Dec. 2, 2022 Collegian

Blue Dragons charging toward championship

Get your asses to Gowans

Calling all Blue Dragon fans - you’ve been summoned to Gowans Stadium on Saturday, at 2 p.m. as the undefeated Hutchinson Community College football team takes on the Coffeyville Red Ra vens in the NJCAA national semifinals.

This team has worked their tails off all season, winning their third consecu tive Jayhawk Conference title.

The Blue Dragons are coming off a 16-game winning streak. That’s the second longest in program history. This team is on fire and that’s not going out anytime soon. They also won the NJCAA national championship two seasons ago.

Their success can’t just be credited to the incredible displays of athleticism and coaching they’ve brought to the field week after week. Some credit is due to the great fan base supporting them at each game.

These guys work so hard on and off the field. They deserve to have their efforts acknowledged.

Any of you who have played sports know the difference between a game with a roaring crowd versus a game with a dead audience. The fans can truly make or break it for a team. The atmosphere makes a world of difference.

For some of these guys, this could be their last season playing competitive ball. They deserve to be sent out feeling appreciated and supported.

I’m challenging you, Blue Dragon fans. Let’s sell out Gowans Stadium this weekend. Be the loudest crowd this stadium has ever held, get rowdy,

and drive the football team to put on their best perfor mance.

Gowans Stadium has 5,500 seats. There are 39,712 people in Hutchinson. That means approximately 15% of the town better be sitting in that stadium.

I’ve seen some of you go pretty die-hard for teams you live miles and miles away from - teams like the Kan sas Jayhawks, Kansas State Wildcats and Kansas City Chiefs. Teams you may rarely get to see in person. Why can’t that same energy go to your own hometown football stars? It can be difficult to find activities for all members of the family to enjoy. What better than a classic game of football to bring all of you together?

Sure it’s early December so it’s a little chilly, with an expected high tempera ture in the lower 40s. Grab yourself some hand warmers, bring a whole stack of blankets, get yourself some delicious hot chocolate from the concessions and layer up as much as you can. Unlike the players, you have the luxury of being able to bundle up and get cozy.

The Blue Dragons and Red Ravens met on Sept. 24 where the Blue Drag ons pulled out a 14-9 win.

HutchCC is ranked No. 1 in the na tion with Coffeyville ranked No. 4.

Trust me when I say you are not going to want to miss this.

Be loud, be proud, and let’s breathe fire the weekend at Gowans.

Laci Sutton is a Nickerson senior study ing journalism and nursing. She is the Collegian’s Managing Editor for Content.

HutchCC Chorale presents: Ye Olde Madrigal Christmas Feast at Stringer Fine Arts

Tracy Chadwick shares his special “Star Wars” holiday spirit

Photo courtesy Andy Carpenter/Blue Dragons Sports Information Hutchinson Community College football players Nikko Taylor (left) and RJ Evans celebrate during a game against Iowa Central earlier this season at Gowans Stadium.

Columnist

Laci Sutton

The heartwarming Heelers of ‘Bluey’

Are you an adult? Do you think you are now too old to enjoy kids TV?

Well I’m sorry but you are entirely wrong.

I present to you a kids TV show from Australia“Bluey” Also known as the single greatest children’s show on this planet, nay, this universe has ever and will ever know.

What’s so good about “Bluey”? All of it. Everything. I struggle to even describe everything that makes this show good.

But before I get ahead of myself, I’m sure you don’t even know the first thing about “Bluey”, so let me describe it for you.

“Bluey” is a show produced by Ludo Studio with assistance from the Australian government about a family of dogs, parents Bandit and Chili Heeler and their two daughters Bluey and Bingo, and explores different life lessons with a wonderful backdrop of imagination, growing up, and other lessons for young children. Often set to little remixes of classical music. A couple episodes in particular stand out to make the show’s quality as easily accessible as possible. Notably, episode nine of the second season, “Sleepy time”, which tells the story of Bingo’s first time

sleeping on her own. Set to the tune of Gustav Holst’s “Jupiter”. We see Bingo’s dream where she explores the planets, interacting with them in weird ways in tercut with what a sleepwalking Bingo is doing in the real world is an instance of pure childlike joy.

Sitting on the rim of her dream-solar system with a stuffed rabbit, Bingo begins to feel alone, especially when her rabbit is left in the rings of Saturn (Dropped in the hallway while sleeping walking), the little pup begins to cry, but not before a speeding comet brings her to the sun.

“Jupiter” truly picks up in an absolutely gorgeous crescendo as her mother takes the form of the sun, picking up Bingo’s rabbit and returning it to her. The sun puts Bingo back in her bed with a heart wrench ing speech of unconditional parental love. The music dies down as Bingo’s dream ends and she falls truly asleep, and we are shown shot after shot of the now quiet Heeler household. The music crescendos to a peak as we see the sun rise and the episode ends.

All of this beauty is packed into a single 10 minute episode.

The combination of a sense of childhood nostalgia (Every kid wants independence until you’re really

independent, then you miss every moment where you didn’t have to worry). And an amazing score really sets the mood. Not to mention the absolutely fantastic animation and art quality. Shots of the sun’s rays barely reach out past orbiting planets, the mix ing of colors as Bingo is raced to the center of the solar system. Especially the shot of Bingo, itty bitty in comparison to the Sun, followed by a shot of Bingo in bed being hugged by her mother, are absolutely gorgeous.

Columnist

Braedon Martin

Watch “Bluey”. That’s all I can really say at this point. The show is far deeper than most kids shows, and the art direction and music design is in a league of its own.

Smashing review: “Godzilla X Mechagodzilla”

Nov. 3, the day the original “Godzil la”’ hit theaters. It’s one of my all time favorite franchises, and for Godzilla’s anniversary, the Warren West in Wich ita played my fourth favorite Godzilla movie - “Godzilla Against Mecha godzill”.

“Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla”, or “Godzilla X Mechagodzilla”, or simply “GXMG”, is the 27th Godzilla movie (However the only one canon to this film prior is the original).

The plot is that after almost 50 years, a second Godzilla has appeared, and during his first attack, Maser Tank pilot Akane accidently gets some of her col leagues killed. Godzilla is unscathed, but Akane is sad and is given a desk job. So, in order to counter Godzilla, the government gathers up Japan’s top scientists to create a fighting machine out of the bones of the original Godzil la to defeat the new Godzilla. They

come up with Kiryu (aka Mechagodzilla) and Akane is set to pilot him. Akane has to learn to be lieve in herself, and hope the robot doesn’t become sentient while trying to kill the strongest monster ever.

There’s a lot going on here, but it’s a standard mecha plot, except the robot is haunted. The story is by far the films strongest aspect and that’s mostly due to Akane who’s one of the best protagonists in a Godzilla film. She’s a depressed mess, with no family, and is responsible for the deaths of some other soldiers. Rather than blaming Godzilla, she blames herself. The film is ultimately about finding purpose in life, and about how life is

important.

There’s also Dr. Yuhara, one of the scientists who helped build Kiryu, and also likes Akane. He acts as a nice minor source of comic relief. The comedy is very minimal, and isn’t going to have you laugh out loud, but it helps keep the film from being a total edge fest, and more of a fun, inspiring story.

There’s also his daugh ter Sara who’s still torn up about the death of her mother. Sara and Akane end up connecting in a semi-an tagonistic relationship that allows both characters to grow.

In the end, it’s the characters in the film that keep “GXMG” above most of the other Godzilla films. Truthfully, the fights aren’t the best.

Most of it is either the two title charac ters hugging it out, or Godzilla firing his beam.

Another thing that’s some of the best in the franchise is the music. Sure, ev ery Godzilla movie (except “Godzilla vs. Kong”) has great music, but “GX MG”’s soundtrack is magnificent.

“Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla” is a fantastic Godzilla movie, with a great story, great characters, and some decent monster action. Watching this in the theater was incredible, and made me realize that giant monster movies are meant for the big screen.

I highly recommend this film, es pecially to people who are new to the whole giant monster thing.

Anyways, I give “GXMG” nine Mr. Freeze ice puns out of 10.

Connor Keating is a Halstead sophomore in general studies.

The Hutchinson Collegian Celebration of Gaming

the best launches this year. Many players complain that it was plagued with issues like framerate stutters and missing quality of life features that many games have. Regardless, “Elden Ring’’ is an absolutely gorgeous game, and the only game on this list that I was able to dump 200 hours into within a month of its release.

Ladies, gentlemen, and those who don’t ascribe to either label, the time has come. It’s awards season, and I’m proud to bring you a brand new awards show. The Hutchin son Collegian Celebration of Gaming.

I’m prepared to use my full authority to award the games I like with whatever award I feel like, and you can do nothing to stop me.

Game of the Year. This game must be quality on all fronts. Gameplay, Narrative, development path, post-release content, all the fronts.

And my game of the year should surprise absolutely no-one.

“Elden Ring”, from Soft ware’s newest IP, had one of

The story is easily the most upfront FromSoft has been with their storytelling, and their work with “Game of Thrones”’s George R. R. Mar tin is fantastic. Add onto that some of the best graphics that were seen this year and you have an absolutely fantastic game.

Best Multiplayer Game. This is arguably where the controversy of my list begins. Because in a year that saw a brand new (and from what I’ve seen widely beloved) “Call of Duty’’ game, my favorite multiplayer game is a game that, as of time of writing, is not even out.

However, by the time this is published it will have been released for two days, and therefore I think deserves to be in the running.

“Warhammer 40k: Dark tide”.

Set in an absolutely stunning setting like a hive city, full of

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cathedrals the size of cities and towers extending into the upper atmosphere, “Darktide” is able to make its mark easily, sending you into the depths of the country-sized city where a plague-god worshiping cult has sabotaged numerous functions of the city- Water, ammunition, factories, etc. You and three others serve as Rejects, criminals pressed into service and expected to die sooner or later.

Perhaps my reasoning isn’t the most sound, as the mul tiplayer experience itself is fine, but the sheer quality of the game is astounding. With weapons like chainswords (Chainsaw. Sword.) and Bolters (A massive gun that shoots explosive slugs the size of soda cans), Fatshark has created an experience like no other. I had the joy of playing in two pre-release events, a private beta and the pre-order beta, where I was able to enjoy some of the missions and char acter classes that will be seen at release, and it was some of the most fun I’ve had all year.

Best Community Support. This award is reserved for the community support team of a game that has earned my utmost respect. With that being said, this award is obvious.

Bungie. The ex-halo devel

Collegian Staff

Managing Editor-Content Laci Sutton Managing Editor-Design Braedon Martin Opinion Page Editor

Braedon Martin Sports Editor Ben Short Online Editor Colin Shields

opers, now the devs for one of the biggest MMORPG expe riences around. (That being “Destiny 2”). Being a live service game, many players believe that it must mean that there is always something to play in it and a lot of people only play destiny. But obvious ly that isn’t true and the people who catch flak when that real ization is made are always the community managers. Having to deal with a community of mainly man-children who think they’re entitled to every thing is rough enough, but with the addition of content creators who egg on these crowds, it’s shocking that Bungie even has community managers left. Earlier this year a community manager was drowned in death threats on twitter after con firming an old item from the first game was not planned to return.

Bungie’s community support is constantly working to keep fans updated and has to be one of the most underappreciated teams in the gaming world.

Best Indie. Now a lot of this awards show has been about AAA games with huge budgets, advertising, attention, support. But it’s important as always to recognize the little guys.

There’s a couple games that

Staff members Sabrina Anzo, Colton Fast, Lizzie Kipp, Victoria Lewis, Mariah McGar raugh, Sam Ojeda, Mason Poepper ling, Lynn Spahr, Carly Thompson, Josie Schrag, Lea Thompson, Ainsley Trunkhill, Lee Wellman

Collegian Adviser Brad Hallier

could earn this award in my mind, but when it comes down to it, my decision goes to the next entry in the Loathing series of games, “Shadow’s Over Loathing”. The “Loath ing” games have always been fantastic, ever since their start as a browser game released in 2003. The sheer quality and hilarity of their writing is what makes it quite possibly the best written game of this year, with little meta jokes about video games, eldritch horror, and more, Shadow of Loathing is one of my favorite game experiences of this year from a writing point alone.

And that brings this year’s inaugural edition of the Hutchinson Collegian Cele bration of Gaming to a close. I have to give a huge thanks to all of the readers for putting up with the sheer level of incon sistency within my week to week writing, and I can’t wait to do even more random crap next semester.

Have a happy holiday sea son, and I’ll see you next year.

Braedon Martin is a Hutchinson sophomore studying journalism. He is the Collegian’s Opinion Page Editor and Managing Editor for Design.

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)

Columnist

Connor Keating

Columnist

Braedon Martin

Braedon Martin is a Hutchinson sophomore studying journalism. He is the Collegian’s Opinion Page Editor and Managing Editor for Design.

Christmas holiday light spectacular in Hutchinson

By Lizzie Kipp Staff writer

Whether it’s alone, with friends, or with a significant other, looking at Christmas lights is one of the best ways to get into the holiday spirit. Most peo ple know about the Botanica Gardens lights in Wichita, but what about holi day lights in good old Hutchinson?

Here are a few amazing, in-town light displays that are worth checking out this holiday season:

Lights on Pennington Road (2109 Pennington Rd) is one of the most popular displays in Hutch. It’s a drive-through light display that is often described as a “wonderland.” It’s kind of a drive, as Pennington Road is toward the Nickerson area and right off Nickerson Road, but it is so worth it. The display has been going for many years and contains a lot of new lights and add-ons this year. A radio station is also available to tune in to (106.7 FM every night from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.) to get some added Christmas cheer in the form of music. It truly is an amaz ing show.

The annual Christmas Luminar ies (Hyde Park, between Main and Monroe streets, and 18th and 23rd avenues) takes place on December 17 from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This year

marks the 39th year anniversary of the holiday tradition. The event features over 14,000 luminaries as well as free cookies and apple cider. There are also many different activities, including horse drawn carriage rides and a visit from Santa Claus. The event also fea tures music performances by different choirs as well as people who live in the neighborhood.

Yuletide Lane (West 14th, 15th Street, and Hendricks) is another light show that’s worth visiting. It’s an entire neighborhood of beautiful lights available to see on Dec. 16 and 17 this year. Rumor has it they purchased a special new mystery item this year. The organization also accepts donations for the Christian Soup Ministry and the Children’s Mercy Hospital. But don’t forget to keep a lookout for Santa Claus and

the Grinch, as they make an appear ance nearly every year.

The Lights at 1022 East Sherman (Sherman and K-61) is another under rated Christmas light gem that you can actually see from the highway. It’s a bit of a drive on a tough road to see it up close, but it is definitely worth it. Their winter wonderland features a candy cane forest and a lifesize Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, and workshop. They will also be featuring talking Christmas

Last but not least, Holiday Melodies at the North Pole (819 N Plum). It’s ex actly how it sounds - lights flashing in sync with holiday music. Starting Dec. 1, they play a different playlist every night and have a new display every year. Even if it’s just driving by with windows rolled down, it’s definitely worth checking out.

The Force is with this display

HutchCC’s Chadwick’s front yard is filled with holiday Star Wars inflatables

By Mason Poepperling Staff Writer

Christmas is right around the corner, with some deciding to get into the spirit early by put ting up their decorations before the start of December.

This is the case of Tracy Chadwick, Computer Drafting Professor at Hutchinson Com munity College, who every year for the last five years has decided on a more specific set of decorations: Star Wars inflatables.

Chadwick’s elaborate dis play, featuring 13 inflatable characters across all eras of

the Lucasfilms space-opera franchise, wasn’t always this way. Starting out with just four inflatables, his collection has slowly grown bigger, adding more inflatable decorations every year.

“I found a few inflatables and bought them and it’s es calated since then,” Chadwick said.

One might assume that the attention brought upon by these sort of decorationsespecially with how passion ate the Star Wars community can be at times - would turn sour, but this is simply un true. For Chadwick, having

these decorations up every year at his house at 828 W 24th Ave., has been a great experience.

“It’s all been positive so far,” Chadwick said. “I really worried in the beginning about vandalism, especially when I bought the AT-AT Walker. I think it was a couple hundred bucks. That was the most I’d ever spent on something like that. If it ever gets vandalized I’m probably done because I’ll

never want to spend the kind of money that I’ve already spent. Fortunately it’s been pretty good. We had to get used to it initially because people would drive by slowly, and we’d even have people get out and take pictures, and the first time that happens it’s like ‘what the heck’s going on out there?’”

Asking a Star Wars fan their favorite anything would be difficult enough, and for Chad wick, deciding his favorite Star Wars Christmas decoration is no different. When he does have to decide, however, it all comes down to everyone’s

favorite blue-and-white, trash can-shaped, foul-mouthed R2D2 unit.

“I’m a droid lover,” Chad wick said. “R2-D2 flying the X-Wing is probably my favor ite inflatable. The Stormtroop er riding the Dewback is the newest one, I like that one a lot too, but I definitely love R2 the most I think.”

If anyone is looking for new Christmas decorations to look at this year while on your way back from Tosche Station to pick up some pow er converters, stop by Tracy Chadwick’s house in a galaxy far far away.

Blue Dragons treat themselves at annual Student Treat Day

Holiday Melodies

Hyde Park Luminaries, between Main and Monroe streets, and 18th and 23rd avenues.

The Lights at 1022 E Sherman

Lights on Pennington Road, on way out on Nickerson Boulevard. trees this year for the first time. The display is currently up and running, and will be available to visit until January 1.

Yuletide Lane, Hendricks and 14th and 15th avenues.

Courtesy photo Tracy Chadwick

The front lawn at Tracy Chadwick’s house is filled with Star Wars characters for the holiday season. Chadwick is a Hutchinson Community College computer drafting instructor and big Star Wars fan.

Chadwick

Hutchinson Community College students (from left) Jayda Wyatt, Julia Dias De Souza and Lexi Jack prepare to indulge in the endless options on Student Treat Day at Parker Student Union

Photo by Sabrina Anzo/Collegian

Hutchinson Community College freshman Bradley Neill is overwhelmed with the choices of food, treats and gifts presented Wednesday at Student Treat Day at Parker Student Union.

Photo by Sabrina Anzo/Collegian

Hutch star keeps shining

By Sam Ojeda Staff Writer

Dylan Kedzior was the sur prise for the Hutchinson Com munity College football team back in September.

Kedzior broke out for HutchCC during a game at Coffeyville, and the rest of the season was smooth sailing.

Kedzior is a third-year sopho more running back from Clare more, Oklahoma. He returned to Hutchinson for a third season because he had goals.

“I went juco to go Division 1,” Kedzior said.

Through two seasons, he was given a third due to the Covid pandemic, he was disappointed with the results.

“When schools did not come calling after season two, I knew I only had one more shot at chas ing my dream,” Kedzior said.

Kedzior’s patience paid off, and he seems to be on track in heading to the NCAA Division 1 level.

The HutchCC running back did not see the field time he wanted through the season’s first three games. He only had nine carries, and he was hungry for more opportunities.

“I tried to control what I could control,” he said.

Kedzior’s patience wavered during the start of the season, but he stayed prepared.

“My goal was to be ready to run the ball when my name was called,” Kedzior said.

Blue Dragons coach Drew Dallas called Kedzior’s name at

Coffeyville. After injuries deci mated the position, and the Blue Dragons unable to move the ball, Kedzior entered the game and led the Blue Dragons to a win. He had 85 yards rushing and a touchdown in the fourth quarter, as Hutchinson won 14-9.

The season kept rolling, and Kedzior was the starting running back for the rest of the season. Reps kept coming, and he took advantage.

“My performance consistency is what allowed me to get con sistent reps,” Kedzior said.

The next game solidified Kedzior as a top running back in the country. He ran for 230 yards and three touchdowns in a 27-19 win over Butler. Kedzior had two more 100-yard outings, and his name was getting around the country.

The running back picked up his first scholarship offer of the season on Nov. 11 to the Univer sity of North Carolina-Charlotte. The hype got out, and he contin ued to pick offers, from Buffalo, McNeese State and Texas-El Paso. With all the hype, Kedzior had to put his head down and continue balling out.

The offers did not seem to shake him.

“I’ve always been told to work hard and stay focused, and everything else will fall into line,” Kedzior said. “I have been living by that.”

The expectations for him this season have been high, and Kedzior said he knows how important it is to fulfill those.

“Being nervous because of high expectations is a big deal because people do not normally hold themselves to that standard,” Kedzior said. “I have always ex pected that out of myself, so it has

not been that big of a deal.”

Kedzior is heading into the NJCAA semifinals on Saturday at Gowans Stadium, inciden tally against Coffeyville, with 921 rushing yards this season. A bulk of those yards have come

Athlete of the week (Nov. 20-26)

Kali Howard, Women’s basketball

The week: How ard had a strong week in leading the Blue Drag ons to a pair of Jay hawk Confer ence victories. In a 74-57 win at Pratt, Howard had 13 points, including going 7 of 8 from the free-throw line, and added 13 rebounds. Then, in Saturday’s come back win over Bar ton, Howard had 16 points, going a perfect 7 of 7 from the floor, and nine rebounds

The season: Howard, a soph omore from Zachary, Louisi ana, is averaging 11.5 points and 8.3 rebounds a game for the 11th-ranked Blue Dragons. who are off to a 9-2 start and will head to Butler on Saturday.

Hey, it’s Franklin - This guy can play

By Colin Shields Online Editor

The Hutchinson Communi ty College men’s basketball team is off to a 8-3 start, with the Blue Dragons eclipsing the 100-point mark in sev en games, which included a 139-point scoring explosion vs. Labette earlier this season.

Second year head coach Tommy DeSalme, who is known for his fast flowing and high scoring offenses, has found his go-to guy in redshirt freshman Aaron Franklin. Franklin, a 6-foot, 5-inch guard out of Kansas City, Missouri, is averaging 25.2 points per game, which ranks him fifth in NJCAA Division 1. His 252 total points is good for third in the country, and his 104 made field goals on 53.3% shooting are good for the most made in the country.

After redshirting last year due to a hip injury, Franklin used last year’s loss to Dodge City in the Region 6 tourna ment championship as motiva tion to improve and get back onto the court. “When I saw us lose that game in the region

tournament, I remember that really bothered me,” Frank lin said. “I felt like my extra help on the court could really push us to the edge to win that region championship and even the natty.”

DeSalme also attributes Franklin’s early season success to his hard work in the offsea son. “He would have been the best player on our team last year if he didn’t get hurt. He was our best player the first four games, he just had a bad hip,” DeSalme said. “It’s all credit to him, how much work he put in, he lost weight this summer, got in great shape, and he’s a different player. He’s right up there with the best I’ve ever coached.”

Being one of just four re turners from last year’s team that advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NJCAA Division 1 Championships, Franklin has taken on a larger leadership role as well.

“Last year, I didn’t really have much of a leadership role, there were a lot of sophomores that led the way since we were an older group,” Franklin said. “Now we have

Basketball, men’s Nov. 1, FORT SCOTT, W 124-101 Nov. 4, TRITON, W 113-105 Nov, 5, NEO, W 117-197 Nov. 9, LABETTE, W 139-84 Nov. 11, vs. Victoria at Great Bend W 121-95 Nov. 12, vs. Wilbur Wright, at Great Bend, 11289 Nov. 16, INDEPENDENCE, W 99-94 Nov 19, at Cloud County, L 90-75 Nov. 22, at Pratt, W 120-118 Nov. 26, BARTON, L 101-75 Nov. 30, at Cowley, L 111-95 Dec. 3, at Butler, 2 p.m. Dec. 7, COFFEYVILLE, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 10, at Dodge City, 1 p.m. Dec. 12, COLBY, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 4, at Northwest Kansas Tech, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 7, SEWARD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 14, at Garden City, 2 p.m.

a younger group, so I’m that older guy, me and the three others JG (Jayden Garrison),

Jan. 18, at Independence, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 21, CLOUD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 25, PRATT, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 28, at Barton, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 1, COWLEY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 4, BUTLER, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8, at Coffeyville, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11, DODGE CITY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15, at Colby, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 18, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, 2 p.m. Feb. 22, at Seward County, 6 p.m. March 1, GARDEN CITY, 5:30 p.m.

Basketball, women’s Nov. 1, BETHANY JV, W 88-44 Nov. 4, MINERAL AREA, W 84-48 Nov. 5, NEO, W 84-61 Nov. 9, WASHBURN JV, W 90-51 Nov. 11, Labette at Great Bend, W 74-63

Nov. 12, vs, Redlands at Great Bend, W 64-58

Nov. 16, INDEPENDENCE, W 61-53

Nov 19, at Cloud County, L 75-65

Nov. 22, at Pratt, W 74-57

Nov. 26, BARTON, W 56-51

Nov. 30, at Cowley, L 55-49

Dec. 3, at Butler, 2 p.m.

Dec. 7, COFFEYVILLE, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 10, at Dodge City, 1 p.m.

Dec. 12, COLBY, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4, at Northwest Kansas Tech, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7, SEWARD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14, at Garden City, 2 p.m.

Jan. 18, at Independence, W 61-53

Jan. 21, CLOUD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 25, PRATT, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 28, at Barton, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1, COWLEY, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 4, BUTLER, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 8, at Coffeyville, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 11, DODGE CITY, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 15, at Colby, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 18, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, 2 p.m.

Feb. 22, at Seward County, 6 p.m.

March 1, GARDEN CITY, 5:30 p.m.

Football Aug. 27, NAVARRO, Texas, W 42-0 Sept. 3, at Ellsworth, Iowa, W 70-7 Sept. 10, IOWA CENTRAL, W 31-28, OT Sept. 24, at Coffeyville, W 14-9

Oct. 1, BUTLER, W 27-19

Oct. 8, at Dodge City, W 47-14

Oct. 22, at Garden City, W 65-7 Oct. 29, HIGHLAND, W 31-7 Nov. 5, INDEPENDENCE, W 53-0 Nov. 12, at Iowa Western, W 29-28 Dec. 3, COFFEYVILLE^, 2 p.m. ^-NJCAA

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

in the last seven games. He also has nine rushing touchdowns. Kedzior has shined for the Blue Dragons this season and hopes to help lead them to a second national championship in three seasons.

Photo by Josie Schrag/Collegian

Sophomore running back Dylan Kedzior attempts to run up the field in a game against Butler CC. Kedzior ran for 230 yards that night.

Ray (Ra’Sean Frederick), and Trey McClure, so we’re able to help those young guys un

derstand the system and get

See Franklin, Page 5

Photo by Sabrina Anzo/Collegian

Aaron Franklin finishes a dunk during a game earlier this season. Franklin has impressed the fans all season.

Kedzior went from backup to player of the year

Howard

Evans leaves a legacy

By Ainsley Trunkhill Staff Writer

More. Tim Evans, the Career De velopment Coordinator and advisor of Industrial Technology, lists this single, loaded, adjective as a repre sentation for his goals following his retirement after this semester.

Evans, however, seemed to imple ment this goal for every one of his students in his 23 years at HutchCC before turning the word onto himself. Evans guided students to become “more.”

Evans himself is the son of two community college professors, who provided him with his first model of the impact of education.

“I saw the satisfaction that they got out of it,” Evans said. “One thing in my life that I think is important is not so much money, but making a differ ence.”

As an advisor, that difference lies not in personal accomplishments or completed projects, but in students’ lives. He champions the underdog and advocates for a school that invites ev ery student to thrive in their place. In Industrial Technology, Evans provides the tools for students to build a door that they can open.

Brooklyn Mayberry is one of those students.

“He’s been for the students and just

been a real person to every student he meets and connects with,” said Mayberry, a current HutchCC student of Evans’. “He will leave knowing he did what he can to help every student make the college life a little bit more enjoyable.”

The impact on students, however, extends further than their short stay in the program.

“I liked it so much I came back and worked here,” said Tucker Beck, a former HutchCC student and current employee, a common trend within the department.

Evans said he enjoys the luxury of watching individuals grow from stu dent, to colleague, to companion.

“(It’s) seeing students achieve,” Evans said, describing the joy of this process. “Seeing students that strug gle keep with it.”

A continuation of this student-driv en journey does not lie outside the realms of possibility for Evans’ upon his departure from HutchCC, though he prefers to leave all opportunities available. While Evans embarks upon retirement with the hopes of doing more for himself, he leaves behind a legacy at HutchCC of pushing students to do and to be more them selves.

“If I can make the world a better place, that to me is worthwhile,” Ev ans said. “ A life well lived.”

Tailgating togetherness

By Victoria Lewis Staff Writer

As the NJCAA sem final football game comes to town, so do the pregame festivities.

The age-old tradition of tailgating before a football game has come to Hutchinson Community College, and is quickly catching on with the com munity, with many thanks to Heather Dallas.

Wife of Blue Dragon football coach Drew Dallas, Heather moved to town in 2019 and saw the opportunity to get people involved in regular tail gates.

“It’s kind of a way to extend the gamely experience - we all have our own party but it’s one big party,” Heather said.

“It is more family-orientated tail gate, more of a way to hang out and meet people.

“When we started tailgating regu larly as a group, there were only a few other people doing it at that time, and over the last year since the national championship it has really gotten a lot bigger so we are trying to make it a regular thing. We have camper that I take to all the home games and away games too - we call it the Dragon Wagon.”

As the tailgates became more pop ular, Heather created the Facebook page ‘Blue Dragon Tailgate’ to post updates and information about the tailgates, as well as the weekly theme.

“This week, we play Coffeyville, who are the Red Ravens, so our theme is ‘roast the Ravens’, so we’re all cooking like chicken wings and drumsticks,” she said.

There will be yard games set up, music, and appearances from the Blue Dragon spirit squid as well as Duke The Dragon at this weekend’s final home tailgate. There will be free food and hot cocoa for all.

Heather extended an invitation to this week’s tailgate to anyone in the community.

“If you want to bring your own tailgate, bring tables and chairs and set up a spot where they can bring

food if they want, we will be cooking a lot of food - everyone is so friendly anybody’s welcome,” she said.

She even encourages those just wish ing to park in the Sports Arena to walk through the tailgate on their way to the game to experience a taste of the fun.

For those wishing to get involved, Heather said “You can come at any time, but most people show up like the hour to hour-and-a-half before the game.”

Kristi Roper, the mother of Hutch CC football player Darby Roper, has been tailgating for nearly two years.

“Making connections with Blue Dragon fans has been awesome,” Kristi Roper said. Heather Dallas has been so welcoming and is very passionate about making pregame a fun experience for everyone.”

Roper’s family’s individual gameday routine includes several steps, but she said “the lucky football gnome always has to make an ap pearance.

“Everyone is welcome. We would love to see students come join all of the tailgates. We’ll have a good time, and I know the Blue Dragon boys would love to have the stands full and loud on Saturday.”

Hutchinson resident and regular tailgater Michael Lizalde said this Saturday’s tailgate would be bigger due to the game’s magnitude.

“I really enjoy getting the mood set for the game,” Lizalde said. “The excitement of the game and energy in the game all starts during the tailgate. Everyone in the parking lot tailgating is family and welcome! Just come out and come up to the Dragon Wagon, Chiefs tent and the other tailgate spots.

“Tailgating is a great way to be a part of the team. We have one more game this season so it’s time to go all out.”

The tailgate this weekend can be found in the sectioned off area of the parking lot south of Stringer Fine Arts Center. It’s open to all members of the community in the leadup to Satur day’s 2 p.m. kickoff.

“On and off the court, he’s an All-American both ways. He’ll be an AcademicAllAmerican, he’ll be a first team All-American, and thank goodness we have him on our team.”

Puzzles

better as we go.”

Not only has Franklin impressed DeSalme on the court with his play, but his off the court actions have stood out just as much. Last year, Franklin received NJCAA third team All-Academic honors for posting a GPA between 3.60-3.79.

DeSalme said.

The Blue Dragons will travel to El Dorado this Saturday to face the 8-3 Butler Grizzlies in a 4 p.m. matchup of the preseason No. 1 and No. 2 ranked teams in the Kansas Jayhawk Community College Conference.

There are plenty of options for inexpensive gifts for anyone this holiday season

By Lynn Spahr Staff Writer

With school coming to an end and Christmas right around the corner, it’s probably time to start thinking about gifts. Getting the right gift for the people you love is never easy, and it’s even harder on a tight budget.

Here are some affordable, yet mean ingful, gift ideas to get your loved ones this Christmas.

Handmade gifts. Anything from a small painting to a keychain. Supplies can be purchased at affordable prices and used to create gifts for everyone on your list. Every gift can be person alized to someone’s tastes with ease. If you have the time, you can make different kinds of gifts for the people on your list depending on what they like or need.

Cookies. They always seem to bring a smile to anyone’s face. They do cost more to make, but box mixes help with the expense, and you can split what you make between everyone. If you want to

give them something with the cookies, you can get an affordable mug from a thrift store or give them a handmade gift.

Thrift stores are a good place to find affordable gifts. You can buy small trinkets that remind you of your loved ones. They’re also good places to find cheap supplies for handmade gifts, especially fabric or jewelry. Of course, you can give your loved one the jewel ry too.

Finally, while not a traditional gift, you can give them your time. Having a movie or game night allows you to spend time with your loved ones. You can buy some affordable snacks, or ask people to bring their favorites. You can also ask that everyone bring food that fits within a theme, like finger food, or desert. If it’s a game night, ask everyone to bring their favorite game.

There are ideas for affordable gifts all over the internet, these are just a few. Don’t be afraid to get creative and start thinking outside the box.

No. 1 Hutchinson (10-0) vs. No. 4 Coffeyville (8-2) Saturday at Gowans Stadium

TV: ESPN+ Radio: 102.9 FM Kickoff at 2 p.m.

Malik Benson

BENSON

HE’S RUNNING THE CONFERENCE... AND THE NATION

Photo Illustration by Lee Wellman and Colin Shields/Collegian