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• Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • Aug. 27, 2021
UCM Reinstates Campus-wide Mask Mandate MATTHEW GOLDSMITH News Editor After months without a campus-wide
mask mandate for vaccinated individuals, the University of Central Missouri
reinstated its mask mandate starting Aug. 16. The mandate came in response to
the rapid increase of the Delta variant of COVID-19.
UCM had been without a campus-wide
mask mandate since May 20, a decision which coincided with the Centers for
Disease Control’s revised guidance for face coverings for vaccinated individuals.
The Delta variant hit Missouri hard this
summer. Missouri’s weekly cases rose to
around 20,000 in August after spending much of June below 5,000. Currently,
Missouri is averaging 2,508 cases per day according to the Mayo Clinic.
UCM President Roger Best said he spoke
to other university presidents, medical
professionals and the President’s Council before the mask mandate. He said the move-in process played a role in the institution of the mask mandate.
“Even though vaccinated individuals are
much less likely to get severely ill from the
Delta variant, we thought it was prudent, with the population of students coming
back in and a large number coming back in at once, to go ahead and reintroduce the mask requirement,” Best said.
Best said low vaccination rates have also
played a part in UCM returning to a mask mandate, while saying he understands that individuals have a choice to be
vaccinated or not. He also acknowledged
the frustration some members of the UCM
community are feeling about the mandate. “I can certainly understand the
disappointment and frustration because I feel equally disappointed that we find ourselves back here,” Best said.
Interim Health Center Director Diana
Herman said it is understood by health
professionals that the Delta variant is more contagious than the initial strand and
vaccinated, immunocompromised people
are getting it, but most vaccinated people
who have gotten the strand have not died or been hospitalized. However, she said
there is still uncertainty surrounding the Delta variant and its effects. JUMP TO PAGE 2
Todd Dining Hall Open MALLIE CRUTCHFIELD Reporter After closing in spring 2021 to undergo
renovations, Todd Dining Hall has
reopened. The renovations made many
changes, from self-serve stations to new food choices and a modernized look.
be back in the dining hall.
Freshman sports management major Jackson Lunders eats lunch at the newly renovated Todd Dining Hall with friends. “I didn’t get to see the last one, but it looks really nice,” Lunders said. Photo by Mallie Crutchfield
out a wall by the old pizza area and adding
that Todd has opened back up, the students
Jeri Braun, senior supervisor of Ellis and
Todd Dining Hall, said the staff is proud of the work that was done and are excited to Braun said the new addition was taking
a deli. Additionally, the old deli area is now a pantry place with new tables that have
electrical outlets. The lighting is also new,
and more efficient windows were installed. “I think it’s gorgeous,” Braun said.
“Everything about it looks cleaner and
neater. Hopefully, we could do renovations to Ellis in a couple of years.”
While Todd was closed, students had the
choice of going to Ellis or Fitzgerald dining halls instead. Lorie Wright, manager of
Ellis and Todd halls, said Fitzgerald Hall’s food choices were limited because they
didn’t have a grill or the pasta station. Now have the grill and pasta station again.
“It’s just the most modern right now, it’s
more open, it’s more accessible,” Wright said. “To me, it’s brighter, happier, it’s a better vibe.”
While many are happy with the
renovations, some miss the previous
layout. Sydney Armstrong, sophomore
medical laboratory science major, said she liked Todd before renovations.
“I liked it before because I felt that
the food was cooked to order and now everything is staged,” Armstrong said.
During the first week of classes, the university hosted the Involvement Fair, Career Fair and other student activities. Students are recommended to wear masks outside and masks are required in university buildings. “We don’t know for sure what’s going to happen, and we don’t want to be caught not being prepared, so we’re trying to prepare for the worst because there’s always that potential,” Interim Health Center Director Diana Herman said. Photo by Lauryn Morrow
Retrenchment Process Ongoing MATTHEW GOLDSMITH News Editor While 43 faculty positions have been eliminated at the University of Central Missouri as a result of last year’s retrenchment process, 20 were vacant because of prior retirements and resignations and many of the 23 impacted faculty members are still teaching, including tenured faculty in the middle of the appeals process. UCM President Roger Best announced on March 29 that 41 positions would be eliminated. However, he said the number increased to 43 after the automotive technology management program’s appeal was denied, resulting in the program being put into abeyance. Best said eight of the 23 positions were occupied by tenured faculty, and all of the tenure-track faculty members identified by retrenchment are still teaching this year. “Of the 23 who were notified, only a small number of them actually were not reemployed for this current academic year,” Best said. Phillip Bridgmon, provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the appeal process for tenured faculty
members is a two-step process. This summer, faculty members could petition the reconsideration committee, who then sent their recommendations to Best. The faculty members then could appeal the president’s decision to UCM’s Board of Governors. Bridgmon said the appeals process is currently with the Board of Governors. Citing increased enrollment from last fall, he said he doesn’t expect a similar retrenchment process this year. “I’ve shared with a couple of groups that, as we look ahead, I don’t see a likelihood that we will have a similar instance of the process that we had last fall and into the spring,” Bridgmon said. Bridgmon acknowledged last year was challenging, but is optimistic about the potential of this school year. “We have a real opportunity here to make it a very special year in building back our community and making some final choices on some processes we started last year,” Bridgmon said. “The value of the lessons learned that we’ve all experienced in this last year, I think, will give us strength and support.” JUMP TO PAGE 2
News
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • Aug. 27, 2021
MASKS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1:
Herman said the University Health Center
supported the campus-wide mask mandate, and she knows that the mandate will end when certain barriers are overcome.
“When our percent positivity rate is
down, when our percent vaccination rate is up and when our hospital bed availability is normalized again, we’ll go back to no masks,” Herman said. “We all want to
go without masks, but for right now, to
protect all the unvaccinated in particular, we need to be masked.”
An animated design image provides a preview of the finished project at Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport. Photo from UCM press release
Pfizer and Moderna vaccines from 1-3 p.m.
$3.8 Million Terminal Approved at Skyhaven
required to schedule in advance to receive
TREVOR MARTIN
Herman said the UHC will offer both the
on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Students are the vaccine.
Amy Kiger, director of campus community
health, said the UHC also has COVID-19
testing available from 1-2 p.m. every day, unless the UHC has a special event.
Kiger said if a student is quarantined
because of a COVID-19 exposure or diagnosis, it is important they
communicate with the health center for themselves and the campus as a whole.
“The information we get from one student
can help us see trends also, not that we’re sharing their data with anybody, but it
helps us just be able to understand what’s happening with the whole population,” Kiger said.
Heather Buckingham, senior educational
studies and training major, said she is
happy to be back in the classroom this fall, despite most of her classes being online. Buckingham, who works in the Office of
Admissions, said COVID-19 has changed her work environment, but is optimistic
management, said.
Reporter UCM’s long-awaited vision to operate
a state-of-the-art flight center is finally beginning.
The UCM Board of Governors reviewed a
design contract with McCownGordon out of Kansas City on Oct. 22, 2020. It was
“The new terminal building will be
located at the northeast corner of the Max B. Swisher Airport and be constructed
so that most of its interior would be left
unfinished to help support the versatility
and constant growth of the UCM aviation programs,” Tim Castilaw, UCM vice president of planning and facilities
office has been just really different since COVID has happened, but we’re going to get back to bigger tours, which is
said his experience in his hometown made coming to a school with a mask mandate
beneficial because it keeps people calm,’
but I’m also looking at the science side of
how come we don’t wear masks for other things,” Curtis Deimeke said.
more travelers, leading to a busier airport all around,” Zahner said.
She elaborated on the importance of
space for flight instructors to brief and
communicate and test with more privacy in
students and faculty, as well as provide debrief their students and house Fixed Based Operation and its services.
“The addition will maintain the program’s
competition in the collegiate flight training industry while drastically improving
new terminal will help students be able to the new addition.
“It’ll give us easy access to and provide
us with more areas with comfortable
environments and privacy for our stage checks and flight exams,” she said.
Reporters For a number of students, this fall
semester will be their first time on the
COVID-19, with new expectations for
something to do,” Salerno said. “Our floor
The new students are coming in after
“I’ve just been really busy, there’s always
is really close, which is nice. So we’ve
been kind of going to activities together.” This fall semester comes with a
“After my last high school experience,
new student perspective and more
thought it would have been with COVID.”
others on campus.
this just seems a little more free than I
The UCM Student Activities Council is
students about that initiative and collect data about if the course fee would help the program. He also said the UCM administration wants ATM to “teach out” their students in two years despite taking in a new freshman class this semester. Richards, citing alumni and industry support, said he is concerned about the legacy of the program from an institutional perspective. “What did we give up? What as an institution did we gain by getting rid of that program? And if it’s just cost, that seems like an awful short-sighted view on the future because this program makes us unique,” Richards said.
Freshman Brooke Salerno shared how
involved her first week on campus was.
experience,” freshman Tretin Raney said.
Students socialized throughout the day, some even took time to dance.
environment as before COVID happened.”
University of Central Missouri campus.
working to draw in students while still following campus health guidelines.
“We understand that it’s kind of a scary
time for everyone,” Faith Ford, a graduate assistant on the council said. “Not being involved on campus because of COVID and just being afraid of getting sick in
general. So, we’re still just trying to make RETRENCHMENT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1: Alexander Richards, associate professor and automotive technology management program coordinator, said he wasn’t necessarily surprised by the decision to place his program into abeyance, but he was disappointed. “It’s hard for me to let go of the personal perspective of just how much it meant, not only to me, but to my students, and it’s difficult to reflect on that personally and not feel like you’re unwelcome,” Richards said. Richards said he didn’t feel like the process was fair to the ATM program. He said they only were given one week to propose a new program fee, survey
“I think the new building will help attract
privacy during flight training and how the
“It’s definitely been an interesting
neutral opinion of UCM’s mask mandate. the middle because I’m like ‘well, it’s
Furedy noted the new terminal building
addition.
will enhance the airport by attracting more
what campus life looks like.
Students share upcoming event details at their booth.
a big change, but he said he now has a “The more I’m here, I’m kind of in
funded by donations from the UCM Alumni
She said she was excited about the new
ABRAM TABOR & DILLON SECKINGTON
Students from the Student Art Coalition enjoy ice cream.
with people,” Buckingham said. “The
mandates, as he is from a small town. He
Chair of the School of Aviation, Matthew
employee, echoed Furedy’s point about
New Students Get Involved on Campus
hard is it’s harder to make connections
major, said he was initially against mask
the project being a draw for new students.
training needs.
Foundation and the State of Missouri.
“One thing that’s just been kind of
Skylar Curtis Deimeke, freshman aviation
accommodate both communal and campus
cost nearly $3.8 million and take 465 days to complete.
Allison Zahner, an instrument-rated
second-year flight student and Skyhaven
The new addition to the airport shall
Furedy, confirmed the terminal is being
at Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport would
Skyhaven,” Furedy said.
classrooms and restrooms.
determined that the new terminal building
about upcoming changes.
exciting.”
The building would include a pilot lounge
area, dispatch rooms, as well as updated
the flight training and operations at
sure that our events are accessible to
students as well as having that same fun
opportunities for them to engage with “I worked on campus in the PBS station,
KMOS-TV, for the last six years, and I’ll
tell you today, the involvement fair, that’s the most people I’ve seen on campus
in one spot in a year,” Eric Boedeker, a
producer with UCM Integrated Marketing and Communications, said. “So, it
definitely has changed. It’s cool to see
students back and interacting with each
other and getting to see their professors in person and getting to be involved.”
Classified Ads
Want to buy a classified ad? They start at $15 for student organizations and $20 for local businesses. Contact Muleskinner Advertising Manager Audrey Murphy at aem89530@ucmo.edu
Features
Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • Aug. 27, 2021
Live Concert Fosters Student Connections LILLIAN TATE Reporter
The first live performance of the fall
semester illuminated the dark COVID-19 gloom on campus. Trevor Turner, who
goes by the stage name Trevor Madison, and Ty Turner have been creating music and touring as “The Icarus Account” for
twelve years. Originally from Florida, these brothers have been all over the country
and UCM was fortunate enough to display their talents live on campus.
On Aug. 18 at 7:00 p.m., The Icarus
Account set their stage outside the steps of the Student Recreation and Wellness
Center. With guitars in hand, a crisp orange sunset setting the backdrop and a live
audience of not only students but vivacious
The Icarus Account brought music to the University of Central Missouri campus Wednesday, August 18. Their songs brought smiles to students’
setlist of original pieces like “Favorite
their covers tonight are really relatable.”
monthly listeners on Spotify and over
producing new music and being able to
renditions of songs such as Frank Ocean’s
students who stayed to watch the full
music video, “Margaritas.” Although they
COVID-19 pandemic.
“Superbass.”
from the audience, students had engaging
cicadas, the brothers laid out a soothing
Girl” and “Margaritas,” as well as acoustic “Thinkin Bout You” and Nicki Minaj’s
Although students were allowed to come
and go from the occasion as they pleased, many chose to stay and sit through the whole performance.
The Icarus Account’s performance was
freshman anthropology major Marie Hall’s first campus concert experience.
“It’s fun, I’m enjoying them live,” Hall
said. “I listened to their stuff online, but
faces. Two students were dancing with one another in front of the outdoor stage, laughing as other students cheer them on. Photos by Tim Oar
Hall was one of approximately 20
performance. There was high involvement conversations with the musicians and each
other, danced together, sang and even held
up their flashlights during the slowest song of the evening.
“The vibe around here tonight was really
right and this is a great spot,” freshman August Cross said.
Over their twelve year career, The Icarus
Account has amassed over 140,000
8,000 views on their sunny and playful
enjoy their online audiences, what truly
touches their heartstrings is seeing their fans face to face.
“I was excited to get out of Florida,”
Turner said. “This is our first show of the semester, our first college show out of
state. It’s exciting. We love playing live,
play for live audiences throughout the “COVID shut us down last March of
2020, and we basically were shut down
from March to August, and then we had a couple [private] things as schools opened up that fall … this is our first show of the semester,” Madison said.
Regarding the turnout of the event,
and it was a great show. I realized how
Turner said, “Any turnout is positive, any
with people.”
this day and age and where we are, this is
much I enjoyed performing and connecting Musicians have had much difficulty with
show is positive … the reality is that in perfect.”
4 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • Aug. 27, 2021
Connections are Changing ANGELA EVATT & DEREK WALSH
Reporters For many students at the University of Central Missouri, their first experience as a student occurred before the COVID-19 national pandemic, when many students could gather in small spaces, smile at each other in the halls and attend events without the fear of going over capacity. However, for others, remote learning, mask wearing and social distancing is the “norm” for Mules and Jennies. Some students have expressed disappointment and sadness about the changes that have taken place on campus. They have been trying to keep up with the continuously changing Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines while still trying to create and maintain connections with one another. “I miss connecting face to face,” Junior sociology and psychology major Cat Frank said.” It’s hard to have a real connection through my Zoom camera. Campus was dead during the pandemic, it felt like a wasteland.” Frank is currently a community advisor for the fourth floor of the Houts Residence Hall. She shared that it was chaotic when she tried to get back in town from her midyear break in 2020. “I was in North Carolina during spring break when COVID took over, so not only was I dealing with flights being canceled, but UCM didn’t even know what to do,” Frank said. “I was getting daily updates from school, then one day I was immersed in strict protocols. I had to come back and move out as soon as possible.” As a community advisor, things were strict then and it’s starting to get strict again. She was surprised when the freshman students were able to show up to in-person events.
“Last year was a total panic; no one knew what was next,” Frank said. “We were waiting on UCM to make a call. This year, it’s easier knowing what to expect before school. Professors are already expecting to go online and that’s scary.” Frank said she believes there’s still hope. “I feel like our generation will be okay,” Frank said. “We’ve been doing this social media thing for a while.” With constant updates from the CDC, schools around the nation change their policies to comply and students continue to adapt. Though UCM and other institutions keep up with these changes, some students, like freshman psychology major Angel Torres, said virtual learning takes some time to get used to. “Learning is different for everyone, virtual or not,” Torres said. “But since virtual learning is new and not everyone has adapted to it, it does face its own backlash and negatives. Virtual learners don’t get to connect with classmates, make friends, share thoughts in class and make the bonds that you normally could.” With consistent changes to COVID-19 guidelines, Torres hopes students will take them seriously, to hopefully finally bring the national pandemic to an end. “I would like to see students getting vaccinated,” Torres said. “If people are still required to wear masks in the buildings, then I would like to see everyone wear them correctly. If they do these things then I think things could go back to normal.” Education has changed in many ways. With the transition of being online more, freshman secondary education major Sophia Ferson said she believes it’s beneficial to learn online, but only to an extent. Ferson expressed the way she meets new people has been difficult.
“It’s hard to gauge the way people feel about me when talking to them because I can only see half of their face,” Ferson said. “It’s disappointing because I envisioned my first year without a mask … No masks were required in June and July when I experienced my first impression of UCM.”
Features Junior Cat Frank uses Zoom to video call her friends during her second semester of her sophomore year, when the national COVID-19 pandemic was most relevant. Photo submitted by Cat Frank
Posters are now posted on every building entrance, and spread throughout academic buildings. Photo by Derek Walsh
Freshman Angel Torres studies Psychology work in her dark dorm. Though Torres prefers in-person learning, she understands why virtual learning is important for students’ safety, “In-person classes allow me to feel more comfortable asking questions,” Torres said. “Learning through a screen, things lag and sometimes the teacher moves too fast.” Photo by Derek Walsh
Ad
Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • Aug. 27, 2021
Opinions
6 Muleskinner Take the Music for a Rockin’ Semester Bite: Sushi • Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • Aug. 27, 2021
DILLON SECKINGTON
Reporter The Strokes: The New Abnormal (2020)
MGMT: Oracular Spectacular (2007)
Phoebe Bridgers: Punisher (2020)
LILLIAN TATE Reporter
The popular
Asian cuisine,
8/10
sushi, has been around since
9.5/10
9/10
between the third and fifth
centuries
When The Strokes released “The New
B.C.
What started
as a way
Illustrations by Garnett Williams
Goldwasser were studying at Wesleyan
album, “Punisher,” takes the Elliott Smith-
become. “The New Abnormal” unites
writing pop music as a joke. However,
into the indie rock/folk scene. Bridgers’
the matured songwriting and vocal
to ferment fish with vinegar has now
performances of Julian Casablancas, a
the world. From Americanized crunchy
during the seven year hiatus and of course
nigiri, there’s sushi for everyone. So why
fusion of elements allowed The Strokes to
become a delicious mainstream dish across
band which seemed to evolve just as much
California rolls to traditional Japanese
the legendary producer Rick Rubin. This
are so many people opposed to trying it?
create an album that the band has been
surprised to discover that I, too, used to
record combines classic elements of the
until I was peer pressured in a hibachi
ideas, which blossomed from the band’s
Sushi is the best way to get that perfect
years after the band’s debut record, “The
crab, salmon, cream cheese, avocado …
Strokes fans that the musicians have, in
As an avid lover of sushi, some might be
grasping for since the early 2010’s. The
be anti-sushi. Raw fish? No way. It wasn’t
band’s indie rock sound with fresh new
restaurant that my eyes were opened.
hiatus and separate solo careers. Twenty
bite every time. Whether it’s cucumber,
New Abnormal” is a glimmering hope for
the possibilities for a sushi roll are endless.
fact, returned to form.
stems from picking their food apart. Sushi
Highlights: “The Adults Are Talking,” “At The Door,” “Ode to the Mets”
A lot of people’s problem with sushi
is meant to be consumed in one to two
bites. It loses its flavorful appeal when you pick it apart ingredient by ingredient. So
stop that! Drop your dignity and get that whole piece in one bite, you’ll thank me
later. As for the raw fish, you’ll be shocked to discover how delectable it actually is!
Take it from someone who has tried a wide range of raw fish from salmon, to tuna, to squid and even eel! Each slice of fish has its own savory and sweet profile, and no
two fish are the same! Besides, the practice of sushi crafting and serving raw fish has
been around for many glorious centuries. You will never be served any gross fish
when you go to a good sushi restaurant,
so take the plunge and try something new! Honestly, a great place to start for anyone curious about sushi is right on campus!
Check out the amazing crunchy crab roll at The Grid in The Union.
We want to hear your opinions!
Send letters to the editor to muleskiner@ucmo.edu or find our “Apply” tab at Muleskinnernews.com to join our staff.
Phoebe Bridgers’ second full length
Abnormal” on April 10 of 2020, hardly
anyone knew how vatic the title would
once
While Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben
Comic by Garnett Williams
University, the pair of young men started this quickly became a career for the
band following the release of “Time to
Pretend,” an extended play record filled with their on-campus hits. Catching the
attention of Columbia Records, the psych pop duo released their debut record,
“Oracular Spectacular.” This album is
filled with inventive instrumentation and ironic lyricism, which pokes fun at the
rockstar lifestyle and the cliches that come with success in showbusiness. “Oracular Spectacular” was received well, earning
two Grammy nominations. Over ten years
later, this record is regarded by musicians, fans and critics as one that redefined
psychedelic pop music, as listeners can hear its influence in music to this day. Highlights: “Electric Feel,” “Kids,” “Time to Pretend”
inspired singer-songwriter a step further bone-crushing vocals belt poetry of the world’s end, conspiracy theories and
reconciliation with her father. Perhaps
the most visceral moment from “Punisher” is the last track, “I Know The End.”
The song starts gentle and lulling, but
eventually transforms into an intense and potent closing track. This record features
instrumentation that listeners have never heard from Bridgers. Ambient guitars,
horns and orchestral instruments glide through the record smoothly, creating
a subtle transition away from Bridgers’
classic acoustic sound on her debut record, “Stranger in the Alps.” For many, this
record served as the soundtrack to a time of confusion, fear and sadness.
Highlights: “Kyoto,” “Chinese Satellite,” “I Know The End”
Sports
Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • Aug. 27, 2021
Football Freshmen Tackle Fall ‘21 Season JULIA PETERS
Reporter Transitioning from high school to college life can be a stressful experience. Many students pack up and move away from the cities that they’ve called home for
years with the intentions of gaining new
independence, creating new connections and exploring new passions. Student-
athletes have the added tasks of adapting
to the practice schedules, requirements and expectations of their new team.
“During high school, it was straight from
school to football, then you would have a little bit of free time, depending on how much homework you had,” freshman
offensive lineman Luke Strassner said.
“Here, I feel like I almost have more free
made to attend practices
my homework load for the day.”
commitments extend
time than in high school, but it depends on While some team members feel as
though the college environment allots more free time than they have had in
are extensive, but those
beyond official practices as well.
“You not only have so
previous years, others have a completely
many meetings during
their new schedule.
time required to be there,
different viewpoint on the demands of “I have a lot less time than I did in
high school,” freshman offensive lineman William McCorkle said. “High school
football was a lot easier and had a much
slower pace. As soon as I got here, the pace was incredibly faster. You get a little less time, but you’re doing more.”
The commitments team members have
the day and so much
but off the field, you’re
pretty much expected to
be doing something at all times as well,” Strassner said. “I like it, to be
honest. It’s good to meet
expectations like that, and I feel like I have a really
good support system. It’s
Freshman offensive lineman Will McCorkle takes off his helmet as the team takes a break and gets water. “I would say that college life is more difficult than high school football life,” McCorkle said. “I mean, alongside classes and studies, you have to figure out how to get in all of your homework and having time to do practice and everything else.” Photo by Julia Peters
definitely geared to the student first.”
While athletic performance is important,
coaches prioritize academics and set
aside time to ensure that their players are successful both on and off the field.
“The coaches give us planners and
we’re required to fill them out,” freshman defensive lineman Weston King said.
“It really helps because it allows us to
visualize what we have to get done that
day. It allows us to go step-by-step and not get overwhelmed by everything we have to do.” In preparation for their first game of the season, UCM’s offensive line prepares for a drill at practice on Aug. 20. Photo by Julia Peters
The support from coaches and fellow
team members pushes the players to
improve themselves both academically and athletically.
“I always have high expectations for
myself,” King said. “I like to do the best I can and succeed in everything I do, and
I’m going to work hard until my goals are met.”
While each player has individual goals
and priorities, they are all unified on the field by one common goal.
“I don’t know if my expectations are
met yet,” McCorkle said. “But we have a goal here, and that is to win a national
championship and we’re not going to stop until we do.”
Faculty
are you ready for your voice to be heard?
Join UCM NEA! Find out more and keep up to date with local NEA events by scanning this QR code or visit https://ucmnea.weebly.com/
Questions? Contact us at ucmnea@gmail.com for more info or to attend our monthly Zoom meetings, 4-5 pm on the third Thursday of the month.
Sports
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 1 • August 27, 2021
Mules Football Snaps Back into Season
MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor
The last time the University of Central Missouri Mules football team played was Nov. 30, 2019. Since then, the team has been scrimmaging against one another, lifting and practicing for the upcoming season. The Mules were ranked 13th in Division II by the American Football Coaches Association. The Mules season opener is Sept. 2 against Pittsburg State University. Senior safety Codie Bell said this season is mostly about mental preparation because the team has been training for two years for the physical aspect. “It’s been two years since we actually got to suit up and hit somebody that plays for a different team,” Bell said. Bell has set goals for himself for the season. He wants to leave a legacy for the younger guys and to be able to win All-American Awards. The games could potentially be canceled because of a
COVID-19 outbreak on the team or opponents’ teams, but players say they are ready for the games currently scheduled and focusing on what they can control. Redshirt sophomore kicker and punter Sam Knowlton said when the MIAA canceled last season, he was shocked, but came to realize that it was the right decision for the health of the players. “On and off the field, I always try to control what I can control,” Knowlton said. “As a kicker, you don’t go out on the field and plan to miss a kick, so I take that in practice. I’m not planning on having a game canceled.” Senior wide receiver Cameron Saunders said he is ready to see what the outcome is from two years of training and preparation. Saunders’s goals are that he wants to be the best version of himself on and off the field. “At this point, yes, you gotta prepare for the worst. That’s what I learned during COVID,” Saunders said. “So even preparing for a game you’re supposed to be prepared for but it can also be taken away with a blink of an eye so you gotta be ready for the worst and for the best.” Bell, Saunders and Knowlton all said the coaches’ expectations aren’t higher, but the team has their mindset on winning.
The defense uses trash cans in place of offensive lineman. The team gets set at the line of scrimmage until the coach blows the whistle to start the play. Photo by Meah Copeland
Senior tight end Jared Bubak and sophomore tight end Malik Clayborn are going through a drill of blocking. Photo by Meah Copeland
Photo by Julia Peters
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Mission Statement: Managing .............................................. Bethany Spitzmiller Statement: ManagingEditor Editor.................................................... Bethany Spitzmiller Mission News Editor .................................................... Matthew Goldsmith The Muleskinner is a monthly student newspaper is a monthly student newspaper in the in the Advertising Manager................................................... Mya Richardson The Muleskinner Communication Department the UCMofand operates Communication Department at the at University Central Features Editor ........................................................... Zayin Barnes in association with the Digital Media Production News Editor............................................................... Madelyn HarrisonMissouri and operates in association with the Digital Media program. It is a Itnews lab forlab students. Sports Editor ......................................................... Meah Copeland program. is a news for students to learn Features Editor................................................................. Skye MelcherProduction how to produce a publication. Sports Editor.......................................................... Matthew Goldsmith Promotions Manager ................................................ Gabriella Ellis
Muleskinner Minute Manager........................................... Advertising Manager ............................................. Audrey Carley MurphyTaylor
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