THE MURRAY STATE M NEWS www.TheNews.org @TheMurrayStateNews @MurrayStateNews @TheMurrayStateNews @MurrayStateNews March 25, 2021 | Vol. 95, No. 21 NEWS OPINION SPORTS FEATURES

Murray State to COVID-19 and Football dominates Students gain Murray Elementary Asian racism Tennessee State to reporting experi- remain undefeated ence at WKMS page 3 page 4 page 5 page 7 5 players depart men’s program

Gage Johnson Editor-in-Chief [email protected]

After a season filled with dis- appointment from coaches, play- ers and fans alike, Murray State men’s basketball is losing a total of five players with two of the five being starters during last season. The first player to announce his departure from the Racers was ju- nior forward Brion Whitley. Whit- ley started the season as a key part of the rotation, even earning nine starts out of the 19 games he played. Graduation update Along with his infectious ener- Photo courtesy of Stephanie Anderson gy on the court, Whitley made an Allison Laski awaits her graduation ceremony in 2019 with her cap decorated with an inspirational message. impact throughout the communi- ty during his time with the Racers. Multiple in-person ceremonies planned for May “From the time I stepped foot on this campus in 2017, this commu- Gage Johnson and doctoral students only 300 students allowed to par- nity has shown me nothing but love Editor-in-Chief on Friday, May 7, at 7 p.m. ticipate in each ceremony. and support that I’ve never seen be- [email protected] The other three ceremonies are For those students interest- fore,” Whitley said in the letter he open to all 2020 and 2021 grad- ed in participating it is required posted on social media. “I poured On Tuesday, March 24, not uates. The three ceremonies all that you register online for what my all into the Murray State pro- long after announcing that take place on Saturday, May 8, you preferred ceremony would gram and truly came to an under- there were plans in place for an with the first at 8 a.m., the sec- be as well as your second choice. standing of what it meant to be a in-person graduation ceremo- ond at 11 a.m., with the third Registration opens at 8 a.m. on Racer. I hope I showed how much ny for the 2020 and 2021 grad- and final ceremony at 2 p.m. Monday, March 29, and closes I truly appreciated the opportunity uating class, Provost Tim Todd Because of COVID-19 there at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 23. that Murray State gave me by being gave the full details to facul- are plenty of safety protocols If seats are no longer avail- a star in whatever my roles was, a ty, staff and students via email. in place. For all of those at- able for the ceremony of one’s star teammate, a star ambassador for According to the email, there tending commencement, masks choosing, they will be part of the program and a star role model will be four separate in-per- must be worn and social dis- their second choice based on seat for those who are coming after me.” son graduation ceremonies tancing will be enforced in or- availability. If neither option is Another upperclassmen set in the CFSB Center for all der to help protect the health available, they will be a part of to wrap up his final chap- 2020 and sSpring and sSum- and safety of all in attendance. whatever ceremony has room. ter at Murray State is se- mer 2021 graduates as long as There will also be a limit- Each student will be allowed nior forward Devin Gilmore. all safety protocols are followed. ed capacity allowed to attend to have four family/friends be in Gilmore became known for his The first of the four cere- each approximately 90-min- see GRADUATION page 3 high-flying antics and energy on monies will be for master’s ute ceremony, with a max of both sides of the floor, finishing his career as a solid big off the bench. The forward could’ve returned Racer Room named after first Black student athlete for one last season because of Simon Elfrink COVID-19 rules, but he has de- Sports Editor cided to finish up his education [email protected] and try his hand at playing profes- sional basketball in the near future. On Sunday, March 21, Mur- “I want to take time to thank ev- ray State Athletics commem- eryone involved in the Murray State orated the new Racer Room basketball program for helping me in Dennis Jackson’s honor. on this part of my journey,” Gilmore Jackson, the first Black stu- said in the letter he posted on so- dent-athlete in Murray State his- cial media. “I also want to thank my tory, is a 2007 Murray State Hall teammates from over the years for of Fame inductee, having played having my back no matter what and for Murray State’s track team and turning into family. These four years Simon Elfrink/The News the football team from 1960-64. Murray State Athletics named the new Racer Room after the Racers’ first Black student-athlete, Dennis Jackson. have been amazing and have helped “Murray State Universi- shape me into who I am today… The ty: the sweetest name that because of the people that rep- but also his master’s, as well as a game of basketball is something that I know,” Jackson said. “You resent .” professional certificate for school I’ve grown to love and I’m happy to know, it’s not a surprise to me Jackson took the student aspect of administration, an endorsement say I will be taking my talents to to see Murray State excel in all being a student-athlete to the ex- the profes- see SEASON, page 6 kinds of areas. Not only ath- treme, earning not only his bach- see JACKSON, page 2 sional level.” letically, but academically also, elor’s degree from Murray State 2 News March 25, 2021

Simon Elfrink/The News Dennis Jackson is a 2007 Murray State Racers Hall of Fame Inductee. JACKSON From Page 1 for secondary school princi- pal for grades 7-12 and an endorse- ment for school superintendent. After his time on the track and the foot- ball field, Jackson passed on his knowl- edge by teaching health and physical ed- ucation at Trigg County Junior High School for a year before taking his ex- pertise to the Paducah Public Schools in 1968, where he taught the same sub- jects. In his time as a Paducah Public Schools affiliate, Jackson also taught his- tory and served as a football, basketball and track coach. For a period of time, Jackson also served as assistant principal. In light of Jackson’s living legacy, it was with great honor that Murray State Athlet- ics held the ceremony to commemorate the new Racer Room in his honor. President Bob Jackson led with opening words in the ceremony, explaining to those gathered the importance of Dennis Jackson’s con- tribution to Murray State over the years. “This day is overdue,” Jackson said. “I’m very glad that this Board of Regents Simon Elfrink/The News and this president and this administra- The Murray State football team gifted a signed helmet to Jackson in thanks for his legacy. tion is to bestow this honor on Mr. Jack- son. Mr. Jackson has dedicated his life to his family, his faith, assisting young peo- ple and serving public education. I’ve watched him do that for many years.” Murray State Director of Athlet- ics Kevin Saal thanked Dennis Jackson for being a trailblazer for student-ath- letes. Saal credited him for paving the way for the many Black student-ath- letes who have followed in his footsteps. “Thank you for the pain and sacrifice that you endured establishing a pathway for thousands of student athletes who have followed in your footsteps,” Saal said. President Jackson added his own words of thanks, reminding those gath- ered that while athletics aren’t the most focal point in a university’s char- acteristics, they are the collective “front porch” for many future students. “It provides many students an educa- tion. It’s a tool to make a difference in a student’s life,” Jackson said. “Dennis, Simon Elfrink/The News thank you for all that you do for this in- Dennis Jackson prepares to cut the ceremonial ribbon for the new Dennis Jackson Racer Room. stitution. Thank you for all you have done for this institution, [and] thank you for what he needed to in order to make the “If you need some help in whatever you your quiet, humble servant leadership. difference he wanted to see in the world, are doing, that’s what God is for,” Jack- Dennis Jackson gave a lot of credit to athletically and academically. He contin- son said. “Things that we can’t solve, his faith for his accolades and legacy on ued to emphasise the importance of faith, things we don’t have the answer to, the field, sharing his personal experi- leaving his gathered fans with encourag- he’s right there for us. He’s always put ence in prayer and reliance on God to do ing words to seek God in their own lives. somebody in place for you to talk to.” March 25, 2021 News 3

Photo courtesy of Mabel’s Garden’s Facebook page From left to right, students Cassity Mitchell, Mika Hankins, Alyssa Trombetti, Presley Woodrum and assistant professor Alyx Shultz have been teaching about planting seeds and agriculture at Murray Elementary School. Murray State to Murray Elementary Hutson School of Agriculture students teach lessons at local school

Alyssa Trombetti learning methods,” Trombetti said “By “Knowing where your food comes said she enjoyed the opportunity to Contributing writer using these methods, we were able from, how it is grown and the la- teach the children about agriculture. [email protected] to appeal to all the students and keep bor of love that goes into it is very “I loved teaching the kids at them engaged, so we could accomplish important for people to under- MES because I got to see the ex- Students in the Hutson of Agriculture our goal with visiting the children.” stand,” Hankins said. “It all starts citement in their eyes,” Hankins visited Murray Elementary School to Mitchell talked about the with teaching these children.” said. “It was something spe- teach the children about planting seeds goals of teaching the students After teaching the first lesson to chil- cial that most of them had nev- and inspire an interest in agriculture. at Murray Elementary School. dren on planting seeds, many teachers, er had a part in and I am glad Seniors Mika Hankins, Cassity “The goal was to have a posi- faculty and staff complimented the ag- that we were able to help expose Mitchell and Presley Woodrum and tive impact on the students about riculture students on the positive im- them to it. It was like no other.” junior Alyssa Trombetti have coor- agriculture,” Mitchell said. “It is pression that was left with the children. Within a few weeks, the Hut- dinated over the past several weeks to crucial to start at a young age and Mitchell said the students were son School of Agriculture students prepare lesson plans for the elementary get them engaged and passionate very enthusiastic about planting will revisit Murray Elementary school children. For the rest of the se- about an amazing opportunity.” seeds and learning about agriculture. School to check on the progress of mester, they plan to visit the children to Hankins comes from an ag- “The students were so excited the plants. The next lesson will be look at the progress of the plants and to ricultural background consist- when we left knowing they could identifying the parts of the plants. discuss the importance of agriculture. ing of tobacco farming and watch their plants,” Mitchell said. To follow the progress of Trombetti said the first lesson con- raising beef cattle. Because ev- “They were more excited knowing the School of Agriculture stu- sisted of various teaching methods eryone does not come from we were coming back to teach them dents and their lessons with that were put together by the students. this background, Hankins said more about the topic of agriculture.” the Murray Elementary School “Throughout our lesson plan, we there is importance in teach- When asked about their favorite part students, find them on Face- used auditorial, visual and hands-on ing children about agriculture. about teaching the students, Hankins book at @MabelsGardenMKY.

homeschooled, so it made me GRADUATION super excited that I was final- From Page 1 ly going to get my first grad- uation,” Henderson said. JavaTalk Many other 2020 graduates the audience via a digi- voiced their opinions on the tal ticketing process. Four vir- in-person graduation on Face- tual tickets will be distribut- book, like 2020 graduate Da- ed through TicketMaster to mon Oliver who said he is the student’s email account. thrilled to get the chance to Students will be able to transfer walk across the stage this May. BE YOUR OWN BARISTA WITH A MOKA POT the tickets electronically to those Others were upset at the they wish to be in the audience. short notice and said that they MOST CLASSIC DRINKS LIKE THE LATTE, All guests, including infants and will not be returning to cam- small children, must have a ticket pus for any of the four com- MOCHA, AND MACCHIATO CONTAIN ESPRESSO to enter the CFSB Center. Walk- mencement ceremonies. SHOTS. WHILE IT CAN BE CHALLENGING TO ins will not be permitted on the “When were they going to let day of the ceremony in order to 2020 grads know this, though,” MAKE ESPRESSO AT HOME, IT IS EASIER THAN help enforce social distancing. said 2020 graduate Brooke Cro- EVER WITH THE MOKA POT. WITH MODELS Linsay Henderson, a 2020 el. “Glad I still like this page. I’d graduate with a bachelor’s de- love to come back for a ceremo- THAT TOTAL BETWEEN $15-50, MAKING gree in agriculture with pre-vet/ ny but unfortunately this isn’t vet tech emphasis,is thrilled to before my semester will be over ESPRESSO AT HOME HAS NEVER BEEN EASIER! be having an in-person ceremo- so it isn’t very practical for me NOTE THAT WHILE THE MOKA POT CAN MAKE ny. So thrilled in fact, she im- to come back for it, especial- mediately called her boss to ask ly with not a great heads up.” ESPRESSO, YOUR FINAL PRODUCT WILL BE for the day off and will be mak- For more information on ing a 10-hour drive to attend. commencement, visit https:// SOMEWHERE IN BETWEEN FINELY GROUND “I never had a high school www.murraystate.edu/com- ESPRESSO AND DRIP COFFEE. AN INVESTMENT graduation because I was mencement/index.aspx. IN A HIGH QUALITY ESPRESSO MACHINE MAY BE EXPENSIVE, BUT IT IS THE BEST WAY TO MAKE ESPRESSO. IF YOU WOULD RATHER SAVE MONEY, THE MOKA POT WILL DO JUST FINE. WE ALSO RECOMMEND A HEATED MILK FROTHER FOR AN EXTRA LUXURIOUS EXPERIENCE.

CHECK OUT THIS LINK FOR A GREAT METHOD FOR AT HOME ESPRESSO DRINKS HTTPS://YOUTU.BE/RPYBYUU-WJI 4 Opinion March 25, 2021 COVID-19 and Asian racism The staff editorial is the majority opinion of The Murray State News Editorial Board

Gabe Steffen Opinion Editor [email protected]

On March 16, a series of shootings at massage parlors in Atlanta, Geor- gia, killed eight women in total. Six of those women were of Asian descent. These shootings caused an uproar in the Asian-American community, as they are now afraid that they are being targeted because of their race. In similar succession with the Black Lives Mat- ter movement, what can be done to assure the protection of Asian-Amer- icans, immigrants or exchange stu- dents from Asian countries and how can we help lower the rate of hate against the aforementioned groups? Despite the hate that has been seen Cade Utterback/The News in the media, many people have not witnessed or heard hate against Asians America is not shy about admitting their the American government officially Donald Trump spreading hate by call- other than racist jokes told by friends. past racism against Japanese-Amer- apologized for the trouble and strife it ing the virus the “China Virus” and the While racist jokes are never okay, it’s not icans back in WWII. Between 1942 caused the Asian community in 1988, “Kung Flu.” What can we as a com- the same as actually witnessing racism and 1945, after President F.D. Roo- it still doesn’t excuse what was done. munity and a university do to increase against a group of people. And while sevelt signed Executive Order 9066, There’s racism against the Asian com- education about discimination? A great hate crimes against Asians only make which authorized the removal of any munity for the same reason there’s rac- idea is that the university could mandate up a small fraction of all hate crimes, “suspected enemies,” anyone who had ism against the Black community and discrimination training just like they overall hate crime went down 7% be- any Japanese heritage was seized and the Hispanic community. The white mandate Title IX training. The univer- tween 2019 and 2020, but hate crimes put into an internment camps. Even community has always seen themselves sity could also increase education and against Asians went up 149%. Accord- after those Japanese-Americans were as better than everyone else, and they classes on racism and diversity, as well ing to Stop AAPI (Asian American released, many faced racism because of need to hold power in any way possible. as start initiatives that promote inclu- Pacific Islander) Hate, all reported the mass hysteria caused by Pearl Har- There’s no doubt that there’s been sion with students and the community. harassments against Asian-Americans bor, and even more weren’t able to re- another rise in hate against the Asian While we may never end racism, we can were verbal harassment (66%), shun- turn to normalcy because their homes community because of COVID-19, all try our hardest to make the world a ning (20%) and physical attacks (11%). and jobs were taken from them. While and especially with Former President better place, one community at a time.

E CHEERS.... CHE RS JEERS....

to in-person graduation! J to having one E & E Finally, “some” normalcy! RS non-instructional day left! JEERS We all need a break!

Got opinions?

Contact Gabe Steffen at We want to hear from you! [email protected]

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The News welcomes commentaries and letters to the editor. Sub- Contributions to The News are the opinion of the author and not The News strives to be the University community’s source for missions should be 600 words or less, and contributors should include that of The Murray State News. The News is a designated public forum. information. Our goal is to present that information in a fair and phone numbers for verification. Please include hometown, classifica- Student editors have authority to make all content decisions without unbiased manner and provide a free and open forum for expression tion and title or relationship to the University. The News reserves the censorship or advance approval. The paper offers a hands-on learning and debate. right to edit for style, length and content. No anonymous contributions environment for students interested in journalism. The campus press The News is prepared and edited by students and is an official will be accepted. All contributions should be turned in by noon on Mon- should be free from censorship and advance approval of copy and its publication of Murray State University. The first copy is free. Addi- day of each week via email to [email protected]. editors should develop their editorial and news policies. tional copies are available for 25 cents at 111 Wilson Hall. March 25, 2021 Sports 5

Photo courtesy of Dave Winder/Racer Athletics The Racers emerge from the tunnel to take on Tennessee State University. Football dominates Tennessee State to remain undefeated

Simon Elfrink score 7-0 with 4:02 on the clock. gers caught some life as time ran endzone, Rice found redshirt senior Sports Editor The Racers made quick work short, finding the ball at the 33- wide receiver Malik Honeycutt for [email protected] of their second drive when red- yard line with 17 seconds left. The another Murray State touchdown. shirt junior quarterback Preston Tigers kicked a field goal from The extra-point kick flew through Murray State football took on Rice threw a pass to an open se- there, lightening the lead to 14-10. the goalposts and the scoreboard Tennessee State University on nior wide receiver DeQuan Dallas The second half of the game began reflected a 28-13 lead for the Rac- Sunday, March 21, at Roy Stew- for a 56-yard touchdown. Upon with the Tigers kicking off to Mur- ers with 12:13 left in the game. art Stadium. After honoring Hall converting the extra point from a ray State. The Racers were two yards The Tigers couldn’t catch a break of Fame inductee Dennis Jack- kick by redshirt senior kicker Aar- short of a first down on their first as the Racers’ defense continued son for his contribution to Mur- on Baum, the Racers and Tigers drive before punting the ball back to give the Tigers trouble. Red- ray State Athletics, the Rac- found themselves tied at seven. to Tennessee State, who brought it shirt sophomore inside linebacker ers defeated the Tigers 35-13. The Tigers and the Racers traded to their 31-yard line before going Marvin Pierre intercepted a pass The fourth straight win puts drive efforts with nothing to show down. The Tigers got a quick first and ran 41 yards to return the ball the Racers in an excellent posi- for it, as the Tigers intercepted the down and looked to start the sec- to Murray State’s endzone. Baum’s tion for the rest of the season, but Racers’ drive for their own first down ond half as hot as they did the first. kick flew through the posts once Head Coach Dean Hood said opportunity. However, the Racers’ However, the Tigers’ momentum more and the Tigers faced an it is important to stay focused defense stayed true, forcing the Ti- was brought to an abrupt halt after a overwhelming 35-13 Racers lead. and not get too caught up in re- gers to punt on the fourth down. fumble and a recovery by the Racers Hood said the repeated pick cords and winning percentages A call for unsportsmanlike con- for a first down on the 35-yard line. sixes from his defense this sea- when it comes to producing wins. duct helped the Racers find the The Racers converted a pair of son are a result of a total team “That has nothing to do with 46-yard line with 4:22 left on the first downs to reach the eight-yard effort on the defensive end. next week,” Hood said. “Wheth- clock. Rice took the ball and ran line with 7:22 left in the quarter. “It’s huge, and it’s one of those er we’re 4-0 or 0-4 has no bearing for a first down before finding red- The Racers pushed to the five-yard things that kind of feeds off each on what’s going to happen next shirt sophomore wide receiver Ja- line for their second down before other,” Hood said. “The D-line are Sunday. You really gotta just fo- cob Bell on the next opportunity. handing the ball off to senior run- getting pressure and that quarter- cus on the process and count your Bell ran all the way to the one-yard ning back Rodney Castille, who ran back can’t step up and make the blessings. It really is important line for another Murray State first the short distance for a touchdown. throw he likes or throw it on time to focus on the things that really down. After a failed rushing at- The extra-point kick was good, like he would like, and our DB’s matter to give you an opportunity tempt, Rice muscled the ball one making the score 21-10 Racers. know that. They feed off our D-line.” to be successful in the next one.” yard forward and into the endzone Tennessee State could not find Each team experienced a fruit- The Racers kicked off to Ten- for another Racer touchdown. Af- the luck they needed to come less run before the ball found nessee State to start the game. A ter Baum kicked the extra-point back in their next drive, coming Tennessee State again. The Ti- touchback put the Tigers on the field goal, the Racers led 14-7. 53 yards short of its endzone. The gers managed to reach the eight- 25-yard line. The Tigers’ offense After an electrifying 100-yard Tigers attempted a field goal from yard line thanks to a 49-yard pass came out with a spring in its step, game from redshirt junior wide there, but the kick missed right. from quarterback Isaiah Green getting three first downs in a row receiver LeMartez Brooks against The Racers didn’t make much to sophomore wide receiver Day- and working its way up to the Rac- Tennessee Tech University, the ground on their next drive, elect- ron Johnson. The Tigers used all ers’ 24-yard line. The Racers final- Tennessee State defense neutral- ing to kick the ball back to Ten- four chances to try and convert ly stopped the Tigers’ momentum ized him for the most part. How- nessee State on their fourth down. a touchdown but once again the by forcing an incomplete pass. The ever, Bell was adamant in that A 42-yard rush by redshirt fresh- Racers’ defense proved to be too Tigers tried to kick a field goal, the Racers have plenty of options man running back Devon Star- much, and the Racers gained but the Racers’ defense tackled on offense, even when one play- ling and a 15-yard penalty gave possession with under five min- the placekicker, converting a first er is locked up by the defense. Tennessee State the ball at Mur- utes left in the fourth quarter. down opportunity for the Racers. “We got a lot of assets when it ray State’s 35-yard line. However, The Racers owned the possession The Racers’ first drive was fruitless comes to the offense,” Bell said. the Murray State defense held the for the final minutes of the game, as they gained only a single yard in “The offensive line is having their line, and once again the Tigers had and by the time the last seconds three down attempts. The Racers day and doing their job, the running no choice but to attempt a field ticked away the scoreboard reflect- punted the ball back to the Tigers. backs [are] always doing their job, goal. The kick was ruled as good. ed a 35-13 victory for the Racers. Tennessee State’s second drive of P. Rice is always doing his job, so if With a 21-13 lead at the begin- With the win, the Racers push the half came to a head when they LeMartez isn’t getting the ball one ning of the final quarter, the Rac- their undefeated streak to four made it to first and two with just game then it’s me and we know how ers rushed their way up the field games to start the 2021 season. over four minutes left in the quar- we’re going to have our assets set.” to the 37-yard line before Rice Murray State will appear again ter. They scored a touchdown on the The Tigers’ offense struggled made a 15-yard pass to Bell for on Sunday, March 28 to take on first opportunity, successfully kick- to answer in the first half after another first down opportunity. Eastern Illinois University at 2 ing for the extra point to make the the Racers’ run. However, the Ti- While 22 yards away from the p.m. at .

@themurraystatenews @MurrayStateNews

www.thenews.org The Murray State News

Brooklyn Burnett The News 6 Sports March 25, 2021

Photos courtesy of Demond Robinson’s Twitter and Racer Athletics Sophomore forward Demond Robinson, sophomore guard Chico Carter Jr., freshman forward Ja’Queze Kirby, junior forward Brion Whitley elected to transfer and senior forward Devin Gilmore is graduating.

him to enter the transfer portal. Carter Jr. was a key player off me become a better player on and off SEASON “Thank you to family and friends the bench in his freshman sea- the court. I’m very thankful for the From Page 1 being here for me and also thank son and worked his way into the opportunities I have received and I you to Racer Nation for giving me starting lineup after continuing to will strive to continue my excellence this opportunity to be a good stu- be a major spark in the rotation. in the classroom on and off the court.” The next big man entering the dent athlete on campus,” Robinson The young guard took to social The latest player to prepare for transfer portal is sophomore for- said in the letter he posted on social media to thank his family, friends his departure from Murray State is ward Demond Robinson, who has media. “This was an amazing expe- and many others for the support he freshman forward Ja’Queze Kirby. started nearly every game with the rience and I am forever grateful.” received in his time with the Racers. Kirby came in as an athletic for- Racers since late in his freshman year. Robinson has since an- “I would also like to thank my ward who fought for a rotation spot Robinson was extremely effi- nounced that he will be join- coaches for providing me with early on, but didn’t receive many cient in his time with Murray ing Kennesaw State Univer- many opportunities and develop- minutes as the season progressed. State and turned early struggles sity for the upcoming season. ing me into a great player,” Carter It was announced via Verbal around late in the season un- Sophomore guard Chico Car- Jr. said in the letter he posted on Commits on Twitter that Kir- til an injury kept him from play- ter Jr., the team’s third-leading social media. “This decision has by will not return to the Rac- ing the remainder of the season. scorer for the majority of the sea- been very difficult as I have grown ers for the 2021-22 season. The forward took to social me- son, entering the transfer por- into the person I am becoming Murray State finished the sea- dia to express his gratitude for tal marks another big loss in the during my two years at Murray son 13-13 overall and was eliminat- the opportunity to be a Racer, but backcourt for Murray State go- State. I want to thank my team- ed by Jacksonville State Universi- after talking with God and his ing into the 2021-22 season. mates for pushing me and helping ty 68-65 in the OVC Tournament. family, Robinson said it’s time for Softball sweeps SIUE

Simon Elfrink However, the Racers weren’t the Sports Editor first team to score, as SIUE snuck a [email protected] runner across home plate in the bot- tom of the first inning on an RBI Murray State softball swept a three- single from redshirt freshman pitch- game series against Southern Illinois er Lexi King, who also started the University Edwardsville on Saturday, game on the rubber for the Cougars. March 20, and Sunday, March 21. Down 1-0 in the top of the sec- ond inning, the Racers tied the Game One game when freshman designated Photo courtesy of Piper Cassetto player Kamryn Carcich hit into a Sophomore infielder Lily Fischer makes a diving stop against SIUE. The first game was a slow one -of fielder’s choice, trading an out for fensively for both teams, with the a run with the Cougars’ defense. nings and allowing only a single hit in the driving in a run with a double to left Racers only tallying three hits over While that was the end of the Racers’ second game of the series against SIUE. field. Senior outfielder Jensen Striegel the seven innings of play. However, scoring in the second inning, they came followed up with runners at second and those three hits were enough to drive right back in the third on a throwing Game Three third, hitting into a fielder’s choice but in three runs for the Racers and give error by King to give them a 2-1 lead. tying the game at three runs. Braund- them a 3-2 win in the first game of a Braundmeier took the opportu- In the final game of the series on meier advanced to third on the play double header on Saturday, March 20. nity to push the Murray State lead Sunday, March 21, the Cougars gave and was driven in by Gilmore on a sac- All three runs came in the top of the to 3-1 when she hit a solo home the Racers a run for their money with rifice fly to left field, giving the Racers a seventh inning when senior outfielder run to left-center field in the top of a more active performance at the plate. 4-3 lead. An RBI single by Jones gave Logan Braundmeier hit an RBI single the fifth for her third of the season. The Cougars scored first onthe Racers another run and a 5-3 lead. to drive in sophomore utility player SIUE remained quiet from the an RBI double by redshirt ju- Redshirt junior outfielder Alana Chloe Jacque, who had walked her way batters’ boxes as Murray State added nior infielder Bailey Concatto.Cobb-Adams gave the Cougars some on. The other two RBIs came off the on in the seventh inning. Braund- The Racers looked to answer after late-game home in the bottom of the bat of sophomore infielder Lily Fischer meier found herself in the middle of a long line of zeros crept across the seventh inning with an RBI double. when she doubled to right-center field. the action once again with a double scoreboard. With the bases load- However, SIUE didn’t get anything While the Cougars out-hit the Rac- in the left-center gap, driving in an- ed and two outs in the top of the else to go in the inning and the ers 7-3, the Racers’ pitching staff was other run. Fischer followed up an at- fifth, Head Coach Kara Amund- game ended in a 5-4 Racers win. able to minimize the damage done bat later with a triple to the same spot, son elected to send sophomore out- Veber got the win in the pitch- to just two runs. Junior right-hander driving in two more runs and making fielder Tyler Shemwell out to pinch ers’ column, pitching only the Hannah James started in the cir- the score 6-1. Senior infielder Sierra hit. Shemwell dewalked, allowing last two innings and allowing cle, allowing a pair of hits and a run, Gilmore came through with a dou- a running to trot across home plate five hits and three earned runs. walking a batter, and striking out two ble down the left-field line for another and tie the game at one run apiece. James’ start in the circle was a more in the process. Sophomore lefty RBI, giving the Racers a 7-1 lead, which The Cougars put up a crooked huge factor in the Racers’ win, as Jenna Veber earned the official win by they held through the end of the game. number in the sixth inning when she went five innings and allowed throwing the last 3.2 innings of the Redshirt senior right-hander Taylor Concatto hit another RBI double. only a single run on three hits. game, striking out a pair of batters Makowsky started for the Racers and Concatto later scored after an infield After the three-game sweep, the and allowing a single run on five hits. was credited with the win, improving single by redshirt sophomore catcher Racers improve to 10-14 overall her record to 3-1 on the year. Makow- Amber Storer, making the score 3-1. and 7-2 in conference play. Mur- Game Two sky threw five innings and gave up four With three outs separating the Rac- ray State softball will look to con- hits, allowing only one run and walking ers from defeat, they looked to Braund- tinue their winning trend with a Murray State’s bats stole the stage two batters. Makowsky also struck out meier to once again be the linchpin in pair of games against Austin Peay in the second game of the series, help- four Cougars in her time in the circle. the scoring effort with runners at first State University at Racer Field on ing propel the Racers to a 7-1 win. Veber got the save after pitching two in- and second. Braundmeier delivered, Wednesday, March 24, at 2 p.m. March 25, 2021 Features 7 WKMS and journalism department partnership Students gain investigative reporting experience through unique collaboration

Dionte Berry journalism that relies on the gath- Features Editor ering of numerical information. [email protected] Wyant has spent a lot of time downloading data sheets and put- Gaining experience in their areas of ting it into Excel worksheets, track- study is important for college students, ing bills to see what they are deal- so the journalism and mass commu- ing with and creating charts and nications department is collaborating infographics to make the informa- with WKMS to give students the op- tion more understandable for readers. portunity to get experience diving into Aside from taking in more jour- the world of investigative journalism. nalism skills, Wyant has also The first time investigative journal- grown more familiar with how ism fellowship with Murray State’s the Kentucky government works. NPR Station WKMS chose students Becoming acquainted with an- to partake in the experience starting other side of journalism has giv- in January of the spring 2021 semes- en Wyant a different outlook ter. Four students were selected by the on her possible career prospects. journalism faculty for the fellowship: “I have liked broadcast journalism Kati Wyant, sophomore journalism from a distance, such as NPR,” Wy- major; Edie Greenberg, senior journal- ant said. “Now I have a better under- ism major; Dustin Wilcox, junior jour- standing and appreciation of what the nalism major; and Molly Dowell, se- broadcast process is and how these nior organized communications major. stories are put together to go on air.” Jared Bennett, a reporter from Having a broadened picture of jour- the Kentucky Center of Investiga- nalism, Wyant sees herself possibly tive Reporting, was appointed to covering local government because she guide the students and teach them sees it as a space of journalism that is the ropes of investigative reporting. not well covered, but plays a big role Bennett took on the responsibili- in people’s lives so she’d like to high- ty of the fellowship when WKMS light it. Wyant wants people to know reached out to KYCIR to find what their government is doing in any reporters interested in help- order to make an informed public. ing out with the fellowship at Mur- Wyant has been thankful for the ray State as a resident journalist. experiences she has had during the With the fellowship’s first year un- fellowship, and it has motivated her derway, Bennett is happy with how to look into other work experiences. it is going so far and is taking advan- “I want to start doing other in- tage of just going with the flow and not ternships over the summer and maintaining any stringent standards. just keep trying to get more expe- “Since it is the first time it is being rience at different types of orga- done we are figuring out what we can nizations so that I can come away do,” Bennett said. “While we were with an idea of what I want to start thinking of stories to do there was a lot out with after I graduate,” she said. of adjusting as we go because there is not Wyant has been gathering a set playbook, so we have had the lux- data and writing alongside Wil- ury of being able to figure things out.” cox. The two have been work- For their first investigative sto- ing on their article together. ry, the fellows have been focusing Like Wyant, Wilcox was excit- on the Kentucky legislative session. ed to be notified of his selection. “Covering the state legislature is “I appreciated being selected by where I first learned how to do ac- the faculty,” Wilcox said. “When I countability and investigative jour- was asked I thought it was one of nalism,” Bennett said. “There are a lot the best opportunities so I took it.” of documents and a lot of informa- However, Wilcox did have slight tion that doesn’t always get the atten- nerves about taking on the fellowship, tion it should from the news media.” because although he had journalism The fellows started by analyzing experience, he had never done any- lobbying and campaign finance re- thing to this extent, and he felt that cords to find out what is happening in he was jumping into something big- the Kentucky 2021 legislative session. ger than what he had done in class. From the research done this far, the Despite the slight apprehension, fellows have been developing arti- Wilcox took the opportunity and is cles that explain and give insight into now getting experience that is ap- the operations behind Kentucky law. plicable to the real journalism world. The fellowship highlights the im- “The fellowship has been very expe- portance of gathering data for inves- rience based,”Wilcox said. “We spend tigative reporting as well as the strug- 10 hours a week calling people, writ- gles that may come along with it. ing and researching. Now that we are a Bennett was happy to take on few months in I really enjoy the work.” the fellowship within the journal- A big takeaway Wilcox has had is the ism field because getting early ex- prevalence of data and how it can be perience can be pivotal in how stu- used to push and create a story. He has dents learn and apply content. been examining data working on an “Journalism is a hard skill to learn article that has involved him examining in the classroom, I didn’t have some- campaign funds and lobbying records. thing like this when I was an un- Both Wilcox and Wyant set out on dergraduate,” Bennett said. “It’s leads concerning lobbying in Kentucky, exciting to give students the oppor- so they decided to do a collaboration. tunity to show them what it looks “I set out to talk to the top 10 lobby- like doing what they learned in class.” ing groups in Kentucky and develop a The fellows also have weekly class story from there, and after I talked to sessions where they learn skills such those bigger groups I found that Kati as how to track lobbying money, cam- had been talking to smaller groups that paign finances, donations and legisla- have had vastly different experiences,” tion as well as go over interview skills. Wilcox said. “We wanted to bring to- Wyant was happy to be select- gether a story about major lobbying ed, especially as a member of the first groups and smaller grassroots move- group to go through the fellowship. ments to paint a holistic picture of how “For a couple of years I have done political activism has looked in 2021.” reporting for class and was a free- Taking this dive into journal- lance writer for a newspaper, but be- ism, it has shown him more about ing here I have learned more skills the field and himself as a journalist. in interviewing and investigating,” “I know I enjoy doing journal- Wyant said. “It has changed my ism at least 10 hours a week, so that idea of day-to-day reporting, and it is a plus,” Wilcox said. “It definite- is nice to actively apply those skills.” ly has shown me that journalism can A big part of the fellowship has be a force for good by bringing im- been researching and practicing data portant information to the light.” journalism, which is a branch of Dionte Berry/The News see WKMS page 8 The WKMS fellows collaborate on their investigative stories. 8 Features March 25, 2021 was intimidating, but I have gotten WKMS a lot of help from Jared and the oth- From Page 7 er fellows so since I’ve started those nerves have gone away,” Dowell said. After overcoming the nerves, she Before the fellowship and beyond has come to learn a lot, and her expe- classes, Wilcox has had experience with rience so far has also impacted her ca- trade journalism, and he writes about reer prospects, or at least her plan B. arcade games for a blog and a maga- For her capstone organization- zine that covers the arcade industry. al communication class Dowell With this newfound perspec- needs to have a plan A and a plan B tive of journalism, Wilcox wants of what she wants to do after school. to bring aspects of investigative re- Dowell’s plan A is to go to graduate porting to what he already does. school for organizational communica- Dowell and Greenberg have tion. Her plan B is to be a local journalist. teamed up to create a story as well. “Before this opportunity I don’t Out of the bunch, Dowell is the only think being a journalist would have one that is not a journalism major, but been in my radar,” Dowell said. Dionte Berry/The News The WKMS fellows discuss the news. she got into the fellowship through Overall, Dowell describes the fel- her mass communications minor. lowship as a learning process. Going As a senior, Greenberg has a journalism, and this fellowship is show- “With my minor in mass commu- into her story about the Kentucky leg- wide range of knowledge regard- ing me a part that I don’t know if I nications, I have taken public relations islature she did not have much knowl- ing journalism and the fellowship would be able to do if I was not taking classes and news writing classes,” Dow- edge about the legislative process. is giving her an avenue to apply it. part in this fellowship,” Greenberg said. ell said. “Last semester I was in a jour- Dowell was able to apply what she had However, investigative and ra- Through the fellowship she has nalism class, and my professor said learned in some of her classes, but she saw dio journalism is newer to Greenberg. also found out more about her- she would love for me to be in a fel- that it was far from what she did in class. “Investigative journalism is definite- self and her own career plans. lowship that was being put together.” “I had the rudimentary skills that I had ly different from the news and solu- “I am extremely grateful for this op- Dowell’s class was doing audio piec- learned in some journalism classes, but tions reporting I have done in the past,” portunity, but I don’t see myself pursu- es and her professor said she had really applying those skills is way different Greenberg said. “Compared to the other ing investigative journalism,” Green- a good voice and thought the fel- than simply submitting an assignment on reporting forms, investigative is about re- berg said. “It has solidified that I don’t lowship would be a good fit for her. Canvas,” Dowell said. “I have never had ally digging in and finding those details want to go into investigative journal- Although it may not be along her pro- to make phone calls for stories I’ve written that people might not think to look for ism, but I do have such a strong ap- jected career path, Dowell said yes to the in classes. I’ve texted friends or emailed at first but that really help push a story.” preciation for everyone in the field.” offer because she is open to new experi- professors, but reaching out to legislators, Greenberg and Dowell started their Despite not thinking investiga- ences and obtaining skills that may help representatives and senators asks a lot story in the beginning of February. They tive journalism is a good fit for her, her on the career path she decides to take. more such as research and knowing that are still working on getting fine details, Greenberg does think that any- Not being a journalism major did topic that you are asking them about.” ensuring accuracy and getting quotes. body interested in the field should make her nervous about taking on Dowell is also becoming famil- Doing all of this work, Green- look to the fellowship as a way to the fellowship as well as it being the iar with writing an article with berg appreciates that she is able get experience and test the wa- first year the fellowship was offered. someone else and collaborating. to get a glimpse of what inves- ters of investigative journalism. “Doing something for the first Greenberg said she was honored tigative journalism looks like. The stories the fellows are working time with all of these journalism ma- and grateful to be selected as a “guin- “I’ve done a lot of features journal- on will be published in text and ra- jors and people that work in the field ea pig” for the fellowships first year. ism in the past and a lot of broadcast dio versions that will air on WKMS.

Dionte Berry/The News Art students showcase work despite COVID-19 Ben Overby to sponsor awards. Skipworth work that has some kind of rele- work and he was honored to Staff writer also entered a piece into the show. vance to or understanding of what be the juror of this year’s show. [email protected] He assisted with the show last is happening in the world or a re- Inmon said winning best in show year as vice president, most- lationship with or commentary on was incredibly validating. Inmon The Organization of Murray Art ly focusing on social media and conversations happening in the has submitted work in the OMAS Students held their annual juried publication. He said having wider world of contemporary art.” show for the past four years and student show despite difficulties this year’s show during a pan- Brooks said making good art has won awards in the last three. posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. demic posed unique challenges. goes beyond technical skill. They Inmon’s sculpture “Over- The show, which has the theme of “Because we had to have the are brought into existence through turned” is of two identical hous- “SURVIVAL” this year, is a diverse opening online, we had to make a series of informed decisions, and es with the bottoms joined to- collection of visual art submitted by a really large slideshow that dis- certain works just feel right. Brooks gether, made with plywood, paint art students. First place went to se- played all the work and the win- said he found common themes and frosted mylar with a light- nior James Inmon’s “Overturned,” ners,” Skipworth said. “A lot of the among much of the work, even bulb inside the houses. Inmon second place went to senior Ash- fixing we had to do for this year’s past the general theme of survival. said he found inspiration in his ley Schell’s “Discourse” and third show was adjusting to a Zoom “2020 was a year that hit us all love of architecture and his re- place went to senior Autumn opening. This is also the first year hard, and we will be feeling the cent interest in making watercol- Brown’s “Tadpole”. The prizes were we did the OMAG. It was very repercussions of the year for a long or paintings of people’s houses. $500, $250 and $125 respectively. successful, but also a lot of work.” time,” Brooks said. “Also present “One thing I noticed pretty The “SURVIVAL” exhibit was The show was judged by Lou- were themes of disaffection, or quickly was that a lot of hous- on display at the Clara M. Ea- isville artist John Brooks. an awareness of a kind of unrav- es are nearly identical structur- gle Gallery from March 5 to 24. Brooks said he approached judg- eling of accepted norms or hab- ally,” Inmon said. “I thought Junior River Skipworth, presi- ing the show similarly to how its. So much is changing. Feel- this was really weird because our dent of OMAS, was instrumen- he would curate an exhibition. ings of disorder and otherness, homes normally feel like such tal in organizing the show. Skip- “I’m always looking for work that as well as the beginnings of an a huge part of our identity and worth was in charge of organizing is distinct, inventive, thoughtful, understanding of the fragility of to think that they all come from the OMAS magazine (OMAG), arresting and memorable,” Brooks everything--our lives, our bod- the same cookie-cutter founda- used to fundraise for the show, said. “No work has to be all of ies, our nation, our planet--al- tion is wild. So that realization is finding a juror, contacting the those things, but it must have some so kept revealing themselves.” kind of what has fueled my work Clara M. Eagle Gallery for times ineffable quality. I’m also look- Brooks said it was won- over the past eight months or so.” and publication and getting lo- ing for work that has clearly been derful to see the concerns of To see these works and cal businesses and organizations made with great intention, and young people through their more, visit thenews.org.