Sept. 18, 2020 Hutchinson Collegian

The student voice of Hutchinson Community College

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September 18, 2020

pinion

Freshman year of college can be a struggle. Column

by Zariah Perila-Best.

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www.hutchcollegian.com

ampus

New photos from the 19th anniversery ceremony of 9/11 at the Fire Science building. Page 3

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Vol. 62 Issue 3

ports

Hutchinson Community College alumnus James “Papi” Conley steps in as assistant men’s basketball coach. Page 6

Through the eyes of law enforcement

By Sam Bailey Editor in Chief

Photo by KJ Ryan/Photo Editor Sheldon Stewart, Criminal Justice and Police Science instructor at Hutchinson Community College teaches one of his classes.

No story is easy to tell. This one might be even harder.

In 2020, the United States has been through everything - from murder hornets to a pandemic to the rise of creativity among people living in the modern world.

One of the more notable things to happen in 2020 was the rapid rise of the Black Lives Matter movement.

There are multiple sides to every argument, and everyone has their opinion.

When it comes to Black Lives Matter, it seems to be those who support the cause and those who don’t.

For many Black Lives Matter supporters, law enforcement may tend to fall in the latter category.

Sheldon Stewart, Criminal Justice and Police Science instructor at Hutchinson Community College, has been teaching future police officers at HutchCC for seven years. Stewart is a retired sheriff’s officer, as he spent 25 years in the force.

The discussion of Black Lives Matter in relation to the police has been an ongoing discussion in Stewart’s class.

“I support any organization that is about rights and is about change- good change,” Stewart said.

One of the major topics involved in the recent movement is whether or not the police need to be defunded.

“I am hesitant to support defunding the police,” said Stewart, “Not because I’m a police officer, but for other

reasons. One of those reasons is since the beginning of recorded time, we’ve always had people who want to hurt other people. There’s always a need for law enforcement, and the protection of citizens in our society.”

Protecting people from those who want to hurt others is why some HutchCC students want to study law enforcement.

Hutchinson sophomore Ashley Garcia is studying to become a police officer.

“I want to help people to the best of my abilities in any situation possible.

I want to be there for my community, and the people within it,” said Garcia.

While many of these officers go into the force to help people, no system is without error.

The recent killing of George Floyd has sparked worldwide protests and has brought people’s attention to the need for more police training.

When asked about what training said in relation to how the situation with Floyd played out, Stewart said, “In the attempt to gain compliance or get a person under control would a knee possibly be put on the back and the neck? Sure. The length of time that it’s in there? That’s where it starts to get a little ... maybe not.”

Stewart said that in the end, the amount of time the officer can keep their knee on an individual in this position is a judgement call. There is nothing set in stone that gives a specific amount of time in which this act is See Police, Page 4

October of openings

Photo by Emily Branson/Photo Editor The Hutchinson Community College cafeteria is due to open by Oct. 1 after a year’s worth of construction.

By Brooke Greene Staff Writer

Students at Hutchinson Community College have endured a school year’s worth of construction and limited parking as everyone awaits the arrival of the new cafeteria inside Parker Student Union.

While the result is expected to be worth the wait, the construction continues, which has taken away a few rows of valuable prime parking spaces.

With high hopes to catch a spot back in that first row of parking in front of Lockman Hall and ambition to be in and out of the lunch line, this could be a positive occurrence for everyone.

Julie Blanton, HutchCC Vice President of Finance and Operations, manages to shed some light on where the progress of the union lies.

“The college’s dining hall has not had a major renovation since it was built in the 1960’s. Students were still lining up

Upcoming events Sept. 18-19 — Food and merchandise vendors are at the State Fair grounds 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Sept. 24-26 — The Pandemic Plays on live stream Oct. 5 — CSU-Pueblo Fall Classic golf tournament at Pueblo, CO

in a single file line to be served, and the hot-meal offerings were limited due to size and service constraints,” Blanton said. “The new facility will allow for ‘scramble style’ serving, where patrons will be able to choose from a number of hot-food service stations during each meal time.

“Students will also have access to cold-food stations like cereal and milk, salad, and deli fixings all throughout the day. The new facility will have

The happenings around campus

College Student Weather Report Friday High: 82; Low 53 Nature is mocking you while you’re stuck at work Saturday High: 81; Low 56 Go outside for once Sunday High: 81; Low 55 Annoying jacket carrying weather

Weather source: The Weather Channel

an updated, upscale decor, and will include a convenience store style area where all items can be purchased individually and be eaten on the go.”

The planning for the renovations took a year to complete, with an additional year tacked on for the construction, and all was made possible with a budget of $5.5 million. The 12,000-square-foot basement renovation also includes See Union, Page 4

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Opinion

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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, September 18, 2020

2020... that’s it... that’s the tweet

Our view College students are harked on every election year to get out and vote, and, to our credit, we have heeded the call, voting in record numbers for our age group in the past few elections. We must continue the trend, even if we have to hold our noses.

There is some validity to claims that voting doesn’t matter because our votes don’t count, the policy of candidates don’t align with our preferences, and radical change will not happen through any election.

Your individual vote for Joe Biden, Donald Trump, or others won’t mean much because Kansas is a solidly Republican state electorally. However, your vote for state and federal legislators could determine the future of both body politics for a generation. In just this year, several hyper-local elections were determined within a couple of dozen votes.

The bits of progress we can achieve through voting for compromise candidates instead of allowing worse candidates to win makes voting worthwhile.

We are a large voting block that has the power to make meaningful change, even if it is not exactly what we wanted.

We are the most politically-engaged generation, we know what’s going on in the world and how it’s screwing us over, we know the history of student activism and the power it has, we’ve gone into the streets to speak against injustice, and now we can do the same boring thing we’ve done every year - vote.

In the time it took you to read this editorial, you could have registered to vote and requested a mail-in ballot at KSVotes.org.

Don’t let us take up any more of your time.

The General Election is Nov. 4 and the registration deadline is Oct. 13.

More information available at VoteKS.org

Columnist

Zariah Perilla-Best I feel like I’m a great student.

I mean, currently, it may not look like it. I’ve always been a 3.0 GPA-minimum student ever since I was a kid, and now I have a C in a class.

My dream has always been to go to college, and I’ve worked hard to get there. So you could say I take school seriously. But even so, college is on a different level.

Ben Shapiro’s WAP woes Most of us are aware ies in a twist when hearing of the instant cultural pheabout sex. I invite more nomenon that the song songs like this to be writ“WAP” made. ten because the song itself Let’s be honest, the song is catchy but watching the is catchy, vulgar, but lots of reactions of conservatives fun. While stuck in quaranwas much more entertaintine, most of us have been ing than anticipated. hit, day after day, with all Ben Shapiro reviews “WAP” by Cardi B. the chaos happening in Circa 2020 A.D. the world. For a while, the at the song. He tried to claim world seemed totally bleak, but “WAP” by Cardi B has prob- that the song represents modably provided some of the most ern day feminists and “modern women.” It seems like he can’t fun we’ve had in a while.

The song follows the same imagine a woman enjoying sex sort of vulgarity that songs like so much.

Shapiro even went as far to “You Reposted to the Wrong Neighborhood” by Shokk or claim that women who do get “Wasn’t Me” by Shaggy provid- “wet” have a medical condition. ed. However, this song created Sure Ben, I’m sure there is a fire more of a controversy over how in the bedroom, but from the dry Leslie Grajeda vulgar it is than either of the friction you have your poor wife two songs. The reason being - a endure.

The song is meant to do nothwoman is the artist. People like Leslie Grajeda is a Hutchinson ultra-conservative pundit Ben ing more than have fun and insophomore studying journalism Shapiro, who founded Daily- tentionally offend conservatives Wire.com, clutched their pearls like Shapiro, who got their pant-

Columnist

The stresses of being a freshman I mean, I thought I had a great concept of time management until I got into college. Now it’s a constant decision to spend 5-plus hours on homework or have a social life and join clubs.

I’ve also never lost a book until this year. Anyone could tell you that I’m so protective about my books, and somehow I still managed to lose one.

By the way, if you find a literature textbook, let me know.

We’re a month in, and I’m struggling mentally. I constantly want to stay caught up with my school work to the point where I don’t give myself a break. Ever. It’s pretty draining, but I think the decision of if I’m a good student is the amount of dedication you have to finishing it.

So if there’s anyone else who is also struggling in the new environment, I’d say get a planner, take

The Hutchinson Collegian The student voice of Hutchinson Community College

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advantage of the free tutoring, and counselling.

One thing that definitely makes college harder is COVID-19. I feel like many students don’t take it seriously, and that’s why a ton of people end up having to quarantine and might fall behind in school. Going online is the last thing an incoming freshman should really attempt, because it allows the students to fall behind. Online education really needs a motivated student, and a comfortable home environment.

Zoom calls really need good internet and a quiet environment, which isn’t for everyone.

I know it’s hard to consider everyone, but in the grand scheme of things, it could be your life on the line.

Food is also something I didn’t consider. I signed up for all morning classes, expecting to have lunch

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

when I have free time, but between studying at the library and having extracurriculars, I get hungry often.

It’s no wonder ramen is stereotypically a college student’s favorite meal and why the Freshman 15 is a thing. Keeping a good diet and sleep schedule is important for not only mental and physical health, but it’s also important for academics.

Studying is incredibly difficult if I’m eating terrible things, or if I haven’t gotten enough sleep. But that and a ton of other things are easier said than done.

Freshman year is definitely a tough one, but hopefully it gets easier to be a good student.

Zariah Perilla-Best is a freshman general studies major

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, September 18, 2020

Campus

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Photos by KJ Ryan/Photo Editor

In Remembrance

Top: Hutchinson Community College fire science instructor Jeff Deal, a retired McPherson Fire Chief, bows his head during a 9/11 ceremony on Friday, Sept. 11 at the HutchCC Fire Science building. Above: A pair of fire fighter boots is left at the base of a flag pole outside the HutchCC Fire Science building. Right and right below: Students stand at attention during the ceremony. Below left: Fire Science students, from left, Ian Frost, Chandler Van Allen, Josh Calderwood and Mark Stokes. Bottom: HutchCC administration and staff, including President Carter File (right), stand at attention.

By Felix Johnson Digital Content Coordinator

Sept. 11, 2001, will always be a day that lives in the memory of every American.

Our lives were changed forever by those planes crashing into the twin World Trade Center towers in New York, the Pentagon in Washington, and an empty Pennsylvania field.

Most traditional students at Hutchinson Community College do not remember that day. Most of them were infants, toddlers or not born yet, who would never truly understand the weight of that early morning.

Hutchinson Community College fire science instructor Jeff Deal’s words to remind us to never forget what happened had a profound impact on not just the students, but anyone who was at the Friday ceremony at the fire science building.

Four students acted as the Honor Guard for the ceremony, placing a fireman’s uniform at the foot of the flag, which was at half mast. The boots and jackets were a reminder of the lives lost during multiple rescue missions. The uniform was more than enough for attendees to “Never Forget.”

Campus

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, September 18, 2020

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Zoom in on ‘Pandemic Plays’

By Laci Sutton Staff Writer

The media has been loaded with stories about high school and college athletes having their final seasons of their sports taken away due to COVID-19.

Whether their playing got cut short when the pandemic started, or their seasons were cancelled or postponed as the pandemic has drawn on, the athletes have continued to make headlines.

The fine arts have also faced setbacks with their performances.

The theater department at Hutchinson Community College is making the most out of the world’s current situation and has come up with solutions to allow the shows to go on.

Deidre Mattox, the Director of Theater at HutchCC, came up with a way for the students to showcase their hard work and talent while still keeping the performers and the audience safe and healthy.

HutchCC students and alumni have written a series of short plays and monologues about the world’s current situation. The series is being called “The Pandemic Plays”.

“We’re focusing on monologues and staging plays within the Zoom environment, with actors all in separate spaces relating to each other through screens.”

Mattox said.

“The Pandemic Plays” will be streamed live on YouTube for viewers.

Having the performances displayed virtually provides an entirely different experience for both audiences members and the actors.

As with in-person productions, everyone will experience the shows

Union

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a new eSports room, three meeting rooms, and a student recreation area.

As one can tell, HutchCC is about to unveil quite the upgrade.

The inconveniences reign strong to those who relied on the cafeteria or the space provided in the union before the renovations began. Students such as Benjamin Partridge, a freshman from England, have expressed how difficult and annoying it can be as a dorm student to have

Police

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acceptable.

This brings the discussion to the training the police are given.

“We need more training and being able to recognize mental health issues in people and it’s just time and money,” Stewart said.

However, Stewart said this would require new money to come into the system.

“If we defund the police we are defeating the call for more training because training costs money,” Stewart said.

So with all this being said, what can people do if they are being arrested by a police officer?

“Comply with their orders,” said Stewart.

“If they’re handcuffing you, let them handcuff you even if you feel it’s wrong. Do what they ask you to do, so they don’t

differently. Having the productions being presented virtually brings a new kind of uniqueness because none of the cast and crew members will even be in the same room.

Emmalyn Gaeddert is a Goessel freshman at HutchCC acting in “The Pandemic Plays”.

“Not having an actual audience there is going to be something we’re not used to,” Gaeddert said. “We’re not television or film so we don’t have laugh tracks or other audience reactions so when there’s awkward silence where we’re trying to fill in the pick ups, that’s been the most difficult in our show to me.”

Marissa Franz is a Hutchinson freshman also acting in “The Pandemic Plays”.

“Sometimes there’s funny moments where usually the audience laughs, and that’s really difficult to try to space out when there is because we don’t have any kind of audience with us,” Franz said.

For the plays, each cast member is physically by themselves, all while performing and interacting with one another.

Shelby Clark, Sedgwick freshman, is also acting in “The Pandemic Plays”.

This is her first play, with her past performances being musicals. Working on a production has taught all of the actors and actresses a new way of acting.

“For me, I have a lot of stage fright, so it’s almost better for me to be on Zoom,” Clark said. “Because I’m focused on what my cast mates are saying to me and how I should properly respond, rather than being on stage and

to go to the Sports Arena to get lunch almost every day.

“I believe the amount of parking is the correct amount, I always see spots,” Partidge said. I go to the Sports Arena for lunch, even though it’s a little out of the way, but it’s fine as long as it’s temporary. I am excited to see the new student union, as it’s closer and the cafeteria will have more options.”

This renovation was expected to take about a year, and the wait is nearly over. The construction began in the fall semester of 2019, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 1. have to take other actions to take control of you, or feel that you are a threat to them. Then when it’s all said and done, you get to have your day in court, and somewhere down the line, our system is set up that if there’s no need for you to be there, you won’t be there. They’ll let you go.”

Even with this in mind, some people may still feel threatened by the police.

“If they feel comfortable enough, just go up and start a conversation with an officer,” Stewart said.

Stewart said that coming together and having a conversation with all sides is the way to understand each other and move forward.

When asked about the current events surrounding Black Lives Matter, Garcia said, “It has not made me second guess in becoming a police officer.”

Change is never easy, and 2020 has been a year in which this is seen in many different aspects.

Janae DeWeese/HutchCC Marketing

just being scared.”

Technology has its flaws, so it can be expected for these productions to have a few bumps along the way.

“It’s a lot more difficult, because there’s lag which puts spaces between lines where there shouldn’t be and it’s out of our control,” Franz said.

The cast and crew members have worked hard to put these productions

together and express their creativity to viewers.

The content addresses real world, heavy topics.

The Pandemic Plays will be streaming live on YouTube on Sept. 24-26 at 7 p.m.

A link for the livestream will be available on the Hutchinson Community College Theatre Facebook page.

Union Under Construction

Photos by Emily Branson/Photo Editor Construction at Parker Student Union continues. Although it has been under construction for nearly a year, the renovations are nearing complete, and the cafeteria should be open early October.

The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, September 18, 2020

Campus

Political candidates visit HutchCC

By Aaron Strain Opinion Page Editor

A socially distanced and mask-wearing audience listened to political candidates, vying to represent Reno and Kingman counties, during debates Tuesday evening at Stringer Fine Arts Center.

The event, hosted by the Hutch Chamber, discussed a variety of issues facing Kansans, including the response to COVID-19, tax cuts, education funding, and the Kansas State Fair.

Candidates for Kansas Senate District 34, Shanna Henry and Mark Steffen; House Dist. 102, Rep. Jason Probst and John Whitesel; and House Dist.

104, Garth Strand and Rep. Paul Waggoner attended the event. Full coverage of the debate can be found on The Collegian website, and video of the evening on Hutch Chamber’s Facebook page.

Medicaid Expansion: An Affordable Care Act provision that provides federal dollars to state Medicaid programs, to increase public healthcare eligibility for more low-income citizens. Expansion has to be passed by state legislatures to receive the funds, and Kansas has not thus far; though, according to available polls, it is generally supported by Kansans.

Steffen, a Republican, doctor and previous private hospital owner, brought up his counter-arguments to Democratic Party claims.

Expansion is “an Obamacare leftover … it has nothing to do with rural healthcare,” he said. “It creates a pathway for taxpayer money to be spent on abortions.”

In states that have expanded Medicaid, it “has been a fundamental government mistake,” Rep. Waggoner, R-Hutchinson, said.

Expansion “shifts the burden of healthcare onto the Kansas taxpayer,” Whitesel, a Republican said. “It’s targeting the people that can work but don’t work.”

“There are no state monies going to finance abortions, no federal dollars,” Henry, a Democrat, said “That is a fact. The Hyde Amendment takes care of that at the federal level.”

She said that Kansans have been paying taxes into a program they haven’t seen the benefits of. “Our $4.2 billion has gone to all the other states that have expanded,” Henry said. “(Tax money has) not come back to our state to take care of our people.”

Strand, a Democrat, mentioned expansion’s popular support and said “we’re getting stonewalled by the ‘true conservative’ leadership.”

“My definition of ‘Christian values’ prioritizes the poor and the sick,” he said. “Withholding Medicaid is wrong.”

“Medicaid expansion makes it infinitely worse by expanding the number of Kansans on the public medical dole,” Waggoner wrote in a Hutchinson News op-ed.

“I have to wonder if those who object to Medicaid expansion cashed stimulus checks,” Strand said.

“How many of that same group received thousands of dollars, maybe millions, from the payroll protection program, are they on the dole? I’m not sure what the definition of dole is but it depends on who gets the money, I guess.”

Education In 2014, the Kansas Supreme Court ruled that the state unconstitutionally underfunded public schools. Since then, efforts have been made to restore funding to levels in compliance with the state constitution, including the reversal of the Brownback tax experiment in 2017. School funding and related policies are still part of the top debates in the legislature.

“We’ve got way too much money and we’re looking for ways to spend it,” said Whitesel, a Haven School District board member. “We need to make schools compete against each other for those tax dollars.”

Waggoner supports school choice policies, including giving students in low-performing districts to transfer with a scholarship to a different district.

“Our funding is adequate, it provides opportunity for everyone,” Steffen said. State law says that school districts have to spend 60% percent of their budget in the classroom, but almost none of them are, he argued.

“I will put punitive damages on that model,” he said. “if they don’t spend that money on in-class teaching they’ll have to give money back.”

Henry said that education funding should be full, not just adequate, and took issue with his proposal.

“So now we want to have punitive damages towards our schools,” she said. “Who’s going to pay for that? Teachers.”

Probst said educational investment is important because not doing so at the present hurts the future.

“A kid that’s 3-years old today who’s struggling,” Probst said, “is a 23-year-old who’s in the workforce and ill-equipped to navigate life.”

“If you’re thinking about moving to Kansas … and schools are having to sue the state to

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Puzzles

get funded,” Strand said, “I don’t think I’d want to move there.”

Kansas State Fair In a rare moment of bipartisanship, all candidates expressed their personal love for the Fair and wished to see it safely open next year, which may include federal monetary support.

“It’s an institution we cannot afford to lose,” Henry said.

Probst said that during his time in the legislature, he pressured the body to keep the Fair and its revenue in Hutchinson.

“The Fair is possibly the only government agency that makes money and is completely voluntary,” Whitesel said.

If the federal government does not provide support, “I think we should ask Koch Industries to step up and help us,” Strand said. “I understand they didn’t pay any state income tax for five years (under Brownback).”

Taxes and fiscal challenges “Our biggest problem with COVID was our biggest problem before COVID: we spend too much money,” Whitesel said. “We need to cut our budget so that way we can reduce our tax burden so that way we can lower taxes and bring businesses back to Kansas.”

“Companies move their corporations to places people want to live,” Probst said. “The simple concept that tax burden is the only driver of economic activity is a falsehood,” he said. “(Kelly is) getting out in front of her headlights,” Steffen said, “and working for other Democrat governors who try and get money from the federal government to solve the problems. (We will be) able to handle this pretty well.”

Kansas is one of 14 states to charge sales tax on groceries. All candidates supported lowering the tax.

Henry called the tax regressive. “Sales taxes hit hardest the already hardest hit among us,” she said.

“I am very pleased to find a democrat willing to cut taxes,” Steffen said.

Sales tax is high “because it was twice raised by people who now tell you they love lower taxes,” Probst said.

“It was raised to pay for the income tax cuts. The question you need to ask when you hear ‘we want lower taxes’ is: who gets lower taxes? Because 9 times out of 10 it’s not you.”

“Our biggest fiscal challenge is partisan politics,” Strand said.

Successful businesses, and therein governments “do not save their way to prosperity, they invest to it.”

Local restaurants reopening doors

By Kyran Crist Online Editor

After the COVID-19 pandemic handcuffed the world, businesses had to take a different and cautious approach when it came to reopening their doors.

Coffee shops and fast food places, which make a good percentage of their revenue from students looking for a place to hang out with friends or a place to study, had to dive into how to go about reopening, and how to create a safe environment for everyone.

Here’s a look at two local favorites.

Metropolitan Coffee on 1329 E. 17th Ave., has downsized its seating area inside and removed the couches, but added more tables and chairs outside.

Other safety precautions The Metro is taking masks, more frequent sanitation, curbside pick up, and online ordering. Every employee is required to wear a mask, and masks are required for anyone else inside the building until seated at a table. You can also now call in for curbside or place a pick up or curbside order through their Odeko app. The menu and lively environment remain the same.

The Metro closes

at 10 p.m nightly and open 6:30 a.m Monday through Friday, 7 a.m on Saturdays, and 8 a.m on Sundays.

Bogey’s, located at 1718 N. Plum Street, has also downsized the indoor seating to accommodate social-distancing guidelines but added on an outdoor pavilion in early August.

Bogey’s has provided a menu outside so that call-in and online orders through their website can be placed. Bogey’s has opened the dining area with reduced seating.

The salad bar remains closed, and masks are not required for entry.

Hurricane Laura causes concern for Blue Dragon

By Jolene Moore Staff Writer

On Aug. 20, disaster struck the Louisiana coastline when Hurricane Laura made landfall.

Many families are still suffering with the aftermath of Laura, one of those being a part of Hutchinson Community College baseball team.

Hunter Gotreaux (pronounced GOtroe) is a sophomore from Moss Bluff, Louisiana, which is about a 30-minute drive away from the Gulf of Mexico shores. Gotreaux was already in Hutch when Laura struck. Gotreaux said he and his family were ill prepared when the strong winds and heavy rain started, but luckily, his mom made it safely to Houston.

Gotreaux’s dad decided to stay with his house, which suffered roof damage when a tree branch fell. Gotreaux had experienced a hurricane before, but has never seen something like this before.

“I was home for Hurricane Harvey, which was nowhere near as bad as Laura was,” he said. “I was concerned for the well-being of my family, but was relieved when everyone was safe. If we

would have known about the hurricane, then I probably would have stayed down there to help.”

Hurricane Harvey hit Louisiana in 2017. But Gotreaux said that “even though the community will not be the same after Laura, they are slowly Gotreaux but surely rebuilding,” Right now the community is running off a generator, but they have access to clean water and supplies that they might need. But the people of Moss Bluff are used to the unpredictable weather. “(You) can’t predict weather down there sometimes. They say no rain, and then there are floods and sometimes it rains with no clouds,” Gotreaux said.

Gotreaux said he plans to return home during Thanksgiving break and help with whatever he can possibly get his hands on. Even with the crazy weather and unpredictable circumstances, Gotreaux still believes it is the greatest place on earth.

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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, September 18, 2020

Photo courtesy HutchCC Sports Information Hutchinson Community College football coach Drew Dallas speaks to his players at practice. The Blue Dragons will open up their official season on March 26 against Coffeyville Community College at Gowans Stadium.

Dallas continues Blue Dragon legacy

By Adam Kolb Co-Sports Editor

Drew Dallas was the assistant coach and offensive coordinator for the Hutchinson Community College football team last year, but with the departure of Rion Rhoades, he now takes over the spot as the 18th head coach in Blue Dragon football history.

As the offensive coordinator last season, Dallas led the 2019 Blue Dragon offense to a No. 1 ranking in the Jayhawk Conference and a No. 3 ranking in the NJCAA in scoring average at 44.8 points

per game. The team also ranked 10th in the NJCAA in total offense, averaging 419.6 yards per game.

With so much success as an assistant coach and offensive coordinator, Dallas is ready for the next step in being a head Dallas coach. However, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he’ll have to wait a little longer than expected to coach his first game.

“Fortunately, we are scheduled and set to play a spring season, and, currently practicing and working towards that opening game in March,” Dallas said. “It has definitely been a unique challenge with all the uncertainty and fluidity surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, but we are really striving as a program to just be great at what we are tasked to do each day.”

Dallas and the Blue Dragons will make their debut on March 26 at home against Coffeyville.

Even though this is Dallas’ first year as a head coach,

he’s been around coaching for a long time, as his father was a head coach for more than 25 years. Dallas has also been influenced by many other coaches in his career.

“I grew up around it, was raised on a practice field and just really enjoyed the influence and relationships that are built through the coaching profession,” Dallas said. “Every coach I have played for or been around has had some sort of influence on me. You can always learn something from anyone and that is extremely important to embrace in this

profession.”

Dallas also gives a lot of praise to Rhoades, whom he said he feels set high expectations for this team. The Blue Dragons went 10-2 last season with those two losses being by a collective three points.

Dallas said he also plans to add his own twist on the team, while continuing the same things that made Blue Dragon football so successful.

“Our goal is simple,” Dallas said. “Not only will we try and meet those expectations, but find a way to raise those expectations both on the field and in the classroom.”

Conley brings past experience to team

By Bailey Pennycuff Co-Sports Editor

A team equipped with experienced coaches is a crucial advantage. Especially when it comes to Hutchinson Community College assistant men’s basketball coach, James “Papi” Conley, considering a good portion of his experience as a basketball player was spent at HutchCC. “I attended HCC from 20152017, where I played basketball for two years at point guard,” Conley said.

While he was at HutchCC, he and his teammates accomplished much.

Both years with Conley, the Blue Dragons were conference champions. His freshman year, they lost in the NJCAA national championship game, taking home the runner-up trophy. His sophomore year, the team won the 2016-2017 championship.

Conley, a Derby native, is deeply involved in basketball and he has had a profound connection with the sport for years.

“My love of the game began when I was a kid and started playing at the YMCA at the age of 3,” Conley said.

Any coach should have a clear understanding of the team’s overall goals, as well as some of the goals that may be considered meticulous.

“My overall goal as a coach is to help the players become the best version of themselves on the court, better men off the court and most importantly, to ensure they graduate and move on to the next level,” Conley said. “Some goals for the season would be helping players learn the game as much as possible, and also bring back another championship.”

Performance skill is an important

aspect of any sport. However, small details, even outside of the game are pertinent to the team’s success.

Conley makes sure his team is working on the negligible details.

“I help by making sure that the team is going to classes, staying on top of school work, getting up shots during/after practice, and giving them as much information on what it takes to be a winner and a national champion,” Conley said.

Although his love for the game is strong, his drive in life is sparked from a deeper connection.

“My motivation would be my mother,” Conley said. “After winning the national championship here at HCC, my mother passed and she was my biggest fan. She is what still drives me to this day.”

Conley’s combination of drive and experience will be an imperative factor into this year’s season for the Blue Dragons.

Collegian file photo Sophomore James “Papi” Conley goes up for a layup in the 2017 Men’s Basketball National Tournament.

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.

Colorado Oct. 12-13, at Midwestern State Fall Classic, Wichita Falls, Texas Oct. 19-20, at NJCAA National Preview, Lubbock, Texas Oct. 26-27, at Ryan Palmer Classic, Amarillo, Texas

Sept. 19, at Bethel College, 10:45 a.m.

Oct. 3, at Allen County, TBA Oct. 31, Region 6 Championships, at El Dorado, 10 a.m.

Nov. 14, at NJCAA Division 1 Championships, Fort Dodge, Iowa, TBA

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.

Cross country

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

Oct. 5-6, at CSU-Pueblo Fall Classic, Pueblo,

Soccer

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.

Volleyball

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

Jan. 28, PRATT, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30, at Laramie 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.