The student voice of Hutchinson Community College
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April 23, 2021
pinion
Sarah Newberry talks about loving who you are and to be yourself. Page 2
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www.hutchcollegian.com
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Photos from Blue Dragon basketball at the NJCAA tournament, as well as from the Spring Fling Carnival.
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Bailey Nachtigal talks about being captain of the newly-introduced Esports team.
Vol. 62 Issue 21
ports
The men’s basketball season ends at the NJCAA Tournament. Page 6
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Th-th-that’s all folks! We did it File impressed with how students handled adversity. By Brooke Greene Staff Writer
The students of Hutchinson Community College will gather next Friday, on April 30, to celebrate graduation as they walk the stage at the Sports Arena. It has been a long and challenging experience for all of those associated with HutchCC, as the world has been fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, but as the days tick down, it is clear that the fight was worth it. While many are proud of the graduates, HutchCC President, Carter File, expressed his awe in the achievements and demonstrations of excellence that students have displayed these past two years. “There was no playbook for this,” File said. “What we did was operate on the best information we had and did what the experts said to do. I am not surprised that we are here, and I was certainly hopeful that we would get here. The students have to take some credit for this as well. They were very helpful and interested in getting us to this point.”
Collegian file photo Hutchinson Community College president Carter File, in this pre-pandemic photo, has led the college through the Covid-19 pandemic, including a full academic year of in-person classes.
This school year may have felt longer than others, as there was no spring break, in attempt to help limit the spread of the disease. While these efforts may have helped, students grew awfully tired and burnt out, and are now reaching for the finish line.
It was clear that removing the spring break would help increase our chances of graduating face to face, yet it took its toll on the students, instructors and staff. Faces on campus are long and exhausted, but excited for the sweet reward soon to come. “We decided not to have a
spring break this year in August or September, and at the time, cases were on the rise and everything was spiking. There was conventional wisdom that it was better to keep people together that were already together. So we decided to eliminate spring break and shorten the
semester. And while we didn’t have a spring break, we’re done in a week,” File said. The idea of what’s to come may make students, families, instructors and staff uneasy, and while it is hard to predict the future, some plans have been set for the school year of 2021-2022. This last year has been unlike anything ever seen before as everyone frantically tried to figure out the best solution for HutchCC. Soon, the mask mandate on campus could be lifted, as Hutchinson is and has been in the green zone for Coronavirus safety and cases. If this follows through the summer, and as more and more people get vaccinated, File said that next year will be “a very normal school year.” It might be crazy to hear that word again in a genuine sense - normal. “This is all based on what I know today, but the virus is starting to flatten out. Vaccinations are continuing to increase. Unless state-mandated vaccines and masks will not be made mandatory for students to acquire, I strongly encourage it, especially in the students in the dorms,” File said. See File, Page 5
Students air dirty laundry with facilities By Sam Bailey Collegian Editor
Laundry day isn’t normally a time people look forward to, but the simple, yet time-consuming, task of washing clothes can be made even more stressful when using public machines. Residence hall students at Hutchinson Community College have been using the dorm provided machines, supplied by Jetz out of Topeka, all year, and it has not always been smooth sailing. Sophomore Taylor Meyer says her experi-
ence with the machines has been “not very good at all.” “We are constantly having to remember which dryers will dry our clothes in order to spend the least and take the least amount of time,” Meyer said. “They are always breaking.” Meyer said there has even been multiple times she’s avoided using the machines in the dorms at all and went to a laundromat in town. “The laundromat is more expensive than here at the dorms, but the washers and dryers
Elland Hall’s laundry room is more modern than Kent Hall’s.
Upcoming events April 23 — Season Finale Concert, B.J. Warner Recital Hall, 7 p.m. April 25 — Football vs. Garden City at Gowans Stadium, 1 p.m. April 26-30 — Final exams April 30 — Graduation, at Sports Arena, 4 p.m. for AAS and certificates, 7 p.m. for AA, AGS and AS degrees.
at the laundromat get the job done the first time,” Meyer said. Sophomore Sadie Loney has run into similar issues in the past, resulting in her finding other places to do her laundry, where she trusts her clothes will get clean. “I would love to do my laundry here because it is way more convenient, but most of the time it’s a waste of money,” Loney said. “I pay usually twice as much to do my laundry here because of the amount of machines that don’t work.” Between the two dorms - Kent Hall and Elland Hall - there are 15 washers and 15 dryers. Kent Hall can hold 200 students while Elland Hall holds 250. This does not count any students living in Dragon’s Landing, the residence hall apartments. Students living in the apartments do not have access to machines by the apartments themselves and have to go to the dorms if they want to use the machines. For Dragon’s Landing
Photos by Sam Bailey/Collegian Editor Kent Hall’s laundry room, a far cry from Elland Hall’s.
resident Emmalyn Gaeddert, going to the dorms to do laundry is no small task. “Honestly, it’s a lot of running around,” Gaeddert said. “Trying to find an open washer and dryer can be difficult at times. I live in the apartments so I drive to Elland Hall to check if there’s an open washer, if not then I try all of Kent Hall’s laundry rooms. Sometimes the machines don’t even work, but take your money anyway. See Laundry, Page 5
The happenings around campus
Rust is seen on the pipes in the laundry room at Kent Hall.
College Student Weather Report Friday High: 58; Low 43 AC/DC is playin in the clouds. THUNDER! Saturday High: 67; Low 44 Cloudy with a chance of... clouds Sunday High: 78; Low 60 Some summer weather for you after all that snow Weather source: accuweather.com
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Opinion
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2021: Looks like we made it
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 23, 2021
No spring break, no spring brain
Our view We did it. Through shifting learning models and a seemingly endless course schedule, we had a great school year, albeit a tiring one. Our shared accomplishment is only thanks to faculty dedication and student cooperation. We thank instructors for keeping lines of communication open and adapting to the needs of your students. We thank students for following COVIDrelated protocols to keep our school open. If we ever have to do this again - which we all hope we never do - we now know this school, staff and students, can weather through it. The human spirit shines on. In a year of uncertainties, one thing is clear: we all deserve a summer break. Please enjoy it responsibly. - The Collegian Editorial Board
E. G. Weinhoffer/Cartoonist
Stop twisting what beauty is: embracing your natural self “Whether you have straight hair or curly, have freckles or not, or are pale, tan, or brown, it doesn’t matter as long as you embrace your beauty and uniqueness.” Curly hair and freckles. A lot comes to mind with those words. Some might think of those things with regret, or they hate those features for themselves. Others want to have those features so severely. So much to the extent that people put freckles on their faces with makeup. Or also they twist their hair with their fingers or a brush to make it curly. Why are those things trending? Does it have to do with natural beauty? I believe so. I also think it has to do with accepting yourself and inner beauty as well. People might hate having curly hair or freckles because they got picked on because of those features when they were younger. But now, not just with those particular things, but with body image and other things, they are becoming more accepted. I think that is because different people of all types, shapes, and sizes are becoming accepted – the body positivity movement., for example Also, I think these times are more adaptive and more progressive. Natural beauty has become an increasing trend, so I think many people want freckles and curly
Columnist
Sarah Newberry hair. For most women or girls, we were influenced by people in our lives, like teachers or those on social media, sometimes to be ashamed of our appearance and other aspects. We learned to cover up our bodies, because it would be distracting. Or not to do anything too rash, because it wasn’t very lady-like. Also, it sometimes was looked down upon to be a tomboy, or not be “girly”. Also, sometimes girls get criticized for not wearing makeup, or for wearing makeup. It goes both ways. Men or boys were looked down upon if they cried or had emotions because it’s not manly and tough. And, boys can’t wear dresses either without criticism. I think people are getting to the point where we don’t care about what others
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think. We should let our freak flag fly in any way we want. We should embrace our imperfections and our natural selves. Whether it’s skin imperfections or personality, it doesn’t matter. Everyone is unique and beautiful in their way. I also think curly hair and freckles are trending is because it can be a rare trait sometimes. But uniqueness is sought after, and it is accepted as well. Many things that weren’t society’s standards a long time ago are now. Whether you have straight hair or curly, have freckles or not, or are pale, tan, or brown, it doesn’t matter as long as you embrace your beauty and uniqueness. It’s also OK to embellish your appearances by adding freckles, or any makeup, or altering your hair. You’re still you, and are beautiful inside and out. Everyone is gorgeous and unique in their way. That’s what makes you human and everybody else. You’re like a star who glistens, stands out, and makes a difference in many ways, whether big or small, and is unique in its path. Sarah Newberry is a McPherson freshman studying journalism
The Collegian is where everybody knows your name Well, this is it. My Personally, I am last column for the incredibly grateful for Collegian, my home the opportunities the for two-and-a-half Collegian gave me to years. interact with my comIt was certainly an munity, understand interesting time to its people and experistart a career in jourence its history being nalism, when police made. I will never violence, election forget covering filledfiascos, a global panto-the-brim public fodemic, and economic rums on earthquakes meltdowns flooded one semester, then our news feeds daily. Zoom meetings on Aaron Strain I would like to say pandemics the next. the craziness of the past few years Finally, I want to share my apwon’t happen again, but I know preciation for the Collegian staff, that isn’t true. Injustice and inwho helped me feel comfortable, equality have always existed - we heard, and loved. just like to ignore them until they When I first walked into the boil over or affect us personally. newspaper classroom, I had no clue That being said, this newspaper where I was going in life and that legitimately brought awareness to my thoughts were rubbish. But, the week’s most pressing issues at the moment I first spoke up and Hutchinson Community College the room fell silent, I felt like I had during my stint; including, campus some meaning. sexual assault, mental health, the For my editors-in-chief Brenna, Black experience in Hutch, the Tabby, and Sam, my predecessor college’s COVID-19 response, and Emily Fehrman, Clarion colleague so much more. I am constantly Emily Branson, radical reviewer amazed by the Collegian staff’s Caleb, guy I went to the bookstore ability to make the world a better for just to say hello to Jared, back place, one four-to-six-page packrow buddy Adam, KJ, Pablo, and age at a time. all the gracious others, thank you. As I’ve written before, the arc of I’ve said it before and I’ll say history bends toward justice, but it again because it’s true - you all only if we have the will to do so. are each individually talented and We, as ethical journalists, play an inspirational to me. important role in fairly shaping our Alright, I’ll see you next week! history and future. If this staff is any example, we’re in good hands Aaron Strain is Hutchinson student going forward, through whatever studying Journalism. They are the medium journalism becomes. Collegian’s Opinion Page Editor.
Collegian Staff Editor In Chief Sam Bailey Opinion page editor Aaron Strain Sports editors Adam Kolb, Bailey Pennycuff Online Edtior Kyran Crist
Editorial cartoonist E. G. Weinhoffer Staff members Danielle Gadberry, Brooke Greene, Leslie Grajeda, Joel Muhs, Sarah Newberry, Zariah Perilla-Best, Laci Sutton, Nick Williams Collegian Adviser Brad Hallier
www.HutchCollegian.com
Columnist
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: Brett Bright, Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 1300 N. Plum Hutchinson, KS 67501 (620) 665-3500 equity@hutchcc.edu (www.hutchcc.edu/equity)
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 23, 2021
Campus
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Blue Dragons nationals odyssey The Blue Dragons beat Kilgore 95-86 in the first round of the NJCAA Tournament
Photos by Kyran Crist/Online Editor Sophomore forward Matt Mayers goes up for a layup against Kilgore during the first round of the NJCAA tournament.
The Blue Dragons lost to Mineral Area 80-77 in the second round of the NJCAA Tournament
Photos by Brooke Greene/Collegian The HutchCC men’s basketball team huddles up prior to its second round matchup in the NJCAA tournament against Mineral Area.
Sophomore guard Jaden Okon attempts jumpshot against Kilgore.
Sophomore guard Isaiah Bujdoso handles the ball during HutchCC’s game against Mineral Area.
Freshman guard Chris Robinson goes up for a lay-in against Kilgore.
Sophomore guard Josh Baker makes pass against Mineral Area.
HutchCC Spring Fling was fun for all
HutchCC students enjoy inflatable games during the HutchCC Spring Fling.
Photos by Kyran Crist/Online Editor HutchCC students play inflatable football toss game during HutchCC Spring Fling.
Campus
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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 23, 2021
Esports wraps up first season
By Danielle Gadberry Staff writer
In 2019, Hutchinson Community College began an Esports program. Esports stands for “electronic sports”, and Esports teams are becoming more prevalent on college campuses nationwide. The word ‘esport’ is used to describe any video game that has a professional competitive scene. “Esports is a growing field of interest and competition in both professional and collegiate levels,” Blue Dragons coach Heath Hensley said.” The decision for HCC to start its program was made in early 2020, as other colleges in the area were already offering programs, however, the pandemic delayed its rollout until late 2020.” Bailey Nachtigal, captain of the “Overwatch,” a 2016 teambased multiplayer first-person shooter game, said that he was ecstatic when HutchCC sent
Photo by Danielle Gadberry/Collegian Hutchinson Community College Esports player, Bailey Nachtigal practices “Overwatch” in the Esports room inside Parker Student Union.
out a survey asking students if they would be interested in having or joining the Esports team. Preparation for competition is a lot like what a competitor would do for any other sport.
Gamers go through different strategies and scenarios so each player feels comfortable in their position. “We always try to look at strategy, personnel issues, and other high-level things where
it’s applicable,” Hensley said, “but I like to get the team captains involved in the practice and planning stages, as they are the real-time “play-callers” during the matches.” Competition for the Esports team looks a little different than any other sport. The team uses a streaming service called Twitch to play. It allows for other people to watch as they compete, and for the teams to have separate chats so play doesn’t interfere. Hensley is in charge of monitoring this program. “This is my time to analyze team cohesiveness,” Hensley said. “Issues on offense/defense, and potential communication problems.” Nachtigal, a Hutchinson sophomore, said he is proud of his “Overwatch” team and the way they have grown together this year. “Our first match of the season, we got beat pretty badly, but we had our last official
game on April 12 and we were on the other end of the spectrum,” Nachtigal said. “The cohesion within the team has grown immensely.” There are scholarship opportunities for students who are interested in Esports. With the inaugural season in the books, Hensley moves to the next season. “It has been an immense honor to be the head coach through this first season. I couldn’t do it alone however, Misty Smiley, one of our ITS employees was appointed as a co-coach in February of this year, and she has been a huge help in everything we’ve done,” Hensley said. “I also owe a debt of gratitude to some of our students and other staff for helping through growing pains and other unforeseen situations. Without the teamwork of everyone here at HutchCC, we wouldn’t have had the success we did this semester.”
Cracking down on the Covid conundrum By Laci Sutton Staff writer
Covid vaccines have been in distribution for nearly five months, and are becoming more available. The state of Kansas currently has a total of 772,000 people fully vaccinated, which is approximately 26.5% of the state. Kansas is in Phase Five of the vaccination process. This phase includes all people over the age of 18. Until recently, there were three options of vaccines - Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. Pfizer and Moderna vaccinations are given in a two-dose series with a month in-between each dose. Johnson & Johnson is a single dose, however the use of this vaccine has been paused by the Center for Disease Control due to cases of blood clotting following administration. Each vaccine has undergone extensive testing to meet the standards and qualifications and have received emergency use authorization from the FDA. Even with the approval from the FDA, many are still skeptical about the safety of receiving the vaccine. Justina Patton is a Hutchinson freshman at Hutchinson Community College, and she said she does not plan to get vaccinated. “I don’t believe we have enough information about it and how it could potentially affect us later on in our lives,” Patton said. Many HutchCC students and staff have had the opportunity to be vaccinated. Just as those who choose to not get the vaccine have a number of reasons against it, those who choose to get vaccinated also have many different reasons for getting it. Nolan Meyer is a HutchCC freshman from Perry, and his motivation
for getting vaccinated came from his job. “There was an incentive program at Patton my job to get the vaccine.” Meyer said. “If we present our vaccine card to (human resources), we get $100.” Madison Shotton is a HutchCC freshman from
Pomona, and like Meyer, has gotten vaccinated. “Everyone has their own Shotton opinions and it was scary hearing what people were saying, but the research speaks for itself.” Shotton said. “I want this pandemic to be over, and I wanted to do
my part.” With vaccines, it’s possible that everyone will have different Meyer reactions. The covid vaccine is no exception. “I got the Pfizer vaccine and just had some minor body aches and nasal congestion, but otherwise it wasn’t too
bad,” Meyer said. “I got the Moderna vaccine and I was miserable,” Shotton said. “I was super nauseous and threw up a lot.” There are several options for those who want to get vaccinated. Dillons pharmacy and The Little Clinic located in Dillons Marketplace have vaccines available by appointment. Appointments can be made online at kroger.com/
covidvaccine. Walgreens and the Reno County Health Department have been accepting walk-in vaccinations. Walmart pharmacy has also had vaccines available. For questions on eligibility and vaccine availability, contact your local health department. Reno County Health Department can be reached at 620-694-2900.
Campus
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 23, 2021
Students celebrate getting through hard, unusual year By Kyran Crist Online Editor
No doubt about it, these past two or three semesters have not been normal. As Hutchinson Community College tried to keep students, faculty and the community safe from Covid-19, things had to change from the normal routine. The 2020 spring semester was transferred to mostly online after an extended spring break. Quite the opposite from the spring semester of 2021, which stayed in person with no spring break. When classes began in the fall, mostly in-person, most were skeptical if that would remain past Halloween, let alone past Thanksgiving break. The spring semester was constantly up in the air, especially after the spike of cases in the fall. Graduation details weren’t decided on until midway through this semester. HutchCC students were asked how they felt about this past year and if they thought the semester would have made it this far in person. “The fall semester was quite tough, because of the short time we had. I was also uncertain on whether we would complete the fall semester through in-person classes because of the sporadic Covid cases that we had,” said Robert Murigi, a Hutch-
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Puzzles
CC freshman. “The spring semester was very difficult from the fall, we had ample time and we have not had any Covid cases on campus for some time. We made it.” HutchCC freshman Aaron Geissinger said the year was difficult, but was impressed how everyone handled it. “Honestly, these past few semesters have been the hardest semesters I think I will ever experience. Overall, between the workload, both online and in-person, the restrictions, and quarantine, it became a pretty rough year.” Geissinger said. “But I think that we as a student body handled it well, and the teachers did a fantastic job of giving us a good education during this rough time.” Most students had doubts, including sophomore Zach Shanline, who is the Student Government Association’s president. Honestly, I didn’t think we would still be here (in person). I had hoped we would of course, but didn’t really expect to be,” Shanline said. All in all, it was a tough year filled with uncertainties and patience. But with a week left before a split graduation at the Sports Arena, with ceremonies beginning at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., it seems as Murgi stated, we made it.
A Spring Fling send off By Zariah Best Staff Writer
The annual Spring Fling Carnival happened on April 14, west of Lockman Hall at Hutchinson Community College. The event was well attended by HutchCC students and staff. There was cash-grabbing games, bouncy-house racing, a cliff-jumping activity, free food and prizes, and more. To allure people, the smell of fatty sugary treats brought all. The snow cones could be mixed and matched in any assortment of flavors. Nachos and popcorn and water were available. If that wasn’t enough there was free merchandise. One could win hats, shirts and money at the game booths. The bouncy-castle race was extremely popular. The goal was to beat one other
opponent in getting to the end first, but it’s not easy in the inflatable course. Another popular event was another jumping game where you have to outlast seven other people while Inflatable poles try to knock you off your feet. During a trying year, there didn’t appear to be a single unhappy person there, as far as one could see. There was a football-throwing game, and the U.S. Marines had a pull-up contest. The Spring Fling was meant for students to be able to take a break, especially after the year of Covid. School this year wasn’t easy - no breaks, online curriculums, and outbreaks of Covid is enough to stress anyone out. Hopefully this event helped to put some students more at ease and helped with the burn out.
Roundup: Soccer thrashes Dodge City By Adam Kolb Co-Sports Editor
Sophomore Marah Franke handed out a career-high three assists as the Hutchinson Community College women’s soccer team bounced back from Saturday’s overtime loss to Coffeyville on Monday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. The Blue Dragons rallied from a goal down with five unanswered goals in a 5-1 Jayhawk Conference victory over Dodge City. Franke became the first Blue Dragon since Samantha Vaughn to have three assists in a game. Monday was the 56th time in program history a Blue Dragon has registered three assists. Playing in her first game of the season, freshman goalkeeper Aspen Apfel became just the third Blue Dragon goalkeeper in team history to register an assist. She is the first since Chiara Soergel, who had two assists in 2019. Hutchinson out-shot Dodge City 23-
Baseball
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is capable of having great days at the plate. One bad at-bat doesn’t dictate the rest of the game, because we know that next guy up will get the job done.” Even the best teams in the
9. Hutchinson is now 3-2-2 (11 points) both overall and in league play. The Blue Dragons will now have nine days off before playing host to the Barton Cougars on Wednesday at the Salthawk Sports Complex. Softball - When Dodge City presented the softball team opportunities, the Blue Dragons graciously took them on Monday. The Blue Dragons took advantage of a combined 12 Dodge City errors to sweep the Conquistadors at Legends Park. Hutchinson run-ruled Dodge City 12-2 in five innings as the Conquistadors committed seven errors. The Conquistadors then had five errors in Game 2, including two major miscues in the seventh and eighth innings as Hutchinson rallied for a 7-4 victory in eight innings. The Blue Dragons improve to 2313 overall and 13-7 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson travels to Dodge City on Thursday.
pros have aspects in the game to improve on. The Blue Dragons have their sights on what to improve on personally, as well as for the team. “There’s no doubt our team has had to be more mentally tough. That’s being able to take accountability for ourselves every day, whether it’s during the games or at practice. Our team could
Laundry
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“I think if there were washer and dryer units in the apartments that would make it a lot easier for people who live in the apartments.” Dana Hinshaw, Director of Residence Life and Student Activities at HutchCC said adding a laundry facility nearer the apartments has been discussed. “We have talked about building a laundry facility over by the apartments, but the cost is prohibitive,” Hinshaw said. Hinshaw also said the college does hear from students regarding problems with the washers and dryers. “The main issue we hear about is washers not wringing enough water out of clothes and dryers
not drying fast enough,” Hinshaw said. “Not that the machines don’t sometimes malfunction, but these are generally both issues when students overload the machines.” If students do have issues, they can call the company from the 1-800 number listed in the laundry rooms. “The operator will ask some basic questions so they know what machine is having problems and what exactly the problem is,” Hinshaw said. “They will send a technician out, usually within 24 hours.” While this may sound like a productive system, students have not had much success calling in issues. “I have tried to report issues by calling the number on the bulletin board, but haven’t had luck,” Gaeddert said.
File
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“People tend to have a herd mentality. If enough of us get vaccinated we will accomplish that mentality.” File said he applauds the students for their hard work this year, as they did the things they were asked to do and participated as responsible citizens in the efforts to get this pandemic under
improve on the defensive side of the game - fielding and throwing when it matters,” Callahan said. “I think, personally, I need to work on being more consistent as a hitter. Hitting is extremely contagious. There’s nothing I want more than to see my teammates succeed at the plate, and it only makes me a better hitter.” After losing a season last
Loney also said she has not had much success with reporting issues. “I have told people they haven’t worked before and nothing gets done,” Loney said. “The dorm office knows and they always just say they know and nothing gets fixed.” While there has been issues with the machines, they have improved over the past year. Students are now able to download an app on their phone where they can pay without finding quarters for the machines and will alert them when their load has ended. This system should work to help cut down issues with students leaving their clothes in the machines after they have finished and the app takes away the issue of the machines eating quarters for those who download it.
wraps. With the end in sight, File said he encourages students to finish strong and come back stronger next year. With a longer summer break ahead, a well-deserved break you could say, is in need for everyone to recover from such a hectic year. Even File has plans to get away, as he said he plans on traveling and visiting his children this summer, with great excitement as he is soon to be a grandpa.
year, most athletes are trying not to take their seasons for granted. No one truly knows when it will be the last time they step off the field, or if their favorite thing in the world will be stolen from them again. “The biggest motivator for me this season is knowing that this is my last season here at Hutch. Last year we got our season cut short,
and that made me take a long look at my time here. It helped me put things into perspective and realize how much I love this place and this team,” Reetz said. “Most people don’t come here planning to be here for three years, so the rest of the third years and I are just trying to enjoy this season as much as we can and leave everything we have on the table.”
Sports
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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 23, 2021
End of an era
Athlete of the week (April 11-17)
Charlie Crockett, men’s golf
Photo by Brooke Greene/Collegian Stephan Gabriel passes the ball to a teammate in the Blue Dragon’s second-round NJCAA Tournament loss to Mineral Area on Tuesday. By Joel Muhs Staff Writer
It was the end of a season, and the end of an era, for the Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team, following an 80-77 loss in the second round of the NJCAA on Tuesday against Mineral Area. The loss was even more crushing for Blue Dragon nation, as this represented the last game Steve Eck would coach for HutchCC, after announcing his retirement from HutchCC on April 12 following the conclusion of the season. Although the end to this season wasn’t the storybook ending the Blue Dragons were hoping for, Eck acknowledged how proud he was of his team. “We played a good team tonight. Probably played the best defensive team we’ve played all
year long. They really pressured us and it took us awhile to get the ball inside,” Eck said. “But my guys battled hard and didn’t give up. I’m very proud of my players, proud of my coaches, my managers, and everybody gave me everything they had all year long, and I can’t ask for more.” This was the sixth time Eck led HutchCC to the NJCAA Tournament during his 12-year tenure, but this appearance was brief after running into No. 1 seed Mineral Area. The Blue Dragons got punched in the mouth early, which led to an early 18-5 deficit. “The first four to five minutes of the game, that hurt big time. We got down 18-5 and we had to come back, and you use a lot of energy to get back in the ballgame,” Eck said. A lot of that energy was
exerted by sophomores Stephan Gabriel and Josh Baker, who combined for 44 points. Baker dropped in 19 points, while Gabriel poured in a season-high 27 points, which included several thunderous slams that got the Sports Arena crowd to its feet. “Of course, it always feels good playing on a national scale. Playing against good competition really shows what I’m capable of,” Gabriel said after being asked about his career night. The last of Gabriel’s dunks cut the Mineral lead to 78-77 with one minute left, and after a Mineral layup stretched it to a threepoint deficit, Baker missed what would’ve been the game-tying three with eight seconds left. “No, there’s no real frustration,” Baker said. “It’s just that we have to just keep playing
through it and keep trusting in Coach’s plan and keep playing hard, it’s no real frustration.” Although the Blue Dragons have lost in the tournament many times before, this loss hits deeper as the realization of Eck not returning settles in. Over his 12 seasons, Eck provided stability and a powerhouse team nearly every year during his tenure. Although his time on the court with the Blue Dragons is over, Eck noted that his time at HutchCC isn’t. “I haven’t even thought about that,” Eck said about his time at HutchCC being nearly over. “My focus is on Hutch. We still got a week and a half of school left and we got to get these (sophomores) graduated, and we got finals next week. I’m getting paid from Hutch right now, so that doesn’t even cross my mind.”
The week: Crockett was dominant in winning the second JayCrockett hawk Conference tournament of the spring. After carding an opening-round 71 and taking a one-stroke lead, Crockett pulled away from the field with a second-round 65 and a final-round 69. His final score of 205 was 8-under par and good enough for a sixstroke win over teammate Ben Partridge. The season: Crockett, a sophomore from Oxted, England, has been one of the best players in school history. He has five other top-10 finishes this season. Crockett later helped the Blue Dragons win the Jayhawk Conference championship for a second straight season, and fourth conference championship in the last six seasons.
Blue Dragon baseball having a successful season By Bailey Pennycuf Co-Sports Editor
The Hutchinson Community College baseball team is having a successful season so far. The Blue Dragons are 27-11 and running away with the Jayhawk West championship. At 19-5 in the conference, Seward County is a distant second at 13-7, and a big part of that success is due to the remarkable hitting. The Blue Dragons are batting .326, with freshman infielder Austin Callahan leading the way at .420. “I think what makes
our team so good is our family mentality and relationships we have with each other - it’s something special about our team. I think that and our offense carries our team,” said Callahan, who has bopped 13 home runs. Another part of being successful is being able to handle the pressures of the game. “I think we’ve been so successful this year because we have a really close team, which just makes playing games super fun. When the whole team is loose and having fun, it takes away all the stress of playing and
makes the actual game itself that much easier,” said sophomore outfielder Will Reetz, who is batting .358. To have a strong offensive team does not mean to simply have players who can hit the ball far. It means being able to score the clutch runs, and picking up a struggling teammate by coming through at the plate. “We just try to hit the ball hard and take what the game gives you,” Reetz said. “It definitely helps knowing that everyone in the offense See Baseball, Page 5
Courtesy Photo/HutchCC Sports Information Austin Callahan makes contact with the ball during a game last season.
Blue Dragon sports schedules, results. All home games, events in caps. Baseball
(All dates doubleheaders unless noted) March 4, at Coffeyville, W 12-3, W 10-8 March 6, COFFEYVILLE, L 10-8, L 22-7 March 9, at State Fair, Missouri, W 20-13 March 11, BARTON, L 10-4; W 6-5 March 14, at Barton, W 20-4; W 14-13 March 19, at Seward County, W 3-2; W 8-2 March 20, SEWARD COUNTY, L 11-7, W 7-6 March 23, at Redlands, Okla., W 24-6, L 15-10 March 25, BUTLER, W 6-5, W 11-6 March 27, at Butler, W 6-4, L 12-2 April 1, at Pratt, W 5-2, W 8-2 April 3, PRATT, W 16-111, W 14-7 April 8, GARDEN CITY, W 17-7; W 4-1 April 10, at Garden City, W 11-1; W 9-3 April 15, at Cloud County, L 6-2; W 6-4 April 18, CLOUD COUNTY, W 7-3; L 11-5 April 20, at Rose State, Okla., 2 p.m. April 21, at Redlands, Okla., noon April 27, STATE FAIR, Mo., 2:30 p.m. (1 game) April 29, COLBY, 1 p.m. May 1, at Colby, 1 p.m. May 6, at Dodge City, 3 p.m.
May 8, DODGE CITY, 1 p.m.
Basketball
April 9, Region 6 semifinals at Friends University, Wichita, women vs. Independence, 75-56; men vs. Coffeyville, W 76-75 April 10, Region 6 championship at Friends, men vs. Cowley, L 116-107 April 19, NJCAA Tournament first round, men vs. Kilgore at Sports Arena, W 95-86 April 20, NJCAA Tournament second round, men vs. Mineral Area, L 80-77
ment, Manhattan, first April 12-13, at Jayhawk Conference Tournament, Crestview North, Wichita, first April 18-19, at Jayhawk Conferenc Championship, Crestview South, Wichita, first April 26-27, at NJCAA District 3/Region 6, Crestview North, Wichita
Soccer
March 26, COFFEYVILLE, W 33-10 April 3, at Butler, W 41-10 April 11, ARKANSAS BAPTIST, 1 p.m. April 18, at Fort Scott, ccd. April 25, GARDEN CITY, 1 p.m. May 2, at Independence, 5 p.m. May 9, HIGHLAND, 1 p.m. May 16, DODGE CITY, 1 p.m.
April 2, at Johnson County, L 3-2 April 5, at Barton, T 1-1 April 7, GARDEN CITY, W 4-0 April 10, BUTLER, W 4-2 April 14, at Cowley, T 1-1 April 17, COFFEYVILLE, L 3-2 OT April 19, DODGE CITY, W 5-1 April 28, BARTON, 6 p.m. May 1, NEOSHO COUNTY, 2 p.m. May 3, at Garden City, 6 p.m. May 5, COWLEY, 6 p.m. May 8, at Kansas City, 2 p.m. May 12, at Dodge City, 1 p.m.
March 22-23, at Trophy Club, Texas, first March 29-30, at Jayhawk Conference Tourna-
March 2, FRIENDS JV, W 9-8, W 9-1 March 9, HESSTON, W 5-2; W 17-9
Football
Golf
Softball
March 11, BARTON, W 5-4; W 5-0 March 13, NW KANSAS TECH, ppd March 16, at Cowley, L 12-4; L 10-2 March 18, at Independence, ppd. March 20, at Garden City, L 16-3; L 24-23 March 25, BUTLER, L 11-2; L 9-0 March 27, at Colby, L 7-1; L 16-7 March 31, at Ottawa JV, W 4-2; W 11-7 April 6, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, W 8-0; W 11-6 April 8, at Pratt, W 15-2; W 9-3 April 15, SEWARD COUNTY, W 12-4; W 10-1 April 17, at Barton, W 9-8; L 8-7 April 19, at Dodge City, W 12-2, W 7-4 April 22, INDEPENDENCE, 3 p.m. April 24, at Butler, 2 p.m. May 1, PRATT, 1 p.m.
Track and field
April 15-17, at Kansas Relays April 17, at Tabor College, Hillsboro April 24, at Southwestern College, Winfield April 29-30, May 1, at Region 6 Championships, Arkansas City May 11-13, at NJCAA Championships