VOL. 100 – ISSUE 5
THE TRUMPET
OCTOBER 7, 2021
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
WLU’s Student News Source
7 West Liberty Alumni preparing to enter Wall of Honor at Homecoming this fall - pg. 3 Hilltoppers beat Pioneers 20-19 on Hall of Fame Day - pg. 13 @WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwestliberty
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THE TRUMPET
NEWS
COVER BY: SAMANTHA SNYDER
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
CULTURE SPORTS Photo Credits: Camille Irvin
Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
West Liberty welcomes Governor Justice and Babydog to campus for suprise giveaway visit pg. 4
WLU’s Dance Team returns just in time for Homecoming pg. 8
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports Women’s Tennis wins big at ITA Atlantic Regional Tournament pg. 15
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
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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.
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NEWS
OCTOBER 7, 2021
NEWS
News Editor: Brianna Hamon
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- bnhamon bnhamon@westliberty.edu @westliberty.edu
7 West Liberty Alumni preparing to enter Wall of Honor at Homecoming this fall
a graduate, according to Witt. “It is awarded to alumni and alumnae who, through their distinction in their chosen career, selfless service to society, dedication, and loyalty to the universi West Liberty University ty, exemplify greatness and are worthy plans to celebrate the induction of induction,” explained Witt. of both 2020 and 2021 alumni en The 2020 Alumni Wall of tering the Wall of Honor during Homecoming festivities this fall. Honor Inductees include Gerald R. According to an article regarding Crabtree, class of 1964, Barbara J. Laithe recognition banquet released fer, class of 1975, Carol L. Frum, class by WLU Media Relations Director, of 1960 and Aaron. J. Monseau, class of Maureen Zambito, the university 2003. was unable to celebrate Home Crabtree grew up outside of coming last year due to the panWellsburg W.Va. and earned a medical demic. In this same article, Ron Witt, executive director of alumni degree from Temple Medical School affairs, was quoted saying, “Last year in Philadelphia and later went on to we weren’t able to gather as a large complete his residency at Dartmouth group for our usual Homecoming College in 1985. festivities due to the pandemic so Laifer is a Wheeling native this fall, we’ve planned a safe and who graduated from West Liberty in very special evening that will honor 1975 with a Bachelor of Arts in muboth this year and last year’s Wall sic, speech and theatre paired with a of Honor recipients whose names minor in speech therapy. She earned will be added to this prestigious two master’s degrees: one from Aushonor roll.” tin Peay State University in vocal per The ceremony taking place formance and another in education in is a part of the Impact of Philan- speech-language pathology from Tenthropy and the Wall of Honor nessee State University. Recognition Dinner taking place on Friday, Oct. 15 in the Wall of Honor alcove located in the Paul N. Elbin Library. Witt says the event will be extra special this year “because we are celebrating and dedicating a new space for the Alumni Wall of honor, located on the second floor of the library.” Tickets are currently available and can be purchased by clicking here or calling 304.336.5635. According to Witt, the tickets to attend the event cost $75 and all the proceeds will go towards the WLU Foundation Annual Fund. Reservations for this event must be made by Oct. 11, 2021.
“Looking back, my years at West Liberty were the happiest of my life, and I made friendships that have lasted throughout the years,” said Laifer.
Frum was a 1960 graduate from WLU’s Sarah Whitaker Glass School of Dental Hygiene and was employed as a hygienist for 16 years prior to making her way back to West Liberty as an adjunct clinical laboratory assistant for the Dental Hygiene Department in 1975.
Aaron Joel “AJ” Monseau grew up in West Liberty and was on campus much of the time as his father, The Wall of Honor Cer- Vince, was a professor and coach and emony is the highest honor the his mother was an administrative asAlumni Association can award to sistant. Completing a bachelors as a
Inductees from left to right:Todd Bullard, Davie Jane Gilmour, Bill Beatty, Carol Frum, Gerald Crabtree, Barbara “Barb” Laifer and Aaron “AJ” Monseau. Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations double major in biology and chemistry in 2003 as an Elbin Scholar, Monseau went on to earn his medical degree at West Virginia University.
Bullard graduated from West Liberty in 1953 with a degree in political science. Prior to earning his degree, he served in the U.S. Army. While he was at West Liberty, he founded the Chi Nu Fraternity The 2021 Alumni Wall of and served as the student body president. Honor Inductees include William H. Bullard went on to earn a masters from Beatty, class of 1972, Todd H. Bullard, WVU and a doctoral degree from Univerclass of 1953 and Davie Jane Gilmour, sity of Pittsburgh, both in political science. class of 1976. He passed away on Jan. 1, 2009. Beatty graduated from West Gilmour earned an associate’s and Liberty with a degree in biology later bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene educabecoming a “distinguished and well- tion from West Liberty and later earned known outdoor education specialist, a masters and doctoral degree in health naturalist and educator,” according to education from Penn State. After graduZambito’s release. ation from West Liberty, she returned to He taught classes for people the Harrisburg area and worked in private of all ages about nature and history dental practices. Gilmour shared, “I am now and led the Mountain Nature Camp a college president, since 1998, at Pennsylfor 12 years. He served at the A.B. vania College of Technology in WilliamsBrooks Nature Center (now known port, Pa. West Liberty provided me the as the Schrader Center) as an Inter- environment to become an independent pretive Naturalist for Oglebay Insti- thinker, reinforced self-sufficiency and emtute between 1972 to 1990. Upon his powered me to try and take risks.” retirement from Oglebay, he founded For more in-depth information his own consulting company known as about each candidate, please visit Zambi“Wild & Natural.” The company spe- to’s original release published on Sept. 8, cializes in programs about nature and 2021, by following this link. environment programs as well as nature writing and photography.
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OCTOBER 7, 2021
NEWS
West Liberty welcomes Governor Justice and Babydog to campus for surprise giveaway visit On Thursday, Sept. 23, West Liberty University (WLU) welcomed West Virginia’s beloved Babydog to our campus and Governor Jim Justice. With gifts in tow, the gubernatorial duo visited the Northern Panhandle to award WLU freshman, Kassidy Wolfe, a chemistry major, a new luxury sports car, all in thanks to Justice’s “Do it for Babydog” COVID-19 vaccination incentive program. Wolfe was not alone in the surprise gift visit as two other residents of the Northern Panhandle, Homer Pierce of Weirton and Travis Bayes of Wheeling, were lucky enough to receive gifts from the incentive program. Pierce was awarded a cash-prize of $40,000 and Bayes received a Yamaha Grizzly ATV for choosing to receive the COVID-19 vaccination. All three individuals received these prizes at WLU’s track and soccer field. Justice opened his presentation by addressing those in attendance on the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations and “how equally important it is to not harshly judge those who choose not to be vaccinated,” as stated in an article by the Wheeling News-Register, The Intelligencer. Justice was quoted in saying that while it is ultimately up to the individual if they choose to get vaccinated or not, at the end of the day, it’s a fact of “the more who are vaccinated the less who are going to die.” In an article published by Eyewitness News, Justice addressed the state of West Virginia and stated that he feels the COVID-19 surge currently seen within the state is at its peak. “I do believe we’re at the peak of the surge, just like being in the eye of the hurricane… but I really believe that there’s a really good chance that we’re going to start down, but we really haven’t
started down yet. We’re still really just hanging in there right at the peak,” said Justice. As of Wednesday, Sept. 29, WLU reported that 86% of its faculty and staff, encompassing all employed by the university, are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with 53% of the student population having been fully vaccinated. Echoing the sentiments of Gov. Justice, university president, Dr. W. Franklin Evans, expressed his gratitude to those who have received the vaccine and continue to follow WLU’s pandemic safety protocol, encouraging those who have not yet been vaccinated to consider doing so. “We continue to encourage our students, staff, and faculty to protect themselves and others against COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated, if they haven’t already,” as quoted from a COVID-19 update email sent to all WLU students. As of Sept. 27, 93 unvaccinated students had been tested, with 2 resulting in positive cases, as well as 1 positive employee COVID-19 report. As of Friday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m, West Virginia’s Department of Health and Human Resources revealed that 52 more deaths have been caused by COVID-19 and 1,645 new positive cases have been
A graphic of the WLU COVID-19 update Graphic By: Samantha Snyder reported. With active cases within the state sitting at around 14,000, there were 958 COVID-19 patients in West Virginia hospitals, of which include 269 in intensive care units and 171 on ventilators. While Governor Justice noted that the majority of these hospitalizations are for unvaccinated patients, this is not always the case. “The amount that are in the hospital that are vaccinated continues to creep up a little bit, but what does that tell us? It tells us that we need to get the boosters,” said Justice. Reading through the ages and home counties of 80 West Virginia residents who have recently passed away due to COVID-19, the governor reminded the audience that out state has seen 3,722 COVID-19 deaths in total, and pleaded that West Virgnia residents need to go and get vaccinated, encouraging those already protected to get a booster shot to aid in their defense against the virus. Currently, COVID-19 vaccinations are available for free to all West Virginia residents ages 12 and older; those who are interested in receiving their vaccination are encouraged to visit vaccinate.wv.gov or call the West Virginia Vaccine Info Line at 1-833734-0965. The info line is open from
Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“The more who are vaccinated the less who are going to die,” said Justice.
NEWS
OCTOBER 7, 2021
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West Liberty partners with NAMI to shed light on mental health Beginning on Thursday, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m, the West Liberty University College of Education and Human Performance will partner with NAMI Greater Wheeling (National Alliance on Mental Illness) to host their fourth annual “Shedding Light on Mental Health” virtual conference that is open to all citizens and health providers in the state of West Virginia. This year’s four-day conference will offer professional speakers who specialize in topics ranging from eating and feeding disorders, epigenetics and the importance of prioritizing self-care. The following topics will be presented throughout each Thursday in the month of October where you can register online to attend. Regular registration is $60 for all four sessions or $20 per session, members of NAMI and students of WLU must pay $30 for all four sessions or $10 per session and graduate students seeking credits must pay an additional $180. Being the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country, West Liberty’s College of Education and Human Performance established a partnership with NAMI in 2018 after seeing a need to communicate the signifi-
Kathleen Wack, associate professor of health and physical education, in front of the ASRC building. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore cance of mental health education to community members and educators in the Ohio Valley. The Executive Director of NAMI, Julie Gomez, stated that West Liberty was a key partner in this collaboration due to their focus on school-based counselors, social workers, nurses and higher education providers. “In our community, we were able to talk and learn among one another and now we are able to bring in national caliber presenters to seek growth beyond the Ohio Valley,” said Kathleen Wack, associate professor of health and physical education. The speakers at this year’s conference are Dr. Jess Luzier, Jan Ri-
ley (Med), Lisa De Gonzales (MPH), Emily Maiurro (MHP), Jessica Fowler (LPC) and Dr. Rebecca Porter, all of which are highly trained professionals in the field of mental health studies. Members of the planning community have been preparing for this event since the conclusion of last year’s conference by evaluating topics beneficial to the community and researching presenters with an expertise in the chosen field. Wack went on to explain that many people outside the realm of mental health with differing perspectives come together to ensure this conference runs smoothly. “We have worked with Theresa Gretchen of Topper Station to make sure the sessions are recorded so people can watch if they are unable to attend the conference. We also work with Samantha Wilson, our graphic designer, so that she can create programs and logos for marketing and advertising,” said Wack. Other members who help host this mental health conference include: Adolescent Health Initiative Coordinator Melody Osborne (Marshall County Family Resource Network); and NAMI Greater Wheeling Program Manager Lauren Brown.
The logo for the Shedding Light on Mental Health conference. Photo Credits: Julie Gomez
Wack believes there are many positives to attending this
session, especially as a student in the field of education and human performance. Within each session, students can interact and network with a diverse group of professionals to open opportunities for their future. The second benefit of attending is getting to interact by asking direct questions in ways that are not possible through asynchronous conferences. Wack concluded her description of benefits by stating that students can achieve graduate credits while other professionals may receive certification to maintain their license through the continuous education units (CEU’s) offered in each session. The list of professionals who can receive certification through the CEU’s include health care, social work, counseling, nursing, marriage and family therapists, psychology and law enforcement professionals. Due to the prevalence of COVID during last year’s event, Gomez and her team decided to move this conference to a virtual format split into four sessions because they found it easier for people to sit through and comprehend the information in each session. NAMI allows people across the state to attend which led them to keeping this year’s program virtual to accommodate those who must travel long distances. According to Gomez, the typical turnout for this conference ranges from 50 to 70 people. Wack believes that people who may be on the fence about attending this conference should go in with an open mind. “I think you’re going to find something in every session that you can connect back to your life regardless of your major and regardless of your age. It’s cutting edge information that is very important,” expressed Wack. For more information about the “Shedding Light on Mental Health” Conference, please contact Julie Gomez executive director of NAMI Wheeling at Julie.namigreaterwheeling@gmail.com or visit NAMI of Wheeling’s website.
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OCTOBER 7, 2021
NEWS
Annual David Wright Executive Seminar Series soon to take place WLU for almost 40 years. The David Wright Executive Seminar Series was established in his memory to help students navigate the world of business. The WLU Foundation created a scholarship in his name that is known as the David Wright Management Scholarship. This scholarship helps business students of WLU reach their full potential in hopes of them carrying on Wright’s legacy.
On Oct. 14, the Gary E. West College of Business will offer the David Wright Executive Seminar Series. The College of Business holds this seminar every year to educate and inspire both students and faculty.
The first David Wright Executive Seminar was established in 1986. The last seminar took place on Nov. 12, 2020, where Richard Sherlock, a founder and principal at LRS Consultants, LLC spoke to students and faculty.
According to the College of Business website, the main goal of this seminar is to “further enhance the knowledge base of faculty and students within the College of Business Administration, provide a forum through which executives can discuss their management philosophies, corporate strategies, competitive challenges and the economic trends of specific industries, allow for a productive dialogue among business students, faculty, and corporate leaders and promote the spirit of cooperation between the College of Business Administration at West Liberty University (WLU) and the Upper Ohio Valley business community.”
If you are interested in attending the David Wright Executive Seminar Series, talk to any professor within the Gary E. West College of Business or contact Ann Saurbier, the dean of the Gary E. West College of Business by emailing ann.saurbier@westliberty. edu. For more information about the David Wright Executive Seminar Series, visit the College of Business website. You can also donate to the David Wright Management Scholarship by visiting the College of Business website or contacting the WLU Foundation by calling (304) 336-5635.
David Wright was an associate professor of management at “In memory of Professor David Wright ‘79.” Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
The Gary E. West College of Business will host the David Wright Executive Seminar on Thursday, Oct. 14. For more information on how to attend, conatct Ann Saurbier, the dean of the College of Business at ann.saurbier@ westliberty.edu. The door on the second floor of Main Hall leading to the business wing. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
CULTURE
CULTURE OCTOBER 7, 2021
Culture Editor Intern: Faith Hayes
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- fbhayes@westliberty.edu
CM2 Nature Photography Contest looks for God on the Hilltop CM2 is having a nature photography contest: “Where Do You See God on the Hilltop?” The photo submissions are due by Oct. 31. The top three winners will receive gift baskets. The group wants pictures that are close to your heart and bring you closer to nature and your spirituality.
Diann Nickerson, the campus minister, said, “I would like to encourage anyone to submit a picture that reminds them of peace, spirituality, grace, etc. You did not have to attend the workshop to submit a picture. There are numerous places around campus to seek peace, tranquility and commune with God. Take advantage!”
You can take pictures with your phone or camera, and you can send as many photos as you want, one at a time, to Nickerson’s email at ministry@ westliberty.edu. With each picture, you must provide your name, a title that sticks and a description. Photos submitted have to be a minimum of 300 DPI and in JPEG format. Pictures with inappropriate content, such as nudity, violence or human rights and environmental violation, will be erased. The judges will include faculty and staff. All photos will be displayed in the Student Union from Nov. 1 through Nov. 5 for voters. The winner will be revealed on the WLU Campus Ministry website and their social media. There will be no revote, and the winning photos will be hung in the Interfaith Chapel as well as shown on West Liberty’s social media.
On Sept. 28 at 6 One of the items used for practice phop.m., Daniel Caron presented an intos at the CM^2 photography workteractive program in the Interfaith shop. Chapel explaining the importance
of experiencing spirituality in nature. The program included getting out phones and taking pictures as well as Caron showing his own p h o t o g r a p h y. Caron also provided tips for making average photos into art pieces. For portrait examples, go to www.naturenomad.com. You can see his speeches at www. danielsprograms. com.
Caitlin Reynolds, culture news writer and broadcast major, said, “The most important thing that I took out of the workshop is that beauty is everywhere and sometimes we don’t stop to look at it. Life goes on without taking a break to look at nature’s sightings. I think what makes nature spiritual in my perspective is being close to God. I believe that every day God is trying to send you messages whether it’s from nature or from your mobile device. I’m a believer in God and feel his embrace every time I step out of the front door.” Nickerson was also at the program as well. Nickerson said, “My big takeaway is that in order to really get some great pictures you need patience and the ability to be still and look for the small details. Our society tends to rush and zoom around all the time but sitting still, listening to your surroundings, deep breathing and relaxing can help you get a new perspective - which is really im-
Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore portant in getting that great shot! There is such beauty and wonder all around us and knowing that God made the Earth just for us makes me feel connected. Being outside in the quiet, just yourself and the plants and animals helps me to reflect on all that we’ve been given by God. Being in nature brings me a sense of peace and well-being. The Native Americans held a special reverence for the earth and being outside and I think we could learn many lessons from them. Many cultures and religions have an expectation to take care of the earth so going out and experiencing it first-hand helps.” For more information, go to the campus ministry or email Nickerson at ministry@westliberty.edu.
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OCTOBER 7, 2021
CULTURE
WLU’s Dance Team returns just in time for Homecoming West Liberty University (WLU) has a new dance team, and they plan to perform during Homecoming festivities this fall. They will be performing in the Homecoming parade and on the quad after the parade. Brooke Anderson, the captain of the dance team, says that she is also seeing if the team can perform after the third quarter of the Homecoming game. Anderson says that she is excited about the Homecoming performances since it will be the first time that students see them perform. “A lot of students probably don’t even realize that we exist yet. The homecoming parade will be the first time that we’ll be seen,” Anderson said. WLU had a dance team in the past, but the number of dancers dwindled over the years, especially when COVID-19 hit. Anderson says that this is the dance team’s “comeback season.” The dance team currently has 14 members, and all students are welcome to join. Anderson says that she wants to welcome students of any gender, age, ethnicity and experience level to join the dance team. “If you enjoy dance, you’re welcome there,” Anderson said. She says she wants to create a place where students who have no dance experience can perform side-by-side with students who have been dancing competitively for 12 or more years. Anderson is also in charge of the choreography. The dance team mostly performs hip hop, jazz and pom routines, what Anderson calls “the crowd-pleasers.” Besides Homecoming, the dance team will also be performing at basketball games during the halftime show. Anderson says that the team has no set plans for other performances, but she hopes that
the dance team will receive more funding so that they can plan for more performances.
Brooke Anderson promoting the new dance team at the Club and Organization Fair. Photo Credits: Camille Irvin
“I love my team, and I’m really thankful for the opportunity to be their captain,” Anderson said. Students can come to dance practices without being a part of the performance team. During a typical practice, the team stretches, practices individual dance moves and then goes over the choreography of the routine that they are learning. Anderson says that students are welcome to watch rehearsals, participate in only part of the practice or come and go during practice. She wants the students to have fun without feeling pressured to perform in front of people. Practices are at different times and days throughout the week, so all students have the opportunity to attend some practices regardless of their schedule. If you want to see the dance team’s performance, go to the homecoming parade. If you are interested in joining the dance team or attending any practices, contact Anderson by emailing bnanderson@westliberty.edu. Anderson will add you to the GroupMe chat to inform you of the practice schedule.
Some of the dance team members and their poms. Photo Credits: Brooke Anderson
Provided By: Haley Blakemore
CULTURE
OCTOBER 7, 2021
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Meet WLU Head Cross Country and Track Coach, Justin Simpson
Contributing Writer: Beth Allen From no track and a small team to a thriving program, Head Cross Country and Track Coach Justin Simpson shares his love for the sport. Starting his running career in seventh grade, Justin Simpson just wanted a sport to be in with his friends. Aware of his size and lack of ball handling skills, he heard his friends joined the track team and decided to join as well. During a meet, his coach asked him to run the mile race, and he broke the school record on the first try. The praise from the adults inspired him to keep at it. “Like a lot of people in this sport, I got into it because others told me I was good at it, and that felt good.” Simpson said.
As he kept running, the times got better, and he broke more records just in his middle school career. Years later, he found himself as a coach at West Liberty University, but it was no easy task. To become a head coach in the NCAA is extremely difficult because of the sparse job openings. “There’s really only two ways to [become a head coach] and that is, be an Olympian, or spend a long time as an assistant under a head coach.” Simpson said. When he got the call to come up to the Hilltop, he saw it as a great opportunity for himself as a state champion and as a Footlocker National finalist - one of five ever in West Virginia’s history. He knew the area, knew the runners and this was his chance as an NCAA head coach. However, when arriving at West Liberty, he noticed a problem. Simpson received a roster of only 26 total athletes on both men and women’s cross country and track combined. “We just didn’t have the numbers to be good. In track you have to swamp all of the events. You can’t be good at two things. You have to be good all the way from the 100 to the hammer throw. You have to be good at everything and to do that you have to have the numbers.” Simpson said. With low numbers and a
low conference standing, the team had a challenge in front of them. On top of that, the only track in West Liberty was a small two-lane track around the football field that stretched roughly 320 meters including four 90 degree turns. Recruiting a new team for a school that did not have a track was an obstacle Coach Simpson knew he had to overcome, and he believed he could. “You go anywhere to a college and think, ‘Oh if there’s a track team then they must have a track.’ And we didn’t, which baffled me. Would you have a tennis team without a tennis court? Would you have a softball team if you didn’t have a softball field? Would you have a football team without a football field and so on. And the answer would be no.” When word got to him the process of getting a new track and field facility was in the works, Simpson was relieved. Just to have a track would make West Liberty on par with other competing schools. “I had so many meetings with President Greiner of what I needed – just basic stuff I needed for a track program. I need hurdles because I needed hurdlers. I need high jump pads because I needed high jumpers, and he always got it for me.” The two-year construction of the new West Family Athletic Complex was finished just in time for the COVID-19 pandemic to shut everything down. “That spring we didn’t even have a season and I’m like ‘this is the most ironic thing in the world!’ Two years I waited for this thing, and I’m told all my athletes are going home,”
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports Simpson said. Overcoming many hurdles in six years, Coach Simpson only had a small team, but a big vision. With him, West Liberty has a whole new track and field program with a full team of runners, and more coaches to train them throughout their career.
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OCTOBER 7, 2021
WLU senior, Ana Musap, shares sorority leadership experience Contributing Writer: Kenley George West Liberty University senior, Ana Musap, is a part of Alpha Xi Delta and stands as the vice president of her sorority. Musap joined Alpha Xi her freshman year. During her sophomore year, she was named the vice president and placed into the sorority’s executive board. “Being an executive board member is challenging at times, but it is rewarding,” Musap said. As the vice president of Alpha Xi, Musap plans events that her sisters and other WLU students attend. She plans risk management events where she will assign topics like drunk driving and plans events to educate fellow members on how to deal with such issues. Musap also plans formals. She is in charge of the sorority health and safety policies that come from Alpha Xi Delta Headquarters and implements them to the members in her chapter. Musap is pursuing a degree in marketing. “I think being the vice president of Alpha Xi has helped me build skills for my future career,” Musap said. “I have learned how to be a good leader,
Provided By: Ana Musap
CULTURE
SGA president prepares for return of Homecoming
how to manage groups of people, and have built my public speaking and time management skills too.”
Musap loves being a part of a sorority. “I decided to rush for Alpha Xi because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, and make lifelong friends,” Musap said. If you want to join a sorority, spring recruitment will take place in February. Ana Musap is a senior pursuing a degree in marketing and holds the position of Alpha Xi Delta’s vice president. Musap plans risk management events and formals for the sorority. Musap is excited to share her senior year with her sorority sisters.
“I decided to rush for Alpha Xi because I wanted to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people and make lifelong friends.” - Ana Musap Senior marketing student
With no homecoming last year, SGA feels responsible to make this year’s events special. Being a full-time student while fulfilling the obligations of Student Government Association (SGA) president can be a stressful job, but Mackenzi Jones is determined to offer new events for students. “The pressure is definitely on,” says Jones. Jones and the SGA executive board is introducing the first-ever Homecoming dress drive which is planned to take place on Oct. 13. Despite being a full-time human biology major, a member of Alpha Xi Delta, an AmeriCorps volunteer and a representative on the Board of Governors, Jones has managed to plan for all upcoming homecoming festivities. Her interest in being a voice of change for students led
Provided By: Mackenzi Jones
her to become SGA president and pushes her to make homecoming special for all West Liberty students. Jones plans to use her involvement and leadership experience to get into medical school in hopes of becoming a psychiatrist.
OCTOBER 7, 2021
OPINION
OPINION
Opinion Editor Intern: Kailey Carpino
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- kcaprino@westliberty.edu
Prepare for spring 2022: register for classes Contributing Writer: Kaitlynn Wheeler
With less than two weeks until midterm exams, registration for classes next spring and summer semester is just around the corner. West Liberty University allows students to register for spring and summer classes early so that they may get a grasp on the potential courses to take and plan their schedules accordingly. “I’m extremely excited to register for classes next semester since I’ll be registering for my last ones before I graduate,” said senior Elizabeth Allen. “I’m excited to register for next semester because there are a lot of classes I haven’t experienced yet,” said sophomore Alexandria Black. However, registering for classes is not as simple as it may
Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
sound, since students at West Liberty must go through a number of steps before they are allowed to register. First, students must schedule a meeting with their academic advisor so that they can receive their alternate PIN number. This PIN number allows students access to register after they log into their WINS account.
Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
Once students finish logging into their WINS account, they then will select the student services tab and click on the Register or Add/Drop option. At this point, students will enter their alternate PIN number and begin searching for their desired courses. Once students find all the classes they want to take, they must copy and paste the course registration numbers into small white boxes located at the bottom of the registration page. Lastly, to finalize the
registration, students will select the Submit Changes tab. One side note to the pre-registration process is that every student does not register at the same time. Students register for courses by rank with seniors going first followed by juniors, sophomores, and finally freshmen. A schedule for when each rank will be allowed to register will be sent out to every West Liberty student. Scott Cook, Vice President of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, will send out more information on course registration via email in the coming weeks. For some students, creating their own schedule can be a little intimidating. New student and Freshman Courtney Ellifritz expressed her concern toward registering for spring courses. “I do not know what to expect. It’s very nerve racking
in my opinion.”A couple upper class students shared some tips that could make the scheduling process less stressful. “Block out amounts of time to work on homework. Make sure that the schedule works for you and that you will be able to get things done. Also, talk to your advisor to see what their advice for scheduling would be. They are there to help,” said senior Kaitlin Wallace. “The thing that I think usually helps me get organized is my planner,” said junior Zackery Meade. Pre-registration for spring and summer courses will begin Oct.18, and will last until Nov. 5. Spring course schedules will be available to view on WINS Monday, Oct. 11.
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OCTOBER 7, 2021
OPINION
Still getting into the swing of college life? Getting more involved on campus helps! Is college all about work and no fun? Should students beat that boredom with being active on campus? I asked three students and an alum on their take on why they should be active on campus. Haley Blakemore, a junior at West Liberty University (WLU), explains it would be a good idea for underclassmen to join. “Clubs provide new experiences and new friends,” said Blakemore. She then brings up that attendance through these clubs and organizations is optional so that they can fit your daily schedule. Blakemore works for The Trumpet along with her studies. In her freshman year, she was involved in creative writing.
For anyone who is apprehensive about joining a club or organization, she suggests them “to reach out”. Howell suggests not to over-exert yourself and to “take one step at a time” with things.
Katie Zackery is a transfer student at WLU. Zackery explains that people should be active on campus to “broaden their horizons”. She explains that she wishes she could be active on campus, however, her schedule conflicted with that. Being that this was her first year at a different school she also wanted to take it easy so she can learn in a different environment. Zackery said, “If a person feels uneasy about Covid, just wait until things start to look better,
but if people want to and are taking the right precautions then go to your thing.” She also suggests that if you are apprehensive about joining a club or organization to just do it and if you don’t like it, you can always leave. Ellie Howell is an alum of WLU. She explains how making connections on campus will help you meet new people. She was a part of the Campus Ministry and a few clubs in her first year of schooling, however, she wished she had done more. Howell encourages people to be social, but at a safe distance.
She regrets not being involved enough on campus. She wished she would have opened herself a little more to people with the same interests as her. I think all these answers perfectly describe why you should be active on campus. Somebody told me that college isn’t about work. It’s about having experiences, whether it’s making friends or joining a club or organization you are still experiencing something new. Those experiences will stick with you not only from college but through your whole life too. So as many others say, take the risk and try something new because it’s going to be worth your while.
To anyone nervous about joining a club or organization she says to “join with a friend” and to remind everyone that “clubs are not a commitment you have to keep.” Blakemore also reminds students that if they have stress over leaving a club that “boundaries are important” and students should choose what they want to do. Kailey Pettit is currently a senior at WLU. She explains that the upside of being active on campus is that it keeps you busy and you get to have fun with people you might not have met otherwise. Pettit is currently involved with the women’s golf team and the human performance club on campus. She explains that she would encourage people to be active on campus despite the COVID-19 risk; “it’s worth the risk to me, you’ll make friends that’ll last long after college is over”. Pettit suggests that anyone who is struggling to join a club or organization should just try it because “you’ll never know what you’re missing”.
The SPICES International Club Officers. From left to right are shown pre-pandemic, Umesh Nepali (vice president), Adwit Lamichhane (president), Alexis Watkins (events) and Serena Smith (marketing). Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
SPORTS
SPORTS OCTOBER 7, 2021
Sports Editor Intern: Ross Salvatori
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- resalvatori@westliberty.edu
Hilltoppers beat Pioneers 20-19 on Hall of Fame Day Towards the end of the third quarter, Glenville added another field goal by Jones. This one being from 43-yards out. Pioneers cut the West Liberty lead to one at the end of the quarter.
Contributing Writer: Isaac Basinger The West Liberty Hilltoppers were looking to make it two straight victories as they took on conference foe Glenville State College (1-3). The crowd at West Family Stadium saw the Hilltoppers down the Pioneers 20-19 on Hall of Fame Day. “Forcing [Glenville] to settle for field goals in the third quarter was huge.” said West Liberty head coach Roger Waialae on his defense’s performance. The game started with the Hilltoppers getting the ball, but that was short lived. The Pioneer defense forced a three and out, forcing West Liberty to punt. The Pioneers were up next, and they found success. A seven play 53-yard drive resulted in a Josh Jones 24-yard field goal to start the scoring. The Pioneers got into field goal range on a double reverse pass from senior receiver Javon Butler finding fellow senior receiver Kyree Wallace on a 41yard pitch and catch. 3-0 Pioneers 13:47 left in the quarter. The Hilltoppers were able to respond with a scoring drive of their own. Tyler Moler punches it in from three yards out to cap off the seven play 65-yard drive. The Owen Rozanc extra point was good. West Liberty led 7-3 with 8:39 remaining in the first. West Liberty didn’t stop there. The defense forced an interception on the first play of the ensuing drive. DeAndr Clayton was trying to find his receiver and his pass was picked off by Hilltopper defensive back Elijah Hadley. The Toppers pay off the turnover quickly. In just two plays, West Liberty quarterback Jack Al-
lison found Wisdom Jenkins in the endzone for a 15-yard touchdown connection. Rozanc’s kick was good, and the Hilltoppers extended their lead to 14-3. This would be the score at the end of the first quarter. West Liberty was not done yet. Moler finds paydirt yet again. This time on a six-yard touchdown scamper that finished off an eight play 77-yard drive. Rozanc’s extra point was blocked, and the score was 20-3 with 13:06 remaining in the first half. This would be the last time the Hilltoppers score in the game. Glenville then came back with a response. The Pioneers had a 16 play 73-yard drive to get their first touchdown of the day. Freshman running back, Alfred Menjor, pounded it in from two yards out to cut into the lead. Jones’s extra point was good, and the score was 20-10 heading into halftime. To start the second half, the Pioneers drove all the way inside of the redzone, but the West Liberty defense held them to a field goal. Jones knocked a 23-yard field goal into the uprights, cutting into the topper lead. 20-13 Hilltoppers with 11:50 remaining in the third
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports quarter. Glenville’s forced an Allison interception, and the Pioneers are in prime position. The Pioneers get inside of the red zone again but can’t get the touchdown. Jones knocks in another field goal, this time from 22-yards out. West Liberty still led by a narrow 20-16 score with 7:15 remaining in the third.
There would be no more scoring in the rest of this one. Late in the fourth quarter, Hadley picked off another Glenville pass in what looked to potentially ice the game; however, the Hilltoppers were unable to run out the clock. On fourth and six within field goal range the Toppers went for it. Allison tried to find Isaiah Robinson, but the pass was intercepted. The Pioneers had 1:29 seconds to possibly win the game, but the Hilltopper defense came up strong again. They forced a fumble that was recovered by defensive end Jack Davis and West Liberty would run out the clock and hold off the Glenville comeback. The Hilltoppers play next Saturday at noon in Athens, as they take on the Concord Mountain Lions (1-3).
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OCTOBER 7, 2021
SPORTS
Men’s and Women’s Soccer find success found Vilchis who rifled his second goal of the game to push the score to 3-1 and that score would be final. The Hilltoppers sophomore goalie, Noah Underwood made one save to help lead the Hilltoppers to victory.
The West Liberty women’s soccer team (4-2-2) looked to stay hot as they hosted Wheeling University (3-4) on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
The men’s soccer team then hosted Notre Dame College (Ohio) on Saturday, Oct. 2.
The north division rivals looked to get a leg up on each other and help propel them into the playoffs. To start the game, the Hilltoppers came ready to play and set the tone early. Alyssa Rhinaman made a perfect pass to hit Kaelyn Oskin who was sprinting down the field. She took the ball and burned the Wheeling defense and then proceeded to beat the goalie to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead and not even 40 seconds had passed in the game. In the second half, the Hilltoppers looked to increase their lead and put the game away. This time a pass from Isabella Aperfine found Oskin but this time well within the offensive zone. Oskin darted around two defenders and buried her second goal of the game to push the score to 2-0. The Hilltopper defense then made that 2-0 lead last and gave them a big win against their archrivals. Olivia Montgomery was credited with a shutout as she made three saves in the process. Oskin scored two goals and became the West Liberty Women’s soccer team’s all-time leading scorer. The Hilltoppers then hosted another north division rival and defending Mountain East champions, Notre Dame College (Ohio) (2-2-3) on Saturday, Oct. 2. The prior non conference game between the two teams last month saw the game go to two overtimes with neither team breaking the scoreless tie.
The Hilltoppers saw themselves down 2-0 in the first half and had to claw back. The Notre Dame goals were scored in the 35th and 42nd minute of the game.
This time Notre Dame broke the ice in the 23rd minute to put the pressure on the Hilltoppers. With their backs against the wall and 12 minutes left to play, the Hilltoppers struck back to tie the game at one, courtesy of Alyssa Rhinaman. The Rhinaman goal was set up by Anne Williams. The game remained tied through the remainder of regulation and then through the two overtimes so the game ended in a tie.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Four minutes later the Cardinals tied up the game at one a piece. Then the gritty Hilltoppers answered with another goal in the 21st minute. Liam Toman dribbled down the sidelines and crossed the ball to Vitor Otsuka who slid and tucked the ball into the left goal post. With time winding down in regulation, the Hilltoppers put the game out of reach when Otsuka
The Hilltoppers came out of the half strong as they cut the lead in half. Less than two minutes into the second half, Danilo Taveres found Liam Toman who then found the back of the net. The momentum then shifted to Notre Dame once again as they rattled off two more goals to put the game out of reach. The final was 4-1 in favor of the Falcons. The West Liberty men’s soccer team will then travel to Charleston, WV to face the dynamic University of Charleston quad (61) on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 4 p.m.
The Hilltoppers were led by Montgomery who finished with 7 saves. The West Liberty women’s soccer team will hit the road in their next matchup as they travel to Charleston, WV to face the University of Charleston (4-3) on Sunday, Oct. 10 at 1 p.m. For the men’s soccer team, they kicked off their week with a game against Wheeling University (3-4). Only nine minutes into the game, the Hilltoppers were presented with a golden opportunity when Senior captain Bernardo Vilchis had a penalty kick. The captain cashed in to give the Hilltoppers a 1-0 lead.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
SPORTS
OCTOBER 7, 2021
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Women’s Tennis wins big at ITA Atlantic Regional Tournament unbeaten in their bracket. Unfortunately, yet another shared championship was defaulted, but nonetheless to West Liberty’s pleasure. Kayva Singh made a name for herself during her matches, winning five straight following an opening match loss to lay claim to her title match.
The West Liberty University women’s tennis team’s season is officially in full swing. Last season, the Lady Toppers laid claim to a respectable 7-6 record, including team wins over California University of Pennsylvania, Seton Hill University, West Virginia Wesleyan College (twice), Frostburg State University, Fairmont State University and Davis and Elkins College. Although last season was quite strong for the Hilltoppers, they ultimately fell short against the University of Charleston in the Mountain East Conference tournament. With two impressive showings during the Crosstown Challenge and Oberlin Invitational, the Hilltoppers found themselves truly shining during the ITA Atlantic Regional. The Hilltoppers women’s tennis team is led by head coach Heather Gallanger. Gallanger has quite the storied history with the black and gold, with her resume certainly proving it. Gallanger was once a Hilltopper tennis star herself and is now approaching almost two decades of coaching appearance. With the arrival of the 2021-22 season, this will mark the 19th season Coach Gallenger has led the Hilltoppers, with multiple accomplishments seen along the way. During her time, her squads have posted nine NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, including two conference championships and three conference runner-ups. As a player, Gallanger won the 1998 WVIAC singles championship, along with backto-back duo’s championships in
Singh made a run with duo partner Ishika Agarwal, but was unfortunately defeated in the tournament quarterfinals match. Both freshmen Evelina Martirsoyan and Emma Arnal fared well during the tournament, winning some, but both were beaten, Martirsoyan in the round of 16, and Arnal shortly after.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports 1998 and 1999 with teammate and West Liberty University Hall of Fame inductee, Tara Elkin. Also listed on the WLU Tennis support staff is student assistant Sarah Rager, who begins her first season. Rager’s tennis career was highlighted during her time in Elkins High School, and is currently majoring in Dental Hygiene. Last weekend, Gallanger was undoubtedly impressed with her team’s performance, as according to hilltoppersports.com, she stated that, “we compete in this event every year...but this was the best overall showing we’ve had in quite some time.”
Reigning All Mountain East Conference selection Nathalia Valencia set the standard for West Liberty during the ITA Atlantic Regional, winning five straight en route to the finals, where the championship match was defaulted to both Valencia and Roisin Murphy of Mercyhurst due to match cancellation. Valencia did not let that sway her, however, as she and duo partner Daria Shchoma were
It is easy to see that West Liberty performed well during the ITA Atlantic Regional, which certainly brings optimism for the season to come. Up next for the Hilltoppers, they host the Hilltopper Invitational Oct. 15 and 16. With the success West Liberty tennis have not only been having individually, but rather overall as team, it will be exciting to see how the group continues on with this success moving forward.
What is unique about this Lady Toppers team is the lack of upperclassmen, as there are no current juniors or seniors listed on the West Liberty roster. Rather, the group is riding a youthful wave in hopes of continuing to develop as a team. As a whole, the Hilltoppers are headlined by Sophomores Ishika Agarwal, Gemma Cliffe, Katie Loader, Jaqueline Pena-Aceves, and Nathalia Valencia. Wrapping up the team are Freshmen Emma Arnal, Elysia Benyon, Evelina Martirsoyan, Daria Shchoma, and Kayva Singh.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
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OCTOBER 7, 2021
Volleyball splits last weeks matches
Last week, the volleyball team played two games; one against Notre Dame College (Sept. 28), and one against Alderson Broaddus University (Oct. 1). West Liberty lost in five against Notre Dame, but secured a win against Alderson Broaddus University (4-5) three days later. The lady toppers were up 2-0 against Notre Dame having won the first set 25-20 and the second 30-28. However, the next three sets went to Notre Dame at 2225, 22-25 and 16-18. West Liberty actually had the lead in that fifth set at 14-11, but Notre Dame was resilient which resulted in a loss for West Liberty’s first MEC conference match. Coach Riley Schenk said the game was filled with errors on both sides of the court, and at the end it was the toppers who made more errors. Schenk believes that it is likely due to the team’s mental toughness that night. She said, “we talk a lot about being mentally tough, and we were not as a team against Notre Dame.” Junior middle, Nina Bilotto, played an incredible match, racking up 18 kills and nine blocks.
Graduate student and middle, Madison Clayton followed with 10 kills and four blocks then MacKenzie Daub and Riley Cudnik with three blocks each and eight and seven kills, respectively. Daub recalls a big play executed by Clayton during the match where Clayton hit the libero so hard in the chest that the ball ricocheted into the roaring stands. Daub said, “It was just one of those plays that gets everyone excited. The sound of the ball hitting the libero in the chest was quickly drowned out by the team screaming.”
Clayton led the game with 12 kills and one block, followed by Cudnik with 10 kills and three blocks, Fritz with eight kills, and Billotto with six kills and four blocks. Bogunovich racked up 37 assists in the topper’s one setter offense while simultaneously getting the third highest number of digs with eight digs, before her being Setla and Fritz with 16 and nine digs
SPORTS
respectively. The lady toppers, are (1-1) in conference play and (108) overall, will face Fairmont State University (10-5) and Frostburg State University (4-11) the following week. Schenk said “we are a scrappy group who has a ton of potential. We just need to keep finding our flow tog.” Visit hilltoppersports.com for more information.
The Hilltop’s Athlete of the Week
~ Kaelyn Oskin~
Three days later, in Philippi, W. Va., the lady toppers turned the tables against Alderson Broaddus. This time, they kept the errors low,. Schenk said that, “heading into [the Alderson Broaddus game], we wanted to focus [on] playing our game and setting the pace.” And they did just that. Setla said that despite the intense crowd, the team was able to stay focused, and that led to the three game sweep against Alderson Broaddus with scores of 25-19, 2522 and 25-20. One of the three captains, Ashton Wronikowski, said that the team’s “execution of our free ball plays, our strong blocks at the net and good serving helped keep the momentum on our side” and led the team to victory.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
[Women Soccer] - [Forward] Year: Graduate Student Hometown: Butler, PA About Oskin: Oskin scored two goals in the victory over Wheeling. In doing so, she became the West Liberty women’s soccer team alltime leading goal scorer. Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
