Issuu

NEWS | 2

OPINION | 4

SPORTS | 6

PASS/FAIL

‘OFFICE LADIES’

ROSTER

Students push for a new grading system amidst COVID-19.

Managing editor Morgan Anderson highlights key moments from the podcast.

A look at the 2020-2021 men’s and women’s basketball roster.

WICHITA STATE’S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE SINCE 1896 MONDAY

Volume 125

www.thesunflower.com

Nov. 16, 2020

Issue 12

KAYLEE STOUT/THE SUNFLOWER

Joe Kleinsasser laughs during an interview with The Sunflower at the Rhatigan Student Center on Monday, Nov. 8. Kleinsasser, the co-director of News and Media Relations at the Strategic Communications office, is retiring in December after 34 years at WSU.

34 years at WSU: Retiring faculty member reflects on the lessons he’s learned BY LINDSAY SMITH editor@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith

n Joe Kleinsasser’s desk is a book called “The Interesting Things to Remember in Kansas.” Kleinsasser, the co-director of news and media at the Strategic Communications office, makes it a habit to hand it to every new person who walks into his office. “I tell everybody, ‘Hey, here’s a book I wrote.’,” Kleinsasser said. When they open it, much to their surprise, every page is blank. “The joke is that there’s nothing really interesting about Kansas,” Kleinsasser said. Kleinsasser got the book as a gag gift, but he always finds a way to put it to use— much to his co-workers’ dismays. “My co-workers always go, ‘No, run!’” Kleinsasser said. “I say, ‘Wait

a minute, it’s funny the first time. You’ve just seen it a few times so it’s not as good.’ “When I tell them, ‘I got a million jokes!’ they’ll tell me, ‘No, you have one you tell a million times.’ I say, ‘Well, the key is to have a different audience every time.’” Kleinsasser is retiring after 34 years at Wichita State. He said during that time period, he’s become known for his humor. “It helps to have a sense of humor,” he said. “I do like to joke around in the office. I pick on a lot of people, I get picked on a lot.” Kleinsasser began his college journey at Tabor College in Hillsboro, Kansas. Shortly after graduation, he worked at a Christian radio station in Newton, Kansas for eight years. He soon moved back to Tabor College where he served as the director of

“It helps to have a sense of humor. I do like to joke around in the office. I pick on a lot of people, I get picked on a lot.” JOE KLEINSASSER

Co-Director of News and Media Relations at Strategic Communications

information services and publications for three years. He moved to his job at WSU in 1986. When Kleinsasser initially interviewed, he did not think he was going to get the job. “When I was hired, I wondered why. I thought, ‘I don’t know how I got here.’,” Kleinsasser said. He then asked his boss to give him a hint as to why he got

chosen over the roughly 70 other candidates. “She said ‘Frankly, you were one of the only candidates that had both media experience and working in higher education in public education.’,” he said. “So it turns out, the experience I had on both sides, even if it’s small, ended up being a turning point of favor for me.” Kleinsasser said that he uses that experience to give college students advice. “Always take the opportunity to do something, even if you don’t know how it’s going to pay off down the road,” he said. Kleinsasser said in 34 years, he has watched the world change drastically. “The big invention when I started in ‘86 was the fax machine— we thought that was

the greatest thing since sliced bread,” he said. “You can see how much more we’ve come along since the fax machine.” Working in the news is a hard job, Kleinsasser said. He has to be available for a call 24/7, seven days a week. But through all the long days, he said he believes the local media has grown a respect for him and the Strategic Communications office. “I have always felt my job is to be as open, accountable, and accessible as possible,” Kleinsasser said. “I think that accessibility with the media has gone a long way towards developing positive relationships with the media and the university because whether they agreed or not they at least knew that someone would talk to them.” SEE KLEINSASSER PAGE 3

Gregg Marshall and Wichita State expected to part ways BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

Gregg Marshall and Wichita State are expected to part ways by the end of the week, according to a report from Stadium’s Jeff Goodman– who wrote a report about Marshall’s behavior after a six month long investigation— and CBS Sports. Marshall had been WSU’s head coach for the past 14 seasons prior to this decision. When The Sunflower asked for a statement, the president’s office said they would call back later. The Sunflower didn’t get a response from Wichita State Athletic Director Darron Boatright. The Sunflower was able to confirm that Marshall wasn’t at Friday’s practice through a university spokesperson. According to

the Wichita Eagle, Marshall hasn’t been present at practice all week due to “personal reasons”. This report follows roughly two months after WSU launched an investigation into Marshall for misconduct allegations. On Oct. 8, multiple reports surfaced with allegations into Marshall’s behavior. The allegations include Marshall reportedly punching former men’s basketball player Shaq Morris during practice and choking former assistant coach Kyle Lindsted, among other allegations. Ten players have transferred from WSU in the past two seasons, including the seven players who transferred this offseason. In two seasons prior, only four scholarship players had transferred out of the program.

/ The Sunflower

@sunflowernews

In an exit interview with a former player from the 2017-18 season, the student-athlete did not have rave reviews for Marshall. As a requirement from the NCAA, the athletic department must conduct exit interviews with some student-athletes whose eligibility has expired. The exit interviews are made anonymous for privacy reasons and only show the player’s gender, sport and race. The student-athlete said that there was inappropriate verbal communication from the coaches but there was no inappropriate physical contact. The student-athlete also said that Marshall’s performance as a positive example of ethical behavior was “very poor”. He also gave that same rating to Marshall’s belief that “winning @thesunflowernews

FILE PHOTO: SELENA FAVELA/THE SUNFLOWER

Wichita State head coach Gregg Marshall reacts to a call made during the game against Houston at Charles Koch Arena on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2019.

isn’t everything”. When asked if he would still attend WSU, the student-athlete

said “yes” but said “no” when SEE GREGG PAGE 5

2 | MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2020

NEWS

Students push for a pass/fail grading system BY LINDSAY SMITH editor@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith

Upwards of 1,000 people have signed a change.org petition asking the university to adopt a pass/fail grading option for the fall 2020 semester. Many students have voiced concerns surrounding the grading system, arguing that keeping the normal system during the pandemic will lead to many students struggling to keep up with their grades and classwork. Student Senator Aaron Mounts, who started the petition, said that the pandemic has made it near impossible for most students to focus solely on their schoolwork. “As the pandemic has gone on, the stress of the situation has negatively impacted students’ abilities to even focus,” Mounts said. “If your friends have COVID, you’re going to be a lot more focused on that then you are going to be about doing school.” Mounts said keeping scholarships is also a main concern he has

throughout this semester. “I’m at risk of losing my scholarships because of my grade point average,” Mounts said. “It’s easier said than done to just bump it up— if you are struggling trying to get through working and classes you are not going to be doing your best work.” The university has gotten involved in the conversation, arguing that students and faculty had more time to prepare this semester than the last. “The situation last spring, where classes went remote quite suddenly, is not the situation we’re predicting for this fall,” a tweet from the university’s Twitter account stated, responding to a student who voiced their concerns. “Our instruction teams were able to plan for the possibility of entirely remote instruction, and many classes already have a remote course.” Mounts said that even if students and faculty felt like they were prepared when beginning this semester, the argument is flawed.

“While we all knew kind of what was maybe going to happen, the reality of the situation wasn’t really the case,” Mounts said.

“Trying to balance mental and physical health, as well as work and school, is a lot harder in a pandemic as it was before.” MACKENZIE HAAS Student Body Vice President

Student Senator Rexhd Martin has spoken with several students about the grading system, and said that they feel that the majority of students are on the same page in their struggles. “The format was not what I was told it would be, and I had no choice but to go with it,” Martin said. “The general consensus is just, like, this semester is not what they said with me.”

Martin said that the university didn’t give many students what they initially thought they signed up for. “We thought we knew what we were getting into,” Martin said. “But a lot of hybrid classes I signed up for didn’t end up being hybrid at all.” “I’m not sure what the motivation is behind [the decision to stick with the current grading system], but if they genuinely believe students are struggling and still don’t give us a pass/fail, then they aren’t listening to the students.” Student Body Vice President Mackenzie Haas is another student leader who is pushing for the pass/fail grading system. Haas was one of the student leaders who authored a resolution that asks the university to implement the system that was passed at Wednesday’s SGA meeting. “One of the biggest determining factors in writing this resolution was that, obviously, we know that students are struggling— and we can all relate to that,” Haas said. “And so just looking at some things

that the university could do to make this semester easier for us. Obviously COVID is still happening, so it’s really important that we listen to what students want and what students need right now.” The resolution doesn’t strictly ask for the pass/fail system. It also asks to discontinue the use of the plus minus system, asks the university to suggest professors to reevaluate their grading scale, stop proctoring exams for the fall, and asks that all students are able to keep their scholarships regardless of their fall 2020 GPA. Haas said offering students more flexible grading scales will provide them peace in an ever-changing situation. “Trying to balance mental and physical health, as well as work and school, is a lot harder in a pandemic as it was before,” Haas said. “It’s all different and it’s really hard to balance that.” “I think it’s important for us all to have grace for each other and give the benefit of the doubt.”

SGA passes resolution asking for fair representation in future presidential search BY LINDSAY SMITH editor@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith

The Student Senate passed a resolution Wednesday that asked the Kansas Board of Regents to utilize a search committee composed of 50% Wichita State faculty, staff and students to select the next university president.

“In future search committees we have to have our interests represented because ultimately we are most affected by the position of new president.” DAVID LIU Student Senator

The resolution was created in hopes of fixing the lack of transparency surrounding former President Jay Golden’s abrupt resignation. “Confidence in the transparency of the administration of Wichita State and KBOR has suffered as a result of the opaque processes surrounding the resignation of Dr. Golden,” the resolution stated. “It is imperative that the university hire a competent and cooperative leader whom the

students can trust to effectively manage the many challenges that the university is likely to face in the coming years.” The resolution also asks that the search committee includes three members of the Student Government Association selected by the SGA president. This follows two resolutions the Faculty Senate passed during their meeting Monday, which also strongly recommend that KBOR utilize a search committee, and that half of the search committee are WSU faculty, staff, and students. Student Senator David Liu said that the Faculty Senate felt it was important that student government also be a part of the conversation over the presidential search. “They believed it appropriate that [SGA] passed their own resolution,” Liu said. “[Because] this is important. In future search committees we have to have our interests represented because ultimately we are most affected by the position of new president.” In the last presidential search committee that selected Golden, out of the 20 members that served there were 2 student members— then Student Body President Kitrina Miller and then Student Ambassadors Society President Brandon Eckerman.

ATTENTION STUDENTS:

KHANH NGUYEN/THE SUNFLOWER

WuShock cheers with the crowd at the Spring 2020 graduation ceremony held Oct. 10. The university announced Wednesday that the Fall 2020 graduation ceremony will be rescheduled for a later date.

Wichita State postpones fall graduation ceremony BY LINDSAY SMITH editor@thesunflower.com / @Lindsay_KSmith

Wichita State has decided to postpone the fall graduation ceremony, according to a university announcement. The ceremony scheduled for Nov. 22 was postponed after discussion with the Sedgwick County Health Department. “Please be assured that we are committed to providing you

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To be eligible you must have your SSN on file with WSU by November 30, 2020. For more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/1098t

MISSION The Sunflower — both in print and online — will be a timely resource of information about the Wichita State University community. It will report on news, issues, activities, academics and athletics, in addition to offering a forum for discussion, reviews and commentary. It will also be an effective learning experience for students, who will have the final authority over what is published.

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This announcement follows the Student Affairs office’s decision to move all in person events to a virtual alternative. In an interview with The Sunflower, Vice President of Student Affairs Teri Hall said she hoped that other university events would follow in their footsteps. “But I am hoping that they will follow suit and do things similarly,” Hall said.

Stay informed over break!

You (or your parents) may be eligible for a 2020 Higher Education Tax Credit.

The Sunflower, founded in 1896, is the student-run newspaper covering Wichita State University. The print edition is published Monday during the fall and spring semesters. The staff publishes daily online at www.thesunflower.com.

with a safe in-person commencement ceremony at a future date,” the announcement stated. “We look forward to celebrating your achievements with you as you walk across the stage in Koch Arena and are recognized.” The University previously celebrated their Spring 2020 graduates in October after a five month delay. The university did not provide the new date for the fall 2020 graduate ceremony.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Lindsay Smith editor@thesunflower.com

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The Sunflower is committed to accuracy in its publications. If you find an error in any of its publications, please email the editor at editor@thesunflower.com immediately.

NEWS

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2020 | 3

RETIRING IN 2020

COURTESY OF RICHARD ARMSTRONG

TABITHA BARR/THE SUNFLOWER

‘It’s family:’ Faculty member closes the door on her time at Wichita State BY TABITHA BARR tjbarr@shockers.wichita.edu

Amy Schafer, Director of Advertising for Strategic Communications, had an unconventional start at Wichita State. Schafer interviewed for a job at the university after she recently had a new baby. She was home alone while her husband was at work and got a call from the university asking if she was still available for an interview that day. Schafer was surprised because she thought that the interview was scheduled for the month after. She explained that she was stuck at home because her husband had the vehicle and had a newborn with her. They said they’d accommodate her and sent someone to pick her up. “So I’m getting into a strange car, with a strange man, going to a place I’ve never been before, with my newborn,” Schafer said. She arrived at the university and the co-op staff watched over her baby while she went in for an interview. Even though her circumstances were strange, she still dressed to impress and brought her briefcase. While in the interview she realized what she brought. “In my briefcase was a diaper, a pen, and a resume,” Schafer said. Once it was finished, she had someone say to her that “anybody who can interview like that, under those circumstances, gets the job.” And that’s what started her career at Wichita State. For more than 30 years and four different positions at Wichita State University, Schafer is retiring in fall 2020. “It’s family,” Schafer said about her time at WSU and the people she’s gotten to meet. Her first job in cooperative relations taught her a lot about the community and the people in it.

KLEINSASSER FROM PAGE 1

Kleinsasser said that his main job is to give the university a voice. “I do everything in my power to make sure at least the university has an opportunity to present their perspective, provide background, or whatever the case may be to help people understand,” Kleinsasser said. “If you don’t say something, or if you choose to say nothing, then you leave the media and others to find someone who will.

“It gave me that networking experience,” she said. After some time in that position she

“It was a very difficult decision [to leave]. Wichita State will always be very special to me.” AMY SCHAFER Director of Advertising for Strategic Communications

opted to apply and received the university relations job at WSU where they planned special projects and community relations events. She was in charge of the college’s biggest events and loved meeting the community. Schafer said she never intended on staying in Wichita this long. “Five years— that was all,” Schafer said. But with their kids already in school and not wanting to uproot the family, they stayed. The next position that Schafer held was in the office of admissions where she got to help students one-on-one but it was definitely a “go-go-go” job, she said. She took a break from WSU and went to work for KU Med’s university relations but soon ended up back home in the position she is leaving now— Director of Advertising in Strategic Communications. When she came back her co-workers said “welcome home” and it really felt like it for Schafer. “It was a very difficult decision [to leave],” Schafer said. Schafer said she decided to retire after she realized it was time for a change. “Wichita State will always be very special to me,” Schafer said.

“I’ve enjoyed it, I respect the media and I think they respect what I do.” It’s a strange time to retire, Kleinsasser said. But considering how the job started, Kleinsasser said it’s no shock how it’s ending. “Within a month and a half after starting in the fall of ‘86, then President Armstrong had my office call a news conference that he would address the media to announce the end of the football program,” Kleinsasser said. “You go from that start to finishing a career in the midst of COVID-19, and of course, the sudden resignation of

Retiring communications professor reflects on his career achievements BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE copyeditor@thesunflower.com / @JuliaNightengale

In Elliott School Professor Rick Armstrong’s 33 ½ years teaching at WSU, he has never taken a sick day. “I never missed a class for illness in 40 years of teaching,” Armstrong said. “I don’t think that too many people can say that so I’m gonna knock on wood and hope that continues.” Armstrong is retiring in December through the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program for Retirement introduced by WSU in September. Professors who have at least 10 years of service and are at least 62 years old are eligible to receive a full year’s salary through the program. “It is just time because so many things have come together,” Armstrong said. “I’ve already taught well beyond what most people teach, I’m 75. I’m in good health and I enjoy my work so I could’ve gone on but we just had to take advantage of this.” As Director of the University Public Speaking Program, he taught graduate students how to teach public speaking to their own students for 20 years. He was a role model for many students in the program. Brandy Willett, a graduate teaching assistant, said that she appreciates all the work and dedication that he has put into building a stellar program for public speaking GTAs. “He has designed and maintained a program, where we are able to go into our classrooms day one knowing what is important and the impact we can make, and more importantly we know he is always there with advice, understanding and support if we need him,” Willett said. “Dr. Armstrong is an inspiration for what I would like to be for my students.” Armstrong said that he hopes the students in the program are still able to find a good balance between teaching and completing their own coursework. “Luckily, we’ve made good decisions, we’ve got really good people you know, and I hope that whoever replaces me can continue to teach that class in a way that they feel like they are prepared to walk into

the president. “It’s kind of a strange book-end.” When asked how he built such a good reputation at WSU, Kleinsasser said vulnerability is key. “It comes about by letting people see when you’re vulnerable, even when you’re hurting or going through challenges in your life,” Kleinsasser said. Kleinsasser said he believes the way he lives out his Christian faith is another factor in building his good reputation. “I think my faith has a lot to do with how I live it out, that you

a class on the first day, probably teaching for the first time,” Armstrong said, Armstrong said he also enjoyed teaching various communication courses, such as business and professional speaking, that give students the skills that will help them in their everyday business lives. Along with teaching, Armstrong has presented around 40 peer reviewed papers at conferences all over the country, published three books and is working on another one, and published a number of articles in scholarly journals. “I like to do research and write and I try to publish things in my discipline.,” Armstrong said. “That’s what really had made it attractive to me, it’s not the same thing all the time. We have so many different things we can do; serve on committees, write letters of recommendation. Plus I don’t think I ever missed one of my kid’s ball games, so that’s really nice.” Despite his many achievements, Armstrong is humble about his good reputation at the university. “It’s part of your upbringing I guess to have a good work ethic and that sort of thing, and follow the rules and do what’s expected,” Armstrong said. “I was in the army reserve for a while so I learned all about following orders. I just live my life that way and try to treat people how I would like to be treated, be a kind person, be nice … works for me.” Armstrong said that he will miss a lot of things, including his colleagues, students, the everyday humming of the university, and the occasional challenge. “I have nothing but good things to say about WSU,” Armstrong said. “I drive by the innovation campus everyday when I go home, and it’s just thrilling to see all those new buildings and everything. I used to play golf there ... It’s incredible and it makes me proud.” Armstrong said that he would like to be remembered as a good colleague, a decent teacher, someone who didn’t cause trouble and did the right thing, and made contributions where needed.

love others, you care about them as much as you can knowing you yourself aren’t perfect,” Kleinsasser said. As he’s in his last month at WSU, Kleinsasser said his main focus is to end on a good note. “It takes time to build it and you can blow it in a hurry,” he said. “I always told myself when I got to the end, ‘Whatever you do, finish well.’” Kleinsasser said that he hopes he leaves the office in a place where they can continue to learn and grow. “You can always build on what

the person has previously done … I hope when I leave things don’t go backwards because that means I haven’t done a very good job,” he said. He said that overall, he is going to miss the people at WSU the most. “I’ll miss the people, and that’s a good thing because it means that I’ve appreciated who I’ve worked with and what I’ve gotten to do,” Kleinsasser said. Kleinsasser hopes to spend his retirement spending time with his family, including homeschooling his son.

4 | MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2020

WWW.THESUNFLOWER.COM

Opinion Street WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT WSU IMPLEMENTING A PASS/ FAIL GRADING SYSTEM?

GRANT CROIN

Psychology, freshman

HAVE AN OPINION?

contact The Sunflower’s opinion editor, Jeromiah Taylor opinion@thesunflower.com

WSU needs to support students with a credit/no credit or pass/fail grading option Jeromiah Taylor Opinion Editor opinion@thesunflower.com

Official university response has stressed that students knew what to expect from the fall semester and that the former no credit provision was a one time response to an unforeseen alteration of the Spring 2020 semester. The university claims that students knew what to expect this semester are patently false and insult the intelligence of the WSU

community. No one knew what to expect of the future 3 months ago. At the county level rules and regulations have fluctuated as have those on campus resulting in an unpredictable environment for WSU students. Personally, illness, unemployment and loss are all parts of a pandemic that do not conform to the academic calendar. The fact is we are still in a pandemic which is worse than it was during the Spring 2020 semester. If the conditions in the spring warranted accommodation then those in the fall certainly do.

Accommodating students is one tangible way the university could earn the confidence of its student body. During my time at WSU the university has been consistently plagued with scandal and the result is a disillusioned and discontent student body. Choices loom for the university: open or closed presidential search, open or closed campus, replace or retain Gregg Marshall. It is politically expedient for the university to court the approval of the student body which it currently lacks. Beyond politics, providing an ncr or p/f option is simply the

caring option. If the university has any ethical stake in its students then it ought to facilitate their success by any means possible. If the university’s interest in its student body is wholly financial then the current course of action makes sense. Ultimately, repeated negligence of student interests will result in financial struggle for the university and the derailing of the all important drive for increased enrollment. It is time for WSU to provide a ncr or p/f option to its students in light of the unprecedented burden placed on them by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I do not really have an opinion on the pass/fail grading system because some of my classes are already done and I have my grades. For some of my classes, I definitely feel like it needs to be a pass/fail system because there is a limited amount of assignments.”

DAYNARA RIVERA Biology, freshman

“I heard that this happened last semester but WSU never did anything about it. So for me, it is a good idea because of the pandemic and all the stress that all of the college students are going through. If I was working harder than someone in a class and the other person was not trying as hard as me I do not think it is fair for both of us to pass with the same grade.” COURTESY OF OFFICELADIES.COM

The ‘Office Ladies’ podcast is what got me through 2020 Morgan Anderson Managing Editor visuals@thesunflower.com

JISEL AVILA

Biology, freshman “As a freshman, I am not sure how it would affect me since I have not experienced before this whole situation happened. I saw a tweet going around on Twitter about this and I signed it because my friend explained it to me. So I feel like it would help other students who are struggling as well.”

BECKY KERR

Physics, sophomore “It would definitely help me out especially because of my chemistry class. On our first day, our instructor said that all of the assignments will be due in December. Then I forgot I had my chemistry homework and I went to try to finish the assignments but they were all locked. That affected my GPA and I am worried that I will not be able to come back in the Spring semester.”

NBC’s hit mockumentary “The Office” has become one of my favorite shows that has continued to stay near and dear to my heart since its debut in 2005. I have consistently watched all nine seasons— five or six times through— and I never get bored. I still eagerly wait for Jim and Pam’s relationship, laugh uncontrollably at Dwight, and continuously receive second-hand embarrassment from watching Michael Scott. This show has given me joy when I’ve needed it the most — but I was always left a little unsatisfied. Each episode left me with questions about character development or the reasoning behind different storylines, and the internet was only helpful to a certain extent. In September of 2019, Jenna Fischer (who played the receptionist, Pam) and Angela Kinsey (who played the serious-minded accountant, also named Angela) decided to put together a podcast called “Office Ladies” that breaks down every episode and gives behindthe-scenes stories to give viewers more insight into the making of Dunder Mifflin. For all “The Office” fans out there, here are a few things you

Opinion LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 400 words. Letters may be edited for accuracy, clarity and length. Please include your name, WSU affiliation and a phone number for verification purposes. To submit letters, email opinion@thesunflower.com or submit at www.thesunflower.com. The opinions expressed in The Sunflower editorials, columns, guest columns, reviews, advertisements, letters and editorial cartoons are not necessarily those of the staff, publications board, student body or the university. The Sunflower reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. We also reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

can expect to learn about in this podcast.

JIM AND PAM’S RELATIONSHIP BREAKDOWN Deemed as one of the most aggravating things I’ve ever had to wait for in a show, Jim and Pam’s relationship is worth anticipating for three seasons. Jenna Fischer (Pam) and John Krasinski’s (Jim) chemistry as actors was nothing short of perfect. Fisher describes in the podcast that when she auditioned as Pam, she did multiple scenes with Krasinski and knew that she couldn’t do the role without him. She states, “And I mean this honestly – I can’t do Pam without him. In the way you need the right partner to have a great marriage, I needed the right co-star to have this relationship.” I can’t imagine this office relationship being played by different people — Fischer and Krasinski make it real.

STEVE CARELL’S BIG HEART Although Steve Carell plays the part of Michael Scott— an immature, offensive boss— Carell in real time is actually quite the opposite. Fischer and Kinsey constantly tell stories throughout the podcast of Steve’s kind heart and personable attitude towards all the cast members. They reminisce about Steve’s Golden Globe win, his trip to New

York for the episode “Valentines Day”, and the moments when he got to act with his wife Nancy Carell who plays Michael’s brief love interest, Carol. During the sixth episode of “The Office: Office Olympics”, Michael is awarded a medal for closing on his condo, and when you see Michael start to tear up, Fischer and Kinsey explain that that was all Steve. Kinsey states in the podcast, “The office family is his family, and he’s absolutely emotional. And when we filmed it, we did not know that Steve was going to make that choice to get emotional. And so we’re all looking at him. And he started to tear up and I, as Angela Martin, started- as myself started to tear up.” The times that Michael seems to have a heart, you can note that that’s all Steve.

THE INFAMOUS DUNDER MIFFLIN BUILDING Before listening to the podcast, I was absolutely convinced that the Dunder Mifflin office in Scranton, PA was a real building. Much to my surprise, part of it is and part of it isn’t. The “bullpen”, or the office, is its own set on ground level and the outside of the windows is just a backdrop. The warehouse is just the same. But the scenes you see where the characters are standing outside of the Dunder Mifflin

building is a different location — the building is Chandler Valley Center Studios in California. The most riveting information I learned about the set was the placement of the talking heads, or the “interviews” characters would have with the cameramen on the show. In the podcast, Fischer and Kinsey explain why some of the talking heads are in the conference room with the office in the background, and why others are in the conference room with the window facing outside behind them. Fisher says in the “Conflict Resolution” podcast episode, “... the idea was that any character that had a future outside of Dunder Mifflin or held some sort of internal optimism would sit in front of a window leading out into the world. But characters who didn’t want to leave Dunder Mifflin or who maybe were in more of a position of being trapped, would do their talking heads facing into the office.” This information made me watch “The Office” in a different way — it’s a small but deep piece of the show that pulls at my heartstrings. So if you’re looking for something new, or you love learning anything and everything about “The Office” like me, this is the perfect podcast to give you that good, fulfilling energy when you need it. You can listen to “Office Ladies” on officeladies.com or you can stream each episode on Spotify.

SUNFLOWER HOT TAKES The Sunflower staff gives their one-sentence takes.

Lindsay Smith: VeggieTales is for college students too. Morgan Anderson: Dying your hair fixes every problem. Sean Marty: I’ve never met a normal person named Dale. Amy DeVault: The best brainstorming partner is a hair dryer. Noah Merrell: Trixie Mattel looks like Bob the Builder when she’s out of drag. Julia Nightengale: Even though Baby Yoda committed genocide, I still love him.

MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2020 | 5

WWW.THESUNFLOWER.COM

Sports

HAVE A STORY IDEA? contact The Sunflower’s sports editor, Sean Marty sports@thesunflower.com

WSU commit reopens his recruitment BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

FILE PHOTO: SELENA FAVELA/THE SUNFLOWER

Wichita State junior Alec Bohm throws to first for an out against USF on May 11, 2018 at Eck Stadium.

Former Shocker finishes as runner-up in NL Rookie of the Year BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

Former Wichita State third baseman Alec Bohm finished in second place for the 2020 National League Rookie of the Year. Bohm was able to record the highest finish from a Shocker ever after his rookie season with the Philadelphia Phillies. After three seasons with WSU, Bohm was selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft

by the Phillies. In the past two years, Bohm had been playing on various minor league teams within the Phillies’ organization before receiving his callup in August. In his rookie season, Bohm was able to hit for an average of .338 along with an OPS of .881. Bohm also launched four homeruns to go along with 23 RBIs in his rookie campaign. Bohm also started in all 44 games that he appeared in. Bohm finished first among qualified NL Rookies in batting

GREGG

FROM PAGE 1 asked if he would encourage others to attend the university. “I love WSU but a few changes that are currently happening and hopefully will happen soon. Then yes I would encourage other student-athletes to come to Wichita State,” the anonymous athlete said. This was the only men’s basketball exit interview made available through an open records request. The Sunflower’s request for exit interviews from previous seasons was denied due to a state law that pertains to privacy concerns. Marshall was hired as WSU’s head coach back in 2007, replacing Mark Turgeon. Marshall struggled out of the gates but was finally able to take the Shockers back to the NCAA Tournament in the 201112 season. This started a seven-year run of consecutive trips to the NCAA Tournament. In 12 of Marshall’s 14 seasons as head coach, the Shockers have made a trip to the post-season including an NIT Championship in 2011. In 2013, Marshall was able to lead the Shockers to the first Final Four appearance since 1965 but fell to the eventual champion Louisville in the semifinals. The following season, the Shockers jumped out to a 35-0 start and was the first team ever to do so. Marshall also helped maneuver WSU through the move to the American Athletic Conference and in their debut season led the Shockers to a second-place finish in the conference and another trip to the NCAA Tournament. In the past two seasons, Marshall led the Shockers to the semifinals of the NIT along with a 23-8 record one year ago. Marshall has produced six NBA players over his 14 years, including Landry Shamet, Fred VanVleet, Ron Baker, Cleanthony Early, Toure’ Murray and Gal Mekel. Shamet is the latest former Shocker to make it into the NBA after being selected in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft. Marshall has produced a total of 37 professionals during his time at WSU. Over his 14 seasons as head coach, Marshall led WSU to a record of 331-121. Marshall started his head coaching career at Winthrop University prior to arriving at WSU. His nine seasons at Winthrop included seven trips to the NCAA Tournament. Marshall left Winthrop in 2007 when he started in Wichita. Prior to this decision, Marshall was making just over $3.5 million per year on a seven-year rolling contract. According to USA Today, Marshall was the 15th highest-paid coach in the country.

average (.338), on-base percentage (.400), slugging percentage (.481), OPS (.881), hits (54) and RBIs (23). In 2004, former Shocker pitcher Nate Robertson gained the only other vote from a former Shocker and finished in eight-place for the American League version of the award. In that season, Robertson went 12-10 for the Detroit Tigers with an ERA of 4.90. Milwaukee Brewers relief pitcher Devin Williams took home the award with 95 points and 14

first-place votes. Bohm and the San Diego Padres’ Jake Croneworth tied with 74 points, but Bohm was able to tally three more first-place votes, securing his second-place finish. Former Shocker pitcher Codi Heuer also had a productive rookie season in 2020, finishing with a 1.52 ERA in 21 appearances for the Chicago White Sox. Heuer did not receive any votes for the award.

After committing to Wichita State just over a month ago, Sterling Gaston-Chapman has decided to reopen his recruitment and decommit from the Shockers, according to multiple reports. “I committed and was ready to go play, it was like a weight was lifted off of my shoulders,” Chapman told KWCH. “But then all of the allegations came out and right now I don’t really know what is going on at the college that I am supposed to go to or my next step.” Gaston-Chapman is a threestar recruit according to Rivals and has played his high school basketball at nearby Campus High School. Gaston-Chapman was the lone commit for WSU in the 2021 recruiting class. This past year, GastonChapman was awarded as the Kansas 6A Player of the Year and originally chose WSU over the likes of SMU, Tulsa and Grand Canyon. Gaston-Chapman is the second recruit to decommit from WSU since March. Former WSU signee JaDun Michael also decided to reopened his recruitment this offseason and is set to play for Elon University this season. With this announcement, WSU now has two scholarships available for the 2021-22 season but they could change as all winter sport athletes will have another year of eligibility after this year. This means that seniors Trey Wade and Alterique Gilbert could decide for next season.

An in-depth look at Gregg Marshall’s contract BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

This week multiple reports surfaced that said that Wichita State and head coach Gregg Marshall are expected to part ways following an internal investigation into Marshall’s behavior. With these reports, many have raised questions about what this could mean for Marshall’s contract. Marshall originally signed his current contract in September 2015 after receiving interest from other universities including Texas and Alabama. The contract is set to expire in 2022. From 2015-17, Marshall was making $3 million annually which was followed by a $500,000 increase annually for the remainder of the contract. In July 2017, an amendment was made to the contract where the Intercollegiate Athletics Association would only pay Marshall $270,000 annually. The ICAA would also pay $2.73 million to Marshall Hoops, LLC— a private limited liability company for Marshall— in 2017. The following year the ICAA would pay $3.23 million to the company. The contract did not specify how much would go to Marshall Hoops in the following years. If WSU does decide to terminate Marshall, the contract says it must fit within the best interests of the program and the university. The termination must fit under “good cause”. According to Marshall’s contract, this includes his refusal to perform his duties as head coach, failure to supervise his coaching staff and

provide oversight, convicted of a felony, insubordination and as determined by the University President an act of dishonesty and discreditable conduct. If they find the termination within “good cause” WSU must give Marshall notice in writing of the actions alleged and a chance to respond. If Marshall is terminated and it is not determined to be in “good cause”, the university must pay Marshall either $15 million or the remaining amount left on his contract. The contract also allows Marshall $623,000 to hire and retain three coaching assistants and a director of basketball operations, $10,000 each contract year for business-related entertainment and three personal flights with up to eight seats to anywhere in the continental United States on a private aircraft. The contract included multiple potential incentives for Marshall that involve making it far in the NCAA tournament, being selected as MVC or AAC Coach of the Year and making sure his players achieve high academic standards. Marshall could potentially receive hundreds of thousands in incentives each year. Marshall has earned $420,000 in team performance incentives since signing his contract. Additional contract benefits for Marshall include two courtesy cars (or an equal allowance in lieu) to be used for both personal and business use and complimentary memberships to Flint Hills National Golf Club, the Crestview Country Club and Genesis Health Club.

GREGG’S BONUSES OVER THE YEARS Winning Conference Record- $20,000 Multi-year APR (Academic Progress Rate) of .930 or higher- $35,000 At least 20 regular-season wins- $35,000 Program fulfills AAC nonconference scheduling policy- $25,000 Program finishes as conference champions or co-champions- $18,000 Program wins postseason conference tournament- $18,000 Program makes an appearance in NIT- $18,000 Program makes championship of NIT -$18,000 Program appears in NCAA Tournament- $36,000 Program makes Sweet 16- $60,000 Program makes Final Four- $100,000 Program wins NCAA Championship- $200,000 Marshall wins AAC Coach of the Year- $25,000 Marshall wins NABC or AP Coach of the Year- $50,000

6 | MONDAY, NOV. 16, 2020

SPORTS

2020-2021

SHOCKER BASKETBALL

DEXTER DENNIS

Junior, G Baker, LA - Bellive Academy Height: 6’5”

Sophomore, G Engelwood, NJ - Putnam Science Academy Height: 6’2”

TREY WADE

Senior, F Marietta, GA - South Plains College Height: 6’6”

BRYCEN BUSH

Senior, G Wichita, KS - Goddard Eisenhower High School Height: 6’0”

ISAIAH CHANDLER

TYSON ETIENNE

Junior, F Omaha, NE - Sunrise Christian Academy Height: 6’9”

REMY ROBERT II Junior, G Baton Rougue, LA - State College of Florida Height: 6’2”

JADEN SEYMOUR

Freshman, F Charlotte, NC - Northside Christian Academy Height: 6’9”

2 CRAIG PORTER JR.

ALTERIQUE GILBERT

Junior, G Terre Haute, IN - Vincennes University Height: 6’2”

Redshirt Senior, G Atlanta, GA - UCONN Height: 6’0”

CHAUNCE JENKINS

Freshman, G Newport News, VA - Menchville High School Height: 6’4”

MORRIS UDEZE

Junior, F Houston, TX - Montverde Academy Height: 6’8”

TREVIN WADE

CLARENCE JACKSON

Sophomore, F Dublin, GA - Polk State College Height: 6’7”

JACOB HERRS

Junior, F South Bend, IN - Trinity Valley CC Height: 6’2”

Sophomore, G Desoto, TX - Cedar Hill High School Height: 5’8”

RACHEL JOHNSON

DJ MCCARTY

Junior, G Eufaula, AL - Chipola College Height: 5’8”

ASHLEI KIRVEN

Sophomore, F Beaumont, TX - Beaumont United High School Height: 6’3”

JAIDA HAMPTON Junior, G Lansing, MI - East Lansing High School Height: 5’10”

SHAMARYAH DUNCAN Freshman, G Waco, TX - Midway High School Height: 5’11”

MARIAH MCCULLY

Senior, G Grand Rapids, MI - Wabash Valley Height: 5’7”

CARLA BREMAUD

Junior, G Angers, France - Life Prep Academy Height: 5’11”

SARAPHINE BASTIN

JOSAPHAT BILAU

Junior, G Dinant, Belgium - Sainte-Marie Namur Height: 5’8”

WOMEN’S ROSTER

Redshirt Freshman, F LA Rouche-Sur-Yon, France - Spire Academy Height: 6’10”

EMANI JENKINS

Freshman, G Dallas, TX - South Oak Cliff High School Height: 6’0”

ENE ADAMS

Sophomore, F Jos, Nigeria - Grayson College Height: 6’1”

Senior, G Wichita, KS - Andover High School Height: 6’2”

MEN’S ROSTER

ASIA STRONG

Freshman, G Durham, NC - Southern Durham High School Height: 6’6”

Junior, G Marrietta, GA - Georgia Highlands College Height: 5’11”

RICKY COUNCIL IV

TRAJATA COLBERT

Junior, F Rochelle, GA - Wilcox County High School Height: 6’2”

ASIA HENDERSON

Redshirt Junior, C Hope Mills, NC - South View High School Height: 6’3”