The student voice of Hutchinson Community College
O C O S MLK day Celebration January 21, 2022
pinion
Editor In Chief Brooke Greene discusses her due date coming up.
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Vol. 63 Issue 11
www.hutchcollegian.com
pinion
ampus
Laci Sutton writes about graduation, and her Imposter Syndrome.
ports
Looking to beat the early-semester blues? Here are some ideas.
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The women’s basketball team had a great night against Independance.
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Hutchinson Community College Badinage performs in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 16 at the BJ Warner Recital Hall.
A choir sings during the MLK Day celebration at Stringer Fine Arts Building.
(Above) Hutchinson Community College’s (from left) Julia Merseal, Natalie Schweizer and Aubrey Campbell sing during the MLK Day celebration at Stringer Fine Arts Building. (Right) Steven Hayse performs during the MLK Day celebration.
Photos by Danae Moser/Collegian Staff
Fast runs away with Esports National Championship By Braedon Martin Staff Writer
Dec. 10 marked a historical moment for the Hutchinson Community College Esports team. That day the Blue Dragons won their first national championship, courtesy of Nickerson freshman Colton Fast. Fast, who is also a Collegian staff writer, played the EA Sports title “NBA: 2K21”, and throughout the season never lost a match. “I don’t want to say it was easy, but my expectations were higher. Regular season, I didn’t lose a single round the entire season,” Fast said. “Carl Albert State College, I owned them. They were talking trash to me the whole season.” ESports coach Heath Hensley said
“I beat both their
teams in sweeps. I’m their daddy.”
he enjoyed watching Fast take a stranglehold “NBA: 2K21” “It was like watching perfection week after week and somehow get better,” Hensley said. “I was in awe at how well he knew the game and how well he knew the mechanics.” Fast ended his season with the final championship match, winning 89-59 the decisive game in the best-of-five series. Fast’s championship was the first in the short history of HutchCC ESports, as he defeated the former champion Dorlondo Kern of Gogebic Community College (Michigan) 3-2. “The highlight (of the season) was his ability to learn his opponents play style and exploit it, usually within one match,” Hensley said. w“It was a true testament to his abilities.” Fast said winning the title was more relief than exuberance. “Throughout the playoffs, I was so stressed about it … finally winning it and knowing it was all over and I had the championship, I had no worries at that point,.” Fast said. In his experience, there was a level of toxicity from his competitors. “I’m OK with toxicity, it’s more like
Upcoming events Jan. 22 — Women's basketball vs. Pratt at Pratt Community College, 2 p.m. Jan. 26 — Basketball vs. Barton at the Hutchinson Sports Arena at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27 — Bryce Luty Jazz Festival Concert at the Stringer Fine Arts building at 7 p.m. Feb. 8 — Dillon Lecture Series featuring Celine Cousteau at the Hutcinson Sport Arena at 10:30 a.m.
trash talk,” Fast said. “I do it too, but I back it up.” Fast said his biggest win of the season was his final game of the season, beating his opponent by 30 points.
Fast is also a member of this semester’s Halo team and commentary, and continuing his NBA 2K competition. The Esports team will continue its schedule throughout this semester.
Courtesy Photo Colton Fast is pictured in the ESports room in the basement of Parker Student Union.
The happenings around campus
College Student Weather Report Friday High: 33; Low 19 Welcome to January! Saturday High: 44; Low 23 Mother Nature knows best. Sunday High: 54; Low 28 Time for flip flop weather? Weather source: accuweather.com
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Opinion
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Our View
Let’s combat climate change
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, January 21, 2022
It’s my party and I’ll sleep if I want to...
In Kansas, having 60-degree weather in January is a rare occurrence, except for the start of 2022. In fact, for the past couple years, January’s average temperatures have started to rise across the globe. The big bad villain called Climate Change is at fault. It’s why there’s been a record amount of weather oddities, like extremely hot and cold temperatures and tornadoes in December. Not only is the climate changing, landfills are being overflowed, and the ocean is being polluted with hazardous materials, creating microplastics. These unhealthy microplastics are finding their way into everyday lives, compromising the food we eat and the water we drink. Unfortunately, not enough is being done by corporations and governments to help prevent our planet from dying, and taking the population along with it. There are some things that people can do to help in the fight against climate change. The list includes: carpooling to school or work to save on gas and prevent emissions, making sure to prevent food waste by composting any leftover food that goes uneaten, turning off items that are not in use, bringing reusable bags to the grocery store, etc. A more indepth list of things that can be done to help protect our environment can be found at www.50waystohelp.com. -For the Collegian Editorial Board
E. G. Weinhoffer/Cartoonist
Impending adulthood is stressful As crazy as this feels to say, I will be graduating in four short months. I am officially in my final semester of college. In four short months, I will have ‘RN’ behind my name and will be opening up a new chapter in my life. I have dreamed of this moment since I was a little girl, and I am so close to achieving it. While I am excited for this new adventure, I am equally as scared for all the unknowns that lie ahead of me. I have been in school for the last 18 years straight. Yes, it’s as exhausting as it sounds. For the last 18 years, I have spent the majority of my days in a classroom. Granted, preschool was a much more
enjoyable time than all of the math and science classes I’ve ever taken. I have spent countless hours studying for what seems like endless exams. I’ve given my mom heart failure as I procrastinated numerous assignments until the very last minute. As mentally straining as school can
Columnist
Laci Sutton
get, it’s been a part of my routine. It’s been my normal for well over half of my life. The thought of losing that structure and stability is a little terrifying. Of course I’m excited to not have exams and deadlines occupying my brain, but it leaves me with one question. What’s next? I don’t know exactly what the future holds for me, but I do know I’m not going far from home. That’s right, I’m one of the rare small towners who don’t have this huge desire to move as far away as possible. I have an almost three year old niece and I hope I can continue to show her that hard work truly does pay off. You can do anything you set your mind to
and be anything that you want to be. I’ll be staying around here and (hopefully) continuing to make my family proud. I still feel like that little girl dreaming about growing up and making a difference in the world. News flash - I am grown up and that time is now. Graduation is quickly approaching and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. Reality is coming in at full speed and all I can do is hold on for dear life and enjoy it as much as possible. Laci Sutton is a Nickerson senior studying nursing. She is the Collegian opinion page editor.
No stork yet; where are you Sawyer?
Thirty-seven weeks and five days into my pregnancy, and our second semester of school just started. An interesting concept is how I will manage to have my first-born daughter and juggle a fulltime education. My fingers are crossed in hopes she doesn’t try to arrive on a Sunday, since that is when I usually have the day off to knock out all of my online assignments. My week usually has a familiar schedule - work, school, clean the house, see my family, and a doctor’s appointment or homework to do towards preparing for the arrival of my daughter. Here, any day now, that schedule is going to look more like feed the baby, change the baby’s diaper, feed the baby, burp the baby, put the baby down for a nap, take my own nap, pray she’s still asleep so I can feed myself, tidy up the house, feed the baby, attempt to do some homework, change the baby’s diaper, pack the baby up for her checkup, come home and feed, diaper, bathe, and ready the baby for bed. You see how drastic the difference is, right? Some ask “Why have a baby in college if it will keep you so busy?” My answer is because she’s worth it. I have always wanted to be a mother, but with my career path being that of a patrol officer, it can be tricky to squeeze family planning into the mix. Being a pregnant cop would not likely be a very easy thing and most police departments put their pregnant officers on light duty. So, I put the baby first as I did not want to wait indefinitely to find another opportunity to begin my journey in moth-
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Gestation Journal
erhood. Perhaps not the lifestyle choice others would make, but I have no regrets in my decision to pair college and a baby. Thankfully all of my coursework is online, which will make it far easier to mother a newborn and be a student. With my prior degree in journalism, the new courses simply became more of a hobby to advance in my career. During Christmas break, I was able to wrap up all of my plans for the little lady’s arrival. Her room is ready, her doctor is lined up, she has a million bows (courtesy of my youngest sister), and the essentials are all ready. The only thing I am still missing is, well, the baby. The newest and smallest member of The Hutchinson Collegian is keeping me and my staff on our toes, as I will be taking maternity leave when she arrives. This will put two amazing writers - Aubreigh Heck and Cole Deutschendorf - in my place for the duration of my absence and give them an opportunity to show their skills, while I fold impeccably small laundry. If you or someone you know is a first time mother in college, I would be happy to answer any questions or concerns about the trying task of handling both major life milestones. With fingers crossed for a safe and happy delivery, I hope to be back soon enough writing about motherhood and degrees.
Collegian Staff Editor In Chief Brooke Greene Opinion Page Editor Laci Sutton Sports Editors Cole Deutschendorf, Aubreigh Heck Audio Editor Zariah Perilla-Best Online Editor Ben Short
Social Media Coordinator Jayshaun Jones Editorial cartoonist E. G. Weinhoffer Staff members Colton Fast, Leslie Grajeda, Connor Keating, Braedon Martin, Danae Moser, Mason Poepperling, Collin Shields, Shelby Spreier, Maegan Vincent, Brendan Ulmer Collegian Adviser Brad Hallier
www.HutchCollegian.com
Brooke Greene is a Hutchinson student with a journalism degree, now studying police science. She is the Collegian Editor In Chief and nine months pregnant. Letters to the editor The Hutchinson Collegian welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must include the author’s signature, address and phone number. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for style, legality and length. Letters may not exceed 300 words. Send letters to hallierb@hutchcc.edu.
Non-discrimination statement Hutchinson Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law, or by college policy. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 1300 N. Plum Hutchinson, KS 67501 (620) 665-3500 equity@hutchcc.edu (www.hutchcc.edu/equity)
Campus
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, January 21, 2022
Let’s talk-o bout deals: what to make of Taco Bell pass By Colton Fast Esports National Champion
Taco Bell’s new Taco Lover’s Pass has been all the craze in the fast food industry these last few weeks. The pass gives people the opportunity to get one free taco every day for a monthly charge of $10. That means that a user would have to eat 10 tacos in the month to get your money’s worth. Although with plenty of doubtful people all over social media, it seems like many Hutchinson Community College students are willing to try the pass, more for financial reasons “I would buy it because it’s worth it” said Jennifer Flores-Mendoza. “As a broke college kid, a taco can do a lot for me when I desperately need it”. Depending on how much one might adore Taco Bell’s tacos, this could be the absolute best thing since sliced bread to the average fast-food consumer. However this isn’t just some wacky
idea produced from Taco Bell just to get attention. time and time again, fast food companies such as McDonald’s, Arby’s and Sonic do social-media based deals to connect to an even bigger audience. It’s not all positive though. “The only downside would be, because of the promotion, the drive through and the overall time it would take to get the taco would be very long,” said Christyn Howard. It also begs some other questions, such as how many or how long you can eat tacos without getting tired of them. To get the taco pass, users need to download the Taco Bell app on their smartphone. Several different tacos are eligible for the daily freebie, including the Crunchy Taco, Crunchy Taco Supreme, Soft Taco, Soft Taco Supreme, Doritos Locos Taco, Doritos Locos Taco Supreme, and Spicy Potato Soft Taco. Visit www.tacobell.com or download the app for more information.
Puzzles
Puzzle 1 (Easy, difficulty rating 0.44)
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Courtesy Photo A screenshot from the Taco Bell mobile app
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Generated by http://www.opensky.ca/sudoku on Wed Jan 19 19:28:57 2022 GMT. Enjoy!
Students dealing with spring semester blues By Colin Shields Staff Writer
Starting a new semester of college can be tough. Classes are different, students have transferred in and out to new places, and the newness of a new year has likely rubbed off, likely leaving students with a funky blue feeling. When searching for answers on how students could break out of this spring semester funk, Christopher Lau, Hutchinson Community College’s Vice President of Student Services, said it was possible there was an “Omicron cloud overhead that may contribute to some students feeling in a bit of a funk.” To break this funk, Lau said that he recommends students, “make time for
friends and family, work hard both inside and outside of the classroom, and if students aren’t involved, seek to join a student activity/organization.” These blues are being battled by Connor Gellender, a Lawrence freshman in his second semester at HutchCC. “I think I’ve been a little less motivated since I’m not in my first semester anymore,” Gellender said. “That excitement of a new journey has kind of worn off on me. Us being in the offseason for football has also given me a lot more free time that I didn’t always have during the fall semester.” Gellender said some of his friends and Blue Dragon teammates transferred between semesters. “Some of my friends left for Division
From left: Aubrey Williams, Amaleigh Mattison, and Michael Anthony, completing group work for their science class Photo by Lee Wellman/Collegian
1 schools over the break, so not having them around has been a little weird as well,” he said. However, Gellender has found plenty of ways to fill in his free time. “Golfing, playing mini-golf, and bowling with my friends from the (football) team have helped me escape from my daily routine at school,” Gellender said. “It’s definitely something I’d recommend if you are ever looking for something to do.” Cade “Bo$$hog” Lopez, a Salina sophomore, has taken a different approach to the new semester. “I’ve spent my time going to the gym, hanging out at the library, or studying my favorite sport (football),” Lopez said. “I also attend Crosspoint Church’s Chal-
lenge Night on Monday nights at 8 p.m.” Being a veteran college student has brought some experience with it. “I feel like this is another normal semester for me. Being here, going into my fourth semester, has given me the experience of knowing what it’s like to have friends move on to higher levels to achieve their dreams and motivates me to want to do the same.” Lopez said he believes only one thing is capable of breaking students out of their funk. “Changing everyday to Quesadilla Day would definitely brighten everyone’s mood on campus,” Lopez said about the popular Wednesday lunch staple in the HutchCC cafeteria.
From left: Adam Hall, Philippe Manga, and Andrew Bergmeier work together in their science class. Photo by Lee Wellman/Collegian
Sports
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, January 21, 2022
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Blue Dragons sink Pirates By Ben Short Online Editor
The Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team ran away with it Monday night, winning against the first-place Independence Pirates, 80-49. The Blue Dragons lost to Independence in the first round of Jayhawk Conference play by 16, 85-69, in Independence, but Blue Dragons coach John Ontjes said he believed this team is very different from the one that Independence beat in late November. “I think our ball club is tougher than we were in the month of November, and we definitely play better at home than we do on the road,” Ontjes said.
The Blue Dragons, at 9-4 in the Jayhawk Conference and 15-4 overall, are now just 1.5 games out of first place, behind Independence (14-3, 10-2) and believe tonight’s game sent a message to the rest of the Jayhawk Conference. “That we are a really good team, if we do everything we can do, and execute everything correctly,” said Tor’e Alford who led the Blue Dragons in scoring with 26 points on 8-13 shooting. The Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team ran away with it Monday night, The Blue Dragons got rolling early and
couldn’t be stopped. They shot 33.3% from behind the 3-point arc. Four Blue Dragons had double-digit scoring nights including Kalyn Ervin (16 points), Mele Kailahi (10 points), Mya
Williams (13 points), and Alford. The Blue Dragons also outrebounded the Pirates 42-33, with Alford’s 10 leading the way. Alford’s five assists were also a game
high, tying with teammate Natalie Payne Their next battle is against Cloud County at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sports Arena, while Independence will host Colby.
Photo by Shelby Sprier/Collegian Several Blue Dragons, including Ziya Simms (10) and Tor’e Alford (21) celebrate after knocking off Jayhawk Conference No. 1 ranked Independence
Athlete of the week (Jan. 9-15) Mele Kailahi, Women’s basketball
The week: It wasn’t a busy week for the Blue Dragons, but they made Kailahi the most of their one game, as Kailahi had one of the best individual performances by a Blue Dragon this season. She finished with 20 points on 8 of 9 shooting, and she added 12 rebounds and a blocked shot in the 60-48 win at Garden City. The season: Kailahi, a 5-foot, 9-inch sophomore from East Palo Alto, Calif., is averaging 11.9 points and 8.2 rebounds a game while shooting 45.6% from the field and 85.5% from the foul line.
Men’s basketball takes down Independence in thriller By Jayshaun Jones Staff Writer
Photo by Shelby Sprier/Collegian Freshman Mya Williams watches after taking a shot during Monday’s game against Independence at the Sports Arena.
The Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team improved their record to 17-2 following a win over the Independence on Monday 118-103. With the help of six players in double figures, Blue Dragons coach Tommy DeSalme was able to secure his fourth in the last five games. Angelo Stuart had a night. Posting a smooth 25 points while shooting 50% from 3-point range and 100% from the freethrow line. Stuart also collected three assists
with two rebounds and maybe the most impressive, no turnovers, all while logging only 16 minutes. One of the biggest keys to this HutchCC win was the team’s success shooting free throws. Hutchinson shot a whopping 29 of 35, which is 83%. Independence shot 33 of 48, good for about 69%. Other key contributors to the scoring column from Hutchinson include, Jacquez Yow with 13 points, Nate Goodlow (11 points), Kaimen Lennox with 15 points as well as seven assists, Cecil Lee with 17 points while adding 10
rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and shooting 66% percent from deep, and Jayden Garrison who had 13 points with five rebounds. Hutchinson controlled the boards really well against the Pirates, limiting Independence to 49 rebounds while snagging 55 of their own. The Blue Dragons had six players on the roster that had at least five rebounds. It was the seventh time this season the Blue Dragons scored at least 100 points. Hutchinson is 6-1 in those games, with last week’s 132-127 loss to Garden City being the only setback.
The Blue Dragons followed up Mondays win with a tough 87-82 loss to Cloud County. The Blue Dragons are a half game behind Dodge City for first place. Dodge City, which has beaten Hutchinson already, has a game in hand. Game at Pratt postponed - on Thursday morning, HutchCC announced that Saturday’s game at Pratt has been postponed, although the women’s game will be played still. The men’s game at Pratt has been rescheduled for Feb. 21, a Monday, with the time to be determined.
Blue Dragon sports schedules, results. All home games, events in caps. Baseball
All dates doubleheaders unless noted Feb. 10. SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA, 2 p.m. (one game) Feb. 11, SOUTHEAST NEBRASKA, 1 p.m. Feb. 15, at Northern Oklahoma-Enid, 2 p.m. (one game) Feb. 25, vs. Frank Phillips at Waco, Texas, 10 a.m. (one game) Feb 26, at McLennan, Texas, 10 a.m. (one game) Feb. 27, at McLennan, Texas, 11 a.m. (one game) March 3, COFFEYVILLE, 1 p.m. March 5, at Coffeyville, 1 p.m. March 10, BUTLER, 1 p.m. March 12, at Butler, 1 p.m. March 15, STATE FAIR, 2 p.m. (one game) March 22, at Cowley, 2 p.m. (one game) March 31, SEWARD COUNTY, 1 p.m. April 2, at Seward County, 1 p.m. April 7, at Barton, 1 p.m. April 9, BARTON, 1 p.m. April 12, COWLEY, 2 p.m. (one game) April 14, CLOUD COUNTY, 1 p.m. April 16, at Cloud County, 1 p.m. April 19, at Northern Oklahoma-Enid, 2 p.m. (one game) April 21, at Colby, 1 p.m. April 23, COLBY, 1 p.m. April 26, at Seminole St., Okla., 11:30 a.m. (one
game) April 28, PRATT, 1 p.m. April 30, at Pratt, 1 p.m. May 5, at Dodge City, 1 p.m. May 7, DODGE CITY, 1 p.m.
Basketball, men’s
Nov. 3, FORT SCOTT, W 122-95 Nov. 5, ODESSA, Texas, W 92-90 Nov. 6, NORTHERN OKLAHOMA-TONKAWA, W 97-88 Nov. 10, at Northern Oklahoma-Tonkawa, 10096 Nov. 12, vs.McCook, Neb., W 88-61 Nov. 13, vs. Clarendon, Texas W 97-95 Nov. 17, at Independence, W 96-91 Nov. 20, at Cloud County, W 86-81 Nov. 23, PRATT, W 106-99 Nov. 27, at Barton, W 101-75 Dec. 1, COWLEY, W 76-75 Dec. 4, BUTLER, W 104-95 Dec. 8, at Coffeyville, W 81-74 Dec. 11, DODGE CITY, L 102-96 Dec. 13, at Colby, W 83-79 Jan. 5, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, W 9677 Jan. 8, at Seward County, W 81-66 Jan. 15, GARDEN CITY, L 132-127 Jan. 17, INDEPENDENCE, W 118-103 Jan. 19, CLOUD COUNTY, L 87-82 Jan. 22, at Pratt, ppd. Jan. 26, BARTON, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 29, at Cowley, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2, at Butler, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5, COFFEYVILLE, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9, at Dodge City, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12, COLBY, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, at Northwest Kansas Tech, 8:30 p.m. Feb. 16, SEWARD COUNTY, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23, at Garden City, 7:30 p.m.
Basketball, women’s
Nov. 2, BETHANY JV, W 95-24 Nov. 5, MINERAL AREA, Mo., W 75-66 Nov. 6, NE OKLAHOMA A&M, W 66-51 Nov. 9, WASHBURN JV, W 73-56 Nov. 12, vs. Labette at Great Bend, W 58-55 Nov. 13, vs. Howard, Texas at Great Bend, W 67-43 Nov. 17, at Independence, L 85-69 Nov. 20, at Cloud County, W 89-74 Nov. 23, PRATT, W 64-57 Nov. 27, at Barton, L 58-54 Dec. 1, COWLEY, W 63-53 Dec. 4, BUTLER, W 68-50 Dec. 8, at Coffeyville, L 64-63, OT Dec. 11, DODGE CITY, W 78-45 Dec. 13, at Colby, W 66-50 Jan. 5, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, W 7442 Jan. 8, at Seward County, L 70-54 Jan. 15, GARDEN CITY, W 60-48. Jan. 17, INDEPENDENCE, W 80-49 Jan. 19, CLOUD COUNTY, W 79-59
Jan. 22, at Pratt, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 26, BARTON, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 29, at Cowley, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 2, at Butler, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5, COFFEYVILLE, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 9, at Dodge City, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 12, COLBY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 14, at Northwest Kansas Tech, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 16, SEWARD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 23, at Garden City, 5:30 p.m.
Softball
All dates doubleheaders Jan. 29, HESSTON, 1 p.m. Feb. 18, at North Central Texas, noon Feb. 19, at Murray St., Okla., noon Feb. 25, CLOUD COUNTY, 2 p.m. March 2, COLBY, 2 p.m. March 5, at Butler, 1 p.m. March 9, BARTON, TBA March 12, at Dodge City, 1 p.m. March 16, NW KANSAS TECH, 2 p.m. March 23, SEWARD COUNTY, 2 p.m. March 26, PRATT, 1 p.m. April 2, at Colby, 2 p.m.. April 6, BUTLER, 3 p.m. April 9, at Barton, 1 p.m. April 13, DODGE CITY, 2 p.m. April 20, at NW Kansas Tech, 2 p.m. April 27, at Seward County, 2 p.m. April 30, at Pratt, 1 p.m.