Muleskinner Vol. 116 Issue 3

Muleskinner

HOMECOMING OPINIONS SPORTS

University of Central Missouri Publication Since 1878

@MuleskinnerUCM

@Muleskinner_ucm

Check out our website! Muleskinnernews.com

@Muleskinner_UCM

p. 2

NEWS

p. 5 p. 7 p. 8

• Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

BREAKING GROUND AT ASQ Hosts SKYHAVEN AIRPORT Conference at UCM MURITALA AYINLA Contributing Reporter

From left, Lynn and Jackie Harmon, Roger Best, Julie Wellner, Jose Mercado, Dan Houx and Courtney Goddard break ground at the new aviation facility at Max B. Swisher Skyhaven Airport on Oct. 14 which is the location of the new construction. Photo by Trevor Martin

Digging into the Start of Airport Renovations TREVOR MARTIN Staff Reporter

On Oct. 14, project officials met to break ground at the new aviation facility located at Skyhaven Airport. After nine years of planning and preparation, the terminal expansion at Skyhaven Airport has now begun. The original projected budget was set at $2.1 million, but thanks to additional grants and donations from the State of Missouri, and the University of Central Missouri alumni, the project budget has now been increased to $5.1 million.

Phase 1 of the expansion is scheduled to be completed during the Spring of 2023 and will allow the airport to better serve its aviation students and transient customer needs.

In October 2020, UCM contracted with McCown Gordon Construction out of Kansas City, MO. to deliver the materials, labor, and planning documents for the new 10,000 sq. ft facility. The original project only included a completed building exterior, with an unfinished interior.

Since the funding for the project has increased, the expansions now include fully completed site work, terminal interior, and robust developments to the appearance of the building.

The new terminal will be placed at the center of the

airport directly across from aircraft ramp parking and will include an abundance of new functions for transient traffic and flight students to take advantage of.

“The Aviation Center will provide a unified space for the flight school to operate. All our instructors and staff will now be under one roof instead of being spread out around the airport. This extra room will grant students more privacy during ground lessons with their instructors,” said Dan Dietz, Skyhaven Airport Manager.

He believes the improvements will help pilots.

“The new facility will include a pilot lounge area which will accommodate traffic with private resting areas, a bathroom, shower, and open seating that will allow for flight planning activities,” said - Roger Best, Dietz. “There will also be 24/7 acUCM President cess to pilots arriving late at night or outside normal business hours.”

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new terminal took place on Oct. 14 where faculty, staff, and alumni met to celebrate the facility and announce current developments to students and the community.

SEE SKYHAVEN ON PAGE 2

“We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a partner with our communities to meet the economic development needs here as well the needs of our flying public.”

NG

RI

VOTED BEST OF THE BURG 3 YEARS IN A ROW!

HI

FREE IN HOME ESTIMATES

-Heating & Air Conditioning -Replacements & Service -Commercial & Residential -Indoor Air Quality -Mechanical -New Construction

E

Quality service. Superior design

Suhansa Rodchua and Joleen Byerline Watson during the ASQ conference. Rodchua received an award of recognition at the event for her work for ASQ and UCM students. Photo by Muritala Ayinla

R E' W

660-429-4800

Experts and students presented solutions to the challenges of waste reduction at the 14th Annual Quality Management Conference on Sept. 29.

The event also featured a UCM facility tour, student poster competition display and presentations and expert panel discussions on various issues in waste reduction approaches.

At the conference, organized by the UCM branch of the American Society for Quality with support from ASQ Kansas City, experts explained how technology could be applied in waste reduction.

The presenters spoke about all kinds of waste, from manufactured waste to wasting time. They noted how these could all be reduced and possibly eliminated in order to achieve quality production at a minimal cost.

Speaking at the event, Mike Miller, a Quality Manager at Webco Manufacturing, said that there are different kinds of waste that every industrial manager must understand and learn how to deal with in order to achieve quality products with zero or minimal waste.

He listed extra processing, overproduction, inventory, waiting, transport, motion and defects as some of the common types of waste experts need to deal with in a manufacturing company.

Lyndon Davis, Director of Shareholders Service in Webco Manufacturing, described talent waste as another form of waste which, according to him, is the underutilization of skills and knowledge.

SEE ASQ ON PAGE 2

2 Muleskinner

NEWS Airport Construction to Start • Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

SKYHAVEN CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “It’s been a long time coming,” said UCM President Roger Best. “Although the airport is owned by the University, it remains the only Public Use Airport in the county and we are so grateful for the opportunity to serve as a partner with our communities to meet the economic development needs here as well the needs of our flying public.”

The faculty and staff employed at the airport express their sheer excitement for the addition to the airport property.

“I’m just so proud to be a part of an amazing and forward-thinking group of people in the Aviation department. It is an exciting time for students, the flight school, and our community to celebrate the accomplishments of being a nationally ranked program,” said Joanna Bachtel, Skyhaven Operations Coordinator.

In addition to the $2.8 million made possible through alumni donations, UCM was granted an additional $1 million from the State of Missouri for the aviation education center housed inside the terminal. The grant was made possible through the House Bill 19 Capital Reimbursement Program. UCM also plans to fund an additional $1.1 million with university funds and monetary support from the federal Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund.

The project has been organized into two separate phases with Phase One sched-

uled for completion in the Spring of 2023. Phase One includes the building’s shell with a finished interior that will allow for additional office space for faculty and flight instructors as well as more expedient placement for Aircraft Line Service and Dispatch procedures. Phase Two will include continuity for simulator training and additional classroom space. The completion date for Phase Two has yet to be announced.

The new facility at Skyhaven will also permit new expansion opportunities to take place at the airport. The placement of the building as well as its amenities will provide adequate services that pilots look for when making their decision to stop.

“The goal is to attract more traffic to Skyhaven, including turbine traffic. Over the long-term, this addition could lead to runway extensions that would allow business jets to land at Skyhaven and take advantage of our great amenities,” said Dietz. “This could also encourage businesses to base their aircraft at the airport which leads to additional revenue for the airport itself.”

The new aviation facility at Skyhaven airport will serve as a pillar in helping the educational and communal goals of the UCM and the Department of Aviation for many years in the future to meet the high demand for aviation professionals and hold competitive placement among other training facilities around the nation.

Students Team Up with ASQ Kansas City

ASQ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Talent waste might well be the vector that creates or at least affects all other types of waste,” he said.

Other student speakers such as John Yutz and Amber Bryd, shared their research papers. While Yutz’s presentation was titled “Questioning the electric vehicle: Power plant batteries, and other roadblocks to the success of the electric vehicle”, Bryd’s work was titled “Implementation of automated barcode labeling systems in manufacturing facilities.”

At the conference, 11 groups presented their work in the poster competition.

The poster presentation titled “Implementing 5S Techniques in our daily lives”, presented by Zalianu Mamman, Rajeshwari Siddipeta, and Sri Harsha Ummedisetti, won the competition.

Speaking on the gains of membership of the ASQ by the students, Suhansa Rodchua, a professor in the School of Technology, said that being a member of the ASQ helps students to grow as a quality professional through educational advancement and networking.

She said, “The ASQ Kansas City section has been a great support since the [UCM student] branch started in 2009. I highly appreciated their generosity and kindness to our students.”

The UCM branch of ASQ has been named the Outstanding Student Branch for the 4th consecutive year by ASQ Region 13.

She said that the ASQ website and conference provide exclusive access to knowledge and skills development, Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques, solutions and resources to solve challenges and enhance professional networks.

An award of recognition was presented to Rodchua by ASQ for her contributions to the development of students in quality management.

Rodchua said, “I feel honored and privileged to serve the ASQ-UCM student chapter in the past 14 years. Working with students, younger generations and seeing them grow professionally with a strong foundation and values helped to fulfill my purpose and a sense of accomplishment.”

The audience watching presentations at the 14th Annual Quality Management Conference at the University of Central Missouri. At the event, held earlier this semester, guest speakers and students presented at the conference about waste management. Photo by Muritala Ayinla

MULESKINNER 203 East Clark St. Wood Room 312

Staff

Rachel Becker, Editor-in-Chief Emma Fischer, News Editor Libby East, Features Editor

Meah Copeland, Sports Editor Dillon Seckington, Opinions Editor Ellie Whitesell, Multimedia Manager Tretin Raney, Distribution Coordinator Dr. Julie Lewis, Faculty Adviser

REPORTERS

Abram Tabor Lillian Tate Megan Weaver Cole Elling Annelia Nixon Jake Kroesen

Trevor Martin Joe Clark Carson Meade Lauren Moyer Gopinath Guthikonda

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Lauryn Morrow, Addison Hammons, Icarus Roberts, Yahira Lopez, Eden McCann Shabyata Biswa, Mingzhu Zhu

ILLUSTRATORS & DESIGNERS Liliana Lozano, Rachel Seals, Kai DiazDunham

SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM

Cloe Pohlman, Krisztina Sarusi, Jazmyn Smith-Reed

CORRECTION

Join our team! Apply online, email muleskinner@ucmo.edu or come by pitch meetings at 6 p.m. on Thursdays in Wood Building, Room 312.

Check out our website! Muleskinnernews.com @Muleskinner_UCM @muleskinner_ucm @MuleskinnerUCM

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.

A headline in the Muleskinner Vol. 116, Issue 2 incorrectly spelled Pulitzer. The Pulitzer Prize is an award for achievements in newspaper, magazine, online journalism, literature, and musical composition within the United States.

Muleskinner 3

• Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

4 Muleskinner

HOMECOMING

• Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

BRINGING TRADITION BACK

University of Central Missouri’s 2022 Homecoming

Burg Fest Kicks Off Homecoming ABRAM TABOR Staff Reporter

Local families, students and classic car enthusiasts packed the streets on the weekend of Oct. 7 and 8 for Burg Fest 2022. The annual street fair, organized

by Warrensburg Main Street, had unique attractions from the expansive car show to the Old Drum Ambassador Contest, a competition for the dog who will represent “Man’s Best Friend” for the next year.

“We usually expect between five and seven thousand people,” Jill Purvis, Director of Warrensburg Main Street said. “With the crowds we’re seeing today, we’ll probably exceed that.”

Warrensburg Main Street is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to improving Warrensburg’s downtown and the surrounding community.

“A lot of the events that happen in downtown are put on by our organization,” Purvis said. “All of that is obviously to drive business into these downtown businesses, but it’s also to give Warrensburg people the pride of loving where they live.”

“Whoever put it together did a really good job,” Phil Kemp said. “The cars are awesome so far, I didn’t even look at them all. I can’t even believe how many are here.”

One event in particular was exciting for Audrey Murphy, a University of Central Missouri Graduate Teaching Assistant. Murphy entered Molly, her family’s 6-month-old mini Australian Shepherd, into the Old Drum Ambassador Contest. Surprisingly to Murphy, Molly made it into the top ten.

“I did it entirely as a joke, too. There was no expectation for her to get to the top ten, but we’re super excited,” Murphy said. “We have a whole crowd of people supporting Molly. My parents, my best friend’s parents and my roommate. She’s pretty cute, so I think she had a good chance of getting first,” Murphy said. “I don’t think she’s ever seen that amount of people in her life, so she was very nervous. She’ll get up on her hind legs and spin around in a circle or two and it’s just one of the cutest things ever. But, we got up there and she wanted nothing to do with treats or anything.”

The weekend closed on Burg Fest, from its live concerts to dog contests, but many believe it was important for many to see the community out in full force, supporting one another again according to the 2021 Warrensburg Main Street Volunteer of the Year, Janis Russell.

“It’s nice to see people out enjoying themselves again, since these are stressful times,” Russell said.

Parade Brings Spirit to the Streets

UCM Community Celebrates in Homecoming Parade ABRAM TABOR Staff Reporter

On Oct. 15, hundreds of people sat along th sidewalks of Warrensburg at 9 a.m. for the University of Central Missouri’s 2022 Homecoming Parade. For the community, the parade was a way to show support, kill time before the football game or simply get loads of free candy. But what does it mean for those who woke up at 7 a.m. or earlier in nearfreezing temperatures to prepare for the parade?

For Respecting Individual Skills and Efforts, an organization that seeks to help people with developmental disabilities, it was about teamwork putting their trailer together and getting involved with the community.

“It helps our individuals be inclusive, we really strive for that community inclusion,” Rachel Taylor, Human Resources Director for RISE said. “We had a lot of our individuals helping and we’re showcasing them on the blocks in the back of the trailer.”

Sophomores Julia Fitch and Hannah Scheulen with the Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority said that being part of the parade was important to showcase their effort.

“We worked really hard on our float,” Scheulen said. “It just means a lot to show off our hard work and how much we put into this.”

Early morning temperatures dipped as low as 32 degrees, yet Fitch and Scheulen agreed the weather was much better than previous years. Many preparing for the parade echoed the thought, including Bethlehem Lutheran Church Trustee Ben Smith.

“As frosty as it’s been in past years, I’ll take it,” Smith said. “Guess we got off easy.”

Starting earlier than 6 a.m. for some, the entire staff from the Office of Student Activities was present to manage the event. Members of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps on campus also helped the staff direct parade traffic.

“From our vantage point, we don’t ever really get to enjoy the parade, we’re doing it for everyone else,” Assistant Director of Student Activities, Leadership and Development Christina Kerns said. “We don’t really get to see it in full force since we’re just constantly pulling folks. So, we’re making it happen and hope other people are enjoying it.”

Illustrations by Liliana Lozano

Making Contact: Mules Defeat the Lions 20-17

DILLON SECKINGTON Opinions Editor

As the Mules football team geared up for Saturday’s historic game, University of Central Missouri students also took part in the tradition of UCM Homecoming. From voting, or running for Homecoming king and queen, to setting up for the wide variety of events held during the week of Homecoming, students shared the experience and responsibilities of a schedule-packed week.

Jacob Banks, a student considering transferring to UCM after finishing his two year degree, appreciated witnessing the bustling campus for the first time.

“When people think of Homecoming, I feel like they always think about the bigger division one schools like Mizzou,” said Banks. “But now that I’ve seen the amount of just exciting opportunities that are here at UCM, I’ve realized how much it means to everyone.”

Homecoming at UCM features events such as painting spirit windows, Homecoming royalty, a bowling competition and various charity events.This year, Sigma Pi member Michael Cadwell won the race for Homecoming king, making Sigma Pi back to back winners, while Sigma Kappa’s Adrian Chinn was named queen.

Many believe the most popular event, other than the football game itself, is the Homecoming day parade.

Junior football player, Caleb Lapsley, said that, “the football game is Homecoming. Without it, there is no Homecoming.”

Redshirt Junior running back Weston Bridges excels down the field through linebacker Richard Jordan Jr. of Missouri Southern State University. UCM won their Homecoming football game 20-17. Photo by Addison Hammons

HOMECOMING

Muleskinner 5

• Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

Seeing Red: Homecoming Moments

Adrian Chinn wins homecoming queen on Oct. 15. She was crowned by 2021 queen Mallory Martinez. Photo by Ellie Whitesell Michael Cadwell wins homecoming king while UCM President Roger Best looks on as he awaits to present the next award.

Cadwell received the kings medal by 2021 winner Alex Chase.

Photo by Ellie Whitesell During the pep rally on Oct. 14, selected fraternities and sororities participated in a cheer competition. Alpha Omicron Pi and Delta Chi created a one minute cheer for the competition. Photo by Ellie Whitesell

Past, Present Unite at Party in the Park

LAUREN MOYER Staff Reporter

Following the homecoming parade on Oct. 15, several people joined the Alumni Foundation to tailgate at Party in the Park.

There were several activities around the park for people to enjoy, celebrating the university spirit and rallying for the upcoming game.

Tyler Habiger, a director of the Alumni Foundation, spoke about what went into the planning of Party in the Park.

“We wanted to create an event where alumni, students, our community here in Warrensburg which is so strong and supportive everybody could come together and support the university and celebrate it every Homecoming,” Habiger said.

With this new addition to University of Central Missouri’s annual Homecoming week, there is a joining of the past and present of the university. Blake Busateri, a senior basketball player, helped the event. He enjoyed the food trucks and music.

“I think it would be cool to have an event kinda like this and have students come out and meet alumni,” Busateri said.

The Alumni Foundation was the prime organizer with the help from staff and other resources. Everyone worked together to create a fun tailgate for everyone to enjoy.

“We are a very well-oiled machine and we are very fortunate to have a lot of incredible student workers that do a lot of this work,” Habiger said.

Travis Hume, coach for the Mule Riders, who are often present during many events such as football game, were leading the parade.

“We want to make Party in the Park as big as we can and get as many alumni back, and you know the mules are something everybody always wants to see,” Said Hume. “So if we can get everybody used to coming back to see the Mules and knowing they can see them while they are at Party in the Park it is just going to grow year after year.”

In the future, he hopes that Homecoming weekend will be an opportunity to bring the entire community, present and past, to UCM together to celebrate.

Alumni enjoyed the performance at Selmo Park. The 2022 UCM “Feeling 22” Homecoming weekend ended with Party in the Park on Oct. 15. Photo by Mingzhu Zhu

6 Muleskinner • Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

OPINIONS

Connecting to Campus

A column submitted by University of Central Missouri Student Organizations

Preparing for the Midterm Elections

LINDSEY BURNS UCM American Democracy Project Student Campus Coordinator

The upcoming election is rapidly approaching, and voter engagement and civic participation is as important as ever. The midterm election will take place Nov. 8. This article will delve into the importance of voting, relevant dates and information related to voter registration and absentee voting, as well as pertinent guides to preparing for election day.

The best source of information our office can recommend in preparing for the election is visiting the Secretary of State’s website to have access to all necessary forms, information about what you will see on the ballot, dates, valid IDs’. Voter engagement is essential to allow the progress of the nation to flourish. Our campus prioritizes “Education for Service,” and the best way for us as students to exemplify this sentiment is through showing up to ensure each and every one of our diverse perspectives and voices are heard through the ballot. Change is a product of tangible action, change can only occur if we allow ourselves to be informed and engaged citizens. To consolidate the most pertinent information for voter registration and absentee ballot requests, as well as notarization.

Voter registration forms in the state of Missouri were due by Oct. 12. The American Democracy Project was able to mail out 142 either voter registration forms or absentee ballot requests thus far. Absentee ballot requests must be received by the local election authorities by Oct. 26. The ballots will then be mailed to you, you will fill them out, and then visit ADM 214 to have your ballot notarized and mailed to the local election authorities to be received by Nov. 8, Election Day. If you have any questions, please contact adp@ucmo.edu.

The American Democracy Project strives to allow students an opportunity to become engaged citizens, and to learn about the political sphere, through a nonpartisan lens. We host a constitution week every year, this year’s theme being “An Equitable Approach to the Constitution.” We hosted events that prioritized honoring diverse perspectives, such as the keynote speaker, Dr. Annette Gordon Reed Pulitzer Prize winner and author of “Juneteenth”. We will continue to host events each month that promote civic engagement and awareness, we look forward to continuing to partner with organizations and departments on campus to give students the opportunity to broaden their horizons. Don’t miss an opportunity to have your voice heard in this upcoming election on Nov. 8!

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.

Muleskinner 7

OPINIONS

• Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

Don’t Stop, “Stop Kiss”!

Treasured Performance Moves Audiences LIBBY EAST Features Editor

University of Central Missouri Theatre opened the stage on their fall play “Stop Kiss”, written by American playwright, Diana Son and directed by Dr. Aaron Scully on Oct. 6 which ran through Oct. 9 in the Nickerson Blackbox. The performance contained many dark themes and subject matters and, as such, was rated for mature audiences only.

Lights open on an apartment, riddled with clutter and disorder; half-crushed Budweiser boxes clogging up in the sink, pillows in disarray on an old couch, empty cans sitting tentatively on the floor. After a few moments, allowing the audience to take in the scene in front of them, the apartment’s tenant, Callie, played by Senior Hanna Wilson enters and stretches out on the couch. A phone rings and Wilson goes to answer it, proceeding to have a very realistic conversation with nobody, portraying a genuine interaction and going as far as interrupting herself multiple times to convey this. After the call she hurriedly goes to pick up the apartment, tossing things away haphazardly in a frantic attempt to clean the messy abide. A knock at the door welcomes Wilson’s co-star, Sophomore Emily Turner, into the scene. Turner plays the sweet and feisty Sara, who just moved to New York and, while excited, doesn’t quite understand city life yet.

The two instantly have great chemistry onstage, their conversations flowing with a kind of genuinity you’d see between two old friends. With their first meeting comes the charming awkwardness of any first impression, but with their smiles it’s obvious a friendship, or maybe something more, is already blossoming.

After a quick scene change, the cheerful tone is immediately stripped away as lights open again on Callie, being drilled by Detective Cole, played

by Junior Finn Michael Juliano about just what events occurred on the night Sara was attacked and beaten into a coma. Juliano’s portrayal of this character only added to the dark tone of this scene, his serious character really selling this disturbing exposition; Sara was beaten because she spoke up against a man’s sexual and homophobic comments after he caught her and Callie kissing. For the remainder of the show, the performance takes on a kind of time-switch structure, in which each scene flips between past and present, getting closer and closer to that awful night. Each time switch introduces more and more characters into this story.

Of these are Callie’s confident, suave friend George, played by Senior Jace Nielsen, Sara’s ex boyfriend of nine years Peter, played Junior Cameron Morrison, and the innocent Mrs. Winsley, played by Senior Stephanie Heathcock, who witnessed the attack from her apartment window. Each of

these actors brought their own unique attitudes to the story, only aiding in the storm of emotions scattered throughout this show. Nielsen, on multiple occasions, served as excellent comedic relief, acting bashful when given compliments or sassy when questioned on his intimate affairs. However, Nielsen has shown off his range of acting in various other shows before and this show is no exception.

As Callie slowly begins to seclude herself in her grief and worry over Sara, Nielson explodes in an emotional dialogue, pleading with her to let him in as he explains how worried he was upon hearing about the attack. For Heathcock, it is no different. She exhibits her wide range of acting, playing both the innocent and frustrated bystander as well as the understanding nurse later on. Her warm characters add in a sense of love and hope to this dark story. Meanwhile, Morrison’s portrayal of Peter only gives the audience a feeling of unease as they witness his temperamental freak-out on Callie as the two are waiting to see Sara in her comatose state.

With the final time switch, we see Sara and Callie, moments before the attack, as the two finally embrace in a passionate kiss. Pink lights shine on the two before it all goes dark and the show ends.

This emotional performance told a tragic story with ease, addressing each topic appropriately and portraying these characters perfectly. “Stop Kiss” was a treasure to watch and I’m sure anyone who had the pleasure to see it would agree.

“Stop Kiss” was the opening play of UCM Theatre and Dance’s 2022-2023 Mainstage Season, which is themed “HERstory”. Each “HERstory” presentation is dedicated to women and their stories. “Stop Kiss” tells the story of Callie and Sara and their budding relationship, which was performed on Oct. 6-8. Submitted photo by Jack Mclain

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) 660-747-6171 trumantitle.com

8 Muleskinner

SPORTS HONORING UCM’S HERITAGE • Vol. 116 • Issue 3 • October 26, 2022

Mildred “Millie” Barnes Still Blazing Trails for Women in Sports MEAH COPELAND Sports Editor

New York Times Best Selling Author Andrew Maraniss visits schools all over the country to talk about his books. On Oct. 11, Maraniss came to the University of Central Missouri for UCM’s Author Talk. He discussed his recently released book “Inaugural Ballers”, which walks readers through sports history through the journey of UCM’s Women’s basketball coaching legend Mildred “Millie” Barnes.

“The book has meant something to me and the players which is very gratifying,” Maraniss said. “ Millie’s story is so important within sport history as she is one of the most respected administrators in all of women’s athletics. She literally wrote the book on how to play five-on-five women’s basketball.”

After years of research for “Inaugural Ballers”, Maraniss united with Barnes at UCM’s Author Talk. For the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the federal civil rights law that prohibited sex based discrimination in education and activities, Maraniss book retells the story of the first U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball team and the people who paved the way for women’s sports. Barnes was part of that journey as she is credited with laying the foundation for women’s athletics.

“I hope that I had some positive impact on players to help teach them lessons that they can carry on throughout their life,” Barnes said.

During her time at UCM, one of Barnes’ many accomplishments was bringing the first U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball team to the UCM campus for try outs and training at UCM’s Garrison Gym. Later that same year, the first U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball competed at the 1976 Olympics, which would be held in Montreal. The 1976 US Women’s Basketball team would earn the 1976 Olympic Silver Medal in Women’s Basketball.

“My fondest moment of 1976 was enjoying the team practices,” Barnes said. “Those players practiced so hard and were so determined. I looked forward to how they melded together as a team. I also thought about how far away they were from their home and then seeing their family and friends in Montreal was a marvelous experience.”

During the Author Talk, UCM’s women’s basketball, women’s bowling, and women’s soccer teams all attended the event. UCM’s Communication and Digital Media Production Department facilitated the evening’s Author Talk, which was aired on CSPAN. Two of UCM Muleskinner’s students asked the guests questions and permitted the audience the chance ask questions. Barnes gave a message to all female athletes to keep up their academics, practice hard, listen to coaches and teammates, eat right and train the right way.

Junior guard Olivia Nelson attended the event with her team.

Nelson said having a big person in the basketball community was an exciting moment for them to see because she had always heard about them but not in person.

“I think it was a great opportunity and the whole basketball team was excited that we were able to come and hear from her and it was a good time,” Nelson said. “I think this will help us be more motivated this year by not taking anything for granted in the way of the opportunity we have.”

Barnes was a multi-sport elite athlete, playing many sports including basketball, tennis, lacrosse, softball and field hockey.

In “Inaugural Ballers” Maraniss walks readers through how she earned All-American honors for 12 consecutive years.

Barnes later competed nationally in tennis and badminton and was drafted by the professional baseball team. Barnes served as a chair of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Committee from 1974-1976. Barnes coached the Jennie’s basketball team from 1971-1980 with an overall record of 156-63. She retired from UCM in 1991 as professor emeritus of physical education which followed a 22-year service at the university.

Former coach and UCM Athletic Hall of Famer Mildred “Millie” Barnes’ journey of laying the foundation for women’s athletics is highlighted in “Inaugural Ballers”. Photo by Ellie Whitesell

In “Inaugural Ballers” Maraniss walks readers through how Barnes supported the first U.S. Women’s Olympic Basketball team and the people who paved the way for women’s sports. Photo by Rachel Becker Barnes and Maraniss look around the gymnasium in the 53-year-old Lovinger Building, where Barnes helped train and develop the first U.S. Olympics Women’s Basketball team. Earlier this year, the University of Central Missouri Alumni Foundation announced upcoming renovations to the gymnasium into a mixeduse educational facility.

Photo by Mingzhu Zhu Barnes spoke to the current UCM Jennies Basketball team at the University of Central Missouri on Oct. 11. She spoke about her experience growing up without intercollegiate activities and sports. Photo by Ellie Whitesell