VOL. 101 – ISSUE 6
THE TRUMPET
OCTOBER 14, 2021
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
WLU’s Student News Source
WLU Foundation honors generous donors of philanthropy with first-ever award - pg. 3 West Liberty Football drops game to Concord 20-16 - pg. 13
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COVER BY: WLU MEDIA RELATIONS
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
THE TRUMPET
NEWS
CULTURE SPORTS Photo Credits: Samantha Snyder
Provided By: Emily Bender
National PA Week: Celebrating the Hilltops PA Students and Faculty pg. 6
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
SGA puts on Dress Drive for students in need of attire for Homecoming dance pg. 7
WLU Men’s Tennis competes in Intercollegiate Tournament pg. 16
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 Staff Writer Micahel Antley Director Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell
Letters to the Editor
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “The Trumpet: WLU’s Student News Source” lettering on the front page will be pink for the remainder of the month to show our support of breast cancer research and awareness.
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
OCTOBER 14, 2021
NEWS
News Editor: Brianna Hamon
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- bnhamon bnhamon@westliberty.edu @westliberty.edu
WLU Foundation honors generous donors of philanthropy with first-ever award After generous contributions toward the betterment of West Liberty University (WLU), the WLU Foundation plans to award the first-ever Lifetime Impact of Philanthropy Award as well as six other Impact of Philanthropy Awards to deserving individuals during this year’s Homecoming festivities. According to Angie Zambito-Hill, executive director of the WLU Foundation, these new awards are being granted out as an effort to “build a culture of philanthropy on the campus of West Liberty” by honoring the donors who have impacted WLU. The vision behind this award not only recognizes the donors but educates students about how their contributing dollars impacts campus life. The chosen recipients of the Lifetime Impact of Philanthropy Award are Flip and Gary West, the largest donors, and alumni of WLU. The award is a showing of appreciation toward their continuous dedication and donations that have changed the face of campus. According to an article regarding the awarding of this philanthropy award released by WLU Media Relations Director, Maureen Zambito, the Wests reside in Wheeling and Naples, Fla. and are large supporters of Hilltopper Athletics. The Wests have funded a variety of large projects on campus including the renovation of the West Family Football Stadium and West Family Athletic Complex (soccer and track field) which accumulated millions of dollars in support, explained Zambito-Hill.
track facility was led by them (the West family) and would not be here today if they didn’t lead that project by making a $1,000,000 contribution,” said Zambito-Hill.
Other demonstrations of support shown by the Wests can be noticed in a significant number of scholarships given out by the Gary E. West College of Business, named after West for his gifts and continuous involvement in the form of business advice and speeches. The Wests have donated their dollars to many other campus needs, but the projects listed have been their greatest donations as of recently. Zambito-Hill furthered this by stating, “They are most deserving, and I am excited to present this honor to them. It will certainly be an exciting moment because they certainly deserve the recognition. They are amazing, humble and caring people.” The six other Impact of Philanthropy Awards being given out honor individual and corporate donors who have donated $25,000 or more during the 2021 fiscal year to help complete important projects for WLU. The following contributors are: Belmont Savings Bank, Thomas Cervone and Susan Creswell, Main Street Bank, Alex and Valerie Paris, WesBanco and Kristina Williams and James Taibi.
According to Zambito’s news release, alumnus Cervone and his wife, Susan Creswell, recently endowed a theatre scholarship for students majoring in performance arts. Cervone has a strong love for West Liberty’s theatre program after receiving his “The West Family Athlet- undergraduate degree in speech ic Complex which is the soccer and and English with an emphasis in
Impact of Philanthropy honorees, from left (top), Todd Cover, Thomas Cervone and Susan Creswell, Rich Lucas. Bottom: Alex and Valerie Paris, Todd Clossin, Kristina Williams and James Taibi. Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations theatre. President and CEO of Main Street Bank, WLU Board of Governors chairman and alumnus, Richard Lucas, was the reason behind the newly installed scoreboard located in the West Family Athletic Complex.
Franklin Evans.
The WLU Foundation has partnered with Theresa Gretchen, executive director of WLTV and Topper Station to record brief testimonials of each donor that shares their passions for WLU and the motivation behind their support that will be presented before each award is handed out. Students interested in watchThe Paris’s, alumni of WLU, ing these videos can stay tuned by visiting led the renovations of the Coach Topper Station. Vince Monseau Wrestling Room and are responsible for the endow“It’s (the testimonials) something ment of the Hilltopper Wrestling I would love to share with students after program. the event because I think the messages are really powerful. They’re all involved for For further information different reasons, they’re all inspired from about the other recipients, visit different motivations and reasons for why Zambito’s press release. they love West Liberty and the video cap The West family and the six tures a lot of that,” said Zambito-Hill. awardees of the Impact of PhilanThe WLU Foundation hopes to thropy Award will be honored on make this an annual occurrence for the Friday, Oct. 15 during a Recognition well deserved donors of West Liberty Banquet in the newly established University. Wall of Honor alcove on the upper floor of the Paul N. Elbin Library. For more information about the According to Zambito-Hill, a glass WLU Foundation and how they support trophy will be presented to these West Liberty through fundraising and inindividuals by her and President W. vestments, visit the foundation’s website.
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OCTOBER 14, 2021
Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition open to students of any major dents who enter as a team not only gain experience but can improve their ability to cooperate with other people which is an important quality to have in the workforce. The state of West Virginia is hosting its 16th annual West Virginia Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition.To compete, students must research and come up with an original business pitch for a product or service. The Business Plan Competition (BPC) is open to all West Virginian undergraduate and graduate students in any major. Students can enter by themselves or with a team of up to four other students. The purpose of the BPC competition is to provide college students throughout the state with an opportunity to showcase their talents and bring their entrepreneurial dreams to life through a competition that will help students grow. Winners of the competition will receive funding and collaborative assistance from investors to potentially start up their own company or business based on the plan presented.
According to the West Virginia BPC website, “Our goal for the Business Plan Competition is to work collaboratively across the state with a mission to move West Virginia forward by engaging young minds to solve West Virginia’s greatest problems. The future of our state is at hand and we are working to involve young talent from across the state to share their ideas. We will provide students with the education, skills, contacts and motivation necessary to create a viable start-up company in West Virginia. Finalist teams will pitch to investors in the final round.”
The BPC consists of three rounds and three online workshops. Feedback and instruction are given for each round to help participating students improve their pitches. According to the competition guidelines, it is not necessary to have a background Christine DeWitt, instructor of in business; in fact, they welcome team finance and general business, says that members who range in all forms of she encourages her students to sign up expertise. for the competition. “Even if they don’t win, they would still have the experience,” The first submission for round explained Dewitt. Dewitt furthered her one of this competition will consist of previous statement by pointing out stu- a 90 second YouTube video and is due on Nov. 5. The instructions and deadlines for the competition can be found by going to the timeline tab on the website. The competition takes place throughout the academic year until the final round which takes place on April 6.
NEWS
NEWS RELEASE New Traffic Pattern West Virginia 88 West Virginia Division of Highways, District 6 1 DOT Drive, Moundsville, West Virginia 26041 Contact: H. Darlene Gump - (304) 221-2085
DATE: October 8, 2021 Ohio County, W.Va – The West Virginia Division of Highways advises that on Wednesday, October 13, 2021, through Friday, December 17, 2021, traffic will switch onto the newly constructed lane of the bridge in the vicinity of Clinton, W.Va., as part of Phase 2 of a bridge replacement project. Two-way traffic will be maintained in one lane by traffic signals. This lane will have a 13.5 feet width restriction. Motorists are advised to be alert for changing traffic patterns and expect delays.
The WV Collegiate Business Plan Competition is hosted by the West Virginia University (WVU) John Chambers College of Business and Economics and Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. For more information visit https://www.businessplanwv.com/ or contact Dallas Mullett from Encova Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship by emailing dallas.mullett@ Christine DeWitt, instructor of general mail.wvu.edu. business Photo Credits: WLU Website
A graphic of the 2021 construction update for West Virginia Route 88 Graphic By: Haley Blakemore
NEWS
OCTOBER 14, 2021
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Graduate School Expo and Career Fair
The Wheeling Police Department table with officer PFC. D. Giusto, and LT. J. Sanders.
West Liberty University’s Graduate Program table at the fair.
On Thursday, Oct. 7, West Liberty held a Graduate Expo and Career Fair inside Blatnik Gym for interested students to network and see post-graduation opportunities. Graduate Programs/Institutions: West Liberty University, Clarion University, Waynesburg University, Ursuline College, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, WV School of Osteopathic Medicine, WVU,School of Medicine, Walsh University, Wheeling University, Malone University
WVDOH’s table with Leslie Adkins.
For further information, email lsdc@westliberty. edu. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
West Virginia University’s table with Kim Klaus and Julie Day.
Wheeling University’s table with Sadie Crow.
Bass Pro Shops’ table with Gina Haney and Kaitlyn Muncie.
OCTOBER 14, 2021
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NEWS
National PA Week: Celebrating the Hilltops PA Students and Faculty the healthcare environment.” WLU PA student graduating with the class of 2022, Emily Bender, earned a bachelor of science degree in human biology from WLU in 2020. When choosing a PA career path for her “love of medicine”, Bender knew from a young age that she wanted to work in healthcare. “After an experience of shadowing a few PAs from different specialties, I truly felt it was the perfect job for me. I wanted to choose a career that allowed me to love what I do as well as still have time for a family and having the flexibility of working in any chosen specialty,” Bender shared.
National Physician Assistant (PA) week was celebrated starting Oct. 6 through Oct. 12, which calls for recognizing our very own PA students and faculty on the Hilltop. According to Dr. Robert Wetzel, a principal and assistant professor here at West Liberty University (WLU), “National PA week is a time when we pay special attention to the PA profession and attempt to educate the lay public regarding the PA profession.” Another faculty member of our PA program, Dr. William Childers, shared the history of PA week saying, “National PA week begins with national PA day celebrating the birthday of the founder of our profession, Dr. Eugene Stead. The celebration of PA week continues to increase public awareness of PA’s as educated, trained, healthcare providers.” According to The American Academy of PAs (AAPA) website, PAs are medical professionals with thousands of hours in medical training “who diagnose illness, develop and manage treatment plans, prescribe medications, and often serve as the patient’s principle healthcare provider.” The website continued by explaining PAs practice in all 50 states and in almost every medical setting and specialty. Hilltopper Headlines reported on Oct. 6 that 90% of patients report PAs improved the quality of healthcare. In terms of their educational background, APPA’s website states PAs are educated at the master’s degree level; additionally, there are currently over 277 PA programs in the country. Admission into PA programs is extremely competitive country-wide and requires a bachelor’s degree among other prerequisites in basic
WLU PA Students are pictured outside of Campbell Hall Photo Credits: Emily Bender and behavioral sciences. WLU has a Master of Science Degree in PA Studies that started in 2012 and graduated its first PA class in 2014, according to Wetzel. Currently, the program has 17 students graduating in 2021, 18 students graduating in 2022 and 17 students graduating in 2023. WLU’s PA program has nine faculty members. Wetzel has been at the university since the start of the program and has been teaching Women’s Health. He also has an “active” role in managing and lecturing in the clinical medicine course for the program as well as the general education and admissions process for the program. “My experience [at the university] has generally been great; the students are smart and keep me constantly learning, the staff works and plays well together. It has been a great 9 years,” said Wetzel. Wetzel furthered this by explaining a career as a PA is unique and provides an opportunity to provide medical care with 2 years of post-graduate experience. “Unlike physicians and NPs [nurse practitioners], a PA is not committed to one specialty, but can change specialties with
different employment opportunities. A PA does not have to commit to a career in only one medical field,” Wetzel explained. [Dr. William] Childers, a faculty member previously mentioned in this article, has also been at WLU since the start of the PA program. “As far as my experience goes, in an increasingly challenging higher ed environment, I have been very fortunate to direct a program that has been well supported by WLU. I have been and continue to be very fortunate to work with faculty and staff that work well together and actually get along which creates a positive work environment,” said Childers. During his interview, he shared an interesting fact about National PA Week this year saying, “It is also very convenient that PA week is in close proximity to the first PA ever to enter space.” In terms of the career itself, Childers claims that a profession as a PA gives “purpose and meaning to an increasingly complex world.” Later, he added, “Whether it’s treating a patient for Covid-19 in the ED, treating a patient’s high blood pressure in the clinic, or treating a child’s asthma in the office, PA’s treat and care for patients in every aspect of
Her advice to anyone wanting to join the PA profession is “to go for it!” Bender explained, “It is great for someone who knows they want to work in medicine but may not want to be working in one specialty their entire life, or someone who wants flexibility with the paths they choose to go after receiving their degree. Also, there is always room to learn, and being in this profession you get to work so closely with other health care workers that allow you to learn something new every day.” According to Bender, there is a student society within the program for each class of students. Her class has been impacted by the pandemic and has been restricted from doing many fundraisers and activities on campus as well as the surrounding areas of Wheelings in comparison to student societies in the past. “I do know this year, the class of 2023, has had a spirit week and activities to advocate for PAs as well,” said Bender. Any questions regarding the content in this article should be directed to Annalise Murphy by emailing anmurphy@westliberty. edu. For more information about WLU’s PA program and the requirements for application, please visit the WLU’s PA program website by following this link or call (304) 336-5098.
CULTURE
CULTURE OCTOBER 14, 2021
Culture Editor Intern: Faith Hayes
- fbhayes@westliberty.edu
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SGA puts on Dress Drive for students in need of attire for Homecoming dance Contributing Writer: Kaitlynn Wheeler Students at West Liberty University do not have to worry about purchasing formal attire for the upcoming homecoming dance, because the Student Government Association (SGA) recently launched their Fairytale Dress Drive event. The Fairytale Dress Drive is a program in which students can donate items such as dresses, jewelry, shoes and purses. These items will be donated to students, especially international students, who lack or cannot afford formal attire in time for the homecoming dance. “Everybody is in college right now. Nobody has the funds to just go out and buy a 600 dollar dress and wear it to a dance that is only for one night,” said Alexandria Black, vice president of SGA. The goal of the dress drive is to make sure that any student who wants to attend the dance can without feeling out of place. Black mentioned that she encountered a student from Russia who was nervous about going to the dance in her traditional dress, because she did not want others to ridicule her for not wearing something that correlates with American fashion culture. “We just want to make sure everybody can fit in and not feel like they have to go out of their way to get something when it can be provided for them,” said Black Students who wish to donate or pick up items can either call the Fairy Godmother hotline, which is Alexia Schmader, Director of Programming at 412-4774421; or email SGA@westliberty. edu. Students can also drop off items to a box located upstairs in the Union Ballroom near the SGA
door. SGA notes that students interested in donating should only bring items they do not intend to wear anymore. The items will not be returned to them. Even though flyers posted around campus explain that students have until Oct. 12 to bring in donations, Black said students can donate as late as the day before homecoming, which is Friday, Oct. 15. For more information on donating or picking up items, students can follow the SGA’s instagram page.
“We just want to make sure everybody can fit in and not feel like they have to go out of their way to get something when it can be provided for them.” - Alexandria Black
Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
Photo Credits: Samantha Snyder
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OCTOBER 14, 2021
CULTURE
Meet the 2021 Homecoming Court
“I am running for Homecoming because I wanted another reason to get involved on campus, and I thought this was a great opportunity to meet a bunch of new students and grow closer with the students and faculty on campus. I am most excited for the serenades! Parker and I put in a lot of work to get the music, choreography, outfits and props perfect for our dance. Don’t forget - vote for Sierra and parker!” - Sierra Aniballi, junior, finance, accounting, and computer information systems
Some of the 2021 Homecoming Court in the quad. From Left to Right: Michael Runkle, Parker Sherry, Sierra Aniballi, Jacob Walker, Mycah Ritchea-Yoho, Jenna Mankowski, Joey Adams, Grace Dodson, Christian Braithwaite, Sydney Jefferys. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
“I’m running, because it’s something that I’ve always wanted to do. It’s a lot of fun and allows you to get closer with other organizations. I believe if you are vaccinated and following covid guidelines, then participating in homecoming shouldn’t be an issue. I’m most excited for tent day. I can’t wait to hangout with my [organization] and everyone else and just have fun and eat some food.” - Mycah Ritchea-Yoho
Two Homecoming Candidates: Tianna Meyer (Left) and PJ Mazik (Right). Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
Two Homecoming Candidates: Gupaliy Projuabhaldi (Left) and Hannah Jacobs (Right). Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
OCTOBER 14, 2021
CULTURE
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WLU’s new Protestant minister changes campus ministry Contributing Writers: Olivia Romick After only a month in her position, Diann Nickerson is changing the way campus ministry is run. Nickerson worked as a transfer coordinator and academic advisor for 22 years at Ohio University Eastern. But when she saw a newsletter from the West Virginia Annual Conference covering the daily life of former campus minister Debra Dague, she discovered a new passion. “I’ve done lots of different things, but it’s always on the academic side,” Nickerson said, “I thought wouldn’t it be nice to work with students to help them discover their faith journey?” When she got the job, she knew what immediately needed to be changed. “There was a clear delineation of Catholic campus ministry and Protestant campus ministry,” she said. To solve this issue, she worked with the Catholic Campus Minister, Shirley Carter, to form CM2, “a new ecumenical endeavor on campus between both Catholic and Protestant campus ministry to
serve the needs of the university by offering programming for people of all faiths and religious backgrounds.” One event that CM2 hopes to host regularly are free luncheons on Tuesdays. Local photographer Daniel Karen will also attend to teach students how to take professional photos with their phones. New fellowship activities include campus ministry Mondays located at the St. Thomas Aquinas Center and multiple service projects. One of these projects is especially close to Nickerson’s heart, Learn to Loom, which allows students to crochet and knit hats for different charity organizations. During her previous jobs, Nickerson was involved with a similar organization, Hat not Hate, which focuses on making hats for anti-bullying campaigns at various schools. Learn to Loom will take place throughout the semester. A photo contest with the prompt “Where do you see God on the Hilltop?” will also be taking place throughout the semester, as reported in issue 5 of The Trumpet. The photos submitted will decorate the halls of the chapel.
WLU’s new Protestant minister “I’ve done lots of different things, but it’s always on the academic side. I thought wouldn’t it be nice to work with students to help them discover their faith journey?” - Diann Nickerson Graphic By: Haley Blakemore
Graphic By: Haley Blakemore “We want to show students and faculty and staff that we care about them, and we want to share things with them,” Nickerson said. A member of Kappa Phi, a Christian women’s group on WLU’s campus, said about Diann, “She is super sweet and understanding. She is always willing to talk and listen. She even waves to me now every time
she sees me!” If you want to get involved with campus ministry, Nickerson says to just walk through the doors of the chapel. The fellowship events are open to anyone on campus. To contact Diann about any questions, call 304-336-8083.
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OCTOBER 14, 2021
CULTURE
The Hilltop welcomes Philip Stahl to the communications program this fall Contributing Writers: Lizzy Griffth Philip Stahl is a part-time professor at West Liberty University (WLU) and teaches a public relations course once a week on campus. Stahl is also the Wheeling Public Information Officer and offers real-life experience for his students. Stahl grew up in Wheeling, W.Va. and graduated from WLU in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in communications, then got his master’s degree in education leadership in 2015. During his time at WLU, he took various communications and TV production courses. By taking these classes, he obtained an internship and a job right out of college with WTOV-TV. Stahl says, “WLU TV helped set the groundwork for television production and how it works behind the scenes.” Stahl was also the first student to
create a television show on the WLU campus. Stahl says, “My internship at WTOV helped me gain perspective and later employment at the station.” He adds, “Without that course, I am not sure I would have met professionals in the television world.” He accepted a position at Wheeling University that centered around marketing and worked there for a little over two years. Stahl was then promoted to the Wheeling Public Information Officer in 2016. Some of his responsibilities include writing press releases— which he teaches students how to do in his class—and working closely with the police and fire department when cases open that affect the community. Stahl says his job is “one of a kind.” He explains, “Not a single person around has the same gig— In fact, you have to go 60 miles
Provided By: Philip Stahl northeast to Pittsburgh to find the next PI Officer for a police/fire department.” He says his job holds a lot of singular responsibility, but it has its rewards. He says, “I have been able to create the job and mold it to benefit both departments in the best way possible.” He continues, “This job can get crazy during a public matter… at the end of the day, you can sit down and feel good to know you’ve helped your hometown.” For more information about this article, contact the writer at elgriffith@westliberty.edu, or follow the Wheeling Police and Fire Department on Twitter or Facebook for updates.
“This job can get crazy during a public matter... at the end of the day, you can sit down and feel good to know you’ve helped your hometown.” - Philip Stahl, WLU Alumni and part-time public relations professor
OCTOBER 14, 2021
OPINION
OPINION
Opinion Editor Intern: Kailey Carpino
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- kcaprino@westliberty.edu
Sodexo Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, Hispanic Heritage Month is being celebrated at West Liberty University through multiple activities. Specifically, on Wednesday, Sept. 6, Hispanic cuisine was brought to life in the Marketplace during a luncheon presented by Sodexo and The Diversity Committee. This featured various appetizing foods catered to multiple diets. The menu consisted of Tostones with Mojo Verde, Ensaladilla Rusa, Vegetarian Paella, Alfajores and much more. These foods originated across the globe, including
Nicaragua, Spain, the Caribbean, Cuba, Chile and Mexico. Cumin, cilantro and paprika are just a few of the delicious ingredients included in these tasty dishes.The Tostones and Mojo Verde were a popular favorite, along with the Vigorón and Ropa Vieja. Dr. Felipe Rojas stated that the Ropa Vieja, a Cuban meal which dates back to 1857, had a very authentic taste. Vegetarians and vegans alike reminisced over the delicious Paella, which consisted of a flavorful mix of peas, onion, Graphic By: Haley Blakemore pepper and saffron threads. Desserts offered to finish the meals were sweet Alfajores and Tres Leches Cake. Student athlete Nathalia Valencia of Bolivia said, “Ropa vieja with rice, beef and
tomato was really good, and also I think the event was important since it’s Hispanic month, and we need to celebrate it in some way. Since a lot of hispanic students attend West Liberty, it was a nice way to honor them.” Valencia went on to describe the dish as very aromatic and sweet. The importance and benefits of events like these are boundless, allowing international students to indulge in the food of their country
Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
and others the opportunity to experience other cultures’ cuisine and traditions. The Diversity Committee hosts multiple events and projects throughout the year, with the next event being Transgender Day of Remembrance on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021. For more information, please contact Michael Antley.
The Hispanic cuisine served in WLU’s cafeteria on Wednesday, Sept. 6. Photo Credits: Amanda Guada MenaWassmer
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OCTOBER 14, 2021
OPINION
Is the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot worth the risk? Here’s what to consider not completely effective and with rising numbers, this booster should be pushed for young adults.
Decreasing immunity in COVID-19 vaccine shows a need for booster shots. Many people think that if they have the vaccine, their immunity will last. However, the CDC website states, “This reduction in protection has led the CDC to recommend certain groups get a booster shot at least six months after completing their initial vaccination series.” Now, they are informing the public to take boosters, but it is being pushed more for older adults and the immune compromised. With the vaccine
This is why Govenor Jim Justice is pushing for a booster. West Virginians who qualify for a shot among young adults are specifically anyone who has had the Pfizer vaccine, and has had it for at least six months. You can bring your vaccination card to Walgreens to get a booster shot. I asked a friend, Timothy Adams, his opinion on vaccines as a whole. Adams stated, “Why would they push people so much to give out this vaccine? They have prizes to push people to get it. There is not enough scientific study for this vaccine compared to past vaccines. It is not reliable. People in the medical field are taking off because they reGraphic By: Haley Blakemore fused to give it. One doctor I know retired and said he refused to give it because it was a ‘fake cocktail’.” The vaccine may be sketchy to some, but the FDA approves of it. It has side effects like past vaccines. If you haven’t gotten a vaccine, you should consider checking all side-effects and get some other peoples perspectives before making a final decision. Taylor Martie, a broadcasting major, said, “I got my vaccine back in late June and my second shot was in July. I got the Pfizer shot. I just recently got COVID-19. I have a stuffy nose and a lot of mucus but that’s really it. When my friend got tested positive for it and I was close with her before then. I still see it (vaccines) as the same as before. It can help you whether you like it or not. If people want them, they can get them for extra safety. If others don’t want it that’s okay too. Be sure to drink lots of water, have a lot of tissues if you are having a stuffy nose and have lots of rest.”
Graphic By: Annalise Murphy
Another WLU student, Caitlin Reynolds said, “I got the vaccine last year towards the end of school and I got Pfizer. I just recently con-
tracted COVID. I have congestion, runny nose, cough, shortness of breath, loss of taste and smell. The one that shocked me was the cravings and bloodshot eyes. I’ve been craving a lot of sweets but I don’t know if that’s from COVID. I realized I had it when my mom and I went to Med Express on Sunday and we took a test because we were both coughing. The next thing I knew, I tested positive and she tested negative. I still think you should get the vaccine because I feel without it, I would have been in rough [worse] shape than what I am now.” If the immunity is gone after six months, a booster shot is the next step for people looking not to get sick. It is FDA approved. YaleMedicine states, “In granting the EUA for a Pfizer booster, the FDA says it analyzed safety data from the vaccine’s original clinical trial as well as real-world data on its efficacy over time from sources including Pfizer, the CDC, United Kingdom, and Israel.” For more information on if you are eligible for a booster shot go to, Who Is Eligible for a COVID-19 Vaccine Booster Shot? | CDC.
SPORTS OCTOBER 14, 2021
SPORTS
Sports Editor Intern: Ross Salvatori
PAGE 13
- resalvatori@westliberty.edu
West Liberty Football drops game to Concord: 20-16
West Liberty. The extra point was however blocked, and Concord ran it back to regain the lead 17-16. On the ensuing possession, Concord extended their lead with a field goal making it 20-16.
The West Liberty Football team (3-3) was seeking their third straight victory heading into Saturday, Oct. 9, against Concord University (2-3). The Hilltoppers fought until the clock ran out, but they were a call away from potentially winning this football game. The final in this game was 20-16 Concord as they claimed victory in their Homecoming game. In the first quarter, the Hilltoppers struck first to take a lead in this one. After the Hilltopper defense forced the Mountain Lions to punt, the Hilltoppers set up shop at the West Liberty 39-yard line. Jack Allison moved the chains into Concord territory with an 11-yard pass to Wisdom Jenkins. The next play, the Hilltoppers moved even further into the Concord territory as there was pass interference against Concord giving the Hilltoppers 15 free yards. On a third and seven, Allison came up big and found Nate Phillips for a 17-yard pass to push the Hilltoppers into the red zone. After an unsportsmanlike conduct against Concord, the Hilltoppers moved up to the seven-yard line. Allison then threw a dart to Jesse Collins to give the Hilltoppers a 6-0 lead. An Owen Rozanc extra point gave the Hilltoppers a 7-0 lead. With the score 7-0, Defensive Back Jason Mitchell picked off the Concord quarterback at midfield and returned it 28 yards to give the Hilltoppers great field position at the Concord 23-yard line. The Hilltoppers were unable to move the chains, but they did
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports put up points as Rozanc nailed a 36-yard field goal to make it 10-0 West Liberty. Concord then drew closer with a touchdown but a missed extra point kept the score at 10-6. After Concord kicked off, the Hilltoppers were pinned at their one-yard line. On first and 10, Allison tried to scramble in the endzone, fumbled the ball into West Liberty hands but was tackled for a safety making it 10-8 West Liberty. West Liberty hung on to the twopoint lead heading into halftime.
Hilltopper defense then stepped up and forced a three and out giving the West Liberty offense great field position to regain the lead. A few running attempts later, the Hilltoppers were at the Concord 30-yard line and threatening. Backto-back pass interference calls against Concord saw the Hilltoppers move to the Mountain Lions two-yard line. Allison took it himself and found the endzone giving the Hilltoppers the lead back. The score was 16-15
With three minutes remaining in the game, West Liberty took over the ball at the West Liberty 37-yard line. The offense moved the ball all the way to the Concord 30 before facing a fourth and 12. On this drive they had already converted a fourth and five at their own 42-yard line. This time Allison found a diving Isaiah Robinson at the 16-yard line that would have kept the drive alive but Robinson was ruled out of bounds and the Hilltoppers dropped a close one. The final score was 20-16 in favor of Concord. Allison completed 18 of his 38 passes for 156 yards and 2 touchdowns. Collins had three receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, Mitchell had two interceptions and four solo tackles. The Hilltoppers will return home for Homecoming to face Fairmont State (3-3) on Saturday Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.
In the third quarter, the Mountain Lions grabbed their first lead of the game with a 5-yard rushing touchdown to make it 1410. The extra point this time was good and the Hilltoppers trailed by 5. After West Liberty punted at the West Liberty 35-yard line, Rozanc didn’t give Concord very good field positioning as his punt ended up at the Concord 20-yard line. During the play, there was holding against Concord to push them back to the 10-yard line. The Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
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OCTOBER 14, 2021
SPORTS
WLU Golf competes for MEC championship yond the top two of Charleston and West Liberty, as Davis and Elkins saw themselves sitting at third with a fourteen stroke deficit, followed by Concord at fourth and Fairmont State at fifth to top off the top five finishers. Charleston won with a team score of 907 and West Liberty came up short with a score of 920.
Performing well in the Mountain East Conference Tournament is understandably the ultimate goal that both the West Liberty men’s and women’s golf team have been working towards during the 2021-2022 season. With much to prove, both teams were aiming to capture the title they have been chasing for quite some time. Kailey Pettit, an exercise physiology major, has made quite the name for herself during her time with the black and gold. Some of these achievements have included: MEC Commissioner’s Honor Roll, MEC Golfer of the Week (4/12/21), 2021 Mr. Bee Intercollegiate medalist, and finally two straight All MEC selections. Now, Pettit can proudly add a third place finish in the 2021 MEC tournament, along with an All Tournament accolade. Pettit was tightly contested all throughout the tournament, all while trying to close the gap between her and the duo that finished ahead of her, the eventual runner up from Davis and Elkins, Lucrezia Speranza, and Wheeling’s eventual medalist Emily Holzopfel.
Individually, West Liberty showed out once again, with a total of three individual golfers cracking at least the top ten in finishes. Both Noah Seivertson and Alex Eastholm were in hot pursuit of the top finish.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
respectable finish that can be built upon for time to come. Overall, the top three team finishes for the women included Charleston for third, Glenville State for second, and Wheeling for first. The West Liberty men’s golf team had quite the success to cheer about during their three day
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports stretch. As a team, the black and gold finished as the runner up, a position they had hoped to have finished one spot higher in, but nonetheless are thrilled to receive and build upon as they prepare to play in the regional in the spring..
It was not much of a race be-
The championship round was Pettit’s best work throughout the entirety of the three day stretch, as she posted an official 7-over-par 79, a statline impressive enough to make you appreciate how competitive the field was around her.
The competition was tight until the 18th hole when Charleston’s Mitch Hoffman and Erik Ulvang hung on to their lead and finished only strokes in front of Seivertson and Eastholm. As a result, Both Seivertson and Eastholm tied for a third place finish. The second place finish for Charleston’s Ulvang and Seivertson/Eastholm were separated by one single stroke, with Ulvang shooting 9-over-par 225, and the WLU pair shooting 10-over-par 226. Although heartbreaking, both Seviertson and Eastholm were awarded All MEC Tournament selections as a result of their top five finishes. West Liberty’s Howard Peterson was the other top ten finish for the team individually, as he put a respectable cap for the team to end the three day stretch. Peterson finished in a tie for ninth place, shooting 15-over-par 231. With the success West Liberty University men’s team saw during the MEC Championships, they will now point their direction on a new journey and prepare for their next set of matchups, which includes traveling to Florida for the Nancy Nichols Invitational and Ohio Valley University Invitational.
Rounding up the top five were the two placeholders behind Pettit, Charleston’s fourth place finisher Beatrice Dietez and Glenville State’s fifth place finisher Elizabeth Bickar. As for West Liberty’s Alexis Ramby, an All MEC selection, tied for eighteenth overall in the tournament’s completion, a very
The Hilltoppers will next travel to Ravenswood, W. Va to play in the Ohio Valley Invitational on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
For more information, visit Hilltopper Sports.
SPORTS
OCTOBER 14, 2021
West Liberty Volleyball defeats Frostburg State
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Liberty capitalized with simple Frostburg miscues, and captured the set thanks to kills from Nina Billotto and Madison Clayton. The final fourth and final set again did not come without battle, and saw both teams exchanging unbelievable blows throughout the entirety of the set.
West Liberty women’s volleyball (11-9) continues their journey along Mountain East Conference (MEC) play with their matchup against Frostburg State University.
A five point run by Frostburg being down 6-4 gave them the 9-6 advantage over West Liberty. An answer by West Liberty tied the set at 11-11, and later the set was also tied at 23-23. With two straight attack errors along with a kill from Riley Cudnik, West Liberty finally captured the win against Frostburg three sets to one.
Entering this contest Frostburg held a 4-11 record; however, following Friday night’s loss, that record fell to 4-12. Frostburg as a whole has had a rough showing for their 2021 season so far. Eight straight losses to open the season against the likes of Shepard, Ohio Dominican, Tusculum, Indiana (Pa.), California (Pa.), Edinboro and Bloomsburg. Frostburg did not find their first victory until their matchup against Lockhaven, in which they won that contest in five sets. Including their matchup against West Liberty, Frostburg holds a 1-3 record in MEC play, with their only win coming against Alderson Broaddus. Despite their season woes, Frostburg gave West Liberty a battle until the end. Entering this matchup, West Liberty had saw themselves essentially going back and forth in the wins and losses column. Now 2-2 in MEC action, West Liberty now looks to string together some wins. In the opening set, West Liberty found themselves taking a quick 3-1 lead, but Frostburg went on a massive tear, which included a 7-1 run, and took the lead for the set 8-4. That was the largest lead Frostburg held in the first set, while the team also saw themselves holding a 10-7 lead later, but it was the eventual collapse due to simple miscues that doomed Frostburg, and West Liberty was able to go on and end
the set on a 6-2 run, winning by the final of 25-18. The second set showed the difficulties West Liberty faced over the course of play, and Frostburg capitalized on those miscues. With a set for the most part going back and forth, a 18-18 tie separated both teams from either growing their set lead, or evening the game all around. A 4-1 point run from Frostburg late in the set gave them the advantage they needed, and they ran with it, winning the evening second set 2521.
Clayton led the Hilltoppers in kills with 15, Kirsten Bogunovich Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports had 42 assists, and finally Nyia Set With both teams not dig- la had 22 digs. ging their heels in, West Liberty The Hilltoppers will next dug harder, and took a 16-11 lead. travel to Glenville University on Another Frostburg retaliation tied Friday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. the set late at 21-21 and both teams battled even to 25 points to extend the set. However, West
In set three, West Liberty looked dominant. Every play and decision was as fluent as can be, and it ultimately helped spark an opening 9-1 point run, including eight straight points to open the set. The beginning of set three against Frostburg was the best start to a set West Liberty has had at home all season, however Frostburg stormed back into the set following their first timeout, and made it competitive again. Now with West Liberty leading only by one at 11-10, the black and gold was as stunned as Frostburg was in the opening of the set.
Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
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OCTOBER 14, 2021
WLU Men’s Tennis competes in Intercollegiate Tournament Consolation Bracket in the Round of 32.
Members of West Liberty University’s men’s tennis team competed at the 2021 Intercollegiate Tennis Association Atlantic Region championships from Sept. 17-19. This event was hosted by Bloomsburg University at the Burt Reese Tennis Center. Senior Anton Schulz did not qualify for the quarterfinals of the massive A Flight Championship Bracket draw. Sophomore Derek Roehner advanced to the Round of 16 in the B Flight singles. Sophomore Zarion Jones rebounded from a tiebreaker loss in the Round of 32 to win three straight Consolation Bracket matches. “I felt like I got off to a bad start in the tournament which caused me to lose my first match. I was then able to rebound and win the next three. I need to play more aggressively and take advantage of opportunities to put balls away to have success in my upcoming matches. ,” Jones said.
Alfonso Zerpa also won a
Nevio Dux and Jones teamed up for a run to the quarterfinals of the B Flight Doubles Championship Bracket, with a 6-2 victory in the Round of 16 before being eliminated by a 6-3 tally in the quarterfinals.
The Hilltop’s Athlete of the Week
Hannah Kemp
Daisuke Aota and Isfan Makhumodov made it to the Round of 16 in the A Flight Doubles Championship Bracket but were eliminated in a tiebreaker. The WLU men’s tennis team’s next match was. at Cedarville University in Ohio. The team won by the score of 5-2. Dux and Aota claimed singles victories to start off the match. In doubles, Moritz Erpel and Makhumodov got the first Hilltoppers victory. The next match saw Schultz and Dux claim victory for their fourth team point. To finish the match off, Schultz claimed victory for the Hilltoppers with a 6-4 singles victory sending the team home happy. The men’s tennis team will next play at Washington and Jefferson College on Friday, Oct. 15. The match begins at 4 p.m. For more information about the men’s tennis team, visit Hilltopper Sports.
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Cross Country Year: Junior Hometown: Bethesda, Ohio About Kemp: Kemp placed first at the Carnegie Mellon Invitational. The meet had 14 schools and over 100 runners. Kemp recorded an impressive 18:45.9 time on the 6,000-meter course.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
SPORTS
