CEDAR FALLS, IA
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2026
Cult Film Club brings ‘weirder’ movies to UNI
Writer
UNI has over 200 student-led organizations. Amid the seemingly endless array of choices, a new filmbased group has begun to make a name for itself.
The Cult Film Club has been an idea since 2024 for both Joshua Fiser and Brendon Schnathorst, who serve as president and vice president of the group. Jocelynn Loveless is also part of the staff, as secretary, along
with David O’Shields, who is the as adviser.
Both Fiser and Schnathorst consider themselves huge movie fans, and both have the film studies minor.
Everything seemed to be falling into place for this group. The challenge was in differentiating it from the existing Film Appreciation Club.
“While I think the Film Appreciation Club has
shown some great movies, we wanted to share voices from filmmakers that were underseen,” said Schnathorst. “Some weirder, more abstract, low-budget movies could show students a different perspective.”
“We try to show movies outside of the mainstream. Stuff that the students might not be exposed to otherwise,” Fiser explained. “We do our best to program films
from all around the world, from different decades going all the way back to the silent film era and from filmmakers of different backgrounds.”
“I love the discussions that I, other members of our club, and the people attending the screenings,” Schnathorst said. “Every member has a great appreciation for films, and it’s rewarding to find people to connect to.“
The club’s next movie screening is “Fantastic Planet” on Thursday, Feb. 5, in Kamerick 111. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the movie will begin screening at 7 p.m.
If students are interested in joining the Cult Film Club, they can contact the group through their Instagram (@uni_cultfilmclub) or email president Joshua Fiser at fiserjaa@uni.edu.
Relocation of student government office encourages student traffic and an inclusive environment for all
By Lily Munnik News Editor
After a year of consistent relocation, the Northern Iowa Student Government offices have found their permanent home, located in the tunnel connecting Maucker Union to Lang Hall. They celebrated the renovated space with an open house on Monday, Feb. 2, encouraging students to stop by and talk with their student government officials.
This project dates back to the start of President Alli Webster and Vice President Gabriel Salazer’s term, where they had a large amount of say in the renovation process.
“When Alli and I got elected, we got asked how we would feel about possible renovations of the office,” said Salazar. “We got to participate in choosing the furniture, the desk layout and the whole point is
to make a welcoming office for the student body.”
The new space has more foot traffic than their previous spaces in the back corner of the Panther Den and then their most recent location in the closed off former eSports Lounge.
“The more students we can get in the office, the better,” said Gabriel Salazar. “It’s not our office, it’s the people’s office.”
Salazar says all students are welcome to come into the office and study because it’s an open and inclusive space for everyone.
Elections are coming up in the beginning of March if students are interested in joining or running for student government positions. The start date for campaigning is Feb. 23 and there will be an informational meeting the following week.
Lily Munnik/Northern Iowan (Left to right) Gabi Meza, chief of staff; Meghan Rosheim, director of public relations; Alli Webster. president; Gabriel Salazar, vice president; Tyler Blauvelt, director of governmental relations.
By Theo Trimble Staff
Joshua Fiser/Courtesy Photo Bottom row: Joshua Fiser and Sarah Venardi. Top row: Brendon Schnathorst and Jocelyn Loveless.
‘Chicago’ star Ellie Roddy discusses ‘all that jazz’ in the life as a traveling stage actor
By Josue Villatoro Staff Writer
Jazz and vaudeville are an undefeated duo that always manages to embrace the unimaginable. Though the digital age has proven to be beneficial for many pursuing the arts, it is enlivening to see artists make a grand presentation live on the stage and remind us how magical theatre is. Gallagher Bluedorn has opened this week for “Chicago,” a satirical crime dark comedy that follows nightclub dancer Roxie Hart facing imprisonment for murder and stirs a heated rivalry with convicted murderer Velma Kelly, a vaudevillian star, while competing for publicity, celebrity status and a sleazy lawyer’s attention in Chicago’s Jazz Age.
This musical has had a significant impact on the world of theatre and serves as Broadway’s longest running musical and even won Best Picture with its film adaptation at the Academy Awards in 2003. Portraying Roxie Hart on the stage comes actor Ellie Roddy, in an exclusive interview discussing the touring process of this show, her career as a traveling stage actor, and impactful aspects of that make it what it is.
“It’s a commentary on the day and age we live in.” Roddy said. “The story is over 100 years old and still relevant to this day and basically about how people don’t really want the truth, they just want a good story and about how you could manipulate the justice system if you just have the right people.”
“Chicago” proves to be one of the most preeminent musicals to exist due to its razzle-dazzle effect that the music has on audiences today and is one of the best shows to play at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center.
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Roddy cites her journey as an actor beginning from her interest in studying how stars both in film and television lured her into the idea of being a creative storyteller since she finds a huge fascination in growth and evolving as an artist. A considerable influence on her singing comes from “Shrek: The Musical” being both her first Broadway musical she saw, and in a full circle moment, being given the opportunity to portray Fiona in her senior year of high school, paving the way to her present today. When it came to the performance of Roxie Hart, Roddy cites the acting techniques of Stanford Meisner as an important process to stay present, listening with a keen sense of precision and adapting to the show’s signature sense of lavish movement. “Chicago” has become a trendsetter
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amongst thespians, given its molded from the emphasis on set pieces to focusing on bringing its cast closer to the audience and making the actors more in touch with character over the focus on environment.
Given how this vaudevillian hit has set new standards on musical theater and continues to run on Broadway, creative blocks are bound to create a barrier to something as iconic as this.
Roddy finds the best way to combat those thoughts of being stagnant and enervation is to journal your thoughts to compose your mind of any negativity and cloudiness. Roddy believes diligence in simple fitness routines are vital to reviving the physical exhaustion and that simple routines such as running on a treadmill or just the gym as a whole is enough to bring back the energy required to deliver that nuisance that is expe-
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rienced at first. Advice she recommends to actors who are starring in shows as significant as “Chicago” and overall pursuing an interest in the field of acting is taking the time to develop breathwork techniques.
“To drop in and kind of clear your mind is really important and I think to always question, be curious,” she said. Roddy urges actors to not let repetition prevent themselves from putting in maximum effort and to reduce ego in order to live fully in the moment.
Roddy expresses her interest in being part of the ensemble of Tony-Award winning musical “Death Becomes Her” and would love to even see a revival of “Young Frankenstein,” with plans this year to make her debut in the film and television industry. Roddy hopes in the near future to be in an episode of the acclaimed HBO drama, “The White
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Lotus” as well as 80s-styled campy horror properties in vein of media such as “Stranger Things.”
From both her stage performance and this pleasant interaction with her personality behind the stage, Roddy is a thoughtful, heartwarming and downto-earth performer that has a contagious sense of optimism during a period where it can feel unseen. The auditioning process is well-known to be cutthroat and cruel for many in the industry, which can lead to many feeling discouraged from their artistic pursuits. Roddy was asked about what she recommends to those looking to be actors or choose this lifestyle within arts and her words of wisdom will for sure make a mark on the biggest dreamer.
“Every no is one step closer to yes.”
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LILY MUNNIK News Editor
Jeremy Daniel/Courtesy Photo Performances for “Chicago” were at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center on Feb. 2-3.
Recently retired Executive Director Steve Carignan honored at ‘Mrs. Doubtfire’ the musical
By Kaylynn Ruffin Staff Writer
On Jan. 27 and 28, the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center presented “Mrs. Doubtfire,” the musical based on the 1993 film. Students, staff, fans and members of the community came out to enjoy the show. The comedic and lighthearted musical explores themes in pop culture from acceptance to building connections.
Before the show began, sponsors, the Dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences and GBPAC employees took time to give a special thanks and appreciation to Steve Carignan, who retired that week. After working as executive director at Gallagher Bluedorn for 26 years, starting in the fall of 1999, he is now planning on continuing to be active and taking on consulting projects.
“Working at Gallagher was a great experience, and I loved the work and people I got to work with,” Carignan said. He said he has enjoyed being able to see the unique art forms that live in the community and share experiences between actors and audience members.
“The arts are powerful that way, an emotional form and empathic form. I’m not saying it’s going to save the world, but it is important or the algorithms will rule us,” he said.
When asked about the legacy he wants to leave, he shared that he does not know yet. However, Carignan said it’s about the people you influence on the way. Carignan especially valued the young students who see their first musical show in elementary at the
Gallagher Bluedorn and the difference the stories make in a person’s life.
The story of Mrs. Doubtfire follows a family going through a divorce. The father, Daniel Hillard, puts on a disguise using his voice acting abilities to be able to spend time with his three children. He gets help from family members as he goes undercover as the perfect and humorous nanny.
The musical brings to light family struggles, identity and love. When asked to describe the musical in three words, Carignan said: “One hundred percent family, family, family.”
Carignan said that the show was chosen after taking a student to a conference and listening to the student’s perspective on what young people would want to see on stage. More students show up to performances than in previous years, setting two records for the Gallagher Bluedorn.
“Live entertainment is different from watching videos or listening to sound files. There is a connection,” said Carigan. He also expressed how fun it was to watch the cast live out their dreams.
As laughter filled the auditorium, students were thrilled to be able to watch the performance in the evening, and many found joy
in being able to watch the shows directly on campus.
“Mrs. Doubtfire was a fun night of jokes mixed with high-energy performances — a great way to spend a cold evening on campus,” said Maureen Clayton, associate dean of the College of Humanities, Arts and Sciences. “The show made me think about the many different ways a group of people can be a family.”
Art teaching major Ripley Wakeham loved the technical aspects of the show the most.
“The sets were gorgeous and were switched around with such effort. I also absolutely loved the ensemble actors,” he said. “Obviously, the leads did amazing as well, but there’s something about the utter joy and energy that radiated off the ensemble both as a group and in their individual roles that made the show complete!” Others found the ending to be very memorable.
“My favorite scene is when it all broke down at the restaurant,” said Carignan. “Everyone is rooting for him, and everything falls apart.”
A lot of hard work and preparation go into the musical. Maddie Brouwer, who works behind the scenes at the Gallagher Bluedorn as
the front of the house and student event manager, said she works with hospitality operations, sponsors receptions in the donor lounge, student valet, lobby set up, volunteer ushers, assists in ticket scanning and helps to answer patron questions.
“As a student manager, I work on daily job assignments, hosting a before the show meeting, making sure they have all of the information from the show and giving them any support they need from there,” said Brouwer. “The skills that I continuously build, I will forever be thankful for. But it has also given me great connections.”
Students get two free tickets to Gallagher Bluedorn each year for a variety of performances. Upcoming events include “Chicago” the musical, “Step Afrika!” and “Circa: Duck Pond.”
Candygrams: A Valentine’s fundraiser for student-led theatre
By Skylar Zimmerman Staff Writer
The Valentine’s season is upon us and the University of Northern Iowa Student Theatre Association (UNISTA) is feeling the love in the air. UNISTA is holding a Candygrams Valentine’s fundraiser over the next two weeks to raise funds for their entirely student-run production of “Almost Maine,” opening Feb. 20. Candygrams are Valentine-themed bags filled with goodies, treats, a flower and an optional customizable note. On posters around campus or in UNISTA’s Instagram bio, you can place an order that will offer many options, even offering one for the Candygram recipient to receive the pic kup email rather than the sender. This fundraiser has been done for years by this organization and has touched many hearts.
UNISTA is a student organization on campus that promotes the student involvement in theatre on all levels, production, casting and technical. UNISTA was formed when students wanted to create something where they were able to pick shows they could cast, build and perform in.
When asked about their mission, Charleston Steinke, the artistic director on the board, responds, “Our mission statement is to produce theatre, which offers students of the university opportunities to explore their creative impulses in a non-critical environment. So, doing theater, and being a part of theater and having a community of students that all create it together is really special and different.”
They do different events each semester, providing many various performance
and technical theatre opportunities to any UNI student who wants to participate.
Most recently, they held a Miscast Cabaret, where students would audition with a song from a musical portraying a character that they would not traditionally be cast in.
To get involved, Grace Hamann, the marketing director, said, “The first step is obviously following our Instagram, to find out about our events and when they are happening.”
Their Instagram account
is (@unista_board). Any questions can be asked in their Instagram direct messaging or to their email unistaboard@gmail.com.
Orders for Candygrams are due by Feb. 11; pickup will happen at the Strayerwood Theatre on Feb. 13.
Courtesy Photo Executive Director Steve Carignan retired at the end of January.
Courtesy Photo Candygrams will raise funds for their student-run production “Almost Maine.”
El campus se apagó la primera semana de clases
Escrito por Lily Munnik
Almendra Ramirez, Traductora, estudiante del curso SPAN 3016
Translation for Heritage Speakers
El primer día del semestre de primavera en la Universidad del Norte de Iowa fue interrumpido el 20 de enero cuando un apagón después del mediodía afectó a varios edificios del campus, incluyendo la oficina de Mantenimiento de Edificios,las residencias Panther Village, Shull, Hagemann, Rider, Noehren y Redeker, el Centro de Arte Escénicas Gallagher Bluedorn, el Complejo de Investigación Biología, el Edificio de Ingeniería Aplicada y el Centro para Educación Ambiental Energética y Servicios Empresariales y Comunitarios. El apagón también dejó a los residentes de la Residencia Shull sin electricidad hasta la mañana siguiente. El apagón comenzó aproximadamente a la 1 p.m., cuando los estudiantes regresaban al campus y se empezaban a acomodar al nuevo semestre. Aunque la luz regresó a la mayoría de los edificios afectados esa tarde, la Residencia Shull tuvo un apagón más largo debido a un fallo con el transformador, según informó UNI Housing and Dining.
Los estudiantes que viven en la residencia Shull estuvieron sin noticias oficiales por varias horas.
Aproximadamente a las 4 p.m., Housing and Dining mandó un correo electróni -
literalmente apenas había comprado, y esperaba que regresara pronto la luz.”
Los electricistas llegaron rápido para figurar el problema.
“Nuestros electricis -
Se sintió como si la universidad no sabía qué hacer o qué decir. Me hubiera gustado una comunicación más rápida.”iminación por
– JASON STIVERS
co explicando la causa del apagón y estimando que la luz regresaría alrededor de las 11 p.m. esa noche. El mensaje también dijo que proveerían vivienda temporal si la electricidad no regresaba.
“De verdad no pensé que se tardaría tanto como lo hizo” dijo el estudiante de segundo año Jason Stivers, residente de Shull. “Estaba muy preocupado por la fruta fresca que
tas siguen un proceso para identificar la causa del apagón y activan los alimentadores y transformadores de los edificios poco a poco hasta que encuentran el problema,” dijo John Streicher.
A medida que la tarde continuaba, se envió otro correo electrónico alrededor de las 6 p.m. en el que se informó a los residentes de que no esperaban que la luz regresara esa noche.
Housing and Dining también les ofreció opciones de vivienda temporal en otras residencias en el campus, incluyendo cuartos compartidos y apartamentos individuales. Antes esa misma tarde, también se animó a los estudiantes a usar el Centro Redeker como espacio temporal mientras esperaban más noticias.
Stivers escogió realojarse por la noche y fue colocado en unasuite individual en la Residencia Lawther.
“Me tocó suerte,” dijo. “La noche estuvo bien. Pero sé que a muchas personas les tocó peor y tuvieron que compartir los cuartos. Las circunstancias eran difíciles, pero creo que UNI hizo lo más que pudieron hacer.”
Aunque tenían un lugar cálido para quedarse durante la noche, muchos estudiantes tuvieron más problemas. Muchos perdieron su comida refrigerada y el proceso de realojo implicaba que los estudiantes movieran sus pertenencias por el campus en temperaturas muy frías.
“Sí perdí todo en mi refrigerador, incluyendo mi fruta y yogurt”, dijo Stivers. “También tuve que mover muchas cosas por el campus en el frío, lo que fue inevitable debido a las circunstancias.”
La luz regresó a la res -
idencia Shull en la mañana siguiente. Housing and Dining después distribuyó $25 en crédito hacia la U-Bill a los residentes que fueron afectados para compensarlespor la disrupción.
Aunque Stivers dijo que agradeció el proceso de realojo, expresó su frustración con el retraso en la comunicación y compensación.
“La universidad no mandó noticias hasta tres horas después del apagón,” dijo. “Se sintió como si la universidad no sabía qué hacer o qué decir. Me hubiera gustado una comunicación más rápida.”
También añadió que el crédito hacia la U-Bill no fue suficiente para abordar la pérdida de comida.
“En el futuro, si fueran a dar dining dollars por la comida perdida, eso sería mucho mejor,” dijo Stivers.
Adelante, Stivers dijo que una comunicación clara y rápida mejoraría la respuesta de la universidad si una situación similar pasará otra vez, aunque también reconoció que el personal de vivienda trabajó eficientemente cuando empezó el proceso de realojo.
“El proceso para cambiarse de cuarto fue muy fácil y aseguró que yo tuviera un lugar cálido para pasar la noche,” dijo.
Courtesy Photo Los electricistas trabajaron hasta la noche para cambiar el transformador de la Residencia Shull.
Un residente de Shull Hall
Black History Month: A time to listen and learn
By Estelle Johnson Executive Editor
In an era where diversity, equity and inclusion is under attack, it’s more important than ever that we take the time to celebrate and research Black History Month.
Black History Month originally started in 1915, thanks to the work of Carter G. Woodson. Woodson not only devoted his life to researching black history, but he founded the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Woodson is noted as “starting” BHM, but it was first known as Negro History Week –and the first occurance was February 1926.
According to the The Association for the Study of African American Life and History, as young blacks on college campuses became increasingly conscious of their own links with Africa, Black History Month replaced Negro History Week in late 1960. Negro History Week officially became Black History Month in 1976, and has been recognized by every presidential administration, Democrat and Republican.
On January 31, 2025, president Donald Trump issued a proclamation recognizing February as National Black History Month, as has been done since 1976. On Feb. 20, 2025, he hosted a White House event — where Trump was noted saying, “Welcome to the White House. And we proudly celebrate Black History Month”.
Though, countless opinion articles exist about how Trump doesn’t actually care — especially as his administration actively works to remove important Black history from textbooks and libraries. Not only the removal of black history, but the removal of words that actively work to project the voices of those who have stories to share.
The truth is, Black History Month is more than a celebration. It is to honor the millions of
black lives lost to slavery, famine and exhaustion. It is to remind us white people that our ancestors took advantage of … people.
Real — breathing — feeling humans. Not subjects, not workers, but people with emotions and physical pain.
White people took advantage of living, breathing humans. It is now our responsibility to take accountability, and do the thing that our ancestors did not — which is to listen and learn.
Read books about black history, stay updated on the legislature, and most important — talk to and check in with your african-american friends. Everyone has a story, and every person is impacted differently by legislative changes.
Black History exists at the University of Northern Iowa, as well. The Center for Multicultural Education was founded by seven students (The UNI 7) who peacefully protested to achieve a safe space for minority students.
When the Union expansion happened, the CME moved to where it is currently. This is all thanks to the work of the UNI 7, and other supporting students.
Here at UNI, we have a Black Student Union that has many planned events for BHM. UNI African Union is working alongside BSU for these events, which include Family Feud, which takes place Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. in the University Room — located in the basement of Maucker Union.
On Feb. 11, students, faculty, staff and community members can head over to Texas Roadhouse in Cedar Falls, on University Avenue — where UNI BSU will be fundraising. Texas Roadhouse will donate 10% of your total food purchase to BSU. Not only are you supporting a student organization, but you get some delicious Texas Roadhouse rolls!
BSU is also planning a Valentine’s Day Skate
Party, which will be held in the WRC Gym on campus. The event takes place from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and if you have additional questions or need accommodations, send an email to bsu@uni.edu
On Feb. 18, BSU invites students to attend “Soulful Connections” which will be held in the University Room, located in the basement of Maucker Union, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. — it is an opportunity for students to network, and have dinner with peers.
The last event of the month is BSU’s annual Black History Month formal celebration dinner. The theme of this dinner is “Toast for Change”, and will be held in the Maucker Union Ballrooms from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 26. If you would like to attend this event, dress in formal attire.
I leave you with one lasting thought for you to consider this month;
“As a white woman/man, what can I do to help?”
Think about your words and actions this month. Take the time to support those who need it most. In this part of history, silence is violence. We need to come together and learn how to be empathetic.
Be kind, and let people know that you care. Follow your heart ... if something feels wrong, intervene. White people have the power and priveledge to step into uncomfortable situations. Use that power, and understand that the things you do cannot be done by those you are representing. Do not be a bystander. See something, say something. Do your part to support your fellow humans. My mom always used to say “just don’t be a bad person ... it’s that simple.”
NI Archives
The University of Northern Iowa’s Black Student Union, as well as the African Union, are holding events celebrating Black History Month. In 2020, students at UNI peacefully protested racial equality on campus.
‘People You Should Know’
Gary Kelley
Transforming visual culture through illustration
By InsideUNI
From national magazine covers to murals, book illustrations and major league sports art, Gary Kelley has spent decades shaping visual culture … an artistic journey that began at the University of Northern Iowa.
After growing up in Algona, Kelley attended the State College of Iowa to study graphic design and painting. Courses in art theory and art history helped him develop and mold his own philosophy of art and taste.
After graduating in 1968, Kelley focused on graphic design and art direction until the late 1970s when his illustration career began with his first commission for “Better Homes and Gardens.”
Later would come illustrations in Time, Rolling Stone and The New Yorker. He created the
theme art for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game and was the official artist for the 2002 Kentucky Derby. Kelley has also done work for the National Football League and Major League Baseball.
Kelley has illustrated over 30 books, received 37 gold and silver medals from the Society of Illustrators in New York and won Best-In-Show recognition in New York and Los Angeles Illustrators’ Exhibitions. In 2007, he was elected to the Society of Illustrators New York Hall of Fame.
His larger works include a mural featured in Barnes and Noble locations nationwide, a Google data center in Council Bluffs and the tunnel between the UNI-Dome and McLeod Center at UNI.
Also at UNI, Kelley was the cover illustrator
for a series of books dedicated to Panther athletic history and a number of posters and programs for the university over the years. In 1981, Kelley won a gold medal from the New York Society of Illustrators for his TheatreUNI season poster. His work also granted him induction into the UNI Athletics Hall of Fame in 2018.
In addition to his art, Kelley has lectured at the Smithsonian Institute, Society of Illustrators, Disney Animation, San Francisco Academy of Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Ringling School of Art, Syracuse University and various other respected institutions.
“The challenge is to keep a fresh outlook, to not get stereotyped or channeled into using only one technique,” he said. “I want to be famous, but not at the price of being bored.”
Photo Courtesy/Pat Kinney
MICHAEL SPAHN
Super Bowl Preview: Patriots and Seahawks set for epic rematch
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
After 284 games, the NFL season comes down to one game: Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks.
The Patriots and Seahawks have squared off in the big game before. In 2015 the Patriots defeated the Seahawks 28-24 in Super Bowl XLIX following a last-second interception at the goal line from New England defensive back Malcolm Butler.
Both teams had an improbable journey to make it to this point. Heading into the 2026 season, the Seahawks had the nineteenth best odds to win the Super Bowl at 60-1. The Patriots were not far behind tied for twentieth best odds at 80-1.
A season ago the Patriots were 4-13 and one of the worst teams in the league. They hired former New England linebacker Mike Vrabel to be their head coach and took off from there. The emergence of Drake Maye is another big reason the Patriots are in this game. The second year quarterback had an MVP-caliber season with 31 touchdowns and only eight interceptions.
No one expected the Seattle Seahawks to be a contender in 2025. Second year head coach Mike Macdonald has his defense playing at an elite level. Free agent signee Sam Darnold performed well all season under offen-
sive coordinator Klint Kubiak and has been a great leader for the team. Another big part of Seattle’s success has been wide-receiver Jaxon SmithNjigba, who finished the regular season with 1,793 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns.
The key to this game will be turnovers. The defensive unit that puts the offense in great field position will end up winning the game. Seattle has done a great job of that all season. The Patriots are coming off an AFC Championship game where they forced two turnovers against the Broncos.
On the offensive side of the ball, making a few big plays down the field could be the deciding factor. Both of these teams’ defensive units have been solid this year, so big plays could likely be the deciding factor.
Establishing the run will be another deciding factor in this game. Seattle’s running back Kennth Walker has four rushing touchdowns in the last two games. If he can get going it could mean trouble for New England. The Seahawks can’t forget about Patriots running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and Treveyon Henderson, as they can get going quickly.
If the Seahawks win, it would be their second Super Bowl victory in franchise history. The Patriots are going for their seventh Super Bowl title in franchise history. Winning Super Bowl LX would put them in the lead for the most Super Bowl victories by a franchise in NFL history.
Assistant Sports Editor
Courtesy/ Fox Sports
Sam Darnold and Drake Maye are set to square off in Super Bowl LX. The winning quarterback will earn their first Lombardi trophy in their respective careers.
Lillie, Hill make school history at Meyo Classic
By Carter Lust Sports Writer
Just one week after a record-breaking outing at the Larry Wieczorek Invitational, the Panthers were again smashing records on the track. On Friday, Jan. 30, the University of Northern Iowa men’s and women’s track and field teams sent small squads to Waverly and South Bend, Indiana, to compete in the Friday Knight Lights and Meyo Invitational. While a group primarily made up of sprinters and field athletes made the short trip north to compete at Wartburg College, a select group of distance runners traveled to the University of Notre Dame to run countless laps around the short track. Both units posted strong marks at their respective meets, highlighted by two athletes returning from Indiana with school-record times in the 5,000 meters.
Colin Lillie toed the line in the men’s 5,000 meters not only with a chance to set a new personal best, but also to etch his name into Northern Iowa track and field history. Lillie, just over two years removed from hip surgery, finished third out of 24 runners in 14:20.39. The standout walk-on broke Velibor Radojevic’s previous indoor 5,000-meter school record of 14:25.08, which had stood since 2004.
On the women’s side, Amelia Hill, Melody Ochana, Meghan Wheatley and Eden Mueller all stepped up to race in a 5,000-meter field of more than 40 runners. With all four athletes looking to run new personal bests, Hill crossed the line in 16:38.92, good for eighth place and a new school record. Hill shattered a decade-old mark of 16:52.61 set by Kelsey Kirchoff. Ochana also set a personal best of 17:15.36 to
finish 22nd. Wheatley followed closely behind in 24th at 17:18.46. Mueller rounded things out for the Panthers with a 17:49.52 performance, finishing 40th.
Back in Waverly, Daniel Adams sprinted to a second-place finish in the men’s 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.34 seconds. Colin Buch finished sixth in the same race in 8.65 seconds. In the women’s 60-meter dash, Josey Dunbar and Maleah Walker placed first and second, respectively. Dunbar covered the distance in 7.75 seconds, with Walker close behind in 7.83. In the field events, Ryan Stiglic tied for second in the men’s pole vault with a clearance of 4.65 meters. Teammate Carter Pheifer placed fourth, clearing 4.50 meters. On the women’s side in the high jump, Katy Hand claimed third by clearing 1.61 meters, while Makayla
Crannell took 10th with a mark of 1.41.
T.Y. Pour continued the Panthers’ success in the jumping events with a thirdplace finish in the men’s triple jump, leaping 12.99 meters. Brody Lovell also turned in a strong performance in the men’s high jump, finishing fifth with a mark of 6.12 meters. In the same event, Colin Busch recorded a season-best jump of 5.93 meters to place ninth. The women’s shot put saw a trio of Panthers sweep the top three spots, as Brylie Lorence, Lexy Foster and Lauren Kounkel dominated the field. Lorence claimed the win with a throw of 13.96 meters, followed by Foster at 13.71 and Kounkel at 13.21.
Hand returned from the high jump to compete in her second event of the day, throwing 11.04 meters to finish 12th.
Kounkel, Lorence and
Foster returned for the women’s weight throw, where they again placed among the top five. Kounkel finished second with a throw of 16.79 meters, with Lorence just behind in third at 16.78. Foster placed fifth with a toss of 16.36. Teammate Kileigh Lachacz also competed, securing eighth place with a mark of 15.16. Ciara Heffron wrapped up the field events for Northern Iowa, finishing 12th with a throw of 14.39 meters.
Both UNI men’s and women’s track and field teams will return to action Friday, Feb. 6, at the Iowa State Classic in Ames. It will mark the Panthers’ second appearance at the Lied Recreation Athletic Center this season and the beginning of the final month of preparation before the Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championships in March.
UFC finds success with Paramount+
By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer
After seven years of exclusivity on ESPN, the UFC has jumped ship to Paramount+ after signing a seven-year, $7.7 billion deal. To kick off the new partnership, 2026 began with UFC 324 and UFC 325 held consecutively over the past two weeks. Typical UFC main events take place about once a month, with a few smaller events scattered throughout the calendar. Jumping into a
loaded lineup of fights gave fans a strong first impression of the new partnership. However, most fans and critics alike are focused on a bigger, permanent change: cost.
Prior to the partnership with Paramount+, UFC events were primarily payper-view. One of the biggest problems with the UFC in recent years, compared to other sports, has been the cost of viewing. For years, the price of a single UFC pay-per-view was upward
of $80. With Paramount+, a standard membership costs $8.99 per month, while the premium tier costs $13.99. With both plans, all UFC events are included at no additional cost. A year of UFC fights on ESPN+ could cost upward of $1,100. Now, that cost is nearly a tenth of what it once was, ranging from roughly $90 to $140 annually, depending on the membership.
The UFC is now more legally accessible than it has ever been. In recent years,
illegal streaming websites and piracy have become major issues for the sport.
Due to the high cost of each event, many fans turned to illegal third-party sources to watch fights. With the new pricing model, the UFC is far more affordable and accessible, especially for college students looking to get familiar with the sport. This increase in accessibility allows the UFC to continue growing in popularity while reaching a wider audience. The fights themselves
were just as — if not more — entertaining and actionpacked. Whether it was anticipation or the new platform, each bout felt elevated, particularly at UFC 324. The main event between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is already considered a contender for fight of the year. Both fighters stood their ground and exchanged heavy shots, refusing to back down. UFC 325 also delivered. To read more, visit our website at www.northerniowan.com.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers look ahead as they head to Iowa State for a meet on Feb. 6.
UNI defeats in-state rival Drake behind Goebel’s 10 swats
By Nicole Waters Sports Writer
The Panthers battled the Redbirds to start the weekend, opening the game with two 3-pointers from Kaylynn Janes that accounted for six of UNI’s eight points in the first quarter. Jenna Twedt also scored for Northern Iowa as the teams entered the second quarter tied at eight apiece. Illinois State started hot with a 6-2 run to take a 14-10 lead against the Panthers. UNI tied the game, but the Redbirds knocked down two
3-pointers while the Panthers scored five points, giving ISU a one-point lead heading into halftime.
Scoring picked up in the third quarter as UNI edged Illinois State 22-21 in the frame. The Panthers answered a late 6-0 run from the Redbirds with an 8-2 run of their own, highlighted by a near half-court, buzzer-beating 3-pointer from Abby Tuttle to tie the game at 41 heading into the fourth quarter. Twedt scored nine points for Northern Iowa, including a personal 7-0 run
in the first five minutes. She finished with 12 of UNI’s 14 points in the quarter, but it was not enough to outlast Illinois State as the Panthers fell 59-55.
Game two of the weekend featured a matchup against the Drake Bulldogs and saw a tightly contested battle from the opening tip, as the Bulldogs took an early 12-7 lead. The Panthers responded with a 9-5 run to cut Drake’s lead to one at 17-16. Northern Iowa claimed its first lead of the game on a buzzer-beating shot from
Twedt, giving the Panthers a 23-21 advantage heading into the second quarter. UNI’s defense shined in the second quarter, holding Drake scoreless for nearly four minutes, though the Panthers managed just four points during that stretch.
Northern Iowa held a 27-21 lead before an 8-2 run by the Bulldogs tied the game at 29. Tuttle hit a 3-pointer to give UNI a one-point lead at halftime.
Drake opened the third quarter with a 12-2 run to take an early nine-point lead.
UNI answered with an 8-1 run, led by Twedt, to carry a two-point advantage into the fourth quarter.
The Panthers opened the final frame with an 8-2 run. After two trips to the free throw line for the Bulldogs, Northern Iowa responded with a six-point run. UNI built a 10-point lead with one minute remaining as Drake fouled, and Twedt and Elsie Jaeger each knocked down two free throws to secure a 66-56 road win over the Bulldogs.
Panther Train falls to Sooners in Norman
By Tyler Wood Sports Writer
The No. 13 University of Northern Iowa wrestling team lost its dual against Oklahoma on Saturday. The match took place at McCasland Field House in Norman, Oklahoma. Panther wrestling kept the dual close until the end but ultimately fell 23-18. UNI has now lost two duals in a row and will look to turn things around against South Dakota State in its next matchup.
At 125 pounds, UNI junior Trevor Anderson was forced to medically forfeit less than a minute into the bout. At 133 pounds, Panthers senior Julian Farber built a comfortable 9-2 lead against Oklahoma’s Beric Jordan. Farber went on to pin Jordan, giving UNI its first win of
the day.
The 141-pound match was one of the closest of the day.
UNI freshman Max Brady held his own against No. 26
Tyler Wells. Wells recorded a crucial takedown in the final 30 seconds and secured a 4-1 victory.
Senior Ethan Basile got UNI back on track with a solid win against Oklahoma’s Hunter Hollingsworth, claiming a 9-5 decision at 149 pounds.
RJ Weston dropped a close match against Oklahoma’s Layton Schneider at 157 pounds. At 165 pounds,
junior Ryder Downey earned a convincing 7-1 win against Oklahoma’s Bryce Burkett. The 174-pound match featured two highly ranked wrestlers, with No. 12 Jared Simma of UNI facing No. 8 Carter Schubert of Oklahoma. A technical
violation proved costly for Simma, as Schubert escaped with a narrow 2-1 win.
The Panthers bounced back with an upset victory at 184 pounds. Nick Fox built an impressive 7-0 lead against No. 10 Carter Saldano, who was forced to medically forfeit, giving Fox the win.
At 197 pounds, John Gunderson lost his match to DJ Parker, while Adam Ahrendsen dropped the heavyweight bout against Juan Mora. UNI fell to 9-6 on the season, while Oklahoma improved to 9-4 with the win. Both programs will look to remain in the coaches poll. UNI is expected to drop out of the No. 13 ranking, while Oklahoma is likely to move up after entering the weekend ranked No. 21.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics Ryley Goebel recorded the program’s third all-time triple-double, the first of her career. The last triple-double was in 2012, recorded by KK Armstrong.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers are next in action on Feb. 8 as they take on South Dakota State.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
The Panthers held the Purple Aces to just 55 points, marking the 12th game this season that the Panthers have held their opponent under 60 points.
Panthers debut lavender uniforms, defeat Evansville 71-55
By Michael Spahn Assistant Sports Editor
The Northern Iowa men’s basketball team secured a home victory against Evansville by a score of 71-55. The Panthers needed a bounce-back win after suffering a road loss Wednesday against Southern Illinois.
Will Hornseth put on an offensive clinic with 21 points, which included scoring the first three baskets of the game.
With the score tied 5-5 early in the contest, Ben Schweiger connected on a 3-pointer. A few possessions later, Leon Bond III found the bottom of the net to cap a 10-0 run for the Panthers.
Just under the 10-minute mark of the game, Ismael Diouf put the Panthers up big with a slam dunk. On the following possession, Kyle Pock knocked down a 3-pointer to give UNI a 27-13 lead.
Approaching the end of the first half, Bond III and Trey
Campbell each hit 3-pointers to put UNI up 41-21 heading into the break.
The Panther offense picked up right where it left off after halftime, as Schweiger hit his second 3-pointer of the game. On the next offensive possession, Campbell threw an alley-oop to Schweiger, who dunked it home to extend UNI’s lead to 48-23.
Halfway through the second half, Geon Hutchins made an impact, connecting
on a 3-pointer to put the Panthers up 55-29.
A few possessions later, Bond III scored on a layup, followed by a Campbell 3-pointer to extend the UNI lead.
The Panthers coasted the rest of the way to a convincing victory, with much of the credit due to carrying first-half momentum into the second.
“We have to treat it like it’s 0-0, just like the start of the first half,” Pock said.
“We can’t let off the gas at all.”
UNI is currently ranked sixth in the Missouri Valley Conference heading into February. The Panthers welcome the Bradley Braves on Friday, Feb. 6, for the annual Panthers in Paradise game. Courtside hot tubs will be available for University of Northern Iowa students. The game will air on CBS Sports Network and the Panther Sports Radio Network.
CROSSWORD
BY RYAN SALES
Across 1) "Whew!"
4) Helpers
9) Track events
14) Ginger ___
15) Tablecloth material
16) "You win"
17) What a professor may say in a weekend email
20) ___-ground missile
21) Covered
22) Some adoptees
23) Vampire slayers
26) Taxi
29) Japan's largest active volcano
30) Sends with a stamp
31) ___ Lee
32) ___ One (brand in a liquor store)
33) Explosions
35) Where supper may be served
38) ___ Army (Palmer's following)
39) Busts
40) Money owed
41) Apple centers
42) Faux ___
45) 24 horas
46) Humiliates
48) Penn name
49) Class time in negative temperature, per UNI
51) Noodles
52) Yoo-hoo
57) U.S. Grant foe
58) Mary, Queen of ___
59) Suffix with ether
60) Ontario natives
61) Bother greatly 62) Apt. units
Down 1) City at the mouth of the Amazon 2) They're on your side 3) Close by 4) In addition 5) Junior's junior 6) "Phone book" of the internet, briefly 7) Common Market letters 8) Noshes 9) "Casablanca" cafe 10) Sheltered, at sea 11) Unsolved crime 12) Language suffix
SUDOKU ANSWERS
13) But: Lat.
18) GPS lines
19) Dundee denial
23) Fills
24) Type of list going from S to F
25) Top NFL players
27) ___ and crafts
28) Humanities degs.
30) Word on a biblical wall
31) Je ne ___ quoi
32) Work with needles
33) French cheeses
34) Old Fords
35) Eins + zwei
36) Fighting
37) Swiss river
38) Throw in
41) Loose tunic
42) Nag
43) Trenton Thunder, for one
44) Traffic tie-ups
46) Auntie ___ (pretzel chain)
47) Cave dweller
48) Took a load off
50) Very wide shoe
51) Nuisance
52) Rainbow shape
53) Painter Gerard___Borch
54) South American tuber
55) "Just kidding!"
56) "We got X before _____ 6"
