Muleskinner Vol. 117 Issue 3

Marching Mules coverage

Skinner on the street

Mules MIAA champions

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• Vol. 117 • Issue 3 • November 16, 2023

UCM hosts Native American dance and arts exhibition @Muleskinner_UCM

AARON BAX Assistant Sports Editor Native American dance group, Beyond the Circle, came to the University of Central Missouri’s Warrensburg Campus on Nov. 7. A family group from the Springfield area, Beyond the Circle, exhibited nine dances with the last involving other students.

Group Leader, Randy Falcon, said, “We love [performing for students] because there’s just been so much stuff that has been thrown out there that’s wrong.

Explanations from other people who really didn’t know what they were talking about or didn’t spend a whole lot of time with us.”

Falcon said involving yourself with other cultures is a good way to get informed on their cultures, rather than just taking what movies or other media portray them as.

Praise Ayodele, a UCM student, also enjoyed the Beyond the Circle performance. He said, “It was an experience that allowed me to get to know more about a Native American culture and to see people perform and share their cultures with us.”

Head Gourd at the Pow Wow, Bob Laroussa, had a leadership role during the event, with him leading the Gourd dance.

According to Laroussa, the Gourd dance was originally a dance for warriors. Not traditionally a Pow Wow dance, today it is often but not exclusively danced by veterans.

SEE POW-WOW PAGE 2

Cory Chavez performs a Native American traditional song and dance to showcase Native American cultures. Beyond the Circle, a multigenerational performance group, performed at the University of Central Missouri to celebrate the Trading Moon Native American Arts Festival on Nov. 7. Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

First time free entry at UCM musicals

The Theatre and Dance Department putting on a show of Cinderella for this semester’s musical. Mirando Muenz, playing Cinderella and Riley Given, playing Prince Topher, are shown in an intimate moment on stage during their final dress rehearsal..

Photo by Ellie Whitesell

KAIA TRUJILLO, LINDA ALVIAR Opinions Editor, News Editor

The University of Central Missouri’s Department of Theatre and Dance allows free admission to students for this year’s productions. This is the first time in history that the department has allowed students free admission for its shows.

The department is in between show weekends for their musical performance of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. This is one of two main stage productions shown this semester, both of which allowed for free admission for the first time.

Cast Member, Chris Schilligo, who plays Lord Pinkelton, shared his thoughts on the free admission affecting the audience attendance.

“I think it’s a good thing for sure… The people who aren’t sure if they like theatre, or like musical theatre specifically, a lot of the times what hinders An ensemble of actors practice during the Cinderella final dress them from even giving it a rehearsal. The ensemble was mid-dance in Act I, during a ballroom chance is that it’s behind a sort scene. Photo by Kaia Trujilo of a paywall and allowing it

to be free has less risk to it,” Schilligo said.

“So whether you like [the show] or not, money wasn’t wasted,” Schilligo said. “I think especially because of the show that we’re putting on, I think people are gonna end up really liking it and I think that it’ll draw more people in.”

The department typically puts on two main stage shows a semester, typically one play and one musical. The cast and crew of these productions are made up of students. This change allows students to come and support their peers without having to pay for a ticket, allowing the students to support each other in their performances in a more accessible way.

Assistant Professor of Theatre at UCM, Aaron Scully, is the director of this show. He spoke of his gratitude to the Provost for allowing the department and giving his support to allowing this free admission.

SEE THEATRE PAGE 2

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NEWS

• Vol. 117 • Issue 3 •November 16, 2023

POW WOW continued CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Laroussa was also extremely excited to work with students.

“Always always look forward to an opportunity to educate,” he said.

Alongside the Gourd dance the Pow Wow, which lasted from noon to nine p.m., also had various other native dances alongside handmade goods and frybread.

There was also a table set aside in memory of Jesse Lee. Lee, a UCM alumni and native american, played a key role in first bringing the Pow Wow to UCM leading the Pow Wow planning committee and dancing Mens traditional.

Lee passed away in June 2022.

The audience learns about Native American cultures and history through the exhibitions. Beyond the Circle was featured in the Trading Moon Native American Arts Festival at the University of Central Missouri. Photos by Mingzhu Zhu

THEATRE continued

Veterans and those with the qualities of a warrior are honored at The Trading Moon Pow Wow on Veterans Day on Nov. 11. The Pow Wow is an intertribal gathering open to the public.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

During Cinderella, there were two puppet characters, a fox and a racoon. Gracie Heath, the lighting designer for the show, mentioned putting up a spotlight specific for the fox’s position on stage. Photo by Ellie Whitesell

“We’re really pleased and we’re really grateful to the Provost. Without the Provost we wouldn’t have been able to make this happen,” Scully said. “So with his support, we’re able to allow UCM students to come in for free, and we’ve already seen an increase in the student numbers for our first show. So we’re hoping that continues for Cinderella as well. And making theater more accessible to everyone has been a mission of ours.”

Continuing this mentioned reach of accessibility to theater, the department has made it a objective to have at least one show per run with an ASL interpreter. They sit near the stage, with a spotlight, allowing for accessibility to those who need that interpreter to enjoy the shows. They are also allowing free tickets for veterans, military, and their families.

Reagan Medlock, freshman, said, “I love it so much. I think it makes it more accessible because obviously we are

students paying a lot in tuition, but also it just makes more kids want to come to theatre.”

Sophomore, Sophia Gregory, shared similar thoughts. “I think it helps fill out theatre that students can have free admission into our productions….I think just being able to get more people to see our productions is a great thing,” Gregory said.

This production highlights the talents of many students, actors and crew members alike. Senior theatre major, Gracie Heath, is responsible for the lighting design for this production. Heath has spent an estimated total of 750 hours on the design for this show.

“Cinderella is a big show. Anything disney adjacent is going to be magical, big, bold and colorful,” Heath said.

“I think that everybody, not just me, every single area of design and all the actors have put a lot of work into this, and we’ve come up with a pretty good product.”

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FEATURES

• Vol. 117 • Issue 3 •November 16, 2023

Bonner’s magnum opus Donating to save lives

UCM Director of Bands Mark Bonner leading the “I’m So Glad I Go to UCM!” cheer at the Festival Of Champions. There was rain scheduled for the day of the competition and exhibition, which included both indoor and outdoor events. Photo by Conner Meinke

Marching Mules’ premier halftime show composed of elements of popular culture ROMAN PFISTER Contributing Reporter The Marching Mules began crafting their first halftime show of the 2023 football season with a show arranged by the Director of Athletic Bands for the University of Central Missouri, Mark Bonner.

The building of the show, entitled “Twice Upon a Time,” is a collaboration between Bonner and several student leaders.

“So [much] of [building the show] was conversations with students,” said Bonner. “They told me about the music that they were looking for, they came up with some of the ideas that could go into the drill.”

Bonner went on to say that the design of the story comes from students sharing their ideas to Bonner himself and students in leadership.

“We gathered that most of them wanted to do some type of… mystery show or fantasy show,” said Bonner.

“We kind of figured… let’s put all this together in one idea.”

According to Bonner, the idea became a story of two twins battling for the throne.

Student leader, CJ Strathman, worked on the story design for “Twice Upon a Time.” Strathman said that the visual elements of the performance are arranged so that story elements such as conflict and mystical components are seen and heard.

“We have a scene where the castle gets blown up by a dragon, so everyone is… crawling or… slowly walking

to the back of the field,” said Strathman. “There’s a scene where we’re all fighting each other and so we’re trying to… make it look like an actual… action sequence.”

In the process of coordinating “Twice Upon a Time,” student leaders have gained performance design experience. Strathman said that she most enjoys that the show was not the work of a lone individual.

“Twice Upon a Time” is a collection of pieces from popular culture submitted by the marching band members. Trumpet player, Natalie Schuette, said that she is happy to perform a show with references to which she can relate.

“A lot of this music that is put into this specific show is a lot from… my childhood,” said Schuette. “It’s super fun to see a show combined with [this] music, that is made by our director, performed on the field.”

Schuette said that she also appreciates that students are the source of the show’s main ideas.

“It gives us as the students the opportunity to put back our input on things and to be able to make the show creatively ours,” said Schuette.

“Twice Upon a Time” has already been unveiled at UCM home football games this season, but according to Bonner, each performance will be unique.

“Every single show that we’ll perform… something is a little bit different about it,” said Bonner.

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ELIJAH BUELL Contributing Reporter The Blood Drive is an opportunity for students, faculty, staff and the community to give back to others by donating blood. The Blood Drive is sponsored by The Community Blood Center out of Kansas City, MO. The blood drive took place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Oct. 16 and Oct. 17 at the Elliott Union Ballrooms.

The all day event hoped to walk away with about 280 pints of blood. Lisa Nelson, Account manager for The Community Blood Center, said the blood drive is an important event.

Olivia Shelton, a donor at the drive believes people perceive blood donations as something they see as important, but just don’t do often enough.

“There was a little girl that I babysat and when she was born she had to have open heart surgery” Shelton said. “She had a rare blood type and the hospital performing the surgery was in a shortage of it. Luckily before the surgery a donor walked in and asked if he could give blood and his donation went on to save that young girl’s life. I want to help people that way too.”

Nelson believes donating blood is a popular way for college students to give back.

“Our blood drive takes place on campus because while we have regular donors who are committed to donating whenever there is a blood drive, they are mostly older citizens who often develop health reasons. as to why they can’t donate,” Nelson said. “For this reason, our college blood drive is an important event because it encourages healthy young people to donate for a healthy cause.”

According to the American Red Cross donors must be 18 years or older, must weigh more than 110 pounds and be in good health. Shamarrae Hardrick, a volunteer at the refreshments table, made sure that those who donate are in good health. He says he is always happy to see people donate for a good cause.

“We don’t really get a lot of blood donors in our country so this is a good way for people to help out and save lives,” Hardrick said. “I hope there will be more community engagement with the blood drive and more lives saved with donations that are gathered from it.”

Shamarrae Hardrick stands at the refreshment table ready to help those who donated to recover at the Blood Drive on Oct 17 at the Elliott Union Ballrooms. The blood drive was sponsored by The Community Blood Center of Kansas City, Mo. Photo by Elijah Buell

Newbeginnings_burg

4 Muleskinner • Vol. 117 • Issue 3 •November 16, 2023

FEATURES

One sign at a time ROMAN PFISTER Contributing Reporter Catholic Newman Center residents show their support for University of Central Missouri football by making a banner ahead of each home game.The Catholic Newman Center is located at the north end of UCM’s campus, which makes the residence for people to notice the banners when entering the campus.

“We’re literally right off campus so everybody passes by either going to class… or heading over to main campus every day,” said senior and Catholic Newman Center member Colin Docherty.

The banners are painted by Docherty and displayed on the outside of the Catholic Newman Center residence, featuring a slogan in support of the UCM Mules football.

Docherty said that the banners are meant to promote school spirit among people in the community.

“I thought it would help get school spirit out. I think everybody gets a kick out of it,” Docherty said. “We’re right across from the away team’s tailgate and you’ll see them come over and take pictures of it.”

Docherty said that last year’s homecoming banner had featured a play on the name of UCM President Roger Best. In preparation for this year’s homecoming banner, Docherty said the slogan would reflect the football team.

“I think we’re going to go with… the Mules offense this year,” said Docherty.

According to Docherty, he is not the only one involved with creating the banners. Docherty said that both resident Tyler Kohout and campus minister for the Catholic Newman Center Kevin O’Reilly assist him.

“They help me figure out what to put on these banners. They’re doing research into whoever we’re playing,” said Docherty.

Kohout said that he has been a part of the banner making process since the tradition began before last year’s home football game with the Mules hosting Washburn University.

“It’s probably been… about six or seven times… at this point that we’ve been doing them,” Kohout said.

O’Reilly said that the idea came from seeing other universities make similar banners.

Students at the Catholic Newman Center enjoy the tradition of making homemade spirit poster for each of the University of Central Missouri Mules Football games. Photo by Roman Pfister

“Other universities do banner hanging and usually… not the most positive things are said on the banner so we thought we could come up with some… funny and clever and appropriate ways to have some school spirit,” said O’Reilly.

Docherty said that the banners are made of bed linens that are spray painted with a particular slogan.

“We use spray paint and somewhere between full-size and king-size… flat sheets,” said Docherty.

Both Kohout and O’Reilly received feedback from members of the Warrensburg community about the banners.

“Last time we waited until the Saturday [of the game] and I saw people watching me put it up,” said Kohout.

O’Reilly said he hopes to keep the tradition going in years to come.

“People talk about the banner usually a couple days after the home game but I’ll get some text messages from local parishioners,” said O’Reilly. “I think students get a big laugh out of it…and I think we’ll just pass it down student to student in the future.”

Muleskinner 5 FEATURES Connections across the finish line • Vol. 117 • Issue 3 •November 16, 2023

UCM Family Weekend brings students together

MINGZHU ZHU Promotions Manager During Family Weekend 2023 from Sept. 15 to 17, students, along with their families and friends, united to celebrate their bonds and create unique memories. This annual event strengthened the connections between the university and students’ families.

The Family Weekend activities included Family Game Night, Color Run, Family Weekend Breakfast, Family Festival, a Mules Football game and more.

A total of 137 people participated in the Color Run, including students, their families, and community members.

Trey Coloney, a senior, participated in the Color Run and Family Weekend Breakfast with his mom Toresa Coloney.

Coloney said, “It’s really the connection from the family that you left to go to school, and it’s connecting with the family that you’ve made here.”

The Color Run started at the Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Participants wore white T-shirts and were doused with various brightly colored powders along the route.

“I see it as an event to reconnect people with their families if I haven’t been able to see them for a while,” said Koby McCollum, a senior. “I personally haven’t seen my mom since the start of the semester. So it’s good to be able to see her a couple of weeks in and not have to travel all the way back home in order to do so.”

After the Color Run, UCM Alumni Foundation hosted a Family Weekend Breakfast outside of SRWC. Chris Cakes served pancakes to 560 people.

Pancakes were flipped in the air, releasing a fragrance that combined a blend of buttery richness and a hint of toasty sweetness.

Hyemin Huang, a freshman and international student from South Korea, hasn’t seen her family for a year.

“I really missed my family,” said Huang. “But still I can hang out with my friends and my classmates or other friends too. So I think it’s gonna be okay.”

Huang participated in several Family Weekend events with her friends and roommate.

After fueling up with the pancake breakfast, around 500 people participated in the Family Festival hosted by the Office of Student Activities at the Elliot Student Union that day.

Anna Kasindi, a junior, is Huang’s roommate. Kasindi’s family was originally from Africa and now lives in Kansas City.

“When I miss my family because they live very close, I can go back so that’s a plus,” said Kasindi. “It was really awesome to see some of our college schoolmates lie hanging out with their families and being happy.”

Huang and Kasindi had their portraits drawn at the booth by student artists. It gave them a personalized and creative experience at the Family Weekend.

“For me, I only have my roommate, and I don’t have my family here. So I usually hang out with my family,” said Huang.

“I feel like kind of we are the family.”

Juan José Hoyos, a senior, celebrates at the Color Run finish line with his arms up. The staff shouted and celebrated with students when they hit the finish line. Photos by Mingzhu Zhu

Koki Iwatake, a senior, smiles and raises his arms when he arrives at the finish line in the Color Run. The participants were doused with colored powder.

Mauricio Blanco Nahoul, a senior, smiles and thumbs up to the crowd when he crosses the finish line in the Color Run. The staff doused colored power on students when they reached the finish line.

Madalyn Quarton, a community member and a sibling, runs through the Color Run finish line. The Color Run welcomed not only UCM students but also families and community members in the Warrensburg area.

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OPINIONS Transforming from Tiger to Mule • Vol. 117 • Issue 3 •November 16, 2023

Freshmen adjust from high school to university life

AARON BAX Sports Editor After 14 weeks of classes, many freshmen have officially found dorms and cafeteria food to be bringing the comforts of home. While Warrensburg High School 2023 Alumni James Saffold, Cameron King, and Jackson Mailen find nothing else unites the three new students like their MuleNation. Each has diligently focused on their different majors, unique living conditions and interacting with UCM in separate ways.

James Saffold, freshman, is the only one of the three to choose to live on campus. James, unlike many students coming from WHS, views that as an advantage on the issue of living on campus.

“I feel like you meet people a lot easier.” Saffold said. “You know, because you go on your floor you meet people from all different majors, all different walks of life, things like that.”

“Whereas if I was a commuter student, I would really only meet people except if I joined a fraternity or sorority.”

“Of course, I really only meet people who are also in class and it is kind of hard to mingle in class, you’re not really there to socialize, whereas [in the dorms] I kind of got a head start,” Saffold said.

Despite that Saffold does admit that there are issues he has with the dorms. Among them are the elevator and the age of the dorm.

“With the marching band, I feel like I’m definitely a big part of the community. And I definitely feel like I’m a big part of the music community here, especially because of how many different groups and ensembles I’m in.”

-Cameron King, Freshman “I live on the fourth floor of a building with no elevator.

So I mean, that’s really out of anybody’s control. But if I had to pick a least favorite aspect, that’d probably be it right there,” he said.

Saffold also feels very attached to UCM. As a student and Warrensburg native, Saffold feels a deep pride to be a tiger turned mule. He says “I take a sense of pride in what I do here, and where I go to college.”

UCM STUDENT SUBMISSION

Ask, Listen

Take an interest in the lives of loved ones BRENDAN LEARY ther’s experiences have shaped him Contributing Reporter into the person he is today.

My father Jeremy Leary was born During his early years, the loss of in June of 1973. He is one of my best his father at a young age forced him friends. Somehow, I always knew he to adapt to frequent moves and inshad a different childhood and had not tability. Yet, with the support of our lived a very traditional life. grandparents, he found stability and My interview with my father has completed high school in 1991. provided a unique glimpse into a The birth of his first child, Seth, life marked by perseverance and marked a turning point, leading transformation. His story serves as him to reassess his priorities. His a source of inspiration, highlighting career journey reflects his determithe value of family, the pursuit of nation to provide for his family and one’s passions and the wisdom gai- find fulfillment in his work. From ned through life’s experiences. rehabilitating veterans, working He lost his father at a young age in ammunition production. Health due to a car accident, lived in five issues brought about by stress and a different states, lived in 16 different congenital heart condition prompted homes, and went to six different further career changes, ultimately schools before graduating highsleading him to become an over-thechool in 1991. road truck driver, a job that fulfills He’s worked a wide variety of his love for travel. jobs that include over the road truck As my father looks to the future, driver, working in the medicine, and he emphasizes the importance of ammunition production specialist cherishing life’s simple moments, manufacturing explosive ammunisuch as witnessing his children’s tion for the US military. His unusual achievements and embracing the and winding history in life, in my joys of being a grandfather. opinion, makes him fascinating.

His advice about recognizing and He isn’t the kind of guy that nor- responding to life’s wake-up call mally would get to tell his story as moments resonates deeply, reminhe just sees himself as an average ding myself to be adaptable, resiperson trying to get by and provide lient, and willing to change course for his family. when needed.

I had the privilege of delving into The opportunity of talking with the life journey of my father, Jeremy my father, learning about his journey Leary. His story is a testament to re- and how much it has to do with my silience, adaptability, and the pursuit own was truly an inspiring privilege of a better future.

I strongly believe all people should From a rocky early life marked accomplish. by loss and constant movement to a series of diverse career paths, my fa-

Other students feel less strongly about where they go to school. Mailen is a freshman commuter student and says his decision to go to UCM was all about money. Mailen also says he isn’t much of a member of the UCM campus yet.

“I’m more involved in Warrensburg and Knob Noster itself rather than campus. Just personally being a local there,” Mailen said.

Mailen also feels like he isn’t interested in many of the on campus activities outside his major, with him much preferring to focus on being an Assistant Robotics Coach at Knob Noster High School rather than be in a club on campus.

Not all commuter students are so distant from the university however. King, a freshman saxophone player, is a proud member of many musical groups on campus. Despite being a commuter student, King feels he has gotten to know many students through a love of music, and the shared experience of being in the marching mules. King also feels UCM is “a lot closer of a community.” King says that through the band he feels like a member of the UCM community.

“With the marching band, I feel like I’m definitely a big part of the community. And I definitely feel like I’m a big part of the music community here, especially because of how many different groups and ensembles I’m in,” King said.

OPINION SERIES: PART ONE

Kids navigating the digital playground that is social media

HANNAH HANSEN right balance between being myself Contributor Reporter and chasing what’s popular can be a In today’s digital age, social media real challenge,” she said. has woven itself into the fabric of Navigating the world of social our lives, becoming a virtual bridge media as a young adolescent is indeed that connects generations. From kids a tightrope walk. Peer pressure and to the elderly, these platforms offer concerns about self-image are ever unique experiences and challenges. present companions on this journey.

Let’s explore the world of social media It’s a place where young people through the eyes of two individuals often juggle with the desire to be from different generations, shedding themselves while conforming to the light on how it impacts their lives. ideal images we find easily online.

Exploring the world of social media Yet, it’s also crucial to recognize the through the eyes of young minds, I had positive aspects of social media in a the pleasure of chatting with a vibrant young person’s life. For the teen, it’s 13-year-old who proudly labels herself not just about comparison; it’s a space a social media enthusiast that I had the where she finds support, discovers her pleasure of dancing with on my old passions and interests, and even makes dance team in Raytown. new friends who share her hobbies.

The teens eyes lit up with excitement Social media can be a platform for as she shared, “Social media feels like creativity, self-expression, and building having a window to the world right connections beyond geographical in my pocket. I can connect with my boundaries. Mrs. Kovaleski, while friends, stay in the loop with the latest concerned, understands the value of trends, and even stumble upon exciting social media in her daughter’s world. new hobbies.”

“We have ongoing conversations about Platforms such as Instagram and digital etiquette, online safety, and the TikTok have become her digital importance of self-love” she explained. playground, where inspiration and “It’s a learning process for both of entertainment abound. However, this us as we navigate this ever-evolving digital adventure is not without its digital landscape together.” hurdles. Her mother, Mrs. Kovaleski, In the end, social media is like a joined our conversation and candidly double-edged sword for young minds. expressed her concerns. “I worry about It can bring both joy and challenges. the impact of social media on her self- Finding the right balance, staying esteem,” she said. “It seems like she’s true to oneself, and maintaining a always comparing herself to others supportive environment are the keys to online, and it can get overwhelming.” making the most of this digital world.

Her daughter nodded in agreement, “Social media has its ups and downs, sharing her own thoughts. “Sometimes, but it’s a part of my world. With help I feel this immense pressure to fit in and self-love, I bet we can all make it a and post perfect pictures. Finding the positive experience,” the teenager said.

SPORTS

Muleskinner 7

• Vol. 117 • Issue 3 •November 16, 2023

UCM hosts Festival of Champions High school band competition, exhibition continues despite weather

The UCM Drumline playing though the downpour at the end of the Festival of Champions. The annual event hosts around 30 high school bands from Missouri, Kansas, Arkansas, Nebraska and Illinois each year.

Ve Carrender performing with their fellow trumpets in the stands during the Marching Mules Performance at the Festival of Champions. The Marching Mules did not compete in the festival, but aided in the organization of the events and did an exhibition. Photos by Conner Meinke

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8 Muleskinner

SPORTS

• Vol. 117 • Issue 3 •November 16, 2023

Mules MIAA champions The University of Central Missouri Mules Football team won the MIAA Conference Championship game on Nov. 4. Photo by Cole Elling

BRAD HADANK, AARON BAX Staff Reporter, Assisant Sports Editor Mules football took down Fort Hays State on Saturday, November 4th by a score of 47-28 to claim a share of the MIAA championship. The Mules found themselves down 28-24 at the break, but pulled away in the second half, where they outscored the Tigers 23-0.

“I think it’s pretty incredible, especially when they started the year picked to finish seventh in the conference by the MIAA, the preseason polls,” Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics, Matt Howdeshell said. “It’s definitely a special season and a pretty exciting time.”

This is the first MIAA championship for Mules football since 2019. After a recruiting class of 59 players this year, 41 from high school and 18 transfer students, the Mules have already more than doubled their wins from last year.

“The relationships that we have within our football team I think is ultimately the major difference that we have within our program,” Head Coach Josh Lamberson said.

These relationships come from a shared vision from each of the players and staff members.

“They want to do well for themselves [and] for each other,” Lamberson said.

“They genuinely care about one another.

They enjoy each other. They enjoy the process of coming to the facility every single day to work really, really hard, not just on football, but on themselves too.”

This comradery is not just felt by Coach Lamberson. Quarterback Zach Zebrowski has experienced it as well. “[It was a] really cool feeling to see the smiles around the whole locker room,” Zebrowski said. “It’s just been really fun so far and hopefully [we] keep it rolling.”

The game by numbers

6,588 yards 18 interceptions On offense UCM’s 6,588 total offensive yards is first in DII.

On

defense UCM’s 18 interceptions is tied for third in DII.

Graphic by Nate Sullens

In the Mules football program, everyone matters. Since the beginning of the season, Coach Lamberson has used the acronym EPIC, Every Person Impacts Culture. This mantra has been the heart beat to the Mules locker room.

“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a team of guys enjoy being around and enjoy each other’s company and enjoy being around each other,” Howdeshell said. “Even whenever they encounter adversity they never seem to back down, they never seem to let it bug them because they trust each other [and] they know each other, they always feel like they’re gonna overcome it.”

Even with the success this year from the Mules, the message has not changed.

Coach Lamberson mentioned multiple things including believing in themselves, working hard, having more fun than anyone in college football, playing with freedom to make plays but also mistakes, playing fast, playing physical, and how their attitudes and actions can impact the world.

“These guys are super, super talented in between the stripes. They’re one of the best teams that have ever come through the University of Central Missouri, but I would put them at the very, very forefront of some of the best people that have ever

come through this university as well,” Lamberson said. “For them it’s a lot more than just about football, it’s about life as well, and I think that’s the special thing about this group.”

As the Mules continue ahead, there is much excitement around the UCM and Warrensburg community.

“It’s an exciting time to be a Mule and a Jenny,” Howdeshell said.

For the first time since 2019, Mules football has advanced to the NCAA playoffs. The 10-1 Mules are scheduled to host Henderson State in the first round of the NCAA Division II Playoffs at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field on Saturday, November 18th. As this game falls the day after dorms close, accommodations have been made.

“President Best has confirmed [that] dorms and dining halls will remain open Saturday, November 18,” Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Matt Howdeshell said. “President Best is also paying for the student tickets to the football game. In addition, the first 400 students will each receive a voucher to redeem at the end of the 3rd quarter for Walking Tacos.”

A large crowd is expected at Walton Stadium/Kennedy Field on Saturday, which would give the Mules all the more of an advantage.

“When you have 12,000 people that are screaming for you, and clapping for you, you know that is an energizing feeling,” Head Coach Josh Lamberson said.

“Football is an emotional game, and there’s a lot of ups and downs in that. So anytime that you can feed into the ups of those and the highs of those, I think is something that’s really, really powerful and they play a huge, huge part in what I feel like is a great home field advantage for our football program.”

UCM Sports schedule over Thanksgiving Break

Graphic by Linda Alviar