The Sunflower v. 127 i. 24 (March 9, 2023)

‘I WAS STARTING TO PANIC’

Anti-abortion group protests at Wichita State and downtown Wichita

BY MIA HENNEN & EMMIE BOESE news@thesunflower.com & sportsassistant@thesunflower.com

Wichita State student Claire Kennard said it was a shock to walk out of class and see anti-abortion protesters lining the campus sidewalks with graphic signs. The musical theater major said it brought back many traumatic memories.

“My heart was pounding out of my chest,” Kennard said. “When I got to the RSC, I was starting to panic.”

On Friday, March 3, protesters from Free the States and others were on Wichita State’s main campus to “educate college students.” The Oklahoma-based group deems

themselves “abolitionists,” with the goal to abolish and criminalize abortion in the United States.

“College campuses are places where you really need to go to try to change people’s minds and hearts,” Russell Hunter, executive director at Free the States, said.

Hunter differentiated Free the States from pro-life groups, saying that they believe in the immediate abolition of abortion, not its regulation.

“Laws against murder should apply equally to all humans,” Hunter said. “The thing protecting you from being murdered should also protect the (fetus) to the best of the ability.”

Protesters held posters with imagery meant to spark discussion

about abortion. They also handed out pamphlets and stopped students on their way to class to talk with them.

“(It’s) emotionally really hard to get to my next class,” Kennard said. “Every single protester coming up and offering a pamphlet … was a little scary.”

A rape survivor, Kennard said the protesters lacked empathy for survivors of traumatic experiences like herself, as well as knowledge on abortion.

“I understand that it’s supposed to be an emotional ‘got ya’ moment and catch you off guard,” Kennard said. “But for me, it just reminds me of my past …. experiences.”

The protest at Wichita State’s campus was part of a series of conference events throughout the week.

Berry, Harmon presidential campaign aims to reduce government’s spending, respect

student voices

BY COURTNEY BROWN browncourtney2002@gmail.com

Zane Berry and Nicholas Harmon are one of three teams running for student government president and vice president. Their platform consists of affordable housing, reduced spending and reaffirming the right to freedom of expression.

Last year, Berry, now hoping to be student government president, was a vice presidential candidate on a write-in campaign with William Shropshire. Berry said the experience prepared him for his current campaign.

“Since we had to do everything on such a smaller scale last time and such a short time span,” Berry said, “it’s given me more insight into … what makes a successful campaign.”

Berry has been an SGA engineering senator for two years. As engineering caucus leader, he also leads meetings with engineering students in the Senate and connects with their college’s dean.

After deciding to run, Berry said he quickly thought of Harmon as a running mate.

“I knew he was going to be a strong fit for me, and I knew he aligned with what I wanted to change on campus,” Berry said.

Harmon is an at-large senator and chair of SGA’s Ways and Means Committee, which helps recognize student organizations. Harmon said, as chair, he motioned to reduce the timeline to approve organizations.

“I’ve always tried to put the interests of student organizations

first,” Harmon said.

CAMPAIGN POINTS

If elected, Berry and Harmon said they plan to reduce SGA’s spending. Last fall, SGA voted to fund $15,000 for a mural project on the Duerksen amphitheater. While Harmon said he supports the mural, he found it irresponsible that SGA provided additional funds.

On March 2, the group protested in downtown Wichita.

The conference was titled “Bleeding Kansas,” referencing the period of unrest between pro-slavery and antislavery forces in the state. The group overlaps terminology often used in reference to the abolitionist movement, the movement to end slavery.

Musical theater student Tim Hampton said, as a Black man, it hurts to see protesters compare abortion to slavery.

“I talked to a man who basically said that slavery and abortion are the same thing,” Hampton said.

SEE ANTI-ABORTION PAGE 2

Okere, Martin focuses on increasing engagement and improving accountability

BY SARAH BEAUCHAMP sbeauchamp2944@gmail.com

Iris Okere and Sophie Martins are one of three teams running for president and vice president of the Student Government Association (SGA).

They are focused on five platforms: transparency, civic engagement, diversity, student retention and accountability. These platforms share similar points with current

She spoke of her time as chair and how that experience would help her as president.

A child carries an anti-abortion information card while walking in protest of abortion on March 2. | Photo by Mia Hennen / The Sunflower

Pro-life organization “Abolitionist” protesters walked outside East High School, drawing out engagement from a student. | Photo by Kyran Crist / The Sunflower

Anti-abortion protesters show their signs to people on Wichita State’s campus. The group, Free the States, protested on March 3. | Photo by Emmie Boese / The Sunflower

Anti-abortion protesters show their signs to people on Wichita State’s campus. The group, Free the States, protested on March 3. | Photo by Emmie Boese / The Sunflower

Presidential candidate Zane Berry and VP candidate Nicholas Harmon pose for a photo. Berry and Harmon launched their campaign in February. | Photo courtesy of Zane Berry

Presidential candidate Izzy Okere and VP candidate Sophie Martins pose for a photo. | Photo courtesy of Sophie Martins

Student Body President John Kirk. Okere serves as the Diversity Empowerment and Inclusion committee chair for SGA. She has served in Wichita State’s student government for about a year and is an underserved senator.

“My problem was that (the mural project) told us that they already had all the funding that they needed, and we just gave them extra money,” Harmon said.

The pair thinks responsible spending would help maintain low student fees and respect students.

“We are supposed to represent the interests of the student body, so we need to treat the students and their money with respect,” Harmon said.

The duo also wants to ensure students can freely express themselves. They plan to speak with university staff about how students might feel nervous to share certain opinions.

“Making sure that everybody has a level playing field and everybody feels like Wichita State is a safe space to talk,” Berry said.

Harmon said he advocates for students’ interests, even if they don’t agree with them.

“We can have differences of opinions and still work together for the common good,” Harmon said

The pair said they hope to address housing issues. Berry said that students often pay large fees to cancel housing contracts, even if moving into a fraternity house or for a job.

“Oftentimes, campus doesn’t really respect those kinds of reasons to cancel a housing contract, so (students) end up having to put that in a big bill,” Berry said. They hope to work with Student Affairs and Housing and Residence Life to facilitate a solution.

“Ultimately, it would come down to a lot of negotiating, creating a good dialogue between housing and students,” Harmon said. If elected, the pair aim to pass SGA resolutions in line with their campaign goals.

They also hope to emulate current SGA President John Kirk. Kirk runs on five platforms, one being transparency.

“The goal of transparency is one that I’ve always shared with President Kirk, and we’d love to continue in our administration,” Harmon said.

Through their time in SGA, Berry said he and Harmon bring more experience to the table, compared to other candidates.

“I’ve learned a lot about the way that we can make SGA — and especially the Executive Branch — much better than it is,” Berry said.

A resident assistant and involved in Beta Theta Phi, Berry said he’s also learned the importance of approachability.

“(If elected) I’m not just the president in SGA,” Berry said. “I’m also approachable; I’m here; and I’m ready to help with whatever you need.”

SGA presidential and vice presidential debates will occur at 6 p.m. on March 23 and 28. Voting will open on April 3.

Two other teams are running: Iris Okere and Sophie Martins and Noah Carter and Jonathan Stanger.

MISSION

Student Fees Committee approves 2.9% increase in student fees, sends recommendations to Senate

BY JAYCIE NELSON & TRINITY RAMM editor@thesunflower.com & sports@thesunflower

The Student Fees Committee, made up of 11 students, including six Student Government Association (SGA) members, has recommended increasing the Student Fees Budget 2.9%. This could raise student fees next year, but SGA has to improve the budget.

Of the 17 groups up for funding evaluations, seven did not receive the full requested amount, with one organization, SGA Scholarships, receiving more than requested.

These decisions are not final, as they must be voted on by SGA, and then approved by the university president, and ultimately by the Kansas Board of Regents. Each spring, the commission listens to budget recommendations and requests from organizations that are funded by student fees.

The Commission heard requests Monday and Tuesday and deliberations, where the committee reviews and discusses organizations’ requested budget, took place Tuesday as well.

The committee created a proposal and that proposal was approved Tuesday evening. The proposal will go through a first

read in SGA on March 22 and then a second read and vote on March 29.

Below are the organizations up for funding approval this year. The table breaks down how much each organization received in the current fiscal year, what they requested for the upcoming three years, and how much money the fees committee is recommending they receive.

The total amount for the Student Fees Budget, including organizations that are not up for evaluations this year, is $10,760,340.

STUDENT FEES HEARING BREAKDOWN

“We have a lot of diversity efforts on this campus and things that are supposed to be implemented, but they’re not,” Okere said. “We as a committee focus on how are we best representing underserved populations.”

Okere said she knew she wanted Martins as her running mate after working with her and hearing her speak in the Student Senate.

“I saw myself going to her consistently,” Okere said.

Martins serves as the advocacy assistant for Student Engagement, Advocacy, and Leadership (SEAL) where she works with the Shocker Support Locker. The locker focuses on combating food insecurity for students, faculty and staff.

Campaign points

Okere and Martins said that they plan to increase accountability if elected, as well as have the association better serve the students. Okere said she witnessed issues with accountability throughout her time in SGA.

“We want decisions, that are being made on behalf of students, to actually come from students,” Okere said The duo said they want students to be aware of what the student government is doing. SGA is funded through student fees, meaning students’ money goes to the organization.

“A lot of money falls into this, and it’s a lot of your money,” Martins said. “That’s something I’m wanting to increase — just people understanding what SGA is doing, and what we’re achieving on campus with their student fees.”

Okere said she values diversity on campus and wants to ensure students from all backgrounds are heard.

“With WSU being the most diverse population in the state of Kansas, I think we could be doing a lot more,” Okere said.

Okere continued the program called “Let’s Talk About It,” a tabling event where the group engages with students and talks about various issues.

As far as student retention, Martins said this is something she is already working on. She said that first-year student retention at Wichita State is better than the national average, but it could be better.

ANTI-ABORTION FROM PAGE 1

Many passing students threw remarks of frustration at the protesters.

“What’s funny is they always say we are yelling from a press point of view. It’ll be like ‘these people came on campus and yelled,’ but really it is the students,” Hunter said. “I’ve been told to go to hell out here, so it’s who do you think is yelling to go to hell? Us or you?”

During the protest, some students and faculty even offered to walk individuals to class to make them feel safer.

“The (protesters) are very obtuse and brain dead and not really willing to listen to anything but then will heckle at us and call us stupid for not having intelligent conversations with them,” Hampton said.

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.

LEGAL

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The Sunflower is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press, College Media Association and the Wichita Journalism Collaborative.

Copyright © 2023 The Sunflower. This newspaper, its design and its contents are copyrighted.

Downtown Wichita Protest

The day before the protest at Wichita State, Free the States marched down Douglas Street, wielding similar signs. Many drove down Douglas, honking at or rolling down their windows to insult or praise the group.

A student from Wichita East High School came out to confront the group and their usage of graphic images.

When asked why the group chose to use such graphic signs, James Silberman, Free the States communications director, said that a “culture that’s doing this to babies needs to be confronted.”

“I think people want to go about their days, just walking

around, not thinking about the fact that babies are being murdered all the time,” he said.

The group referred to the termination of pregnancy as “child sacrifice” and “murder,” preferring to avoid the word “abortion.”

“Kansas is a state that loves child sacrifice and has been called to repent this,” Silberman said. “That’s why we’re here, to bring the truth … of the gospel.”

Free the States considers itself a “church-driven” group, interlacing Christian notions with its messages about abortion.

“We’re using this as a mission trip,” Russell said. “Instead of going into foreign nations … we’re doing it here.”

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF Jaycie Nelson editor@thesunflower.com

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ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Emmie Boese assistantsports@thesunflower.com

Martins said they also want to increase awareness of different groups and activities on campus so that students can experience a greater sense of community.

“I know I felt connected as soon as I found rowing and student government,” Martins said.

“Those are two things that I was like, ‘okay I found my people’ … and I want to give an opportunity to all students that they can actually have that.”

Martins said they want to increase the number of events, like the Involvement Fair, where students can learn about the options they have on campus. They also want to increase the number of weekend events for the students that live on campus.

“I will do my absolute best to ensure that everyone is heard,” Okere said.

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Campus Box 134 Wichita, KS 67260-0134

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FACULTY ADVISOR

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CORRECTIONS

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

Infographic by Natalie Nolte / The Sunflower

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Art Chatter speakers source inspiration from anywhere

BY JAYCIE NELSON editor@thesunflower.com

From “creepy nightmares” to “crying brides,” presenters at Art Chatter shared a variety of stories and slides in seven minute intervals.

The crowd’s laughter filled the Wichita Art Museum’s auditorium Friday night, where local artists, designers and curators discussed their work and inspirations.

PROJECTS OF TERRIFYING PROPORTIONS

Chadwick Armstrong, a Wichita costume designer, was the first presenter and talked about how he’s designed costumes for highschool and professional touring productions and concerts for artists such as Pink.

Armstrong said 2025 will mark his 15th year being in Wichita as a resident and professional designer.

“I say professional loosely because I see myself as still an amateur,” Chadwick said. “I’m some 18 year old that just fell into costume design after deciding I couldn’t be an actor anymore.”

Chadwick talked about his successes, such as making it as semifinalists to get on the show “Project Runway,” and projects of “terrifying proportions,” designing costumes for ventriloquist dolls.

Chadwick also talked about some projects not as successful.

“I’ve done failed projects of all kinds, musicals and plays, prom gowns no one wanted, and my

second attempt to be on reality television,” Chadwick said.

Through Chadwicks slides, photos of gowns and costumes appeared, along with people he’s worked with and projects he’s worked on.

“And that my friends takes me to 90 projects in the last 12 years at Wichita. Well, who knows how and when and where I will get to 100,” Chadwick said, “It might be a fun failure or something very rewarding. But here’s to finishing a milestone and celebrating my 100th project.”

BEHIND THE LENS

Geli Chavez, artist and co-owner of The Artist Lounge, presented second and talked about her artistic journey from six-year olds to now. She’s used different modes such as drawing, photography, acrylic paintings and murals.

“Behind the lens I was able to learn more about human interaction and emotions, building and developing these photoshoots is a way of making art for art’s sake,” Chavez said.

Chavez said her artwork is influenced by streetwear of all eras, her love for basketball and more.

“Streetwear, shoes and basketball,” Chavez said. “That’s the Holy Grail of Geli art.”

Chavez said you don’t have to have a deep connection to find inspiration from something.

“It can start with just your likes and passions and finding a way to

turn those passions into a creative path,” Chavez said.

INSPIRATION ANYWHERE

Brett McNulty, Director of Operations and creative director for Douglas event companies, was the third presenter of the event.

McNulty first presented a slide full of martinis, a happy bride and travel.

“I’m an event planner. What do I do all day long?” McNulty asks. “I eat cake. I have martini lunches. I help brides pick out dresses. I go on traveling trips. I’m basically J-Lo.”

Then his slide switched to show the reality.

“The reality of what I do … My phone battery is always dead, I’m usually creating a timeline or production schedule, endless task list, moving heavy boxes and my favorite, crying brides. And mothers of brides, they cry too.”

McNulty said he’s been curating inspiration for as long as he can remember, even before Pinterest.

“Inspiration can really be found everywhere in your life,” McNulty

said. “I actually find a lot of inspiration from fashion.”

He then went on to show slides of inspiration collages to what the actual event turned out like. He helped plan the Wichita Art Museum’s color parties such as a rouge colored party and made the declaration, “Bring back the color parties!”

EXTRA EDDIE

In between presenters, the MC for the night, Fayola Oyatayo, a media personality and CEO of Fay Solutions, called on who he thought was best dressed and asked him to stand. The winner was Eddie Legacy, who was wearing a cowboy hat and long furry coat.

Legacy said he’s always dressing extra.

“My family calls me Extra Eddie,” Legacy said, “So I like to express myself through my clothing as well as through my art.”

A CREEPY NIGHTMARE

Jami Frazier Tracy, Curator of Collections at Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum, warned the audience she had never been to Art Chatter before, and they were in for a history lesson.

Tracy showed slides displaying the historical fashion of Wichita starting with a photo of herself from 1971.

“I loved that dress. I loved clothes, I loved things. And that was my love of material culture that led me to a long career in museum work,” Tracy said.

Tracy showed a slide from 1912, where the “lingerie dress,” a luxury dress, was popular for women everywhere.

She then switched slides to women wearing the lingerie dress while canoeing.

“And the lingerie dress was also worn for canoeing … I recently bought a white linen dress for kayaking,” Tracy said, receiving laughs from the audience.

Nina Winter, a textile artist and art educator for TISSU Sewing Studio, was the final presenter and asked the audience when the last time they heard a bedtime story was.

“So tonight I wanted to share a really sweet and innocent story told through textiles and characters. And I totally lied. It’s going to be a creepy nightmare,” Winter said.

One of Winter’s slides showed a design incorporating a blue collar and white collar worker.

“He’s shredded it, there’s horns growing out of his shoulders because he’s working over 40 hours a week,” Winter said. The event ended with the crowd giving a standing ovation to the presenters.

Upcoming events at the Wichita Art Museum can be found at wam.org.

Pokémoto brings quality poké to Wichita

Victor DiMartino vvjjdd@yahoo.com

Do you ever just think, “man, I wish I could get a taste of Hawaii right now?” Well, thanks to Pokémoto, now you can.

Pokémoto is a Hawaiian restaurant located at the corner of Webb and Central. They offer lots of types of foods: bowls, wraps, salads, sides, boba and other imported teas. The most popular item is the “make your own bowl,” which is what I did.

Poké is basically a rice and seafood bowl. The ingredients here look and taste very fresh especially for being located in the middle of Kansas. There’s lots of seating for how small and cozy the place is, and the restrooms have surfers on the doors, which is a nice touch.

They offer lots of different options for what you can put in the bowls. You start with a base of rice that takes up most of the bowl, then you get a certain amount of protein based on the size of your bowl. You can choose from tofu,

salmon, shrimp, tuna, lobster salad and chicken, for those that don’t like seafood. Then you get your mix-ins, which are just different types of fruit and veggies. Then you choose your sauce and they mix it all together. Lastly, you top it off with various items.

I got a large bowl, which, for someone who can eat a lot, I found to be just a little bit too much for me. For my protein, I got tofu, salmon, and chicken.

All were great, although the tofu got a little soggy if I didn’t eat it right away. I found all of the mixins to be very good, the seaweed being the star of the show and the sauce was not overpowering. I also got a Hawaiian tea that was very flavorful for something sitting in a can.

If you are thinking of trying this place out I definitely recommend it. It is a little pricey for what you’re getting, but considering there aren’t too many poké places in Wichita, you have to take what you can get. And if you are still hungry for more, Pokémoto is located near lots of dessert places that you could go to after.

WAM’s first speaker for Art Chatter was Chadwick Armstrong, an accomplished costume designer. Armstrong presented his many successes in the industry, and the concept of his future 100th project. | Photos by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower

BRETT MCNULTY Director of Operations for Douglas event companies

I eat cake. I have martini lunches. I help brides pick out dresses. I go on traveling trips. I’m basically J-Lo.

STREET

SPEAK

HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT GROUPS COMING ON CAMPUS AND DISPLAYING GROTESQUE IMAGES?

The importance of social media

Freshman

Pre-Dental Hygiene

“I don’t think people should do that. People come here and try to force their ideals onto students when the majority of us have very different mindsets or there’s a big and broad array of views here on campus.”

Give me and my rom-coms a break

The issue though with reading anything in the genre is not the predictability or cringing at every use of “sheath.” It’s the stigma around the lighthearted material.

SETH TOPEL

Junior

Graphic Design

“I don’t agree with people putting stuff on people’s cars, but in public areas I think they can do whatever they want.”

I love good smut. Emphasis on “good;” I do have standards. And I will say it loudly because I’m tired of the eye-roll at the pretty pink paperback in my hands.

Romantic comedies — or what are commonly referred to as rom-coms, usually follow a storyline of two love interests who somehow get flown into each other’s lives. There are quite a bit of bad jokes, predictable plot lines and characters that make you feel like you have a Ph.D. in psychology because you can read them so well. Oh, and of course, sexual tension.

The stigma that usually follows these books is that they are just borderline porn or that they’re “girly” and stupid. Gone are the days to enjoy happy endings, it seems.

There are so many readers who will hide their books or feel ashamed for saying they like the genre, because as soon as they do they are told they “aren’t a real reader” or are boring.

Yes, the writing may not be the best. Yes, the plot may suck. Yes, there are bad ones. But after you find what you like and the niche that gets to you, they are pretty fun and easy. And that’s the joy too, they’re easy.

What I love about rom-coms is the outright and blatant predictability. From the first two chapters, you know exactly how the book is going to go and what you are in for. They’re also just annoyingly sweet and full of bad jokes, so bad that you can’t not laugh.

There is almost a sense of home and comfort with a good lighthearted and predictable book. I don’t know about you, but being a college senior who has no idea where my own life is going, the comfort and ridiculousness of someone else’s chaos is so much more enjoyable than my own.

Rom-coms may never be your thing, and that’s OK. But if you see me reading a bright pink book with a couple madly and disgustingly in love on the front cover, mind your own business.

“Triangle of Sadness” sports strong ensemble, middling script

Unlike a lot of those other films, “Triangle of Sadness” is broken into three chapters: Carly & Yaya, The Yacht, and The Island. Breaking it into these sections is helpful but they don’t stop this one from feeling like a gauntlet.

OLIVIA

RICHARDSON

Junior

Biomedical Science

“I think it’s really uncalled for in a place of education. I respect other people’s beliefs, but I feel there’s no reason to heckle people at the place where they feel comfortable and at the place where they have the right to grow.”

If your Instagram explore page has looked anything like mine since the middle of December, I’m sure that you have run across the Balenciaga-H&M clip from “Triangle of Sadness.”

When I finally decided to sit down and watch the 2 hour and 20 minute film in January, I was expecting a harrowing tragedy about the cutthroat and superficial nature of the modeling industry. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

While the clip is certainly interesting and did its job as an advertisement, it was disappointing when I realized that I had actually sat down to watch yet another class satire that joins the growing list from the past two years.

Now, I believe that “Triangle of Sadness” is best enjoyed if you go in with as little knowledge and as low of expectations as possible. If you’ll indulge me, feel free to stop reading here, go watch and come back

TAIS SOLIS

Junior International Studies and Spanish

“I feel like it’s not respectful. I respect people’s opinions, however, coming here on campus and displaying gross images and flyers and everything. I feel like people who are going to class don’t want to see things like that when they’re just peacefully walking to class. In a different setting I think it would be fine, but this is not the right place to have that and I think it’s disrespectful.”

Like many of those other films, “Triangle of Sadness” doesn’t know how to quit when it’s ahead. As a pack, they are generally good films for the first hour-and-a-half to an hour-fortyfive but they keep going and genuinely spoil themselves.

Despite the timing issue, which is proving to be a pervasive problem in Hollywood (cut the fat, not every movie has to be some three hour long cinematic experience), “Triangle of Sadness’ “cast carries the movie’s middle-of-the-road script on their backs and run with it.

From top to bottom, they all have a deep understanding of their characters and play through the plot of the movie as naturally as can be.

Dolly de Leon is a revelation as maid-turned-survival leader Abigail. Tough and vulnerable, de Leon navigates the class lines that inherently divide her character from the rest of the castaways extraordinarily well until the bitter and ambiguous end.

The duo of socialist sea captain Woody Harrelson and capitalist, Russian oligarch Zlatko Burić are wickedly sardonic as they, as I saw on Twitter, “start the world’s worst political podcast and force everyone to listen to it.”

Harris Dickinson does well in tracking Carl’s journey from douchey, broke perfume model to regular person. In all seriousness, Carl has to give into his powerlessness in order to survive and Dickinson handles that steady descent with a delicate and

well-trained hand.

The late Charlbi Dean’s natural warmth and brightness adds layers to Yaya that the movie doesn’t require, but it certainly benefits from. She does well to hide it through the first act, but by the movie’s end, as Yaya is sentimentally offering Abigail a better life, you can’t help but yell “Look behind you.” If you’re into mildly interesting conversations about class and strong ensemble performances, block out some time for “Triangle of Sadness.” And, if you have a problem with bodily fluids, good luck.

Despite the reputation social media apps receive for being detrimental and distracting to people, they still promote several positive aspects to a person’s life. In fact, some of these aspects would not be possible without social media existing.

Social media creates new responsibilities when people make accounts, depending on how the person interacts with their accounts determines their level of responsibility. Some people can reserve themselves and don’t take too much heed while other people can be active daily. What both kinds of people have in common is they possess new responsibilities with their connections to the Internet. These responsibilities differ based on what communities they’re involved in, the people they virtually meet and the kind of posts they make and the sharing they do.

What someone puts out on the web will be with them for the rest of their life.

This is why it’s so crucial to always check and double-check the kinds of posts someone makes before posting them. Anyone can see it and react to it. The best way for someone to react as positively as they can is if the person who posted takes the time to acknowledge just what they are posting.

Any sort of post or interaction can lead to an online community experience. It’s a chance to interact and perhaps meet new people. You can connect with someone from a faraway place with similar or different cultures and ideologies. If the right people are found, it can create new and uplifting experiences.

Social media allows for a diverse array of people to reach out to one another. It connects people who might have never met in person with one another and develop new friendships and companionships. It showcases different cultures and ideologies to those who might otherwise be unaware.

The main goal of social media is to initially connect with other people and discover a different world outside of one’s own. While this intention has succeeded, it has also built on the separation by exposing just how diverse the human race is.

This is why it is so essential to try and find the right people to connect with. Even though this is difficult and the prospect of social media is unthinkably scary, it is still worth the risk.

TANIA MOLINA

Illustration by Wren Johnson / The Sunflower

Photo courtesy of NEON

Illustration by Wren Johnson / The Sunflower

Late rally not enough as baseball loses to Oral Roberts

BY TRINITY RAMM sports@thesunflower.com

A slow trickle of five runs over the final four innings wasn’t enough for baseball to overcome a four-run fifth inning from Oral Roberts as they lost 6-5 in their first home weekday matchup.

Freshman Caden Favors started on the mound for the Shockers and allowed four runs on seven hits in four innings. This loss brings his record to 1-1.

Oral Roberts scored first at the top of the fourth when redshirt junior Preston Baumgartner hit a single to center field with runners on second and third that allowed junior Drew Stahl to score.

Junior Garrett Pennington led Wichita State’s offense with 2 RBI and a home run. His single home run put the team on the board at the bottom of sixth.

In the seventh, a single from senior Sawyre Thornhill allowed redshirt sophomore Jordan Rogers to score. Earlier in the inning, Rogers was hit by a rogue pitch to advance to first.

Wichita State will face Oral Roberts again on March 21 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Shockers will play again on March 8 in Lawrence against Kansas for the Jayhawks’ home opener. During the two teams’ last meeting, Kansas lit up the scoreboard in Lawrence to win, 14-2. Wichita State leads their all-time series 14-13.

Senior forwards receive all conference honors

BY EMMIE BOESE assistantsports@thesunflower.com

Senior forwards Jane Asinde and Trajata Colbert were named Third Team AllConference by the American Athletic Conference this afternoon.

Colbert and Asinde are the first Shocker teammates to earn All-Conference honors by the American in the same season. The Shockers received multiple team honors during seasons in the Missouri Valley Conference as well.

Asinde has 11 double-doubles this season. The Kampala, Uganda, native also has seven 20-point games this season. She also ranks eighteenth nationally in rebounds with 10.4 per game.

Colbert has eight double-doubles this season. She is averaging a career high in points (12.5) and rebounds (7.9).

Asinde and Colbert will join their teammates tomorrow in the opening game of the American Athletic Conference Championship in Dallas-Fort Worth against Temple. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. on ESPN+.

The women went 1-1 with Temple during the regular season. The Owls beat Wichita State 79-52 on Feb. 1. The Shockers beat Temple at home 79-97 on Feb. 25.

‘TURN THE PAGE’

Women’s basketball beats Temple with dynamic scoring in AAC Tournament

BY EMMIE BOESE assistantsports@thesunflower.com

Head coach Keitha Adams said ‘respect everyone and fear no one’ after the women’s basketball team beat the Temple Owls 71-61 in the first round of the American Athletic Conference Championship on March 6.

The win on Monday afternoon marks the Shockers’ second win against the Owls this season. Wichita State only committed 12 turnovers and lost a close rebound battle with the Owls,38-35. On the flip side, the Shockers scored 21 points off of Temple’s 13 turnovers.

“We’ve been on the other end of that where other teams have scored off of ours,” Adams said. “One of the things I’ve told our team is that when we take good care of basketball, and then we really rebound the ball well, we’ve played really well and had good results when we’ve done those two things.”

The Shockers started off the first half with an 8-0 lead. The Owls started to mount a comeback in the first. Temple got within five points (2520). Junior forward Ambah Kowcun’s 3-pointer and several trips to the free throw line solidified a 32-25 lead at the half.

Both teams carried their momentum into the second half. The Owls went on an 8-0 run at the end of the third quarter to cut Wichita State’s 13 point lead to just three.

Temple tied it up 52-52 at the beginning of the fourth but Wichita State went on an 11-2 run and led with about four minutes left to go in the game.

Women’s basketball takes down No. 1 USF for first AAC tournament semifinal run

BY EMMIE BOESE assistantsports@thesunflower.com

An 8-0 run in the first quarter set the pace for the women’s basketball team. The women led for the rest of the game and beat No.1 seed South Florida 65-53 in the quarterfinals of the American Athletic Conference Championship Tournament.

The Shockers will play in the semifinals tomorrow which is a first for the program since joining the AAC.

“Today I just thought our team played extremely hard and all of our kids played with a lot of passion. We were on the floor for every loose ball,” head coach Keitha Adams said.

South Florida has three players in its starting lineup who average over 10 points a game. Freshman guard Sammi Puisis averages about 16 points per game and shoots 61% from the 3-point line.

This afternoon, the Shockers limited her to two points. Puisis scored 26 points against Wichita State and was 4-11 from the 3-point line in Charles Koch Arena back in January.

Adams said she told her team before the game that they need to get Pusisis off the 3-point line.

“You need her shooting two’s

and not 3’s because she’s so good at it,” Adams said. “Whoever is guarding number three, she needs to be able to smell what you ate for breakfast this morning. You need to be up on her because she’s a great shooter.”

The women limited USF to 26% shooting from the field and 18% from the 3-point line in the first half. Senior forward Jane Asinde also scored seven crucial first quarter points to build up a lead before halftime.

Asinde led the team in scoring with 20 points and eight rebounds. Dean scored 14, 11 of which came in the second half.

USF’s All-Conference forward Carla Brito, guarded Asinde during the game. Asinde said she had confidence throughout with taking the ball to the basket.

“I felt like I could take the ball to her or post her up and so I did what I had to do,” Asinde said.

The Bulls made an 11-0 run down the stretch in the third

quarter to cut Wichita State’s lead to two so Adams called a timeout.

“I wanted to stop that run and I didn’t want them to get really rolling and then after that timeout we responded well and we went back and made our run,” Adams said.

Senior guard Curtessia Dean hit a three to put the Shockers in the lead by five and then scored nine straight to push Wichita State’s momentum up again.

Dean, who is a transfer from Seton Hall, had never scored a point in a conference tournament until the win against USF.

“It means a lot knowing that I’m a big part of the offense and so this game, I knew I had to step up in order to get what I wanted to go after before I get done playing,” Dean said.

The Shockers maintained its lead for the rest of the game. In preparation for tomorrow’s semi-final game, Adams told her players to “play angry”, a saying that was often said by former Wichita State All-American Antoine Carr during the men’s 2013 run to the NCAA Final Four

“So in the locker room, we were happy about what happened, but walking out the door, it’s time to turn the page because this season now is 40 minutes,” Adams said.

Junior point guard DJ McCarty said Temple is a good team so the Shockers knew it wasn’t going to be an easy game or a blowout.

“I was just telling my teammates in the huddle, take away their momentum and stay together and we got a dub,” McCarty said.

Four players from Wichita State scored in double figures. Junior point guard DJ McCarty led her team with 18 points. She also dished out a career high six assists.

“I thought DJ was tremendous today,” Adams said. “She played really really well and that set the tone for our team.”

The Shockers will play tomorrow in the quarterfinals against No.1 seed South Florida at 1 p.m. The Bulls went 15-1 in regular season conference play and 26-5 overall. Five players from South Florida received all-conference honors, including senior forward Dulcy Fankam Mendijiadeu and senior guard Elena Tsineke who were named Players of the Year in the AAC.

Adams said that the Bulls are a solid team and Wichita State will prepare for a full 40 minutes by getting in the film room tonight.

The

will play Houston in the semifinals tomorrow at 4 p.m.

“This time of year it’s 0-0 and you’ve got a 40 minute window,” Adams said. “You know, win and advance. So we are just going to focus on being ready to play tomorrow.”

team

Sophomore Shamaryah Duncan shoots a freethrow while they. play South Florida on Mar. 7 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Duncan made both of her freethrows in the game against South Florida.

The Shockers played against South Florida in the Quarterfinals of the AAC tournament at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth on Mar. 7. The Shockers won with a score of 65 to 53.

Graduate Curtessia Dean goes in to shoot the ball against South Florida on Mar. 7 at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth. Dean made 14 points during the game. | Photos by Madeline Bell / The Sunflower

KEITHA ADAMS Head Coach

I just thought our team played extremely hard and all of our kids played with a lot of passion.

OPENFOR BUSINESS

UPCOMING GAMES

MBB AAC CHAMPIONSHIP VS. TULSA

THURSDAY, MARCH 9 TBD | Fort Worth, TX

SOFTBALL VS. STANFORD

THURSDAY, MARCH 9 3 p.m. | Wichita, KS

SOFTBALL VS. NEBRASKA

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 5 p.m. | Wichita, KS

NCAA INDOOR TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 All Day | Albuquerque, NM

WOMEN’S TENNIS @ NEBRASKA

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 5 p.m. | Lincoln, NE

BASEBALL VS. STETSON

FRIDAY, MARCH 10 3 p.m. | Wichita, KS

SOFTBALL VS. NEBRASKA

SATURDAY, MARCH 11

2:30 p.m. | Wichita, KS

SOFTBALL VS. MISSOURI STATE

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 5 p.m. | Wichita, KS

BASEBALL VS. STETSON

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 1 p.m. | Wichita, KS

SOFTBALL VS. MISSOURI STATE

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 2:30 p.m. | Wichita, KS

BASEBALL VS. STETSON

SUNDAY, MARCH 12 1 p.m. | Wichita, KS

SOFTBALL VS. ARKANSAS

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 6 p.m. | Wichita, KS

WOMEN’S TENNIS @ FLORIDA

ATLANTIC

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 2 p.m. | Fort Myers, FL

BASEBALL V.S. OKLAHOMA

TUESDAY, MARCH 14 6 p.m. | Wichita, KS

MEN’S TENNIS VS. UT ARLINGTON

THURSDAY, MARCH 16 1 p.m. | Wichita, KS

WOMEN’S TENNIS @ SOUTH FLORIDA

THURSDAY, MARCH 16 11 a.m. | Tampa, FL

SOFTBALL VS. NORTHERN COLORADO

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

3:30 p.m. | Wichita, KS

SOFTBALL VS. MINNESOTA

FRIDAY, MARCH 17

5:45 p.m. | WIchita, KS

BASEBALL @ CREIGHTON

FRIDAY, MARCH 17 6 p.m. | Omaha, NE

SOFTBALL VS. MINNESOTA

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 5 p.m. | Wichita, KS

TRACK & FIELD @ ESU INVITATIONAL

SATURDAY, MARCH 18

All Day | Emporia, KS

WOMEN’S GOLF @ RED ROCKS INVITATIONAL

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 All Day | Sedona, AZ

MEN’S TENNIS VS. DRAKE

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 1 p.m. | Wichita, KS

BASEBALL @ CREIGHTON

SATURDAY, MARCH 18 2 p.m. | Omaha, NE

HAVE AN EVENT YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED?

CONTACT THE ARTS EDITOR: arts@thesunflower.com

CONTACT THE NEWS EDITOR news@thesunflower.com

Shockers’ number 5, Sawyre Thornhill, prepares as next to bat. Thornhill was at bat five times and hit one run. | Photos by Kristy Mace / The Sunflower

Mauricio Millan up to bat during the third inning. Millan had 2 hits and 1 run during the game.

Clark Candiotti pitches the ball to Oakland. Candiotti faced 20 batters throughout the game.

Shockers number 6, David Herring, steps up to the plate at the bottom of the second inning. Herring made 2 hits during Friday’s game.

Sawyre Thornhill, number 5, makes the second Shocker run of the game. Ultimately Shockers fell to Oakland on Friday 12-7.

Number 43, Carter Rost, pitches for an inning. The sophomore from Minnesota took over pitching in the 8th inning for Matt Wilkinson.

Mauricio Millan hits a double in the 8th inning. Millan and Jordan Rodgers bring the Shockers up to 6 runs by the end of the innning.