VOL. 101 – ISSUE 2
THE TRUMPET
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
WLU’s Student News Source
We Remember... Never Forget. 9-11-2001 20th Anniversary
WLU Singers perform at Wheeling-Ohio County Airport during 9/11 remembrance event - pg. 3 WLU football wins big against Alderson Broaddus - pg. 13 @WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwestliberty @thetrumpetwlu
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WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
THE TRUMPET
NEWS
Photo Credits: Kailey Carpino
Elbin Library begins fall semester with exciting changes - pg. 5
COVER BY: SAMANTHA SNYDER
CULTURE SPORTS
Photo Credits: Emily Jones
Toppers go Greek: A look into Rush Week - pg. 7
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Lady Toppers volleyball open season with 6-4 record - pg. 14
THE TRUMPET
The Student Voice of the Hilltop
The Trumpet’s mission is to provide WLU students of all majors an opportunity to learn how to gather and present news information to the campus community, and to serve the campus community with fair and accurate reporting on matters of significance and interest.
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor-in-Chief Annalise Murphy Online Editor Creed Kidney News Editor Brianna Hamon Culture Editor Intern Faith Hayes Opinion Editor Intern Kailey Carpino Sports Editor Intern Ross Salvatori Graphic Designer/Photographer Haley Blakemore Graphic Designer/Illustrator Samantha Snyder Sports Writer Maxwell Fledorczyk Culture News Writer Caitlin Reynolds Director Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell
Letters to the Editor
To submit a letter to the editor, please email anmurphy@westliberty.edu. Please list your name, address, phone number, and email address; if the piece is published, you will be contacted to confirm your identity.
Contact Us
wltrumpet@westliberty.edu - (304) 336-8873
NEWS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
NEWS
News Editor: Brianna Hamon
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- bnhamon bnhamon@westliberty.edu @westliberty.edu
WLU Singers perform at Wheeling-Ohio County Airport during 9/11 remembrance event WLU Singers perform at Wheeling-Ohio County Airport during a 9/11 remembrance event The WLU Singers traveled to the Wheeling-Ohio County Regional Airport on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, to perform at Honoring Heroes, a 9/11 remembrance event presented by the Ohio County Commission and the American Legion Post 1. Dr. Ryan Keeling, director of choral activities at WLU, had a discussion with the leader of Wheeling’s American Legion Post 1 about participating in their Veterans Day Service back in November of 2020. When the American Legion Post 1 officially invited WLU singers to perform in the 9/11 remembrance event, Keeling said “we jumped at the opportunity.” Under the direction of Keeling, the WLU Singers performed “The Star-Spangled Photo Credits: Dr. Linda Cowen
Banner”, “America t he Beautiful” and “American Anthem” by Gene Scheer. Keeling says that each three musical ensembles presented by the singers are appropriate for this type of event.
“The words are about using what we have inherited as Americans to honor those who came before us not only with heroic actions but with quiet acts of dignity as well. It is a song that has been performed by Denyce Graves at several very important national events such as George W. Bush’s 2005 inauguration, for President Clinton’s Save America’s Treasures initiative and while Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg lay in state. The lyrics were also quoted by President Joe Biden in his inaugural address,” explained Keeling. Being able to perform at this particular event on the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Keeling feels these types of events are especially “important to us as people and musicians.” He went on to say, “I think that music is one of the best mediums for honoring our heroes and remembering major
WLU Singers with Dr. Linda Cowen, Chair, Department of Music and Theater and Professor Patrick Garrett, Music Education Photo Credits: Leslie Garrett events [such as 9/11] in our history.” lives 20 years ago as well as all the first WLU Singers performed responders and veterans. I think honoraround 10:45 a.m. followed by ing people through song is a way we can remarks, recognitions and a cere- bring others joy or serenity in times of mony around 11 a.m. The rest of sadness.” Gragan described the overall the day was full of events such as feeling of the event as “somber”, but also food, beverage vendors, live en- happy as people were able to gather outtertainment by local bands, activi- doors. ties for kids, airplane rides, tour of Both Bolyard and Gragan deairport terminals, firework display scribed how excited the WLU Singers and star gazing. Please visit the airwere to be able to perform at the event ports website for more detailed to respect current and fallen first reinformation regarding the activisponders. ties at the event. WLU Singers is the top choir at Madison Bolyard, junior the university with membership being education major, says that peropen to all students of any major. If interforming at this event was very ested, students must audition with Keelimportant to her. “I was able to ing in order to gain membership. WLU show respect to the brave first Singers engage in yearly regional recruitresponders who were present at ment and outreach tours after spring the 9/11 attacks, while also paying tribute to the lives lost that commencement. day,” Bolyard said. Overall, Bolyard The choir has toured nationalsays the event felt “respectful and ly and internationally with recent interhopeful for the future of the Unit- national destinations to Italy, Spain and ed States.” Ireland. If interested in becoming a part Emma Gragan, a music of WLU’s choir, please contact Keeling at concentration major with a dou- ryan.keeling@westliberty.edu. ble concentration in voice and For more information about this flute, says the performance meant article, please email Annalise Murphy at a lot to her because “I wanted to anmurphy@westliberty.edu. honor the people who lost their
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
NEWS
WLU student becomes first-ever recipient of vocal music scholarship Judy and Andy Paesani both graduated from West Liberty University and established this scholarship in memory of Judy’s mother, Aldene Miller Bartell, who strongly supported music and singing. Bartell played the piano for silent movies and was a member of various vocal groups. Paesani says that WLU is very close to her heart, and she is very glad that she can give back to music students at WLU.
On Sept. 9, 2021, Josephine “Josie” Jarrett became the first ever recipient of the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship. Judy and Andy Paesani established this scholarship in December of 2019 with a gift of $75,000. Any student at West Liberty University who is in the music program and excels in vocal performances can win the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship. Jarret was the first recipient of this scholarship and received $1,000 for this academic year. “It is an honor to receive this scholarship and I’m very thankful to be the first. I will make sure it is justified,” Jarrett said. Jarret is currently a music education major who plans to teach music and theater in the future. She is also a member of WLU Singers. Jarrett earned a degree in theater at WLU in 2020. Angie Zambito-Hill, the WLU Foundation executive director, says that the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship will benefit a lot more students in the future. “We are truly grateful for Judy and Andy’s support in assisting our students,” said Zambito-Hill. The scholarship will be awarded to one student who excels in singing every academic year. The WLU Foundation greatly appreciates any scholarships or programs that help out students financially. Jarret said that she feels very grateful for receiving the scholarship and hopes that future students will be able to benefit from the program. “I’m so glad that the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship will help people like me in the future. I want other students to be able to achieve their dreams, and this scholarship is helping them do that,” said Jarret.
“I recall singing and enjoying music with my mother at home when I was young. It was always a fun way to pass an evening, especially while my father was away,” said Paesani.
From left: Angie Zambito-Hill, Josie Jarrett, Judy and Andy Paesani of Wheeling gather for a photo celebrating the inaugural scholarship award from the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship fund. Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
Paesani earned her bachelor’s degree from WLU’s College of Education and went on to earn her master’s degree from the University of Connecticut. Paesani hopes that the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship will help carry on her mother’s legacy and support students who have the same passion as her mother. Bartell worked as an elementary school teacher for most of her life, and Judy says that she is pleased that the first recipient of the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship plans to become a music and theater teacher. The WLU Foundation currently manages over 125 scholarship funds that are available to students at West Liberty University.
For more information about the Judith Bartell Paesani Vocal Music Scholarship and other scholarships available to West Liberty students, visit https://wlufoundation.org/ or contact Zambito-Hill at 304-336-5635.
NEWS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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Elbin Library begins fall semester with exciting changes between classes. The library just seems cozier,” said Kelsey Stewart.
The Paul N. Elbin Library received many new updates over the summer. Stacie Groch, the head of library operations, oversaw these changes with the goal of creating an environment where students can enjoy completing their schoolwork. “It’s been a lot of hard work and I am so proud of my library staff,” Groch said. Many changes have taken place on the main and third floor of the library. DVD players have been installed in both tech rooms, the large conference room and two study rooms. Groch also added multiple new bean bag chairs to the main floor as well as five new hammocks that will serve as comfortable seating for reading or studying. “I really like the new hammocks and bean bag chairs in the library. I’m a commuter, so it’s nice to have a comfy place to go to in Photo Credits: Kailey Carpino
The library now has a new book display that will showcase new arrivals and has removed the periodical section shelving to open up more space for student study. The children’s section of the library can now be found on the main floor. It features new additions such as games, coloring murals, illumination tables, new kids furniture, puzzles, toys and crafting looms. The library staff also moved the DVD section to the children’s area and added many new movies. “We have a huge selection of DVDs that include comedy, horror, drama, action, Disney and more,” Groch said. Students and staff who bring children to campus are welcome to use this kid friendly environment when visiting the library. Groch has plans to make even more changes to the library during this semester. Currently, an alumni wall of honor is being constructed above the porch area on the third floor. The alumni wall will be ready for the President’s Recognition Ban-
quet on Friday, Oct. 15 during Homecoming weekend. The porch area has new hardwood flooring and fresh paint. It will also feature new blinds, TV displays, furniture, over 100 alumni photos and new lettering. Conference room 310 will feature presidential portraits and will be renamed as the Presidential Conference Room. A new DVD display will showcase the new DVD arrivals and Nelle Krise Rare Book Room will feature new displays in the glass cases.
Photo Credits: Kailey Carpino students through various activities and to make sure that their research needs are met. Groch believes that the new improvements to the library will make students want to visit the library where they can study, do research, or just relax after class. For more information, visit the Paul N. Elbin Library or contact Stacie Groch at sgroch@westliberty.edu.
The basement of the library and the classrooms on the third floor will not have any changes to them. If you have class in the library, these changes will not affect where your class is held. Groch plans to create events for students throughout the semester that will promote the library and raise money to ensure the possibility of these changes. “We want an environment for students to enjoy while studying and we are working on some events throughout the semester for the students to participate in. Stay tuned,” Groch said. Groch has been working at West Liberty University since 2005. She says that her goal has always been to increase the traffic in the library, create ways to interact with
Photo Credits: Kailey Carpino
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
NEWS
West Liberty University’s student life introduces new on-campus food pantry It’s a brand-new year on the Hilltop, and with that comes a slew of new initiatives spearheaded by members of our campus community. Both students and faculty alike are doing fantastic things for West Liberty University – and one such mission is WLU’s new on-campus food pantry. The new food pantry is located on the second floor of the Student Union, room S-17, and offers students non-perishable food and personal care items to be taken and used completely free of charge. Fully sustained by the generosity of various donors, the pantry gladly accepts donations through their Amazon wish list, which can be found here, as well as on their website. Currently, the pantry is looking for donations of canned meats, fish, soup, canned fruits, canned vegetables, peanut butter, pasta, grain products (rice) and cereal. The non-food items needed include deodorant, soap, shampoo, toilet tissue, toothpaste and toothbrushes, shaving soap and feminine hygiene products. Photo Credits: Creed Kidney
Hours of the pantry vary based upon monitor availability, but students are encouraged to email activities@westliberty.edu to set up a particular pick up time. In the event of a pick-up, students are required to fill out a one-time profile card and an inventory sheet on each visit. Kate Billings, WLU’s director of student activities/title IX coordinator, led the creation of this initiative on campus along with her staff as she saw a real need from students who might be without a car or meal plan. In the light of COVID-19, where food insecurity was something that everyone was facing. “The University is always assessing how we can improve the student experience for all types [of] students and from different backgrounds. How are we helping some of our students who may be experiencing food insecurity? If we can help with the food insecurity, maybe they are able to focus on their classes with[out] [worrying] if [they need] to pick up an extra shift at work to pay for a meal, or finding [a] ride to the Highlands if they don’t have a car,” said Billings. The university used to have a food pantry that was located in Rogers Hall prior to Billing’s time at West Liberty but fell out of use.
new on-campus food pantry However, Billing’s explained that it West Liberty’sPhoto Credits: Creed Kidney seemed like the right time to bring back the facility as the need was for the food pantry; “We are hoping to there from our campus community. expand more into household items like When asked why she toilet paper in the future. We are also thought the food pantry was such an talking with a local farmer and will be important resource for WLU, Billings having fresh eggs available too! We’d went on to discuss that it’s no se- love to see a fresh food day/more recret that many college students face frigerated items that may lend to a more financial struggles in the wake of stu- well-balanced budget,” said Billings. dent loans, books, meals and gas. Bill While the food pantry initiative ings hope is to alleviate some of this is only just beginning, it can already be stress upon students by giving them clearly seen that Billings and her staff a resource that is essentially always have huge plans for not only the pantry, at the ready. but the campus community as a whole. “If you’re hungry or you For more information regarding don’t have a place to live, or you the food pantry, feel free to contact Kate are worrying about bills, you cannot Billings at kate.billings@westliberty.edu. focus on completing your homework, much less on learning, because Photo Credits: Creed Kidney you’re in survival mode. Now they won’t need to leave campus or drive down the hill if they are in need.They can stop in at the Union and pick up some items in between classes or work,” said Billings. Billings explained that the pantry is set up to have a one-time intake form to collect general data. After that, an inventory form is used to help monitor the pantry more closely by transaction. Currently, the pantry is mainly stocked with non-perishable food items, and more donations consisting of soaps, deodorants, and feminine care products are currently coming in. Billings and her staff have big plans
CULTURE
CULTURE SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
Culture Editor Intern: Faith Hayes
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- fbhayes@westliberty.edu
Toppers go Greek: A look into Rush Week The fall semester of school is back in full swing and new students are settling into their home away from home. And you know what that means: sororities and fraternities are eagerly awaiting new members to find a home within their brother or sisterhood. After a year of recruiting interested Hilltoppers through Zoom, the Panhellenic community was able to host their annual rounds of recruitment in Campbell Hall on Sept. 10 through Sept. 12. Students curious about Greek life mingled with each organization to discover where they fit during this three-night process. Rush week began with 30 minute introduction rounds to all five sororities. Day two consisted of four, 45 minute rounds focused on the philanthropic work sororities participate in and day three was a preference round where sororities selected the girls they wanted to invite back for two, hour long rounds.
Allie Morrocco, the Panhellenic president, described West Liberty’s recruitment process by saying it, “...is so much more laid back than what is seen in the media. There is no judgment, zero tolerance for hazing, and everyone is welcome as they are. All of our women are so supportive of one another.” Those who received bids, otherwise known as formal invitations, ran home to their sisters during the final bid day celebration on the Quad. A total of 29 girls were welcomed to the Panhellenic Community. For men interested in going Greek, the recruitment process in the fall and spring consists of meet and greets or events that teach the men about the history of their preferred fraternity. Unlike sororities, fraternities can recruit men through an informal style of recruitment and give out as many bids as they want. Pledging Greek is more than just making friends; it’s about coming together to aid the community, gain leadership and grow as a person.
Responsibility and leadership are some of the main qualities you can gain from joining a Greek organization. Sydney Burkle, president of Alpha Xi Delta, assumes many responsibilities by running and organizing weekly meetings, being a bridge between campus and fraternity headquarters and looking out for the wellbeing of everyone in the chapter. The key to finding an organization that will allow you to grow as a person is keeping an open mind and branching out to all members of the Panhellenic community. Sydney Jefferey, president of Chi Omega, expressed her love for sorority life by saying, “I have learned to manage my time and work with a large team of people. I wouldn’t have learned how to truly tackle either one of these concepts without being in Greek life.” All Greek organizations come together to benefit the university, as well as the Wheeling community through philanthropic work.
Photo Credits: Brianna Hamon
Photo Credits: Josey Jones The five fraternities on campus include Chi Nu, Theta Xi, Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Delta Kappa. Sororities on campus include Alpha Xi Delta, Lambda Psi Sigma, Delta Theta Kappa, Chi Omega and Beta Rho Epsilon. Beta Theta is a newly developed co-ed organization on campus. Men and women who missed out on last week’s formal recruitment process can still find a home within a Greek life organization by attending a continuous open bidding (COB) event within the next two to three weeks. These events can range from movie nights, arts and crafts or dinner on the quad. For more information about upcoming Greek life activities and going Greek, feel free to visit the WLU ActivitiesTwitter page or contact Kate Billings, director of Student Activities, atkate.billings@westliberty.edu.
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
CULTURE
(Pictured from Left to Right) Diann Nickerson and Shirley Carter representing WLU’s Campus Ministry.
(Pictured from Left to Right) Marissa Mereland, secretary of human and health performance club, and Lura Simons, vice president of the club.
Pictured is an overall view of WLU’s organizational fair, held in Blatnik Hall on Sept. 8, 2021.
WLU student checking out the biology club while at the organization fair on Sept. 8, 2021.
Katie Nelson, graduate student, representing the Center for Arts and Educations, located in Main Hall!
WLU held the annual Organization Fair on Sept. 8; if you missed the event and are interested in one of the clubs on campus, reach out to activities@westliberty.edu to get involved today! Photo Credits: Annalise Murphy
Emma Beatty representing WLU’s PRIDE CLUB at the organization fair on Sept. 8, 2021.
(Pictured from Left to Right) Sarah Fonner, psychology club president, Michele Meelers, psychology club vice president and treasurer and Emily Jones, president of PSI CHI.
Jessica Shultz representing WLU’s Game Club.
Stacie L. Groch representing the WLU’s Paul N. Elbin Library. Students were able to sign up to check out books and movies from the library (for free) as well as enter into a drawing for a chance to win a prize!
CULTURE
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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West Virginia Folklife Program announces release of its digital archive collection housed at WVU’s libraries Contributing Press Release Provided by: West Virginia Humanities Council C H A R L E S TO N — T h e West Virginia Folklife Program, the National Endowment for the Arts-supported state folklife program and a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council, is thrilled to announce that its digital archives collection, The West Virginia Folklife Collection, is now accessible online through the West Virginia and Regional History Center at West Virginia University Libraries. The collection may be viewed at https://wvfolklife.lib. wvu.edu/
The original, ongoing collection consists of nearly 2,500 documentary items generated by folklife fieldwork and programs conducted by the West Virginia Folklife Program beginning November 2015.Those items include unique primary source material such as field-recorded interviews and other audio recordings, transcriptions, photo and video documentation, ephemera, and some material objects documenting the vernacular culture, beliefs, occupational skills, and expressive culture of contemporary tradition bearers, folk and traditional art-
ists, and cultural communities across West Virginia. Field research from which this collection draws focuses on the traditional and vernacular music, dance, crafts, foodways, and material culture of the people of West Virginia, from long settled to new immigrant communities. Highlights and sub-collections include materials documenting the foodways and community celebrations of the Randolph County Swiss community of Helvetia, members of the Scotts Run Community Museum in Monongalia County, the 2018 West Virginia Teachers’ Strike, Summers County collector Jim Costa’s collection of 18th and 19th century farm tools and objects of rural life, and participants in the West Virginia Folklife Apprenticeship Program. You can learn more about artists, practitioners, and communities featured in the collection here: https://wvfolklife. lib.wvu.edu/featured The goal of The West Virginia Folklife Collection is to create a publicly accessible archive of past, current, and future West Virginia folklife, folk and traditional arts, and cultural heritage. Archival materials were collected by West Virginia state folklorist and other West Virginia Humanities Council staff, and other partners and contracted documentarians in collaboration with the documented individuals and communities. The West
Virginia Folklife Program wishes to thank the Director and Assistant Director of the West Virginia and Regional History Center John Cuthbert and Lori Hostuttler, respectively, and other Library staff for their support of this initiative. The West Virginia Folklife Program is a project of the West Virginia Humanities Council and is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Folk & Traditional Arts Program. West Vir-
Photo Credits: wvhumanities.org ginia Folklife is dedicated to the documentation, preservation, presentation, and support of West Virginia’s vibrant cultural heritage and living traditions. For more information on the archival collection and West Virginia Folklife Program, visit http://wvhumanities.org/programs/west-virginia-folklife-program/ and wvfolklife.org or contact Emily Hilliard at hilliard@wvhumanities.org or (304)346-8500.
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
CULTURE
National Dog Day celebrated by featuring some of the dogs on campus because the dog will be forever by their side. Another West Liberty student, Emily Jones, says that when she is not cuddling with her dog, she is outside walking her around campus. Jones’s dog, Juno, loves meeting new people. Juno is the first dog that Jones has owned, saying she has “always grown up with large dogs, but they were family dogs.” Juno is finally a dog that Jones can call her own, as she rescued Juno on June 19. On National Dog Day, Juno was interviewed by What’s Up West Lib, and Jones gave her a special treat after the interview.
National Dog Day, which is celebrated on Aug. 26 each year, is a day to bring awareness to thankfulness that many share for dogs. Additionally, the day is meant to encourage people to adopt and rescue dogs. West Liberty student, Nikki Thompson, feels that there are positives and negatives in owning a dog. Thompson says the upside is that you will always have a companion. The downside is that owning a dog is costly and requires lots of time. Still, Thompson says there is nothing like going home from a rough day to see her dog, Gabriel. Gabriel is a border collie mix who loves going for walks on campus. When Thomson comes home, she likes to cuddle up with Gabriel who is able to make everything feel better. Alexandra Black, another West Liberty student, has a furry friend named Bandit. Brandit is a
black and white dog who was rescued by Black from an unfortunate situation and a lifetime of sadness. She was going through a rough patch in her life, and one day saw an opportunity for change. Brandit was on Facebook Marketplace, and
Photo Credits: Emily Jones
Provided By: Alexandria Black she begged her parents to have him. Ever since Black got her best friend, Bandit, he has changed her outlook on life. He makes her laugh and smile like no other. To treat Bandit on National Dog Day, Black gave him a doggy donut from Sheetz and a slice of pizza. Another West Liberty student, Taylor Martie, says that her dog, Piper, is the first dog she has ever personally owned. Martie says that she got Piper when her family’s pet passed away. She was upset and needed a friend to comfort her. She begged her parents to let her get a dog to call her own. Her parents finally agreed, but she soon realized that she could not take Piper with her to college. So, her parents ended up keeping her dog at their home. Martie explains that she even goes as far as Facetiming her dog when she misses her. Piper is 11 years old and loves to take walks around her neighborhood. She sleeps in a comfy dog bed in Martie’s room, and her favorite treat is hotdogs; Piper gets one every day for a snack. Martie’s advice to new dog owners is to take their time making a decision,
For any new dog owners, Jones suggests that you listen to what your dogs are trying to say. Jones says that dogs are always trying to communicate with their owners, and listening to them is essential, especially for training, because “every dog is unique.” If you are wanting a dog or are curious about getting a dog, check your local shelter for more information. A dog may be a lot to take care of, but the joy they bring can surely outweigh that cost. And to those who already have a dog or multiple dogs, be sure to give them a hug today, so they know that you appreciate them.
Provided By: Taylor Martie
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
OPINION
OPINION
Opinion Editor Intern: Kailey Carpino
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- kcaprino@westliberty.edu
Struggle keeping up with school work? Read tips below to help you stay ahead! Contributing Writer: Kaitlynn Wheeler With three weeks of classes already completed, assignments and stress levels drastically increase. Just like any other institution, students at WLU try to find ways to stay on top of their school work to avoid a stressful semester. “[Get] a planner for sure. You have to write everything down, be very organized and know the dates for each of your assignments so they don’t go past due”, said Faith Hartung, Sophomore pre-nursing major. Hartung also shared that at the beginning of each week she uses a notepad to write down all of her assignments that need to be turned in.
in procrastination, approximately 75 % consider themselves procrastinators and 50 % procrastinate consistently and problematically.” The article also mentions that procrastination can eventually lead to higher levels of stress, depression, anxiety and fatigue.
would not get anything done if she did not make them. Coupled with being a dorm hall director, Simons makes sure she manages her time well to avoid assignment overloads. Even though three weeks have already been completed in the semester, students only have roughly five weeks to prepare for their exams. Some students are making sure they remain motivated in order to receive stellar grades. “I make sure I don’t miss class, and write down everything my professor says,” said Sarah Booth, human biology major. Booth also expressed that she uses what she calls her “happy planner” to keep her on top of her work.
Considering some areas of study require a lot more time to focus on complex concepts, some students cannot afford to procrastinate. “To avoid procrastinating I have a group that I study with. We just get together with snacks and we try to make the best out of studying,” said Meredith Westfall, dental hygiene major. Lura Simons, an exercise physiology major, exSenior elementary educaplained that she creates to-do lists for her assignments because she tion major, Amanda Cordray, said
that she uses sticky notes so that she does not forget to study or complete assignments. Overall, all correspondents expressed the same sentiment. To stay on top of schoolwork students should frequently use their planners and attempt to complete their assignments as early as possible. It is best to stray away from procrastination to avoid higher stress levels. With midterm exams just around the corner, staying on top of assignments is a must if students want to have a successful semester. If students fail to remain disciplined, their grades could potentially suffer.
As opposed to Hartung’s method, some students such as Austin Brown, a zoology major, take a different approach to getting their work done. “I get everything done in the mornings, take an hour for lunch, and for the rest of the evening I [continue] working until I’m done so I don’t have to worry about it for the rest of the week.” Hartung and Brown both advise students to start on their assignments early, one just likes to get it all done at once while the other spaces out the work. On the other hand, many students find it difficult to stay on top of their assignments. “I just get everything done last minute,” said James Knizner, junior. Senior art education major, Sydney Jefferys, stated that there are times where she forgets to go through her planner to see which assignments need to be done for that particular day. An article from the Edutopia website states that nearly “80 to 95 percent of college students engage
Photo Credits: Wikimedia Commons
SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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OPINION
How to Survive Dorm Life Getting a dorm room is a big change for students and a sign of becoming an adult. Many freshmen and other students who are adjusting to dorm life struggle with the idea of being alone in a dorm. Here are some ideas to help your dorm feel more like home. Resident Assistant, Mikayla Ging, suggests that a person should have a fan in their room at all times. Her reasoning is that you never know when you’re gonna get hot or cold in your dorms. She says that her “fan is the biggest staple in her dorm room”. For anyone who is new to dorm life, she also suggests getting shower shoes. They are often brushed over when people are packing for college. Also, Ging ended up buying a futon to help declutter the dorm room. It is also helpful for when she’s doing work or just for guests to sit on. Ging says that her must-have item besides her fan is her blankets saying she has six of them in her dorm room at all times. West Liberty student Logan Riggenbach’s college dorm hack is to have a lot of storage space and to keep everything in their designated spaces. She says “the simpler, the better” when it comes to decorating your dorm. Riggenbach suggests getting lights, a tapestry and a poster or two at the most. She explains that an average person doesn’t need a lot of things when it comes to decorating your room. The one thing she suggests you have in your room at all times is masking tape or a multitool. said that there were so many times where she had to rescrew something because it got loose. For new dorm owners, Riggenbach’s advice would be to take advantage of what’s provided at the school. She then explains
to not be afraid to talk to your resident assistant since they’re here to help. “Don’t be afraid to offer aid to your neighbors,” said Riggenbach. Mason Riter, another student at WLU, suggests having a small vacuum cleaner to clean up your messes in your dorm. He said “he was a heavy user of the citrus Windex cleaning spray” for his windows. Riter suggests that for decorating your dorm command strips and hooks are your best friend when hanging family photos. He suggests having snacks that are microwavable so it’s an easy snack on the go. “Always have enough toilet paper if you get your own bathroom”, said Mason. His advice to new dorm owners is to befriend your dorm neighbors and to be quiet during quiet hours. The most important thing in your dorm room accord-
ing to Riter was his mini fridge with a freezer and a microwave for all your basic needs. As a dorm owner myself, I would suggest having a heavy-duty command strip because it seems like nothing stuck on my wall without them. For decorating your dorm I would suggest expressing your personality to your dorm. My dorm theme is Twilight so I have Twilight memorabilia all over my room. My biggest advice for new dorm room owners is to become friends with your floormates. You never know when they will come in handy. I was locked out of my room at two o’clock in the morning and had nowhere to go except to my floormate’s dorm. They let me in, of course, but without them, I’d probably be sleeping in the lobby. Hopefully these helpful handy hints may help you out in the future.
Mikayla Ging relaxes in her dorm room. Photo Credits: Caitlin Reynolds
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SPORTS SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
Sports Editor Intern: Ross Salvatori
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- resalvatori@westliberty.edu
WLU football wins big against Alderson Broaddus West Liberty’s coaching staff brought the team together and helped steer the ship in the right direction this week with a 24-0 win against Alderson Broaddus. Everything that plagued the Hilltoppers in their 27-6 loss against Walsh last week was a strength this week. The Hilltoppers goal on Saturday was to send a message to the rest of the Mountain East Conference (MEC) and they did that within the first minute of the game. Isaiah Robinson brought the opening kickoff 58 yards and all the way to the Alderson Broaddus 38-yard line. The very next play, the redshirt freshman quarterback, Jamie Diven threw a 38-yard touchdown to Wisdom Jenkins. The extra point by Owen Rozanc was good and the Hilltoppers were up 7-0 and only 16 seconds had passed. The Hilltoppersn then flexed their muscles defensively. Alderson Broaddus’s drive started at the 25-yard line. After picking up the first down, the Hilltopper defense suffocated the Rattlers defense. A four-yard rushing loss, a sack resulting in an 11 yard loss and an incomplete pass forced the Rattlers to punt on a drive with a net value of minus one yard.
NEXT HOME GAME Saturday, Sept. 18 against #10 Notre Dame, Ohio at 2 p.m.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports The first drive of the second quarter saw the Hilltoppers push the score to 14-0. Diven hit Robinson and Jenkins each for 30yard passes. Then Diven hit Robinson again but this time for a 14yard touchdown. The Hilltoppers then got the ball right back as the defense sent the Rattlers offense back to the sidelines on a three and out. TJ Griffin returned the punt 13 yards to the Alderson Broaddus 37-yard line. The offense, looking to extend the score, took the ball to the Rattlers one yard line before Diven scrambled for the touchdown and pushed the lead to 21-0. The Hilltoppers a week after struggling on offense were now cruising. The offense once again put points on the board as kicker, Rozanc nailed a 16-yard field goal to extend the lead to 24-0. The defense then took the Hilltoppers home as the final remained 24-0. The gritty Hilltoppers looked great on both sides of the
ball and rebounded nicely after their loss last week. Leading the way in the air was Diven who was 9 for 22 with 167 yards, 2 touchdowns in the air and one rushing touchdown. The Hilltoppers running game was much improved this week as they rushed for 168 yards. Leading the way was Tyler Moler who had 105 yards and a long of 28 yards. The receiving corps were led by Jenkins who had 3 receptions for 79 yards and a touchdown. Robin-
son had two receptions for 45 yards and a touchdown. Next week, the Hilltoppers will host the number 10 team in division two football in Notre Dame College, Ohio. West Liberty will play at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18 at West Family Stadium. Make sure to come out and support the team! For more information regarding this game or future games, please visit Hilltopper Sports at hilltoppersports.com.
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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Lady Toppers volleyball open season with 6-4 record The Hilltoppers finished the Wayne State Invitational with a loss to Daemen College, finishing the weekend with a 2-2 record.
The month of September has bode quite well for the Hilltopper Volleyball squad, as they have opened the season with a very respectable 6-4 record. Their season opened the weekend of Sept. 3 at the Wayne State Invitational in Detroit, Michigan, in which West Liberty took on the likes of East Stroudsburg University, Walsh University, Wayne State University and Daemen College. Against East Stroudsburg University, West Liberty won the contest three sets to one. They were able to weather a rocky start after East Stroudsburg won the first set 25-19. The Hilltoppers then held East Dtroudsburg under twenty points in each of the next three sets. Following their first set loss, the Hilltoppers won the next three sets by the final scores of 2516, 25-12 and 25-18. Madison Clayton, to no surprise, led her team in overall kills with twenty-one, while also leading the team in blocks with 4. Jenna Caskey logged an impressive 3 aces, while Kirsten Bo-
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports gunovich attributed a staggering twenty-three assists. Nyia Setla also led the team with seventeen digs. Against Wayne State, the Hilltoppers suffered their first loss of the season. West Liberty was unable to gain any momentum, as they were swept in the matchup three sets to zero. Wayne State showed their dominance, with the set finals of 25-14, 25-17 and 2517. A quick turnaround allowed West Liberty to find them-
selves back in the win column with their matchup against Walsh. The victory against Walsh did not come without a gritty battle, as this matchup went the best-of-5 distance. Walsh won the first set out of the gate by the final of 25-13, but the Hilltoppers bounced back in a thrilling way, winning the next two sets 27-25 and 26-15. Walsh was able to successfully force a fifth set by winning the fourth set, 25-14. West Liberty then sealed the deal in the fifth and final set, winning by the final of 15-12. Clayton was once again the headliner, leading her team with 10 kills and 9 blocks. Bogunovich once again did great work in the assist column, logging twenty-three, but it was Setla once again who kept the Hilltoppers in it, logging an impressive thirty-two digs.
They then made quick work of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, winning three sets to zero, and Salem University, also winning three sets to zero. While sweeping the sets 25-23, 25-21 and 25-16 against the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, the impressive stat lines that stand out are Haley Zeck’s thirteen assists and Setla’s eighteen digs. Setla once again logged eighteen digs, while Caskey tallied nine aces against Salem University with the final set scores of 25-11, 25-14 and 25-12. With a win against Shippensburg (three sets to two) and a loss against Bloomsburg (zero sets to three), the Lady Hilltoppers look to put together a long string of wins to separate themselves from the rest of the MEC in out of conference play. As a matter of fact, the Hilltoppers have quite the ways to go until conference play begins. The first conference matchup for the team begins against Notre Dame College, Ohio at home on Sept. 28. While the Hilltoppers are doing a fine job thus far with out of conference play, the team is undoubtedly looking forward to MEC action. Their final matchup before conference play begins will be against Tiffin University on Sept. 21, then the real battle begins with sixteen straight MEC matchups. Make sure to come support the team as they look to continue their success.
NEXT HOME GAME: Friday, Sept. 17 against Slippery Rock University and Millersville University at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
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Ali Rhinaman prepares for third season with the women’s soccer team
With the fall 2021 semester officially in full swing, much of the Hilltop has been filled with excitement for this year’s soccer campaigns. Much of this excitement has been placed upon the WLU women’s soccer team. After the shortened eight game 2020-21 season, there was much to be left on the table for the Lady Hilltoppers were striving to achieve. One individual in particular who has been around the team to understand what this squad is wanting to accomplish is Ali Rhinaman. Rhinaman, a spring 2021 All-MEC Honorable mention, is in the beginning stages of her third season playing for the black and gold. She has been no stranger to success throughout her entire playing career, as she was a four time All-County at Boonsboro (Md.) High School. As a freshman in 2019, Rhinaman was named to
the MEC All-Freshman team, along with the MEC All-Academic Team. Being a criminal justice major, Rhinaman believes it is just as important to succeed academically as it is to succeed on the field for West Liberty. When Rhinaman was asked about the course of her playing career, particularly the journey she has taken to reach this point in her craft, she had many positive outlooks. “Soccer has been in my life for as long as I can remember. I have been playing soccer for probably about fifteen years now, beginning when I was around the age of five” said Rhinaman. “Technically, I would argue even longer because I would go to my older sisters’ practices and games and would always be kicking the ball around.” Those memories are some of the best for Rhinaman, and when asked what her favorite memory was in her playing career, she replied saying that, “my favorite thing about playing soccer is all the people that were brought into my life because of it. I have met so many families that I will always have a connection with.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
My favorite memory in my soccer career was getting to play high school soccer with my older sister, Emily. At the time, I was a freshman and she was a senior. Even more specifically, she assisted a goal to me to tie a playoff game that we ended up ultimately winning.” It is easy to understand that the West Liberty women’s soccer team wanted to begin their season 2-0, but they are content with a 1-1 start, especially given the youth of this squad. Rhinaman said, “these past two games, our team has shown that we are capable of playing high quality soccer. We have the skill and team chemistry to be able to see the outcomes of games fall into our favor..” With conference play beginning quite early, it is refreshing to hear the visions the Lady Hilltoppers have for themselves. Finally, Rhinaman recognizes that there is much ahead in
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports regards to life beyond Hilltopper soccer. When asked about her plans for the future, she stated that, “I am not quite sure what I will do after playing college soccer. My dad has been giving me the idea of playing for semi-pro teams around my area, but that’s just a possibility. I definitely will not be ready to leave the soccer atmosphere, so there may be some coaching in my future.” Positive attitudes shown by Rhinaman has undoubtedly progressed onto her teammates, which makes this squad in particular so fun to watch on the field. There is a long way ahead for the team, but they have quite the ways to go to gear up for a Mountain East Conference title run starting Nov. 8. To stay up to date on all sports news here at West Liberty University, please visit Hilltopper Sports at hilltoppersports.com.
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SEPTEMBER 16, 2021
Alex Easthom wins Vulcan Invitational
Alex Easthom, a West Liberty senior and golf team captain, took first place at the Vulcan Invitational on Sept. 5 and Sept. 6. and helping lead the Hilltoppers golf team to a second place finish. It was a successful weekend for the hilltoppers as Easthom took home first place individually and the West Liberty golf team took second place and missed out on first by one stroke. On the first day, the toppers took on the red course at Cedarbrook Golf Club in Belle Vernon, Pa. Easthom, last year’s MEC golfer of the year, finished 6-under-par in the first round and 7-under-par in the second round. The 36-hole total of 129 gave Easthom a three-shot lead over the next closest player. The next boys in black and gold following Easthom were Howard Peterson and Bo Orecchio with 143 each. Adding in Noah Seivertson and Brendan Vucelich with 147 and 152, respectively, the toppers finished the first day in first place just one stroke below the University of Charleston. The next day the teams
took on the much more challenging gold course. Easthom finished with four-over-par, giving him a final score of 9-under-par 205 and a first place title. His closest competitors, Kidwell from Shepard and Victor Del Pozo Ramis from the University of Charleston, finished two strokes behind at 207.
Easthom said he was pleasantly surprised by his win. There was no live scoring, and he thought he had thrown the game away the second day of play. Like many, Easthom struggled on the windy the second course. Still, Easthom was happy to receive his first, first place of the season, especially after being runner up in the topper’s first tournament.
ly excited about the direction the team is going.” Easthom believes that the toppers might even see a conference win this year.
The topper golf team plays again on Sept. 17 and 18 at the Mercyhurst Invitational in Erie, Pa. Easthom is looking forward to taking on the Lakeview Country Club
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course again after what happened at regionals there last year. Easthom was released from a two week contact quarantine the morning of the tournament, and feeling out of practice and unprepared, received 15th place. Easthom will be looking to change the narrative in Erie and replace that 15 with a much lower number this weekend.
The Hilltop’s Athlete of the Week
~ Alex Easthom ~
Sophomore teammate, Orecchio, only has good things to say about Easthom after his big win. Orecchio said, “In my two years, I feel like Alex has always been our rock, we can always count on him to play well.” Orecchio continues on to say that not only does Easthom play well but he makes his team “want to play better. And play well the team did. Peterson, Orecchio, Seivertson, and Vucelich followed Easthom on day two with 218, 219, 220 and 239 leaving West Liberty just one shot shy of Charleston’s first place score of 859.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Orecchio, said that despite the second place title, he is “real-
[Men’s Golf] Year: Senior Hometown: Ravenswood, W.Va. About Easthom: Easthom placed first at the Vulcan Invitation which had 17 colleges competing against each other. He also helped guide the team to a runner up finish and missed out on first by one stroke.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
