VOL. 101 – ISSUE 8
THE TRUMPET
OCTOBER 28, 2021
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
WLU’s Student News Source
Dr. Jeff Grubbs presenting on the topic “Critical Thinking Categories and their impact on Creativity” at WVAEA conference hosted by WLU
West Liberty University hosts West Virginia Art Education Conference - pg. 3 West Liberty football drops game against Wheeling in overtime - pg. 13 @WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwestliberty
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WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
THE TRUMPET
NEWS
COVER BY: DANIELLE MEHLMAN-BRIGHTWELL
CULTURE SPORTS Graphic By: Samantha Snyder
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Photo Credits: Beta Rho Epsilon
WLU Dental Hygiene Program spreads awareness for National Dental Hygiene Month - pg. 5
West Liberty holds Drag Bingo featuring Pittsburgh queens pg. 7
WLU Volleyball splits matches 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.
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NEWS
NEWS OCTOBER 28, 2021
News Editor: Brianna Hamon
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- bnhamon bnhamon@westliberty.edu @westliberty.edu
West Liberty University hosts West Virginia Art Education Conference
nowned American artist, at the catered luncheon paid for by WLU. Ms. Wyeth’s lecture titled, “I Paint My Life”, examined the subject matter, context, technique and fun fami West Liberty Universi- ly stories behind her grandfather’s ty (WLU) hosted the annual West paintings, according to the WVAEA Virginia Art Education Association conference website. (WVAEA) Conference last weekA presentation by a profesend, Oct. 22 through Oct. 23. Dr. Jeffery Grubbs, associate profes- sional outside of the art education sor of art education and WVAEA field was given by Dr. Danielle Mepresident elect, stated that nearly hlman-Brightwell, assistant professor 50 practicing West Virginia K-12 art of communication and director of teachers and 20 pre-service student The Trumpet. Mehlman-Brightwell art education majors from WLU discussed how to utilize teaching and West Virginia University (WVU) tools and increase student engagewere present at the conference. The ment both in-person and remotely. conference was held face to face According to Mehlman-Brightwell, with a virtual option; however, those “On Sat, Oct. 23, I presented “Teachchosen to speak had to present on ing Tools: Increase Student EngageWLU’s campus. All presentations ment in-person or remote” at the were recorded through Zoom and WVAEA conference. I presented are linked on the WVAEA website. strategies of how to increase students’ engagement through the use The two-day conference of teaching tools—Google Docs and hosted in five separate WLU build- Google Forms. I have found these ings included various presentations. tools to be useful in my in-person According to WVAEA’s website, and Zoom classes. These tools have the conference utilized WLU’s “arts helped in students’ learning accountfacilities such as the mac computer ability, collaborative discussions and lab, printmaking room, painting and monitoring content mastery.” drawing room, ceramic room, art “After Saturday’s great therapy room, photo lab, and other general lecture rooms.” All the pre- speaker presentations, we headed sentations were hands-on, demon- over to Oglebay’s Wilson Lodge and Resort for our Awards Banquet strated or lectured. Dinner followed by the Art Auction The Nutting Gallery hosted and dress-up dance party,” shared a short exhibit during the confer- Grubbs. Conference schedule availence and showcased the artwork of able on WVAEA.com/conferences. the West Virginia art educators’ who During the dinner banquet, attended. On Friday, Oct. 22 after the conclusion of presentations for seven awards were given to catethe day, a charter bus from the Wil- gories of art educators for best art son Lodge Oglebay Resort took at- teacher. One individual in the followtendees to the Warhol Art Museum ing categories was selected for an award: elementary, secondary, middle in Pittsburgh. school, high school, higher education, On Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021, retiree, West Virginia Art Teacher of keynote speaker, Victoria Browning the Year and a person outside of the Wyeth, discussed the work of her field who has helped and served the grandfather, Andrew Wyeth, a re- arts. According to Grubbs, alumni of
West Liberty University hosted the WVAEA Fall 2021 conference on Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23. Photo Credits: Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell WLU and West Liberty State College received awards listed above. The four alumni are Ellen Culler, Hannah Eller, Emma Romanowski and Sarah Gaughenbaugh. Culler received the elementary art educator award, Eller received the middle school art educator award, Romanowski received the secondary school art educator award and Gaughenbaugh received the retired art educator award.
talk with other colleagues,” explained Grubbs.
As mentioned earlier, the conference also hosted a two-day exhibit in WLU’s nutting gallery where art educators in attendance were able to pick two to three pieces they have made between 2018 to present day to showcase. Grubbs commented, “Art teachers rarely get to show their work, or get to exhibit it. The Nut The conferences’ main goal ting Gallery allowed them to do this was “all about trying to help art teach- during the conference.” Saying he was ers improve their knowledge, strength- “certainly proud” that WLU hosted en advocacy through community and this years’ annual WVAEA conference, networking, building a tighter network, Grubs thinks it also helped art teachcreating a community of relationships ers make connections and strengthen and to have a good time,” according to the art department brand. “We want Grubbs. as a university to strengthen art education. Being central is a good thing. It Grubbs continually talked helps students and teachers get really about the importance of network- solid content,” said Grubbs. ing and providing teachers with the opportunity to grow in knowledge The purpose of the WVAEA through attendance of this confer- “is to advance West Virginia Art Eduence. “A lot of times an art teacher cation and promote the arts as essenin the school is the only art teacher tial elements in education programs,” in school; therefore, they are tremen- according to the associations “Who dously isolated. This can lead to a feel- Are We” page. For more information ing of loneliness. This (conference) is about this year’s 2021 Fall Conference an opportunity to train and grow in hosted by WLU, please visit wvaea. their knowledge but also a place to com/conferences. get revitalized, build relationships and
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OCTOBER 28, 2021
NEWS
WLU Foundation connects scholarship recipients with donors during annual Scholarship Day
To honor the generous donors and fundholders who grant money toward the furthering of higher education in students at West Liberty University (WLU), the WLU Foundation held their annual Scholarship Day on Wednesday, Oct. 27 in the Student Union.
honored to have received this award.” Romick went on to explain that the donors of the Elbin Scholarship made her college education possible because she grew up in a one parent household with multiple siblings which made the idea of her going to college impossible.
Stackpole is a double major in healthcare management and management with a minor in computer information systems and is a recipient of the Guy and Mary Ann West College of Business Scholarship. Stackpole is During this event, the WLU grateful for her donors and thanked Foundation scholarship recipients them by saying “This scholarship gives were able to gather inside the Union me the opportunity to be less stressed Ginni McFarland Findley, the finance administrator, is a part of the from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to learn more about how to pay for my education WLU Foundation. about their scholarship and the donor costs. It also allows me to continue my Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore who created or sponsors it. Students path as a double major with a minor.” also had the opportunity to write out parts of campus by providing over 130 of these students included Jeremiah After graduation, Stackpole plans to a personal thank you note to their scholarships in areas of academics and “Douglas” Torres, Hannah Holbert, Ol- move south in hopes of finding a cadonor as well as provide them with athletics through the help of funding ivia Romick and Abbe Stackpole. reer in healthcare management. a questionnaire that explains why the made possible by donors. For more information about student chose WLU, their plans after Torres is a senior music educa- scholarships through the WLU Founcollege and some of their favorite As a token of appreciation for tion major and a three-year recipient of dation and how to participate in Scholmemories on campus. After writing the many opportunities that donors the Edward C. Wolf Scholarship. Torres arship Day, visit the WLU Foundations’ out their messages of thanks, students make possible for students, the WLU had this to say about the opportunities website or contact Zambito-Hill at anhad their photo taken for a postcard Foundation created Scholarship Day made possible to him thanks to his dogie.hill@westliberty.edu. that will be mailed to their donor. to connect recipients to the donors nor: “The Edward C. Wolf Scholarship who helped provide funding for their has given me so many opportunities. “Handwritten thank you notes specific scholarship award. One of the main opportunities is that it are a great way to show gratitude in a has given me a chance to grow as a fupersonal way and it means a lot to our “It (Scholarship Day) is an op- ture music educator. I have been taught donors, especially in a world of text portunity for students to thank their and mentored by Professor Pat Garrett, and email communication. It stands donors and an opportunity for WLU Dr. Gretchen Pohlman and all of the out,” said Angie Zambito-Hill, execu- Foundation staff and board members amazing department of music staff and tive director of the WLU Foundation. to meet students who benefit from faculty.” After graduation, Torres hopes the work we do,” said Zambito-Hill. to become a high school band director The pictures and thank you card will be mailed out to each donor The WLU Foundation grants somewhere in the state of West Virginia. by the Foundation with the invitation out scholarships in multiple fields Holbert is a sophomore zoo scifor the donor and student to meet in around campus that range from ath- ence major and a recipient of the Elbin person at a later date. letics to specific colleges such as the Scholarship and expressed her gratitude College of Liberal and Creative Arts, Zambito-Hill went on to ex- College of Education, College of Sci- for the scholarship by stating, “I thanked plain how Scholarship Day is solely ences and the Gary E. West College the donors by letting them know that meant for the students because it al- of Business. Other scholarships that without them, I wouldn’t have been able lows them to see and experience the don’t exist under a specific college in- to come to campus in the first place. impact private donors have on cam- clude the Barnes & Noble Scholarship, I thanked them for how much they’ve Doug Torres, recipient of the Edward C. Wolf Scholarship. done for me without even knowing it.” pus and many other students. Clyde Thomas Scholarship and Colle- Holbert’s post-graduation plans consist Photo Credit: Abigail Beckelhimer According to Zambito-Hill, giate Alumnae of Wheeling Eleanore of finding a job at a zoo or conservation the WLU Foundation is a nonprof- V. Golden Scholarship. For a full list of center or pursuing a Master’s degree. “The Edward C. Wolfe it organization that is separate from scholarships and the history behind them, visit the WLU Foundation web Romick is a journalism major WLU but works to serve the univerScholarship has given me and a recipient of the Elbin Scholarship. sity through cultivation, stewardship, site. so many opportunities...” Romick thanked her scholarship donor management and raising of private Over 100 recipients were infunds. Zambito-Hill elaborated on vited to Scholarship Day and some by stating, “Honestly, there is no way for -Doug Torres me to say thank you enough. I am so this by saying they are involved in all
NEWS
OCTOBER 28, 2021
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WLU Dental Hygiene Program spreads awareness for National Dental Hygiene Month Contributing Writer: David McKinney October is National Dental Hygiene Month, which is an opportunity for those in the field of dental hygiene to spread awareness of both their profession and the need for oral hygiene and health. A pre-professional in the field of dental hygiene, Jaelynn Shamblin, is a first-year dental hygiene student at West Liberty University (WLU). Shamblin has begun the coursework of the program and has seen firsthand what it is like to be a dental hygiene major and the demands placed upon the students in this area of study. Shamblin said she was drawn to this field because she, like many children, neglected her own oral health. Having seen what damage this can do, she wants to educate others about the importance of taking care of their teeth and having good oral health. Learning about gingivitus and periodontitis are of high interest to Shamblin.
Shamblin said the nature of the work varies and depends greatly on the patients’ needs, but typical duties include removal of plaque, updating and maintaining recent radio graphs, oral cancer screenings and maintaining medical records. A dental hygienist will also look for abnormalities and evaluate bone loss as well as assist the dentist in procedures performed on the patients. “The Dental Hygiene program is definitely challenging, especially if you don’t put the time in to study and learn the material, but when you begin to think about the future and being able to help others it’s all worth it,” said Shamblin. Her advice to future dental hygiene majors is to learn how to manage time wisely. She advised that it is okay not to be sure of what you want to do as soon as you get in the program, but if this is a student’s choice of major, he or she should make sure they enjoy taking classes such as chemistry, microbiology and anatomy. The field of dental hygiene dates back to the early 1900s’,
“The Dental Hygiene program is definitely challenging, especially if you don’t put the time in to study and learn the material, but when you begin to think about the future and being able to help others it’s all worth it.” Jaelynn Shamblin, a first-year dental hygiene student. Photo Provided By: Jaelynn Shamblin
- Jaelynn Shamblin
Graphic of Topper the Bear brushing his teeth. Graphic By: Samantha Snyder when dentist, Alfred Fones, trained his cousin to perform different actions that would prevent oral disease in his patients. Originally, it was a restrictive field, only allowing Caucasian females to enter the workforce as a dental hygienist. As racial barriers have declined and patient access has improved, the need for dental hygienists has increased. West Liberty’s Sarah Whitaker Glass Dental Hygiene School was estab-
lished in 1938 where they later graduated their first class in 1940. Students can graduate with an associate of science, bachelor of science and master of science degree through the dental hygiene program. For more information about WLU’s Dental Hygiene program, visit the dental hygiene school overview page.
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OCTOBER 28, 2021
Alumni Owen Brown appointed to West Virginia Senate
On Oct. 7, during Gov. Jim Justice’s COVID-19 briefing, he announced the appointment of West Liberty University (WLU) alumnus Owen Brown to the West Virginia Senate 1st District seat vacated by William Ihlenfeld. Ihlenfeld had resigned from the seat he received in 2018 to reprise his position in the Northern District of West Virginia. The district covers Brooke, Hancock, Ohio and part of Marshall counties. Brown will serve in the Democratic caucus until the next election in 2022. Since 2015, Brown, a Wheeling, W.Va. resident, has served as the president of the West Virginia National Association for the Advancement of Colored Peopl (NAACP.) Brown was also employed for 28 years as an organization development specialist for the West Virginia Education Association (WVEA). While working at this organization, he served as the human and civil rights coordinator. During his time at WVEA, he also spent a lot of time in the 1st district, which he will be representing.
An additional achievement includes Brown being chosen as a delegate to the United Nations to review the North American strategy against Apartheid in South Africa in 1983. Brown has attended Belmont Technical College, WLU and West Virginia University (WVU) where he earned an associate’s degree in electrical/mechanical engineering, a bachelor’s in psychology and a master’s in agency counseling. Brown holds the title of being the first African American to serve in the West Virginia Senate in over 30 years; according to news reports, the first African American man ever to serve in the state Senate. Before him, Marie Redd was the first African American woman elected to the state Senate in 1998. Representing Cabell and part of Wayne county, Redd was later defeated by Evan Jenkins in the 2002 election. Brown was chosen from a list of candidates that included former state delegate Randy Swartzmiller and Shawn Fluharty. Brown has stated that he hopes to stop people from moving from the area, locally and into other states. He mentioned that it’s costing us invaluable resources such as jobs and entrepreneurs.
WLU Athletics celebrates NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Week
The West Liberty University (WLU) athletic department celebrated the fourth annual NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign with a three-day program. For each day of the program, the athletic department posted short articles and videos on Hilltopper Sports to celebrate diversity and inclusion within the athletic department. This program took place from Oct. 19 through Oct. 21. According to the NCAA, “The Diversity and Inclusion Social Media Campaign is meant to be a week of awareness, education and engagement showing the importance of inclusive environments in college sports.” Day one of the program was entitled “My Voice My Platform”. On this day, the athletic department celebrated student-athletes of color and featured a WLU Women’s Basketball player, Arriana Manzay, and Hilltopper wrestler Christian Rivera. “I am a first-generation college student and I identify as black. I love working with my teammates and working with the coaches and how comfortable they made me
For more information, please contact Michael Antley or visit Director of Media Relations, Maureen Zambito’s press release regarding the appointment of WLU alumni Owen Brown to senate.
Owens Brown’s professional photo. Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
Owen Brown, alumni of WLU, hopes to stop people from moving from the area, locally and into other states because it’s costing us invaluable resources and entrepreneurs.
NEWS
feel coming from thousands of miles away from home to be here at West Lib. West Liberty has provided me with the opportunity of providing for my family, getting my bachelor’s degree, and I’m actually applying for double degrees so going back home I would be able to make a difference for my family,” said Manzay. The second day of the program was entitled “Championing Change”. Student-athletes from various sports and a variety of backgrounds highlighted various ways to be a champion for diversity and inclusion. Cassie Seth, associate head women’s basketball coach and WLU’s Athletics Diversity and Inclusion designee (ADID), discussed the importance of encouraging inclusivity by saying: “I challenge us all to continue the conversation on diversity, equity and inclusion so they become part of our daily routine. Be the positive people are inspired by. Here at West Liberty, we are all Hilltoppers.” The last day of the diversity and inclusion campaign was entitled “Belonging Is…” The athletic department recognized WLU’s women’s tennis team, composed of 10 players from nine different countries and representing five continents. According to Hilltopper Sports, “the West Liberty University women’s tennis team demonstrates the power of diversity, inclusion and acceptance to bring people together in a nurturing environment.” For more information about the NCAA Diversity and Inclusion social media campaign, visit NCAA. org. Visit Hilltopper Sports to see how West Liberty University participated in this program.
The ASRC building, where many student athletes practice and compete. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
“I am a first-generation college student and I identify as black. I love working with my teammates and working with the coaches and how comfortable they made me feel,” said Arriana Manzay, WLU womens basketball player.
CULTURE
CULTURE OCTOBER 28, 2021
Culture Editor Intern: Faith Hayes
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- fbhayes@westliberty.edu
West Liberty holds Drag Bingo featuring Pittsburgh queens Leia Way LeStat and Dixie Surewood
On Oct. 20, 2021, drag culture came to West Liberty University (WLU) in full force. The WLU Pride Club, Kate Billings and The Diversity Committee joined together to host a bingo event in the Student Union featuring Pittsburgh drag queens, Leia Way LeStat and Dixie Surewood, as special guests. Way LeStat and Surewood created an open and friendly atmosphere for the amassed 150 enthusiastic guests, including both students and faculty. Tickets were free to all WLU students, faculty and staff, while non-campus guest tickets were $5.00. Prizes included a Nintendo Switch Lite, Pride flags, an Amazon Fire Stick and more. The history of drag bingo is as unique as the queens themselves, originating from Seattle in the 1990s for fundraising. Judy Werle, the then Director of Development of the Chicken Soup Brigade, which was a support organization for people with AIDS, was searching
for places where people gathered and spent money when she realized bingo halls were the perfect place. Soon, Boston, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco and, eventually, all around the world had discovered and implemented drag bingo. WLU Pride Club President Emma Beatty said, “one of the biggest pros is the exposure people will have to drag culture and the LGBT community.” Likewise, ally Chase Durbin, said the following for why the event was good for campus, “it’s important for newer generations to become accustomed to drag culture. Getting them exposed to the idea makes them more open-minded.” Way LeStat and Surewood fashioned a costume change before performing lip syncs to individual songs, shortly joining together for the iconic pride anthem “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. Student, Andrew Thomas Dillie, said the highlight of the night was when the queens did a split synchronously during their act.
WLU Pride Club with the queens after bingo. Photo Credits: WLU Pride Club campus, I was afraid that the queens expression, equality and love. Hawould be treated poorly; but it was ving events on campus can also exactly the opposite. All of the other help bring recognition, accepstudents played into the fun atmos- tance and visibility. With a lot of phere the queens set up and allowed students in a new environment themselves to experience, and en- at college, this can help them feel joy, something that usually wouldn’t more connected and comforgauge their interest.” table on the Hilltop. Pride events bring people For more information, together, both allies and LGBTQ contact Michael Antley at mrantmembers, and create a safe place for ley@westliberty.edu.
Dillie followed up with, “When I heard about Drag Bingo taking place on West Liberty’s
Dixie Surewood lipsyncing after bingo. Photo Credits: Emma Beatty
Members of Beta Rho Epsilon sorority with the queens after bingo. Photo Credits: Beta Rho Epsilon
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OCTOBER 28, 2021
CULTURE
The Hilltop Celebrates International Pronoun Day On Oct. 20, 2021, West Liberty University’s (WLU) Campus and Community Diversity Committee celebrated International Pronoun Day by setting up a table in the ballroom of the Student Union with various infographics and educational brochures as well as offering students free pronoun stickers. As stated in one piece of the committee’s promotional material, the event was held to encourage individuals to use someone’s correct name and pronouns. It said that when students, friends, staff, or classmates address someone correctly, they are affirming that individual’s humanity, and as professors, a tone of tolerance, civility, and respect can be set not only within the classroom, but on the Hilltop as a whole.
With pronouns ranging from he/him, they/them, she/her, ze/ hir, and sie, and many other combinations and personal preferences, we as a campus can listen to each other’s wishes and heed the advice from our Diversity Committee in always remembering to “Ask, Respect, and Practice.”
Student, Yahneshly Chaqueco, at the International Pronoun Day table in the Union displaying infographics and handing out pronoun stickers and brochures. Photo Credits: Creed Kidney While the majority of us have grown up in a binary centric world, it’s deeply important to recognize that there are individuals who’s identity exists outside of the
sex they may have been assigned at their birth; no matter what gender you may perceive them as at first glance, it never hurts to ask someone what their name and pronouns are so that you may show them the respect they deserve within and outside of daily conversation.
An infographic at the International Pronoun Day table. Photo Credits: Creed Kidney
Some of the pronoun stickers found at the International Pronoun Day table. Photo Credits: Creed Kidney
CULTURE
OCTOBER 28, 2021
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Annual Grow Ohio Valley Harvest Festival held at Lincoln Meadow Farm
The annual Grow Ohio Valley Harvest Festival took place in Wheeling on Saturday, Oct. 23 at Lincoln Meadow Farm. This event was free to the public. Some of the attractions included pumpkin picking, a campfire, guided tours, food vendors, live music and games. The events included many activities for children such as the “Fun-Raiser” pumpkin painting and “smoothie bikes” where people blended smoothies by riding stationary bikes. The live music performers included local bands such as New Age Adenas, Ezra John Hamilton, Adrian Niles and Matt Heusel, The Jim and Bailey Band, Jeff Sperl, David Widder-Varhegyi and The Sunflower Brothers. Grow Ohio Valley is an organization that supports local farmers and ensures that everyone has access to healthy foods. According to their website, “we
Pumpkin patch at Lincoln Meadow Farm. Photo Credits: Doug Flight are working to improve the health and economic opportunity of our region by building a robust, integrated, locally-owned food system. Through collaboration at all levels, we increase access to the healthy foods our community desires and support the local businesses that can provide it.”
One of the vendors at the Grow Ohio Valley Harvest Festival. Photo Credits: Doug Flight
Grow Ohio Valley works to improve “five levels of our local food system.” They seek to improve local production by growing quality food, supporting local farmers, and training the next generation in agriculture. They support “value-adding processes.” According to their website, “We work to turn fresh food from the farm into market-ready products of all kinds. Value-Adding is about turning maple sap into a beautiful jar of maple syrup or turning grain into freshly baked bread. We are building the infrastructure to allow local food entrepreneurs to create new products and scale-up production to reach wider markets.”
gain the skills necessary to improve it, and to celebrate the good food we produce together”. The organization even supports protecting the environment and public health. For more information about the Harvest Festival or Grow Ohio Valley, go to Grow Ohio Valley’s website or visit their Facebook page.
They also support local markets to ensure that healthy, high quality food is available and affordable to everyone in the community. Their mobile markets and downtown Public Market prioritize getting fresh food to areas that would not otherwise have access to fresh food. Grow Ohio Valley also seeks to increase community engagement by encour- The Grow Ohio Valley Harvest Festival sign. aging the general public “to learn Photo Credits: Kaitlyn Wallace more about our local food system,
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OCTOBER 28, 2021
CULTURE
A recorded and streamed performance of The Laramie Project in Kelly Theatre possible.] I will reach out to anyone who has already purchased tickets to discuss refund procedure.” The Laramie Project play being put on by West Liberty University’s (WLU’s) theatre department is scheduled Oct. 27 through Oct. 30 at 7:30pm and Oct. 31 at 3 pm. However, it is no longer available in-person at Kelly Theatre, in the Fine Arts building. Michael Aulick, professor of theater, posted on Facebook on Oct. 20 in the The Hilltop Players Friends and Fans group, “Unfortunately, due to circumstances out of our control, we are changing the live, in-person performance of THE LARAMIE PROJECT to a recorded and streamed performance. We are making a schedule to film and we will announce how to view the performance ASAP [as soon as
The Laramie Project is written by Moises Kaufman and the members of the Tectonic Theater Project. It is directed by Cassandra Hackbart. Tickets are available at wlularamie21.brownpaper tickets. com. Hackbart posted on Facebook Oct. 14, “In directing this show, I’m very proud of this cast’s growth and how they have helped me to grow in return!” This play explores human compassion, and it’s depths. In October 1998, Matthew Shepard, a 21 year old student of the University of Wyoming was kidnapped. Shepard was assaulted and tied to a fence in the middle of a large field in Laramie, Wyo. because he was gay. Two men were accused of this crime.
UPDATE:
Recorded and Streamed Performance
He was found the next day, but died in a hospital nearby several days later. Kaufman and the other members of the Tectonic Theater Project made six trips to Laramie over the course of a year and a half. This play is based on more than 200 interviews and experiences of the people of Laramie, Wyo. Some were directly tied to the case and others were the town’s people’s reactions. Shepard’s story helped push a law called Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2009. Byrd was an African American man who was killed in Texas in 1998 by white supremisists. This act with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 helps hate-crimes get more authority for federal investigations and have state and local funding.
Poster for LGBTQIA+ History Month in Hughes Hall. Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
This month was named in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher. This month remembers gay history and the progressive nature of gay and civil rights movements.
To stay up to date to when the online version will be available keep a lookout on WLU’s social media.
OPINION OCTOBER 28, 2021
OPINION
Opinion Editor Intern: Kailey Carpino
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- kcaprino@westliberty.edu
Get ready for weekend spooks with these Halloween movies As Halloween approaches, the same Halloween movies we see every year pops-up in our minds. I would like to recommend adding these new and old movies to your list to watch this Halloween season. Depending on what streaming service you have, you can get a surplus of movies or very little to pick from. If you have Netflix, their Halloween section has a movie in the top ten called “Night Teeth”. It’s a 2021 movie about a college student picking up two mysterious women. Netfliz also has a series named “Scream”, based on the movie, which I couldn’t get through. However, if you are a big “Scream” fan like me, maybe you’ll have enough time to get completely through it on Halloween. I would have to recommend “Death Note”, which is also on Netflix. It’s a 2017 film; however, I did not get to watch it until this semester. I am a fan of the anime and have watched other live-action films on it and this movie is perfect as a recreation. If you haven’t watched it, it is about a student who finds a notebook that kills people. All one needs is a name and a picture of someone to give them a heart attack or whatever realistic death they can think of. The animation on the Death God in this movie is much better than the last, and the pacing fits. It does veer from the anime, but I’ll give it a pass for pacing reasons. If you have Hulu, they have a section called Huluween. I have to recommend “Us”. It is one of my recent favorites made in 2019. It is
psychological and incredibly thrilling.This movie is about a family that moves back to a beachfront house that they used to live in. They are met by strangers in masks trying to kill them, only to find out that underneath the masks were people identical to them. It’s one of those movies that keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time.
vorite scene in it is maybe the map scene. Without spoiling it for anyone who hasn’t watched the movie, the desperation in losing the map and the tension between them because of it just really plays well together. The whole scene is incredibly memorable from this and how the actors bounce off each other. I’d recommend both Blair Witch films, obviously. But some other favorites Samantha Snyder, senior would be the ‘Unfriended’ movies, WLU student and graphic design- ‘Apostle’, ‘The Boy’, and maybe ‘The er and illustrator for The Trumpet Autopsy of Jane Doe’.” said, “My favorite movie is ‘The Blair Witch Project’ (1999). I’m a Brianna Hamon, The Trumsucker for found footage films, and pet’s news editor said, “My favorite this movie is the one that hits all Halloween movie of all time is ‘Practhe marks for that genre. You can’t tical Magic’ because it’s a perfect mix recreate what they managed to of comedy, romance and creepiness. do while filling Blair Witch, I’ve yet It’s a movie you can watch any time to see anyone come close. My fa- of the year to get in the mood for Photo Credits: Haley Blakemore
Halloween. If you’re a fan of Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, you’ll enjoy this movie because they are an iconic sister and witch duo. My favorite part of the movie is when they get together and sing ‘Coconut’ by Harry Nilsson and make midnight margaritas. If you’re looking for something spooky with a lot of jump scares, I would recommend ‘The Autopsy of Jane Doe’ or ‘Hush’.” Sierra Stevens, a creative arts therapy major said, “My favorite scary movie would have to be ‘Creep’. I love found footage-style movies and psychological horror. I think it accomplishes both really well, and it actually freaked me out while watching it. The first one (favorite scene) that comes to mind is the Ice Cream Man scene from the movie Legion. Because Doug Jones. I love Doug Jones. I’ve watched the behind-the-scenes for it, I thought it was interesting how they accomplished it. And I think it’s just a fun, kind of creepy scene. I will always recommend watching ‘As Above So Below’. It’s a great found footage film and I think it does great with the horror elements of it. I find it a super fun movie to watch and it has an interesting story.” If you are a broke college kid with no subscriptions, you could always turn to free movie apps like Tubi. They have a fair amount of newer movies with a ton of older ones. You could take a chance with one of their original horror films, watch something familiar or watch something new like the 2020 film “Do Not Reply”. Happy Halloween from all of us here at The Trumpet and happy movie hunting!
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OCTOBER 28, 2021
OPINION
How to Schedule Counseling Appointments on Campus Located on the second floor of the Student Union in room S14, West Liberty University’s (WLU) Office of Counseling Services “offers students the opportunity to address personal difficulties that interfere with academic adjustment, academic performance, address mental health issues and facilitate a process of social and emotional well-being.” As a free and confidential service, counseling appointments are available over secure HIPAA compliant video zoom sessions as well as in-office sessions with WLU COVID-19 compliant protocols and practices. The office is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. throughout the week. To schedule a counseling appointment, students can go to their WINS account on any internet browser, sign in and navigate to the “Student Services” tab, there, the option to “Request a Counseling Session” will be available at the bottom of the provid-
ed list of links. However, this isn’t the only way an appointment can be made, as students may also reach out to WLU’s Director of Counseling Services, Lisa Witzbeger, at lwitzberger@westliberty.edu, or call the office at (304) 336-8215. To make a referral for someone you’d like to be contacted by the Office of Counseling Services, there is a referral box located outside of the office door. There is also the option of walk-in appointments pending counselor availability. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or WLU’s Campus Police at (304) 336-8021 directly. Outside of offering counseling, the office also provides students with multiple other resources as avenues for help, betterment, and healing, these include but are not limited to; West Virginia’s Emotional Strength Line, Online Therapy, Your Guide to the Transition from High School to College and Adulthood, Stress Management, Parent Handbook on Alcohol and The Ultimate Guide to Sleeping Well on a College Campus, as well as countless other readily available resources for mental health, suicide preven-
West Liberty University Office of Counseling Services located in S14 of the Student Union Photo Credits: Creed Kidney
West Liberty University Office of Counseling Services located in S14 of the Student Union Photo Credits: Creed Kidney tion, sexual assault and domestic whatever your mental health jourviolence, eating disorders, and sub- ney might look like, and regardless stance misuse and abuse.The office of what you might be dealing with also offers avenues of help for spe- personally, it is imperative to keep cific populations, such as veterans in mind that “seeking help or advice or members of the LGBTQIA+ is not an admission of weakness, community. but a demonstration of your determination to help yourself during a As stated on the Office period of adjustment or challenging of Counseling Service’s webpage, time.”
SPORTS OCTOBER 28, 2021
SPORTS
Sports Editor Intern: Ross Salvatori
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- resalvatori@westliberty.edu
West Liberty football drops game against Wheeling in overtime
so the Hilltoppers stayed in front by seven rather than six. The following drive for Wheeling saw the Cardinals even the score at 20 a piece. The Hilltoppers with 2 minutes to go drove passed midfield and set up a potential game winning field goal from 41 yards out. With time expiring the kick sailed wide and the fans were treated to some extra football.
The West Liberty University (WLU) football team (4-4) hit the road to face their north division rival Wheeling University (4-4). A week after defeating Fairmont State with a huge fourth quarter comeback, the Hilltoppers looked to keep the momentum and carry it on the road. In the first quarter, both defenses did not budge as the scoreboard read all zeros. The second quarter saw the offenses wake up and trade blows. The Hilltoppers started their drive at the Wheeling 40-yard line. After a few Tyler Moler carries and a Jamie Diven scramble to get the Hilltoppers to the Wheeling 24-yard line. The Hilltoppers sent out Owen Rozanc to give the Hilltoppers a lead and he did just that as the Hilltoppers broke the ice first to make it 3-0. The Hilltopper defense then flexed their muscles by forcing a Wheeling three and out to give the offense the ball right back. Starting the drive at the West Liberty 19-yard line, the offense went to work and marched up the field. Facing a fourth and three at the Wheeling 41-yard line, the Hilltoppers went for it. Diven handed the ball to Moler who picked up eight yards and the first down to keep the drive alive. Next, the Hilltoppers had a third and nine at the 32-yard line and Diven found Isaiah Robinson for a 15-yard gain. Facing a fourth down at the 17-yard line, the Hilltoppers sent out Rozanc who picked up another field goal to make it 6-0.
With under four minutes
West Liberty started with the ball and did not convert. Wheeling then ran with the opportunity and downed the Hilltoppers with a game winning touchdown. The final in the game was 26-20 Wheeling. Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports to go in the half, the Hilltoppers extended their lead making it 130. The big play of the drive was a 41-yard dime from Diven who hit Jerome Harris to get the Hilltoppers into the red zone. From there Moler got the Hilltoppers to the two-yard line and Diven then took the ball himself and extended their lead. Rozanc’s extra point was good as the Hilltoppers led 13-0 with less than two minutes remaining in the half. The Cardinals then marched down the field and drew closer with a touchdown of their own. Heading into the half the score was 13-7 Hilltoppers. In the third quarter, it was the Hilltoppers striking first once again. On their second possession of the half, the Hilltoppers had a deep drive going when they couldn’t convert on a third down and forced them to kick a field goal at the Wheeling 12. The Hilltoppers field goal sailed wide of the goal posts but running into the kicker was called which gave the Hilltoppers a first down. After a
Moler run, Diven hit Robinson in the endzone to make it 19-7. Rozanc nailed the extra point and the score was 20-7. In the fourth quarter with the score still 20-7, Wheeling started clawing back. They drove down the field and scored to make it 2013. Their extra point was no good
Diven completed 17 of his 34 passes for 204 yards with a passing and rushing touchdown. Moler rushed for 155 yards on 41 attempts. The Hilltoppers will be back in action on Saturday, Oct. 30 at noon against UNC Pembroke. The game will be at home so make sure to come out and support your Hilltoppers.
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OCTOBER 28, 2021
SPORTS
Cross Country competes in MEC: Kemp wins second straight year with a score of 70, and the champion Charleston with a score of 37. Those who finished behind West Liberty was sixth place West Virginia State with a score of 150, seventh place Wheeling with a score of 177, eighth place Frostburg State with a score of 197, ninth place Glenville State with a score of 231, and tenth place Alderson and Broaddus, who did not score.
Many associate the cold weather in October with football, but perhaps many should begin associating it with cross country, especially when talking about West Liberty University. Although the team results were not exactly what both the men’s and women’s team were hoping for, they certainly were not excluded from the conversation of being competitive, especially when discussing individual successes many black and gold runners had over the weekend of Oct. 23. Kicking off the action with the men’s team, the Hilltoppers found themselves with a third place overall finish, scoring 82, trailing only the runner-up Concord, scoring 50, and the Champions in Charleston, who scored 20. The Mountain East Conference Men’s Cross Country Championships consisted of a total of 10 teams, and those who finished behind West Liberty consisted of: Davis and Elkins (4th: 100 points), West Virginia Wesleyan (5th: 161 points), Frostburg State (6th: 164 points), Glenville State
(7th: 171 points), Fairmont State (8th: 249 points), Wheeling (9th: 261 points), and Alderson Broaddus, who finished 10th and did not score. It was quite the solid day for the individual Hilltopper runners, with one runner placing in the top 10 overall, and three others finishing top 20 overall. Michael Harriman, a senior veteran runner, finished tenth overall with a time of 27:39.97. Philip White, yet another senior veteran leader, finished right
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports behind Harriman at twelfth overall, with a time of 27:48.74. Jared Ullom, another senior, finished sixteenth overall with a final time of 28:09.34, while Brendan Sands, a junior leader, rounded out the top twenty finishes for West Liberty, finishing eighteenth posting a respectable time of 28:17.40. West Liberty had three more runners finish in the top fifty for place finishers: Danah Phillips (26th overall: 29:12.63), Tavian Richardson (38th overall: 30:34.04), and Zach Banks (41st overall: 30:52.07). In what has shown to be an impressive week for the West Liberty men’s cross country team, the group has much to be proud about moving forward to the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regionals on Nov. 6, and from there the NCAA Division II Nationals on Nov. 20. The WLU women’s cross country team had much to cheer about as a team as well. Although they had certainly preferred to have finished higher, the team slotted a fifth place overall finish with a score of 121. Those who finished ahead of them was fourth place West Virginia Wesleyan with a score of 101, third place Concord with a score of 77, runner-up Davis and Elkins
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
West Liberty’s individual success was highlighted by veteran leader and phenom runner, Hannah Kemp. Kemp flexed her talents once again, winning her second straight MEC cross country individual championship, and second straight MEC Runner of the Year award. Kemp finished with a time of 23:50.13, and showed how she is an anchor for this team. Those following Kemp were Emily Louk, placing 25th, Savannah Moorehead, finishing 26th, Shania Keene, finishing 33rd, Blake Hull, finishing 36th, and Jamie Fogle, finishing 43rd. The WLU women’s cross country team celebrates their success, as they also prepare for NCAA Division II Atlantic Regionals on Nov. 6, and the NCAA Division II Nationals on Nov. 20.
SPORTS
OCTOBER 28, 2021
Exclusive Player Spotlight: Will Yoakum
Fresh off an Elite Eight appearance during the shortened 2020-21 season, the West Liberty University men’s basketball team looks to continue their success for the upcoming 2021-22 season. Last year’s tournament success was the deepest postseason run the team has experienced since the 2015-16 season, in which they were defeated by a single point in the Final Four by Lincoln Memorial University. Last year, the Hilltoppers were led by some familiar faces fans have been privileged to watch throughout their career in the trio of Dalton Bolon, Patrick Robinson, and Will Yoakum. However, with the transfer of Dalton Bolon to a Division I program, College of Charleston, the Hilltoppers will now be primarily led by the duo of Robinson and Yoakum. This week’s senior player spotlight is team captain and Redshirt Senior, Will Yoakum. Yoakum has had one of the most prolific basketball careers during his time with the black and gold. After his massive success at Delaware Hayes, Yoakum received a redshirt his first year with the team. During his Redshirt Freshman year, Yoakum saw immediate success, as he was named the Mountain East Conference Freshman of the Year, a Division II Bulletin Freshman All-American, and was named to the Second Team All-MEC team. During that season, he logged an average of 24 minutes per game and 14 points per game. Yoakum’s continual improvement bled into his Redshirt Sophomore year, as he was honored for his efforts with a First
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kum replied and stated that, “my expectations are high for this team. With this being my 5th season I know what a championship team looks like and I think we are getting there. We want to make it back to the Elite Eight after getting a taste of it last year.”
Team-All MEC selection, an MEC All-Tournament team selection, and a MEC Tournament MVP award. During his breakout season, he averaged 26 minutes and team high 18 points per game. Unfortunately, Will Yoakum suffered a horrendous setback in what otherwise was shaping to be another enormous leap during his Redshirt Junior season. About midway through the season, Yoakum suffered a season ending knee injury while on the court. Before the injury, he saw himself averaging about 24 minutes per game and 16 points per game. What is most impressive about this is that, despite the injury, Will still managed to be named to the MEC All-Academic Team, MEC All-Tournament Team, and a First Team All-MEC selection. Now on the comeback train, Yoakum looks to make what appears to be his last season his best one yet. Even with the departure of many big faces from last year’s West Liberty team, this year’s squad is perhaps one of the most well rounded teams the black and gold has had in awhile, and Yoakum is front and center.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports The sport management and marketing double major, Yoakum first found an interest in basketball after going to various high school games when he was in elementary and middle school. When asked about what his favorite moment has been playing basketball at West Liberty University thus far, Yoakum said that, “my favorite memory is winning the conference tournament my sophomore year at WLU.” Understandably, that moment was terrific for Yoakum and his team. His All-Tournament efforts helped WLU earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, defeating the University of Concord, West Virginia State University, and the University of Charleston in the process. That year, WLU was set to match up against Virginia State University in the NCAA Tournament before the eventual cancellation of the tournament ended the season due to COVID-19. When asked about his expectations for the beginning of this season, and how those expectations translate to the team’s overall vision for this year, Yoa-
It will take more than only Yoakum to return to the NCAA Tournament, and when asked what teammate has impressed him the most during the offseason, Will said, “all of my teammates work hard everyday, but Ben Sarson is someone who is always in the gym shooting and working on his game. It shows on the court how much better he has gotten since last season.” Sarson, entering his sophomore season, looks to make the massive leap for the Hilltoppers season. With one final ride for Yoakum and the Hilltoppers, he looks to make this season his most memorable yet. After college, Yoakum wants to continue playing basketball professionally.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
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OCTOBER 28, 2021
WLU Volleyball splits matches
Women’s Volleyball had a big week, gritting through two matches of five sets each. On Tuesday night, the Hilltoppers handed West Virginia State University (20-3) their first loss in the conference. However, Friday night, Black and Gold dropped a close match against the University of Charleston (14-7). The Hilltoppers had a rocky start against West Virginia State on Tuesday, losing the first set 13-25. West Liberty rallied back narrowly winning the next two sets 27-25 and 26-24. The Hilltoppers struggled again in the fourth set, taking a loss of 15-25, but came out with a fire in the fifth set, taking the game 15-12. Head Coach Riley Schenk partially attributed this win to the quantity of big momentum plays her team pulled off against West Virginia State which kept the team “fired up.” Schenk also said that aggressive serving allowed them to take an early lead in the final winning set. Junior Kirsten Bogunovich led the team in both kills and assists with 17 and 35 respectively. Freshman Haley Zeck and sopho-
more Laura Gamel followed behind her with 18 and seven assists respectively. Bogunovich and Gamel both tied for the third highest amount of digs on the team at nine. While sophomores Nyia Setla and Katelynn Fritz led with 31 and 19 digs respectively. Fritz also rounded out the third highest number of kills shared with freshman Riley Cudnik at 10 kills with graduate student Maddie Clayton ahead at 13 kills.
Friday night was another up and down game for the Toppers in Charleston, W.Va. Charleston took the first set 25-20, but West Liberty fought back to take the second game in a nail biter, 28-26. Charleston set the pace in the third set, winning 2517. The Hilltoppers then rallied back to win 25-22 before Charleston could take the last set 7-15.
those nine blocks. Clayton also led the team in kills at 17. Bogunovich followed behind with 12 kills then junior Nina Billotto and senior MacKenzie Daub with ten and six kills respectively.
Bogunovich also racked up some assists leading the team with 31 followed by Gamel with 20. As per usual, libero Setla led the team in digs at 22 followed by Jen-
na Caskey and Katelynn Fritz at 17 and 15 respectively. The Lady Hilltoppers will be back in the ASRC to play Davis and Elkins College on Friday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. and the following morning, West Virginia Wesleyan College at 11 a.m. For more information visit HilltopperSports.com.
The Hilltop’s Athlete of the Week
Hannah Kemp
Schenk said, “when we were in system and able to run a spread dynamic offense, we were the better team.” However, she said that Charleston was the more aggressive serving team, managing to throw the Hilltoppers out of system more often than the Black and Gold could return the favor. Being in system more often allowed Charleston to make the big plays that won them the game, said Schenk. Still, the Toppers did beat Charleston with their net play, having nine blocks compared to Charleston’s eight. Clayton led the Toppers in blocks being a part of seven of
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
Cross Country Year: Junior Hometown: Bethesda, Ohio About Kemp: Kemp brought home an MEC Cross Country Championship this weekend as she placed first out of all the competition. In doing so, she repeated as MEC Runner of the Year.
Photo Credits: Hilltopper Sports
SPORTS
