VOL. 100 – ISSUE 8
THE TRUMPET
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
WLU’s Student News Source
U.S. 2020 election results trickle in after intense race pg. 3 Acrobatics and Tumbling hopes to have a stellar season, even with major changes pg. 12 @WLTrumpetOnline @thetrumpetwestliberty @thetrumpetwlu
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WEST LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
THE TRUMPET
NEWS
COVER BY: SAMANTHA SNYDER
CULTURE
Photo Credit: Annalise Murphy
West Liberty grieves the death of graduate student Kerry “Ryan” Stith pg. 4
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Photo Credit: Elizabeth Schreiber
West Liberty welcomes new nursing faculty to the department: Elizabeth Schreiber pg. 8
NBA unsure of future due to COVID-19; however, plans to hold draft on Nov. 18 pg. 13
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 WLU community with fair and accurate reporting on matters of significance and interest.
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NOVEMBER 5, 2020
NEWS
NEWS
Editor-in-Chief: Annalise Murphy
PAGE 3
- anmurphy@westliberty.edu
U.S. 2020 election results trickle in after intense race The 2020 United States election took place on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The Presidential race stole the spotlight, though several key Senate, House and Gubernatorial races also took place. The election results will not be finalized for several days due to the large number of mail-in and absentee ballots submitted this year. Races will continue to be called as votes are counted over the next few. A definitive answer to the question of who the next U.S. President will be will not be clear for at least the next few days. The outcome of the Presidential race will come down to the result in key battleground states such as Pennsylvania, Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. Each state has differing rules regarding how votes are counted and what date mail-in ballots are counted until. As a result, the Presidential race will potentially not be called until Friday Nov. 6. Although this delay seems long, an election has actually never been called on the same night. “Not knowing the official results on election night is normal,” says Dr. Brian Fitzpatrick, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Wes Liberty University. The Associated Press will only call a race when the losing candidate can no longer catch up. “From what I’ve heard so far we will very likely know the result by tomorrow [Thursday] night, but if it comes down to PA, it could be Friday,” said Fitzpatrick. Though the uncertainty is frustrating, it is not by any means a surprise. “I think it was to be expected,” said Olivia Montgomery, a student at West Liberty University. “We all knew it would be an exceptionally tight race and the excess of mail-in ballots was always going to slow down the process. At this point, we all
just need to respect the process and patiently wait for democracy to decide who will be leading us for the next four years.” That being said, the increase of mail-in and absentee votes in this election, due to people opting to vote remotely as a result of COVID-19, has led to a longer than the normal process for vote counting. “It is a privilege to olive in a country where we get to decide. With that being said, we should wait until every single vote is counted to call a winner. That is the basis of democracy,” said WLU student, Riley Lohan. The fear of mail-in ballots not being counted properly hit many people. “The uncertainty of whether or not my vote actually counted is very discouraging,” said Kelly Milner, a WLU graduate student. West Liberty student Daniella DelCorso from Pennsylvania said, “I did not want to do a mail-in vote because I knew there were delays in the mail due to COVID. So, I trusted my parents more to hand in my ballot to make sure my vote 100% counted.” Many voters still chose to go to the polls in person, like West Liberty graduate student Kaelyn Oskin who voted in Pennsylvania. “I’ve worked as a poll worker before. There were always around three of us working every election. This year, there were around twelve workers at my polling station – the line was into the parking lot,” she said. “This was partly because of social distancing, but also because of all the people voting.” Others had a different experience. Heather Hale, a West Liberty student who voted in West Virginia said, “There was no wait and I expected one. Went in and checked in, got my sticker,
Graphic By: Creed Kidney
the guy told me what I needed to do and offered help, I did my voting and then left.” The process and vote counting rules differ by state.
remaining states in order to breach the 270 thresholds. The race is so tight in some places however that recounts may be demanded by either party.
As of writing this article, results are still not confirmed for Nevada, North Carolina, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. In each of these states, the gap between Trump and Biden is very slim. Trump currently leads in all four bar Nevada which is currently favoring Biden. However, as outstanding mail-in ballots continue to be counted, the results could swing either way.
West Virginia gave its five electoral college votes to Trump. The current President won 69% of the vote in the Mountain State. Governor Jim Justice has also been reelected, as has Republican Senator Kelly Moore Capito. All three West Virginia House of Representative seats have gone to candidates from the GOP. The Democrats are currently set to maintain their majority in the US House of Representatives. The Senate race is much closer with both party’s well within the realm of possibility of gaining a majority.
To win the Presidency, a candidate needs to win 270 electoral college votes. As of writing, Biden has 264, and Trump has 214. If Biden is successful in Nevada, which is worth six electoral college votes, he will have enough to win office. Trump needs to win all four
Check back in for election updates as results come in.
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 4
NEWS
West Liberty grieves the death of graduate student Kerry “Ryan” Stith West Liberty University is grieving the loss of one of their graduate students, Kerry “Ryan” Stith, who suddenly died last Wednesday, Oct. 28. WLU’S News & Media Relations published a press release early in the morning on Oct. 29 stating that there was a 9-1-1 call made later in the evening [on Oct. 28] and Stith was quickly transported to Wheeling Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The release included a quote from President Stephen Greiner who offered his deepest sympathies and condolences. “There is no tragedy greater than the unexpected loss of a young life and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and our students, faculty and staff. We are all saddened by this death,” Greiner said. The death does not appear to be related to COVID-19. Several West Liberty students share their thoughts and feelings regarding the student’s death, with many of them stating a universal sadness for the Stith’s family and the campus community. “It’s always a shame to lose someone you love. Especially if that someone is very young. I feel for the parents of the student
and others who knew him well. My heart goes out to his parents,” said Jacob Ward, senior at West Liberty. A celebration of life ceremony was held on the quad on Friday, Oct. 30 and Monday, Nov. 2, 2020 at Noon and was hosted by Pastor Debra Dague and Shirly Carter, Director of Catholic Campus Ministry.
Students and professors gather outside of the Student Union for celebration of life ceremony Photo Credits: Annalise Murphy
WLU so special,” said Pastor Dague after discussing the importance of students coming together.
The celebration started out with a song by Jeremy Camp, “There As the celebration of life came Will Be a Day”, and followed by to an end, a prayer of Stith’s father peace and “There is no tragedy greater [Kerry}, who comfort for was present the Stith fami- than the unexpected loss of through ly and campus a young life and we offer our heartfelt condolences to the Zoom, community. family and our students, fac- shared his Paster Dague ulty and staff. We are all sad- thankfulness reminded on behalf dened by this death.” everyone of his wife - President Stephen Greiner who attended [Ryan’s the ceremomother] and ny of the life Stith led. She said himself stating that they were overthat the West Liberty University whelmed with the outpouring of community will remember Stith love from West Liberty University as a smart, kind and hardworkdespite that Stith had only been a ing student who gave his best at student at the university for three everything he did. short months as he was pursuing a master’s degree in Zoo Science. “To see the family come together and make these services come “I have always said that together… That’s what makes family is a word that is overused,
but over the past few days, I have come to realize that the West Liberty community takes the word family very seriously,” said Kerry Stith. Both gatherings were held on the quad to stay in accordance with social distancing and face masks were required to be worn at all times, and anyone who was not able to attend the in-person celebration were invited to attend via Zoom. Counseling services are available at West Liberty and those who need mental health support while dealing with this loss are encouraged to reach out to WLU’s campus counselor, Liza Witzbereger at 304-3368215. For more information, please contact Maureen Zambito at maureen.zambito@westliberty.edu.
NEWS
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 5
WLU presidential search update: Dr. W. Franklin Evans met with campus community Oct. 29 nity about the positive attributes of West Liberty.
West Liberty University is searching for its next president, with several of the candidates meeting with students, staff, and faculty throughout the remainder of the next few weeks.
Dr. W. Franklin Evans met with students, faculty, and staff on Thursday, Oct. 29. Unfortunately, power was lost on the south end of campus on this day, which forced all of Dr. Evans meetings to be pushed to Zoom. Each of his zoom meetings are available to watch via Topper Station. The open meeting Dr. Evans had was around 47 minutes long, where he talked about where he is from, what college he is currently president at, and answered some questions pertaining to his plans for the University if he becomes West Liberty’s next president. He has nearly 25 years of experience in higher education and has worked at several institutions in seven different states. “Great things have been happening here. I think Dr. Greiner has done an amazing job as president, and it would be my job to carry the baton. It appears to be a wonderful environment, a wonderful place to live,” said Dr. Evans as he talked to the commu-
“I see this as a great opportunity that I would like to be a part of,” Dr. Evans said. Dr. Evans wants to make sure that the students know that everything he would do for the campus would be for the betterment of student life, and that he takes their wellbeing very seriously. If he becomes president, he looks forward to walking around campus to meet the students. To view the meetings with Dr. Evans, please visit topperstation.com. Be sure to voice your opinion by submitting a “Your Voice Matters” for each candidate. Please note that you must use and have access to your West Liberty email, you can only complete each form once, and your submission will be anonymous. If you would like to manually complete a form, please visit westliberty.edu/bog/, and scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the “Your Voice Matters” link. Forms filled out manually can be dropped off in room 107 in Shaw Hall. For more information, please email Maureen Zambito at maureen.zambito@westliberty. edu.
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 6
NEWS
WLU presidential search update: Dr. Melinda Arnold met with campus community Nov. 2
On Monday Nov. 2, West Liberty University presidential candidate Dr. Melinda Arnold visited the WLU campus and held an open meeting for students, faculty and the community. The meeting took place in the Kelly Theatre in the Fine Arts building and was also accessible to view through Zoom. A recording of the meeting is now also available to view on Topper Station. Students were encouraged to participate in the meeting and ask questions.
She is from Montanna and
currently holds the position of Provost at Montana State University. She went on to give a brief overview of her previous positions such as both Interim Associate Provost and Executive Director of the Police Institute at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Arnold mentioned her primary field being criminal justice (which is one of the largest majors at West Liberty) and more specifically risk assessment and offender reentry after prison. After the brief introduction, the floor was opened for questions. When asked about tenure, Arnold was fully supportive of, and stated her recognition in the value of having tenured positions having seen the importance of it in
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
her own career. The next question was simply “Why West Liberty?” In response Arnold said, “ West Liberty is representative of all the things that I’ve done in my past, particularly where I’ve worked. I’ve always worked at regional comprehensive institutions and always believed that these institutions really do form the bond - they’re the glue that keeps communities together and serve an incredibly important purpose.” She also made a point of the success of WLU under Greiner and her hope to be able to continue that growth and build on the achievements of the university.
Over the next five years, Arnold said, “West Liberty is poised to just go anywhere it wants to go.” The plans in place for both graduate and undergraduate programs are a focus point, but Arnold would also like to see an expansion in the area of adult learners at WLU, a segment that has been left fairly untouched in previous years. Arnold also discussed her communication style. “Communication style is pretty informal. I like to hangout, I like to chat with people, I like to stop in on classes and hear what’s being taught,” she said.
NEWS
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 7
Ronald Fox named new Chief of Police for the West Liberty University Police Department encouraged by fellow officers to apply also,” Fox said about accepting the new position.
Contributing Writer: Jacob Ward Ronald Fox, was appointed as West Liberty University’s new Campus Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety, on Oct. 26, 2020. Before his promotion, Fox has been working for the West Liberty police department since Februray of 2019 as a police officer and then began working as an interim police chief for the department since the older chief moved out of state six weeks ago. Fox’s new position will take effect beginning Nov. 7. Prior to becoming a part of the Hilltopper family, Fox worked another police job with the North Franklin Township Police Department in Washington, Pa. “I worked there for 24 plus years. I worked as a patrol officer, sergeant, and Cheif of Police for my last five years,” said Fox. According to WLU’s News and Media Relations, Fox currently is working with the Critical Incident Response Team for COVID-19 emergencies. “When the Chief posistion opened up, I saw it as another challenge and opportunity. I had experience as a chief and I was
With the sudden promotion, there are some students who do feel that Fox will do as good, if not a better job than the university’s previous police chief. “Well I have had the opportunity to work with Officer Fox on a few occasions. I think he handles himself professionally and is a good fit for the new Chief of Police division,” said Adam Davis, Senior West Liberty RA Hall Director and Social Studies Education Student. The West Liberty University Police Department aims to dedicate excellent 24-hour services and form a quality campus community. “The best thing so far [about West Liberty] is the community feeling. The friendly atmosphere of everyone here, students and staff, is why I wanted to be here,” Fox said. According to Fox, a continued plan of safety, high visibility and handling incidents in a professional manner, and new technology to help officers handle situations more efficiently are top priorities as chief. Fox wants the campus community to know being sure everyone is safe and secure at West Liberty is a proactive effort from the entire campus. “If there
is something you think should be reported, let us know,” Fox said. To learn more about Ronald Fox and the Police Department, visit the office located on the ground floor of Shaw Hall across from the Health Services Office. Contact by email at police@westliberty. edu or call by dialing (304) 336-8021.
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
CULTURE
CULTURE NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 8
Culture Editor: Hanna Perry - heperry@westliberty.edu
West Liberty welcomes new nursing faculty to the department: Elizabeth Schreiber
Students in the nursing program at West Liberty might have noticed a new face to their department.
Elizabeth Schreiber joined the WLU faculty in July of 2020 as an instructor of nursing for juniors and seniors, upon learning of the position from the department chair of nursing. “Elizabeth
Schreiber is a wonderful addition to the faculty of the Nursing Program. Elizabeth cares about the students and their learning in the same way that she cares about patient outcomes. She brings to West Liberty a breath and depth of nursing care,” Dr. Rose Kutlenies.
master’s degree in nursing and a Bachelor of Science degree at The Ohio State University.
Before West Liberty, Schreiber worked in the Intensive Care Unit at Ruby Memorial and Wheeling Hospital. Her medical experience branches to locations such as Thrive in Wheeling Professor Barbara Kulpa and a family nurse practitioner in feels that Schreiber is very enMorgantown, W. Va. Schreiber has thusiastic and willing to share her worked as an adjunct instructor at knowledge with her students. Kul- Wheeling Jesuit and West Liberty pa also commented that it is her University. love of nursing “I hope to bring confidence and enthusiasm and education to this program that guides as well as critical thinking skills. I Schreiber would also like to take away a feelin both the ing of satisfaction in helping them classroom and to become better nurses,” said in the clinical Schreiber. setting. Schreiber attended Wheeling Jesuit University where she earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing.
She then went on to Photo Credits: Elizabeth Schreiber receive her
In addition, she hopes to improve her understanding of clinical knowledge as well as stay up to date on the latest medical codes. Schreiber has additionally set the goal to receive her doctorate in nursing to develop her own research. “I feel that higher education is extremely important. Everybody, both students and staff can grow from their teaching environment,” said Schreiber. As we welcome her to WLU, Schreiber wants her students to know that she functions well with high levels of coffee in her system and loves to read anything she can get her hands on. Welcome to the Hilltop Nurse Schreiber!
CULTURE
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Marching Hilltoppers welcome Freshman, Kyle Turley, to West Liberty this fall... Contributing Writer: Anna Griffith Freshman Marching Hilltopper member, Kyle Turley, was raised in Bethesda, Ohio, and attended Union Local High School in Belmont, Ohio. Turley plays the clarinet in West Liberty’s Marching Hilltopper band. He has been playing the clarinet since 5th grade and has always been interested in marching bands and music. Turley was drawn to the music industry from a young age. He said “I’ve always had some musical influence between my dad and my great uncle.
When the marching band came down to the elementary school, I’d always get so excited and even at football games I’d always be towards the band.” Turley is majoring in instrumental music education and picked this because of the musical influence in his life along with the inspiration from family and teachers. After graduating Turley would like to be a middle or high school band director. He would prefer to stay local and teach somewhere in the Ohio Valley. Turley continues to see himself staying in music for the foreseeable future even with the difficulty of the music major. He says, “Some of the classes can be difficult, which has led to people either dropping out
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
or switching majors, and I’ve heard of those stories, but I don’t plan on it affecting me. I won’t let it. It’s what I want to do with the rest of my life and music will be a part of me forever.” On average Turley practices, about ten hours a week but is working with his schedule to improve this time. Turley says that the most difficult thing about his major is the singing process. He was Kyle Turley (back) performs at the West Liberty never in a choir in high Marching Hilltoppers Oglebay Performance. He performed with his fellow Marching Hilltoppers school but finds most of such as Jamison Rovnak (front). the rest of the work in his Photo Credits: Breanne Yakesh major to be relatively easy compared to how difficult reasons. Mostly because it’s local but he thought it would be. also because he fell in love with the Turley also shared some of campus on his first visit and apprecihis awards and accomplishments ated the small class sizes. in his musical career so far. He has When asked, two of Turreceived the Patrick S. Gilmore ley’s friends described him as a hard award along with participating in worker but also as a very caring and the high school Solo and Ensemble very bubbly person. He was also decontest and receiving excellent and scribed as a gentleman and energetic. superior ratings. For more information about Turley has also participated this article, please contact Morgan in the OMEA District IX Honor Kafana at mkafana@westliberty.edu. Band as 2nd chair clarinet and has For more information on also been 2nd chair clarinet for the West Liberty Univeristy’s Marching West Liberty University Tri-State Hilltoppers, please email the Director Honor’s Festival. of Bands, Dr. Gretchen Pohlman at Turley chose to come to gretchen.pohlman@westliberty.edu. attend West Liberty for multiple
OPINION
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
OPINION
PAGE 10
Students spirits are brightened upon Student Life allowing socially distanced in-person activities on campus Contributing Writer: Brianna Hamon When the Office of Student Life granted students the green light for in person meetings and activities, I cried tears of joy. After spending countless months inside a Zoom bubble and becoming a prisoner to my own dorm, I can finally give my sorority sisters a giant socially distanced hug.
The goal is to keep evtimes. eryone healthy and avoid the We are living in a world dreaded email that sends students where not wearing a mask is the packing. equivalent to walking around with Safely building student out a shirt. Without it, we just feel morale during phase three of naked. social distancing may seem im Lambda Psi Sigma and the possible, but it can be achieved by Criminal Justice Society recently
Organizations can finally transform their ideas to socialized events in order to increase student involvement on campus.
By taking off your mask and exceeding the preferred capacity, you are sentencing yourself to a life of poor emotional health and virtual activities.
“No social gatherings on campus has made school feel like Halloween all semester long: a dead ghost town,” said Andrew Dalton, a student of West Liberty.
It’s crucial for everyone to appreciate this opportunity and adhere to the rules while it lasts.
Mental health among higher education is a growing concern, but the added stress of completing an education during a pandemic has caused rampant growth in anxiety. The US National Library of Medicine conducted a study that indicated 86 percent of students find decreased social interactions to be a main reason for stress.
Despite some restrictive policies still in place, this newfound update is currently lifting the campus-wide slump.
Some students are wary to step outside the easement of virtual interaction while others are raging with anticipation.
the potential for safe events on campus. Students gathered on the quad and bonded over a shared message while following the COVID-19 guidelines.
keeping gatherings at a maximum of 25 people. By making sure meeting spaces allow for distance of six feet and wearing masks at all
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
hosted a domestic violence awareness walk in support of the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) that showcased
So, the task at hand is simple: wear your mask, social distance, meet in small groups and keep track of people in contact with each other. Is defying these simple rules truly worth the risk? For more information, please email The Trumpet’s Editor-in-Chief, Annalise Murphy, at anmurphy@westliberty.edu
OPINION
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 11
Is West Liberty testing students for COVID-19 in an effective way? Contributing Writer: Samantha Eimer As COVID-19 continues to linger like an annoying toothache, campus-wide testing has become a necessary precaution for West Liberty students. While it is essential to test as many students as possible in order to gain a handle on this reckless pandemic, the way in which the testing is being performed is almost as confusing as the virus itself.
Testing is set to take place on campus every Tuesday with a new group of students being tested each time.
“I don’t even have to get tested until Nov. 17; which is only six days before we leave for break. I’m just confused on the logic behind it… why even bother testing students at all if you aren’t going to test the whole campus at the same time?
With only a handful of Tuesdays left in the semester, some students will not be tested until it is almost too late.
And why wait until so close to break before we return home to all of our families possibly putting them at risk? It doesn’t
Is the testing going to be as effective as anticipated? The outlook is grim.
make much sense to me and it’s Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations kinda concerning,” says Junior If changes are not considWest Liberty Elementary Education ered immediately, I am afraid the major Shaelee Monroe. outcome will not go according Only testing certain stuto plan. dents once a week is an ineffective How many students at manor of identifying those students West Liberty University have with the virus. COVID? The world may never The individuals not being know. tested until later in the month of November are just as likely to have the virus as students getting tested in the earlier weeks. The students getting tested earlier will receive results quickly, but others will be roaming around campus freely until their testing date; possibly infecting others around them unknowingly. This could result in a spike in cases just before students return home for the holidays. Yikes!
The campus testing strategy Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations taking place deserves reevaluation.
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 12
OPINION
Daylight saving’s time and changing of the seasons may be the cause for winter blues individuals suffer from it each year. It can seem even lonelier in the middle of a global pandemic. College students experience a lot of stress especially as the semester starts to wind down. Anxiety is one of the most commonly diagnosed disorders among college students and depression isn’t far behind.
Many individuals expe-
rience a slight change in mood when the temperature starts to fall and stress starts to rise. Seasonal depression is common with many people, but it can hurt students when it comes to the heaviest part of the semester. Students may feel tired, dragged down, and all out just unhappy with the world, as if that couldn’t happen more.
Seasonal Affective Disor-
der or Seasonal depression as it is better known is common when Daylight Savings occurs and the long summer days turn into cold winter nights. The weather changing affects everyone in one way or another. Maybe it’s chapped lips, allergies, or a sudden mood change for the worst. Seasonal depression is very common and around three million
We were already experiencing such a lonely time feeling isolated in lockdown and an added bit of seasonal depression can make the world feel even darker. Although there is something students can do to help themselves from feeling so down as the colder weather starts to settle in. Exercise therapy can be beneficial to get your body moving and the serotonin up in your brain. It’s good self care and keeps you happy and healthy through the winter months, but exercise isn’t your style so maybe therapy is.
Photo Credits: Google Creative Commons License
Having a therapist to talk out your problems is good for any time of the year, but talking out how you are feeling might be just what you need. There are also lamps an individual can get that helps with seasonal depression. If you feel you may need to talk with someone, West Liberty has a counselor, Liza Witzberger. Witzberger is available to meet with students, and is able to provide free counseling to those who need it. Contact her at lwitzberger@westliberty.edu.
Photo Credit: WLU Media Relations
PAGE 13
SPORTS NOVEMBER 5, 2020
Sports Editor: Anna Johnston
SPORTS
- acjohnston@westliberty.edu
Acrobatics and Tumbling hopes to have a stellar season, even with major changes
Last winter, the acrobatics and tumbling team at West LIberty was on a roll. They were number two in the Mountain East Conference and scored their first ever perfect 10 in a meet, but then COVID-19 hit, and their season ended unexpectedly early. Head coach Kelsey Kyle said, “We all piled into my office and I was trying to keep a straight face, but as soon as it was my turn to talk, I started crying, and they all knew that it was over.” Kyle says that all 25 athletes did a great job not dwelling on what could’ve been and looking forward to the future. The athletes worked hard during the summer, and with public gyms not being open, they had to get creative with their workouts. Some of the athletes were working on tumbling in their backyards and doing acro at home with their younger siblings in order to stay in shape.
This season, the team recruited several new athletes and has a full roster for the first time in WLU team history, but working out as a full team hasn’t been easy with CDC guidelines in place. At the beginning of the semester, the team was only able to practice in small groups of ten and all of the athletes were required to wear masks at all times, which made practicing tumbling much more difficult. The entire team has been training together for three weeks. “We’ve been super fortunate that we haven’t had to stop practicing because of the pandemic. Our team has been taking the necessary precautions to stay safe, and I can’t praise the athletes enough for all of their hard work,” said Kyle. Senior Lexus Ficca said, “If one of us tests positive, then we will have to stop for a while. Basically, last year us and every other school had to stop, it wasn’t in our hands to continue to practice. But this year, it is in our hands on
Photo Credits: WLU Acrobatics and Tumbling
whether we practice or not. With that being said, being safe and following the rules keeps me going because the more we are safe the more we can practice and get stronger!”
”Sophomore Mareena Scalia and junior transfer Paige McGlothlin have shown major improvements and have added new skills to improve the team’s overall performance.
The schedule has not been created for the upcoming season, but Kyle is optimistic that the season will continue on. According to Kyle and Ficca, the team seems to be stronger than last season, even with the changes.
“Honestly, I feel like the season is going very well! These freshmen are really not backing out from anything and they are doing great just from these past few practices.
Kyle said, “All five of our seniors have stepped into a leadership role and a few other athletes have really caught our attention within the last few weeks.
I can honestly speak for every returner when I say, we are at a better place than where we were last year. We improve every day, learn new skills and keep the coaches happy,” said Ficca.
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 14
West Liberty University athletics are thriving despite setbacks from COVID
With the ongoing difficulties resulting from COVID-19 athletes have been facing across the nation. Student athletes here on the HIlltop have been dealing with some of the challenges that other student athlestes have facted thoughout the nation. Some of these athlestes include: Dylan Golden, a member of the West Liberty Track and Field team, Christian Braithwaite, a member of the West Liberty Track and Field team, and Drew Theiss, a member of the West Liberty Men’s Soccer team. When asked what major setbacks their teams have faced during practices and training in regards to COVID-19, Golden said, “one setback for the team as a whole has been the inability to practice in the weight room, as we have been required to do that on our own time now to stay in the proper shape”. Golden continued, stating that, “I suppose you could say another tiny setback at practices and workouts is that you must wear a mask, but that does not stop us from getting things done.” Theiss commented on how the Men’s Soccer team has
Photo Credits: WLU Media Relations been affected, stating, “the biggest setback our team has faced is not
coaches still hold us to the same level as if we were in a normal
having a true fall season, as everything has been pushed to the spring season. We also have to follow struck guidelines due to COVID-19, but I wouldn’t consider that a major setback, as we have a great group of guys and a great staff to help us go about these types of situations the best way possible.” When asked how the expectations of coaches have been during the offseason, and whether they have changed, become harder,
season. Things have mainly stayed the same, but they have become harder in a way as well, being the restrictions on us in order for us to be able to play. Yes, they aren’t the most fun, but we are still able to play. When you get past that obstacle, it’s all worth it, as we still go out and train and play as we love to do!” When asked about how the atmosphere of their team this season, Braithwaite had positive
or have become easier, Golden said, “During this offseason, our coaches have wanted us to remain positive about this school year. By now everyone realizes that this pandemic can be stressful for the students, but our expectations of our coaches in particular have been straightforward: do not let this pandemic stop us from reaching our full potential.” In regards to the Men’s Soccer team, Theiss says that, “Our
comments to make. “We are a lot closer as a team this year compared to last year. With all of the COVID restrictions that has taken place, it makes it hard to spend time with each other outside of practices, which in turn has given our team an appreciation for our bond we share when we are together,” he said. Golden also had remarks to share, stating that, “the atmo-
sphere on campus as a whole has been significantly different from last year, I think everyone can agree on that. As for our team, we are making an extra effort to be there for one another. At the end of the day, I am very grateful for the opportunity I get to see my teammates and practice with them.” Speaking on behalf of the Men’s Soccer team, Theiss states that, “the atmosphere with a sports team constantly changes depending on what’s going on. Our coaches have been doing a great job in keeping things fun, all while keeping our minds and bodies locked in, and it has really helped us come together. We have a strong foundation, and we are building onto that every single day, helping us become a better team and family!” Regardless of the current struggles that these athletes are facing, they are still as positive as ever. Although the sporting events for the fall semester have been postponed until the spring, these athletes are viewing these setbacks as best as they possibly can. To stay updated on all sports events and updates, be sure to visit hilltoppersports.com. Please follow The Trumpet on all your social media to keep up with all things sports here on the Hilltop!
NOVEMBER 5, 2020
PAGE 15
SPORTS
NBA unsure of future due to COVID-19; however, plans to hold draft on Nov. 18 Contributing Writer: Kaitlynn Wheeler
Nov.18.
However, the start date It seems like it’s back to work for the National Basketball for free Association. With the conclusion agency is uncertain of the 2019-2020 season, there are various questions the league due the league must address. having to Some of those questions finalize the include topics on free agency, the salary cap start date for the next season and luxury and the all-important NBA draft, tax threshand whether or not fans will be olds. permitted in the stands. This A USA Today article, process written by Mark Medina, stated has stemmed from lost revenue Adam Silver, said that he does after being on a four month hiatus not know how to answer most due to the COVID-19 pandemic of these questions just yet during which put a pause on regular proa news conference . ceedings. The start date for next season is up in the air as well.In the The National Basketball League USA Today article, Silver stated the plans to hold the NBA draft on
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league is shooting for January to begin the next season, but even that is tentative because the players need a reasonable amount of time to take a break. Much longer than this however could see negative reactions from fans. “I think that it’s good for the fans but not for the athletes”, said Zackery Meade, a West Liberty University sophomore. Meade expressed that the NBA athletes “deserved rest” after such a long season.
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“There will probably be a spike in injuries,” said Steven Frazier, West Liberty University Resident Assistant. This is a significant
concern for decision makers in the NBA. With the amount of issues presented, the NBA league has a lot on their plate. We will just have to wait and see how things will play out. This article was cultivated using another article orgianally published by USA Today titled, “What’s next for the NBA? Uncertainty surrounds draft, free agency and next season”. For more information, please email the author of this work, Maxwell Fiedorczyk at mfiedorczyk@westliberty.edu. Follow The Trumpet on Social Media to stay up to date!
