04.01.20

THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

W E D N E S D AY, A P R I L 1 , 2 0 2 0

NEWS (A1 & A3)

VOLANTEONLINE.COM

VERVE A6

EARLY MOVE OUT

Local pastor connects with congregation online

CAMPUS HOUSING REACTS TO COVID-19 CLO SURES

PAGE A6 Read about how Nicole Clade, pastor of Vermillion’s First United Methodist Church, is creating a routine and time for worship through an online presence to reach her congregation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPORTS A5

Coyote athletes find new ways to stay active

PAGE A5 With all on-campus athletic facilities and gyms across the nation shutdown, Coyote athletes have to get crafty with how they’re staying in shape during this unexpected down time.

Lexi Kerzman | The Volante Students and their families pack their dorms into trailers and trucks to return home after the semester was cut short due to COVIDMiles Amende

Miles.Amende@coyotes.usd.edu

Not all USD students can go home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are international, while others won’t have sufficient internet access to complete classes online. Once the majority of students have moved out, USD plans to consolidate the ones who can’t leave into two residence halls for the remainder of the semester.

Kate Fitzgerald, director of University Housing, said international students, students without access to sufficient internet, students who work in Vermillion and students with unstable home lives are all allowed to stay on campus.

USD Housing is directing all students who are unable to leave campus to fill out application forms to transfer to new housing until the end of the semester.

Fitzgerald said the risk of students getting sick is low as long as they follow safety

procedures.

“It’s a little bit of a challenge to social distance when you’re living in a residence hall,” Fitzgerald said. “It will be okay for those students living here as long as they can practice what the CDC is recommending.”

Housing initially planned to consolidate students in Burgess-Norton and Coyote Village but reconsidered after finding the number of rooms in those halls was higher than the number of students USD expects to house. Housing will decide where students will be transferred once they know how many students will be staying on campus, Fitzgerald said.

Over seventy students have applied for on-campus housing through the end of the semester.

Ashmita Ghosh, a Resident Assistant at North Complex, is an international student from India. She said going home is not a possibility in the midst of COVID-19.

Ghosh is currently helping residents move

out. Even though fewer students will remain on campus, Ghosh said she will continue her duties as an RA once she moves to a new dorm.

Taking precautions for COVID-19, Ghosh said, has become easier now that students are taking classes remotely.

“The campus has become very quiet and isolated,” Ghosh said. “Thankfully, because there are fewer people around, it’s easier to social distance.”

Fitzgerald said housing will continue custodial and mail services. Depending on how many students stay on campus, desk services may also be provided. Housing will not host any gatherings, but Fitzgerald said Housing may host online events.

Meal services will also be available to students through Aramark at the MUC. “It’s definitely going to be a different existence than it was prior to COVID-19,” Fitzgerald said.

Lexi Kerzman | The Volante

The Coyote Village parking lot sits empty as students pack up their belongings to return home in light of COVID-19 cancellations.

Sara Cappiello

Sara.Cappiello@coyotes.usd.edu

On Saturday, March 28, Clay County reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19.

The individual is a 20-30 year old woman who is currently self-quarantining in her home.

This individual reported mild symptoms and was tested through Sanford Health Center’s curbside testing site, according to Time Tracy, CEO of Sanford Vermillion Medical Center. The case is suspected to be caused by travel, not from anywhere in the community.

There are currently 108 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in South Dakota. As of Saturday, there are currently no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the USD residence halls. The South Dakota Department of Health will be following up with the individual to determine the extent of exposure to other members of the community.

Approximately 20 tests have been conducted in Vermillion, which includes three positive cases USD and Vermillion community members have been urged by the state to continue practicing social distancing by staying at least six feet away from each other and eliminating unnecessary gatherings or travel. This helps slow down the spread of disease and allows for health care systems to care for patients more readily.

If community members suspect they might have the coronavirus, they should call the Sanford Medical Center first instead of visiting the clinic. Additional information about COVID-19 and USD’s response, visit usd.edu/covid19.

On-campus food options limited in response to CDC suggestions

Nursing majors transition from eight hours of clinicals to four hours online

Lexi Kerzman

Lexi.Kerzman@coyotes.usd.edu

Lexi Kerzman

Lexi.Kerzman@coyotes.usd.edu

This is the second part of an ongoing story on the transition to online learning.

Nursing majors are required to complete over 200 clinical hours before they graduate. Due to COVID19, the program transitioned from hands-on learning to at-home Zoom classes with the rest of USD. Under normal circumstances, nursing majors complete eight hours of clinicals per week. Now they are meeting for four intensified hours of clinicals over Zoom each week.

Amanda Gravholt, a junior nursing See ONLINE, Page A3

Vermillion sees first cases of COVID-19

Heidi Schneider | The Volante

USD — following the Center for Disease Control recommendations in regards to COVID-19 — has closed all on-campus restaurants besides University Brew, the convenience stores — Beede Pump and the Coyote Village POD — and residential dining.

The Aramark locations remaining open on campus have limited hours and reduced workers present.

In an email interview with The Volante, Adam Chicoine, Aramark representative, said they’re monitoring the everchanging situation to ensure the services still open are meeting all recommendations of the CDC. “The safety and well-being of everyone we serve is always our

top priority, and we are taking the necessary steps to stay informed and engaged with the (CDC’s) recommendations,” Chicoine said.

Residential dining has increased cleaning procedures to ensure safety, Chicoine said.

This includes cleaning high traffic areas every 30 minutes and the removal of any items that could cross-contaminate — shared condiments, reusable cups and mugs.

Chicoine said they’re now offering a take-out option as well.

“As a precaution, a proactive plan for alternate services to our guests has been put in place,” Chicoine said. This is a preventative means of reducing the spread of all pathogens, including influenza and COVID-19.”

The convenience stores are

staying open as of right now, Chicoine said. Having these open allows for customers to not only purchase food but also household items.

Closing restaurants, Chicoine said, allows them to limit the employees on campus to only essential personnel.

“Restaurant closures allow us to keep only essential personnel on campus per USD and to keep our employees and the community safe through social distancing during this everchanging situation,” Chicoine said. “We are following CDC recommendations in all of our locations.”

As this is an evolving situation, hours may change as the CDC provides different regulations. For the most up to date information, follow The Volante on Twitter at @ TheVolante.

News

A2 Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Volante I volanteonline.com

DAILY REMINDER

Sara Cappiello I The Volante

Several of Vermillion’s downtown businesses have closed their doors for the time being due to the coronavirus pandemic.

CITY OF VERMILLION POLICE >> March 22 - March 28

2

noise complaints

March 22 Officers responded to a report of a domestic disturbance. Officers investigated and determined a husband and wife were arguing over property as a result of their impending divorce.

Officers decided the disagreement was a civil dispute.

March 22 Officers checked the welfare of a person who had made statements regarding suicide.

Officers spoke to the person who admitted to having difficulties with personal issues. Officers determined further involvement was not needed.

March 22 Caller reported their vehicle had been rummaged through while it was unattended.

Investigation revealed that several items, including the keyless fob, had been stolen from the center console.

March 22 Officers responded to a medical emergency at a residence. The patient was suffering from back pain. Officers provided care until EMS arrived.

March 22 Officers responded to a noise complaint.

Officers found the source of the noise and made contact with the suspect who stopped making the

2

1

domestic disputes

noise. Charges pending.

March 23 Officers encountered a subject with an outstanding warrant while issuing parking tickets. Subject was taken into custody for the warrant.

March 23 Officers are investigating a report of a sex crime.

March 23 Officers responded to a 911 call for medical assistance.

Officers arrived on scene and provided assistance until EMS arrived.

March 23 Officers responded to a domestic dispute.

Officers discovered no

SGA waives Campus Leaders Mixers

criminal activity and mediated the source of the incident before leaving.

March 23 Officers responded to a call of a teenager out after curfew without parental permission.

Charges pending.

March 24 Officers investigated an assault that occurred in a residence. One person was arrested.

March 24 An officer on routine patrol saw a male subject with an outstanding Clay County warrant. The officer made contact with the man and arrested him for the outstanding warrant.

D.U.I.

March 24 Officers are investigating a report of a sex crime.

March 25 Officers stopped a car for running a stop sign. The driver had been drinking and failed sobriety tests. He was arrested for DUI. March 25 Officers responded to a medical call where an elderly patient had fallen and struck their head. Officers provided care until EMS arrived.

March 26 Officers responded to a dispute between two people at a residence.

The dispute was verbal and did not involve

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violence. One of the people involved was arrested for a local warrant.

March 28 Officers responded to a 911 call at a local business. The caller was attempting to call Lyft and Uber and accidentally used the emergency feature on their phone. No emergency existed when officers arrived.

March 28 Officers were called to an apartment for a noise complaint. Some inside were identified as being underage and had been drinking. A ticket was issued.

TUNE IN THIS MONTH

Follow Coyote News on social media for video updates on how COVID-19 is impacting USD students.

Check out the KAOR website for student podcasts.

COYOTEHistory 2013 SGA smoking ban under evaluation.

2016 The Volante editorin-chief suspended for remainder of the semester.

Miles AmendeI The Volante

SGA held their second Zoom meeting on Tuesday evening. This photo is from their first Zoom meeting last week.

Miles Amende

Miles.Amenden@coyotes.usd.edu

The Student Government organization discussed the waiving of student organization leaders’ responsibility to attend Campus Leaders Mixers (CLM) for the remainder of the semester.

Student organization leaders are required by SGA to attend at least one CLM per semester in order to retain funding eligibility. SGA President Abuk Jiel said due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this rule has been waived for student organization leaders who have not yet attended a CLM for the Spring 2020 semester.

“As of right now it’s hard to get everyone on campus, so CLMs will be waived for the time being,” Jiel said. “We do plan to have them in the fall,” The first bill of the Jiel-Larson administration was introduced at Tuesday’s meeting. The bill would establish CLMs in SGA’s governing documents and would make hosting CLMs the joint responsibility of SGA’s Director of Communications and the Student Affairs Committee.

“I had reservations about the fact that we’re requiring organizations to report to something that’s not officially established in (SGA’s governing documents),

so I wrote this bill to make that happen,” bill sponsor senator Jacob Holmberg said.

The Internal Review committee decided to arrange a legislative response challenge instead of a mock session to test at-large candidates on their knowledge of legislation. The test consisted of two pieces of legislation which candidates were allowed to discuss their perspectives on in 200 words. SGA expects to swear in ten new at-large representatives next week.

Senator Armand Khan expressed concern about the 2020 census to the body, and said Vermillion would lose a substantial amount of federal funding if USD students weren’t counted in its census. SGA advisor John Howe echoed Khan’s concerns and implored senators to encourage off-campus students to participate in the census. “(Greek life) is working directly with the census bureau in terms of a rostering process. We’re able to get those names to the census bureau, but we really need you to get your friends who live off-campus to complete that census document,” Howe said. “It’s really important to the City of Vermillion, and I encourage you to spread the word.”

The Volante Volume 145, N0. 21 April 1, 2020 www.volanteonline.com Al Neuharth Media Center 555 Dakota St. University of South Dakota Vermillion, SD 57069 Adviser Kyle Miller 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.

Lexi Kerzman editor-in-chief Sara Cappiello managing editor Nik Wilson news editor Miles Amende news assistant Bailey Zubke sports editor Madilyn Sindelar sports assistant Peyton Beyers photo editor Alison Boysen opinion editor Leah Dusterhoft executive designer Tori Harwell page designer Lauren Johnson page designer Heidi Schneider social media director DeAndre Hill social media assistant Jackson Sadler advertising manager

News

A3 Wednesday, April 1, 2020

The Volante | volanteonline.com

How COVID-19 compares to past pandemics Nik Wilson

Nikolas.Wilson@coyotes.usd.edu

COVID-19 first appeared in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. Since then, the disease has spread to more than 600,000 people worldwide and caused over 30,000 deaths, as measured by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 has been detected in over 200 countries and territories.

As this global pandemic continues its impact on the planet, humanity has witnessed some unprecedented actions in response to the virus. For the first time ever, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) canceled its Division I basketball tournaments for both men and women.

Other major sporting events have been shut down as well. Major music events, such as Coachella, South by Southwest and the Stagecoach Festival have all been postponed or canceled as well.

The Center for Disease and Control has listed guidelines for how to protect yourself from COVID-19 whether you’re at home or on a college campus. People are encouraged to stay at home if they’re sick, clean surfaces that are frequently touched and avoid close contact with others.

But the idea of social distancing didn’t start with the coronavirus. According to Forbes, social distancing and other protective measures helped decrease mortality rates by as much as 50% in the cities that employed these tactics during the Spanish Flu. As this pandemic grows, it draws comparison to past pandemics.

While some protective tactics that worked against past pandemics are being used to combat COVID-19, this virus, so far, has not impacted as many people as some past pandemics, based on the CDC’s data.

Most past pandemics have caused more harm than COVID-19 based on the CDC’s data and only time will tell how much more damage the coronavirus can cause.

Leah Dusterhoft | The Volante

Vermillion Police adapt to coronavirus pandemic Deandre Hill

Deandre.Hill@coyotes.usd.edu

With social distancing being reccommended, some crimes in the Vermillion area have increased while others have decreased.

Matt Betzen, chief of the Vermillion Police Department (VPD), said he began to notice the trend of certain crimes going down and its impact on the type of calls being received.

“Unfortunately we have seen an increase in the number of calls for disputes between

persons, domestic type, family type or neighbor type disputes between people,” Betzen said.

“It’s about a 50 percent increase in those.”

On average, Betzen said VPD handles about 120 to 130 calls in a regular week.

Officers have had to change the way they assess certain situations and how they deal with them due to the COVID-19, Betzen said.

Crimes like theft or after the fact situations would lead to being cited rather than an arrest.

“When possible, we don’t make arrests. We cite people or refer the cases up to a state

attorney,” Betzen said. “If the situation requires an immediate arrest to defuse a potentially violent situation, we still make arrests.”

The coronavirus has also impacted how Vermillion Police are taking certain precautions to protect themselves and the people in the community. As of March 28, there is one confirmed case in Vermillion with three cases pending and approximately 20 tests conducted.

Betzen said using social distancing effectively is key in this situation.

“We’re working on officers getting more

personal protective gear such as old riot helmets that have face shields on them,” Betzen said. “We’ve gotten a lot more gloves and we’re working on getting more masks that meet the CDC recommendations.”

Betzen said he hopes everyone stays safe and exercises social distancing and helps limit the spread of the coronavirus by only going outside when necessary.

“We’re all just trying to figure this out as we go along and we’ll see what happens,” Betzen said.

‘Disappointed, but thankful’: Senior year during the COVID-19 pandemic Lauren Johnson

Lauren.Johnson@coyotes.usd.edu

Following the official announcement made

by USD, graduation has been postponed for the class of 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic may have ended senior year sooner than expected, but three seniors have decided to look more on the positive side.

Isaac Westergaard and Emily Gillespie, senior business administration majors, said they’re making the most out of this situation by staying productive. Since the two are getting married this October, the extra time has given them the opportunity to further plan for the wedding and jump-start their careers,

Westergaard said.

With their future beginning earlier than anticipated, Gillespie said they will miss being on campus and seeing friends and the USD faculty.

“You don’t realize how much you enjoy going to class everyday until it’s taken away from you without you wanting it to be,” Gillespie said.

Gillespie and Westergaard were a part of the USD pep band this semester. The two said they were devastated when the possibility of attending NCAA women’s basketball tournament taken away.

“We really would have loved to have traveled with the women’s basketball team,”

South Dakota surpasses 100 cases of COVID-19 Miles Amende

Miles.Amende@coyotes.usd.edu

As of Tuesday, South Dakota reached a total of 108 cases of COVID-19, 44 of which have recovered, according to the South Dakota Department of Health.

Clay County recorded its first case of COVID-19 on March 28 according to an email from USD University Relations. The email also stated as of March 28 there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in USD’s residence halls, though the number of cases in Clay county has since risen to three, according to the Department of Health.

Lincoln, Turner, Yankton, and Union counties, which border Clay County, also have reported cases of COVID-19, with a combined total of 13 cases.

Currently, Minnehaha and Beadle counties have the most cases of COVID-19, with 31 and 20 respectively. Both counties have declared a state of emergency, according to the Huron Plainsman and Argus Leader.

Governor Kristi Noem said in a press conference on Tuesday that South Dakota will soon receive 10-15 Abbott ID-NOW test platforms. The COVID-19 test on these platforms deliver positive results in as little as five minutes and negative results in 13 minutes, according to the manufacturer, Abbott Laboratories.

“This is fantastic,” Noem said. “These are testing supplies and equipment that we’ll be able to utilize to get instant results for individuals across the state of South Dakota.”

Noem said National Guard members are working in the state’s emergency operations center to determine the total capacity of the state’s hospitals in the attempt of a surge in cases.

“The Secretary of Health has been utilizing (the National Guard) this week and doing a lot of the modeling and the needs that we’ll have to have in place in order to deliver healthcare in so many of our communities in the coming weeks,” Noem said.

Source: https://doh.sd.gov/news/Coronavirus.aspx

Heidi Schneider | The Volante

Westergaard said. “Now we, unfortunately, have to sit at home with no basketball to watch.”

For Kaylee Blenner, senior dental hygiene major, many aspects of her semester, she said aren’t going as planned. But, Blenner said her plans were replaced with new possibilities and things she’s still thankful for.

With graduation being in question, Blenner said in an email to The Volante she is unable to obtain her clinical hours with the dental hygiene program.

Because of that, there’s a possibility she will be returning in the summer or fall to complete clinical hours. Her boards exams are potentially pushed back, but she said she will have more

ONLINE From Page A1

major, said she expected classes to be moved online, but was worried about how the nursing program would transfer to online classes.

“I was mainly concerned about missing out on clinical experience which allows for hands-on learning,” Gravholt said in an email interview with The Volante. “But I wasn’t too surprised when we moved to online classes as many other universities in the area had already made the decision.

Going into healthcare, I understand public health must come first.”

Having clinicals online, Grahvolt said, has challenges, but professors have helped ease the transition to online learning.

“It’s difficult to not have that hands-on experience to practice skills like starting IVs or administering medications,” Gravholt said. “I am also grateful for the work that the nursing faculty has put forth to ensure we do not, in fact, get behind in our learning.”

The nursing program already utilized online learning programs prior to COVID-19.

Meredith Ellis, a junior nursing major, said she’s grateful she had the prior experience with online quizzes to help make the transition easier.

Ellis said moving clinicals online helps showcase the versatility of skills she and her classmates have.

“I think this is truly showing … how flexible we need to be because not every day is going to be the same. There will always be bumps in the road and this is just one of them. We will come out stronger because of this,” Ellis said. “It is different, but we will all get used to it and it will become ‘normal.’”

Studying in the medical field makes it easy to know moving classes online was the right decision, Kaitlyn Laney, a junior nursing major said.

“Everyone needs to do their part to stay home and slow the spread of the virus, especially since we would have been coming back from Spring Break,” Laney said in an email interview with The Volante. “Many students had traveled to many different

time to study and prepare for her tests.

“I am determined to get my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and state license no matter how long it may take to do so,” Blenner said.

Even though Blenner lost some things from her senior year, she said she has gained many blessings in disguise.

During school, her schedule was busy, but now she has had time to relax and take a breath, Blenner said.

“During these times, I have become thankful for all I have and everything to come following this outbreak,” Blenner said. “This pause will not set me back or define my future entirely.”

places over break making the spread of COVID-19 more of a risk.”

While she was excited about the change, Laney said she prepared herself by accepting the new reality.

“I have had a roller coaster of feelings about it. When it was first declared a pandemic and places started closing, I was a lot more worried,” Laney said. “(But I know) it is all out of my control, so there is no point being worried or upset about it, and I’ll just have to deal with things as they come up.”

All three said they are grateful for their professors for providing the most up to date communication on what is happening.

Ellis said their professors made the transition smooth and helped lessen the stress around the situation.

“Our professors are doing great at moving online, while I know this is challenging for them, they have made the transition great,” Ellis said. “I am proud to have the professors I do because I can tell just how much they care for each and every one of us by how they are handling this situation.”

Gravolt said the transition to online learning has been difficult because of the lack of socialization with her classmates.

However, she said she doesn’t mind getting to attend class from the comfort of her living room.

“I do miss collaborative learning that comes along with in-person classes, but I think there are great resources we are utilizing to overcome these barriers and making the best of the situation at hand,” Gravholt said.

This is a multiple part story. The Volante would like to feature a variety of majors who will be facing challenges as cases get moved online. If you have a suggestion on a major or would like to be featured please email The Volante at volante@coyotes.usd.edu.

Opinion WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2020

2020 is canceled

THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/OPINION

EDITORIAL

Creativity Quarantined SARAH BECHEN is a junior majoring in media & journalism.

LISBETH CASTRO is a junior majoring in art education.

I have been living my best life being with my friends — eating tacos and going to class. Never in my wildest dreams did I think there would be a pandemic that would limit all of my daily activities.

First it began with my class trip to Italy being canceled, then spring break being extended, to us never returning back to our classrooms. For me that meant I wasn’t going to have the chance to return to my art studio.

This transition has affected my life physically, mentally and emotionally. I unfortunately don’t have a degree that transitions nicely to online learning.

I’m an art student, so when I walk into my studio that’s where the most creativity flourishes for me. Now I have to find that same comfort in the limited space I have in my home in Sioux Falls.

Not only was I using processes that come easier inside of the FA, but I also had my momentum come to a halt.

Not being able to continue my work in the FA is difficult, not only for me, but for all my other friends too. For me being a photography emphasis, my challenges aren’t as bad as for everyone else limited to working with their hands and spaces in the FA. For example, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking and painting all require tons of space and resources that are limited to only the FA. Plus, those are works of art that are used with your hands, not a computer and book. You can only talk about something so much, especially when you wish you were doing the work with your hands instead.

ONLINE ONLY Read more about how to cope with a sudden life change.

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Heidi Schneider I The Volante Find creative ways to support local businesses. For example, gift cards can be purchased now for use at a later date.

Editorial: Local businesses are lifelines Now is a time more than ever we need to support everyone in our communities.

The bars, restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses in our smaller towns have proven invaluable in the past couple weeks. They aren’t huge chain corporations, but small businesses that care about their customers and fellow community members and we should return the favor.

Many stores across the country are changing the way they do business to ensure the safety of consumers during this pandemic. Whether it’s free delivery services, sanitized product shipping or donations made with purchases — our businesses are doing the best they can.

If you’re able to, buy from these businesses in your area so when this pandemic is over they’ll still be there.

We’ve yet to peak in the United States and we can’t know for sure when things will

go back to normal.

It’s totally understandable if you don’t have the resources to contribute, but if you do, then please keep your local businesses alive.

In Vermillion local businesses already struggle in the summer due to college students going home. Now there is even less business because students have left and are practicing social distancing.

Some things you can do is buy gift cards to use once this is over. If there are businesses offering “rain check” coupons or vouchers buy them for your friends and family as plans for when we no longer have to social distance.

Local grocery stores might soon be the only stores left open for the public to go to.

If you’re shopping in-store realize that these workers are putting their lives and their families’ lives at risk. So please don’t take that lightly when

you’re shopping for supplies.

We’ll get through this, but it won’t be easy. It may be months before our lives resemble some sense of normalcy, but hold on to hope that you’ll see better days.

As long as we all do our part to keep our communities and homes safe, we have a chance to flatten the curve of COVID19 infections.

So support your local businesses in any way that you can, but stay safe and healthy doing so. Make sure you’re doing more good than harm, and avoiding other people to reduce the chances of spreading any illness.

So many stores have changed the way they do business to keep people safe, and you can help that by supporting from afar.

Letter to the Editor: Verm misses you Students, faculty and community members, When you left Vermillion for Spring break, I was comforted by the fact that you would all soon be back in Vermillion. I am so used to seeing you at Main Street Pub for lunch, bombers, and Seven Shot Saturday. It breaks my heart our time together was cut short. As someone with a

small child and elderly relatives, I understand how necessary and important precautions such as quarantine and social distancing are.

Still, it does not make them easier to cope with nor does it make being apart any less sad. Quite frankly, I miss you.

I miss you making all my most-loved USD and Vermillion things that much better

simply by being present. Our community values togetherness, dedication to supporting our community, and the willingness to take time for strangers. I love and miss all of it and I want you to know that I will be here whenever you can come back. To the 2020 graduates, your shining moment will not be overlooked. You have contributed

greatly to the USD community and your absence is felt.

I cannot wait for D-Days 2020 to be a true homecoming, bringing us back together for those final moments we were not able to share now. Stay strong, stay home when you can, and don’t forget about Verm. Go Yotes.

Ailee Johns, Vermillion Resident

Here you’ll find the weirdest, funniest and stupidest things we’ve heard during the week.

Context is for suckers.

— Shriner Street

ONLINE ONLY Read more about how to stay creative while in quarantine.

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The Volante

OVERHEARDS

“Is this what quarantine is? Just chilling?”

My creativity is trapped in quarantine with the rest of the United States. I know being trapped inside is trying for many and without being dismissive of those who have fallen ill, it’s important to acknowledge the effects of quarantine for the entire population.

People like me who use creativity as an outlet from stress and uncertainty are struggling. I enjoy being creative to decompress from everyday stressors such as schoolwork and being social. When there’s less school work to be done and every social event is canceled, the pressure falls on my creativity because it isn’t an outlet, it’s the new nine to five.

However, I’m so glad I do have a creative mind in this time of social distancing. Just yesterday, a lovely old man drove by as I was walking my adorable dog. He slowed down to get a closer look, he smiled, waved and drove on.

My brain lit up like the Fourth of July. I rushed to my sketch pad and began to draw this man I’d only briefly observed and compos a short story.

This made me wonder, “what do those who don’t have a creative pull do in these times?”

To keep busy I’ve been working on my brand, because whether or not you choose to believe it, whenever someone looks at your profile on social media, they are looking for your brand. These days we like to call it an “aesthetic.”

I have been crafting, which contrary to popular belief, anyone can craft.

No one said the craft has to look good. Crafting is fun and a different way to give your brain exercise. Many have been reading or watching documentaries.

Catch up on the movies that have been on your list forever, or even compile a list of movies you’ve never seen but want to watch.

During this time of social distancing, challenge yourself to read the book you always said you would but never did, build that thing on your Pinterest page you keep looking at, organize the dreaded room of your house or the junk drawer in your apartment. These don’t have to be groundbreaking acts of creativity, but they keep your brain stimulated.

THE STUDENTS’ VOICE SINCE 1887

EDITORIAL BOARD Lexi Kerzman, editor-in-chief

Ali Boysen, opinion editor

Sara Cappiello, managing editor

Tori Harwell, opinion presentation editor Bailey Zubke, sports editor

“I would let him do unspeakable things to me if he were 6’2.”

— Stanford Street

“Why do you have all these sexy pictures of Miley Cyrus?”

— Burbank

“What is in this White Claw?” “Vodka.”

— Elm Street

“I don’t think I can ever get married because then I’d have to shave all the time.”

— Duke Street

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Sports

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/SPORTS

USD ATHLETES FIND WAYS TO BE ACTIVE

Sophomore track and field and cross country runner Brigit Blote is staying active during the quarantine by running in the Black Hills with her brother.

Madilyn Sindelar

Madilyn.Sindelar@coyotes.usd.edu

Sports and activities have been canceled or postponed for the rest of the spring due to the COVID-19 outbreak across the country. For many Coyote athletes, the spring is a season for competition or offseason training.

After classes were set to be online for the remainder of the semester, all South Dakota athletic facilities are also closed until further notice.

With most gyms and other training facilities closed due to

social distancing, it can be a challenge to find ways to stay active and motivated, freshman triathlete, Maddie Katz, said. However, there is more time to try different types of workouts.

“I’ve been trying to find fun ways to stay active other than normal practice, so I’ve been doing a lot of mountain biking and surfing which are really fun and help me stay in shape for tri,” Katz said.

Brigit Blote, a sophomore track and cross country runner, said coaches are offering more structured training cycles, however,

the time allows athletes to get back to the basics.

“This is not so much a time to do crazy track or lifting workouts, but rather just running miles and doing our sport for the enjoyment of it,” Blote said. “The past week my little brother and I have been picking our favorite trails and bike paths in the Black Hills to run on it has been a blast.”

For other athletes, such as sophomore soccer player Joana Zanin working out involves the whole family.

“My family is a pretty active

family, so we all work out in our garage in the small weight room we have,” Zanin said. “Along with getting some touches on the ball in the front yard, or even doing yoga outside.”

This time period also allows for athletes to properly heal and recover without the pressure to feel rushed to get back to playing.

“I recently just had surgery on my shoulder so I can’t do much, but I have been walking two miles a day with my mom and dog and then just eating super healthy,” Sami Slaughter, a junior on the volleyball

Submitted Photo | The Volante

team, said.

Blote said this time also allows athletes to remember why they started playing their sport.

“I think as college athletes, sometimes we get so caught up in the performance aspect of our sports that we forget about why we started in the first place,” Blote said.

“Being able to get outside and run with my little brother has been such a breath of fresh air during this time of quarantine and has reminded me why I picked up this sport years ago– and that’s for the pure love of it.”

USD Athletics evaluate effects of COVID-19 Bailey Zubke

Bailey.Zubke@coyotes.usd.edu

Bailey Zubke | The Volante

Senior Ciara Duffy looks to move the ball against Oral Roberts in the semifinals of the Summit League Tournament in March. Duffy earned all-tournament honors for her performance during the tournament.

Duffy earns fifth postseason honor after historic senior season Bailey Zubke

Bailey.Zubke@coyotes.usd.edu

The Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year award presented by Her Hoop Stats is named after a Rapid City, South Dakota native and current assistant coach with the San Antonio Spurs. In the awards inaugural season, it goes to another Rapid City native, Ciara Duffy.

Duffy is one of four seniors on the No. 17/11 Coyote women’s basketball team and shined this season. This is the fifth post season award Duffy has earned. She garnered ESPNW’s Mid-Major Player of the Year, an honorable mention on the Associated Press’ All-American Teams and the Summit League Player of the Year.

Duffy was named a first-team Academic All-American for the second straight year and has been named to a part of the Academic All-American teams for the third time in

her career.

Duffy scored in double figures in all but one game this season. She was also in the top 10 nationally in field goal percentage (50%), three-point field goal percentage (42.6%) and free throw percentage (80.8%). Duffy lead the Coyotes to their second Summit League title in school history.

Duffy averaged 16.6 points, 5.5 rebounds and five assists in her senior season. She is third all-time on USD’s scoring list with 1,793 career points and is the only player in USD history with 1,700 points, 600 rebounds and 400 assists.

While her senior season may have come to an abrupt end on the court, the awards are piling up for the Coyote senior in a historic season for the Coyotes.

Putting the entire sports world on hold is affecting more than just the athletes on the court.

Athletic Department’s around the country are adjusting to their lives at home and are trying to evaluate and plan for the future.

USD Athletic Director David Herbster and the rest of USD’s athletic department staff are transitioning to at home work.

“We have some staff that come in and have been cleaning and sterilizing all the spaces,” Herbster said in an email interview with The Volante. “I am here most days, but I am working more remotely now.”

The news of the NCAA’s cancellation of postseason tournaments on March 12 led to the Summit League canceling all spring competitions the following day.

Herbster said all teams on the road were removed from their games and competition to get them home immediately.

“It was an end to not only a season for all athletes, but for some, their career,” Herbster said. “We had to pull teams off the road and shut everything down.”

The softball team’s home matches and conference play were canceled and the outdoor Summit League Championships, set to be held in Vermillion, were also canceled.

“We are set to hold the Indoor (Track and Field) Summit League Championships in 2021 and will host outdoor in 2022,” Herbster said.

The cancellation of events — including the Calling All Coyotes auction dinner — could have an effect on the USD’s athletic budget, but Herbster said it’s still too early on know if it will, and how large of an effect it would be.

“We are still working through those numbers,” Herbster said. “Our auction/dinner event called Calling All Coyotes has been postponed and we are working on re-imagining that event. We have begun our Howling Pack fund drive and football season ticket renewal and it’s too early to if they have been affected yet.”

While the athletic department is making adjustments for the current times, their eyes still turn the future. As South Dakota’s COVID-19 cases continue to rise, there are questions as to when the peak is coming and for USD athletics — when it will be safe to resume as normal.

Herbster said things are changing so quickly, plans are constantly being reevaluated.

“We are having those conversations but as the narrative and landscape continue to change, the data we use to make decisions keep changing,” Herbster said. “We are looking 4-6 weeks ahead at a time and will make decisions that fall within that range. We have had to reevaluate some topics because circumstances are not only changing daily/weekly but hourly.”

For now, there are no sports to watch live, no Coyotes training with their teammates, no USD athletics for the foreseeable future. Herbster said things will get better — however long it may take.

“It’s a stressful time,” Herbster said. “We deal in a definitive timeline where a clock counts down to zero, match point, recruiting period, training schedule, practice schedule and we don’t have that now. What we do have is an incredible asset over a lot of groups is the ability to adapt, makes changes, call an audible, make game adjustments.

We are going to be uncomfortable before we can get comfortable. We will get through this.”

R o

Verve

Wednesday, April 1, 2020 THE VOLANTE

VOLANTEONLINE.COM/VERVE

LOCAL PASTOR CONNECTS WITH CONGREGATION ONLINE Sara Cappiello

Sara.Cappiello@coyotes.usd.edu

Sara Cappiello | The Volante

Vermillion’s First United Methodist Church canceled in-person worship on March 15 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Having a normal routine is no longer a given. Going grocery shopping, hanging out with friends and worshipping at weekly church services aren’t an option anymore as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop.

But Nicole Clade, pastor of Vermillion’s First United Methodist Church, has developed a new daily routine that she is sharing with all the members of her congregation.

The United Methodist Church stopped in-person worship services on March 15 and Clade has been utilizing online technology to connect with her congregation ever since.

Clade said the pandemic caused her entire routine to be thrown out the window, but she’s learned to be resourceful.

“My people are feeling the same thing. Some of them don’t have internet or don’t have Facebook,” Clade said. “How do they worship?

We’ve had to get very creative around how we reach out to the folks that are very much isolated.”

Before in-person worship services were canceled, Clade said she consistently live-streamed services on Facebook Live. Since the pandemic, she has continued to upload worship services, as well as midday devotions, craft videos and music.

For congregants who might not have Facebook, Clade reaches out to them by email and via Zoom conferences.

“I think we would have been able to adapt a little bit better had it been a little bit more of a progression into this,” Clade said. “It was like, all of

a sudden, overnight, we’ve had to figure out how to adapt to this everchanging virtual terrain.”

Despite the challenges she has faced, Clade said she’s always had her congregation’s best interest in mind. Adding midday devotions into her routine, she said, was something she wanted to do to create engagement with her congregants.

“I’ll just sit out in my front yard and just kind of do a light scripture reading, offer up a prayer and kind of talk about what’s been going on and what I’ve been feeling,” Clade said.

Clade said she’s had the help of the church’s leadership team to make online worship services and devotions available, but she’s been doing the bulk of the work.

“That’s the blessing of being a 30-year-old pastor in a congregation that is over the age of 60,” Clade said.

“But I’ve also had one of my leaders who really loves to do crafting hop on Facebook Live and lead people through simple craft to do. I’ve also given my organist permission, anytime he’s practicing, to just hop on Facebook and bring some music, which is really key to our church.”

Although it’s not the same as actually being present at a service at the United Methodist Church, Clade said she hopes her efforts will create some positivity in the online community.

“I personally just want to bring some joy to people’s lives and help them find new ways of grounding themselves in these very weird and tumultuous times,” Clade said. “I like to make people smile, and so if I can get somebody to laugh, then we’re doing okay.”

USD students compete in prestigious Hult Prize Contest

Leah Dusterhoft | The Volante

Celebrating birthdays while social distancing Lexi Kerzman

Lexi.Kerzman@coyotes.usd.edu

Twenty-first birthdays — and birthdays in general — are counted down and anticipated for most people. The right of passage of going to the bar with friends has been taken away from people celebrating their birthday during self-quarantine.

USD students are still finding a way to make this year’s birthdays special, despite not being able to go downtown.

Allison Wood, a junior communication studies major, turned 21 on March 31. Originally, she had planned — like most — to celebrate her 21st by going out with friends.

“My friends wanted to go to the bars in Vermillion with all of us together since I’m the baby of the group and haven’t been able to go with everyone,” Wood said. “We’re hoping to go out at a later date.”

Wood’s parents just moved to Sioux Falls from California, so she and her boyfriend are going to their house to make dinner and celebrate, she said.

She said she is happy her parents live closer so they can celebrate with her.

“It’s my 21st Birthday so it’s kind of a bummer that everything is closing. But my parents just moved to Sioux Falls… so we are just planning on going up to their house to make dinner and play games,” Wood said. “For now I’m just happy I am able to see and spend time with my family that is in South Dakota.”

Hal Downs, a junior business administration major, also turned 21 on March 31. To celebrate her birthday, she said she started a fundraiser on Facebook and had family and friends donate the money they would have spent buying her drinks to her charity.

The organization she chose to raise money for was the CDC Foundation. This fundraiser, she said, will give money to finding a vaccine for COVID-19.

Downs also said she’s having two Zoom parties — one with her friends and one with her family.

“I am a go-with-the-flow kind of a person. Life happens. I want things to improve in terms of COVID and want to do my part by staying home,” Downs said. “I’m not into drinking anyway and am easily entertained.”

Downs said she wasn’t too disappointed with the change because it’s only one birthday and safety is more important.

“There will hopefully be many more years ahead to celebrate together when we are all safe and healthy,” Downs said.

While social distancing is the new normal, Wood said as things do go back to normal, she will go out and celebrate. Until now, she is finding things to do inside to make this birthday fun, she said.

“There are always ways to have fun even if you aren’t going out — get crafty at home, celebrate with a small group of people, enjoy the outdoors,” Woods said. “There’s still a lot we can do that doesn’t involve being stuck inside or being with a large group of people.”

Submitted Photo | The Volante

(from left) Ashlynn Atwood, Payton Ryz and Brigit Blote competed at the Hult Prize Regional Summit in Boston March 12-14.

Sara Cappiello

Sara.Cappiello@coyotes.usd.edu

Three USD students have had their sights set on more than just online classes this month. Payton Ryz, Ashlynn Atwood and Brigit Blote participated in the global Hult Prize competition.

After winning the university round on Dec. 7, the three moved onto the Regional Summit in Boston March 12-14 and won first place among some of the nation’s most prestigious schools.

The Hult Prize is an opportunity for students to come up with innovative and impactful business ideas that align with the United Nations Sustainability goals.

Each year, the specific goal for the business is different. This year, the challenge was to create a sustainable business that positively impacts the Earth.

Brigit Blote, sophomore medical biology major, started putting the team together in the fall. She said when she heard about the prompt for the competition, deciding who to work with was easy.

“When we were looking to expand the team, Payton Ryz came to mind immediately,” Blote said.

“Payton has a passion for protecting the earth, motivating others to be their best selves and has an energy about her that is contagious.

The USD Hult Prize team — calling themselves “Threads of Green” — came up with the business Forget Me Not, which is a mobile app that pulls data from online thrift

stores.

Payton Ryz, sophomore medical biology major, said the goal behind the app was to make second-hand shopping easy and affordable.

After winning the school round in December, there was four months to prepare for the regional competition in Boston.

“My team then started brainstorming ways for our current ideas to affect more lives in the fashion industry, how we wanted to start researching and learning more about the Thrifting Market and how we could pitch our ideas in a more emotionally compelling way,” Ryz said in an email interview with The Volante.

To prepare for the summit in Boston, Rayz and Atoowd worked with app developers, did research and gathered data on people’s thrifting interests.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summit was moved online at the last minute, so the three submitted a video to be judged by a panel.

“Because the event was virtual, we didn’t get the same networking experience as previous years where all the teams competing get the chance to meet others or see others’ business pitches,” Ryz said.

Although Rayz and the others didn’t get the same experience with an online presentation, Rayz said she was still extremely proud of how they did.

From here, Threads of Green will move onto the final accelerator round of the competition, which is set to be hosted in London.

The winning team from each regional competition will have the opportunity to compete for a one million dollar prize to start up their business idea.

Dr. Gregort Bertsch, the faculty advisor for Threads of Green, said he’s impressed with these three students and looks forward to what’s next.

“I think competitions like Hult provide a lot of valuable experience,” Bertsch said in an email interview with The Volante. “Not only do students get a chance to innovate, but they’re challenged to create comprehensive and realistic business concepts.”

Ryz first learned about the Hult Prize competition last year in her sustainability class and said she’s honored to represent USD. “I always thought it was such an incredible opportunity and way to make an impact on the Earth environmentally and socially,” Ryz said. “We are very thankful for the opportunity to advance to the finals out of all the teams across North America.”

In the future, Bertsch said he encourages any USD student who may be interested in competing in the Hult Prize competitions to take a chance.

“I highly recommend the experience to students who are interested,” Bertsch said. “It’s an incredible chance to compete on a national level, do good and build a fantastic resume.”