Muleskinner Vol. 116 Issue 1

Muleskinner

University of Central Missouri Publication Since 1878

NEWS

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FEATURES

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OPINIONS SPORTS

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• Vol. 116 • Issue 1 • August 31, 2022

FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN RELIEF ANNOUNCED @MuleskinnerUCM

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@Muleskinner_UCM

Rachel Becker Editor-in-Chief

According to the U.S. Department of Education, borrowers could receive up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness. The Biden administration and the U.S. Department of Education has announced a three-part plan to help working and middleclass federal student loan borrowers transition back to regular payment as pandemic-related support expires.

The Biden Administration’s Student Loan Debt Relief Plan’s Part One starts, and is a final extension of the student loan repayment pause. Originally implemented because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Biden Administration will extend

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the student loan repayment pause a final time through Dec. 31, with payments resuming in January 2023.

According to a Federal Student Aid, “Nearly 8 million borrowers may be eligible to receive relief automatically because relevant income data is already available to the U.S. Department of Education.”

Part Two of the plan is to provide targeted debt relief to low and middle-income families. The U.S. Department of Education will provide up to $20,000 in debt cancellation to Pell Grant recipients with loans held by the Department of Education and up to $10,000 in debt cancellation to non-Pell Grant recipients.

The Public Service Loan Forgiveness program gives borrowers the chance to have all of their student loans forgiven.

Applicants must be employed by non-profits, the military or federal, state, Tribal or local government. According to a Federal Student Aid, these temporary changes expire on Oct. 31.

Part Three of the Student Loan Debt Relief Plan, is to make student loan systems more manageable for borrowers.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the Biden Administration is proposing a rule to create a new incomedriven repayment plan that will substantially reduce future monthly payments for low and middle-income borrowers.

Sodexo Changes on Horizon Mule Cards

Go Mobile STEPHANIE ROGERS Contributing Reporter

Students eating at the on-campus Chick-Fil-A. The retail campus dining location will be adding mac and cheese, frosted coffees and kale crunch salads. Photo by Isa Rogers

Campus Dining Takes Note of Student Opinion ANNELIA NIXON Staff Reporter

This semester students can expect changes within Sodexo including the new mobile app, extended hours and additions to its dining options.

Everyday is the name of a new app that replaced Bite, the app that UCM students used for resident dining programs in past semesters.

Resident District Manager of Sodexo Justin Dreslinski said the Everyday app has more features than the Bite app.

The company’s app also allows for mobile ordering, which many employees believe will be beneficial.

“Both locations at UCM will be only using the Starbucks App to order ahead,” Starbucks employee James Hanten said. “This now means you can order food and your drink at the same time and by-pass the line.”

According to Hanton, if a campus Starbucks location is out of a product, customers will be informed when they go to pick up their order rather than through the app. Another change to campus dining options is at Chick- Fil- A as it has

extended its hours of operation to 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. It has also expanded its menu by adding mac and cheese, grilled chicken nuggets and brownies.

“Chick-Fil-A is a high-demand dining option,” Dreslinski said. “It is our most popular brand on campus.”

Senior Ethan Hill said the changes will be a better experience for students.

“The extended menu options are definitely a plus and will probably attract more students with the expanded variety,” Hill said.

Dreslinski said Sodexo relies on students’ feedback to decide what brands to place their focus on. Most of the changes made by Sodexo this summer were due to student surveys. Chick-Fil-A now having frosted coffees and kale crunch salads.

“Student surveys, staffing and student enrollment all play a part in how many options are open at any given time and the operational hours,” Dreslinski said.

Dreslinski said there are more possible additions on the horizon to be introduced on campus by Sodexo, like Buddy V’s Cake Slice from Cake Boss and MrBeast Burger.

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While checking out, a student scans their mobile Mule Card. New and transfer students are switching over to the mobile ID, but transferring over is optional for current students. Photo

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University of Central Missouri students’ identification cards are going from plastic to mobile with the Mobile Mule Card. Junior Jackson Hunt said he believes using mobile UCM identification cards will bring noticeable convenience and ease to campus.

“Students here, they already have their phones out, so if they want to pay with dining dollars and they already have their cell phones out, it’s easy,” Hunt said.

Hunt pulled out his Student ID Card in his Apple Wallet by double tapping his iPhone power button and holding it over a card reader which displayed his dining dollars and central cash amounts.

“I think basically things went pretty well transitioning to mobile. I mean, like with any new application, there’s always some hiccups, and so we had a few of those,” Campus Card Center Manager Robbin Porrett said. “But overall, I think everyone was excited to try it and willing to try it, so that’s always good.”

One requirement of digital identification is that users must have a near-field communication-enabled phone for the identification transmission to work. According to Apple, all iPhones newer than 2014 always have NFC capability turned on, while Android devices vary. “I discovered that my phone, although it’s a 2021 [Android] model, didn’t have NFC technology, which means I can’t get the mobile mule card even if I wanted to,” Graduate Student Onyebuchi Justus said.

“It’s not a good enough reason considering that your mobile phone is personal to you, so the decision to get a new mobile phone should be a personal one,” Justus said.

2 Muleskinner • Vol. 116 • Issue 1 • August 31, 2022

Former Fraternity Complex Designated for Greenspace COLE ELLING Contributing Reporter

The University of Central Missouri Facilities and Planning Operations continue the Fraternity Complex’s destruction process. After the removal of the facility, the university has designated the area to be a green space. According to officials, its age and infrastructure were ultimately too poor to allow for student living.

“When the demolition company is finished, the area will be seeded [with grass],” Brenda Moeder, Director of Housing at UCM said.

In addition to cost, the poor condition of the facility and low enrollment has contributed to the decision to demolish the building. According to UCM’s 2021 Fact Book, for the sixth year, undergraduate enrollment has declined and is now at 7,577 undergraduates “It was once an iconic piece as of 2021, which has left portions of of UCM Greek Life.The UCM’s housing throughout campus vacant.

According to Trevor Martin’s 2019 demolition of the fraternity Muleskinner article, the deconstruction complex has forced UCM process began in Spring 2022 after more fraternities to rethink their than three years of vacancy. In 2016, UCM status on campus and Housing partnered with Scion Group adjust to the ever-changing to investigate the feasibility and design aspects of building a new fraternity housing nature of being a Greek facility. organization.”

- Zac Racy, After reviewing the finished report in 2017, UCM determined that building a new Sigma Tau Gamma Alum facility would not be financially possible without significant monetary donations because of the high renovation costs.

Later in November of 2019, the heating system inside the facility began to fail. The university attempted to determine the cause, cost and repair time, but they discovered it would be too costly to restore. Tenants were then required to move out by Nov. 17, 2019.

Throughout, UCM’s fraternities have been evolving to continually adapt. Sigma Tau Gamma alum Zac Racy said he is curious to see what will become of the green space that housed UCM Greek Life students since 1965.

News

“It was once an iconic piece of UCM Greek Life,” Racy said. “The demolition of the fraternity complex has forced UCM fraternities to rethink their status on campus and adjust to the ever-changing nature of being a Greek organization.”

While growing up in Warrensburg, Brooks Baldwin was looking forward to joining a fraternity as a UCM student. After experiencing the fraternities’ transitional phases, he decided to focus on other options.

“I always thought that Greek Life was something I wanted to be a part of,” Baldwin said.

“Now that housing options are much different than they used to be, I decided to focus more on other opportunities I have around campus.”

The former fraternity complex as of April 2022. Since then, the building has been demolished.

Photo by Trevor Martin

Serving Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis & Saline Counties Drew Lewis and Todd Lewis (UCM ‘93) (660)-747-6171 Trumantitle.com Serving Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis & Saline Counties Drew Lewis and Todd Lewis (UCM ‘93) REPORTERS 660-747-6171 trumantitle.com Abram Tabor Collin Sumler

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Lillian Tate Megan Weaver Cole Elling Aaron Hempel

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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.

Features

Muleskinner 3 • Vol. 116 • Issue 1 • August 31, 2022

CLEANING UP THE CONFLICT

Local firefighter volunteers in Ukraine DILLON SECKINGTON Opinions Editor

Warrensburg Fire Chief Ken Jennings believes the fire department and the community must work together.

“The community and the fire department’s relationship has always been strong,” said Jennings. “Both sides helping each other, helping the community. It still has enough of that small town dynamic that makes Warrensburg unique.”

The Warrensburg Fire Department includes both full time and part time firefighters on their team. One of the part time firefighters, Daniel Brown, who used his skills to support Ukraine in the ongoing conflict over the summer of 2022.

Brown has returned to the Warrensburg Fire Department after returning safely from Ukraine. He describes his time in Ukraine as being more put together than he expected. He knew that he would most likely not be in combat; however, he was witness to missile strikes during his work. Brown also explained why he did what he did.

“The whole situation is just unjust in general,” said Brown. “The watching, the emergency services, the firefighters there having to go in after missile strikes and stuff like that and risk their lives, working 24/7.

Having to risk another missile attack in order to help their community really inspired me to go.”

Brown’s efforts while volunteering did not go unnoticed, not only in Ukraine, but also in the Warrensburg community University of Central Missouri alumna Allina Robie, who has also volunteered in Ukraine, spoke about the need for volunteer work during the crisis.

“Everyone has the opportunity to respond to crises and injustices of the world,” said Robie. “Not everyone is in a position to jump into action and serve on the ground, but I encourage everyone to take the time to identify what they care about and evaluate what they can and will do for those values. Performative activism isn’t always a bad thing, but it’s not the most helpful. So allow yourself to have your heart broken for a cause and do something to make the world a little less heartbreaking. If that cause is Ukraine – we need the help.”

Brown’s decision did not come as a shock to those around him due to his bravery and passion.

“It’s not surprising that when that opportunity presented itself that he wanted to take advantage of it, just to serve in a different capacity,” said Jennings. “He put his skills to work in an area of the world that needed some help at the time.”

“Allow yourself to have your heart broken for a cause and do something to make the world a little less heartbreaking. If that cause is Ukraine – we need the help.”

- Allina Robie, University of Central Missouri alumnae Graphic by Kai Diaz-Dunham

Gearing Up for the Start of the Semester

ANNAELIA NIXON Staff Reporter

To add to this balance, Ross says it can help students to write everything down in a planner or calendar.

“Mapping it out really helps put everything I have in a day into blocks, thus making it easier to plan,” Ross said.

Sophomore and Medical Lab Science major Sophia Rose Mendoza said they felt overwhelmed by the start of the semester. This is especially due to their new job as a community advisor and their role in their sorority.

“With sorority recruitment the first weeks of classes, it’s ate up a lot of the time I could be studying,” Mendoza said.

Senior Ezra Ball said he believes juggling school, activities and having a social life is no easy task.

“I spend a lot of time doing school, some time for extracurriculars, and little to no time for a social life,” Ball said. “This is because I am currently focused on school and being involved in my activities.”

Ball is currently taking 19 credit hours and majors in Construction Management and minors in both Business Administration and Military Science.

Also, Ball is involved in extracurricular activities including the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, president of the rugby team and part of the students of construction management.

“I do feel tired after a night of eight hours [of sleep] but that is generally after multiple workouts the previous day,” Ball said. “I generally wake up around 5 a.m. or 6 a.m. and go to bed around 10 p.m. or 11 p.m.”

Some students find themselves struggling to adjust to college life, making a routine that reserves time for school and a social life.

“You’re never going to get a perfect balance,” Ball said. “Focus on what is important and prioritize your tasks and activities,” he said.

Sophomore Business Management and Military Science minor Jonas Ross said his schedule is just as hectic. He is currently taking 17 credit hours and working as a community advisor on campus. Ross is also involved at the Central Baptist Student Union and with ROTC. “It was a bit of a struggle to get organized at first with everything all coming at me at once,” Ross said. “Once the rhythm sets in and I understand what I need to do and Anna Kasindi and Lina Maria Garcia Arrieta study outside the James C. Kirkpactrick Library. UCM students can look forward to their first long when, I begin to feel more balanced.” weekend for Labor Day on Sept. 5. Photo by Shabyata Biswa

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Features

Students Study Abroad UCM Goes International With Learning NADIA WATKINS Staff Reporter

After two years of COVID-19 restrictions, in March 2022 the University of Central Missouri’s Study Abroad Program brought students out of the United States to Austria and the Czech Republic. This summer students were able to learn new cultures, languages and experience new ways of learning by immersing themselves in another culture for a period of time through the study abroad program.

“It’s important for people to experience other cultures and customs, it makes the world a much smaller place and a better place for everyone,” Music and Spanish major Alia Peoples said. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is that I am capable of more than I’ve ever thought possible.”

Students ventured to León, Spain where they took classes at the University of León. The Students who attended the 2022 study abroad tour in Spain were given the opportunity to tour the Cathedral of Leon. The cathedral is a historical structure in the heart of the city. Photo

by Libby East

trip consisted of 11 students and lasted for 25 days. During those days the students were not only educated based on their placement tests but they were able to explore the surrounding cities such as Madrid and Barcelona.

The program allowed the students to fully engage in the community and an atmosphere completely different from the one they might have in the States.

Two university modern language professors chaperoned on this trip, one of which being program coordinator and Spanish Professor Julie Stephens DeJonge.

“I hope it broadens their perspectives and creates more empathy for people in general,” DeJonge said. “They made meaningful connections with other students, professors and their host family. I also think they become more confident in their ability to do a wide range of things, beyond just becoming better at speaking and understanding Spanish.’’

DeJonge said students were able to participate in many different activities that would help reshape their formal way of learning and living normally in the U.S. A second study abroad program in July took students on a divided city trip where they went to Kansas City, Berlin and Jerusalem. The group observed how past views of politics, religions and race continue to affect cities today.

Accompanying the students on this trip was German Professor Kristy Boney.

“Students come back with a different perspective of the world, having seen things and discussing things that transcend the traditional classroom,” Boney said. “For example, seeing Gustav Klimt’s famous kiss painting on a powerpoint slide or any number of posters, isn’t the same as seeing it hanging in a castle residence in the heart of Vienna or learning about the Berlin wall and persons fleeing oppression, isn’t the same until one actually descends into tunnels built under the streets of Berlin and walk paths and hear stories about actual individuals during the time.”

Opinions

Muleskinner 5 • Vol. 116 • Issue 1 • August 31, 2022

FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR RACHEL BECKER Editor-in-Chief

With this being the first issue of the 2022-2023 the way we produce and distribute news. While I want to academic year, you may notice quite a few changes at build upon the foundation that past Muleskinner staffers the Muleskinner. First off, there’s new leadership. The have worked so hard to curate, I want to continue the Muleskinner said goodbye to upward trend the Muleskinner is former Managing Editor Bethany on, constantly improving. We have Spitzmiller when she graduated heard from our readers and our “Already at the in May 2022. I am honored to reporters, there is a desire for more Muleskinner, there have been chosen to take on her multimedia content. have been some responsibilities at the Muleskinner During my time at Truman, under a slightly different title, I chaired a Media Board that amazing victories.

Editor-in-Chief. organized multimedia coverage, We have recruited a Before taking on this position I from podcasts to print media. was the Editor-in-Chief at Truman There have already been students passionate staff, at State University’s student-run who have expressed interest in numbers we haven’t newspaper. While I will always starting a Muleskinner podcast, and seen in years.” be a bulldog at heart, I am excited creating more online components to bring new ideas into the to our publication. To stay up Muleskinner and help our staff to date on all the great video - Rachel Becker, accomplish some of their goals. and other online content, go to Editor-in-Chief, My goal at the Muleskinner, MuleskinnerNews.com.

Muleskinner besides keeping the lights on, is Already at the Muleskinner, to support both my staff and our there have been some amazing readers. You, the reader, are the victories. We have recruited a reason we teach our reporters about news gathering, passionate staff, at numbers we haven’t seen in years. Our ethics and fact checking. At the Muleskinner, we seek to Editorial Leadership team has already started training not only provide a learning lab for students to get realand just welcomed three new members right before our world journalism experience, but we seek to keep the print issue. I am so excited for what is to come at the local community informed and entertained.

Muleskinner and you should be too. With the expansion This publication has been around since 1878, and of our content into more multimedia, there is really throughout its history many changes have been made to exciting content to come this year.

Rachel Becker is the University of Central Missouri’s student newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief. After graduating from Truman State University, she is pursuing a Master’s in Communication.

Photo by Ellie Whitesell

Megan at the Movies:

Everything Everywhere All at Once MEGAN WEAVER Staff Reporter

The theory of the existence of multiple universes has been widely explored in movies throughout recent years. From “Spider-man: Into the Spiderverse” (2018) to the most recent Marvel movies and TV shows. But I have never seen the concept of the multiverse done as well as in “Everything Everywhere All at Once” (2022).

This movie follows Evelyn, a Chinese-American mother, played by Michelle Yeoh, who is struggling with the idea that her life, marriage, and decisions are all wrong. While getting audited, her husband Waymond, played by Ke Huy Quan, transforms into an alternate version of himself and introduces Evelyn to the multiverse. By utilizing the skills of her alternate selves, she is able to fully experience every single universe and fight the antagonist, Jubo Tupaki, who is an alternate version of her daughter, Joy, played by Stephanie Hsu. Even though there are so many little details and moments worth mentioning, I want to talk about how I view this movie. In the movie, Jubo Tupaki, or Joy has seen and experienced every universe and has never been satisfied with any of them. In all the universes she saw, there was always something bad, something that made life horrible. When she realized she could never find a universe where she could be 100% happy, she created a black hole to destroy everything. As Evelyn jumps to different versions of herself, she comes to the same conclusion: There is not a universe where she is completely happy.

But as she begins to accept Jubo Tupaki’s life view,

Waymond inspires her and she sees that in every universe where there’s something bad, there’s always something good, even if you have to search to find it.

This movie quickly became critically acclaimed, receiving a 95% on Rotten Tomatoes and 89% for audience scores. It grossed $69.8 million in the United States and Canada, $509,600 of that was made in just the opening weekend across 10 venues.

Overall, this movie grossed $100 million worldwide, making it A24’s highest grossing film. This is huge not only because it tells an amazing story but because it has an Asian woman as the lead character and shows a very raw and emotional narrative that many people, especially the Asian American community, can relate to. Michelle Yeoh really embodies her role as Evelyn and absolutely killed her performance.

“Everything Everywhere All at Once” has quickly become one of my favorite movies. I wanted to cry the entire time. The fact that it was filmed in under 40 days, according to a Collider interview with stars Michelle Yeoh and Jamie Lee Curtis, and still looked as good as it does is amazing. This movie is a 10/10 and probably ranks second or third on my top movies. I can’t wait until I get the opportunity to watch this again.

Graphic by Emma Fischer

Opinions

6 Muleskinner • Vol. 116 • Issue 1 • August 31, 2022

On Repeat: Summer Recap DILLON SECKINGTON Opinions Editor

6/10

6/10

8/10

7/10

“Physical Thrills” - Silversun Pickups

“Sometimes, Forever” - Soccer Mommy

“The Other Side Of Make-Believe” Interpol

“Nova” - Mat Kerekes

Silversun Pickups, an alternative rock band out of Los Angeles, is back once again for 2022’s album “Physical Thrills.”

While the album may not be as hard hitting or powerful as 2006’s “Carnavas,” it does fit into place within the band’s ever changing discography. “Physical Thrills” is much more dreamy and pop-inspired than the majority of the band’s other records. In a way, the record is certainly a Silversun Pickups record, just with a fresh set of ideas and new experimentation. The record begins with looming guitar work and Brian Aubert’s trademark slithering vocals. However, “Physical Thrills” does not stay dreary over the course 52 minute runtime. The second track, “Sticks and Stones,” is punchy and melodic. “Physical Thrills” has a little bit of something for everyone, which could stem from the pandemic and quarantine as it was written during 2020’s events. At its simplest, “Physical Thrills” shows that Silversun Pickups aren’t done creating quality music yet.

Soccer Mommy’s album from June 2022, “Sometimes, Forever” shows singer songwriter Sophie Allison’s introspections in a very similar way to the rest of her music. The album isn’t repetitive, but it does build on the format of Soccer Mommy’s previous two albums. Crunchy power chords and melancholy vocals paint pictures of hopelessness, failures and self-acceptance. There are some new ideas being explored on “Sometimes, Forever” as well. While the rest of Soccer Mommy’s music is reasonably grounded on modern indie folk and pop roots, there are some songs, such as, “With U” or “Don’t Ask Me” that go a little further into the rock world.

Essentially, “Sometimes, Forever” shows Soccer Mommy fans that Allison is open to changing her sound in the pursuit of creativity and self awareness. At its purest, the album gives the fans what they want, while also feeling as though Allison is growing as a musician.

New York City indie rock band, “Interpol’s,” latest album builds on ideas that the band has been experimenting with since they broke out into the garage rock revival scene of the early 2000’s.

The album is filled with classic Interpol menacing yet ethereal guitars and coarse vocal work. The record fits right into Interpol’s discography and, in a way, marks 2022 as a year of a slight return to form of several rock bands from the early 2000’s. However, there is one massive difference in Interpol’s music this time around. As the band changes locations from New York City to California, so does the music. Take for example, several lyrics from the album mentioning more about geography, landscapes, and nature rather than life in the city. “The Other Side of Make-Believe” still carries the weight and dread that Interpol’s music is known for, but there are times when the music releases the tension that Interpol is so good at building.

Citizen frontman Mat Kerekes’s fourth solo album, “Nova,” was released Aug. 5. The album features a lot of the same instrumentation and production as the singer and songwriter’s other solo work, but this one feels different. “Nova’’ comes after Kerekes’s Toledo based three-piece band, Citizen’s, 2021 release, “Life in Your Glass World.” The two albums both sound much more popinspired and groovy than Kerekes’s early work with Citizen. While fans of Kerekes might’ve expected the introspective and reflective lyrics and acoustic instrumentation which they have come to know, Kerekes instead took a more in-your-face approach. Don’t get me wrong, this isn’t an out of the ordinary album, but it delivers in areas Kerekes’ other music does not. For example, there are several tracks which feature blazing electric guitars, which is much different than “Luna & the Wild Blue Everything.”

Highlights: “Shotgun,” “Don’t Ask Me, “Feel It All The Time”

Highlights: “Toni,” “Mr. Credit,” “Renegade Hearts”

Highlights: “Stillness (Way Beyond),” “Alone on a Hill,” “Stay Down (Way Down)”

Highlights: “Introducing…” “Look, I’m a Famous Actor,” “Parachute”

Sports

Muleskinner 7 • Vol. 116 • Issue 1 • August 31, 2022

Fall Season Welcome Back Set to Begin from MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor

Fall sports are ramping up at the University of Central Missouri, with the Women’s Soccer team having already played their second game.

The UCM Women’s Soccer team played on Aug. 25 against Southwestern Oklahoma State University with the win 3-2. They also played against Oklahoma Baptist University on Aug. 27 winning 3-1. Other fall sports will have home games coming up in the next few days.

The next home game soccer will have is on Sept. 9 against Missouri Southern State University.

Cross Country will have its time trial on Sept. 7 at the South Recreation field. The time trial night will consist of all of the lights turned off and glow sticks around the course for the runners to see. The cross country head coach, Kirk Pedersen, is ready for the season to start. He said that this year’s teams, boys and girls, will consist of 12 runners on each.

“It’s a great team and it’s a group that works together,” Pedersen said. “I’m excited to see how this team grows as it will be a smaller team.”

The volleyball season started their season Aug. 26 to Aug. 28 when they took a trip to Pensacola, Florida for tournament games.

Their record is now 2-1.

Redshirt junior setter Olivia Olson said she is looking forward to seeing how the

team will form because there were lots of graduates on the team last year.

“We have a great team chemistry and I think that it’s super beneficial to how we play on the court as it translates really well,” Olson said.

The Mules football team will travel to Pittsburg State University on Sept. 1 and then back home on Sept. 8 for the home opener against Washburn University.

Women’s bowling season will start on Oct. 1 with a scrimmage and on Oct. 7th at home against the University of Nebraska and Lincoln University. Last season their record was 4-7 under former head coach Jim Svoboda.

While many teams have been prepping for their seasons, fans are also looking forward to the first game.

Junior UCM THRIVE student Ben Avery said he is ready for the season to begin.

Avery is majoring in Digital Media Production with an emphasis in sports reporting and broadcasting. The sport that Avery said he watches the most is either football or baseball at UCM. Avery said he interviewed players last year and is looking forward to doing more interviewing this year, along with commentating on games.

Go Mules!

Graphic by Rachel Seals

8 Muleskinner • Vol. 116 • Issue 1 • August 31, 2022

Sports

MEET THE QUARTERBACK Cedric Case to lead Mules Football Team COLLIN SUMLER Staff Reporter

The starting quarterback at practice.

Case played two games last season, completing the season with a 10-16 passing completion. Photo by Addison Hammons

Sophomore and UCM others. Lueders said part of leading a team in Football Quarterback Cedric the NCAA, you look for someone who makes Case believes he is ready to moments in the game. Lueders describes lead his team. him as a champion because of his overall He has been playing competitiveness, and how he approaches football for 14 years, things. He also said that Case has high beginning when he was expectations. seven years old. Case Off the field, Lueders and Case like talking to played in high school each other about sport topics, including who and then he is the greatest player, high decided to school sports in Nebraska play in college. He said he and the Los Angeles Rams.

“I’m really pursued playing college football Lueders said he is very because of both of his parents’ confident confident in Case’s Cedric’s experiences in college athletics. because people ability to lead the team.

His mom played basketball and “Once we get ready for around me are his dad played football. the game and the offense Case transferred to the confident in takes the field, I have zero University of Central Missouri to little doubt whatsoever me. I feel like after playing at Texas State. that Cedric could not get He said one of the reasons he I wouldn’t be the job done, and part of it chose UCM was because of the in this position is how you approach it on a coaching staff. daily basis. It creates a lot of “I’m really confident because if my coaches confidence in me and in his people around me are confident and teammates teammates,’’Lueders said. in me. I feel like I wouldn’t be Lueders said Case has a didn’t believe in this position if my coaches great football IQ and he is a and teammates didn’t in me. I can just highly intelligent person. He believe in me,” Case said. go out there also said that Case challenges “I can just go out there himself to be able to teach and be myself.” others and. He attracts other and be myself”.

Assistant Football people to be around him.

Coach, Lucas Lueders He is close with his - Cedrick Case, said he has been really Starting teammates and said that this impressed with Case.

Quarterback was the closest team he’s Lueders believes ever been a part. Before the Case is a driven game, Case likes to visualize champion and being out on the field and a team leader because relaxes. He listens to classic artists like Frank he is also prepared, Sinatra. He doesn’t feel any outside pressure focused, and never from fans or coaches. He just tries to go and satisfied. He added, execute.

Case is a team In his free time, he likes to watch basketball leader because including the Golden State Warriors, movies, he commands play video games and hang out with his h i s girlfriend. He also likes to watch football. His teammates, favorite NFL team is the Los Angeles Rams. and he is The way he stays fit is eating right and liked by sleeping about eight hours a night. Case’s dad is a nutritionist and has helped structure his diet. He believes UCM’s strength and conditioning program is also an asset.

“I balance work, school and sports by having a great support system. My family is huge for me back home,” Case said. “I’m always on the phone with Mom and Dad and they always give me great advice.”

Freshman UCM Women’s Basketball forward Graycen Holden said she and Case hang out with friends when they have free time.

While hanging out, she said she appreciates his focus on knowing what needs to be done. Holden believes Case is a good leader because he leads others and he also likes to help others.