WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
OCTOBER 8, 2020
THE TRUMPET
VOL. 100 – ISSUE 4
The Student Voice of the Hilltop
THE PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH CONTINUES AT WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY West Liberty University updates students on presidential search pg. 3 Hilltopper athletes continue to wear masks amidst global pandemic pg. 12 @WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwestliberty
@TheTrumpetWestLiberty
@WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwlu westliberty.edu/thetrumpet @thetrumpetwlu
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
THE TRUMPET
NEWS
Photo Credits: Media Relations
COVER BY: MORGAN KAFANA
CULTURE
Wheeling spends record amount of money on demolition projects throughout the city pg. 4
FOLLOW US ON
Photo Credits: Felipe Rojas
Diversity Committee needs your help! Submit videos to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride pg. 5
@TheTrumpetWestLiberty
@WLTrumpetOnline @WLTrumpetOnline westliberty.edu/thetrumpet
SPORTS
Hilltopper Volleyball throwback shines on success from last season pg. 11
THE TRUMPET
The Student Voice on 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 WLU community with fair and accurate reporting on matters of significance and interest.
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Editor-in-Chief Online Editor Culture Editor Intern Sport Editor Graphic Designer Digital Media Editor Video Editor Intern Faculty Adviser
Annalise Murphy Creed Kidney Hanna Perry Anna Johnston Morgan Kafana Morgan McFadden Lauryn Fridley Danielle Mehlman-Brightwell
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NEWS
OCTOBER 8, 2020
NEWS
Editor-in-Chief: Annalise Murphy
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- anmurphy@westliberty.edu
West Liberty University updates students on presidential search
West Liberty University’s search for a new president continues. On Sept. 30, 2020, faculty and students learned that the Presidential Search Committee met through a press release written by the university’s Media Relations Director Maureen Zambito. The committee met in historic Shaw Hall to start the process of replacing the current President, Dr. Stephen Greiner, who plans to retire at the end of this semester. Between COVID-19 and the presidential search being postponed due to finalists dropping out, the search that originally started in November of 2019 was postponed and then reopened on Aug. 27. In Zambito’s press release, a quote from Rich Lucas, chairman of WLU’s Board of Governors and chair of the 2020 Presidential Search Committee, stated the following: “This has been a national search and we are pleased to report that we’ve attracted a healthy field of qualified candidates with about 70 in the initial pool of applicants.”
West Liberty students are thinking about some of the qualities that they hope to see in the new president of the university. Junior political science major and journalism minor, Anna Johnston, stated, “I hope the next president is enthusiastic about the university. I wouldn’t want it to be someone who doesn’t truly care about West Lib. I think fairness and being effective are also really important. I also really hope that they make an effort to get to know students and be part of the campus community like President Greiner!” Out of all the applicants, 64 were considered to be qualified and according to Lucas, this group of candidates includes current presidents and vice presidents at other institutions of higher education. After the meeting in Shaw Hall that took place on Sept. 30, the field of candidates was dropped down from 64 candidates to 13 candidates. The candidates are all going to be invited to an interview via Zoom with the Search Committee, which are
Morgan McFadden
planned to take place sometime this week. The candidates who make it through the Zoom meetings will be invited to campus for “on-campus” interviews, which will mirror the process from the last presidential search. The candidates will be able to meet with students, faculty, staff, and the committee. Another West Liberty student, Rae Williams, shared her thoughts regarding the university’s next president
saying that she hopes for, “A president that puts the health and safety of students first during this pandemic!” After taking in considerations from “campus constituencies”, the board of governors will select and interview the finalists for president. The New President is expected to take office in January of 2021. For more information regarding the presidential search, please contact Maureen Zambito at maureen. zambito@westliberty.edu or by phone at 304.336.8203.
OCTOBER 8, 2020
NEWS
World Health Organization plans to get rid of all trans fat by 2023 Contributing Writer: Anna Griffith
ally no cost to governments or to consumers.”
The World Health Organization met virtually for their second global report on trans-fat elimination on Sept. 9, 2020. In 2018, WHO called to eliminate all industrial produced trans fats from food by 2023, and a progress report was released a year later in 2019; this last month they met to release the second scheduled progress report. It was reported that non-communicable diseases are the leading cause of death in people under seventy and trans fats contribute by causing both heart disease and death. WHO also elaborated on the danger of trans fats and stated that the elimination is not only feasible but would also save lives and money. American physician Dr. Tom Frieden spoke and stated “Eliminating artificial trans-fat from the food supply is economically, politically, and technically feasible. It can save lives at virtu-
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Wheeling spends record amount of money on demolition projects throughout the city Contributing Writer: Olivia Romick Photo Credits: Media Relations
WHO has created the Better Practice Policy to aid in the transition of eliminating trans-fat. Currently, fourteen countries are implementing BPP benefiting 600 million people. By 2022, forty countries are expected to have implemented BPPs and benefit over 800 million people. Dr. Chizuru Nishida the Unit Head of Safe, Healthy and Sustainable Diet Department of Nutrition and Food Safety also spoke at the event and said, “The industrially produced trans-fat has no known health benefits so WHO has called for the global elimination of industrially-produced trans-fat by 2023.” The report ended by stressing the fact that even with the current Coronavirus pandemic it is more important than ever to eliminate artificial trans fats because this will not only save lives but consequently free up the healthcare system time and space.
During Wheeling’s City Government meeting on Aug. 16, Mayor Glenn Elliot announced that the city of Wheeling approved a record $500,000 for cleaning up properties slated to begin on Sept. 22, 2020. The previous record holding amount was granted last year, in an amount of $400,000. The money will be used for the demolition of dilapidated properties throughout the city of Wheeling. One area that has already been approved to be cleaned up includes several parcels of land by 19th & Jacob Street. Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum said, “The first project is estimated to begin around mid-late December. The first location is dependent on asbestos abatement schedules which should take approximately four weeks from September 22.” When asked why the budget for demolition projects increased by $100,000 in just one year, Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum said, “We felt
Photo Credits: Roberta Sorge, UnSplash Photos
the greatness of the need, the readiness of the properties, and the ability to fund the project all warranted a significant increase.” Projects underway in Wheeling include a $1 million sewer line replacement on Market Street, a $25 million downtown streetscape project, $214 million for the I-70 bridges project on Fort Henry bridge and the reconfiguring of the streetscape over Nailers Way. Projects to promote a healthy environment are also underway as Western Northern Community College is getting ready to make green space south of 18th Street in order to connect pedestrians to Wheeling Creek. Mayor Elliot called Wheeling “a city being rebuilt right now before our eyes.” As an ordinance passed for sewer reconstruction in South Warwood and plans are being made to remove abandoned vehicles that line alleys, we can expect to see many more changes in Wheeling in the coming months.
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CULTURE OCTOBER 8, 2020
CULTURE
Culture Editor: Hanna Perry - heperry@westliberty.edu
Diversity Committee needs your help! Submit videos to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride For National Coming Out Day, the West Liberty Diversity Committee has asked for students to send in videos of their coming stories or reactions from allies to coming out to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride. The West Liberty Campus and Community Diversity Committee are busy all year round promoting inclusive events to celebrate all the various communities on groups here at West Liberty and the surrounding area. This year, for National Coming Out Day (Oct. 11), the Committee have reached out to students to submit videos of themselves asking them to respond to one or more questions about coming out. The questions can be answered by those who have experienced coming out personally, have supported a friend or family member through coming out, or anyone else who might be able to respond.
The restrictions revolving around the Covid-19 pandemic mean that all events planned by the Diversity Committee are remote this semester. This differs from last year when the group came together wearing different colors of the rainbow to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.
The gender and sexual identity sub-committee are currently in the process of making plans for this year’s Transgender Day of Remembrance and have a campaign planned for Oct. 16 – Pronoun Day – to encourage people at West Liberty to include their pronouns on their email signature. “It’s an attempt for faculty, staff, and students to include pronouns For International Transto try and be more inclusive and gender Day of Remembrance, last respectful of the community,” said November, a transgender pride Rojas. flag was placed on West Liberty’s quad for every victim of a trans The racial awareness phobic murder in the year prior. sub-committee are also moving into full swing in planning for Black The West Liberty DiverHistory Month after last year’s sity Committee and its three several successful events including sub-committees (gender and the African American read-in. sexual identity, racial awareness, and women’s empowerment) “This year we have money acquired funding from the state to bring in a key-note speaker as of West Virginia to host this well as organize the Black Hisyear’s Coming Out Day event and tory Month read in,” said Chris several others over the coming McPherson, Co-Chair of the Dimonths. versity Committee.
“We’ve been trying to think of other creative ways to get people involved this year,” said Dr. Felipe Rojas, Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee. “We didn’t want it to be only for LGBT people to participate which is why we asked for allies to react and get involved,” he said. The videos will be compiled and posted on the Diversity Committee’s social media sites on Coming Out Day.
The funding has also allowed for a new prayer meditation room to be put in place in the Rollie Williams International Centre in Shotwell Hall. A panel event is also being organized by the women’s empowerment sub-committee headed by Kate Billings. Not only this but the Diversity Committee are looking to, in McPherson’s words, “grow a library of significant figures” in cardboard cutouts to bring awareness to the diversity that exists at West Liberty. The events and programs created by the Diversity Committee are intended to shed light on the different groups that West Liberty is fortunate to have and create a learning experience for students and staff alike. “Representation is important right now,” said McPherson. “ If we’re able to show students how even in our small community we have so many diverse cultures, they will be better prepared for when they move on.” Giving people the ability to access and learn about other groups is the main goal of the committee. “We want them to have fun and experience those things so they can be respectful. Through awareness there is some level of education,” said Rojas.
Photo Credits: Lauryn Fridley
For more information on what the Diversity Committee is up to, submit ideas, or get involved, email diversity@ westliberty.edu.
OCTOBER 8, 2020
CULTURE
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The Origins of Halloween would return to the living.
It’s a chilly Saturday night on Oct. 31. Kids dress up as their favorite Disney or Marvel character as they travel door to door in hopes of receiving a sweet treat. However, this holiday wasn’t always connected to trick-or-treating, so where did this tradition come from? The celebration of Halloween originated from Samhain, an ancient Celtic festival celebrated by areas in Ireland and the United Kingdom. During this festival, individuals would wear costumes as well as light bonfires to scare off ghosts. A pope known as Pope Gregory III declared November first a day that all saints would be honored, known commonly as “All Saints Day.” From this day parts of Samhain became incorporated which then changed the name of this day to “All Hallows’ Eve.” Celts celebrated this day because they believed it marked the ending of warm weather for harvest and sparked the beginnings of cold and dark weather, which was associated with the dead. It was believed that on the night of Oct. 31, the boundary between the living and the dead became non-existent and that the ghosts of the dead
“I agree that the Celts believed the dead would return on earth. But I believe it was more in response to bad spirits, and that’s why they dressed up and lit the fires as a way to scare those bad spirits away,” said Caleb Bland. Druids, or Celtic priests believed that a presence of spirits made it easier for Druids to predict the futures of people. For this event, sacred bonfires were built out of crops and animals as a sacrifice to Celtic deities. Costumes were worn during this event and were made out of animal heads and skin. Once these festivities ended, the hearth was reignited, and the people went back to their normal everyday lives. “Personally, I would prefer the way we celebrate Halloween. Our way seems less morbid and more fun. I think their version of Halloween is very interesting, but the idea of putting an animal head over my own kind of freaks me out, however, I do like the idea of having my fortune read with the help of spirits,” said Alina Thompson. As Halloween makes its way around the corner, so does the truth behind this spooky holiday. The next time the word Halloween is uttered, remember the chilling ways that it was meant to be celebrated. For more information reagrding this article, please contact the author at mkafana@westliberty.edu.
Original Artwork pictured above was done by West Liberty student, Sami Snyder.
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OCTOBER 8, 2020
OPINION
OPINION
Try these zero waste swaps in your daily life to help you and the environment Contributing Writer: Anna Griffith When people are confronted with the thought of living a zero-waste lifestyle it can often be overwhelming. They immediately dismiss it and think that it might not work for them or it would be extremely hard. But as with most endeavors in life, living zero waste is not something you need to commit to wholly and immediately. You can ease into the lifestyle or just make some effortless swaps in your everyday life to help save the planet. A zero-waste lifestyle can not only help save the planet, but it can also help save you money in the long run. The average person has been observed to produce about two pounds of garbage per day and most of this is not recycled. Most swaps to reduce waste are easy and while they may be pricey -- they often last longer than average disposable products and have no inconveniences in your average life. While living a completely zero waste lifestyle may not be effortless, there are multiple easy swaps in everyday life that can help to contribute to reduc-
plastic water bottle takes 450 years to decompose and studies show that 1.5 billion plastic bottles are used each day. Eating In – One last swap is easy, and you can even do it right here on campus. Eating in reduces waste drastically and prevents many different plastics from ending up at a landfill. When you get a to-go bag at the Cafeteria, think of all the different plastics you are using. A plastic bag takes 1000 years to decompose. Your plastic utensils Google Images under the Creation Commons License also take 1000 years. The Styrofoam container takes 500 ing your impact on the earth. months to three years. years, and your wax-lined paper cup can’t be recycled and Shampoo and Condition- Metal Straws – This is an takes 30 years to decompose. er Bars – These are easy swaps easy swap that almost everyone So next time you go to the cafthat help to reduce waste. These has heard about. Plastic straws eteria just plan to eat in today bars tend to come in recyclable are almost impossible to recycle and help the earth a little bit. or biodegradable wrappings. and take up to 200 years to decompose. Metal straws are reusWhile a zero-waste They also work just as able and often affordable. lifestyle isn’t for everyone well as your normal shampoo there are many easy swaps you and conditioner and often last Reusable Snack Bags – can make to help the earth and longer as well. Maybe this isn’t something that reduce your impact. Many of has crossed your mind, but the Bamboo Toothbrush these are affordable and have average disposable snack bag can – This swap is affordable and no hindrance to your daily life. take 10-20 years to decompose. works just as well as your plastic A reusable bag is washable and There are many other toothbrush but with a fraction easy to use again and again! easy swaps in the world, but of the environmental impact. A for now, see if you can change Reusable Water Bottle – regular plastic toothbrush can take up to 1000 years to deThis is an easy swap that can save one or two things in your everyday life to help the earth compose while a bamboo tooth- thousands of plastic bottles from and yourself! brush takes anywhere from four being thrown away. A disposable
OPINION
OCTOBER 8. 2020
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Stranger Things review for seasons 1 through 3... what will come next for season 4? Contributing Writer: Anna Dean A show that has captivated its audience since it’s 2016 premiere is the ongoing Netflix Original series Stranger Things, created by the Duffer Brothers. The quickly paced program provides viewers with a fun, but dramatic science fiction story to watch. The story focuses on the fictional town of Hawkins, IN, with a quirky, fun cast of characters to watch. The show captures the essence of friendship, love, the 80’s, and mystery. This show about strange alternate dimensions, a mysterious scientific lab, and strong friendships has held viewers’ attention over its 3 seasons. The anticipated upcoming season 4 released a trailer on Feb. 14, 2020, but production was initially halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first season of Stranger Things feels quickly paced and nostalgic, with an edge of mystery to keep viewers engaged. The plot introduces the mysteries that plagued Hawkins in 1983. These mysteries include the odd disappearances of several main characters -- a girl with telekinetic powers called Eleven, as well as a spooky alternate dimension dubbed the Upside Down by a crew of young friends. Throughout the season, the mysteries in Hawkins unfold. An unforgettable story is established, along with beloved characters. A very heartfelt scene in the first episode showed mother Joyce Byers, who is played by Winona Ryder, breaking down in the childhood fort of her son, Will Byers (Noah Scnhapp), whose disappearance leads the season. The performances of the younger actors, such as Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Noah Scnhapp, are breakout acts. Wolfhard and Brown provide an emotional portrayal of young friendship between characters Eleven and Mike Wheeler. Their bond only
strengthens over the episodes, feeling close to heart by the end. David Harbor, who plays police chief Jim Hopper, proves to be a match for Ryder’s character, with chemistry that lights up the screen. The two dive into the disappearance of young Byers, but the secrets uncovered prove to be more than anyone anticipated. The plot uncoils evenly across the span of 8 episodes, with shocking twists and reveals. The season ends with a dramatic finale that has the characters facing down their ultimate villains -- the monstrous Demogorgon and the suspicious employees of Hawkins National Laboratory. There is a shocking, tearful cliffhanger that leaves viewers in suspense for the next season. The bonds that all of the characters have made over the course of just 8 episodes make it easy for viewers to get attached and the hopes for another season swelled. Season 2 of Stranger Things follows a darker tone than before. It was released on Oct. 27, 2017 in true Halloween fashion. It’s the longest season with 9 episodes, but the story occurs after a year’s time gap. The plot of the new season continues forward, setting its focus on further establishing the city of Hawkins’ and its specific character connections to the now even more fearsome Upside Down. This season brought a few newcomers, such as brother-sister duo Max and Billy Hargrove, who are portrayed by Sadie Sink and Dacre Montgomery. Reporter Murray Bauman (Brett Gelman) is on the case. And, 80’s star, Sean Astin joins the cast as Bob Newby. A surprising turn of events brought forth a character that showed more depth than fans might think from the previous season — when Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) paired up with the plucky squad of younger kids to help solve problems. All the characters dove into what they believed were multiple issues, but the overall impending threat of Hawkins Lab and the Upside Down have them banding together for a dramatic few episodes. Throughout, the second season carries on smoothly and provides so many
Google Images under Creative Commons License moments that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. The plot also dives deeper into the development of the family lives for fan favorites Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Caleb (Caleb McLaughlin) The third season of Stranger Things feels like a lighter take for the show than the previous two. It was released on July 4, 2019, with the summer theme of Hawkins, IN in 1985. The story took place over the span of a few days, but introduced many plot lines, new sets and characters. Breakout actors for the summer-inspired season are newcomers Maya Hawke, who plays Harrington’s new coworker Robin Buckley, and Priah Ferguson, who plays Erica Sinclair, younger sister to Lucas. The plot focuses on how characters will deal with new and older relationships, alongside a surprise threat of Russian spies and the never-ending troubles from the Upside Down. The fictional Starcourt Mall is introduced as a key hangout for the squad, as well as becoming
centrally important to the plot by the end of the season. The mixture of light and dark tones for this season feel refreshing. It shows that the story can be both serious and fun at the same time. Light-hearted scenes like the kids pranking Hargrove (Matarazzo) as he returns from summer camp feel uplifting. More serious scenes show how the characters deal with saying goodbye, sometimes forever. Even though there was a light undertone, the season ends on an emotional note, after dealing with the villains and relationship development. It leaves fans wondering what would come next for the show and what will become of its beloved characters. Production for season 4 was halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but resumed on Sept. 17, 2020, according to sources from Netflix and the Stranger Things Twitter account. The teaser trailer released earlier this year shows the promise of the impending threat from Russia up close and the trouble brewing in the Upside Down.
OCTOBER 8, 2020
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OPINION
Need to take a break from studying and have some fun? Here are some fall activities happening on campus!
Usually, the fall semester on the Hilltop is thriving with Topperfest, the organizational fair, Formal Greek Recruitment, football games, fundraisers brought to you by clubs and organizations, campus life activities in the College Union, and most importantly the week leading up to the Saturday afternoon Homecoming football game and dance. Although this semester is a little different; fall sports and Homecoming have been
postponed until further notice, fundraisers like bake sales and other student life activities in the College Union have been either canceled or forced to be made as “take-home activities”. Greek Recruitment is happening in dorm rooms instead of the usual threeday formal recruitment process sororities go through. “Many students feel out of the loop with what is happening on campus unless you are already in organizations,” Emily Everson, a Kappa Phi and Beta Roe Epsilon member, says in a quick interview in passing. Students can seem isolated on campus, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things still happening on campus. Many incoming freshmen
didn’t get to experience what it was like to have the true exciting part of Topperfest like Topperwars, the organizational fair, and other fun end of summer activities on the quad to start out the semester. “Build a Topper, a hypnotist, live karaoke, and Bingo in the union is where many of us meet our first friends at college.” says, Lindsay Manor. There is a bright side to all of this crazy new madness on campus thanks to COVID-19 even though you might be feeling alone in your dorm room you are never truly lonely thanks to the awesome Student Life Organization on Campus. West Liberty has over thirty clubs and organizations and many of them accept students all semester if you are interested in making more friends and getting involved on campus there is still time go to this link: https://westliberty.edu/student-life/services/ clubs-organizations/ or contact Kate Billings for club information. The organizational fair crept up on not only freshman, but upperclassmen in clubs and organizations on September 6, 2020, but it still seemed many students attended and are still turning up to organizations like game club. “It’s amazing how many new students were interested in Game Club this semester,” Jessica Schultz told me excitedly at a recent Game Club meeting. Sororities have started giving bids to the girl interested and that attended Zoom gatherings for fun games like Kahoot and online Bingo to get to know each other.
Photo Credit: Rick Monterio, UnSplash Photos
“Due to COVID -19 our organizations are forced to
have a spring semester continuous open bidding approach which is strange for a fall semester, but it is in the best interest of our safety,” says Brie Ann Young in Delta Theta Kappa. Sororities are a great way to get involved and make friends on campus. Sororities try to meet at least once a week for some sort of sisterhood events via Zoom and have a Panhel meeting every Wednesday. When the world finally returns to normal you can always have somewhere to sit in the Union. Fraternities have a much chiller approach to their fall recruitment then sororities, but it’s as good when getting to know campus. You can also never go wrong with an interest in Student Government or any of the academic clubs on campus. They always look good on a resume and can help you with stepping into the world from student to professional in your field of choice. Taylor Newkirk, a Residence Assistant and Secretary of SGA, tells me, “ SGA gave me the experience to become a leader and the voice for the student body.” Football games and Homecoming are such a part of West Liberty’s culture that it is strange not having them this fall semester. Although if you are interested in rewatching old games Topperstation replays them on channel 14. Homecoming and the week on the other hand are postponed until COVID-19 becomes less of a threat to the students at West Liberty University. For more information on student life and activities, please contact Kate Billings at kate.billings@westliberty.edu.
SPORTS
SPORTS OCTOBER 8, 2020
Sports Editor: Anna Johnston
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- acjohnston@westliberty.edu
Hilltopper Volleyball throwback shines on success from last season This time of year is usually rife with sporting events on the Hilltop. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fall sports have been postponed until spring meaning there has been no competitive action for any WLU team since March. The WLU volleyball team were hoping to continue with their success from the last two years, but their campaign has had to be put on pause for the time being. The Lady Toppers saw a change in coaching staff over summer after Kayla Mull stepped down as head coach and was replaced by ex-graduate assistant coach Riley Schenk who graduated with a Master’s Degree in Education from West Liberty in Sports Leader. Now, Schenk has returned to the Hilltop to take the reigns as Head Coach and hopefully carry on in Mull’s footsteps as the winningest Head Coach the Lady Toppers have had. The ladies finished last season with a 17-15 record overall and 9-7 in conference play.
A strong follow up from the 2018 season where the girls walked away with a solid 24-10 record overall and their first regional ranking. These two previous, highly impressive, seasons put the team in good standings to push for even more success this year, potentially even challenging for the title of conference champions. Last October saw the ladies win seven of their ten matches throughout the month landing decisive 3-0 victories over Frostburg State University, Salem University, Notre Dame College (Ohio), West Virginia Wesleyan College and West Virginia State College.
Photo Credits: Media Relations
A continuation of this success was an achievable goal for this fall, but COVID-19 has created a delay in the start of competitive action. The volleyball squad, alongside other fall sports such as football, soccer and cross country will have to wait until spring to get a crack at the competition This means continuous hard work for players to stay in shape and in the top possible form for when action does return. Keep an eye on Hilltoppersports.com for throwbacks to Hilltopper athletic success over the years and keep supporting the Topper squads while conference play takes a break!
Photo Provided By Student Life
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OCTOBER 8, 2020
SPORTS
Hilltopper athletes continue to wear masks during practice amidst global pandemic and member of the men’s soccer and track team;
COVID-19 has taken away a lot of things from us, but one gift it has so graciously bestowed upon us is the necessity for masks in public. This is, of course, to slow the spread of the respiratory illness theorized to have gone airborne which travels in viral aerosols in the air that surrounds us; most people, disregarding the few renegade “anti-maskers” that put their facial freedoms above their own and others’ health, follow the guidelines without complaint, but is it fair to hold everyone at the same basic foundational level? Not everyone performs the same role and duties, and some people are being required to put on a mask far more than just when they decide to go out to grab a bite to eat or shop.
“if you ask anyone, they’re going to say that the mask is uncomfortable. Athlete or not – no one likes wearing them; but when you’re an athlete, and you’re performing and moving and sweating, they get to be extremely annoying. The masks get heavy with sweat, and when they don’t keep falling off your face they’re getting sucked into your mouth when you’re exasperated and gasping for air. This can even affect how you’re playing, especially if your mind is on the game and all of a sudden you can’t breathe.” Being a participant of two totally different sports also give Rycroft an interesting perspective, he went on to discuss how it really comes down to being rather circumstantial; “When you’re running for track, you’re already spaced out and distanced from
one another; you have your circuit and you remain entirely in the space of that lane while you run.
especially with how necessary proper oxygen intake is when you’re working out your body; but what else can be done?
I guess you’d come into contact with one another during a relay, but other than that, it’s relatively safe (in the world of COVID-19). Soccer, on the other hand, is a little different.
We could take our chance and not require athletes to wear them, or at least lift certain restrictions like making them wear facial coverings when on the treadmill or using some other kind of exercise equipment.
For the most part, you remain relatively distanced, but sometimes you come together and get up in each other’s faces and areas, occasionally even making contact; and at that point, what are the masks really even doing? They slip down, or you practically start eating them, and you’re up close and personal with a group of players, all breathing and sweating. It seems counterproductive.” It makes sense that masks would be seen as a kind of inhibitor to people who engage in such athletics or training,
A bogged down, sweaty mask waiting to be sucked into someone’s mouth ready for suffocation seems like an accident waiting to happen, but doesn’t a group of heavily breathing young adults all conglomerated on a field or in the gym feel like one as well? Hopefully the spring semester looks different for our athletes but for now, until a different course of action is taken or such restrictions lifted, they’re stuck wearing masks both on the field and in the gym.
The population in question are athletes; even here on our own hilltop campus, student athletes are required not only to wear masks while practicing and working out with one another, but even when playing games and competing. This is all, once again, to protect the student and the larger population from the spread of COVID-19; but is it really practical? “Well, yes, but also not really,” says Zach Rycroft, a freshman here at West Liberty
Photo Credit: Morgan Kafana
Provided by Student Life
