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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
Navigating UNI’s campus
How snow, stairs and loud classrooms become major barriers to learning By Faith Vandenberg News Editor
For many students, getting to class means walking across campus, finding a seat and settling in for the day. For students with disabilities, however, navigating college can sometimes require a little more planning. At the University of Northern Iowa, Student Accessibility Services works with students to provide accommodations and support designed to give students equal access to their education and university life. UNI also provides accessibility resources for students, including information about accessible routes, accommodations and reporting accessibility concerns. August’s Story But accessibility can look different for every student. For August Martinez, a hard-of-hearing student at UNI, accessibility in the classroom often depends on being able to see and hear what is happening around her. “Honestly, my experience in the classroom and participating in discussions has been on both sides of the spectrum,” Martinez said. Martinez is a communication sciences and disorders major, and many of her professors are familiar with accommodations for students with hearing loss. Even so, there are situations professors cannot completely control, particularly during class discussions. “Oftentimes during lectures I can miss quite a bit of information, but during discussions even more,” Martinez said. Martinez said she participates more easily when people are close enough to see, and she can also read lips when necessary. During a discussion, however, it is not always possible to see every person who is speaking. Lectures can be more manageable when Martinez has a good seat, and professors use microphones or live captioning. While live captioning is not always completely accurate, Martinez said it can provide enough information to understand something she may have missed. For students who are hard of hearing, accessibility can extend beyond the physical layout of campus. Classrooms, lectures, videos, discussions and conversations can all present different challenges depending on the environment. The classroom itself can also make a difference. “The classroom settings that work best for me are often smaller classrooms that are rounded around the professor so that I have a view of classmates as well as the
Courtesy photo/August Martinez August Martinez is a communication sciences disorders major in her third year at UNI.
professor,” Martinez said. Seating arrangements that allow Martinez to see over other students are also helpful. On the other hand, classrooms with several straight rows at the same level can make following a lecture more difficult, particularly when there is a noisy hallway nearby or a professor faces away from the class while speaking. Small changes, such as closing a classroom door or making sure a professor faces the class, can therefore have a significant impact. Many of Martinez’s professors have been willing to make those changes. “In bigger classrooms I’ve had professors that will use a microphone, and even live closed captioning,” Martinez said. “Many of my professors also talk loudly and project well, which also helps quite a bit.” UNI Student Accessibility Services lists closed cap-
tioning and other academic accommodations among the resources available to students. The office also provides assistance to students who are deaf or hard of hearing through Relay 711. Martinez said the support she has received from UNI has extended beyond specific accommodations. “Something that UNI has done to make me feel supported is their thoroughness in the accessibility center and their willingness to meet and go over needs and what can help in the classroom,” Martinez said. Much of Martinez’s positive experience, however, has come directly from professors. Martinez said many professors have been understanding when accommodations are needed, while some in the CSD department have followed up or reached out to make sure Martinez is doing well. Outside the classroom, accessibility can require even more effort. Events and activities are often less structured than a classroom, making it harder to control the environment or know when information might be missed. Martinez said friends and their roommate often help by filling in information that may have been missed during conversations. “Sometimes it just takes a little extra paying attention, lip reading and asking questions to make sure I am understanding and hearing conversations correctly,” Martinez said. That extra effort is something Martinez wishes other students understood about being hard of hearing. “Many people may not realize how difficult it can be just to be in class and struggle with missing information that everyone else is getting,” Martinez said. For Martinez, following a lecture can involve multitasking between taking notes, listening to a professor and visually processing information. Although that has become normal for Martinez, it can still require more effort than other students may realize. Natalie’s story While accessibility for Martinez often centers on communication, for Natalie Olsen, a wheelchair user at UNI, accessibility begins with being able to physically get from one place to another. See ACCESSIBILITY, page 2
As e-bike, scooter riders whiz around campus, here are the rules to follow
By Delaney Von Ahsen Staff Writer
There are many different methods of transportation in our everyday lives: driving a car, riding a bike, riding a bus, walking and even electronic methods, such as scooters or bikes. It’s no different at UNI, with an equal number of different transportation methods across campus. Students are allowed to use e-bikes and scooters
to get from classes to dorms on campus, but one might wonder what exactly are the regulations of this. Rules to follow There are relatively broad regulations for transportation methods on campus. For bicycles, there are quite
a few restrictions. They can only be parked in bike racks provided by the university; they cannot be on the lawns or sidewalks or chained to trees, light poles, fences or benches, and electronic bicycles (E-bikes) are not allowed inside university buildings. See SCOOTER, page 6
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NEWS OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
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LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
ACCESSIBILITY
continued from page 1
“In comparison to other places, and especially other universities, it has been fairly easy,” Olsen said. “That’s not to say it hasn’t been without difficulties, but I would say it’s been fairly reasonable to navigate.” Much of that experience, Olsen said, is possible because of accommodations and a supportive community. One of the biggest challenges is simply allowing enough time to get across campus. Olsen said the elevator in their dorm can be unpredictable because of how frequently it is used, making it difficult to know exactly how long it will take to leave the building. Olsen also relies on power-assisted wheels attached to their manual wheelchair. The wheels use motors to provide additional assistance based on how hard Olsen pushes. Without the power-assisted wheels, Olsen said navigating UNI would not be possible because of the hills across campus and the lack of a shuttle or bus route throughout the main campus. Olsen experienced that firsthand during the spring semester of her freshman year, when the power-assisted wheels broke and there was no backup. “I ended up not being able to complete half of the semester, and having to take incomplete grades for my classes and finish them over the summer because of how exhausted and discouraged I was,” Olsen said. The experience affected more than Olsen’s ability to get to class. Olsen said the physical exhaustion also affected her mental health and contributed to feelings of isolation. “Since I was unable to go places or do things without completely draining myself physically, I had to pick and choose what I did and who I saw, while watching people around me go places and do things any typical college student would do,” Olsen said. Some areas of campus, however, have made navigating daily life easier. Olsen said most doors are button-activated, including bathroom doors and their dorm room door. The accessibility within her dorm has been particularly positive, especially because it was not advertised to Olsen as an especially accessible residence hall before arriving at UNI. Other parts of campus require more preparation. Before the beginning of each semester, Olsen said she traveled around campus to determine the best routes between their classes. One of the biggest concerns is finding accessible entrances. “Most of the older buildings, like Lang, Seerley and Wright, have stairs at some, if not most entrances, so I have to
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search around the building for an entrance I can get into,” Olsen said. UNI has identified a “Priority Sidewalk Route” designed to provide more
major role in Olsen’s ability to participate in classes and activities. From modifying easels in the art department to lowering a sink in an art education room, Olsen said
Courtesy photo/Natalie Olsen Left to right: Janae Wilkening, Natalie Olsen, Jirah Wiens and Natalie Pothoven at their Taiko concert.
direct paths through the center of campus, with fewer grade changes and an effort to maintain the route during different weather conditions. The route was developed through collaboration between Facilities Management, Student Accessibility Services, University Housing & Dining, the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, Information Technology and students. Weather can also change how accessible campus is. Construction typically means changing a route, Olsen said, but winter weather can have a much greater effect. Snow can make it difficult to move a wheelchair across campus, particularly when sidewalks have not been cleared early enough for morning classes. “I can’t just step through the snow like everyone else, so if there is more than an inch or so of snow, it becomes very difficult to get around and can be damaging to my wheelchair,” Olsen said. Cold temperatures create another challenge. Because Olsen needs to be able to grip the wheels of their chair, there are limits to the gloves she can wear. As a result, their hands can become extremely cold during the winter. Even after reaching a building, accessibility can still require planning. Olsen said one of the first challenges is often finding the elevator in relation to the classroom. Once inside the classroom, however, navigating the space is usually easier. Olsen said professors have been willing to arrange classrooms in ways that allow them to move around. Those professors have also played a
professors have repeatedly found ways to make activities accessible. One of Olsen’s most positive experiences has been with Professor Staci Toma, who teaches Olsen in West African Drum and Dance, Japanese drumming and Brazilian drumming. When Olsen approached Toma about participating in the courses, she was unsure what participation would look like practically. Toma, however, responded with excitement and confidence. Throughout the semester, Toma has adapted activities while still treating Olsen as a capable member of the class. “She never makes a huge deal out of it; she just does it as if it’s something anyone would do and includes me in the problem-solving process,” Olsen said. For West African Drum and Dance, Olsen plays a marimba-like instrument called a gyil. Because the instrument normally sits on the ground, Olsen and Toma worked together to raise it onto wooden boxes so Olsen could reach it and play comfortably. For a taiko performance at the MidAutumn Festival at the Hearst, Toma made sure Olsen could participate without having to navigate stairs onto a stage or be unnecessarily separated from the rest of the band. For the UNI Homecoming parade, Toma arranged for someone to help push Olsen while she continued playing with the ensemble. “It has genuinely been one of the best experiences in my whole academic career,” Olsen said. For Olsen, the most meaningful part
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of those experiences has been being treated as someone who can contribute rather than someone who needs to be worked around. For both students, accessibility is about more than simply having a resource available. It can also mean being able to participate in classes, activities and everyday campus life without constantly having to think about whether a space or situation will work for them. Research on college students with disabilities has similarly found that accessibility can involve several parts of the college experience, including classrooms, campus access, support services and campus climate. A 2019 research brief from the National Center for College Students with Disabilities identified physical barriers, gaps in programs and services, classroom issues and campus climate among the barriers students reported. How August’s and Natalie’s Story Align Martinez said one thing she wishes other students understood is how much effort can go into simply keeping up. Olsen hopes other students can understand that accessibility does not always mean a space is completely inaccessible. Sometimes, the difference is in how much planning, time or energy is required to use it. UNI’s accessibility policy states that no qualified individual with a disability should be excluded from university programs, services or activities because of their disability. Students who encounter accessibility concerns can work with Student Accessibility Services or report concerns through the university’s accessibility and civil rights processes. Ultimately, accessibility is not one universal experience. What works well for one student may not address another student’s needs. For Martinez, that can mean a professor using a microphone, closing a classroom door or making sure students can see their face. For Olsen, it can mean an accessible entrance, a cleared sidewalk, an elevator or a professor willing to modify an activity. For students navigating campus with disabilities, accessibility can shape everyday parts of college life, from hearing a lecture to getting across campus. Their experiences offer a closer look at what accessibility looks like beyond policies and resources, and what it means to feel able to fully participate in campus life. “Something I encourage other students to do is to appreciate the ability that they have to participate in lectures and discussions with an ease or without many difficulties,” Martinez said.
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NEWS
FAITH VANDENBERG News Editor
OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
UNI’S own Letterboxd: The Film Appreciation Club
By Claire Feldmann Staff Writer
Whether you’re a huge movie buff or the occasional movie watcher, look no further because the University of Northern Iowa’s Film Appreciation Club is the organization for you. Students of any movie-watching level are encouraged to come and enjoy a movie, followed with a discussion afterward. The Film Appreciation Club is a casual group whose goal is to get as many UNI students involved as possible, watching movies and discussing the themes and symbolism afterwards. Film Appreciation Club president Ellisa Anderson thinks the club’s strongest suit is how laid-back it is. “We want to be a space where people feel relaxed and don’t feel pressured to have to do anything, but rather just come and enjoy the movie,” Anderson said. She added that students can attend as many or as few meetings as they want. Similarly, Amaiyah Korf, the club’s treasurer, said that the club is trying to “connect with as many students as we can.” And so far this school year, that has been a success. At their first meeting, they watched “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” the 2012 coming-of-age film starring Logan Lerman and Emma Watson, which had a wonderful turnout according to Anderson. On Oct. 2, they had a showing of “But I’m a Cheerleader,” which
stars Natasha Lyonne and premiered in 2000. This was a collaboration with another student organization on campus, UNI Proud. The club meets every Friday at 7 p.m. in the Kamerick Art Building, room 111. More information can be found on their Instagram page (@ unifilmappreciation) or by emailing filmappreciationclub@uni.edu. The club is working hard to get their name out around campus. “I think one of my bigger goals of this club is to try and make it a real presence on campus,” Anderson said. “I want people to know about it, and I want us to have showings and discussions weekly.” And if you’re worried about your lack of movie knowledge, no worries. The discussions afterwards are optional and very casual. The club’s focus is on allowing movies to reach as many students as possible. Korf agrees, saying, “You don’t have to be an expert or have a particular passion for something. You can just come, watch the movie, just relax. That’s what sets us apart. There’s very little pressure.” Group executives believe that the Film Appreciation Club can have a very beneficial impact on campus, if given the opportunity. “It can be something really, really positive for the university,” Anderson remarked. “A nice stress reliever for
Courtesy photo/Film Appreciation Club Exec team from left to right: Ellisa Anderson, Molly Isaacson, Amaiyah Korf and Alacia Hines.
some students and a way for students to have a voice.” With enough support, the club will be able to continue expanding, with more showings and collaborations. So if you are looking for a fun, casual, Friday night activity, head to Kamerick to watch a movie with the Film Appreciation Club. They are always welcoming new people, and
you can come as much or as little as you would like. Discussions are always voluntary, but snacks are guaranteed. And look forward to something exciting for Halloween, which Anderson hinted at. “Give it a chance,” Anderson stated. “Give us a chance to be really powerful on this campus.”
Your friendly local Spider-Man
An anonymous student swings into action to spread joy across campus By Jocelyn Loveless Staff Writer
As the semester begrudgingly pulls uphill, students at the University of Northern Iowa all need a boost. And sometimes that boost is your friendly, neighborhood Spider-Man. If you have been to any football games or other campus events this semester, you most likely have seen the Panther Spider. In his own words, this anonymous student dons a Tobey Maguire-era Spider-Man suit to
Courtesy photo/Panther Spider-Man UNI students pose with the UNI Spider-Man in Maucker Union.
“bring something positive to campus in such a negative world.” Once he started, it became obvious that he had succeeded. “People loved it,” he said. “When I was walking to classes that week, I kept hearing a little bit of buzz about it, and people were like, excited.” How Spider-Man found his stride During Welcome Week at UNI, they had already ordered the costume for Halloween and decided to bring it out. “I thought it was my last year. I’m gonna go out with a bang,” Panther Spider recounted. “So, at CAB After Dark, I said, you know what, if I completely embarrass myself, I’m gonna do it anyway. It got me out of my comfort zone, and people loved it,” he said. As to why he chose Spider-Man specifically: “I’m wearing the Tobey Maguire. Those are my favorite films from years ago. The newest movie had come out, so there’d be a little bit of a buzz, but I didn’t realize how much of a buzz.” A buzz it caused indeed. The social media posts erupted across campus featuring sightings of Panther Spider. “I was walking behind somebody, just heading to class. I was scrolling on my TikTok account, and I added somebody, and I literally heard, ‘Oh my goodness, Panther Spider just followed me,’” he recounted as his favorite interaction to come out of all this.
“Keep things positive, continue to just encourage people to just be them.” Panther Spider-Man When it comes to the future, you can plan on seeing Panther Spider at UNI’s Homecoming game, during Halloween and supporting the new Panther Puppy Club. This new organization partners with Retrieving Freedom, whose mission is, “to change lives through the training and placement of Service Dogs for Veterans with disabilities and children with autism.” You can also see Panther Spider partnering with local businesses. He recently began posting comments on social media as Panther Spider to support businesses. Mama Yeya’s, which will be opening in the mall, invited him to the grand opening after seeing his comments. If you happen to see the campus hero, don’t be afraid to say hi and ask for a picture. Panther Spider’s motto? “Keep things positive, continue to just encourage people to just be themselves. Don’t be afraid to smile and have a good time.”
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N.I. EN ESPAÑOL
N.I. EN ESPAÑOL OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
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HOLDEN FROMM
Assistant Digital Editor
ZACH MINEART Spanish Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
Peleas de espadas, horarios repletas, y todo lo internacional Los programas de estudios en el extranjero de la UNI llevan a los estudiantes a Malta, Francia, Grecia y Tailandia Escrito por Giada Grimes Grace Roth, escritora de Español
Las panteras viajaron por todo el mundo el verano pasado. Desde Tailandia hasta Grecia y desde Francia hasta Malta, los estudiantes aprendieron sobre y experimentaron una gran variedad de culturas a través del programa de estudios en el extranjero de la UNI. Ya sea descubriendo piratas en el Mediterráneo o sumergiéndose en el aprendizaje universitario, la UNI ofrece una gran variedad de programas diferentes. Estos programas ofrecen a los estudiantes la oportunidad de explorar diferentes países y mejorar su currículum. Makalya Crannell, estudiante de tercer año, completó un programa de dos semanas de estudios en el extranjero en Malta, una isla pequeña al sur de Italia. Durante su tiempo allí, aprendía sobre las diferencias culturales y arquitectónicas entre Malta y los Estados Unidos. “La estructura de todo era muy diferente a la de los Estados Unidos; la comida y el agua eran diferentes, al igual que el tráfico, los edificios, las estructuras históricas y muchas otras cosas. Me encantaba descubrir las pequeñas cosas que hacían los malteses que eran diferentes a las de los EE. UU. Algunas estructuras que vi
eran absolutamente hermosas”, dijo Crannell. “Creo que eso fue lo que más me sorprendió: aprender sobre los procesos detrás de algunas de las estructuras, refugios, iglesias, catedrales, aldeas y otros lugares que fueron construidos. Todos tenían tanto significado y propósito; era hermoso”. Ella fue guiada por el profesor de historia de la UNI, Louis Fenech. Durante varios años, Fenech ha estado guiando a los estudiantes por Malta y disfruta mucho de mostrarles los entresijos de este país pintoresco y lo que lo convierte en un destino tan único para viajar. “Una de las cosas que más me encantan es la cultura”, dijo Fenech. “Por la ubicación geográfica de Malta, combina sin esfuerzo las culturas de Europa cristiana con las del norte de África islámico”. El viaje a Malta tuvo una meta intrigante: explorar a los piratas y descubrir las historias tradicionales de los piratas en el Mediterráneo. Los estudiantes incluso podían aprender la lucha con espada de un maestro pirata y recibían una lección de dos horas sobre la lucha con espada, sumergiéndose en la historia de la gente maltesa. Fenech recuerda que esta es la parte más memorable del viaje.
“Todos tomamos un alfanje y aprendimos cómo defendernos y atacar a los piratas en las murallas del Fuerte San Angelo, un grandísimo fuerte del siglo XVI con una vista imponente del Mediterráneo, mientras el sol se ponía. Imponente”, dijo Fenech Estudiante de tercer año, Maya William, por otro lado, estudió en Besançon, Francia, en el Centro de Lingüística Aplicada. Tomó clases intensivas de francés durante sus dos semanas en el extranjero. “Anticipaba que estuviera muy centrado en las clases, ya que solo duraba dos semanas”, dijo Williams. “Fue un horario repleto, pero me gustaba mantenerme ocupada y la universidad ofrecía actividades, así que no tenía que planificar tanto”. A pesar de un viaje tranquilo y una buena experiencia de estudiar en la universidad, Williams tardó un poco más de lo previsto en llegar hasta allí. “Cuando llegué a Besançon, me perdí mientras buscaba el autobús. Por suerte, encontré el autobús y a los amigos que estarían conmigo por el resto de mi viaje en el extranjero”, dijo Williams. “El autobús solo funciona a las siete de la mañana los fines de semana, así que mi amiga Sasha y yo nos despertamos a las tres de la mañana para viajar a Colmar, Francia. Teníamos que caminar durante cuarenta minutos desde nuestros dormitorios hasta la estación de tren. Me encantaría revivir ese día otra vez porque fue tan loco, pero era una experiencia tan divertida”. La profesora Christine Schrage ha participado en varios programas de estudio en el extranjero guiados por la facultad y llevó a los estudiantes a Tailandia el verano pasado. Ella ha visto cómo los estudios en el extranjero han influido positivamente en los estudiantes durante varios años. “He estado facilitando Courtesy photo/Maya Williams evaluaciones de inteligencia Maya Williams en Besançon, Francia, mientras estudiaba en el Centre de cultural desde 2015 tanto a Linguistique Appliqué
Courtesy photo/Makalya Crannell Makalya Crannell en Malta, una pequeña isla al sur de Italia.
los estudiantes de la UNI que viajan en el extranjero como a los programas para estudiantes que he albergado aquí”, dijo ella. “Hay un crecimiento tremendo en los cuatro aspectos de inteligencia cultural en los estudiantes, incluso en solo dos semanas”. La directora de los estudios en el extranjero, Stephanie Rojas, y la directora asistente, Charity Eckhardt, les animan mucho a los estudiantes a explorar los programas que ofrece la UNI. Hay varios programas de verano, pero los estudiantes también pueden estudiar en el extranjero durante un semestre entero o una parte del descanso de invierno. “A algunas personas les intimida mucho estar fuera del país durante un semestre entero, pero sinceramente el tiempo pasa increíblemente rápido”, dijo Eckhardt. “Para cuando llegue y se sienta cómodo, es como, ‘oh, por Dios, ya me tengo que ir”. En todos los programas, se ha demostrado que los estudios en el extranjero hacen que evolucionen
y crezcan las perspectivas culturales y mundiales de los estudiantes, pero hay mucho más de eso. También puede crear conexiones entre estudiantes y empleadores para ayudar a los graduados a encontrar trabajo después de la graduación. “Algunos de nuestros programas con los que nos asociamos tienen ubicaciones donde pueden visitar los lugares y empresas que podrían tener oficinas en todo el mundo, así que los estudiantes pueden obtener un trabajo con ellos”, dijo Rojas. Los estudios en el extranjero ofrecen más que solamente viajar a otro país; les traen a los estudiantes de la UNI una variedad de oportunidades, experiencias y conocimientos diferentes que pueden utilizar fuera de la universidad. Los estudiantes pueden encontrar información sobre los programas de estudios en el extranjero y las solicitudes en el sitio web de los estudios en el extranjero: https://studyabroad.uni. edu/.
LILY MUNNIK
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NEWS
Executive Editor
OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
How do you remember a life when it’s essentially on a tombstone?
UNI students lead a historical tour of Fairview Cemetery
Ulyana Karplyuk Fourth-year psychology student, Micheal Anderson, researched the famous poet James Hearst.
By Ulyana Karplyuk
Assistant News Editor
For 150 years, students and faculty alike have made UNI the university it is today. As we go about our daily routines on campus, we might not realize the substantial impact of our predecessors and how they made it possible for us to continue the path towards education and community. As part of UNI’s Sesquicentennial Celebration and to educate the campus and local community about the contributions of UNI’s most notable figures, students from the Death and Memory class, taught by Dr. Thomas Connors, professor of history at UNI, led free tours of the local Fairview cemetery. Students were stationed throughout the cemetery to tell the stories of individuals who made UNI the institution it is today. In preparation for this event, students chose their preferred historical figure to research. From former university presidents like Homer H. Seerley to prominent creatives such as poet James Hearst, students could find individuals whose work matched their interests. The research process consisted of many steps. Students dove into UNI’s Special
Collections & University Archives and took a trip to Chicago to explore the city’s local cemeteries. Sophomore Orion Anderson, a history teaching major, noted that the group learned about some famous individuals through their gravestones. “We saw Al Capone’s grave… There were lots of bottles of alcohol on it. I laughed,” said Anderson. You can learn a lot about history through gravesites. As a big ancient history fan, Anderson highlighted how much of it is reflected in cemeteries today, and how you can learn more about a person through their gravestone. “When you go through a cemetery, it looks like it’s the same thing, but it’s completely different when you really look at each individual marker,” said Anderson as he pointed out a grave with two triangle-shaped engravings, symbolizing that the individual used to be a mason. Anderson’s passion for all things ancient and seeing it preserved in the modern day is why he decided to take the class in the first place. “I’ve always been fascinated by [ancient history], so I
was like, ‘Go to a place where I get to explore it all? Why not?’” Third-year history major Penni Owings decided to conduct her research on Dr. Basheer Nijim, a geography professor at UNI. “I mainly chose them because of my own interest in the members of the social studies here at UNI, and also my particular interest in Palestine.” Owings’ speech revealed that Dr. Nijim joined the university faculty in 1962 and became head of the department in 1969. During his 22-year career, Dr. Nijim focused on geography and politics in the Middle East and founded the Association of Palestinian Geography with his colleague Dr. Gazirala. “My favorite part about this class has been being able to more deeply understand cemeteries and how the various materials of the headstones can tell different stories,” said Owings. Owings also explained how zinc headstones were common during the pre-WW1 era and were “a symbol for the metal industries within the US.” Many of us know of the
local Hearst Center for the Arts, but what about the person behind it? Micheal Anderson, a fourth-year psychology major with a minor in creative writing, researched the renowned farmer-poet James Hearst, after whom the center was named. Anderson has attended many events at the center, particularly the monthly Final Thursday Night readings. When he learned the poet was one of the options, he knew who to choose. “When I saw the name James Hearst on the sheet of paper, I was like, ‘Oh, I’ll go with [him]’... I figured he would be the most interesting, because he’s also a writer,” he said. Hearst, a native to the area, grew up on a farm, which ultimately influenced his creative work. At age 19, he developed paraplegia due to an unfortunate diving accident, but that did not stop him from living the life he wanted. He continued his work on the homestead and wrote poetry shaped by his rural life. His poetry was published in Wallace’s Farmer magazine, which got him noticed as a writer and got him a teaching
job at UNI, formerly known as the Iowa State Teachers College, “which is crazy to think about, because he didn’t have a degree himself,” said Anderson. “Back then, if you [were] knowledgeable enough about a subject, you were able to teach.” Hearst went on to have a 34-year career as an instructor of creative writing, loved by both faculty and students, and retired in 1975 as a distinguished professor of literature. He was the first professor at UNI to receive an honorary doctorate in literature. “He didn’t describe himself as a teacher, but as someone who simply liked to talk about writing,” added Anderson. By working on a large research project like this in class, students are impacting the community beyond the classroom’s walls. They are also gaining valuable experience in analysis, research and public speaking. As Dr. Connors said. “I hope they learn how history’s everywhere and how cemeteries are the densest historic landscape in any community, how much it has to say about the people that live and work there.”
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NEWS OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
LILY MUNNIK Executive Editor
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
SCOOTER
continued from page 1
Bicycles that are improperly parked or placed may be impounded by cutting and removal of a locked device, if necessary, as well as any and all bicycles left on campus after spring and summer are considered abandoned and will be impounded. Extreme caution should be exercised at all times, and pedestrians always have the right of way on campus property. For other methods, such as skateboards, rollerblades, roller skates and electronic personal vehicles, such as scooters and bikes, there aren’t as many restrictions. However, most of them are still the same, with a few exceptions. These can only be ridden on sidewalks and hard-surface areas where bicycles are permitted; pedestrians have the right of way at all times, and they have to be ridden in a careful manner, with reasonable regard for the safety of the operator and other persons. If this is violated, a citation will be issued, and the vehicle will be impounded. The regulations for an impounded vehicle are relatively simple, but change based on the type of vehicle. For bicycles, up to four impounded bikes may be claimed within three months after impoundment upon proper identification and payment of a $5 impoundment fee. However, bikes im-
pounded and unclaimed after three months will be sold at auction. For other vehicles, it is relatively similar, with having students pay a fee, plus any outstanding parking or safety citations to receive it. If the vehicle is left unclaimed for a period of three months, it will be disposed of by the Department of Public Safety. “I don’t want to paint everybody with the same brush because we do have people who are responsible, just like vehicle drivers, but some probably go too fast on those things,” said Helen Haire, UNI Department of Public Safety director. “And why they do that, I don’t know; maybe they have a comfort level. People go too fast on vehicles, motorcycles and bicycles, so they do the same thing on those e-scooters.” Should be speed limit restrictions put in place for the use of electronic transportation on campus? “That would be difficult, because technically vehicles aren’t supposed to ride on sidewalks. So to have something like that, I really don’t see it as possible,” Haire said. “I could be mistaken, but that would be very, very difficult to come up with, and then who determines what that speed limit is on a sidewalk?” How U of Iowa, Iowa State regulate e-bikes, scooters The University of Iowa, for example, also regulates
Delaney Von Ahsen/Northern Iowan In the center of campus near Wright Hall and Rod Library sits several bike racks that are often filled with scooters.
electronic personal vehicles. Most of the rules are the same as UNI, but there are a couple of different ones that stand out. For instance, when a rider operating an electronic personal bicycle, or an ordinary one, is within five bicycle lengths of other individuals who may be walking, skating or in a wheelchair, the riders must slow their speed to match the general pace of the pedestrian flow. Also, riders must always maintain a minimum of one bicycle-length separation from other individuals in a pedestrian area, and if they are unable to do so, they should proceed
no faster than the pace of a slow walk, or dismount and walk until a legal pass can be made. The regulations that are very similar to UNI are that bicycles and e-mobility devices are prohibited from being ridden inside university buildings, and are prohibited from being ridden on nonpaved areas, such as grass and planting beds, unless it is a designated bicycle trail. When anyone operating a bicycle or e-mobility device is passing, they should verbally notify individuals on which side they intend to pass on, and the riders are responsible for the safe
operation of their vehicle at all times. Iowa State University has different regulations for electronic transportation devices. There are designated bike lanes on ISU campus, and electronic personal vehicles are not allowed outside of those. They are not permitted on campus pedestrian sidewalks and cannot be parked anywhere other than on designated bike racks. This was created to prevent a safety hazard for pedestrians and riders. They are also not allowed inside ISU campus buildings, on sidewalks, lawns or by poles.
Maucker Union: Growing with our community By Mia Kelly Staff Writer
The University of Northern Iowa’s Maucker Union is the hotspot for student networking and involvement on campus. Located in the heart of campus next to Rod Library, Wright Hall and the Innovative Teaching and Technology Center (ITTC), the union serves as a multipurpose space where students can hang out no matter the occasion. How the Union building came about: A look back at history Before Maucker Union became what it is today, the main area for relaxing, socializing and campus dining, the Commons building, located near the Campanile, held this position. According to University Archives, construction started in August 1932, and the building took 90,000 bricks and $215,000 to build. After opening in September 1933, it quickly became a dominant social hub on campus, featuring a cafeteria, a food and beverage
room, music lounge and recreational areas. Popular activities included dancing, reading and playing card games. The Formation of Maucker Union In 1958, the college’s fifth president, James W. Maucker, instituted a faculty-and-student-led committee led by Paul Bender, the Dean of Students at the time, where they discussed expanding the Commons due to growing enrollment. However, this project was halted due to a large portion of its funding being allocated to construct dormitories in the early 1960s. In May 1963, Bender hoped to begin construction of the union in 1964. The building would double in size and introduce dining rooms, kitchens, a billiards and table tennis room, a library, a music listening room, a chapel and student media and government offices. Construction finally started in April
1967, and the 120,000-square-foot University Union opened to the public in April 1969. The total construction budget, funded by student fees, cost $1.98 million. During his dedication speech at opening week, President Maucker stated, “I wish, on behalf of the entire university community, to dedicate this University Union to the development of friendlier human relationships, exciting conversation, and truly educative cultural experiences to the end that all who gather here may be finer human beings for having spent some time in our Union.” In 1974, the university decided to change the building’s name from University Union to Maucker Union in honor of Maucker’s legacy. Professor Neal Jacobs attended UNI for undergraduate studies from 1981 to 1982, returned for graduate studies in
1984 and has been a theatre professor at UNI since 2012. He remembers the union as a busy place for both faculty and students, saying that entertainment included televisions inside individual viewing rooms and events advertised on the walls. “The theatre department would occasionally let actors do a scene in front of an audience, or someone from the music department would play their instrument,” he said. Dining options in the 1980s were limited. Besides a soda and snack room, there was a Hardee’s restaurant, with only a few menu options to select from Jacobs also noted architectural changes, including three large fountains outside of Maucker and the bridge that connected Sabin Hall to the Union, which have since been removed.
Read more online at NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
LILY MUNNIK
PAGE 7
OPINION
Executive Editor
OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
10 must-see movies for October By Brendon Schnathorst Staff Writer
The leaves are falling, baristas across campus are sick of brewing pumpkin spice lattes and students are trying to find the perfect activity to get them into the Halloween spirit. Presented here are 10 titles to delve into the Halloween spirit.
‘Ghostbusters’ (1984)
For 40 years, this film has remained a staple of American comedy, making it one of the best movies to watch. Following three scientists who form a group designed to hunt ghosts, the film has a warm, inviting atmosphere that echoes fall in the city. With many quotable lines, fantastically funny but real characters and iconic moments, it’s no wonder why this movie has remained popular. It’s a story of how nerds can use science to save the world, friendship and 1980s swag. Currently available to stream on Hulu.
Courtesy photo/IMDb “Ghostbusters” was released in 1984. The director was Ivan Reitman and the main characters were played by Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Sigourney Weaver, Harold Ramis and Rick Moranis.
‘Ginger Snaps’ (2000)
In what feels like the love child of “Heathers” and “An American Werewolf in London,” “Ginger Snaps” embodies edgy teen angst. We see two death-obsessed sisters whose encounter with a werewolf results in deathly, yet hilarious consequences. From the opening scene, the fall vibes bleed off the screen viciously. The sisters are snarky, nihilistic, yet real, making their sisterhood and how they become foils to one another quite touching. Despite its gory nature and black comedy, it will appeal to the most seasoned Halloween enjoyer. Currently available to stream on Tubi.
‘House’ (1977) “House” is one of the most difficult movies to describe. It’s a comedy. It’s a horror. It’s a tragic tale of grief. The director’s 5-year-old daughter co-wrote it. When it comes to this movie, the less you know, the better. Using filmmaking techniques and storytelling flair like animation, stop motion, paint and puppets, Obayashi made one of Japan’s craziest movies. The colors, the over-the-top characters and the crazy horror elements make this movie something you have to see to believe. Currently available to stream on HBO MAX.
the sheer madness. In Director Dan Aykroyd’s only feature, he plays a 106-year-old judge who holds multiple people hostage. Aykroyd is goofy, and his mind is on full display here. Some parts of this movie don’t seem real, but he managed to make it work. The makeup and set design are impeccable, despite its many flaws. If you need a good-bad movie to watch this year, give it a shot. Currently available to stream on Tubi.
‘The Innocents’ (1961) In one of the first adaptations of Henry James’ “The Turn of the Screw,” Clayton showed his talent for unnerving audiences. “The Innocents” follows a young woman haunted by the spirits while watching over two young children. This is one of the most unsettling movies I’ve ever seen. There aren’t too many jump scares, and it’s a slow burn, but a feeling of dread haunts this compelling narrative. The shot composition, lighting and framing lead to one of the best haunted house movies to watch past 3 a.m. Currently available to stream on the Internet Archive.
‘Paranorman’ (2012) With the upcoming release of Laika Studio’s “Wildwood,” it’s always fun to revisit some of their other stop-motion films, and “Paranorman” is an essential fall watch. Focusing on an unpopular boy who can see the dead, forced to team up with family and rivals to stop a zombie apocalypse, this movie will charm parents and their mature children. Currently available to stream on Hulu.
‘Jennifer’s Body’ (2009) This is one of the most misunderstood movies of the century, given how much care Director Karyn Kusama and screenwriter Diablo Cody put into exploring female exploitation, while balancing brilliant dark comedy. This is manifested through the display of female friendship between two girls, and how one attempted sacrifice leads to murder. Cody, who went on to write “Lisa Frankenstein,” imbues the film with witty and ridiculous dialogue that adds so much charm to this world. Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried play these characters to their max, and the way they work with the beautiful cinematography and shots adds so much energy to this underrated gem. Currently available to stream on Hulu.
‘Halloween III: Season of the Witch’ (1983)
Though it was panned upon release, this movie has since been reappraised as an underrated gem in the Halloween franchise. The entire movie has the mood of a Spirit Halloween, following a hospital worker and the daughter of a murder victim investigating a mysterious costume company that targets children. Despite its flaws, the movie oozes Halloween spirit, with vibrant fall colors creating a warm environment that contrasts with the sterile evil of corporations. From the opening scene to the horrific, showstopping ending, this failed anthology attempt is a fun watch with friends. Currently available to stream on Peacock.
Courtesy photo/IMDb “Halloween III: Season of the Witch” was released in 1983. The director was Tommy Lee Wallace and the main characters were played by Tom Atkins, Stacy Nelkin and Dan Herlihy.
Courtesy photo/IMDb “Jennifer’s Body” was released in 2009. The director was Karyn Kusama and the main characters were played by Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried (pictured) and Adam Brody.
‘The Love Witch’ (2015) If you were to look this movie up, you would think it was made 50 years ago, not 11. The exquisite colors and mise-en-scène support the story of a murderous witch trying to find love. For lovers of the macabre, beautiful photography, elegant costumes and women trying to find their purpose in life, this movie will succeed. The ways witchcraft is interjected into the narrative are fascinating, the characters are all quirky and fun, and our lead is extremely sympathetic. Currently available to stream on Tubi. ‘Nothing But Trouble’ (1991) This is one of the guiltiest of guilty pleasures. Barely anything about this movie works, from the comedy to the horror, but it’s worth watching for
Courtesy photo/IMDb “Paranorman” was released in 2012. The directors were Chris Butler and Sam Fell and the main characters were played by Kodi SmitMcPhee, Anna Kendrick, Christopher Mintz-Plasse, Casey Affleck and John Goodman.
‘Repo: The Genetic Opera’ (2009) After making a string of “Saw” movies, Darren Lynn Bousman brought his attention to a baffling rock horror musical that deserves its cult status. Within this narrative, we see a dystopian future following a girl and the world she lives in, where body modification is the rage and body parts are used as credit. There is such great ambition within every scene of this movie, so even scenes that don’t work have a factor of allurement. The musical numbers are snappy, the world is utterly fascinating and the costumes are one to behold. It’s ridiculous, and at times, downright bad, but there is a commitment to its weirdness that makes it appealing during this time. Currently available to stream on Tubi.
Courtesy photo/IMDb “Repo: The Genetic Opera” was released in 2009. The director was Darren Lynn Bousman and the main characters were played by Alexa PeneVega, Paul Sorvino and Paris Hilton.
Vote for your favorite Halloween movie on our website at northerniowan.com
PAGE 8
MICHAEL SPAHN
SPORTS OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
Sports Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
XC competes at Dan Huston Invite Panthers look ahead to Bradley Pink Classic By Michael Spahn Sports Editor The UNI cross country team placed two runners in the top 30 at the Dan Huston Invite in Waverly, Iowa, on Oct. 3. The Panthers had four runners participating across the men’s and women’s teams, with Brooke O’Brien and Abbi Durow running in their first 6K race of the season, while Caleb Kass and Caleb Rankin ran their first 8K sprint. In the women’s 6K race, O’Brien took 14th place in a time of 23:08. Durow placed 27th in a time of 23:41 in her collegiate debut on the course. In the men’s 8K race, Kass finished in 69th place with a time of 27:06. Rankin took 100th with a time of 27:40. Both the men’s and women’s team will travel to Peoria, Illinois, on Friday, Oct. 16, to participate in the Bradley Pink Classic. The women will once again run the 6K race, while
the men will run the 8K. Head coach Alex Teubel believes the competition in Peoria will be a great test for her group. “At the Bradley meet, we’ll have a lot of Valley competition, which will be great to be able to compare and see where we stack up heading into the postseason,” said Teubel in her weekly coaches press conference. “I’m not content with where we are at, but I’m happy with what we saw in this first 6K and 8K, and I’m just excited for the next few weeks.” Heading into the Bradley Pink Classic, Claire Wright still holds the best 6K time for the women’s team with a 21:32 finish at the Gans Creek Classic. Meghan Wheatley is close behind with 21:42, while Josee Simonson finished with 21:47. For the men’s team, Chase Lauman has the best 8K finish with a time of 24:39. Carson Owens has the second best time with 24:54, while Ethan Olds follows with 24:57.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Brooke O’Brien runs towards the finish line at the Hawkeye Invite. O’Brien finished with a time of 23:08 in the 6K at the Dan Huston Invite.
MICHAEL SPAHN
PAGE 9
SPORTS
Sports Editor
Running through adversity OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
Lillie and Wheatley turn hardship into success
By Carter Lust Assistant Sports Editor “It hurts to walk now.” One of the most haunting realizations an athlete can have: Pain now radiates even with the most basic movements. Often, it signifies considerable time away from competition and countless hours of rehab. For distance runners, it can be incredibly daunting, especially when your sport revolves around putting one foot in front of the other. And for Collin Lillie, it was his biggest setback in proving he belonged at the Division I level. Lillie attended St. Albert High School in Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he was a two-time All-State cross country runner and a five-time state track and field medalist. Although Lillie saw great success on the course and oval, he was not heavily recruited out of high school. Nevertheless, he walked on to the Northern Iowa cross country and track teams, eager to show he could compete on the country’s biggest collegiate stage. However, after his freshman cross country season, Lillie began noticing a nagging hip pain that eventually worsened to the point that it hurt to walk. Doctors in Iowa City confirmed that Lillie had torn his labrum, sending him to the hospital for surgery and ending his current training block. “It was kind of a shock,” said Lillie. “I was stunned.” What started as a surprise soon became a prolonged reality: Lillie would miss his entire indoor and outdoor track campaigns, as well as next fall’s cross country season. “It was definitely a hurdle mentally, and then physically having to slowly work back into things,” reflected Lillie. “That was tough for me too.” “But our coach (Alex Trubel) worked with me great and spoke confidence into me. I really didn’t have much to worry about,” he noted. After almost a year away from competition, Lillie returned with newfound motivation and strength, which he showcased on the grass and track. In 2025, Lillie was UNI’s top cross country athlete and served as the team’s frontrunner for most of the year. He carried that momentum into the indoor
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Collin Lillie smiles for his media day headshot. Lillie enters his third season with both UNI cross country and track teams.
track season, where he broke the Northern Iowa 5K school record in 14:20.39. Although Lillie had a “rocky” start to outdoor track, he rebounded entering the postseason, scoring in the 10K-5K double at the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) championships. With less than a day separating the two events, Lillie took fourth in the 10K and eighth in the 5K. “I think a lot of that comes from being injured for nine months – I knew how to handle adversity and performed when I needed it most,” said Lillie. Following an emphatic end to his season, Lillie accepted the opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2026 FISU America Games in Peru, an international competition for university students. From travel intricacies to the living quarters and cultural experience, Lillie described his time overseas as unlike anything “he’d ever seen before.” Even after contracting a stomach parasite the day before his race, Lillie still placed second in a tactical 10K, running 31:03.38 to come home with a silver medal. Now, Lillie enters the 2026 cross country season with big goals. “On my best day, I can win the Valley,” he said. “I also want to get to the national meet – those are my two biggest goals, and I’m just trusting the process until we get there.” Lillie also noted how strong the Panthers look as a team
heading into the 2026 season. For the first time since Lillie was a freshman, his entire class is healthy and looking to help UNI make some noise at the MVC championships. The men are eyeing a podium finish and a conference title, and fans can expect greater consistency along with a more dynamic team than in years past. “We’ve had a good summer, and we’re ready,” Lillie said. “We want to leave (the program) better than where we found it.” Similarly, UNI women’s cross country and track athlete Meghan Wheatley is also leading the Panthers through her journey of perseverance. Wheatley’s Story Wheatley entered UNI as a three-time Iowa Class 1A All-State cross country and track runner from North Linn High School, where she also set the Lynx’s 5K school record (17:40.3). Although Wheatley saw great success on the course and oval, she also dealt with an eating disorder that limited her throughout high school. Wheatley’s struggles with underfueling led to long periods away from running. Yet, through her inner diligence and the help of her family, friends and coaches, she fought to regain her strength and restore her health. By her senior year at North Linn, Wheatley said she was doing well mentally and physically, which helped her place second in the 3K state championship.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Meghan Wheatley smiles for her media day headshot. Wheatley enters her third season for both UNI cross and country and track teams.
However, when Wheatley began to prep for her freshman cross country season at UNI, the current junior began “falling back into old habits,” which limited her training and ability to compete with the team. It “became very isolating,” Wheatley said, as she could only run three days a week and wasn’t racing in meets. But it also served as a “wake-up call.” “When running was taken away from me… I realized I’m not gonna be able to do what I want to do if I keep making these decisions that are pointing me in the wrong direction,” said Wheatley. “If I go backward, I will lose running again.” Again, Wheatley faced a similar challenge, and again she fought through it with her persistent mindset, the help of those close to her, therapists and sports dietitians. “When you have an eating disorder, you don’t want people to know about it. You don’t want people to change what you’re doing because you think what you’re doing is right,” said Wheatley. “In the beginning you do perform better, and you don’t want to change when you’re doing well, and the more you want to hide it.” Wheatley expressed how making people aware of the risks associated with eating disorders, like low bone density, disrupted hormones, constant fatigue and frequent illness or injuries, can help alleviate the stigma surrounding its secrecy. “Smaller doesn’t equal faster; stronger equals faster,” said
Wheatley. “I’m in a much better spot now because I know how to support myself with people.” Wheatley is back competing healthily and with a newfound passion. She opened the 2026 cross country season with a 14:35.1 4K at the Hawkeye Invite, the sixth-fastest time ever by a Panther over the distance. “I’m not taking it for granted anymore, “ said Wheatley. “I feel stronger in workouts this year, and I feel like my mindset is much better.” Wheatley also finished her first 6K of the year at the Gans Creek Classic in 21:42.5, her second-fastest time ever. She was the second Northern Iowa runner across the finish line, an encouraging sign as the team enters the midst of the racing season. This year, Wheatley and the Panthers look to lean on their entire roster and also make a run at an MVC championship in November. “We have a lot of depth; anybody on any given day can take it,” said Wheatley. “We have a lot of people who can have a really good day and step into the top five. I don’t think it really drops [off].” With almost a full slate of racing ahead, Wheatley knows it is critical to “take it one workout and one run at a time,” and to “get better at that day.” Because when you take things day by day, you learn to appreciate the process of overcoming hardship, just like Lillie and Wheatley.
PAGE 10
SPORTS OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
MICHAEL SPAHN Sports Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
Dinnebier takes first place in Illinois By Mason Kalkbrenner Sports Writer The UNI men’s and women’s golf teams were on the move last week to compete in two prestigious tournaments. The men’s team played in Madison, Illinois, on Sept. 28-29 in the SIUE Dolenc Invitational. That same day, the women’s team competed in the Diane Thomason Invitational in Pleasant Valley, hosted by the University of Iowa. UNI finished 15th at the 17-team tournament, shooting a total of 877 (+25). While the team didn’t come out on top, UNI crowned its first individual tournament champion since 2022 and its first outright tournament champion since 2017. Senior Tanner Dinnebier shot a 203 (-10), the best of his career, and won the tournament by one stroke. Across the threeround tournament, he shot 68, 67 and 68. He is the first Panther to shoot in the 60s in all three rounds since 2007. Sophomore Anthony Galvin had himself a day as well, shooting a 225 (+12) and landing five birdies total. Junior Sam Wahman scored the only eagle on the day for the Panthers on a 227 (+14) score, while Zach McCarty (senior) and Drew Spooner (junior)
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Tanner Dinnebier tees off at the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference Championships in Des Moines, Iowa. Dinnebier took first individually at the SIUE Dolenc Invitational.
both shot a 228 (+15) to close out the day. Although the UNI women’s team came up short in the team rankings, the first-years and sophomores showed early signs of promise in their young careers. Even while finishing 13th out of the tournament’s 13 teams, the Panthers put together some impressive individual
scores. Freshman Camille Wood led the UNI ladies with a score of 234 (+21), finishing in 42nd overall. Wood completed the three-round tournament with scores of 75, 76 and 83. Seniors Addison Berg and Greenlee Smock tied for 56th place, with both shooting a 242 (+29) across three rounds. Smock
led the way with seven birdies across the tournament, while Berg stayed strong and consistent, shooting 27 pars. Sophomore Jane Petersen secured 71st place on a 249 (+36) score, followed by sophomore Lauren Nuss (IND) with a tournament score of 254 (+41) in 77th place. Freshman Brinley Carlson rounded out
the day with a score of 280 (+67), placing 79th overall. The UNI men’s team will head south for the Bubba Barnett Intercollegiate in Jonesboro, Arkansas, on Oct. 12-13. Meanwhile, the UNI women’s team will travel to Omaha, Nebraska, to compete in the Big O Classic, also on Oct. 12-13.
UNI soccer swarmed by Redbirds By Sam O’Hair Sports Writer The University of Northern Iowa women’s soccer team traveled to Normal, Illinois, where they lost to the Illinois State Redbirds on Sunday, Oct. 4, by a score of 6-0. UNI head coach Alex Place Thomas offered her thoughts on the match in her weekly coaches press conference on Monday, Oct. 5. “We had a few defensive mistakes, however, it led to a bigger goal differential then we would’ve liked,” said Place Thomas. “The girls are motivated to get into this next week and be back at home.” The Redbirds would dominate the initial moments of the match. Illinois State would find a shot on target and then draw a penalty in the first minute following a UNI handball in the box. Senior defender Mikayla Carkhuff sank the penalty to give ISU an early 1-0 lead.
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Junior forward Kylie Knief attempts a right-footed shot on the pitch. Knief played 65 minutes in UNI’s matchup against Illinois State.
Junior midfielder Ella Ubben, who scored a brilliant outside the box goal in the Panthers’ last outing against the Bruins, recorded UNI’s sole shot on goal in the first half in
the 11th minute. Ubben’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Madi Valenti, shortly before Redbird attacker Rylann Law would double ISU’s lead to 2-0 in the 23rd minute.
From there, the Panthers struggled to escape their own half of the field. Illinois State created five more shots on target throughout the half, each saved by UNI
goalkeeper Hailey Luedke, until conceding two goals before the halftime whistle to catapult the Redbirds to a 4-0 lead. Luedke recorded eight saves in the first half, before being replaced by substitute goalkeeper Poppy Anderson in the second half. The match quickly turned physical, with six fouls issued before the Redbirds found a pair of goals, both in the 58th minute to bring their lead to 6-0. The 72nd minute saw a yellow card booked on UNI defender Allison McCleery. Seven minutes later, Ubben would record the Panthers second shot on target of the contest. The match concluded at full-time 6-0, as the Panthers slipped to 1-9-1 on the season and 1-2 in conference play. Looking ahead, the Panthers will host Valparaiso on Sunday, Oct. 11th for a homecoming match at the UNI Soccer Field. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. (CT).
PAGE 11
MICHAEL SPAHN
SPORTS OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
NORTHERNIOWAN.COM
|
Sports Editor
VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
UNI volleyball sweeps competition
Panthers top Redbirds and Braves in road trip
Photo Courtesy/UNI Athletics
Cassidy Hartman (2) and Grace Hannam (16) attempt to earn a point in UNI’s match against Bradley on Oct. 3. Hartman ended the match with eight kills.
By Michael Spahn Sports Editor The UNI volleyball team completed a successful two game road trip last week, earning 3-0 sweeps against Illinois State on Oct. 1 and Bradley on Oct. 2. Head coach Bobbi Petersen was impressed with the team’s ability to stay the course during the two game road trip. “This week we had some moments of some really good volleyball and some rough moments,” said Petersen in her weekly coaches press conference. “I’m really proud of our team and their ability to work through those rough moments and find a way to win at two really tough places.” In the first contest against Illinois State, Lily Dykstra led the offense with a team high 15
kills, followed by a double-digit performance from Cassidy Hartman with 11. Reese Booth distributed the ball well offensively, leading UNI in assists with 25. UNI started Thursday’s match on a 8-3 run, taking advantage of three Redbird attack errors, along with kills from Dykstra, Isabelle Elliot and Grace Hannam. Illinois State would close the gap, tying UNI at 19-19 late in set one. Dykstra would earn back-to-back kills, while Elliot earned two more to propel UNI to a 25-23 win in set one. The Panthers had more smooth sailing in the second set, never trailing throughout its entirety. Maryn Bixby contributed two kills in UNI’s early 7-2 run to start the set, while Dykstra and Hartman each added one to the scoring streak. Illinois State would trim
the lead to 11-10, but a few errors from the Redbirds followed by back-to-back service aces from Booth broadened the margin to 15-11. The Panthers would hang on to win set two 25-18, with Hartman posting five kills on offense. After both teams went back and forth in set three, Illinois State jumped out to a 14-10 lead halfway through. UNI slimmed the lead to 14-13 courtesy of two Hartman kills followed by one from Dykstra. After an attack error from the Redbirds with the score at 17-17, Dykstra converted on two kills while Calia Clubb added another to make it 2119 Panthers. Hartman would take command, adding two more kills to close the door in set three and award UNI the sweep. UNI then made the short trip to Peoria, Illinois, to take
on the Bradley Braves. Dykstra once again led the team in kills with 13, followed by an impressive performance from Clubb with 12. The Panthers started set one against Bradley on a 5-2 run with Bixby and Hartman notching one kill each. UNI widened the margin to 11-4 after two errors by the Braves offense and two kills from Bixby. UNI’s largest lead throughout the set was 21-10, eventually earning a dominant 25-15 win in set one. UNI came into set two firing on all cylinders. The Panthers went on a 8-0 run highlighted by two kills from Clubb, along with one each from Dykstra and Hartman. Bradley would narrow the lead to 13-10, but Dykstra responded by rattling off three straight kills during a 5-1 run to make it 18-12 Panthers.
Bradley had one last push, cutting UNI’s lead to just 2018. After a series of attack errors from the Braves, Dykstra and Clubb closed the set with one kill each to award UNI the victory. Clubb led UNI in kills in set two with six of them. The Braves took command early in set three, marching to a 9-4 lead. UNI cut the lead to 12-10 after two errors from the Braves and Dykstra converting two kills. With the Panthers trailing 17-16 late into the set, the team rallied a 9-5 scoring run to earn the victory in set three and the sweep. Dykstra led UNI with five kills in set three followed by three from Clubb. UNI improves to 10-5 on the season and returns to action on Thursday, Oct. 8, against Drake inside the McLeod Center. The match begins at 6 p.m. CT.
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ETC. OCTOBER 7, 2026 |
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Across
1) Write on stone, maybe 5) Request at the bottom of an invitation 9) Follower of Jah, informally 14) "Me neither" 15) Great Plains tribe 16) Set of moral principles 17) Famous ___ cookies 18) Downfall in pinball 19) Course for future therapists, for short 20) Spot to work out knotted muscles 23) U.F.O. occupants, in brief 24) Yank 25) Reach quickly, as a conclusion 29) Internet meme feline 31) "___ your mouth!" 33) Stadium cheer 34) Holiday at the end of Ramadan, informally 35) Memphis barbecue staple 37) Military rank above cpl. 38) Tusked animals 39) Squiggle shape 40) Key to Aladdin's success 42) ___ Paulo, Brazil 43) Before, poetically 44) Acorn growers 45) Dress seen at Oktoberfest
48( Black ___ (some spiders) 50) Mental cloud 51) Drag performer's accessory 52) "Ah, that's where things get difficult"… or what can be said about 20- ,35- and 40-Across? 56) Singer Baker 59) When Fantine sings "I Dreamed a Dream" in "Les Misérables" 60) Block toy with its own chain of theme parks 61) Bathroom door sign 62) Occasion for a teen to rent a tux 63) Spot for a wolf pack 64) Weapon in a scabbard 65) Manager of an apt. bldg. 66) Squeaks (by)
Down
1) Tooth covering 2) Fruit, botanically, that's treated as a vegetable 3) One way to sit while meditating 4) Snake's warning 5) Cheap hooch 6) ___ Larsson, author of "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" 7) Bygone electric Chevy 8) Org. that advocates for "cruelty-free" products 9) Filled to the gills 10) Completely lost
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VOLUME 123, ISSUE 7
SUDOKU
11) Not likely to make the first move, say 12) Unconscious mannerism 13) German outburst 21) Slightly 22) Things you might see when you're not wearing glasses 26) Escape from jail 27) Clickables at the top of a computer screen 28) Exclamations of surprise 30) Commercial lead-in to card 31) Inundates with junk mail 32) Musical instrument in the Guinness logo 35) Luxuriate in a bathtub 36) "___ Window" 37) South Asian dress 38) Nonchalant 40) Kitten's call 41) Ranch worker 42) [Oh, well] 45) Serve a jail sentence 46) Dance craze of the 2010s 47) Hercules had 12 of these 49) Playful aquatic animal 50) Camera lens setting 53) Emulates Big Boi and Lil' Kim 54) Light beige 55) Woods of "Legally Blonde" 56) Reactions to something adorable 57 "Immediately!" 58) "If you ask me…," to a texter
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