder Blair Contributor & Reporter
Black Hills State University men’s basketball team has proudly distinguished themselves throughout all of Division II. Making history with the programs first attendance to the NCAA Tournament. Climbing to the Elite Eight, Yellow Jacket’s basketball team defeated Nova Western, 77-67, advancing them to the Final Four in late March. BHSU’s head basketball coach Ryan Thompson allocated the teams success to the close-knit culture they had built over the season. BHSU would not only be crowned Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference cham-
pions, but also finished fourth overall in the nation along with breaking almost every single-season record at BHSU in the DII era. Deviser behind the historical season, Thompson stated, “Our roster compliments each other the best out of any team we had, where we have a dominant post player in Joel Scott and amazing shooters that surround him. Sindou Cisse is an electric, slashing guard that puts pressure on the rim. We have had really good players in the past years, but we haven’t had the perfect combination of guys like we have had this year.” Joel Scott, junior from Monument, Colo., presented fans with an unbelievable
performance this 2022 season. Scott earned the title of RMAC Player of the Year and RMAC Conference Tournament Most Valuable Player. He was certainly a massive part of the Yellow Jacket’s success during the year. Scott averaged a team-high 23.1 points per game, leading DII in defensive rebounds, and was named a 2022 Bevo Francis award finalist. The teams keyed on Scott the whole season as he dominated the paint allowing for shooters like Sindou Cisse, Adam Mousa, PJ Hays, and Ryker Cisarik to take advantage around the ring and driving to the rim. Head coach Ryan Thompson was awarded with 2022
RMAC Coach of the Year. The second time he has been given that distinction after just four seasons at BHSU. Coach Thompson credits their success this season to veteran players having done a great job in being flexible with their roles. Experience is one component obtained from playing together in the past. Thompson talks more about the individual rolls presented by Sava Dukic, Senior Captain. “Sava has done an excellent job of setting the tone of how unselfish he is. He has kind of taken a back seat as far as his role goes, but when you have a talented player that is willing to take a step back in the betterment
of the team, it helps provide an example to the team in continuing to be unselfish.” Senior, Micheal Russel, contributed to the programs unwarranted success by achieving a leadership role among the team. Thompson stated, “When he addresses the team everyone pays attention. He has a great future as a college basketball coach, something he wants to pursue.” Coach Thompson, a native of Viroqua, Wisc., and a graduate from the University of Jamestown, was awarded with 2022 RMAC Coach of the Year.
Continued on BHSUMedia.com
Final Four Graphic. Photo courtesy of Black Hills State MBB
Jacket Journal, 1200 University St USB 9003, Spearfish, SD 57799-9003 Phone: (605) 642-6389 Fax: (605) 642-6005 Email: bhsumedia@gmail.com
News
April 8, 2022
2
Local grocery store gives residents knowledge of world food By Jacob Jones Reporter
A local grocery store has taken it upon themselves to share the flavors of other countries with the people of the Black Hills. Al Rodriguez opened Masala Mart in 2018 when he realized there was nowhere outside Denver and Sioux Falls to get ingredients for his customers at his restaurant Curry Masala. Rodriguez would sell the ingredients of the food he sold, and it started off with one shelf and after he retired from the restaurant business, his idea for an international grocery store quickly expanded. The store not only offers food and ingredients from India, but it offers a wide range of food from all parts of the world. Masala Mart has rooms dedicated to different areas of the world such as a room for Indian food and Indian spices and snacks, an Asian room with things
such as Kimchi and Chinese tea, a Middle Eastern room with different snacks and drinks from all different countries of the Middle East, and there are even talks of expanding and creating a room for Europe and Africa. Rodriguez also stated that if customers want a certain product that is not in the store, then he can order the products for the customer.
them to a new way of cooking. “New people come in with a curiosity all the time, they see a product that attracts them, and we start talking and they find more items that attract them.” Rodriguez explained. Rodriguez believes his store is a great way to introduce people to new cultures and he believes in this so much that he is also bringing cooking classes to his store.
Masala Mart in Rapid City, Photo by Jacob Jones
The store exposes new cultures to the people of the Black Hills and introduces
“People have been pushing me to do it, I am thinking
about doing it once a month.” Rodriguez stated that many people in the past did cooking classes at his restaurant and families and friends would come together to learn to cook Indian food. Rodriguez stated that people were very happy to learn how to make Indian food and he was also happy because they were learning to make healthy food as Indian food has many health benefits. Rodriguez also stated that he was teaching the recipes passed down from his family and that he wanted to pass it down to everyone. Rodriguez also hinted at selling prepared food at his store from all the different catering companies that have been opening in Rapid City. “Once the store is up to the health code standards to be able to sell prepared food, we can sell it, and this will really help other local businesses.” The store is doing a lot to bring people of Rapid City and even the Black Hills together, but that is not every-
thing. The products also have health benefits such the different Indian spices that can help with blood sugar levels. Also, there is an Indian version of a drink made by Coca-Cola named Thumbs Up. Rodriguez stated that he grew up with this drink in India and it has a special thing about it, it does not fizz. The drink can be dropped and shook, and it won’t explode on you. This is because Indian people do not like very carbonated drinks and the drink is also made with cane sugar over corn syrup in America. This low carbonation and substitute for corn syrup can be a better option for people who get a sick feeling from regular sodas. Of all the things Rodriguez sells, he said his favorite section is the snack section filled with different cookies and other treats from where he grew up. The store can be found under Masala Mart on Facebook and located on 124 E. St. Joseph Street, Rapid City, S.D.
Sting in the Spring hosts events for BHSU students By MaryClaire Nichols Contributor
With graduation right around the corner, clubs and orgs around campus are working hard to provide students with engaging programs and events to end the Spring semester. One organization, that is no stranger to planning weekly events, is Campus Activities Board. The Campus Activities Board pledges to “Provide high quality programming for the entire BHSU community in order to achieve great-
er campus cohesion and involvement.” Some of these events include Casino Night, Cabchella, Wellness Week, and Midday Music. Some upcoming events include a Hypnotist on Friday, April 9, Craft Night on April 16, and Live Music and coffee at Creekside Bean & Vine on April 18. CAB is also sponsoring the raffle prizes for a bowling event
on Saturday, April 10. When CAB isn’t planning events on campus, they are giving back to the community. Every semester, CAB members clean a section of highway between Spearfish and Belle Fouche for the Adopt-AHighway event. They plan on cleaning their portion of the highway on April 14. Gracie Johnsrud, a member of CAB as the Operations Committee Director, explained that she “is excited to enjoy the warm weather and make our community a Students partake in 50 Minute Challenge. From left, Laykin Sperl, Cassidy Frericks, Hannah Parry, Kate Develder, Caisey Pfeiffer better and cleaner place.” Photo by @swarmdays on Instagram All students are welcome and encouraged to attend ter nears its end. Follow @ to stay updated on all the these events as the semes- swarmdays on instagram Sting in the Spring events.
News
April 8, 2022
3
History class gets the spotlight on CSPAN By Jacob Jones Reporter
Students of a Black Hills State history class centered around America in the 19th century, had a very unusual day when they entered class on the first Monday from spring break, where they walked into the classroom and were greeted by a camera crew. C-SPAN chose to host their class lecture on their channel for American history. This connection between C-SPAN and BHSU started when Professor Thomas Weyant saw that C-SPAN 3, the history channel for C-SPAN, had a series called Lectures in History. Weyant stated, “I sent an email and ended up in a discussion with the producer and the producer said that they have never highlighted any schools from western SD and asked if we were willing to do it”.
Weyant sent his syllabus to the producer, and they were very interested in the content, and both came to an agreement. C-SPAN sent people out of Denver and even used some of the local spearfish producing talent to put this production together and showcase
the BHSU History department to a national audience. Mark Camacho, part of the crew from C-SPAN that came from Denver stated, “The choice of schools to cover comes from DC, who are always looking for latest and greatest topical issues.” Camacho also stated that
this is an ongoing program and that they plan on visiting more schools in the Northern Midwestern area. This broadcasting of the Black Hills State History department was seen as a great opportunity for showing what BHSU offers in history, and it shows
the faces of BHSU to the whole country. “We have a lot of great things going on and we wanted to show that to the country” Weyant stated. When asked if he was nervous on camera, Weyant explained, “It was very weird with production equipment everywhere and a film crew, but I have taught in weird situations before and the crew were not intrusive, I saw them there but they were not intrusive”. When asked if he would be willing to do this again Weyant stated he would like to see other faculty members involved with it. According to C-SPAN, American History TV started in January 2011 and airs weekends on C-SPAN3. It features programs for history lovers and aims to tell the American story. C-SPAN3 currently is available in 49 million households and is available to steam live online at C-SPAN.org
Professor Thomas Weyant gives a lecture. Photo by Jacob Jones
BHSU Student Senate reforms alcohol policies to benefit on-campus affairs By Ryder Blair Reporter
Monday, March 7, 2022 - Black Hills State University Student Senate and South Dakota Board of Regions have recently proposed the bill for 2022 to allow the sell of alcohol at school events on campus. BHSU Student Senate was the last SDBOR school to pass the proposal earlier last month generating revenue for schools and permit an oversight in con-
sumption at an event alcohol would be present. Sodexo will be the new food service employed by all SDBOR schools, incorporating a regular legal sale of alcohol for extracurricular events on campus. On Monday, Black Hills Director of public safety officer, Phil Phesheck represented his department at the Student Senate convergence. Phesheck explained that he did not disagree with the new legislation but did express concerns and recom-
mended proper training to reduce the liability BHSU has for selling alcohol. BHSU Security Department and Spearfish Police Department have a strong rapport, combining efforts between the two will insure the city’s regulations for the sale of alcohol. New foundation from BHSU and all other SDBOR schools considers new food management services to implore the sale of alcoholic beverages for future undertakings around campus.
BHSU’s Student Senate in Pierre for Students for Higher Education Days. (Top, from left) Sierra Kogel, Lorrainne Coronato, Marissa Danforth, Isabella Rowe, (Bottom from left) Myndi Weidenbach, Gabby East, Keegan Baatz.
Sports
April 8, 2022
BHSU Softball experiences newfound success with upcoming spring season By Chance Eben Reporter
The Black Hills State University softball team has seen some lean seasons over the last couple of years. But the additions of new coaches Audrey Voboril and Kyle Honeycutt have really set the Lady Yellow Jackets up for success. Prior to BHSU, Voboril had previously coached at Seward County Community College in Liberal, Kansas from 20192021. During her playing career at Iowa Western, she was named the 2014 ICCAC Pitcher of the Year and was a NJCAA All-American and Academic All-American. She wrapped up her playing career in 2016 at Morningside, earning All-Conference honors while being named
the GPAC Pitcher of the Year and NAIA All-American. Prior to BHSU, Kyle Honeycutt was most recently the Assistant Softball Coach at the University of Nebraska-Kearney from 2019-21. Honeycutt was also a student-athlete with Nebraska-Kearney as a member of the baseball team from 2011-16. During his time there, he appeared in 102 games between 2013-16 as an outfielder and first baseman and was a four-time MIAA Academic Honor Roll qualifier and a 2016 AllMIAA Honorable mention. The BHSU softball team boasts a strong 10 and 16 record (8-16 conference record) in the young season, already more than tripling their win total from last season. Lizzy Johnson, senior
Lizzy Johnson, Senior, #0, on second base after hitting a single in away game against Colorado State Pueblo last Sunday. The girls won game one 11-2 and game two 7-6. Photos by Jeff Codevilla.
outfielder, had this to say regarding her new coaching staff. “Our coaches are very competitive and that has completely changed the way we play. All this year we have been competing in every little thing we do, and it’s transferred onto the field. Also, our coaches always show us support and show that they believe in us which has given us the confidence to compete well against good teams.” Coaching that motivates and inspires is a key aspect to any athletic program’s success. When asked about what other aspects of her team are contributing to her team’s success, Lizzy explained, “I think our hitting has improved the most from last season. Everybody is hit-
ting well and it shows in the amount of runs we put up and it is helping us to win more games. The old saying goes: everyone digs the long ball.” Given that this is Lizzy’s senior season, the games mean a lot more to her. She highlighted her mindset this year during her interview. Here is what she had to say, “It is the last time I’ll be able to play high level competitive softball and playing with this team has meant the world to me. Every game I play in, you can bet that I’m leaving it all out on the field. This team has been my family here and we all are working hard to change this program around.” The key to any program turnover around is motivating coaches and committed seniors. It appears the BHSU softball team has both. The Lady Yellow Jackets look to improve their 10 and 16 record in Grand Junction, Colorado with upcoming doubleheaders on both Saturday and Sunday, against Colorado Mesa University.
4
LAST WEEK SCORES
Away against Colorado State Pueblo Saturday April 2 Game 1: Lost 8-0 Game 2: Lost 3-2 Sunday April 3 Game 1: Won 11-3 Game 2: Won UPCOMING GAMES
Away against Colorado Mesa Saturday April 9 Game 1: @ 12 p.m. MST Game 2: @ 2 p.m. MST Sunday April 9 Game 1: @ 11 a.m. MST Game 2: @ 1 p.m. MST
Op-Ed
April 8, 2022
5
Why liberal politicians won’t solve America By Jacob Jones Reporter
OPINION- With midterm elections heating up as we get closer to election time, people are always told to vote for the lesser of two evils. But is there a lesser of two evils? Is there really any difference between the parties? People often ask themselves, “Why doesn’t Congress do more?”, when they don’t realize that is the point of Congress, to never change the status quo. Take the last presidential election, what has changed for regular people since this election? Biden called himself the “Most progressive candidate ever” on NBC Meet the Press, how has that label been realized? According to Vox, Biden has continued inhumane actions at the U.S.-Mexico border by continuing the detainment of immigrants and refugees at the border. Biden has also deported more immigrants under Title 42 and defended the Trump policy in the courts. According to the New York Times, Biden has continued drone strikes in Somalia and in Kabul, where it killed 10 Civilians, seven of which were children. According to Reuters, Biden, with the support of a Democrat controlled Senate, has continued to arm Saudi Arabia in their violent war against Yemen. Biden has also pushed to raise military spending with
an amount of 813 billion dollars according to Reuters. Biden raises military budget with billions going to “defense” while the war of poverty and homelessness seems like a war liberals would like not to engage in. That money could have been used elsewhere, since the US already
to higher education. Americans are not valued enough because America is the richest country in the world, but rank 13th in infrastructure according to France24. Of course, he has achieved small victories such as he ended the Keystone Pipeline, ended the Muslim ban, passed child tax credits, raised minimum wage of federal work-
should you fight for them? It means instead of arguing with people to “vote blue no matter who”, you should study political theory, learn how to organize either for a political movement or organizing in the workplace. Imagine the political difference people could make if they put all their energy into making a difference every day instead of just when
spends more on their military than China, Russia, India, United Kingdom, Germany, France combined, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. Instead, for all the hard-earned money Americans pay in taxes, Americans are not valued enough to the right to life and have their medical bills covered. Americans work hard for their children to have a better future, but the government does not value that hard work, or the children enough to give free access
ers to $15 (but not American Flag. Photo from Unsplash to all workers), ended Trump era policies on elections roll around or inmethane emissions, and even stead of pushing people to continued to put a pause on elect a random liberal that student loan debt for a little gives the American people bit, but that might end soon. empty promises and give What does this all mean? It less than half of what they means liberals are not the promise. Local elections answer. It means the pro- can also be difficult to make gressive citizens of Ameri- change because many states ca should push for a differ- are one-party states fightent and new path. It means ing against change and for that we should not put the status quo, so instead 100% of our time in trying of voting for the same parto get liberals elected be- ty, vote third party. Third cause if they don’t respect party may never win but at you, or your vote then why least it makes the powers
that be sweat just a little bit. Whenever elections come, it seems like everyone goes into a political frenzy and after the election, everyone seems to just forget about everything. Don’t do this. Even if the candidate wins, never stop holding them accountable for their actions. Hold Biden accountable for imperialist drone strikes, hold him accountable for his immigration policy, hold him accountable for where tax money goes to, hold him accountable for arming Saudi Arabia in an aggressive war. There are a lot of great people in this country, and the people here deserve more than what the options are. The two-party system is looking more and more like a one-party system but with a more team sport feel to it. If Americans want to see true freedom, true liberation, true justice, then they will need to leave this mindset of “my team is better than your team” and unite as working people. Working people have much more in common with each other than they do with the wealthy elite who run for office and pretend to care about you. Liberal voters have good intentions, but instead of fighting for the elites, they should fight for each other. The opinions are of the writer, not necessarily the publication. Comments are welcome
Poetry
6 A Collection of Poetry by Brittany Birgen April 8, 2022
Abecedarian for Mothers Affectionate mornings are my favorite, bargaining with the red digits beaming from my nightstand, pulling all my babies closer to cuddle my girl’s sweet face, tickle my hubby’s scruffy beard, before the dawn demands we commence with our daily duties with due diligence eagerly, as always. “Quick, toss me my bra, put some pants on, throw some Frosted Flakes down the hatch and let’s make a break for it. Don’t forget the dog, as if he’d let us go without him anyway.” We walk to the schoolyard, kiss the girl, wish her well, and run like Hell. The smell of my bittersweet coffee sitting on the counter leads me home, only to be greeted immediately with dishes spilling out of the sink, smelly little-girl socks every—is that a blue Jolly Rancher melted into the carpet? Great. I’m gonna need chemicals good for bombing sticky icks like a kamikaze. Scrub, scrub, sit, soak, scrub, and vacuum like it’s my job…. because it is. Who knew love could be as messy as mushy oatmeal? I remember when she’d put my fingers in her mush-mouth as a baby, chomping down to soothe the feverish nubs on her teething gums. I remember beaming above her bassinet as she slept, caressing her opalescent skin that glittered under the moonlight streaming in beyond the window pane. She used to be such a small, innocent baby bunny of a girl but has grown up quite quickly. More of her quirks are coming to light every day. Her readiness to rave at the sound of opening bars and beats makes everyone stop and stare. Her smile is so cheesy, it’s perfection. Her laugh trills like a Tennessee warbler’s strident staccato designed for my waiting ears. Love is weird-weird like how uranium glows an eerie green created from its own radioactive energy, or bizarre like when a vagabond finds purpose, finds love, finds family, finds peace. I didn’t know I was walking towards this parental bandwagon, but counting my blessings and embracing my inner xenas has provided me the perspective of just how prosperous this life is with unyielding flows of perfectly messy moments, forever adding irresistible
Untitled Pain has a million and one faces with sharp eyes, murderous quills, and no mercy. Mine wakes up bright-eyed, behaves brashly and bushy-tailed while all I want is to be left alone, not prodded and pulled at, a constant slur of pinched skin, screaming bones, shredded shins, and aching moans. Down on the frosted ground, in the wet mud pushing dead daisies, wafting scents of earth, rose water, and linen, I stay for a while, waiting for…. something. Electricity crackles up my legs and to its grip on my spine, leaving me to mumble and muscle my bones back on top of each other, to join the façade once more, at least until I reach my door. Go ahead and try to channel your beautiful frustration and rage while you’re dazed in a haze of endless days. Icy chills surround my skin and take captive my breath as my body spasms and my heart grates against my chest. But please, don’t let me interrupt your sobbing to Instagram about the creases you made in your brand-new “vintage” three-thousand dollar sneakers. By all means, continue raging about the asshole who cut you off on the highway while I sit here quietly trying not to crumble to dust. Sometimes I wrap my arms around myself, clutching my chunks, praying I don’t fall apart. The uniform scars that pepper my body still ache and burn like sulfur, stamping an elusive expiration date on the inside of my eyelids. Somedays I fear that I’ll never smell my grandbabies perfectly soft heads, never kiss their inviting cheeks, never watch the love in their momma’s eyes for them…. But please, don’t let me get in the way of the disgust you feel over that lowly gray hair you just plucked from your scalp. Oh, how terribly inconvenient crow’s feet and varicose veins can be. If it is merely the fact of aging that troubles you, try getting a new tattoo, or, you know, some god damn perspective.
About Brittany Birgen
Brittany is an English major at BHSU. She also has minors in Creative Writing and Mass Communications. Birgen also helps film content for KBHU-TV.
Postcard from the Underworld
Where sulfuric stench meets the verdant fields, the starry torches of my asphodels guide me along for a gulp or glimpse of fresh sun and peppermint. The days of porphyra colchicum lay in waste adorning Pluto’s Gate while Lily of the valley bells spread out like echoes in trailings among the porous rocks. This quaintrelle thinks you would just spark at the chirping bats. The verdigris silted to our joints, empowered by reactive rain, are eager to see new light. I wish you could be here with me. Offerings of pomegranates and compassion pulp the air of my return. I will miss thee, though I fear you have always been just aside me. How irresistible, the ocean sky, the wet mud pushing daisies, the murmur of local merchants bargaining over fish, the smell of my Lily bells, the stench of mortality. Although the spell of fresh life grips to keep me, Your call of freshly eternal death will rip me under when the nights begin to shudder. Grant my indulgence in nature’s spoils and spirited life and I, my dear, will hasten back to your arms before the first snowfall.
Meet The Pets
April 8, 2022
7
BHSU students love their pets and miss them when they are away at college. Research from the University of Missouri-Columbia shows that hormonal changes happen to humans when interacting with dogs that can help people with stress and anxiety. The hormone, oxytocin, is released when interacting with animals. Physical therapist at Peak Motion here in Spearfish, Dr. Janie Hett, exclaims, “Dogs are great, and I have read they can help with anxiety and also lower blood pressure.”
Name: Vincenzo Diego Montoya Age: 4 Breed: Siberian Husky Owner: Nick Clancy Additional info: Adopted from Name: Tosha Age: 3 Breed: Canadian Sphynx Owner: Kristina Jones Additional Info: Hooligan Name: Felix Age: 11 months Breed: Unknown Owner: Taylen Jorissen Additional info: Adopted from Spearfish Human Society, also a big baby
Name: Henny Age: 10 months Breed: Unknown Owner: Quincy Shoen Additional Info: Found on the side of the road
Name: Marlo Age: 2 years Breed: Unknown Owner: Bradey Bawound Additional info: Adopted from Rapid City Shelter
Stings & Searches
April 8, 2022
Jacket Journal Staff: • Kallie Fretheim Editor-in-Chief, Online Editor • Ryder Blair Reporter • Chance Eben Reporter • Jacob Jones Reporter • Luka Londaridze Story Editor • Claysen Davis Contributor • Brittany Birgen Contributor • Dr. Mary CatonThank You Rosser to our Advisor • Tina Sun Supporters Advisor
8
Crossword
Word search by Chance Eben
Want to see your work published in the Jacket Journal or BHSUmedia.com?
Submit content under the “Submit Now!” button at BHSUmedia.com
The Jacket Journal 1200 University Street USB 9003 Spearfish, SD 57799-9003 (605) 642-6389 bhsumedia@gmail.com www.BHSUmedia.com
All Jacket Journal and BHSUMedia.com stories and advertisements for publication may be submitted by email. The deadline for all submissions is one week prior to publication.
The opinions or view of advertisers do not reflect the opinions or views of the Jacket Journal staff or BHSU. Subscription rates are $15 per year. Circulation 1,500. USPS 851-840. To subscribe call 605-642-6389. The Jacket Journal welcomes letters to the editor on issues affecting the newspaper and/or the university. The Jacket Journal staff reserves the right to edit all letters for grammar, spelling, length and clarity. The opinions are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Jacket Journal staff or Black Hills State University. The Jacket Journal is a student organization and all students are welcome to participate. The Jacket Journal also supports courses in mass communication under the College of Liberal Arts. BHSU Jacket Journal is an American Scholastic Press subscriber and member. BHSU Jacket Journal copyright 2022. All rights reserved.