Northwest Missourian Feb. 8, 2024

CON V ERGING CA MPUS & COMMUNIT Y

NORTHWEST MISSOURIAN THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 2024

MARYVILLE, MISSOURI

NWMISSOURINEWS.COM

VOL. 112, NO. 19

‘ YOU NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH YOU

IMPACT’

@THEMISSOURIAN

MACHB to be sent out to students, provide new feedback HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

It’s coming to the time of year where students fill out an anonymous survey called the MACHB, the Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors. This year’s survey will open Feb. 12 and close Feb. 26.

Missouri Partners in Prevention hosts this survey annually to 21 public and private universities and then around June will share the results with the schools. Assistant Vice President of Health and Wellbeing Tyler Tapps and Wellness Educator Suzanne Von Behren use this information to build programs for Northwest. “(It’s) important to know the value that they have,” Von Behren said. “That by being a part of the random selection is so important. They’re speaking for their classmates or speaking for the University and that helps us drive programming.”

Tapps said students that use Wellness Services resources are retained at a

FILE

Vice President of Culture and University Police Chief Clarence Green addresses the Northwest graduating class of 2019 at Bearcat Arena Dec. 20, 2019. Green has announced his retirement effective March 31.

Clarence Green announces retirement after 28 years of service at Northwest

V

SIDNEY LOWRY Editor-in-Chief | @sidney_lowry

ice President of Culture and Police Chief Clarence Green is ending a 28-year-long chapter at Northwest, as he will be retiring March 31.

Green said this decision didn’t come out of nowhere, and his plan for retirement has been in the works for four years.

“The whole reason I’m retiring is it really connects with my purpose, and my why, which is being a lifelong learner,” Green said. “I think it’s time for me to really think about, how do I grow and develop? …This is just a natural part of that development, going on to do something else, somewhere else, in a serving capacity.”

Green came to Northwest and earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1994 and joined the University Police Department in 1996. In 1997, he was appointed chief of police and has filled that position for 27 years. Alongside his work at UPD, he has held many different positions across campus including vice president of culture, interim vice president of diversity and inclusion, interim president of human

resources, and most recently interim president of the University for the 2022-23 academic year.

He said he’s gotten many questions as to why he’s leaving at the end of March rather than the end of the school year, and for him the answer is simple.

“I first became a police officer in April of ’94, and so that has some sentiment for me as it’s an ending of a chapter because April was when I was commissioned,” Green said. “In 2024, the reason I chose that year is four is my favorite number.”

Since the announcement, many alumni, students and community members have reached out through social media to congratulate Green.

“A strong Black leader that many can appreciate for his dedication to education and personal growth,” Alumnus Kirayle Jones said on X, formerly known as Twitter. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the Dr./Chief and wish you the very best in your retirement.”

“You bring positivity to everything you do, Northwest will miss you Clarence!” Alumna Kaitlin Graham said on Instagram.

SEE RETIREMENT | A4

13%

higher rate than the average.

Northwest’s sample size of students was the second highest among the 21 institutions. Von Behren said students giving honest feedback is important and she wants students to take advantage of this anonymous platform to help guide the University in wellness education and programs.

“I look at it as a mechanism for the students to shout out to us like, ‘here’s what we really need, here’s what’s going on in our lives,’” Tapps said.

There are 10 main areas MACHB questions are based on — alcohol use and abuse, perceptions of other student’s health behaviors, illicit substance abuse, tobacco use, mental health, power-based personal violence, sexual health, driving safety, perceptions of prevention and policy on campus and sense of belonging. Northwest’s priority categories are alcohol use and abuse and mental health.

SEE WELLNESS | A4

Behavioral Science Association to host annual mental health art exhibit ANNA BAILEY News Reporter | @AmBailey16

Northwest’s Behavioral Science Association is collecting submissions until Feb. 12 for its annual “I Will Listen” art exhibit.

After doing this event since 2018, for the first time the Behavioral Science Association’s “I Will Listen” art exhibit will be accepting every submission to the event. In past years, the Behavioral Science Association would choose between all of the submissions and decide what will be displayed for the event.

Lauren Slocum, who is currently set to become the Behavioral Science Association’s public relations chair, said that “I Will Listen” is an event that they do that supports a larger movement from the National Association of Mental Illness.

AN INDEPENDENT STUDENT NEWSPAPER SINCE 1914.

“The goal of ‘I Will Listen’ is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness and to promote a healthy well-being,” Slocum said.

Any kind of art can be submitted to the exhibit.

In recent years they have had people submit dances, poetry, pottery, painting and more.

The submissions for “I Will Listen” are open to students and staff of Northwest, schools in and around Maryville, grades K-12, and from within Maryville’s community. One of the places this exhibit has received submissions from in the past is Oak Pointe of Maryville retirement home.

President of the Behavioral Science Association Jada Irving said Oak Pointe submitted a piece four years ago and it has been shown in the exhibit every year since then.

SEE EXHIBIT | A4

PLEASE

RECYCLE

Feb. 8, 2024 @TheMissourian

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NEWS

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Measuring 4 feet in length and over 3 feet tall, the Churchtank Type 15 is one of the many art pieces sculpted by Kris Kuksi that is displayed in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building Feb. 6. Kuksi’s exhibit was supposed to be opened Jan. 22, however due to inclement weather conditions the opening was postponed to Jan. 29.

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Heaven’s Gate is one of the many pieces by Kris Kuksi that is showcased at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building Feb. 6. Kuksi has sold some of his pieces to Alicia Keys, Robin Williams, Usher and Guilermo del Toro.

Visiting artist displays work at Northwest, holds workshops HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504 DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

Northwest hosted a DeLuce Art Gallery and lecture at 7 p.m. Feb. 5, exhibiting the work of Kris Kuksi at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.

The gallery was supposed to open Jan. 22, but because of poor weather conditions Kuksi was not able to get to campus and set up his work. His pieces were displayed starting Jan. 29, and will continue to be featured

in the exhibit until Feb. 9.

Kuksi led a construction workshop Jan. 29, rescheduled from Jan. 22. The workshop gave participants tools, materials and an inside look at what his art process entails. There was another workshop Feb. 5, which focused on airbrush and detail work. He also delivered a presentation at 7 p.m. in the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building with a reception afterward outside the gallery.

Kuksi is an artist based in Lawrence, Kansas. He studied at Fort Hays State University and

in Austria, Germany and Italy.

His gallery at Northwest focuses on sculpture, with some paintings as well. He said in the Feb. 5 lecture that he grew up Catholic but also listened to heavy metal, and he’s always loved bringing themes together that seem opposite of each other.

“I just like to create the next step, another parallel reality where I have stolen from classical and religious imagery and created new symbols and idols,” Kuksi said in his biography.

Over the span of his career, his work has been featured in many magazine publications and purchased by many celebrities, including Alicia Keys, Robin Williams, Usher and Guilermo del Toro. The National Museum of the Marine Corps and Nike World Headquarters has also featured Kuksi’s art.

Kuksi has had a long process to get to where he is now, starting with a rough childhood, according to his biography. His art was supported by his grandmother, who shared her paper in order to keep him drawing.

He had an art teacher in high school that pushed him to complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in painting. He said both in his biography and in his lecture that it was hard to accept he was a builder and not a painter in the early parts of his career.

Kuksi had a heavily religious upbringing, so a lot of his work is reinventing iconography – visual symbols associated with religion. This means that Kuksi is taking classical religion imagery and turning it into his

ALEXIS STARKS PHOTO EDITOR

Kris Kuksi piece Perilous Offerings is displayed on the wall of the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building Feb. 6. The exhibit will be open until Feb. 9.

own work or distorting it to different symbols.

During the Feb. 5 lecture, Kuksi shared some pieces from artists that had inspired him over the years. He then showed his own works of art, including what he calls “church tanks,” sculptures of detailed churches on tanks.

His 15th “church tank” is currently displayed as part of the DeLuce Art Gallery exhibit.

“

“Find your voice, it takes years to find a stylistic uniqueness, but know that you can be from anywhere and end up being successful.”

KRIS KUKSI, VISITING SCULPTER

A common occurrence in Kuksi’s art is hierarchical appropriation – large figures surrounded by smaller ones. He said he loves the connection of small to large scale.

Kuksi said he gets creative with the titles of his works, usually referencing original titles and making it the opposite.

Once, he replicated Michaelan-

gelo’s “The Creation of Adam,” renaming it “The Recreation.”

Alieah Kendrick is a sophomore art education major.

She didn’t come to the exhibit thinking it was going to be “cool,” but she left feeling inspired by Kuksi’s work.

Ethan Buckner is a junior studio art major who also felt touched by the pieces Kuksi brought in and the stories behind them.

“I thought it was a very educational and interesting experience,” Buckner said. “I saw some of the pieces he’s got in there and I was wondering how he got the small intricate details. Then I go to his lecture and I’m just blown away by the people he’s come in contact with through his art. It’s just amazing what he’s done with his art.”

Buckner said they didn’t realize Kuksi did life-sized work at first, which left an element of surprise when they attended the lecture.

Kuksi said he thinks he was born an artist. He has always loved sculptural mediums and modeling variously-sized figures with each other. Kuksi said it feels great to have turned his love for sculptures into a career in art.

“Find your voice,” Kuksi said. “(It) takes years to find a stylistic uniqueness, but know that you can be from anywhere and end up being successful. I love kind of going against stereotypes.

Like being from Kansas it’s like, ‘what do you know?’ Well, here I am, making pretty wacko stuff in the middle of nowhere.”

8, 2024 NEWS Feb. @TheMissourian

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HOW TO SUPPORT SOMEONE WITH CANCER

SOURCE: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY

INFOGRAPHIC BY JULIANNA LAWRENCE ASST. DESIGN EDITOR

Local peer-led cancer group offers support DAKOTA OSWALT Asst. News Editor | @doswalt_NWMSRN

It’s three words a person never wants to hear – “you have cancer.” Yet, an estimated 1.9 million people are diagnosed with the disease each year.

Although a road to recovery lies ahead, many cancer patients find solace in knowing they have hospital staff and community members to support them on their journey.

In 2020 alone, there were 18.1 million cancer cases around the world, including both new diagnoses and existing cases. These cancer patients often require intense mental, emotional and sometimes spiritual care. Sometimes supporting a loved one with cancer can be a similarly hard experience, according to the American Cancer Society.

Reverend Kim Mitchell is the lead pastor at the First United Methodist Church in Maryville, where she hosts and leads meetings for the Fireside Chat Cancer Support Group on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

The group was created by Mitchell in 2021 in cooperation with Mosaic Medical Center - Maryville. It is open to cancer patients, survivors and those who support a loved one with the illness.

Before creating the group, Mitchell was in the process of getting her Clinical Pastoral Education in order to become a chaplain, which she said involved learning how to meet with people from all walks of spirituality and helping them find resources for their needs.

It was through that process where she got the idea to start a cancer support group. One of her projects included revitalizing a support group for cancer patients and their caregivers, which Mitchell realized had not been a current amenity in Maryville.

“I began working with the leadership at Mosaic to get one arranged,” Mitchell said. “We offered our facilities and we invited Mosaic to partner with us through a social worker and so it's a shared facilitation with a social worker from Mosaic and myself, not really as the pastor of this church,

but just someone who has compassion and concern for those that are going through the journey of cancer.”

A medical social worker exists to help patients and their loved ones find resources and cope. Support groups are just one resource encouraged for patients, as it can help them adapt to new circumstances and provide an emotionally supportive outlet for their concerns.

Mitchell said she modeled the Fireside Chat Cancer Support Group after multiple existing support groups in St. Joseph and surrounding areas. She said its purpose is for cancer patients, survivors and caregivers to recognize their similarities and tell stories to each other.

expectations, which can help generate courage along the way.

Since establishing Fireside Chat Cancer Support Group, Mitchell said she has seen much improvement in the cancer patients that attend. When people attend their first meetings, Mitchell said most are shy and uncomfortable.

After hearing how cancer has affected others in the group, Mitchell said they become more willing to talk out loud about their cancer, treatments and fears. She said it’s healing and soothing for people to share their stories with other cancer patients because it gives them a chance to be seen through their struggles.

“

I truly believe that support groups are one of the most vital things people can do to bring healing into their lives. Not necessarily healing the cancer itself, but healing their spirit, healing their ability to cope and giving them tools to cope.

KIM MITCHELL

REVEREND LEADER OF THE FIRESIDE CHAT CANCER SUPPORT GROUP

“I truly believe that support groups are one of the most vital things people can do to bring healing into their lives,” Mitchell said. “Not necessarily healing the cancer itself, but healing their spirit, healing their ability to cope and giving them tools to cope. We are just there to facilitate conversation, to hear the stories of those who come.”

Mitchell said the group gives people peace to know they aren’t the first to go through the fears that come with diagnosis and treatment. She said being surrounded by others with shared experiences can help cancer patients and loved ones understand the process of treatments and new

“Fireside Chat is very light-hearted,” Mitchell said. “We share family stories, our plans for upcoming vacations, our expectations. It's more lighthearted than it is serious, but there are those moments that they do become serious, like somebody has a new test that they haven't had before. They can actually share that and have people around them that are going to listen and help them through those fears.”

Seeing the impact Fireside Chat Cancer Support Group has on people’s lives is what encourages Mitchell to continue being a support for those with cancer. She believes all areas would benefit from cancer support groups, just as

many places benefit from similar peerled, transformation-oriented outlets like bereavement and grief support groups and Alcoholics Anonymous.

“Every community should really have a support group for patients with cancer, or those struggling with whatever they're struggling with, because support is so important,” Mitchell said.

Kenzie White has been a registered nurse for eight years. She works alongside cancer patients on a daily basis at the Mosaic Cancer Care Oncology Ward at Mosaic Medical Center - Maryville.

She said it is beneficial for patients to attend the Fireside Chat Cancer Support Group, or similar groups, because they can communicate about their shared experiences and lift each other’s spirits.

“I just think they feel supported and they're not alone on their journey,” White said. “I think it kind of gives them an outlet to meet with other people and kind of feel connected with them.”

White describes working with terminally-ill patients so often as being sad, especially when someone succumbs to their own disease. The emotions that come along with caring for these patients can be difficult at times.

“We carry those emotions home and it's kind of hard to not let them come out,” White said. “It's kind of in a different environment at home where we feel more safe and can let those emotions happen.”

White said it’s meaningful for her to bond with the patients so they know they have a friend who’s willing to help and support them along the way. She said when a patient loses a battle, it feels like a missing void.

As for people who want to support their loved ones with cancer, White said being positive and helpful are good ways to make a cancer patient feel more included.

“I would think just asking them what they need, whether that be the support to talk to somebody or go out for a meal or have someone bring them a meal,” White said. “I think just being someone that is familiar with them, they can kind of boost their spirits.”

Feb. 8, 2024 @TheMissourian

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CRIME LOG for the week of Feb. 8 Northwest Missouri State University Police Department

Feb. 4 There is a closed investigation for a liquor law violation in Perrin Hall.

Feb. 2 There is a closed investigation for a liquor law violation in Forest Village Apartments.

There is a closed investigation for a liquor law violation in South Complex.

Feb. 1 There is a closed investigation for a vehicle accident with Elijah J. Houston, 22, on College Park Drive.

There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Tower Suites West.

Jan. 31 There is a closed investigation for a vehicle accident between Madilyn A. Buresh, 20, and Kyle E. Hansen, 36, in Parking Lot 62.

Jan. 30 There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Forest Village Apartments.

There is a closed investigation for a vehicle accident between Hayden R. Beccard, 20, and Sydney G. Bentz, 19.

Maryville Department of Public Safety

Feb. 3 There was a summons issued to Dante J. Distefano, 19, for minor in possession and possession of a fake ID on the 400 block of North Buchanan Street.

Feb. 1 There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 100 block of North Davis Street.

Jan. 31 There was an accident between Jorge Hernandez Morales, 22, and Micheal Albertsen on the 900 block of South Main Street.

Jan. 30 There was an accident between Pamela L. Kendle, 59, and Dwight O. Florea on the 100 block of North Charles Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 1100 block of East First Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 800 block of South Buchanan Street, There is an ongoing investigation for forgery on the 400 block of North Main Street.

There was an accident between Curtis D. Farnan, 86, and Amaya Hammond on West Torrance Street and South Buchanan Street.

Jan. 28 There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 300 block of West First Street.

Jan. 27 There was an accident between Brandon J. Hauck, 42, and Kimberly Koch on the 1600 block of South Main Street.

Hauck was charged with leaving the scene of an accident.

City continues with relocation of water plant HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

Since 2017, Maryville has been working towards relocating the Water Treatment Plant. City Manager Greg McDanel has played a big role in working towards this change.

With the inclement weather in the beginning of January resulting in a voluntary water conservation, the Water Treatment Plant has again been brought to the forefront of city officials’ minds.

“The plant has far exceeded its useful life and in 2017 the existing Water Treatment Plant began having challenges with algae blooms from our source water and being able to treat those effectively,” McDanel said.

With the algae issues it became harder to remove the taste, odor or other aesthetic issues, which a lot of Maryville residents noticed and complained about. McDanel said this started the process of looking into designing a new treatment plant and the construction that goes along with it.

The new plant will likely be located at Mozingo Lake Recreation Park, which is the source water for the community. No plans are final, as there is still a lot of work to be done before further talk of relocation and construction.

McDanel also spoke out about the plant during the Jan. 22 Maryville City Council meeting during his report.

“As a reminder, the city of Maryville is speaking with the process of trying to design and pursue a new Water Treatment Plant with newer technologies that would eliminate this from ever being an issue,” McDanel said at the meeting.

With the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, the city does plan to focus on enhancing places in Maryville, which includes a new water treatment plant.

There have been treatment plans to test Mozingo Lake water since 2018 to rectify the problems seen with the water. In 2021, Council first passed an ordinance to start the intent of building a new water treatment plant. At the time, the estimate of building a new plant was around $26 million to $32 million.

This has been a pressing issue city officials have been discussing since 2017, along with talks of a new plant since 2021. There are still no set plans

RETIREMENT

CONTINUED FROM A1 Despite his retirement from Northwest, Green said he is not ready to fully retire just yet. He said he talked to Northwest alumna Dr. Leslie Doyle, who helped him find a different perspective for this new chapter of his life.

“If you’re really gonna grow, you’re gonna have to change and move,” Green said. “She used the chair as an example. In order to move forward, if you’re sitting in this chair, you’re gonna have to get out of it.”

Green looks at this retirement as an opportunity to get up out of a chair and move forward by continuing to learn and help others.

Following some downtime in April to go on trips and spend time with family, Green said he plans to find new ways to serve people.

As a part of moving forward and getting out of his comfort zone, Green said his options

FILE

An HDR engineering representative gives a tour of the Water Treatment Plant to a group of people Nov. 29, 2022. The treatment plant has been looking to relocate the building since 2017.

on the construction of a new plant, but with more and more issues popping up with the old one, it will be relocated at some point.

McDanel said the city will hopefully be looking into and receiving a wide variety of state and federal programs as far as low interest loans. He said Maryville is looking at all grant opportunities from state and federal dollars and then a combination of local financing and user rates.

“Those plans will be discussed publicly with City Council before any action is taken on construction of a new treatment plant,” McDanel said.

are open.

“I’m up for anything,” Green said. “I say that, but again, I’m not an adventurous person, so I will be a little bit picky because I want to have more time with my kids and my grandchild. So I will be a little bit more selective, but I’m truly up for considering anything and anywhere for a short period of time.”

As for the future police chief of UPD, Green said that in talks with Northwest President Lance Tatum, there are multiple different ideas, but there is likely going to be a search to find his replacement.

As his time at Northwest comes to a close, Green said he’s talked to people and has looked back on his career.

“You never know how much you impact,” Green said with tears in his eyes. “That’s something I never really knew. … I feel so very fortunate to be in the role that I’ve been in, so I could have the opportunity to do what I’ve done.”

CONTINUED FROM A1 “We had Oak Pointe submit a quilt that they all made together, and it was kind of like something that they just did on their own,” Irving said. “We presented the idea of them submitting it, and it’s been at our art exhibit for the past four years.”

This exhibit showcases a variety of ways people are expressing their own experiences with mental health, their journeys or other emotional works that they express.

After talking to other members of the Behavioral Science Association, Slocum said in the past they have received submissions from many different people including young children. The “I Will Listen” art exhibit will be held from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 28. The event will have a paint and sip, an exercise room with different instructors throughout the day and a wide range of speakers who will present various topics.

Some speakers who will be presenting are Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Shay Malone, Assistant Professor Jacob Tengelsen, Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion Latonya Davis and more.

Irving said that she advises anyone who wants to submit work to focus on their own experiences and how they feel, rather than the themes of mental health.

“Well I think with art it is really just an expression of how we’re feeling,” Irving said. “So I think for people who are kind of struggling with trying to meet the theme, don’t so much think about the mental health aspect of it, just do it and then think about how that process helped you with your mental health.”

Northwest is ranked second in participation rates.

Jan. 25 There is an ongoing investigation for harassment on the 100 block of North Vine Street.

Jan. 20 There was an accident between Armani C. Edden, 25, and Brody D. Hatcher on the 300 block of North Market Street.

There is an ongoing investigation for property damage on the 600 block of South Laura Street.

While The Northwest Missourian is a safe learning environment for student journalists, we also hold each staff member to professional standards of news gathering and accuracy. It was previously stated in an article that Kaysten Zarbano was physically abused, while it should be allegedly because Erica Vandervort has not been convicted. The Missourian regrets this error.

SOURCE: 2023 MACHB DATA

WELLNESS

CONTINUED FROM A1 “One of the priorities from last years MACHB was alcohol use…” Tapps said.

“So in response to that, we worked with the University Seminar.”

Every freshman was required to take an assessment on their perceptions of alcohol.

Around 900 students took this assessment, which Tapps said was the highest participa-

McDanel said the construction of a new treatment plant would be one of the largest infrastructure projects in the community’s history. There are a lot of design elements that go into the project and every step of the way has to be approved.

“I think all staff is working on this with City Council, and so again, it’s just been a process that started really in 2017 with our taste and odor issues from the algae blooms in our source water,” McDanel said. “Really increasing the need to look at the technology that’s being used on our source water and the construction of a new water treatment plant.”

EXHIBIT

Jan. 26 There is an ongoing investigation for leaving the scene of an accident on the 2300 block of South Main Street.

EDITOR’S NOTE

NEWS

GRAPHIC BY REESE SERVI MISSOURIAN DESIGNER

tion the school has had.

The top three things Wellness Services sees students for is depression, anxiety and relationship issues.

Tapps and Von Behren said the main goal of the MACHB and feedback from students is to implement goals and programs for students or improve current ones. This year’s Stress Less Fest had over 400 students in attendance which is the largest Wellness Services has ever seen. Van Behren said the event will be even

larger next time, with more space to accommodate all the students that want to participate.

Another program that might be implemented is a Mental Health Wellness Fair. The regular Wellness Fair held every year sees a lot of student engagement and Tapps said this could be another opportunity to get students engaged and aware of their resources on campus.

The results of the MACHB do not only affect Wellness Services, but other aspects of campus as well. If students feel unsafe on campus, Wellness Services and the University Police Department can work together to implement some resources. Businesses in the community can also work towards certain goals, like lowering the alcohol use and abuse in students.

“I think it’s important to point out that it’s not just a wellness effort,” Von Behren said.

“This really is this bigger picture. …We want a wide variety of people or a wide variety of players at the table — community stakeholders, University stakeholders, students, all of that so that we can all have that voice in there.”

Tapps and Von Behren both said they want students to learn more about Wellness Services and utilize the resources provided and give feedback through the MACHB. Northwest has seen record high numbers for Wellness Services involvement, with the Stress Less Fest and Wellness Fair bringing in over 1,000 students and over 470 flu shots given out. Wellness Services hopes to see this continue to grow and students getting even more involved.

“We want students to be happy and to be healthy and to be well,” Tapps said. “And in order to do that we have to make sure that we can provide the resources that they need.”

8, 2024 OPINION Feb. @TheMissourian

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College THE STROLLER: Your Bearcat is scared of filing taxes doesn’t excuse excessive drinking Before I get started, I would like to say that I’ve never actually done my taxes. It’s almost tax season and this will be the first year that I do them, and to be honest, I don’t know where to start.

I know, I’m in college and I’ve pulled out multiple loans, bought a car and have lived on my own for three years, but taxes? Never.

I’ve thought many times about what would happen if I never decided to pay them. I may go to prison for a little bit, but at this

point, it might be worth it. The world is expensive and taxes are no different. I pay taxes on everything from property to my maxi pads. Why do I have to prove to the government that I have given them money when they already have it? Or is that even how it works? I literally have no idea.

With every IRS form in the mail I get, I look at it and just think, ‘Wow, I really am broke.’ Every time I try to read one of those letters, I feel like I need a nap or a lobotomy.

It’s not like I haven’t asked my parents before, but I don’t even think they know how to do their taxes. Every time I ask them about taxes, they look at me scared like I’m the tax collector coming for revenge. Their best advice? Don’t do them.

“How much are your assets worth?” “What is your Social Security number?” “Can we take your soul?” They sound like they’re gonna kidnap me, and I’m the one that could go to prison?

To all the college students like me, to all the millennials who haven’t paid a dime and are probably being stalked through their window right now, and to all the overly sophisticated rich people that also probably also haven’t paid the government in years, it is our time for anarchy, or maybe just a trip to H&R Block.

The Stroller has been a tradition since 1918 and does not reflect the views of the Northwest Missourian.

SIDNEY LOWRY Columnist @sidney_lowry

In my nearly four years at Northwest, I’ve heard the phrase, “You’re not an alcoholic if you’re still in college,” more times than I can count.

Sorry to break it to you — alcoholism doesn’t have an age limit nor does it care whether you’re in college or not.

Every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday — and sometimes Sunday — are dedicated to college students making their way to bars and house parties to drink away the stresses of being in school. While at the time it seemed like a good way to spend time with friends and relax, being in an environment where you are constantly around and consuming alcohol isn’t a good habit to create for yourself.

The official definition of binge drinking is consuming five or more drinks on an occasion for men or four or more drinks on an occasion for women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This may sound like a typical night spent drinking for many Northwest students.

I’m about to write something the majority of my peers won’t like — binge drinking isn’t OK because you’re in college. Getting black-out drunk every weekend isn’t typical behavior. The habits you are creating now won’t be easy to break when you leave the comfort of a college town and the minimal responsibilities that typically come with being in college.

In the 2023 Missouri Assessment of College Health Behaviors survey, it found that binge drinking rates were 25% for males and 22% for females. Believing that you can go from drinking multiple days a week to likely once a week when you leave college isn’t realistic.

Addiction doesn’t happen all at once. It slowly happens over a period of time, and spending each weekend drinking is setting yourself up for becoming addicted to alcohol.

Right now it seems like having fun, but college-aged people who engage in binge drinking are more likely to develop a drinking problem according to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

After spending three or four days a week drinking in college, you’ll likely find yourself in a situation where you crave alcohol and feel that you need it to have fun.

And, yeah, I may be called lame for writing about this, but it genuinely is concerning that people are spending more days of the week drinking than not.

This isn’t a part of college, and it doesn’t complete your experience. While one weekend of fun probably isn’t going to create an alcohol problem, every weekend a semester likely will.

As you head into another week full of house parties and bar hopping, take a second to reflect on your habits. When was the last time you went a weekend without drinking? Do you black out every time you drink? These simple questions can be enough to recognize a pattern that needs to be stopped.

HAILEY JOHNSON-NEESER CARTOONIST

Election season is a chance for change, all votes matter OUR VIEW:

The voting season is underway leading up to the Presidential Election in November. In Missouri, voters are starting to think about the Republican caucus and the Democratic Primary in March.

While the State Primary won’t be held until August, voters must cast their votes now to ensure they see the candidates they want on their ballots.

In just nine months, voters will be choosing the president. Voters need to understand and recognize how important their vote is.

As the Presidential Election comes closer, people from all over the United States have begun to air their grievances on social media. Many are complaining about the two candidates who will seemingly be on the ballot — current President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.

Voters do not have to feel stuck on the same two options, that’s why we vote. Voting gives us the opportunity to change the narrative and get someone new into office.

80% of eligible voters do not participate in the primary elections. Low voter turnout can allow more extreme candidates to attain offices, according to the Bipartisan Party Center. The people who are voting the most are white women over the age of 65, according to the Health Equity

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How much do you think your vote matters?

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the school board as well as other initiatives, like sales taxes, on April 2.

Not being able to attend in-person voting is not an excuse to waste your vote. For Missouri residents, there is absentee voting, mail-in ballots and online registration. Even students who live out-of-state can still vote in their state primaries with these options.

Everyone has a say in politics, you just have to make the effort to get involved. Researching candidates’ campaigns and understanding who you’re voting for is the first step. The people we elect have a huge influence on our lives, from local city representatives to state representatives to national offices.

This year’s presidential campaigns will be focused on seven key issues, according to The Hill. These include social security and Medicare, education, abortion, foreign policy, immigration, LGBTQ+-related issues and crime.

All of these major issues can have a detrimental effect on your life. It is important to make sure you are voting for the people who have the same beliefs as you.

While it’s hard to feel like your vote can make a difference in a pool of a little over 161 million voters, it is important to remember that your vote does matter. Your vote is enough to sway an entire election. Use that power — you have it for a reason.

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Tracker. This means a lot of the population is not represented.

While it’s hard to feel like your vote will make a difference, not voting at all hurts the chance to put someone better in office. Your vote matters, whether you believe that or not.

A true democracy needs a voice from all demographics — especially younger generations. In Missouri, only about 20% of voters under 30 turned out to vote, according to the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement. We cannot keep sitting back and complaining on social media without doing anything about it.

Voters don’t need to feel stuck on voting either red or blue, independent parties exist. You do not have to be Republican or Democratic and just because someone is registered either way doesn’t mean they have to vote with that party. If someone has policies you agree with, you can vote for them.

Voting for an independent party is not a wasted vote. All these candidates have to do is win a nomination of a political party. The requirements vary by state, but for Missouri, all that’s required is paperwork and any fees.

Not only are the presidential elections coming up, but so are local ones. Maryville will have the opportunity to elect city representatives for both the Maryville City Council and

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“I think my vote for local elections matters a lot. They are important and should be involved. Although, the national elections I don’t find as impactful, personally.”

“I think my vote is really important and it’s important to participate in democracy. I do believe the government is run by the people. People have persuasion in what happens.”

“I think my vote matters.

In some cases I believe it matters for the sole purpose of impacting my town or county.

If I choose to not vote, then it is my fault if there isn’t a change and I don’t stand up for it.”

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SPORTS

How Northwest landed ranked long snapper WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

Long snappers might be the most unappreciated position in football. While athletes like quarterbacks and linebackers generally catch the most eyes, a good long snapper can be the difference between years of security or a disaster in clutch situations.

Northwest football hopes to secure the former with the No. 1 high school long snapper in Kansas — Braeden Dean Gorby. Gorby is ranked as the best long snapper in his home state and at 44th in the country, according to Rubio Long Snapping.

“

I’m not a quarterback, I’m not a wide receiver, but it was more like, ‘This is what I want to do, I don’t care what others say, and I know that this will get me farther than the people who doubt me.’”

BRAEDEN DEAN GORBY NORTHWEST FOOTBALL SIGNEE

OLATHE NORTHWEST HIGH SCHOOL

“A lot of arm days,” Gorby said with a laugh.

“I’m not a quarterback, I’m not a wide receiver, but it was more like, ‘This is what I want to do, I don’t care what others say, and I know that this will get me farther than the people who doubt me.’ And, I know that it made me really happy to do it.”

He said he started playing in sixth grade while his dad was the coach. As he grew older, though, he said

he saw less starting time because he was undersized.

So, his solution was to take up long snapping, making himself valuable on the field in any way he could.

Gorby said he really started to hone his craft through his junior year. He said his parents spent a lot of money for him to go to camps where he could be ranked, which pushed him even more.

In his senior year, Gorby went on an official visit to Northwest Jan. 14-15, and that’s all it took.

He announced his commitment via X, formerly known as Twitter, Jan. 17. With National Signing Day Feb. 7, Gorby will officially sign and be on his way to Northwest from Olathe Northwest High School in Olathe, Kansas.

“The really big thing that kind of set it off for me, I remember I walked into a Casey’s, and I asked the worker there, ‘Are you like a Bearcat football fan?’ and she said, ‘Everyone in this town is, sweetie,’” Gorby said. “I thought that was the coolest thing in the whole world. Like, just beautiful.”

Gorby said he also went on a game day visit. He remembered receiving hugs, meeting players and even having fans talk to him. He compared it to a Kansas University football game and said Northwest’s atmosphere was better than that.

The appeal of Northwest for Gorby isn’t just the fans or feeling on game day, though. He said the Bearcats also share his value for connections — a byproduct of where he’s from.

Gorby said his family is really close. While the culture of Maryville and Northwest convinced him to make it his new home starting this fall, he’ll always look to his old home for motivation.

“My grandma, she died about a year ago, and I do a lot in my life for her,” Gorby said. “Like, I do everything I can to make her proud, and that was a really big reason for college football, too. She never got to see me play in my senior season. So, I had to go play for as long as I could — for her.”

SUBMITTED

Olathe Northwest (Kansas) senior long snapper Braeden Dean Gorby stands along his team’s sideline during a game in the 2023 season.

Linebacker aims to build winning mentality at NW NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @naterhater12

SUBMITTED

Blair (Nebraska) senior linebacker Ben Holcomb celebrates after making a play on defense. Holcomb announced his commitment to Northwest football Jan. 17.

Senior linebacker from Blair High School, Ben Holcomb, has committed to Northwest to play football.

Holcomb was a class B honorable mention all-state linebacker and all-area linebacker in his senior year when his team made it to the second round of the playoffs. Holcomb said Northwest’s success in the postseason drove him to Maryville.

“I like all the coaches, and I felt like a personal connection to them,” Holcomb said. “I just wanted to set myself at a college that I know wins a lot, you know?

I’m a bad loser, so I want to win pretty badly, so that’s what made

me choose Northwest.”

Holcomb said he received offers from other Division II schools like Nebraska-Kearney, and Sioux Falls and from NAIA schools like Midland and Hastings before deciding on the Bearcats.

“Northwest Missouri State runs the MIAA,” Holcomb said. “So, to be honest, that’s really what sent me over because the coaches are very knowledgeable and that’s what I felt was best for me. To set myself up for success in the future, the Bearcats are for me.”

Holcomb is a multi-sport athlete, as he starts varsity as a forward for his high school basketball team, and was a state medalist in the 4x100-meter relay when he and his three teammates took eighth running a

43.73 May. 18. Holcomb set a new school record in the event with a time of 43.50 seconds.

Holcomb will be the 15th linebacker on the team this upcoming season as senior linebacker Isaac Vollstedt will graduate this spring. Vollstedt tallied 26 tackles, one sack, and an interception in his senior campaign.

Northwest’s defense has been historically good, as the team was the second-best scoring defense in the MIAA last season, giving up just 20.5 points per game.

However, the Bearcats didn’t make the playoffs last season as they missed the postseason for the first time since 2003. Northwest has depth at linebacker but will need someone else to step up and take Vollstedt’s position.

Defensive back excited to join ‘brotherhood’ with Bearcats ANDREW CLARK Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

College football National Signing Day is Feb. 7 and Northwest football will have some athletes sign their commitments to the team. With the 2023 season seeing the Bearcats finish with the lowest win total since 2001, these next recruits might be crucial for improvement.

One of the recruits signing his national letter of intent Wednesday is defensive back Jordon Hurst from Omaha, Nebraska. Hurst went to Westside High School and was a part of its 2023 Class A State Championship team.

The 5 ‘11”, 180-pound cornerback finished his senior season with 31 tackles, 23 solo tackles, four interceptions, nine pass breakups and seven tackles for loss. One of those four interceptions was also returned for a touchdown.

Hurst said he didn’t start playing football until his freshman year of high school. What got him started was that his track coach’s husband was also the football coach. With a little bit of persuasion, Hurst decided to join the team.

Picking Northwest came down to the established culture, Hurst said. The fact everyone is working together for one common goal was important for him.

“I just felt like everyone is bought in,” Hurst said. “I feel like the coaches are bought in on the players, the players are bought in on the coaches and the team is bought in on all the players. I liked the brotherhood aspect of it, and it will be a great home for me.”

Hurst’s track background has played a part in his skills and ability on the football field. Hurst said he will be able to bring another element of speed and

SUBMITTED

Westside (Nebraska) senior defensive back Jordon Hurst poses in a Bearcat football uniform during a photo shoot.

physicality to the Bearcats’ secondary, along with bringing leadership and a great attitude to practice.

Hurst said his goal is to try and make everyone better at practice in whatever way possible.

While he is off the field, Hurst said he is big into weightlifting, video games and likes to read a little bit.

Hurst said he likes to stay busy off the field but finds time to make sure he gets plenty of rest for his body to be ready for football.

The goal for most high school athletes is to get an opportunity at the next level to continue playing the sport they love. Hurst said signing with Northwest is a dream come true.

“It has always been a dream of mine ever since I started playing football,” Hurst said. “I’ve been dreaming about being able to sign and be a collegiate athlete. Signing with Northwest is a great moment in my life, and I am going to be real proud, and I thank God for this moment.”

8, 2024 SPORTS Feb. @NWMSports

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Football inks 35 players on signing day WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

It’s the day high school athletes and college coaches have collectively waited for. While athletes sometimes announce commitments months ahead of time, nothing is official until National Signing Day. And it’s finally here. This year’s National Signing Day is in full swing, and Bearcat football is one of many programs around the country reaping the rewards.

This year’s signing class for Northwest included 35 total athletes — 32 from high school and three from the transfer portal.

Coach Rich Wright said he was pleased with this year’s signees.

“Felt like a big area of emphasis for us was going to be in the offensive line this year, and felt like we signed a really solid class,” Wright said. “We were pretty proactive about getting bigger bodies, looking for more offensive-tackle-type kids.”

This spring, Northwest will graduate eight players from 2023’s offense, including quarterback Mike Hohensee and four wide receivers who received significant playing time. Each one played in at least seven games last season and caught 1,437 of the 2,538 total receiving yards and 17 of the 26 total receiving touchdowns in 2023.

“Felt like we signed a really good high school class,” Wright said about the receivers. “There are several that are going to be good players for us, whether that happens immediately or not is obviously always a little bit of a wash. But, we’re going to really kind of delve into that this spring.”

With Hohensee, the Bearcats not only lose a quarterback who’s in the top 10 for multiple of the program’s career passing records, but they also lose a punter who’s in the top 10 for those categories.

Perhaps the biggest loss of the offsea-

NORTHWEST FOOTBALL SIGNEES DEFENSIVE LINE

DeKaleb Rudolph - Cabot, Arkansas Parker Bennett - Jefferson City, Missouri Zylen Saddler - Kansas City, Missouri Henry Prochazka - Elkhorn, Nebraska Jase Wilmes - New Market, Iowa

DEFENSIVE BACK

Christian Farrow - Bentonville, Arkansas Jordon Hurst - Omaha, Nebraska Jackson Torry - Lee’s Summit, Missouri Lekyleron Dancy - Macon, Mississippi *O’Shea Davis - Rialto, California

WIDE RECEIVER

Donovan Anderson - Joliet, Illinois Delton Davis - Maryville, Missouri Octavious Rhodes - Hot Springs, Arkansas Tyus Jackson - Kansas City, Missouri Anthony Greco - Grain Valley, Missouri Karsten Pate - Bentonville, Arkansas

LINEBACKER

Jax Fosnow - Lee’s Summit, Missouri Devin Wilson - Lee’s Summit, Missouri Brayden Kunz - Conway Springs, Kansas Ray Smith III - Olathe, Kansas Ben Holcomb - Blair, Nebraska

OFFENSIVE LINE

Sam Lough - Basehor, Kansas Brock Hodge - Oak Creek, Wisconsin Max Gray - Omaha, Nebraska Broc Regner - Omaha, Nebraska DeAndre Harper - Omaha, Nebraska *Jack Gogue - Kansas City, Missouri

QUARTERBACK

Cael Turner - Creston, Iowa Zechariah Owens - Glendale, Arizona

DEFENSIVE BACK

Kameron Bonner - Blue Springs, Missouri

KICKER

LONG SNAPPER

Braeden Dean Gorby - Lenexa, Kansas

Kaden Kiernan - Kansas City, Missouri

TIGHT END

RUNNING BACK

*Rico Barfield - St. Louis, Missouri

Trevor Spady - Omaha, Nebraska

*Transfer INFOGRAPHIC BY SAVANNAH ATHY-SEDBROOK DESIGN EDITOR

son, though, has been 2023 AP first-team All-American running back, Jay Harris.

This past fall, Harris finished the regular season as the fourth-leading rusher in Division II with 1,433 yards on the ground — also the best mark in the MIAA by 380 yards. However, Harris announced he was entering the transfer portal Dec. 4, and then on Dec. 13, he finally announced he was committing to Division I’s University of Oregon.

Despite so many changes on offense,

Northwest made sure it was a balanced effort on signing day. The Bearcats inked 14 offensive players on Wednesday, and 16 defensive players Coach Rich Wright said.

Northwest addressed the potential hole in the running back position through the transfer portal. Rico Barfield from Ball State played in 11 games in 2023 and totaled 99 all-purpose yards.

After countless hours of training, official visits and calls from coaches, high school football players are on their way to

their home in fall 2024. This year’s class is coming from a variety of areas, with 10 states represented.

One of the signees won’t have to go very far, after Maryville senior Delton Davis announced his commitment to the Bearcats Jan. 19. He’s spent the last two seasons catching passes from fellow senior Derek Quinlin, and now he’ll be tasked with doing so for Northwest’s quarterbacks.

“I really like his skill set,” Wright said.

“I’ve been able to watch him play in multiple sports in his time here at Maryville High School. I like his makeup. He’s got a tremendous work ethic, he’s an intense kid, he’s a kid that spends a lot of time just wanting to be elite, and I think that aligns with who we are as a program.”

As the college football landscape continues to shift, programs are having to adapt to a new era of recruitment. Wright said it felt like there was at least a break in the past, but there’s no time for that now. He said he’s already looking toward the transfer portal for 2025, and his staff will be on the road to find 2025’s recruits as soon as spring practice is over.

One of the areas that seems to continuously grow in popularity and use — which Northwest has been well accustomed to this offseason — is the transfer portal. Now coaches don’t only have to look for their teams’ needs, they also have to find players who they believe will stick around their entire college careers.

For Wright, his method to help with that is just showing the athletes how the Bearcats operate.

“You know, we’re going to build from the ground up,” Wright said. “We’re going to build with high school kids — that’s what we believe in here. We’re going to recruit to family. … And, you know, I still think there’s something to be said for hard work and development, and that’s kind of been the cornerstone of this place.”

Longtime connection propels quartet of seniors to Northwest together, let alone playing football together,” Quincy Torry said.

“It’s really awesome. Especially my Many college athletes have brother since he’s like the closest to go hundreds of miles away person I am to.”

“Getting to stay together and from home, often leaving behind friends and family. Some have to being able to compete at that completely adjust to a new envi- high level, I just think it’s amazronment in a place where every- ing,” Jackson Torry said.

With National Signing Day one’s a stranger.

But that’s not the case for a Feb. 7, Northwest’s newest memquartet of seniors from Lee’s bers are officially on their way to Summit West in Lee’s Summit, Maryville. While most athletes — Missouri. For Devin Wilson, including the four from Lee’s SumQuincy Torry, Jackson Torry and mit West — announce their comJax Fosnow, it may just feel like mitments throughout the fall and early spring on social media, noththey’re taking home with them. “ I t ’ s j u s t c r a z y t o t h i n k ing is official until pen hits the paper on National Signing Day. about,” Jackson Torry said.

For a lot of these athletes, signAnd thanks to Northing and committing means the west football, what end to what might’ve felt like might have been a countless calls from coaches, ofcrazy thought once, ficial visits to various universities is now a reality. on game days and offers from One by one, the around the counfour seniors antry. Fosnow said nounced their commitMARYVILLE it was a relief to fiments via social media and nally be able to call became part of the newhimself a college football player. est Bearcats set to join the “It took a lot of stress off me, program this fall. Jackman,” Fosnow said. “I knew it son Torry and Wilson will was home for me.” play defensive back, QuinFor Fosnow — and seemcy Torry will stay on ofingly for multiple other Bearcat fense as a running back athletes across all sports — that and Fosnow will fill in as choice came from the family feel an outside linebacker.

Northwest has. He said he would For Lee’s Summit West, hear a lot about culture on his visJackson Torry played as a its, and he knew about it from his starting wide receiver for the high school coach, Willie Horn, last two years. While he said who also played linebacker for the he does like to have the ball in Bearcats from 2006-09. his hands on offense, he preJackson and Quincy Torry fers defense because he can also have plenty of familiarity focus more on himself. with Northwest. They both said “I don’t have to worry they had multiple Bearcat conabout someone else, you nections, including Horn telling know, calling a play for me them stories of the 2009 Divior worry about the quartersion II National Championship. back giving me the ball,” The Torry twins also have famJackson Torry said. “I like ily connections to tennis coach playing defense and I think Mark Rosewell, and Jackson that’s what’s the best option Torry said they used to go to for me.” tennis camps at Northwest Through most of their lives, when they were younger. With these four seniors played togeththe promise of a family bond er, went to class together and on the team — and with grew together as people. They actual family already at said they have played togethNorthwest and coming er since elementary school, and their love for the game grew as with him — Jackson Tortime went on. Now, they’ll start ry said it just felt right. their next chapter together. For “It’s a puzzle that twins, Jackson and Quincy Toryou gotta figure out and ry, it’s perhaps even more special. make sure that m “We’ve all played together since you end up elementary school, and we’ve alin the right ways talked about place,” Jackgoing to college LEE’S SUMMIT son Torry WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

SUBMITTED

Lee’s Summit West senior linebacker Jax Fosnow celebrates after a play. Fosnow is one of four Titans set to join Northwest football after announcing his commitment to the team Dec. 7.

said. “And, just being able to know that I’m safe at Northwest and then have such a good group around me, it’s a relief, and I’m ready to get started.”

For Quincy Torry, though, Northwest didn’t just feel right because of the family connections, it felt right because of coach Rich Wright. On his official visit, he said, Wright took those on the visit to Maryville’s Hangar Cinema.

Quincy Torry said while Wright was trying to talk, the sound to a highlight video was on, prompting the seventh-year coach to yell at his current players to shut it off. He said Wright used that as an example on how easily he can, “go from zero to 100.”

“He wasn’t trying to sugarcoat anything for us on our official (visit),” Quincy Torry said. “Yeah, I just really appreciate that. He was keeping it 100% real with us, and I feel like some other places — even though that was the only official visit I went on — but just talking to some other coaches, I feel like they were sugarcoating a little bit. I like how coach Wright just kept it 100% real.”

Northwest football is one of the most successful programs in Division II history with a record six national championships and 18 consecutive playoff appearances. However, that postseason streak broke just this past fall after the Bearcats finished 7-4 overall — the first four-loss regular season since 2001. Fosnow said he’s well aware of Northwest’s history, and he’s ready to be part of it.

“I’m definitely up for the challenge,” Fosnow said. “And I wanna go get us another championship, so I’m definitely up for the challenge.”

SPORTS

New faces Northwest football signees talk about journey to joining Bearcats. see A6

Inked Northwest football signs 35 players to team on National Signing Day. see A7

Feb. 8, 2024

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

FOR THE CROWN

Maryville girls basketball junior forward Alyssa Cunningham looks upcourt for an open teammate at the Spoofhounds’ 58-37 victory against East Buchanan Jan. 31.

Maryville girls to welcome Benton for Friday night Courtwarming

“

“My mindset is just to always get in there and fight for the ball … and also encourage other girls to try and get in there, too,”

MAKAYLA YAPLE JUNIOR GUARD/FORWARD

Boys basketball looks to give familiar foe first conference loss WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

Courtwarming is supposed to encourage festivities, school spirit and just having fun. For the athletes, however, they have to balance that with their expectations on the court.

With so much going on, it can be distracting and even overwhelming. For Maryville girls basketball, the solution is in its junior class. With no seniors and eight juniors on the team, those eight aren’t only looked to for guidance on the floor, they’re also asked to be leaders off of it. And one of those juniors is guard/forward Makayla Yaple.

“I think we just do one thing at a time and focus on what we have next,” Yaple said.

Coach Kelly Obley said her entire group of juniors has been instrumental in showing the other athletes how to carry themselves throughout the season. And while it may add a little bit of noise to the game, Obley said she appreciates all the courtwarming activities.

“Well, we definitely enjoy the fun dress-up days and all the different activities that the school puts on during courtwarming week, so that’s part one, is just to enjoy all the fun that comes with it,” Obley said. “We just focus on the possession that we’re in, and that starts with the leadership that we have in our girls.”

The Friday night contest for Maryville won’t just be the conclusion to a festivity-filled week. It will also be a Midland Empire Conference Showdown with St. Joseph-Benton (12-7) at 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 in Maryville High School.

Four of the Spoofhounds’ next six games will be against MEC foes. Maryville has already played two conference contests this season but lost them both. The ’Hounds can break the pattern even sooner than the Benton matchup as they host St. Pius X at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 7. However, that game will not be finished in time for publication.

“We play in a very competitive conference,” Obley said. “Every game, you know, it’s gonna be a battle. We just want to make sure that we focus on what we’ve been emphasizing getting

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Maryville boys basketball senior guard Derek Quinlin shoots a layup during the third quarter of the Spoofhounds’ 65-35 blowout over Cameron Feb. 6.

INFOGRAPHIC BY DELANIE DYKES DESIGNER

UP NEXT MHS vs. St. Joseph-Benton 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9 Maryville High School MHS vs. Mid-Buchanan 10 a.m. Feb. 10 St. Joseph, Missouri MHS vs. Cameron 6:15 p.m. Feb. 12 Cameron, Missouri

better in which is, you know, taking care of the basketball, limiting our turnovers and then just getting those extra possessions.”

While the Cardinals average 49.1 points per game, the Spoofhounds give up an average of 49.6 points per contest. Maryville will not only look to halt Benton’s offense, but also aim to snap a fivegame losing skid to its U.S. Highway 71 foe.

Obley said she expects there to be a lot of physicality between both the Spoofhounds and Cardinals. When it comes to a physical game, Yaple said she makes sure to give her team as many opportunities as possible.

“My mindset is just to always get in there and fight for the ball … and also encourage other girls to try and get in there, too,” Yaple said.

“I will say that Makayla leads us in that,” Obley said after Yaple finished. “Makayla is able to guard anybody on the floor — she can guard their point guard and she can guard their posts.

And so, she just has that competitive mentality where, you know, she’ll go up against anyone on the floor, and the rest of our team really looks up to her with that energy.”

For most, there are two major high school sports events circled on their calendars every year — homecoming in football and courtwarming in basketball.

For Maryville boys basketball senior guards Derek Quinlin and Delton Davis, they’ve experienced it all as full participants in both sports for the last four years. They’ve connected for touchdown passes on the field, they’ve found each other for wide-open 3’s on the court and soon they’ll experience their last courtwarming together.

“Obviously, it’s a little bittersweet because I know it might be coming to an end here soon, but, I mean, we’re gonna keep fighting, we’re gonna keep trying to win and I feel like we got a shot to go far,” Quinlin said.

“It’s a big week,” Davis said.

“It’s definitely action-packed.

It’s just really fun, and especially with Derek, you know. I grew up playing basketball, playing sports — we’ve been friends since, I don’t even remember, since we could speak words. I mean, I think it’s just awesome.”

Courtwarming doesn’t just start the night of the game, either. It’s weeklong festivities that include spirit competitions and king and queen candidates.

With all the extra buzz, coach Matt Stoecklein said the Spoofhounds will need to be extra focused when they host Midland Empire Conference foe St. Joseph-Benton at 7 p.m. Feb. 9.

Quinlin and Davis have experienced multiple courtwarmings now in their fourth year of high school. The two also have additional experience in big moments with homecoming in football.

“Those kids, they know how to focus, and they do a good job of that,” Stoecklein said.

“They’re just good leaders.”

This game doesn’t just matter for school pride, either. These two teams are the lone undefeated squads in the MEC at 4-0 a piece, and they’re fighting for seeding come time for districts.

The Spoofhounds will look to halt the red-hot Cardinals on a 10-game win streak. Maryville

UP NEXT MHS vs. St. Joseph-Benton 7 p.m. Feb. 9 Maryville High School MHS vs. Mid-Buchanan 11:30 a.m. Feb. 10 St. Joseph, Missouri MHS vs. Creston (Iowa) 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 Creston, Iowa

will also be tasked with stopping an offense that’s scored at least 50 points in each of those 10 wins. In seven of the last eight games, Maryville has scored at least 60 points.

“We’re just gonna try to take away what they do well and continue to work on what we do well,” Stoecklein said. “It’s gonna be a huge game at home.”

As big as it may be, though, Courtwarming wasn’t the only special occasion of the week for the Spoofhounds. Maryville’s 6535 win over Cameron Feb. 6 also served as the team’s senior night as it honored Quinlin and Davis.

60

points is what Maryville boys basketball has at least scored in seven of the last eight games.

Quinlin also put up a game-high 25 points to surpass 1,000 total for his career.

And he did so on the birthday of his dad — Joe Quinlin, the strength and conditioning coach for Northwest Athletics.

“It’s awesome,” Derek Quinlin said. “It’s all a testament to my teammates, my coaches, everybody that’s helped me along the way — I mean, I wouldn’t be here without all of them.”

“Very special,” Joe Quinlin said in the aftermath of his son’s milestone. “He kind of told me he was gonna be shooting until he got it. Even though we kinda hoped it would happen, it was still pretty special when it happened.”