April 29, 2022 Collegian

The student voice of Hutchinson Community College

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April 29, 2022

pinion

Brooke Greene writes her last Gestation Journal for the school year.

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ampus

Photos from Fire Science’s field day taken by Shelby Spreier.

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www.hutchcollegian.com

ports

A wrap-up of Blue Dragon athletics for the 2021-22 school year.

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Vol. 63 Issue 21

ports

Meet the Holt brothers: a pair of siblings who are on the men’s track and field roster.

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Double treble Father and daughter, Jason and Maddie Holland, make HutchCC’s Band a family affair.

Photo by Lee Wellman/Collegian Jason Holland (front center) concentrates alongside his daughter Maddie (right) during rehearsal for the HutchCC jazz band. Jason works in the HutchCC Fire Science Program, and Maddie is a freshman at HutchCC.

By Brooke Greene Editor In Chief

A unique father-daughter duo has formed on Hutchinson Community College’s Jazz Band.

Jason Holland, a HutchCC Fire Science Instructor, and Maddie Holland, a freshman from Hutchinson, enjoy playing their instruments together, and, intriguingly enough, they both started playing during the fifth grade while attending Buhler schools.

Jason plays the trombone and Maddie plays the trumpet, neither of which are easy to play. The pair’s passion for music makes the experience all the more valuable.

“I chose the trombone way back in grade school, because it looked fun and I could easily make my mouth do the correct buzz in the trombone mouthpiece,” Jason Holland said. “As a bit of trivia, when I’m playing in the HutchCC Pep Band I’m playing my very first original student trombone. I’ve kept and

have played it all these years.

“My daughter Maddie plays trumpet for all three HutchCC Bands - Concert, Pep and Jazz, while I play in Jazz and Pep. I will fill in other bands if requested, and I’ll play in the Hutchinson Community Band this summer.”

Obviously, these two stay busy, between school, teaching, their home life, and this extra-curricular activity. Being a student or teacher has its challenges, but it is always recommended to have a way to relieve any stress.

Jason said this was exactly what being in Jazz Band offers him.

“As a HutchCC alum, I’m playing in the same room I did way back then,” Jason said. “I enjoy playing because it’s so relaxing and great for my mental health. As an instructor, I can enjoy no phone calls for that hour during band. I also enjoy meeting and watching all of the band students grow and get stron-

ger as musicians. As a father, what is truly priceless right now is the fact I get to play with my daughter Maddie. She’s an amazing trumpet player” Music has the tendency to bring people together, whether a group of friends goes to see a concert together, a couple sisters belt their favorite songs in the car, or family hands the musical practice down to their newest generations to play together, like Jason and Maddie have.

“Growing up, my dad always talked about how much he enjoyed playing his instrument, so it’s fun being able to see him do that,” Maddie said.

HutchCC has several options for musical prodigies, or for those just looking to have fun.

“If a student here at HutchCC enjoyed playing an instrument, or singing in high school, I would encourage them to come check out our music department,”Jason said. “Music is a time when we can just put our busy times on hold and experience some fun.”

‘Wordle’ sparks slathers of spin-offs

By Braedon Martin Staff Writer

In the wake of the massive success Wordle discovered, as with all things, popularity breeds imitation, and Wordle is no exception.

However, unlike the mobile games market, where imitation is done cheaply, with no concern for the original product, just to make money, Wordle spinoffs each have their own interesting ideas and entertaining extra parts to keep a player’s interest. Wordle spin-offs can be split into three distinct categories: What?, Wordle but specific, Unique.

Category 1: What?

Quordle This category is dedicated to only the weirdest, most difficult spinoffs Wordle has to offer.

Up first is the Wordle spinoff Quordle, which is a

Upcoming events April 29 - 30 — Brigadoon at the Stringer Fine Arts Center at 7 p.m.

May 1 — Brigadoon at the Stringer Fine Arts Center at 2 p.m.

May 2-5 — Finals week.

May 6 — Commencement at the Sports Arena at 7 p.m.

simple game of Wordle, turned up to 10. Instead of one puzzle, you must use your new six guesses to figure out four Wordle puzzles at once. Quordle is the perfect spinoff to play if you are some kind of masochist; otherwise, keep your distance.

Semantle Semantle is a pretty odd game, where your guesses are not limited to a five-letter word, but any word or short phrase, and instead of letters right or wrong, Semantle will tell you on a percentile basis how similar the word you guessed is to it’s secret word or phrase. This one is very difficult to figure out, but you are given an infinite amount of guesses.

Containing significantly less pain than Quordle, if you’re looking for a challenge, Semantle is probably your best bet.

See Wordle, Page 3

The happenings around campus

Photo by Braedon Martin After being unable to guess the letter on Letterle after 26 guesses, this message will pop up.

College Student Weather Report Friday High: 85; Low 52 Nearing unbearable heat.

Saturday High: 70; Low 44 Take a walk and enjoy this weather while it lasts.

Sunday High: 73; Low 48 Perfect to study outside for finals.

Weather source: accuweather.com

Visit and follow us on social media @hutchinsoncollegian @HCC_Collegian the_hutchinson_collegian hutch_collegian

Opinion

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Our View

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 29, 2022

The end of the road

Paint mystery Most people, through all walks of life, are probably under the general consensus that putting paint thinner in someone’s water is a bad idea, and should not be done.

Well, most people except the person, or people, who put paint thinner in the Kansas Wesleyan University’s baseball team’s water jug.

The paint thinner was discovered in the water after a game against Bethany College, in which the KWU Coyotes smoked Bethany 33-2.

The Kansas Wesleyan Barstool Twitter account broke the story, and it blew up all over social media.

Many news reports were written, and now police are involved.

The game occurred at Bethany College in Lindsborg, causing many to point the blame toward the home team. However, people at Bethany are adamant that they are not the ones who mixed paint thinner in the water.

It is still unknown who added the paint thinner.

It’s a little hard to imagine a situation in any collegiate sport where adding a deadly substance to your opponent’s water is the last solution, and there will probably never be a situation where it will be accepted.

If you are in a situation where you feel that adding paint thinner to someone’s water is a good idea, please take a step back and reevaluate everything about the way you think.

What happened to the Coyotes is in no way shape or form OK, and hopefully the person, or people, who did it is caught and punished.

-For the Collegian editorial board.

Collegian file comic

Gestation Journal: Don’t blink, new parents

Growing up, we heard adults say all the time “Don’t blink, you’ll open your eyes and they’ll be all grown up!”

Little did I know, they were right. I had my daughter Sawyer nearly twoand-a-half months ago, and already she is smiling, learning to laugh, holding her head up for longer periods of time, grabbing onto toys and the collars of our T-shirts. She is not even threemonths old, and she already has loads of personality.

So far, holidays have been our thing.

She was born on Valentine’s Day, and she had her first laugh on Easter. I feel like she’ll be walking before I know it.

Being over two-months old, my daughter is officially no longer a newborn, but an infant.

During this time frame, babies will start to roll over, kick, reach out with their arms, and learn to grasp almost anything that comes their way. It is also the time to start considering vaccinations and immunizations for a baby (Which I believe hurts mommy far more than the baby).

We just had her two-month appointment, and the little stinker weighs a whopping 12 pounds, 12 ounces, she’s 22 inches long with a 16-inch head circumference. For those of you who

aren’t parents yet and have no idea ing you eat, they bring things to their what any of that means, it means she’s mouths, they are either a supported right on track. sitter or a sitter (in regards to how well For many parents, a major highlight they support their heads when sitting and milestone for their child is the inup), they don’t spit the food out, and troduction of baby foods. they can firmly grasp things While Sawyer still has with their hands. Babies in about a month and a half this age range can eat foods left before we try sweet such as apples, avocados, potatoes and carrots, it is bananas, oatmeal, green good to start researching beans, pears, sweet potatoes, what kinds of foods are and butternut squash. It is safe for babies. Size, advised that these foods texture, density, flavor, merely compliment breastand nutritional value milk or formula feedings. are many things to take Sawyer is doing pretty into consideration when much all of the signs that choosing what one will she could eat baby food. feed their baby. Some Brooke Greene However, that does not may choose to make their mean she is ready. If your own baby foods and others may choose baby is under four months of age and store-bought, this is a very similar showing these signs as well, WAIT. thing to breast milk vs. formula, a cata- They need that extra couple of months strophic debate among parents. Howev- to develop proper motor skills and their er, the most important thing is that your little tummies aren’t quite ready to take child is fed and gaining weight, if they all of that on just yet. are packing on the pounds like my little I am super anxious to find out what one, you know you’re doing something my little girl will like and dislike. If right, she is anything like me, she will love Good signs that tell you your baby is strawberries and absolutely despise ready for baby food is when they reach beans. However, if you have a strong four-to-six months old, start watchdistaste for particular foods, do not

Columnist

push this on your child. Even though I would rather take a Razor scooter to the ankle than eat a spoonful of refried beans, this does not mean I will deprive my daughter of the proteins that beans can provide.

With a long to-do list for Sawyer in the coming months, we are so excited to watch her continue to grow but a little sad to let go of the 7-pound baby we feel like we just brought home.

This will be our last Gestation Journal for The Hutchinson Collegian, but out of curiosity, if these articles have either entertained you or informed you, or even if you are a young/new parent with questions, I would really love to hear about it. I have considered taking the Gestation Journal to a new platform for my readers to continue writing about the ups and downs of being a young mother with college experiences and a new career. Contact me at the email address below.

Brooke Greene is a Hutchinson journalism alumna now studying police science. She is the Collegian Editor in Chief and mother to Sawyer. She encourages new mothers to email her with suggestions or questions at blg1035@dragons.hutchcc.edu

Not everyone you lose is a loss

In 2020, the divorce rate in Kansas was approximately 18%. That’s a significant decrease from 2010 when the rate was at 37%.

Unfortunately, my family was part of that 37%.

In February 2010, my entire family dynamic was changed forever.

I was 10-years old, and it was honestly one of the worst days of my life.

After one’s terrible choices and some dramatic events, my mom sat my sister and me down and told us that dad wouldn’t be coming home. She told us what happened, sparing no details.

From the beginning, my mom has never held any information from us.

She told us the full truth and I’m really thankful for that no matter how much it may have hurt to hear at times.

I remember the first few months were rough. I was angry. I was hurt. I was lost. I remember being physically sick for quite a while. I was going to the school nurse’s office almost daily

for stomach aches. My doctor had put me on medications typically used for things like acid reflux, but looking back now, I know that it was all anxiety-related.

If I didn’t go to the nurse’s office, I went to the counselor’s office. We talked about what was going on and how that made me feel.

I started going to what I would call a support group for children of divorce, and it was honestly pretty helpful as I explored this life-changing situation.

They helped us navigate this array of emotions we were going through. Each of our scenarios was different, but it was comforting being surrounded by kids my age who were going through something similar.

My dad left by choice. He chose to walk out on his family and never made an effort to come back. He was a mere 10 minutes away but it was like he had moved across the country.

For years I held such a deep hatred

The Hutchinson Collegian The student voice of Hutchinson Community College

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for this man, and what he had put myself and our family through.

I was betrayed by the one man a girl is supposed to be able to trust in her life.

So many things have changed for me, but there have always been two constants. My mom and my sister.

My dad may have left, but my mom and my sister have never left my side, and I know they never will.

It has taken me years to finally get to the mindset I have now, but I feel free.

I can’t forgive him for what he did and how he has treated me since, but that’s not my problem.

He has missed out on an incredible girl.

He missed out on extracurricular activities. He missed out on my biggest accomplishments thus far. I am missing nothing.

I am in an amazing spot in life today and it’s no thanks to him. I am doing amazing things and creating an exciting

Collegian Staff Social Media Coordinator Editor In Chief Brooke Greene Jayshaun Jones Editorial cartoonist Opinion Page Editor E. G. Weinhoffer Laci Sutton Staff members Sports Editors Colton Fast, Leslie Grajeda, Connor Aubreigh Heck, Cole Deutschendorf Keating, Braedon Martin, Danae Moser, Audio Editor Mason Poepperling, Colin Shields, Zariah Perilla-Best Shelby Spreier, Brendan Ulmer, Maegan Online Editor Vincent, Lee Wellman Ben Short Collegian Adviser Brad Hallier

www.HutchCollegian.com

future for myself.

I don’t have a dad, but I’m not the one missing out.

This is his loss.

I came out on top.

Laci Sutton is a Nickerson senior studying nursing. She is the Collegian Opinion Page Editor.

Columnist

Laci Sutton 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: Christopher Lau, 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 29, 2022

Campus

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Fire science field day Photos by Shelby Spreier/Collegian

Fire science students spent April 22 learning how to utilize their new skills at the Fire Science Center. This included putting out car fires and grass fires, and learning to use fire-stopping tools.

A car is safely lit on fire for an exercise for the fire science students.

Students practice using a fire hose to put out fires.

Rand Lohrentz (yellow shirt), a wild land firefighter, shows student how to use a drip torch to create back burns.

Wordle

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Absurdle Absurdle is the perfect fit for this category, because it is complicated in a way that it struggles to describe itself. The closest you can find for a description of what Absurdle actually is is on it’s own page. “(Absurdle) is an adversarial version of Josh Wardle’s excellent Wordle Adversarial, in this context, meaning that Absurdle will give you only the minimum information it has too, and actively avoids giving you the answer. As with Quordle, Absurdle is very difficult to complete, and should only be tried by the more masochistic of word game enjoyers.

Category 2: Wordle but specific Swordle The first game in this category is Swordle. Wordle but using Star Wars terms. (Force, Saber, Grogu, etc.) An interesting concept, but as with every game in this category, the specificity of these games makes it difficult to know what words you should actually use in the game. If you’re a Star Wars fan, give it a shot.

Queerdle This is a game that considers itself the “yassification” of Wordle. Using … a set of words that is difficult to figure out, this one may be the weirdest Wordle, but specific, game out there. This one cannot be recommended due to its sheer

inability to be figured out.

Lewdle The last game is Lewdle, a Wordle parody that’s all about vulgar words, using sexual terms and other such no-no words. Once again struggling from a “what words can I actually use here” problem, Lewdle quickly loses interest.

Category 3: Unique Worldle Worldle is all about countries, giving you the outline of a country somewhere within the world, and it’s up to you to figure out what it is.

Incorrect guesses will tell you how close you were to the country, an arrow pointing in the direction the country is in reference to your guess, and the distance of the country from your guess in that direction. Worldle is a thoroughly enjoyable guessing game that is completely recommendable to anyone with knowledge of maps.

Heardle Next comes Heardle, a musical guessing game. Heardle will give you a short segment of a song and you have to guess either the artist or the song it is from. Each incorrect guess gets you a little bit more of the song. Heardle is probably super fun for people who … actually listen to music. Absolute recommendation.

Actorle The third game is Actorle, a game all about guessing the actor from the movies provided. Actorle provides a series of movies (unnamed) with their year of release, and the genres of the films. Incorrect guesses that may have been

Students practice digging handlines, which are utilized in wildfires.

in a movie with the goal actor will reveal the title of the movie, and will give the actors age, and how far apart the ages of the two are.

Actorle requires extreme knowledge of movies, but it’s certainly a solid game.

Squirdle Squirdle is the Pokemon guessing game. Squirdle allows you to choose the spectrum of generations, incorrect guesses will give you the weight, types, generation, and height of the pokemon in relation to the target. Just like Actorle and Heardle, extensive knowledge of the eight hundred something Pokemon is necessary to enjoy Squirdle, but it is a solid game nonetheless.

Letterle Letterle is more of a parody game than anything, where you guess what letter the game is thinking of. Pretty simple, you’ve got 26 guesses, very easy. It is pretty funny to share your Letterle score though.

Eldrow This is possibly the most unique game on the list. Eldrow. Eldrow is still technically a guessing game, but you’re not the one guessing.

Think of a five-letter word, and now you are running the Wordle game for a pre-programmed AI. Interesting, infinitely replayable, this backwards Wordle game is easily the best on the list.

Wordle spinoff games are a relatively new market, but for the most part they’re very solid. As long as you avoid the mobile app market, which is FULL of crappy, cheap ripoffs filled with ads made only to steal your money and more importantly, your time.

Photo by Braedon Martin/Collegian A screenshot from “Actorle,” where players try to guess an actor’s name.

Sports

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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 29, 2022

Blue Dragon sports summary HutchCC sports continue to excel on all fronts this year

By Aubreigh Heck Co-Sports Editor

Across Region 6 and the Jayhawk Conference, Hutchinson Community College Blue Dragon athletics are typically a force to be reckoned with. In the 2021-2022 school year, the Blue Dragons only proved that statement true, as they continued their success in the fall, winter and spring seasons.

Here’s a wrap-up of all Blue Dragon sports from the 2021-22 seasons.

Volleyball - The Blue Dragons finished their season with a 19-16 overall record, 7-9 in their conference.

“This season’s team was athletic, dynamic but very young,” said Blue Dragon coach Delice Downing. “Only two returning sophomores, one only played in the beginning of the season, so we lacked experience on the court. With that being said, we were very explosive and tenacious.”

Athletic director Josh Gooch said, “This was Coach Downing’s first year that wasn’t disrupted by COVID-19. I’m excited for the future of volleyball, and I know she’s excited about the recruits she has coming in. As far as this season goes, I thought they progressed as the season went on. The future definitely looks bright.”

Standout athlete: Andrea Serrano, a freshman setter from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, had a hitting percentage of .239. She also led her team with 7.23 assists per-set on average.

Football - After going 8-2 and winning the Region 6 title, the Blue Dragons awaited to see if they had earned a trip to the NJCAA championship playoffs. Instead of earning a bid, they were given a Salt City Bowl matchup against Hinds Community College to complete their fall season. “We undoubtedly were a team that wanted the opportunity to defend our national title by making the four-team playoff, but ended just shy, finishing No. 5 in the last regular season poll, one spot out of the playoff field,” second-year coach Drew Dallas said. “Our team was able to stay hot, regardless of the let down, and finished off the season with a huge victory against a top 10 ranked school from the Mississippi league, Hinds College.”

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Sophomore running back from Pensacola, Fla., Anwar Lewis finished with 1,052 yards after playing in all 11 games for the Blue Dragons. Lewis averaged 95.6 yards a game, and led the team among non-quarterbacks with 11 touchdowns.

Men’s cross country - The Blue Dragons

finished their season with no medalists at the NJCAA championship.

However, coach Justin Riggs said, “We had some depth and injury issues in 2021.”

Gooch added, “Because of COVID-19 and travel restrictions, some of Coach Riggs’ athletes were unable to make it to the team this season.”

The Blue Dragons were only able to have four runners at the championship.

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Freshman Collin Oswalt from Hutchinson was able to place 35th out of 198 runners.

“Oswalt led the men’s team all year running the 13th fastest 8k time in school history (25:16),” Riggs said.

Women’s cross country: The Blue Dragons finished third this year in Region 6, and proceeded to finish 12th at the NJCAA championship after scoring 328 points.

“The women’s team competed at a high-level at each one of its events,” Gooch said.

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Sophomore Louise Cocking from Derbyshire, England, dominated over opponents all season long, winning the Region 6 individual championship.

She won the Jayhawk Conference Runner of the Week multiple times, and set many personal records.

Soccer - Soccer finished their season under coach Sammy Lane with a solid record of 8-6-1 overall, 7-5-1 in conference play. This was their 17th season in a row with a winning record.

“Sammy always fields a super-competitive squad, this year being no different. I think his season being back-to-back from COVID-19 didn’t allow him to work with some players. Sammy is building this team for something really special,” Gooch said.

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Hadlie Lowe, a Wichita freshman forward, scored 18 goals and 39 points, leading the team in both categories. She tied the previous game-winning goals record in a single season for the Blue Dragons.

Men’s basketball - The Blue Dragons finished a successful season under first-year coach Tommy DeSalme when they lost in the second round of the NJCAA Basketball Championship Tournament. Their final record was 26-9 overall, and 17-7 in the conference.

“Coach DeSalme set the bar high for his program. We’re really looking forward to what a full year of recruiting can do for his teams in the future,” Gooch said.

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Sophomore

guard from Brooklyn, N.Y. Angelo Stuart made a name for himself his first year at HutchCC, averaging a Jayhawk Conference best 21.5 points-per-game. He was named NJCAA thirdteam All-American.

Women’s basketball: After John Ontjes’ team won the Region 6 title, the Blue Dragons lost in the second round of the Women’s NJCAA Basketball Championship.

With an overall record of 29-6 and conference record of 19-5, the Blue Dragons shared the regular season Jayhawk Conference title with Independence.

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Freshman guard Maya Williams of Waxahachie, Texas, made the most of her first year as a Blue Dragon. Williams led the Jayhawk Conference in points-pergame with 18.7, and was named NJCAA first-team All-American.

Spirit Squad - Coach Sami Bell led her cheerleaders to win Region 6 in their division in her first year.

“I can’t explain the value that the Spirit Squad brings to our games. Whether it’s outdoor events at football, or indoor with basketball, or just general public events where they are showcased, they bring so much positive recognition to our college,” Gooch said. *Men’s track and field - The Blue Dragons are gearing up for the NJCAA 2022 National Outdoor Track and FIeld Championships that will take place May 18-20 at Gowans Stadium.

“I am excited for our student athletes to compete at home on such a big stage,” coach Robert Spies said.

The Blue Dragons have seven athletes qualified for the championship so far.

“Coach Spies continues to have four to five elite competitors on his teams,” Gooch said.

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Junction City sophomore Antonio Cooper has been named Jayhawk Conference Track and Field Athlete of the Week, and has qualified for the championships in shot put and discus earlier this season. *Women’s track and field: The Blue Dragons have five qualifiers for the championship so far.

Spies said, “I feel we are positioning ourselves really well going into our Regional Championship meet the first weekend of May.” Gooch said, “This is another group that since the national track meet is held at our home venue, the excitement is high.

They’re very excited about what that means to their program.”

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Louise Cocking moved on from a steller cross country season to again perform well for the track and field team.

Earlier this season, Cocking earned third-team All-American honors after setting a school record in the 3,000 meters with a time of 10:25.89. *Baseball: After a slow start, coach Ryan Schmidt’s team is starting to find its footing.

Currently at a 27-20 record overall and a 13-11 conference record, the Blue Dragons have at least eight games left on the season as of April 22.

“Bottom line, our kids are fighting,” Schmidt said. “They have battled some adversity and I think we will be playing our best baseball when it matters the most and that is at the end when we start postseason play.”

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Sophomore infielder from Golden, Colo. Ben McLaughlin leads the team with a .396 average, and has hit 13 home runs. His 60 runs batted in also lead the team. *Softball - Head Coach Jaime Rose’s team has exceeded everyone’s expectations, with a 36-6 overall record and a 27-3 conference record. After splitting their first series of the season against Butler Community College, the Blue Dragons

Photo by Danae Moser Kristina Head showing some emotion after a Blue Dragon score

went onto win 13 games in a row. Their current No.15 NJCAA ranking is the highest it has been since 1989.

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Riley Wertz, a Wichita freshman pitcher, is batting .304 while pitching with a 0.74 ERA. She has hit five home runs this season, and has been named the Jayhawk Conference softball pitcher of the week two times this season. *Golf - Coach Chris Young’s team looks to become back-to-back national champions after qualifying for the NJCAA National Championship for the 21st consecutive season.

The Blue Dragons have also won their

third-consecutive Jayhawk Conference Championship. “The golf season has been successful to this point,” Young said. “Our returning All-American Ben Partridge and Harry Crockett have led the team to our third conference title and we are ready to compete in the national tournament.”

STANDOUT ATHLETE: Sophomore Ben Patridge, from London, repeated as the Jayhawk Conference Individual Champion for golf. He earned All-District and All-Region first-team honors this season.

Sports that are currently in-season have a * by their name.

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 29, 2022

Campus

Rundown on SGA

By Mason Poepperling Staff Writer

What do you think of when you hear Student Government? You may have a certain idea of what that means, but, unless a student is a member, people most likely don’t know very much.

Hutchinson Community College’s Student Government Association partakes in governing school activities, provides social activities, and represents students in affairs with the college administration and faculty. Just like other forms of government, the highest levels of leadership in student government are voted on by the student body, while other positions are appointed by elected members.

Once student representatives are elected, members are responsible for both representing the student body and orga-

nizing programs and events, and unlike similar Student Governments at the High School level, at the college level Student Government has a wider field of influence on campus activities and daily life.

There are many different reasons to join student government. Many students see student government as a way to improve daily life for themselves as well as their fellow students. Whenever students feel the need to improve something on campus, Student Government is who you turn to to make that happen. For many members, using their position in student government to make their campus better makes them feel good about themselves.

Joining student government can give students a chance to make a difference on their campus for their fellow students.

Photo by Shelby Spreier/Collegian Hutchinson Community College pitcher Kiersten Weitze fires a pitch during a doubleheader on April 1 at Fun Valley against Seward County. The Blue Dragons swept the doubleheader, two fo their 32 wins so far this season.

Softball team still searching for respect Despite strong record, two wins over Butler, Blue Dragons want to be known as contenders

By Colton Fast Staff Writer

Hutchinson Community College softball has gone under the radar for much this year, as the Blue Dragons currently boast an impressive 34-6 record and rank second in the always-tough Jayhawk Conference.

However, this Monday, the Blue Dragons were ranked No. 15, this being just their second time being ranked this year.

When asking coach Jaime Rose about why this team has been underrated she said, “I don’t really have an answer. It’s hard to break into the rankings, and there are a lot of good teams out there.”

HutchCC has plenty of solid wins against ranked opponents, including a 2-2 season series split with the powerhouse in Butler, which is also the Grizzles’ only losses of the year.

To even have a chance at the postseason, the Blue Dragons are going to have to go flawless for the rest of the season. Although in a tough spot, a

game behind Butler, sophomore outfielder Haley Miller is not discouraged by their current standings.

“Oh yeah, if we play to our full potential, work together and play like we know how to, we can beat anyone,” Miller said.

Blue Dragon sports have had some tough luck this year in the rankings this year, including HutchCC football’s controversial absence from the NJCAA playoffs.

Being ranked 15 but with four losses being to top-10 teams again raises the question of why this team has been under the radar with the impressive resume that has been put together this year.

When asking pitcher Riley Wertz why the team has been underrated she simply said, “Because Butler is in our conference and they’re No. 8 and we’re No. 20.”

Butler’s prestige, which includes just five conference losses in seven seasons but three to Hutchinson, have have gotten the Blue Dragons overshadowed and unnoticed most of the year, which may seem unfair.

But currently, the Blue Dragons have just one more loss than the current No. 8 team right now. With two double headers left in the season, the Blue Dragons may have more of a name when the Region 6 Tournament starts.

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Puzzles

4-H Adopt-APuppy

By Maegan Vincent Staff Writer

This past Saturday, Hutchinson Community College’s 4-H club sponsored an Adopt-A-Puppy event at the local animal shelter. From noon to 5, adoption fees - which cover any and all shots the animal would need as well as the fee for microchipping - were half off for those who found an animal they decided to take home with them.

Students and staff from the school contributed old shirts that were made into dog toys for customers. Members of the 4-H club baked both cat and dog treats, and little cookbooks for cat and dog treats were for sale.

The 4-H club focuses on tackling societal issues and helping the community. In the past, the club has done events focused

in agriculture, like livestock judging and several events in the Kansas State Fair. For this event, the club wanted to raise money for the shelter while also bringing awareness to it. A lot of cats and dogs spend a long time in the shelter simply because they’re considered an aggressive breed or they’re too old, so the club hoped to bring awareness to those animals. On top of that, while the shelter wasn’t completely full, there were only a handful of bins that didn’t hold an animal, so both the shelter and the club were hoping to thin out the crowd a little bit.

Although it was the first time the 4-H club has sponsored this event, it brought a good turnout and several great animals were adopted. Anyone interested in adopting a cat or a dog is encouraged to take a look at your local animal shelter.

Photo by Danae Moser/Collegian This dog, named Bug by the Collegian staff, is one of the many dogs that could be found at the 4-H Adopt-A-Puppy event.

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, April 29, 2022

Sports A Holt jolt

Page 6

Athlete of the week

(April 17-23) Harry Crockett, Golf

Photo by Lee Wellman/Collegian Andrew Holt (left), a sophomore from Lago Vista, Texas, takes a picture with his younger brother Alex (right). Both are members of the Blue Dragons track team.

Brothers Alex and Andrew Holt join forces on the HutchCC track and field team

By Colin Shields Staff Writer

Moving away from family to go to college can be one of the hardest transitions to make for any incoming freshman.

For Alex Holt, a freshman from Lago Vista, Texas, it was a little easier thanks to his brother, sophomore Andrew Holt, who was already attending Hutchinson Community College.

After missing all of last year’s indoor and outdoor track season with a heart issue, Andrew decided to use his extra year of eligibility to come back for one more season with the Blue Dragons.

“It was kind of cool because I didn’t think we would (be on the same team), since I was planning on only spending two years here,” Andrew said.

“We found out I could come back for a third year and thought that would be really cool that we would be on the same team again, just like in high school. I

was excited to watch (Alex) run again.”

Alex shared the same enthusiasm upon learning that he would be able to run with his brother for one more year.

“It was exciting when I heard he could come back,” Alex said. “I found out I could go to college and be roommates with someone I already know, that would make it a lot easier. It has also been fun to watch him race again because I hadn’t seen him run since high school.”

While they don’t run the same events, or even practice together, the Holt brothers have found ways to still push each other to mess around and show that brotherly love.

“We can’t really push each other as much as some might think because we don’t run the same events or train in the same groups. If I get done with a workout, I’ll mess with him while he’s training for the hurdles, or vice versa,” Andrew said.

The year has been a bit of a sentimental one for not

The week: Crockett helped propel the Blue Dragons to another Jayhawk Conference Crockett title by winning the third and final Jayhawk Conference tournament in Newton. Crockett shot a three-round 207, 9-under par, which was good enough for a 5-stroke win.

A 7-under-par 65 in the second round was his best round.

The season: Crockett, a sophomore from Oxted, England, is one of the NJCAA’s top golfers. He was national runner-up last season.

just Andrew and Alex, but also their family.

“I think it’s been nice.

Alex and I grew up really close and we even shared a room until I was like 17, so when he started running track it was fun to watch him run and compete,” Andrew said. “We got this extra year to live together and compete on the same team again, which neither one of us thought was going to happen. I think my mom was happy that Alex came here, because my freshman year, it was hard for her to just drop me off in Kansas without a car or anything and just say, ‘Hey have fun in the midwest, see you later,’ I think both of us being here made it easier for her to leave Alex here for his freshman year.”

Crockett helps lead golf team to 21st consecutive NJCAA national tournament

By Cole Deutschendorf Co-Sports Editor

Winning.

When you get down to it, winning is the main objective of sports. Winning is all that the Hutchinson Community College golf team has done over the last two seasons, and they continued that tradition on Monday and Tuesday.

For the third year in a row, HutchCC finished as Region 6 champion, finishing second overall in District 3, seven strokes behind Iowa Western.

The Blue Dragons were led, in part, by sophomores Harry Crockett and Ben Partridge. Crockett, specifically, capped off a strong season with a first place finish in both Region 6 and in District 3.

Crockett, who also won a district title in 2021, became the first Blue Dragon to ever claim back-to-back district titles.

“It’s very special for me. Obviously it was nice to win last year, but for me to be able to come back and do it again proves to myself that I’m still getting better, I’m still improving,” Crockett said.

The Blue Dragons came into the preseason ranked No. 1 nationally coming

off of their NJCAA championship winning season last year. Therefore, there were a lot of eyes on the Blue Dragons in the beginning of the season.

“You would think that coming off of a national championship, the next year would be all rainbows and butterflies, but I’ve found that that’s not the case at all,” coach Chris Young said. “But we’re trying to peak at the right time, and hopefully we have it going in the right direction.”

After a slow start to the season as a team, the Blue Dragons showed why they had garnered national attention, winning the Jayhawk Conference championship.

It was leadership displayed by Crockett and Partridge that helped the Blue Dragons throughout the season. “(Their leadership) is very important,” Young said. “The key for any coach is finding kids that want to be led … and Ben and Harry have helped lead those kids.”

Despite some of the outside pressure and increasing expectations for the team, Crockett and Partridge have remained steady.

“I would say that the pressure has not gotten to (Crockett and Partridge).

They’ve been as successful up to this point as they were last year,” Young

Photo Courtesy HutchCC Sports Information Harry Crockett repeated as Region 6 and District 3 champion on Monday and Tuesday, the first Blue Dragon to accomplish that feat.

said. “I don’t see the pressure getting to them at all.”

Despite previous success, the Blue Dragons are focused on creating their own history.

“I’m just going out there thinking about how I can play the best golf that I can,” Crockett said. “Obviously, we had some success last year, and I want

to win, the whole team wants to win.

But there isn’t any extra pressure.”

And that’s the mindset that HutchCC will take to the Odessa Country Club in Odessa, Texas, as they seek to repeat as national champions.

Crockett put it simply, “We got our jobs to do, and we need to go out there and do it.”

Blue Dragon schedules. All home games, events in caps.

Baseball

All dates doubleheaders unless noted Feb. 10. at Southeast Nebraska, L 9-3, W 2-1 Feb. 15, at Northern Oklahoma-Enid, W 6-4 Feb. 18, at Rose State, Okla., L 7-2 Feb. 19, at Rose State, Okla., W 17-0; W 14-2 Feb. 27, at McLennan, Texas,L 8-0; L 5-2 Feb. 28 at McLennan, Texas, L 9-7 March 3, COFFEYVILLE, L 7-3, L 16-1 March 4, at Coffeyville, W 9-6, W 9-4 March 9, at Butler, L 6-5, L 8-6 March 13, at Butler, L 7-6, L 16-6.

March 15, STATE FAIR, 2 p.m. L 13-12 March 18, at Garden City, W 4-3, W 9-7 March 19, GARDEN CITY, L 14-13, W 5-4 March 24, TABOR JV, W 10-0, W 11-1 March 28, at Sterling JV, W 14-0, W 15-2 April 1, SEWARD COUNTY, W 2-1; W 10-8 April 2, at Seward County, W 8-3; W 16-6 April 7, at Barton, L 4-2; L11-6

April 9, BARTON, L 11-9, W 12-11 April 12, COWLEY, 2 p.m., L 29-16 April 14, CLOUD COUNTY, W 4-3; W 5-4 April 16, at Cloud County, L 4-2; L 12-5 April 21, at Colby, L 4-0; W 13-8 April 23, COLBY, W 10-6; L 14-13 April 25, STERLING JV, W 12-0; W 11-10 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.

Golf

March 7-8, at Oklahoma City, third March 15-16 at Midland, Texas March 28, at Jayhawk Conference 1, at Manhattan, second April 11-12, at Jayhawk Conference 2, at Wichita, first April 18-19, at Jayhawk Conference Championship, Newton, first

April 25-26, at Region 6/District 3, Hastings, Neb., first in region, second in district.

May 10-13, at NJCAA Championship, Odessa, Texas

Softball

All dates doubleheaders Jan. 29, OTTAWA JV, W 10-0; W 14-4 Feb. 8, INDEPENDENCE, W 9-2, W 8-7 Feb. 11, vs.Northern Oklahoma-Enid, L 7-1; vs.

Gray County, Texas, L 11-3 Feb. 19, at Murray St., Okla., W 4-2; L 5-4 Feb. 20, at North Central Texas, W 6-5; W 14-1 Feb. 25, CLOUD COUNTY, ccd.

March 1, FRIENDS JV, W 5-3, W 15-1 March 2, COLBY, W 4-2, W 15-1 March 5, at Butler, W 6-5, L 8-0 March 13, at Dodge City, W 10-9, W 10-7 March 16, NW KANSAS TECH, W 10-0, W 10-0 March 19, at Garden City, W 6-1, W 6-4

March 25, at Barton, W 7-5, W 8-3 March 26, PRATT, W 8-0, W 9-0 April 1, SEWARD COUNTY, W 8-2; W 12-3 April 2, at Colby, W 2-1; L 6-3 April 6, BUTLER, W 3-2; L 12-11 April 9, at Barton, W 4-3; W W 5-1 April 13, DODGE CITY, W 7-0; W 8-2 April 20, at NW Kansas Tech, W 8-2; W 13-4 April 23, GARDEN CITY, W 10-2; W 2-0 April 27, at Seward County, W 4-0; W 7-6 April 30, at Pratt, 1 p.m.

Track and field

April 1-2, at Friends University, Wichita April 7-9, at KT Woodman Classic, Wichita April 15, at Bethel Invitational, North Newton April 23, at Tabor Invitational, Hillsboro April 29, at Butler May 5-7, at Region 6, Garden City May 19-21, at NJCAA Championship, Gowans Stadium