MUSTANGS KICK OFF NEW YEAR
SGA President, page 3
MSU balances $9.8 million budget deficit
GEORGE SVOBODA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Entering her second year as MSU’s president, Stacia Haynie says she intends to build off the foundation her administration laid last year.
Haynie inherited a sizable budget deficit when she took office in August 2023. Haynie says a $9.8 million deficit would have rolled into the 2024-2025 fiscal year had her administration not taken action.
“So that was an incredible effort on the part of the campus, and a remarkable one to make the hard choices, but to right that ship. So- so yes, we are in a much better place in terms of the financial stewardship of MSU,” Haynie said.
Haynie emphasized that her administration could not have accomplished balancing the
deficit without collaboration across MSU. One of the primary strategies MSU used was eliminating vacant positions around campus.
“And I do not want to minimize how difficult those choices were and how hard it was for this campus to actually make those strategic choices and investments to ensure that we’re in a really strong place now,” Haynie said.
Beyond cutting vacant positions, Haynie addressed inaccurate enrollment and retention projections. Haynie said enrollment and retention estimates in previous years were more optimistic than achieved.
“So you create a deficit when you are not, on an annual basis, meeting your enrollment goals or your retention goals. So we were able to do that and, in fact, exceed the enrollment projections,” Haynie said.
second floor of the Bridwell Activity Center. The military education office will support service members and their dependents through their higher education.
MSU is working with philanthropic partners and the city of Wichita Falls to create the military education office.
“The Bridwell Foundation will be providing $2 million of the $4 million to expand the second floor of the Bridwell Activity Center for this initiative, and then the city has also provided from our two local economic development boards for the other $2 million,” Haynie said.
4. Party, April 26.
Last academic year, MSU also closed the Vinson Health Center, the testing center and the print shop, eliminating 10 university jobs in a cost-cutting measure. The university also consolidated and removed custodial positions in a cost-cutting measure last spring.
During 2023’s Mustangs Roundup week, Haynie told the incoming class of 2027 that if MSU sets a new retention record between the 2023-2024 and the 2024-2025 academic years, she will jump into Bolin Fountain. While retention exceeded MSU’s expectations, Haynie said it did not meet the fountain goal.
“Maybe a toe will get dipped in. But we have work to do on retention and we know that that will be one of our major initiatives over the course of this year.
To really untangle the challenges of our students in their success,” Haynie said.
Although, as of Sept. 5, it is too soon to know the exact number of incoming students, Haynie says there is a 15% increase in enrollment between academic years.
When it comes to improving retention and recruitment, one of MSU’s projects is opening a military education office on the
Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704
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Haynie says the university intends to offer scholarships for active military members and families, closing the gap between military tuition assistance and MSU’s cost of attendance and
“In addition, we have had philanthropic support from the McCoy Foundation, from the Bryan Edwards Foundation, from the Fain Foundation, and some other individual donors who have provided of $750,000 in support for scholarships,” Haynie said.
MSU broke ground on its Flower Mound Student Learning Center in December 2016, later opening in January 2018. The SLC’s lease will expire in 2028.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Flower Mound SLC pivoted to distance learning only. Since then, the SLC has been costly for MSU.
“We continue to educate individuals in the Flower Mound area through our online programming. That has not shifted. But occupying a building and staffing a building was not necessary for us to be able to deliver
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a quality education to those students who are interested in our online programs,” Haynie said.
To dull the impact on the overall budget from the Flower Mound SLC, MSU is using a fund balance Haynie says is enough to cover the lease until 2028 without making permanent budget adjustments. As a result of balancing the deficit, Haynie says important positions impacted by resignations through campus can be filled once again.
“If there’s a vacancy, it’s because that is a position that has been determined important for the campus, and those searches will be put in place assuming that the chair and the dean and the provost are supportive,” Haynie said
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Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration of Midwestern State University.
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PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN President Haynie works in her office, Sept. 4.
PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN President Haynie is entering her second year as MSU's president, Sept.
New SGA president discusses fall plans
MADISYN BUTLER REPORTER
Student Government Association Presi-
dent Vincent Peter’s focus for this year is giving more support to students and organizations on campus.
“This is what I’m going to be focusing on throughout the broader rest of campus, how can I help the other organizations and support them as best as I can in terms of getting things done,” Peter said. “I know that we have the largest incoming class since 2019 and that number is steadily increasing from what I last heard, so again, it’s a lot of students. They’re enthusiastic. They want to do certain things and we’re just going to try our very best to help support as best we can.”
Peter says he plans on listening to students' needs and the SGA executive team plans to have a form available where students are able to submit their ideas and opinions.
“You’re here to advocate, but you can’t advocate if you’re not listening to what needs to be advocated for,” Peter said.
Peter encourages every organization on campus to register its senator for senate meetings. He and his team talked with every group at the organization fair to reaffirm their desire for organizations to have a voice in the meetings.
“It's making sure that organizations know that they have a voice and getting them to have
that person fill that position, so their voice can be heard,” Peter said. “And then an effective senator will be bringing that information back and forth between the organizations.”
Peter wants to continue to represent the best of MSU at the Texas Tech Regent meetings. After attending his first one in May, Peter knows how he wants MSU to be known.
“I want us to be known for our pillars that we have here. When I present or when I go to those meetings, they see what MSU is. Cause again, yes, I’m the physical person there, but a lot of times I’m reporting on what we as a student body are doing to make a difference,” Peter said, continuing, “So it’s always good to just be able to show them, ‘hey we’re living up to our standards. We’re visionaries. We’re a community. We’re building connections. We have integrity.’ So it’s always about, for me, most importantly saying hey, we deserve to be here. We’re part of this and we’re living up to that expectation that we have.”
With four new organizations being established, Peter advocates for the possibility of more.
“I think that the sky’s the limit and if anybody wants to, everywhere I go, I’m saying if you want to start an organization, I got you. I’ll be your first member. Let me know. We’ll help you form it, we’ll help you get through the necessities that you have to,” Peter said. Peter wants to use his position to support
Student organizations gather for its first SGA meeting of the year, Sept.3.
students while helping them achieve their goals.
“That’s what it’s all about. Taking a chance on somebody and opening that door or that window for someone and that’s what I want to do for everybody else. Like hey, how can I help you. How can I get you to the next place that you want to be,” Peter said.
Peter brings a unique perspective to bring to the table as an international student, which he wants to use in assisting other international students.
“I make sure that we’re never left out of the conversation. I’m never afraid to admit where I’m from. That’s where I’m from. That’s home. It gives me an outside look cause I’ve experienced a different world,” Peter said.
Peter is thankful for everything that he has gotten to do at MSU. He never thought he would end up as SGA president.
“I don’t think I would have grown as well as I did if I went to any other university. I definitely see that,” Peter said. “Yes, I could have gone to another university and maybe I could have gotten involved, but I don’t think I would have been who I am today if I went to any other university and for that, always be thankful to MSU.”
Peter wants students to know that SGA is here to support everyone on campus.
“We’re here to support our organizations, our sororities, our fraternities. Whatever anybody needs, we’re here, man. If people don’t take away anything else, organizational support, SGA is here,” Peter said.
With incoming numbers up, Peter has high expectations for the upcoming year.
“It is a year to thrive. We have the largest incoming freshman number. We’re proud of that. We have the largest number of incoming freshmen and everybody is excited for that,” Peter said.
PHOTO BY AARON BURROWS | THE WICHITAN
PHOTO BY AARON BURROWS | THE WICHITAN Student Government Association president Vincent Peters gives a speech at its first meeting, Sept. 3.
PHOTO BY AARON BURROWS | THE WICHITAN Student Government Association vice president of internal affairs Monique Watkins gives a speech at the first meeting, Sept. 3.
MSU food pantry supports students
SABRINA HARRISON REPORTER
As the fall semester begins and new faces populate campus, it is important students know what resources are available to help combat food insecurity on campus.
For students who may be rationing meal swipes to get through the semester or those who may not know where their next meal is coming from, MSU has a few different options to help students in need.
Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Matthew Park explained that there are three different ways students can supplement their eating, the first being Mustang’s Pantry.
“The Mustang’s pantry is a student emergency aid program supporting our students facing food insecurity. It is a program that supplements the food needs for MSU students by providing a place or location where they can go and receive complimentary or free non-perishable items, as well as a selection of available perishable or produce items, and also personal hygiene items that they may need through the struggles that they are experiencing,” Park said.
Students who are not on a residential meal plan can access Mustang’s Pantry in Bridwell Activity Center. Mustang’s Pantry is open from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Even if a student is on a meal plan, they can still access the personal hygiene products available in the pantry.
Students who have classes at those times can visit the Clark Student Center office and arrange a time to go to the pantry. Alternatively, in the Legacy Hall Commons, a Mustang’s “Mini-Pantry” is available to all students at all times.
“In addition to the main pantry, we also launched last year what we call the ‘Mustang’s Mini-Pantry,’ which is just a smaller offering exclusively of non-perishable items. Mainly, the things you could open, that can or jar or cup, and microwave it and have a meal. So it’s primarily soups, as well as some canned vegetables or other similar offerings,” Park said.
The mini-pantry works off of a ‘take what you need, leave what you can,’ model. This makes it so that students can have access to fast and easy meals, and allows students to support each other in small ways.
For students who need a more long-term solution, MSU has the Canan Food Security Program. Students can apply to this program through Mustang’s link in order to ensure students have access to three meals a day.
“What it is, is that program is a mechanism for students who are struggling to, you know, find how they’re going to eat, how they’re going to sustain themselves. They can apply for that program, which would, if granted, they would receive meal swipes on their ID card to utilize inside of the dining hall,” Park said.
Often, there can be a stigma around
utilizing the food pantry. Some students may feel singled out or embarrassed to do so, but Park explained that in previous semesters, they would see many students utilizing the pantry every week.
“We see an average of forty to fifty students utilizing the pantry on a weekly basis,” Park said, adding, “we have just started the new academic year, so those numbers would reflect what we had seen in previous years.”
Plus, because the pantry is located in the Bridwell Activity Center, students who are feeling anxious about being seen at the food pantry don’t have to worry about being the center of attention.
“The location itself in the Bridwell Activity Center, while it’s in the middle of campus, is not in a highly trafficked or visible area here a person may feel that fishbowl environment of being seen or noticed for something that they may associate a negative stigma with,” Park said.
For students who may want to help in the food pantry’s endeavors, many student organizations will hold food drives. Alternatively, students may leave any perishable foods or unopened personal hygiene items in the various donation bins around campus.
Alternatively, a new program started last spring where students can donate some of their meal swipes to the Canan Food Security Program.
“It’s kind of a way to say, ‘you know what, donors, we really appreciate you to do this for
us, but we believe it’s important as well,’ and so it allows that program to reach even more students, to help them,” Park said
mini-pantry located in
Hall Commoms is available at all times to MSU students, Sept. 6.
Mustangs Round-up welcomes first-year students to campus
REMY PETRASH REPORTER
As the fall semester kicks off, so does one of Midwestern State University’s most beloved traditions, Mustang’s Roundup.
This annual welcome week is all about incoming first-year students immersing themselves into the campus life in a way that is both fun and memorable.
Organized by the office of Student Leadership and Involvement, the event was designed to help new students get to know each other and the university they now call home.
The minds responsible for the program at the office are assistant director of student leadership and involvement Imani Broadnax, and two interns Vivian and Vanessa that planned
all of the logistics and event coordinating for the week. Crew Leaders had about a week of training to prepare for welcoming in all the new Mustangs!
Theater performance junior and crew leader
Monique Watkins shared her insights on the Roundup experience, “Roundup has been going on for a few years now! It’s one of MSU traditions and definitely one of my favorites,” later adding, “The turnout was great! We had one of the biggest incoming classes at MSU so it was so cool to see so many people.”
Incoming students matched their leaders’ enthusiasm.
“I thought Roundup was very fun and very welcoming, a good way to introduce freshmen into their new home!” First year Julia Hagan said, continuing, “I enjoyed our icebreakers as a team and I also enjoyed getting to see the college I would attend which is Fain.”
Reflecting on initial nerves that come with starting college, Hagan admitted, “I was nervous and scared, unsure since I didn’t know what we were going to do or everything was.”
However, Roundup eased those worries.
“It was fun and busy. I think it killed the homesickness I had a while ago,” Hagan said.
Hagan also emphasized the importance of the event for new students.
“Roundup is definitely recommended if you’re an incoming freshman. The group leaders were full of energy and life and made the whole experience even more fun!” Hagan said
With such positive feedback from both leaders and participants, it’s clear that Mustang’s Roundup continues to be a cherished tradition at MSU, helping to create a welcoming and vibrant community for new students.
PHOTO BY SABRINA HARRISON |
THE WICHITAN
The
Legacy
PHOTO BY REMY PETRASH | THE WICHITAN MSU students enjoying a evening of dancing on the quad, Aug 26.
Vote! Vote! Vote!
SABRINA HARRISON REPORTER
As the election inches closer and closer, so do deadlines for voting registration and mail-in ballots.
Those who are already registered to vote in Wichita County should go to the “My Voter Portal” on the Texas Secretary of State’s website and make sure they are still eligible and registered to vote.
After that, it is as simple as finding a polling place and voting. Early voting starts on Monday, Oct. 21, and ends Friday, Nov. 1.
Those who are not registered in Wichita County, but are registered elsewhere have different options.
Absentee Ballot
The first option is to apply for an absentee ballot in the county you are registered in. The Texas Secretary of State website has a step-by-step process on how to apply.
The application for a mail-in ballot must be received by Friday, Oct. 25.
If you plan on voting by mail, your mail-in ballot has to be postmarked by Election Day, otherwise it will not be counted.
Due to the amount of people applying for mail-in ballots and voting by mail, the sooner the application is mailed in, the better.
Register for In-Person Voting
The second option students registered to vote in Texas have is to change their voting county to Wichita County and vote in-person.
To register, students should log in to the state voter portal and click “change your address.” This will take them to the website where they can change their address to their Wichita Falls address.
Out-of-state students and students who are not registered to vote at all must register on paper.
Students can either go online and fill out their application, print it and then send it by mail or they can go to the Wichita County Courthouse and get registered an election clerk.
The last day to register in time for the presidential election in Wichita County is Monday, Oct. 7, 2024. This means that applications need to be on the county election clerk’s desk by Oct. 7.
Voting in-Person
Students voting in person will need a valid form of identification. These include:
A state driver’s license (issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety)
A Texas election identification certificate (issued by DPS)
A Texas personal identification card (issued by DPS)
A Texas license to carry a handgun (issued by DPS)
A U.S. military ID card with a personal photo
that they can change it to the correct address. These include:
Valid voter registration certificate
Certified birth certificate
Copy or original of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or other document that shows the voter’s name and address (any government document that contains a voter’s photo must be an original)
Students who do not have one of these six forms of identification, and cannot get one of the six identifications before the election, can still vote by filling out a Reasonable Impediment Declaration.”
This declaration swears that the student has a reasonable impediment that is stopping them from having a valid form of identification.
The student must bring this declaration as well as one of the former forms of identification.
Where to vote
The city of Wichita Falls has already published the locations of all early voting and election day polling places.
For early voting, the closest polling place to campus is at the Sikes Senter Mall, which will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For other locations and early voting dates, please visit the city of Wichita Falls’s website.
As for election day, there will be a polling
"WE OVER ME" Football team under new management
ABBY TURNER ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
After 17 seasons of coaching under former head football coach Bill Maskill, Rich Renner is stepping up to the plate, the sideline, as the new head coach to lead the Mustangs to a winning season.
At the end of the 2023 season Maskill announced his retirement from coaching football after 22 seasons and Renner was offered the job of becoming the head of the team.
In the offseason, the coaching staff added 80 new players to the team. Renner focused his recruiting process based on the types of players that would not only excel in the Lone Star Conference but would also uphold the values of what it means to be a part of the Mustang Family.
“My approach to recruiting in the offseason was very simple. You know obviously you want to recruit the best players, you want to recruit players that can play in this conference and be successful. How when we recruited those guys, were they the type of kids that had the character and humbleness that we needed to be a team player and obviously do really, really well,” Renner said.
When it came to recruiting, there were three main areas that Renner and his coaching staff searched for in the prospects.
“In recruiting, the first thing you want to look at is character. Number two is you want to look at what is the skill level. And then thirdly, are they going to fit in the environment in Wichita Falls, because not everybody is cut out to be a Wichita Falls, or a Falls Town person,” Renner said.
With the additions from the recruitment, Renner and his team soon learned that the most important thing to having a successful season was to make sure the team was on the same page when it came to what they wanted to stand for. Renner said the senior players on the team came up with this year's motto: We Over Me.
“Our motto this year is ‘we over me,’ and that was brought up by the seniors and the leadership group that we have. I felt like that was a great motto for us, because I felt that for the last few years we have been disconnected,” Renner said. Physical education junior Devin Cross spoke on how the team has a closer bond this season compared to the season before.
“I feel like we are more together this year than last year because we had some guys here and there that were in their own little group. Now we are together as one team,” Cross said.
Both Renner and Cross stated that one of the biggest strengths the team has is its chemistry and their willingness to put others over themselves and play as one.
“We talk about putting other people in front of us, putting the team in front of ourselves, you know putting the fans, the community and other sports, or what have you, and having that selfless mindset to where it's not all about me, or all about what do I received, it's what can we give, what can help. I just feel that is the strength of our team because of the way our team is willing to get involved in the community, and enjoy the rewards of serving other people,” Renner said.
The Mustang season opener was on Thursday, Aug. 29. They battled the Missouri Southern State University Lions and came out on top with a final score of 18-11. This game revealed to Renner and the team that there was a weakness in newcomers not knowing what it means to be a Mustang.
“I think our biggest weakness is that we have 80 new players on our team, and that was their first ball game as an MSU Mustang. That was the first time they were going through a season. A lot of people just don't know what they don't know. They don’t know the warmup routine, they didnt know how to act before the game, I had to go over all that the night before the game,” Renner continued, “We have a culture here. There is that culture that had been established with Coach Maskill 22 years ago when he first got here, and for me to be able to withhold that culture, and discipline and structure, I have to teach it to those 80 new guys.”
This weakness can be eliminated by reminding the team of its motto, "We over me," which Renner plans to instill in all of his players as the season progresses. Renner believes that this group of players' skill level and willingness to put others above themselves will help push them further into the postseason and secure
a national title. Renner says none of this would be possible without the help of the school, fans and President Haynie.
“I want to say go Mustangs. I want to thank all of the fans, all of our supporters and obviously our president. Doctor Haynie has done a great job of reshaping the culture here at Midwestern State and bringing all the kids in here… I am excited, now we have to do our part and we are excited to do that. It’s an honor and a privilege, and again I want to say go Mustangs,” Renner said.
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Head Coach Rich Renner gives a speech to the team after the win, Aug.29. as Mabel, April 28.
PHOTO BY AARON BURROWS| THE WICHITAN Larry Donnell (31) helps his teammate off the ground after a play, Aug. 29.
PHOTO BY STEPHANIE GARCIA | THE WICHITAN Chritstian Olige (28) scores the first touchdown of the game, Aug. 29.
after a rattling second half where the Mustangs crunched 13 points, bringing the final score to 18-11.
“There were a lot of things that worked well with the team. I think it was a team effort and starting off let’s go with offense. Offense did a great job of running the football, moving the ball, working together. We didn’t score a lot of points, but they maintained possession,” Renner explained.
While offense did not convert any points on the first drive down the field, special teams stepped up and helped the defensive line stop MSSU from adding more points to their lead.
"Defense made a big stop on the first score that we had and that was a safety, which was ironic. I was a former defense coordinator so now being the head coach the first way we score was by a safety, not by a touch down or a field goal so how ironic was that,” Renner said.
The first two quarters had the Mustangs inching for a lead that came with the help of a 39-yard punt kick from kinesiology senior Diego Gonzalez and a 48-yard field goal scored by business analytics graduate Joseph Carlson.
JESSICA BINZARI SPORTS EDITOR
The Mustangs football team won its season opener against Missouri Southern State University.
The Mustangs started its 2024 campaign with a victory over MSSU on Thursday, Aug. 29.
This was the Mustangs’ first game under head coach Rich Renner after Bill Maskill announced his retirement in December 2023.
Midwestern took the win over MSSU
Mustangs bring home first win eSports hosts first tryouts of the year
REMY PETRASH REPORTER
O“I felt like the special teams did a great job flipping the field which means pinning the ball back to the other team’s goal line so that their chances of driving down and making a long dive scoring is really difficult. And then defensively there were crucial times, we got stops when we needed them especially when they were getting close to field goal range and then obviously going when they were backed up, we forced them to punt and give a short kick for offense to keep control of the game," Renner said. Surprisingly, the first points for MSU came in the last three minutes of the first quarter after a safety scored by pre-physical therapy junior Kam'rin Devault.
Midwestern successfully executed a drive down the field, resulting in the first touchdown of the game within the last two minutes of the third quarter. General business junior Christian Olige raced past the Lions into the end-zone to secure an eightpoint lead against MSSU. Ten minutes into the fourth quarter, the Lions clinched another touchdown and a two-point conversion, leveling the teams at 11-11.
“What was going on in my mind at 11-11 was ‘how are we going to win this game’ not ‘if’ we were going to win it but ‘how’ we were going to win it," Renner said, continuing, "When the game was close you didn’t feel a panic, you didn’t feel like there was a ‘oh are we going to win it are we going to win?’ you know. I think there was a lot of confidence, and I think the kids really worked together
like I said and they fed off of each other and they were very disciplined.”
The Mustangs secured the victory in the remaining five minutes of the game with a final touchdown from physical education junior Devin Cross after a 21-yard sprint that sealed the deal.
Midwestern State will face Western Colorado University next on Sept. 7 in Gunnison, Colorado.
n Saturday, Aug. 31st, 2024, at the Sikes Lake Center, MSU Texas eSports and Gaming kicked off its season with a series of try-outs for games such as Super Smash Bros and Street Fighter. The event was open to all, whether seasoned veterans or passionate newcomers, offering everyone the chance to test their skills and potentially earn a spot on the competitive gaming team.
Zachary Zoet, the gaming coordinator, expressed his optimism about the future of esports at the university.
“I think the future of esports at MSU is bright. It’s continuing to grow every year. We’re entering year three, and this year in particular, fighting games are being platformed even more than they ever have been," Zoet said, adding, "So we added Street Fighter 6 as an additional varsity-level title, which means the student who makes the varsity starter spot gets a scholarship. They get access to a coaching jersey, team manager, and stuff like that. Previously, we just had Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, so fighting games in particular are growing at MSU.”
The addition of Street Fighter 6’s varsity-level title marks a significant milestone for the program, offering more
opportunities for students to compete at a high level while receiving the support and recognition typically reserved for traditional sports athletes.
Ryan Chancer, the coach for MSU’s eSports team, also shared his insights on the broader landscape of esports.
“The future of eSports is looking really strong right now. Internationally, it’s the strongest it’s ever been. There are a lot of sponsors getting involved, a lot of circuits being built. This means people who want to go to an international level have a lot more avenues to get there and make it similar to professional sports," Zoet said, adding, "We’re not quite there yet, but we’re making waves in that direction. Smash Bros, in particular, is a little bit more difficult due to not having much developer support, but the community is growing despite that. Especially if there’s another Switch or another game title dropping, the explosion of entrants will be enormous.”
As MSU Texas eSports and Gaming community continues to grow, the future looks promising not only for the university's program but also for the wider esports community. With
the dedication of players, coaches and coordinators like Zoet and Chancer, the esports scene is set to thrive for years to come. MSU Texas eSports' next event will be Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
April 26.
PHOTO BY GEORGE SVOBODA | THE WICHITAN MSU Texas eSports holds its first gaming season try-outs on Aug. 31.,
PHOTO BY AARON BURROWS | THE WICHITAN Paul Ledet (55) snaps the ball to quarterback Matthew Duncan (6), Aug. 29
PHOTO BY AARON BURROWS | THE WICHITAN
From left to right, Rhett baber, Mason Hinson, Ryce Delain, cheer on the Mus -
The Wichitan’s Song of the Week: 'GIVES YOU HELL'
JOSEPH ARTHUR REPORTER
Welcome to the first edition of the Wichitan’s Song of the Week for the fall semester of 2024!
In celebration of the start of the school year, this week’s pick is “Gives You Hell” by American rock band
The All-American Rejects.
Released Sept. 30, 2008, as a single for their third studio album “When the World Comes Down,” “Gives You Hell” is a song about the feeling of frustration, anger, bitterness and revenge in relation to a relationship coming to an end or one that has ended.
They sing about the feeling of contentment knowing someone who wronged you is unhappy in the life they now live after you. They sing a different side of moving on. Whether it's moving on from a toxic relationship or friendship, they sing about how much life is better without the other person and how they hope they are living in a type of “hell.”
Whatever the interpretation is, The All-American Rejects wrote the song to be the ultimate breakup song fueled by vindication and schadenfreude.
In “Gives You Hell,” The All-American Rejects took a different approach to songwriting. Rather than writing a song about a niche topic, they decided to write a song that tells a universally relatable story.
Formed in Stillwater, Oklahoma, The All-American Rejects is an American rock band consisting of four core members, lead vocalist and bassist Tyson Ritter, lead guitarist and backing vocalist Nick Wheeler, rhythm guitarist Mike Kennerty and drummer Chris Gaylor.
The band is well known for several hits like “Dirty Little Secret” or “Gives You Hell” which won several awards, nominations and recognition.
The All-American Rejects’s early years were marked with intense changes and a meteoric rise to success in mainstream
rock.
In 1999 while still in high school, Ritter and Wheeler formed the band and chose the name because they believed it sounded cool. In 2000, Ritter, Wheeler and newly added guitarist Jesse Tabish created a self-titled demo.
Then in 2001, the demo became a new EP called “Same Girl, New Songs,” which the band sent to Doghouse Records, earning them a record deal. Later towards the end of 2002, the band released their first ever single, “Swing, Swing,” and their debut studio album self-titled “The All-American Rejects.”
Following the debut of their album, the band began to look for new members to join as they were planning on doing a tour to promote the album. This led to the addition of Gaylor and Kennerty.
After different lineup changes and a switch from Doghouse Records to DreamWorks Records, their album peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. The lead single, “Swing, Swing” peaked at No. 60 on the Billboard Hot 100.
The band finally hit the road on their first headlining tour titled, the “Too Bad for Hell Tour.”
While on tour, the band’s debut album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America and “Swing, Swing” was certified silver by the British Phonographic Industry. After the tour, the band released their first ever DVD titled “Live from Oklahoma... The Too Bad for Hell DVD” which was later certified gold by the RIAA. This early rise to fame and success grew alongside the band.
In the summer of 2005, the band released their sophomore album, “Move Along” which featured the band’s second single, “Dirty Little Secret.” Following the release of their sophomore album, the band started to become more popular and wellknown in the rock scene as they played the 2005 New Years’ Eve with “Fall Out Boy” on MTV.
In 2008, the band released their third studio album, “When the World Comes Down” which featured what would become the band’s most popular and successful song, “Gives You Hell.”
“Gives You Hell” peaked No. 1 on Billboard's Pop charts and iTunes charts.
It was also the fifth-most downloaded song and the most played song of 2009. The song also went platinum four times in the United States, once in the United Kingdom and Australia, and went gold in Germany and New Zealand.
Following the huge success of the song and their third album, the band became recognized as an important aspect of the rock world inspiring other rock bands to share in the same sound as them.
“Gives You Hell” is my favorite song from the album and my favorite from The All-American Rejects’ entire discography. In “Gives You Hell,” the band wrote a song created to be the breakup anthem.
They invoke many strong feelings of anger and frustration as they dare the listener to contemplate a time in their life when they have been in a relationship that they should not have entered. The song showcases how vindicating it feels to celebrate one’s life improvements while hoping the other person feels nothing but regret.
Lastly and most importantly, it is a song about moving on from a toxic relationship and the feeling of being better off without the other person, while hoping they are in a sort of
hell every time they think of you.
As stated in previous editions of the Song of the Week, lyricism is an important aspect of any song and Ritter and Wheeler understood that when writing “Gives You Hell.”
In “Gives You Hell,” Ritter and Wheeler utilize imagery, metaphor, satire and hyperbole to tell a story about an important thing in life, moving on. My favorite lyric in the entire song are:
"When you hear this song and you sing along, but you never tell (but you never tell)
Then you're the fool, I'm just as well, hope it gives you hell (hope it gives you hell)”
Complex topics and the complexities of human emotion are recurring themes in The All-American Rejects’ discography. In “Gives You Hell,” The All-American Rejects sings about an important part of humanity that they believe needed an anthem, breakups, and the feeling of moving on from a toxic relationship. Breakups can be difficult and can invoke many different feelings. The song is a great listen with a powerful message.anyone can genuinely rely on, and it makes her so happy, and she wishes to spread that happiness. The song is a great listen with a powerful message.
PHOTO COURTESY OF NIKOLAI PUC' PHOTOGRAPHY
The All-American Rejects performing on their "Wet Hot All American Summer" tour, Sept 22.
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB The All-American Rejects cover of "Gives you hell"