The student voice of Hutchinson Community College
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November 13, 2020
pinion
Emily Branson recounts what it’s like to be a college student stuck in quarantine. Page 2
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Hutchinson Community College student Cory Sherbon recounts his experience in the Marine Corps. Page 3
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Vol. 62 Issue 9
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The Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball team looks to the start of a new season. Page 6
Fresh Cup of Joe By Sam Bailey Editor In Chief
2020 has been a year filled with wildfire, protests for social change, a global pandemic and, most recently, the election for President of the United States of America. On Nov. 7 most major media outlets called that former Vice President Joe Biden would be the 46th US President after he won Pennsylvania. Biden will be accompanied in office by Vice President-elect Kamala Harris, the first woman and woman of color, Black and of Indian descent, to ever be elected to that office. “I think it is really encouraging to see a woman, especially a woman of color, in such a high office,” said Hutchinson sophomore Jordan Galliher. “It is inspiring for so many young women who want to make sure their voices are being heard. I think it’s important to have a female voice wherever important decisions are being made. Hopefully, this will open doors for more women to be elected into high positions, and eventually a woman as President.” Along with making history by having the first woman Vice President, according to the Associated Press, this election also broke records by featuring the highest voter turnout in 50 years with 62% of the eligible voting population casting their ballots. This also resulted in the highest number of votes for a president-elect in history totaling more than 75 million as of Nov. 9, according to the AP. While the public voting places were open on Nov. 3, many results didn’t come in until a few days later, putting many Americans on the edge of their seat. “I just wanted them to come in to be honest, but I realize that with the pandemic, there was definitely going to be a lot more mail-in ballots than previous elections,” said Derby sophomore Kylee Dunn. When the results finally did come in, Dunn liked what she saw. “My reaction to the results was a huge sigh of relief,” Dunn said. With a new president comes new ideas and challenges for everyone. “While I am glad Trump will be out of office, I don’t think Biden is perfect and I think it is important to hold him accountable and make sure Biden keeps his promises,” Galliher said. Bringing in a new president can be a scary transition for some people, but Dunn has high hopes for the future. “Yes, I do have high hopes because he has the experience, I mean he has been in politics for 48 years,” Dunn said. “He also cares about the people, the American people, as a whole, and not just who voted for him.”
“Sen Joe Biden at Center for American Progress Action Fund May 20, 2008” by Center for American Progress Action Fund is licensed with CC BY-ND 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/
Upcoming events Nov. 14 — Cross Country NJCAA Division I Cross Country Championship in Fort Dodge, IA Nov. 19-21 — Radium Girls Livestream theatre event Nov. 22 — So Far, So Good Concert Chorale, String Orchestra and Wind Symphony at 3:00 p.m.
The happenings around campus
College Student Weather Report Friday High: 51; Low 36 Rainy with a chance of COVID Saturday High: 68; Low 38 Spun the wheel and this is where we landed Sunday High: 58; Low 32 Grab a jacket or every layer you own. Good Luck
Weather source: The Weather Channel
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Opinion
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Hispanic heritage made America a better home
In Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, which was Sept. 15-Oct. 15, we honor the fallen. The lives lost to the slave trade. The lives lost to invasions of territories. The lives lost to war. The loss of culture and identity through history. I’m a first generation American citizen, and it’s hard. Growing up to completely ignore your culture. When your mom cries every March because it was when she never got to say goodbye to her dad, it’s difficult. Talking about the Panama invasion is hard for her, knowing that the hardships in our lives started with the first painful experience. Knowing the heartache of my family growing up in America is so confusing for you and me. I’m dark, but full Latina. I’m not mixed at all, but in America, color is taught to signify race. So I smile when someone says Hispanics are untrustworthy, not realizing that I myself am Hispanic, because what else am I supposed to do. The pictures of Hispanic countries show poverty and are full of drugs. I know when someone wants to ask if my mom is legal, but even regardless of the answer, the treatment is the same. It really is the mistrust of people who speak a different language and having to prove you are Hispanic by speaking Spanish for me. It’s the assumption that immigrants want to marry you for citizenship versus just being with you for me. With all the negativity, America is my birthplace. It’s home. And even if it wasn’t, many immigrants gave their lives and dedicated themselves to this country. Magdalena Gamble (Maggie for short) left for the army as a Sgt. 1st Class on March 31, 2000. Maggie was a strong and dedicated woman who served to give her family a better life. She left her first-born child in the care of her mother in Colon, Panama, and brought them to America in 1979. During her time in the military, she received numerous awards and certificates, enough to fill up a one-inch
Those who didn’t vote can’t complain
binder to capacity. She started out in the combat medical field and later went into Nuclear Biological Warfare. Her son said that her proudest moment would have been knowing that at her funeral, she received a 21-gun salute, and that she set up life for her three kids. She was the first seed in America for her family for her lineage. That she had been honored for her time and hard work not only by her family, but also by the military. That’s what so many immigrants do. They leave everything they know in hope. In hope of securing a future. Immigrants are the underlying back bone of the country. We put our blood, sweat and tears into this country. Even through the subliminal hatred that you put into your words and laws, occasionally you still gave millions a chance. Immigrants who choose to make this their destination, to make this their home should be recognized for the work that takes place. The work of making a home. I, and I think speak for everyone at The Collegian, would like to take time to appreciate not only the Hispanic population, but all immigrants who take their chances in America. You help make this a better place. A better home. Thank you.
Zariah Perilla-Best Zariah Perilla-Best is a freshman general studies major.
these fundamental rights that we should all be afforded. Even the conservatives who disagree or even hate me for who I am, I believe that they, too, deserve these rights. Don’t become complacent. Your life’s on the line with these policies.
Columnist
Leslie Grajeda Leslie Grajeda is a Hutchinson sophomore studying journalism.
The Hutchinson Collegian The student voice of Hutchinson Community College
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E.G. Weinhoffer/Cartoonist
Quarantine chronicles In the world we’re living in, we cheer me up. My boyfriend and I had a shouldn’t be shocked anymore when socially-distanced date in my backyard. something doesn’t go our way. UsualMy sister’s quarantine ended 10 days ly, our plans are cancelled last minute before mine, which made my time at anyways due to COVID-19. However, home even more awful. I convinced her when I was placed under quarantine to buy me another Christmas tree for more than two weeks ago, it was not at my room. I then decorated the tree and all what I was expecting. my entire room, which took three days. I started showing some symptoms While I was searching for anything of the coronavirus on Oct. 25. I woke to do, I did find one thing to do that up late and exhausted, with a poundseemed productive and helpful. The ing headache. I took the facility that I work in necessary precautions was short staffed, and and called my boss to ask had a dramatic increase for advice. She told me in COVID-19 cases that I needed to call in throughout residents and before my next shift and employees. I asked if that she would test me for there was any way I could COVID-19 the next day. come work in our speLuckily, my sister and cial unit for coronavirus I both work in healthcare residents. Because of my and can get tested whendirect exposure, there was ever needed. I went in the no way I could work with next day and my test was the “healthy” residents. Emily Branson However, after several negative. I thought I was in the clear. I stayed home, phone calls with many felt crummy, and slept. The next day, health department officials, they agreed my sister, whom I live with, told me to let me work in our Covid Unit. The she tested positive at work. We both shifts were 12 hours long, but I didn’t went under quarantine immediately. mind a bit. By being able to work a few After three or four days, I felt fine shifts, I was giving some of the other and my sister had symptoms for about a employees a much-needed break, and week. I got tested again on Oct. 25 and caring for people that so desperately the results were still negative. needed it. Four days into my quarantine, the My quarantine was a ridiculoushealth department told us that I had ly-long 18 days, and I am grateful that to restart my quarantine because I it’s over. I can spend time with my had been in contact with my sister. As friends and family that I haven’t been frustrating and annoying as this was, I within 6 feet of in far too long. I’m started the 14 days over again. thankful for the opportunities I had to Since I still had no symptoms at this work from home as a journalist, but I point, I became anxious to get out of am more than ready to get back to the my house. I was desperate for anything normal way of life. We live in a world to do that involved going anywhere. that is ever so accommodating to being Usually, I’m never home. I’ve never isolated and there are so many resourcreally been a homebody, and I love a es out there to help folks that are strugbusy lifestyle. Most of the time, I’m gling during this very difficult time. out of the house by 7 a.m. and don’t get While I was asymptomatic and rehome until 11 p.m. I love keeping busy, ceived five negative test results during so needless to say, I hate quarantine. my quarantine, it is still incredibly I initially thought having some time important to follow quarantine guideoff from life would be nice, but now I lines. As much as I wanted to hug my think that two days would have sufficed. family and friends, I would absolutely Once I truly realized that I was going not want to be the one to give them the to have to live with my boring fate virus. Please wear your mask, social for the next two weeks, I tried finding distance, wash your hands, quarantine fun things to do. I spent a lot of time when necessary, and treat everyone baking muffins, cookies, and brownies. with kindness. I convinced my sister to help me set up the Christmas tree on Halloween, Emily Branson is a Halstead the same day that my lovely boyfriend sophomore studying journalism. She and some amazing friends brought is a Photo Editor for the Collegian. me a pumpkin to carve and candy to
Columnist
Columnist
Keep fighting While many of us, including myself, are celebrating the victory of President-elect Joe Biden, that does not mean the fight is over. Now that there will be a Democrat in the Oval Office, the Democratic Party needs to be pushed and criticized to get progress done. Medicare for All, free/ reduced college tuition, a Green New Deal and the rebuilding of our infrastructure needs to be pushed. Racist policies like any Muslim ban, the concentration camps that are performing forced hysterectomies, I.C.E., and voter suppression, and the war on drugs need to be abolished. The American people cannot rest and need to keep pushing. If we become complacent, nothing will change. If you don’t vote in the midterms, nothing will change. The American people need to remember that those elected into power work for us and need to keep our best interests in mind, not the interests of corporations and conglomerates. As a person on the left, I fight for
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 13, 2020
Collegian Staff Editor In Chief Sam Bailey Campus editor Caleb Spencer Opinion page editor Aaron Strain Sports editors Adam Kolb, Bailey Pennycuff Photo Editors Emily Branson, KJ Ryan
Online Edtior Kyran Crist Editorial cartoonist E. G. Weinhoffer Staff members Sophia Carter, Brooke Greene, Leslie Grajeda, Felix Johnson, Jolene Moore, Zariah Perilla-Best, Laci Sutton, Izzy Wheeler Collegian Adviser Brad Hallier
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Letters to the editor The Hutchinson Collegian welcomes letters to the editor. Letters must include the author’s signature, address and phone number. The Collegian reserves the right to edit letters for style, legality and length. Letters may not exceed 300 words. Send letters to hallierb@hutchcc.edu.
Non-discrimination statement Hutchinson Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, religion, age, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected category under federal, state, or local law, or by college policy. For inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies contact: Brett Bright, Coordinator of Equity & Compliance 1300 N. Plum Hutchinson, KS 67501 (620) 665-3500 equity@hutchcc.edu (www.hutchcc.edu/equity)
Campus
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 13, 2020
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Marines help shape HutchCC student By Laci Sutton Staff Writer
Veterans Day is for people to honor America’s veterans for the sacrifices they’ve made and continue to make for the safety of the country. This includes all active-duty members, veterans who are home, and those who didn’t make it back home from their fight. It’s a day to honor veterans like Hutchinson Community College student Cory Sherbon. After Sherbon graduated from Buhler High School in 2007, he started his journey with the Marine Corps. “Growing up, my father would preach to me with great pride about how our bloodline has fought in every war and conflict this country has participated in since the founding of the United States.” Sherbon said. “I knew I wanted to join the military at a young age.”
Sherbon comes from a long line of military men, being the first in his family to be a Marine. “My friends wanted to go to school, chase their dreams, and raise families. I wanted to ensure they were afforded that opportunity.” Sherbon said. Sherbon was a bit rough around the edges growing up. He saw himself more as a follower than a leader, and liked to get rough and grapple with others. Joining the Marines turned his world upside down and shaped him into the man he is today. “It’s a brotherhood, hell bent on defending the people of this nation with a lust for violence at the expense of our own lives, so the people we love on American soil may know peace.” Sherbon said. “It gave me a sense of purpose I would have never found otherwise.” Sherbon separated
from the Marines in Sept. 2015, and has struggled with work since. He had to learn to adapt with the lack of discipline his new jobs offered compared to his time in the service. “By 2018, I had five different jobs that I either left or was walked out.” Sherbon said. Sherbon decided it was time to work for himself. He began to make plans to start his own business, and used his GI bill to go back to school. Currently studying business at HutchCC, Sherbon plans to take over a local small business, Sign Source, and grow the company’s success. After spending eight years in the military, Sherbon’s body is far from what it used to be. He suffers not only the physical pain from his time stationed in California, but also ruthless demons haunting his daily life with the memories of his experiences.
Sherbon is a proud Marine Raider. The raiders are a legendary team in the Marine Corps. If the Navy Seals get overwhelmed and have little chance to survive, the Raiders are signaled in to take over, allowing the Seals’ safety to withdraw. The military isn’t for everybody, but Sherbon wouldn’t change his decision to join for anything. “The Marine Corps instilled a sense of pride, the ability to protect those around me, and helped me find the best in myself.” Sherbon said. Those who have served do not serve for gratitude. They make incredible sacrifices to protect the country and people they love. “I will never forget my time amongst my brothers.” Sherbon said. “I fought for you, and I would do it again.”
Courtesy Photo Hutchinson Community College student Cory Sherbon filmed during his time in the Marine.
‘Take something crappy and make it happy’ By Kryan Crist Staff Writer
That’s the slogan for Mark and Cindi Nunnelley’s locally-owned small business “Kinda Old Kinda New’ on 403 N. Main St. They offer a range of restoration services from wood to metal to fabric. If you have a piece of furniture, a shirt with a beloved decal, or in need of some good conversation, take it to them. Mark and Cindi had been working separately on their own endeavors, and then they found each other and started their business from their home shortly after they married in 2014.
If the store sounds familiar but can’t place where they are, it may be because you have seen their car around town. “I would go to Walmart one route, and take another back, and just blanket Hutch,” Cindi said. “We would have people come in and ask how many cars we have around town, and it’s just the one,” Mark said. Cindi purchased the car last year as a fiveyear anniversary present in May 2019, and Mark designed the decals and stickers that are on the car.
It served as their driving billboard and face of the store until they found a building early this year. “The best thing was having her a year prior,” Cindi said of the car. “I bet every other person that’s come through here has said ‘we’ve been waiting for you to get a storefront’ or ‘I’ve seen your car all around’.” Mark worked in welding and other works prior to, as well as in automotive financing. Cindi worked in layup and upholstery. Their skills make them a
perfect team in what they both love to do. “Between the two of us, there’s nothing we can’t handle that comes through the door,” Mark said. The couple decided with the business that it was what made them happy, they didn’t want to spend any more time working somewhere that doesn’t make them happy and isn’t doing what they love. “We get some young newlywed couples to come through here just amazed that we get to work together,” Cindi says “They ask if we ever get annoyed with each other and yeah. I just say I need Bogey’s ice cream, and that’s the queue.”
South campus cattle auction Left: Hutchinson Community College’s Assistant Livestock Judging Coach Pat Arkfeld stares down one of the cattle for sale during this week’s online auction. Below: One of the cattle looks around on a cool morning at the South Campus. Below left: A cow licks a nostril at the South Campus during this week’s auction for cattle at the South Campus. Photos by KJ Ryan/Photo Editor By KJ Ryan Photo Editor
Hutchinson Community College’s South Campus is more so related to the agricultural side of learning. This week, the South Campus is having an auction for its cattle. This is an online auction that will take place at sconlinesales.com. The auction takes place online, as it broadens the reach of who can buy the cattle. Although, if possible, bidders are welcome to check out the cattle at 2101 E. Wasp Road.
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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 13 2020
U.S. Presidential Election update Joe Biden
Donald Trump
Total votes – 77,653,670 Electoral College votes – 279
Total votes – 72,392,328 Electoral College votes – 217
All results were as of 2 p.m. Central Time on Thursday. Note, the 102 House District is too close to declare a winner.
State House District 102
Campus Blood Drive By Kyran Crist Online Editor
Next Friday, Nov. 20, Hutchinson Community College in conjunction with the American Red Cross will be hosting a community blood drive from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Parker Student Union Rec Room. Potential donors are asked to sign up at red crossblood.org by using the sponsor code HutchCC, or call 1-800-REDCROSS to schedule an apointment. Donors can also download the Blood Donor App on any smartphone. The Red Cross has a need for blood and plasma, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Plasma that tests positive for COVID-19 antibodies may help current COVID patients. Blood donations are also in need during this time, especially as hospitals resume surgery and other treatments that may have been postponed due to the pandemic. Donors wanting more information on safety procedures can visit red crossblood.org.
Jason Probst
John Whitesel
Total votes – 3,261
Total votes – 3,239
The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 13, 2020
Campus
Homeless in a pandemic ridden society By Brooke Greene Staff Writer
As society adapts to the new social norm of living life in a pandemic-ridden state of being, we see more and more struggle financially. Jobs have been lost, homes have struggled and families have been broken by loss. Most of the world is struggling, but it is important to keep the most vulnerable - homeless citizens - in mind. New Beginnings and the NOEL Lodge make efforts to improve the quality of life for those who have lost their homes. They offer shelter and employment opportunities for those in need, however, that has been even more of a challenge under the circumstances of Covid-19. The number of people allowed in has decreased, as they have dropped from over 20 beds to 13. New Beginnings was not able to hold their quarterly supply drives this year due to Covid-19. As a result, they are accepting donations for the NOEL Lodge. “Specifically, we need 39-gallon trash bags and plastic utensils. Because of COVID, we are deep cleaning the Lodge everyday. Donations of masks, gloves, and disinfectant wipes are also needed for our cleaning crew,” said Shara Gonzales, New Beginnings CEO. Volunteers are needed, as the NOEL Lodge is working on a plan for homeless outreach to help find those in need and make it known what is available. However, while this plan is still in progress, it is encouraged to join and watch New Beginnings’ Facebook page for details if one wishes to volunteer. Temperatures are being taken of the homeless who are staying at the shelter, and masks are being provided to them. Social distancing is also being enforced. Those who do fall ill are assisted in getting to Prairie Star for medical help. Some homeless choose not to stay at the shelter, or cannot due to the lack of space.
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Puzzles
While some might feel inclined to help by giving the homeless money, this is not always in the best interests of the homeless. “We have not seen an increase in homeless. As is usually the case, when the colder weather hits, they often will find shelter with family or friends. Sometimes, well-meaning individuals in the community will give the homeless money for a motel room. This practice is not always a safe alternative for a homeless person in recovery, as there is often drug use in the less expensive motels,” Gonzales said. There are other ways to get involved with helping the homeless. Some alternatives may be creating care packages, or “blessing bags”. Thes bags consist of gloves, a hat, a few dollars for food or other necessities, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a few snacks, a water bottle and sometimes a small fleece blanket to help fight the cold. These bags can typically be composed for less than $20 and can be kept in one’s car for when the opportunity arises to help someone in need. Getting involved in the community’s efforts to help the homeless is also a wonderful way to provide for the less fortunate. Soup kitchens take volunteers, as well as many churches and homeless shelters. “What can the community do? Get involved. Be active in your community. Multiple organizations need your help. Many of the organizations provide services to the same population of people,” Gonzales said. “Learn about the issues in your community and use your voice for positive growth. Seek to know where others are coming from and advocate for them. Look into the mental health issues in our nation so that you may better understand why so many are chronically homeless.”
Winter Driving By Jolene Moore Staff Writer
Around this time of year, when people are preparing for the holiday season, you can tend to forget about how the season and weather changes in the blink of an eye. In Kansas, it can go from 50 degrees and drop to 20 with strong gusts of wind. If you have lived in Kansas for awhile, you aren’t indifferent to the changing ways she can take, but if you’re from out of town, it might take you by surprise. One particular part of the weather that can be overlooked is how it affects road conditions. When the skies are clear and there hasn’t been a drop of rain with 70-degree weather you’re fine. But when it mists overnight and drops to 30 degrees, you can find it hard to drive on the roads. Around 3,000 car accidents happen every year between November and March due to ice or snow on the road. Many drivers might believe they are experienced enough drivers to handle the dangerous roads covered in a layer of ice or slush, but some prove that that is not the case. When you’re driving in road conditions that include black ice, which
is a thin layer of ice on top of asphalt that is almost invisible while driving, you need to remember to slow down. The speed limit may say to go 55, but when driving with slick elements that have the tendency to make your tires lose traction, it is more safe to drive at least 15 to 20 miles under the posted speed limit. All while allowing yourself plenty of time to stop. Which means try to brake for lights, signs, or other cars when you’re at least 100 if more feet away. This will allow your tires to slowly gain traction on the ice or slush so that you won’t slide. Bridges especially need to be the part of the road you are cautious on. Since they float several feet off the ground, the ice that accumulates on top of the road doesn’t melt as fast as it would on a regular road. So when going over a bridge, make sure to have both hands on the wheel and your speed drops at least 20 under the posted limit. You may feel like you know how to handle Mother Nature and her ice but being safe and cautious is always the better route. Even the most experienced drivers have gotten into a wreck at one point or another and somethings those wrecks don’t end with everyone walking away.
Blue Dragon Randomness
Pizza rolls are basically just pizza-flavored raviolis. Christmas music comes before Halloween. OK is better than okay, because OK is half as long as okay. It’s efficient, and we need more efficiency in the world, OK? Text or leave voice mail at 620-422-0784 to leave your random thoughts and observations. We reserve the right to edit or not run comments. Personal attacks and threats won’t be accepted.
Sports
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Hutchinson Community College women’s cross country team as the fourth-highest team out of the region entering the NJCAA Championships. The women are now ranked No. 7 in the latest United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Division 1 Women’s Coaches Poll. For the third-straight poll, Hutchinson and Dodge City swapped positions in the rankings. The Blue
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able to play its home games in Toronto, but in all likelihood, the Raptors are going to have to find a temporary home south of the border. There have been many cities in the mix to host the Raptors for the 2021 season. Tampa Bay, Nashville, Newark (geographically close to the other teams in Toronto’s division, being in New Jersey), Buffalo, Seattle (they’ve been itching for another team ever since the Supersonics left), and Kansas City. Louisville was another possibility, but with the shooting death of Breonna Taylor and subsequent investigation being unpopular with the Raptors players, it would seem that Louisville
Dragons dropped to No. 7 after the Conquistadors finished one spot ahead of them at regionals. The Blue Dragon women have been ranked for 23 consecutive polls dating back to 2016, and they’ve been ranked as high as No. 5 this season, the first national top five ranking since 2003. The championships will be contested at Lakeside Municipal Golf Course. The men will run an 8,000-meter race while the women will run 5,000 meters. The women’s race will start at 9:30 a.m., with the men following at 10:15 a.m.
is out. Personally, I would love to see the Raptors play in Kansas City. As a Raptors fan myself, it would be pretty cool to see them play in a major city that’s relatively local. I’m not the only one who thinks so either. The mayor of Kansas City, Quinton D. Lucas, invited the Raptors to compete in KC, while Kansas City Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes has also shown interest in getting the Raptors to play in Kansas City temporarily. Overall, no one knows where the Raptors will play their home games next season. With the season just around the corner, the NBA and the Raptors organization better figure it out fast. Wherever they play, I know I’ll be watching and cheering them on. But if there’s any doubt about playing in Toronto, just come to Kansas City. Patrick Mahomes said so.
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The Hutchinson Collegian Friday, November 13, 2020
Photo courtesy HutchCC Sports Information Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball sophomore guard Tor’e Alford takes the ball down the court during a game last season. Alford was a key player on last year’s team that made it to the National Tournament.
Heartbreak season motivates team By Bailey Pennycuff Co-Sports Editor
Remember last March when COVID-19 caused the NJCAA Division 1 Women’s Basketball Championship to get cancelled? So do all the Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball players. Most of them remember finding out about the cancellation quite vividly. “It was really upsetting knowing that we couldn’t play in the tournament, because I really thought we had a good chance to go really far with the team we had,” sophomore guard Tor’e Alford said. The Blue Dragons went 28-4 and won the Jayhawk West championship. They lost in the Region 6 semifinals to Barton but still earned an at-large bid to the national tournament in Texas. After a heartbreaking end to a season, it’s natural for a competitive athlete to have a little extra motivation to do well in the next season of competition.
“I really want to win the conference again, win the region and have a good seeding going into the national tournament,” Alford said. Overall, the main goal for their season remains the same. “Obviously, everyone’s goal is to win a (national championship), but I like to take things game-by-game. Win the game, then worry about the next one. Don’t look past anything,” Alford said. Sophomore forward Kate Ogle transferred to HutchCC from Highland, so she did not get to play her freshman year as a Blue Dragon. However, she was able to be a part of the team. “Being part of such a successful team created a really fun atmosphere. It felt like there was a lot of pressure on the team to do great since everyone knew they were a good team. This made practices really competitive - which is good,” Ogle said. The Blue Dragons open the regular season Jan. 22 against the Bethany junior varsity.
Photo courtesy HutchCC Sports Information Hutchinson Community College women’s basketball head coach John Ontjes calls out plays for his offense to run at a game from last season at the Sports Arena.
Raptors, come to Kansas City If I would have told you that in 2020, the NBA would be canceled for four months, the teams would play the rest of their games and the playoffs in a “bubble” at Disney World in Florida, and the NBA Finals would be played in October, you would have called me crazy. If I had told you that the reasons all those things happened was because of a global pandemic, you probably would have lost your mind. But that’s exactly how the season finished for the 2019-2020 NBA
season. While there was some uncertainty on how things would go down in Orlando, it turned out to be a pretty big success. There were no positive cases of COVID-19 while the teams were in there, and the NBA successfully ended its season, despite the pandemic and protests for social justice, which looked like it may put an abrupt end to it. Even though the season ended on a high note, there are still some questions to be asked. One of those questions was when will the NBA
Columnist
Adam Kolb start its next campaign? That question has been answered, as the league voted on a Dec. 22 start date for the season. However, there still
is one big question that remains unanswered. Where will the Toronto Raptors play their home games? Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, professional sports teams based in Canada haven’t been able to play there. The Toronto Blue Jays of Major League Baseball had to play home games in Buffalo, while Major League Soccers’ Toronto FC played in East Hartford, Connecticut. There’s still some speculation that the Raptors may still be See Kolb, Page 5
XC teams headed to nationals in Iowa By Adam Kolb Co-Sports Editor
The Region 6 runner-up Hutchinson Community College men’s cross country team takes a No. 5 national ranking into this week’s national championship. The Blue Dragons are fifth in the latest United States Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association national poll. The Blue Dragons have been ranked in the NJCAA Top 10 in 15-straight
ranking periods and 18 overall ranking periods. The current ranking is the lowest this season, and Hutch has been ranked as high as No. 2 this season. The men team have finished no worse than third in any race this season and have four-straight team runner-up finishes. The NJCAA Men’s Division 1 Championship will be Saturday in Fort Dodge, Iowa. A fourth-place Region 6 showing put the See Dragons, Page 5
Blue Dragon sports schedules and results. All home games and events in caps. Baseball (non conference)
Feb. 2, at Northern Oklahoma-Enid, 1 p.m. Feb. 9, at Redlands, Oklahoma, 1 p.m. Feb. 13, REDLANDS, Oklahoma, 1 p.m. Feb. 18-20, at Juco Festival March 4, at Coffeyville, 1 p.m. March 9, at State Fair, Missouri, 2:30 p.m. April 20, at Rose State, Oklahoma, 2 p.m. April 27, STATE FAIR, Missouri, 2:30 p.m.
Basketball
Jan. 22, BETHANY JV (women); SEMINOLE STATE (men), 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27, COFFEYVILLE, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 30, NEOSHO COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3, at Butler, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6, at CLOUD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 10, at Independence, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 13, ALLEN COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 17, at Cowley, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 22, DODGE CITY, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24, at Northwest Kansas Tech, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 27, at Seward County, 6 p.m. March 3, PRATT, 6:30 p.m. March 6, at Garden City, 2 p.m. March 9, BARTON, 5:30 p.m. March 13, at Colby, 2 p.m. March 15, at Dodge City, 5:30 p.m. March 17, NORTHWEST KANSAS TECH, 5:30 p.m. March 20, SEWARD COUNTY, 5:30 p.m. March 24, at Pratt, 5:30 p.m. March 27, GARDEN CITY, 5:30 p.m. March 29, at Barton, 5:30 p.m. March 31, COLBY, 5:30 p.m.
Cross country
Nov. 14, at NJCAA Division 1 Championships, Fort Dodge, Iowa, TBA
Football
March 26, COFFEYVILLE, 7 p.m. April 3, at Butler, 7 p.m. April 11, ARKANSAS BAPTIST, 1 p.m. April 18, at Fort Scott, 1 p.m. April 25, GARDEN CITY, 1 p.m.
May 2, at Independence, 5 p.m. May 9, HIGHLAND, 1 p.m. May 16, DODGE CITY, 1 p.m.
Soccer
April 2, at Johnson County, 5 p.m. April 5, at Barton, 2 p.m. April 7, GARDEN CITY, 2 p.m. April 10, BUTLER, 2 p.m. April 14, at Cowley, 5 p.m. April 17, COFFEYVILLE, 2 p.m. April 19, DODGE CITY, 6 p.m. April 28, BARTON, 6 p.m. May 1, NEOSHO COUNTY, 2 p.m. May 3, at Garden City, 6 p.m. May 5, COWLEY, 6 p.m. May 8, at Kansas City, 2 p.m. May 12, at Dodge City, 1 p.m.
Softball (non conference)
Feb. 10, OKLAHOMA WESLEYAN JV, 2 p.m. Feb. 13, HESSTON, 1 p.m. Feb. 17, FRIENDS JV, 2 p.m.
Feb. 20, IOWA CENTRAL, 1 p.m. Feb. 23, NORTHERN OKLAHOMA-ENID, 2 p.m. Feb. 26, at North Central Texas, noon Feb. 27, at Murray State, Oklahoma, noon March 31, at Ottawa JV, 1 p.m.
Volleyball
Jan, 25, at Garden City, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 28, PRATT, 6 p.m. Jan. 30, at Laramie Feb. 1, BARTON, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4, at Independence, 5 p.m. Feb. 5-6, at West Plains, Missouri Feb. 8, COLBY, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 11, DODGE CITY, 6 p.m. Feb. 15, at Seward County, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 18, BUTLER, TBA Feb. 19-20, BLUE DRAGON CLASSIC Feb. 25, GARDEN CITY, 6:30 p.m. March 1, at Pratt, 6:30 p.m. March 4, at Barton, 6:30 p.m. March 8, INDEPENDENCE, 6 p.m. March 11, at Colby, 6:30 p.m.