Homecoming 2016

2 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

Table of Contents 4 Homecoming theme 14 How can you become

and facts 5 Point system 6 Last year’s king and queen 7 Parade floats 8 Rockstar 9 Bear up, dress up 10-11 Man on the Street 12 Football 13 Marathon Day

Royalty?

15 Justin Roux 16 Austin Nolan 17 Jessen Miller 18 Ben Gratza 19 Caleb Hearon 20 Gretchen Entzenberger 21 Kelsey Brenon 22 Kaylee Chappelow and Katie Alexander 23 Tai Thrasher

Standard staff Advertising staff

Nicole Roberts editor-in-chief Rebecca Biundo managing editor Emily Joshu news editor Sarah Teague life editor Wyatt Wheeler sports editor Ryan Welch photo editor Courtney Smith copy editor Sarah Shepard copy editor/reporter

Jenna deJong reporter Nichole Ferguson reporter Danisha Hogue reporter Eric Knifong reporter Spencer Martin columnist Trevor Martin reporter Alec McChesney reporter Sydni Moore reporter Parker Padgett reporter Miranda Roller photographer Chloe Skaar reporter Cortlynn Stark reporter Layne Stracener reporter Nina Todea reporter/photographer Bailey Vassalli reporter/photographer Brian Wright reporter

Reporters/Photographers

Professional staff

The Standard 901 S. National Ave. Springfield, MO 65809 417-836-5272

Alia Aaron reporter Ryan Chaney reporter Maddy Cushman photographer

Jack Dimond faculty adviser Sandy King advertising manager

Standard@MissouriState.edu the-standard.org

Lindsay Daggett sales Tyler Krtek sales Mark Phillips sales Zach LaMarre graphic design Christina Harper office support

Editorial staff

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 is published by The Standard, Missouri State University’s student-produced newspaper.

The university has not approved and is not responsible for its content, which is produced and edited by The Standard staff.

Cover design

by Zach LaMarre

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 3

4 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

HOMECOMING THEME 2016

Welcome Home Bears

Layne Stracener Staff Reporter @LayneAlison1

For this year’s Homecoming theme, “Welcome Home,” the goal is to include the entire campus, alumni and community and give more opportunity with its broad idea.

The Alumni Association chose “Welcome Home” from a list of ideas the Homecoming committee compiled. The Alumni Association and homecoming committee worked for about a month to create and choose a broad theme that best represents MSU and Homecoming in general.

“We’re trying to have this inclusive value for Homecoming, and ‘Welcome Home’ can impact and relate to every single student body, which is why I feel like it’s so great as a theme,” Homecoming committee coordinator and senior communication sciences and disorders major Lauren Godwin said.

Publicity Coordinator and junior marketing major Noah Hendel said the theme includes the entire community, going beyond organizations.

“Part of the public affairs mission is cultural competence,” Hendel said. “This theme is a good way to include that, because we’re welcoming of the entire community, alumni, current students and organizations. Any student can go to the events, so I like the inclusivity of it all, and the opportunity for it to be a diverse group of people.”

Since the theme is more broad than themes in the past, there is more opportunity for organizations to come up with more specific themes within the theme of “Welcome Home.”

Hendel said he really likes the theme because it allows organizations to be more creative with the specific themes they choose for events.

Assistant Committee Coordinator John Crooke said that since themes in the past were more specific, it was harder to incorporate the theme into anything other than art displays.

“This theme actually represents what Homecoming is about, rather than just the competition,” Crooke said.

Crooke said “Welcome Home” also differs from themes in the past because it can be applied to more than only one aspect of Homecoming. “‘Welcome Home’ can apply to things like alumni coming back to Missouri State, and it can also apply to people already at Missouri State who call it home,” Crooke said.

The Alumni Association and Homecoming Committee chose “Welcome Home” because they believe it represents the culture of Missouri State right now.

“We want the alumni to come back, and we want them to feel at home when they’re here for Homecoming,” Godwin said. “We want to remind the students why they love Missouri State … I feel like this theme really embodies how we see Missouri State and why we love Missouri State so much.”

Interesting Homecoming Facts you never knew Hannah Sumpter. Staff Reporter @hannasumpter Homecoming seems like such a normal thing to college students and alumni, but just 100 years ago, Missouri State didn’t even have Homecoming.

Clicking through the digital archives of The Standard, then called The Southwest Standard, and the many years of Ozarko yearbooks revealed some pretty cool facts about Homecoming throughout the years at Missouri State.

FIRST HOMECOMING The first ever homecoming at MSU was held on Nov. 24, or Thanksgiving Day, 1921. According to The Southwest Standard, the Bears won 16-13 against the Drury Panthers.

Afterward, a banquet was set for 250 people.

“The waiters ... served well-filled plates to the football team, Board of Regents, faculty, members of the alumni and friends and students of the school,” The Southwest Standard said.

Along with the food, there was music and many speeches, including one given by the president of the university.

The then-president of Missouri State, Clyde Milton Hill, spoke to everyone attending the banquet, mostly showing his “appreciation of the work of the team and its glorious victory over Drury.”

first Homecoming queen wasn’t declared until 1941 and the first king wasn’t chosen until almost 40 years later.

The first Homecoming queen was Pollyanna Coble, a freshman studying art. The description below her picture in the 1941 Ozarko yearbook read: “Lovely Pollyanna Coble reigned as the first homecoming queen of S.T.C. A strong independent vote of the student body made this refreshingly different freshman girl a campus queen. She accents her blond fairness and large brown eyes with shades such a moss green and gold. Pollyanna comes from Humansville to major in art with the hope of becoming a commercial artist.

She likes to read, ride horseback, and pet her black Persian cat, Mehitabel, but dislikes alarm clocks and never wears nail polish.”

Until the late 70s Homecoming queens were only accompanied by escorts. In 1979, however, the first homecoming king was chosen. David Cox, was a junior majoring in speech communication, was said in the 1980 Ozarko yearbook to be the “leader of ICTHUS, a campus ministry, Cox also participates in intramural sports.”

FIRST TELEVISED HOMECOMING

KYTV, typically known as KY3, televised the homecoming game of 1954. This was the first televised homecoming football game for MSU. The football game, along When one thinks of Homecoming, it is impossible to with the halftime show and the parade, were all shown on leave out the Homecoming king and queen. However, the Oct. 30. The Bears lost 0-27 to Cape Girardeau.

HOMECOMING KING & QUEEN

COLIN HADLEY /THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

Homecoming Week Point Breakdown Matt Campanelli Staff Reporter @THE_MattyCamp There’s more to Homecoming than just a football game and the parade. If one stays at the football game past halftime, they’ll hear winners announced for a points competition.

The banners hanging in the Plaster Student Union, Yell Like Hell and the floats you see in the parade on Saturday morning are all events that help make up the points competition during Homecoming.

But how does it work?

Organizations on campus can participate in the week long competition. The organizations that participate are split into three separate divisions for the competition: Fraternity and Sorority Life, Student Organizations and Residence Life.

“The points competition is what gives organizations the drive to get involved during homecoming,” Kerri Young, one of two Homecoming committee members in charge of the team competition, said.

“Everyone has at least a little bit of a competitive side. It’s what keeps the homecoming spirit alive all week long.”

Throughout the week, the organizations earn points by participating in different activities. There are 13 different events that each organization is able to participate in during Homecoming week.

Each organization will receive a set number of points for each event they participate in. For example, each organization will receive 50 points for making a spirit banner that is hung in the PSU. Every event is judged and extra points will be given to organizations

who places first, second and third. If there is a tie for either place, then both teams will receive the same number of points.

Organizations will also receive prize money for winning events, according to Young.

Organizations that are in the same divisions are allowed to team up and participate in the events together but any organizations that do this will still be competing for separate points and rankings for the overall competition.

The winners from each division will be announced between the third and fourth quarters of the Homecoming football game on Saturday, Oct. 15.

POINT BREAKDOWN Decorate Downtown

Can We Build It? Chalk N’ Rock

Rockstar

Banners

Field Day

Yell Like Hell

Chili Cookoff

GRAPHIC BY REBECCA BIUNDO/THE STANDARD

Parade/ Float

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 5

6 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

Q&A with the 2015 Homecoming King, Queen Alia Aaron Staff Reporter

BRANDON DICK: Major: General business Year in School: Senior

and learn how to delegate responsibilities.

Campaigning for Homecoming King is no small task and our brothers will do anything to support you on your journey. You got this bro!”

SHELBY GRENINGER:

What strides are you making for the fu- Graduated in May 2016 ture?

Degree in Marketing

“Right now I am looking at going to graduate school somewhere to get my Master’s in What has life been like since graduating?

Student Affairs. I really enjoy college too much “I’m currently working as the Marketing to leave.” and Accounts Coordinator at Revel Advertising located in Downtown Springfield. My life What is your best memory at MO State? has been busy, but in a different way than when “My best memory at MO State so far is I was a student. I am very focused on my cadefinitely being on the field when they an- reer and I really love what I do. It has been nounced my name. Of course I was very hap- fun experiencing a different side of Springfield py to win but to hear all the support from my that I may have missed as a student. I have fraternity brothers was incredible. My family been able to discover new restaurants and fun all came down for that game, so it was great places with friends! to see all that hard work pay off.”

What have you missed about being at How did winning homecoming king school, if anything? change your perspective?

“I would say I’ve missed the people the “My perspective on everything changed after I won. First off, I never thought I would be Homecoming-King-material when I first entered school. I still can’t believe most of the time. I’m so humbled to be given the opportunity to represent the university in the capacity. With regards to my brothers, I’m so proud of the work they put in. Sigma Pi is a relatively new chapter on this campus and to see everyone come together to support me in my campaign really made me appreciate having them in my life. When it comes to the student body and school as a whole, I am so proud to represent Missouri State as Homecoming King. I’m far from perfect, but I am so thankful for the opportunity everyone has given me.”

most. The people in SGA, in my sorority, my Pi-Chi friends, professors — the list goes on.

There were so many people I met and interacted with throughout my years at Missouri State and it’s been an adjustment getting used to not seeing those faces as often as I’d like.”

What was one of your favorite college memories?

“My favorite college memories are all centered around the fall semester. It was always so good to see everyone after summer and get back to a routine with new classes. I loved attending the tailgates and Bears games on Saturdays and being surrounded by the school spirit. Bid Day with ADPi is also pretty high on the list of great memories.”

FILE PHOTO/KRISTEN STACY Any advice to all the candidates on court How did winning homecoming queen last Brandon Dick and Shelby Greninger were crowned king and queen during this year? year change your perspectives?

“My biggest piece of advice to all the can“As Homecoming Queen, your responsi- halftime last year.

didates would be to simply enjoy the ride.

Whether or not you win, there’s not many times when you get to be a part of something as special as this. Don’t stress yourself out, that’s the easiest way to lose sight of the ultimate goal, being a positive representation of Missouri State University.”

bility is to be a positive representative of Missouri State. I felt accountable to the students and wanted to hold myself to a standard that they would be proud of. It was a humbling experience to know I had the support of so many students that I respect.”

events but being on the Royalty Court allowed me to be a part of everything. The Homecoming Dance with all the court members was one of my favorite experiences. We had a blast. It was great to share all these moments alongside the Royalty Court members and get to know What was the best part of your home- them better throughout the week.”

More specifically, any advice to your lit- coming experience last year? tle bro Mardi Gratza this year?

“For me, the best part of Homecoming last Any specific advice for the woman rep“My advice to my little bro Mardi Gratza year was taking part in all of the events. In the resenting your chapter, Kelsey Brenon? would be to take everything a step at a time years prior, I was involved in pieces of the

“I would tell Kelsey and the other candi-

dates on this year’s court to really cherish the experience. It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress and the busyness of the week without really taking the time to breath and let it all soak in. Win or lose, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent your organization and Missouri State.”

THE-STANDARD.ORG

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 7

THE STANDARD

Blood, sweat and pomping

FILE PHOTO/THE STANDARD

Fraternity and Sorority Life, student organizations and Residence Life create floats for the parade.

Nichole Ferguson Staff Reporter Parades go with Homecoming like peanut butter with jelly or cats with the internet. Parades are exciting; they have marching bands, free candy, bright colors and most importantly, floats.

Floats are a crowd favorite for many reasons.

They are bright and festive; some have moving parts, and each one is unique. You will probably not be thinking about how many pieces of pomp squares were used when you watch the parade floats go by this year.

Pomp squares are squares of tissue paper that can be bought in bulk. They are used on many floats. Junior accounting major Connor Aller, Pi Kappa Phi President, said his group used “about 60,000 sheets of pomp” for their float. That’s a lot of pomp.

There is a lot more than pomp that goes into a parade float. Every float needs to have wheels, this can be two wheels or four wheels, but four wheels are easier to work with.

A platform then goes on top of the wheels.

Platforms need to be sturdy enough to support the people standing on top of the float (unless people falling through your float is part of the show).

Plywood and wooden pallets are viable options to use. Senior communication science and disorders major Anne Shelton, homecoming chair for Alpha Sigma Alpha, said “We used one trailer and wood, which the chapters we

are paired with purchase and build.”

With the platform in place, the next step is to create and decorate the float. Shapes and colors are important here. Vibrant colors help floats stand out against other floats in the parade.

Shapes are vital to the success of a great float. Giant cartoon characters, seaboats and other climactic eye-grabbers are all contingent on shapes.

Complex structures can be made out of chicken wire, cardboard and paper mache. Some floats are so complex that they have moving, mechanical structures.

The float with the best aesthetics will never get the chance to be admired if it has not been wind-proofed. Wind pressure and the parade route need to be kept in mind throughout the float building process.

All of these float components can add up to be quite expensive. Senior religious studies Kelsey Lester, Sigma Sigma Sigma President, said her group spent about $1,200 on their float.

Keep all of these labors in mind as you watch the homecoming parade, you will be able to appreciate these works of art even more.

8 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

FILE PHOTO/MADDY CUSHMAN

A student makes a rockstar pose during the 2015 Rockstar event.

PARTY LIKE A

ROCKSTAR

Sarah Shepard Staff Reporter The lights dim, and the noise of the crowd grows louder. The spotlight shines as the first performer takes the stage. With the beginning strums of the guitar, the crowd hushes and leans forward to hear.

As the singer hits his first high note, the Hammons Student Center erupts in cheers and applause.

This is the scene that takes place during Homecoming week at the annual performance event, Rockstar. Performers representing different organizations throughout campus put their best talent forward for this singing competition. Fraternity and Sorority Life always play a big part in the event, as well as the Residence Hall Association.

This year, the event takes place on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Performers undergo a rigorous audition process, in which they first go through their organization to prove themselves, and then audition in front of the Rockstar coordinator, the Rockstar committee and one of the Homecoming directors.

In the audition, they perform the song planned for their first round of Rockstar. The committee makes sure the planned performance

is family-friendly and original.

Once they make it past the audition, next up is Round One at the actual Rockstar event.

If they make it past the first round, they perform one more time before an overall winner is chose.

There are cash prizes for the winners at the end of the night.

This year, the committee assigned to Rockstar is hopeful for an event full of fun and entertainment.

“There is a good variety of acts, and I am excited to see how everyone does,” Rockstar coordinator, and junior marketing major Daphne Meine said. “We have individuals playing guitar, dancing and one individual will be playing a hand drum.”

In years past, there have been backup dancers and routines planned to back up the singers.

The crowd really gets into it, bringing signs and shining their phone flashlights along with the performances.

It is one of the Homecoming events that boasts the best participation from students, according to members of the Homecoming committee.

“It’s a great event,” senior dance major Kristen Bretzke said, two-time performer at Rockstar. “I felt like I got to represent my organizations in a positive way, and I think Rockstar really does help bring Missouri State together as a community.”

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

Bear up, dress up entire thing” Bailey said. “I couldn’t even tell you how many man hours the students did outside of class.”

Making the jersey was a difficult process.

We all have a bit of school spirit that we “It was a little scary, because the bear itself like to show from time to time. From BearWear isn’t like a normal person,” Bailey said. “It has Friday to whatever sporting event you choose, no shoulders… it makes it a little bit more chalthere’s always a chance for students to show lenging.”

Another challenge comes when grounds how much pride they have in being a Bear.

Nothing quite shows that pride than the bear services has to dress the bear. statue outside of Plaster Student Union. It is a “Getting the lift from John Q. Hammons tradition to take a photo with the statue to seal Arena over to the PSU takes half-an-hour,” the memories on our John Clark, assiscampus. tant director for Students and visfacilities manageitors may have noment and ground ticed the extremely services, said. large accessories on It takes about the bear statue. the same time to In 2013, during get the jersey an administrative onto the statue. council retreat, a Bailey said task force was crethe students ated. This task chose the jersey force, assembled by number 05 to repInterim Vice Presiresent the year dent of Student Afthe university fairs Don Simpson, was established. along with other “I think it ties contributors, decidour fashion proed it would be cool gram in with the if the PSU bear university and could be dressed for service and pride special occasions. for our students,” The week of the Bailey said. homecoming game, May 2015 a few groundskeepwas the first time ers will bring a forkthe bear was lift to the front of dressed for GradPSU and place the uation.

Herff football jersey on Jones, the graduthe statue. ation regalia The bear statue company, manuis dressed before factured the cap the first home footPhoto submitted by Sandra Bailey and gown. ball game, Home- The PSU bear sports its Bear Wear on game day.

The statue is coming, the first not dressed on the women and men’s day of the cerebasketball game and all commencement cere- mony, but it sports its cap and gown the week monies. prior.

“We try not to do it too often, to where it “That way it’s a similar look to when you becomes not as special but often enough that start school, the bear isn’t dressed, and when it is something very special for students to see you finish school, the bear isn’t dressed,” Benand be excited when they do see the bear son said. “That way you can have that tradition.” dressed,” Tara Benson, associate director of She said the task force is interested in dressPlaster Student Union said. ing the bear for other times such as spring break, Students have the Fashion Design and Mer- Public Affairs Week, Public Affairs Conference chandising Department to thank for the football and Welcome Week, but need sponsors. jersey. Professor Sandra Bailey’s Advanced Create new memories at the Homecoming Design course took on the project in fall 2013. game Oct. 15, and strike a pose with the bear “We had September, basically, to do the in its official gear. Go Bears!

Danisha Hogue Staff reporter @Danisha_Queen

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 9

10 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

Man on the street: Will the Bears win their Homecoming game?

Compiled by Blaine Wheeler

Austin McCormick, Sophomore, Middle School Education Will you be at the Homecoming tailgate?

“Yeah.”

Why?

“Because I’m an R.A., and I like to bring a lot of people to the games.”

Do you think the Bears are going to win?

“No.”

What’s your favorite part about the tailgates?

“School pride.”

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

Austin McCormick

Do you know what rank the Bears are in the nation?

“Eehhhh.”

George Fulton, Sophomore, General Business What’s your favorite part about gameday?

“Drinking ... soda. Haha. And hanging out with friends.”

Do you know who the Bears play for homecoming?

“Eh, I’m not sure.”

What do you think the Bears record is?

“2-1.” (wrong at the time)

Do you know what they’re ranked?

“They beat the 24th ranked team right? I’ll guess 28th.”

Will you be at the Homecoming game?

“Oh yeah, I’m going to be there.”

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

George Fulton

THE-STANDARD.ORG

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 11

THE STANDARD

Kaylyn Crosswhite, Freshman, Undecided

Malik Smith, freshman, Business Entrepreneurship

Do you know who the Bears play for homecoming?

The Bears have played four games. How many have they won?

“Um, no.”

They play Western Illinois. Do you think they will win?

“Three.”

“I have hope that they will win. I just have some hope.”

How high do you think we are ranked?

How many games do you think the Bears have won? They’ve played four games.

“I think we are about 35.”

Do you know who the Bears play next weekend?

“Um, one? No, no, two.”

“Illinois.”

What is your favorite part about the game?

“Socializing.”

Will you be at the game next weekend?

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

Kaylyn Crosswhite

“Yes.”

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

Malik Smith

Do you think the Bears will win their Homecoming game?

“I don’t think; I know we are going to win. We are going to win. We have to believe in ourselves.”

Will you be at the game?

“Oh, yeah, I’ll be there.”

12 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

Wheeler: Give football a chance Bears football has improved greatly since going 1-10 last season.

Wyatt Wheeler Sports Editor @realYitWheeler How the time tables have turned.

I think that’s how that goes, but this football team isn’t the football team that they were just a year ago.

They’re very much improved, and through five games, they have quickly created optimism for the future when there didn’t appear to be any.

1-10, one and 10, one win and 10 losses. I can write it in so many different ways and

that’s what a lot of people still think after the football Bears made a damaging mark just a year ago.

But I kid you not, this football team is balling.

Head coach Dave Steckel told us time and time again to believe in the plan, and the plan is unfolding before our very eyes.

They go into the Homecoming game 3-2 on the season. That’s two more wins than they had last year and after a game against North Dakota State that was closer than the final score said it was, there isn’t a reason that the Bears

RYAN WELCH/THE STANDARD

Dylan Cole and Colby Isbell celebrate during a game. can’t win any game they play in.

The offense will have to show up, and it is capable of doing so. In the Bears’ Valley opener, they exploded for 45 points through junior wide receiver Malik Earl’s 11-catch, 161-yard day.

Senior quarterback Brodie

Lambert is capable of playing very well behind an offensive line that is very good at keeping him protected.

The interior offensive line is nasty while run-blocking and is a force to be reckoned with when the Bears aren’t playing North Dakota State.

That’s the offensive side of

the ball. True football fans find pleasure in watching a good defense, and the Bears defense is what this team will be all about for years to come.

Senior linebacker Dylan Cole is the best player on the team and one of the top FCS players in the country. He flies all over the field and tackles better than anyone else in the FCS. He’s around every tackle, if he’s not the one making the tackle, and he is becoming a turnover machine.

Junior defensive end Colby Isbell is a player who gets better and better every week. He plays well against top competition, and he is going to cause a lot of problems for rest of the year in Valley play.

The team is well coached on the defensive side of the ball, and they are always put in position to make plays.

Their two losses on the season came to a team that has

won five-straight national championships and a team that has been competitive in the Big 12.

They’re winning the games that they’re supposed to win and also surprising a few. The media polls had the Bears picked to finish dead last in the Valley, so this team is ahead of schedule.

Am I saying that the Bears are going to the playoffs this year? No. Am I saying that they’re on their way to contending for a playoff spot in the next year or two? Absolutely.

The Bears were competitive against North Dakota State, despite the score, and they’re as good as it gets.

Good football is being played at Plaster Stadium and there’s not a game the rest of the season that the Bears aren’t capable of winning.

Give them a chance.

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

THE STANDARD/NINA TODEA

Our Alec McChesney is excited to #BearUp.

MARATHON DAY

Alec McChesney Staff Reporter @Alec_McChesney Five games in a matter of hours on Missouri State University’s campus means sports heaven for Bears fans. Yes, that’s right. On Oct. 15 — otherwise known as MSU’s Homecoming — field hockey, women’s soccer, football, swimming/diving and men’s soccer will all play over the span of just eight hours.

Yours truly will be attending every game on that very day. I know, I know. It’s a feat that many say will be impossible. But Alec, how will you ever make it to every game on Homecoming? It’s quite simple, actually; I’m just going to #BearUp. Even more exciting?

I will be live tweeting the whole day for you and journaling my every move. So, if you aren’t able to make one of the games or are planning on tailgating, you can follow my #BearUp marathon via Twitter.

To start the day, I will hit the Betty and Bobby Allison North Stadium at 11:00 a.m. where the MSU Field Hockey team will host the Chippewas of Central Michigan. At halftime of the battle between the Bears and the Chippewas, I will leave Allison North and travel to Allison South.

Starting at 11:30 a.m. on Allison South Field, the MSU Women’s Soccer team will take on the Indiana State Sycamores. The tilt between the Bears and the Sycamores will be an important Missouri Valley Conference match. At the moment, the Bears are 0-2 in conference play and will look to turn it around against Indiana State.

Once the women’s soccer game comes to a close, I’ll be through two games with only three remaining. In it for the long haul, I’ll mozy on over to Robert W. Plaster Stadium for football.

At 2:00 p.m., the Bears will take on Western Illinois. Currently, the Leathernecks of Western

Illinois boast a 0-3 record and will prove to be a difficult match-up for the Bears.

After pulling off the upset over Indiana State, the Bears fell to North Dakota State on Oct. 8. The Bison from North Dakota are the number one ranked team in the country and defeated MSU 27-3. Through the first six weeks of the season, the Bears have a 3-2 record.

After three hours of football, I am hoping the Bears will hold a 3-0 record on the day.

Regardless, the #BearUp journey will continue at the Hammons Student Center for an intersquad and alumni meet for the swim team. The men’s and women’s swimmers will take part in the event, and following, the MSU swim team will head to Lawrence, Kansas, for a meet with Kansas University and the University of North Dakota.

Let’s face it: at this point, I am going to be worn down. Being a Bear can be tiring, but there’s no point in resting now. After all, rest is for the weak. Instead, I am going to dart back over to Allison South Stadium for the last contest of the night. The battle between the MSU men’s soccer team and the Drake Bulldogs will start at 7:00 p.m.

The Bulldogs and the Bears will battle in a Missouri Valley Conference match-up. Currently, the Bulldogs are 3-7 (0-2) while the Bears are 6-3-1 (2-0). The match will be key in the Bears’ hopes to secure a Missouri Valley Conference Championship.

The end of the soccer match concludes my #BearUp journey. Once again, follow me on Twitter for constant updates on the marathon Homecoming Saturday. In addition to the plethora of home games, the MSU Volleyball team will be playing in at Indiana State and the MSU Women’s Tennis team will partake in the ITA Regional Championships in Minnesota on Homecoming Day.

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 13

14 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

How can you become ROYALTY? Sarah Teague Life Editor @SarahTeague96 For some students, Homecoming means campaigning and planning to walk across the field with a crown. These students are the dedicated individuals running for Homecoming Royalty.

Although the results of their hard work may mean a crown, a gown or the recognition of the title “King” or “Queen,” the process means filling out an application, being sponsored by a campus organization and weeks of hanging up flyers, branding themselves on social media and winning their peers’ votes.

Before applying, candidates must meet certain requirements to be eligible to run. The students must be enrolled as full-time students (12 credit hours for undergraduate students, and 6 for graduate students), have cumulative GPAs of 3.0 from classes taken only at Missouri State and have accumulated 60 credit hours at MSU. They also have to be sponsored by a registered Missouri State organization and not have been on court before.

“A common misconception is that only large organizations or FSL can nominate candidates, but, in fact, even the smallest organization, such as the Bee Keeping Club, can nominate someone to be on court,” Bryan O’Toole, senior marketing management major and Royalty Chair for Homecoming Committee, said.

After an individual is nominated by a sponsoring organization, the individual must apply through CampusLink. The application includes contact information, essay questions and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member, according to O’Toole.

In addition, candidates are interviewed by faculty and staff, as well as leaders in the Springfield community. These judges are selected by the O’Toole.

“The panel of judges will evaluate each candidate on four areas: university involvement, personal presentation, personality and communication skills and scholarship,” O’Toole said. “Each judge will score all of the candidates that they interview. The candidates with the top five scores will be selected for

Royalty Court. In the event of a tie for fifth place, the judges will discuss the candidates tied and select the fifth member. The candidates who are selected to be on Royalty Court are announced by posting a sign in the window of the Office of Student Engagement.”

Once these candidates are announced, they are then briefed on the procedures of campaigning and scoring. After this briefing, the candidates are free to start their campaigns to student organizations through speaking at their meetings, social media and posters around campus.

The study body votes Homecoming Week.

“Another common misconception is that the student vote is what ultimately decides who wins, but the student vote is only 40 percent of each candidate’s’ overall score,” O’Toole said. “Attendance (during Homecoming events) and participation make up 30 percent of their overall score, along with their interview scores.”

Gretchen Entzenberger, senior hospitality and restaurant administration major, is a candidate for Homecoming Queen. She said she is using different techniques to help get her name out.

“We made buttons, created posters, started a social media page and have been visiting organizations,” Entzenberger said. “We created a Facebook page where we posted the campaign video and have started a #WhyIMissouriState campaign, a daily post about things I enjoy at Missouri State.”

“I think my biggest piece of advice (for future Royalty candidates) would be for students to make their Missouri Statement, whatever that means to them,” Austin Nolan, senior accounting major and candidate for Homecoming King, said. “If you look at all the candidates, you will see a group of individuals who have worked very hard during their time here at Missouri State…(and) who are passionate about things going on in our community and on our campus. We’ve all been involved in numerous organizations and programs, which have helped mold us into the individuals we are today. Due to all these things, I believe we’ve made our statement of what’s important to us and we’ve backed it up with our actions.”

The 2016 homecoming candidates and their sponsoring organizations Kings:

Jessen Miller - The Vine Ben Gratza - Sigma Pi Austin Nolan - Theta Chi Justin Roux - Delta Chi Caleb Hearon - Phi Gamma Delta

Queens:

Tai Thrasher - Alpha Chi Omega Kaylee Chappelow - Sigma Kappa Kelsey Brenon - Alpha Delta Pi Katie Alexander - Gamma Phi Beta Gretchen Entzenberger - Freudenberger Hall Council

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Justin Roux Interviews collected by Cortlynn Stark, Staff Reporter, @Cortlynn_Stark

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Senior | Administrative management major | Sponsored by Delta Chi What will you accomplish with philanthropy and community service, if elected homecoming king?

“I think I would like to work with organizations that help with the homeless and hunger problems in Springfield, such as Habitat for Humanity and Ozarks Food Harvest. It’s really sad to see how many people are on the streets asking for food around town, and I would like to get Missouri State involved by coordinating large scale events to help address these issues.”

opportunity to thrive and grow as a person and learn about who you are and who you want to be.”

What would you do if you were president of MSU for a day?

“I would go explore MO State and get into all of the places I couldn’t get into before.”

What are your future plans?

“I hope to work as a leadership consultant for my fraternity after I graduate for a year, (and) then most likely go to grad school for Student Where is your favorite place to be on MSU’s Affairs in Higher Education. I might even campus? come back to work at MSU one day.”

“It has to be the PSU. I feel like I’ve spent half my undergrad in there. But it really is the What is your favorite holiday and why? perfect place to get food, study, do homework “Christmas. I love the weather and how hapor just hang out with friends.” py everyone is. I also enjoy getting to be with my family all day and eating some good food!”

What advice would you give to freshmen?

“Don’t just get by in college. Take this as an

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 15

16 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Austin Nolan

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

Senior | Accounting major | Sponsored by Theta Chi Why do you like accounting? relationships with people and getting to com“I’ve always been someone who’s into num- municate with people from a variety of difbers. The business aspect of numbers is just ferent walks of life.” something that kind of appeals to me.”

Are you a dog or cat person?

What are you going to do to welcome Bears “I am a dog person. I’ve grown up with dogs home? all my life. There’s just something about hav“I think the best way that I can welcome Bears ing that dog waiting for you when you get home is give them an environment that is very home; they’re so excited to see you, their tail welcoming, a very exciting place to be. I’ve is wagging and it’s hard to have a bad day.” enjoyed my time here at Missouri State. I’ve enjoyed the opportunities I’ve had to be wel- What do you like to do in your free time? comed and then welcome people with SOAR “I love to be outdoors. I ride my bike everyday.

I play sports, like to go hiking, things like and Playfair.” that.”

What organizations are you involved in?

“I’m a member of Theta Chi fraternity, I’m in Why are you a good candidate for king?

SGA and I’m on the cabinet for that as SGO, “I would say I make a good king candidate (and) I’m in CRU, which is a campus ministry just because I represent what it means to be a on campus.”

Missouri State Bear. I’ve really done all that I can do to make my Missouri Statement, and What advice would you give to freshman? it gives me an opportunity to reflect on the “I could give them a lot of advice. The big time that I’ve had here and the things that I’ve one would be to get involved. I’m sure they got to help be a part of. I think my contribuhear it a lot. It’s a big term, but I think what’s tions definitely help me to be a candidate that really helped me make the most out of my is worth looking at, at least.” time here at Missouri State is building those

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 17

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Jessen Miller Senior | Mathematics major | Sponsored by The Vine Why are you running for Homecoming king?

“I’m running because I was nominated by the Vine campus ministry, just based on involvement. I’ve been in a lot of stuff on campus and want to make that quote un quote Missouri Statement before I graduate. As homecoming king, you can make a lot of changes to stuff on campus.”

What changes will you make?

“I feel like the Homecoming King in itself, you’re placed on a platform where you can be a voice for students. There are many platforms on campus you can do that from, but I feel like continuing to be a voice, especially for those in underrepresented cultures, minority cultures, that sort of things, support them, support inclusivity on-campus. Obviously, from a straight white male, I’ve got a lot of privileges. I understand that and I want other people to understand that I am there for them even, with that privilege.”

What is your favorite part of campus?

“I think being inside the bell tower. Not just inside the bell tower but if you crawl up, you’re inside of the bells. There’s like 48 bronze bells and you see campus through a little window.

Hardly anybody’s ever been up in there but you’re surrounded by all these bells but there’s still a window that you see out at the fountain and Carrington and everything. It’s really cool.”

What do you like to do in your free time?

“I’m a huge outdoors guy, so camping, hiking, biking, basketball, pretty much anything that’s outside during the summer, winter anything houses and turn them into new ones. I don’t like that. I love going down to Sodor City in know if this will ever happen or not, but I reBranson.” ally want to make an ice cream coffee shop in downtown of a college town, where you can What are your future plans? get ice cream and coffee together. I have over “I’ve got two huge plans that I’m not sure if 600 ice cream scoops that I’ve collected since they’ll happen or not. As a career, I want to be I was little. I’d hang them from the ceiling in somebody that flips houses, like going to old the entire shop … It’d be called Coffee and Cream or something like that.”

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“The best advice was to wash your blue towels before you use them. I didn’t follow this advice and I looked like a smurf my first week in residence hall. If you don’t wash them, they’ve got some blue tint to them and when you go to dry yourself, you’ve got blue fuzz all over you.

It was a bad deal ...Wash your towels before you use them.”

18 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Ben Gratza

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Junior | Middle school math and science education major | Sponsored by Sigma Pi Why are you majoring in middle school math and science education?

“I’m very excited about it. I love impacting future generations. I love working with kids.

I think they’re a lot of fun. Growing up, I worked at a lot of camps.”

Why are you running for homecoming king?

“I’m passionate about Missouri State, and I love everything that we stand for. It’s just an awesome opportunity to represent that and share my passion with other people.”

for Sustainable Future meeting for the first time ever. I was like, “I’m gonna try this out,” and it was super cool. My freshman year I picked up racquetball and played racquetball for a semester, just for fun. Just try something new every semester. Experience everything that Missouri State has to offer.”

What is your favorite part about campus?

“It’s tacky but the people that make up the campus. I’m a huge relationship person, like I love building relationships and interacting with people so it’s definitely just meeting new people and gaining experience from them as What all organizations are you involved well as sharing my experiences with them.” with?

“I’m involved with Sigma Pi Fraternity, Are you a dog or cat person and why? they’re my sponsoring organization, awesome “I’m a dog person for sure. Why? I’ve always brotherhood there. I’m involved in CREW grown up with a dog. We had a cat for a very campus ministries. I’m also involved in short time but definitely a dog person. My ETHOS, which is our honors society for ed- dog Darcy at home right now, I miss her dearucation majors. It’s a very small club. We ly. If I win homecoming king, we get 50 hours actually just started last year.” of community service that we have to do and I’ve decided to focus as many of those hours What advice would you give to freshman? towards Route 66 Animal Shelter. They help “My best advice is do something new every dogs and cats. “ semester. This semester I went to a Students

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Caleb Hearon

BAILEY VASSALLI/THE STANDARD

Senior | Socio-political communication major | Sponsored by Phi Gamma Delta Why did your pick your major, and why do you like it?

“I chose Socio-Political Communication because I love talking about the issues facing our society and the ways in which we go about discussing those things. Political comedy and satirical humor is really fascinating to me, and I thought this major would be a good way to explore that.”

What is your favorite part of being a student at Missouri State?

“My favorite part of being a Missouri State Bear is performing with the Missouri State Improv team every week. That team is like family, and, no matter what happens, we always have so much fun together.”

Why is homecoming important to you?

“Homecoming is the first big thing I ever did with my fraternity and the first time I remember feeling like Missouri State was really a home to me. Staying up all night and building our float with Gamma Phi Beta the last night of my first Homecoming is a memory I’ll always have.”

If you could go anywhere in the world for one day, where would you go and why?

“I would go to New York City and spend an entire day watching shows at the Upright Citizens Brigade theatre in Chelsea. It’s my favorite place in the world.”

What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

“I had a teacher in high school who told me What are your future plans?

“My plan is to graduate in May and move to to just be myself because even if people don’t Chicago or New York to pursue a career in love you for it, at least you’ll know you aren’t entertainment by getting involved at an im- loved for being something that you’re not.

That advice has guided me in everything I prov theatre.” do.”

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 19

20 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Gretchen Entzenberger Interviews collected by Chloe Skaar, Staff Reporter, @chloeskaar

Senior | Hospitality and restaurant administration major | Sponsored by Freddy Hall Council What is your favorite Homecoming Week activity?

“My favorite Homecoming activity is the Homecoming Parade. I love seeing the creativity of the organizations in the floats, cars and walkers. It is interesting to me how many different ways people can portray or interpret the main homecoming theme.”

What's your go-to food spot in downtown Springy?

“Gailey’s is a great option for a hearty, relatively inexpensive breakfast. The Aviary is perfection and their crepes satisfy both a savory and a sweet side.

Lastly, Maria’s is one of my favorite NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD Mexican restaurants in Springfield.”

Why should everyone want to be an MSU Bear?

“Everyone should be an MSU Bear because being a Bear is beyond compare!

There are so many opportunities to get involved, so many friends to meet, and so many memories to make. Being a Bear has been one of the best decisions I have made and I would encourage others to join our family.”

Which cartoon or movie character would you use to describe yourself?

“My friends would say that I’m Woody from Toy Story. I am loyal and kind and would do anything for the people I care about.”

What do you think will make this year's Homecoming theme special?

“What makes this year’s theme special is how it relates to everyone. This theme What inspired you to start a campaign welcomes potential students to their for Homecoming Queen? home, reminds current students of why “As a senior, I was looking for another they chose Missouri State, and invites opportunity to get involved on-campus. alumni back to where it all began.”

My supervisor suggested it and my co-workers were on board, so I was in.”

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Kelsey Brenon Senior | Public Relations major | Sponsored by Alpha Delta Pi What is your favorite Homecoming week activity?

“The Homecoming parade is my favorite Homecoming activity by far. I love how it’s the only event that incorporates groups from the community and celebrates the hard work of all student organizations on campus. It’s the perfect event to end to Homecoming week.”

What’s your go-to food spot in downtown Springy?

“Definitely Kai. I love sushi and seafood, and it’s dangerously in walking distance from my apartment.”

Why should everyone want to be an MSU Bear?

“Missouri State has endless opportunities for any type of student who comes here. No matter who you are, it is so easy to find your place at Missouri State. Missouri State just feels like home.”

What inspired you to start a campaign for Homecoming Queen?

“I try and live my life really optimistically and make a positive impact on everyone I meet, and I feel like a main responsibility of the Homecoming Queen is to make all students feel included and important to our campus. Missouri State has completely transformed my life for the better, and I would be humbled to use the opportunity to give back to our incredible university.”

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

What do you think will make this year’s Homecoming theme special?

“One of the main themes of the Homecoming Queen campaign is that no matter the adventures that life takes you on, Missouri State is always our home. I love the theme “Welcome Which cartoon or movie character would Home,” because I hope it encourages more alumni to come back to MSU to celebrate you use to describe yourself?

Homecoming. No matter the adventures we “Baloo the Bear from the Jungle Book. He are all on, Homecoming is the tie that binds always has the point of view that life is all us all together back at Missouri State. about the way you look at it. It’s always pretty good from where he’s seeing it! (And who wouldn’t want to be a bear?)”

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 21

22 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Kaylee Chappelow Senior | Marketing management major | Sponsored by Sigma Kappa What is your favorite Homecoming week activity?

“The parade, I love watching everyone’s hard work pay off and all of the alumni come back.”

Why should everyone want to be an MSU Bear?

“It is the perfect place to find support and encouragement to pursue whatever you are passionate about.”

What’s your go-to food spot in downtown Springy?

“Hmm, I love food. I love Brick Slice; the pizza is incredible. I can also be found at Coffee Ethic quite often, studying and eating their cinnamon butter toast.”

What inspired you to start a campaign for Homecoming Queen?

“I am putting on a women’s empowerment event in the spring, and I think it would be a great example of aspiring higher. My friends also encouraged me because I love MO State and giving back to the community and other students as much as I can.”

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

Which cartoon or movie character would you use to describe yourself?

“Miss Congeniality—it is a classic, and I love that she ends up helping others and making good friendships.”

What do you think will make this year’s Homecoming theme special?

“Welcome Home” just gives me goosebumps. I think it is going to be special because all of the alum coming back get to see the amazing additions and changes going on our campus right now, like Glass Hall.”

Meet Katie Alexander Senior | Spanish major | Sponsored by Gamma Phi Beta What is your favorite Homecoming week activity?

“My favorite Homecoming Week activity is the football game. Football has always been one of my favorite sports and I love the atmosphere it creates during the Homecoming season. I know not everyone enjoys football, but the energy in the stadium is something you can only experience once a year.”

What’s your go-to food spot in downtown Springy?

“I would have to say Springfield Brewing Company. I love mac ‘n cheese and their mac ‘n cheese with grilled chicken and broccoli is probably one of my favorite meals!”

Why should everyone want to be an MSU Bear?

“I think everyone should want to be a Missouri State Bear because this cam-

pus and the people that are a part of it make MSU a home. Students come to Missouri State University and find family, friends, support and, most of all, a place they can be themselves. Also, Missouri State helps students discover who they are and what they want to do in life.”

Which cartoon or movie character would you use to describe yourself?

“I would say that I am like Gracie Hart from Miss Congeniality. She is funny, good-natured and has a great laugh, but most of all, she knows who she is as a person, what she wants to do with her life, and how she should treat people.

What inspired you to start a cam- She isn’t perfect, but she is loyal, honpaign for Homecoming Queen? est and has a great personality.”

“Honestly, starting a campaign for Homecoming Queen has been an aspi- What do you think will make this ration of mine since my sophomore year year’s Homecoming theme special? here at Missouri State. As a two-term “Welcome Home” is a theme that I think president for Gamma Phi Beta, I have is very impactful. It is special because been able to represent my sorority in a it implies that current MSU students multitude of ways and I wanted to apply feel at home here at MSU, and that those acquired attributes to the possible future students will gain that same position of 2016 Homecoming Queen. feeling once they become a Missouri Ultimately, I want to make a difference State Bear—which is something I find in our community and help continue the to be very true.” growth here at Missouri State.”

NINA TODEA/THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG

THE STANDARD

GET TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES

Meet Tai Thrasher Senior | Public Relations major | Sponsored

by Alpha Chi Omega What is your favorite Homecoming week activity?

“I always love going to Rockstar. I remember sitting in the audience my freshman year thinking, ‘Wow, I definitely go to the coolest university.’ I’m excited to see everyone’s performances this year!”

What’s your go-to food spot in downtown Springy?

“Big Whiskey’s to eat their buff dip.”

Why should everyone want to be an MSU Bear?

“I really believe we have some of the best faculty and staff around.

My professors truly care about their students and make every effort to help us succeed.”

NINA TODEA/THESTANDARD

What inspired you to start a campaign for Homecoming Queen?

“Missouri State has given me opportunity after opportunity to grow academically, as a leader, and in my faith. As a senior, my goal this year is to give back to the university that has done so much for me, and be the best role model I can be.”

Which cartoon or movie character would you use to describe yourself?

“Phoebe (from ‘Friends’).”

What do you think will make this year’s Homecoming theme special? “‘Welcome Home’ couldn’t be a better fit for how I feel about Missouri State, and I’m sure both students and alum could agree.”

HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016 • 23

24 • HOMECOMING GUIDE 2016

THE STANDARD

THE-STANDARD.ORG