Western Courier| November 30th, 2018

Opinions: Tattoos should have no influence on employers.

Sports: The newlook Bears have a bright future.

Sports: Men's hoops takes down SIU-E.

Friday, November 30, 2018 - Vol. 119 Issue 40

AWARD-WINNING STUDENT NEWSPAPER OF WESTERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY. SERVING MACOMB SINCE 1905.

Leatherneck runs for Peoria City Council Member

By Marc Ramirez news editor

Western Illinois University junior Aaron Chess decided on Nov. 14 that he wanted to create change in the city of Peoria, Ill. and run for City Councilman-at-Large.

“My community is faced with a $6 million deficit, failing economy and a horrible education system,” Chess said. “I just felt as if this was an opportunity for me to take to help bring change to my city.”

Chess is currently a junior studying political science with an emphasis in Pre-Law. Growing up in Peoria, he saw first hand the everyday struggles people face and because of seeing this, he believes he has the power and capability

to help reshape the city into a place where the voices of all citizens can be heard.

“Invest in the youth” is Chess’s main goal and running platform. He hopes to be able to implement programs to help keep children involved in a more positive way, steering them away from the streets. He also hopes to implement trade and vocational programs for students who don’t see college in their future.

“I’ve seen from first hand experience from friends who didn't go to college end up getting stuck selling drugs or working at a minimum wage job,” Chess said. “I feel like they would have been able to contribute more to society if they had previously gotten the opportunity

to be able to work in fields like construction, plumbing or mechanics.”

By giving the students this opportunity beforehand, Chess wishes to better the retention and graduation rates of students as well as decrease crime in the city, as students will have something to strive towards which can create a better life for themselves.

Chess also wishes to target the 37 percent unemployment rate among African Americans in Peoria, which is 10.8 percent more than the national average for African Americans. This is also 27.8 percent more than the Caucasian unemployment rate in Peoria.

He wishes to tackle this issue by potentially implementing an indoor farming initiative.

“By implementing indoor

farming, the city would be able to combat the food desert that is consuming the south and east sides of Peoria,” Chess said. “It would also bring in over 43 million jobs, $1.9 trillion dollars in wages, $894.13 billion in total taxes and more.”

Chess stressed that one of the biggest deficits in Peoria is jobs and by starting this program it gives citizens the opportunity to flourish. This could possibly go hand-in-hand with his trade and vocational program idea, giving not only adults in the community a chance to work but also provides the same opportunity to those young adults who choose a different path for themselves besides attending college or a university.

Although he has physical

plans for the city, he also wishes to create more than just that. Chess hopes to be able to restore faith and trust back into the hearts of Peorians who may have lost it within the past years.

“Some citizens have given up on elected officials, so I hope to bring more transparency and an honest government to those who live around me,” Chess said.

For more information on Chess’s plans for Peoria, visit Aaron Chess for At-Large City Council Member 2019 on Facebook and Twitter.

People can also stay in touch and voice their thoughts at aaronchesssocialcampaign@ gmail.com or by phone at 309-922-6405. People can also show their support by using the #ChessWeCan.

Western commencement schedule released

By Steven Barnum assistant news editor Western Illinois University’s Fall 2018 Commencement ceremonies will be open to the public on a first come-first serve basis.

Western Hall will host next month’s ceremonies, which will recognize college scholars, honors scholars and department scholars. There will be 848 students who’ll participate

in the Dec. 15 Commencement ceremonies. That group includes 539 undergraduate students that are made up of those on track to receive master’s degrees, those in the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree program and those who are vying for doctorate degrees in education.

An Army ROTC Commissioning ceremony will kick off the events on Dec. 14 at 3:45 p.m.

An ROTC cadet will be appointed to the Illinois National

Guard as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. This validation will take place in the University Union Brattain Lounge.

The Academic Honors Convocation will also take place on Friday at 5:30 p.m. in Western Hall. At this time, Western will hand out medallions to scholars and students with academic achievements.

Adam Rogers, a senior studying music, will speak and sing the national anthem at the event. Gabrielle Bandovich,

Nancy Davila, Shea Fili, Rome Hamm, Quinten Hayes and Randolph Turkington will act as marshals. Interim Provost and Academic Vice President, Kathleen Neumann, will lead the event.

Moving forward to Dec. 15, Western will hold its first ceremony at 9:30 a.m. At this time, Western will recognize graduates and undergraduate students who are on track to receive degrees in the College of Arts and Sciences, the

College of Business and Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies and Bachelor of Arts in General Studies.

Riggs Baxter, Alexandra Noel Berkman, Justin Michael Doty, Jamie Jeaneth Flores, Mariah Danielle Peters, Erin Trybulec, Tess Nicole Tyler and Rebecca Lindsey Worthington will be the marshals for this ceremony.

Commencement page 2

2

NEWS

Commencement from front page

Mike Fansler will direct the performance from the Western Illinois University Wind Ensemble, while Alison Faye Huntley will sing the national anthem.

After the first ceremony, Western will hold its second ceremony at 1 p.m.

At this ceremony, Western will recognize students in the College of Education and Human Services, the College of Fine Arts and Communication and those in the Doctorate in Educational Leadership program.

Madison Nicole Thielsen, Amy Lynn Borgstede, Laken Crystal Burnett, Kathryn Lynn Ferguson, Megan Kleinschmidt, Kaylee Kristen Kramer and Chloe Cassandra Layne will serve as marshals for the 1 p.m. ceremony. At both ceremonies, Chair of the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees, Carolyn Ehlert Fuller, will offer greetings and President Jack

Friday, November 30, 2018

WesternCourier.com

Thomas will speak.

This fall’s graduating class has students who are representing 14 different nations around the globe. Each of those nations will have a flag placed in the arena to show recognition. Counting students who are not graduating in December ’s ceremonies, Western students represent 62 different countries.

Western will also be recognizing professors Hoyet Hemphill, Tracy Davis and George Mangalaraj, associate professors Ute Chamberlin and Casey LaFrance, and assistant professor Stacey Macchi during Saturday’s ceremonies.

Those who do not attend the weekend’s ceremonies can watch on Macomb’s cable channel 3 with the help of Western University Television (UTV). For questions regarding disabledseating arrangements, call Western’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 298-1977.

Jack Thomas thanks Macomb Community

Dear University for making the rally a success.

Community, The outpouring of compassion, On November 17, members of the Western Illinois University community, our local community and several individuals from other cities and universities joined together in support of our LGBTQIA+ community and the inclusive environment we have at Western and in Macomb.

I would like to thank the Rally of Love organizers, which included students, faculty, staff, and community members, local organizations, as well as everyone who attended,

WC Located on the third floor of the Heating Plant Annex on the south end of campus across from Sherman Hall.

Mail: 1 University Circle, WIU, Macomb, IL 61455 Phone: 309-298-1876 Fax: 309-298-2309 Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays E-mail: micour@wiu.edu Member: Illinois College Press Association, National Association College Press

humanity, and support demonstrated Western's mission and values, and showed the world that WIU is committed to equity, civility, inclusion, diversity, mutual respect, and peace.

We will further build on the November 17 rally and continue our work together to encourage a respectful, civil, supportive, and peaceful community.

Thank you again for celebrating diversity. That is the Leatherneck way.

Sincerely, Jack Thomas

wiu.edu

STAFF MEMBERS editor-in-chief Devon Greene DJ-Greene@wiu.edu news editor Marc Ramirez MA-Ramirez3@wiu.edu assistant news editor Steven Barnum SS-Barnum@wiu.edu opinions editor Allison Young AN-Young@wiu.edu sports editor Haley Richards H-Richards@wiu.edu assistant sports editor Bradley Piros BJ-Piros@wiu.edu edge editor Jonathan Lynch JJ-Lynch@wiu.edu copy editor Brie Coder B-Coder@wiu.edu

proofreader Amanda Wandachowicz a-wandachowicz@wiu.edu proofreader Chance Darby ca-darby@wiu.edu photo editor Becca Langys RE-Langys@wiu.edu assistant photo editor Sara Remar SE-Remar@wiu.edu production manager Jimmy Pierson JM-Pierson@wiu.edu business manager Faith Rucker F-Rucker@wiu.edu advertising manager Jacob Day JD-Day@wiu.edu adviser Will Buss WJ-Buss@wiu.edu

PUBLISHING AND CIRCULATION

The Western Courier is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the regular school year, excluding holidays, finals week and semester breaks. The WC updates the website weekly during the summer. All content reflects the editorial discretion of the students operating the newspaper and must be interpreted as unofficial university communication. While every attempt is made to determine the validity of advertising contained herein, the advertising in the WC is not to be construed as endorsements of any specific products or services. The WC assumes no responsibility or liability resulting from the content of paid advertisements. Subscription price is $36 per year mailed third-class bulk rate from Macomb.

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Friday, November 30, 2018

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Campus Crime Reports

NEWS 3

Now Hiring at

Western courier news writers

wanted

if interested please contact Legend Cannabis

•On Nov. 14 at 2:26 p.m.

Jeashelle Baldric, 20, of 1 Pollock Dr., and Nathan Odeh, 20, of Roscoe, IL, were arrested in Q-Lot on a McDonough Country warrant for failure to appear.

They were transported to McDonough County Jail at 2:44 p.m. where they were lodged pending bond.

•On Nov. 15 at 2:38 p.m.

OPS and the Macomb Fire

Devon Greene

Alcohol by a Minor

Burglary/Theft

Fire Alarm

Other Report

Department responded to a fire alarm in Knoblauch Hall. No smoke or fire was found and no injuries were reported.

•On Nov. 15 at 6:27 p.m. a student in Henninger Hall was judicially referred for cannabis.

•On Nov. 25 at 12:52 p.m. a student reported that his backpack was stolen from the Union food

court sometime Nov. 14.

Estimated value of the backpack and items inside the backpack are valued at $495. The incident is under investigation.

•On Nov. 27 at 1:57 p.m.

OPS and the Macomb Fire Department responded to a fire alarm in Henninger Hall. No smoke or fire was found and no injuries were reported.

dj-greene@wiu.edu THE BOTTLE ROCKETS Saturday December 1, 2018 7:00 pm

Tickets: online at TSPR.com By phone: 298-1873 or 800-895-2912 Tri States Public Radio Members—$10 General Public —$15 Canned good for local food pantry

Location:

Tri States Public Radio Vallillo/Holtz Performance Studio 320 W. University Drive Macomb, IL

4 OPINIONS

Friday, November 30, 2018

WesternCourier.com

Are tattoos becoming acceptable in the workforce?

JIMMY PIERSON/PRODUCTION MANAGER

At previous jobs I have been asked to wear long sleeves to cover up my tattoos, and at other jobs, the employers did not care as long as you were a good worker.

While looking for a job in Macomb earlier this semester, I had a few interviews. In two of the interviews I was told I would need to wear long sleeves to cover up my tattoos, in the other interview, the employer told me that she

didn’t care where I had tattoos, as long as I was a good worker.

The employer who told me that she didn’t care would also be the employer that I would have had the most customer interaction with.

In today’s society, tattoos are more socially acceptable than they used to be and for a good reason. The perception of tattoos used to be characterized more with a person not being good, which we all know is

not true. So why do tattoos still affect your chances of being hired? Employers claim they want to maintain a professional look, but with around 40 percent of Americans having at least one tattoo, why should tattoos matter? I could understand if an individual has a tattoo that is obscene, but most of us who have tattoos have stories behind them. I have tattoos for both of my grandfathers who have passed away, a quote that represents someone we took into our family who is like a brother to me, a family tattoo with my mother and sister and an American landmark that I love. These do not describe someone who is a

bad person.

Each person should be able to be themselves whether it's at work, school or anywhere else.

No one should be discriminated against or denied a job because of their appearance.

The same goes for piercings; I have known many people that I have worked with who had to cover up gauges or take out just normal piercings that were visible for the job. I do believe with more time and more acceptance that tattoos will no longer be a factor in the hiring process. With our generation becoming the next business owners, CEOs, etc. the old ways of viewing tattoos and piercings should die out.

Working on my teaching degree and with the plans to move to a warmer area than Illinois, I hope that I won’t have to wear long sleeves every day of my teaching career. I don’t think that having a teacher with a tattoo or tattoos will affect the students ability to learn and to focus. I have had teachers in the past who had tattoos, and never once did it affect my ability to learn or made me think of the teacher or the school as unprofessional. For the time being, studies show that people with tattoos will have a harder time finding work, but I believe we are on the right track to minimalizing that narrative.

What does life after college look like?

As a senior, I am more than excited to graduate in May. However, I’m not looking forward to the worries that come after graduation.

I often find myself thinking about what I’m going to do after I leave Western. In all honesty, I don’t have a plan and I might need to make one soon. It’s not that I don’t want to do anything after college, I just don’t know exactly what I want to do with my life. I have ideas, but even with a degree there

is no guarantee that I will get to do what it is that I want.

I think that I’m more scared knowing that it becomes more realistic after graduation than it does while you’re in school. I know that rent will be higher, bills will become more abundant and life will definitely hit me harder than it’s ever hit me before. I want the assurance that everything will be okay in the long run and by not having that is why I’m currently having difficulties planning out

my future.

People are told and encouraged to go to college, but where are the guides on how to succeed beyond college?

Yes, it’s true, college isn’t for everybody. However, maybe the dropout rate would decrease if we were actually learning about things in life for the price that we currently have to pay. I’m being taught the same things that I learned in high school that aren’t even relevant to my degree and future job field.

Algebra and geology are not going to help me when it’s time to file taxes or budget my expenses. Practical information is what I need to help me develop a plan for post-graduation, and I’m at

a standstill.

I need help and advice because I don’t know what to do. This is the scary thing that people fail to discuss in college. There should be more conversations about how to survive after college rather than just what leads up to receiving a diploma.

It may be time for Western to sit down as a whole, and ask students what they want and implement what they find out, and apply that in their teaching and learning objectives.

I’m grateful for having the opportunity to come to college. I just wish I had a clue of what to do after. Yes, it’s ideal to graduate with a job or an internship lined up

in hopes to start a career.

However, what happens for the people who can’t guarantee a clear path because that’s not ideal for everyone? I just want someone to be straightforward with me and say, “Hey, life is not always going to work out, but that’s okay, too.” I don’t need a fairytale or a happy ending, but practical wisdom would be helpful. My life isn’t anyone’s problem nor should other people have an obligation to others unless you work in the medical field, but some help would be nice. None of us know where life is going to take us, I just hope that I’m able to keep up along the way.

Friday, November 30, 2018

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OPINIONS 5

Are dogs as smart as everyone thinks?

A recent study from 2018 states that dogs really are not that smart compared to other animals.

Researchers looked at a dog’s sensory, physical, spatial and social cognition, as well as selfawareness. The findings were then compared to other animals from the categories of other carnivores, social hunters and domesticated animals. First off, no one asked for this study to be done. We were are with our lovable pets, and who they were.

Second, the results did not say that dogs had low intelligence, just that they’re lower than other animals such as: wolves, cats, hyenas, chimps, dolphins and pigeons. While it’s true that dogs were originally bred for purposes such as hunting and other useful tasks, most dogs now don’t serve that purpose.

Most people have dogs because they’re loving and friendly companions for ourselves and our families. While the dog may help out around the house

from time to time ,that’s not the dog’s purpose. If that’s the case, we really don’t need our dogs to be Einstein. Dogs also serve for many people as a source of comfort. When was the last time you tried cuddling with a hyena, or a dolphin or even a pigeon? Let me know how that goes, I’m guessing not well.

Dogs are also intelligent in their own way. The study’s results showed that dogs are intelligent when it comes to social cognition. Most dogs are able to tell when there’s something wrong with another dog or their owners, and they’re also able to learn how to communicate effectively with humans. This is a sign of some intelligence even though it may not necessar-

Contact Allison Young

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The editoral views of the Western Courier shall be confined to this editorial and are to be separate from news coverage otherwise noted. The editoral presented is based on the ideas and views of the WC editoral board.Columns are the opinions of the columnists alone and should not be construed as the opinions and beliefs of the WC staff as a whole.

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2018 Fall Semester Editorial Board

Edge Editor - Jonathan Lynch Editor-in-Chief - Devon Greene Opinions Editor - Allison Young

ily be practical from a survival standpoint. Dogs have learned to adapt to their surroundings which encourages more social interactions.

There are also other reasons besides intelligence that earned dogs the title of “man’s best friend.” As humans, we don’t pick our friends based purely on intelligence, so why would we pick our pets that way? When looking for friends, factors such as loyalty, ability to have fun with them and friendliness play a much heavier role than intelligence. As long as you can have fun with them and they won’t go behind your back what’s a few IQ points matter? Dogs are the same way.

Dogs are incredibly loyal and will stand by their owner or their family all their life.

They bring joy to any house and make its residents feel better and more comfortable. Many people consider their dog a part of the family. Would you judge a family member for not being as smart? Maybe, but you’re not supposed to.

A dog’s loyalty is what has attracted humans to have them as pets, not their intelligence. They serve their role as part of the family and do so with enthusiasm. So what if dogs aren’t as smart as other animals. Would you really want a hyena as a pet? I didn’t think so.

AN-Young@wiu.edu

Friday, November 30, 2018

6 SPORTS

WesternCourier.com

Women's from back page

The Necks did not crack under pressure and came up clutch in the next three-ina-half minutes, outscoring the Owls 7-0 and increased the lead to 10. Western did not look back and secured the 81-73 dog fight over William Woods.

Gilmore led the way with 17 points and five other

FILE PHOTO

C.J. Duff in a defensive stance at a home game inside Western hall last season.

Men's

from back page

Wright said, “We want to have some swag” talking about Webster and his electric play style. He had a ton of swag this game dropping 22 points, six rebounds and 5 assists, two of which were no look passes.

Johnson may not be as flashy as Webster, but he still put up 20 points shooting a high 72 percent from the field.

Wright called this game “a momentum booster,” after dropping three straight games

in Nebraska, Easter Illinois University and a two-point loss at UT Martin. Their first Division I win of the year will help the players feel confident and relaxed as they approach more competitive teams.

In those three games the biggest issue was efficiency and turnovers as Gilbeck, Johnson and C.J. Duff all averaged over two turnovers per game in those contests. Against the Cougars they proved that they not only can play at a high level, but they can also play a consistent game throughout each half.

First conference game will

be against South Dakota State University on Dec. 28.

Currently the Jackrabbits are first in The Summit League and have NBA level talent on their team. For the Leathernecks to be able to compete at that level, they will need to play a game without mistakes.

Their next few games will be against Stetson University, Indiana University Purdue University of Indianapolis and a rematch against Eastern Illinois University. With a record of 3-5 they will hope to have a better than .500 record after this stretch.

CLASSIFIEDS

WC

For Rent

For Rent

Submit a classifieds ad to JD-Day@wiu.edu

Spacious 2-5 bedroom homes for rent. 10 month lease available. Great locations, close to bus stops, plenty off street parking, all new windows, AC, energy efficient furnace, hardwood and ceramic tile floors, free washer/dryer. Well maintained (24 hrs.) by local landlord.

Call 309-255-1233.

Houses for Rent 2016/2017: A&D Real Estate has several 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses for rent, all with at least 2 bathrooms, recently rennovated and located close to campus. Call for a tour or visit our website at www.wiucollegerentals.com. Local landlord with a focus on clean and updated housing with personal service for your college housing needs. 309-313-1122.

FALL INTO SAVINGS with Charleston Boulevard Apartments! Now offering SPECIAL RATES through Dec. 2017! Call for specific details 309-833-4545!.

NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2016-2017 Our houses have hard wood floors, ceramic tile, central air, washer and dryer and are close to campus with plenty of parking. We offer a ten month lease so you don’t pay for the months you aren’t here. Please call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Now showing for 2017 & 2018 year 2, 3, and 5 bedrooms homes all close to campus. Call 309-331-4565.

Westen Investments: Leasing season has officailly begun, and we’re showing properties now! 1-5 bedroom houses close to campus are ready to be leased for this upcoming school year! Call our office at 309-833-5995 to schedule an appointment! Stay updated with us on Twitter @Western_Invest STC Investments now leasing for the 18/19 school year. We have 1-6 bedroom apartments/houses ready for you to call home! Check out our selection at www.stcinvestments.com.

You can also find us on Facebook to see daily posts!

.

Leathernecks followed her scoring in double digits. For the Owls' Greenlee scored a game high of 29 points, and was followed by Rollins who scored 17.

The Necks will host Austin Peay this Sunday at 4:30 p.m.

Western will enter with a 2-2 home record this year.

Austin Peay is 0-2 on the road. Western is looking to win two-in-a-row for the first time in the early season.

FILE PHOTO

Taylor Higginbotham dribbles down the court at Western Hall.

LARGE STUDENT RENTALS 5 and 6 Bedroom Homes are still available!! Ask for our $1000.00 Discount program! First come first serve for the last large homes that are open for the fall.

NICE, CLEAN, WELL MAINTAINED 1 TO 6 BEDROOM HOUSES FOR 2017-2018 Our houses have wood floors, ceramic tile, W/D, central air, and are close to campus with plentry of parking. We offer low rent and a 10 month lease to save you money! Call 309-255-1959 for a showing.

Small 1BR apt near campus and downtown. All utilities included. (Electric, Water, DISH, Garbage) $500/month, $300 deposit. Available immediately. Also have 2BR, you pay electric. $600/month, $350 deposit available September 1st. Please contact 309-255-4367 for a showing.

Timbercrest Apartments 1587 Riverview Drive Now showing 1 & 2 Bedroom Units. Very clean, close to WIU campus with bus stop in front of building. Washer/dryer available in most units, all other appliances included, FREE INTERNET, ceiling fans in every room, pet friendly. All units have off street parking and private decks overlooking campus. Both 10- and 12-month leases are available. Openings for Summer 2017 and school year 2017/2018. Deposit required. Phone (309)833-3192 and leave message.

Westen Investments: Are you looking for an apartment? We are now showing our beautiful 1-3 bedroom apartments for this upcoming school year! Don’t like paying for utilities? Ask about our ALL UTILITIES options, and be sure to check out our website (westerninvest.com) to see our listings! Schedule an appointment with us today at 309-833-5995.

The nicer apartments are going fast, excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. Reasonable prices. Studio, 1-3 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

RATES $5.50 per issue (open rate) $4.00 per issue (campus rate)

For Rent Available now: Close to campus, clean studio apartments, excellent condition, reasonable rent, and partly furnished.

Ceiling fans and a/c. Professionally maintained. No pets.

Semester leases offered. Call 309 837 4369 and leave your phone number if not there. Email: MandKhousing@gmail.com ALL APARTMENTS - ALL INCLUSIVE Get control of your budget. Know exactly what you are spending each month. Each apartment includes free a/c, free heat, free electricity, free water, free cable tv, free hi speed internet, and free off street parking. Laundry on site.

No noise policy. Bus stop across the street. Close to campus. Well maintained. Studios are $460/mo, One bedrooms are $620/mo. Call Doug at 309-255-8179 for an appointment.

For Rent: Little Swan Lake, 30 min from campus. 2br, 2bth, heated double car garage with work area. $600 per mo.

(309) 335-2206 after 6:00 pm, may leave message anytime.

Spacious 3 Bedroom Upper in Duplex close to campus and Jackson St. All utilities furnished and appliances Includes cable and internet 18/19 school year $375.00 per Br Ph 309 255 8086 Please leave message Still have some nice large locations available at reasonable prices. Excellent service- 24 hour emergency maintenance. 1-8 bedrooms, locations on/off campus available ‘18-’19 school year. Pets at some locations. Check us out at rentcollegepads.com. If interested, please call F & H Rentals 309/837-1705.

Looking for 2 roommates to share a 3-bedroom furnished house beginning in August for 2018-19. 10- to 12-month contract. New carpet, air, garage w/ storage, laundry. $300 each per month, plus utilities. Call Sharon at 309-338-3888.

Sports 7

Friday, November 30, 2018

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The Bears are back in town The Bears are back. After many seasons of being mirrored in mediocrity, the Bears are finally back on track.

Following a heartbreaking start to the season with a loss to Green Bay, Chicago is now 8-3 with a playoff birth looming for the first time since 2010. This team is unlike any other in the National Football League. They have an elite defense to compliment an upcoming explosive offense.

The rebuild is complete and it could not have gone any better with Ryan Pace at the helm.

Pace took over for the Bears franchise a few years back, and has been the best general manager the Bears have had in a long time. He has single-handedly rebuilt this team from the ground up. He

took on an aging roster after the Lovie Smith and Marc Trestman eras, and told the media from his first press conference that he wants to build his team up through the draft. Something the previous general managers were able to do successfully, and he has been on the ball with many of his draft picks in his tenure catapulting the Bears back to relevancy. He is responsible for almost all the young talent on the roster, and is notorious for being aggressive and trading up for “his guy” in a particular draft. He traded up for Leonard Floyd, Mitchell Trubisky, Eddie Jackson and Anthony Miller all who’ve been superb for the Bears in their young promising careers. Other notable play-

ers he drafted are Eddie Goldman, Jordan Howard, Tarik Cohen, Roquan Smith, Adrian Amos and Jonathan Bullard. Not only has pace been on the money during the drafts, but is also very productive in the offseason.

He has done a great job finding complimentary pieces for his team on the free agent market. He found pro bowler Akeim Hicks, one of the best interior defensive linemen in football early on in his tenure, but it wasn’t really until this past offseason where he made a splash.

He went out and signed a pair of wide receivers to help his young quarterback develop, by signing speedster Taylor Gabriel and the big athletic target of Allen Robinson. He also went out and gave his young quarterback a tight end to throw to by signing Super Bowl hero Trey Burton. On the other side of the ball he re-signed cornerback Kyle Fuller to a team-friendly deal, who cur-

rently leads the NFL in interceptions, and also resigned Prince Amukamara and Bryce Callahan, creating one of the best secondary’s in the entire league. However, his big offseason move was trading for outside linebacker Khalil Mack, and linking him to the richest deal for a defensive player in NFL history. He has made an already great defense even better. We are all witnesses to the resurrection of the Monsters of Midway because of the arrival of Khalil Mack. Almost every player on the defense is in the top-10 of Pro Bowl voting this year, and each player is having a career year because of the “Mack Effect.”

The Bears with an improved offense and the best defense in the NFL are a great team, but lacked a man to tie it all together.

Pace knew something was missing from a leadership standpoint, and that John Fox was not the man destined to lead this Bears team

to the promised land. So what’d he do? He went out and hired one of the brightest young coaching minds in the market, Matt Nagy. Not only was he the former offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, he also helped transform Alex Smith into a MVP candidate a season ago.

Nagy, a disciple of the Andy Reid coaching tree, had all the signs of being a great coach, but as always people had their doubts. However, with two-thirds of the season in the books, the doubts have disappeared after leading his team to an 8-3 record, and creating a culture in the locker room unlike anything we have ever seen before. In Chicago, we talk about the architect of the Bulls dynasty, Jerry Krause being the greatest general manager in Chicago history.

Maybe, just maybe, down the road we will be talking about Pace being the architect of this great Bears team for years to come.

Swimming to take on Truman State

By Brie Coder copy editor

Adam Peterson recorded the ninth best sprint time in school history.

MYANNA PURDUE/COURIER STAFF

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. - With the fall semester just about done, and this year as well, the Western Illinois University men and women’s swim and dive teams have one more meet that they’ll be competing in to wrap up the 2018 season. Western will be taking on the Truman State University Bulldogs this Saturday at 1 p.m.

The last time the Leatherneck teams competed was on Nov. 16-18 at the House of Champions meet in Indianapolis. Western had quite a solid performance with five new top-10 school marks. The first came from junior Brennan Bladel in the 100-back.

Bladel swam his way to 1:50.75, which was a .01 second less than his previous best mark.

Currently, this time is the second-best time in Western Illinois history. It also was enough for Bladel to earn a spot in the C-final.

Another member from the men’s team who got his name in the school record book was freshman Adam Peterson, who sprinted in the 100-free and clocked in at 46.35, which got him the ninth-best mark in school history.

Additionally, another ninthbest mark came from the women’s side as freshman Laramie Reed swam her way to the finish line swiftly at 2:27.62 in the 200-breast.

The women’s freshmen class continued to dominate the meet, when freshmen Caitlin Dassow and Shannon O'Malley both came in a few seconds apart from each other in the

200-fly. Dassow registered in at 2:09.94 and the seventhbest swim record for Western.

O’Malley came in at 2:10.33 placing eighth in the Leatherneck history book.

There are so many talented swimmers and divers and with the freshmen class being so astonishing in the beginning of their athletic careers, there is a good chance that they will be a force to be reckoned with for the next three years, along with the upcoming meets and The Summit League Championship tournament in February.

The Truman Bulldogs will be quite the competition for Western this weekend. On Nov. 16-18, the Bulldogs were on a roll at the Northwestern TYR Invite in Evanston, Ill. For the men’s individual competition, senior Sam Heveroh won both the 100-free (44.52) and the 100 IM (50.31). Next to him was freshman John Breen, who turned in the best time in the 200-breast at 2:06.23, which was a ninth place finish. In addition, Breen finished in fourth place in the 400 free relay with 45.63.

On the women’s side freshman Emma Brabham swam in the “A” final of the 100 IM and placed seventh overall at a time of 1:00.49. Sophomore Allison Garrett came in sixth during the same event and clocked in at 59.97.

The 2018 season has been on the up and up for Western. Once the event at Truman State concludes, the Purple and Gold will start the 2019 season at home on Jan. 11-12. The first event will be against South Dakota and Saint Louis and the second will be against South Dakota again and Eastern Illinois.

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Leathernecks beat down Cougars

By Michael Harms courier staff

Brandon Gilbeck gathers the ball for a shot inside Western Hall against American University.

FILE PHOTO

MACOMB, Ill. — Western Illinois University took on the Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville Cougars on Wednesday night and got their first Division I win at home. The Leathernecks dominated both halves and won with 83-58.

As Western closes in on conference league play, they needed a win after losing three straight games. With a record of 2-4, the young group needed a confidence boost to push them through a tough stretch. Head coach Billy Wright did his job well by keeping his players motivated and focused coming into this game.

They stormed out of the gate giving big man Brandon Gilbeck full authority as he had six straight points for the Leathernecks. His dominance on the defensive side of the ball was highlighted with five blocks on the game, tying him for the lead in the NCAA for most blocks.

The Cougars tried to stay in the hunt as they battled it out

keeping the game within single digits for most of the first half. It was all about their rebounding as they corralled 10 offensive rebounds in the first half alone. Wright at half time was not happy with that statistic and needed it to change.

The first half was coming to an end and the Leathernecks continued to dominate, but couldn’t break away by more than 12. Freshman Zion Young heaved up a jumper from 26 feet out to end any hope of a comeback before half as time expired.

With momentum the Leathernecks didn’t let up coming out of the break going on an 11-2 run and never looked back. First it was Ben Pyle hitting three straight shots from beyond the arc that led a run. Then it was the sophomore pair of Isaac Johnson and Kobe Webster who took over the game.

Men's page 6

Western wallops William Woods

By Brendan Reidy courier staff MACOMB, Ill. — The Western Illinois women’s basketball team defeated William Woods 81-73 on Tuesday night to improve to 2-5 on the early season.

The Owls came in with a 5-2 record, and this did not affect their record because it was just an exhibition match for the NAIA school out of Fulton, Mo. Both times were all squared at 11 in the first five minutes of the game when junior Avery Hamm broke the tie, starting an 8-0 to put the Leathernecks up 19-11 with three minutes to go in the opening quarter. Overall, they ended the first quarter on a 15-8 run to take a 26-19 lead into the second.

The Leathernecks got off to a quick start scoring three baskets from beyond the arc, expanding their lead to 35-24 with six minutes to go in the half. The biggest story in the first half was Peyton Greenlee the junior sharp shooter for the Owls. She scored 20 of the 35 points in the first half, and 11 more in the second quarter.

However, it wasn’t enough to put her team ahead as they trailed the Leathernecks 49-35 at half. Western had eight different players score three or more points in the first half, and Grace Gilmore led the team with 11 points and five rebounds.

The third quarter was a much different story than the first half for the Owls.

They came out firing outscoring the Necks 16-5 fourand-a-half minutes into the half cutting the lead, 54-51.

The Leathernecks adjusted on both sides of the ball and took a 63-56 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Owls cut the halftime lead into half, and outscored Western 21-14.

The Owls were close all night and weren’t going to go away without a fight. With 6:42 to go in the game, the Owls were down by six when Bailey Rollins hit a three, cutting Western’s lead in half at 69-66.

Women's page 6

Grace Gilmore dribbles down the court at a home game against William Woods.

JOSH PURNELL/COURIER STAFF