9.11 College Heights Herald

WKU ENGAGED IN ANOTHER LAWSUIT

YEAR OF ECUADOR PHOTO, PAGE A6

NEWS, PAGE A2 SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY > VOLUME 90, ISSUE 06

WKU plans to honor 9/11 victims

Thursday marks the 13th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, and WKU will hold events in remembrance of the tragedy.

The Student Activities Office, Military Student Services, ROTC and Veterans Upward Bound will jointly host events to commemorate those who lost their lives during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to a news release.

At 6 p.m. “Lone Survivor” will be shown in the Nite Class section of Downing Student Union. Free pizza will be available.

A candlelight vigil will be held at the Guthrie Bell Tower at 8 p.m. following the film for those who wish to pay their respects.

–Trey Crumbie JEFF BROWN/HERALD

FUSE grants aid in student research

BY BRITTANY ELDRIDGE NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM Every semester at WKU, 50 students are awarded the Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement grant.

Kim Newell, administrative assistant in the Office of Research, runs the dayto-day responsibilities of the FUSE program.

She said the purpose of the FUSE grant is to assist students with creative activities and research.

“It’s a grant to further your interest, so you can research more and just get more involved in your study,” Newell said.

Undergraduate students can apply for the FUSE grant to help further their academic development, according to the grant application which can be found on WKU’s website. The student applicant must be at least a sophomore

WKU students donate blood in the Preston Center on Tuesday as part of the WKU vs. MTSU Blood Drive Competition by the American Red Cross.

RED CROSS RIVALS

BY JESSICA VOORHEES NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM

W

hile the blood drive on WKU’s campus serves as a chance to compete against rival Middle Tennessee State University, for Ronda Birchell, it’s personal.

Birchell, an American Red Cross donor recruitment representative, said just one unit of blood saves three lives.

“My son died at 15 when the hospital ran out of blood platelets,” Birchell said.

She said the need for blood donations is strong.

“We have so few donors,” Birchell said. “There are more patients who need blood than donors.”

The fourth blood drive competition between WKU and MTSU took place at the Preston Center Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

Members of the WKU community came out to donate blood to the American Red Cross.

The winning school will be announced at halftime of the WKU vs. MTSU football game Sept. 13 and will be presented with a blood battle trophy.

In 2010 and 2011, MTSU won the competition. WKU is the reigning champion, having won the competition in 2012. The competition was not held in 2013, due to the teams not competing in football.

After the first two days of the competition, WKU was in the lead with 263 donors, while MTSU had 228.

Andrew Rash, coordinator for Student Activities, said about 650 people participated in 2012.

SEE BLOOD PAGE A3

SEE FUSE PAGE A2

ROTC students expand leadership skills

BY WHITNEY ALLEN LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM

Classwork begins long before 8 a.m. for Patrick Crews and the 180 other ROTC students on campus. With physical training three times a week, these cadets start their day at 6:30 a.m.

Longbeach, California senior Patrick Crews is currently a member of the National Guard and the ROTC program.

After he graduates in December, Crews is hoping to be placed on active duty.

Students who are interested in ROTC don’t necessarily have to join the Army.

A small number of the cadets are only pursuing a military leadership degree, but the majority of cadets are seeking to join the military as an officer upon graduation.

Lower level military leadership classes

SEE MILITARY PAGE A2

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File photo of WKU's ROTC Battalion running down University Boulevard while working out at the Diddle Auxiliary Gym on Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013.

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Injured veteran files suit against WKU

BY TREY CRUMBIE

NEW@WKUHERALD.COM WKU is engaged in another new lawsuit.

In July, Jason D. Gati filed a seven-count suit against WKU, which included violation of the Kentucky Civil Rights Act, fraud and violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Gati is a retired Army sergeant, according to court documents. He suffers from a spinal injury he received during his service and cannot be seated for more than an hour at a time.

In August 2010, Gati was admitted to WKU to pursue a Master of Arts in Education for mental health counseling.

Gati lives in Rineyville, approximately 80 miles away from Bowling Green. Due to Gati’s condition, he could not make the commute from his home to the main campus.

Because of this, he took classes online and at the Elizabethtown campus, about seven miles away from his home.

Gati said he was informed that

the counseling program was “wholly offered” at the Elizabethtown campus by Crissy Priddy, who served as assistant director of Graduate Admissions at the time.

In April 2011, Gati attempted to register for summer classes, but saw that no classes were being offered in the counseling program either online or at the Elizabethtown campus.

Gati contacted Bill Kline, department head of Counseling and Student Affairs, to ask why no classes were being offered, according to court documents. Kline said classes were cancelled because of “money issues, teacher shortages, and ‘other factors’ that he said he could not discuss,” according to the lawsuit.

In May 2011, Kline emailed Gati suggesting that he would need to come to Bowling Green on a regular basis to take his classes and WKU could not offer the “bulk” of the counseling program at the Elizabethtown campus.

Kline instructed Gati to register with Student Disability Services, which is now called

MILITARY

Continued from FRONT

are open to anyone who’s interested, said Lieutenant Col. David Walker, a military leadership instructor.

“They’re very basic classes,” Walker said. “Time management, stress management classes that would help you regardless if you continued the military career. It would help you, in a sense, be a better student and hopefully help you be a better member of your community.”

While 99 percent of the military leadership students are pursuing an Army career, the other students are no less dedicated, Walker said. Cadets who don’t have an obligation to the Army do not have to attend the physical training sessions each week, but that doesn’t stop them.

“In most cases they are motivated by the other cadets,” Walker said.

“This semester they’ve showed up for

the Student Accessibility Resource Center. Kline said if Gati did this, Kline’s “hands will be tied” and he would be required to allow Gati to take the class through Interactive Video.

Gati completed an application to receive special adjustments. Kline emailed Gati and told him that he would be “checking into ITV as a reasonable accommodation.”

Kline stated to Gati that he needed to produce documentation of what would be reasonable accommodations.

Gati emailed Howard Bailey, vice president for Student Affairs, requesting that the counseling program classes be made accessible through classes at the Elizabethtown campus and through the internet.

Bailey denied Gati’s request in June 2011 and stated that the counseling program had been phased out in order to respond to changes in accreditation standards. Gati submitted an official disability grievance form to Bailey, but Bailey found the grievance to be without merit, according to

PT even though its not a requirement … I think it only helps them to develop that additional character that’s only going to make them more successful.”

Whether a cadet is planning on commissioning or not, the adjustment from high school to a college ROTC program can be challenging.

Brandon Smith, the recruiting operations officer for the ROTC program, said early mornings can be quite an adjustment for freshmen.

“I think just coming right out of high school, that’s a big adjustment right off the bat, especially waking up that early — 6:30 in the morning," Smith said, "That’s a big change. I think a lot of them do adjust pretty well once they get in and get the hang of things.”

While 6:30 a.m. is far from the norm for most college students, it becomes almost natural for the cadets.

“It becomes the routine. It becomes

the lawsuit.

Bailey told Gati that he would have to come to the main campus to complete the courses not offered at the Elizabethtown campus. As an alternative to commuting from Rineyville to Bowling Green, Bailey suggested Gati live on campus.

General Counsel Deborah Wilkins said there are limitations to some of the classes WKU offers.

“There are some courses that you just can’t teach online,” she said.

Gati filed a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights, a sub-agency of the U.S. Department of Education, in June 2011. He alleged that WKU discriminated against him on the basis of disability by failing to properly consider his disability-related academic adjustment request and failing to provide him with a fair and equitable grievance process for his complaint of disability discrimination.

In October 2012, OCR determined WKU violated the ADA and failed to provide Gati with

a fair and equitable grievance process. WKU agreed to revise its disability discrimination student grievance procedures.

Wilkins said the redrafting was needed.

“The procedure had not been revisited in years,” Wilkins said. “It’s always good from time to time to look at how processes operate.”

Gati left WKU and enrolled at Lindsey Wilson College.

Daniel Canon, the attorney representing Gati in the suit, said the reason the lawsuit was only recently filed was the speed of certain administrative processes.

“The wheels of justice turn slowly,” he said.

Canon said he feels confident Gati has a good case.

“Obviously, we feel as though he’s been injured in a way that the law recognizes and that he’s entitled to compensation for that,” he said.

There are four other lawsuits against WKU and one against specific WKU employees.

WKU is defending the suit on behalf of the employees.

their lifestyle, so it’s nothing new,” Walker said.

St. Louis sophomore AJ Johnson enlisted after high school. Johnson said he later decided to join ROTC. “I decided to come to college and this is what I knew,” Johnson said.

Johnson, along with several other cadets, is also a member of the National Guard. Although balancing school obligations with military ones can be challenging, it’s certainly been worth it for Johnson.

“I’d probably be working some dead-end job going nowhere really fast (without the military), to be honest.” Johnson said. “The Army and ROTC has really gave me limitless opportunities to do whatever I want to do and I owe a lot to them, that’s for sure.”

While some cadets join because it’s their best option, Crews always knew he would join the Army.

“Ever since I was a kid I wanted to join the military," Crews said. "I figured the easiest way to make a difference was to lead troops as an officer."

Although being an officer was always

in the back of Crews' mind, the transition still took some time.

“At first…you’re not used to waking up that early and starting your day but once you start getting incorporated with everybody and they start bringing you in as part of the family it just gets easier,” he said.

In addition to the weekly hours of classes and physical training, the cadets have a three-day training once a semester. Crews, along with the other National Guard cadets, also has drills on some weekends.

Crews will graduate this December and hopes to work in the explosive ordinance disposal, infantry or armor branch as an active duty officer.

Occasionally, Crews wonders what college would be like without the extra commitment, but he never questions his decision to join.

“It’s what I chose and I kind of have an obligation," he said. "It’s not a bad thing because I know it sucks at times but it pays off in the end… I’m going to graduate with two majors, a minor, no debt and a career so you can’t really complain.”

FUSE

Gordon Emslie, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said that student researchers should be proficient in their computer skills and be doing research for the fun of it. “‘Research is not like a class,’” Emslie said, quoting a previous WKU student. “‘It is work that really matters to you and makes you feel a part of something.’”

Emslie said it would be great if more students could participate in funded research and that one important thing is that “research doesn’t always have a right answer.”

FUSE grant proposals are due Sept.

24.

Continued from FRONT and should be in good academic standing in the university.

Newell said those who have been awarded FUSE grants have traveled around the globe.

“In previous rounds, we have had individuals get grants and then travel to New York, and they’ve gone on Broadway and studied costume design,” Newell said. “We’ve had individuals travel to Africa and they have studied elephants and their effects on the environment, specifically certain types of trees.”

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A3 Auto industry veteran shares experiences, advice

BY AARON MUDD

got the scholarship,” Tatman said.

Tatman, who majored in engineering, worked with GM After more than 30 years in as an intern for two summers the automotive industry, Dave during college.

Tatman is switching gears.

“When I came out of school I Before joining WKU as ashad 12 different job offers and sociate vice president of Auto- I think probably five of ‘em motive and Manufacturing in were automotive related and the Office of Research, Tatman it just seemed like the place to was managing the Bowling go,” he said.

Green Assembly Plant, Tatman said he’s a manufacturing plant always been interspecializing in Corvette ested in mechanical production. engineering even Tatman said his journey back in his high to Bowling Green began school days when when he was an underhe would race on his graduate at Ohio State employer’s off-road University. track.

Dave Tatman’s professor enTatman’s short Tatman couraged him to intertime with GM in view for a General Mocollege turned into tors Co. scholarship, which a 34-year career in the auto covered tuition and offered industry, a career that took work assignments. him to 13 different locations “So I signed up and I inter- in three countries, including viewed, and lo and behold I Brazil.

NEWS@WKUHERALD.COM

He credits his success to some advice he received early on from a co-worker who said he would go a long way in the company.

“He says (sic.), ‘Wherever you are, whatever you’re doing, whatever microcosm of GM you’re responsible for, make it run as good as you can,’” Tatman said.

Tatman said he made that his focus instead of worrying about where his next advancement was going to come from.

The Bowling Green Assembly Plant became Tatman’s last pit stop with GM when he retired in March. He had always dreamed of teaching after retiring.

After speaking with WKU administrators, Tatman said a position was created for him.

Tatman started July 1.

Vice President for Research Gordon Baylis was instrumental in bringing Tatman to

WKU. “I’m very keen on bringing people from industry into work with universities ‘cause I think universities need to be better connected to industry,” Baylis said.

Tatman divides his time between WKU and leading the Kentucky Automotive Industry Association, an organization working to develop Kentucky’s auto industry. Tatman’s role is to link WKU’s applied research programs to the industry and work on initiatives for the state, Baylis said.

“But the real reality is that a lot of what he’s doing for the state and a lot of what he’s doing for us overlaps because for the automotive industry to be really successful it would want to connect to universities better,” Baylis said. “And we certainly want to connect to the automotive industry better.”

Bowling Green senior Kath-

leen Angerbauer tried to get real-world experience by interning at the Bowling Green Assembly Plant for two summers while Tatman was plant manager. She was surprised with how well what she was learning in school matched up with her time at the plant.

“I think one of the biggest things I learned was what they’re teaching you in school, you know, like teamwork…it’s not any different from how real life is,” she said.

Tatman said he looks for real-world work experience and community involvement as a GM employee interviewing college students.

“Not only did I look at their academic accomplishments, and that was a part of it, but really the important part to me was, you know, what did they do beyond the classroom,” Tatman said.

SGA passes two bills, discusses parking during Tuesday meeting

BY LASHANA HARNEY

NEW@WKUHERALD.COM

The Student Government Association meeting on Tuesday welcomed more student spectators and swore in three new senators.

Senate seats are still open.

SGA President Nicki Seay said election applications are available in the SGA office and will be online this week.

The applications are due Sept. 15.

The issue of parking, discussed during the last meeting, was brought up again.

Seay said WKU has lost parking spots this year, but 150 parking spots are available in the alumni parking garage and around 200 parking spots are available at South Campus for commuters.

“I know parking has been a huge issue lately,” Seay said. “If

you try the South Campus lot and you really like it, you can turn in your commuter parking permit and get the South Campus permit and get $40 back.”

Executive Vice President Nolan Miles said there are campus committees with open seats available to students, such as one seat for the University Calendar Committee, two seats for the Parking Ticket Appeals Board, one seat for the Library Advisory Council and one seat for the Potter College Academic Complaints Committee.

LGBTQ rights were an issue brought up at the meeting.

Chief of Staff Seth Church said the topic was prevalent.

"It’s an issue we are going to have to tackle at some point,” Church said.

Speaker of the Senate Jay Todd Richey represented SGA at the Bowling Green Fairness

BLOOD

Continued from FRONT Rash didn’t have an estimate on student outcome for this year.

“We certainly want to beat the number we did two years ago,” he said.

Robert Wagner, Red Cross district manager, said he expected 1,300 combined participants from the two schools during the three-day contest.

Wagner said student donations make up a major portion of blood contributions to the Red Cross.

“Forty percent of donations come from high school and college students,” Wagner said.

Campbellsville sophomore Valerie Noriega donated blood to the compe-

CRIME REPORTS • Louisville freshman Ashlee Davis, of Pearce-Ford Tower, reported an item stolen from her dorm room on Sept.

10. The estimated value of the stolen item is $60.

Coalition.

“There is not legal protection for LGBT members of our community,” he said. “So, one person would go from student government to show that we were on board.”

Director of Academic and Student Affairs Barrett Greenwell said all Study Abroad and winter term scholarship applications are due Oct. 17. The applications will be available online this week.

“The main problem was that the deadlines were so late in the semester,” said Greenwell.

“It takes us a couple of weeks to grade them and then we show up the last week with tons and tons of things to process.”

The Campus Improvements Committee was split into subcommittees in order to further address issues regarding campus quality.

“We have a lot of tasks at

tition for the second time after reading about the competition on WKU’s website.

“I’ve done it before and I like helping people out,” she said.

Wagner encouraged students to donate even after the competition is over.

“All blood types are greatly appreciated,” he said.

Fulton graduate student Danetra Hodge said she’s been donating for a long time.

“My family never really taught me about charity work, but I started this a long time ago as a way to donate to charity without donating money,” she said. “Then I used it as a kind of stepping stone to get involved in other charity work.”

go to wkuherald.com to view our interactve crime map

hand this semester,” said Campus Improvements Committee Chair Tyler Scaff. “We have at least 12 things to cover by the end of this year.”

Scaff said that the committee plans to conduct a survey to ask students what they would like to improve on campus.

One student speaker said with the removal of Topper Cafe, many students are left with no option for using extra meal swipes on Sunday nights.

A representative from Sharea-Swipe, an organization that allows students to donate unused meal plans to give food to children, shared his concern that because Topper Cafe ceases to exist, the organization’s partnership with local schools has suffered. There are less donations since students can no longer purchase nonperishable items with a meal swipe.

The SGA budget was passed for $138,500.

Two bills were passed during the meeting.

The first, Funding for the Preston Membership Voucher Program, will allocate $1,050 to the Preston Membership Voucher Program. This will allow 60 part-time students to obtain a membership to Preston at half the cost. Instead of a $35 semester fee, part-time students will only pay $17.50 a semester.

The second bill to pass, after the bylaws were suspended, was Funding for the Identification Vouchers Program. SGA will allocate $500 for the creation of the program, which will cover half the cost of a $20 WKU ID card for 50 students. This voucher will only be available to students who have not previously lost an ID card.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

WKUHERALD.COM

OPINION

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Gym Rats

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This family drama follows the reassembly of the team that saved the dolphin in the first “Dolphin Tale.”

This time around, the group must find a companion for the dolphin so that she can stay at the Clearwater Marine Hospital.

“No good deed” opening sep. 12

A young woman, played by Taraji P. Henson, finds herself a victim after offering help to a mysterious stranger at her door, played by Idris Elba.

Read our review of this suspenseful horror thriller next Tuesday.

TWEETS FROM

THE HILL @G_ArtP0P_lm: For the first time in my life im finally a topper #WKU — Sent 7:14pm · 9 Sep 2014

10 worst Preston Center regulars hoops. They use their fingertips to bounce basketballs. Can you see them there? They’re playing basketball.

second person to find.

BY TANNER COLE

OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM

7. Weight Slammers

10. Too Swole It’s hard not to notice these gargantuan embarrassments with arms as large as their egos. They’re commonly spotted cutting lines of protein powder, harassing gym newbies and struggling to fit through doors.

9. Walk-Abouts They make sure you see them, but it’s hard to tell what else they accomplish. These constant roamers walk up and down the aisles of weights craving attention and never lifting a pound.

Worse still is when they find their way onto the track where they begin walking laps in the running lanes.

8. Sweaty Swampers They’ve taken hydration to the next level. These walking perspiration pits sweat enough for two, and they usually leave their puddles behind for that

Their set just finished and the whole room knows it. These folks aren’t coming to Preston for the workout. Rather, they’re trying to dig deep below the surface of WKU using only barbells as tools.

6. New Year’s Warriors Come spring semester Preston will encounter a wave of newcomers. They don’t know what they’re doing, but they have all the determination in the world for now.

5. Naked People Just beyond the desk and into the locker room lays an obscene land of flagrant nudity. They wave, worm and wiggle their way to disturbing your routine.

4. NBA All-stars The court-one competitors play basketball. They throw balls through

3. Weight Room Pick-up Artists

@tiffany_paige96: I see some of the nastiest people I've ever seen around campus. #ratchet #wku — Sent 3:44pm · 9 Sep 2014

Most people are trying to get fit, but these few are looking for love. What better time to proposition strangers than between sets? Watch out when they wear their good gym shorts – stone, cold studs.

@Mnsmith52Smith: Parking in Narnia just to have a spot here at #wku — Sent 10:26am · 9 Sep 2014

2. Screamers These gym rats actually pose a bit of a health hazard at Preston. It can be difficult to tell if all is going normally or if they’re experiencing total heart failure every few seconds.

Their muscles are swollen, and they’ve taken to the mirror. Flexing is more than an activity – it’s an art form.

Most feel weak to the knees upon seeing their majestic might quivering in the mirror. True lust can be seen in their eyes and their selfies.

Music in the pursuit of happiness sic to go with your daily life.

Happiness is twerking after Beyoncé says “Let me hear you say ‘Hey Miss Carter’” and after the beat drops in Some scholars estimate that music “Partition.” was a part of early civilization rituals.

Happiness is listening to It’s been integral to daily life for “Lighting Bolt” by Jake Bugg countless years, cultures and while having a morning coffee locations. and walk with your dog.

Different kinds of music bring Happiness is making sure out different emotions within that “Good Day” by Nappy us in a deep and complex way.

Roots is on any Bowling Green Different songs and melodies soundtrack, no matter how can evoke a variety of levels many times it has been played within one emotion.

In the same way, happiness is Jacob Parker before.

Happiness is blasting any Moan emotion felt differently actown song while doing chores. cording to the situation. Often times, Happiness is playing either version of humans connect music with memory.

Finding happiness is finding the mu- “Take the Time” by Tiny Tiny and danc-

Taylor Harrison* Editor-in-chief

Jake Pope* Photo Editor

@Mo_Weezy: Okay I'm gonna have to start carpooling with some ppl or something, parking is getting worse #pissed #parking #wku — Sent 9:31am · 9 Sep 2014

1. Mirror Monsters

HAPPINESS IS...

BY JACOB PARKER OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM

@Merky_D: I love that the photojournalism majors have to photograph eggs every year lol #wku — Sent 4:05pm · 9 Sep 2014

ing in the kitchen as dinner cooks.

Happiness is having Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” playing softly while surveying the color change that fall brings.

Happiness is cruising around to “Things Are Changin’” by Gary Clark Jr. after deciding to let go of past afflictions.

Happiness is the memory of a friend’s muffled rendition of “Jingle Bells” after a night out.

Happiness is rapping with your best friend to Kendrick Lamar.

Happiness is putting on “Only Love”

by Ben Howard when it’s time for candlelight, throw pillows and a little midnight wooing for you and that special someone.

@Karaiyn: Also, don't ask if I'm leaving. Be responsible and get to campus 2.5 hours before your class. You are sure to find parking. #wku #wkuparking — Sent 9:17am · 9 Sep 2014 @ shotgunconcepts: I'll always call it #DUC because I'm a grumpy old man. #wku — Sent 8:21pm · 8 Sep 2014 @kelsidempster: WKU has a floral shop... Looks like I know where I'll be sending flowers to myself from!

— Sent 5:30pm · 9 Sep 2014

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PREVIOUS CROSSWORD SOLUTION

ACROSS 1 Gusto 5 Reynolds Wrap maker 10 Reptile house attractions 14 __-Seltzer 15 Luxury hotel with a YouFirst rewards program 16 Nothing but 17 Keep one’s landlord happy 19 Cross the threshold 20 Tricky 21 Big name in dangerous stunts 22 Sierra follower, in the NATO alphabet 23 Box instruction 26 Not familiar with 29 Staff symbols 30 Part of Q.E.D. 31 __ Belt 34 Jan. honoree 37 Optional learning 40 Suffix with concert 41 “__ Fideles”

42 Back in the day 43 They may be counted 45 Golden number?

46 Usually not a good way to get married 51 Exposed 52 Film with talking bugs 53 NFL’s Jaguars, for short 56 “The Year of Magical Thinking” author Didion 57 “You listen to me,” and an instruction about what to look for in 17-, 23-, 37- and 46-Across 60 Qatari bigwig 61 Chicago’s __ Planetarium 62 Roughage source 63 Facetious nickname for a big guy 64 Gnocchi topping 65 Kan. neighbor

DOWN 1 Prepares, as leftovers 2 Mideast airline 3 Absolut rival 4 Bit of ink 5 Naproxen brand 6 “Two Women” Oscar winner 7 “Fool for You” Grammy winner Green 8 Have 9 PEI hours 10 “The African Queen” co-star 11 Under consideration 12 Straighten 13 Church council 18 Oct- minus one 22 “The Gondoliers” girl 23 Four-letter word 24 Rainbow __ 25 As a result 26 Fruity soda 27 Yeats’ home 28 Top-rated evening TV show of 1961-62 31 Turkey on rye, e.g.

32 Actress Witherspoon 33 Some badges 35 Centers of activity 36 Seat for a dummy 38 Relaxed 39 Ratted (on) 44 Literary award named for a writer 45 Dix et un 46 __ d’art 47 Wynonna’s mom 48 Cries 49 Commencement 50 In __: unborn 53 Sudden movement 54 __ Sea 55 Lawless character 57 Go out in the afternoon?

58 Keats poem 59 “The Leftovers” airer

SEEK & FIND SUDOKU

ACENDANT GEMINI NEPTUNE SUN AQUARIUS IMMIUM COLI OPPOSITION TAURUS ARIES LEO PISCES TRINE ASPECTS LIBRA PLUTO URANUS CANCER MARS SAGITTARIUS

VIRGO CAPRICORN MERCURY SATURN CONJUNCTION MOON SEXTILE

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

WKUHERALD.COM

PHOTO

Mario Jimenez, of the University of San Francisco of Quito, prepares a traditional Ecuadorian dish for students during the gallery reception at the Ivan Wilson Center for Fine Arts on Wednesday.

Year of Ecuador Students view artwork by Sandra Fern谩ndez at the main gallery of FAC during the gallery's reception on Wednesday.

PHOTOS BY

NICK WAGNER

Louisville sophomore Veneatrea Bennett browses the selection of handmade bracelets during the kick-off to the International Year of Ecuador at Centennial Mall.

LEFT: Mayfield junior Sydney Jones, left, poses for a photo with Somerset sophomore Andrea Jenkins during the kick-off event for the Year of Ecuador at Centennial Mall on Wednesday. The pair of students received a free t-shirt for posting their photo with the hashtag #WKUIYO. RIGHT: Pablo Garz贸n plays the violin in the Nashville group, Serenatta, who played at Centennial Mall on Wednesday during the kickoff to WKU's International Year of Ecuador.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

WKUHERALD.COM

LIFE

Fall fashion trends await cooler days

BY KAE HOLLOWAY OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM

Calendar

Have a submission or event you would like to see featured in our calendar on Tuesday?

Let us know by emailing taylor.harrison@wku.edu or dropping us a message at our Facebook page, WKUHerald.

DRY CLEAN ONLY

FALLIN’

Contrary to the belief of certain pumpkin spice latte pushing coffee shops, fall is not here yet.

With temperatures rising into the 80s and 90s daily, it is just not yet time to sip your autumn roast from Einstein’s and kick up colored leaves in soft flannels and boots.

While it’s too early to wear those fall staples, it’s not too early to talk about them. Although not to the point of ad nauseam that pumpkin spice is already approaching.

This fall, leather will be king. Leather jackets, pants, skirts and vests will be everywhere and in every color.

The punk classic gained in popularity last fall and winter, but stores such as H&M, Forever 21 and more have greatly increased their faux-leather supply.

Entire tables in Nashville’s H&M are devoted to leather skirts and pants in different cuts and styles. Entire racks in Forever 21 are devoted to jackets that range from traditional, Ramonesinspired black to Michael Jackson red.

Flannels, as always, will make their cozy return. Honestly, it’s impossible to foresee a fall without those idyllic images of dressing in flannel, sipping coffee and watching “Hocus Pocus.” It reached a peak with grunge bands of the 1990s and hasn’t left yet. Although the jury’s out if Kurt Cobain drank copious amounts of coffee and watched “Hocus Pocus” ocus” while wearing his.

This fall, ankle boots ts will stomp their way y up and down the Hill..

Gone (hopefully) are e the days of mid-calf lf brown leather boots. ts.

Fashion bloggers and stylists have been pushing for ankle boots for several seasons, and this fall may be their true time to shine.

Ankle boots are typically cheaper because they use less material and come in just as many neutral colors as the mid-calf boots. They are easily paired with the same dresses, jeans and skirts as before. The only downside: more of your tight-clad legs will be exposed to the elements.

There are still several weeks until fall, giving you plenty of time to pull out or purchase the aforementioned products. These three only merely graze the surface of all the clothes, ALYSSA POINTER/HERALD shoes and accessories that will color Open-knit fl oppy hat and orange loose-fi tting cotton crop top from Forever 21 with a denim shirt by Levi's. your fall.

BG EATS

Thai Thai has charm

BY JOHN GREER OPINION@WKUHERALD.COM Thai Thai’s commitment to an authentic, flavorful c u i s i n e makes it one of the top-tier ethnic restaurants in town.

T Thai Thai is located in a cozy house on Chestnut Street. The ho inside, which is composed of in m multiple rooms, could be misttaken for an actual residence if it wasn’t for the smattering of carefully prepared dining tables bles. The walls are lined with ornate, w wooden engravings and intriguing artifacts. No music plays in the background, so the atmosphere is quiet.

When ordering, patrons select their own preferred level of spiciness on a scale from 1 to 10. Be warned, even the lowest spice levels pose a threat.

SEE THAI PAGE B2 ALYSSA POINTER/HERALD

Panang Curry with chicken from Thai Thai at 712 Chestnut St. in Bowling Green.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

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COLLEGE HEIGHTS HERALD

MUSIC REVIEW

‘The Gold Mine’ cements Waldon as leading country voice

BY SAM OSBORNE LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM Kelsey Waldon’s searing debut full-length record, “The Gold Mine,” begins with an arrangement of steel guitar that transports listeners back to the 1960s. The 26-year-old singer/ songwriter conjures a golden era of country, back when Tammy Wynette’s ballads and Loretta Lynn’s blue-collar revelations ruled the airwaves.

Waldon, a Barlow native who resides in East Nashville, released “The Gold Mine” on June 24. Her sound is rooted in old country, and throughout the 32-minute record, Waldon dispenses ugly truths and morning-after wisdom. “The Gold Mine” plays like a collection of anthems for 20-something barflies who haven’t got it figured out just yet.

The characters Waldon introduces us to throughout the 11 tracks range from drinkers with a penchant for taking pills, to dreamers, cheaters and church-going folk.

One feisty standout track is “High in Heels,” the kind of song you wish you heard on country radio. Waldon deflects

questions from all too familiar faces, while articulating the toils of one-horse towns.

“Daddy's gone, mama tried/ Everybody’s got their own kind of suicide.”

Waldon’s gritty and revealing portraits of small-town life put her in a class of Kentucky songwriters largely unmatched in country music’s current landscape.

Whether lamenting the drudgeries of a miner digging for Harlan coal on Quicksand, or documenting the ups and downs of quarreling lovers on the pedal-steel-drenched “One Time Again,” Waldon uses an often-forgotten rural demographic and makes their experiences relatable. She does this with a driving wit and the heavy heart of a blue Kentucky girl.

While Waldon draws comparisons to an array of women from country’s golden days, the Kentuckian’s unfeigned southern drawl is uniquely her own.

On moving to Nashville and being a part of a community of talented musicians: “Everyday you are inspired to be creative. It’s this little utopia.

We’ve all moved here from small

PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY WALDON

Singer/songwriter Kelsey Waldon, a Barlow native, released her debut full-length record "The Gold Mine" on June 24. towns. A bunch of country music nerds and bunch of people who are just like me. There are so many good records coming out of here, and I’m not talking about music row.”

On how the experiences of

growing up in a small town inspired songs on her record: “I wanted to bring it back to honesty and telling the stories of people and a demographic people forget about, and also the real stories of life. I wanted

everyone to see the beauty that I see in it, but also small town rural life, and I think everyone can relate to it in a way.

Feel the honesty in it — if it’s authentic I think they can appreciate it.”

On finding inspiration from Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette for “The Gold Mine”: “I think in the past three years or so, I feel like I can truly call myself a fan. Getting into all the obscure stuff, I got really into a lot of Tammy and Loretta, especially their late ‘60s and ‘70s stuff. I’m talking about the deep cuts. Really realizing how good it really is.

Especially sonically, it was really hip for that time."

On playing her first-ever gig: “I played in my first club in Metropolis, Illinois across the river. Played my original songs by myself when I was 18. I can’t even remember the name of the club right now, it’s not there anymore. But I played, but it was kind of the first thing I did with my original tunes. I remember I was so scared and I just made myself. I was like, if you wanna do this, you gotta do it. I’m really glad no one has documentation of that."

Zombie Run creeps into Bowling Green

BY STEPHANIE JESSIE LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM On Saturday, the Skeleton’s Lair Scream Park will be oozing with mud and crawling with zombies for a 5K race that even the undead can enjoy.

The second annual KY Zombie Mud Run is this Saturday at the park, located just outside of Bowling Green on Cemetery Road/Highway 234.

The three-mile run will send

the first set of racers out of the gates at 9 a.m.

Not only is this race full of obstacles and mud, but participants must also avoid organ-eating zombies at every turn.

“Each runner will wear a flag belt with three flags,” Amy Burge, event organizer, said.

Each flag represents an organ: brains, guts and the heart. While going through the course, zombies try to capture the flags or “infect”

the runner. Those who finish the race with at least one flag will be entered to win prizes varying from Cheddar’s gift certificates to pillows from Trent Bedding.

“It’s not a timed event,” Burge said. “It’s more of a fun run, but people do try to finish with the flag at the end.”

Participants are allowed to bypass an obstacle they wish to avoid or, if they choose not to run at all, the KY Zombie Mud Run gives another option

to enjoy.

“Not only can you be involved by a runner's stand point, but you can also be involved by a zombie’s standpoint,” Burge said.

For a $25 donation, volunteers can arrive at the course at 7 a.m. in old clothing to have their makeup done by the event coordinators. They are then placed throughout the course and spend the race trying to steal the flags from the runners. Runners and

zombies are encouraged to bring extra clothes.

While the online race registration price ended Wednesday night, any student that shows a current WKU ID at the registration table on Saturday will receive a discount price of $40.

“It’s great entertainment,” Burge said. “For a lot of people, they’re getting the health factor, they get to participate with family and friends and, you know, they have a good time doing it.”

THAI

Continued from LIFE A small salad served before the main entrée comes with a delicious peanut vinaigrette. The bed of iceberg lettuce and shredded carrot provides a crunchy textural component, but it conveys little additional flavor.

The red-orange Panang Curry with chicken is brimming with complexity. Coconut milk lends the dish a rich, velvety texture and subtle undercurrent of flavor, providing a blank canvas for the potent spice mixture to assert itself. The lime leaf also imparts a distinctive, if delicate, aromatic note. The end result is a fragrant, spicy curry.

There is some room for improvement. The bed of fluffy rice mutes the spiciness of the curry and prevents it from overwhelming the dish, but the serving size is a little too meager. A larger portion to sop up the liquid would add more substance and balance to the meal. While the chicken in the curry is plentiful and contributes some textural diversity, it is largely forgettable.

The peculiarities in Thai Thai’s atmosphere also lead to some issues. Wait times for food are long, even when the restaurant isn’t crowded, and it’s cash-only for meals less than $10.

These criticisms aside, the food at Thai Thai is very good. If you are up for dealing with the longer wait times and cash-only rule, the food will make it more than worth your while.

Customers eat dinner at Thai Thai, located at 712 Chestnut St. in Bowling Green.

ALYSSA POINTER/HERALD

WKUHERALD.COM

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

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Speaker shares successes of student farming program

BY ANNA LAWSON

LIFE@WKUHERALD.COM

People filed into Van Meter Hall on Tuesday evening to listen to a speaker who has changed not just the lives of his students, but the city they live in as well.

Stephen Ritz is a teacher in the South Bronx in New York City who is giving students opportunities for academic success through the rebuilding of the Bronx. Ritz believes students shouldn’t have to leave their neighborhood to live, learn and earn.

His lecture focused on how important it is to teach people that they are capable of growing their own food, regardless of their income levels.

“I’m not a farmer,” Ritz said. “I like to say I’m a people farmer.”

Ritz’s program, Green Bronx Machine, trains the youngest nationallycertified workforce in America to grow produce for themselves and others in their community. His students earn living wages while on their way to graduation.

Ritz and his students have grown more than 300,000 pounds of vegetables in the Bronx. Ritz said this has led to better academic performances from the kids.

“In the past 40 years, kids are getting fatter, way fatter, and kids are getting sicker, way sicker,” Ritz said. “That’s not healthy for my kids or anyone else’s kids around the nation.”

Somerset senior Amanda Hartle attended the event to learn new information for her future job as an educator.

“I want to learn different instructional strategies and be able to use them in a classroom,” she said.

Ritz’s Bronx classroom hosts the first indoor edible wall in the New York City Department of Education. This wall of produce grows enough food to feed 450 students.

“For me, it’s simple — it starts with seeds,” he said. “My students, my kids, are my seeds. They come to school and they love these plants so much.

We pulled up six acres of black tops around the city.”

Ritz said one of his lessons he teaches promotes a mindset of being able to change the world. All it takes is taking responsibility for yourself, your goals and the world around you.

Ritz said his work with students has moved attendance at his school from 40 to 93 percent and also helped to

BRANDON CARTER/HERALD

Guest speaker Stephen Ritz answers audience questions after his lecture, entitled "Farming for the Future: Investing in Your Community To Change the World," on Tuesday in Van Meter Auditorium. Ritz spoke on his efforts with the "Green Bronx Machine," a sustainable farming initiative for public school students in the Bronx. His talk was part of the annual Mary E. Hensley Lecture Series sponsored by the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. fund and create 2,200 youth jobs.

“It’s not only where we live, it’s in other communities,” he said. “My kids started installing walls for wealthy and privileged people, and in hospitals and community centers. They created inspirational and aspirational places to go. We’re sending kids who are on food stamps home every week with fresh produce.”

Locals from the Bowling Green community also came out to witness his positive energy and story.

Bowling Green resident Shannon Mills said she wanted to find out how Ritz’s work in the Bronx could apply to personalized learning.

“I want to see how it would transfer to rural Kentucky,” she said.

Ritz told the audience the idea that consumers are the true sustainers of the world is no longer true.

“The real reality is that sustainers are the new consumers,” he said. “Sustainability should not be the endgame. I

don't want sustainable. I want a transformation. I want inspiration.”

Ritz said he wants the initiative to be completely inclusive.

“Together, we can all prosper,” he said. “For me, simply put, the bottom line is this: I am not willing to accept the things I cannot change. I am going to change the things I cannot accept.”

Ritz and his program have been awarded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Award for transforming mindsets and landscapes in New York City, as well as the ABC Above and Beyond Award and the 2012 Chevrolet National Green Educator Award. Ritz’s school has earned the first Citywide Award of Excellence from the NYC Strategic Alliance for Health.

Ritz was recently announced as a national Green Apple Education Ambassador for the U.S. Green Building Council.

“When the kids from the poorest congressional district in America can

install these walls, that for me is a true ‘si se puede’ moment,” he said.

“Si se puede” is a Spanish phrase that translates to “yes, we can.” Mantras like these and his aforementioned belief in being able to change the world show through in his dedication to his students.

“My kids are feeding themselves in ways they can’t imagine. These are happy kids and happy families,” he said. “I want every kid in America, no matter if they live on blacktop or next to an abandoned building, to understand that they can grow their own food.”

Ritz said that most importantly, love and compassion make the most difference in students’ lives.

“The world has no compassion, but we as humans do,” he said. “This is our moment, and here in Kentucky and across the nation we need to go from a nation of red states and blue states to a nation of green states.”

PLEASE NOTE: The information below was misprinted in the 9/9 edition of the Herald. The Fair will take place Tuesday, September 16th.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

WKUHERALD.COM

b4

College Heights Herald 'Freshmen Shootout'

JENNIFER KING/HERALD

A young boy watches the Budweiser Clydesdales being loaded back into their trailers as he waits for the first WKU football game to begin on Aug. 29. The College Heights Herald photo staff hosts a "Freshmen Shootout" every semester in search of one photojournalism freshman to be given a position on photo staff. This semester's winner is Bowling Green freshman Jennifer King.

Topper Sports Preview

BY BILLY RUTLEDGE

Tennis

BY JOHN REECER

soccer

SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM

SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM

WKU tennis is set to play in its first tournament of the season this weekend. The team will travel to Elon, North Carolina for the Elon Invitational.

WKU will be playing singles and doubles matches against the likes of the College of William and Mary, Wake Forest, Elon and North Carolina.

“We want to go out there and compete. It’s the first tournament of the fall,” first-year Head Coach Jonatan Berhane said. “We have five new players and four returners. We also have four international players with world ranking. So, I think it’s going to be a very good year.”

One of the returning standouts will be senior Madeline Phillips, who played as the Lady Toppers’ No. 2 player last season. Phillips went on to win seven singles matches and five doubles matches, despite a rough stretch in the middle of the season.

The senior will have more of a leadership role this year with so much inexperience on the roster.

“The good thing about having five new girls is that they expect a lot,” Berhane said. “They really want to develop their tennis game, and some of them want to play professional after college.

So, we have very highly motivated athletes.”

The team will open play on Friday, but times have not yet been determined.

The WKU soccer team will travel to New Haven, Connecticut this weekend to compete in the 2014 Yale Classic on Friday and Sunday. The Lady Toppers are coming off a 2-0 victory against Evansville and head into the tournament having compiled a 3-1 record on the season.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for Head Coach Jason Neidell, who graduated from Yale in 1994. In 1993, Neidell was an All-Ivy League selection and captured the program’s Walter Leeman Award, which is traditionally given to those who exemplify quality leadership.

WKU’s first matchup of the tournament will be against the Lady Bulldogs of Yale on Friday at 6:30 p.m. The Lady Bulldogs are 2-0 thus far, having secured victories over Quinnipac and Sacred Heart University, 2-0 and 2-1, respectively.

The Lady Toppers will also face off against Sacred Heart University on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. Sacred Heart’s record stands at 2-2-1 with its two victories coming against Delaware State and St. Peter’s, 4-2 and 4-0, respectively.

The tournament marks the first two matchups of a five-game road stint for the Lady Toppers. They travel to Indiana State, Marshall and Old Dominion following this weekend before their first home Conference USA matchup with Charlotte on Oct. 5 at 1 p.m.

VOLLEYBALL

Continued from SPORTS

“That was the biggest difference for us,” Hudson said. “Jessica played better, and with her coming off having mono this summer, she will be the first to tell you we are seeing her at about 50 percent right now. As she comes back, I think people will see how talented she really is.”

Lipscomb notched a .152 hitting percentage and 34 kills.

“We are obviously very excited to get the win over such a good team,” Hudson said. “Our kids really took advantage of some situations and played well. We are not out of the woods yet, but I think our girls are realizing that we can be a pretty good team.”

The Lady Toppers are aiming to extend their win streak this weekend as they play host to the Holiday Inn University Plaza Invitational on Friday and Saturday.

WKU relishes the underdog role it found itself in at Lipscomb and will experience it yet again this weekend when it takes on No. 8 Purdue (6-0) Friday at 7 p.m.

“We have to focus on our game,” Bodway said. “If we get certain blocking assignments, or whatever it may be, we have to focus on ourselves and our game.”

Hudson maintains that the training hasn’t changed since focusing on Purdue, the highest-ranked team WKU has faced thus far.

“This whole season we have been focusing on putting the best product we can put out there,” Hudson said. “What you will see in Purdue is an incredibly gifted team — we just have to play well on our side.”

The other two teams scheduled to face the Lady Toppers are Austin Peay (3-5) and Western Michigan (4-2) on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., respectively.

WKUHERALD.com

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

WKUHERALD.COM

WKU (1-1) vs. MTSU (1-1)

Quick Facts WHEN: Saturday, 6 p.m. CDT MyNashville-30 (TV) WHERE: Johnny Floyd Stadium – Murfreesboro, Tennessee ODDS: MTSU, -1.5 (Bovada)

b5

What's at stake?

WKU opens its inaugural Conference USA game against its long-time rival, Middle Tennessee. The Hilltoppers and Blue Raiders haven’t met since 2012 when MTSU escaped Smith Stadium with a 34-29 win. MTSU leads the all-time series 33-29-1.

Key Matchup

WKU’s passing offense vs. MTSU’s passing defense. The Blue Raiders’ passing defense ranks third in the nation, allowing just 75.5 yards through the air in its first two games. However, WKU’s passing offense ranks third in the nation, averaging 433 yards per game.

Players to watch Leon Allen

Junior running back Leon Allen led the way for the Hilltoppers on the ground at Illinois with 122 rushing yards on 24 attempts, 174 all-purpose yards and a touchdown. Allen carried 28 times for 93 yards and a touchdown against Bowling Green State.

SIDELINES

Continued from sports Brandon Doughty said. “I kind of have been trying to explain it. Even our coaching staff, coach (Justin) Lovett today was like, ‘Man, I don’t even know what the heck anything’s about with this Middle Tennessee thing.’�

Yep, there’s not one coach on the WKU coaching staff that has any prior experience with this rivalry.

So for the coaches and you young students, there’s reason, if you’re a fan of either school, to hold a grudge against the other.

The last time WKU and MTSU played two years ago, the Blue Raiders left WKU with a 34-29 win on a Thursday night. Even though MTSU finished the year 8-4, one game better than WKU, it was the Hilltoppers who went to a bowl game while MTSU sat at home during the holidays.

Fast forward to basketball season: MTSU came back to Bowling Green for the last regular season game in Diddle Arena. I sat on the floor with a camera during that game, right in front of the student section, and thought on several occasions that if WKU were to win, they would storm the court. That didn’t happen, as the Blue Raiders, who were the best team in the Sun Belt at the time, beat WKU 70-62 in front of 7,326 fans.

As history would fare, WKU did its little ‘four wins in four days’ skit again while MTSU was put out of the Sun Belt Conference Tournament. It was WKU dancing while MTSU watched from home.

That script flipped last year with

FOOTBALL

Continued from SPORTS com and currently ranks third on the NCAA’s active list of players, 11 interceptions.

Barber ranked 35th nationally last season in total tackles per game (9.2) and 21st in solo tackles per game with 5.6. He’s off to another strong start this season, having totaled 18 tackles through two games. Barber was named to the Lombardi watch list, prior to the 2014 season. “They are an experienced team who has won a lot of ball games in the past,�

Brohm said. “They came into Conference USA last year and went 6-2. They went to a bowl game, won eight games, and their defense is very sound. They try not to give up the big play. They are

Brandon Doughty

Redshirt senior quarterback Brandon Doughty ranks first nationally with eight passing touchdowns through the first two weeks of play. He ranks second in passing yards (866), completions per game (37) and total offense (431.5 yards per game), and fourth in points responsible for (48).

MTSU jolting to Conference USA a year before the Hilltoppers. WKU went 8-4 in football with no post-season. MTSU went 8-4 and went to a bowl game. This year, WKU’s basketball tournament magic ran out while MTSU advanced to the NCAA Tournament.

After a year off, the rivalry is back. “It’s good to get them back on the schedule for us and for the fans,� senior tight end Mitchell Henry said. “It’s a good rival. They’re right down the road and it’ll be a big game for us.�

Sure, the winner gets bragging rights for a year. More importantly on the field, it’s the first conference game of the year for both teams.

But even more important than that, there is unity in the midst of rivalry, and it’s something I hope you all considered this week.

Rivalries bring the blood, sweat and tears out of the game. This week, fans had the opportunity to give one of those items.

WKU and MTSU fans competed this week to save lives during the American Red Cross blood drive. It’s an annual tradition where the two schools compete to donate the most blood with the winner announced during the game.

I gave, and I hope you gave blood this week if you’re able. If not, I encourage you to next time. It’s the best way for you to not only help save lives, but show your allegiance to whatever school you root for on Saturday, and help make this rivalry what it is.

Whether you gave or not, pack up your cars and drive that 100 miles down I-65. I’ll see you at the game.

a veteran group. ‌They know what they are doing and have a staff who has been there for a while. I just think it’s going to be a very tough ball game for us. Our guys are going to be hungry, and I know our guys will be ready.�

Brohm went on to say that the Hilltoppers have erased the bad taste in their mouths from last weekend’s 4234 loss at Illinois. Despite giving up 21 points in the fourth quarter en route to the loss, redshirt senior Cam Clemmons said the team’s only focus is MTSU. “We really preach not getting too high after wins and not too low after losses,�

Clemmons said. “You take it for what it is.

We came in yesterday and watched the film and learned from it and made the corrections. We move on and don’t make it a bigger deal than what it really is.�

Kevin Byard

Junior safety Kevin Byard has intercepted at least one pass in four of his last six games. He’s No. 1 nationally among active players in interception return yards and ranks third nationally among active players with 11 interceptions.

He’s listed as the fourthbest safety by nfldraftscout.com.

Austin Grammar

Sophomore quarterback Austin Grammar has allotted 505 total passing yards through two games with two touchdowns. Behind Grammar, MTSU is 10-for-10 in the redzone this season and of the 11 Blue Raider scoring drives this season, six of them have gone for 70+ yards. Grammar led the Blue Raiders to an average of 42.5 points per game through two games, good for 27th nationally.

Saturday September 13th, 2014 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

BeneďŹ tting The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Live Music -JWF NVTJD XJMM TUBSU BU Q N PO UIF MPU

The Heidi Burson Band .U 7JDUPS 3FWVF 'BUCPY 'SJFOET

Featured Brews 4BNQMF USBEJUJPOBM GBWPSJUFT BOE TQFDJBMUZ CSFXT JO UIF QBSLJOH MPU PS GSPN UIF CBS JOTJEF

"CJUB "ZJOHFS Bell’s %FTDIVUFT DogďŹ sh Head Founders )BNNFSIFBSU Lefthand Prairie 4DIMBnZ 4IJQZBSE Sierra Nevada Stone 8FJIFOTUFQIBO West 6 BOE NBOZ NPSF

1035 Chestnut St. Bowling Green, KY (On the Corner of Chestnut and 11th)

t GBDFCPPL DPN .FMMPX.VTISPPN#(

SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 > WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY

WKUHERALD.COM

SPORTS

NICK WAGNER/HERALD

WKU junior wide receiver Antwane Grant (13) comes up short on a pass attempt as Illinois' Eaton Spence (27) applies pressure during play on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.

RivalRy Renewed SIDELINES

FOOTBALL

WKU and MTSU series brings unity to the rivalry

WKU set to face rival MTSU in first-ever C-USA matchup

BY KYLE WILLIAMS SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM

BY ELLIOTT PRATT SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM Hello there, rivalry week, it’s been a while.

It’s the 100 miles of hate, the red vs. blue.

Hilltopper fans change MTSU to MUTS, and Blue Raider fans make fun of that silly blob WKU calls a mascot.

This rivalry doesn’t carry the same hatred Elliott Pratt that Louisville and Kentucky holds, but the bitterness toward each school is still loud and proud.

A lot of you freshmen and sophomores don’t understand it because none of you were students the last time WKU played MTSU in football or basketball.

Take a visit to some of the message boards like Hilltopper Haven and Blue Raider Zone to get a taste of what’s going on this week. Because I would probably never write for the paper again, I’ll refrain from sharing some of that content here.

Personally, it came down to MTSU and WKU as the two schools of choice for me when deciding on a college.

MTSU is a great school. I know a lot of successful people from there, but I’m happy with the decision I made to come here.

There’s even a bit of unintended rivalry in what you’re reading. MTSU’s student paper is called Sidelines, the same title as this column.

There’s a numerous amount of battles to pick with these two schools. Just make sure you pick wisely and study up on it before you choose.

“A lot of these guys don’t even understand the whole Middle Tennessee rivalry,” redshirt senior quarterback

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WKU will play in one of its more notable games, of both the season and of program history, on Saturday as the Hilltoppers travel to Murfreesboro, Tennessee for the school’s first official Conference USA game against rival Middle Tennessee.

The two didn't meet last season, but the rivalry is already the most storied in the C-USA with WKU and the Blue Raiders having faced off a total of 63 times. That’s 20 more than any other two C-USA members.

MTSU (1-1) leads the all-time series, 33-29-1, and won the previous meeting on Nov. 1, 2012 at Smith Stadium, 34-29.

The Blue Raiders were picked to finish second in the East Division of the C-USA preseason coaches poll with 73 votes, and WKU (1-1) was picked to finish fourth with 57 votes.

Both teams rank within the top-30 nationally in scoring offense, with WKU coming in at No. 17 and MTSU

at No. 27. The Hilltoppers are third in the nation with 433 passing yards per game and the Blue Raiders are third in the nation in passing defense, giving up just 75.5 yards per game.

To make the arms race even tighter, MTSU allows just 290 yards of total offense per game, which ranks 30th in the nation, but the Hilltoppers average 551 total yards per contest, which is good for 15th.

“This is the most important game of the year,” Head Coach Jeff Brohm said on Monday. “It’s an exciting time for our players to get started in this conference. It’s going to be a challenge because you always want to start the conference schedule off with a win.

But, this is a game that’s going to be tough. We’re going to have to play well and play well for four quarters.”

Nine-year MTSU Head Coach Rick Stockstill has led the Blue Raiders to back-to-back eight-win seasons and four total bowl appearances, including a win against Southern Miss in the New Orleans Bowl in 2009.

The Blue Raiders dominated their

season-opener against Savannah State, 61-7, and although they fell behind 28-0 in the first half against Minnesota on Saturday, MTSU lost by just 11 points. The Blue Raiders lost despite out gaining the Golden Gophers in total offense, 445-351.

Sophomore quarterback Austin Grammar leads the Blue Raiders on offense, having compiled 505 yards through the air through two games.

Grammar has completed 37 of his 55 passes and 22 of those were good for a first down. He’s led the Blue Raiders on 11 scoring drives this season, six of which were good for 70+ yards, and MTSU is a perfect 10-for-10 in the redzone this season. However, Grammar has already thrown three interceptions to his two touchdowns.

Junior safety Kevin Byard and junior linebacker T.T. Barber, among others, anchor the MTSU defense. Byard has totaled eight tackles and two interceptions thus far this season. He’s rated the No. 4 safety by nfldraftscout.

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VOLLEYBALL

Volleyball set to host Holiday Inn Invite following sweep of Lipscomb

BY JONAH PHILLIPS

BRANDON CARTER/HERALD

SPORTS@WKUHERALD.COM WKU volleyball (7-2) extended its win streak to six on Tuesday with an impressive 25-11, 25-20, 25-20 sweep of Lipscomb (5-2) in Nashville.

Lipscomb entered the match ranked No. 27 in the American Volleyball Coaches Association rankings. The Lady Bisons received 35 votes.

Freshman outside hitter Alyssa Cavanaugh and freshman setter Jessica Lucas continued their solid play, contributing to a Lady Topper hitting mark of .389.

“Alyssa is a very talented kid, she has a lot of gifts,” Head Coach Travis Hudson said. “But we are transitioning her into a position she has never played because we want to get her the ball more — and she is responding. She’s only going to get better from here.”

Cavanaugh smashed 12 kills to tie

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Junior middle hitter Noelle Langenkamp (13) spikes the ball past Belmont defenders Arianna Person (10) and Jocelyn Youngdahl (5) during the first set of WKU's Sept. 2 match. her career high, while junior outside hitter Haley Bodway dished out 11, combining for more than half of WKU’s 43 kills.

“We’ve been doing well because we have all been focusing on our jobs,” Bodway said. “We’ve been making

sure we are following our scouting reports and maintaining our aggression in all parts of our game.”

Lucas tallied 36 assists on the night and added nine digs to the WKU defense.

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