news: page 03
arts & culture: page 04
sports: page 09
sports: page 10
Student Union leadership tackles budget cuts
Students cover topics of representation at Diversity Summit
‘Home Run King’ Dylan Phillips talks legacy, playing as a team
‘Every point is a fight’: Tennis’ Florentine Dekkers
K A N S A S
S T A T E
vol. 127 issue 26 | friday, april 8, 2022 | kstatecollegian.com
EXPEDITION ASIA
Sunset Zoo celebrates newest exhibit GRACE NEEDHAM staff writer
If the betta fish in your dorm room and “Animal Planet” on Hulu aren’t close enough encounters for you, look no further than Sunset Zoo’s newest exhibit, Expedition Asia. The grand opening Saturday, April 9 will feature performances, crafts and animal feedings, with many student organizations making special appearances. Grand opening festivities begin at 9:30 a.m. Visitors can participate in crafts with the Asian American Student Union, visit “Wonder Spots” to learn more about the animals and feed tortoises in celebration of the new exhibit. Special guest Joel Sartore, author and photographer for National Geographic, is attending to help with the ribbon-cutting and will have signed publications available for purchase in the gift shop. Performances from the KSU Tatsumaki Yosakoi Dance Group and the DMNLV Lion Dancers will also take place at the opening. Melissa Kirkwood, marketing and development officer for the Sunset Zoo, anticipates an involved day for visitors.
Kourtney Rumback | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Tiger at Sunset Zoo. “Other than a day full of fun, [the grand opening] will be really engaging for the public,” Kirkwood said. The true highlight for guests and members, however, will be exploring the newly-built and long-awaited animal habitats within Expedition Asia. Kirkwood expressed her excitement for the public to get a first look at the animals. “Expedition Asia will be three new exhibits that will highlight three endangered species, which are the Amur leopard, the sloth bear and the Malayan tiger,” Kirkwood said. “I think families and
kids are just really going to fall in love with Expedition Asia.” Winding pathways and up-close encounters help visitors feel immersed in each animal’s habitat. The exhibit is a highly-anticipated project that the Sunset Zoo has been looking forward to unveiling for quite some time. “These are three permanent exhibits,” Kirkwood said. “We have spent almost two years building them and the project in and of itself is a 4.3 million dollar project.” Families and children aren’t the only
ones eagerly awaiting Expedition Asia. Many students are looking forward to the grand opening as well. Harli Lowmaster, junior in elementary education, plans on paying the exhibit a visit. “I’m so excited, like genuinely,” Lowmaster said. “I think this will be an amazing upgrade to a small town zoo and will bring in a lot of people.” Some students, like Lowmaster, enjoy swinging their way to the zoo regularly. “I think it’s just a fun experience with friends,” Lowmaster said. “Everyone should do it at least once, just to
check it off the Manhattan bucket list and to see cool animals.” Expedition Asia is unlike anything the Sunset Zoo has implemented since its inception in 1933 and is expected to set a course for the coming years. “This is the newest and largest expansion effort that the zoo’s ever undertaken,” Kirkwood said. “It will be creating new homes for these animals but also a whole new zoo experience for the visitor.” Not only is this project setting a precedent for future undertakings at the Sunset Zoo, but it is also expected to undergo changes of its own. Kirkwood anticipates that new furry friends will join the existing inhabitants. “Each one of these species will be recommended to be bred in the future,” Kirkwood said. “We will eventually have a male and a female of each one of these species that will be able to breed. Then we will have babies of these highly endangered animals.” Feed your fish, turn off Hulu and prepare for a wild time at Expedition Asia and the grand opening festivities beginning at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.
02
NEWS
Health department announces new COVID-19-related death WENDY BARNES news editor
In the latest COVID-19 update released on April 6, the Riley County Health Department identified one new death, making a total of 80 deaths in Riley County since the beginning of the pandemic. According to the report, the death of the 101-year-old, fully-vaccinated woman was confirmed by
the Office of Vital Statistics last week. Active cases increased from eight to sixteen since the previous report. However, Ascension Via Christi only has one COVID-19 hospitalization, according to RCHD. The positivity rate was 0.00 percent on-campus for the week of March 28 through April 1. Ninety-two tests were administered,
friday, april 8, 2022
ment will continue providing COVID-19 vaccinations with or without an appointment. Walk-in vaccinations are available at 2030 Tecumseh Road from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday-Wednesday, noon to 6 p.m. on Thursday and 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday. Individuals can schedule appointments by calling (785) 5656560. However, COVID-19 testing is no longer available at that location.
down 105 from the previous week. Beginning Monday, April 4, all RCHD-sponsored testing moved to 3019 Anderson Ave, with free rapid and PCR tests available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays with no appointment. The service is Infographic by Julie Freijat available through the end COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP of April. The health depart-
EDITORIAL BOARD 2021-2022 Jared Shuff Editor-in-Chief
Alexander Hurla Assistant News Editor
Dylan Connell Multimedia Editor
Marshall Sunner Visual Managing Editor
Claiborn Schmidt Arts & Culture Editor
Elizabeth Proctor Deputy Multimedia Editor
Sarah Unruh Page Design Chief
Maddy Daniels Asst. Arts & Culture Editor
Hannah Lucas Adversiting Manager
Kelsey Volk Copy Chief
Landon Reinhardt Sports Editor
Alyssa Fullington Marketing / PR Manager
Wendy Barnes News Editor
Nathan Enserro Asst. Sports Editor
The Collegian, a student newspaper at Kansas State University, is published by Collegian Media Group. It is published Fridays during the school year and on Wednesdays during the summer. Periodical postage is paid at Manhattan, KS. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to 828 Mid-Campus Drive South, Kedzie 103, Manhattan, KS 66506-7167. First copy free, additional copies 25 cents. [USPS 291 020] © Collegian Media Group, 2022 The Mission of the Collegian Media Group is to use best practices of journalism to cover and document life at Kansas State University from a diverse set of voices to inform and engage the K-State community. The Collegian welcomes your letters. We reserve the right to edit submitted letters for length and style. A letter intended for publication should be no longer than 600 words and must be relevant to the student body of K-State. It must include the author’s first and last name, year in school and major. If you are a graduate of K-State, the letter should include your year(s) of graduation and must include the city and state where you live. For a letter to be considered, it must include a phone number where you can be contacted. The number will not be published. Letters can be sent to letters@kstatecollegian.com or submitted through an online form at kstatecollegian.com. Letters may be rejected if they contain abusive content, lack timeliness, contain vulgarity, profanity or falsehood, promote personal and commercial announcements, repeat comments of letters printed in other issues or contain attachments. The Collegian does not publish open letters, third-party letters or letters that have been sent to other publications or people.
Religion Directory Manhattan Jewish Congregation 1509 Wreath Ave, Manhattan www.mhkjc.org
(785) 477-5759 LIKE us on Facebook at Manhattan Jewish Congregation To receive information about activities email :
manhattanjc@gmail.com ALL ARE WELCOME to join us for remote and in person activities
LOVE GOD LOVE PEOPLE & BRING THE TWO TOGETHER
CORRECTIONS If you see something that should be corrected, call editor-in-chief Jared Shuff at 785-370-6356 or email collegian@kstatecollegian.com
CONTEMPORARY SERVICES
AT 8, 9:30, 11 AM FIND MORE INFORMATION AT UNIVERSITY.CHURCH
EACH SUNDAY AND TRADITIONAL SERVICES
AT 8 AND 11 AM
Worship Service at 8:30 & 11:00 a.m. or livestream our services online. Adult and Children Bible Hour Classes
Offered at 10:00 a.m. 785.776.0424 www.gracebchurch.org 2901 Dickens Ave. (2 blks. E. of Seth Child)
03
NEWS
friday, april 8, 2022
Student Union leadership tackles budget cuts CARTER SCHAFFER staff writer
Two years after COVID-19 hit the university, the aftermath and shockwaves sent through every service on campus finally caught up to the Kansas State Student Union. For Student Union Executive Director Corey Williamson and the Student Governing Association, that meant making budget cuts. On March 10, 2022, SGA voted to reduce the Union budget over the next three years because of decreasing enrollment. The cuts eliminated free weekend parking, game-day shuttle services, removed information desk staff and reduced the student employee budget, according to a copy of the bill. “[There were] four meetings that I had with [the] Student Services Fee group, and I had additional conversations
with the student services chair,” Williamson said. “I feel like the committee did their due diligence to make sure they were meeting the goals they were hoping to accomplish while also recognizing the Union’s value to the campus community.” Williamson said the reduced student employee budget will not affect current workers, but rather how many students the Union can hire in coming years. Before COVID-19, the Union had over 100 student employees: it now has 72 positions filled. Williamson said about 4045 percent of student positions are filled at the beginning of the fall semester. Sydney Tumberger, junior in biological systems engineering, works at Wabash Cannon Bowl in the basement of the Union. “I’m just worried about being low-staffed in case anyone
needs a day off, and they can’t get it,” Tumberger said. “I know there’s a lot of people leaving, so I think it’s gonna be tough for the bowling alley to find new people to work, especially if [our boss] can’t hire more than a certain amount of people.” Associate Director and Building Operations Director Craig Johnson oversees a portion of the Union’s employees, including the information desk staff. Although the information desk positions will discontinue in the fall, the seven-member staff will have other work opportunities if they want to continue working at the Union. “We will be offering them a position somewhere else within the Union,” Johnson said. “Many of them will probably be offered the opportunity to transition into our set-up teams.” Information desk staffer Ethan McMullen, freshman in
civil engineering, said he does not know if he will continue working at the Union next semester. While not dependent on the income, McMullen said he did enjoy having extra spending money. However, Williamson said that if the Union can generate more revenue, it can begin reestablishing services it lost to budget cuts. He plans on prioritizing the student-employee budget. “Our decisions [to bring back services] will depend on what the demands and needs are of the Union at the time,” Williamson said. “If traffic continues to increase, we’re going to need to make sure that we have the student employee staff to make sure we can support that.” The parking garage and shuttle bus services could also see a return. Although not the top priority for Williamson, fees could be outsourced to other
Carter Schaffer| COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Information desk staffer Ethan McMullen, freshman in civil engineering, helps a student navigate the Union. units in the Union, such as food or retail services. “My hope is to continue to seek partners that are interested in maintaining those services,” Williamson said.
MANHAPPENIN' MANHAPPENIN' MANHAPPENIN'
“The Union may not be able to support it, but there may be other opportunities there that we’ll continue to investigate over time regardless of our financial scenario.”
Inclu ding Live Mus i c from The Box Tur tles!
RELEASE PARTY
APRIL 14TH YARD BAR 7-10 PM
18+ ARE ALLOWED FROM 7-9PM
04
ARTS & CULTURE
friday, april 8, 2022
Students cover topics of representation at Diversity Summit CLAIBORN SCHMIDT arts & culture editor
The Kansas State Arts and Sciences Ambassadors will host the Arts & Sciences Student Diversity Summit from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the Town Hall at Staley School of Leadership Studies, as well as over Zoom. The summit consists of conversations about diversity, inclusion and belonging on K-State’s campus. After presentations on what it means to have an inclusive campus, the event will host a student panel to foster meaningful conversations. The panel consists of Joseph Pondillo, sophomore in political science; Airianna O’Donohue, junior in English literature and political science; RJ Salmen, junior in personal financial planning and leadership studies; Ethan Brown, junior in marketing and leadership and Vedant Kulkarni, senior in management information systems, strategic communications and pre-law. Pondillo was not available at the time photos were taken.
“The goal of this event is to inform those attending about issues diverse people face and establish strong connections with our fellow Wildcats,” O’Donohue said. Since joining campus, President Richard Linton has learned more about how organizations and events like Friday’s have helped students and faculty members create a more inclusive campus. “I am incredibly grateful to the many individuals, committees and groups who have been engaged in this critically important work,” Linton said in the April 5, 2022, edition of K-State Today. At the summit, attendees can hear and take part in conversations about experiences and concerns about diversity in a safe space. O’Donohue said she plans to create a safe environment through leading topics with an open mind and a willingness to educate those who might not be familiar with the topics. “I think it’s important for me as a POC student on campus to educate those who are willing to work through some internal prejudice they may not be aware they
hold, or even just to open their eyes to issues they may not be aware of,” O’Donohue said. Presentations will cover topics of ableism, LGBTQIA+ representation in video games, what it is like being an international student in a non-STEM arts and science major as well as a vocal student leader and racial microaggression and their impacts on people of color at a predominantly white university, or PWI. “By having this event, we are able to educate those who want to expand their social cognizance,” O’Donohue said. Salmen has served as an executive member of the LGBTQ organizations at K-State, worked as the SGA DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) chair, gender collective and more. Salmen plans on using their knowledge and passion to talk about LGBTQ representation and gameplay in video games. “We don’t really ever discuss it or understand its importance. It’s one thing for a queer person to see an individual in a TV show or on social media, but it’s an entirely different thing to play a character who is literally the
Benjamin Voller | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
(From left to right) Ethan Brown, sophomore in marketing and leadership studies; RJ Salmen, sophomore in personal financial planning; Airianna O’Donohue, sophomore in English literature and political science and Vedant Kulkarni, senior in management information systems and mass communications. Unavailable at time of shooting: Joseph Pondillo, sophomore in political science.
same as you,” Salmen said. “The character’s identity reflects your own, so the meaning behind is exponentially more impactful. I want my passion for the subject to become the audience’s passion.” Brown, the director of campus access in the student body president’s cabinet, also serves on the intercultural leadership council. Brown will share current topics of discussion in the disability community based on his life experiences and the understanding he has gained through others. “The day before I was born, I had a stroke resulting in a lifelong diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy and a visual impairment. I cannot speak on behalf of everyone with a disability,” Brown said. “As a student leader promoting representation, I bring first-hand knowledge of having a disability and my experiences encountering both physical and virtual barriers.” Attendees can ask questions after the presentation to have meaningful conversations that go further in-depth.
“I hope that no matter what kinds of questions they are, they ultimately increase understanding and open up pathways to bridge the gap between some of the societal others on campus and the rest of the student body,” O’Donohue said. Brown said these presentations give a safe space for people to learn, talk and understand further from people who have experience in the topics. “Sharing with new audiences decreases inadvertent ignorance and increases the number of allies and advocates,” Brown said. “If experiences are only shared internally, then advocacy becomes cyclical and the issues become forgotten.” K-State announced in the April 5, 2022, edition of K-State Today that the university is launching the first university-wide diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging — or DEIB — strategic five-year plan: Our Lens, Our Focus, Our K-State. “Our Lens, Our Focus,
Our K-State is the culmination of work completed by faculty, staff and students on the President’s Commission on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging,” Linton said in the announcement. “This plan will serve as a guide as we work to realize transformative, sustainable institutional changes that lead to a more inclusive K-State.” The plan also creates a new position — the vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (VPDEIB) — to help foster inclusivity in all aspects of university life. Along with the hiring of a VP, diversity and multicultural student affairs will be reimagined as the Office of Student Belonging and Inclusion and will remain focused on student engagement and student communities. “It is important to remember that diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging is the work of us all,” Linton said in the announcement. “The work is never done, and it will continue to evolve.”
05
ARTS & CULTURE
friday, april 8, 2022
Equestrian team trots to the top MADDY DANIELS asst. arts & culture editor
Kansas State’s Intercollegiate Horse Show Association equestrian team closed its season with an impressive win — with more to come for one rider — but this season wasn’t just about the ribbons. After COVID-19 washed shows from the books, this year was the team’s first time competing. After a few seasons of going back and forth with coaches and trainers and not having many competitive riders in the past, the team picked up the pace this year. “This has been probably one of the best years since I’ve been on the team,” Olivia Rigdon, senior in animal science and social media chair, said. “When I first got here, we didn’t really have much of a team. This year we got a bunch of girls that were interested in being competitive, and
we’ve been lucky to have found a trainer willing to take us to all these shows and be competitive with us, so that’s shaped the way the team has grown. This is the most team-like the team has even been, which is awesome.” Head trainer and coach Ann White has held her position with the team for two seasons. She is also the founder and owner of Vermillion Valley Equine Center. With her guidance and leadership, riders have seen vast advancements. “Ann is amazing: she’ll be humble about how amazing she actually is, but we definitely wouldn’t be where we are without her,” Meagan Parkins, senior in marketing, leadership studies and social and fundraising chair, said. “It’s been a lot of fun seeing everyone improve, and I’ve learned a ton too, so I definitely wouldn’t be where I’m at without Ann and the other girls.” With newfound direction as
well as incorporating the club and competitive side of the team, the group has grown closer and made leaps in their skills. Members can compete in Western or English riding or take lessons and involve themselves in team social events. “The friendships are amazing, all of us are super close and know each other well so that just adds to all of it,” Parkins said. The team’s last horse show of the season took place at Missouri State on March 26-27. K-State found success against the 12 opposing teams, taking first place at Saturday’s show and second at Sunday’s regional show. They also picked up second place in their region for the overall year. “The team is riding very well for as new and young as we are,” White said. “We took a full team and won several of our divisions. This year far exceeded my expectations from where these girls — and boy — rode
from the first time I saw them to how they’re riding now: they’ve just improved immensely. Now that COVID is over and we’ve actually had a run at things, it’s only going to get better. We want to let people know it’s a thing that anybody can do.” For Rigdon, her lifetime of horse riding is paying off. She and teammate Jennie Yount ride in the highest class — intermediate — and competed in regionals. Rigdon is moving forward this weekend. “For me, on that Saturday, I placed high enough in a lot of my classes that I was able to move on to regionals the next day, so that was really cool,” Rigdon said. “Once we got to regionals, it was Jennie and I competing against a few other teams. I ended up winning the over fences, and I got second in the flat class. That’s where they judge you on the flat so you’re not jumping, just walk, trot, cantering in a circle
Photo courtesy of Ann White
Olivia Rigdon, senior in animal science. and they’re judging the way you ride, your position. If you get first or second in any of your classes,
it qualifies you for zones, which is this coming weekend at Texas Tech. I’m very excited.”
06
SPONSORED CONTENT
THINK
friday, april 8, 2022
LOCAL
Help support Manhattan Businesses!
Know the community.
THINK LOCAL
Read The Collegian. Think Local. stay in the loop. www.kstatecollegian.com @kitesbarandgrill
785 320 5040 1101 Moro STE 131 Manhattan, KS 66502
BEER GOGGLES fin d us : 23 07 Tu tt le Su it e C Cr M an ha ee k Bl vd . tt an , KS 66 50 2
@ KITE'S
PHYSICAL THERAPY STREAMLINE TO SPORT JOINT REPLACEMENT FRACTURE CARE HIP INJURIES & PROCEDURES KNEE INJURIES & PROCEDURES FOOT/ANKLE INJURIES & PROCEDURES SHOULDER/ELBOW/HAND INJURIES & PROCEDURES
L LOCA THINK OCAL L DRINK
617 N 12TH ST, MANHATTAN, KS
L CALLY OWNED
Sign up for Dara’s Rewards on our app to save on fuel, snacks, and so much more!
@kitesbar
meet your friends
WHAT WE OFFER
Mon-Sat 7:30am-9pm Sun 10am-6pm
@kitesbarksu
&OPERATED
5¢ off on every gallon
Track Your Points
Earn Exclusive Rewards
2x Points on Mondays
THINK LOCAL. EAT LOCAL.
KSU Meat Sale Order by 10 am Thursday and pickup Friday 1pm-6pm. Curbside-pickup available!
• • • •
Beef Pork Dairy Poultry
07
ARTS & CULTURE
friday, april 8, 2022
Five years, three albums: ‘‘Human Performance” NATHAN ENSERRO asst. sports editor
Parquet Courts, a New York City-based punk band, released possibly the most underrated record of 2016 with their fifth studio album “Human Performance.” It was their first of three records with London-based Rough Trade Records and dropped on April 8, 2016. Now past the five-year mark, let’s look back at a record you might have missed entirely. This series aims to take a retrospective look at three records from 2016: one that was popular but you might have forgotten, one that you might have missed and one that it’s time to stop pretending not to like. “Human Performance” only reached 118 on the Billboard Top-200 despite being
well-received by critics and checked in on Pitchfork and Rolling Stone’s Top-50 Albums of 2016 at 26 and 17, respectively. Only one song off the record has more than five million streams on Spotify. Despite the limited recognition, it received a Grammy nomination for Best Recording Package. The vinyl record comes in a gatefold cover with a lyric book insert. Guitarist and singer Andrew Savage — who goes by A. Savage — did all the artwork for the record. The 46-minute, 14-song record featured four singles — “Dust,” “Berlin Got Blurry,” “Outside” and “Human Performance” – written and recorded at Dreamland Studios in New York. “I imagine it’s what recording [The Beatles’] ‘The White Album’ would’ve been
like, except the whole band was getting along and nobody’s girlfriend was there,” Savage said to Spin magazine after the album’s release. The record represents a slight shift musically for the band away from the more discordant, garage jam style of earlier entries towards a more melodic (but still solid punk) sound. The lyrics, though, are still what they’ve always been: bookish, emotional and poetic. The band developed a more overtly political tone in their next record “Wide Awake!” but the focus of “Human Performance” is more about the dichotomy of performance and authenticity in everyday life. It’s about love and loss and discontent. “Berlin Got Blurry,” for example, rides a baseline that sounds like something out of a western, while the lyrics focus
on the physical and emotional longing for someone who now feels like a stranger in a place that now feels alien. The title track focuses on the development and eventual end of a relationship and asks the question: “I know I loved you, did I even deserve it / When you returned it?” The song goes on to visit the disheveled physical and emotional space that the narrator inhabits before saying that the feeling “…never leaves me, just visits less often / It isn’t gone and I won’t feel its grip soften / Without a coffin.” The digital exclusive track “Already Dead” that leads off the digital versions of the record features an instrumental break that begs the listener to: “Take a moment to connect with where you are. / Feel your feet on the ground
EVENT CALENDAR APRIL 2022 4/14 The Box Turtles @ Manhappenin Release Party Yard Bar, 8-10PM
Tell'em MHK Music Scene sent ya!
without looking at anything at all. / Just listen. Rest with a sense of hearing. / Experience the show of sound that is happening around you right now. / Life in Stereo.” The record does include a few salient societal messages. Savage has long written songs about his dislike of cell phones and screens in general. That message appears multiple times in this record. The song “Two Dead Cops” represents the major political message of the record and sets up a major theme of the band’s next record: violence in modern society. It focuses on the murder of two police officers in Brooklyn, not far from Savage’s home, studio and favorite bar. Savage was in the area when it happened, and he tells the story of his experience. The chorus is about the discord between the police’s message “protect you” and the reality of “point and shoot” in light of police violence in America. The vers-
es focus on the single event — which was reportedly an act of retaliation for police violence — and the way that violence, in general, has taken hold in society. “And also, this weird feeling that we all get whenever you hear about something like this in America, like that thing that happens so often that you can’t really appropriately mourn it or react to it. That feeling is the most alarming thing that drove me to write that song because I needed to find a way to mourn this sort of violence that happens all the time,” Savage told Spin. The messages of the record — emotionally, societally and politically — remain important and impactful nearly six years post-release. “Human Performance” and six of Parquet Courts’ seven studio albums are available on all major streaming services.
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT T !ll Rapper T!ll, (Joe Tillery) is an artist with major upside potential. The 22 year old is starting to generate buzz with unique sounds and perspective on life through storytelling in hip-hop/rap tracks. Setting his sights on 2022, T!ll announced his entrance into the year with an album primed for April 1st. “I just love music. I understand the number’s mean a lot but I’m focused on establishing my sound to the masses” -T!ll Instagram - @joe_tillery | YouTube - T!ll | TikTok - @tilltilltilltilltilltill
MHK MUSIC SCENE MidFest is in full swing for its Fifth Annual Music, Art and Culture Festival. Interested to learn the day in and out process of planning the 2nd largest festival in Kansas? Be a part of the MidFest production team!
Send your resume to midfestmhk@gmail.com
Network with us.
http://www.mhkmusicscene.com/
Help grow the scene.
08
SPORTS
friday, april 8, 2022
Know Your Opponent: No. 4 Texas Tech CHASE HAGEMANN staff writer
Kansas State baseball (15-13) is on a two-game winning streak heading into Lubbock, Texas, to face No. 4 Texas Tech (24-8). Both wins showcased offensive fireworks and artistic pitching against No. 6 Oklahoma State (21-8) and a tough Creighton (15-8) club. After the Wildcats’ first Big 12 win, they’ll have to buckle in for another tough road series. The three-game series against the Red Raiders marks the third-straight weekend series against a Top25 opponent in the Big 12. K-State was swept against No. 23 TCU (then No. 19) but nearly came back from behind to win Friday’s match-up. Both Saturday and Sunday’s match-up against the Horned Frogs were tied into the seventh innings before giving up one big inning to doom them in both games. The story against No. 6 Oklahoma State was shockingly similar as the Wildcats ran into pitching troubles in Friday and Saturday’s matchup. K-State presented huge rallies in both, but only won Sunday’s match-up because pitcher Connor McCullough only allowed two earned runs and combined with pitcher Blake Adams for nine strikeouts. This might sound obvious, but K-State’s bullpen will need consistency for the Wildcats to have a chance against a hot Red Raiders club.
HITTING:
“RAIDER … POWER” echos in Rip Griffin Park when No. 4 Texas Tech bats, and that’s exactly what they’ve been known for year after year — power. Texas Tech started the season 1-2 at the College Baseball Showdown but has since been nothing but stout, including two walk-off wins against (then) No. 2 Texas. The Red Raiders sit at 24-8, scoring 314 runs — 9.8 per game — and holding opponents to just 155 total runs. All-American Jace Jung returned for his sophomore season and is once again leading the stampede. He’s hitting a .407 batting average on 48 hits — 13 of those doubles — 37 RBIs and nine home runs. Jung is the lone Raider to sit above a .400 batting average, but the roster collectively hits .305, and six starters are hitting above .300. Along with impressive batting averages is the amount of Raider Power posted in the “HR” column on Texas Tech’s cumulative stats. The Red Raiders have smacked 48 big flies. Meanwhile, they give up roughly one home run per game.
PITCHING:
That stat is promising for K-State because the Wildcats are a power-hitting bunch, but Texas Tech still has one of the best starting pitching rotations in the Big 12 with Andrew Morris, Brandon Birdsell and Mason Molina on the bump. Heading the weekend starters is Saturday pitcher Brandon Birdsell, who has
posted a 4-1 win-loss record, with a 2.31 earned runs average (era) and 58 strikeouts. Andrew Morris isn’t far behind with an undefeated 3-0 record but has a 3.72 era with 45 strikeouts. Tech’s weak spot is its Sunday starter Mason Molina, who has a 4.55 era with a 1-4 record. He’s recorded 35 strikeouts in 29.2 innings pitched, but also walked 17 batters.
CONCLUSION:
The Wildcats’ best chance to win one match against the Red Raiders is against Mason Molina on Sunday, but head coach Pete Hughes is looking for series wins. Friday starter Blake Adams and Saturday starter Connor McCullough will have to pitch well as usual, but the concerns for K-State primarily come out of the bullpen. The big innings surrendered in two losses against No. 23 TCU and two losses against No. 6 Oklahoma State occurred after K-State signaled for the pen. If the Wildcats want to win one or take the series, they’ll have to avoid the big innings by limiting walks and defensive errors. Meanwhile, the offense assumes the responsibility of keeping the foot on the gas if they jump out to an early lead. Those key components will ultimately decide if the weekend series is competitive, and who will come out on top. First pitch is set for 6:30 p.m. on Friday in Lubbock, Texas. Viewing is available on Big 12 Now on ESPN+.
News you care about. @kstatecollegian
Archive photo by Kendall Spencer | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Wildcat baseball player Connor McCullough throws a pitch during 7-2 win against No. 6 Oklahoma State on April 3, 2022.
OFFICIAL REQUEST FOR: Professional/Consultants
who will stand as our regional representative to run logistics.
Book/Record Keeper for the company.
We are only looking for individuals/companies from the USA. FOR MORE DETAILS CONTACT ROBERT EDWARD AT
larrysmithinc912@gmail.com
09
SPORTS
friday, april 8, 2022
‘Home Run King’ Dylan Phillips talks legacy, playing as a team CHASE HAGEMANN staff writer
On a day where nobody could touch Oklahoma State pitcher Victor Mederos, all-American outfielder Dylan Phillips got a hold of one. Mederos’ changeup missed high, but Phillips didn’t. The junior Wildcat known as “Whammer” hammered a ball 402-feet to right-center field, crowning Phillips as the new all-time home run king in Kansas State baseball history. The blast signified new blood in the baseball record books but also drafted a new nickname to his resume: King Phillips. “That’s the thing going around the locker room right now,” Phillips said. “It’s all in great fun, and it’s just good to have good team camaraderie. It’s definitely pretty cool.” The power-slugger’s adrenaline rushed too fast to soak in his moment when he tipped his cap to a sold-out crowd at Tointon Family Stadium this past Saturday. Sunday’s pre-game honors had the same feeling. All Phillips could put into words was, “It was a really cool moment,” and showed his appreciation for the fans’ support at Saturday’s game and over the past four years.
It was more than just a really cool moment. Phillips admitted that his career’s work as a Wildcat was in the back of his mind since his freshman campaign. “After my freshman year, I had ten [home runs],” Phillips said. “I was like, ‘‘Alright, this could be something to maybe go after.’ Then, COVID hit … you never knew what was going to happen and all that stuff, so then to finally get to it, it is pretty cool to see my name at the top of that.” Despite the personal accolades, the unselfish Big 12 Player of the Week simply wants to contribute to his team’s success, even if the runs are coming in style. “I never focus really on my individual stats and whatnot, but I see it as a good goal to put down on paper just to strive for something, and if that’s going to help us win games, then obviously I want to do it,” Phillips said. “Scoring runs is never a bad thing for a team, so I think it’s an acceptable goal to have.” When Major League Baseball scouts drive to see power hitters, they’re primarily interested in their hitting on the five-tool scale. As Billy Beane was allegedly told by a scout in the movie “Moneyball,” most young professional
players have one-to-two tools and are hoping to develop an extra one. Phillips has the defensive toolbox to play multiple positions, spending time playing outfield, first base and closing on the mound. His alltime earned runs average as a pitcher is above eight, but he earned his first save this season and has a .971 career fielding percentage. The Big 12’s active home run leader has not only hit 40 bombs but has also accomplished a .301 career batting average thus far. Multiple perspectives can explain the allaround improvement. “The trust the coaches have had in me since my freshman year because I honestly was not a very good hitter my freshman year (.238 BA) and [head coach Pete Hughes] just kept putting me back out there,” Phillips said. “I think that trust allowed me to relax and kind of let the game come to me.” Another contributing factor to Phillips’ development came from summer leagues like Cape Cod, a league that paved the way for athletes like Aaron Judge and Chris Sale to become successful pro players. see page
11, “PHILLIPS”
Archive photo by Kendall Spencer | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Dylan Phillips prepares for an at-bat against Oklahoma State on April 3, 2022.
1145 Anderson Ave. | Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
10
SPORTS
friday, april 8, 2022
‘Every point is a fight’: Tennis’ Florentine Dekkers LUKE LAZARCZYK staff writer
From the food to the big buildings, several things are different between the Netherlands and the United States, even in tennis. Compared to the quiet scene on the Dutch courts, college tennis players scream whenever given a chance. Learning quickly that “Here, every point is a fight,” freshman Florentine Dekkers said she is adjusting to everything on and off the court as a Kansas State tennis player. Before her season in Manhattan, Dekkers had already started making a name for herself as a tennis player. Playing since the age of five, she has gone on to win two International Tennis Federation tournaments and ranked as high as No. 254 on the ITF junior rankings. Dekkers has been focusing on her tennis career for some time, putting in extra work for her goals. “I was still in high school, but I was [going to] a special school for student-athletes, similar to here,” Dekkers said. “I was trying to focus on myself and I practiced every day doing strength training, private training and group training.” Making a mark already, Dekkers had options outside of collegiate play in the U.S. Through the process of making a decision, she was given a better viewpoint from the help of her older sister, Utah State senior Gabrielle Dekkers. “There are a lot of factors for why I chose to go to the United States, but one of the biggest factors was [that] my sister is playing college [tennis],” Dekkers said. “I could see how it’s going, her experiences, her stories. We have a very good relationship, so because of her stories, I decided to go [to the United States].” At K-State — over 4,500 miles away from her home — Dekkers has had to adjust to a new place to live with different people. Right away, her Wildcat teammates helped her adapt to life in the U.S., as the whole team has been in her shoes. “We all went through the same process. We are all in-
ternational, so if you struggle with something, that is typical,” Dekkers said. “We know what we are going through, so we can help each other and support each other.” Once Dekkers found her spot in Manhattan, it was time to begin her collegiate tennis career. Dekkers quickly found that life on the court also changes from playing in the Netherlands. Dekkers now has teammates cheering her on and playing alongside her. Plus, she is playing in a point system that stops all matches once one team reaches four points. “I played for myself and I was an individual, but now I play not only for myself, but also for a team,” Dekkers said. “I think that’s a really big difference, but I definitely really like to play for the team.” Figuring out all the changes is only part of the journey for Dekkers. Finding herself accommodated to a new way of playing tennis, Dekkers makes sure to keep her focus on the court. “There are so many things that can distract you from tennis. [I tell myself to] just focus on yourself,” Dekkers said. “Of course, having fun is really important, but for me, it’s really important to help my motivation and play for myself.” Dekkers is motivated to continue bettering herself as a tennis player and improving her game. Staying focused on that goal, she makes sure that the right people are around her. Dekkers wants her experience to be a positive one. “[I make sure] to surround [myself] with good people, and that’s why I am really happy to be here. I feel like this whole team has the same goal,” Dekkers said. “They want to play at the highest level, they want to win every match, but they also want to have fun. It helps a lot when you have seven girls with the same goal around you. All the seven girls are amazing players and amazing girls.” Dekkers has been working with the team through the winter to get better. From fall to spring, she has improved not only in her play, but in her mentality as well.
“Compared to the fall and spring, I improved a lot thanks to the players and the coaches,” Dekkers said. “I think I became more consistent on the court. I make less mistakes and I know what to do more.” Learning to hear screaming and to scream on the court herself is just a small part of playing tennis, but it does contribute to the mental aspect. At any given match, spectators can hear loud grunts and yells from the athletes. “The screaming part, the energy is new,” Dekkers said. “I think that fires me up and pushes me even more now. I never thought I would scream this much before I came here. I was kind of nervous about it because I am a quiet person, not off the court but on the court. When I came here, I felt so much energy and motivation, especially to play for the other girls.” Dekkers is a baseline player who uses her height and power to attack her opponents, specializing in her forehand. As a player who enjoys a fast-paced match, Dekkers has found herself against opponents with more experience and a different style of play. “When I play against someone who just brings the ball back, I can do my own thing and try to play my own game,” Dekkers said. “A few matches ago, I played against girls that sliced and played a higher ball. That’s sometimes tough for me, so I think I need to adjust a lot.” Dekkers is grateful she continued her tennis career past high school, even if she had doubts at first. “My biggest takeaway [from this year] is to go and convince a lot of people to go play college tennis,” Dekkers said. “I was not sure of doing it when I graduated from high school. I would really regret it if I didn’t go for college. Also, to enjoy every moment on the court. You are in the United States as an international student, you’re not used to everything. In four years, I am going to be in the Netherlands again, so I think I should enjoy every moment on the court and also off the court and have fun with the team and friends and enjoy.”
Elizabeth Sandstrom | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Freshman Florentine Dekkers prepares to return the ball against Iowa State on April 1. 2022.
COMPLETE YOUR general education courses
from GCCC!
Affordable Online Transferable
620-276-9788
online@gcccks.edu ONLINE CAMPUS
11
SPORTS
friday, april 8, 2022
Tennis splits against Big 12 opponents LUKE LAZARCZYK staff writer
IOWA STATE CYCLONES:
The Kansas State tennis team nearly made a comeback from down 3-0 against No. 33-ranked Iowa State on Friday, April 1. The Wildcats lost to the Cyclones in a 4-2 battle. The two teams started off the day playing each other in doubles. The No.1 doubles match was the first to finish, as seniors Karine-Marion Job and Maria Linares fell to Thasaporn Naklo and Christin Hsieh, 6-2. Freshman Dinara Alloyarova and sophomore Manami Ukita played against Ange Kajuru and Chie Kezuka in the second match to finish. The Cyclones took the match 6-2, giving themselves the first point of the day. Freshman Florentine Dekkers and senior Ioana Gheorghita could not finish their match against Miska Kadleckova and Sofia Cabezas, as the match ended with the Cyclone duo up 5-2. Heading into singles, the Cyclones continued taking the first points of the day. Ukita faced off against Kezuka in the first match, losing 6-0, 6-1, as the Cyclones’ dominance continued. Job then finished her match, losing 6-1, 6-2, against Kanjuru, giving the Cyclones their 3-0 lead on the day. The Wildcats finally took their first point of the day after falling down 3-0. Linares faced off against Thasaporn, defeating her 6-4, 6-3, providing a spark for the Wildcats. After not playing a doubles match, freshman Anna Turco took down Cabezas 6-4, 6-3, giving the Wildcats a chance at a comeback. However, the comeback was prevented in the end. Dekkers faced off against Kadleckova, losing the first set 6-3. Dekkers took the
Elizabeth Sandstrom | COLLEGIAN MEDIA GROUP
Freshman Dinara Alloyarova hits the ball across the court in the match against Iowa State on April 1, 2022. second set to a tiebreaker with Kadleckova, but lost the tiebreaker 6-1, losing the set 7-6. Gheorghita could not finish her match against Supapitch Kuearum but was in the lead in the second set, 4-3, after taking the first set, 7-5.
WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAINEERS:
After losing on Saturday, the Wildcats went into their Senior Day on Sunday, April 3, against the West Virginia Mountaineers. The Senior Day led to the Wildcats’ third sweep of the season, taking down West Virginia 4-0. The Wildcats lost the
first doubles match, as Dekkers and Gheorghita faced off against Momoko Nagato and Kendall Kovick, falling 6-4. The next two doubles matches, similar to the first match, both came to a close score. The second match to end was with the doubles duo of Job and Linares. They took down Camilla Bossi and Ting-Pei Chang 6-4, sending the doubles point to a final match. The final doubles match came down to a tiebreaker as Alloyarova and Ukita were tied up with Anastasia Bovolskaia and Tatiana Lipatov, 6-6. The Wildcats prevailed, winning the tiebreaker 7-4,
the match 7-6 and earning their first point. Heading into singles, the Wildcats kept the Mountaineers even further away. The first match to finish was between Job and Bovolskaia. Job took the two sets 6-1, 6-2, giving the Wildcats their second point. After Job won, her doubles partner Linares earned the third point, defeating Kovick 6-2, 6-0. Ending the day, Turco took the final point for the Wildcats. Facing off against Lipatova, Turco took the first set 6-4, finishing it off 6-3 and giving the Wildcats a sweep on Senior Day.
The three other singles matches were all left unfinished. Senior Rosanna Maffei took the first set against Bossi 6-4 and was close to winning the second set, as she led 5-1. Doubles partners Dekkers and Gheorghita also took their first sets, as Dekkers led Chang 6-3, 4-4, and Gheorghita led Momoko Nagato 7-5, 3-3. The Wildcats enter their last three regular-season matches of the season with a 9-9 record on the road, facing off against ranked Big 12 opponents in Baylor, Texas and Kansas.
PHILLIPS continued from page 09
“There were a bunch of good players out there, and every day there was another good arm, you know … Friday-Saturday guy here in the Big 12,” Phillips said. “Seeing that consistently kind of let me refine my game there.” Along with that was the culture of a pro baseball league. He flew to the East Coast on two days’ notice to live with a host family, but Phillips wasn’t there on vacation or to socialize. “The whole day was kind of wake up, go get some Dunkin’ [Donuts], which luckily was right outside my house,” Phillips said. “Then it was go lift, go to the field and that was kind of every day. You just got to experience what it’s like when baseball is your only focus, and playing at the parks was all pretty cool — fans out there loved it, they just love baseball.” The lifestyle of cross-country traveling is common in the Major Leagues and something Phillips could experience as a pro player. Phillips’ goal remains to play among the professionals. “That’s the goal for me personally, but you never know what’s going to happen within all thirty teams and you can’t really put too much thought into it right now,” Phillips said. “Right now, it’s kind of just play and do whatever I can do: the best I can.” Reflecting on King Phillips’ legacy, he said he wants to be remembered as someone that showed up every day and did everything the right way, but the journey isn’t over. As the Wildcats sit with a 15-13 record and a 1-5 showing against two top-25 conference teams, there’s still work to be done as they face off against No. 4 Texas Tech. “Hopefully we’re playing late into June and just getting a lot of wins, and with that, hopefully I can continue to play well and help our team in all aspects: defensively, offensively, pitching,” Phillips said. “If we’re playing late into June, then hopefully after that … I’ll get a little time before the draft and hopefully everything works itself out.” K-State plays the Red Raiders in Lubbock, Texas, at 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 8, in the best of a three-game series. Viewing is available on ESPN+.
12
AGGIEVILLE UPDATES
friday, april 8, 2022
AGGIEVILLE UPDATES MONDAY
Kite’s
DAILY DEALS
Axe to Grind
$2 Wells (ALL DAY)
Basic Package $24.99/person 90 mins. (everyday)
Mojo’s
Tanner’s
$3 Crown $2.50 Domestic Bottles $2 Truly
$4 House Margs $3 Tequila Shots Singo @ 8pm
WEDNESDAY The Hi Lo
Axe to Grind
$3 Draft Beers
Events partial and full facility rentals for groups of all sizes
Mojo’s
Axe to Grind
1/2 price Happy Hour (3pm - 5pm) $3 Wells $3.50 Pounders
Nico’s Little Italy
Sangria Sundays, $5 Glasses, $15 Carafes
VIP Package $39.99/person includes 1 drink & snack (everyday)
Kite’s
$1 Wells (9pm - close)
THURSDAY Pandora Rolled Ice Cream
Axe to Grind
Yard Bar
Mobile Units we bring the excitement to you
$3 Beer $2 Wells
Buy one get one free with Student ID
Fat’s
$4 Fishbowls
SATURDAY
FRIDAY
Kite’s
VIP Package $39.99/person includes 1 drink & snack (everyday)
Mojo’s
TUESDAY
Axe to Grind
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT
$3 Fireball
Tanner’s
$4 Truly Can $15 Truly Bucket $3 Soco Lime Shots $3 Slurpees
SUNDAY
ALL DAY Happy Hour $4 Specialty Drinks
Axe to Grind
Events partial and full facility rentals for groups of all sizes
Axe to Grind Basic Package $24.99/person 90 mins. (everyday)
Kite’s
$4 Premiums
APRIL 2022 4/14 Manhappenin’ Release Party 4/11 - 4/15 Aggieville Egg Hunt
Bluemont Hotel
$4 Kansas Draft Beers
Tanner’s
$3.50 Blue Moon $4.50 Top Shelf Bloody Mary $3 Slurpees
STUDENT POLL Are you going home for Easter?
Scan here to answer, or visit us on social media!
UPDATES BROUGHT TO YOU BY
