April 1, 2020

April 1, 2020 | thewichitan.com | Real Students. Real Stories. | Vol. 84 No. 11

COrona VS Wichita

SPORTS: Pg 12

Sports in the quarantine world?

NEWS: Pg 9

A shelter-in-place ordinance for Wichita Falls was issued on March 27 at 11:59 p.m. and will last until MEDIA: Pg 3 April 8 at 1 p.m. Non-compliance will result in up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 180 days in jail.

Weeknd drops his new album: After Hours.

RESPIRATORY CARE: Pg 8

ECONOMIC RELIEF: Pg 10

TEXAS ROADHOUSE: Pg 13

Program loans ventilators to fight COVID-19!

CARES Act gives economic relief amid pandemic.

Giving back more than just steak!

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2 April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports ED I TO R I A L

OUR VIEW: When it comes to COVID-19, we’re all in this together

A WICH ITAN SUG G EST I O N :

THE BOLD TYPE

W

e at The Wichitan understand that self-isolation is hard for everyone. Humans are social creatures, and we’re not meant to be away from each other this long. However, it’s important to remember as hard as social distancing is, it’s something we have to do to keep everyone safe.

As the majority of college students aren’t at high risk when it comes to COVID-19, it’s easy to think we don’t have to follow social distancing. Even though you may not be at risk, it’s important you do everything in power to keep the elderly, sickly and the other people who are high-risk safe. That’s means we have to sacrifice some of our convenience now.

That doesn’t mean you can’t have any social interaction. In fact, doctors say it is detrimental for your mental health to forgo socialization altogether. Video calls, phone calls, texts and online gaming are great ways you can keep up with friends. If you’re starting to struggle with depression and anxiety, it also doesn’t hurt to have one or two friends over in person, provided you’re at a private place and not putting anyone else at risk.

It’s easy to feel like you’re alone, but don’t forget we’re all in this fight against coronavirus together.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Melora Hardin, Sam Page, Matt Ward, Aisha Dee, Meghann Fahy, and Katie Stevens in The Bold Type (2017).

KRISTIN SILVA CHIEF EDITOR The Bold Type follows three best friends who met at and work at the high-profile magazine Scarlet while they maneuver through their personal journeys of sexuality, feminism, career paths and growth in finding their voices. Jane (Katie Stevens), Sutton (Meghann Fahy) and Kat (Aisha Dee) are the stars of the show who work in different departments and consistently encourage and empower one another to reach their highest potentials while facing life’s constant obstacles.

The series follows these three girls who work for Jacqueline Carlyle, Editor-in-Chief of Scarlet, played by Melora Hardin who is notoriously known for her role as “Jan” in The Office. Scarlet is a magazine that produces content that encourages progressive ideas and empowerment, specifically toward women, as

well as other oppressed groups of people.

When beginning the series, a first impression that can be taken is this show is like all other chick-flick series. However, The Bold Type includes themes of progressive ideas in areas known as “controversial topics” to some, but in this series, there is an ample amount of situations involving characters having to make ethical decisions that many of us face in our daily lives. Watching the characters navigate these ethical dilemmas in their daily and professional lives gives way to suspense in each episode.

You don’t need to be a feminazi to enjoy the feminist aspects that come with the show, and you don’t have to be a left-wing supporter to appreciate and understand the progressive ideas that each character upholds in this se-

EDITORS: Kristin Silva, Amos Perkins PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR: Bridget Reilly Vol. 84 | No. 11 Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@msutexas.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

DESIGNERS: Brittni Vilandre, Omar Combie BUSINESS MANAGER: Jeri Moore

ISSUE STAFF: Taylor Anderson, Dallas Wabbington, Christian

Evans, Colin Stevenson

ADVISOR: Jonathon Quam

ries. The themes of empowerment The Bold Type gives to people of all walks of life is something that everyone can enjoy from this series.

Number of episodes: Four seasons, 10 episodes per season (excluding season four which has nine episodes) Status: • Ongoing series Where to watch: • Hulu • Freeform • YouTube TV and YouTube • Sling TV • Amazon Prime

Copyright ©2019.

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Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University.

The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

The Weeknd makes the wait WORTH IT

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A

bel Tesfaye, better known by his stage name “The Weeknd,” debuted his new album, After Hours last week. After Hours is The Weeknd’s fourth studio album and his first studio album to drop in four years, with his last studio album to drop being 2016’s Starboy. The Weeknd started production and recording of After Hours in 2018, not hinting the albums possible release until late 2019 with the release of the albums’ first single “Blinding Lights”.

After Hours is a total of 56 minutes and 12 seconds long and conChristian tinues the dark themes that have always been associated with The Evans Weeknd with an overarching theme of relationships. The album has a very melancholic vibe to it with a few tracks that leak subtle glances of euphoria into the album (like the tracks “Scared to Live Again” and “Save Your Tears”).

The album borrows a lot of its futuristic-synthetic sound and beats from the film “Uncut Gems,” a movie that The Weeknd starred in alongside Adam Sandler.

Daniel Lopatin, who also goes by Oneohtrix Point Never, composed the score for “Uncut Gems” and is featured multiple times in the credits for After Hours as either a producer or writer for multiple songs. Some songs where you can clearly hear the “Uncut Gems” influence include, “Hardest To Love,” “Heartless,” “Repeat After Me (Interlude)” and “Until I Bleed Out.” The album starts off with the song “Alone Again” where The Weeknd describes his relationship with fame as being addictive. The song features and begins the very futuristic-synthetic sounding beat that cascades as the track (and album) continue.

The next track “Too Late” expands and blows up the futuristic-synthetic beat into a full-fledge song as The Weeknd sings that it’s “way too late” to save him and his lover’s “souls.”

The fifth song on After Hours, “Snowchild” starts off with a low somber beat that also cascades into a futuristic-synthetic beat as The Weeknd sings about his relationship with his past and how it has brought him to his present future. The next track, “Escape From LA” is one of the deeper and darker songs of After Hours as The Weeknd sings and compares his relationship with a woman to the fast-paced city of Los Angeles, CA. Following “Escape From LA” we have the track “Heartless” which was the second single to be released from After Hours. The Weeknd worked extensively with producer “Metro Boomin” to create the track, which went on to become certified platinum before After Hours was even released.

After the song “Faith,” “Blinding Lights,” which was the second single to be released from the album, serves as a beginning to a three-song stint of jovial beats and rhythms by The Weeknd. “Blinding Lights” has The Weeknd singing of how he is distracted by the blinding lights around him. The song has a very 80s-inspired, electropop, synth beat to it and is very catchy.

The beat and instruments in the track “In Your Eyes” are almost so enjoyably light-hearted and cheerful, (there’s a saxophone playing in a song by The Weeknd?!?) you might even have to check that you’re playing the same album. “Save Your Tears” ends the three-song stint of cheerfulness and “Repeat After Me (Interlude)” serves as the bridge that takes you from the light-hearted songs back to the dark, ominous theme that was present at the beginning of the album, and it takes you directly into the darkest song of the album.

The title track of the album After Hours, by far, earned its name as the longest song on the album and also the third and final single to be released from the album. In this song, The Weeknd returns to a singing style reminiscent of songs from his older albums as he once more sings about heartbreak and the issues that arise with it. The song features high-pitched, distorted vocals with a booming bass to accompany it. The final song on the album “Until I Bleed Out” is essentially an outro where The Weeknd sings he has given all he can, supposedly, to the album and cannot continue any longer.

The album is a masterpiece with not a dull point to be found. On a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best, I give After Hours by The Weeknd a 5.

PHOTO COUTRESY OF THEWEEKND.COM

Cover art for the Weeknd’s new album, After Hours.

4 April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

What I do when there’s nothing to do

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n light of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’ve been following the recommendations of self-isolation. Since doing so, I’ve been trying to find ways to keep myself entertained while being locked up in the house and have resulted in downloading lots of phone games. I wanted to share the most fun, relaxing and entertaining ones I’ve found so far.

KRISTIN SILVA|EDITOR TOON BLAST

For those of you who already play games on your phones, I’m sure you’ve seen many ads for this game already. If you haven’t taken the chance on it yet, I recommend doing so. I’ve completed some 300+ levels so far, and I’m low-key addicted.

• • • •

MATCH 50 BLUE TILES. Clear out all the boxes on the screen.

Collect 20 pearls.

Create two bombs.

T S A L B N TO O

The basis of the game is tapping on matching colors on the board to reach the goal given with a limited number of moves.

The goal could be something like:.

The list could go on and on with different goals it asks you to reach.

If there are a lot of tiles touching each other, you can create different power-up explosions that help you reach the goal given.

Some powerups land side-by-side and allow for megaexplosions.

If the goal isn’t reached within the limit of moves given, you lose a life. Once you are completely out of lives, you have to wait a certain period of time for them to refill before you can play again. There are also competitions

outside of the levels. I won first place in one competition after pulling an all-nighter playing this game and received an ample amount of rewards.

My favorite part about this game is that you can join a team of 50 or less and help each other out by “giving” lives to one another. The team that I’m on is always online and ready to give lives when someone needs help. Giving lives does not mean you are giving up your own life, it’s kind of like a donation.

FISHDOM

This game is very similar to Toon Blast, however, you have to swap “decorations” instead of tapping on tiles to make matches. It gives goals per level, power-up explosions, teams to join, a limit on moves and it has a certain number of lives just like Toon Blast. But the kicker here is that you have aquariums.

In these aquariums, you purchase fish with the coins you receive from completing levels as well as decorate the aquarium. So far, I’ve completed five aquariums — I know that doesn’t seem like a lot, but there is a required number of “beauty points” that are needed in order to receive “beauty stars” to unlock more aquariums.

The different side-tasks that are given outside of the levels are quite entertaining. I’ve had to revamp and remodel a couple’s beach home for coins, decorate aquariums and feed the fish as well as clean their tanks. The exterior competitions and tasks are easy to complete and very rewarding for level play.

This game is fun because it gives your creative side a place to bloom. Each aquarium has its own theme and there are different decoration categories you can purchase from for each aquarium.

Your fish talk to you and argue about how many wins you have, and, in my opinion, it’s very encouraging. Completing levels is how you can unlock different decoration items and fish.

JEWEL SLIDING

This game is nothing like the other two. In

Jewel Sliding, you slide pieces into open slots to create a horizontal row and make it disappear. After each move, another row pops up. At the bottom of the screen, there’s a preview of what the next row will look like.

There are no teams, levels or rewards, but it is very soothing and relaxing. Essentially, you are competing against yourself to beat your own high-

F I S H D OM

score.

As the game progresses, more rows appear at a time and matching pieces to open spaces gets progressively harder.

Special pieces pop-up from time-to-time and allow for more than one row to disappear.

There is also the possibility of the movement of a piece to have multiple rows match up and disappear. The more “combo moves” you attain, the more points are added to your score.

The game is lost when the piece at the highest row touches the top of the box. All the pieces are very colorful, but when the game is over, they fade to gray. After this, you view your stats and are able to start over again. I tend to play Jewel Sliding when I’m feeling anxious because it relaxes me and forces me to focus on something other than what ails me.

Note: I have an iPhone, so some of these games may not be available to Android users.

April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

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hiladelphia born rapper Symere Woods also known by his stage name, Lil Uzi Vert, has done it again with his new space-themed album, Eternal Atake.

Eternal Atake is the second official studio album by Lil Uzi Vert following 2017’s Luv Is Rage 2, which was a Christian Evans commercial success for the rapper.

The album was supposed to drop about a year ago but was continuously delayed due to song leaks according to Lil Uzi Vert’s management. The album was also supposed to drop March 13, but Lil Uzi Vert, in an expletive riddled rant on Twitter, decided to drop the album a week early.

Following the album’s release, Lil Uzi Vert also dropped a short video on YouTube related to the album. Eternal Atake is 18 songs long including two bonus tracks that coincidentally were both released as singles ahead of the album’s release. The album is a total of one hour and two minutes long with only one feature, “Urgency,” which can be found on the track and features an amazing duet with the singer Syd. The album is split into three sections with Lil Uzi Vert taking on a different alter ego in each section and the last section being Lil Uzi Vert himself.

Eternal Atake starts off with the first segment cre-

ated by Lil Uzi Vert’s alter ego, Baby Pluto, who sang/ rapped all six songs. Coincidentally, the first song in this section, which is also the first song on the album, is named “Baby Pluto.” Furthermore, Lil Uzi Vert declares this song to be the greatest song this alter ego has ever created. Baby Pluto kicks off the album with a hyper-aggressive banger, not lacking on the bass as he proceeds to rap in a bragging matter.

Following “Baby Pluto,” we have the song “Lo Mein” which features a smooth production with a euphoric beat that is sure to catch anyone’s head nodding along. Overall, the Baby Pluto segment of the album features a lot of aggressive, cutthroat rapping with Lil Uzi Vert (Baby Pluto) bragging about a variety of things including sexual encounters with women in “POP,” personal wealth in “Lo Mein” and watches in “Silly Watch.”

The second segment of Eternal Atake is created by Lil Uzi Vert’s second alter ego to appear in the album, Renji. Renji is described by Lil Uzi Vert to be the more “sweet” and “nice” side of his personality, which makes sense, as the first track in this segment is titled “I’m Sorry,” and, in essence, serves as an apology song to an ex-girlfriend. Also in this segment of the album is the song “Chrome Heart Tags” which Lil Uzi Vert collaborated with Chief Keef to create. On this song, Lil Uzi Vert laments about the loss of a girl

PHOTO COURTESY WWW.LILUZIOFFICIAL. COM Album cover

and starts to spend a lot of money to cope with her exit. The final track in the section, “Prices,” borrows from the braggadocios theme in the first segment of the album and also features a looping sample from the second half of the Travis Scott song “Way Back.”

The third and final segment of Eternal Atake features Lil Uzi Vert as himself and kicks off with a duet by Uzi and the only feature of the album, Odd Future member Syd, in the song, “Urgency.” Also featured on this segment of the album are the two singles that dropped right before the album’s release, “Futsal Shuffle 2020” and “That Way.” “Futsal Shuffle” is described by Lil Uzi Vert as a dance record and features a lot more bragging with a futuristic dubstep for a beat, while “That Way” features a subtle dreamy chorus and features samples from a Backstreet Boys popular single, “I Want It That Way.” Overall, Lil Uzi Vert delivered just what his fans wanted and more by going as far as to create a concept album. Despite the rhythmic flow, the mastery of the production and word acumen Lil Uzi Vert displays throughout the entirety of Eternal Atake, the album still feels a bit repetitive in terms of the themes of the songs and it feels like Lil Uzi Vert has not made much maturation since 2017’s Luv Is Rage 2. For that reason, I give Eternal Atake a 3.5 out of 5.

5

6 Apirl 1, 2020 Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

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WELCOMETOTHECLASSICS

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8 April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

RESPIRATORY CARE PROGRAM LOANS OUT VENTILATORS AS STUDENTS ARE EAGER TO JOIN THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19 BRIDGET REILLY PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR he MSU Texas Respiratory program had the privilege of receiving new equipment when Centennial Hall finished construction in Fall 2019. Concerned that this new equipment, including two new ventilators, was “sitting idle” in its department, Provost James Johnston and Respiratory Program Chair Jennifer Anderson contacted United Regional officials to offer ventilators and personal protective equipment.

“I was thinking about it for our department [respiratory care] when we couldn’t have classes anymore. We already have these ventilators that we wouldn’t be using and they would be helpful for the hospital so that they could use them if there was a need,” Anderson said.

The respiratory care program also donated N95 masks, surgical masks, isolation gowns and bacterial filters to assist the local health care facility.

Earlier this week Gov. Greg Abbott an-

T

nounced that nursing students who had completed 50% of their simulation studies were granted the opportunity to go into the field and assist with the COVID-19 crisis, despite not taking the exiting exams. Left out, however, were respiratory seniors.

“As respiratory therapists, we are usually the ones controlling the ventilators,” Tanairi Gonzalez, respiratory senior, said. “There is a big need for us because we are a lot less of a population versus nurses. We were wanting to see if the Governor (Greg Abbott) would allow us to participate because essentially we can help with what is going on in the ICU’s just as much as the nurses could do.”

While respiratory therapy majors are feeling left out, the 14 seniors in the program are 100% all-in.

“We want in, put us in; we will go in coach.

Unfortunately, they’re saying we can only do so much right now until something gets passed.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JENNIFER ANDERSON

Director Of Respiratory Services at United Regional Health Care System Darrin French and Department Chair of Respiratory Care Jennifer Anderson stand beside two ventilators and personal protective equipment donated by the respiratory department to United Regional.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY JENNIFER ANDERSON

Director Of Respiratory Services at United Regional Health Care System Darrin French and Biomed Technician Jeff Holdren, load up ventilators loaned by MSU Texas respiratory department.

We can’t do anything so we want them to hear our voices and let us in and let us help the crisis,” Gonzalez said. “This is what you are called to do. It’s the same as if you were a soldier when the time comes, we all need to arise to the situation.”

Behind the scenes, Anderson has been pushing for Gov. Abbott to grant an executive order for respiratory therapy students to begin working for hospitals with COVID-19 patients by sending a letter to the Governor himself.

“I, myself, am a member of the Texas Society of Respiratory Care, and we have been advocating that he [Gov. Greg Abbott] allow respiratory therapists to do the same,” Anderson said.

Gonzalez understands that working with a COVID-19 patient comes with risks, however, she is willing to do anything to help relieve the pressure off of nurses.

“I have kids and my husband is a little bit drawn back on the situation of me going to work. As a health care worker, this is what you

signed up for,” Gonzalez said. “We can do our part, coming to relieve some time for nurses who need to rest, cleaning equipment, gathering supplies or going out to the community and gathering supplies. There are many other things we can do to be on the front lines and help with those situations.”

Anderson is proud of the work MSU Texas respiratory therapy graduates are doing and encourages them to continue fighting in this pandemic.

“The respiratory care department is really proud of all the respiratory therapy graduates [from MSU Texas],” Anderson said. “They are working on the frontlines battling the Coronavirus every day. We are just so proud of them and this was something that we can do to help them and also help the community.

Eager to get out and be on the frontlines, Gonzalez believes that if the respiratory seniors “can help by doing something, then it’s better than doing nothing.”

April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

The City of Wichita Falls announces

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SHELTER IN PLACE FOR WICHITA FALLS

BRIDGET REILLY PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR n an emergency meeting Friday morning, Wichita Falls City Council announced a shelter-in-place ordinance for Wichita Falls that will take effect March 27 at 11:59 p.m. and will last until April 8 at 1 p.m. “unless terminated or modified by a subsequent order.”

Non-compliance will result in a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or up to 180 days in jail.

Under this ordinance, social distancing requirements include: at least a six-foot distance from other individuals, washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as frequently as possible or using hand sanitizer, covering coughs or sneezes (into the sleeve or elbow, not hands), and regularly cleaning hightouch surfaces and not shaking hands.

Listed below are activities and operations that will still be permitted under the shelter in place ordinance. Here is a list of items which may impact MSU Students the most. The following comes directly from the order approved by the Wichita Falls City Council. A complete list can be found at the end of the article.

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ESSENTIAL ACTIVITIES

Supplies and services - groceries and food, including pet supplies and food, supplies needed to work from home, household consumer products, and products necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences.

Outdoor activity - walking, hiking, bicycling, or running, provided individuals comply with social distancing requirements. Prohibited outdoor activity - playground equipment, public picnic tables, public basketball courts and other public sports, and recreational equipment.

To take care of others - caring for a family member or pet in another household.

ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT FUNCTIONS

All services needed to ensure the continuing operation of the government agencies and provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public and all agencies that provide for the health, safety and welfare of the public. The City Manager shall determine its Essential Government Functions and identify employees and/or contractors necessary to perform those functions.

ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES

Health care - caregivers, hospital and laboratory personnel, pharmacy employees, including hospitals, clinics, dentists, pharmacies, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, other healthcare facilities, healthcare suppliers, home healthcare services providers, mental health providers, and related retail sales or any related and/or ancillary healthcare servic-

PHOTO COURTESY CITY OF WICHITA FALLS YOUTUBE Mayor of Wichita Falls Stephen Santellana holds a Special City Council meeting. March 27. es, along with veterinary care.

Stores that sell groceries and other essential supplies - grocery stores, supermarkets, bigbox stores, farmers’ markets, food banks, convenience stores, liquor stores and other establishments engaged in the retail sale of canned food, dry goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, pet supplies, fresh meats, fish, poultry and any other household consumer products (such as cleaning and personal care products).

Social services and charitable organizations - businesses that provide food, shelter, social services and other necessities of life for economically disadvantaged or otherwise needy individuals.

News media - newspapers, television, radio and other news services.Gas stations and businesses needed for transportation - gas stations, auto-manufacturing and assembly, auto mechanics, auto-supply, auto-repair and other related facilities.

Financial institutions - banks and related financial institutions, consumer lenders, sales and finance lenders, credit unions, appraisers, title companies, pawnshops, entities that issue bonds, insurance companies, underwriters, agents, brokers and related insurance claims and agents.

Hardware and supply stores - hardware stores and businesses that sell electrical, plumbing, and other material necessary to support essential businesses, critical infrastructure and essential government functions.

Critical trades - plumbers, electricians, ex-

terminators, pool cleaners and other service providers who provide services that are necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and essential operation of residences’ essential activities.

Mail and delivery services - businesses providing mailing and shipping services including post office boxes.

Laundry services - laundromats, dry cleaners and laundry service providers.

Restaurants for consumption off-premises - restaurants and other facilities that prepare and serve food or alcohol, but only for delivery, drive-through or carry out. All individuals who obtain food or beverages from these establishments are required to leave the premises of said establishment within five minutes of receiving their food or beverage.

Supplies to work from home - businesses that supply products needed for people to work from home.

Food delivery services - businesses that ship or deliver groceries, food, goods or services directly to residents.

Transportation - aircraft, taxis, and other private transportation providers (such as Uber and Lyft) that provide transportation services necessary for the performance of essential activities, essential businesses, critical infrastructure, essential government functions or essential travel.

Home-based care and services - home-based care for seniors, adults or children including caregivers who may travel to provide care.

Residential facilities and shelters - residential facilities and shelters for seniors, adults, children and animals Professional services - professional services, such as legal or accounting services, and insurance services when necessary to assist in compliance with legally mandated activities or to further essential businesses, essential government functions or critical infrastructure.

Lawn maintenance services - essential lawn maintenance services are limited to the mowing of weeds and grass and to the emergency removal of trees and limbs that pose a health and safety hazard.

Educational institutions - educational institutions-including public and private K-12 schools, colleges, and universities for purposes of facilitating distance learning, performing critical research, or performing other essential functions, provided that social distancing of six-feet per person is maintained to the greatest extent possible.

Childcare facilities - must operate under the following mandatory conditions: 1. Childcare must be carried out in stable groups of 10 or fewer (“stable” means that the same 10 or fewer children are in the same group each day).

2. Children shall not change from one group to another.

If more than one group of children is cared for at one facility, each group shall be in a separate room.

3. Groups shall not mix with each others.

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL

Individuals engaged in any essential travel must comply with all social distancing requirements: 1. Any travel related to the provision of or access to essential activities, essential governmental functions, essential businesses, critical infrastructure or minimum basic operations.

2. Travel to care for elderly, minors, dependents, persons with disabilities or other vulnerable persons.

3. Travel to or from educational institutions for purposes of receiving materials for distance learning, for receiving meals or any other related services.

4. Travel to retain from or to a place of residence from outside the jurisdiction (e.g., returning home from a closing university).

5. Travel required by law enforcement or court order.

6. Travel by church staff/clergy for the purpose of producing of remote delivery of religious services or other ministries requiring travel.

7. Travel required for non-residents to return to their place of residence outside the city.

10 April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

CARES Act provides economic relief amidst COVID-19 pandemic

PHOTO COURTESY OF GAGE SKIDMORE President Donald Trump speaking with supporters at a campaign rally at International Air Response Hangar at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Mesa, Arizona. Oct. 19.

AMOS PERKINS MANAGING EDITOR riday, March 27 President Donald Trump signed a $2 trillion dollar coronavirus economic relief bill that sends direct payments to Americans and hopes to curb the economic downturn.

“I signed the single biggest economic relief package in American history. This will deliver urgently needed relief to our nation’s families, workers and businesses, and that’s what this is all about,” Trump said.

Thomas Massie, Kentucky representative, caught national backlash from both parties as well as President Trump when he attempted to stall the passage of the bill. His call for a “yes” and “no” vote was denied as it would have forced the members of congress to come closer together and potentially risk spreading COVID-19. Proponents of the bill also said Masse would have delayed millions of Americans from

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receiving their payments.

“Are they afraid of the truth? I’ve been told that they don’t even have 1 minute available for me to speak against this bill during the 4 hour debate. The fix is in. If this bill is so great for America, why not allow a vote on it? Why not have a real debate?” Massie wrote afterwards on twitter.

Single adults, who are not listed as anyone’s dependent, with Social Security numbers who are US residents and have an annual income of $75,000 and married couples who have a combined income of $150,000 or less will receive $1,200 each. Households will receive an additional $500 for every child under 17 years old.

For students, the direct payment mostly affects upperclassmen as many freshmen and sophomores are still listed as dependents of their parents. However, the bill affects all student’s job security and potential pay.

The bill recently signed into law greatly

expanded unemployment benefits. Those who qualify will now be awarded whatever their state normally pays for unemployment plus an additional $600 every week. If you lost your job or had your hours severely cut, you can file for unemployment and should do so as soon as possible for the best chance at receiving full benefits. The bill also created the temporary Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program through the end of this year to help people who are self-employed and wouldn’t usually be able to file for unemployment.

“Congress must show the same courage, same resilience and same strength … to put families and workers first,” Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, said.

The bill also rewards companies who don’t fire their employees, increasing job security even in college students. An estimated $50 billion dollars will be provided to companies that retain employees on payroll and cover 50% of

workers’ paychecks.

Small businesses that have been hit hardest

by COVID-19 will receive $377 billion in federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. The government has also established a $500 billion government lending program for distressed companies reeling from the virus. Additionally, $1oo billion dollars will be sent to hospitals who are fighting the virus on the front lines.

“What the Congress cannot do is implement these well-constructed programs, so now it’s up to President Trump to execute them quickly, effectively, and in the manner in which they were drafted—to help the American people,” Chuck Schumer, senate minority leader, said. “We ensured that the federal government has the resources and tools they need to make it happen, and we will be watching President Trump minute by minute to make sure he and his administration do it right.”

April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

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Nursing students’ course requirements change amid COVID-19 pandemic

PHOTO BY FRANCISCO MARTINEZ | COURTESY OF MNG MEDIA YOUTUBE PAGE. Second semester nursing majors in the class, Basics, taught by Ronald Crone, BSN nurse educator, in the Simulation Center, learn how to put an IV in their patient and control the fluid amount that goes through the tube, Nov. 19, 2015. | Nursing students attend Code Day. Dec. 12, 2018.

KRISTIN SILVA “I don’t think that [this change] will mean CHIEF EDITOR that [students] are any less prepared at all,” ith the increased caution amid the Lockhart said. “I think the biggest change for COVID-19 pandemic, Gov. Greg Abbott them will be they’re feeling that uncertainty. issued an executive order to waive They’re feeling the uncertainty of the new forto allow students in their final year of nurs- mat because they’ve not been doing over 50% ing school to meet their clinical objectives by virtual. Although we’ve been doing some virexceeding the 50% limit on simulated experi- tual simulation type of clinicals, [the change is] ences. Following this order, Midwestern State going to increase their anxiety a little bit, but University President Suzanne Shipley sent a I don’t think it’ll affect their overall ability to Postmaster to students, faculty and staff on graduate or their ability to get jobs and move March 23 to announce the continuation of on- into the practice.” line learning for the remainder of the semester.

Lockhart teaches the final nursing class reAccording to Robin Lockhart, quired at MSU, and there aren’t interim nursing chair and assismany options in order for stutant professor, students previously dents to meet the requirements had a cap of 50% of their clinical needed for graduation other hours being virtual but, due to than virtual simulations. the international crisis and Ab“Our clinical agencies are not bott’s efforts to expand the nursing allowing us to bring students,” workforce, limitations have been Lockhart said. “The students changed for certain students. graduating in May have already “It’s specifically because of COfinished half of their clinicals, VID-19,” Lockhart said. “Before COso they have already done half VID-19, the Board of Nursing [conof their face-to-face clinicals. In ducted] a huge, national research fact, we’re only missing three study, and the Board of Nursing 12-hour shifts. Each one of them had reviewed that and set the cap would have only had [those] ROBIN LOCKHART of up to 50% of the clinicals to be shifts left in their program. [For INTERIM NURSING CHAIR done through some form of simuthem], we’re just changing those lation. The governor has now encouraged the shifts into virtual [ones]. I don’t think that’s goboard to allow over 50% for any students who ing to affect anything as far as their preparedare completing their last year.” ness and preparation are concerned.”

Lockhart said this change makes no differAdditionally, new opportunities are in line ence in the preparedness of students in the con- for students who are completing clinical hours tinuation of their education and advancement virtually. into their careers.

“The opportunities are actually more robust

W

“I don’t think that [this change] will mean that [students] are any less prepared at all,

because we can direct them to problems that preparedness once going into the workforce. are more relevant right now,” she said. “For “The amount of virtual hours we’re allowed example, COVID-19 and some of the issues they to have has been increased by the governor,” are dealing within health care. We can give Davis said. “Hands-on clinicals are the best way them a learning activity by virtual simulation to practice skills, but the faculty are preparing about that exact scenario.”

Although students have expressed some ways to ensure we [are] still learning what’s anxieties about these changes to Lockhart, she needed. I wouldn’t be surprised if those assignsaid she hasn’t experienced any student not ments relate to COVID-19. I don’t think it will wanting to complete the requirements virtually affect my preparedness since you still receive and would rather complete them face-to-face. training before you begin [the] practice.”

“I haven’t heard from any who have specifiDavis was an on-campus resically stated that [they wanted to dent, but when the World Health complete their hours face-toOrganization declared the outface],” Lockhart said. “Early on, before we actually went on spring break a pandemic, he gathered break, there were some who were his belongings. saying, ‘We’re moving into the “I went ahead and guessed profession, we’d like to go ahead things were about to change,” and continue to do face-to-face Davis said. “I live on campus, so I so that we can get the real-life took all the stuff I would want to experience.’ What has happened since that time—I haven’t had have with me before spring break any say that they want to go into just in case we weren’t allowed the health care field right now. I back into the residence halls.” think a lot of it has to do with the As a planned May graduate, shortages of the PPE (personal Davis said commencement being protection equipment). There’ve pushed back makes graduating been huge shortages nationJALEN DAVIS wide.” college is not what she thought it NURSING SENIOR Lockhart said the students are would be. expressing concern about how “It’s bittersweet,” Davis said. the assignments will be as opposed to a concern “I am graduating in May so not having comof preparedness and not being able to complete mencement definitely changes the experience their clinicals face-to-face.

Jalen Davis, nursing senior, said he doesn’t of graduating college, but I’m also excited to think virtual simulation clinicals will affect his complete my degree.”

“Hands-on clinicals are the best way to practice skills, but the faculty are preparing ways to ensure we [are] still learning”

12 April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

Te x a s Roadhouse provides different food options a m i d t h e pa n d e m i c

KRISTIN SILVA CHIEF EDITOR Texas Roadhouse has initiated a new form of food selling to its market as a means of contributing to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Natalie Fruend, Texas Roadhouse server and criminal justice junior, said the company has changed to a technical grocer.

“We’re selling raw meat and we also have Family [Packs] and a Survival [Pack],” Fruend said.

Dalton Klasse, service manager, said the Family Pack includes a variety of cooked items.

“So we have the Critters, the ribs, pulled pork, the sirloin packages — two 8oz and two 6oz sirloins; we cook them to medium by default on that, [but] we can do it on request to a different temp. It comes with a half pan of salad — you can do a normal house salad or a Cesar salad and get any dressing you’d like on there — and then you get four sides with your choice of mashed potatoes, corn, chili, french fries and green beans,”

Klasse said. “It’s a pretty cool deal, and we’re doing that for $49.99 to feed a family of four.

I think it’s a pretty good thing going on right now.”

The Survival Pack includes the same things except for it’s uncooked with a couple of additional items.

“The Survival Pack is essentially the same thing except we have a loaf of bread that goes with it [along with] a pound Texas Roadhouse on Lawrence Road. March 31. of butter, and the steaks come going around and taking it all up. [This pack] is raw so you can cook them at home,” Klasse said. the same price.”

“We throw our sirloin seasoning in there so you If that amount of food is too high, Texas can have the taste of Texas Roadhouse. The rolls Roadhouse is also selling raw steaks. come frozen and it has directions on there that “You can call ahead and give us about an teach you how to cook them, make them and hour to get them all put together in a pan then everything like that. You also get a roll of toilet you can come to pick them up,” Klasse said. “You paper, because you know how everyone has been can have them vacuum-sealed by request so you can take them home and freeze them. They’re all half-price right now. We are selling some ground meat right now, and those are $5 per pound. It’s pretty tough on ground beef; I went to Sam’s the other day and they were wanting $9-10 per pound.”

Klasse said Texas Roadhouse’s whole menu is still available except for a couple of items.

“The only thing we don’t have, unfortunately, is prime rib,” Klasse said. “So we can’t do the prime rib and we can’t do the portabella chicken because we’re having trouble getting the portabella mushrooms in. Everything else is full-service just as if we were dining in.

We’ll bring it out to your car, make sure everybody’s wearing their gloves and keeping a safe distance trying to do the best we can to make sure nobody is getting sick.”

Texas Roadhouse offers a variety of different ways to order cooked or uncooked meals.

“You can either call ahead and call-in your order, you can order online or you can pullup and we have a makeshift drive-thru setup or just curbside to-go setup,” Fruend said. “If you’re ordering raw steaks, you have to call PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN ahead.”

Texas Roadhouse waitress Katie Palmore and waitor DaMarcus Wilson play kickball 6 feet apart to According to Fruend, the number of servpass the time in between to-go orders. March 31. ers on-the-clock at a time has been cut be-

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

cause of the pandemic.

“Usually, [there are] around 10-16 [are on staff at a time] depending on the day and depending on how busy we’re expecting to be,” she said.

“Regularly, whenever we were a full restaurant, we had up to 30 servers and to-go, and that’s not including kitchen staff.”

While this is a trying time for most restaurants, Fruend said Texas Roadhouse has done its best to ensure employment for its employees.

“It’s really nice. I know people who are unemployed right now because they’re servers, but Roadhouse does a good job to take care of us as servers and has made it their priority to make sure we are able to pay our bills and take care of [ourselves] while they take care of us,” Fruend said.

Klasse said that while safety measures are being taken, they still want to try to have fun while at work.

“We have some little games out here, but it’s kind of tough to play games when everybody has to sit six feet apart,” Klasse said. “We do the best that we can. Luckily, we have a lot of our Roadies come up here who will drop off some food throughout the day for everybody.”

Texas Roadhouse is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day of the week.

According to the Wichita Falls City’s shelterin-place ordinance, restaurants are allowed to remain open as essential businesses as long as there is a drive-through method of ordering and picking up food/beverages, delivery methods are provided or curbside service is offered. In all scenarios of how food/beverages are ordered, customers must leave within five minutes of receiving their purchase(s).

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How to get your spor ts fill during quarantine AMOS PERKINS MANAGING EDITOR If you’re a fan of all-things sports like me, COVID-19 shutting down, or at least postponing, most professional leagues has left a sports-sized hole in your heart. Fear not. While live sports may be sparse, there are plenty of TV shows, movies and video games to fill that gap.

Below, I’ve listed various ways you can enjoy different sports while under quarantine. If you don’t see your favorite sport here, there’s a great chance that ESPN, ESPN2 or ESPN+ has something for you.

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Denzel Washington and Will Patton in Remember the Titans (2010)

FOOTBALL The NFL has made NFL League Pass free through May 31, and it’s a great way to gear up for the draft, relive classic games and watch some of the best football analysts on TV. Football is the king of sports movies, at least in the states, as there is no other sport portrayed so intensely on the big screen.

Some of the greats include emotional feel-goods like “The Blind Side” and “Rudy,” to comedies such as “Waterboy,” Keanu Reeve’s “The Replacements” and “The Longest Yard” (the 1974 version not the one with Adam Sandler), and more dramatic films like “We are Martial” and “Varsity Blues.”

My personal favorite movie of all time, and by default my favorite football movie of all time, is “Remember the Titans.”

It’s so great because it can be watched in two ways. First, you can watch it all the way through and enjoy the inspiring moments and important moral themes of the film. Second, (only to be done after you’ve already seen it all the way through) is to skip through the in-between scenes and just watch the football games. For scripted action, they are incredibly entertaining and impressive.

Unlike almost every other sport, there is zero shortage of football television series. There’s “Friday Night Lights,” which is considered to better than most sports movies including its namesake, “Blue Mountain State,” for those that want to watch one of the funniest, albeit raunchiest, comedies in history, and there’s “Hard Knocks” and “Last Chance U” for those that want real action.

Unfortunately, “Madden” is pretty much the only football game on the market. However, if you happen to still have an Xbox 360, I highly recommend getting an old “EA NCAA” game instead. It’s from a time where EA’s only goal wasn’t to steal your money.

BASKETBALL The NBA has made NBA League Pass free through April 22nd, so that fans can get their fill of basketball while the season is on hold. This means you can watch hardwood classics, replays of the best games of the season, in-depth analysis and specials for approximately a month.

If you’re looking for a bit more drama, basketball has one of the biggest repertoires of movies out there. From serious classics like “Hoosiers” and “Coach Carter,” to comedies like “White Men Can’t Jump” and “Semi-Pro,” to romances like “Love and Basketball,” there’s a hoops movie for everyone.

A guilty-pleasure, basketball favorite of mine is “Uncle Drew,” which stars basketball legends Kyrie Irving, Shaq, Reggie Miller, Chris Webber, Nate Robinson and Lisa Leslie. While it’s certainly never going to win any awards, the comedy hits and Shaq’s comedic timing earns him redemption from starring in “Kazaam.” Plus, many of the streetball moves are genuinely impressive.

When it comes to American television, there is a serious shortage of shows where basketball is the sole focus, but there are several Japanese basketball anime out there that any hoops fan should watch, regardless if they typically like or watch anime. “Slam Dunk” is a 90s anime that follows delinquent Hanamichi Sakuragi as he falls in love with basketball, and it is one of the most realistic sports anime to date. For someone looking for a lot less realism, “The Basketball Which Kuroko Plays” is full of free-throw line dunks, full-court shots and last-second buzzer-beaters. If you just can’t get into anime, then I guess you can always re-watch the basketball episode of “The Office” on repeat.

Finally, as any hoops fan knows “NBA2K” is as great a source of basketball as the NBA itself. If you don’t have the money to buy “NBA2k20,” buy one of the earlier versions of the game series. They’re significantly cheaper, and, honestly, some of them are better than the newest iteration. All of them are better than NBA Live.

to have a serious nostalgia-attack watch “The Sandlot.”

Unfortunately, there are very few softball and women’s baseball movies and shows out there, but “A League of Their Own” is one of the few, and it happens to be amazing. Starring Madonna and Tom Hanks, preserved by the National Film Registry, this tells a fictionalized account of the real All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. It’s charming, and its cast is a joy to watch regardless of gender.

Much like basketball, there are very few American baseball TV series that have hit off or even existed. “Eastbound and Down” is a great show that follows a brash former major league

PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Tom Hanks and Madonna star in “A League of Their Own” (1992). player as he is forced to teach P.E. at his old middle school. If the politically incorrect humor in shows like “The Office” offend you, this probably isn’t the one for you. In which case, I would once again turn you to Japanese animation. My personal favorite baseball anime (out of the literal dozens) is “Ace of Diamond” which follows the prestigious Seido High School baseball team and is a surprisingly realistic take on high school sports.

The best baseball (and sports) video game on the market right now is “The Show,” which, unfortunately, is only available for PlayStation. The older versions hold their weight and can be bought for cheap. For Xbox players, the best option is the notnearly-as-good, but infinitely cheaper “R.B.I. Baseball” series.

OTHER SPORTS

PHOT O COURTESY OF IMDB.COM

Kyrie Irving in Uncle Drew (2018).

BASEBALL MLBTV is temporarily opening their 2018 and 2019 archives for baseball fans, and various sports networks show past games and specials throughout the day.

Baseball is another sport not lacking in movies. If you’re looking for something serious watch “42” with the amazingly talented Chadwick Boseman playing Jackie Robinson; if you want something to make you cry, watch “Field of Dreams,” watch “Major League” if you want to crack up, and if you want

There are a lot of other sports out there that didn’t have enough movies, shows or games of quality to write about. “The Miracle Season” is a campy but fun and inspiring volleyball movie that also deals with personal loss. The hockey film “Miracle,” based on the 1980s US Olympic team, is one of the all-time most inspirational movies of all time, and EA’s “NHL” game series is plenty of fun.

Boxing is littered with great films such as any of the first four “Rocky” movies and “Creed,” but there aren’t many great boxing TV shows or games. “AO International Tennis” is a great game for fans of tennis and fans of sports in general. “The Golf Club 2019” is a surprisingly entertaining golf game for any golf fan tired of watching “Happy Gilmore.” Soccer, despite its universal adoration, is also severely lacking in quality moves and shows, but the “FIFA” series can keep any soccer fan entertained throughout quarantine Stay sane sports fans.

14 April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

LOCKER ROOM TALK TAYLOR ANDERSON SPORTS EDITOR Emilija “Emma” Segetlija, finance senior, was born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia. Segetlija started playing tennis when she was nine-years-old and officially decided in high school that she wanted to continue her career at the collegiate level.

“I started to take it more seriously and get ready because I know I want to come to the U.S. and continue the sport I loved,” Segetlija said.

Like many international athletes, Segetlija moved to the United States to have the opportunity to play tennis in college.

“All internationals want to play the sport that they love and actually enjoy it for four more years while competing. It’s experiencing something new. It’s different,” Segetlija said.

While Segetlija’s senior year was cut short due to COVID-19, she is still able to take away good memories and lessons that she learned during her time wearing the Mustang jersey.

“It feels like I gained another family. Another home away from home,” Segetlija said.

Over 5,000 miles away from her family, Segetlija looked to her team as more than just teammates, but as family.

“We all work together to achieve our goal. One can’t do it by themselves. It needs to be a group effort, that’s what makes it more enjoyable. Fighting for something greater than just you,” Segetlija said.

Segetlija gives credit to Head Coach Scott Lin for coaching the team on the court, but also in life.

“Our coach is a really good coach. He knows what he is doing and he knows whatever he does on the court, he can apply in life.

We are learning important life lessons while we are learning about the sport,” Segetlija said.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Finance senior Emilija Segetlija takes a break mid-warm up to appreciate her teammates cheers. March 6.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Finance senior Emilija Segetlija throws the ball up in the air to serve to Colorado State, Pueblo. March 6.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Finance senior Emilija Segetlija gets set to receive a serve from Cowley County Community College. Feb. 7.

April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

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15

ince the NCAA shut down the remaining spring sports seasons, athletes from eight different winter and spring sports have hung up their Mustangs uniforms for the year. While we mourn for the senior ‘Stangs whose last seasons were cut short, we celebrate their accomplishments and look hopefully to the underclassmen to bounce back next year stronger than ever.

AMOS PERKINS|MANAGING EDITOR Softball (3-19)

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN Psychology sophomore and pitcher Mattye Tyler forces a strike for a UT Tyler player.

March 8.

The softball team finished the shortened season with a 7-5 win over #2 University of Tyler, but finished with a 3-19 record, including 1-5 in conference play.

Lauren Lindgren (No. 6), outfielder and special education senior, led the team in hits with 28, RBI’s with 16 and was second on the team with a batting percentage of .394. She also hit the game winning home run in the final game of the season. Bailey Brenek (No. 16), utility player and education freshman, served as the team’s cleanup hitter and led the team in home runs with four on a teamhigh .621 slugging percentage.

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON| THE WICHITAN Markeiing senior Ashley Ramirez jumps for an overhead shot in her singles match. March 6.

Women’s Tennis (8-4)

The women’s tennis team finished the season ranked 15th and posted an 8-4 overall record that included two separate three-game winning streaks.

Ashley Ramirez, marketing senior, Emilija Segetlija, finance senior, and Emilija Visic, pre-med freshman, each had nine singles victories for a team that went 51-20 in singles matches. The team was 25-11 in doubles matches, bolstered by the strong tandem of Casie Curry, kinesiology sophomore, and Lea Cizeron, global studies senior. Curry and Cizeron posted a 9-2 record and were on a five game winning streak to close the season.

Ramirez, Segetlija, Cizeron and Juliette Mary, undecided senior, each had their final season as a member of the tennis team cut short. They were scheduled to face 14 more opponents before the postseason.

Track

Jacey Henry (No. 22), pitcher and elementary education junior, served as the team’s ace and posted a 1-8 record in 58 innings pitched. Her 6.52 earned runs average, 1.97 walks and hits per inning pitched, 32 strikeouts and 30 walks were all best on the team.

There were 26 games remaining on the schedule, not counting postseason, when the NCAA cancelled the spring athletic season due to COVID-19 concerns. Lindgren, Jessica Clark (No. 8), utility player and economics senior, and Kelsey Eropkin (No. 15), outfielder and psychology senior, all had their final game in a Mustangs uniform come early.

The women on the track team were able to finish out their indoor track season, finishing 8th in the Lone Star Conference Indoor Championship.

Gemma Gonzalez, nursing senior, earned third team Lone Star Conference indoor track honors, and recorded a personal best 800 meter time of 2:19.67. Amerhyst Woolf, nursing junior, earned second team Lone Star Conference indoor track honors and won silver at the 5,000

Men’s Tennis (8-7)

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY| THE WICHITAN Junior Alberto Diaz waits for mechanical engineering sophomore Quentin Scharfenberg to serve to Metro State University. March 5.

meters at the indoor track championships. Elizabeth Butzke, education, and Taylor Carr, sports and leisure studies, were two freshmen that stood out as they both grabbed third team Lone Star Conference honors.

The track team was scheduled to compete in the Wes Kittley Invitational in Abilene, Tx March 19 through March 21 before the Lone Star Conference suspended further contests. The Mustangs had five seniors who were unable to compete in their final collegiate outdoor track season.

The men’s tennis team bounced back from a five-game losing streak to win the final four games of the shortened season and finish with a record of 8-7.

Alexandre Crepy, general business freshman, Alberto Diaz, junior, Abhiram Venkatachalam, psychology sophomore, and Brice Bradshaw, general business freshman, each won eight singles matches for a men’s team that went 52-30 in matches. The men’s team won the doubles point seven times and used eleven different doubles teams. Diaz and Bradshaw formed a late season tandem and won all four of their doubles matches together, Angel Palacios, business management senior, was the lone senior on the team that had his last season cut short. He finished his lat season 7-5 in singles matches and 10-4 in doubles matches.

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY| THE WICHITAN Nursing junior Amerhyst Woolf has her eyes set on overtaking an Oklahoma Christian University athlete in the mile.

Feb. 22.

April 1, 2020 | Wichi Suggestion | Media | Campus Voices | Media | Activities | News | Locker Room Talk | Sports

16 Men’s Golf

The men’s golf team was able to finish two spring invitationals in the spring golf season, finishing 5th in the Jack Brown Invitational and 8th in the St. Mary’s Invitational.

Garrett Leek, 2019’s freshman of the year and undecided sophomore, had a strong campaign including his first career ace at the St. Edwards Fall Semester. Tyler Kenyon, economic freshman, was a first-year standout for the Mustangs and recorded the third lowest average score on the team.

Former Lone Star Conference player of the year Jake Doggett, management junior, continued to cement his place among the great golfers in school history as he recorded a top-10 finish in five of the seven competitions. Doggett posted the lowest season scoring average in Mustangs history (minimum of 12 rounds) with an average score of 71.20, and his 93.3% finishing percentage tied for first all-time.

All members of the men’s golf team will have another chance next year to finish out a complete season.

Men’s Basketball (8-21)

PHOTO BY COLIN STEVENSON| THE WICHITAN Mass communication senior and guard Elijah Lee lunges for a lay-up with pressure from a UAFS player. Feb. 20.

After starting the season 4-19, the men’s team finished the season strong, going 4-1 in their last five regular season games and earning a spot in the Lone Star Conference Tournament. The highlight of the ‘Stangs’ season was the 69-68 victory over West Texas A&M which secured them the postseason spot.

D’monta Harris (No. 13), guard and applied arts and sciences senior, lead the team on the offensive side, averaging a team-leading 16.1 points-per-game, six rebounds-per-game and 78 made 3-pointers. Along with averaging 14.2 points-per-game of his own, Darius Thompson (No. 3), guard and mass communication senior, recorded team-high totals of 29 steals and 20 blocks on the defensive side of the ball. Evan McCarthy (No. 23), guard and undecided freshman, was a standout newcomer for the team, averaging six pointsper-game in just under 17 minutes-per-game.

In its first season under the leadership of head coach Justin Leslie, the team changed its offensive style to be more aggressive from beyond the 3-point line. The Mustangs shot 159 more 3-pointers than the year before despite taking less shots overall. Harris headlined the 3-point revolution by making the 13th most 3-pointers in a season and attempting the sixth most 3-pointers in a season in Mustangs history. Trae Jones (No. 2), guard and business sophomore, now stands at 15th in 3-pointers attempted with 301. He has made .332 of those shots.

Due to their impressive seasons, Harris was selected to the All-Conference Third Team, and Thompson was selected as an honorable mention.

Women’s Basketball (11-16)

In an emotional season in which head coach Noel Johnson had to step away to battle ovarian cancer, the women’s team went 11-16 overall and 8-7 at home in the Dome. One highlight of the season was the Mustangs’ 84-77 second-half comeback over Cameron University in the first Red River Rivalry game.

Mica Schneider (No. 4), guard and business finance senior, came on strong in the last half of the season and averaged a team-high 12.6 points-per-game and 3.7 assists-per-game to go along with her 53 3-pointers. Hannah Reynolds (No. 11), forward and health science junior, lead the defensive effort in the paint, averaging a teambest 1.4 blocks-per-game. A freshman standout on the team was Mandy Withey (No. 23), forward and elementary education freshman, who put up 3.1 points-per-game, three rebounds-per-game and .6 blocks-per-game in just under nine minutes-per-game.

A couple of Mustangs moved up the career records books this season. Schneider’s career 105 3-pointers made ranks 13th and her 256 attempts ranks 11th. Reynolds continued to set the blocks leaderboard on fire, finishing the season within five blocks of becoming the new career blocks leader. She also had her third season in which she finished in the top-15 for blocks-per-game in a season. Elizabeth Cathcart (No. 43), forward and marketing senior, finished her career ninth in blocks-per-game with .4, tied for 14th in offensive rebounds-per-game with 1.5 and 12th in free throw percentage with .725%.

Due to their outstanding performances, Cathcart was selected to the All-Conference Second Team, and Schneider was selected to the All-Conference Third Team.

Women’s Golf

PHOTO BY BRIDGET REILLY| THE WICHITAN Marketing senior Elizabeth Cathcart goes for a lay-up against a UT Tyler defender to score a point. Feb. 15.

The women’s golf team had a strong season, finishing fifth or higher in all of their competitions, including a first place showing Fort Lewis Skyhawk Intercollegiate contest.

Anna Kittelson, undecided sophomore, played part of her final season for the Mustangs before accepting a Division I offer to golf for the University of Delaware. She golfed nine rounds for the Mustangs this season and finished with a team-best average score of 73.6. Megan Brown, business management freshman, made a name for herself with a 71.7% finishing percentage, and she finished under par or better twice.

Juanita Gomez, junior, finished the season second in average score and recorded the Mustangs’ sole individual win at the Fort Lewis Intercollegiate. She also recorded the lowest all-time average score (minimum 12 rounds) for a season with a score of 74.80.

Lexi Read, marketing senior, had her final season as a Mustang cut short due to the NCAA’s cancellation of spring sports.