Muleskinner Vol. 13 Issue 17 May 2, 2019

Vol. 113, Issue 17 • May 2, 2019

Union project moves forward

See Inside PAGE 3

Muleskinner adviser found family at UCM PAGE 7

THRIVE students graduate

Photo by Garrett Fuller / Senior Writer Steve Sloan, superintendent for Westport Construction, looks over plans for the Elliott Student Union addition. The project was delayed due to weather and other issues, but is moving forward.

Garrett Fuller Senior Writer

Since October, construction machinery and materials have filled the space in front of the Elliott Student Union, while areas inside the Union have been blocked off due to construction.

The $7 million project, which involves revamping the south entrance to the Union and adding an auditorium, has been moving forward despite problems along the way.

Kim Nicas, director of the Union, said issues caused the project to be slightly delayed and slightly increase in cost.

Nicas said one problem has been caused

by unforeseen issues, such as routing the hydronic piping for the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

“We’ve had a few change orders due to the fact that this building has been renovated many times over the years,” Nicas said in an email. “ I believe they have now worked through most of the complexities UNION, continued on Page 2

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Puni signs with Cowboys and other sports updates

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NEWS

UNION, continued from Page 1 and unknowns of the Steak ‘n Shake area and the roof-top mechanical system routing.”

Steve Sloan, superintendent for Westport Construction, project general contractor, said unforeseen changes and issues occur often in remodel projects.

“That’s typical on remodel stuff,” Sloan said. “Unforeseen stuff when you start getting into the project.”

Nicas said most progress has been inside, such as HVAC, plumbing and electrical.

“Progress has mainly been behind the scenes with HVAC, plumbing and electrical system,” Nicas said in an email. “Progress that cannot been seen by our visitors but they have indeed made progress!”

Although the building has offered problems, Mother Nature also played a role in delays. Nicas said around 20 days were lost due to inclement weather.

“Now that winter’s done, we’re starting to move along again,” Sloan said. “It was a pretty bad winter and slowed things down, as far as outside work.”

Despite the issues, Nicas said the project is still under the $7 million budget. She said the project is paid for using student union fees and the issuance of bonds.

Nicas said the construction crews are about to begin pouring the concrete footings for the auditorium.

Nicas said the bowling center and south hallway near U.S. Bank will be closed over the summer, starting May 13. She said U.S. Bank and the card center will still be accessible through a temporary hallway. The hallway and south entrance are currently planned to reopen by the start of the fall semester. Nicas said they are unsure of a completion date for the project, but is anticipating on completing it between November and January.

Nicas said the new auditorium will have almost 300 retractable seats, allowing it to be used for presentations, lectures or dinners and other events. She also said the south entrance will be revamped, with the bowling center separated by a glass wall from the walkway and the wheelchair ramp being made more accessible. Nicas said an interactive information center for the south entrance is in the planning stages.

May 2-11

Photos by Garrett Fuller / Senior Writer A majority of the work so far has been inside, such as plumbing, electrical and HVAC systems.

Nicas said visitors walked through the south entrance almost 300,000 times between Oct. 1, 2017, and Sept. 30, 2018. She said the project will provide visitors with a better first impression of UCM, since the Union is the starting point for most visitors and prospective students. Nicas said one of the plans is to replace the carpet in the entrance with carpet that matches UCM colors.

“It’s going to be UCM,” Nicas said.

“You’re going to know you’re walking into a UCM building.”

Right: The Elliott Student Union courtyard will be the future home to an auditorium planned to seat nearly 300 using retractable seating. The auditorium can be used for a variety of purposes, ranging from presentations and lectures to dinners.

The The Muleskinner Muleskinner

OPINION

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Muleskinner adviser found family at UCM

Matt Bird-Meyer Faculty Adviser

Twelve years ago, I was standing in the middle of Douglas Street in downtown Lee’s Summit getting my picture taken.

I’d just returned to that fabled suburb of prosperity and sweet outdoor shopping malls after a stint with the daily newspaper in Sedalia. Prior to that, I worked at the Lee’s Summit Journal for several years.

Now I was the editor of a competing newspaper down the street.

Anyway, so I’m standing there for a staff photo – the road was closed for construction – when Nick Swearngin from John’s Barber Shop walks out of his shop to shake my hand.

“Welcome home, Matt,” he said.

A city councilman, respected downtown business owner and civic leader welcomed me home – a lowly community journalist.

That was the best feeling in the world.

Although I still lived in Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit felt like home. Maybe I felt like an outsider, but I still invested so much in the people and the community. As the editor of the community newspaper, I challenged my reporters to find stories that made a difference, that were meaningful and that sought solutions to problems. I wasn’t interested in stories that only described problems. And people engaged with us. They wrote letters. They wrote guest columns. They called the office. It was such an enriching experience.

Photo by Erin Wides / Features Editor Matt Bird-Meyer, Muleskinner faculty adviser and assistant professor, assists Garrett Fuller, Muleskinner senior writer, in the design of a page.

So, when I eventually found my way countless hours slugging it out on deadline. into helping inspire the staff to ultimateback to academics, when I came to work at We laughed a lot. We told stories. People ly become recognized as the best college UCM some eight years ago, it felt like an- cried. I may have shed a few tears. But newspaper in the state of Missouri. other homecoming. And what I found here those kids who came into the newsroom There are too many other students to at UCM was truly a family. and stuck around, they were serious about name who have come through the MuleThe faculty welcomed me aboard and their work. And they worked hard. skinner that have left a lasting impression inspired me to seek a terminal degree and I don’t think I’ve seen anyone work as on the paper and will always have a place make a career in teaching. They took a hard here as Jason Brown. Yeah, I’m call- in my heart. Like many professors, I still chance with an untested teacher who spent ing you out Jason. In case you weren’t pay- keep in touch with many of them. Some most of his time in academics sitting in a ing attention, dear reader, we experienced come back to share their experiences with classroom seat. My first taste of teaching an unexpected vacancy at managing editor new students. came through an assistantship teaching at the start of the spring semester. I immeUnfortunately, I will not be back next public speaking. Later, I had a chance to diately thought of Jason, who was work- year. I’ll be moving on to my next adventeach a section of intro to digital journal- ing as our sports editor at the time, and he ture in journalism. But I feel like I’m leavism as an adjunct. agreed to pick up the mantle. ing the Muleskinner in capable hands with I never looked back.

He commutes from Blue Springs, comes my colleagues here in the digital media Sharing what I love with young people early and stays late. When assignments get production program. is so fulfilling. Watching them grow into dropped he picks up a camera and recordCharlie Fair, the previous Muleskinner young professionals doing good journal- er and dashes off to get the story covered. adviser, left me an extremely strong newsism is out of this world. I read their work And when we couldn’t find a replacement paper. I certainly hope I’ve done right by and I watch their news packages and it just sports editor, Jason continued to keep up him here. But like my time in Lee’s Sumfills me with so much pride. with sports while also trying to keep up mit, I feel like I’ve invested so much in the Our kids are out there making a differ- with the news. students here at UCM and have watched ence.

For these reasons and more, I nominat- them go on to bigger and better things that I found a welcoming family in our fac- ed Jason for Journalist of the Year through I’m fairly confident I did a couple things ulty, and I feel like the students – espe- the Missouri College Media Association. right. cially in the Muleskinner newsroom – also He didn’t win but that doesn’t diminish the became like family over time. We spent quality of his work and the sweat he put

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OPINION

May 2-11

You get what you give... and much more

Jason Brown Managing Editor

I hate saying goodbye.

It isn’t easy to come to terms with the fact that an impactful part of my life will change drastically in less than two weeks.

That’s what will happen when I graduate and my time working at the Muleskinner comes to an end. It’s sad. I’d go as far as to say it is devastating to leave the place that put me on the path to this satisfying conclusion.

Two years ago, I didn’t know if I’d ever graduate as a journalist. I didn’t think I had what it took to succeed in school let alone in the industry. I had no plan or clear route to graduation until I finally visited my adviser, Matt Bird-Meyer. I didn’t reach out to Matt like I should have long before, instead he emailed me and asked to discuss my plan to graduate. From there, I saw a light at the end of the tunnel. I wasn’t too far away, but I knew a lot of the routine I had created in my first two and a half years at UCM would need to adjust.

Shortly after meeting with Matt, I was contacted by the Muleskinner to write a

story about the Jennies soccer team. I was scared out of my mind. I had avoided opportunities like this in fear of failing many times before, but I needed to do it in order to begin this new commitment to becoming a journalist.

I got my first story published in November 2017. It was rough, but it was the confidence I needed to apply for and accept a position covering sports at the Muleskinner for the following semester. I served as the sports editor in fall 2018 and the managing editor this semester and I’ve learned more than I could imagine in the process.

These semesters working for the Muleskinner have flown by and it’s moments like now while I write this that I remember all of the good times and great people I’m parting ways with. With less than two weeks of road left here, I wish I had more time. To do more stories, meet more people and see the Muleskinner become what we all want it to be.

I’m thankful for my family, friends and anyone else who supported me on this wild and blessed journey.

More than anything, I’m thankful for all of the incredible people I’ve spent nearly every day working with for the last year and a half. Everyone I’ve worked with at the Muleskinner has positively affected my life. My adviser taught me so many valuable qualities that will stick with me my entire life. The editors that read my work challenged me in ways that raised my expectations of myself throughout my career.

The journalists I got to work with as the managing editor this year worked their asses off every day to make what we were doing mean something.

I’ll always remember the great work we did together.

Photo submitted by Jason Brown From left, Jason Brown and Erin Wides pose with the Avis Meyer Perpetual Cup at the Missouri College Media Association conference April 13 in Springfield, Missouri.

OPINION

The Muleskinner

5

Goodbye to my job and a great adviser

Kaitlin Brothers News Editor

The Muleskinner has been a part of my life for a long time.

I have worked here for two years: as Multimedia Editor then as the News Editor. Before that, I was a contributor. My love for storytelling came due to the Muleskinner, so I joined the journalism emphasis of digital media production as a junior.

Doing that was a huge part of my life – the Muleskinner helped me learn how to talk to literally anyone, interview them and tell their story...which is how I fell in love with filmmaking my senior year and joined the film emphasis. But I still didn’t leave the Muleskinner because my love for journalism is still strong.

This path in my college career came thanks to a journalism professor and Muleskinner adviser, Matt Bird-Meyer. He’s not just a professor – he’s a cool guy. You can talk to him about anything. So I always came to him when I was upset about school, confused about something, deciding what to do with my life, needing to vent and much more.

The thing I’ve appreciated most about Bird-Meyer is his passion for journalism and how much he wants to pass that passion onto us.

When taking his class, I could tell he wanted us to really listen and be interested in journalism.

He wanted us to explore new avenues and go out of our comfort zone when telling our stories.

He wanted us to be independent and amazing journalists. And he wanted to keep the Muleskinner a place where we as students can be independent journalists who care about all aspects of news and produce a great variety of content.

At the time, I didn’t appreciate and realize how great of a professor he actually is.

Looking back, if it wasn’t for him, I would have never learned AP Style. (Associated Press style, the language of a journalist.)

He broke down the complicated writing style into understandable lessons, and that way, I could write my stories with more focus on the content rather than the technical flaws.

He truly is an incredible teacher – not every teacher can make learning AP Style easy. He even made it fun sometimes.

The Muleskinner won Best in State at the MCMA conference this year. And of course if you ask Matt, he’ll probably say it was all us.

But no, so much of it was him.

He’s been able to advise us on style, design, writing stories the best way possible, getting good photos and much more. If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have had the knowledge on how to produce great content and make a great paper to win that award.

And most deserving, Matt won Adviser

Photo provided by Kaitlin Brothers / News Editor The Muleskinner team posing in front of their booth at Get the Red Out last year. (From left, back row) Garret Fuller, Kaitlin Brothers, Jason Brown and Chris Holmberg. (From left, front row) Erin Wides, Molly Burnam and Matt Bird-Meyer. of the year. He told the interviewers that he Working there with him and my fellow would “fall on a sword” for his students. co-workers has changed my life for the He advises a great paper. He’s always there better, won me awards and heightened my for us. skills more than I could ever imagine. So He’s an amazing professor. So yes, he thank you Muleskinner and thank you Matt definitely deserved that award. for making UCM a worthwhile place to My college life wouldn’t have been the have chosen to go to college. same without him or the Muleskinner.

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OPINION

May 2-11

Journalism taught me more than just writing

Erin Wides Features Editor

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”

These words from Winnie the Pooh accurately represent my thoughts on transitioning out of college, specifically with the Muleskinner, and moving on to “a big kid” job.

I’ve been so lucky to get to work with the staff of the Muleskinner and under the supervision of Matt Bird-Meyer. Each person has dedicated their time to bettering our campus community and I can’t think of a better way to spend my time at school.

This is why this “goodbye” is one of the most difficult ones. I can be dramatic but this was such a place of growth and experience for me, with the most kind and supportive people. I can’t comprehend how it’s all going to be over in a week.

My schedule began with mornings in the newsroom, between classes I was in the newsroom and on occasion, later in the evening I’d be in the newsroom. It was where so many moments of friendships, brainstorming and learning happened.

Journalism not only gives back to the community by telling others’ stories, it also benefits the reporter. I have found it helpful in writing my own story and helping me reflect on what I value, how I want to live life and just being grateful for what I have, while I have it.

Photo by Kaitlin Brothers/News Editor From left, Erin Wides and Matt Bird-Meyer take a break between editing stories.

I have become close with so many peo- students feel appreciated. sometimes difficult career. ple I never would have met had it not been John Check, music theory coordinator, Jason Brown, you stepped into the manfor the paper — Eddie Osbourne, Jill Wil- said he likes to reward his students for aging editor role with little experience son, Lacey Hites, and so many more. working hard. One unexpected day each managing a paper and have exceeded exI’ve been welcomed into places not ev- semester, Check brings doughnuts in for pectations. You’ve led us through a crazy eryone gets to see — the president’s office, his entire class. and fun semester of news, while also conthe Missouri Innovation Campus and the This story came about in a conversation tributing and being a great friend. You are Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport. with a friend one day. Completely not in- destined for so much greatness, you don’t When I am asked what my favorite sto- tending to find a story but I did. You could even know. Thank you for your patience ry is I laugh because I’ve done so many say, a serendipitous story. and wisdom. and they have each been so special in their Not only did I get to talk to Dr. Check, I To all the 2018-2019 Muleskinner staff, own way. Some of my favorites have been, was able to sit down with some of his stu- thank you for always passionately pursuwell… wait. dents and hear first-hand how he was posi- ing stories and making me smile every day.

I had to go back and scroll through them tively impacting their lives.

It’s going to be rough not seeing everyone because honestly, you forget some of them These are the stories that I got to cov- every day, but I’m comforted knowing that when having to think of them off the top er and the people I’ve gotten to talk to. I each of you has talent and a heart for jourof your head. As I was scrolling, I vividly consider myself incredibly lucky and so nalism. got brought back to the places, people and cared about in the Warrensburg and UCM H.L. Mencken, an American journalist, feelings I had when I was covering them. community. said it best, “I know of no human being I will say the one that always comes to To Matt, our fearless leader and adviser, who has a better time than an eager and enmind, even two years later, is a music pro- you ignited my passion for writing, staying ergetic young reporter.” fessor who took the extra step to make his curious and keeping an enthusiasm for a It’s time to go have a good time.

OPINION

The The Muleskinner Muleskinner

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Social media coordinator signs off

Anaiyeh Smith

Social Media Coordinator Saying goodbye to the Muleskinner is bittersweet. I started off at the Muleskin-

ner as a confused volunteer looking to get involved but not knowing where to start. I then became a contributor and wrote stories and covered events until I was able to find my voice and began writing about topics I am passionate about. I have learned so much and made so many memories at the Muleskinner. I would like to thank all of our hardworking staff for staying up late and coming in early. I will also never forget our one of a kind faculty adviser, Matt Bird-Meyer, who has said himself, he would take a sword for his students, in his interview right before winning Adviser of the Year at the 2019 Missouri College Media Association conference. The memories we have made in the newsroom will always stick with me even as we all go our separate ways.

I will never forget the skills and knowl-

THRIVE students graduate

Photo by Matt Bird-Meyer / Faculty Adviser From left, Anaiyeh Smith stands with Erin Wides, Jason Brown and Garrett Fuller. edge I have learned from working behind the scenes at the Muleskinner as a writer and social media coordinator. Thank you

to our readers for supporting us, and thank you to the Muleskinner staff for becoming a family.

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Photo by Michael Brunkhorst / For the Muleskinner UCM’s THRIVE Program is graduating five students in the spring commencement ceremony. From left, Miles Fontenot, Michael Mohrmann-Lodatto, Thomas “TJ” Branch, Emma Penny, and Ashley Cain are the spring 2019 THRIVE graduates. THRIVE is scheduled to graduate with the College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities and College of Education at 10 a.m. May 11 in the Multipurpose Building.

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OPINION

May 2-11

Top MCU movies as the franchise moves into Phase IV Ryan Sheehan For the Muleskinner

Over the past two years, I’ve written a lot about the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It’s no secret that I’m a big fan of the franchise.

So in honor of “Endgame’s” release, here is an updated list of Top 10 MCU films.

Click the links to see full reviews of some of these movies, along with my original list for a Top 10 from last year, as my opinions change with some of these films.

Honorable Mentions “Captain Marvel,” “Dr. Strange,” “Iron Man 3,” “Ant-Man,” “Ant-Man and The Wasp,” along with Netflix’s “Daredevil.”

10. Iron Man Maybe “Iron Man” should be higher on this list. If I was judging it for its importance, it would be. It was the first movie of the MCU. But for its overall quality, “Iron Man” is a good movie, but not the greatest.

It is impressive when you realize how good this movie is despite the people involved in it having no idea what they were doing. Basically, when shooting started, they didn’t have an official script, so most of the acting is improving.

9. Captain America: Civil War Based off one of the most famous Marvel Comics storyline, this film delivered some of the best fight scenes and intro-

duced some new great characters to the franchise. It also delivered a story as heavy as the comics. While in this regard, it does come a little short, due to some plotholes and the cause of the civil war coming off as forced. It isn’t a disappointment though, it did succeed it creating a very emotional climax.

8. Marvel’s The Avengers I have a good deal of nostalgia for this film. It got me interested in the MCU, along with superheroes and movies in general. While it does have a slow start, toward the end, it builds into a very entertaining final battle, starring a bunch of characters that are fun to see onscreen together. From Phase One, many MCU movies weren’t the best, but “The Avengers” is the exception, that made audience members, including me, take notice of the MCU. 7. Thor: Ragnarok Now this movie is silly, over-the-top, making the big change of Thor being stern and turning him into a fun-loving goofball. And it’s awesome. This movie is so much fun too watch. Director Taika Waititi just embraces the ridiculousness. Chris Hemsworth shows himself to be very good at comedy. Who cares if Thor wasn’t a clown in the past two movies, those weren’t very good anyway.

6. Captain America: Winter Soldier

What these Marvel films have done is bring new life to comic book characters that were originally never very popular.

That was the case for Captain America, who was never a fan favorite, including Joe Russo, who directed with his brother Anthony. “Our whole approach with the movie was how can we make Cap interesting to a comic fan, like myself, who didn’t love the character,” according to a Screen Junkies interview. In response, they made a movie about a spy conspiracy, which complicates Captain America’s beliefs, as he’s already trying to adjust to being out of his own time. After this, the Russos would direct many of the other films on this list.

5. Black Panther This movie wasn’t afraid to take itself seriously, but it also wasn’t afraid to be entertaining, finding a nice balance between the two. Despite the lack of action and the poor CGI at times, especially in the final fight scene. But honestly, I don’t think about either of these when I watch this movie because I’m too wrapped up in the story.

4. Spider-Man: Homecoming Spider-Man has been done to death even at this point. Thanks to Tom Holland’s performance as Peter Parker, and an original take on the character, “Homecoming” wasn’t a problem. This movie is fun and uplifting. It made some thoughtful changes to the character while staying true to what

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made him so great in the first place.

3. Guardians of The Galaxy Volumes 1 and 2 The first “Guardians” received wide acclaim for both critics and audience members. But the second one, “Vol. 2,” not so much. I’m guilty myself of brushing off “Vol. 2” as ok when I saw it. After rewatching though, I’ve realized that’s it’s just as good as the original. “Vol. 2” makes the same comedy and fun, but also has more drama, character development and heart.

2. “Avengers: Infinity War” This movie blew it out of the park. It defied seemingly everyone’s expectations, including myself, and we had been waiting for years for this film. It feels balanced and paced, with some deep character development. What is truly great about it isn’t just it’s ending, but the fact that the heroes really could have won and due to personal flaws with some of the characters, that didn’t happen.

1. “Avengers: Endgame” I can’t really go into details, but this movie is fantastic. Maybe not a truly great film, but watching it, I felt like it was. If a movie can make you feel certain emotions and do it well while building off 11 years and 21 films, in a satisfying way, then maybe it is a great movie after all?

OPINION

The Muleskinner

9

‘Avengers: Endgame’: A spoiler-free case for greatness Ryan Sheehan For the Muleskinner

To describe “Avengers: Endgame” in a few words, it would be: It’s great and you should watch it.

If that’s all you want to know, I completely understand if that’s all you read from this review. I know I did the same before I saw it for myself.

For those that want to know more, I’ll explain myself further. But not too much. I honestly believe that the best way to watch this movie is having no idea what you are about to see. Just like “Infinity War” was last year.

As a fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, I think this movie is fantastic, to me it’s great.

If you’re a fan, you might feel the same way, too. If you’re not a fan of this fran-

chise, you’ll probably also enjoy the film, but in a different way. That’s not meant to sound condescending, like only members of “the group” will “understand” this film’s true quality, which some fanbases are guilty of doing. But speaking from personal experience watching “Endgame,” this movie caused me to experience specific feelings, as I knew it would. So if you’re not a fan, you’ll probably enjoy it, just not in the same way, if that makes sense?

As a critic, I try my best to analyze movies without bias. But I have to confess, as a fanboy of the MCU, I walked out of this movie, like “Infinity War,” with the feeling I had just experienced an important event.

However, you don’t really need to be a fan, or even a long-term fan, to appreciate “Endgame.” What “Endgame” does with its story is truly impressive for a big budget, studio film. “Infinity War” took risks,

and so does “Endgame.” The MCU has built an audience for 11 years now and a ton of profit, which allows the directors Joe and Anthony Russo, head producer Kevin Feige and screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, the chance to cash in on this credibility by taking risks with its story. Risks that, as a movie-goer, I never thought I would see on screen.

It’s an intelligent movie. The way it builds off all the movies that came before it, referencing and acknowledging them, is very well done. It does a good job of balancing all of the many characters. For the most part, they all get time on screen, which for some characters, felt mishandled in the past films. It really does feel like they get their moment to shine here.

As someone who has watched these movies since “Iron Man,” and has been a fanboy since “Marvel’s The Avengers,”

the first Avengers film, I have a very deep connection with this franchise, and now with “Endgame.” As “Infinity War” did, it builds off a decade worth of films and delivers a thoughtful, emotional, entertaining, well-made and satisfying climax to the franchise.

It may not be a great movie, but considering all these points, along with many factors I can’t go into, maybe it is?

Like with “Infinity War,” “Endgame” pleased both sides of me. The fanboy and the critic. So even if you are not a fan of the MCU, or superheroes in general, I think if you watch “Endgame,” you’re in for a real treat.

Because personally, I walked out of a three-hour film feeling that it wasn’t that long, and I was yelling with joy in the parking lot.

9.5/10

Saying ‘goodbye’ to co-workers, friends

Garrett Fuller Senior Writer

When I graduated high school, I thought my journalism career was over. All four years of high school I was involved with our student newspaper. I also interned with the local newspaper, where I saw the newsroom go from a staff of six or seven to only

one or two. I saw with my own two eyes the downsizing of the newspaper, which worried me and persuaded me to choose a different path.

During my freshman year at UCM, I was a computer information systems major. I wanted to get involved, and one way I wanted to get involved was to contribute to the campus newspaper. A friend and co-worker at the Ellis Hall front desk, Erin Wides, referred me to the Muleskinner and to reach out to Matt Bird-Meyer.

I can remember the first time I stepped foot in the newsroom on the third floor of the Wood Building — a building I rarely visited before. I felt immediately welcomed and started contributing. I was able to focus more on my journalism work when I went from being a stringer to the assistant design editor.

Eventually, I felt maybe journalism was my calling. Both Matt and Erin inspired me to switch my major and study journalism full time. Over the summer between my

freshman and sophomore years, I officially made the transition: going from computer information systems to majoring in digital media production with an emphasis in digital journalism.

At the Muleskinner, I made some really good friends. Unfortunately, like all good things, it comes to an end. All of my co-workers are graduating, moving on to bigger and better things.

Really, it should be a happy day for me — to see my co-workers get the degree they’ve deserved through years of hard work and dedication.

But it’s hard to say goodbye to the people that have been there with me through the good days and the bad.

If it wasn’t for Erin Wides, one of our graduating seniors, or Matt Bird-Meyer, adviser, I would still be a computer information systems major. I would’ve never got involved, would’ve never continued my journalism work and, obviously, would not be here. Without them, my stories —

from my first story in January 2018 about a book signing in the Art Center to my recent story about the Union — would have never existed.

Obviously, there’s more than Erin and Matt that have impacted my work or my life in general. Everyone in the Muleskinner has touched my life in one way or another.

Jason Brown, our managing editor, assisted Matt in encouraging me that the work I was going was decent and improving.

Kaitlin and Anaiyeh allowed me to vent while providing input and feedback.

So, to our graduating seniors — Jason Brown, Kaitlin Brothers, Erin Wides, Anaiyeh Smith, Chris Moore and Cody Clemmons — the best of luck after their graduating. I cannot wait to see the great work my coworkers do out in the real world. I also wish good luck to Matt Bird-Meyer, who is also leaving to move on bigger and better things.

10 SPORTS

May 2-11

Sports Updates

Photo by Peter Spexarth/For the Muleskinner Former Mules offensive lineman Derrick Puni became the 54th Mule to sign a professional contract.

Puni signs with Cowboys Former Mules football offensive lineman Derrick Puni has signed a pro contract with the Dallas Cowboys following the conclusion of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Puni was a three-time All-American as an offensive lineman at UCM. He was also a First Team All-MIAA pick and a D2CCA All-Region selection.

Puni returned from missing the 2017 season due to injury and started all 11 games of the 2018 season. He helped the Mules become one of the most potent offenses in the MIAA with a league-best 466 yards per game and surrendering the third-fewest sacks (23).

Puni becomes the 54th Mule to sign a professional contract.

Bowling ranked 11th in final coaches poll The National TenPin Coaches Association (NTCA) came out with its final women’s bowling rankings for the 2018-19 season April 25.

Central Missouri moved up one place in the national poll to No. 11. They also came in third in the Division II/III poll.

The Jennies finished in second place at the MIAA Tournament. They had an overall record of 86-48.

UCM had four named to the All-MIAA in Katey Furze, Paytynn Kuhns, Tatum

Ruffalo and Stephanie Richards. Furze was also an NTCA All-American.

Eight Jennies make All-MIAA team

The MIAA announced the 2019 AllMIAA softball awards Wednesday ahead of the beginning of the conference’s tournament. Eight different Jennies made this year’s team as UCM went 33-19 in the regular season to earn the No. 4 seed in the upcoming tournament.

Lauryn Deer was selected to the second team as an outfielder. Alexa Bradley (pitcher), Ashlyn Cook (outfield), Hailey Crabtree (first base), Taylor Dames (outfield), Alexis Koop (second base), Makenzie McAtee (designated player) and Jessica Sader (third base) were all named All-MIAA honorable mention.

For Deer, this is her third All-MIAA award and the second time being on the second team. She leads UCM and is third in the MIAA with 71 hits. She’s hitting .376 with a .420 on-base percentage. She ranks second in the league with 27 stolen bases.

Bradley earns an All-MIAA nod for the second straight season. She’s 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA. Her 12 wins have her in the MIAA top-10. She’s also struck out 52 batters in 131 innings and has picked up a save as well. She’s thrown eight complete games and three shutouts.

Cook has started 50 of 52 games playing in right field. She’s hitting .320 with 35 runs scored and 26 RBIs. Cook has 15 doubles which is in the top10 in the league and five home runs. Of her 54 hits, 21 have gone for extra bases.

Senior Hailey Crabtree sees her name on the All-MIAA team for the third time in four years.

She was also an All-MIAA first baseman last year and a utility player in 2016. She’s hitting .352 this season with 62 hits, 27 going for extra bases with 15 doubles, seven triples and five home runs.

Dames earns an All-Conference award for the second straight season.

She was All-MIAA as a utility player last year. This year, making 45 starts in left field, she’s All-MIAA as an outfielder.

Dames leads UCM with seven home runs and has driven in 29. She’s hitting .342 with a .404 on-base percentage and 15 stolen bases.

Koop is an All-MIAA second baseman for the second straight season.

She’s hitting .289 with a home run and 15 runs batted in.

McAtee is an All-Conference selection as a designated player.

McAtee is hitting .301 with five home runs and six doubles.

Sader leads UCM with a .382 average and is in the MIAA top-10 with 44 RBIs. Of her 66 hits, she’s got 19 extra-base hits with 13 doubles, one triple and five home runs.

Mules remain in top 10 Central Missouri outdoor track and field remains in the top-10 in the latest U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Associations rankings that were released Tuesday morning.

A week ago, the Mules were ranked No. 9 with 103.47-points.

After a busy weekend at Drake Relays and the PSU Wendy’s Tune-Up, UCM now sits at No. 10 with 97.89-points.

Angelo State is sitting at No. 1 with 183.64, Colorado School of Mines is currently No. 2 with 144.83 points, Grand Val-

ley State is in the No. 3 spot with 138.11.

West Texas A&M sits at No. 4 (134.35) and Texas A&M Commerce rounds out the top five with 126.57.

The team is gearing up for the postseason action this weekend. UCM will host the 2019 MIAA Outdoor Championships Friday through Sunday at Walton Stadium/ Kennedy Field.

Baseball set to finish regular season One series remains in the regular season for Mules baseball (32-12, 22-8 MIAA) as the team carries a 6-game win streak and stretch of 11 wins in 12 games toward the postseason.

The Mules completed a senior weekend sweep of Fort Hays State (3-37, 2-28 MIAA) in which they outscored the Tigers 48-5. The sweep was highlighted by a 27-1 win Saturday that only lasted seven innings.

Right fielder Erik Webb continued his dominant season at the plate going 6/11 with four RBIs and two home runs. His .430 batting average and 62 RBIs this season lead the Mules. Webb is also slugging an absurd .895, which, if it holds through the rest of the season would beat out Dave Goodwin’s 1998 record of .883.

Left fielder Josh Schumacher has caught fire with seven straight multi-hit games since returning to the lineup April 18. The junior was a constant threat to the Tigers going 8/11 with 7 RBIs and a home run in the sweep.

Second baseman Michael Sinks picked up multiple hits in all three games of the series with eight hits in 10 plate appearances. He also knocked three home runs and nine RBIs. Sinks is batting .311 on the season with eight homes and 46 RBIs. The Mules will hit the road for the season finale and face Missouri Western (1920, 16-14 MIAA) at Griffon Baseball Field in St. Joseph. First pitch for game one is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday. Game two is set to begin at 7 p.m. Saturday with the series finale scheduled for 1 p.m. Sunday.

11 CENTRAL SCOOP

This Week 2

THURS.

3

FRI.

4

SAT.

5

SUN.

Red and Black Bash 7 p.m. | East Field Nav Night sponsored by the Navigators 8 p.m. | Alumni Memorial Chapel Track and Field MIAA Outdoor Championships 1 p.m. | Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field

Track and Field MIAA Outdoor Championships 10 a.m. | Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field Chamber of Commerce Race Night 7:30 p.m.| Central Missouri Speedway

Track and Field MIAA Outdoor Championships 11 a.m. | Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field

7

Dinner & Worship: BSU 6 p.m. | 302 S. College St.

8

DIG Worship: Christian Campus House 7:30 p.m. | 211 S. Maguire St.

9

Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Lunch 11:45 a.m.| Fitter’s Restaurant and Pub

TUE.

WED.

THURS.

10 FRI.

11 SAT.

Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremony 1:30 p.m. | Multipurpose Building Spring 2019 Commencement Ceremony 9 a.m. | Multipurpose Building Cliff Harris Ford Race Night TBA | Central Missouri Speedway

Sudoku

CENTRAL SCOOP 12

The Muleskinner

04-25-2019

Final Schedule Sudoku Sudoku IF YOUR CLASS IS ON...

AT...

THEN YOUR FINAL IS AT...

805-02-2019 a.m.

8-10 a.m. Monday 9 a.m.

8-10 a.m. Wednesday 10 a.m.

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1-3 p.m. Wednesday ...or Monday & Wednesday noon 8-10 a.m. Friday ...or Monday & Friday Puzzle by Hang Chen 3:30-5:30 and Curtis 1 p.m. p.m.Cooper Wednesday ...or just Monday....

2 p.m.

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12:30 p.m.

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3:30-5:30 p.m. Thursday 3:30 p.m.

3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday or 4 p.m.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Friday only or off schedule or rescheduled classes Monday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Monday or Tuesday off schedule or rescheduled classes Tuesday 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Wednesday only or off schedule or rescheduled classes Wednesday Sudoku solution: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Thursday only or off schedule or rescheduled classes Thursday Finals for night (5 p.m. or later) and off-campus classes are given during the week of finals at the regularly scheduled time.

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digitalBURG.com

3 7

Difficulty Level:

Puzzle by Hang Chen and Curti

BY HANG CHEN AND CURTIS COOPER

4 6 1 6 4 9 6 9 4

7

6 1

8 7

5 4 9 8 2 3 7 5 4

the numbers from 1 to 9 one SOLUTION FROM APRIL 25 - MAY 1

2018-2019 Muleskinner Staff Jason Brown Kaitlin Brothers Erin Wides

Managing Editor News Editor Features Editor

Brent Young

Design Editor

Garrett Fuller

Senior Writer

Anaiyeh Smith

Social Media Coordinator

Chris Moore Cody Clemmons Matt Bird-Meyer

3

Business Manager Advertising Manager Faculty Adviser

Sudoku is a number-placement consists of 9x9 squares. The obje each blank square so that each row column, and each of the nine 3x3 b time each.

Difficulty:

Sudoku solution:

6 8 7 1 3 5 4 2 9

4 3 9 2 8 7 6 1 5

2 1 5 4 9 6 7 3 8

9 2 1 6 5 8 3 4 7

7 6 8 3 4 1 9 5 2

5 4 3 7 2 9 1 8 6

3 9 4 5 6 2 8 7 1

1 5 6 8 7 4 2 9 3

8 7 2 9 1 3 5 6 4

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