The Volante W E D N E S D AY, F E B R U A R Y 1 6 , 2 0 2 2
THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887 VERVE (B1, B2)
Former teacher opens bookstore in downtown Vermillion New bookstore opens up in downtown Vermillion called “Outside of a Dog Books and Games”.
VOLANTEONLINE.COM SPORTS (B3, B4)
Coyote women play in sea of pink USD women’s basketball take down Denver 81-53 on Feb. 12.
THE VCDC HOST A LEGISLATIVE CRACKER BARREL AT VERMILLION CITY HALL difficult to find out once you elect them,
Madeline Knau
Madeline.Knau@coyotes.usd.edu
On Feb. 12, The Vermillion Area Chamber and Development Company (VCDC) held a Legislative Cracker Barrel at City Hall. This included South Dakota State Senate District 17 representative Sen. Arthur Rusch, and House of Representatives Sydney Davis and Richard Vasgaard. USD’s professor in political science Michael Card served as the question reader. Card said the VCDC held the event as a way for people in the community to find out what their legislators think and give them a chance to say what they believe or ask questions about bills and share their concerns. “We have these Legislative Cracker Barrels so that the public can find out what their legislators think. And to give them a chance to say, ‘here’s what I think and here’s some of the concerns that I have’ about bills to introduce or bills that are pending in front of the legislatures,” Card said. “We elect our representatives every two years and it’s just
are they doing what you want? And this is a chance to find out and see what they think.” Rusch said he was impressed Vermillion was respectful at the Legislative Cracker Barrel events. Rusch also said he was thankful the VCDC makes an effort to organize these events. “I talked to other legislators who have held Legislative Cracker Barrels and the people are very argumentative but what I’ve noticed is that Vermilion has always been very respectful,” Rusch said. “We’ve always had really decent discussions and you know, even the people who oppose the way I voted have come up and talked to me afterwards. I just have always been impressed with the people here.” The VCDC will also be holding another Legislative Cracker Barrel on Feb. 26 from 9-11 a.m. at the Vermillion City Hall. The legislative Cracker Barrel is also Live Streamed on the VCDC’s Face-
Madeline Knau | The Volante
Community members interact with legislators of District 17 about issues currently facing the State Legislature.
book page.
Heartland Humane Society in desperate need of foster families Machaela Freeman
Machaela.Freeman@coyotes.usd.edu
The Heartland Humane Society in Yankton is having difficulties finding foster families. They’ve been experiencing the staffing shortage since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020 and the numbers haven’t risen to the point they need yet. Executive director Kerry Feilmeier has been working with Heartland Humane Society since 2011. She said Heartland could easily use a dozen foster homes for dogs and the same amount for cats. “The need for kitten fosters is going to be rampant. The puppies don’t rush in as much but we always see a huge (increase) of kittens in the spring,” Feilmeier said. According to Feilmeier, almost every spring the shelter gets multiple litters of kittens. They can’t keep them in the shelter
Machaela Freeman | The Volante
Victoria, a puppy at the Heartland Humane Society, plays with a toy.
get 12 dogs into foster homes, then they can bring 12 more into the shelter. “We operate on a capacity of care, meaning that we only take in as many animals as we have the ability to operate without feeling too overwhelmed,” Feilmeier said. Heartland Humane Society has also been looking for volunteers to work either morning shifts or afternoon shifts. The morning shifts begin at 8 a.m. and the afternoon shifts at 4 p.m. Both shifts consist of socializing and feeding the dogs and cats at the shelter. “If you’re not a morning person, you can come at 4 o’clock and the same routine happens again,” Feilmeier said. Along with fostering and volunteering, the shelter is always looking for donations, especially cat litter and dog food.
because if the kittens are too young to get
“We’re always low on clumping cat litter
vaccinated, they are at risk of becoming sick
and we’ve been low on good dog food to
in the shelter.
feed our dogs dry food. The other thing
Heartland Humane Society currently
that’s more cost effective are sturdy dog toys.
has about 12 cats and 12 dogs. Feilmeier
We use them for enrichment purposes, so
said they average between 25-30 dogs and
we always want the dogs to have them,” said
cats in the shelter, but they are at a low at
Feilmeier.
International Club brings East Africa to USD Allison Horkey
Allison.Horkey@coyotes.usd.edu
Allison Horkey | The Volante Students and community members are served tibes, samasas, rice and balaclava at the event. The meal is inspired by foods from East Africa
the moment. Feilmeier said if the shelter can
The Muenster University Center (MUC) pit on Feb. 9 held the International Club’s second Around the World Wednesday event of the semester, focusing on East Africa. The event started with presentations from two students from East African countries. Ben Onserio, a senior at USD, presented Kenya and senior Hermela Mulugeta presented Ethiopia. After the presentations, the event hosted a meal with traditional East African dishes, followed by a quiz, where attendees could win prizes. The event had about 70 people in attendance. Muntasir Mamun, a graduate student at USD and president of the International Club, said he likes Around the World Wednesday events because of the opportunity to learn about other cultures. “I like to know about the culture and the geographical topics and discussion,” Mamun said. “It is really nice to know about because every country has a different culture, different system and food.” Osamakon Osemwenkhae, graduate student and Student Government Association Liaison for the International Club, said he enjoys planning events to help teach others about the wide variety of cultures at USD.
“I’m most excited about just planning the event and everything … and that I am able to share and be part of something that shares people’s culture,” Osemwenhkhae said. Mamun said he joined the International Club when he came to USD at the beginning of the fall 2021 semester. “I planned to join (the International Club) to find some other international people and some local Americans so that I can learn something from their culture,” Mamun said. “And it is good for making friendships and everything.” The International Club is focused on educating the community about different cultures, Osemwenkhae said. “I think a major focus has been to share culture around the community and just make people aware of other parts of the world,” Osemwenkhae said. “If you check out most of our events, we will have cultures from different parts of the world to try to portray diversity.” The International Club is hosting International Mother Language Day on Feb. 22 in the MUC pit and has two events planned for April, the Festival of Nations and Kites Carnival.
News The Volante I volanteonline.com Coyotes honor breast cancer survivor at pink out game
A2 Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Sydney Johnson| The Volante
The women’s basketball team celebrate academic advisor Becky Jensen at annual pink out game against Denver.
CITY OF VERMILLION POLICE BLOTTER HIGHLIGHTS
5
traffic stops
2
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
An officer responded to a residence for a vehicle theft report. After collecting the information for the theft report, the reporter notified the officer they had forgotten where they left their car, and it was not stolen. Alcohol was a factor.
Vermillion PD investigators began investigating a report of possible embezzlement at a business. The investigation is ongoing. Feb. 7
Officers responded to a report of hearing a woman screaming for help. Upon arrival to the area, a woman in need of medical assistance was located on the sidewalk, and EMS was requested for the woman.
An investigator was asked to respond to a business to begin investigating the theft of cash by an employee. The investigation revealed the employee also attempted to light a fire in the business, which failed to ignite after the employee ran out of the building. The employee was arrested for grand theft and arson in the 2nd degree.
Feb. 6
Feb. 7
An officer conducted a traffic stop. The driver was cited for speeding.
An officer responded to an accident between a vehicle and a parked vehicle on private property to assist with the exchange of information.
Feb. 6
Feb. 6 Officers investigated a report of an assault that occurred in the early morning hours. Investigation continues.
2
assaults
Feb. 7 An officer responded to a vehicle versus light pole accident on private property.
Feb. 8 Officers investigated a felony assault that occurred at a residence. Victim received no-life threatening injuries and alcohol was a factor.
>> Feb. 6 - Feb. 12
thefts
ferred the family to counseling.
Feb. 11
Feb. 10
Officers took a report of a possible sex crime. Investigation continues.
Vermillion PD officers assisted the Union County Sheriff office with an on-going investigation.
Feb. 8
Feb. 10
An officer initiated a traffic stop for a moving violation. The driver was arrested for driving while impaired, possession of a fictitious license, and underage consumption of alcohol.
A Vermillion officer assisted a South Dakota trooper who had stopped an intoxicated driver. The trooper arrested the driver and the officer assisted with impounding the vehicle.
Feb. 9
Feb. 10
An officer located an occupied vehicle in a park that was closed at the time. The officer placed the driver of the vehicle under arrest for driving while impaired after a roadside investigation.
Officers responded to a report of a subject making suicidal statements. Officers located the subject and determined they were not a threat to themselves or others.
Feb. 10 Officers responded to a disturbance at a residence involving parents and their juvenile son. The officers determined that law enforcement assistance was not needed and re-
Professor gets pied for a cause
Feb. 11 Caller reported a subject was on the street nearby asking to purchase “drugs” from people. Officers checked the area but were not able to locate the described subject.
Feb. 12 An officer stopped a vehicle for driving at night with no headlights on. The officer’s investigation found the driver to be in possession of a false driver’s license and was intoxicated. The driver was arrested. Charges are pending. Feb. 12 Officers responded to a report of a college-aged subject who had made statements on social media about wanting to die. Officers met with the subject and helped facilitate getting counseling resources for them. Feb. 12 A local business requested help with a subject who had been told not to return to the business. Officers contacted the subject and the subject was arrested for trespassing.
The Volante Volume 148, No. 1 February 16, 2022 www.volanteonline.com Al Neuharth Media Center 555 N. Dakota St. University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 Adviser Kyle Miller
Allison Horkey news editor
Keeley Thomas news assistant
Rachel Thompson news designer
Madeline Knau verve editor
Rachel Pechous verve designer
Chloe Fullenkamp sports designer
Emma Daggett opinion editor
Jozie Hunter opinion designer
Mission statement The Volante covers issues relevant and interesting to USD students. Faculty, staff and community members are welcome readers, but the newspaper is written and presented for a diverse community of students from the students’ point of view. The paper should provide a variety of information, entertainment and educational opportunities for the readers. The Volante encourages everyone to write letters to the editor. The Volante wishes to be viewed by students as respectable, objective, accurate, fair and trustworthy. If you have comments, concerns or questions, please contact The Volante at 677-5494. The Volante is distributed Wednesdays during the academic year free of charge locally with the cost of $1 for each additional copy. One year subscription rates are $40, which solely covers the mailing costs. The Volante does not endorse, promote or encourage the purchase or sale of any production service advertised in this paper. Advertisements are the sole responsibility of the advertiser. The Volante disclaims all liability for any damage suffered as the result of any advertisement in this newspaper. The Volante reserves the right to refuse any advertising.
Sydney Johnson| The Volante
Media and Journalism professor Gary Larson gets pied at women’s basketball game to raise donations for Unite for USD.
Bailey Zubke photo editor
Maddi Kallsen copy editor
Maddi Kallsen social media director
Kaitlyn Kumm advertising manager
Sydney Johnson editor-in-chief
Bennett Clary
managing editor
News Dispatches from the CDC: celebrating differences at USD
A3 Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Allison Horkey
Allison.Horkey@coyotes.usd.edu
The Center for Diversity and Community (CDC) housed many different organizations on campus. Tiospaye Student Council was one of the student organizations housed within the CDC. Although the CDC was dismantled, these organizations still operate. Sophomore Rachel Overstreet is the president of Tiospaye. Overstreet became president of the Tiospaye Student Council at the beginning of Fall 2021, the CDC’s final semester on campus. Overstreet comes from a multiracial background and identifies as half white and half Choctaw, a Native American Tribe in Oklahoma. Overstreet said the CDC was special because of its ability to educate about experiences and culture. “So, here’s the thing about the CDC. The majority of people in South Dakota have one experience of culture, which I partake in, because part of my family is white,” Overstreet said. “But then, I have this other culture that I’m involved with and I’m super excited about and that’s my Native side. But then, not everyone who is non-white at USD is Native American. I don’t know what their experience is like. I don’t know what their food is like. I don’t know what their songs are like. And the CDC said, ‘learn about that experience,’ and they did it in the most open, wonderful, amazing way.” Last semester, Tiospaye and the CDC hosted a First Friday event. It was the first and only event Overstreet, as president, planned with the CDC. Overstreet said they purposely hosted the event in the Muenster University Center (MUC) pit on a Coyote Visitor Day to increase the visibility of the event. Overstreet was not able to attend the event in person, but even watching the event live streamed brought her to tears. “We wanted as many people to see us and hear us and it was
wonderful. It was beautiful. We had food, we had a couple people speak and we had the (USD Drum Group) perform. And while I was watching from afar, I remember feeling like, okay, we can still do it. We can still be here,” Overstreet said. “We’ve had hundreds and hundreds of years of resilience, and it was another beautiful act of resistance and resilience and the power of…culture and people being able to share all of that with USD. It made the visitor day better, it made the MUC better and it was a wonderful experience for everyone.” For Overstreet, the commitment of time and space by the university to the CDC was symbolically important and a reason why the CDC meant so much to students on campus. The CDC represented an acknowledgment and commitment to people who had different experiences than the majority of South Dakotans. Overstreet said it was hard to have the space taken away. “I was cleaning out the office during finals week, because we had to completely clean it out…and I was taking down all the posters and…the artwork, and I found a bunch of sage that was in a drawer that someone had very clearly, lovingly put away,” Overstreet said. “This place had been set aside for such a beautiful act and such an act of representation is gone now. It’s lost and I just broke down. I cried because it just hurt.” Tiospaye Student Council is still sharing Native American culture, despite the loss of the CDC. Overstreet, in the same spirit of the CDC, wants people at USD to come to the powwow on April 2 and 3 to learn more about her culture and to enjoy everything it has to offer. “Come to the powwow, please,” Overstreet said. “We want everyone there; we want you there. We are so excited for you to be there. The powwow is open to everyone.” The CDC was an umbrella organization for many different organizations representing minorities and the experiences of
Zadya Abbott
USD’s Union of African American Students (UAAS) hosted the “Beyond The Color” event in the MUC ballroom on Feb. 15 in recognition of Black History Month. This formal, RSVP-only event showcased speakers such as Megan Red Shirt-Shaw and Marcus Destin who presented on discovering personal identity beyond race. Sophomore Ntombi Ngeleka, UAAS’s vice president, played a central role in the planning of the event. “There is just so much more to people under the surface,” Ngeleka said. “(The UAAS) wants to bring people together, I think since the beginning, that’s what the Union’s been for.”
This event’s speakers, Red Shirt-Shaw and Destin, both spoke on how the event provided space for USD students to engage in conversation about their respective lived experiences being perceived in the bodies they inhabit while hearing and relating to the lived experience of the speakers themselves. UAAS is made up of approximately 120 students. The diversity in the members of the Union provided them with motivation to select event speakers that successfully differed to the point of being able to innately appeal to a larger variety of students’ stories, Ngeleka said. Destin is the university’s social media and brand engagement coordinator and is also involved in several campus organizations including the UAAS and the Cultural
Rachel Alexander | The Volante
Community member watches Super Bowl at the Dakota Center.
Vermillion’s Dakota Center hosts party for community to view Super Bowl LVI Rachel Alexander
rachel.alexander01@coyotes.usd.edu
Submitted | The Volante
Rachel Overstreet, Tiospaye Student Council president, remembers how the CDC celebrated diversity. minorities, but Overstreet said the CDC did so much more than just represent the difficulties and struggles of being a minority. The CDC was about the differences between minorities and why each culture is special and worthy of a place at USD. “We get caught up in how hard it is, and we forget to celebrate how wonderful it is and how wonderful it is to be who you are, because of all of the people who came before you,” Overstreet said. “The CDC was
like, yes, it is hard. It can be hard to be different. It can be hard to not have everyone look like you or talk like you or sound like you. But it’s beautiful, and it’s wonderful. And the focus of the CDC wasn’t on how hard it is. It was on how beautiful it is.” This is the second installment of a series recording the experiences of students and faculty involved with the former Center for Diversity and Community.
UAAS encourages everyone ‘not to be defined solely by the color of our skin’
Zadya.Abbott@coyotes.usd.edu
The Volante | volanteonline.com
Wellness Coalition. “(The event) offers the campus and community to open up the conversation more when it comes to diversity,” Destin said. “This event is asking us to think beyond and ask what happens when we look beyond the immediate identities we know and start to peel back the layers.” Red Shirt-Shaw, the university’s director of native student services, led the “Beyond the Color” event’s conversation alongside Destin. “It’s really important for us to create spaces on campus where people are celebrated for the lived experiences that they bring to the table, and I think talking about the ways that we see the world, the way that we experience the world only brings a better understanding of each other in our community to the table,” Red Shirt-Shaw said. “This
event is critically important because the ways that people experience the world are different and we need to have more conversations about what that impact is on other people’s experiences as well.” The invitation to attend the event was open to all USD students and the surrounding community. “Although the title may be ‘Beyond the Color,’ it does not mean the color of your skin is being ignored,” Destin said. “Instead, I hope this conversation encourages us to not be defined solely by the color of our skin but by the experiences within that make or have made us who we are.” The next event hosted by UAAS will be their fourth annual Ruby Ball on March 5.
Having been open for about a month now, the Dakota Center hosted a Super Bowl viewing party for Vermillion community members this past weekend. On Feb.13 members of the community gathered to watch the game. Owner Eric Vanvoorst said the Dakota Center decided to host a Superbowl as part of community outreach to help bring more people to their facility. Having this location open for a short time, they wanted people to be able to see their space and experience the Dakota Center. “This space is available, so we wanted to make it available for people who didn’t necessarily have a good place to watch the game,” Vanvoorst said. The Dakota Center had 160 seats available to the public to come and watch the game projected onto a big screen. Collin Lind, the co-owner of the Dakota Center, spoke about the event Sunday and expressed gratitude for those who came to the
event. “We didn’t have any set expectations, so we were excited for our first event and want to create more awareness for future events,” Collin said. Alaina Lind, events coordinator with the Dakota Center, said the event was for the duration of the Super Bowl while food was served from 5-8 p.m. For the event package, adults were $20 and had a buffet, two drink tokens and a $20 fun card included with the viewing. Kids were $15 for admission and received a $10 fun card and were part of a coloring contest. “We wanted to be a place where parents could sit back and have drinks while their kids played,” Alaina said. Alaina said aside from the viewing party, there is more the Dakota Center has to offer. On Feb. 16, they are hosting a wine and canvas night. Participants over 21 can pay $45 for two glasses of wine, sausage, cheese and crackers and paint.
Public Library hosts selfawareness workshop
Submitted | The Volante
Kelly Ashby of Kelly Ashby Consulting, will talk about selfawareness at Vermillion Public Library. Karlee Phillips
Karlee.Phillips@coyotes.usd.edu
Bennett Clary | The Volante
Keynote speakers Marcus Destin and Megan Red Shirt-Shaw talk about their experiences as people of color in predominently white institutions.
Bennett Clary | The Volante
President Ashley Charlie gave introduction speech before sharing video with students giving testomonies.
Kelley Ashby of Kelley Ashby Consulting will be hosting a workshop at the Vermillion Public Library on the Benefits of SelfAwareness & How to Develop It on Feb. 16 at 7 p.m. The event focuses on teaching others how to become more selfaware in one’s mental health. Ashby has presented similar workshops in the past and wants to provide further insight for community members. “The main thing I want people to take away from this is how much our emotions impact our ability to make good decisions, behaviors and performances and to be tuned in to what you are feeling moment to moment,” Ashby said. Kelley Ashby Consulting provides training and consulting services for its clients to help build leadership and success among the work environment. Ashby is the president, owner and consultant for the firm and has 25 years of experience working in the industry. “My company’s mission is to grow and strengthen high performing individuals and teams. I try to pull emotional intelligence, resilience and how to inspire others’ performance into everything I do,” Ashby said. Vermillion Public Library’s public relations and adult programming specialist Kendra Brewer helped to organize the event and felt mental
health was an important topic that needed to be covered. “I was focusing on mental health and self-care because I think that we need to remind ourselves that even though there is a lot going on out there, we still need to take care of ourselves. Bettering ourselves should be important,” said Brewer. Brewer said the importance of recognizing self-awareness and learning to listen to what the body is trying to say. “If you’re self-aware enough, you can pay attention to what your body is trying to say to you. Then, you can apply it to all aspects of your life, such as job interviews and other responsibilities you have in the way (of) understanding yourself,” said Brewer. Ashby will be engaging her audience in various activities and topics she will be discussing including the importance of emotional intelligence. “I know a lot of people have been undergoing a lot of stress as it relates to the past few years. This information will be helpful to anyone who has any sort of stress in their day-to-day life,” Ashby said. The event welcomes everyone in the Vermillion area. Those interested can attend the event either in person or via Zoom. The library asks those who wish to be present via Zoom register in advance by filling out the registration form on the library’s website.
Opinion
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2022
THE VOLANTE
VOLANTEONLINE.COM/OPINION
EDITORIAL
Editorial: The Super Bowl: a social event, not a sporting event
“
The Super Bowl is a popular sporting event that takes place every year. Millions of fans and partygoers gather around the TV to watch the game unfold. With time, it has come to be understood that the Super Bowl is not just for the game. The food, halftime show and commercials have become an attraction in and of themselves. “A survey of 2,000 American adults asked respondents to top reasons for getting together on the biggest sporting day of the year - and found that food topped the list (56%),” said The New York Post. During Super Bowl Sunday, people often throw caution to the wind and eat until they’re full and then some. The massive spread of food is enticing for all. The most popular foods
With time, it has come to be understood that the Super Bowl is not just for the game. The food, halftime show and commercials have become an attraction in themselves. ”
people have during a Super Bowl party are chicken wings, pizza and chips and dip. In the Midwest, a lot of people are fond of little smokies. It’s not only the food that draws people in, the halftime show has also become a huge part of watching the game. Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar, 50 Cent, Mary J. Blige and Eminem all came together for a
great show. Many people have begun arguing it may be the best show yet. The halftime show has become a performance nearly everyone wants to see. In the past few years the average television audience has been roughly 100 million people. This is the perfect opportunity for companies to polish their brand’s name. It brings people enjoyment to see all of
the new commercials. Past years have produced somber or serious commercials, but this year there was a wide range of positive and upbeat commercials. There was little mention of the pandemic in commercials this year. Every year there are a few iconic commercials people will remember for years to come. This year, people were on the edge of their seats and surprised with a few commercials. Coinbase used its commercial to bounce a QR code around the screen. The website crashed because so many people scanned it and went to their website. Colin Jost and Scarlett Johansson were in an ad for Amazon Alexa and what might happen if
Alexa could read minds. Puppymonkeybaby, premiering in Super Bowl L, will forever make people uncomfortable. Budweiser’s commercials are heartwarming when the puppy and the horse become friends. Of course, who can forget in 2010 when 88-year-old Betty White was tackled during a game of football. Even if the game isn’t exciting, there is always something else for people to enjoy. The Super Bowl has become a chance for people to get together and have fun. Not only is it fun, it has become a cultural experience for Americans to enjoy.
The importance of reading ELISABETH KLUIN is a sophomore majoring in history and English.
Reading is a reward. The action of falling in love with a plot, characters and everything in between helps reading serves, to spark imagination in those daring enough to embark on the epic journey. B o o k s c re a t e t h i n k e r s , p h i l o s o p h e r s a n d f u t u re a u t h o r s. A l o n g w i t h re a d i n g’s ability to serve students with writing,
speaking and composing skills, books a l s o h e l p t o c re a t e a n i m a g i n a r y, a n c i e n t o r c u r re n t w o r l d w i t h n e w i d e a s and information. Books help to explore questions of reasoning and open the mind to explore what we consider valuable. Reading takes us on literary journeys of historical critiques, the beginnings of writing and languages and analysis throughout the ages. Our memory is further developed and our ability to acquire and retain knowledge is greatly increased. Our lives become whole with books and the ability to read. But most importantly, reading allows us to imagine and dream in ways never considered before. For example, fairy tales help to teach a lesson of right versus wrong in a creative and inclusive way. To read is to entertain
oneself with the ideas of gaining a deeper understanding of not only the text, but life. Reading allows you to consider adopting a similar whimsical style to your own dreams. Books inspire future generations to become authors, artists and actors. Reading is important and you not only gain a beautiful imaginative story you can possibly turn into a reality, but also the memories and shared moments of closeness reading brought you through the characters, fellow readers and the entire literary realm. Reading sends you on a fantastic journey of understanding, compassion, inventiveness and so much more. It all starts with a book and an eager mind ready to explore!
The Volante Sydney Johnson, editor-in-chief Bennett Clary, managing editor Tavin Carncross, sports editor
EDITORIAL BOARD
Madeline Knau, verve editor Emma Daggett, opinion editor
THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887
CONTACT US The Volante welcomes letters to the editor in regards to campus, local, state and national issues. Letters will be edited for clarity and length and will be printed as space allows. Please limit letters to 300 words or fewer. The Volante reserves the right to hold letters for publication in a later issue. Submissions must include the author’s name, address, telephone number, year in school and major or job title. Letters must be exclusively for The Volante. We will not publish anonymous letters.
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Opinion
The Volante I volanteonline.com
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 A5
PSA: You don’t need to be good at your hobbies MARISSA BRUNKHORST is a sophomore majoring in media and journalism. Everyone has hobbies or, at least, everyone should have hobbies. Hobbies are some of the only things that keep college students afloat, not just college students, most adults. However, in our culture there is the idea that your hobbies have to lead to some greater good for others or for yourself: exercising leads to a healthy body or the blanket you sewed needs to be donated. This is a lie we need to stop telling ourselves and
others. This lie is often what prevents us from trying anything new. If a bad singer stops singing, how can they ever become a good singer? Finding active rest in life is what can refresh the mind and give a person something to look forward to that isn’t studying or working. So much of our day-to-day life consists of doing something that’s supposed to push us further or to accomplish a certain goal, whether that’s a degree, a promotion or a new relationship. While some may think that’s the point of hobbies, it’s important to realize you don’t have to be good at any of your hobbies or accomplish anything through them.
If what you enjoy is falling on your butt roller skating or throwing paint on a canvas, keep doing it. Where did the idea come from that you have to be good or excel at everything you do? If we are supposed to take time for ourselves, but then are expected to be extremely successful during that time of care, then what’s the point of even taking the time to attempt to relax? With new year’s resolutions still looming over our heads, the desire to pick up a new skill is strong and the pressure to not only meet those expectations, but also exceed them, is too strong. There is so much pressure we put on
WEEKLY POLL: What wa s yo u r f avor ite Su p e r B owl ha l f t i me show ?
2022 - Dr. Dre
70%
2021- The Weeknd
5%
2020 - Jennifer Lopez
12%
2019 - Maroon 5
13%
*Out of 43 voters Let us hear your voice by voting in @VolanteOpinion weekly polls on Twitter.
OVERHEARDS
ourselves already. Adding another of having to be good at our hobbies, or the things we are supposed to enjoy, ruins the fun in having hobbies. Our worth and value as people needs to stop being measured by our productivity. This can begin by allowing ourselves time to freely indulge in things that interest us without thinking about what could come out of it. Simply put, people need to start enjoying the process of doing or creating something and stop worrying about the outcome or eventual product it could produce, good or bad.
Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week. Context is for suckers.
“That man would be so unstable afterwards.” — Al Neuharth Media Center
“Ben and Jerry aren’t real people, just like Helen Keller.” — Coyote Village
“Get yourself a car and leave your parents.” — Al Neuharth Media Center
“I love that it’s ghetto because someone spilled something.” — MUC
“I’ve got two pennies on my nightstand.” — Coyote Village
“Women only get boyfriends to be heaters.” “Yeah, men are just blankets.” — MUC
“They should help you, they want your money.” — Old Main
“It took a lot for me to get out of bed this morning but I did it.” — MUC
“I had a nightmare about fonts last night.” — Old Main
IT’S A NUMBERS GAME From cnn.com and nypost.com
$6.5M
The average amount of money companies paid for a 30-second commercial during the 2022 Super Bowl.
50%
The percentage of people who said they had chicken wings at their Super Bowl Party.
70
The average number of commericals played throughout the Super Bowl.
7
The average amount of hours people spend preparing for the Super Bowl.
54%
The percentage of people who attended a Super Bowl party for social reasons.
38%
The percentage of people who watch the Super Bowl for just the commercials.
Go figure, it’s harder than Find more opinions on our I thought website. EMMA DAGGETT is a sophomore majoring in English.
This past year, I have been working at an ice rink. It is a lot of fun and a pretty easy job. Thankfully, I never had to learn how to ice skate while I was there. With the Winter Olympics underway, I wanted to see how well I could do. I knew I couldn’t do what the Olympians could because they have been practicing for years. If I work at an ice rink, surely I should know how to ice skate. I thought it couldn’t be too hard, right?
I was so wrong. I can’t even begin to count how many times I fell on my face. One time, I hit a low point and tried using one of the walkers for little kids. Somehow I still fell. It was even more embarrassing because when I was laying on my back trying to figure out why the sky was in front of my face, a little kid skated up to me and asked if I was okay. After I reassured the kid I was okay and did not need them to call an ambulance, I hobbled as quickly as I could to the warming house. I am not going to lie, I thought about crawling instead of walking. When I got back to the regular ground, I took my skates off and didn’t go back on the ice for a few days.
It took me a few hours to learn how to look like I knew what I was doing. It is so much worse than high heels. The people who tell you ice skating is the same as roller skating are lying to you. Do not believe them. Now, I am watching the Olympics and the figure skaters and I am in awe. They are jumping and spinning in the air. Them skating and dancing on ice is 10x more graceful and elegant than I can even walk. The amount of work they put into routines is impressive. Attempting to ice skate myself has made me see just how awesome these athletes are and I hope they are satisfied with what they do.
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News The Volante | volanteonline.com CAB aims to bring energy to campus through Stuff-a-Buddy event
A6 Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Bailey Zubke | The Volante
Student stuffs rhino from CAB Stuff-a-Buddy program. CAB plans to hold a crafting event at the end of the month. Madeline Knau
Madeline.Knau@coyotes.usd.edu
On Feb. 11 USD’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted the Stuff-a-Buddy event in the MUC pit with 150 students in attendance. Kate Solberg, the president of CAB, said they felt it would be a good way to spruce up the spring semester and bring some energy. Solberg said the number of stuffed animals increases every time and she always enjoys seeing the excitement of the participants when they pick out their animals. “It’s always fun to see the excitement and the animal choices or options that are available and increasing every single time we order new ones,” Solberg said. “It’s always fun to see what is available and which ones that we think are going to go well versus the ones that actually do go well.” Jack Richards, the graduate assistant for CAB, said that with midterms coming up it is a good stress reliever for a lot of students and it is a way for people to know about CAB.
“It’s just to have a little bit of fun and you get to keep the stuffed animal and it’s a good time for everyone,” Richards said. “Out of all the events that CAB has done, besides the concert, this probably gets the most traction and is really helpful for all the students and they always seem to enjoy it.” Solberg said she enjoys seeing so many people together and their pure happiness. Solberg said some people use the stuffed animals for their pets or to sleep with them at night. “I think it just brings so many people so much happiness, and it’s kind of a silly thing, college kids and stuffed animals, but I don’t know, maybe it’s nostalgia. It’s kind of like the Build-A-Bear experience but with USD,” Solberg said. “I know people who use them for their dogs and I have some friends who sleep with them every night. It’s like we’re children at heart, who might as well kind of feed into that.” CAB plans to host an event called Crafting with CAB on Feb. 24 and a collaboration with Charlie’s Cupboard in March. They will also hand out midterm survival kits on the Wednesday before spring break.
Vermillion restaurant hosts prom for local community Karlee Phillips
Karlee.Phillips@coyotes.usd.edu
Karlee Phillips | The Volante
Bunyan’s Bar and Grill hosts prom for Vermillion community to raise funds for Leo Taggart.
Bunyan’s Bar and Grill hosted its 10th annual prom at their restaurant Saturday night. The event welcomed the Vermillion public to come together for a cause to support a fellow community member. This year, the restaurant raised funds for Leo Taggart to assist him with medical and travel expenses after suffering a stroke. Heidi Schoellerman, owner of Bunyan’s, said the restaurant prides itself on reaching out to those in need. “Our mission is always to help the community and make sure we are trying to be as supportive of our community as possible. We’ve used this event to help kids, cancer patients and other organizations like the backpack program,” Schoellerman said. After Schoellerman’s husband attended a similar prom event in Nebraska, the two decided they wanted to continue the tradition in South Dakota. During the prom event, the regular kitchen was closed and people could enjoy the presence of one another. Liza Felber, a waitress at the restaurant, said this was a great way for the public to come together. “Since this is a smaller town, everyone knows everyone and so this is a great way for people to further connect. It’s not something that a lot of places usually do, but I’m really glad that Bunyan’s does,”
Unite for USD hosts fundraiser pre-party Miles Amende
Miles.Amende@coyotes.usd.edu
File | The Volante
Unite for USD intends to raise funds for Charlie’s Cupboard for the second year.
Felber said. Adults and children were invited to the prom, with children permitted to stay until 10 p.m. Those attending were encouraged to provide at least a ten-dollar donation at the door to help Taggart. Guests could enjoy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and socializing with one another. Other activities to partake in included a silent auction and a door raffle drawing. The theme was retro tiedye and attendees were encouraged to dress up for the prom. People were welcome to come and go at their convenience. Brian and Holly Steffen have attended the restaurant’s annual prom for several years. Brian said the event emphasized the importance of bringing everyone together for a good cause. “We’ve been coming to this event every year and it’s always a great time. It’s great to be able to support someone each year and get to know other people,” Brian said. All proceeds were gifted to Taggart who was also in attendance at the event surrounded by several of his family members and friends.
Tuesday night, the USD Foundation hosted a Unite for USD pre-party at Fernson Brewing Company in Sioux Falls. The event took place 5-7 p.m. and saw students, faculty and donors congregate in preparation for the foundation’s annual fundraiser. “I think donors will really benefit from getting to meet some of the students and some of the people from the foundation… to know where their money is being
donated,” Nathan Popp, president of Charlie’s Cupboard and student representative for Unite for USD, said. Last year, Popp said Unite for USD raised around $25,000 by 417 individual donors for Charlie’s Cupboard—the student initiative for 2021, as well as for 2022—a record which Popp is hoping will be broken this year. The 2022 Unite for USD campaign begins Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 10:58 a.m. and will end Thursday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m.
Verve
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 THE VOLANTE
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FORMER TEACHER OPENS BOOKSTORE IN DOWNTOWN VERMILLION
Jozie Hunter | The Volante Vermillion’s new bookstore celebrated Valentine’s Day by setting up a “Blind Date with a Book” where shoppers can read a short description of the book that is wrapped inside. Jozie Hunter
Jozie.Hunter@coyotes.usd.edu
Outside of a Dog Books & Games is an independent bookstore that sells games, gifts and hosts different events for the Vermillion community. Prior to opening day on Nov. 20, 2021, bookstore owner Mike Phelan did not know one day he would be opening a bookstore in downtown Vermillion. For most of Phelan’s career, he was a teacher. “I spent most of my career as a teacher
learn in the process of opening a store,
Marx, “outside of a dog, a book is a man’s
how to sell the products and finding a
best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark
physical space.
to read.”
Phelan was able to receive help
Outside of a Dog Books & Games has a
from the Vermillion community and
large collection of games to play and buy.
the Vermillion Area Chamber and
The collection varies from two person
Development Company. By creating a
games, group games, games that take an
crowd-funding campaign, Phelan asked
hour and even some that might take six
for support from the community.
months. To help customers learn more
“We had people donate just a few
about the games being sold, the store
bucks to help us get one more book on
plans to host game nights. Customers
the shelf,” Phelan said.
can stop by and play for free, and then get
at all different levels. From sixth grade up
Outside of a Dog Books & Games was
through teaching linguistics at Ohio State
able to raise over $12,000 to get their store
Along with game nights, Phelan also
University for nine years,” Phelan said.
started. To say thank you to the people
plans to do more events like author
who donated, the store is decorated with
events, in-store poetry and open mic
pictures of dogs owned by the donors.
nights.
After noticing there was not a literary bookstore in a college town, it was Phelan’s wife Jennifer who came up with
The name Outside of a Dog Books &
the idea to open one. There was a lot to
Games comes from a quote by Groucho
a discount if they buy that day.
“We would love for college students to come check us out,” Phelan said.
Jozie Hunter | The Volante
After opening Nov. 20, 2021 on Main Street, the bookstore is the only current literary bookstore in Vermillion.
Zoë Kravitz leads thriller in HBO Max’s new film Kimi Rachel Thompson
Rachel.R.Thompson@coyotes.usd.edu
Writer David Koepp and Director Steven Soderbergh came together and made the
excellently. There is no doubt
should be done. Through the
that she is a great actress. I
technology Angela uses is how
guess my problem with all of
the
audience
understands
the roles I have seen her in
and
connects
to
Angela.
is she plays characters with
The film is clearly solely
so much potential and suave
focused on Angela, but does
that you fall in love with her.
bring in some side story lines
Then the movie is over, her
that don’t exactly hurt the story
character is killed, the show is
but at the same time lessen
canceled. So many examples
the
of her just being cut right
The side storylines are solely
before she is about to shine
to progress Angela’s along.
on an Oscar and Emmy level.
This film might sound
At least in the film “Kimi,”
familiar, the character who is a
she is the lead. All eyes are on
shut-in is witness to something
her and Kravitz doesn’t waste
horrifying
it. This is probably the first role
they can to solve the mystery.
I have seen her in where her
Kind of like a recent show I
character is given a justified
reviewed. “Kimi” doesn’t quite
and proper end. It still sucks
care it’s something similar to
are also experiencing COVID-
because the film is only an hour
what you have heard, because
19. Angela comes across a
and a half. This film could have
it knows it’s story is solid.
recording in her work of a
easily become a standout in her
“Kimi” is enjoyable and
crime being committed. In
career. They had to play it safe.
is able to keep you engaged
her attempt to help the victim
Besides the fact the film
in the moment. I honestly
and report it, she must face
is short, the writing done by
didn’t know how it was going
her fear of going outside of
Koepp is solid, like everything
to end when in the climax,
her apartment. Unfortunately
he does. The introduction
but it all came together in a
she is also met with the people
of the main character Angela
clever and complete
trying to cover up the crime.
is
film “Kimi,” released on Feb. 10, on HBO Max. The film stars Zoë Kravitz as the lead of this technologically fueled thriller. The film “Kimi” follows Angela, played by Kravitz, who works for a tech company. The tech company is called Kimi, a virtual assistant like Alexa or Siri, the only difference being mistakes aren’t solved by an AI, but rather a real life person like Angela helps solve it. Angela has a fear of going outside and experiencing new situations. In this world they
practically
flawless
audience’s
and
experience.
does
what
way.
and
It’s worth the watch because
Everything I’ve seen Kravitz
should be studied for how
it gives you all you need, and
in, she stands out. She does
main character introductions
it’s hard to complain with that.
HBO Max | The Volante
Verve
B2 Wednesday, February 16, 2022
The Volante | volanteonline.com
The Super Bowl halftime show hits fans with nostalgia Tavin Carncross
Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu
Even though the Super Bowl is over and many people in America are upset their favorite young quarterback Joe “Shiesty” Burrow lost in the big game, we can all remember that it was the greatest halftime performance to ever happen and your parents might agree, too.
the stage and then throwing up the “C” for Crips. He was literally
City” where he was standing inside boxes with all of his backup
showing his gang affiliation on stage and nobody cared.
dancers which was kind of weird to me. He then sang “Alright”
Then, Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg meet on the middle stage for another song called “California Love” by 2Pac. The only person
which perfectly describes his weird performance. Next was Detroit’s very own Eminem, or as the cool kids like to
there from that song was Dr. Dre. Rumors speculated that a
call him, “The Real Slim Shady,” who quite literally made a block
hologram of 2Pac was going to show up, but sadly never did.
explode singing “Forgot About Dre’’ then transitioning to every
The star-studded cast of people your parents remember of Dr. Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg then pointed below them after they
millennials’ and Gen Z’s favorite song “Lose Yourself” from his
Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige and a special appearance from were done singing to introduce 50 Cent. 50 Cent hung upside down
movie 8 Mile.
50 Cent, who looks more like one dollar due to inflation. They also included Eminem and Kendrick Lamar. Pepsi wanted to hit everyone with nostalgia with the artists and it worked. The first shot you see live in the stadium is Dr. Dre on a mixer board the size of a college dorm room inside of Sofi Stadium.
to sing one of his most famous songs “In Da Club.” 50 Cent then looks up back to Mary J. Blige sang her songs “Family Affair” and “No More Drama.” I am sorry to any Blige fans but I did not know who she was before she sang her songs. I then
Dr. Dre takes back over and plays the piano which transitioned into the song “Still D.R.E” where he sang most of the song with the Dogg himself, Snoop Dogg. That ended the greatest halftime show ever. Having some of
went and looked her up and said “Oh, she sings that song.” We also
the most influential artists in rap, in the past, Dr. Dre, Mary J. Blige,
with their song “The Next Episode” from Dre’s album 2001 released
got the iconic meme of her lying on the stage looking up at the sky
Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent, and then having the more current artists
in 1999. Confusing right? The song alone probably would’ve made
which was a great moment.
Eminem and Kendrick Lamar.
Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg then started off the halftime music
it the greatest halftime show, but they kept going. Along with them singing, you can see Snoop Dogg literally Crip walking across
Kendrick Lamar was up next which some parents might have not known who he was. Kendrick Lamar came out to “M.A.A.D
The only thing I could’ve asked for was the hologram of Tupac Shakur.
Activities to do indoors to escape the cold: 1. Origami
2. Grow some plants
5. Learn to sew 6. Play board games or do a puzzle 7. Watch a documentary 8. Yoga 9. Read 10. Bake or cook 11. Crochet 12. Play video games 13. Learn a new skill (photography, drawing) 14. Play an instrument
3. Scrapbook or bullet journal
4. Do crafts
Netflix
Sports
Wednesday, February 16, 2022 THE VOLANTE
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COYOTE WOMEN PLAY IN SEA OF PINK Tavin Carncross
Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu
The Coyote women’s basketball team came back to Vermillion following their loss to in-state rival South Dakota State (SDSU). USD’s record was 11-1 in Summit League play and 20-5 overall this season following the match-up against the Jackrabbits. The Coyotes took on the Omaha Mavericks on Feb. 10 and the Denver Pioneers on Feb. 12. USD took down the Omaha Mavericks 61-35 in a game where the Coyotes shot 4-of-26 from 3-point range. Senior guard Chloe Lamb led the game in scoring where she put up 11 points on 4-of-9 shooting. She also had a team high of five assists. The South Dakota defense held the Mavericks to 11 points
through the first two quarters. Four players had two steals in the game leading to the Coyotes’ 11 total game steals. Senior center Hannah Sjerven also contributed with a game high of three blocks. The Mavericks senior forward Mariah Murdie led the way for them with eight points and five rebounds. Six of her points came in the fourth quarter of the game along with her two blocks. Following the win against Omaha, the women took on Denver in the annual pink out while 2,142 fans cheered them on. USD celebrated the game by giving away the four seniors’ pink basketball jerseys. The jerseys were bid on throughout the week and the money went to the Dakota Hospital Foundation in Vermillion. USD also gave out pink t-shirts and beanies to students attending the game. The Coyotes beat the Pioneers 81-53 where USD had four players score in double figures. The Pioneers’ junior forward Uju Ezeudu led the game in scoring
where she put up 16 points, 12 of them coming in the first half. Ezeudu also had seven rebounds and three assists. For the Coyotes, there were two players who scored 15 points, the first being Sjerven and the second being freshman guard Grace Larkins. The 15 point scoring night from Larkins was her career high. She shot 6-of-10 from the field and drained her only 3-point attempt of the night. The other two Coyotes who put up double figure points were Lamb and senior guard Liv Korngable who scored 14 and 10 points, respectively. With these two wins for the Coyotes, they moved to 13-1 in Summit League play and kept their No. 1 seed in the conference. Their next games will be on the road Feb. 17 and 19 against St. Thomas and Western Illinois, respectively.
Adam Pearson | The Volante The women’s basketball team beat the Denver Pioneers 81-53 in their annual pink out game. The game was highly attended with a crowd of 2,142 patrons. The Coyotes are one the road for the next two games against St. Thomas and Western Illinois.
Emily Kahn finds home in the DakotaDome pool Machaela Freeman
Machaela.Freeman@coyotes.usd.edu
Emily Kahn is a freshman freestyle swimmer at USD and has been breaking records since she committed to the university. Prior to Kahn’s commitment, she was a four event state qualifier in her first three seasons at George Washington High School. During her junior year, she placed second in the 100-meter freestyle and finished fifth in the 200-meter freestyle. Kahn set a new school record at USD this season in the 50-meter freestyle with an end time of 26.41 seconds at a meet against Omaha. She also won the 100-meter freestyle and came in second in the 200meter medley relay. “I’m really excited for my next three seasons now and I’m really grateful for the opportunities that I’ve been given here,” Kahn said. Heading into Summit League competitions, training looked a little different for Kahn and her team. They put in a lot of extra work to get the outcomes they wanted, Kahn said. Her team spent extra time in the weight room and in the pool. “After Christmas break, we got here and we’ve just been putting in a lot of work in the pool and in the weight room doing conditioning. I’ve been keeping in mind that I have a lot of goals for myself,” Kahn said. Kahn has been swimming since she was six years old. Once COVID19 hit and she wasn’t able to swim as much, she was devastated and couldn’t wait to get back in the pool, Kahn said. “I realized how much I loved to swim and how big of a part of my life it was,” Kahn said. “Once I had the chance to get back in the pool, I never took it for granted again.” Kahn said she enjoys being a part of the swimming and diving team at USD. She has loved going to all the meets this year, and she enjoys the supportive atmosphere from her fellow teammates and coaches. “We all get up and cheer for each other and that made every week a unique and fun experience,” Kahn said. Although Kahn doesn’t know where she sees herself in the future regarding her swimming career, she said swimming will always be a part of her life.
Submitted Photo | The Volante Freshman Emily Kahn has set a new record for the 50-meter freestyle in her first season as a Coyote. Kahn continues to make waves for the Coyotes with her freestyle success.
Sports
B4 Wednesday, February 16, 2022
The Volante | volanteonline.com
Track and field rack up records in trip across Midwest
Coyotes traveled to Washburn University to compete in the Ichabod Mid-Week Challenge. They broke a 24 year old record in the 4x400 relay. Tavin Carncross
Tavin.Carncross@coyotes.usd.edu
Madison Martinez | The Volante Coyotes traveled up to Brookings to compete in one event. Junior Abby Rippenda had the best finish, where she finshed sixth in the 3000-meter.
South Dakota track and field had a busy week competing in two events on Feb. 11 and 12. They first traveled to Washburn University in Kansas to compete in the Ichabod Mid-Week Challenge. In the meet, the Coyotes broke a school record in the 4x400 relay. The four person team of freshmen Moe Bridgen, Jacy Pulse, Sara Reifenrath and Anna Robinson broke the USD record with a time of 3:43.12. The record had previously gone unbroken for 24 years. Sophomore Eerik Haamer also captured the win in men’s pole vault with a season best of 18-1 (5.51m). Haamer also moved to seventh in the nation with this jump. Haamer wasn’t the only person jumping a season best as sophomore Gen Hirata cleared her previous best with a 14-2 ¾ (4.34m) height. Her jump moved her to No. 12 in the nation and one spot ahead of her freshman teammate Marleen Mülla. Sophomore Lydia Knapp led the way to a Coyotes’ sweep in the women’s weight throw with a throw of 64-10 ½ (19.77m). She was followed by her teammates freshman Delaney Smith, freshman Maggie Heesch and sophomore Meredith Clark who finished in second, third and fourth, respectively.
Madison Martinez | The Volante
USD had one athlete compete in the women’s 800meter. Senior Alli Wroblewski came out on top out of 12 athletes, and finished with a time of 2:16.97. Junior Jessie Sullivan capped off the challenge with a win in the men’s weight throw. He threw his new personal best 68-9 (20.95m). Sullivan also found himself 27th in the nation for weight throw following this new personal best. Sullivan also moved into fifth place in USD history in shot put with a throw of 56-11 ¼ (17.35m). The Coyotes then traveled to Brookings to compete in the South Dakota State classic inside of the Sanford Jackrabbit Athletic Complex. There were eight total events held inside the complex, however the Coyotes only competed in the women 3000meter. Junior Abby Ripperda was the Coyotes’ best finisher in the event. Ripperda finished in sixth place with a time of 10:24.93. Three other runners competed in the event. Sophomore Renee Thompson finished just slightly behind Ripperda, finishing in 11th with her time of 10:29.97. They were followed by freshman Abbie Schmidt who finished in 13th and sophomore Haley Miller who finished in 14th. USD’s next event will be in Lincoln, Nebraska where the team will compete in the Nebraska Tune-Up on Feb. 18 right before the Summit League tournament on Feb. 25-26 in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
USD softball takes home four wins after weekend in Texas Bailey Zubke
Bailey.Zubke@coyotes.usd.edu
A rain delay Saturday forced the Coyote softball team’s game against Wichita State back a day, but it didn’t stop the Coyotes from upsetting the No. 25 Shockers in Huntsville, Texas Sunday afternoon. The win capped off a 4-1 weekend for the Coyotes to open their 2021 season. Sunday’s win over Wichita State is also head coach Robert Wagner’s 100th career win. The Coyotes put freshman Clara Edwards, a pitcher from the state of Kansas, in the circle to start the game. Edwards did not allow an earned run in over 19 innings pitched over the weekend, including a complete game shutout Sunday. Edwards held a Shocker lineup that featured a National Player of the Year candidate and a hitter with 22 home runs last season at the top of the lineup. The two combined to go 1-for-6 with a single against Edwards. Tied going into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Coyotes had two-runners on base. Spring, Texas native and senior infielder Jadyn DeWitte cracked a three-run home run to give USD a 3-0 lead. DeWitte’s family was in attendance as it was the first time the senior had played near her hometown. The win gave USD a 4-1 weekend highlighted by performances from a pair of newcomers.
South Dakota 6, Houston Baptist 0
A pair of first inning home runs led USD to a 6-0 win over Houston Baptist Friday in their season opener. Sophomore catcher Bela Goerke, a transfer playing in her first game as a Coyote, hit a threerun home run in the first inning, driving in three runs. Junior catcher Jordyn Pender followed up Goerke, hitting a solo home run. Fifth-year infielder Lauren Eamiguel, senior outfielder Courtney Wilson, junior outfielder Charis Black, senior outfielder Gabbi Holbert and junior infielder Aleesia Sainz added base hits. Edwards pitched a complete game shutout, going seven innings and striking out four.
Sam Houston State 9, South Dakota 8
A three-run bottom of the sixth inning boosted Sam Houston State to a 9-8 win on their home field Friday night. Goerke tallied three hits, including a home run, and drove in two runs for the Coyotes. Sainz also added a three-run home run in the first inning. Pender tallied two hits and scored twice. Eamiguel tallied one hit and one RBI. Freshman infielder Tatum Villotta recorded a hit and Wilson drove in a run. Senior Grace Garcia pitched three innings, giving up three runs. Sophomore Macy Schroedermeier pitched one inning allowing two hits and an earned run. Junior Holly Fletcher pitched two-thirds of an inning in relief for Schroedermeier. Edwards finished the game for USD, giving up three unearned runs in the loss.
South Dakota 8, Dayton 2
A six-run fifth inning boosted South Dakota to an 8-2 win over Dayton Saturday morning in a game that had to battle rainy conditions. Both Goerke and Villotta tallied two hits and two RBI for USD. Sainz also contributed with one hit and two RBI. Pender recorded two hits and one RBI in the win. Garcia tallied five innings pitched, giving up two runs in the win. Edwards pitched the final two innings in relief.
South Dakota 4, UT San Antonio 3
Goerke hit her third home run of the weekend in the Coyotes’ 4-3 win over UTSA Sunday morning. Goerke hit a three-run home run for USD. Sainz tallied a base hit and drove in the winning run. Garcia started the game, going five innings and striking out five in the win. Edwards recorded her first save of the season, pitching the final two innings, striking out five of the seven batters she faced. The Coyotes will now turn their focus to the Furman Classic in Greenville, South Carolina this coming weekend. The Coyotes will see Georgetown and Furman once. They will also see Saint Francis which they will play twice.
File Photo | The Volante Coyotes move their record to 4-1 after competing this weekend. They will change their focus to next weeks matchups in the Furman Classic