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News: First Study Abroad trip since the pandemic, pg. 2
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Features: A Self Love Journey with Brittane Curry , pg. 7
p. 2 p. 5 p. 8 p. 10
• Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Opinions: Muleskinner Team goes to NYC, pg. 8
Sports: Lovinger Gym to be Renovated, pg. 10
How and Why Students Get Fake IDs Editor’s Note: This article has two anonymously interviewed students because admitting they have fake IDs and explaining the process they went through to get them can be incriminating. The Muleskinner wanted to investigate why students choose to buy Fake IDs, not report on those who have them to get them in trouble. Information recieved from anonymous sources is always corroborated and accuracy checked. EMMA FISCHER News Editor
Black water runs into porcelain sinks as bar patrons aggressively scrub at the black x’s marked on the back of their hands. Every year, the Warrensburg Police Department seizes between 100 to 150 fake IDs. Like any college town, Warrensburg’s trouble with underage drinking and partying are expected, but why do UCM students choose to use fake IDs? Fitting into the college student stereotype, one student uses their fake ID to get into bars and drink with friends, noting that it’s fun and something weird happens every time. Though they live on UCM’s campus “I think that when you turn eighteen during the school year, they don’t party and you’re considered an adult, you in Warrensburg but in a bigger college should be able to do whatever you town in Kansas. Legally, Missouri bars want,” the student said. “I think that are allowed to confiscate IDs and turn it’s all very outdated. I think that the them over to police, but Kansas laws drinking age should be eighteen. It’s forbid that. 18 in a lot of countries [like] Mexico; The student, nineteen years old, it’s even lower over in Europe.” ordered their ID online with an order Another UCM student bought for fifteen other IDs their fake ID online for other individuals and mostly used it “I think that when younger than 21. you turn eighteen and when the COVID-19 “It was kind of a pandemic began. you’re considered an pain,” the student “I just sit there adult, you should be playing Xbox and [I said. “Everybody had to send me a picture, able to do whatever thought], ‘this could and then I had to get you want,” one student be a lot more fun their signature and drinking,’ and so address they wanted who uses a fake ID said. I’d go buy alcohol “I think that it’s all very and drink with my on the ID.” When purchasing outdated. I think that brother,” the student fake IDs, people the drinking age should said. “We didn’t really can choose which have much else to do be eighteen.” state license they because everything want their fake ID was closed.” to resemble, and the student chose to The student said they thought of have a Missouri ID because they had alcohol as an avenue to socialize and heard it was an easier ID to fake than become closer with their friends, their home state’s. and without a Fake ID, they couldn’t The student said also said they participate. They used their ID for believe that the drinking restriction in nearly two years before anyone the United States should be lowered. recognized it as a fake
Illustration by Liliana Lozano
and refused to sell alcohol to them. Corporal Jake Prindle is an officer of the Warrensburg Police department and part of his work deals with fake ID enforcement. “It’s technically an arrestable offense, meaning if I were to catch you with one, I could put you in handcuffs, I could bring you down here, we could do the whole nine yards with that,” Prindle said. “Most of the time, I don’t do that. I give them a ticket and they go out the door, so it’s something relatively minor.” Missouri law states that offenders can be put in jail for up to one year or given a $1,000 fine. Additionally, because of how fake ID websites are operated, individuals could be giving their personal information to a company that could potentially sell it to international criminals, according to Transportation Security Administration analyst Don Morrison. Another unintended consequence of having a fake ID is that if an individual is caught and fined for possessing one, a future employer is within their rights to request records and access that information. For the Warrensburg Police Department, they are not so worried
about students’ future job outlook or global terrorism, but about the smaller effects fake ID use can cause. “The big concern that I have and the reason we work cases the way we do is we don’t want people drinking underage in the bars,” Prindle said. “That’s a liability on the bar, it’s a liability on the city.” If a bar is caught serving underage patrons, it could lose its liquor license and individual bartenders could face legal consequences. Those choosing to drink while underage could also be a liability to the city for several reasons. If a bar is shut down because it loses its license, then there’s less business and tax revenue for the city. Prindle wants to prevent people from drinking underage as it can result in other illegal and potentially dangerous activities. Prindle said he wants to deter people from making other bad decisions that are associated with underage drinking, such as minors in possession of alcohol, public indecency, trespassing, assault and drunk driving. “We try to be preventative,” Prindle said. “We’re not out here trying to ruin underage people’s lives. We’re here to hopefully prevent worse things from happening.”
News
2 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Despite COVID-19 and Ukraine Invasion, UCM Students are Inspired while Studying Abroad ANNA FURNEY Reporter
After being delayed for two years, the first UCM study abroad program since COVID-19 took place over spring break and brought students to Austria and the Czech Republic. While concerned about COVID-19 and the conflict in Ukraine, students were still able to take away valuable experiences. While in Austria, the group stayed in Vienna, where they visited museums, cathedrals and historical sites. They toured the Schönbrunn Palace, where the Habsburg dynasty of the Holy Roman Empire ruled for 600 years and rode the Riesenrad, the world’s oldest ferris wheel. The students walked through multiple cathedrals, ranging from gothic to baroque style, and they toured the catacombs under St. Stephen’s Cathedral, where the bones of thousands of people who died from the bubonic plague are stacked in rooms from floor to ceiling. In the Czech Republic, the group stayed in Prague and learned about its historical connection to Judaism. The Prague Jewish Museum provided students a look at Jewish oppression from the medieval times to around World War II. At the Jewish museum, students were able to walk through synagogues and the Old Jewish Cemetery, where gravestones are piled upon each other because of a lack of burial space. In addition, the group stayed at the Hotel Medvidku, which is one of Europe’s oldest operating breweries, built in 1466. Students who participated in the trip expressed that they felt safe during their travels, despite COVID-19. Mary Sodemann, senior criminal justice major, said she thought the trip was safe because the students were required to take precautions, such as testing, wearing masks and being vaccinated. “I think there are always going to be risks with COVID, but we worked to mitigate those risks and had a safe trip,” Sodemann said. “I think a big part of the safety on this trip came from understanding the COVID risks and doing our best to prepare for them.” German professor Kristy Boney was the faculty leader for the trip. Boney said that she and the school were diligent in keeping up-to-date with COVID-related travel regulations.
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Staff
Bethany Spitzmiller, Managing Editor Emma Fischer, News Editor Libby East, Features Editor Meah Copeland, Sports Editor Dillon Seckington, Opinions Editor Angela Evatt, DEIA Editor Gabriella Ellis, Promotions Manager Anna Furney, Copy Editor Blair Miller, THRIVE Intern Dr. Julie Lewis, Faculty Adviser
“Long before I even began to finalize plans, I was in discussion with the Global Education Center about pandemic measures and preparing for all kinds of outcomes,” Boney said. “As the tour leader, I was pretty obsessive with checking and rechecking all the pandemic obligations.” The coronavirus pandemic was not the only looming threat to the study abroad group. Boney said that the current unrest in Eastern Europe was what worried her about the trip. “Honestly, I think I was more concerned with the war in Ukraine than I was with us catching COVID,” Boney said. The ongoing attack on Ukraine by Russia has attracted global attention, and the Czech Republic is a country that has been involved in protesting Russia’s actions. As a country that experienced previous control by the Soviet Union, Czech citizens have been quick to show their support for Ukraine. The students on the trip witnessed peaceful protests, where small groups of people carrying signs that supported Ukraine walked around the city. Senior criminal justice major Kearston Thurman said she still thought the trip was safe. “Given that we weren’t in any of the countries that bordered Ukraine, I never felt there was a threat,” Thurman said. “It was obvious that everywhere we went, there was a ton of support for Ukraine, which I felt was amazing and loved to see.” Being able to study abroad during a time when there are so many changes in the world allows students an opportunity for unique experiences. Sodemann said she thinks UCM’s study abroad office is to thank for providing such experiences despite COVID-19 and war next door. “It was truly one of the best experiences I have had while at UCM, and I think a big part of that is because of the UCM study abroad office and the study abroad facilitators and leaders that continuously do a great job,” Sodemann said. “I know my experience wouldn’t have been the same without them and all of their hard work.” Boney said helping students have these experiences to see the world through a different lens makes the challenges of a study abroad trip worth it, and it’s incredibly gratifying.
REPORTERS Abram Tabor Lillian Tate Erin Frazier
Rowena Rambeau Collin Sumler Bryan O’Barr
PHOTOGRAPHERS Lauryn Morrow
ILLUSTRATORS & DESIGN Lindsey Moyer, Liliana Lozano
PUBLICITY Cloe Pohlman
DISTRIBUTION Nick Distefano, Andrew Drake, Tretin Raney
The group who went on the study abroad trip included students from UCM German classes. Pictured above from left to right, they are Lily Ellis, Cassie Rodenbaugh, Alex Davis, Kearston Thurman, Mary Sodemann, (professor) Kristy Boney, Matthew Younce and Anna Furney. The students were able to see historical landmarks, including Melk Abbey pictured above. “I’m beyond happy that I was able to go and get to see everything that I did,” senior criminal justice major Kearston Thurman said. “I also had an amazing time getting to spend it with the others that went too. They definitely helped to make it unique.” Photo by Alex Boney
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The Muleskinner is a student-led news lab in the communication department at the University of Central Missouri and operates in association with the digital media production program. All text, photography and other content are property of the Muleskinner and may not be reproduced without permission. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit any submitted material or refuse to print such material. Letters to the editor are encouraged from students, faculty and alumni. Typed or legibly written letters can be submitted by email at muleskinner@ucmo.edu or can 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. Letters should be brief, self-edited and must be received by Monday the week before publication. The Muleskinner prints once a month.
News
Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
THRIVE Moves to Four Year Program BLAIR MILLER THRIVE Intern
The UCM THRIVE program started in 2010 by a group of Kansas City parents who wanted young adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities to go to college, learn to be independent and succeed in life in the Warrensburg and surrounding area. After ten years of success, THRIVE is adding an additional two years to the program to provide support to students for up to a total of four years. While students enjoy the program and are able to learn necessary skills during the two years, feedback from some parents suggested that some students need more time to learn and develop independence. Several changes will be coming to THRIVE as it adds two additional years, including changes to curriculum. The first year will have a new career class, and the second year will have a personal finance class that will last a full year, replacing the one semester class that was originally taught during the first year. The third year will have a nutrition class. During the third and fourth years of the program, students can choose between two different areas of concentration, focusing on independent living skills and job skills or taking classes for credit while still focusing on job skills. While students already focused on job skills have internship opportunities during the two year program, the four year program aims to have more
Muleskinner Pitch Meetings Open to All Students! Thursdays 4:30 p.m. Wood 312
THRIVE students Banti Clark, Wendy Cox, Ellen Baskins, Madeline Wallace, Shane Lewis, Seth Davis and Stacy Shelby wait outside room in for a class to start. Photo by Blair Miller
internship hours — 12 to 15 hours instead of the current eight to 12. Debra Southard, a teacher for THRIVE, said she is excited about new class offerings for her students. “I like to watch them grow, change and progress, and learn social skills, which is the main thing about THRIVE,” Southard said. Another change that comes with the program’s growth is that third and fourth year students will no longer be required to live with other THRIVE students in Ellis, instead, they will be allowed to live anywhere on campus or in an off-campus apartment. Second-year THRIVE student Michael Land said he likes the THRIVE
program because of the freedom it gives him, and it allows him to learn new things. Land said what he is most excited about for the third year is being able to live in his own apartment. Micheal Brunkhorst, the program director, said the goal of extending the program is also to make sure the students have a better transition back at home. “Where are they going to live, and what is their job?” Brunkhorst said. “That’s the stuff they are hoping to figure out when they go home.” Overall, Brunkhorst said he’s excited to see how the students continue to grow in their third and fouth years.
GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET The Metropolitan Opera’s first performance of an opera by a Black composer with Terence Blanchard’s adaptation of Charles M. Blow’s memoir.
FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES The story of a young man’s journey to overcome a life of trauma and hardship.
APRIL 1 AT 8 P.M.
Channel 6.1 &
Livestreamed at kmos.org and on the PBS App
WOMEN, GENDER, AND SEXUALITY STUDIES PRESENTS
#MeToo at UCM Speak Out
AN OPEN SPACE TO SHARE AND HEAR STORIES RELATED TO THE #METOO MOVEMENT.
April 12, 2022 5-7pm in Union 236 If you'd like to share your story, in person or anonymously, please email MeTooatUCM@gmail.com
Features
Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Rap, Roommates and a Future in Music DILLON SECKINGTON Opinions Editor
While the majority of students at UCM would consider themselves upto-date on the current trends of music, only a fraction of them create tracks of their own. From a young age growing up in Spring Hill, Kansas, freshman music technology major Jace Widman was inspired by the popular rappers of the 2000s and 2010s. “Originally [I was inspired by] Eminem for sure,” Widman said. “I feel like a lot of people can hear that in my music. I grew up on him mainly, from when I was, like, 10.” Widman is now using this inspiration, which he has carried with him for several years, to bring his own visions and ideas to fruition. Releasing music under the moniker “Jache,” Widman has racked up thousands of streams on his most popular songs, such as, “Fever Dreams,” “Effect,” “Live to Die” and most recently, “This Is He.” Featuring a wide variety of sounds and styles, Widman releases new music frequently. “My style shifts from aggressive-type rap to singing melodic-type stuff,” Widman said. “It’s kind of all over the place, but there’s a vibe to it at the same time.” Aside from taking the time to actually write his songs, Widman has also taken the initiative to set up a
makeshift studio, equipped with the essential tools for recording, in his Ellis dorm room. This has allowed Widman to work on his craft nearly any time he gets the chance. “My creative process is different every time,” Widman said. “Sometimes I’ll just come up with a melody in my head. Sometimes I’ll be working with other people and I’ll hear a beat, and I’ll start humming along to that. Then I’ll add words to that and freestyle some flows.” While the dormitory studio allows Widman to work more conveniently, he also has access to higher-grade equipment at GFM Recording Studios in Blue Springs, Kansas. “We do basically all things music,” Nic Aguero, from GFM, said. “ We wanted to start a place that was not only something that we loved doing, but we wanted to get everyone the best that they could get, and get everyone a unique sound to their own.” While Widman has already racked up a few thousand streams on his most popular songs on Spotify, he still has expanding aspirations. “Mainly what I’ve been trying to focus on is just getting my music out there, doing things like this, trying to just bring more attention to it,” Widman said. These aspirations are confirmed through a strong supporting cast filled with people who believe in him and
Widman tracking vocals at GFM Recording Studios, showcasing his drive and passion for rap music. Photo by Sterling Widman.
his dreams of turning music into a long-term career. Widman’s roommate and fellow music technology freshman, Dylan Patterson is part of that support system. “I would love to hear him perform live,” Patterson said. “I’ve heard some of his unreleased stuff, and I can’t wait to hear it released.” While Widman continues to work on his degree at UCM, he also continues to perfect his passion. With his work ethic and the right timing, it’s possible that this could land him a career in the music industry someday. “We want to see Jace go all the way,” Aguero said. “We want to see Jace take
his music and get it out to the masses. He’s going to get better at mixing and mastering, he’s going to get better and better at throwing it down. So we’re looking forward to the future.”
Features
6 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Remembering Historic Women of the University LIBBY EAST & EMMA FISCHER Features Editor & News Editor
In honor of International Women’s Month, it is a time to take a look at some of the great women in UCM history:
Anna Marie Todd
Laura L. Runyon
Pauline Humphreys
Laura J. Yeater
Anna Marie Todd held tenure as an associate English professor at the university for 45 years from 1908 to 1953. She was involved in the American Association of University Women, the American Association of University Professors and the P.E.O. Sisterhood, which was a secret society focused on providing educational opportunities for women. She sponsored the Nu Chapter of the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She was a beloved teacher and her students said of her, “As the ripples caused by a stone thrown in the water never really die away but spread infinitely to the edges of the world, so her influences will pass from students to their students and on and on forever.”
Creator of the phrase, “Education for Service,” Laura L. Runyon was UCM’s first female history professor. Runyon advocated for women’s rights throughout her life. She created the Warrensburg branch of the Political Equality Club in 1911, which fought for women’s suffrage, and she represented Missouri in Washington D.C. at a congressional hearing. Runyon served as a congressional district chairperson for Johnson County and worked directly with legislators in Missouri’s government to ratify the nineteenth amendment and revise the Missouri constitution in 1922. Runyon also helped draft the constitution for the Missouri League of Women Voters.
Pauline A. Humphreys taught at Central Missouri State College in the education department from 19121952, serving as the head of the Department of Education and then as the director of testing services. Some of her notable accomplishments include founding Delta Kappa Gamma, an international society for women educators, organizing Missouri’s first chapter of the Future Teachers of America and serving as president for the Missouri State Teachers Association. In 1970, when rebuilding began after the infamous fire that swept through the university 55 years prior, a new academic building was established and named after her in honor of her work.
In 1914, Laura Jameson Yeater was named “Most Ardent Supporter of Women’s Suffrage” for her support of women’s rights. She directed the Greek and Latin department for 15 years and was active in the university’s community throughout her life. Her most notable contribution to the university is Yeater Hall. At the time, women were not allowed to commute to campus and instead lived in locals’ homes, working as nannies or tutors. Yeater Hall allowed women to live on campus closer to their studies for the first time in the university’s history. Yeater volunteered to raise half the funds for the building, approximately 2.3 million dollars, by herself, and the dorm opened in 1941.
Features
Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Your Self Love Journey Starts with You BRITTANE CURRY Contributor
“I love myself.” That’s not something many people can say. Self love has been something that has become so imperative to my life that it almost hurts. People believe that this process is all about making sure you take time for yourself when in reality it is so much more than that. Self love is a mixture of healing and taking action to empower oneself. It starts with taking a look and then doing something extraordinary — exceptionally extraordinary. You take the initiative to start healing. A lot of people think that once you start loving yourself that you are magically healed. Healing isn’t just taking a self care day because you need it. It’s not you quitting the job that isn’t serving you or the friends who aren’t empowering your growth. It’s not calling this year your villain year. It is fully diving into the depth of yourself and asking the hard questions that people hate to ask themselves. I conducted a survey on self love and received nearly seven hundred responses. My goal was to ask the hard questions that we never wanted to ask ourselves, in the form of a Likert Scale and short response answers. From the responses, 95% of the survey respondents were women, and 42.7% of the female respondents wished they could change themselves to be deemed more attractive. When it comes to self love, 70.6% of all of my respondents wish they loved
Starting the journey of self love involves surrounding yourself with positive people who encourage you to keep loving yourself no matter what. Submitted photo.
themselves more. How does someone start their self love journey? Though loving and healing yourself is an integral part of self love, it is important to have a community of positive people surrounding you. When asked who inspires the respondents to love themselves a little more, I received various responses ranging from their mothers and sisters, to their kids and husbands, some people even responded that I have helped them. My self love journey started after a horrible break-up that left me with a freshly shaved head that was dyed pink. Talk about hitting a breaking point. I knew that I didn’t love myself as much as I should have, but I didn’t know where to start. I finally decided
to start journaling, I talked about everything from what inspires me to what makes me feel worthless, and I changed it starting with my social media. I removed people who did not encourage me to love myself. I had to dig to where my trauma started, and forgive myself. I had to learn to be authentically myself, no matter what. It’s hard to love yourself when you are constantly at war from within. The survey respondents believed that being able to love yourself with no restrictions is what can bring confidence and someone’s personality is what makes them beautiful. They are all absolutely right. It is so important to remember that you are you and you alone are the greatest gift life has to offer.
UCM SUMMER SESSI NS
2022
•6-, 8- or 12-week sessions •Courses available on both Warrensburg and Lee’s Summit campuses •Numerous online courses to choose from
ENROLLMENT IS NOW OPEN! Be sure to check with your advisor and enroll through MyCentral.
WARRENSBURG | LEE’S SUMMIT | ONLINE
Opinions
8 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Muleskinner Leadership Team Takes a Bite out of ‘The Big Apple’ MULESKINNER STAFF Editorial Leadership Team
From newspaper critiques, keynote speakers and informational workshops to New York cheesecake and Broadway, the Muleskinner Editorial team had an amazing opportunity to attend the National College Media Association Convention in New York City from March 10-12. It was a fantastic time to grow as a team and learn more about journalism and how our newspaper can improve. While the conference was great overall, there were key moments that highlighted the experience. One of our best moments was the newspaper critique. It was a rewarding moment to have an outside perspective take such care and consideration to evaluate the hard work students put into our newspaper. We also received constructive feedback on aspects where we succeed and on areas we need to improve. Part of a national newspaper conference is something referred to as “the stacks” or an information sharing table, and a tradition is that publications will bring copies to share with others. We brought multiple copies of the Muleskinner to share with students from across the country, and we were able to pick up copies
of other publications to connect with powerful student journalism. Student journalists are journalists and being able to see the hard work that goes into publications from across the country shows we aren’t just putting out a newspaper, we’re part of a huge community. CMA was a moment where UCM students were able to connect with like minded people and challenge themselves in new ways. Another inspirational moment was the second keynote of the conference, where Pulitzer Prize winning journalists Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey from The New York Times, who uncovered film mogul Harvey Weinstein’s history of sexual abuse, spoke to younger journalists about how to be investigative reporters. We were 10 feet away from these amazing women who did remarkable journalism to change a culture. They were a remarkable keynote and talked about the importance of holding those in power accountable. For DEIA Editor Angela Evatt, one of the most memorable moments was the session titled “Building a Community for Women Journalists: A Strategy Session for Aspiring Leaders,” where the executive director and president of the Journalism and Women
Symposium organization, Eloiza Altoro, spoke about intentionally making connections and strengthening your network. JAWS is a national network of female journalists, and being able to speak with them and meet other women pursuing journalism was beneficial in many ways. For Sports Editor Meah Copeland, one of her favorite sessions was titled “Leadership Styles: Let’s Find Yours.” Annie Block-Weiss, Associated Students Incorporated programs coordinator, talked about the six different types of leadership styles. Block-Weiss also showed examples of past historical figures who fit the particular styles. Copeland learned that she is more of a servant leader, who serves first and leads second. Managing Editor Bethany Spitzmiller was able to have a coffee conversation with members from an organization where she has a few job applications submitted, and that was a great moment to get more insight into the company culture and make important network connections. Fingers crossed. As a group, the editorial leadership team was able to learn about journalism, but also themselves and the big city. We had New York
cheesecake, pizza, hot dogs and chased down a black and white cookie for Copeland to bring back for her mom. We were able to score cheap tickets to see “Chicago” on Broadway. Features Editor Libby East was living the dream. East has always dreamed of seeing a Broadway show in New York City, being an avid lover of theater, typically reviewing UCM productions. When she heard the cheap price of the tickets, $58 a pop, she said she felt her heart skip a beat. The show was incredible, as one could expect for a New York show, although she’s worried she might’ve ruined herself for theater going forward. Not a lot could top that. We rode on the Staten Island Ferry to get a closer look at the Statue of Liberty – well worth the shivering we endured in the cold. It was a great trip that provided professional development and valuable experiences. While navigating the airport, subway, taxis and Ubers, the Muleskinner editorial leadership team was able to find direction for future coverage and publication goals in NYC. We’re looking forward to utilizing all that was learned and bringing better coverage to the UCM campus.
Editor’s note: If you’re Interested in joining the team to participate in amazing opportunities like this one, apply on our website or email muleskinner@ucmo.edu!
Top left: The Muleskinner Ediorial Leadership team at their newspaper critique at the national College Media Association conference in the Marriott Marquis in New York City. From the critique, students were able to receive feedback on previous Muleskinner publications. Top Right: The leadership team at the restaurant Junior’s to get some New York cheesecake. Bottom Left: The team at the production of Chicago on Broadway. We swear Dillon was not forced against his will and suffering through the performance as the image may suggest. “I promise I had a good time,” Dillon Seckington said. Bottom Right: The team plus adviser Julie Lewis and Josh Pohl, the student newspaper Editor in Chief from Missouri Western University, on the Staten Island Ferry.
Opinions
Muleskinner 9 • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Music on Repeat with Dillon Seckington 8/10
The Mysterines: “Reeling” Liverpool’s own The Mysterines’ debut
Rex Orange County: “WHO CARES?” After a widely-enjoyed third record,
8.5/10
8/10
7/10
Post Sex Nachos: “Your Second Favorite Boy Band” Hailing from Columbia, Missouri, the five-
Peach Pit: “From 2 to 3” Contrary to the dark and gloomy album
full-length record “Reeling” delivers a
“Pony,” Rex Orange County is back
piece alternative pop-rock group Post Sex
art, Vancouver indie group Peach Pit’s
scene. Upon first hearing the opening
matter of the album is similar to Rex’s
after three well-crafted albums. Most
with a beaming vibrance. “Up Granville”
punch in the face to the modern rock track, listeners may feel like they’ve
discovered another 90s grunge band lost in the shadows; however, this is not the case.
The Mysterines have only started. Through impaling guitar riffs and lead singer Lia
Metcalfe’s weary vocals, The Mysterines are able to create a retro-sounding, yet
immersive, record on “Reeling,” which is
perhaps the perfect title for such an album. “Then one by one his old friends die hard,” shouts Metcalfe as her band powerfully
slams distortion through their instruments
on “Old Friends / Die Hard,” a song oozing with feminine swagger and power. What is most impressive about The Mysterines is their ability to translate their persona
sonically. Listeners can hear the emotion and angst behind every power chord
strummed, every lyric sang and every drum smashed. Overall, “Reeling” is a call to arms for fans of rock music in 2022.
Highlights: “Hung Up,” “On The Run,” “All These Things”
for “WHO CARES?” While the subject
earlier work, it provides an easy-listen
for fans across the 35 minute run-time
nevertheless. Opening with “KEEP IT UP,”
the record showcases the Grayshott singer’s ability to perfect his niche sound, while simultaneously keeping it relevant and
enjoyable. Tyler, the Creator, a frequent
collaborator with Rex Orange County, is featured early in the album on “OPEN
A WINDOW.” This addition adds a vital
punch to the song through the acclaimed rapper’s enthralling flow and lyrical
stamina. “WHO CARES?” incorporates
a very interesting relationship between
rhythm and instrumentation. While the
bass and drums drive the tracks forward, classical instruments keep the record grounded and smooth, as fans have
grown to expect from Rex Orange County. Wherever Rex was planning on traveling
to with his fourth album, it is clear that he went in the right direction.
Highlights: “OPEN A WINDOW,” “AMAZING,” “7AM”
Letter to the Editor: Editor’s Note: A letter to the editor is a submitted article approved by the editorial leadership staff to be published, but the perspective of the article does not necessarily align with that of the Muleskinner publication.
Nachos has made a name for themselves
recently, the group released “Your Second Favorite Boy Band,” a collection of funky tracks that could get a grandmother on
her feet. The record combines elements
of the band’s previous albums, “Post Sex
Nachos” and “Grandpa Slinks,” however, the addition of keyboardist Kevin Jerez
adds fresh spunk to the album. On songs
like “Skinny Jeans,” Jerez adds depth and a melodic quality to the already groovy
sound Post Sex Nachos has become known for. “Your Second Favorite Boy Band”
also features songwriting that stems from introspection. The song “We’re All Dying, Want Some Juice?” is the best example of this, as lead singer Sam Elfanbaum
reflectively chants, “And I’m alive because my parents had me.” Post Sex Nachos
took a step forward on their third record
through the addition of Jerez, the fusion of their two previous albums, and their evergrowing musical identity.
Highlights: “I Got This Feeling That Won’t Let Go,” “Skinny Jeans,” “Pickett Fence”
third album graces through listener’s ears introduces “From 2 to 3” in a way that feels like dipping your toes into a cool summer
lake on a hot day. As the record continues, the tracks get brighter and brighter.
Through dreamy guitar solos and crystal clear vocals, Peach Pit creates a unique atmosphere that serves to please their
fanbase and invite new listeners. Songs like “Lips Like Yours” start slow and smooth, but eventually give in to the summer
sound, releasing the tension that the band has always thrived off of. The warmth
on Peach Pit’s newest record is unrivaled among 2022 releases, making it (so far)
the quintessential spring ‘22 record. Just as the seasons change and the weather grows more pleasant and comfortable, Peach Pit does the same on this album. After just
one listen, it is safe to say that Peach Pit has softly and smoothly enhanced their signature sound.
Highlights: “Up Granville,” “Vickie,” “Drips on a Wire”
Dear Editor, After spending six years at the University of Central Missouri, I have grown a special love for the university and campus as a whole. But, as the saying has it, you should leave a place better than you found it. This is an attempt to make UCM a better place — by advocating the university provide free menstruation products. At least once a month, over 50% of UCM students likely experience menstruation. This fact of life has proven to add immense stress upon the already overworked college student. Although inevitable, gaining access to menstruation products can be extremely difficult. This issue is caused by many factors, including the social stigmas about periods, which bring on a layer of embarrassment to this completely natural event and the price of the products. According to The State of the Period 2021 survey, 26% of students have struggled to afford feminine hygiene products, and 51% responded saying they have worn a product for longer than recommended. Most shocking, 16% shared they chose to purchase hygiene products over food or clothes. These numbers may not come directly from our campus, but this should open our eyes to the issues our own menstruating students can face. Nationwide, this issue has been labeled as the Period Poverty Movement. The statistics stated before have motivated campuses and state legislatures to make a change. The state of California now requires free menstruation products in the bathrooms of all K-12 schools and state university campuses. Many universities, including Auburn University and Emory University, have taken this movement seriously by placing free product dispensers in all bathrooms. As a graduate student, I went through a time when I did not have the funds to purchase a box of tampons from the store. I reached out to our health center and was devastated to find out I could not receive just one tampon in order to make it through the work day, but instead I would have to spend $5.99 to get a box of 18. That may seem like a good deal, but let’s not forget college students typically live on a tight budget. As part of that group, I believe I am not the only student at UCM who has been faced with a similar situation. As I exit UCM, I have one request from the university — join the Period Poverty Movement. It’s our turn. Sincerely,
Illustration by Liliana Lozano
Myah Duncan, Communications Masters Student
Sports
10 Muleskinner • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Teams to Relocate due to Lovinger Renovation
MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor
While the Lovinger Gym is scheduled to
start renovations that will add classrooms, office space, and individual counseling
“The past four years that I’ve been here,
it’s been ridiculous,” Morgan said. “There
shouldn’t be any reason why we don’t have a facility to practice at.”
Morgan said he feels the athletic
rooms after the spring semester, the project
department does not give as much
fencing teams who currently practice there.
the athletic department is helping the
will displace the wrestling, color guard and College of Education Dean Ann McCoy
said the project is needed because there’s
an increasing need for counseling services, and the additional space will allow the university to provide more services.
“I’m really excited about it,” McCoy
said. “I think it’s going to be good for our students as well as our community.”
Assistant athletic director for facilities
attention to the wrestling team. However, wrestling team figure out where to go and providing space for them in the
Multipurpose building. On the other hand, the fencing club, which is an intramural,
and color guard, which is associated with a class, and winter guard, which is a student organization, have to figure out a different way to find space.
Kevin Sneed, director of intramural and
and operations Scott Thomason said the
recreational sports, said the fencing club
the program. He also said other than the
located on the first floor of the SWRC. The
wrestling team’s move will be good for wrestling team, the rest of the athletic department doesn’t depend on the Lovinger Gym for practice.
“I hate to lose the space, selfishly hate
to lose that space, but the college of
education needs to do what’s best for them, and it’s their building,” Thomason said.
Senior wrestler Austin Morgan said the
wrestling team has a history of being
moved to different locations to practice,
including the police academy, the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and most recently Lovinger Gym.
will be utilizing one of the fitness rooms
fencing club has previously practiced there,
Color guard practices in Lovinger Gym at least twice a week. Sophomore Kari Kunz, who is involved in the fall and winter color guard team, said she isn’t looking forward to the move. “Truthfully, I’m a bit nervous finding a location because sometimes it’s already hard for us to book Lovinger,” Kunz said. “With that gone, I’m worried we’ll have to move or rent a
but it will be an adjustment.
space from the high school.”
turn [Lovinger Gym] into, and I think it’ll
she is concerned about how the renovation
organizations that have been using it,”
a shock when she heard the news of the
“I think it’s exciting for what they will
be fantastic, but it puts a strain on those
Sneed said. “There is going to be a struggle
for some of them that have been over there
Color guard director Allegra Wolff said
will affect her and her team, and it was
renovation because she found out through
mental health and safety at this school. Having a place to come, be themselves
and perform contributes to their positive experiences on campus.”
Wolff said she thinks not having a place
a Facebook post, not the university itself.
to practice will be hard for recruitment
make it work.”
services are something that my own
considered for alternative space include the
Gym at least twice a week, and is still
benefit of the renovation,” Wolff said.
for so long that they’re used to it, but we’ll Color guard practices in the Lovinger
looking for alternative space to practice.
“I definitely know that the counseling
students utilize, and I understand the
“However, what we do is also part of their
and scheduling. The current options being SRWC or Warrensburg High School, but
Wolff said she is not confident about these alternative locations.
Sports
Muleskinner 11 • Vol. 115 • Issue 7 • March 25, 2022
Head Coach Lamberson Joins Football Family ABRAM TABOR Reporter Josh Lamberson is the new head coach
of the Mules football team. Lamberson
formerly worked for UCM as the offensive
Holtzclaw and Lamberson have known
football team, which made it to the
played on the Northwest Missouri Bearcats national championship in 2005 and 2006. “I think what you’re going to feel with
player to follow.
him is a guy that’s very sincere, paying
also have standards to live those out,”
chasing the ultimate goal,” Holtzclaw said.
“We don’t just say these values, we
athlete in track, basketball, and football. Photos Submitted.
come from.”
and standards for the team, focusing on discipline and grit to the team for every
While in high school, Josh Lamberson was a three-letter
where this place has been and where it’s
each other for nearly 20 years. Both
the core values of selflessness, toughness,
throwing arm movement, according to his mom. Bottom:
“He very much has a deep appreciation of
and recruiting coordinator in 2010-2014. Lamberson brings a new set of values
Top: Josh Lamberson at 18 months, already practicing his
are going to be successful,” Holtzclaw said.
Lamberson said. “The standard for being
selfless just looks like having positive body language and being an encourager for the rest of your team.”
Lamberson said he emphasizes his
relationships with people, and in the case of football, the players.
“I think it’s important to be open to just
talk about life with them,” Lamberson said. “I think relations are so important. Once
respect to what’s happened here, while still “I think he’ll rally the entire university and alumni base around that common goal, because that is what he’s good at.”
Lamberson said he is grateful for the
support that has helped him get to this
position, and he is especially appreciative
of his loving family who support him in his work. He said his original inspiration is his mom, Marcia Lamberson.
“I expect him to do some really great
Josh Lamberson, age 4, wearing a Huskers football uniform. Lamberson has had a passion for football since a young age. “He never played with trucks or cars or building blocks, it was always with a ball,” Marcia Lamberson said. Photo
you get to know a person, you get to know
things,” Marcia Lamberson said. “I think
submitted.
into the X’s and O’s and complex stuff, but
the most important things you can do. You
viewed everybody on an equal plane.”
what motivates them. Then you can get relations are the basis of that.”
New offensive line coach Joe Holtzclaw
echoed Lamberson’s values and
commented on the head coach’s dedication to the sport and the players.
“There’s certain guys that you attach to
and you gravitate towards that you know
being a mentor to young men is one of should always do the best you can and treat others with respect.”
Growing up, Josh Lamberson saw his
family foster and adopt kids from less
Marcia Lamberson said. “I think he really Josh’s parents have continued to
encourage him throughout his football career.
“We try and at least make one game
fortunate situations.
wherever he’s coaching at,” Marcia
that others might not treat them right,”
there cheering him on.”
“He was always protective and concerned
Lamberson said. “Wherever he goes, we’re
2 APR
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