Oct. 8, 2021 Hutchinson Collegian

The student voice of Hutchinson Community College

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October 8, 2021

pinion

Aubreigh Heck talks about Vegas Route 91 Festival shooting in October of 2017. Page 2

By Ben Short Staff Writer

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Jayshaun Jones tells students where they can enjoy doing in the fall.

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Brooke Greene covers the lives of students who go to school during the day and work at night.

Vol. 63 Issue 5

ports

A junior college golf dream team? Joel Muhs discusses with the reigning national champs.

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Taking an extra year Playing the extra year didn’t come without struggles, as playing in the spring and winning a national championship, and then coming back to a normal schedule and playing in the fall was a battle.

“Yes, I would say it was really tough playing in the spring and turning around to play in the fall,” Braham said about the struggles with coming back.

“We had a little longer season because we won the national championship, but that put a lot of stress on your body and makes it easier to get injured so keeping my body healthy and in top shape is really hard as well.”

The extra year helped Braham develop as a player and a recruit. He came to Hutch to get noticed, as he was overlooked as a recruit out of Blythewood,

Covid-19 has affected a lot of people in negative ways. But the effects haven’t all been negative. For example, for college athletes, it gave them one extra year of eligibility.

Cortez Braham is a wide receiver for the Blue Dragons and is committed to play football at Buffalo next year. He decided to take up his extra year of eligibility and stay at Hutchinson after conversations with the receiver coach and alumnus Kody Cook.

“I felt like I had unfinished business here at Hutch,” Cortez said. “My position coach, I really trust him a lot, he is the best wide receiver coach in the country, there’s not many like him. I sat down with him and made my decision from there.”

See Covid, Page 5

Photo by HutchCC Sports Information Hutchinson Community College cross country runner Andrew Holt turns a corner at the Terry Masterson Twilight Classic at Fun Valley Sports Complex.

Photo by HutchCC Sports Information Cortez Braham (left) catching the ball and dodging a blow from a Snow College player in June’s National Championship game.

The Real Diehl

HutchCC English professor relishes his return to the classroom.

By Brendan Ulmer Staff Writer

Photo by Savannah Goode/Collegian Dr. Ryan Diehl instructing his English course. Even for a Monday morning, Diehl remains positive and peppy for his students.

Upcoming events Oct. 9 — Football vs. Independence at noon at Gowans Stadium, Homecoming game Oct.13 — Volleyball vs Colby at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena Oct. 15 — Fall break, college closed Oct. 20— Volleyball vs Butler at 6 p.m. at the Hutchinson Sports Arena; Soccer vs Dodge City at 6 p.m. at Salthawk Sports Complex

The year is 2007. Steve Jobs has just announced this new cellular phone that you can also download music on, called the iPhone, to much skepticism.

Human experiment baseball player Barry Bonds has just broken Hank Aaron’s career home run record, proving to all the little boys and girls that if you dedicate yourself, work hard and take synthetic testosterone, you can achieve the impossible (as long as the impossible requires the strength of a rhinoceros).

Also in that year Hutchinson Community College got a young professor named Ryan Diehl, now Dr. Ryan Diehl.

Diehl came to HutchCC as an English professor before shifting to Curriculum and Program Improvement Coordinator in 2013. This year, he has re-entered the academic arena of the classroom.

“Similar to many others, 2020 provided much time for reflection about my life,” Diehl said, “I also had finished my doctoral work in April 2020 and was contemplating what my next step should be. Ultimately, I felt my strengths were closely tied to working

The happenings around campus

College Student Weather Report Friday High: 91; Low 65 Remember last week? That was nice...

Saturday High: 97; Low 63 Unacceptable, I already bought pumpkins.

Sunday High: 83; Low 55 Shorts by day, long underwear by night.

Weather source: accuweather.com

with students.”

He also serves as Honors Program Coordinator, which has allowed him to spend some time in the classroom, but up until this year he has primarily served as the Curriculum and Program Improvement Coordinator.

“My previous position led to my getting to work with many wonderful people across the institution,” Diehl said, “What I miss most is working closely with them, which I don’t do as much now that I am back in my faculty role.”

His appreciation and praise of both the students and faculty underscores a certain zealous enthusiasm that has made him a rather magnetic character on campus. This was further highlighted by his encouragement of students to enroll in his future classes.

“I taught EN214H Honors Introduction to Cultural Studies: Fairy Tales, which on a side note I am teaching this coming semester and it still has openings,” Diehl said. “I will also be teaching Intro to Political Science in the spring for the first time.”

Diehl said his political science class still has seats for the spring Along with the opportunity to join his second semester classes he wants to make sure that everyone knows his old shoes have been thoroughly filled.

“The new Curriculum and Program Improvement Coordinator is Jess Fortner, and she is fantastic.” Diehl said. “Without a doubt, my previous work responsibilities are in very good hands.”

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Opinion

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Esports evolution

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, October 8, 2021

Ghost haunting season is upon us

Over the years, Esports have become one of the most popular competitive entertainment venues in the world.

Even with its staggering viewing numbers, it still hasn’t gained the respect it deserves as an actual sport. Most of this doubt comes from older generations, as 62% of viewers are from ages 16 to 34. I believe that this is due to older people not having a point of reference for how difficult professional gaming is. If I was to sit down with my parents and show them some Esports highlights like Jstn’s beautiful flip resets in the Rocket League Championship Series playoffs or an amazing flick triple from Shroud in his Counter Strike Global Offensive days, they wouldn’t even understand what they were seeing.

However, for me and anybody else that has ever tried to play these tough games, we see a beauty, a mental feat, something that few people in the world are able to pull off in environments where the pressure is on.

It’s much more than some guys pressing some buttons and having fun. These teams train and put in the work for their craft just as much as any professional athlete, and I’m tired of people downplaying the skill of these athletes.

Viewership is also taking major leaps, especially after the Covid pandemic. Although most Esport competitions were shut down, most of these athletes started streaming. This led to many players gaining a much more personal fan base and letting these players market themselves, much like we see in traditional sports.

RLCS is probably the best example of where Esports is going. These tournaments can rack in up to 250,000 viewers at a time, and with prize pools up to $500,000.

RLCS is also very good about packing in Colton Fast crowds into arenas and making the games feel more lively, as the fans start chants and get pretty loud whenever something crazy goes on.

Maybe you don’t necessarily like Rocket League though and reading that was a waste.

There are plenty of other games and leagues out there that have great presentation and players from across the world. As Esports is still a relatively newer sport and is trying to grow in popularity and how it’s displayed to its viewers, it will continue to grow and evolve before our eyes just like how it has already.

All I ask from people is that you accept this new world of entertainment. Modernization continues, with or without you.

Columnist

Colton Fast is a Nickerson freshman studying journalism. He is a member of the HutchCC Esports team.

E. G. Weinhoffer/Cartoonist

Disconnected and distraught

Oct. 6, 2021 is a day that will go down in history. It was on this day that the world came to a near end, almost as close as we came in 2012.

That’s right folks. Oct. 6, 2021 is the day that three popular social media platforms - Facebook, and Facebook-owned Instagram and WhatsApp - collapsed ... for a few hours.

Try not to get too emotional over the memories. It was a tough day, but we made it.

Of course I’m kidding, but the fact that this made international news blows my mind.

We are a generation so fully dependent on our mobile devices that when a couple of apps crash, our lives go haywire. We don’t know what to do with ourselves anymore.

I can’t mindlessly scroll Facebook for a few hours?

I can’t check the likes on my latest Instagram post?

There are nearly 2 million apps on the Apple app store right now. Three out of two million, and the universe might as well have collapsed.

It’s so sad to me that we are so attached to our devices. I understand we’ve been in a global pandemic for over a year. We’ve had no choice but to depend on social media to connect with loved ones in order to keep ourselves safe.

But where do we draw the line?

I see it every day working in the pharmacy, and it’s so frustrating. A customer will be standing in line waiting to pick up their medication and be so focused on their phone that they don’t see it’s their turn.

I’ve even had customers sitting at the drive-thru window, giving me the hand, making me wait for them to finish their phone call before I can get their medication and help the other six people in line behind them.

Our time clock is on the opposite side of the store from the pharmacy. On my walk from clocking in or going to clock-out I nearly get ran over by someone pushing a cart because they’re so engulfed with whatever is on their phone.

I’m not going to try and pretend I’m not guilty of this, because I definitely am. It’s something I’m trying to be better about, and you should too.

Put the devices away.

Laci Sutton Spend some time with your family. Visit a friend.

Go to a football game, go for a walk, or maybe pick up a copy of your favorite student publication.

Do something that doesn’t involve a “like” or a comment section.

Look up and see the beautiful world around you.

Columnist

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

Enough is enough for these shootings

*Trigger warning: gun violence and blood* On the night of Sunday, Oct. 1, 2017, in Las Vegas, the Route 91 country music festival was coming to a close. Jason Aldean was finishing up his performance when Stephen Paddock opened fire from a neighboring hotel, injuring more than 600 people, and killing 58.

I was in my room, trying to fall asleep to get ready for another day of my sophomore year. I lived in Vegas at the time, and had lived there since I was 8-years old.

After tossing and turning, I went on Twitter because sleep seemed to escape me. On the trending page, “Las Vegas,” was one of the top trends.

I remember thinking, “That’s strange, what could possibly be hap-

pening to be worthy of a freshing my feed, more trending spot?” reported casualties, When I went to find refreshing my feed, muout, I felt my body freeze tuals praying for their and the color drain out of mutuals who were there my face. and still hadn’t said that Reports of active shootthey were OK, refreshers around Mandalay Bay ing my feed, more and the festival, videos videos and pictures. of people running toward I finally fell asleep, the Tropicana covered in and in the morning my blood, tweet after tweet mother knocked on my Aubreigh Heck of people on the scene door with a grim look begging for help. on her face.

I immediately went to start tweetNumbly, I got ready for school. ing as well, with one of my tweets On the way there, I remember from 11:12 p.m. on Oct. 1 saying, “I looking at the beautiful sunrise over am sick to my stomach right now, if the strip, and thinking to myself, you are on the strip PLEASE evac“Does the sun know? Does it know uate there are active shooters by it’s shining so brightly over a dark Mandalay Bay. Please stay safe.” cloud that’s covering the city?”

The night went on like that, reAs more information came out,

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Columnist

Collegian Staff Editor In Chief Brooke Greene Opinion Page Editor Laci Sutton Sports Editor Joel Muhs Audio Editor Zariah Perilla-Best Online Editor Aubreigh Heck

Social Media Coordinator Jayshaun Jones Editorial cartoonist E. G. Weinhoffer Staff members Cole Deutschendorf, Colton Fast, Savannah Goode, Leslie Grajeda, Connor Keating, Braedon Martin, Danae Moser, Sarah Newberry, Collin Shields, Ben Short, Shelby Spreier, Brendan Ulmer Collegian Adviser Brad Hallier

www.HutchCollegian.com

the angrier I got. Stephen Paddock acquired all of his guns and tools he used in a legal fashion. Why in the world should that be allowed?

Why does someone need that many guns? Could all of this have been prevented if he wasn’t allowed such a copious amount of firearms?

From then on, I became an advocate for stricter gun laws. Thoughts and prayers may bring some level of comfort, but they can’t bring the dead back to life.

When the fourth anniversary of One October passed last Friday, it reminded me. We need stricter gun laws, for Sandy Hook, for Parkland, for Vegas, and for so many more useless tragedies.

Aubreigh Heck is a Las Vegas sophomore studying journalism. She is the Collegian online 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: Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 1300 N. Plum Hutchinson, KS 67501 (620) 665-3500 equity@hutchcc.edu (www.hutchcc.edu/equity)

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, October 8, 2021

Campus

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Finally, a break for Blue Dragons

By Connor Keating Staff writer

Last year, Hutchinson Community College students were treated to an extended winter and summer break, though it came at the cost of the normally-scheduled fall and spring break.

Due to COVID, it had been decided to not have a fall and spring break, in order to keep students and staff from traveling, in effort to reduce the chances of potential cases. However there was an extension to the breaks between semesters.

“Winter break felt like it almost was too long,” said Aaron Geissinger, Abilene sophomore. “Summer break as well, so like spacing them out is kind of nice. Everybody would love a longer winter break or summer break, that’s what everybody wants, but in practice, you’re out there, you get out of your flow, you get out of your routine, and after a while you’re kind of like, OK when’s the next step gonna happen? When is stuff gonna happen again? When do I get to see my friends again?’

So I remember Christmas break was just way too long. I mean after a while it was just like, OK let me get back into the flow of things’.”

However, this year,

things are back to normal with a fall break on Oct. 15, and spring break March 14-18.

“Spring break will be nice because it’s a nice break through the semester, kind of like being able to alleviate some of the pressure,” said Cody Flax, Culver sophomore. “As far as fall break, we’re getting here in October, that’s a waste of time. I’d rather be in class than just take one day off.”

Despite winter and summer break being shorter, it seems some of the sophomores are happy that the semesters will be broken up more this time around.

“Honestly, it’s going to be a lot better with break, because last year, I remember it was just kind of like go all the way. Go all in,” Geissinger said.

“So we were just going to go all the way, no breaks till the end. In theory it’s a better idea because, yeah, you get more off time, but in practice, it’s just rough because then at a certain point you just wanna go home. So I remember last semester, about like maybe March, or something like that, that was where everybody was at. Everybody wanted to go home, me included, but we stuck it through.”

“Mystical Sunrise” by SØ JORD is licensed with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.0/

Spooky season has arrived

By Jayshaun Jones Staff writer

It’s official – spooky season is upon us.

Everybody knows that as soon as October hits, it’s time to break out the jack-o-lanterns, costumes (provocative or innocent), and buy all of the candy that you can find from your local store. But other than all of that what does this season bring in terms of fun? Here are a few things you can try to make the most out of the Halloween season.

Halloween Events at Worlds of Fun Of course, Worlds of Fun, located in Kansas City, Mo., was going to be on this list. Who doesn’t love roller coasters and good food? Plus, when it hits a certain time all the fun begins.

You’ll hear scary theme park music and start seeing different characters walking around trying to scare people. The most fun actually lies within the haunted houses though. If you like awesome jump scares and strobe lights with either giant men or very scary little hobbits, then Worlds of Fun is the place during the spooky season.

Forest of Terror Located in Wichita, the Forest of Terror is another amusement park/haunted house venue for all ages. It is widely regarded in the Wichita area as

one of the top Halloween spots to partake in. It is the only haunted forest in Kansas, thus making it a must-see venue in all aspects of scary.

Kyle Kilgore’s Private Party If you are a fan of good music then this private party is what you are looking for. Located in Partridge, located 12 miles southwest of Hutchinson, you will have to pay for admission but it is well worth the money. Kyle Kilgore is a fresh face in the country music scene. Going to this show gives people the golden opportunity of finding out about an artist before he gets “big”. Imagine driving down a country road and your buddy is on aux, you will be able to successfully request a song and put your friend onto some great music that not a lot of people have heard yet. Truly one of the most empowering feelings you can experience. It also doubles as a spectacular date for all the couples out there. Who doesn’t love good country music after all?

‘Boo’seum Spooky Walk Ghosts from Reno County’s past are haunting the Reno County Museum on October 21, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. If you catch them they will be handing out free treats, take that Ghost Busters.

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, October 8, 2021

Campus

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At Night!

By Brooke Greene Editor in Chief

Balancing work and school is a trying task.

School alone can be considered a job. Attendance, homework, assemblies and activities, all keep a student busy.

After a school day, many students are off to clock in somewhere.

With most in-person college classes being relatively early in the day, this forces working students to accept jobs with late shifts. This is the easiest way to make both tasks work. Both necessities can co-exist this way. However, that leads to stressful days and even later nights or

early mornings of homework.

“Most of my late-night shifts are floorsets where we’re just rearranging the product. These shifts are already scheduled to go until 11 p.m., but our manager does not want us to leave until everything is done, which can lead to staying past midnight,” said Mason Wood, Hutchinson, an employee at Bath and Body Works. “It can get really frustrating when there aren’t enough people scheduled to get everything done in the allotted time. That makes everyone working frustrated because we all just want to get home.

Overall, I don’t mind it

though. It’s nice to get a decent chunk of hours during a time where there are no customers in the store.”

Little is worse for college students than a work shift that’s gone over your shift’s scheduled time. Plans get pushed back, due dates might be hard to make, obtaining some sense of balance takes practice. Routines are a saving grace to students with this lifestyle.

Factoring in a social life is also important but rather difficult to achieve when school occupies the mornings, homework fills the afternoons, and work fills the evenings.

“You have to think so much ahead of time for

everything, you have to plan your whole day the day before or even multiple days before to make sure you have time for everything to get done,” said Hailey Greene, Hutchinson, an employee for J&J Cleaning Services. “It’s a lot of stress, worry, tears, and headaches, but we’re working towards a goal that we are determined to complete and persistent to keep working for. School was our choice to hopefully better our futures, but we also have to work hard, to sustain ourselves at the same time. Which means late evenings at strenuous jobs, but the harder the job the more money you make.”

She describes her life as she and her boyfriend both balance late night jobs and school while living on their own as freshmen in college.

“You have to find a balance between school, work, homework, and sleep,” she said. “And it’s tricky, and a long process. you have to be dedicated and strong. I like to plan my days ahead of time and plan to wake up early for school, get to class, then give myself three hours after school to go to the tutor and study. Then I normally work from 4-11 or midnight, get home, do homework, eat dinner, forget the shower

and snooze, and do it all over again trying not to fall apart.”

This busy lifestyle can also be hard on one’s mental health. With free time being such a sacred event, most choose to take a nap or watch their favorite TV show, as social outings might be even more tiring or stressful.

Flexibility in work places and class is the most comforting thing to a student with a job, or even two.

As students continue the slow and steady race to the end of this semester, students will keep working hard to better their lives with paychecks and degrees.

Scenes from homecoming rally Photos by Shelby Spreier/Collegian

Duke the Dragon and Dragon Doll squad member Kaytlynn Godsey celebrate advacing to the final round of the homecoming vote on Wednesday at Gowans Stadium.

Members of the HutchCC cheer squad and Dragon Dolls perform a dance during Wednesday’s homecoming pep rally at Gowans Stadium.

Hutchinson Community College students take in the homecoming pep rally on Wednesday at Gowans Stadium. This will be the college’s first homecoming since 2019 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Hutchinson Community College football players Demeco Roland (right) and Marquez Partee-Crump address the crowd during Wednesday’s homecoming pep rally.

Campus

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, October 8, 2021

Roundup: Football wins at Garden

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The Hutchinson Community College football team picked up a huge win last weekend, taking down the eighth-ranked Garden City Broncbusters at Garden City. The Blue Dragons rallied in the fourth quarter, being down 16-10 with 13:55 left in the game before scoring 14 unanswered points to win 24-16.

The game was highlighted by running back Anwar Lewis, who tallied his second consecutive game with over 200 all-purpose yards, including 162 rushing yards and 33 receiving yards, and quarterback Dylan Laible, who was 14-31 for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

The Blue Dragon defense used the bend-but-don’t-break philosophy, as they allowed nearly 400 yards but only gave up 16 points. Linebacker Martavius French had a career high 15 tackles. Linebacker R.J. Evans iced the game, sacking Garden City quarterback Rhett Ricedorff for a 12-yard loss to put the game out of reach.

Blue Dragons move to 2-2, and will play the #3 ranked team Independence this upcoming Saturday.

Men’s Golf - The men’s golf team placed fourth at a NCAA Division 2 heavy tournament, led by All-American sophomore Ben Partridge. Partridge finished 1-under par to finish second place individually.

The Blue Dragons, currently ranked No. 1 in the NJCAA, were tied for the highest NJCAA finishers in the tournament alongside Garden City. This tournament ended the Blue Dragons seven-tournament win streak, which was the longest in school history.

Harry Crockett was the other top20 finisher in the tournament, finishing at 14th along with five other players. Dominic Clemons tied for 40th place, and Blake Saffel finished 43rd.

The Blue Dragons are back in action in Texas next week for the Midwest State Fall Invitational in Wichita Falls, Texas on Monday and Tuesday.

Volleyball - The volleyball team came from behind to beat both Cloud County and Highland, coming down from two sets to Cloud County, eventually winning in five sets, and overcoming a one set deficit to beat Highland in four sets.

Against Cloud County, the Blue

Covid

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S.C. He now is committed to Football Bowl Subdivision Buffalo, where he’s continuing his football career.

Another Blue Dragon athlete who saw the advantages from the Covid year was cross country runner Andrew Holt.

Holt is from Lago Vista, Texas. Out of high school, he had a few junior college offers but

Dragons tallied a season-high 12 blocks, their second highest block count in a single match this season.

The first two sets were tightly contested, with Cloud County winning 25-21 and 25-23. The Blue Dragons rallied from down 22-20 in the third set and never looked back, winning the next three sets 25-23, 25-16, 159. They were led by Chloe Conway, who headed the team with six blocks of her own.

Highland, which was ranked No. 7 in NCAA Division 2, took the first set from the Blue Dragons in a dominant fashion, 25-14. HutchCC proceeded to take the next three sets, 25-22, 2522, 25-15. Melina Christodoulou had 12 kills, and Sophie Connor added nine of her own. Captain Kristina Head added another eight kills.

Men’s cross country - The men’s cross country team continued its strong season, as Andrew Holt, Camilo Turin and Aaron Gessinger all posted career-low 8,000 meter times.

This contributed to the Blue Dragons finishing fourth at the Region 6 Preview on Saturday at Meadow Lake Golf Course in Colby.

HutchCC had three runners place in the Top 20, headed by freshman Collin Oswalt, who finished in the Top 10.

This was the second race in a row where Holt has posted a personal record, finishing in 16th place with a time of 26:44.6. Geissinger also had his second consecutive race with a PR, coming in 31st place with a time of 28:05.8.

The Blue Dragons travel to the Fort Hays State Tiger open next Saturday in Victoria.

Women’s cross country - The women’s cross country team also had a strong showing, finishing third in the Region 6 Preview. They were led by sophomore All-American Louise Cocking, who placed fifth-place with a time of 19:28.21. This was the third time this season and seventh time of her career in which she placed in the Top 5.

Anastasia Mayer was the second Blue Dragon to cross the finish line, finishing with a time of 21:11.59.

Sophomore Noelle Higaldo placed 34th at 21:47.68, and freshman Sydney Grauer was 40th with a time of 22:24.05.

The Blue Dragons travel to the Fort Hays State Tiger open next Saturday in Victoria.

also had some interest from Division 1 Stephen F. Austin.

He decided to come to Hutchinson. but his freshman year was affected by Covid-19.

“I missed a lot of my freshman year to injuries and Covid,” Holt said.

“But my sophomore year, I actually had a really bad reaction to getting Covid and ended up not being able to run for about six months, so I didn’t really get any offers and I didn’t know

where else to go, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity to come back.”

But health issues weren’t all that brought him back to Hutchinson.

“My brother is a freshman this year, so I get to go to school with him,” Holt said. “So it all kinda worked out.”

Holt plans to continue his running career at a four-year college and hopes when the indoor track season starts, he will get more offers.

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Photo by HutchCC Sports Information Russell Wilkey runs toward the end zone to score a touchdown at a game earlier this season.

By Cole Deutschendorf Staff Writer

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Photo by HutchCC Sports Information Hutchinson Community College golf coach Chris Young watches the action at the NJCAA Championships in May.

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“I think it’s joyful for me, I think it’s

fun for the community and it’s fun for our school,” Young said. “We’re not one of the major sports, but I think everybody kind of knows where we’re at.

We’re just kind of enjoying it right now.

Sports

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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, October 8, 2021

Athlete of the week

(Sept. 26-Oct. 2) Martavius French, Football

Photo by HutchCC Sports Information The HutchCC golf team takes photos after winning the 2021 NJCAA national championship.

Blue Dragons to dream team: HutchCC golf continues impressive stretch

By Joel Muhs Sports Editor

It’s been 29 years since the iconic 1992 Olympic men’s basketball Dream Team has been in the spotlight, but Hutchinson Community College has developed a dream of their own, except this goaround it’s out on the links instead of the court.

The HutchCC golf team is in rarified air and has come into the 2021-2022 season with plenty of momentum and motivation after winning seven of their last eight tournaments dating back to last season, which has earned the Blue Dragons a dream-team type status.

“A dream team,” HutchCC golf coach Chris Young said with a laugh about the Dream Team comparison. “Well first of all, they’re just good golfers. The caliber of golfers I have on my team right now is maybe a little bit better than we’ve had in the past. It’s one of those things where they are all on the same level and they push each other to practice hard.”

The Blue Dragons return a star-studded roster from the prior season, and even though there is plenty of firepower throughout the roster, the chemistry remains intact and allows HutchCC to compete at the highest level.

“I think it’s mainly to do with team chemistry,” sophomore HutchCC golfer Harry Crockett said. “It’s just so strong, especially from last year. Obviously we got quite a few guys from last year going into this year, so

we still got that team chemistry there and they’ve just kind of molded the new guys in.”

After winning the school’s first national golf title to end last season, HutchCC returns valuable leadership with sophomores Ben Partridge and Crockett, who both earned NJCAA first-team All-American at the end of last season and look to repeat as champions once more.

“It’s very helpful for a coach anytime you have kids back that were really good last year and they know how to teach the kids how to do things the right way,” Young said.

“Coach can maybe take a backseat and let the kids handle things more than having to get involved in certain situations.”

HutchCC has enjoyed a plethora of success over the past two seasons, which has led to lofty expectations coming into the new season.

“Obviously there’s a little bit of pressure there, but I don’t think we’re thinking about that to be honest,” Crockett said about repeating as national champions.

“We’re just going to go out and play golf and try and do our best and see what happens. As long as we do the right things on and off the golf course, then we should be alright.”

Much like the 1992 Dream Team, the Blue Dragons have been dominant over the past two seasons, which included the seven-straight tournament victories. Although Young is 22 seasons deep into his tenure as the HutchCC golf coach, this Blue Dragon team ranks among the top he’s seen during

his time in NJCAA golf.

“I’d say that they’ve got to be one of the top three-five teams that I’ve seen over the years,” Young said. “I think there’s been a couple times in those 22 years that teams have won it back-toback. I think Odessa did it once and I think McLennan did it once, and maybe Indian Hills. It’s one of the better teams I’ve seen. Last (season) at the national tournament, we never trailed, and I don’t know if that’s ever happened, somebody leading wire-to-wire.”

Although the talent level might not measure up to the 1992 Dream Team, the HutchCC golf team has reached new heights over the past two seasons. However, Young said it’s not always as smooth as the Blue Dragon’s record may suggest.

“You’d think it would be all rainbows and butterflies, but sometimes it’s not,” Young said. “You still get stressed out, and they still don’t do everything the way you’d want them to do it, on and off the course. It’s a lot of teaching still, but it’s also you’re maybe having a little more talented crew than maybe you’ve had 10 years ago.”

The 1992 Dream Team rightfully earned their respect, which firmly placed them as the top basketball team in history. Although the HutchCC golf team may not last two minutes on the court with Michael Jordan and company, the Blue Dragons have earned respect not only on the golf course, but within their school and community as well.

See Sports, Page 5

The week: French had a huge game in helping lead the Blue Dragons to a 2416 win at then-No. French 8 Garden City, the biggest win so far this season for the reigning NJCAA champion.

French was in on a team-high 13 tackles, including a team-best six solo.

He had one of the three Blue Dragon quarterback sacks, which resulted in a loss of 2 yards.

The season: French, a freshman linebacker from Memphis had his best game against Garden City but has been a regular this season. He has 26 tackles, including 11 solo. He has acquired 1.5 quarterback sacks, which have led to a loss of 6 yards.

Overall, French has two tackles for a loss of ards, and one pass breakup.

His previous best game had been in a loss to Butler when he had five tackles and a half sack. Before Saturday, French had 13 tackles, meaning he doubled his season total against Garden City.

NFL Roundup: KC pumps brakes on dynasty Fall is back, and with it comes some of my favorite things in life. Hoodie weather, Thanksgiving, and most importantly, football.

We are now essentially a quarter of the way done with the NFL season. Inevitably, there have been some narratives and overreactions about certain teams thus far, and today we will discuss whether or not they have any validity to them.

Are the Cole Deutschendorf Los Angeles

Columnist

Rams an NFC powerhouse?

The Los Angeles Rams were a topic of conversation throughout the offseason, as they added longtime Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford to their team in an effort to take the leap they were lacking with Jared Goff.

Through three weeks, it appeared that Stafford was the change they needed, with a high-powered offense, and a defense highlighted by two All-Pro players, Jalen Ramsey and Aaron Donald.

Last week, however, they took a step backward, being handled relatively easily by the Arizona Cardinals. Despite that loss, I still think that the Rams are a serious contender in the NFC. My verdict: True Are the Kansas City Chiefs done contending for titles already?

After two early losses, due to both the absence of a defense and the of-

fense forgetting how to hold on to the ball at times, the Kansas City Chiefs were written off by many people around the league and in the media.

Despite those two losses, I believe that they still have a chance to run it back and reach a third straight Super Bowl, mostly because of the great equalizer, quarterback Patrick Mahomes. As long as they have Mahomes at the helm of the offense, the Chiefs will be in contention for titles.

My verdict: False Worst quarterback class in the last five years?

The rookie quarterbacks have not looked great through four weeks of the NFL season. Zach Wilson (New York Jets), Mac Jones (New England Patriots), Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars), and Justin

Fields (Chicago Bears) have looked somewhat disappointing thus far into the season. They have a combined record of 3-11, and have struggled at times. That being said, this past week they showed a lot of potential, with Jones nearly knocking off the Tom Brady-led Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Wilson getting his first NFL win over the Titans. I have faith in these quarterbacks, and I think that they will continue to grow as the season progresses.

My verdict: False Narratives build throughout the season, whether it’s about rookie quarterbacks or new contenders. It will surely be interesting to see how this season plays out.

Cole Deutschendorf is a Newton sophomore studying journalism.

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

Cross country

Sept. 3, TERRY MASTERSON TWILIGHT CLASSIC Sept. 18, at Muthama-Rodgers Invitational, North Newton, 10:45 p.m.

Oct. 2, at Chili Pepper Classic, Fayetteville Ark. Oct. 9, at Fort Hays State Tiger Open, Victoria, 9:45 p.m.

Oct. 30, at Region 6 championships, Colby Nov. 13, at NJCAA Championships, Richmond, Va.

Football

Sept. 4, at Coffeyville, L 17-10 Sept. 11, BUTLER, L 43-23 Sept. 25, FORT SCOTT, W 55-6 Oct. 2, at Garden City, W 24-16 Oct. 9, INDEPENDENCE, noon Oct. 16, at Highland, TBA Oct. 23, at Dodge City, 1 p.m.

Oct. 30, first-round playoffs, TBA

Golf

Sept. 27-28, at Missouri Southern Fall Invitational, Monkey Island, Okla., tied first Oct. 4-5, at West Texas A&M, Amarillo, Texas Oct. 11-12, at Midwestern State Fall Classic, Wichita Falls, Texas Nov. 4-5, at NJCAA National Preview, Odessa, Texas

Soccer

Aug. 20, at Western Wyoming, W 1-0 Sept. 1, at Barton, L 2-1 Sept. 4, JOHNSON COUNTY, L 1-0 Sept. 8, at Garden City, W 2-0 Sept. 11, at Butler, L 5-0 Sept. 15, COWLEY, L 4-2 Sept. 18, at Coffeyville, W 2-1 Sept. 22, at Dodge City, W 4-2 Oct. 2, at Neosho County, ppd

Oct. 6, BARTON, T 0-0 Oct. 9, KANSAS CITY, 2 p.m.

Oct. 13, GARDEN CITY, 6 p.m.

Oct. 16, at Cowley, 2 p.m.

Oct. 20, DODGE CITY, 6 p.m.

Volleyball

Aug. 23, OTTAWA JV, W 3-1 Sept. 1, CLOUD COUNTY, W 3-2 Sept. 3, at McCook, Neb., Tournament; vs. Otero, Colo, W 3-0; vs. North Platte, Neb., W 3-2 Sept. 4, at McCook, Neb., Tournament, vs.

McCook, L 3-1; vs. Iowa Western, L 3-0 Sept. 6, at Butler, L 3-0 Sept. 8, GARDEN CITY, W 3-0 Sept. 10, at Grizzly Classic, El Dorado; vs.Neosho County, W 3-2; vs. Rose State, Okla., W 3-0 Sept. 11, at Grizzly Classic, El Dorado, vs.

Trinity Valley, Texas, L 3-1 Sept. 13, at Colby, L 3-1

Sept. 15, DODGE CITY, L 3-1 Sept. 17, BLUE DRAGON CLASSIC; vs. Trinity Valley, W 3-0; vs. Jefferson, Mo., W 3-1 Sept. 18, BLUE DRAGON CLASSIC, vs. Laramie County, Wyo., W 3-0; vs. Missouri StateWest Plains, L 3-0 Sept. 20, at Garden City, W 3-0 Sept. 22, PRATT, W 3-0 Sept. 24, at Barton, L 3-1 Sept. 28, at Seward County, L 3-0 Oct. 2, at Cloud County, W 3-2; vs. Highland, W 3-1 Oct. 6, SEWARD COUNTY, L 3-0 Oct. 8-9, at Missouri State-West Plains Oct. 13, COLBY, 6 p.m.

Oct. 15, at Mineral Area Triangular Oct. 18, at Dodge City, 6:30 p.m.

Oct. 20, BUTLER, 6 p.m.

Oct. 23, at Pratt, 2 p.m.

Oct. 27, BARTON, 6 p.m.