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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA CEDAR FALLS, IA THURSDAY, APRIL 5 VOLUME 114, ISSUE 42 WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 2026
CEDAR FALLS, IA
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
UNI aims to sell naming rights to UNI-Dome See DOME, page 8
How’s the view up there, Panther Climber?
UNI student urges others to look up from their screens and admire the beauty of campus around them By Sam O’Hair Staff Writer Editor’s Note: The Panther Climber is an experienced climber. They strongly advise inexperienced individuals to not attempt to replicate any activities seen on their account. Climbing campus trees is not against the UNI Code of Conduct, but prioritize safety and your well-being first. Per the request of the Panther Climber, their identity will not be revealed, and their identity will remain anonymous. Been scrolling on Instagram Reels recently? If so, you’ve probably seen the @panther_climber account. If not, a mysterious campus figure has made a hobby of climbing trees across, as they put it, the “UniversiTree” of Northern Iowa’s campus. The anonymous account has quickly amassed over 1,200 followers after posting their first climb last spring. “I’ve climbed a lot before I came to UNI. One day I started to look around campus and think, ‘I can climb that!’” the Panther Climber said. These are the moments that first inspired the Panther Climber
to begin their ascent. “I would do it in my free time without even posting it. I started climbing more and more, realizing that since I’m doing this for the fun of it, I might as well post it too.” The Panther Climber believes that one of the rewards of climbing the campus trees is looking at a perspective other students cannot gain from the ground. “These are such beautiful views, and it got to a point where a lot of people were enjoying it. I was getting lots of views, lots of encouragement and engagement. I thought, ‘you know, I might as
well keep posting and keep climbing,’” the Panther Climber added. “Nobody gets the real view that I’m getting when I’m climbing trees. I get to share them through the screen, but for me the beauty is there when I’m really up there.” Soon after, their account began to gain the momentum you see today with a massive following, on top of the thousands of views and likes. One climb, posted on August 26, 2026, marked their second highest climb yet, garnering over 37,800 views. See CLIMB, page 5
Graphic by Holden Fromm The Panther Climber films different climbing spots across campus and ranks them on a 1-10 scale and if they will climb them again.
UNI students succeed in all sorts of summer internships By Alexa Farrell Staff Writer
From well-known corporations to nonprofits and more, UNI students had productive and enjoyable summers working at various internship opportunities. For instance, Sydney Hudson, a senior biology major with an emphasis in zoology interned as an avian handler at the Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines. She spent her months off from school feeding, cleaning up after and keeping an eye on the birds all throughout the zoo with birdwatching being one of her favorite parts of the job. She mentions that the internship helped her better see how she wants to move forward professionally. “I think it [doing an internship] helps with not only figuring out what you want to do with your life, but also build[ing] that experience, too, and build[ing] the resume as well,” Hudson said. Ben Eckhoff, a fourth-year student aiming to earn his bachelor’s in art education, art history and fine arts, also speaks highly of his internship at the Waterloo Center for the Arts and the work he got to do with the museum’s largest Haitian collection of artwork outside of Haiti. He has done some work there previously as well and now feels he is better equipped to discuss art. “You can read as many books as you want, but you’re not gonna know the real thing about the job until you actually do it,” Eckhoff said. Vivian Veto, senior biology major with the goal
Vivian Veto/Courtesy Photo Vivian Veto, senior biology major, interned at the Nabi Zoo in Cool Valley, Illinois this past summer.
of becoming an exotic animal veterinarian, certainly learned some real things about the job during her summer internship at Nabi Zoo in Cool Valley, Illinois, cleaning enclosures, preparing food and aiding other zookeepers in their tasks. She got to spend time with the rhino, the giraffe, the turtles, the goats and her particular favorite, all the reptiles. She even got to speak and work with the veterinarian there, gaining a greater understanding about animals as she pursues her dream career.
“I learned that all animals have their own personality, and they all need special things. They’re not just all the same, like people think, especially reptiles, they each have their own personality,” Veto said. At a much different summer experience, Faith Springer also put into practice real skills for her future career. Springer, a senior digital media productions major, was and actually still is a video production intern for Workeva, which she describes as a tech financial reporting company. Essentially, she spent time working with the marketing team, recording interviews and doing audio and video editing. “I feel like [the internship] helped me grow and figure out this is actually how a job is and how it works and this is how you communicate with others,” she said. Alongside any professional growth or career readiness, many students also genuinely enjoy their summer internships. Nadiia Omelchuk, a senior majoring in management information systems, marketing and digital media design, spent her summer as an IT intern in the Enterprise Infrastructure Department at Farm Bureau Financial Services. Her internship has also been extended into the semester, and she speaks highly of her experience even though she was hesitant about interning at first. See INTERNS, page 5
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NEWS SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
Music fans get a taste of Bagel Steak Local band hits home run during first week of classes
Jocelyn Loveless/Northern Iowan Left to right: Braden Sabin (guitar and vocals), Leo Burchett (bass guitar and vocals), Cyrus Guizar (drummer), Ian Shelton (keys and vocals) and Breven Biermann (guitar and vocals), at the Octopus.
By Jocelyn Loveless Staff Writer The first weekend after classes is famous for being among the rowdiest. Lines climbed up the Hill at the Social House and Sharky’s. But those music fans who found a home at Octopus that night were delighted by the rock n’ roll sounds shared by the bands. Last Friday, Aug. 28, Bagel Steak played at Octopus on College Hill, with West Avenue as special guests. Bagel Steak played an even mix of originals by the band and covers. Their sound was a variety of rock, indie, psychedelic, and funk. At the end of the show, they performed two encores all while flinging bagels into the crowd. They weren’t there just to play music, however. Their engagement with the crowd was amazing and they even sold handmade shirts after the show. The big first weekend crowd was nothing unique to Bagel Steak. Over the past two years, they have grown in popularity. In fact, plenty of people at the show were returning crowd members. When asked if it was her first time seeing Bagel Steak, Kaetlyn Hansell enthusiastically shouted,“Heck no!” Bagel Steak formed roughly two years ago and its members currently consist of Cyrus Guizar on
NORTHERN IOWAN L011 Maucker Union Cedar Falls, IA 50614 www.northerniowan.com northern-iowan@uni.edu 319.273.2157
LILY MUNNIK
drums, Ian Shelton on trumpet, synth, and vocals, Leo Burchett on bass, Breven Biermann on guitar, and Braden Sabin on guitar. All of whom are currently third year UNI students. The group’s roots are planted fairly close to the Hill, at the University of Northern Iowa. According to Sabin, “I lived across from Ian, and I had a class with Brevin. And I also had another class with Cyrus and we all just sort of knew each other and eventually we all got together, and jammed, and it turned into Bagel Steak.” The music community on the Hill is a source of both their fan base and their artistic fuel. “I think it’s unique that I have them in classes,” UNI student Bridget Kean said. Cyrus Guizar, drummer of Bagel Steak, said, “it’s usually a lot higher energy on the Hill in college town…we just kind of feed off each other’s energy.” That sense of community continues to follow them in their careers. The band’s newest member, Leo Burchett, noted that “It really is the people. It’s everything a local musician could ask for. It’s just all the positivity and support from the people.” As for the future of Bagel Steak, Sabin said, “I
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love Cedar Falls, I would like to branch out and try to play other places across Iowa.” Their next gig is at The Golden Goose in Ames on Sept. 18 at 8 p.m. But, playing on stage in their home town is a treat for Bagel Steak. “It feels good to be back,” Sabin said.
Next Show Location: The Golden Goose 3621 Story St. West Ames, Iowa
When: Sept. 18, 8 p.m.
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PAGE 3
NEWS
FAITH VANDENBERG News Editor
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
High fidelity to music, community Metro Records continues a Cedar Falls legacy
Ellisa Anderson Staff Writer When someone is looking for socialization or community, they often go to a third space. Austin Wise, UNI alum and the owner of Metro Records in Cedar Falls since 2023, describes third spaces as a spot to hang out and socialize outside of work and home. Unfortunately, the internet has taken up the space that used to be reserved for these places, and third spaces are fading away as more people turn to online socialization instead of in-person. “I believe this has huge implications on our mental health,” Austin said. “I’m constantly trying to turn Metro Records into a third space to help our community.” Metro Records was established in 1994 by John Rohlf, also known as Johnny Metro. Austin explained that when Metro Records started, it was more known to be a “hole in the wall” type of place, with minimal advertising and few people actually knowing where the store was. In 2010, while Austin was in high school, he came into the store looking for an original copy of George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass.” While John, the owner at the time, didn’t have the copy on the shelf, he overheard Austin say he was looking for it. John then surprised Austin by pulling a copy of the album out of a box behind the counter and selling it to him. “That quickly cemented my love for the store,” Austin said. “I became a regular customer.” Austin would stop into the store several times a week over the years to chat with John, talking about music, artists and even Austin’s personal dream of owning a record store when he retired. In the fall of 2022, during one of their weekly conversations, John told Austin he was ready to retire and asked Austin if he was serious about running a record store when he retired or if he wanted to run one now. John then offered to sell Metro Records to Austin, who was studying computer science at UNI at the time and had no business experience. Austin replied to John with “heck with a boring 9-to-5 job,” and Austin dove headfirst into his dream job of owning a record store. Even if he didn’t major in the field he currently works in, Austin states that the people he met when he was studying at UNI had the biggest impact on his life and career. “They taught me the importance of building, growing and maintaining interpersonal relationships,” Austin said. “I didn’t take a single business class during my time at UNI. But the relationships I made at UNI taught me that the key to running a successful business is understanding the importance of caring for people.” Although it was something he had no experience in, he found suc-
cess within his dream. “It might sound cliché, but chasing your dream is powerful,” Austin said. “When you’re so passionate about something that you’re genuinely excited to put in the hard work to achieve your goal, you’re bound to succeed at it”. Austin briefly closed the store to remodel and held a grand re-opening on April 1, 2023, rebranding the store as more of a community hub for music lovers instead of the secluded hole-in-the-wall record shop it once was. Hestated that to keep Metro Records as a community staple, one should remember to spread kindness, love and acceptance every day. “I believe music is a great uniter,” Austin said. “The local record store should reflect that.” Going to Metro Records is like walking back in time. When you go inside, there is a record spinning in the far corner that plays music over the soundsystem — a soft, tangible background track to your excursion. To the left you’ll find a couch with a small fridge that invites you to take a crisp red cola from the bottom shelf, free of charge. Right away, this space holds the echoes of community and conversation, of long and winding talks about music and about life. In the center of the store you’ll find long rows of vinyl records, stacked and organized through genre and artist name. A quick peek reveals AC/DC in one row, Michael Jackson in another and further down you might see some Marty Robbins or Neil Diamond. Some of the records are new; most of them are older. Weirdly, the older ones appear more enticing. They look as though they could be on your grand mother’s shelf, waiting to be placed on a turntable with a gentle hand and listened to on a slow afternoon, like they already have a memory attached to them and they want to tell you what it is. On a wall to your right, you see more names of this era, newer releases containing names like Phoebe Bridgers or Tyler the Creator. A little bit of everything adorns the collection, with more vinyls tucked under in boxes, waiting for space to free up so they could receive their limelight. The store seeps in nostalgia — both in its music collection and its devices. CD players, turn tables, cassette players and old stereo equipment adorn the space, transporting you into an era of physical media that’s nearly forgotten. The paint on the walls is white with a single strong stripe with stacked colors of ‘80s brown, black, orange,and yellow, lifting the store into another level of nostalgic immersion. Standing there shuffling through vinyls of Bon Jovi and Def Leppard, you could nearly fully convince yourself that it really is the 1980s. By the back of the store, there are
shelves and shelves of CDs. Music from every genre lines the rows. A combination transitioning from hard rock to ‘90s grunge into 2000s pop and even ‘70s era country — and that isn’t even close to all of it. A small shelf to the right even holds cassettes, their small title box containing eras of music in a single roll of cassette tape. Johnny Cash, The Eagles and Boston shine in the small back segment of the store, begging you to pick them up and give a listen. “We do our best to offer an ever-evolving diverse selection of genres and formats,” Austin said, referring to the vast collection. “It’s very important that everyone who visits Metro Records has a pleasant experience and feels welcome. When folks step into Metro, I want them to feel they can leave the world behind and experience peace, happiness and community.” Austin reminds himself daily that “it’s a privilege and honor that people take time out of their busy days and choose to spend their hardearned money at my store. That’s also why I stress the importance of community and building genuine human connections.” Human connection is certainly abundant within the store, with friendly faces everywhere and conversational cashiers always willing to talk about an album or artist. There are also several community events at Metro Records, like the music club they host each first Saturday of the month. People are able to hang out, talk and listen to music they love for a few hours after the store closes. Metro Records also holds release parties for lots of artists, with recent parties for Phoebe Bridgers, Weezer, Ariana Grande, Foo Fighters and Paul McCartney. If you’re lucky, you may be able to snag a signed copy of an album as a giveaway if you attend. Metro Records also participates in Record Store Day in both the spring and fall, with special deals and giveaways. Connection and community are something everyone needs, and Metro Records is a masterclass in providing it. In a place where you feel directionless, disconnected or confused, find your community at Metro Records, 805 E. 18th St., open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
Metro Records/Photo Courtesy Current owner Austin Wise with the previous owner John Rohlf, from whom he purchased Metro Records from.
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N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor
ZACH MINEART Spanish Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
¿Cómo está la vista por ahí arriba, Panther Climber?
El Panther Climber insta a los estudiantes a levantar la vista de sus pantallas y a admirar la belleza del campus a su alrededor Escrito por Sam O’Hair Zach Mineart, Editor de Español
*OJO*: El Panther Climber es un escalador experimentado. Se recomienda fuertemente que los individuos sin experiencia no intenten replicar las actividades que muestra en su cuenta de redes sociales. Trepar a los árboles del campus no está en contra del Código de Conducta de la UNI, pero priorice su seguridad y su bienestar primero. A petición del Panther Climber, su identidad no será revelada y su identidad seguirá siendo anónima. ¿Ha estado desplazándose en Instagram Reels recientemente? Si es así, probablemente ha visto la cuenta de redes sociales @panther_ climber. Si no, una figura misteriosa del campus ha hecho un pasatiempo de trepar árboles a través de, como elle lo ha dicho, el “UniversiTree” del campus de la Universidad del Norte de Iowa. La cuenta anónima rápidamente ha ganado más de 1.060 seguidores después de publicar su primera subida la primavera pasada. “He trepado mucho antes de venir a la UNI. Un día empecé a mirar alrededor del campus y a pensar: ‘¡Puedo trepar eso!’”, dijo el Panther Climber. Estos son los primeros momentos que inspiran al Panther Climber para empezar su ascenso. “Lo haría en mi tiempo libre sin publicarlo. Empecé a trepar más y más, dándome cuenta de que, desde que hago esto por diversión, más vale que lo publique también”. El Panther Climber cree que uno de los regalos de trepar los árboles del campus es mirar desde una perspectiva que los
Courtesy Photo/Instagram El Panther Climber ha ganado rápidamente más de un mil de seguidores.
otros estudiantes no pueden obtener desde la tierra. “Estas miradas son tan bonitas, y venía a un punto donde mucha gente estaba disfrutándolo. Recibí muchas visualizaciones, mucho ánimo e interacciones. Pensé: ‘Sabes, más vale que siga publicando y trepando’”, añadió el Panther Climber. “Nadie obtiene la vista real que obtengo cuando trepo los árboles. Puedo compartirla a través de una pantalla, pero para mí la belleza real es cuando estoy ahí arriba”. Poco después, su cuenta empezó a ganar el impulso que usted ve hoy en día, con un seguimiento masivo, en adición a miles de visualizaciones y me gusta. Una subida publicada el 26 de agosto de 2026 marcó su segunda subida más alta con más de 37.800 visualizaciones. “Tenía un amigo que todavía no me sigue, entonces le dije que debiera seguir la cuenta. Cuando escribió ‘Pan…’, mi perfil fue el primero
en la búsqueda. Nunca pensé realmente que la magnitud de esta cosa entera llegaría a ser tan grande”, dijo el Panther Climber. El icono más nuevo del campus incluso ha alcanzado una audiencia que existe fuera de la universidad. “Ha sido un par de seguidores que me envían mensajes como ‘soy de este otro campus y tienes alcance loco, nos encantan tus videos’; esto se ha vuelto una locura”, dijo el escalador anónimo. Pero los me gusta, los comentarios y las comparticiones no son la razón real que alimenta las publicaciones del Panther Climber. De hecho, puede que solo quiera que mire para arriba de vez en cuando. “Una de mis esperanzas es que la gente disfrute más de nuestro campus a través de mis videos. Ni siquiera de los árboles, sino desde la tierra. Los árboles y los edificios son tan bonitos y siento que todo el mundo mira su móvil”, dijo el Panther
Climber. Aunque mira para arriba a los árboles por un segundo en la esperanza de ver al Panther Climber, se considera un gran éxito. “¿Cuándo fue la última vez que miraste dentro de un árbol? ¿Es el campus de la UNI tan grande en comparación con algunas de las otras universidades? No. ¿Es bonita? Diría absolutamente que sí. Es un sitio tan agradable y a la gente le falta toda porque quiere usar sus móviles”. En cuanto al objetivo final, más allá de la belleza del campus, el Panther Climber espera que esta cuenta les incluya el balance como un mensaje significativo para los estudiantes de la UNI. “Cuando miras hacia atrás, tú no vas a recordar los TikToks en los que te desplazaste, no vas a recordar los juegos en tu PlayStation que perdiste o ganaste, no vas a recordar el tiempo en que observaste una serie en tu dormitorio”, dijo el Panther Climber. “Quiero
que los estudiantes sean más activos en el campus que en sus móviles… Siempre recordaré mi tiempo siendo el Panther Climber y quiero eso para más de nosotros alrededor de acá. No hay nada malo en jugar a los videojuegos ni en usar Instagram, sino en equilibrarlos con lo que tu cuerpo y alma realmente quieren hacer”. Entre todos los consejos que el Panther Climber sugiere a los estudiantes, nuevos y ya dichos en el campus, esta declaración simple realmente llega al corazón. “Involucra, forma parte de algo que recordarás, quédate aquí los fines de semana, exprime la vida al máximo aquí en la UNI”.
LILY MUNNIK
PAGE 5
NEWS
Executive Editor
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
CLIMB
continued from page 1
“I had a friend who wasn’t following me yet, so I told him to drop a follow on the account. When they typed in, ‘Pan… ’ my profile was the first one to come up. I never really thought that the magnitude of the whole thing would get this big,” the Panther Climber said. The newest campus icon has even reached an audience that goes beyond UNI. “There have even been a couple followers that message me like, ‘I’m from this other campus and you’ve got crazy reach, we love your videos’, so it’s just gotten so crazy,” the anonymous climber said. But the likes, comments and shares aren’t the real reasons that fuel the Panther Climber’s posts. In fact, they might just want you to look up every once in a while. “One of my hopes is that people will enjoy our campus more through my videos. Not even from the trees, but just from the ground. The trees and the buildings, they’re so pretty and I feel like everybody’s looking down at their phones,” the Panther Climber said. Even if you look up at the trees for a second in hopes of spotting the Panther Climber, they con-
One of my hopes is that people will enjoy our campus more through my videos. Not even from the trees, but just from the ground. The trees and the buildings, they’re so pretty and I feel like everybody’s looking down at their phones.”
sider that a huge success. “When was the last time you looked into a tree? Is UNI’s campus as big as some of the other schools? No. Is it as pretty? I would say absolutely. It’s such a lovely place, and people just miss
all of it to be on their phones.” As for a big end goal beyond the beauty of campus, the Panther Climber hopes that the account instills “balance” as a meaningful message to the students of UNI. “When you look back, you’re not going to remember the TikToks you scrolled through, you’re not going to remember the games on your PlayStation that you lost or won, you won’t remember the time you binge-watched a show in your dorm,” said the Panther Climber. “I want students to be more active on campus, then active on their phones… I will always remember my time being the Panther Climber, and I want that for more of us around here. There’s nothing wrong with playing games, using Instagram, but balance it with what your body and soul really want to do.” Among all of the advice the Panther Climber suggests to students, new and already well-versed in the campus, this simple statement really hit home. “Get involved, be a part of something that you’ll remember, stay here on the weekends, suck the marrow out of life here at UNI.”
INTERNS
continued from page 1
Sydney Hudson/Courtesy Photo Sydney Hudson and coworker doing parakeet flock evaluations.
Faith Springer/Courtesy Photo Faith Springer filming content at her internship, Workeva.
Nadiia Omelchuk/Courtesy Photo Nadiia Omelchuk holding her awards at her internship.
“Before that, I was like, well, I don’t know if I really want to intern; maybe I’ll just travel, it’s my summer break and working a full-time job is not something I’m looking forward to. But I was up at six in the morning, looking forward to going to work,” Omelchuk said. Many students also speak fondly and gratefully of their bosses, coworkers and other connections they made on the job. For example, Ellie Huston, a junior majoring in art education, spent her second summer working with the Des Moines Arts Center, primarily with childcare, even getting to teach kids art techniques and occasionally creating lesson plans, similar to what she would do as an art teacher in the future, despite the smaller class sizes. Huston notes her favorite part of the job was a connection she made with a particular student. “She would come and just talk to me and we would have a nice time talking, and then the next week came and she … continued to talk to me and we just formed more connections. She reminded me a lot of my little sister … It was just a really touching moment.” Postgrad student Cole Fox also spent his summer interning. Fox seems greatly appreciative of the guidance and opportunities he received with the Cedar Falls News Hub, a nonprofit run by UNI professors Anelia Dimitrova and Rick Truax. “You have to pursue those opportunities sooner rather than later – it’s harder to do it later,” Fox
said. “So the minute that you get the opportunity to take a really good internship, go somewhere really cool, work for a really big business that would look great on your resume, I would take it.” Aubri Christiansen, a senior majoring in finance and economics, did take the summer opportunity as an underwriting intern at F&G Annuities & Life, and she also took the fulltime job they offered her after she graduates in December. Christiansen speaks on the security through connections internships can provide in comparison to the anxieties of individuals she knows who have not done any interning. “There’s a lot more worry of, ‘am I going to have a job after graduation’ … obviously I’ve applied to places outside of where my internships are at, but it definitely gives you a one-up if you have someone to contact or someone to ask.” Ultimately, it seems that internships not only provide career experience and guidance, but also enjoyment, connections and possibly even fulltime employment for students. Associate Director of Career Services Matt Nuese agrees that internships can aid students in landing a job, describing internships as containing two main purposes for students. “One, it gives the student affirmation they’ve chosen the right area, and two, it makes them more marketable, even if they don’t choose that same area. Employers will look at a resume and determine based on the students’ experience, rather than their academics, whether they want to
move forward with an interview.” Now, a wider range of internships are more available to students due to the Humanities Hub, a recent initiative aiding with career readiness for students in the Humanities. Efforts include workshops, networking events and namely internship stipends, all thanks to the grant gifted by the Mellon Foundation in January 2026. According to Jess Cruz, Humanities Hub coordinator, the money is used to fund the Humanities Hub and a portion of that money allows students from select majors to receive pay for primarily unpaid or low-paid nonprofit internships, enabling more students to intern. One individual utilized this service for a summer internship at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, and at least 15 more students across the eight applicable majors are making use of the Humanities Hub and receiving compensation from the grant funding for their internship work this semester. Cruz highlights during an interview how helpful she believes the grant and Humanities Hub program will be. “It’s an opportunity for the students in the Humanities to really flex the skills that they’ve been learning through their academic work,” Cruz said. “That’s why we have kind of a wide variety of positions that the students can engage in, so that they can use their skills that they’ve learned through their academic coursework in new and different ways, which is really probably the most valuable kind of career readiness.”
PAGE 6
OPINION SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
IMDB/Courtesy Photo Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde) and Elliot (Cooper Hoffman) star in the 2026 film “I Want Your Sex.”
The intoxicating release of Gregg Araki’s ‘I Want Your Sex’ By Brendon Schnathorst Staff Writer Since the dawn of homo sapiens, sex has defined relationships, and it’s been a prevalent theme in art. The more recent rise (or return) of purity culture reflects a repulsion to this natural function. The concept of modern purity culture is dramatically rejected by Olivia Wilde’s promiscuous character in Gregg Araki’s latest feature, setting the groundwork for one of the funniest movies of the decade. Araki poses his film as a “sex-positive love letter to Gen-Z,” all done while showing the conflict that may arise. “I Want Your Sex” follows Elliot (Cooper Hoffman), a recent art school graduate. Sexually, he’s frustrated, as his girlfriend, Minerva (Charli XCX), is focused on her studies. After getting an assistant job to the sexually provocative artist, Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde), she initiates a kinky, sexual relationship. Though realizing Elliot’s sexual desires through BDSM, it begins to tear his life apart. The film also features Chase Sui Wonder, Johnny Knoxville, Mason Gooding, Margaret Cho and Daveed Diggs. The film’s subject matter is anything but surprising, considering how Araki paved the way for queer filmmakers in the 1990s. His movies, notably ‘Mysterious Skin’ and the Teenage Apocalypse Trilogy (‘Totally F***ed Up’, ‘The Doom Generation’ and ‘Nowhere’), are known for their eccentric, nihilistic, often queer and pro-sex
characters in a colorful world that seems to hate them. Araki became a cult figure, showing he wasn’t afraid to push back against current societal norms. Araki addressed his intentions for ‘I Want Your Sex’ in an IndieWire interview with Ryan Lattanzio. “Olivia plays an artist in the movie, and she says things in the movie that I have said in interviews about how sex and sexuality are kind of what make us human. They’re such an important part of growing up and figuring out who you are, so that’s part of the movie, the importance of sexuality, and Gen Z and how they’re not having sex.” Araki added in an NPR interview with Sacha Pfeiffer, “I want it to be, like, a fun, entertaining ride. I just want to provoke conversation.” With conservative puritanism clashing against Araki’s pro-sex morals, he managed to craft a relatable, entertaining and well-intentioned film to appeal to those who don’t want to experience days of bitterness. The opening scene thrusts the audience into a hilariously overt display of nudity and shock factor, alongside an engaging mystery. It leaves so many questions that lead their way into what makes this movie truly intriguing: its structure. Araki’s incorporation of flashbacks in ‘I Want Your Sex’ enhances the ensuing comedy and character arcs. Many Araki films have been criticized for indulging in sex and drugs, but this film instantly pushes away the ridiculous notion that this movie only serves to display hi-
larious sequences of intercourse for people who are open to finding plot beats to enjoy. All of the characters ooze Araki’s flamboyant charm, with Elliot Bell perfectly symbolizing Araki’s demand for a sex-positive generation. Araki imbues Elliot with a sense of sexual rush and a level of innocence that makes his sexual exploration appear more ethically sound. Cooper Hoffman creatively interjects a boyish charm mixed with a sensual appetite for sexual destruction that makes the character come to life. His reactions to the events surrounding him are effortlessly believable, and part of this is his tense chemistry with Olivia Wilde. In the vein of James Spader’s Mr. Grey, Erika Tracy succeeds as a shockingly hilarious representation of sexual domination and hierarchical abuse. Olivia Wilde provides a bold, matter-of-fact approach to her performance, which comes across as a dream come true. She is a manifestation of the temptations and dominations that people in power have over us. She’s a deliciously wicked character with a likable charm, but her actions ultimately result in the deflation of Elliot’s life. A major factor that supports the film’s messaging is how the supporting cast performs their roles well. They all maintain a consistent vibrancy thanks to their quirks, observational costume design, and the way they interact with our leads. Mason Gooding, Charli XCX and Daveed Diggs, in particular, are amusing personalities who continually push the plot along in unforeseen ways.
The supporting character that truly embodies the messaging is Apple, portrayed by Chase Sui Wonders. Apple is the best friend to Hoffman’s Elliot, and Araki sets up their platonic relationship through solid exposition and the star’s chemistry. We come to love Apple, and the way she’s integrated into the dynamic between Elliot and Erika adds intense realism to this experience. Araki manages to make a fun, pro-sex movie that demon-
strates the true consequences of your actions, which is a common experience. He understands these characters, this world, and Gen-Z politics, and despite it being over-the-top, it manages to ground the movie more than media made by younger generations. ‘I Want Your Sex’ is one of 2026’s most underseen entries that will age gracefully, in time.
IMDB/Courtesy Photo “I Want Your Sex” was released July 31, 2026 and has grossed about $1.9 million worldwide as of Sept. 1, 2026.
LILY MUNNIK
PAGE 7
NEWS
Executive Editor
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
A business, an internship, an on-campus job How one UNI student successfully manages a busy schedule
By Jenna Westendorf Managing Editor
T
he struggle of a work-life balance is a reality that college students know well. Many are often balancing academics, student orgs, a social life and oftentimes a job as well (or even several). Despite having a smaller paycheck, students often opt for an on-campus job as it provides a more flexible schedule. A study titled Parental Transfers, Student Achievement and the Labor Supply of College Students, found that students working 20 hours or less each week had an average GPA of 3.13, versus nonworking students, who had an average GPA of 3.04. That being said, one UNI student has learned to successfully separate her work-life schedule, and an on-campus job was one key to her success. Meghan Rosheim is currently a senior at UNI, majoring in public relations with minors in digital media journalism and interactive digital studies. Beyond the classroom, Rosheim serves as president for the UNI chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) for the 2026-27 school year, and is also working as an event planning intern at VGM in Waterloo. Between her academic schedule and involvement in multiple extracurricular activities, Rosheim even owns her own photography business, Megs Memory Card LLC. “I’m just a creative gal,” said Rosheim. “I spend a lot of time playing around with the Adobe Creative Suite, figuring out new ways to edit things and create graphics.” With as busy a schedule
as she has, Rosheim still manages to hold an oncampus job, where she works for the university’s food services. “I started working because my roommate worked there [Chats] and she really liked it,” said Rosheim. “So that really encouraged me to get a job.” Rosheim originally started just as a student worker, at Chats, the coffee shop located within Maucker Union. You can often find her there working the morning rush shifts as students are getting their morning dose of caffeine or a bagel for breakfast. After working as a student worker for some time, Rosheim went through the process to become a supervisor last year. “You get the opportunity to lead more students and just become more engaged overall in the Union,” said Rosheim. “So I took that opportunity, where there was a whole interview process that I went through, and now I’m kind of cross-trained to all of the venues, and I can cover wherever is needed and lead staff that is in each venue.” While many may opt for an off-campus job due to more pay, Rosheim decided to work on-campus for the flexible hours. “I never have to work on the weekends, which is a plus, and they [Chats] are only open till 5.” The University of Washington shares that the benefits of an on-campus job include a flexible schedule, as well as location proximity and the ability to make connections. Rosheim also stated how she is able to make her schedule flexible with her class schedule. Rather than having to work late-night shifts
Courtesy Photo/Meghan Rosheim Meghan is a senior at UNI, and works as a student supervisor for the on-campus food services.
when she would rather do homework or hang out with her friends, she can squeeze shifts into her schedule when she has breaks. In addition to flexible hours and availability, Rosheim also stated convenience as a plus to working on campus. “Being on campus allows me to have more time not to have to leave and drive somewhere, because that takes up time,” she said. Rosheim is also able to set her schedule for the semester, and unless she picks up shifts, it stays the same weekly. “Every semester I’m working the same hours, even as a student supervisor; I don’t always work at the same locations, but it’s just really nice,” she said. While all of the perks that come with having an on-campus job are nice, Rosheim emphasized that her favorite part of the job is the people she works with. “The full-time staff members are very personable, and they really get to know us,” said Rosheim. “So the connections I form are really strong.” Another plus for Rosheim is just being at the university. She really loves being on campus, and it also allows her to build connections with the students and staff who come through Chats as well. When asked about how she has learned to successfully manage her Courtesy Photo/Meghan Rosheim For Megan, a big plus of working at Chats is the connections that she has busy schedule, and any tips and tricks for students who made with her co-workers.
may be struggling with it, Rosheim says it’s all about getting to know yourself. “You have to know yourself and when you’re able to do your best work. For me, I like to pick up the morning shifts because I know I’m more productive and can get more work done at night when it comes to school.” Additionally, making sure to keep yourself organized is a big key to successfully managing a busy schedule. Every student has their own way to stay organized. A color-coded calendar, sticky notes with tasks and deadlines, a physical planner, or Google Calendar with digital reminders are just a few examples of the many ways that students can successfully stay organized. Rosheim emphasizes the importance of setting aside time each week to plan, as this can help reduce stress and ensure that important commitments are not overlooked. By establishing a consistent routine and making organization a habit, students can create a sense of control and balance in their busy lives. For Rosheim specifically, it’s planning and writing down everything she is going to be doing. Whether it’s her classes, an extracurricular activity, work, or even just time to get homework done, she makes sure to write down everything and put it in her calendar. When home for the summer, Rosheim worked
as a bartender and waitress at a local restaurant and understands that those shifts can be long and demanding. But, with the flexible hours and the university’s 20 hours a week limit for students with on-campus jobs, she feels that an oncampus job is the perfect balance for her. “I really recommend it [an on-campus job] to any student who is looking for a job because they understand that you’re a student,” said Rosheim. “I feel like the second you step off campus and look for a job, they’re just not as understanding.” While Rosheim may be a recognizable face at Chats and other food service locations across campus, at the end of the day, she is a college student with her own hobbies and interests. Outside of her busy work and academic commitments, she still makes sure to maintain a work-life balance, engaging in activities that allow her to unwind and recharge. “I’m an outdoorsy gal, and spending time outdoors,” said Rosheim. “My roommates and I are also super close, so we spend a lot of time going on evening walks, hammocking, going to coffee shops and going to the farmers market [weather permitting].” Despite her packed schedule, Rosheim believes that an on-campus job has allowed her to successfully make time for herself and her interests.
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MICHAEL SPAHN
SPORTS SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
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Sports Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
UNI aims to sell naming rights to the Dome
Photo Courtesy/University of Northern Iowa The UNI-Dome naming rights are available for purchase for the first time in its 50-year history. By Michael Spahn Sports Editor
The University of Northern Iowa athletics department, along with Learfield Sports Properties, recently launched a sponsorship initiative to bring naming rights to the UNI-Dome. The iconic landmark serves as the home to UNI football, UNI Indoor track and field and the Iowa high school state football championships. The initiative will mark the first time in the UNI-Dome’s 50-year history that naming rights are available. “We are pleased to announce the partnership with Learfield to identify a naming partner for the UNIDome,” Athletic Director Megan Franklin said in a press release from UNI’s athletic department. “The UNI-Dome
has been a point of pride in the State of Iowa, the Cedar Valley and the University of Northern Iowa for 50 years. The opportunity to partner with a corporate sponsor with a named venue is the perfect launch for the next era.” When looking for a sponsorship partner, UNI Athletics and Learfield Sports Properties said they want to make sure the candidate aligns with the beliefs and values of the University. “I think we’re open to just about anything. I mean, I’m sure there’s going to be some boundaries we might bump into,” Panther Sports Properties General Manager Mike Murray said in an interview with Radio Iowa. “Obviously, we want to make sure that we stay on brand with who UNI is.”
The NCAA recently approved the sale of commercial sponsorship jersey patches for Division-I athletic programs. According to Murray, UNI plans to explore that possibility. NCAA teams would be permitted to wear up to two additional commercial logos on their uniforms along with one additional logo for conference championship games. Murray didn’t give an exact timeline for when UNI and Learfield would find a sponsorship partner in his Aug. 11 interview with Radio Iowa, but said the process could take several months. “We’re very early on in the process as we’re starting to look for our next partner,” Murray said. “We’re taking an all-hands-on-deck approach and really looking at anybody who has an interest.”
How 3 MVC schools sold naming rights The main reason that UNI athletics and Learfield Sports Properties decided to put the UNI-Dome’s naming rights for sale was the large profit they hope to gain from a deal. What might those terms look like? Here are some Missouri Valley Conference schools that currently have naming rights agreements: Banterra Center - University of Southern Illinois In May 2019, Southern Illinois University and Banterra Bank agreed on a 10-year naming-rights agreement worth up to $10 million, with a $4-million guarantee for the first 10 years, according to a university release. The deal also includes a 10-year extension option. Banterra, one of Southern Illinois’ largest locally-owned banks and operating in six states, also received access to additional advertising and promotional opportunities after agreeing to the deal.
CEFCU Arena - Illinois State In 2022, Citizens Equity First Credit Union (CEFCU) and Illinois State’s Learfield’s Redbird Sports Properties team agreed to a 10-year deal worth approximately $3.1 million. According to a release on Nov. 4, 2022, the agreement will “support the funding for ongoing ever-evolving costs associated with the student athlete experience.” The Ford Center - Evansville It’s important to note that the Evansville University athletic department does not gain any funding from the Ford Center name, as the arena is owned by the city of Evansville. In 2011, the Tri-State Ford dealers of Evansville and the city agreed to a 10-year, $4.2 million deal. Although the deal expired in 2021, there was no public announcement on an extension. The area is still named the Ford Center to this day.
MICHAEL SPAHN
PAGE 9
SPORTS
Sports Editor
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
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Meet the Panthers to watch this football season By Tyler Wood Sports Writer
The 2026 college football season is officially underway, with a lot of new additions to the University of Northern Iowa football program. During the offseason, the team added 11 new transfer players and 23 players from its high school recruiting class. Panther fans have a lot of new players to look forward to this season, including the following: JC Roque Jr., wide receiver JC Roque Jr. is coming off of a very productive junior season and is poised to be a important offensive piece for the UNI football team. Roque Jr. had nearly 600 yards receiving and seven touchdown receptions during the 2025 season. The Florida native has seen steady improvement in production throughout his time at UNI. Roque Jr. primarily plays in the slot, which utilizes his speed and shiftiness. Roque Jr.’s teammate, wide receiver Jaiden EllisLahey, had high praise for Roque Jr. “It’s going to be really hard for people to guard him,” Ellis-Lahey said during an interview segment on Panther Sports Talk. “A
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
lot of defenses are going to have to scheme against him. You can put him in the backfield or all the way at wideout, wherever you need him. He’s a team player.” Roque Jr.’s great playmaking ability on offense and ability to create separation from defenders make him a dangerous weapon for the Panthers this year.
Jordan McClom, safety Jordan McClom is an important part of the Panthers’ defense this season. McClom, the starting safety this year, is on the Missouri Valley Conference preseason watchlist. McClom recorded 53 total tackles last season and recorded four pass breakups. His impact on defense will be important for the Panthers this season as he looks to finish out his career at UNI. Aydin Price, wide receiver Aydin Price is another receiver to look out for this season as a senior for the Panthers. Price, a deep threat receiver, caught 20 passes for 365 yards and two touchdowns last year. Price is in line to get meaningful playing time for UNI’s offense this season, and will be a top option for quarterback Jaxson Daily to throw to. Tay Norman, wide receiver Tay Norman, another
Courtesy Photo/UNI Althetics Quarterback Jaxson Dailey attempts a pass in a contest against Illinois State in 2025. The graduate student froim Pleasant Hill, Iowa, is set to lead the UNI offense this fall. receiver for the Panthers, is also somebody to watch this season. Norman missed the entire 2025 season due to injury, but will look to catch the eye of many Panther fans in his upcoming return to the field. “He’s really smart. He’s been playing for a long time,” JC Roque Jr. said about Norman in an interview with Panther Sports Talk. “He real-
ly helps a lot of the younger guys with technique stuff and just football knowledge. He’s been a great influence on me as well.” Norman has been a presence on and off the field for the Panthers in his career and is set to make a major impact for UNI’s offense in 2026. Jaxson Dailey, quarterback Quarterback Jaxon Dailey
has all eyes on him this year. He took over the starting quarterback role in the final four games of last season, and he was named the starter earlier this summer. Dailey averaged over 200 passing yards in the four games he played last year. The graduate student from Pleasant Hill, Iowa, will look to lead a veteran UNI offensive group this season.
UNI soccer level with Fighting Bees, set back by Cyclones By Sam O’Hair Sports Writer
The University of Northern Iowa Women’s Soccer Team hosted the St. Ambrose Fighting Bees on Thursday, Aug. 27, at the UNI Soccer Field. UNI kicked off the match on the front foot, putting together three shots in the first six minutes. Goalie Hailey Luedtke started the contest off in net for UNI, saving an early St. Ambrose attempt in the third minute. Sophomore Abi Roberts then netted the Panthers’ first goal of the season in the seventh minute, assisted by junior midfielder Ella Ubben, to put UNI up 1-0. The goal marked Roberts’ first goal of her career as a Panther. The rest of the first half was marked by a flurry of shots by the Panthers, who outshot the Bees 8-4. Three of UNI’s eight shots were on target before the second period. Ubben and Roberts found a pair of shots early in the second half, before St.
Ambrose retaliated with a goal in the 53rd minute from Veronica Gordon, assisted by Olivia Infante, to equalize the competition 1-1. The Panthers continued to attack offensively, recording nine shot attempts in the second half, but were unable to find the net before fulltime, as the contest ended in a 1-1 draw. The team then traveled to Ames, Iowa to clash against the Iowa State Cyclones on Sunday, Aug. 30. Ubben found the Panthers’ only shot on target of the half in the 15th minute. Soon after, the Cyclones broke the level score in the 19th minute when the Panthers conceded a penalty kick. The Cyclones dictated play from there, finding two more goals in the first half to raise the score to 3-0 going into halftime. Luedtke stood out in goal, saving five shots in the opening period. UNI made four substitutions before the second half, but it wouldn’t make the difference for the Panthers. Iowa State continued the
Courtesy Photo/UNI Althetics Camille Landphair dribbles past the defender in a matchup against St. Ambrose. scoring in the 62nd and 80th minutes, ending the contest 5-0. Despite the tough loss on the road, head coach Alex Place Thomas expressed gratitude for getting experience playing a high-caliber team.
“Obviously, the scoreline wasn’t where it needed to be, but I’m super glad we had such great competition and that the girls are continuing to build and improve every match,” said Place Thomas in her weekly coaches press conference.
The team will look to turn their results around, as they will face off against Western Illinois on Sunday, Sept. 6, in Macomb, Illinois, at 2 p.m.
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SPORTS
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Editor
2026 Diamond League Finals preview SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
Providing a payday for professional track and field athletes
Courtesy Photo/Reuters A group of runners sprint to the finish in the women’s 100-meter race. By Carter Lust
Assistant Sports Editor
How do professional track and field athletes make money? How are they paid? Unlike athletes of other professional leagues, track and field athletes’ contract details are undisclosed to the public. In fact, most athletes sign a nondisclosure agreement (NDA) so they cannot share how much they earn. But why? Although track and field, and specifically running, is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Its overlooked professional scene (outside of the Olympics) is a key contributor to athletes’ low salaries and might explain why their endorsement deals are kept hidden. Without massive TV rights deals, multimedia contracts and large viewership pools, many professional track and field athletes are just “getting by.” Runner’s World, a leading running magazine, reports that outside of those winning global medals or major marathons, “runners often struggle to earn enough money to pay for their essentials (rent and food), plus cover all their running-related expenses, such as coaching, travel to races and altitude camps, health care, gym membership and massage.”
In February 2025, Allie Ostrander, a three-time NCAA Division I steeplechase champion turned professional runner, gave a behind-the-scenes look at professional running contracts and their paydays on her YouTube channel. In her video, “The TRUTH About Pro Running: Exposing the Secrets,” Ostrander outlines how, unlike NFL, NBA or MLB players, “pro runners are not employees of the companies that they run for. They are contracted workers.” This means that they have to pay self-employment taxes; there are no benefits and contracts are extremely unstable. “These contracts are like one to three years long,” Ostrander said. “If you’re not improving and performing at a really high level during that time, you won’t get re-signed.” Given the fragility of athletes’ contracts, many rely on prize money to supplement some of their income. Outside of sponsorships, bonuses and appearance fees, winning or placing high in races can contribute a significant amount to an athlete’s yearly earnings. And that is where professional circuits like the Diamond League come into play. The Wanda Diamond League is the pinnacle of annual global series professional track and field meets.
Athletes travel to cities around the world to compete and accrue points towards a spot in the Diamond League Finals, with a chance to secure significant prize money in the process. This year, the Diamond League visited 14 cities across Asia, Africa, Europe and North America. According to the league’s website, “a total of around 18 million USD will be paid to athletes over the course of the series 17th season in 2026, with many more millions being invested in athlete services such as travel and transport, accommodation and medical and physio provision.” In addition to promotional fees for top competitors, athletes can earn $500 to $10,000 per meet, depending on their event finish. Moreover, Wanda deemed eight events per meet “Diamond+ Disciplines,” meaning that athletes who perform well in these disciplines can earn additional prize money, ranging from $500 to $20,000. Potential earnings also increase at the Diamond League Finals, with traditional disciplines seeing a prize money range of $500 to $30,000, and Diamond+ Disciplines increasing to $500 to $60,000. However, the Diamond
League cannot continue to reward athletes for their hard work, dedication and performance without fan investment. Given the lack of traditional teams, track and field is a sport most enjoyed when viewers feel connected to athletes. So, here is your quick guide to a few of the major athletes and storylines at the 2026 Diamond League Finals in Brussels, Belgium. Who to watch American viewers should undoubtedly have their eyes on the men’s 1,500-meter final, where reigning Olympic champion Cole Hocker attempts to secure his first Diamond League Finals title. After a slow start to the season due to injury, Hocker won the Zurich Diamond League 1500-meter on Aug. 27, utilizing his signature kick on the inside rail to capture the event in dramatic fashion. Going into the Brussels final, fans can expect an emphatic race highlighted by Hocker, Jakob Ingebrigtsen and new mile world-record holder Josh Kerr. “It’s sweet to have those guys in there,” Hocker told FloTrack after his race in Zurich. “I feel like this is race number two pretty much in my outdoor season… so I’m really excited for where I’m gonna be in (Brussels).” On the women’s side, the
women’s 100-meter final is a must-see, as Americans Sha’Carri Richardson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden headline a loaded start list. Jefferson-Wooden is coming off a 100-meter victory in the Silesia Diamond League, where she sprinted to a blistering 10.78-second mark. “(I’m) right where I want to be going into this last part of the season, so we’re just going to see what we’ve got left,” Jefferson-Wooden said in a post-race interview with FloTrack. “The one thing that I have learned about myself is that as long as I’m myself, then I’ll be fine. Everything else will continue to work itself out. As long as I (can) just be Melissa and focus on what Melissa’s got going on, it’ll be fine.” Richardson enters the final after running a 10.77-second season best at the USA Track & Field Championships, where she claimed her third U.S. 100-meter title in late July. Between her and JeffersonWooden, the Americans have a chance to take the top two podium spots at the Brussels final. How to watch Stream the 2026 Diamond Finals on the FloTrack website or on the FloSports mobile and TV apps from Sept. 4-5.
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MICHAEL SPAHN
SPORTS
Sports Editor
SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
UNI Volleyball earns first win, falls twice in Ames
Courtesy Photo/UNI Athletics UNI defensive specialist Sophie Buysse celebrates with her teammates. Buysse made her collegiate debut against Georgia Tech. By Michael Spahn Sports Editor
The UNI volleyball team kicked off regular-season play in Ames, Iowa, last weekend during the Cyclone Invitational, with four schools participating in the tournament. The Panthers fell to Georgia Tech on Friday, 3-0, and the host school, Iowa State, on Sunday by a score of 3-1. UNI secured a victory in the invite on Saturday with a 3-2 victory over Loyola Chicago. On Friday, UNI and Georgia Tech played what was the first match of the tournament. In the first set, the Panthers struggled to keep up with the Yellow Jackets, as Georgia Tech gained a lead as big as 9-3. Grace Hannam and Claire Munch recorded their first career blocks in the frame in their UNI debuts, but the effort was not enough, as Georgia Tech sneaked by UNI, 25-22, to claim set one. Later in the second set, UNI’s Cassidy Hartman caused back-to-back attack errors on the Yellow Jackets to cut the Georgia Tech lead to 17-16. After Georgia Tech extended its lead to 21-17, Lily Dykstra recorded a kill on a pass from Reese Booth to put the Panthers within three points. The Yellow Jackets closed the set by scoring five straight kills to
secure a 25-21 victory in set two. The Panthers forced a 7-7 tie early into set three, but were unable to take the lead. The Yellow Jackets took the set 25-17, giving them a 3-0 victory over UNI. Dykstra led the Panthers’ offensive attack in the match with 13 kills, as Hartman followed with nine. Despite the loss, UNI assistant coach Jason Allen was impressed with how his underclassman middle blockers played in the match. “I thought our two freshmen that have never played a collegiate match played like veterans,” Allen. “All three matches were really good for us and that was really great to see.” On Saturday against Loyola Chicago, the Panthers were neck-andneck with the Ramblers, with the score being 16-16 towards the end of the first set. Isabelle Elliott rallied the Panthers with two kills during a 5-0 UNI run, which propelled them to a 21-16 lead. Holding a 22-18 lead, Elliott scored two more kills, followed by a kill from Munch, to secure set one for UNI by a score of 25-22. After Loyola Chicago took both sets two and three, UNI dominated in set four, holding a 21-4 lead at one point en route to a 25-8 victory. Elliott led the Panther charge with eight kills in the
set, followed by three kills from Dykstra and two from Hartman. In the fifth and final set, UNI held a 14-12 lead and was one point away from securing the victory. Loyola Chicago rallied two straight points to tie the game at 14-14. Needing to win by two points, the Ramblers committed a service error immediately followed by an attack error to award Northern Iowa the set win
and a thrilling victory over Loyola Chicago 3-2. In Sunday’s matchup against Iowa State, Northern Iowa quickly fell behind two sets against the Cyclones. UNI was able to take set three by a margin of 25-21 to extend the contest, with Hartman leading the offense with 10 kills. Set four was a highly contested match, with Iowa State holding on for the victory by a margin of 36-34 in an extended play
period that consisted of multiple lead changes. Hartman ended the contest with a career-high 27 kills. It was also her seventh career match with 20 or more kills. Northern Iowa returns to action on Thursday, Sept. 3, against Air Force to kick off the South Dakota Classic. Utah Valley will also be participating in the tournament, along with the host school, South Dakota.
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ETC. SEPTEMBER 2, 2026 |
CROSSWORD
Across
1) Reno's state 7) Reno-to-San Diego dir. 10) CEO's degree, often 13) Lacking sight 15) Kind of rally 16) Joan of ___ 17) Do some Christmas decorating 19) Member of the family Felidae 20) Sight, for one 21) Sudden spate of burglaries, perhaps 23) Condiment container 25) Coat part 26) Exercise wheel user 30) Actress Catherine ___-Jones 33) 1995 NHL MVP Lindros 34) Animation collectible 36) Dot above the i 40) Not hard to tote 43) Former "The New York Times" film critic Janet 44) Kind of camera (abbr.) 45) Owl sound 46) Puts to work 48) Direct opposite 50) Salt used in water purification
53) "It's ___ country!" 55) First NBA player to score 20,000 points 58) Oscar winner Jessica 63) Sis's sibling 64) Arm-strengthening exercise 66) Mesozoic or Cenozoic 67) "...man ___ mouse?" 68) Active during sunlight hours 69) So far 70) Brief rest 71) Improves editorially
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JENNA WESTENDORF Managing Editor
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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 2
SUDOKU
14) Battens down 18) Three, in Italy 22) Cry of surprise 24) Fix an old chair, perhaps 26) Captain's spot 27) "Il mio tesoro" in "Don Giovanni," e.g. 28) Russian jets 29) Colorless person 31) Everlasting, to the bard 32) Actress Carrere 35) Vegas leader? 37) Red-bearded deity 38) Composer Janácek 39) Fashion illustrator of the 1920s Down 1) Devices for capturing butterflies 41) "___ the season..." 42) Dealt casually (with) 2) Brontë heroine 47) Petty bureaucrat 3) Blood conduit 49) Fine parchment 4) Donations to the poor 50) Setting in "The Sound of Music" 5) Find 51) "M" star Peter 6) Volcanic discharge 52) Wartime sub 7) Variety of rich buttery cookies 54) Small untruth 8) Appear 56) Dark, in poems 9) Weapon electrified in 57) Scarlett's plantation the Olympics 59) Plantation measure 10) Region across an estuary 60) Former Georgia senator Sam from Hong Kong 11) "Rio ___" (John Wayne western) 61) Class reunion attendee, briefly 62) Building wings 12) Emulated John Wayne 65) Cooked-up story
ANSWERS