The Stylus

Park hosts seminar on child exploitation and human trafficking

Abby Beagel Editor-in-Chief

On Oct. 30, 2024, Park University held a powerful seminar, “Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking: Protecting Our Communities.” From 9 a.m. to noon, students, faculty, staff, and even some high school juniors and seniors gathered in Alumni Hall to hear from experts who are fighting this issue every day. With representatives from local and federal agencies, healthcare, and state prevention units, the event covered real, eye-opening details about the realities of human trafficking—and the steps we can take to protect our communities. Due to the sensitive nature of the work and ongoing investigations, individual speakers will not be named in this coverage. Human Trafficking from a Law Enforcement Perspective

Fright

Park University’s annual Fright Night, held Oct. 25, connected students, staff, and campus organizations with the greater Parkville community for an evening filled with entertainment, activities, decorations and numerous attractions.

Destiny Pearson Reporter

The seminar opened with a presentation on human trafficking from a law enforcement perspective, given by an FBI officer experienced in handling these complex cases. One of the first things the speaker mentioned was the immense difficulty in identifying and investigating trafficking cases. According to the officer, traffickers exert psychological control over their victims, isolating them and instilling fear to keep them compliant. The officer explained that victims often remain silent not just out of fear of their traffickers but due to feelings of shame and See Fright Night on

Park University held its annual Halloween-themed Fright Night on Friday, Oct. 25, which is an annual event that offers a night of spooky entertainment and fun for students, staff, and the local community. Organized by Park’s student activities office and various campus groups, this event is located at Copley Quad dormitory. This festive atmosphere is filled with Halloweeninspired activities, decorations, and attractions.

The highlight of Fright Night is

typically the Copley Quad hallways that are turned into a haunted house, where volunteers from the university create a thrilling experience with eerie sets, special effects, and costumed students. Each floor gets scarier by the level as visitors make their way through dark, creepy hallways, encountering ghoulish figures and unexpected scares at every turn on the 4th floor. The first floor features kidfriendly activities.

For those who enjoy a less frightful experience, Fright Night also includes costume contests, pumpkin carving

OPINION

November 1, 2024

Presidential ratings Pt3: The high averages

Damon Grosvenor Editor

Last month, I discussed the Nearly Great Presidents. This month, we cover the High Average. These presidents are the best of the average. There are few connecting tissues between these three gentlemen, but their times, party and context are vastly different. To be high average, simply means that I like, or begrudgingly respect, certain accomplishments or abilities of these presidents more than the rest of the averages.

Herbert Hoover: The 31st President of the United States is one of the most misunderstood. He is perhaps the greatest victim in American history of politically motivated character assassination. What FDR did to Hoover makes the Lost Cause look like child’s play. Before he ran for president in 1927, Hoover was a globally renowned humanitarian and one of the most potent executives in the world. During WWI, Hoover was the founder and director of the Commission for the Relief of Belgium which saved nearly 10 million people from starvation in the occupied nation. In 1917, when the US entered the war in Europe, Hoover was asked by President Woodrow Wilson to head the American Food Administration to help ration and feed the war effort. He was then asked by Presidents Warren Harding and Calvin Coolidge to be their Secretary of Commerce. In 1927, before announcing his run, he helped rebuild the American South after the mass death and destruction of the Mississippi River Flood.

But his presidency is most remembered for the Great Depression. He is blamed for the worst parts of the Depression and is even

blamed for causing it. Hoover was claimed to be an inactive shill for the big banks and capitalist titans of the times. All of this was untrue. Before Hoover’s presidency, the government didn’t track unemployment. So, when people blamed him for not taking the crisis seriously, they use hindsight to criticize with information they know but which Hoover had to move heaven and earth to find out.

To say Hoover would have fixed the Great Depression would be a lie. No one could fix it. It took a World War to fix the markets. However, Hoover is Above Average in my perspective because no other president had the executive ability to create from nothing the structure to fight the greatest global financial crisis in modern history. There is a saying about the Stock Market Crash of 1929, “The U.S. sneezed, Britain caught a cold, and Germany nearly died of Pneumonia.” It was Hoover’s abilities that prevented that sneeze from turning into pneumonia. And it only became that due to FDR’s mishandling of the economy in 1933.

Barack Obama: This is a tough one for me. I have to begrudgingly admit that Obama was not as bad I might like to think. I have caught a bit of OBS (Obama Derangement Syndrome) from the media I consume. He has shown even today that he is a great politician and orator. Compare his speeches to Joe Biden, Donald Trump or Kamala Harris and it isn’t hard to tell why Obama was so popular. I could spend several articles and probably write a book about my disagreements with Obama’s policies and actions. But those are not why I have him here in the High Average. He is here due to his masterful ability to coalition build.

Unlike Joe Biden, Kamala Harris or Hilary Clinton, Obama did not have a prebuilt voter coalition to run his 2008 campaign on. Rather he had charisma and youth in such abundance that he was able to sweep up independents and moderates, especially with his message of Hope after the 2008 Crash. He represented a group of voters that had never before had a candidate seem so much like them. His coalition of ethnic diversity has never been replicated since, despite all Democrats either assuming they would retain it or actively pandering to obtain it. And that is proof that it was his coalition, not the party’s. He was very much like his party’s founder, Andrew Jackson, in his ability to draw allies to himself and actively drive his opponents mad at the mere mention of his name. And for that, he gets my rating as High Average.

Millard Fillmore: If you want a good laugh, go look up a picture of President Fillmore and compare it to a photo of Alec Baldwin. You might find the resemblance amusing. For that, Fillmore already outshines any of the other Antebellum presidents. Fillmore is among those Accidental Presidents who are inherently dealt a weak hand. He was only president for two years and at a time when the office was weak compared to Congress. Not only that, but Fillmore was also not a party leader. The Whig party was on its last legs and the Democrats were potent. So what could make me put Fillmore in the High Average category? Most ratings have him near the very bottom. I believe that is not due to actual informed opinions by historians but caused by the lack of interest about this president. The Antebellum presidents are the least studied in American History and all are assumed to be

weak willed puppets of the fire breathers of their times. In some cases that is true, but not so for Fillmore.

Fillmore’s opportunities did not come in the grand manner of a Lincoln or a Washington. Rather they came in the form of maintaining the status quo and preventing the country from getting worse. In that he achieved success. Most of his accompanying presidents did not accomplish that. When Taylor died, his cabinet resigned, leaving Fillmore high and dry. But he was able to recruit Daniel Webster as Secretary of State and pass the Compromise of 1850, which was seen at the time as necessary for holding the Union together. This is all the historians talk about now. In fact, his White House biography only speaks of this. It was important, but it was not the only occurrence in his presidency. He and Webster were able to get a bit of good out of the overwhelming bad of the times. And again, that is more than his fellow Antebellum companions were able to do.

Staff List

Editor-in-chief

Abby Beagel

Matalyn Smith

Design Editor

Damon Grosvenor

Reporters

Marcus Castro

Lorenzo Leone

Mateus Carvalho

Destiny Pearson

Francisco Reyes

Adviser

Melody Alexander

How are Park Pirates voting?

Damon Grosvenor Editor

On Nov. 5, Americans all over the country will go, if they haven’t already, to the voter booth and cast their ballots. For many Park Pirates, this is the first presidential election they will have the opportunity to participate in this most important civic duty. Who will they vote for? What are the big issues? Are they even registered to vote? Over the past week, my buddy Martin T. Roberson, my fellow Stylus staff member, Matalyn Smith, and I have been walking around campus and asking students these very questions. Here are our findings.

First, most of the people we talked to were unwilling to give a comment. Park is a fairly a-political campus and so our man-on-street style interviews were likely somewhat off-putting or intimidating.

Second, those who did answer were mainly women and half of those who were willing to talk to us were voting for Harris. We did not find a single Donald Trump supporter on campus.

Brooklynn Lawrence, a secondary education senior who works at the Norrington Library, said she is voting Kamala Harris. Her biggest issue was LGBTQ rights.

Juliannah Stobaugh, a marketing freshman, is going to vote Harris because, “I think Donald Trump is a terrible person.” Stobaugh said the Harris was more educated and intel-

ligent than Trump. “Harris doesn’t have ‘Concepts of a Plan.’”

Maliyah Wampler, a biology senior, is voting for Harris because, “The major issue is women’s rights for abortion care.” She supports Harris’ economic plans to help the middle-class.

PHOTO COURTSEY/Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

An absentee voter mail-in ballot shows the major party tickets in the 2024 presidential election In-person voting takes place Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Adele Gerry, a graphic design junior, is voting for Harris because, “Democracy is threatened by the other side.” She sees her ballot decision as doing her “due diligence.”

Jessika Zuber, a nursing senior, is voting for Harris. “I like her policies and her motives behind her policies,” she said. Harris’ work on the CHIPS Act and her emphasis on climate change and women’s rights were among the reasons Zuber supported Harris.

Austin Maddox, a logistics major, is

meaning to register to vote. Once he does so, Maddox plans on voting for Harris. He said he doesn’t know much about the other candidates. He agrees with some of Trump’s positions, but also said that he wouldn’t cast a ballot for a felon.

Given the heated atmosphere of this election in particular, some individuals did not want to say who they were voting for, but were still willing to talk to us.

Isaac Dority, a computer science freshman, is registered to vote, but wanted to keep his candidate preference private. He believes, “Our Democracy is at stake here.” His vote is his way of doing something about the situation.

It may surprise some, but there were many undecided voters. The reasons for their hesi-

tation one way or the other were as myriad as the people themselves.

Marcus Steele, a military history freshman, is undecided. “I have a running list of pros and cons for each candidate,” he said, “but there’s considerably more cons for both candidates than pros.” Steele said he would be swayed if either candidate gave a concrete plan for commitment to allies and international security.

Kylee Dominick, a psychology sophomore, is undecided. This is her first election and she can see the value in both sides.

Manny Reyes, a nursing senior, is not registered, although he intends to. He is an undecided voter and said that he wants to vote because he believes his vote will matter this time around. He is waiting for either candidate to sell him on their visions for curbing inflation and improving infrastructure. He was critical of Harris’ abdication of responsibility for the consequences of her time as Vice President. “She pretends she hasn’t been in office for the last four years,” he said.

Ava Villarreal, a secondary education freshman, is undecided. She is passionate about “abortion and women’s reproduction.” She likes to judge candidates on how they speak and really wanted another debate between Harris and Trump. If either candidate was more forthcoming on specifics about their policies, Villarreal would be more likely to vote for them.

Line cutting is a moral blight on our society

Damon Grosvenor Editor

Over the Fall Break, I visited Silver Dollar City for the first time. I went with my fiancée and her family for her brother’s birthday. We got there as the park opened. We joined in the raising of the American Flag, the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the National Anthem. For a warm-blooded American like me, it was a great start to a day. The aesthetic was amazing. The property was beautiful. The rides were fun. The lines were short at first, and then unbearably long. The temperature was cool, and the breeze was nice. The water rides felt great in the afternoon. The roller coasters were tremendously

fun and better than the ones at Worlds of Fun. We were all enjoying ourselves, making small talk in the lines as we patiently waited our turn on adrenaline producing rides.

But some people couldn’t seem to want to wait their turn. Several times, while a hundred or so good Americans were waiting in line, a group of people would think that they had special privileges and could simply skip to the front of the line. Not with a prepaid Trailblazer pass, nor because they were special needs or disabled. No, it was simply because they thought the rules didn’t apply to them.

We all understand that certain people get to cut in line. And most people will willingly let the family with the paralyzed child or the severely autistic son cut ahead of them. The

wheelchair bound are more controversial; we have to stand in line, and it feels justified to me to say they can sit in line and wait their turn. But even then, I know I’m in the minority. But to have the audacity to simply think that you get to cut everyone in line for no reason is a moral blight. It was never one person. It was always an adult and young kids. And those kids always looked very guilty and even sorry, while their parent smugly lied and came up with empty excuses to cut in line. My mother-in-law teaches at an elementary school here in Missouri and my fiancée worked this spring as a substitute in the same district. And let me tell you they did not appreciate the lessons these parents were teaching their kids about common courtesy and the importance of lines.

Our nation is a Great Experiment in self-governance. It requires people to buy into the system and follow the basic rules without being told to. It requires us to put the shopping cart back rather than leave it in the parking lot. It requires us to teach our kids about waiting in lines like everybody else.

If we can’t even wait in line at an amusement park, then how can anyone take seriously the idea that we can govern ourselves?

If I can’t wait my turn for amusement, what hope is there I will wait my turn for something more important? If you can’t trust me to follow the rules in a card game, then would you trust me to follow the rules in the voting booth? Or how about when I do my taxes?

CAMPUS LIFE

Seminar

Continued from page 1

isolation—barriers that make it incredibly challenging for law enforcement to detect and help them.

The officer described how traffickers are skilled at creating an illusion of dependency, making victims feel as though they have no other options. This manipulation, the speaker noted, can be powerful enough that victims may defend or hide their traffickers out of misplaced loyalty or fear of retaliation. These circumstances complicate investigations, which often rely on small, fragmented pieces of information. Community tips play a big role here, the officer stressed, pointing out that even minor suspicions can be valuable. “It could be someone noticing a teenager who never seems to leave a certain home or someone who looks unusually distressed while shopping,” they said. These observations, though seeming small, can give starting points that lead to uncovering larger trafficking operations.

The speaker explained that making progress on trafficking cases requires a dual effort between local law enforcement, federal agencies, and the community. The officer shared examples of past cases that took months or even years to crack because there is rarely a clear-cut trail of evidence. They discussed how law enforcement has to piece together information from various sources— ranging from surveillance footage to testimonies and even social media activity. I remember feeling struck by the officer’s honesty about how difficult it is to bring a trafficker to justice without community awareness and support.

Online Safety and Exploitation

The next presentation, “Online Safety and Exploitation,” discussed how common online exploitation has become, particularly on social media and gaming platforms. The speaker, who has extensive experience in youth digital safety, emphasized that young people are some of the most vulnerable users online. They

explained that predators exploit these platforms by posing as peers, friends, or even romantic interests to connect with young people, sometimes creating fake profiles to lure kids into a sense of trust.

The speaker shared disturbing insights about how quickly these interactions can turn harmful. With just a few messages, predators may begin asking children for personal details or inappropriate photos. The statistics were chilling: cases of online grooming are not only affecting young girls but increasingly young boys as well, a reality that surprised many of us listening. Many of these victims who might feel embarrassed or ashamed to report these situations, sometimes suffer in silence. Tragically, some victims have felt so trapped and isolated that they’ve resorted to suicide.

This discussion emphasized the need for adults to actively monitor online interactions. The speaker recommended that parents and guardians create an open dialogue with their children and familiarize themselves with red flags like new online “friends” who seem too invested in their lives, ask to meet in person, or even just try to take conversations to different platforms such as Snapchat or Kik. By spotting these behaviors early, families can prevent interactions from escalating and provide an environment for their children to speak up. The urgency with which the speaker presented these issues made it clear, in today’s digital age, online safety isn’t just a conversation; it’s a critical form of protection.

The heart of the seminar was the guest panel, which included representatives from the FBI, Platte County Sheriff’s Office, St. Luke’s Hospital, and the State of Missouri’s Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit. Each speaker brought their own unique insights:

• FBI: The FBI representative spoke about the necessity of collaboration, sharing how they often rely on tips from local law enforcement and the community to track down traffickers. They made it clear that trafficking isn’t just a “big city” problem; it’s happening in smaller

communities too. They also shared that cases are sometimes hard to prosecute because traffickers use tactics to keep their victims silent. The representative shared a story of a case where a victim was too afraid to testify, which made it even harder to get justice.

• Platte County Sheriff’s Office: The Sheriff’s Office representative provided local statistics that put the issue in perspective for us. They explained how their team has had to get creative with ways to educate residents. It wasn’t just about telling people what trafficking is but showing them specific signs to watch out for in our neighborhoods. The representative also mentioned their outreach initiatives, like training officers to look for subtle indicators of trafficking during routine calls.

• St. Luke’s Hospital: A healthcare angle came from the representative from St. Luke’s Hospital, who focused on the critical role medical professionals play in spotting trafficking victims. The speaker shared how St. Luke’s is training staff to recognize subtle signs of trauma and coercion that victims might show up with. For instance, they said that victims often come in with vague injuries or stories that don’t quite add up, but they’re usually hesitant to ask for help directly. One story that stood out involved a young person who came in repeatedly with injuries but never disclosed the real source of harm until a healthcare worker approached with sensitivity and patience.

• State of Missouri Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit: Wrapping up the

Fright Night

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stations, and multiple buckets of candy. Music, games, and crafts are additional draws of the event, appealing to attendees of all ages. Students often use this opportunity to showcase their creativity through elaborate costumes or themed decorations. Some years, the event has featured outdoor

November 1, 2024

panel, the representative from the State of Missouri Sex Trafficking Prevention Unit talked about prevention programs and the importance of educating young people before they become targets. They shared information about their outreach programs, which focus on schools, youth centers, and other hubs for teens. The speaker emphasized stopping trafficking starts with awareness, and it’s on all of us to spread the word. They also made sure attendees knew about available hotlines and resources for anyone who suspects trafficking is happening around them.

The seminar wrapped up with a question-and-answer session, and I could tell you that the information had a real impact on everyone in the room. Attendees asked specific questions about what they could do to help, which the panelists were quick to answer with practical advice.

It was clear that Park University’s commitment to these difficult issues goes beyond just hosting events. By bringing in experts from different areas, the university created a learning space where students and community members could get real, actionable information on fighting trafficking.

This seminar wasn’t just about information; it was a call to action, urging us to become more vigilant community members and do what we can to help prevent trafficking and exploitation.

If you see something, say something. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “Help” to 233733.

movie screenings of classic horror films or ghost tours that explore Park University’s historic buildings, rumored to have a haunted past.

Fright Night not only provides entertainment but also strengthens the campus community by bringing people together in a fun, engaging way. It allows students to take a break from their studies and embrace the Halloween spirit while bonding with their peers and the Parkville community.

CAMPUS LIFE

Park University’s International Festival returns Nov. 22

Abby Beagel Editor-in-Chief

Park University’s Office of International Education will host its annual International Festival on Friday, Nov. 22, as part of International Education Week. The festival, which runs from 5 to 9 p.m. on campus, is free and open to the public. The event will begin with information booths and cultural activities from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Mabee Learning Center/ Academic Underground. Here, attendees can interact with Park’s international students, who will represent their home

countries and offer insights into their native traditions, customs, and cultures. As of Oct. 28, countries confirmed to be featured include the Bahamas, Bangladesh, Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe.

An international buffet will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m., offering a variety of dishes from different countries. The cost for the buffet is $16 for the public, while Park students and employees on a meal plan can dine for free with their Park ID.

The festival will continue at 7:30 p.m. in Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel with a fashion show and cultural performances.

The fashion show will feature traditional attire from various cultures, presenting the diversity of fashion from around the world.

Performances will include Kansas City’s Three Trails Taiko, a group specializing in Japanese drumming, as well as students from Park University’s International Center for Music. The performances will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Park University takes pride in its international student body, which includes over 500 students from more than 70 countries. The International Festival is an

opportunity for these students to share the distinct characteristics of their homeland with the local community, celebrating global diversity.

The International Festival is an exciting part of International Education Week, celebrating the importance of global education and cultural exchange at Park University.

This event shows how dedicated the University is to embracing diversity, giving everyone a chance to experience a mix of cultures and traditions in one fun evening.

A night of musical mastery: Park string students to perform

ments. The program also features a violin duet and a performance by the Park Quartet.

String musicians from Park University’s International Center for Music (ICM) are preparing to take the stage for a recital on Thursday, Nov. 14. The concert, starting at 7:30 p.m. at the 1900 Building in Mission Woods, Kan., will feature ten students showcasing their skills on violin, viola and cello. The program is a diverse and rich selection of compositions, highlighting the expressive range of string instru-

The evening will include eight solo performances by students under the guidance of their renowned instructors: Violinist Ben Sayevich, Cellist Daniel Veis and Violist Chung-Hoon Peter Chun.

Guests can expect to hear a variety of pieces, including “Violin Concerto No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor” (first movement) by Henryk Wieniawski, Selections from “Romeo and Juliet” by Sergei Prokofiev

and arranged by Vadim Borisovsky and “String Quartet No. 12, D. 703” by Franz Schubert, which will be performed by the Park Quartet.

Tickets for the concert are available for purchase through Eventbrite. General admission is $30, while student tickets are $10 before fees.

For more information about the concert and to purchase tickets, visit icm.park.edu/park-icm-presents-thestring-studios-in-recital.

Park’s ICM String Students are pictured in a press photo.

Events from International Festival 2023 will return for 2024.

Emyani Gotow Reporter

ENTERTAINMENT

November 1, 2024

‘Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice’: A classic sequel

Damon Grosvenor Editor

In 1988, visionary filmmaker Tim Burton released his now cult-classic “Beetlejuice.” Now, 25 years later, Burton has created a sequel that’s just as fun, gross, and unexpected as the original.

“Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” follows the Deetz family as chaos unfolds on Halloween when Lydia, played by Winona Ryder, enlists the help of the infamously nasty Beetlejuice, reprised by Michael Keaton, to rescue her rebellious daughter Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, from the underworld.

I watched this film with my fiancée on a whim. I enjoyed the original, but it wasn’t a favorite. She also wasn’t a big fan of the first one. We decided to go after I saw a few good reviews of the sequel, and we had a free evening. It was certainly

worth the price of admission.

The visual style of any Tim Burton movie is uniquely his. “Beetlejuice, Beetlejuice” maintained the feel of the 1980s with practical sets and effects. The memorable and off-the-wall visual gags of the titular character and the underworld were the perfect juxtaposition to the drab, flat world of the living.

The best part of the movie was Keaton. His burping, sleazy and just plain gross Beetlejuice took over every scene he was in. Old gags were improved upon, and new ones always landed. The shrunken-head guy from the first movie returns as Beetlejuice’s floor manager at his bio-exorcist company.

The most memorable part of the movie was the ending. I won’t spoil it, but it was so unexpected and baffling that my mouth was literally agape, and my fiancée was laughing from confusion and joy.

It introduced me to a new favorite song that everyone from Glen Campbell to ‘70s prog rock band Beggars Opera to “Weird Al” Yankovic has covered, Richard Harris’

“MacArthur Park.” I’ll give no context for the song’s use in the movie—you’ll have to watch it to find out when and where it’s used.

Linkin Park returns after 7-year hiatus

Marcus Castro Editor

After seven years on hiatus, alternative rock band Linkin Park is back with new songs and new members. The band announced its return with a series of cryptic posts on social media in late August, and on Sept. 5, they held a live event from Warner Bros. Studios in Los Angeles.

On Aug. 24, Linkin Park posted a countdown timer on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, which ran down to zero on Aug. 28 before glitching and counting back up, leaving fans puzzled.

The following day, the band posted a close-up of their logo with the caption, “Be part of something. September 5th.”

The long-awaited day arrived with the band performing live at 3 p.m. PT on YouTube and their website.

The concert opened with a new song titled “The Emptiness Machine.” On stage, two microphones were set up, one

for co-founder Mike Shinoda and another left symbolically for Chester Bennington, the band’s late vocalist, who died in 2017. Midway through the song, a new vocalist, Emily Armstrong, stepped in to take the mic, marking her debut as the band’s lead singer. Armstrong, who previously performed with Dead Sara, joins new drummer Colin Brittain, according to Lipshutz (2024).

Armstrong’s addition to the band has sparked mixed reactions among fans, with some embracing her voice while others remain attached to Bennington’s legacy.

The new music lineup continues with “Heavy is the Crown,” a track released on Sept. 24 through a collaboration with Riot Games for League of Legends’ annual championship tournament. The animated music video debuted on the official League of Legends YouTube channel. The band’s latest single, “Over Each Other,” dropped on Oct. 24 and will be part of

Linkin Park’s upcoming album, “From Zero,” set to release on Nov. 15.

Linkin Park toured throughout September, performing both classic hits and new releases, and they plan to tour again following the album launch. Tickets are available on the Linkin Park website.

PHOTO COURTESY/Warner Bros. Pictures

PHOTO COURTESY/ James Minchin III

The effect of sports on Kansas City

Lorenzo Leone Reporter

The Kansas City Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC are three teams that call Kansas City, Mo. home; these teams have greatly influenced the city’s identity and encouraged a strong feeling of community among its citizens. Their recent achievements have increased this effect even further, fostering a sense of community and pride among the inhabitants.

After the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl twice in a row, excitement in the community was high. These victories strengthened the team’s standing in the NFL and bonded supporters with a common feeling of pride. Patrick Mahomes, the 28-year-old quarterback, is already being considered as one of the alltime greats, while tight end Travis Kelce is regarded as one of the best players in the league. Beginning the season with a record of 7-0, the Chiefs are targeting an unprecedented third Super Bowl victory. The enthusiasm around game days also means more customers and sales for nearby businesses.

Owner Clark Hunt and head coach Andy Reid have underlined how crucial community support is to their success. Reid’s comment, “Our fans are the heartbeat of this organization,” struck a chord with supporters and improves the relationship between the club and the neighborhood. Thanks to its devoted fan base, Arrowhead Stadium—which is praised for its lively atmosphere—is fre-

PHOTOS COURTESY/Kansas City Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is hoping to lead the team to a third Super Bowl for the 2024 season.

quently considered as one of the top NFL venues.

The Royals also have a rich history and have an ongoing influence on the city, even though the Chiefs have received more media attention recently. Their victories in the 1985 and 2015 World Series encourage ongoing local support, despite recent setbacks. The Royals are committed to fostering the next wave of baseball enthusiasts by means of community engagement and youth programming.

“The Royals have laid the groundwork for baseball in Kansas City, showing resilience and commitment,” said local historian James Peterson. Their charitable endeavors and kid clinics that foster the local baseball culture are clear examples

of their community commitment.

The growing popularity of soccer in Kansas City is mostly due to Sporting KC’s success in Major League Soccer (MLS). Younger admirers have been lured in by their commitment to supporting local talent and engagement with the community. Children’s Mercy Park, home field of Sporting KC, draws spectators from all around the region, creating a vibrant environment. “The fervor our supporters possess for the stadium is unparalleled,” head coach Peter Vermes said, highlighting the ways in which community support cultivates player inspiration.

A recent addition to Kansas City’s soccer landscape is the KC Current, a local women’s soccer team that has per-

formed well in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Their commitment to quality and community service has resulted in significant advancements for women’s soccer in the area. The opening of the Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Stadium, the first stadium in the U.S. designed exclusively for a women’s professional soccer team, marked a significant milestone. The stadium has contemporary facilities like cozy seats and first-rate hospitality choices. With a seating capacity of about 10,000, CPKC Stadium provides a cozy environment that strengthens the sense of camaraderie among supporters. Its layout places a strong emphasis on sustainability and incorporates areas for social events, which highlights KC Current’s commitment to interacting with the neighborhood.

The FIFA World Cup and Copa America, two significant international events that Kansas City will host, will enhance its sports culture and establish the city as a global player. These events are creating a great deal of enthusiasm among fans and are a reflection of the city’s rising importance in the Midwest sports landscape.

The essential role that sports play in promoting community cohesiveness and propelling economic progress in Kansas City is demonstrated by the efforts made by the Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC. Every squad strengthens the sense of identification, pride, and community within the city. These teams’ influence on Kansas City’s culture and spirit will last for as long as they are successful.

Women’s volleyball fights for conference spot on Senior Night

Mateus Carvalho Reporter

The Park University women’s volleyball team is preparing for an exciting Senior Night match against Central Methodist University on Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. The game will be held at Breckon Sports Center, and the Pirates will recog-

nize seniors Grecia Ung, Izabella Ceratti, Amra Kovac, Irene Verdino and Dorianna Braxton for their contributions to the team throughout their college careers.

The match against CMU is important as the conference comes to its final rounds. Central Methodist defeated Park 3-0 earlier this season, providing extra motivation for the Pirates as they look to

even the score on their home court. Senior Night will not only recognize the accomplishments of Park’s senior players, but it will also provide fans with an exciting game as both teams fight to secure a strong conference position. Park’s senior leaders will try to make an impact that lasts in one of their final home games, bringing their team for an

essential late-season victory.

Fans are encouraged to attend and support a night full of recognition, competition and school spirit. Don’t miss this opportunity to support the Pirates and honor their seniors in what could be a critical game for the team’s season.

Follow Park University’s athletic announcements for more information.

Kansas City Current: Women’s football scores a historic win

Lorenzo Leone Reporter

In the middle of the Midwest, the Kansas City Current has opened up on a ground-breaking new stadium called CPKC Stadium, ushering in a new era for women’s soccer. This architectural gem, which is tucked away along the Missouri River, is more than just a venue—it’s a potent representation of the city’s dedication to developing equality and women’s sports. The Kansas City Current have raised the bar for women’s football, with the lush surface glowing under the stadium lights.

Dreams Emerge: A moving scene

The stadium was filled with a cozy, inviting glow as the sun began to set. An exciting atmosphere was created in the stands by the fans, who were dressed in bright blue and gold. Little Sophia was among them, looking awestruck as she held her well-worn soccer ball. Sophia felt that her ambition of performing on such a stage was getting closer than ever, encouraged by giants like Marta and Alex Morgan. The stadium’s opening served as a symbol of promise for upcoming stars like Sophia as well as a celebration of the Current.

The Mahomes heritage: Exceeding the field

Men’s

The vision of Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany, is entwined with the road leading up to the opening of CPKC Stadium. Although Patrick’s skill on the football field is well recognized, his involvement in women’s sports reveals a deeper commitment to equality. Their $120 million investment created a worldclass soccer complex out of an empty lot.

While the stadium was being unveiled, Brittany, a former NCAA soccer player, shared the couple’s reasoning: “We wanted to create a space where our daughters—and all young female athletes—can watch and aspire to greatness.”

Highlights of Inauguration Day: A symphony of firsts

On opening day, the energy was palpable, with Patrick and Brittany Mahomes spearheading the applause. As the Kansas City Current ran onto the field, the crowd’s energy and excitement was at an all-time high. When Vanessa DiBernardo, a dynamic midfielder, scored the game’s opening goal, the excitement grew. Her goal promised a spectacular game and put the Current on the scoreboard. It also created a lively atmosphere for the remainder of the evening. Local athlete Elisa Rios, who has competed in leagues with a preponderance of male players, saw the stadium as more than just a place to play; it was an acknowledgment of her

journey. With emotion in her voice, Rios remarked, “To see this come to life is incredible.”

In addition, 16-year-old Alex Pfeiffer made National Women’s Soccer League history by becoming the youngest player to score in a game. Her quick, accurate strike demonstrated the stadium’s potential in addition to being a personal victory. Pfeiffer beamingly said, “I hope my goal shows young girls that they can achieve their dreams too.”

CPKC Stadium to FC Kansas City: A history of resilience

At Shawnee Mission District Stadium, The Kansas City Current—formerly FC Kansas City—was established in 2013. The team moved to Utah and took a short break before returning to Kansas City in 2021 under the new name Kansas City Current. The city’s intense love of soccer is celebrated as pioneers like Becky Sauerbrunn are honored at the new CPKC Stadium. Even though Sauerbrunn is currently a player with the Thorns, she still has a significant impact on the Kansas City soccer scene.

CPKC Stadium: An equity victory

CPKC Stadium is a symbol of equality and progress more than merely a sports venue. It represents a city that supports female athletes’ objectives and works to help them reach new heights. The stadi-

um’s grandeur is a continuous reminder of Kansas City’s unshakable commitment to recognizing and growing women’s soccer. It acts as a thriving center where the love of the game grows, aspirations are fostered and supported, and accomplishments are joyfully acknowledged. The stadium serves as more than just a place to play; it represents the city’s unwavering dedication to the development and acceptance of women’s soccer by fostering an atmosphere in which the competitive spirit permeates every aspect of life and accomplishments are highly valued.

The legacy comes to light

It is evident that CPKC Stadium is a representation of aspiration and hope as the sun sets, illuminating the field in a golden tone. Sophia and other young supporters see the stadium as a window into an endless future. With big eyes, she observes her heroes as they step onto the field, her mind already seeing herself involved in the action. CPKC Stadium is a site where future stars will emerge and motivate a new generation, serving as a tribute to the promise of women’s soccer. It represents tenacity, excellence, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness and is more than just a building. The Kansas City Current plays their part in history in a stadium honoring the future of women’s football.

and women’s cross country makes return to CoMo

Destiny Pearson Reporter

Park University's cross country team returned to compete in Columbia, Mo., on Saturday, Oct. 12, showcasing strong performances in a highly competitive event. The meet, which drew teams from across the region, served as an opportunity for Park's athletes to measure their progress against tough competition.

The men's team, led by standout runners, demonstrated great endurance and strategy on the challenging 8k course.

The terrain featured fairly flat segments, small hills and winding paths, testing the stamina and pacing abilities of each competitor.

Park's top finisher, Lukas Mehl, managed to stay in the lead pack for the majority of the race, finishing with a personal best time of 25:29.6, which helped the team secure a respectable placement among the participating schools. Other members of the men's team also clocked notable times, indicating their continuous improvement throughout the season.

On the women's side, Park's athletes

showed grit and determination in the face of tough opposition. The lead runner for the women’s team, Lily Brecheisen, finished within the top 20 of the race, with the other woman setting over a minute Personal Record (PR) time and contributing significantly to the team’s overall standing.

The team demonstrates strong cohesion and a commitment to pushing their limits. This event in Columbia is a key milestone in the team's preparation for upcoming conference championships. The experience gained from competing

in a challenging environment will be invaluable as the team looks to sharpen its tactics and improve individual performances.

The last time Park competed in Columbia, heat led to a gruesome performance, but this time, they came back with a vengeance, redeeming themselves from the last race.

Park University’s cross country teams left Columbia with a renewed focus and determination to achieve even greater success in their next races.

November 1, 2024

Elias Eichhorn is Park University’s pioneer keeper coach A New Era in Goalkeeping

Francisco Reyes Reporter

In a historic move for Park University’s soccer program, the team has introduced its first-ever goalkeeper coach, Elias Eichhorn. His appointment marks a significant step toward enhancing the training and development of goalkeepers in ways that were previously overlooked. Eichhorn, originally from Germany, brings an impressive background to the role. He began playing soccer at the age of three with his older brother, honing his skills alongside children older than him. By age ten, Eichhorn’s talent caught the eye of Bayern Munich’s scouts, leading him to a few weeks of training with one of the greatest clubs of Europe before he joined Bayer Leverkusen, where he would spend the next seven years. At Leverkusen, Eichhorn achieved a highlight of his youth career, winning the 2016-2017 German National Tournament and later gaining invaluable experience training alongside stars in the club’s first team. Eichhorn joined Park University in 2019, where he became an undisputed starter and the captain of the team, solidifying his place as a legend in the school’s history. In 2023, he received the Outstanding Parkite Award, which is

presented annually to two students who exemplify the University’s values in character, scholarship, and community engagement. As he reflects on his journey, Eichhorn recognizes a unique challenge he faced during his own college career was never having a dedicated goalkeeper coach. “I’m happy to help the keepers because I never had the privilege of a keeper coach, which is crucial for our development as players,” he said. “During my five years at Park University, I never had the chance to learn from an experienced keeper.”

With this newfound role, Eichhorn is working to elevate the goalkeeper training at Park to a more professional level, tailored to the unique demands of the position. He envisions implementing personal video sessions, game analysis, and in-depth training techniques to hone the keepers’ skills. He also sees the importance of developing modern goalkeepers who can not only guard the net, but also play with their feet as a sweeper, acting as an additional center back to support the team.

Adapting his training methods from what he learned at Bayer Leverkusen, Eichhorn is breaking away from the traditional model of goalkeepers focused solely on saving shots. “There isn’t a sin-

gle ‘German’ philosophy because each German goalkeeper coach believes his way is the best,” he said. “But I apply what I learned from my coach back in Germany, who still works with the first team at Leverkusen.” Eichhorn emphasizes his goal to prepare goalkeepers who confidently come off their line and actively contribute to the team’s defensive and offensive strategies.

The role comes with its own set of challenges, however. Eichhorn manages limited training time and is largely responsible for preparing every session on his own, unlike the support structure available for other positions. Nonetheless, he approaches these challenges with dedication, hoping to lay a strong foundation for future goalkeepers at Park University.

Eichhorn’s influence is already apparent. As the first goalkeeper coach in the team’s history, he is setting a high standard, transforming Park University’s approach to training keepers and inspiring students to reach new heights on and off the field.

Elias Eichhorn, above, is Park University’s goalkeeping coach, a role that is new to Park’s soccer team. A 2023 graduate who majored in international business graduate, Eichhorn was a starter and former captain of the Park Pirates soccer team. He was awarded the Outstanding Parkite Award in 2023 for exemplifying the University’s values while a student athlete at Park.

A new ‘final’ for the Pirates is coming

Francisco Reyes Reporter

The NAIA men’s soccer season is almost over after two months of intensity where the teams have left their lives on the field with the goal of winning the league and qualify to the nationals.

Park University men’s soccer team is preparing for the most important game

of the season because it will decide their continuity in the season. The team is in the 7th position to qualify for the playoffs of the conference, but this could change drastically.

The Pirates will face Baker for the last time at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at Julian Field where a victory would secure a position in the next stage. However, a defeat against Baker would extinguish all illu-

sions for the fans to see their team playing against any team in the playoffs.

The team, directed by Efrem Shimlis, came from three games without winning any points against their rivals causing it to drop down in the table. The defeats were against Missouri Valley College, MidAmerica Nazarene University and Mount Mercy University.

At the same time, Senior Day will

be held before the game where multiple players will say goodbye to their careers as student athletes.

Players like Diego Quintana, Samuele Pintossi, Bradyn Mclntyre, Joao Kawasaky, Daniele Ciancaglini, Francesco Esteban, Adolphe Walemba and Tyler Snapp will be recognized during the match.

PHOTO COURTESY/Park Athletics