The student voice of Hutchinson Community College
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March 19, 2021
pinion
Staff writer Zariah Best talks about the importance of sleep. Page 2
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HutchCC SID Steve Carpenter is having a hectic start to the spring. Page 3
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HutchCC Engelken twins start an on-campus pickleball league.
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Vol. 62 Issue 17
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Blue Dragon training staff stretched thin with 12 teams playing in one season. Page 6
Real caps this year, not emojis Students share their thoughts regarding 2021 graduation, but questions remain. By Sam Bailey Collegian Editor
Graduation season is approaching faster with every day that passes. With COVID-19, this year’s graduation at Hutchinson Community College has had numerous questions surrounding it that have led to frustrations among many students. “I was very out of the loop about what was happening for graduation, it wasn’t made aware to me until about a week before our grad information was needed,” said Hutchinson sophomore Lexi Williams. On March 12, HutchCC announced it will be hosting two graduation
ceremonies on April 30 at the Sports Arena. These ceremonies will be at 4 p.m. for those receiving Certificates of Technical Education and an Associate of Applied Sciences, and 7 p.m. for those receiving Associates of Arts, Science, and General Studies. Tickets will be available for guest seating but further information will be announced at a later date. “My parents will probably come for the graduation, but no information has been given out about how many will be able to come per person,” said Oberlin sophomore Patience Carman. “I have a big family and fiancè who would love to see my accomplishments, and watch me walk across the stage, so it is disappointing that I probably won’t get to have all my closest relatives there.”
Photos courtesy HutchCC marketing Hutchinson Community College President Carter File (left at podium) and Vice President of Academics Cindy Hoss address the graduating class of 2019.
Along with not knowing how many family members will be able
to attend the ceremony, having two different times also means some
people will not be able to see their friends walk. “My major is in the associates of sciences (category),” Williams said. “I’m sure I won’t be able to see some of my friends walk, but whatever it takes to keep people safe and still able to get the whole grad experience.” Being able to walk in person is important to Carman because of all the hard work she has put into graduating from HutchCC and getting to this point in her life. For many people, having an in-person graduation is important because this may be the only graduation they ever have in their lives or the first graduation they’ve experienced. “I came from a one-person class,” Carman said. “I was homeschooled and graduated on my own. That is why this graduation
is so important to me. Being able to experience life with my friends … good and bad and in the end pulling through and getting to celebrate with each other our accomplishments is something I have looked forward to for a long time.” Graduating from college is no small feat and shouldn’t be ignored, but a global pandemic can make it hard to carry out. However, a year like the one everyone faced can make something like a college graduation even more special. “I know the last year has been difficult for everyone but I am hoping and praying that we can be together this year. A year ago today I was moving home not knowing if I would ever see my closest friends again. We have come so far. Let’s not stop now,” Carman said.
Radio Kansas frequency reaches ears and hearts By Sarah Newberry Staff Writer
listener supported, making the station one of the few that doesn’t have advertiseWith small beginnings ments. on Sept. 11, 1972, run by Although Ken Baker, students out of the library, Radio Kansas General ManRadio Kansas has grown ager, has not always been into something more signifia part of Radio Kansas, he cant today. enjoys his job. Baker started It ran on the frequency of at the station when Radio 90.1 FM, and eventually, Kansas was 3-years old, permission was granted to and while he was a Hutchmove to Hutchinson ComCC student. He finished his munity College’s Lockman degree and returned. Hall. What drew him into Today, Radio Kansas working at the radio station reaches a good portion of was the music that they Kansas, playing classical played. Growing up, Baker music. The building that had a collection of classical holds Radio Kansas today records in his household. used to be dormitories for “No record collection is the nurses who staffed the ever entirely complete,” hospital that used to be close Baker said. by where they are now. Five That led him to listen to years later, they came across the radio, and he tuned in to the building and convinced 90.1 FM. HutchCC for the use of it to “I heard classical music, get more funding. and I knew that was a staRadio Kansas a member tion I wanted to hear more of National Public Radio, from,” Baker said. and is government- and Radio Kansas starts the state-funded but is also
Upcoming events March 20 — Baseball vs. Seward County at Hobart-Detter Field, 1 p.m. March 20 — Men’s and women’s basketball vs. Seward County at the Sport Arena, 5:30 p.m. March 22 — Pickleball, at the Sports Arena, 7 p.m. March 30 — Computer Connections at Stringer Fine Arts, 10:20 a.m.
day with “Morning Edition”, and then has different shows after that, and ends the day with music. That is how weekdays begin. On weekends, the day starts with the news. Geralyn Smith, one of the people who host some of the station’s shows and a Radio Kansas Operations Director, enjoys her job as well. How she started working at the station was as an ordinary listener to the station. Smith accidentally came across one of their shows one evening called “Night Crossings” and was hooked after a few weeks. She became an avid listener of the show, and that’s how she came across the job opportunity, as Radio Kansas was looking for someone to host “Night Crossings”. “No way, I thought, that’s my favorite show,” Smith said. JD Hershberger, Radio
Kansas Promotions Director, said he enjoys his job there as well. Radio Kansas offers a wide variety of programs aside from classical music. It wants to serve the general
Photo by Sarah Newberry/staff writer Katelyn Mattson-Levy, Radio Kansas’ Classical Music Coordinator, works in a studio at 815 N. Walnut St.
The happenings around campus
College Student Weather Report Friday High: 56; Low 33 Cloudy with a chance of... cloud. Saturday High: 61; Low 41 A little breeze to ease you into Sunday Sunday High: 66; Low 48 Windy enough for your neighbors to tell you to shower Weather source: accuweather.com
public by doing that. The Hutchinson station, 90.1 FM, reaches far and wide, from north of Salina, to Great Bend to the west, to El Dorado to the east, to the Oklahoma border.
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Opinion
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The joys of doing nothing There’s something sleepy feeling may so nice about doing be gone or shorter nothing. The goal lasting because you of everything, from never feel into a working to kids, is so REM sleep. that we can achieve I personally happiness. But haplike to sleep more piness can come in than the required all forms. Even just amount, not for any the relaxing, peacereason but just to ful, sparing moments sleep. Sleeping has between the chaos of been something I life can bring it. value and have my Zariah Best My favorite times entire life. are the moments of just waking My mom always thought I was up. Before you pick up a phone the easier child because I was and are just determining if you’re constantly sleeping. I have memactually awake. I especially love ories sleeping before school, on it if no one else is awake yet. The the way to school, on the way peace of the cold air and the still- to my aunt’s after school, at my ness of a sleeping household. aunt’s after school, and at home, There’s usually two options as a daily routine. I was constantat this point. You can be awake ly sleeping as a kid, and even and get a jump on the day, or now as a young adult, I would you could prolong the day and say that I sleep more than the wake amidst the chaos of it all. average person of my age. Personally, I like to relax on I love sleep, but even when wakweekends but during the week I ing up, there’s mornings where give myself one hour to mentally you can feel nothing but happiprepare for the day and anothness. I notice waking up to the sun er to actually be ready. Which may motivate not only myself, might seem like a lot to some or but people around me to be more most people but it really helps proactive. On those days I feel me to start the day. energized, not only to do the bare If I show up to class or work minimum but to excel. Those are and I’m not actually awake, then my favorite days, to be completely I tend to miss things and can’t honest. I would never consider actually focus. Being tired can myself a morning persona, and yet last for a minimum or 30 minutes those days make me feel like I can if you get a good night’s rest. If continue to get up early. you lack sleep, or aren’t a heavy Zariah Best is a freshman sleeper, you may notice that the general studies major.
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, March 19, 2021
You’re either the cat or the bunny
Columnist
“Super Straight”: a lame excuse for super transphobia If you seriously identify as “Super Straight”,’ then you’re at the very least a loser and at the very most a transphobe. For those of you who don’t know, Super Straight is a new “sexuality” that was created by a transphobe on TikTok. The term migrated to the social-media site 4chan, where it was then claimed by Nazis, which is why the flag they made has the SS symbol. Super Straight is the preference “of the opposite sex only if they were biologically born that gender”. Transphobes have now claimed it is a sexual orientation. Now, it’s completely understandable to have genital preference. As a lesbian, I have genital preference. However, this “sexuality” is just an excuse to be bigoted toward trans women. By their own logic, they would be OK with dating a pre-operation trans-man but they won’t because “they look like a man.” The Super Straights are also trying to make this a queer identity, even though they hate queer people and belittle our identities. In my personal opinion, people want this to be a sexuality because they want a cool flag and to be celebrated.
However, as a queer person, this is extremely offensive because they’ve never had to fight for their right to be themselves. They have always been the status quo and are represented everywhere, throughout all time. The one thing that queer people get is a month and flags as consolation. We have those so we are forgotten to history once again. We are here, we are queer, and we will never be forgotten again. So, take your fake sexuality and realize that not everything is for you and that’s OK.
Columnist
Leslie Grajeda Leslie Grajeda is a Hutchinson sophomore studying journalism.
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Stop using mental health as a political weapon Content warning: discussion of mental health, suicide, transphobia, violence. Here’s a frightening statistic- youth suicide is on the rise, in Kansas and across the country. It is now the second-leading cause of death among under-24s, after unintentional injuries. Almost as horrible, mental health is used as a political bludgeon instead of discussed as a serious problem, intertwined with other policy issues. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, 80 people under 24 died by suicide in 2019. According to The Hutchinson News, from 2009 to 2019, the suicide rate rose 6% annually. This is a dangerous trend, and it’s felt even worse by historically marginalized groups. Children in poverty, part of the juvenile justice system, and/or LGBT face higher rates of depression and suicide. Instead of expanding access to mental health services and changing marginalized communities’ systemic issues (wealth inequality, racism, and discrimination), certain political groups like to handwave away these problems and attack their rivals with dehumanizing statistics. Here are a few simplified examples. Some argue that school shootings result from mental illness, not because of the easy accessibility of guns. There are a few issues with this line of reasoning. One, these are not mutually exclusive. Both, if left to fester, can lead to violence. Two, the argument implies that shooters are just born as exceptionally bad people, instinctually driven to violence, and are not the result of external, solvable factors like bullying, abuse, social isolation etc. Finally, it’s a way to say there’s nothing that can be done to stop shootings. The same people who make this argument actively work to make healthcare inaccessible and unaffordable, thereby making the situation worse. Transgender people, relative to the general population, have a drastically high suicide rate. According to Trans Lifeline, bullying, discrimination, and societal non-acceptance against trans people cause depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Instead, some argue that “transness” is itself a mental illness and that suicide statistics prove that being trans is unnatural. If you’ve
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
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ever read transphobic Twitter threads, you know what I’m talking about. It’s disgusting. More recently, lockdown discourse has centered around what is supposedly best for students’ mental health. “We should care about the effects isolation has on our kids and not the virus that doesn’t affect them!” is a common refrain. First of all, the virus does affect youth, directly and indirectly. There are immuno-compromised youth who have been sick with it, and some live with grandparents who are susceptible. Also, isolation was not the only cause of mental health issues during COVID. Reading about how our government failed in its response, recognizing that part-time and gig workers (primarily poor and young people) were thrown under the bus, and the general desperation we feel all contributed to our feelings of dread. The point I’d like to make is this: solving our mental health crisis is multifaceted and cannot be done through simple, politically hot-button changes, unlike what some conservatives would have you believe. As always, if you are struggling with your own mental health, like Mr. Rogers said, look for the helpers. A few 24/7 resources: Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255 Trevor LGBT lifeline: 1-866-488-7386 Text “HELP’ to 741741 Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860
Columnist
Aaron Strain Aaron Strain is Hutchinson student studying Journalism. They are the Collegian’s Opinion Page Editor 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)
Campus
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, March 19, 2021
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Photos by Kyran Crist/Online Editor Hutchinson Community College Sports Information Director Steve Carpenter is shown at work in his office inside the Sports Arena.
The crazy life of Carp: Pandemic overwhelms SID By Joel Muhs Staff Writter
The rise of Covid-19 created many unknowns in the lives of nearly every American, and those unknowns largely pointed at people’s jobs, as many were finding themselves barely working, or not working at all, during the shutdown. However, ever since the post-shutdown, some have been scrambling trying to play catch-up at their jobs. One such person that has experienced the rollercoaster of the coronavirus is Hutchinson Community College’s Sports Information Director, Steve Carpenter. A chuckle was Carpenter’s first reaction after being asked what has changed for him personally from last spring to this spring. “A semblance of structure. Last year we had the 3A State (basketball) tournament here, baseball, softball, track, golf, and basketball just finishing up. You know, normal type stuff,” Carpenter said. And much like everyone else, Carpenter talked about how quickly things changed. “One year ago, it came to a screech-
ing halt,” Carpenter said. “From that point on, it was 90 to zero. You always talk about how cars go from zero to 60 in 4.5 seconds, that was 90 to zero in absolutely about 0.2 seconds.” During this unusual time, especially during the shutdown, people have had to come up with lots of creative ways to keep themselves busy on the job. Carpenter utilized that spare time by sticking to what he loves - sports. But he approached it with a different light. “As far as going here, I had a lot of time to do a lot of catch-up work, get the website caught up, which I utilized. Then we started something called ‘Conversations with Carp’. It was a podcast to kind of keep our fans involved in what was going on during the early days of the shutdown,” Carpenter said. Carpenter ended up producing 32 of those podcasts, which can be found on YouTube under the HutchBlueDragons channel, but also noted how he doesn’t have time for it anymore. “I mean that was fun, but I wouldn’t want to do it now because I don’t have enough time,” Carpenter said. Part of the reason for Carpenter’s limited time isn’t just the sporting
NJCAA tournament capped at 25% By Adam Kolb Co-Sports Editor
Due to Covid-19 and the current health department restrictions in Hutchinson, the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament Committee has announced updated ticketing procedures and policies for this year’s event that will be held April 19-24. To align with current local guidelines, capacity at the Sports Arena will
be capped at 25 percent, and seating assignments will be general admission by section. “We are proud of the rich tradition and first-class experience that exists in Hutchinson for the NJCAA DI Men’s Basketball Tournament,” Ron Chadwick, Tournament Chairman said. “The committee has made these adjustments in order to still provide the best tournament
Collegian file photo Samajae Haynes-Jones (left) Shakur Juiston (right) celebrate the 2017 NJCAA championship at the Sports Arena
possible under local safety restrictions.” Tickets for the 2021 tournament will be available for purchase on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be general admission by section in the arena. Tournament tickets will be sold online at njcaa.org/tickets and will be available to download on a mobile device or print-at-home immediately after purchase. Touchless ticketing and digital scanning of tickets will allow for a safer fan experience when attending the tournament. “The NJCAA always appreciates the community support in Hutchinson and the work of our local partners but this year, everyone has gone above and beyond in the face of adversity,” said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Vice President for External Affairs and Development. “While COVID-19 has forced the tournament committee to expedite some of the already planned updates to tournament operations, we look forward to the DI Men’s Basketball Championship coming out of the pandemic stronger for the future with these new initiatives.”
world at HutchCC, but what is going on within his own family. “Yeah, I got a granddaughter on the way. She could be here within the next 24 hours. Hopefully sometime tomorrow there will be grandchild No. 4,” Carpenter said. And since then, his fourth grandchild has been delivered successfully by his daughter Stephanie. “Now it’s just going to start falling out,” Carpenter said referring to his aged hair and the fact he’ll have one more grandchild to look after. “It can’t get any grayer than this.” With how much Covid has altered and changed things, it has left a bad and bitter taste in the mouths of many, including Carpenter’s. “There was a certain amount of frustration for everybody. It took away the normal. My normal is going to a whole lot of games, covering them, taking stats on them, doing what I do, publicizing our teams. Yeah, there was a lot of frustration,” Carpenter said. Covid has affected or touched the lives in some way, shape, or form of those around the world. It has caused lots of emotions, stress, and boredom throughout this past year. However,
even though Carpenter has experienced many of those effects firsthand, he is using the wise words of his parents to help him get through this crazy time. “My parents taught me to work hard and do what you have to do to get the job done correctly. I may not do things maybe the most efficient way, but I’m going to get it done and I’m going to get it done to my satisfaction.”
Trustees board announces info on commencement and tuition By Kyran Crist Online Editor
The Hutchinson Community College Board of Trustees discussed at the March 11 month meeting a couple directly affecting students, including graduation and tuition increases. The 2021 commencement ceremony will be held in two-time frames on April 30 at the Sports Arena. The first being held for students graduating with Associate of Applied Science (AAS) and Certificates of Technical Education at 4 p.m. The second for students earning an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of General Studies (AGS), held at 7 p.m. Tuition for the next year will go up to $2 per credit hour. With approval, the in-state tuition prices will be going to $95 per credit hour, out of state $123, and international $135. Trustees in attendance were Terry Bisbee, Rod Calhoun - Vice-chair, Marla Eriksen, David Marshall – Chair, Todd Miller, Mo Penny, Bob Snyder. The next board of trustees meeting is scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. on April 8 at the Justice Theater inside Shears Technology Center. About Board meetings - The meetings are open to the public. “The Board of Trustees encourages the advice and counsel of citizens in
planning and operating the college. Meetings of the Board of Trustees are open to the public, except when closed for an executive session under the provisions of the Kansas Open Meetings Act. The public is welcome to attend Board meetings and is encouraged to address comments to the Board of Trustees, the President, or other appropriate administrators. Time is available during each regularly scheduled meeting for public comments. Persons wishing to comment on any agenda item during such time should raise their hands to seek recognition by the Chairperson. Once recognized, persons should address the Board of Trustees from the podium, state their names and address and conclude their comments within five minutes. Any matter not on the meeting agenda may be considered or acted upon by the Board of Trustees, only if a majority of the Board of Trustees agrees to consider such matter. The meetings are also live-streamed online if unable to attend in person, and the agenda for each meeting can be found on the HutchCC website. Though if you haven’t had a chance to get to either, here is your brief rundown of the meeting.
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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, March 19, 2021
Campus
Connections event March 30 By Danielle Gadberry Staff Writer
Some Hutchinson Community College students are getting close to graduation and have no idea what the next step is. One suggestion to help is for potential grads to attend the Computer Connections event. Computer Connections, an event that was supposed to happen on Feb. 17, has been rescheduled for March 30. A brutal blast of frigid weather, snow and ice caused the original event to be postponed. Computer Connections brings in companies relevant to computer majors/degrees, so those students can see what is out there. Rather than hearing the skill sets from instructors, this gives students a chance to hear it from employers. Five companies that are expected to attend this year are Heartland Credit Union, Mid-Kansas Coop, Lowen, Bradbury Group and Ideatek. These companies will be at HutchCC to reemphasize that there are quality jobs locally. Your degree doesn’t
Sports
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lately in five-set matches. Leading Dodge City 2-1, but down 23-16 in the fourth, the Blue Dragons looked destined to play a third five-set match in the span of five matches. Hutchinson averted that scenario by scoring the final nine points of the fourth set to defeat Dodge City 25-18, 22-25, 25-20, 25-23 in a Jayhawk West matchup at the Student Activities Center. Jenna Thorne had a team-high 14 kills on .214 hitting. She posted her team-high 16th double-double with 13 digs and she added three ace serves. The Blue Dragons swept the season series from the Conquistadors and improved to 17-7 overall and 10-4 in the Jayhawk West. Hutchinson played host to Seward County on Thursday at the Sports Arena in the final-regular season home match. Softball Kylee Dunn set up a big day for the Hutchinson Community College softball team with a walk-off single in Game 1. Then Sam Bailey finished off a Jayhawk Conference sweep of the Barton Cougars with her first career complete game and shutout last Thursday at Fun Valley. Dunn’s game winning single in the bottom of the seventh completed a Blue Dragon comeback in a 5-4 victory over Barton. Bailey then twirled a three-hit shutout in Game 2 to extend Hutchinson’s winning streak to six games and Jayhawk Conference win streak to
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Collegian writer’s candle business is lit By Brooke Greene Staff Writer
Commentary ers have requested stress relieving candles, which is probably the most popular one, and people have asked for scents to help ease their headaches and sinus problems. Making candles became an enjoyable hobby, with the added benefit of helping others, or merely adding a subtle scent to their living room. I got business cards, made social media pages, promoted different products, and started to advertise my brand. It became a side hustle for me, as a student with two jobs and taking full time classes at Hutchinson Community College, selling a candle here and there was a form of security that I would be able to fill my gas tank after school, with the satisfaction of making someone smile. I burn my candles at home as well, and that is where I have the most fun with it. Getting to enjoy my hobby to the fullest as I light three candles in every room during the evenings. I’m sure you can assume that I save a lot of money by not buying so many candles from TJ Maxx every week. Hobbies are essential, they help mold us into who we are and add experience. With the opportunity to gain from it, in any way, it is wise to remain open minded to new and adventurous hobbies that might just help you make your mark on the world, or even just a little old lady who thinks she needs a candle that smells like that Kroger shaker of Italian herbs.
always need to be taken elsewhere to earn a job or career. There are companies in Hutchinson that are hiring students fresh out of college. The event is being held in the Recital Hall in Stringer Fine Arts Center, from 10:20 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. This event is happening thanks to Matt Magee, HutchCC Computer Science Associate Professor, and the computer science department. Magee said that he plans to have everything planned as it was supposed to be last time. They plan to continue with the “roundtable format” idea, allowing presenters to show what they have to offer. Though the event ends at 11:30 a.m., presenters
will be staying until noon to answer questions, and this will allow students to ask questions one-onone. Magee said he was grateful that the event got pushed back, as it has allowed them more time for preparation and getting the word out to students. He also said that he just wants people to come “If students don’t attend these types of events, we lose the support/opportunity to do these events,” Magee said. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the Computer Connections event, even if a student is not majoring in anything computer related.
People develop hobbies throughout their lives, from sports to art, from baking to thrift shopping. They change frequently, or evolve into new and exciting things. I have always been artistic, but my hobbies started with basketball when I was a kid, then piano when I was in middle school, and then drawing while I spent my summers at camp. From there, I experimented with painting in my early years of high school, then pottery, then glass cutting, and then jewelry making. Once I got into college, I got more in touch with my photography skills and writing, which I exercised on the magazine and newspaper staff. My most recent hobby is candle making. After my aunt expressed that she could taste manufactured candle’s scents, I decided to start making my own at home. I ordered the supplies and started making candles for people who are more sensitive to strong scents. From there, it grew into different shapes of candles, additions to candles, and aromatherapy candles. I began selling candles and getting so backed up with orders that I had to put them on hold while I waited for new wax to arrive. I have had people come to me with all sorts of requests for scented candles aided to alleviate whatever suited their needs. One lady came to me and specifically requested lemon-scented candles to help with her husband’s Alzheimer’s, many oth-
seven games dating back to last season. Baseball The Hutchinson Community College baseball team hit seven home runs on Sunday and wound
up with a doubleheader sweep and series victory over the Barton Cougars at Lawson-Biggs Field. The Blue Dragons hit the first four round-trippers as part of a 17-hit
attack in a 20-4 runrule victory in the first game. They needed the last three and a clutch bullpen performance from Tyler Delong as Hutchinson rallied from
eight runs down after two innings to defeat the Cougars 14-13 in the series finale. Hutchinson is now 8-6 overall and 3-1 in the Jayhawk West.
Hutchinson opens a four-game Jayhawk West set at Seward County on Thursday with the final two games of the series on Saturday at Hobart-Detter Field.
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, March 19, 2020
Campus
Pickleball: Not so sour
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Puzzles
Courtesy Photo
Drake Dick (far left), Zach Shanline (middle) and Camrin Engelken (right) play a game of pickleball at the Sports Arena. By Laci Sutton ball courts for some of the games, and Staff Writer have arranged to use the Sports Arena for the others. Pickleball is currently one of the Pickleball is a paddle-ball sport that fastest-growing sports in America and is a combination of tennis and pingit has made its way to Hutchinson pong. The sport is slower-paced allowCommunity College. Camrin Engelken and Carter Engelk- ing for participants of all ages. Two to four players play at a time, en are freshmen accounting majors at using solid paddles either made out of HutchCC. Both graduated from Buhler plastic or wood, and a ball similar to a High School and are currently Hutchwhiffle ball. CC campus ambassadors and involved The games started on March 8 and in the honors program. will continue to be played on Mondays The Engelken twins won the each week. tennis doubles state championship “Our first session was able to bring during their junior year of high in five total people,” Camrin said. “We school. hope to continually expand on this “We noticed that the tennis courts number and attempt to reach as many outside were beyond repair, so that students as possible. If these pickleeliminated our desire to play tennis,” ball sessions are successful, Carter Carter said. “We also participated in and I plan to make pickleball its own the ping-pong club this past fall and realized that we should take an activity club.” The games on March 22 will be hostoutside, due to the limited space with ed in the Sports Arena from 7-8 p.m. social distancing.” As spring moves in, the games will The Engelkens came up with the move outdoors to the tennis courts idea to bring pickleball to campus. located on the main campus. This would allow for social distancThe March 29 and April 5 games will ing and a greater number of particibe on the tennis courts from 2-3 p.m. pants. All equipment is provided for each They were able to use the remaining event and partners are not required to good parts of the cracked tennis courts play. on campus to make temporary pickle-
Trainers
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difficult, but they also have their scholastic load along with the training job. “I try to keep a routine as much as I can, but it never fails to have something thrown into your schedule that changes a lot of things,” said student trainer Bailey Goodman. “Some games will get canceled, some will be added, and you can almost always expect a surprise practice to pop up on the weekends … with or without games.” The best way for the sports medicine department to handle every practice and every game, for every sport, is to work together. “We divide and conquer,” Lemmons said. “Organization is key for us to be successful, we have a sport assignment schedule that I create that helps divide our duties weekly. Anyone
who comes into the athletic training rooms understands ‘organized chaos’ is the best way to describe the athletic training room. “Ryan, Amanda and I work really well together. Communication is our key to success. Our staff is truly a family - we constantly look after one another.” As Lemmons previously mentioned, making sacrifices is part of this laborious occupation. Oftentimes, these sacrifices come from the individual’s personal time. “I have definitely noticed a change in my personal life with how hectic things have been as a trainer,” Goodman said. “I have really had to work on self-discipline with schoolwork. I also don’t get to spend as much time with friends due to the long road trips that teams take. It’s also been a little difficult to keep up with self care. Whether it’s an incoming cold,
allergies or even a rough time with mental health, there is always something added on top. This is my first year as an athletic trainer, and even though it’s pretty intense, I absolutely love it.” Finding motivation is a key aspect for success in anything. Knowing what needs to be done, and finding a way to accomplish it each day is an achievement. “For me, the fact that I like sports is a good motivator. But also, the big thing is making sure all our athletes are healthy,” Hilty said. March is National Athletic Training Month, and athletes and coaches are encouraged to show extra appreciation and thanks for all that the staff does. “We work incredibly hard for our student athletes to be able to continue their seasons. We all just want success for all of our athletes on and off the field. When they succeed, so do we,” Lemmons said.
Frigid temperatures make soil stiff By Danielle Gadberry Staff Writer
Weather affects more than the joints of those who are older. The weather has a big impact on crops grown in Kansas. The recent sub-zero temperatures could be extremely hazardous to our crops. Kent McKinnis, an Agronomy Instructor/Crops & Soils Specialist at Hutchinson Community College, says that he believes cold crops, winter wheat and canola, will be just fine this year. He said that if these sub-freezing conditions continued and were a yearly problem, then we’d have to rethink what we plant in the ground when we plant everything. Winter wheat is seeded in late August or early September into a shallow seedbed to allow the plant to access enough water to germinate quickly and grow for four to five weeks. The next four to eight weeks - October to November allow the plant to vernalize (giving the plant the signal to flower next spring) and acclimate to the cold (harden off for the winter). Ideally, this plant would be three to four leaves, have a tiller or two with developed crown tissue, and would be ready to achieve winter wheat’s maximum yield potential next spring. Kent said how snow is really good for wheat. When there is snow on top of the wheat, it provides a “blanket/ barrier” so the wheat can survive. He also states that moist soil is better than dry soil in the winter. Soil moisture is
important for the transfer of heat energy in the soil. During the growing season, the soil temperature near the surface is warmer than at the lower depths, and the net movement of energy is from the surface to the lower depths. Moist soil will conduct greater energy downward than dry soil because much of the pore space between particles is occupied by air and air is a very poor conductor of energy. Simon Gadberry, a farmer in the Little River area and HutchCC graduate, says that “The wheat will be fine, it’s a very tough crop and is made for cold weather. It goes dormant in the winter, but if it gets cold again in a month or two, it will kill the wheat.” These extreme weather conditions make the farming process take much longer. It makes the work a lot harder, and sometimes even stops everything until it clears up. Kent said that there are not many ways farmers can protect their crops, other than study average weather predictions from the past five to 10 years. “All we know is that every year is going to be different, this year may be wetter, maybe drier, maybe warmer, maybe colder, etc.” Farmers have to take all of this into consideration for depth, the timing for planting, seed size, and finding a seed treatment, based on seed quality, crop rotation, and weather conditions, determine whether you are at high risk for seedling disease development.
Sports
Page 6
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, March 19, 2021
Trainers bear pandemic adjustments By Bailey Pennycuff Co-Sports Editor
The notorious COVID-19 pandemic continues to prove that it’s hardships are long-lasting, especially for the Hutchinson Community College sports medicine department - which now has to treat 12 sports, or around 350-400 athletes, in one spring
season. The HutchCC sports medicine department consists of three certified athletic trainers and nine student trainers. With 12 sports going on at once, compared to the usual four as fall sports like football, soccer and volleyball were moved to the spring, there isn’t much wiggle room.
Photo by Bailey Pennycuff/Co-Sports Editor Hutchinson Community College freshman softball player Madison Simoneau gets her ankle taped by freshman student athletic trainer Bailey Goodman.
Athlete of the week
“This year, the scheduling has impacted us a lot. It’s requiring a lot more time and effort to make sure we are on top of everything,” said director of sports medicine Ryan Hilty. “There’s COVID protocols, helping make sure everyone is at practice - we just really have had to make adjustments.” Being an athletic trainer (AT) can be stressful in a regular year without COVID, simply because sports are unpredictable. However, with the added stress from the pandemic, being a trainer is exceptionally difficult. “We are putting three-sport seasons into one season,” said certified athletic trainer Sarah Lemmons. “So, in a sense, we are tripling our workload. We travel with our high-risk sports, so we are traveling several times a week as well, which easily increases our work days up to 70 hours a week.” Even with the insane hours, and intensified stress, the sports medicine department, which includes the head athletic trainer Amanda Beadle, is accomplishing its duties. “I think we have done a phenomenal job. Ryan has made a lot of sacrifices, as he has taken most of the COVID screening responsibilities on top of his director of sports medicine responsibilities. The policies he has set forth have set our athletes up for optimal success in keeping our COVID numbers down,” Lemmons said. “Amanda, on top of being our head AT, she helps make sure our day-to-day operations go as planned, making sure nothing falls through the cracks and everyone stays mentally healthy.” Another aspect to the prosperity of the Blue Dragon sports medicine department is the student-athletic trainers. “Our students have been such a huge part of our success, and they never ask for anything in return. Individually, they have overcome a lot of obstacles to become better students and overall, better people,” Lemmons said. “They work every practice, sometimes without a day off and travel to every game. With all 12 sports going on at once, we can not cover everything. Our students help us cover practices, provide first aid and taping skills and be our eyes when we can not be there.” The student trainers’ jobs are clearly
(March 7-13) Will Reetz, Baseball
The week: The baseball team continues to pile up big numbers, and Reetz was a big part Reetz of that during a week when the Blue Dragons went 2-1. Reetz went 2 for 4 with two home runs and four RBIs in a 20-13 win against State Fair, Mo. In a doubleheader split vs. Barton, Reetz went 2 for 5 with four RBIs and a pair of doubles. The season: Reetz, a sophomore from Elkhorn, Neb., is off to a scorching start for the Blue Dragons. In 14 games played, Reetz is batting .422 with four home runs, 19 RBIs and 14 runs scored. He has at least one in 14 games, and he has driven in runs for six consecutive games.
See Trainers, Page 5
Roundup: Dragons prevail in thriller overtime game By Adam Kolb Co-Sports Editor
In a game filled with potential knee-buckling runs, the Hutchinson Community College men’s basketball team delivered the final blow to Dodge City in overtime Monday night. After Josh Baker hit two free throws with 9.1 seconds left to force overtime, the Blue Dragons rattled the Conquistadors with a 9-0 to start the extra session. The No. 25-ranked Blue Dragons dominated overtime and took complete control of the Jayhawk West title chase after a 10089 victory at the Student Activities Center to complete the season sweep of Dodge City. Baker scored a career-high 31 points to lead the Blue Dragons, knocking down five 3-pointers and going a perfect 10 for 10 from the free-throw line. Matt Mayers scored 14 of his 21 points in the second half and overtime and picked up his ninth-straight and 11th career double-double with 11 rebounds.
The Blue Dragons shot 44.7 percent for the game and had a 44-42 rebounding advantage. Now 12-3 overall, the Blue Dragons own a three-game lead over Dodge City in the Jayhawk West at 11-3. Women’s Basketball The No. 22-ranked Blue Dragons found their offensive touch Monday night to maintain a slim Jayhawk West lead. The Blue Dragons broke the 80-point mark for the first time since Feb. 22, using the offense to outscore Dodge City by 27 points over the final 23 minutes to rout the Conquistadors 82-50 in a Jayhawk West contest at the Student Activities Center. Lojong Gore and Kate Ogle led the Blue Dragons with 19 points each. Gore’s 19 points were a career-high point total. She also added seven rebounds. Ishante Suttington tied a career high with 16 points and also had five rebounds and four assists. Volleyball The volleyball team hasn’t fared See Sports, Page 4
Photo by Kyran Crist/Online Editor Hutchinson Community College freshman guard Chris Robinson dribbles the ball during a game against Dodge City. The Blue Dragons got the win in overtime.
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 18, at Seward County, 1 p.m. March 20, SEWARD COUNTY, 1 p.m. March 23, REDLANDS, OKLA., 1 p.m. March 25, BUTLER, 1 p.m. March 27, at Butler, 1 p.m. March 30, at Cowley, 2 p.m. (1 game) April 1, at Pratt, 1 p.m. April 3, PRATT, 1 p.m. April 8, GARDEN CITY, 1 p.m. April 10, at Garden City, 1 p.m. April 15, at Cloud County, 1 p.m. April 17, CLOUD COUNTY, 1 p.m. April 20, at Rose State, Okla., 2 p.m. April 27, STATE FAIR, Mo., 2:30 p.m. (1 game) April 29, COLBY, 1 p.m.
Basketball
March 10, BARTON, women, L 63-49; men, W
73-67 March 13, at Colby, women, W 62-57; men ppd March 15, at Dodge City, women, W 82-50; men, W 100-89, OT March 17, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, women, W 71-52; men, W 101-85 March 20, SEWARD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. March 24, at Pratt, 5:30 p.m. March 27, GARDEN CITY, 5:30 p.m. March 29, at Barton, 5:30 p.m. March 31, COLBY, 5:30 p.m.
April 12-13, at Jayhawk Conference Tournament, Crestview North, Wichita
March 26, COFFEYVILLE, 7 p.m. April 3, at Butler, 7 p.m. April 11, ARKANSAS BAPTIST, 1 p.m. April 18, at Fort Scott, 1 p.m. 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.
March 2, FRIENDS JV, W 9-8, W 9-1 March 9, HESSTON, W 5-2; W 17-9 March 11, BARTON, W 5-4; W 5-0 March 13, NW KANSAS TECH, ppd March 16, at Cowley, 2 p.m. March 18, at Independence, 1 p.m. March 20, at Garden City, 1 p.m. March 25, BUTLER, 2 p.m. March 27, at Colby, 2 p.m. March 31, at Ottawa JV, 1 p.m. April 8, at Pratt, 2 p.m. April 10, at Dodge City, 1 p.m. April 15, SEWARD COUNTY, 3 p.m.
Football
Golf
March 22-23, at Trophy Club, Texas March 29-30, at Jayhawk Conference Tournament, Manhattan
Soccer
April 2, at Johnson County, 5 p.m. April 5, at Barton, 2 p.m. April 7, GARDEN CITY, 2 p.m. April 10, BUTLER, 2 p.m. April 14, at Cowley, 5 p.m. April 17, COFFEYVILLE, 2 p.m. April 19, DODGE CITY, 6 p.m. April 28, BARTON, 6 p.m.
Softball
April 17, at Barton, 1 p.m. April 22, INDEPENDENCE, 3 p.m. April 24, at Butler, 2 p.m. May 1, PRATT, 1 p.m.
Track and field
April 2-3, at Friends University, Wichita April 7-10, at K.T. Woodman Classic, Wichita State 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
Volleyball
March 1, at Pratt, W 25-13, 25-22, 25-16 March 4, at Barton, L 25-27, 25-18, 24-26, 2725, 15-10 March 8, INDEPENDENCE, W 25-10, 25-17, 25-13 March 11, at Colby, L 15-25, 17-25, 2521, 2518, 17-15 March 15, at Dodge City, W 25-18, 25-23, 2025, 25-23 March 18, at Seward County, 6:30 p.m.