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NEWS FEATURES OPINIONS SPORTS
• Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
Students March Toward Equality
be looking out for each other, and I would expect them to do the
Reporter After marching almost two
same if I was in their situation.”
on Sept. 15 at the University
about their support for the Black
Central Missouri students gathered
students must fight racial injustice.
to discuss racism, social injustice
march because none of my friends
in the United States. The rally
a moment to feel comfortable,”
display of talent and passion was
Akheituame said. “However,
of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by
out, you could feel the change
Many students were vocal
miles through university streets,
community and explained why
Amphitheater, University of
“It was nerve-racking during the
at the “Together We Stand” event
and other discriminatory practices
decided to join me, and it took me
included multiple speeches. A
Graduate assistant Esther
given through a speed painting
as the event continued to play
senior Asia Thomas and Bryant
in atmosphere. People were
Williams, the vice president of
the Association of Black Collegians
of Student Government Activities gave a speech, during which he expressed
students’ need to bridge the gap between policy that creates political division and the amount of Americans voting.
The general purpose of the rally was to
get students involved with decision and policy making. Williams asked, “what’s next?” and encouraged students to use
their right to vote. Williams said it’s up
to the people in the community to make
an effort to create new opportunities and chances for the next generation.
Dominique Hampton, graduate assistant
of the Center for Multiculturalism and
Inclusivity, spearheaded this movement
extremely happy with how open
Senior Jahana Hamilton, national pan-hellenic council president at UCM said, “It is important for the Black community to come together, at the school and showcase the social injustice that is in our nation.” Photo by Tyler Langenberg
many people came in attendance.”
and helped organize the march.
Thompson said, “I think this is enough and
“This is one of the biggest events that I
coordinated, not just here on UCM, but in
that we will bring to department heads in future meetings.”
Phil Bridgmon, provost and vice president
my life,” Hampton said. He said he didn’t
of academic affairs, offered a perspective of
turnout would be. The march began with
“This is an important and wonderful first
have much expectation for how the event
a “white ally.”
70 people, but it quickly ballooned as it
step today,” Bridgmon said. “Well, frankly
and faculty members joined. The final
We have to fulfill our mission as human
moved through campus and other students number present was close to 150 people, with about 15% being white supporters
we have to keep listening and supporting. beings to march towards social justice.”
Freshman Kolby McCollum said, “I believe
and the other 85% being Black.
that the importance, even as a white man,
“Students had the opportunity to share
this case specifically for African Americans.
“It was an effective night,” Hampton said.
their voices and expressed their concerns
is to support people of all colors, but in
Because I believe that we humans should
and honest students were and how
Junior interior design major Hadiya
a time where we should be together and show love to each other. No one should
ever feel less than anyone because of your color.”
Students were given the opportunity to
submit a survey to voice their opinions
anonymously or they present in front of the crowd. Fifteen students who spoke to the
crowd, and emotions were high as people expressed their feelings.
Another event is being planned for
October where student concerns and questions can be addressed again.
COVID-19 Cases Fluctuate at UCM MATTHEW GOLDSMITH News Editor
As of Sept. 18, UCM had 73 known active
student COVID-19 cases and three faculty/ staff cases. In total, the university has had 407 year-to-date cases. This is an increase from Sept. 11, when UCM reported 136 student and seven faculty/staff cases.
Earlier this semester, the university wasn’t
publishing COVID-19 statistics. UCM
President Dr. Roger Best said one of the
reasons they hadn’t done so was because the campus had a low number of cases,
especially compared to other universities when factoring in the size of the student body.
He said he didn’t want the initial figures
to provide UCM an opportunity to let its guard down.
“To some extent, my concern was if we
publish the numbers, that there would be some complacency set in,” Best said.
When case numbers were released on
Sept. 11, the first of the university’s weekly updates, they showed an increase from the previous numbers of 42 student and four faculty/staff cases that were reported via email by Best on Sept. 3.
The increase wasn’t a surprise to UCM.
Best said the university had observed
that students were getting complacent,
including at off-campus events where masks weren’t being worn, and the
data started to reflect this. He said the
*COVID-19 numbers related to the University of Central Missouri are coordinated by the University Student Health Center and UCM Human Resources in cooperation with Local Public Health Agencies.
university was anticipating an even larger amount of positive cases.
Despite UCM’s decrease, local cases are
on the rise. As of Sept. 20, Warrensburg
is 19th on the New York Times list of the greatest number of new cases in the last two weeks.
Best said the university is watching
the situation every day. He also said the university looks at how they are doing
currently and tries to project where they will be.
Jeffrey Murphy, the assistant director
for media relations at UCM, said he has been very proud of the work university employees have done throughout the pandemic.
“It’s important to note how many people
have put in a lot of extra effort to try
to make the campus as safe as possible
during COVID,” Murphy said. “This is an unprecedented time for all of us.”
Murphy also discussed the challenge that
COVID-19 has brought to the university. “It’s taken a campus wide effort …
something we just keep working at every
day,” Murphy said. “This is new to us, but we’re going to continue to do the best we
can to make it through this very difficult situation.”
Interim Health Center Director Diana
masks. She said every time she has asked
those questions, the answer has been yes. Amy Kiger, the director of campus
Herman has been helping with contact
community health, said Campus
numerous students who are displaying
changing COVID-19 protocol, even before
tracing on campus. She has dealt with symptoms of the new virus.
Herman said one of the questions she asks
people who are experiencing symptoms, while having them remember the days
before symptoms started, is “did you come
into contact with anyone within six feet for longer than 15 minutes?”
If those individuals were in class, she will
ask if they were six feet apart and wearing
Community Health has been constantly
the first positive UCM case on March 20. “We’ve been working on this, and
adapting and changing constantly since January 2020,” Kiger said.
Kiger also said the University Health
Center has seen an increase in student
visits this semester. Students reaching out
for COVID-19 can range from 5-50 people a day.
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
City Deficit Could Close Warrensburg Animal Shelter
SKYE MELCHER
Study Abroad Programs Delayed ANNELIA NIXON
Features Editor
Reporter COVID-19 has been the root of many
changes on campus. Normally, students
are encouraged to start applying to study abroad one to two years ahead of time.
However, the program was canceled during the spring 2020 semester after the mid-
semester closing, and it remained closed for the fall 2020 semester.
“Even from spring, we were advising
However, during a Warrensburg City
Council meeting on Aug. 10, Finance
Director Marcella McCoy proposed four
plans to help decrease the General Fund
deficit of $929,450. Two plans suggested
eliminating animal shelter services, while
the others would eliminate several general fund positions in the city.
The General Fund has a projected
revenue of $10 million and expenditures
in Kansas City, Missouri and Prairie Paws Animal Shelter in Ottawa, Kansas. Frank
said when transferring dogs, they always make sure they do their research so they
know that the dogs will be taken care of.
They are hoping to have the cats adopted
before the closure and if not, they will find people willing to foster until a solution is found.
Olivia Bloom, vice-president of
of $10.9 million. McCoy said the plan is to
Warrensburg animal rescue board, said,
and to propose at least $500,000 in service
work hand in hand, and it’s a huge
eliminate as much of the deficit as possible cuts.
Mason Wirsig, president of the
Warrensburg animal rescue board, said, “State law requires cities to perform
certain basic functions, and the animal
“Shelters and rescues work best if they
network of people that share information, share resources, reach each other when they need help, and it helps everything work a whole lot better.”
and there were no alternative options, it’s Although a decision has not yet been
abroad office, said. “We had a few students who had to drop out because they have other classes that they have to take, or
they are graduating and can’t study abroad anymore. A lot had to come back, and they were disappointed.”
One of those students who came back
unexpectedly was junior Colleen Wright. “It was a really hard adjustment to
come home, especially because I was not
anticipating it for another three months,” Wright said.
For the students who were not able to
those students still want to study abroad later.
Since those students were no longer able
determine if UCM
this thing away,’ I think you get people’s
students can
attention very quickly, ”Frank said.
study abroad for
A non-profit organization, Warrensburg Mama cat Oreo was brought to the shelter in hopes of stopping the overpopulation of strays. Photo by Lauryn Morrow
numbers for spring too.”
As for spring 2021, Chiesi said, “I think
we will take incoming exchange students if we are able to.”
According to study abroad, the program
is accepting applications for spring and summer 2021. It also notes that they
are in contact with their partners both internationally and locally, and UCM
is keeping an eye on travel advisories. However, Chiesi said traveling abroad as an exchange student does not look promising anytime soon.
“I don’t see any evidence that things are
country [travel] advisories are still pretty for instance, there is almost no travel in or out of their borders.”
He said he thinks 2022 might be the year
things start to look up for the program.
Chiesi was unable to recommend a country suitable for travel for UCM students at this time.
“I think right now, as things are currently,
I don’t think there is any location that looks better than another.”
He said any country he could recommend
follow travel advisories for both America
factors that will
tempts you with a ‘hey we might take
We were also looking at some promising
award any scholarships or grants for fall
has a list of
passionate about something, and someone
had quite a few interested in coming in.
as being safe would be nothing more than
Abroad Office
about something, and when you’re very
in going out as exchange students, and we
“Once fall was cancelled, we basically put
The Study
very upset because they’re so passionate
projections for the fall,” Chiesi said. “Had
high. A number of countries like Ghana,
UCM. They are keeping notes on whether
on pause because of the uncertainty.
“I think it’s safe to say that people felt
“We were definitely disappointed
to ensure they are enrolled in classes at
Office has been working closely with them
semester are available, but scholarships are
to find solutions.
study in a foreign country and the lack of
promising at this time. The country by
Chiesi said grants for the spring 2021
community volunteers have come together
The study abroad program is struggling
go abroad as planned, the Study Abroad
semester.”
made, the staff at the shelter and
the shelter.
Bishop, a student worker at the study
a pause on that process, and we did not
just detrimental,” Frank said.
working with Frank as volunteers to save
who were disappointed,” Chrystal Brown
not be traveling in the fall,” Chiesi said.
“If the shelter was to become defunded
Animal Rescue, has announced it is
“We had a few emails from students
abroad scholarships to students who would
meeting to defend the shelter.
plans.”
quite a few students who were interested
did not pursue giving any of those study
it was publicly released and attended the
Chiesi said. “I don’t know if they plan on
missed their chance to study abroad
likely that fall would be cancelled, we
defunding proposal to city council before
“All of our incoming exchange students
because we had good numbers and good
“When we found out that it was really
Kayla Frank was notified about the
to attend UCM this semester.
that it will likely be canceled.”
grants were also affected.
Warrensburg Animal Shelter manager
the exchange students that were supposed
incoming exchange students.
to go on their trips, their scholarships and
shelter is not on the list.”
While UCM is taking precautions, so are
basically advising students and accepting
because they are graduating this semester.
other no-kill shelters like Wayside Waifs
host country’s steps for health and safety.
because of UCM’s students’ inability to
Chiesi also explained some students
until the end of the year.
the semester in the host country and the
the spring, and we can’t guarantee that
spring applications with the understanding
shelter had to transfer all the dogs to
the expectation that students can finish
coming later or if they just put off their
it’s a possibility. So what we are doing is
14 and decided to help fund the shelter
Center for Disease Control and Prevention,
abroad program, said. “We are asking them are still interested in studying abroad in
With the possible closure, the animal
by the U.S. State Department and the
deferred, so they canceled for the fall,”
what their plans are. Some of the students
Grayson was a stray dog found south of Warrensburg by a passerby. He is still at the shelter waiting for a home. Photo by Lauryn Morrow
Americans, travel restrictions put in place
them that it might not be possible,”
Matthew Chiesi, director of the study
Warrensburg City Council met on Sept.
News
the spring. Some of those factors include the host country’s willingness to accept
speculation and assumption. Continuing to and other countries is the best route to
take when considering host countries for UCM students.
Study Abroad suggests students consider
traveling closer to 2022, especially if
traveling before then is still considered
dangerous. Speaking with a success advisor can be helpful and it is also recommended that students wanting to study abroad in
the short term should apply for faculty-led programs. In the case that the group must come home, students would not be alone on that journey.
News
Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
Vice President Candidate Rundown Senator Kamala Harris is the junior senator
She previously served as attorney general of
attorney of San Francisco from 2004-2011.
The senator was initially a presidential
Pence is anti-abortion and has an A rating
Harris claimed Trump’s inability to be tough
with the Chinese government endangered Americans.
“Donald Trump has failed at the most basic
and important job of a president of the
United States,” she said. “It’s his obligation to protect us. Yet, he has failed miserably.”
His political future has been a source of
states the government cannot infringe on a
speculation, as it is widely believed he will
unless the government can prove it has a
Pence, like President Trump, has focused on
eventually run for president in 2024.
compelling reason to do so.
law-and-order during his 2020 campaign.
anti-LGBTQ discrimination in the name of
competitors in the 2020 election.
Critics say the bill makes it easier for
religion. Pence has also frequently spoken
He recently warned the supporters of his
“You won’t be safe in Joe Biden’s America,”
order.”
stark contrast to his opponent.
MEAH COPELAND Reporter IX Coordinator Corey Bowman said.
Bowman mentioned the most significant
on campuses. It was updated in May by
changes to the policy include the new
and the University of Central Missouri has
a requirement for a formal complaint to be
definitions of sexual harassment, which is
filed either by a complainant or the Title IX Coordinator.
“The goal of the new Title IX regulations
Inside Higher Ed.
and UCM’s Sexual Misconduct Policy and
process rights for students who report
treatment and a fair process when
Grievance Process is to provide equitable addressing sexual misconduct, while still protecting the university community,” Bowman said.
To report sexual misconduct, contact the
involved,” DeVos said.
police department or call Public Safety at
and efforts to eliminate all forms of sexual
at ucmo.edu/titleix under the reporting
misconduct remain the same,” UCM Title
information.
LGBTQ community. He was the subject of
Title IX Procedures Updated
“UCM’s commitment to equal opportunity
tough over its refusal to share COVID-19
“couldn’t be more proud” of President
Vice President Mike Pence is the Republican nominee for vice president. Before serving as vice president, Pence was the governor of Indiana from 2013-2017.
to cross-examine parties and witnesses
She
Convention, Pence said, “I’m a Christian,
controversy in 2015 when he signed the
hearings and allowing students’ advisers
She has received criticism for her record
COVID-19.
Trump.
He has received criticism from the
of it, by requiring colleges to provide live
oversaw over 1,900 cannabis convictions.
of
Pence said.
compared to the more outspoken President
sexual misconduct and for those accused
on marijuana, her San Francisco office
handling
accused President Trump of caving to the
about his own Christian faith.
known for his calm demeanor, particularly
“The new regulation will secure due
pointed out that despite her current position
person’s ability to practice his or her religion
for the National Rifle Association. Pence is
about the Title IX changes to a reporter at
on assault weapons and supports legalizing
current post, Pence served as the governor
getting into politics.
Harris has been critical of President
Chinese government when he needed to be
Harris has proposed making four-year
Religious Freedom Restriction Act, which
a talk radio show for eight years before
to herself as a “progressive prosecutor.”
Harris said. “That little girl was me.”
Mike Pence is the 48th and current vice
of Indiana from 2013-2017 and hosted
and Kevin Cooper. The senator has referred
Trump’s
and she was bused to school every day,”
marijuana at the national level. Critics have
president of the United States. Prior to his
where she has been accused of defending
second class to integrate her public schools
her now running mate Joe Biden during a
Senator Kamala Harris is the Democratic nominee for vice president. She is attempting to become the first female person of color to become vice president.
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos spoke
“There was a little girl who was part of the
public colleges debt-free, supports a ban
June 2019 Democratic primary debate.
implimented those updates. On May 7,
her.
candidate in the 2020 election. During her
run, she had a contentious exchange with
the United States Department of Education
wrongful convictions, such as George Gage
schools, which she said personally affected
California from 2011-2017 and the district
Title IX, a civil rights law, is based on
as a form of desegregating American
become the first woman and first person of States.
protecting people from sexual misconduct
as a prosecutor. The record includes cases
record on race and his opposition to bussing
color to become vice president of the United
News Editor
During the debate, she questioned Biden’s
from California and the Democratic nominee for vice president. Harris is attempting to
MATTHEW GOLDSMITH
660-543-4123. An online form is available options.
During the 2016 Republican National
a conservative and a Republican — in that
The vice president recently stated he
Trump’s leadership during COVID-19, a
Features
4 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
Kayaking on Lake Jacomo
MADISON PRESTON Reporter
The zip and snap of a life jacket being
buckled and the hollow click of a paddle being assembled are the sounds of the
beginning of an adventure. Just beyond, waves crash against the ramp. Our feet
slide on the algae as we make our way to
the water. We launch our kayaks into Lake Jacomo.
Kayaking takes place in the hundreds of
waterways across Missouri, including in our own backyard at Knob Noster State Park, just a 20 minute drive from the
University of Central Missouri’s campus. Lake Jacomo resides in a conservation
area, Fleming Park, which spans through
Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, Missouri.
Fleming Park covers 7,809 acres of Jackson County and offers a variety of activities
— camping, hiking, fishing, water sports and an airplane field — for those in the
surrounding area. Of those acres, 1,690
are water and 970 of those make up Lake Jacomo, according to Jackson County Parks and Recreation.
For four college students, it’s our
escape. The “Yak Pak,” comprised of four
friends, Max Anderson, a recent electrical engineering graduate; his girlfriend,
Natalie Jenkins, an IT professional, Max’s
sister, Michelle, a junior nursing student,
and myself, can be found here often when the water is warm.
Those 970 acres provide an escape from
school, work and the stresses of life. We
take comfort in the smell of the lake and
the feeling of muddy feet against the warm plastic of our 10-foot-long vessels.
We paddle across the lake hoping to beat
the oncoming pontoons and sail boats.
Our destination is Sailboat Cove. The cove consists of large buoys that look more
like giant fishing bobbers than buoys with sailboats of all sizes tethered to them.
our sandals, swing our legs on either side
From left: Max Anderson, Natalie Jenkins, Michelle Anderson and Maddy Preston pose for a photo on the lake. “I enjoy kayaking with my friends because it’s a fun way to stay active without having to run,” Max Anderson said. Photo by Max Anderson
water and lay our heads back as we drift
stay out of the way of the bigger boats, but
which never fails to amaze.
passes a little closer than we’d like and
we drop our paddles, we hear the radio
When we reach the small cove, we shed
of our boat to dip our feet into the warm
around the cove listening to the ambiance of boat motors and the dinging sound of
ropes and clips against the masts of the sail boats in the background.
“I think I could just live on my kayak,”
Michelle said as the sun warms her skin and a blue heron lands on the bank.
Max said he’s ready to keep paddling
down the lake, so we pull our feet back
into our boats, trade our quiet cove for our paddles and continue on.
We stay close to the side of the lake to
some are more courteous than others. One turn our boats to face the wake head on. The water has the signature smell of
a lake, a mixture of fish, dirt and the
outdoors, as it splashes into our boats and on us.
“I’m glad the water has warmed up,” Max
said as we continue to get pelted by the
We find a place to stop for a break. As
belting from a nearby drifting pontoon.
Our desperation for dinner interrupts our
journey as we agree that it’s time to head
back to where we started — the boat ramp. Our escape from reality ends just as
quickly as it started.
“After sitting at a desk all day, there’s
last of the aggressive waves.
nothing better than paddling out into
by a stray fish jumping out of the water,
the peace and quiet of being in nature,”
We continue to journey, and we are joined
the middle of the lake and just enjoying
Hidden Gems of Warrensburg: Cave Hollow SKYE MELCHER Features Editor Sunlight streams through the foliage and
greenery along a path that leads to a cliff with a carved face at Cave Hollow.
This park is a place for students and local
families to escape. It is located at 1001 W.
Gay St. and features, softball and baseball fields, hiking trails, a dog park and an inclusive playground.
“I enjoy the nature trails and the heritage
Many stones at Cave Hollow are soft enough for carving, so as visitors go for a hike, they can enjoy rock carvings of faces and other images. Photo by Lauryn Morrow
of it,” UCM alumna Rachel Marcak said “I discovered it when I took my dog to the dog park and noticed the hiking trails.”
When arriving, the soft, blue mat under
the green playground is visible while at
the back of the park is the beginning of a
the features of the park, especially the
inclusive playground, which is a space
where children of all abilities and ages
can play with sensory panels, active play panels and a sensory arch with adaptive
switch technology. Along with these, the
playground offers swings where mothers and babies can swing together.
Babylou Collins, a local mother of two,
said she brings her children to the park at least once or twice a week.
“I just like how it has the peaceful little
trail in the back, but I like it even more
a carved face enjoyed by students past and
since they have the duo baby swings and
present.
“Freshman should go to Cave Hollow to
see the different faces in the rocks and the nature trails,” Marcak said.
Students have been going to Cave Hollow
to destress for decades, even before the
since they put the park out here, especially stuff like that,” Collins said. “The turf is just cleaner and safer.”
Krystal Petsch said she brings her children
to Cave Hollow about once or twice a week.
“We just really love this park,” Petsch
university was called UCM.
said. “We love the mat on the park. I like
Cave Hollow because it was a nature
their shoes, and I love how easy it is to get
Alumna Morgan Demoss said, “I love
escape at college when I needed to relieve
my stress. I discovered it through my mom UCM alumna Rachel Marcak said. Photo by Lauryn Morrow
local families visit Cave Hollow to enjoy
half-mile walking trail surrounded by trees and shrubbery, which leads to a cliff with
“Freshman should go to Cave Hollow to see the different faces in the rocks and the nature trails,”
Demoss’s mom isn’t the only mother
sharing the park with her child. Many
who is a CMSU alum, and she showed me before I started at UCM.”
that it’s not mulch. So, they don’t get it in on and off things. And I love the mommy
and baby swings. We pretty much just love everything about it.”
Muleskinner 5
Opinions
• Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
Talking to Family About Changing Opinions
BETHANY SPITZMILLER
Managing Editor Family weekend can be a wonderful time
When I left home to go to college,
to reconnect with loved ones and catch
was after an argument with my
can also bring tension and disagreement
communication with an emphasis
up on what has been happening, but it as students and parents develop
different expectations of what college
is about. Universities open the door for
opportunities to learn, develop skills and find jobs, but it is also a place to make
friends, learn about the world and form new opinions. If coming to college and
taking classes from multiple disciplines and
it
dad. I double majored in English
and
in journalism, and he didn’t
see
other than teaching. I didn’t change
my
how that could lead to any
decision, graduated and am
attending grad school still focusing
job
*Family Weekend Sept. 25-27
now
on communication, but that was
another disagreement in itself. As a first
Illustation by Victoria Cimerman
generation college student, I learned early
about problems like systematic racism or
things. It’s not that they don’t value
duty to inform those close to us because
see their side of an issue. You might
priority for them as it is for me. Sometimes
the biggest impact on their views. People
to evolve or see an opportunity to
own, and other times I have to remind
with their beliefs. However, when problems
Being surrounded by different types of
best for me. It’s important to consider both
to their attention, it creates an internal
educated on the complexities of every
To deal with their own internal strife,
the person to introduce their family to
or blame others for the problems within
only person they know with a differing
Listen to what others have to say, and
on that my parents and I value different
other forms of discrimination. It’s our civic
education, they do, but it’s not as high a
we might be the person that can make
notice your own opinions beginning
I have to remind them that my life is my
generally like to believe their actions align
change the beliefs of someone else.
myself they just want what they think is
like systematic discrimination are brought
people allows students to become more
sides in those types of disagreements.
conflict that makes them uncomfortable.
opinion. Sometimes students have to be
need a reminder that college is a place to
both sides cannot really be considered, for
many people choose to ignore the situation
other perspectives, as they may be the
out of the classroom.
a moral responsibility to educate others
society rather than attempt to fix them.
opinion.
being surrounded by new people doesn’t make you question your beliefs, you
probably aren’t taking advantage of what it means to be a college student.
However, it is difficult to talk about
changing opinions with people you’ve
been around your entire life, especially family. Changing opinions in college is
messy, but it is part of growing up. Parents might need time to adapt, and they might experiment and test ideas, whether in or
However, there are some issues that
example human rights. It comes down to
Muleskinner
Staff:
Staff: Mission Statement: Managing Editor.................................................... Bethany Spitzmiller Mission Statement: Managing Editor............................................... Bethany Spitzmiller The Muleskinner is a monthly student newspaper in the Advertising Manager................................................... Mya Richardson The Muleskinner is a monthly student in the Communication Department at newspaper the UCM and operates News Editor...................................................... Matthew Goldsmith Communication Department at the University of Central in association with the Digital Media Production Features Editor........................................................... Skye Melcher News Editor............................................................... Madelyn HarrisonMissouri and operates in association with the Digital Media program. It is a news lab for students. Features Editor................................................................. Skye MelcherProduction program. It is a news lab for students. Promotions Manager.............................................Sydney Baynham Sports Editor.......................................................... Matthew Goldsmith Muleskinner Minute Carley TaylorTaylor Muleskinner Minute Manager..................................... Manager........................................... Carley
Letter to Editor:
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Sports
6 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
Band Marches on with Virtual Competition MEAH COPELAND Reporter Although many fall sports have been
postponed, the Marching Mules have
continued practicing and are about to
virtually compete. In the summer, the band was practicing online and had multiple training sessions. They had Green Dot
training, diversity training from professors, guest speakers and invited clinicians to
come in and help with the relationship of the band. They have also been preparing for the Festival of Champions.
The Festival of Champions is held once
a year in mid-October, and high school
marching bands get together and compete. The Marching Mules will be performing some songs for the awards ceremony.
This year, it will be held virtually and the bands will play at their home stadiums.
The judges watch the bands, critique their
performance and give them advice on how to improve.
The Marching Mules have been using a
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program called Soundtrap. They would take their sections and make sure that it lines up with the rest of the band.
The sound and quality of the music is
improved by using this program. UCM was the first college to consider holding the
event online, according to Julia Baumanis, the director of athletic bands.
year to remember.”
After the competition is finished, there
will be an awards ceremony held virtually. During commercials, they will have a
musical minute with the band, different
sponsors advertise, some professors will play music and the marching band will
perform. The competition theme for UCM is movie music that empowers.
“It’s going to be the first of its kind, and
I think regardless of how it goes, it will
be a good educational experience,” Tim Cambell, a junior instrumental music education major, said.
Baumanis said the Marching Mules will
play “The Greatest Show” from “The
Greatest Showman” because people are
important, no matter what they look like
or who they are. Another selection is “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye, who was a civil rights activist,
because no matter what a person needs,
someone will be there.The final song is the theme from “The Avengers,” which will be
performed in honor of Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman, who recently died.
They will honor Boseman’s life and what
he believed was right for our country. The students are coming up with some visuals and are considering the Wakanda Forever symbol.
Currently, about 100 high school
marching bands have signed up. This is
the first time where high school marching bands were interested because it is being held online and across the world.
“I think that this is pioneering an entire
movement, and we’re reaching out to
people all over the world,” junior Jordan
White said. “I think that it’s amazing that we can reach this many people. It also
gives senior students [an opportunity] to get the full experience, and there will be special senior recognitions. It will be a
“By going virtually, we are giving them
an opportunity and giving them something to look forward to because I feel like
that’s a big fear for musicians right now,” Baumanis said. “We don’t have anything
to look forward to because it is not safe to be together in large groups. I think that
this is a safe way to reach 12,000 people or more.”
After the Festival of Champions, the
marching band will begin a new project of recording the UCM fight song and other traditional school songs to put online.
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Muleskinner News.
Muleskinner 7
Sports
• Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
Marching Mules Stomp COVID-19 ZAYIN BARNES Reporter The Marching Mules and Jennies have
been implementing new precautions and
procedures to keep themselves and others healthy. From temperature checks to
instrument bags, the band looks safer than ever.
At the East Ellis Field, where band
practices are held, members get their
temperatures checked before practice and keep a safe distance of six feet
while rehearsing. In addition to these
precautions, there are differences in the instruments and the way students must play them, specifically, a variation of coverings.
During a virtual interview with Julia
Baumanis, UCM director of athletic bands, she said the band is using face masks with
an opening for an instrument mouthpiece. “A trumpet could put the mouthpiece
through, and they could still play.”
Baumanis said. “But what is being covered is their nose, and their mouth is being
covered because their mouth isn’t emitting any more aerosols other than going into the instrument.”
Since the Center for Disease Control and
Prevention had shown the importance of masks to prevent transmitting aerosols from one person to another, one of the questions Baumanis focused on was
whether or not musical instruments create more aerosols. She said a study was done by Colorado State University that found wind instruments, such as clarinets and
trumpets, produce aerosols that need to be contained and combatted.
Each brass and wind member of the band
uses an instrument bag to cover their
The Marching Mules have adapted to COVID-19 precautions by putting their instruments in special bags or using bell coverings as seen above. Photo by Meah Copeland
aerosols released. An instrument bag is a
instrumental music education major, said.
the bag to hit the next note.
instrument except for the very front where
the instrument except a slight change in
clunky, ... but that’s okay if we just take a
instrument and reduce the amount of
plastic bag that covers the entirety of the
“They don’t really affect anything on
the bell covering is placed.
volume.”
instrument,” Baumanis said.
opening of the bell and not so much inside
facemasks without the straps around the
at all,” Baumanis said.
the bell of the instrument.
however, is that if a band member plays
music education major, said “I was
play with, they just cover the end of the
to take their hand out of the bag to turn
at all, though I’m really thankful that we
“It’s essentially a mask for your The bell coverings look exactly like big
ears. It is a round piece of fabric that covers
“Because it is stretched at the very
the instrument, it doesn’t muffle the sound One struggle with the instrument bags,
“The bell coverings aren’t difficult to
an instrument like the clarinet, they have
instruments,” junior Jordan White, an
a page and then quickly reach back inside
“There are some things that are still
little bit of time and make everybody safe,” Baumanis said.
Along with these instrument precautions,
the band can play outside, which works in their favor.
Junior Allison Quick, an instrumental
surprised that we got to do marching band are still able to do it.”
Sports
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 114 • Issue 2 • Sept. 25, 2020
Jenny Senior Spotlight: Olivia Sobaski MEAH COPELAND
for 54 holes and tied for 47th
Reporter
place.
Olivia Sobaski is a masters student in
Last year, Sobaski was the
the business administration program and an award-winning golfer. She will be
first Jenny to shoot below 70
Missouri in 2021. Sobaski has been playing
Fall Preview. She played in 15
graduating from the University of Central
golf since she was 10 years old and started old. She has earned MIAA Scholar-Athlete
member of the MIAA Academic Honor Roll.
captured individual medalist honors at the MIAA Fall Preview. She led the team with
a 77.81 stroke average, which was the best
Sobaski practices at Mules National. “It’s been different because for a while, the golf courses were closed, so we kind of had to really get creative about how we were going to be able to practice.” Photo by Matthew Goldsmith
for a single season in Jennie’s Golf history
finished fourth overall.
Regional.
first Jenny in team history to earn an
her skills and became the first Jenny to
Coaches Association. She also made
as an individual. She completed 12
consecutive year and played in all 24
setting another UCM record. Sobaski
first National Championship appearance.
tournaments and set a new record for
and set a Jennies record low for a full
II Regional Championship, where she
National Championships with a +23,242
and also placed 11th at the NCAA Super
During her junior year, she became the
The next year, she continued to improve
All-Region Award by the Women’s Golf
play at the NCAA National Championships
the All-MIAA First Team for the second
events with a per-round average of 77.75,
rounds. She helped the Jennies to their
had a 36-hole low of 149 in back-to-back
Sobaski averaged 76.83 strokes per round
54 holes shooting at the NCAA Division
season. She helped the Jennies at the
was a season, I would’ve been surprised,” During her career, she has gotten close to
top-10 finishes. Sobaski made
her teammates and coaches. She said the
All-Region Team and became
the rest of her life, and she is thankful for
Sobaski said her favorite
Team All-MIAA honors. She became the
first Jenny to win a tournament when she
Sobaski said.
American.
MIAA Freshman of the Year and Second
“Based on other conferences, I had a
rounds, averaged 77 strokes per
a four-time WGCA Scholar All-
As a freshman in 2017, Sobaski earned
road with them.
feeling it was going to happen. If there
her second straight WGCA
honors every year and has been a four time
made great memories spending time on the
for a single round of the MIAA
round and finished with three
competing in tournaments at 13 years
she will miss traveling with the team and
moment in her career was
when the team qualified for nationals. They played a 36
hole round and a 3-hole round. She said traveling with the
team was the coolest experience.
Teammate Emma Solovic has known
Sobaski for many years and competed
in summer tournaments with her. When Sobaski committed to UCM, Solovic
relationships she has will be with her for
an awesome coach and great teammates.
Chris Port is the head coach of the Jennies
Golf Team. When he saw Sobaski’s high school career stats, he thought that she would be a great fit for the team.
“She succeeds in the classrooms and does
excellent on the golf course,” Port said.
“She is a nice kid and has a competitive spirit.”
He said they were fortunate enough to
have her for four years, and she has made the program much better.
Although Sobaski had a successful career
decided to look further into UCM herself.
while at UCM and considered playing
sets a good leadership attitude and pushes
career path.
Solovic said, “she is a very hard worker, the underclassman to work harder.”
When Sobaski heard the news about
the season being suspended, she was not
surprised, but disappointed. Sobaski said
professional golf, she doesn’t see that as a “I am grateful for it being a part of my
life for the last four years, and I definitely
have a larger purpose than being a student athlete at UCM.”
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