Nov. 20, 2020 Hutchinson Collegian

Opinion

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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 20, 2020

The Collegian says trans rights Our view Today is Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day to memorialize the lives of trans and gender non-conforming people lost due to suicide and violence.

It also marks the end of Transgender Awareness Week, a week to celebrate trans diversity, personhood and visibility while taking action against personal and policy-based discrimination against their community.

According to the anti-discrimination group GLAAD, 80% of Americans believe they have never personally met a transgender person. Therefore, the public’s perception of the community is mostly shaped by the media, “which has overwhelmingly misrepresented and mischaracterized who trans people are, significantly influencing public perceptions, policy, and attitudes about the trans community.”

Transphobia and all bigotry needs to end, and we can help end them.

There are all sorts of resources available, including from GLAAD, which answer common trans-related questions, outline how to understand a person’s gender identity and challenge discriminatory attitudes.

The Collegian stands behind the Kansas State Legislature’s ever-growing movement to add sexual orientation and gender identity to the Kansas Act Against Discrimination.

We support PFLAG Hutchinson in their service to provide a safe and understanding environment for LGBT people.

We welcome a new wave of LGBT politicians entering the Legislature, including Stephanie Byers, the first transgender woman elected to the Kansas Statehouse.

Trans rights are human rights, because all guys, gals, and non-binary pals are created equal.

- The Collegian Editorial Board

The nightmare isn’t over Trump and his most ardent supporters may not believe it, but it’s true: Joe Biden will be the next President of the United States.

The daily embarrassments, illegal activities, racist flame stoking, and lack of leadership from the White House are over - at least until 2024 when Trump runs for a second term.

Trumpism will not hide until then.

It has awoken the worst elements of our society, culture, politics, and history to action in the past four years. In Hutchinson and Kansas, and across the country, Trump sycophants won elections for school boards, city councils, and state legislatures.

This year’s Primary Election for the 34th Kansas State Senate seat ousted a moderate Republican for a Trump-touting, hardcore conservative.

Ed Berger represented his community well. The policies he supported reflected his commitment to listening to constituents and experts.

He attended every local forum on earthquakes and the coronavirus, back when we could still do that. I certainly had my disagreements with him, but I never once doubted his record of public service.

I can’t say the same about his elected replacement, Mark Steffen.

Steffen’s campaign was explicitly anti-Berger, criticizing him for not being conservative enough.

Big-money Political Action Committees ran agitprop for him, making the same baseless claim.

Steffen is now serving two months on the Reno County Commission, temporarily filling a vacancy. The county’s Republican Party chose Steffen over the Republican candidate who actually prepared for, ran for, and ultimately won the same Commission seat.

At a Commission meeting, Steffen said he was “disappointed with our (Reno) County Health Department people” and wanted COVID-19 referred to as the “China-virus.”

The Health Department’s Director urged mask-wearing and remote

meetings. Steffen, a doctor, questioned if the precautions most public health officials around the world agree upon work. The Director explained how social distancing slowed spread, and Steffen said it made no difference.

A fellow commissioner had to ask Steffen to soften his tone.

If this is how Steffen acts in his own community, there’s no telling how abrasive and unprofessional he will be in Topeka.

Sadly, Steffen isn’t the only one.

Every local Republican state legislative candidate attended those Trump truck parades down Hutchinson’s Main Street, and most of them won.

Across Kansas, one can hear the death rattle of the once-revered moderate Republican and common decency.

Medicaid expansion, full public school funding, and other beneifial policies will be pigeonholed for yet another term, unless these hardcore conservatives feel popular pressure rising against them.

Reactionary politics didn’t begin with Trump, and it won’t end with Trump. We have to oppose their policies and politicians and create counter-narratives to their bigotry and strongarming.

It’s the time to take a deep breath because the absolute worst didn’t happen. However, it’s not the time to fall asleep.

Columnist

Aaron Strain

The student voice of Hutchinson Community College

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2020: our parting words 2020 has arguably been one of the most unpredictable years that anyone could have imagined.

This year, we have experienced an immense amount of loss that could never be replaced. Loss of family members, friends, jobs, final sports seasons, once-in-a-lifetime events, and so much more. These things will likely forever alter lives, and we must recognize that in every aspect as life moves forward.

Everything that could have gone wrong most likely did.

Our view However, above all else, the best thing to do is to stay positive.

As draining and exhausting as 2020 has been, we’re almost done, and we’re only getting closer to the end of this chaos. There is a light at the end of this tunnel, no matter how dim it may seem at times. There will come a time when we can safely reunite with our loved ones and can celebrate all of the accomplishments that didn’t

get the proper recognition.

COVID-19 will always be an impactful part of our lives, but it doesn’t get to define our entire lives.

There are still many things that can make the rest of this year end on a positive note.

Spend time with those that love and appreciate you, learn a new hobby, watch your favorite movie, get some fresh air, and take care of yourself.

You are loved, you are appreciated, you are needed.

- The Collegian Editorial Board

“How can I make sure I’m being safe when using dating apps?” - Christine Dear Christine, Online dating can be scary, but sometimes in the end, it can also be rewarding.

Whether it’s just a one-night stand, a two-month relationship, or even a lifelong thing, there are certain precautions you should consider before meeting strangers online.

When I started using the Tinder and Bumble apps, I was beyond nervous not only to talk to new men, but also having to meet up with them for food or watching Netflix. What I would do to protect myself was making sure at least two people knew the exact address of where we were meeting up, along with them knowing the first and last name of the person I was meeting, and giving them updates on my well being all through the night.

It’s also best that you, as a woman, call the shots on where to meet and what to do. Your comfort and safety are the most important in this case. A way to make sure of your safety is to drive yourself to wherever you are meeting your person so if it starts to get weird you don’t have to ride home with them. Also, if you’re drinking anything, protect that drink. Do not leave it unattended, and make sure you open the drink yourself. If you do leave your drink unattended, ask for a new one when you come back.

If your date of the night starts to leave an uneasy feeling in your stomach, there are ways to leave the date without sparking a fight or notifying the person you

are with that you don’t want to be there anymore. One way to accomplish this is to excuse yourself outside or to the bathroom and shoot a text to a close friend to call you in a few moments and make up an excuse such as a car accident, your sibling needs to be picked up or some kind of emergency that you absolutely have to leave them for.

Now, it might sound a little crazy or overbearing but it’s better to be safe than, you know, dead. But, honestly, the best advice I can give is to relax and have fun. Try to get to know at least their favorite animal, even if you never plan on seeing them again. It’s nice to be comfortable with the man or woman you’re spending your time with. Be comfortable, but be wary.

Advice Columnist

Jolene Moore Jolene Moore is a Hutchinson freshman and General Studies major.

To have your dating or relationship question(s) answered by Collegian staff members, email collegian.d ating@gmail.com.

You can leave a different name to protect your identity if you choose.

Aaron Strain is a Hutchinson native studying Journalism. They are the Collegian’s Opinion Page Editor.

The Hutchinson Collegian

E.G. Weinhoffer/Cartoonist

Collegian Staff Editor In Chief Sam Bailey Campus editor Caleb Spencer Opinion page editor Aaron Strain Sports editors Adam Kolb, Bailey Pennycuff Photo Editors Emily Branson, KJ Ryan

Online Edtior Kyran Crist Editorial cartoonist E. G. Weinhoffer Staff members Sophia Carter, Brooke Greene, Leslie Grajeda, Felix Johnson, Jolene Moore, Zariah Perilla-Best, Laci Sutton, Izzy Wheeler Collegian Adviser Brad Hallier

www.HutchCollegian.com

Letters to the editor The Hutchinson Collegian welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must include the author’s signature, address and phone number.

The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for style, legality and length. Letters may not exceed 300 words.

Send letters to hallierb@hutchcc.edu.

Non-discrimination statement Hutchinson Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law, or by college policy.

For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Brett Bright, Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 1300 N. Plum Hutchinson, KS 67501 (620) 665-3500 equity@hutchcc.edu (www.hutchcc.edu/equity)

The student voice of Hutchinson Community College

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In the spirit of keeping everything positive after a rough year, check out these HutchCC pets. Page 4

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Students and faculty prepare for an online finals week after Thanksgiving.

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Vol. 62 Issue 10

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The Blue Dragon men’s cross country team placed fifth in the NJCAA National Championships. Page 6

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eNACting positivity

By Brooke Greene Staff Writer

Coach Nac emits an abundance of positivity here on campus. As a business professor and former youth coach, he has plenty of experience working with students and never fails to put smiles on their faces. These times can be incredibly worrisome for all, yet Coach Nac still manages to remain positive. This Q&A covers how he has handled this year with such joy, as well as some helpful hints that he has for students who may be struggling to keep a smile on their face.

Photos by KJ Ryan/Photo Editor Dan Naccarato teaches his class about why it’s a great day to study business.

Brooke Greene: How have you remained so positive during all of the chaos regarding Covid-19?

Dan Naccarato: Our hearts go out to everyone who has lost loved ones and everyone who has been adversely affected. There are, however, always silver linings to be found when we look for them.

We are developing effective treatments and vaccines more rapidly than ever thought possible.

Through research into this virus, perhaps we will discover prevention, treatment, and cures for other viruses too. Im-

proved hand washing and hygiene habits are now part of our daily routines, and we ought to continue those good habits forever.

Employers are now open-minded to allowing associates to work from home, which opens lots of possibilities for people to live wherever they like.

All kinds of organizations have become more flexible and innovative in finding ways to achieve objectives. For example, the revised HutchCC academic calendar for this school year turned out to be terrific. Looking ahead to future years, See Nac, Page 5

The Introduction to Business class poses for a picture after their 8 a.m. class.

20/20 vision in a 2020 world

By Sam Bailey and Emily Branson Staff Writers

2020 has been a year filled with hardship and heartache for most people.

Around every turn seemed to be another obstacle for people to combat: five months of quarantine, sporting events cancelled, socializing becoming scarce, jobs were lost, millions became sick with COVID-19, and more.

Looking back on the year, it can seem like it was shrouded in negativity, but there is a positive side to every situation, even if it’s hard to see.

With 2020 coming to an end at Hutchinson Community College, some students look back at the good things that came to them this year.

Addison Nigh Sophomore

“Although COVID may have put a pause on a lot of my plans this semester, I feel as though staying in the dorms brought me a lot closer to a lot of new people. We were able to build such a family bond.”

Bailey Goodman Freshman

“One good thing that happened to me this year would have to be the fact that I have met so many new people. College has forced me to break out of my comfort zone and this semester I have really enjoyed having lots of friends.”

Upcoming events Nov. 24 — Last day of class for the fall semester Nov. 30 — Finals begin for in-person classes, most will be conducted remotely.

Jan. 11 — Classes begin for the Spring semester

Josie Harris

Damien Devine

“I have been extremely thankful for my mom. She has helped me get through a lot of really hard times this year and I don’t know what I would do without her.”

“A good thing that happened to me this year was I’ve truly found my purpose and started a walk to my spiritual self.”

Freshman

Freshman

Christian Wiedeman

Jerica Mueller Freshman

“I am thankful for my family. I’m thankful for them because we are close. With COVID and everything being up in the air we have all gotten closer.”

Drake Dick

Sophomore

“I am thankful for the love and support from my peers, friends, and family as I try to complete my education. I’m also very thankful for the opportunity to complete my education in general; with everything going on in our world today, it’s truly a blessing!”

Freshman

“I picked up golf during April, during quarantine, and became something I could just do with all my boys and take away all of my worries or whatever was going through my head. It got me through some tough times.”

RJ Stovall Sophomore

“Something good that happened is I got to just focus on and not have any job to worry about at all this semester.”

Jonathan White Sophomore

Kristen Millspaugh Freshman

“I’m extremely thankful for all of the new relationships that I’ve made the past few months and the experiences that I’ve been able to have”

The happenings around campus

“I can think of so many things that were positive, but the main two things I can say is me having a child on November 14, 2020. (It was) the best feeling ever holding my son, it was like seeing myself.”

College Student Weather Report Friday High: 64; Low 44 Double double chills and sadness Saturday High: 50; Low 37 Is it too much to hope for snow?

Sunday High: 54; Low 27 Practically Christmas Weather source: The Weather Channel

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

Campus

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 20, 2020

Purely positive pets

By Jolene Moore Staff Writer

Positivity starts with a P, do you know what else starts with a P? Pets.

This is a collection of photos of student and staff’s cute pets of all forms, furry or scaley. Spread some positivity while also looking at these adorable pets.

Chara Moss’ cat Namine

Amber Brawner’s dog Kimber

Ryan Ewy’s puppy Aspen

Kyran Crist’s dogs Bella and Fritz

Bailey Pennycuff ’s cat Bell

Holiday cheer and joy

By Kyran Crist Online Editor

With finals and other academic deadlines coming up, Hutchinson Community College students are stressed or tired beyond measure.

On top of that, they also have holiday stress with Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner.

With those happy little notes singing songs in the backs of student’s heads, they may feel overwhelmed. It might be good to take a step back and think about some of the good in life, even in trying times.

Here are what some students are looking forward to with the holiday season coming up.

“Christmas music and movies, they really set the vibe for the

Pablo Sanchez’s dog Baron

Brooke Greene’s python Silas

Samarah Bailey’s dog Betty

season.” - Aaron Geissinger, Abilene sophomore.

“Time to sleep in, get to work on my hobbies, or just veg out.”

- Bailey Nachtigal, Hutchinson sophomore

Elisa Workman’s cat Thor

Erin Beaver’s cat Ginger

Hannah Latham’s cat Jack

Jared Shuff ’s dog Ozzie

Jolene Moore’s dog Dierks Bentely

Ryan Sammon’s cat Matix

Jolene Moore’s dogs

Leslie Garjeda’s dog Speedy Gonzalez

Commentary

Raising ball pythons

By Brooke Greene Staff Writer

While in college, it is quite common to not have housing that can support the likes of a dog or cat. Whether they are not allowed in the building or too expensive, I found that ball pythons are a great pet to help fill that desire for an animal companion and cost roughly the same amount as a small dog or cat per month.

They require misting and proper humidity in their terrarium, feeding periodically depending on the age and size of the snake, and frequent handling for short periods of time. A great resource for more information about caring for ball pythons is Petco’s caresheet on their website.

I have always been the wild child who would pick up a toad, or stack four of them on my head, without hesitation, as that was quite an acomplishment for me as a four year old. The slugs under the garden pot in the

back yard were utterly fascinating and the lizards that ran around the edges of the pool in the summer were the coolest yet hardest to catch. As a child, I even had a “toad tire” in my grandparent’s backyard. The tire was a massive tractor tire and homed hundreds of toads, bugs, garden snakes, and the lizards I managed to catch, summer by summer.

While most people are terrified of snakes and creepy crawlies, ball pythons are an incredibly docile snake that are perfect for overcoming fears. My

goal is to help inform others about my experience with the journey I have taken these past several months with my two snakes. My young female, Eleanore, is skiddish but curious and my five year old male is timid yet very active and friendly.

While my snakes may frighten others, I am happy to show off my unusual companions to anybody who’s interested.

Brooke Greene is a snake mommy and Hutchinson sophomore studying journalism.

Courtesy photo

Geissinger Nachtigal Anderson

“My friends and family.” - Cole Anderson, Hutchinson sophomore “I’m real excited for all the free time I’m going to have.” - Gabe Crist, Hutchinson freshman.

“Staying safe and healthy.” Jakob Dilbeck, Hutchinson freshman.

“I’m excited for the snow.” - Jace Losew, Hutchinson sophomore.

“Getting to spend time with my

Crist

Dilbeck

Davis family and stay inside. The cold isn’t my favorite thing, so getting to stay at home and relax is one of my favorite things.” Riley Davis, Hutchinson

Losew

Allen freshman “Food. Thanksgiving food, Christmas food, just food.” - Zane Allen, Hutchinson sophomore

Instructors discuss stressful finals week

By Laci Sutton Staff Writer

Brooke Greene’s dog Momo

Page 4

Finals are quickly approaching for Hutchinson Community College. Arguably the toughest week of the semester for students, finals can also take a toll on the instructors.

COVID-19 has changed many things for the school year, so it’s no surprise the fall 2020 semester will be ending differently than normal.

Rather than going into the middle of December, finals week will take place Nov. 30-Dec. 3.

Teachers and students alike have had to adapt to all of the curveballs that this semester brought. Instructors have worked hard to maintain some sort of normalcy in the classroom for themselves and their students.

Some have changed the way they deliver their content while others have arranged their normal teaching to accommodate students unable to meet face-toface.

Chemistry instructor Jennifer Wiens is using Zoom to monitor students who are unable to test in the classroom.

“I have to set up Zoom meetings to proctor students who are in quarantine, make sure they have all the materials they need to keep the course comparable

to students that can be in the classroom.” Wiens said.

Amanda Smith, a psychology and human growth and development professor at HutchCC, is just one example.

“I had to try to plan for delivery of the content for both face-toface and online formats (for those in quarantine or isolation),” Smith said. “ensuring that students would be able to access the lectures, quizzes, homework and exams in a way that did not leave one group with a greater advantage.”

Smith moved much of her content online and recorded her lectures over Zoom to allow everything to be easily accessible.

For her finals, Smith has moved them to an online format and is making the exam available a week early for students to access while maintaining the November/December deadline.

“Normally, I would do my finals in the classroom and allow students to use one note card,” Smith said. “But this year, planning for students to be in quarantine or isolation during finals week. I had to try to make the exams fair (in the same format) for all of my students, so I moved the exams online.”

Kim Newberry, a

sociology instructor, has overcome personal struggles this semester while maneuvering challenges in her teaching.

“This semester has been my most flexible semester yet, but I have had the hardest semester personally to date,” Newberry said. “I thrive on the interaction I receive from my students and that has been difficult with masks and being in a large classroom.”

Kelly Clasen is an english and literature professor at HutchCC. As an instructor who teaches both online and in person classes, Clasen has worked to overcome other difficulties.

Many online classes have an end date a week after in person finals classes. This keeps some students and teachers working an entire week past others, shaving a week off of their break.

“Ending early would require cutting a week out of an online class, which pushes deadlines closer together and can be stressful.” Clasen said.

Preparing for finals is tough without a global pandemic. Adding COVID-19 just adds to the chaos.

“I know that my students are drained and we are right there with them. Hang in there,” Newberry said.

Campus

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 20, 2020

Getting back to normal

Page 5

Puzzles

Photo by KJ Ryan/Photo Editor

The dragon statue sits back on its perch outside of the re-opened Parker Student Union as construction concludes.

Nac

• Continued from Page 3

I hope we will complete Fall classes on campus before Thanksgiving every year.

We all learned and adapted in 2020, which will give us more confidence to meet other challenges throughout our lives.

BG: What have you done to help increase this positive attitude?

Do you have any tips for students who are struggling to stay positive?

DN: Smile and laugh frequently. See the good in people, and expect them to do well. Achieve great results and have some fun every day.

Make opportunities to connect with family, friends, and colleagues even if it’s virtually.

Celebrate success.

When isolated or in quarantine, use the time to study business.

BG: Have you been stressed with everything going on in today’s world? Students seem to be radiating this stress but people like you are very good at showing us that everything is going to be all right.

DN: The COVID-19 threat was similar to a Kansas tornado watch.

We’re aware of the danger. We’re taking reasonable precautions to stay safe and keep everyone else safe. We’re also accepting the fact that we are never in complete control of our destiny.

Therefore, let’s do the best we can to get on with life.

BG: What is your method of stress relief?

DN: Stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues. Briefly let off steam when the pressure starts to boil over. Interact with other people cheerfully, but find some time to be alone every

Photo by KJ Ryan/Photo Editor Dan “Coach Nac” Naccarato teaches business classes at HutchCC and lightens the campus with his never-ending positivity.

day BG: Have you always been such a bubbly person?

DN: Bubbly like champagne? I’m more of an expensive bourbon type guy.

Everybody, including me, feels down and out sometimes, but most days seem like holidays around here. We get to study business with outstanding people here in the center of the garden spot of the universe: Hutchinson, Kansas, USA, Earth, Milky Way … What’s not to love?

BG: Is there a healthy way to channel all of this stress into something more positive?

DN: Absolutely. The Marines say, “Embrace the suck.”

Great philosophy. We have amazing capacity to channel stress into exercising our bodies and our minds.

BG: What would you say to a student if they came up to you seeking advice on how to remain hopeful?

DN: First of all, listen and show genuine empathy. Identify the causes of problems. Help explore alternatives for how to cope. Encourage them to make an action plan.

Figure out what it will take to move in the right direction, even if they are tiny baby steps.

Remember, the best way to have fun is to get

better at whatever you’re doing.

BG: What do you think having a positive attitude during these times does for a person? Could this almost serve as a ‘pay it forward’ with acts of kindness?

DN: Definitely. It’s fun and uplifting to help each other.

As more and more individuals engage in tiny, random acts of kindness, we have every reason to be optimistic about making HutchCC better and better.

DN: As a coach, do you feel your attitude is well reflected by your team players?

Every team takes on attributes of the coach.

When coaches, teachers, or bosses set high expectations, offer encouragement, exude confidence and stay positive, it’s contagious in a good way.

BG: In what ways can we use a happy approach to fight this pandemic?

DN: There are some things in life beyond our control. The one thing we can always control is the attitude we bring to everything we do.

Some people bring energy, some people take energy. Let’s give ourselves permission to bring energy and spread positivity everywhere we go. We’ll all be healthier and happier that way.

Blue Dragon Randomness Text or leave voice mail at 620-422-0784 to leave your random thoughts and observations. We reserve the right to edit or not run comments. Personal attacks and threats won’t be accepted.

"So like if we have dishwashers are we the dish unwashers?"

"To anyone reading, don’t forget to call your mom."

"Your tongue never sits comfortably in your mouth."

"Your body goes in one hole of a T-shirt and comes out of three."

"The Mrs. Evans Shake at Bogey’s is lit."

Sports

• Continued from Page 6

The race-time temperature in Fort Dodge was a chilly 39 degrees, with a wind chill in the 20s at the start.

“It was really cold, but it’s just one of those things in cross country,”

Cocking said. You’ve just got to deal with what you’ve got.”

For Blue Dragons coach Justin Riggs, he was pleased with the results.

“I was really happy,” Riggs said. “We finished where we were predicted to finish. We were good and did what

we were expected to do.”

However, from a team perspective, there were some unexpected surprises that Riggs noticed. One of them was freshman Noel Hidalgo, who ran a personal best time, and highest team finish for the women’s team.

Library announces finals week, holiday hours

By The Collegian staff

The Rimmer Learning Resource Center will be open during finals week at Hutchinson Community College, even though students will be taking finals remotely.

Note that these finals are for in-person classes only. Classes that have been online the entire semester are staying to

their original schedule.

Rimmer will be open Nov. 30-Dec. 3 from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. On Dec. 4, Rimmer will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The JFK Library will also be open daily from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Hours in between semesters will be 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

Sports

Page 6

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 20, 2020

Athlete of the week

(Nov. 8-14) Cameron Delaney, men’s cross country The week: Delaney ran a season-best time at the NJCAA Division 1 National Championships in on Nov. Delaney

Photo courtesy HutchCC Sports Information Teagan Flanagan runs in the Red Devil Relays earlier this season in Iola. Flanagan finished fifth at the NJCAA Championships.

Cross country teams finish season strong

By Adam Kolb Co-Sports Editor

The Hutchinson Community College cross country season came to an end on Saturday at the NJCAA Division 1 Men’s and Women’s Cross Country Championships in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Sophomore Teagan Flanagan finished the men’s season on a solid note, placing fifth individually, and helping the Blue Dragons earn a fifth-place finish.

Flanagan also received a spot as a first-team NJCAA All-American, becoming the 17th Blue Dragon in program history to achieve that. While he wanted to come home in first place, Flanagan said he was happy with his position.

“I think I put myself in a good position to do what I wanted to

do,” Flanagan said. “I wound up getting fifth, which I’m OK with. All American was the goal.”

Freshman Louise Cocking also had a solid race. She finished fifth and aided the women’s team to a seventh-place finish.

Cocking would earn first-team NJCAA All-America honors as well, becoming the ninth runner in Blue Dragon women’s cross country history to achieve that, and the first since 2001.

“I didn’t know what to expect, because this is the biggest race I’ve done out here,” Cocking said. “But I am happy with my time. I got a personal best.”

To achieve a personal best already takes hard work, but running in inclement weather makes it even more difficult.

See Sports, Page 5

Photo courtesy HutchCC Sports Information Louise Cocking runs in a race during the Blue Dragon women’s cross country season. Cocking finished fifth at the NJCAA Championships.

14 in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Delaney came in 23rd overall, completing the rugged course on a bone-chill-ing day in 26 minutes, 34.62 seconds.

That helped lead the Blue Dragons to a fifth-place team finish. By finish-ing in the top 25, Delaney earned All American honors.

The season: Delaney, a freshman from Osborne, had five other top-25 finishes this season. His highest placement was a 13th-place finish (27:07.57) at the Region 6 Champsionships on Oct. 30 in El Dorado.

Athletes stay positive through difficult time

By Bailey Pennycuff Co-Sports Editor

COVID-19 has taken its toll on athletes worldwide since March, and continues to do so. Negativity has forced its way into the souls of even the most positive-minded people.

In fact, with all the negativity in the world right now, it can be hard to even find light-hearted topics in the news.

All of the following quotations from Hutchinson Community College student-athletes are bits of positivity that have occurred so far this semester.

“When I was down bad, my teammates picked me up. I’m very excited to play with my teammates.” - freshman Kayhla Adams, women’s basketball.

Adams

Deleon

Apfel

“Because of COVID, I’ve had time to get better with the team and focus on school. It has allowed me to get another year of eligibility.” - sophomore Alfonso Deleon, football.

“Being able to have movie nights with the team in (sophomore Marah Franke’s) room has been fun.” -freshman Aspen Apfel, soccer.

“My first semester at Hutch has been interesting. From having to quarantine, to actually getting COVID. Can’t forget

Kincaid

Benton

about the half online/hybrid schooling thingy, and praying for a softball season. I’m loving everything about it, and most of all, the people I’ve gotten to meet.” -freshman Kaylie Kincaid, softball.

“Invest in those who invest in you,” sophomore Hazen Benton, cheer.

“It’s amazing to watch a group of individuals come together and become one... and catcher Andrew Burgess beating coach Quintin Crandall in

Davis

Reeder

Dunn

Sumo wrestling.” - student assistant coach Garrett Davis, baseball.

“Even though we weren’t able to have an actual season this fall, we were all extremely thankful to have gotten to have some scrimmages to get us ready for spring.” - freshman Shelby Reeder, volleyball.

“I love how quickly our team has become a family.” - sophomore Kylee Dunn, softball.

Blue Dragon sports schedules and results. All home games and events in caps.

Baseball (non conference)

Feb. 2, at Northern Oklahoma-Enid, 1 p.m.

Feb. 9, at Redlands, Oklahoma, 1 p.m.

Feb. 13, REDLANDS, Oklahoma, 1 p.m.

Feb. 18-20, at Juco Festival March 4, at Coffeyville, 1 p.m.

March 9, at State Fair, Missouri, 2:30 p.m.

April 20, at Rose State, Oklahoma, 2 p.m.

April 27, STATE FAIR, Missouri, 2:30 p.m.

Basketball

Jan. 22, BETHANY JV (women); SEMINOLE STATE (men), 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27, COFFEYVILLE, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30, NEOSHO COUNTY, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3, at Butler, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 6, at CLOUD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 10, at Independence, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 13, ALLEN COUNTY, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17, at Cowley, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 22, DODGE CITY, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 24, at Northwest Kansas Tech, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 27, at Seward County, 6 p.m.

March 3, PRATT, 6:30 p.m.

March 6, at Garden City, 2 p.m.

March 9, BARTON, 5:30 p.m.

March 13, at Colby, 2 p.m.

March 15, at Dodge City, 5:30 p.m.

March 17, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, 5:30 p.m.

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.

Football

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.

Golf

March 22-23, at Trophy Club, Texas March 29-30, at Jayhawk Conference Tournament, Manhattan April 12-13, at Jayhawk Conference Tournament, Crestview North, Wichita April 19-20, at Jayhawk Conference Tournament, Newton April 26-27, at Region 6/District 3 Championship May 10-13, at NJCAA Championships, Lubbock, Texas

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.

May 1, NEOSHO COUNTY, 2 p.m.

May 3, at Garden City, 6 p.m.

May 5, COWLEY, 6 p.m.

May 8, at Kansas City, 2 p.m.

May 12, at Dodge City, 1 p.m.

Softball (non conference)

Feb. 10, OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN JV, 2 p.m.

Feb. 13, HESSTON, 1 p.m.

Feb. 17, FRIENDS JV, 2 p.m.

Feb. 20, IOWA CENTRAL, 1 p.m.

Feb. 23, NORTHERN OKLAHOMA-ENID, 2 p.m.

Feb. 26, at North Central Texas, noon Feb. 27, at Murray State, Oklahoma, noon March 31, at Ottawa JV, 1 p.m.

Track and field (indoor)

Jan. 23, at Washburn Jan. 30, at Pittsburg State Feb. 6, at Central Missouri Feb. 19-20, at Region 6 Championships, Pittsburg March 5-6, at NJCAA Championships, Pittsburg

Track and field (outdoor)

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, Levelland, Texas

Volleyball

Jan, 25, at Garden City, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 28, PRATT, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30, at Laramie County, Wyoming Feb. 1, BARTON, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 4, at Independence, 5 p.m.

Feb. 5-6, at West Plains, Missouri Feb. 8, COLBY, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 11, DODGE CITY, 6 p.m.

Feb. 15, at Seward County, 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 18, BUTLER, TBA Feb. 19-20, BLUE DRAGON CLASSIC Feb. 25, GARDEN CITY, 6:30 p.m.

March 1, at Pratt, 6:30 p.m.

March 4, at Barton, 6:30 p.m.

March 8, INDEPENDENCE, 6 p.m.

March 11, at Colby, 6:30 p.m.

March 15, at Dodge City, 6:30 p.m.

March 18, at Seward County, 6:30 p.m.

March 22, at Butler, 6:30 p.m.