Northwest Missourian March 28, 2024

ELECTION 2024 COVERAGE | A4-A5

APARTMENT ABLAZE

8 people rescued after 7-hour fire, tenants displaced

ANNA BAILEY News Reporter | @AmBailey16

Residents on the second floor of University Point Apartments were trapped inside the building as a fire was blocking the stairwell and traveling through the walls and attic.

An electrical fire sparked the morning of Saturday, March 23. Multiple 911 calls were made reporting smoke showing from the roof of the building. The firefighters at the site worked for seven hours to completely extinguish the fire.

Maryville Fire Department Fire Chief Jace Pine said due to outdated construction methods, the fire was able to spread throughout the entire building. These techniques allowed for the fire to spread through walls and up into the attic of the building after it started in one apartment.

“The wall in the area of origin was double studded, there were two studs separated by about a quarter-inch gap, and so that was probably done to allow extra space to run piping and wires through,” Pine said. “But that quarter-inch gap allowed that fire to spread horizontally through that wall.”

A double-studded wall is built by using two framed walls that have a gap between them, and this gap is used for further insulation, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency

and Renewable Energy. To prevent events like fire spreading, along with filling the gap between the walls with insulation, there is also drywall placed on either side, Pine said.

However, the walls in the University Point Apartments were not built with these precautionary methods.

Within the structure of these apartments, there is an attic that goes overtop the entire building.

Pine said due to the spread of fire through the walls, as well as a pipe that was likely not sealed, the fire had direct access to the entire attic.

Pine said if the University Point Apartments had been built recently, it would have been done differently, and with more fire precautionary steps.

SEE FIRE | A3

Uncertainty in funding brings on debate over raising tuition

SIDNEY LOWRY Editor-in-Chief | @sidney_lowry

Problems with state and federal processes plague Northwest’s decision on tuition and fees increases for the 2024-25 school year. After debate, the Northwest Board of Regents ultimately approved a 4.2% increase in tuition and fees.

Vice President of Finance and Administration Stacy Carrick proposed the tuition and fees increase and said there were two main factors that impact tuition that are still up in the air: state funding and the delays in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Just a week before, state spending plan cuts were proposed by House Budget Committee Chairman Cody Smith. His plan strips $2 billion from Gov. Mike Parson’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

In higher education, his cuts take the 3% increase in state funding allocated by Parson and brings it down to 2%. Rather than the 2% being listed as a permanent increase, it would be considered as a one-time grant.

Carrick said the University had hoped for a 5% increase in state funding, but based numbers on the 3% increase. With the funding now possibly being cut to 2%, higher education institutions across Missouri will have to wait for an answer about state allocations.

“We try to find that balance, and we may have to come back and evaluate,” Carrick said. “At this point, I’m not panicked to that point. We’ll see what the legislature does that could prompt us to take a step back and reevaluate.”

Carrick also said the FAFSA changes have been a “trainwreck,” and it has been impacting recruitment efforts. The application, which normally opens Oct. 1, didn’t allow applications until January this year. Universities in previous years would start getting student data just a few days after the application opened, but this year there was a significant delay where institutions didn’t get FAFSA information until the first half of March.

On top of the delayed timeline, the changes to the form have been causing students issues with filling out the information. With these issues, students and universities are getting information about financial aid much later in the year.

SEE TUITION | A3

Colleagues, family talk impact that Clarence Green had on Northwest

FILE HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

University Police Department Chief and Vice President of Culture Clarence Green is almost at the end of his time here at Northwest. He will officially be retired by April 1. “I enjoy the people I work with, I enjoy the people I’m charged with serving every day, every team I’ve worked with, it’s been great,” Green said. “I’m really going to

miss a lot of the work with students. I think they have breathed life into me several times.”

Many people at Northwest have expressed sadness about him leaving but are excited to see what he does next, like Lt. Amanda Cullin, who will be taking over as interim police chief, and Lt. Anthony Williams. “He’s had great opportunities, he’ll tell you that, but I think this time is a really good time for him to really go out and do things,”

Williams said. “Spend time with his grandkids, his family. They’ve given up so much of him for us.” Green said he will be spending more time with his family, especially his grandson. His wife Michelle Green said Clarence Green likes to make sure their grandson is experiencing things rather than receiving presents, so retiring will offer him more time to do so.

SEE GREEN | A3

People’s belongings litter the ground outside University Point Apartments. Clothes, furniture and trash still remain.

SAVANNAH

SAVANNAH ATHY-SEDBROOK DESIGN EDITOR

University Police Department Chief and Vice President of Culture Clarence Green stands with his wife, Michelle, and son, Elijah, on football senior day November 11, 2023. Green will be retiring from the University effective April 1.

Different cultures showcased with fashion runway

get to exchange and understand about various themes.”

To showcase the diverse student body of Northwest, Student Senate and its Inclusion Committee hosted a Cultural Runway, a clothing showcase representing various cultures on campus.

The event was hosted from 6-8 p.m. March 20 at The Station. The Black Student Union, the Indian Student Association and the African Student Organization were the three main cultural Northwest organizations in attendance. The East Asia Organization was invited, but it could not due to a lack of cultural clothing to showcase. Each organization provided cultural wear and showcased them through a fashion show that also fostered trivia and connection.

Student Senate Inclusion Chair Darren Ross said the committee wanted a way to showcase the varying cultures and backgrounds of international and local students. He said the turnout when discussing ideas with the organizations was inviting as the three organizations had other ideas for the event than just the fashion runway.

“Originally, we wanted all of them to just have a presentation,” Ross said. “It’s actually going to be a lot more informative than we originally planned.”

The Inclusion Committee encouraged the organizations to expand past the fashion show idea. For example, the Indian Student Association performed an Indian dance called Bharatanatyam. Classical dances and art forms in India often tell stories or are linked to spiritual beliefs.

The Indian Student Association Coordinator Ajit Ubbanapally hosted discussions regarding the wide variety of spoken languages in India like Hindi, Telugu and Gujarati and the vast culture of his country. He said multicultural exchange is key in society and aims to learn about other cultures at the event as well.

“As international students, we all come from our own lives,” Ubbanapally said. “We get to share and we get to interact. We

Ubbanapally said Indian people appreciate the integration of cultures and customs that develop the welfare of others and the environment, believing the entire globe is one family. Because of this, Ubbanapally appreciated the opportunity to showcase his culture.

“Every country has its own cultural traditions, its own value system,” Ubbanapally said. “These kind of arenas have a place where we can exchange thoughts.”

The event allowed all students to learn and exchange cultural experiences through simple performances of fashion shows and dances. Cultural exchanges have been shown to improve connections, communication and understanding, according to Medium. Forming relationships and experiencing diverse cultures breaks intercultural barriers and harmful stereotypes, one of the biggest barriers in intercultural exchanges.

The African Student Organization President Misturah Hassan said there are many students from various tribes on campus and the runway acted as an outlet for them to share their cultures.

“We have been particularly happy,” Hassan said. “Many people say they would love to attend to showcase their outfits which is pretty good for something we were doing for the first time.”

Student Senate sponsored the event and expected around 30 attendees. Ross said the Inclusion Committee is planning to make this an annual event due to the high interest. Allowing students the opportunity to embrace their culture and to be proud of their heritage is something Ross aimed to communicate and encourage.

“We wanted to display not only the culture that we represent on campus, but also the different cultures that are here on campus and the way we don’t see them,” Ross said. “So, it came from just really wanting to continue that pushing mission to let people know that their voices are not only heard, but also represented.”

Senate approves full funding for Nerd Stock event

Student Senate funded Dungeons and Bearcats for the upcoming Nerd Stock event at the March 26 meeting.

Dungeons and Bearcats, a campus Dungeons and Dragons club where students can play the game and interact with one another, will be hosting Nerd Stock and asked for $815 with a co-sponsor with Senate. Nerd Stock is a 3-day event that highlights the orga-

nizations and talents on campus and will be from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5 to 7 in the Center Room of The Station.

To help with campus networking, the East Asia Organization, Bearcats Gaming and fine arts majors and minors are invited to the event, but applications and spots are still open for those who want to apply.

However, because funding is running low, Senate recommended only $500. The cosponsor would allow Senate to showcase itself to the community as part of Nerd Stock while also funding the event.

Organizational Finance CoChair Brayden Major said he loves the event and appreciated the organization’s efforts to showcase Student Senate at the event as a thanks if Senate approved the co-sponsorship funding in full.

“It shows we’re willing to put out the work and help organizations,” Major said. “It’s a great event in my opinion that, you know, will bring together a group of people that you don’t really hear about on campus.”

Dungeons and Bearcats wanted to showcase the club’s inclusivity at Nerd Stock as part of the co-sponsorship. After discussion, Major said that waiting until next week to finance as a co-sponsor with organizations would be tricky due to the ending school year. He then suggested allocating the original amount of $815 for the event since the end of the year has approached and very little co-sponsorship organizational funding would need to be done. Senate agreed to appropriate the original amount of $815.

“Co-sponsorships are a little hard to come by and we’re run-

ONKARABETSE

UP NEXT

Student Senate Elections

When: April 1 to 5

Where: In your Northwest email.

ning out of time,” Major said. “Next week will be our last week to do this.” Since the full $815 amount was accepted, any senators available will have to work shifts at a coffee stand and a Student Senate booth as part of the co-sponsorship agreement. The Dungeons and Bearcats members were grateful and surprised to be appropriated the full amount, knowing Senate originally could only give $500.

Other Student Senate Business:

• Jaelee Pittel wished each senior in Senate a farewell since graduation is nearing. She provided a presentation that showcased baby photos of each senior and highlighted their importance and contributions to campus.

• Each senator wrote thank you cards for a Faculty Appreciation Card Service event happening April 9.

Associate Professor Giselle Greenidge dances down the runway in a Grenadian folk dress at Student Senate’s Culture Runway March 20.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

African Student Organization President Misturah Hassan models a modern Agbada at the Culture Runway event March 20.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Freshman Nepali international student

Doma Sherpa takes the runway in a Nepali dress often worn to festivals and weddings.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

African Student Organization President Misturah Hassan tells the audience about the meaning and culture behind the outfit she wore.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Freshman Nepali international student Diya Kanaujiya models a Newari dress called Haku Patasi which is often worn to festivals.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

RAIEA SALERNO News Reporter | @RaieaS

Vice President Charlie Muessel, Secretary Ryn Marie Philip and Librarian Olivia Avery Pepin of the Dungeons and Bearcats society request a co-sponsorship and a monetary amount of $815 at the student senate meeting March 26.

CRIME LOG

for the week of March 28

Northwest Missouri State University Police Department

March 26

There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Colden Hall.

March 22

There is a closed investigation for a fire alarm in Perrin Hall.

March 21

There is an open investigation for harassment in South Complex.

TUITION CONTINUED FROM A1

Assistant Vice President of Admissions and Student Success Allison Hoffmann said the University received its first round of information from FAFSA the week of March 18.

“We’re waiting, and honestly, it’s every day there’s a change,” Hoffmann said. “Every day there’s something that is pushing it back further. Not on our side, but just from all of the vendors and the Department of (Education). So, we’re doing our best, but every institution in the nation is struggling right now.”

After hearing about the delays in the recruitment process and the unsolidified state funding, Regent Jason Klindt asked whether or not the Board of Regents should even be approving a tuition increase.

“Stacy, given the uncertainty, should we be making this decision right now?” Klindt asked. “What if we have an extreme one way or the other? I mean, I suppose we could always amend it, but do we think that we still need to do it right now?”

There is a closed investigation for harassment on North College Drive.

“If we were Missouri, Kansas, one of the prominent schools, we could probably delay the process,” Carrick said. “I think it’s important for us to continue to be at the front end of the funnel from the perspective of putting rates out there. Is there some risk that we would need to come back and ask for a larger increase? There is. I think we’re, the NLT and the folks that were involved

in the discussion, feel like we also have to maintain affordability.”

At last year’s meeting where the tuition increase was approved, Klindt was the only regent to vote against the proposed 7.1% tuition and fees increase. He said Northwest needed to look at other options aside from raising tuition and fees to keep in competition with other institutions in the region.

Carrick said the University looked at a range of percentage increases to tuition, fees and room and board, and some thought the 4.2% increase could be raised higher. She said when looking from a student perspective, this increase wouldn’t be pushing them away.

Northwest President Lance Tatum urged the Board to pass the tuition increase despite the elements that are up in the air. He said other university presidents across the state aren’t panicked, and Northwest shouldn’t be either.

“I think the 4.2(%) is a very appropriate request given all the factors that we’re looking at right now,” Tatum said. “I’m always concerned about moving ourselves out of that affordability band for the students that choose to come to Northwest. So, as we talked about 4.2, 4.6 or above, we gravitated back down to the 4.2. …But if we have to come back because of a trainwreck that occurs at the legislature, we can do that and call a special meeting to the Board.”

The Board of Regents approved the 4.2% tuition and fees increase 6-1.

FIRE CONTINUED FROM A1

“If that building had been built today there would be fire breaks or draft breaks throughout the attic space to ensure that fire can’t spread through the whole attic,” Pine said. “But with that building, with the year it was built, that fire was allowed as soon as it got into the attic to spread in other apartments and other walls.”

Fire breaks are materials that subdivide a space to stop the spread of flames, according to Code Consultants International. A draft break is similar, however, instead of stopping flames, it prevents gases and smoke from moving throughout a building.

Due to the spread of the fire into the building stairwell, second-floor residents were trapped inside the building. Upon arrival, Firefighter EMT at Maryville Public Safety Thomas Shifflett said they started working on getting the tenants out of the building.

“We were able to take ladders off the truck, make entry through the front door and go up and knock the fire down on the stairwell,” Shifflett said. “Then we were able to get into the apartments and get to the people that were trapped.”

In total there were eight tenants rescued from the building; the fire department and the police department each evacuated four of them.

There were no reported injuries from the victims or the firefighters.

The damage caused by the fire was minimal,

but due to the amount of area the fire spread into, there were hours of overhaul work done by the fire department to completely put the flames out.

Pine said the most damage was caused by all the effort to ensure the fire was put out.

“The fire damage itself had worked through some walls and such but a lot of the damage in that building came from overhaul to ensure that there wasn’t an additional extension and also fire suppression efforts, you know water does a lot of damage in of itself,” Pine said.

There were a variety of groups who came to the site of the fire to volunteer. The Jackson Township Fire Protection District and West Nodaway Fire Protection District both had firefighters assisting. The American Red Cross also brought volunteers to help with clean up and tending to the residents.

Community Manager at University Point Apartments Bryan Dulin said that the American Red Cross and Northwest were able to help house residents, however, he said he could not make any further comments regarding the fire.

In a Facebook post talking about the fire at the University Point Apartments, Pine said he recognizes and is grateful for all of the work the volunteers did that day.

“As the chief of this department and one of two paid staff members, I cannot express enough how fortunate our community is to have such a strong set of volunteers who willingly gave up their Saturday plans and left their families to help neighbors in need,” Pine said in the Facebook post.

GREEN CONTINUED FROM A1

Clarence Green has been working at Northwest for almost 28 years and said he is feeling all sorts of emotions from happiness to sadness. He said he has been preparing for this decision for four years.

“You think he would never retire because he’s just always gonna be the same… He’s always gonna be that way forever and not get tired,” Williams said. “And so it’s like ‘Man, I can’t believe it’s really happening,’ but it is. I’m excited for him.”

Clarence Green said as of now he has no set plans for what comes next for him. He said he is a planner so his first choice is to do something in the education setting. He said he would like to work in more of the systemic and policy side of education within K-12.

“I’m so excited for him, you know, he’s got some other things going on and he still got a lot to offer,” Cullin said. “I’m looking forward to hearing what that next thing is even if it’s just how he continues to support and nurture and develop that next generation.”

Clarence Green said his favorite part of his 28 years has been his experiences with the people at Northwest.

“My favorite memories are being challenged by students, who have always been significantly younger, so I’ve been reverse mentored for almost 28 years,” Clarence Green said.

He said some initiatives he’s been able to bring forth were started by students, like Safe Ride Home and the storage unit for weapons. He said it’s been nice for him to watch people grow and get opportunities while he’s been at Northwest.

“I think there’s two advocates

that work at North Star (Advocacy Center) that were students here,” Clarence Green said. “That’s a proud point for me. We have had two of our lieutenants attend the FBI National Academy, which less than 1% of officers get in.”

Williams said during COVID, he saw Clarence Green’s adversity and tenacity highlighted when there was backlash he faced.

“So many people went after him and I remember sitting here and just asking him like ‘How do you do it? How can you just sit through that?’” Williams said. “And you know, he would just look at me and say ‘Well if it’s not me who else would it be?’ And he’s right because there was nobody else I would have wanted in his position than him because I know he could handle it.”

Clarence Green said he isn’t going to disappear but will be taking some time away from Northwest.

“I think it’s important to let some new roots grow,” Clarence Green said.

Williams and Cullin both said Clarence Green has made a big difference. Williams said he changed the culture, and not just at Northwest, but in the community.

“I mean just for him to be who he is, as far as a Black man, in a town as such and where he comes from, it’s just amazing to me,” Williams said.

Michelle Green said she is super excited for him and described him as a lifelong learner and wouldn’t be surprised if he continues to pick up new things to learn. She said he’s worked so hard for so long and poured a lot of energy into their family as well as students and will continue to give his support to Northwest as he moves into retirement.

“He’ll still be making a difference, just in a different realm,” Michelle Green said.

SAVANNAH ATHY-SEDBROOK DESIGN EDITOR

John McBride seeks City Council reelection, talks improvements for Maryville

Elections are right around the corner for Maryville, and this year citizens have three candidates to elect for two open Maryville City Council positions Councilman John McBride is running for reelection for his second three-year term.

McBride first ran for Council three years ago in 2021. He said though he knew he wasn’t a politician, he could find out what the community needed.

“I’m not a politician, I’m not a public speaker, but what I can do is listen,” McBride said.

During his time on the City Council, McBride said his favorite part has been helping people. He said at the start of his term, a community member talked to him about a drainage issue in a park leading to their house on Lisa Lane flooding during big storms.

He said just being able to help them, even though it didn’t impact a lot of the community, was one of the best things he has done for the city.

“Seeing a project like that through to fruition and taking those concerns and fears away from the people, even if it was like four or five houses affected, but that’s more families that don’t have to look up and wonder every time ‘Are they going to get caught?’” McBride said. “That’s probably the most impactful thing.”

McBride keeps his Facebook campaign page open for anyone who might have questions or comments, and he said people do go through it to voice any problems they might have.

McBride said one of the biggest chal-

lenges he has faced while being on council, is making tough decisions that not everyone might agree with, but is what they believe to be the best choice for the city.

“I try to be open-minded and look at ‘OK, what is this going to affect? Is it something that’s good for the community? Is it something that people were talking about before?’” McBride said. “So it’s just trying to be conscious of that.”

If McBride gets reelected, he said his main focus would be on getting a big start on a new water treatment plant for Maryville.

“My hope is that we can make some serious headway over the next three years and get this thing off the ground,” McBride said.

Infrastructure is another area that McBride would want to work on if reelected. He said the roads around town can be less than ideal in some areas. The South Main Improvement Project is just one part of improving the streets in Maryville.

Another aspect McBride wants to emphasize during his time in City Council is the amount of security present in Maryville. He said the community is very fortunate to have not only the Maryville Police Department but the University Police Department as well.

McBride said he is very passionate about making sure the officers in Maryville get recognition for the work they do.

“They want to know that they’re going to be in a community that supports them,” McBride said. “Support what they do, because I mean, we can go to sleep at night and we don’t worry.”

I try to be open-minded and look at ‘OK, what is this going to affect? Is it something that’s good for the community? Is it something that people were talking about before?’ So it’s just trying to be conscious of that.”

McBride said this is the most full staff he has seen for the MPD since he’s been on council, and that the community should want to keep an efficient place with the law enforcement.

“We’re here for them (the communi-

ty) to make their lives better and to help them with their concerns because some people don’t understand how the government works,” McBride said. “I just try to do my best to get them answers and get them in touch with the right people.”

NW professor Bill Richardson runs for spot on Council

William “Bill” Richardson, professor of music at Northwest, has lived in Maryville for 25 years. He has served on many committees throughout the University, is serving his third year on the Maryville Library Board of Trustees, and now he hopes to earn a seat on the Maryville City Council.

With the Library Board of Trustees, Richardson is responsible for overseeing the library director and approving initiatives. Since the building is considered a historic site, he said there’s a lot of upkeep and maintenance involved, which requires careful consideration of finances.

Richardson also works closely with the University and its committees, currently serving on the ranking promotion committee. He said his desire to serve has encouraged him to run for city council.

“Having attended City Council meetings, especially this past semester, it’s been pretty eye-opening,” Richardson said. “They go through and approve initiatives from the parks and recreation, for Mozingo Lake, from local law enforcement and all those kinds of things. And so I think what they do is something with which I’m familiar.”

After announcing he was running in December, Richardson said he has tried to attend as many council meetings as possible. He first considered running for council a couple of years ago, when many small communities saw people using mask mandates, lockdowns and restrictions as political weapons to get on local governing boards.

Richardson said it was a contentious time throughout the country, but Maryville City Council is nonpartisan. He said people are elected if they are the right person for the job of helping

I thought, I’ve always considered myself a bit of a political moderate and I thought, you know, moderate voices might be nice, because in the political climate, especially the last five years, we’ve seen it nationally more than anywhere, but it’s very polarized. It’s very tribal.”

the city manager and the Maryville city staff at the right time. He also said it’s important for city council members to have an understanding of how taxpay-

er dollars are spent and have a generally good overview of what the city’s needs are.

“I thought, I’ve always considered

myself a bit of a political moderate and I thought, you know, moderate voices might be nice,” Richardson said. “Because in the political climate, especially the last five years, we’ve seen it nationally more than anywhere, but it’s very polarized. It’s very tribal.”

Richardson’s family was hesitant to hear he’s running for council. He said they are cautiously optimistic that his running for a political office will go over well in the community.

“So when you hear about politics on the news, you know at the federal level, it’s very bitter and polarized and things like that,” Richardson said. “So we can’t help but see a lot of the kind of crazy stuff that’s happening and all that, and that filters in your mind when it comes to running for the local election. But really, again, it’s not supposed to be that way here.”

Richardson said he is not running on a grievance, or with a campaign advocating for certain changes to be made. He knows many of the decisions made affect the Maryville community, like initiatives to make the town safer, easily accessible for all and more charming.

He also knows the decisions get more difficult than that. Richardson said the water treatment facility decisions coming up will be a multimillion-dollar fix that will include grant proposals and engineering studies, and likely span five to 10 years.

Richardson said he knows very few City Council members, but he is not worried about relationship building, as he is good at meeting new people and finding common ground with everyone.

“I just want to support the city manager and the city staff with what they do,” Richardson said. “And when they come to us for advice or to vote on certain initiatives, we want to ask the right questions. And we will either approve them or go back for more information.”

Councilman John McBride is running for re-election for a second consecutive term with the council. McBride keeps a campaign Facebook page where people can voice concerns and ask questions. Music Professor Bill Richardson talks more about

Dannen Merrill talks unique skillset brought to Council

HANNAH CLAYWELL News Editor | @Hannah_9504

Councilman Dannen Merrill is going for one of the three positions available on the Maryville City Council.

Merrill ran for council for the first time three years ago. He said his background in accounting has given him a unique set of skills to provide to council.

“I’m a CPA (Certified Professional Accountant) and our firm did some accounting work for local municipality, so I have some skill sets that your typical government official doesn’t have, and I thought I could bring those to the table and really add some value to the current council,” Merrill said.

Merrill has been involved with City Council for a long time and even served as the Student Senate Student Liaison during his time at Northwest. He said during his time as the liaison, he witnessed one of the more debated topics for council — raising the minimum age to enter a bar to 21.

“That was a very well attended meeting, not just from students, but faculty, staff and citizens of the community,” Merrill said.

Merrill said since then, COVID was the only other circumstance that has caused a lot of debate and discussion for council, especially with mask mandates. Merrill said the council does not see those types of issues very often.

Like other council members, the water treatment plant is a main concern for Merrill, especially if he gets reelected.

“We’ve been doing work to get to the point we are not, but it’s rubber hitting road as far as actually getting a plan and getting a price and finding a way to pay for it,” Merrill said. “So, you know, that’s going to take a lot of collective work from

the city staff.”

Merrill said his favorite thing he’s done while on council has been investments, like with technology and equipment purchased to help city employees. One example is the digitization of cemetery information.

“The city owns and maintains a few cemeteries and if someone calls in asking for information on the burial of their loved ones, the city clerk used to have to dig up an old book and look it up by hand,” Merrill said. “So, you know, we invested in technology to digitize all that, so it’s much easier now to find that information.”

Merrill said there are some difficulties that come with being on council, mainly with making tough decisions when the public is also in the meeting. Merrill said usually conflict comes from rezoning and building permits that have conflicting interests from people in the community.

“We need to look at the facts and circumstances and see what’s ultimately best for the whole,” Merrill said.

Merrill said the hardest thing for him during election times is running during tax season. Merrill is a CPA and election season runs during the same time as tax season. He said even though it is difficult he doesn’t think it’s too hard to manage.

Merrill has been a part of the community his entire life and is happy for the possible opportunity to be able to be a part of council for another three-year term.

“I want people to know that I care deeply about my hometown, this is where I grew up, this is where my wife grew up and both of our parents are still here,” Merrill said. “It’s where we’re going to raise our kids, one on the way, so that’s important to us.”

I want people to know that I care deeply about my hometown, this is where I grew up, this is where my wife grew up and both of our parents are still here, it’s where we’re going to raise our kids, one on the way, so that’s important to us.”

Multimillion-dollar proposition to be on upcoming ballot

Maryville R-II school district residents will have the opportunity to decide if they want multiple Maryville R-II education buildings to be renovated April 2.

Proposition JUMP is a $23 million no-tax-increase bond issue that will be used to improve the Early Childhood Center, Eugene Field Elementary School, Maryville Middle School and Maryville High School. Logan Lightfoot, superintendent of the Maryville R-II school district, said there are three main goals Proposition JUMP focuses on.

“So number one, enhance safety and security for all of our students, staff and visitors,” Lightfoot said. “Number two, we want to improve our learning spaces, systems and outdoor facilities throughout the campus and number three, we’re going to optimize our existing spaces.”

About 63% of the money in this bond will be going toward Eugene Field Elementary School and Early Childhood Center, Lightfoot said. There, the focus for the renovations will be on safety and the learning and working environments.

The largest possible change planned within Eugene Field Elementary and Early Childhood Center is the way the building is laid out and where each area is located. Lightfoot said that these two areas would basically be switched.

“What we’ll do is, where the Early Childhood Center is, that’ll get raised and we’re going to build a two-story addition which would add about 17,000 square feet of new construction,” Lightfoot said. “So, new school for that Eugene Field piece of our elementary.”

When entering Eugene Field Elementary visitors are buzzed in, then they have complete access to walk around the building. If Proposition JUMP is approved, this will be changed so that both sides of the building

will have a front door. This is where visitors will get buzzed in, then before further entering the building, will be met by a receptionist who can check them in and make sure they are in the right place.

The third main change that may occur in this building is an increase in the number of classrooms, more consistency with the classroom sizes and additional meeting spaces for staff and students.

Lightfoot said there is a lack of meeting spaces inside the Early Childhood Center, which leads to less convenient spaces being used for these needs.

“Right now, if you go over to the Early Childhood Center or Eugene Field during the day, you will see some of our therapists and some of our other teachers, working with kids in hallways, working with kids in kind of make-shift closets, those kinds of things,” Lightfoot said.

Another building that has the possibility of being renovated is Maryville Middle School. The two main areas Proposition JUMP would focus on in this building are the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, as well as the collaboration areas students have access to.

Currently the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system causes moisture and air quality issues. This also makes it harder to control the temperature throughout the building. Lightfoot said improving this system will create a more comfortable and efficient working and learning environment for students and staff

With the possible renovations in Maryville Middle School, there could also be updated furniture and new spaces called think tanks.

A think tank is an area where smaller groups of students can meet to collaborate on projects or other school work. Within the think tank, there will be an additional room with glass enclosures for a quieter study option.

The last building included in Proposition JUMP is Maryville High School. The planned renovations in the

high school will be focused on better facilities, more convenience and also celebrating Maryville and the school’s accomplishments.

Lightfoot said one way they want to make the school safer and more convenient to enter is by creating a better front entrance.

“Kind of my running joke is, if you ask five people where the front entrance of Maryville High School is, you’re gonna get five different answers,” Lightfoot said.

The overall goal is to create a system that allows all doors during the school day to be locked. The only exception would be where visitors can enter. Here, they will have to meet in a new front office where the secretary, administrators and the school’s resource officer can be found, before entering the entire building.

Another safety feature that will be added is an island in the parking lot to prevent drivers from speeding and cutting through the parking spaces.

The high school’s common hallway near the main office could also be improved. These changes will include a new trophy case that can showcase the school’s accomplishments, as well as making the hallway look more modern with a new paint job. It is also planned to paint and add new furniture to the cafeteria.

The final changes that will possibly be made to Maryville High School will be on the football and baseball fields. Lightfoot said these areas are covered in grass, which makes it more challenging to keep the fields dry, causing more game and event delays. The plan is to switch from grass to turf to make the upkeep of the fields easier.

Lightfoot said Proposition JUMP can be a great benefit and opportunity for area schools.

“We want to showcase the greatness of our kids,” Lightfoot said. “You know when someone from Chillicothe comes into a basketball game, we want to, you know, they’re in Maryville and we’re really proud of our school.”

Councilman and Mayor Pro-Tem Dannen Merrill is campaigning for re-election for a second term with the council. He said the water plant is a main concern if he is reelected.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Disability awareness is imperative to reducing stigmas

My whole life I have lived with disabilities, even though I don’t have one. Everything my family does is accessible and orientated around accommodations and that is the way it always will be. My father has cerebral palsy and my older brother has autism. I will never know how this affects them, but I do know that there needs to be more awareness and less stigma. These are both disabilities that present differently in different cases. For my dad, his cerebral palsy means he can’t walk without crutches, and for my brother, his autism makes it harder for him to communicate or understand certain things.

Though the other two of my family members are not disabled, disabilities will always be prominent in our lives, whether this is calling ahead to make sure there are ADA accommodations to wherever we’re going, or making sure my brother won’t get overwhelmed.

This wasn’t even something I saw as abnormal until people started making it that way.

I was about 10 years old when I realized my family would never be treated normally. We will always be stared at no matter what. My father and brother will always be judged. That is the way it has always been, but I shouldn’t be used to it. Treating people with disabilities differently should not be the ‘norm.’ They deserve the same amount of respect as anyone else.

I am not saying that my family’s disabilities affect me more than them, but I am affected by this. I notice when people are rude to my family just because of their disabilities, I notice when something isn’t accessible enough for my father, even though he’ll never complain.

I get it, it’s different, but that does not give anyone the excuse to be rude or stare. My father has said he’d just prefer if people asked questions instead of making it uncomfortable. He’s always willing to explain what his disability is.

Just because my brother doesn’t know that someone is making fun of him, doesn’t mean I don’t. Just because my father doesn’t see you staring at him, doesn’t mean I don’t. Be socially aware and don’t judge someone for being different.

When I was a little kid, I found myself being protective over my brother and ready to stand up for him. I’ve had too many interactions where I’ve had to.

My dad is one of my heroes. He has never let his disability stop him from doing what he wants to do and I admire him for that. I look up to him and it sucks to see people treat him poorly because of something he can’t even control. Take the time to get to know how disabilities affect people, I bet there are things that you don’t even realize are different for those with disabilities.

People with visible disabilities are not weird or abnormal and people need to stop treating them that way — they didn’t choose to have a disability. These are real people with real feelings, having a disability doesn’t make you any less human.

Your Bearcat thinks the groundhog lied

I wrote just a few weeks ago about how I have problems with Punxsutawney Phil, the little groundhog who supposedly predicts spring by his shadow. I hate him more now that I know he is a fraud and a liar.

When he crawled out of his hole almost two whole months ago, he predicted that spring was right around the corner. How long is this corner? I woke up to snow and ice on my car the other day. I wouldn’t

count that as spring, Phil. Even though I said I don’t believe in his foresight, that doesn’t mean I can’t wish for it to be true. I was happy to hear the big rat say that spring was coming. I’m ready to go on walks and plant some flowers. But, once again, he has let me down. This was the first time since 2020 that he hadn’t seen his shadow, but here I am in a winter coat less than a week before April begins. I

thought this year could be different, turns out I can’t trust anyone — especially Phil. It makes me actually sick that this glorified beaver gave everyone hope for sunshine and flowers and instead, we get to wake up early to defrost our car. I can’t believe there was so much hype around this animal — he literally gets his own day — when he can’t even do his only job right.

I would do a better job at predicting this weather, or at least

I would have the same success rate as Phil because neither of us is qualified to do that job. Thanks to Phil for providing me with literally nothing.

Phil gave me false hope. For that, and many other reasons I’ve listed before, I’ll never forgive him.

OUR VIEW:

Citizens should vote yes on Proposition JUMP

As citizens make their way to the polling locations across town Tuesday, April 2, they should vote yes on Maryville R-II School District’s Proposition JUMP.

Proposition JUMP is a $23 million project that will make needed changes to the schools across Maryville for enhanced security and improved learning spaces. The changes and improvements made from this proposal will benefit future generations of students in town, along with parents and teachers.

All four of the schools — Maryville Early Childhood Center, Eugene Field Elementary School, Maryville Middle School and Maryville High School — will see significant changes in the coming years if this proposition is passed.

Whether it is a large change, like having a two-story addition, or something small, like having more accessible parking, can make a huge difference.

Each school but Maryville Middle School is going to go through changes to have more secure front entrances. Many students, teachers, parents and administrators can agree that safety needs to be a higher priority, and this proposition is making changes toward that goal.

The Northwest Missourian has written many different editorials

over the past years in support of students and teachers, and this is a tangible way for improvements to be made that will impact thousands of students and educators in Maryville. This is the first step of many major improvements, and the community should support it.

No one should disagree that these changes need to be made, but how much these improvements will cost is always going to be a question.

This is a no-tax-increase bond, which means that no taxes will be added because of this project. The current tax levy is 79 cents, and that will stay in place whether the proposition is passed or not.

The $23 million bond proposal would be issued over the next 13 years while the district is paying it off. With no added taxes, there is no reason why voters shouldn’t pass this.

Another concern is where the Maryville Early Childhood Center and the Eugene Field Elementary students will go and how their education will be impacted while the two-story addition is being built. Students in third or fourth grade will be moved to the Northwest Technical School for the 2024-25 school year.

With a project of this size, there are always going to be growing pains. To plan for the fu-

ture of students in Maryville, students will only have to be placed in a different learning facility for one year. Ultimately, having to change locations for one school year is a small change to make in return for an upgraded, safe and improved learning space.

Even if the proposition doesn’t get passed, Maryville R-II School District has said these will still be priorities. This could result in another proposition on ballots in future elections. Make the choice now to back your community and support its education system instead of pushing back these improvements.

For this proposition to be passed, all it needs is a simple majority of voters. Whether or not you have children attending schools in Maryville, the improvements made from this plan will benefit students and staff in many different ways.

When filling out ballots April 2, vote yes on Proposition JUMP to support the future of Maryville students, teachers and parents.

HAILEY JOHNSON-NEESER CARTOONIST

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

NW golf to end regular season in Springfield

NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @nathanvandruff2

Northwest golf had a strong finish in its competition March 18-19 as the Bearcats took fifth out of 15 teams in the Midwest Intercollegiate Invite in Bolivar, Missouri.

Northwest entered its secondto-last tournament of the regular season where junior Madilyne Schlaepfer led the way for the Bearcats, shooting just 12 over par over the two-day tournament.

Coach Andy Peterson talked about what Schlaepfer brings to the team and the person she has become along her journey through the program.

“She’s a great golfer, and I mean that’s first and foremost,” Peterson said. “She’s got a great swing. But, I think the best part about Maddie is how competent she is and knows what she is doing. If she gets a birdie or if she gets a double bogey it really doesn’t bother her demeanor, she’s just pretty calm. She fits right in with the girls, and she has just been a big-time asset to our team.”

Prior to the Midwest Intercollegiate Invite, the Bearcats placed third out of twelve teams in the Southwest Minnesota State University Classic March 11-12 at Litchfield Park, Arizona. Junior Paige Hoffman took second in the competition, placing second shooting two over par.

Peterson said he is looking for a consistent group that will be ready for its upcoming Arkansas Tech University Spring Regional April 8-9.

“I mean, I think we’ve got one, two and three spots pret-

DIRECTOR

CONTINUED FROM A12

“The ones that perform the best athletically typically are the ones that are very committed to excelling academically because they’re well rounded.” Webb said. “You know, that’s a student-athlete. We’ve got a very long, great tradition here at Maryville High School of having athletes that not only excel athletically, but do very well in the classroom and beyond in our community.”

Continuing a good culture and continuing to find ways to improve it is one of Webb’s priorities, he said. He’s spent 12 seasons building one for Spoofhound football, and while he said the word “culture” may be thrown around too much, Maryville has it.

“You know, what we have here is, No. 1, when you compete in anything as a Spoof-

HOME CONTINUED FROM A12

ty well locked down,” Peterson said. “And, we just need a little bit of consistency whether it’s, you know, (Junior) Kylie Carey, (Sophmore) Lauren Kohl or (Sophomore) Kayla Moline just

to kind of settle in and can play the golf that they know they can play. So, hopefully, the Rivercut Golf Course will allow one of them to do that. And, we can go into the MIAA Tournament

hound, you’re gonna show up and you’re gonna play your hardest,” Webb said. “You’re going to be a great teammate. You’re gonna be unselfish. Team

The Bearcats will have a two-day rest before they play a nonconference opponent in William Jewell at 3 p.m. April 2 at Bearcat Baseball Field. William Jewell has a 12-10 record and a 7-3 nonconference record, Northwest picked up a win in its last contest against the Cardinals as it was able to pick up 10 hits in a 13-6 win April 25.

Junior left-handed pitcher Jacob Gajic looks to follow up his big game against Rogers State March 23 where he tossed through almost six innings and struck out eight batters in an 11-9 win.

“I think that outing stands out to me cause it started off

goals are always more important than individual goals. The team always comes first, and great teams win. Spoofhound athletes are leaders.”

settle down and find what was working. They didn’t seem to be catching up to the fastball that well, so we started to work backward to get ahead with some offspeed and then go into the fastball late in counts which seemed to be working well.”

With the Bearcats entering the tough home stretch, Gajic appreciates the short distances to go to games and makes the days easier. He said he also appreciates the environment it makes for the Bearcats. “It’s definitely easier showing up four days in a

UP NEXT

ATU Spring Regional April 8 - 9 Springfield, Missouri

Northwest golf placed

5th

out of 15 teams at the Midwest Intercollegiate Invite in Bolivar, Missouri.

here in a couple of weeks with a lot of confidence.”

Schlaepfer, from Gering, Nebraska, has finished in the top ten at a meet for just the fifth time in her career and has done it in backto-back tournaments. Schlaepfer said she had been working on her short game, and it helped her improve her overall scores.

“Working on my game has definitely helped create those ups and downs to get towards the hole,” Schlaepfer said. “I was able to make a couple of birdies in the tournament before which was really helpful. Overall my up-and-down game is what will need to be worked on the most.”

With the Arkansas Teah University Spring Invitational tournament wrapping up the regular season for the golf team, their upcoming practices and final tournament will be crucial for the team as it advances closer to the MIAA Tournament and possibly beyond.

TRIP CONTINUED FROM A12

Along with a strong pitching staff, Northwest pitchers will be facing the third-highest batting average in the conference. Washburn has one of the highest individual batting averages in the conference as well, senior pitcher and outfielder Jaycee Ginter is second in the conference with a .458. Right behind Ginter is Bearcat outfielder Lillie Filger, who is hitting .457.

Coach Naomi Tellez said her game plan for Washburn’s hitters isn’t based upon what they do well, but what Northwest pitchers do great. Having the Bearcats trust their abilities is the key to success.

“I use spray charts, but, ultimately, you know our pitchers have to be confident with whatever they’re throwing, “ Tellez said. “They each have their own individual strengths that I think will benefit us.”

After Washburn, the Bearcats will travel March 30 to Emporia, Kansas, for another doubleheader against Emporia State. Similar to Washburn, Emporia State comes into the weekend with the fourth-highest team batting average in the league. The Hornets also have senior outfielder Alexis Dial at sixth in the league hitting .427.

Emporia State is right behind Northwest and Washburn with a 7-5 conference record. Although the Hornets have a strong offense, their pitching may be the reason for not being higher in the conference standings.

The Hornets’ pitchers come in right behind the Bearcats in tenth with a 4.02 earned run average overall. In conference games specifically, that number rises to 5.87, while opponents are only giving up 4.53 runs in conference to the Hornets.

Tellez said the upcoming weekend is important for the Bearcats in deciding its final seeding for the MIAA Tournament. With just percentage points in front of the Icabods and Hornets, it’s a chance to grow the gap in the seedings.

“I think this week is huge for us,” Tellez said. “I mean, going on the road and playing in conference is hard. So, being able to snag some wins will definitely set us up better off in the long run. You know, we don’t want it to come down to the last weekend.”

Pieper is one of the most experienced players since Tellez took over as coach. Out of the 135 games Tellez has coached, Pieper has started in 125. With that experience, Pieper said that Northwest needs to start always playing to its capability. Instead, Pieper said, the team plays to the quality of the opponent.

“We sometimes tend to play the level at the team that we’re playing,” Pieper said. “So like we played in (Central Oklahoma), we play up to that level. Other times, we play down to an opponent that is below our level. So just kinda stay at the constant level, how we play like UCO or Pitt State or Rogers (State). We just need to stay at that level no matter the team.”

Northwest golf sophomore Paige Hoffman practices her swing at the driving range in preparation for an upcoming game April 6, 2023.

Maryville football coach Matt Webb talks to his team after the Spoofhounds’ 39-20 win against Savannah Oct. 13, 2023.

ALLISON DUARTE PHOTOGRAPHER

Northwest track and field starts outdoor season

ANDREW CLARK Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

For most sports teams, two weeks after competing for a national championship means the offseason begins. But for Northwest track and field, it means another competition season is just about to begin.

The Bearcats finished the indoor season with both men and women in the top eight in the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association poll. The men were ranked sixth overall and the women were ranked seventh.

It’s a different sport, and most will tell you that they like outdoor track and field a lot better than indoor because it feels like real track.”

BRANDON MASTERS COACH

Northwest will be sending athletes March 27-30 to either Austin, Texas, San Marcos, Texas, or Emporia, Kansas. Coach Brandon Masters said the reason for the three different places is the inability for some athletes to get into the Texas Relays.

“We decided to try the Texas Relays — we’ve never gone before,” Masters said. “And it’s great, a great competition, great meet. But, not all of our kids will get into the Texas Relays, and so we have to have another meet. And Texas State is right down the road. So we’ll do the whole back and forth

between Texas Relays and the Bobcat Invitational at Texas State.”

One of the athletes who will be competing at the Texas Relays is sophomore sprinter Truman Hare. At the meet, Hare will be a part of the men’s 4x400-meter team that will compete.

Hare said he is excited to get the opportunity to run in a meet as big as the Texas Relays.

“Texas Relay is such a historic meet, where a lot of pros go and really just where the best teams are right now,” Hare said. “The meet is something I watched growing up so to be able to know one day, here soon, I will be able to say I ran in it, it’s going to be pretty cool. “

One of the main challenges the Bearcats face when transitioning from indoor to outdoor season is the track itself. The runners will move from the 200-meter track to a 400-meter.

Another issue the runners have to deal with is the weather. After running in perfect conditions for the indoor season, outdoor presents rain, wind, cold or heat. Northwest will have to battle the circumstances. Masters and Hare both said outdoor track is a completely different sport compared to indoor.

“It’s a different sport, and most will tell you that they like outdoor track and field a lot better than indoor because it feels like real track, “ Masters said. “You know there’s some advantages and wonderful things about indoor track and field, and because we have (Carl and Cheryl) Hughes (Fieldhouse), we are able to compete on an indoor track everyday. So, we’re a little bit sharper than other teams. A lot of teams catch up to us outdoors because they normally have an outdoor track, too.”

Northwest will be spending the next few weeks preparing to improve its ability and not worry so much about the time the athletes run. It

is the same process for indoor season Masters follows. The Bearcats will create sore bodies early in the season for the ultimate goal of being ready to run its best times at the end.

Hare said what Northwest accomplished in the indoor season won’t be forgotten, but now it is time to get back to work and get ready to compete again.

“The intensity level definitely increases when we head back out

to outdoor as we’re trying to kind of help our bodies improve again,” Hare said. “When we were preparing for nationals, we got a slight decrease, and we try to get our bodies right to peak rather than improve. It’s kind of like what preseason was where it’s just tear the body up again. Then, once we get back toward conference time, it’ll be easing off the gas pedal and trying to peak again.”

Maryville girls soccer set for round robin tournament

The Class 2 District 8 runner up last season, the Maryville girls soccer team, traveled March 19 to Savannah, Missouri, for its much-anticipated season debut.

Much to the dismay of the Savages, the Spoofhounds came out on top, with a commanding 8-0 victory. Just like last campaign, the ’Hounds never took their foot off the gas. This one-sided scoreline was similar to its first game of

last season, where Maryville took down the Savages by a score of 7-0.

Injuries have plagued the Spoofhounds’ start to the season, but it didn’t seem to affect this Maryville team. Coach Stephanie Ingram said she is optimistic for the season with her squad’s impressive start.

“I think Savannah was a good way to start the season,” Ingram said. “It gave the girls a little confident boost. We have a young team — I think like 50% freshmen. So, the girls were a little nervous starting out, but I think getting that game under their belt against a team like Savannah where we are rivals helps.”

With a 1-0 record, the Spoofhounds arrived March 25 at the Mid-Buchanan Lady Dragons. It was a defensive showdown, with both teams finding it hard to finish any chances. Then, Mother Nature got involved, and a hail storm put the game on hold eliminating potential momentum for both sides.

The deadlock between both squads could not be broken as regular time finished scoreless, so extra time was required to determine the outcome. Junior forward Jalea Price eventually struck for the game-ending goal to give Maryville a hard-fought 1-0 win.

Price said techniques they worked on during training showed the improvements of the team.

“We moved the ball really well,” Price said. “We connected good passes, moved to open space, and talked.”

Maryville headed to Lafayette-St. Joseph March 26. It was a master class by the Spoofhounds, scoring ten unanswered goals to win 10-0. It was a great opportunity to rotate players off the bench to try out some new positions that the players often wouldn’t have the chance to test out.

Now, the Spoofhounds are looking ahead to the Smithville Round Robin Tournament. Maryville will battle with

Staley at 5:45 p.m. April 1 in Smithville, Missouri. The last and only meeting in recent years between these two was just last season in a 4-1 win for the Falcons April 3, 2023, in last year’s Smithville Round Robin Tournament.

With the past result fresh in Maryville’s head, the Spoofhounds and Falcons are gearing up to face each other once again. Ingram said this is a perfect time to test her team’s skills to figure out what needs improvement early on.

“The Smithville tournaments are always pretty tough, especially this early on in the season when

UP NEXT

Smithville Round

Robin Tournament April 1-4

Smithville, Missouri

MHS vs. Staley 5:45 p.m. April 1

Smithville, Missouri

we’re still learning as a team,” Ingram said. “We’re just going to really focus on passing. It’s such a basic skill but just working on connecting passes and trying not to lose possession is probably what we’re going to focus on.”

LANDON CLOUSE Missourian Reporter | @NWMSports

Northwest track and field assistant coach Nikki Segrest congratulates junior distance runner Taylor McCreedy after she finishes a run Feb. 5 at the MIAA Indoor Track and Field Championships in Topeka, Kansas.

HANNAH CLAYWELL NEWS EDITOR

Maryville girls soccer senior Lauren Jaster moves the ball up the field in a drill during practice March 18. The Spoofhounds will play Staley at 5:45 p.m. April 1.

KAILEEN DOHRMAN MISSOURIAN PHOTOGRAPHER

‘THE TEAM BEHIND THE TEAM’

National Athletic Training Month gives recognition, spreads job appreciation

They’re there when an athlete needs someone to talk to, they’re there when an athlete just needs some tape, they’re there to help athletes with the rehab process after surgeries and they’re there for everything in between.

Athletics trainers do a lot. Oftentimes — and to the hope of many — they can generally be seen sitting at the end of the bench or standing at the end of the sideline. Yet, they might be the most important person there.

And that’s part of why March is designated as National Athletic Training Month, to give recognition to those who put in so much work to make sure athletes can be at their best mentally and physically.

For Northwest, that group includes head athletic trainer Matt Cannella and assistant athletic trainers Christy Tapps, Dan Harrison and Kelly Wendelberger.

“We’re the team behind the team for a reason,” Tapps said. “We don’t deal well with actual recognition, but I think just getting that awareness out there about our profession and what we do is what’s most important to me.”

While Tapps and many others may see athletic trainers as “the team behind the team,” to those programs they help and to those athletes they care for, they might as well be on the teams and programs they work with.

They follow their squads on all the away games, to all the hotels, to all the practices and so, of course, they also reap the rewards of their teams.

Tapps, who primarily works with men’s and women’s basketball, soccer and the steppers, has experienced that through a few championship moments with Bearcat men’s basketball.

“We were halfway through the season, and so I think it was only my second or third game whenever they had technically won the MIAA championship,” Tapps said. “So, you know, I was obviously happy for them and just standing off to the side, but coach (Ben) McCollum was even like, ‘You’re one of us now, get up here,’ and so it is a really special feeling to be included.”

“I think the different factor that we have here compared to other places is — all of our ath-

letic trainers, I think, would say the same thing — they all feel like they’re part of the teams,” Cannella said. “So like, we’re a part of the coaching staffs technically, unofficially, but they treat us as such, and there’s such a respect level between our department and coaching and strength conditioning, that we all work really well together.”

For Northwest’s athletic trainers, they have two main locations they operate at — the athletic training room on the first floor of the Lamkin Activity Center and out in the field, or court, wherever that may be.

At the home base in Lamkin, the trainers are able to do most of the evaluations, treatments and rehab procedures. But, they are also able to work on documentation of treatments and update or revise policies.

“

All of our athletic trainers, I think, would say the same thing — they all feel like they’re part of the teams.”

MATT CANNELLA HEAD ATHLETIC TRAINER

On the field or court, they are typically restricted to emergency response, ranging from quick care for a torn ligament to calming an allergic reaction. Cannella said a lot of an athletic trainer’s day is spent simply preparing for potential problems rather than treating them.

While each story is a little different, the root cause for athletic trainers finding their way into the career path seems to be an athletic trainer from their high school days leaving a lasting impact.

“I had a high school athletic trainer that I kind of built that relationship with, and I was in his office all the time,” Harrison said. “He was able to help me get back to some stu ff , get back to playing sports, so that was one thing that was cool. I

liked being around athletics. I wanted to do something medical-wise — didn’t want to be sitting in the same office — just something that every day would be kind of a little bit different. And then, took a couple classes in undergrad, kind of fell in love with it, stuck with it ever since.”

And while the journey is similar, the reasons to stick around Maryville are as well. Bearcat athletes speak a lot about the family atmosphere at Northwest. While Harrison has been in Maryville less than a year, Tapps has been here for eight, and she said that feeling is very evident.

And, for her and Cannella, who’s been on the Bearcat staff since summer 2019, all it took was the first visit to campus and the rest was history.

“I mean, just walking in from day one, you could just always tell it was just a special place,” Tapps said. “So, at that moment, but I was just brought in from day one, and, you know, it’s just where I want to be.”

“Like, the first time I stepped on campus, as cliche as it sounds, it’s just like you get this feeling of like there’s an energy on campus,” Cannella said. “And, from the second I walked in the door, it just was like, ‘I want to be here.’ Like, there’s something really special about this University and about the town and community. And, it’s almost intoxicating, that you want to be around it all the time.”

As their time in Maryville grows, so do their connections with the athletes they care for. The athletic trainers sometimes see athletes every day, whether for treatment or just a quick chat.

To see anyone faced with a setback, let alone a season-ending or career-ending injury, can be hard. Athletic trainers can see it fairly regularly, and in the case of Cannella, Tapps, Harrison and Wendelberger, it sometimes unfortunately happens to athletes they’ve come to know on a personal level. But for them, that’s why they’re in this business to begin with.

“I would be lying if I didn’t say that there have been times, after that moment, I get home at

night, and I just constantly feel for that person because we get to know them so well,” Tapps said. “The athletes I work with I consider them my sons and daughters, you know, and, so yeah, you feel for them. But that’s also, on the flip side, kind of why we got into this — because you want to help them, you want to help them in that situation.”

“When, in that moment,

when we’re walking them off the field, and I’m saying, ‘Hey, don’t worry. I’ve got you,’ they understand and they appreciate that fact, and it gives them some sense of hope that, you know, somebody is looking out for my best interests,” Cannella said. “And, that’s exactly what we’re doing with every single one of our student-athletes — doesn’t matter what sport or who it is.”

WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

Assistant athletic trainer Christy Tapps cuts off a piece of the net following the Bearcats’ eighth MIAA Tournament title in nine seasons March 10. Tapps said this jobs helps her create strong bonds with the athletes she helps.

AARON HARE ASST.

PHOTO EDITOR

Men’s basketball senior forward Wes Dreamer is checked out by assistant athletic trainer Christy Tapps during the Central Region Semifinals March 17.

WESLEY MILLER MANAGING EDITOR

Webb to be new athletic director for Maryville High School

WESLEY MILLER Managing Editor | @wesleymiller360

Matt Webb has spent the last 12 years teaching and guiding Spoofhounds as they prepare to take the football field.

Now, he’ll continue to do so — regardless of if it’s on a field, court, pitch or anywhere else — as Maryville’s new athletic director.

“I’m super excited about it,” Webb said. “Maryville is a unique place. Not only is our mascot unique being the Spoofhounds — it’s the only one in the country, in the world, in the galaxy, in the universe, whatever — we’re the only Spoofhounds. But, that uniqueness doesn’t just stop at a mascot, Maryville’s a unique community.”

Webb is part of that unique community and has been for most of his life. He grew up in Maryville before graduating in 1993 and going on to play linebacker for William Jewell for four years, eventually earning a bachelor’s degree in communication with the Cardinals.

You know, what we have here is, No. 1, when you compete in anything as a Spoofhound, you’re gonna show up and you’re gonna play your hardest.”

MARYVILLE

He then went on to earn his master’s at Southwest Baptist, followed by stints as position coaches for Southwest Baptist from 1997-2000 and Southeast Missouri. He served as the defensive coordinator for FCS’s Southeastern Louisiana from 2005-10 before finally returning to Maryville to take over the helm of the football program — where he’s been for the last 12 years, leading the Spoofhounds to three state titles, and where he plans to stay, even with his added responsibilities.

“I’m very appreciative and very, very thankful,” Webb said. “I was born and raised here and walked the Maryville High School halls and graduated in 1993. And that’s Maryville. You know, it’s a supportive community. We’re a community that appreciates the hard work and the efforts that are put on by our school district to provide a product that everybody can be proud of, you know, and that’s my role as athletic director, and I’m excited about things moving forward.”

Webb said Maryville’s previous athletic director Matt Beu resigned, and no other information about his departure is available at this time.

One of the challenges student-athletes face is balancing academics with the athletics and making sure they put forth their best effort in each aspect. Webb said making sure Maryville’s student-athletes are able to do so will be very important.

Quartet of home games next for ’Cats

NATHAN VANDRUFF Sports Reporter | @naterhater12

Northwest baseball is set to play three games at home against Missouri Southern — one of the top teams in the MIAA.

The Bearcats are going for their first series win against the Lions since 2018 and have a practice set up before the series. Coach Darin Loe said he runs his practices to keep his players in good form for their upcoming games.

“I think getting everybody ready when you make a decision is big,” Loe said. “You know, to adjust bullpens to get our work in. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to practice outside yesterday March 25 and today March 26, so being inside makes it a little harder to have a good practice.”

Northwest, provided with the

home-field advantage, plays March 28-30 against Southern following its game against Washburn at 3 p.m. March 27 at Bearcat Baseball Field. Washburn and Southern sit near the top of the MIAA as the Lions (26-6, MIAA 14-3) sit second and Washburn (16-12, MIAA 10-6) rest at fifth.

Loe said if his team sticks to its game plan, it will fare just fine even against the tough competition.

“Our team mindset is that it doesn’t matter who we play, we know it’s baseball and anybody can beat anybody,” Loe said. “We kind of challenge our guys to not look at stats, records, standings and things like that. At the end of the day, everybody in this conference is a quality team and if we focus on the way we play our game, we can beat anybody.”

Softball to embark on trip to Kansas for pair of MIAA doubleheaders

Northwest softball sits with a 16-16 overall record and 5-3 record in the MIAA. The Bearcats’ next two opponents are the next two teams under them in the conference standings.

Washburn is set to host

Northwest for a doubleheader at 4 p.m. March 29. The Icabods sit with a 7-5 record in conference.

Sophomore Sadie Walker, a pitcher for Washburn, leads the conference in lowest earned run average at .92 in 106 innings pitched. Walker, along with the rest of the Ichabod pitching staff, has the second-lowest earned run average with a 1.65.

Junior first baseman Skylar Pieper is in her third season as a starter for Northwest. Pieper is hitting .361, tied for the team lead in runs batted in with 20 and doubles with six.

Pieper said going up against a pitcher of Walker’s ability is tough, but the Bearcats are going to treat it like any other game. The team just goes into the game trying to hit the ball hard, not worrying about the pitcher’s abilities.

“We don’t really go over the

pitchers or like talk about what they throw because it’s almost like we don’t want to overthink and make the pitcher seem better or worse than they actually are,” Pieper said. “So we just kind of go into every game thinking, ‘Hey, see the ball, hit the ball hard, good things will happen.’”

ANDREW

Northwest baseball sophomore catcher Brady Miles hits the ball during the Bearcats’ 7-5 victory over Rockhurst March 19. The Bearcats’ next matchup is against Missouri Southern at 3 p.m. March 28 at Bearcat Baseball Field.

AARON HARE ASST. PHOTO EDITOR

Northwest softball freshman outfielder

Mayberry catches the ball during batting practice