Muleskinner @MuleskinnerUCM
NEWS FEATURES OPINIONS SPORTS
• Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug 31. 2020
@muleskinner_ucm
Best Optimistic for Future
cost reduction. Best acknowledged the
challenge this presents and admitted tough choices will likely be made to the budget.
State of the University Addresses COVID-19, Diversity and Inclusion
“In case you have thoughts otherwise,
this work will not be easy,” he said. “And
MATTHEW GOLDSMITH Sports Editor
I have to be open and honest with you,
UCM President Roger Best gave the
university. During the final quarter
the Elliott Student Union auditorium
lost approximately 12% of its state
2020 State of the University Address in Aug. 27. The speech focused on diversity, inclusion, as well as the coronavirus and how it has affected UCM.
The speech demonstrated the major
impact COVID-19 has had on the
p. 2 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7
of the 2020 fiscal year, the university appropriations, which was budgeted for
the year, which was higher than expected and spent $4.3 million in COVID-19
response expenses in the fourth quarter of the fiscal year.
we can’t leave any area, nor any program
UCM is facing a final 2021 fiscal year
deficit of $10,750,000. The university is being allowed two fiscal years, with the
support of the Board of Governors, to fully resolve the current deficit.
The university plans to make up almost
$9 million of the deficit this year through
revenue generation, cost containment and
unexamined.”
The address also included the university’s
phased plan for a response for potential
COVID-19 outbreaks on campus and in the community. The plan ranges from phase zero, the university’s current operating
phase, to phase four, which Best said is
the worst case scenario and would move
all courses to online-only learning for the remainder of the semester.
Despite the concerns, Best said there is
This work will not be easy. We cannot leave any area or program unexamined.” — Roger Best
reason for optimism at UCM. A video was played at the address, highlighting the
accomplishments of faculty and students during the past 12 months.
“I think when you start with a base of
faculty and staff who not only have that level of commitment, but also have that
level of expertise and passion for what they do and what we do, then it’s hard not to be optimistic for the future of this institution,”
UCM President
Best said.
Another significant part of the address
was on diversity and inclusion. Best
discussed university goals to improve the
Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity, President Roger Best speaks to 39 faculty and staff for the Annual State of the University Address on Aug. 27 in the Elliott Student Union auditorium. Best said UCM’s level of comittment and expertise make it “hard not to be optimistic for the future of the institution.” The address was also available virtually to ensure social distancing directives. Photo by Tyler Langenberg
as well as adding more gender-neutral
bathrooms. Best also said diversity and
inclusion are major focuses of his job, and
said he believes inclusion leads to diversity.
Downtown Gets Back to Business CARLEY TAYLOR
Muleskinnner Minute Manager On July 6, Johnson County officials
mandated the use of face coverings
many have gravitated downtown. Fitter’s
concerns of public health officials.
still at half capacity for cutomers, but they
taste of freedom. With no curfew or parents
bartender Tyler Greer, said the restaurant is
by residents and visitors in any public
have opened all tables for seating.
grocery stores, offices, places of worship,
all times. The pub also requires patrons to
pandemic, students are still going out for
and if they leave their table at any time,
stopped young people across the country
Greer said, “A lot of people think it’s a hoax,
indoor location including retail stores,
Employees are required to wear a mask at
restaurants and bars. Despite a global
wear masks until they receive their order,
“Thirsty Thursday.” COVID-19 has not
they’re expected to put their mask back on.
from going out to bars, despite the risks and
the younger people, not the older ones.
warnings.
Warrensburg is home to multiple bars,
the majority of which are located on Pine Street. Upon the return of students,
College students definitely aren’t taking it as seriously.”
For many students, college is their first
waiting for them at home, going out and socializing is that much more enticing. UCM
sophomore,
Kensey
Lamb
said,
“Clearly, students are still going to the bars. They do have tables at the restaurants that
are closed to maintain social distancing. You
have to wear your mask around the bar, but they don’t implement the 6 feet rule. They try to, but it’s not enforced.”
According to a press release from Johnson
Although establishments might be holding
County Community Health Services, “this
patrons are not and that is one of the main
back to a more normal way of life, while
up their end of the deal, it seems as though
small sacrifice now will help get everyone
helping get kids back to school and resume regular activities.”
“I think everyone wants to do the right
thing and contribute to the end goal. Small
sacrifices are being made now so we can
get back to our previous way of life,” Karri
Lewis, community outreach coordinator for Johnson County Community Health Services, said.
Lewis further said she hopes that everyone
takes personal responsibility and students are mindful of social distancing and masks on and off campus.
Illustration by Victoria Cimerman
News
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug. 31, 2020
Fall Undergrad Enrollment Hit Hard; Graduate Studies on the Rise MATTHEW GOLDSMITH Reporter The coronavirus has produced
unprecedented challenges for colleges
is down 21%. He said the main reason
enrollment is down is because of travel
and universities. Many believe UCM is
restrictions.
challenges.
is confident international enrollment
headcount
a decrease in enrollment in every college
with “hundreds” of students deferring
2.46%, current
10% from last year, which is what the
“Many of the students, if not all, will be
no different as it tries to deal with these During COVID-19, the university has seen
and the headcount is down approximately university expected for this semester.
A few colleges have been particularly
Despite the drop in enrollment, he
will go up during the spring semester, enrollment to the spring semester. here in the spring,” he said.
With universities across the world
hit hard, including the College of Art,
struggling, it’s important to consider
17.19% and the College of Health, Science,
university during this time.
Humanities, and Social Sciences, is down
the traits that can help distinguish the
and Technology, is decreasing 8.77%.
Langston said along with affordable
that the global pandemic has changed the
that students want to be a part. Gregory
taking gap years, and college is financially
Sciences and Languages, said an advantage
Many believe it is an unfortunate reality
tuition, UCM has a campus community
collegiate plans of many. Some students are
Streich, the chair of the School of Social
impossible for many others.
UCM has is it is in the “sweet spot” when it
UCM is the lack of international enrollment
large or small university.
Randall Langston, the executive vice
an entirely negative situation. Streich said
at UCM, said international enrollment
terms of credit hours generated.
One issue in particular that is hurting
this fall.
provost for enrollment management
comes to size, explaining it isn’t an overly
Despite the decreases, fall enrollment isn’t
his college’s first-year enrollment is up in In graduate studies, despite the overall
working
with food
being down
service on
campus. He said his
domestic credit hours
are up approximately 0.25%.
Possible explanations are students who have lost jobs or people who
have a greater amount of free time while working from home.
Graduate student Cole Braun said he
read in a class discussion board about a
student who decided to return to graduate school because of a greater amount of
availability. Braun saw the effects of
COVID-19 on fellow students. He said the virus didn’t affect his decision at all, but said he also heard from a student who
decided to drop out of college due to the virus.
Along with the decrease of enrollment,
the virus has brought new concerns of all kinds to university employees.
Braun is also an employee for Sodexo,
focus is to keep full-time
staff and students safe on
campus, while also providing them
with the meals they are paying for.
Streich said the abrupt switch to online
learning last semester was very challenging for his faculty, due in part to large class sizes. With UCM students returning to campus, the possibility of reverting to online-only instruction exists.
Streich said that, in the event if the
university does go online, his faculty is
prepared. “I have no insider information, but given what might happen, it would
behoove them to be anticipating how to react if that were to happen,” he said. UCM has taken a number of steps,
including a mask order, to hold in-person classes safely.
Muleskinner 3
News
• Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug. 31, 2020
Ellis and Todd Dish Out COVID Directives
ISAAC REEVES Reporter The familiarity of the Ellis and Todd dining
halls have changed as the new school year has started during the COVID-19
pandemic. Many students are familiar with the Ellis and Todd dining halls on campus.
Ellis may be the place you go for breakfast
before class. Some students have memories of going to Todd for dinner, waiting in line
at the Stir Fry bar or to grab a few slices of pizza before heading off to your room
for a night of studying. For some students, the dining halls are just another dining option on campus in addition to Taco Bell or Chick-Fil-A in the lower levels of the
Student Union, but for other students, the
dining halls are a place to enjoy lunch with friends.
With changes such as different hours of
operations, lack of self service and newer
layouts of the dining halls, familiarity is now an afterthought. As the pandemic continues, students have to adjust to
classroom and lab changes and now to the dining halls.
Dining halls used to be open continuously,
with Ellis opening at 7 a.m. and closing at
8 p.m, and Todd staying open later, until 10 p.m. Now, the halls are open at block times of the day to serve different meals
and then sanitize the tables and food and
Todd Dining Hall displays signage indicating the COVID-19 social distancing directives. The dining halls only permit patrons to enter during designated times for scheduled cleaning. Photo by Cole Main
In Ellis, there are arrows on the floor to
drink stations between blocks.
guide customers through the dining hall
distancing and interactions between staff
the dining halls have also been moved or
A big change at the dining halls is the social
and customers. Ellis has two entrances, a
left and a right one on opposite sides of the hall. To limit social interaction, only
the left entrance is open. Masks are also
to promote social distancing. Tables in
is to help keep the dining hall as sanitary as possible.
Napkins have been removed from tables
blocked off from usage to help promote as
and now have their own stations in both
sacrificing the full capacity of the halls.
change is probably the least impactful as
much social distancing as possible without In addition to the limited hours of
required to enter the dining halls.
operations of the dining halls and social
staff your student ID to be swiped, you
serve food is terminated, the only exception
Where last semester you gave the
prepare it for them. The lack of self service
distancing protocols, the option to self
Todd and Ellis. For the most part, this this only affects a few food stations such as
salad bars, desserts, pizza, and the grilling stations.
Policies are always subject to change on
being drinks.
campus depending on how controlled the
sanitary purposes. After you have swiped
they want and wait to be served. For
hours of operations and policies may
cup for drinks.
with fries, students must ask the staff to
must swipe your ID yourself as the staff members aren’t allowed to take your ID for your student ID, the staffer will hand you a
Students must tell the staffer what food
example, if you want to have a cheeseburger
Union Dining Options Temporarily Reduced
pandemic is, just as how the dining hall’s change as well. Students must adapt as areas that were once familiar change.
ANNELIA NIXON Reporter The fall 2020 semester welcomed students with many changes
including the closing of Central Courte.
Senior Anthony Johnson, who purchased dining dollars, said, “I
feel that since the Central Courte is closed we as students are not getting the full benefit of using our dining dollars,” He also said he believes Central Courte was closed to follow social distancing rules. Justin Dreslinski, resident district manager of Sodexo Dining, said
the renovations were not started because of the virus.
“Before COVID-19 was even thought of, plans were in place to
renovate the Central Courte area,” Dreslinki said.
“Several individual projects were combined in an effort to minimize
space closure.”
Renovations include upgrades to digital signage and equipment, a
GrubHub pick-up window, new counters and a redesigned seating area.
Although Sodexo’s website says Central Courte will be opened Oct.
19, COVID-19 has slowed construction progress, leaving Dreslinski unable to give a definite answer as to when Central Courte will be open.
“The effects of COVID have not spared our project timeline.
Unforeseen delays in receiving construction materials/equipment, as well as enhanced safety protocols, extended the project,” he said. Despite not having a specific date, Dreslinski said he expects Taco
Bell to be open by mid-September and the rest of Central Courte to
be opened by mid-October. Those predictions are subject to change, depending on the state of the pandemic as the year progresses.
In the meantime, measures have been put in place to ensure students
still have some dining dollar options. The Einstein Bros. Bagels in
the Rec Center is open with extended hours. The Starbucks in Elliot Student Union has rebranded as The Union Express, serving AFC Sushi and Hot Bowls. CRU5H, a new fast-food restaurant, is open seven days a week. Graduate student Janola Sauther said she enjoys working at Cru5h as it comes with a certain amout of freedom to move around. The new dining option offers items ranging from burritos to tater tots. Photo by Katelyn Oren
“Central Courte hours will be similar to last year,” Dreslinski said.
Once Central Courte opens, the hours at Einstein Bros Bagels Rec.
Center will return to normal, and the Union Express will close to begin renovations.”
News
4 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug. 31, 2020
University Housing Moves into New Policies MADDY HARRISON News Editor COVID-19 has raised many questions
about university housing for this fall.
to someone who tested positive for COVID-19, has been tested for COVID and
are awaiting results, or have symptoms,
they are urged to contact the Health Center
There is concern for the safety of students
and go into medical quarantine.
pandemic.
confirmed COVID-19 case, they will be
University Housing, said that occupancy
has reserved two wings of the Fitzgerald
down to one student per room instead of
for these students.
style campus apartments as well.
have only been three students, two in the
occupants, University Housing has taken
been asked to self-quarantine.
spread of COVID-19.
sick students in quarantine, University
a student living in the dorms shows
them through a portal on the UCM Dining
COVID-19. Housing has come up with a
meals and have them delivered directly to
students.
coordinate with their professors to receive
such as a runny nose or sneezing, and was
courses.
the student is recommended to self-
rooms, social distancing in common areas
in regard to social distancing during this
Brenda Moeder, interim senior director at
would be reduced for all residence halls,
two. This change will occur in the suite-
Other than reducing rooms to single
additional precautions to try to prevent the A major concern is what happens when
the symptoms of or is diagnosed with system to try to secure the safety of UCM
If a student shows allergy-like symptoms,
with others and did not socially distance, quarantine and speak with the University Health Center.
If a student has a known exposure
If a student comes to Housing with a
moved out of their current dorm. Housing dorm hall to create a medical isolation area
According to University Housing, there dorms and one in an apartment, that have
In order to keep both symptomatic and
Housing has arranged for meal delivery for Services page. This allows students to order
their door. They will also help students the materials they need to succeed in their
Even if students are living in separate
is a concern.
“We go into every public space — every
lounge, every lobby, front desk — and measure,” Moeder said, “and we come up
with recommended capacities.”
working on the waitlist,” Moeder said.
distance range to allow more students to
Central Village, which house 42 and 79
stations and plexiglass to be installed.
multiple students.
They have also increased the commuter
live at home and arranged for sanitizing Despite the efforts to promote safety and
Apartments such as Greenwood and
students respectively, are also open for The need for more multiple room
cleanliness, some students felt that the
apartments led the University to take
desired.
Club Apartments. Students who signed
state of their dorm rooms left much to be
“When I moved into my dorm this year,
everything was super nasty,” sophomore Alec Doyle said. “The floor was basically
brown, the sink had hair clumps ... you’d think after hearing about the virus, the
out a temporary lease with Diamond
housing agreements later in the summer were placed in these apartments, with the
plan to be moved back to campus when vacancies opened.
These apartments are located across from
school would put effort to deep clean the
Crane Stadium on Main Street. Moeder
On the contrary, UCC resident Jonah
as to why more multiple room apartments
rooms before we all came back.”
Nelson, a freshman at UCM this year, felt that Housing was doing their part well.
said she suspected COVID-19 played a role were being rented.
“Not everybody likes to live alone. This
“There are signs up all around the dorm
gives them an apartment to live in, with
“Our CA [made] it very clear that masks
“It gives them some companionship.
reminding of the mandate,” Nelson said. are a rule, not a recommendation.”
Even though the total number of rooms
on campus has decreased, University Housing has not been able to fill all of
them. Between the open dorm halls, there
a person that they know,” Moeder said. One of the things that COVID creates is
a concern for isolation, but if you live out with a roommate, it takes away some of the isolation.”
Todd and Nickerson, which are the two
were 1,620 dorms available to students,
most popular apartments on campus
were filled.
The single room apartments typically have
and of these dorms, 1,557 of the beds
Since The Crossing has private
bedrooms, Housing Services deemed it
safe to fill these apartments to their usual occupancy of 324 beds.
“The Crossing is at 98% occupancy.
We have five open beds, and we’re still
according to Moeder, have vacant beds. large appeal to students, but this year, Todd has two open rooms and Nickerson has one.
“This is the first year that this has
happened,” Moeder said. “We’ve exhausted our waitlist.”
Muleskinner
ADVERTISE WITH US THIS SPOT IS
Serving Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis & Saline Counties Drew Lewis and Todd Lewis (UCM ‘93) 660-747-6171 trumantitle.com
$100 Contact us: MULESKINNERADS@UCMO.EDU
666-543-4051
Features
Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug. 31, 2020
A Century of Paving the Way J. PAIGE MCKINSEY
I see activism in our students and I hope they keep it up.”
-Elizabeth Smith
Professor of Women and Gender Studies
Reporter
On Aug. 18, 1920, Tennessee became the last state to ratify the 19th Amendment. In 2020, we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment’s ratification. Professor Sara Sundberg from the University of Central Missouri’s history department and other departments across campus have implemented different activities and projects to allow students to better appreciate and celebrate the amendment’s anniversary. They have brought in speakers, such as professor Cathleen Cahill from Penn State University, performed popular plays that were once used as a way to gain the attention of citizens during the fight for the vote, such as Christopher St. John’s “How the Vote Was Won” and shown movies such as “Iron Jawed Angels,” the 2004
historical film directed by Katja von Garnier. From Aug. 18 to Sept. 19, the campus is housing an exhibit at The Gallery of Art and Design,
where students can see art made by suffragettes from 1848 to 1920. Christian Cutler, the director of The Gallery of Art and Design said, “The community is excited about it,” and “This is a nationally recognized event. I am excited to have the university present these historic images.” Sundberg said she encourages students to go visit the gallery and enjoy the art of the Suffragettes. When asked about the significance of the anniversary, Sundberg stated the importance of thinking critically about the 19th Amendment. She said, “I think it is significant as a benchmark or milestone in a much larger and unfinished story about women’s rights, and the struggle for our nation to live up to its ideals. So, when we look at the actual amendment, it granted women voting rights … but it did not guarantee all women the vote, particularly women of color,” Sundberg said. “I also see it as an opportunity to critically analyze the event and look at what it can tell us about what we can still do.”
208 E Gay St. Warrensburg, MO 64093 660-429-3800 | nbwburg.org
Though it was one hundred years ago, the fight for voter equality still lives on in the United States. Elizabeth Smith, professor of Women and Gender Studies said, “There is definitely still work to do.” Smith wants to encourage students to use this anniversary as a reminder to not taking voting rights for granted. Looking to the future, Smith said she wants to remind students that the fight for suffrage was a long one. She said, “The organized fight started in 1848...and many people participated in this movement and never got to see its culmination.” Activism is a journey that might not seem to have an end. Suffragettes started down a path that women today continue to pave. Smith said, “I see activism in our students and I hope they keep it up. It’s going to be a fight for many years, and each year matters and every individual election matters. It is going to be a long fight, no matter what issue it is, it always is. It requires a long fight to make lasting change.”
Opinions
6 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug. 31, 2020
Wearing Your Mask to Care for Others
Mule Mask Exam
There are many ways to wear a mask, but which option below is the correct style to ensure your COVID-19 mask techinique is effective?
BETHANY SPITZMILLER Managing Editor
“At this point in the pandemic, wearing a mask is a sign of mutual respect. It isn’t just for personal safety, it’s for the safety of others.” students — are still working, and they are
tired
and
underappreciated.
This
exhaustion comes from carrying the weight of others’ irresponsibility and facing the
brunt of the public’s anger over policies they didn’t decide.
Many individuals go about their lives
unencumbered with any feeling of social responsibility, and then they feel justified
in their carelessness. At this point in the
pandemic, wearing a mask is a sign of mutual
respect. It isn’t just for personal safety, it’s for the safety of others. According to the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “To reduce the spread of COVID-19, [they]
recommend that people wear masks in
public settings when around people outside of their household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.”
Additionally, according to the University
of Central Missouri’s website, “Wearing face coverings, consistent with Centers
for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines … is required in classrooms; inside buildings
open to the public and in common areas of all buildings on campus; at group events,
gatherings and meetings; and in all areas of
campus, including outdoors, where physical distancing is not possible.”
A.
B.
C.
D.
Many students and faculty find it difficult
to wear a mask for long periods of time.
However, essential workers wear a mask for almost eight hours every day, a few
minutes here and there shouldn’t be the end of the world for anyone, whether that be students, professors, faculty or staff —
taking exceptions for medical restrictions, of course.
While home for the summer, I was working
at Schnucks, a grocery store based around St. Louis, where I did what I’ve affectionately
called “the Corona jobs.” I was sanitizing carts, taking employees’ temperatures and “queuing,” which was telling people which
checker’s lane they could go to once it had been sanitized.
They were miserable jobs but not
because of the work. Cleaning and taking
temperatures is easy, but dealing with the frustrated people was continuously discouraging. Essential workers have to
carefully navigate a new world, and as they are bearing a collective burden, they see those efforts devalued by those who
Illustration by Victoria Cimerman
Answer: A
Essential workers — many of whom are
pretend their carelessness is justified.
Remembering that the people working in retail are real people, who didn’t come up with the regulations, is so important. If a person disagrees with new rules, they need to contact those making them.
I’m not saying every Corona job is
important, but the people doing those jobs
are still human beings deserving of respect.
Many people are putting in extra time and effort to keep others safe, and they
SideTracked: Heavy Rotation
aren’t receiving much, if any, additional compensation.
I want to say thank you to those workers
who continue to keep our environment clean in an effort to keep everyone safe. I know it
is tiring, but the work you are doing is so important. I want to thank the university cleaning staff for continuing to keep
students and other employees safe. I want
you to know we care and are appreciative of everything you’ve been doing for us.
LOUIE SHARP
Copy Chief
A silver lining to quarantine may be the free time many of us had never dreamed. Some chose to learn new skills, achieve goals or start working out. I rediscovered a love of music.
“God Has Nothing To Do With This Leave Him Out Of It” - Backxwash
“how i’m feeling now” - Charli XCX
This record represents everything I look
Charli XCX’s self-titled record from
for in music. It’s a concept record that
blends hip-hop with disparate influences. It
features
supernatural
black
magic
themes and a brilliant ear for sampling.
It’s a short record — with only 10 songs,
last year was my favorite of 2019. For
10 10
coming in at just over 20 minutes of all-
“claws” and “7 years”
“Descendants of Cain” - Ka
This album is Apple at the most aggressive
Ka’s back with conscious hip-hop that
we’ve seen her, and the rougher production
similar records might. In fact, “Fetch the Bolt Cutters” is the exact opposite. It’s empowering, incredible and a reminder of just what good music can do for the soul.
Favorite tracks: “Fetch the Bolt Cutters,” “Relay” and “Under the Table”
blowing. It lacks the grandiosity of her
8.6 10
Favorite tracks: “pink diamond,” “forever,”
“Fetch the Bolt Cutters” - Fiona Apple
never feels emotionally draining the way
achieve nearly the same heights is mind-
raw energy and a willingness to take risks.
Favorite track: “Spells”
deals with heavy subject material, but it
quarantine, less than a year later and
previous project but makes up for it with
killer-no-filler fun.
on this record compliments it. The record
her to record “how i’m feeling now” in
pulls heavily from the biblical story of Cain
9.1 10
and Abel. My only criticism is that it lacks some of the immediacy of his other recent projects. The production is toned down
a tad to highlight these strengths, and because of that it took me a few listens to really begin appreciating the record.
Favorite tracks: “Unto the Dust,” “My Brother’s Keeper” and “Sins of the Father”
7.8 10
Sports
Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug. 31, 2020
UCM Athletics Profile: MaKayla Toth
Welcome Back from
MaKayla Toth plays as a forward for the UCM soccer team. Since coming to UCM, she has started every game. After graduation, she plans to pursue a physical therapy degree. Photo by Andrew Mather
NICHOLAS THOMAS Reporter MaKayla Toth is one of the most successful
soccer players in the history of the University
Toth was upset to have her fall season taken away.
She said, “When the MIAA cancelled fall
of Central Missouri.
sports, I felt like a piece of me had been
she credits the atmosphere of the university
season ripped away from them like that.”
Toth is in her fourth year at UCM. She said
as to why she chose to become part of the
ripped out. Nobody wants to see their senior With the cancellation, many college
Jennies.
athletes are figuring out what to do with
love,” Toth said, “The atmosphere, to me,
field, Toth enjoys running and, of course,
“When I got here for my visit, I fell in
just felt like home.”
Since coming to UCM, Toth has started
their spare time. Whenever she’s not on the playing soccer.
“Running helps me take a load off. When
every game. She has also racked up some
I am feeling stressed or overwhelmed,
great memories while representing UCM.
of things for a while,” Toth said. “Soccer
accolades and said she had made some
This includes being awarded First-Team AllMIAA, Second-Team United Soccer Coaches All-American, First-Team United Soccer Coaches All-Region, First-Team D2CCA-All
Central Region and being one of the key
contributors to the 2017 Jennies National Championship Team, which is one of the
running will always help take my mind off kind of gives me a home away from home. When I am on the soccer field, it feels like
there are no worries in the world. Just me and the game I love” She also credits her
family for making her the person that she is today.
She said, “Without them, I would not be
highlights of her career.
who I am today. They have driven many
Jennies would probably have to be winning
My family and my dogs are my world.”
“My best memory of playing for the
the National Championship my freshman
miles for me to play the game that I love.
When her UCM journey comes to an
year,” Toth said. “Getting to play in front
end, Toth plans to continue her education
such a surreal feeling.” Just like many other
She plans on applying to Wichita State
of so many people and repping UCM was fall college athletes around the country,
closer to her hometown of Wichita, Kansas. University and joining the physical therapy program.
GO
MULES!
Sports
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 1 • Aug. 31, 2020
Mule Senior Spotlight: Zach Davidson
Meah Copeland
forever give him chills.
A couple of weeks ago, the MIAA
Reporter
CEO council announced that they are
Zach Davidson is a senior athlete who
postponing the fall season to Jan. 1, 2021.
will be graduating in December 2020. He
When Davidson first saw the news, he was
has been playing football his whole life.
devasted.
Over the years, he has developed his skills
However, looking on the bright side,
and improved each season. Davidson is
Davidson said, “it gave us more time to
has a passion for sports and wants to be a
a new offensive coordinator on staff.”
majoring in Sport Management because he
allow our team to develop, especially with
part of sharing it with future generations.
Over the years, Zach has built lasting
In his free time, he loves being outdoors
relationships with most of his teammates
with his girlfriend and dog and playing
and coaches.
video games.
He said, “we operate as a family, being
Davidson started playing for the Mules
there for each other day in and day out.”
football team in 2017 as a redshirt
With the fall season gone, Davidson will
freshman. He set a new team record
miss practice and simply being with the
times and totaled 2,082 yards. His longest
be a season at all. If that happens, Davidson
averaging 44 yards per punt, kicked 47
guys every day. There could potentially not
kick was 66 yards against Fort Hays State. At the end of his freshman season, he was
selected as a Don Hanson Third Team All-American and was a Second Team All-
MIAA selection. In 2018, he improved his punting skills and began his tight end
position journey. He caught 11 passes for 239 yards with an average of 21 yards per catch. He was nominated for D2CCA
Second Team All-Region and All-MIAA Honorable Mention.
Last season, he was one of the best tight
ends in Division II football and earned five
said he plans to stay in shape and improve Zach Davidson is an award-winning football player. Although he is not playing football this fall, he continues to practice and look on the bright side of the situation. Photo by Andrew Mather
First All-American awards. He finished in
All-American, and All-MIAA First-Team.
and yards per reception. He set many Mules
to improve each year.
the NCAA top-10, receiving touchdowns football records in punting and receiving.
He is a tremendous athlete who continues His favorite moment in his career was last
his game in whatever ways possible. He
said he wants to get a chance to go to the NFL.
“We’re only capable of playing the sport
of football for a limited time in our lives, and I want to make my time last as long as possible,” Davidson said.
After graduation, Davidson plans on
He had the most yards in a single game by
year against Fort Hays State in 2019. It was
to be a top punter in the NCAA. He earned
Mules were down against the Tigers. Being
After his career as an athlete is finished, he
the way the team answered the call will
position.
a tight end in Mules’ history. He continued AFCA First-Team All-American, AP First-
Team All-American, D2CCA First-Team
the last five minutes of the game when the
pursuing playing football professionally.
a part of the comeback win was special, but
would like to find an athletic coordinator
Muleskinner Staff: Managing Editor.................................................... Bethany Spitzmiller Advertising Manager................................................... Mya Richardson News Editor............................................................... Madelyn Harrison Features Editor................................................................. Skye Melcher Sports Editor.......................................................... Matthew Goldsmith
Mission Statement: The Muleskinner is a monthly student newspaper in the Communication Department at the UCM and operates in association with the Digital Media Production program. It is a news lab for students.
Muleskinner Minute Manager........................................... Carley Taylor
Letter to Editor:
Copy Chief......................................................................... Louie Sharp
Letters to the editor are encouraged. Typed or legibly written letters may be submitted to the Muleskinner by email at Muleskinner@ucmo.edu or may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Muleskinner newsroom at 203 East Clark Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093, which is in Wood building, room 312. Include your legal name and phone number for verification, or the letter may not be printed. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit letters for style, content or length. Letters should be brief, self-edited and must be received by Monday the week before publication. The Muleskinner comes out once a month.
Design Chief.................................................................... Katelyn Oren Illustrator.................................................................. Victoria Cimerman Designer........................................................................ Lauryn Morrow Photography Manager.......................................................... Cole Main Photographer............................................................ Tyler Langenberg Reporters...................................... Meah Copeland, Nicholas Thomas, Paige McKinsey, Annelia Nixon, Isaac Reeves Faculty Adviser.............................................................. Dr. Julie Lewis
You can find us at 203 East Clark St. Wood Room 312