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THURSDAY Oct. 14, 2021 Volume 126 Issue 10

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‘Hit the ground running:’ Sophomore doesn’t let COVID-19 keep him from following passions BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE news@thesunflower.com / @JuliaNightengale

aron Tollefson, a sophomore majoring in Sport Management, said he didn’t want to waste his freshman year during COVID-19 doing nothing. Instead, he reached out to all of the professors in his department and arranged a meeting to discuss what the program would look like and what he could do as a freshman to excel. “I think just establishing that connection with professors was worthwhile for me, because I have really good connections with them, they know me, I know them, I’ve been to tons of events with them,” Tollefson said. “It allowed me to really dive in, and that’s what I wanted to do. I didn’t want to wait until my junior year or senior year to start doing things around campus and meeting professors.” While Tollefson said he didn’t have a normal freshman year, he said it was to his advantage because not a lot of people were trying to get involved on campus and he was able to have more opportunities. Tollefson said his passion for sport management came from playing sports since he was a little kid. He knew he wasn’t good enough to play professionally, but still wanted to be involved in sports. “I am a firm believer in doing things that you want to do and not just doing it for money,” Tollefson said. “Life should be something

“Life should be something meaningful, and I felt like sports was my calling and felt like I could make a difference.” AARON TOLLEFSON Sport Management sophomore

meaningful, and I felt like sports was my calling and I felt like I could make a difference … The first step was just finding which college would be the right fit for me and that was Wichita State.” Tollefson said that WSU feels like a big and small university at the same time, because there are so many opportunities but he doesn’t just feel like another number. Tollefson joined CHAMPS during his freshman year when the organization was first created as a scouting director. The organization is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion within sports, and Tollefson is currently the Vice President of the group. “It is a very white male driven industry,” Tollefson said. “So I think being a part of an organization like that allows me to be more aware of those things that are happening because there is not going to be a change unless the person who is the dominant in it makes a change and is more aware of that. “I think the organization allowed me to meet people in the

PHOTO BY MIA HENNEN / THE SUNFLOWER

Sophomore Aaron Tollefson talking at an interview with The Sunflower at the Rhatigan Student Center on Oct. 13.

sports industry as well as allowed me to be more aware of the industry that I am going into.” Tollefson said that last year, they did many virtual panels but are hoping to have more events on campus this year and make the student body more aware of the social issues within the sports industry. He said he hopes that the organization evolves by his senior year into a place to mentor students and help put them in places to be successful. “I think allowing me to be in CHANCE, it allows me to meet new people but also make an

impact on other people,” Tollefson said. “So I think just a lasting impact would be cool on Wichita State, so I think that’s partly why I am so involved on campus.” Tollefson works in the box office for the Wichita Wind Surge and is also a college ambassador for the OKC Thunder, doing mainly social media. Tollefson said that he plans to spend his time at WSU exploring different areas in Sports Management to see what career would be the best for him. “I know in the sports industry you are going to have to start out small, just doing small jobs,”

Tollefson said. “It’s not going to be the job that you want right away. I think it is just important for me to get in those jobs right now so when I graduate I already have been at those levels, I’ve made those connections and I can just jump into whatever I would like to do.” Tollefson said his advice to an incoming freshman is to find something that you are truly passionate about, and to try out different areas and positions within the field while you have the chance. He also said to reach out to professors because they want to help you.

Student senate moves to table granting Turning Point USA RSO status BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE AND LINDSAY SMITH news@thesunflower.com / editor@thesunflower.com

PHOTO BY MONIQUE GAINES / THE SUNFLOWER

Student senators discuss legislation at the SGA meeting on Oct. 13, 2021.

SGA passes updated code of conduct, with changes from original bill BY JULIA NIGHTENGALE AND LINDSAY SMITH news@thesunflower / editor@thesunflower. com

The student senate passed an updated version of the Student Government Association’s code of ethics and conduct at Wednesday’s meeting. This week was the second read of the bill. During the first read, a number of student senators voiced freedom of speech concerns regarding a section of the bill stating that no member of SGA can make any public or private statements that are “false and disparaging” of the association. Senator Dalton Dicks was the first to make a motion concerning the bill, moving to strike the paragraph in its entirety. After much deliberation, the senators did not vote to strike it, but instead to change the wording to be more specific. The updated wording states: “no SGA official shall make, directly, any oral or

written public statements that are false, proven through objective evidence, of the Student Government Association, any of its present officers, or its Constitution, Bylaws, Codes, procedures, and regulations.” According to the bill, members of SGA can report another member for making false claims. When reported, the person who filed the complaint would be responsible for providing evidence to back up their claim. After that, the Senate Review Board would review the case and decide whether it was valid enough to be taken in front of the senate. “The likelihood of a he said, she said case making it past the SRB is extremely unlikely,” Speaker of the Senate Jacob Tubach said at last week’s meeting. Senator Sam Mccrory was one of the senators against this section of the bill. He sparked controversy in April for wearing a ‘white lives matter’ mask at a swearing-in

event. Since then, he’s worn that same mask at the majority of senate meetings and mainly asks questions targeted towards freedom of speech. He argued that the bill could be used to target “outspoken minorities.” “I would also like to point out, let’s say for instance, that I was on the SRB,” Mccrory said. “Would you feel comfortable with me determining whether or not you’re being abusive?” While multiple senators spoke against the bill for similar reasons, some said that it was vital to targeting misinformation. “I do think misinformation … poses a real threat,” Majors said. “I think it’s something we should do our best to prevent. “If people are transparent in a way that’s a lie, then it’s not really benefiting the student government at all.” The bill passed with 31 in favor and six against.

The student senate voted to table a bill that would grant the right wing organization Turning Point USA registered student organization status at Wednesday’s meeting. Senator Ella Perkins made the motion of tabling, citing legal questions. “My motion to table had to do with wanting legal clarification on, ‘Is it legal to vote no if you feel that is best representing your constituents?’” Perkins said. “I kind of want that question answered for the senate at large and I think that can pose a broader question of what we are allowed to do with our process.” Before she motioned to table the bill, she encouraged senators to “abstain” from voting instead of voting yes to avoid possible legalities. Perkins said this decision came after talking to her constituents, who she said voiced discomfort over the organization. On a national level, the group has faced significant controversy. In 2019, a leaked video showed a chapter leader shouting “white power” and other offensive phrases. The organization then fired the individual shortly after. Several other members from different chapters have also been called out for racist comments, according to Huffpost. “I’ve talked to hundreds of students … regarding the concerns

of the presence of the student group on campus, and I think those concerns are valid enough that as an at-large senator, I didn’t necessarily feel comfortable voting in affirmation of a student group that most of my constituents don’t agree with and I was obviously elected to represent them,” Perkins said. “I think there is just clearly a legal question here of whether they clearly have the right to freedom of speech under the first amendment of the constitution, but I think there are also valid concerns of students.” WSU’s Turning Point USA President Olivia Gallegos, who is also an SGA senator, answered questions from the student senate during last week’s meeting. Gallegos stated that the group’s goal is to “promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government. Turning Point USA believes that every young person can be enlightened to true free market value.” In response to worries from senators, she told senate that the group adhered to university policies concerning non-discrimination. Tayton Majors, who chairs the committee that sees registered student organizations, said that any RSO has oversight to make sure they follow all university rules and regulations. “There is oversight that comes from both student involvement and the student code of conduct,” Majors said. “If they violate any of the principles set forth that they agreed to previously.”

2 | THURSDAY, OCT. 14, 2021

SPORTS

‘I’m really comfortable’

PHOTO BY SEAN MARTY / THE SUNFLOWER

Sophomore Tyson Etienne calls a play during a scrimmage at Shocker Madness on Oct. 12 inside Charles Koch Arena.

Tyson Etienne selected as AAC Preseason Player of the Year BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

Wichita State sophomore Tyson Etienne was voted as the preseason player of the year by the American Athletic Conference coaches, on Wednesday. The Shockers were picked to finish in fourth place, after winning the regular season title a season ago. Etienne took home co-player of the year honors last season after leading the Shockers to its first place finish. Etienne averaged 16.3 points and a school-record 2.95 three pointers on 39.2 percent accuracy. Etienne was also a unanimous selection to the preseason all-conference first team. He’s the first Shocker to make the preseason first team since Landry Shamet in 2017. “For me winning preseason player of the year is cool, but at the end of the day, my team is still picked fourth after winning the conference last year,” Etienne said. “So, I definitely feel a certain way about that, I know the rest of my teammates, our coaching staff, feels a type of way about that. But it’s cool, they picked us to finish seventh last year and we ultimately finished first so we still have that chip on our shoulder.” Houston was picked to win the conference, after earning eight of the 11 first-place votes and 98 total points. Memphis took home second-place with 92 points and earned the other three first-place votes. SMU (77) edged out Wichita State (76) for third-place by a single point. Fifth-through-eighth spots went to UCF (66), Cincinnati (52), Tulsa (43), Temple (37). South Florida and Tulane tied for ninthplace with 25 points, followed by East Carolina (14). “Coming into the summer, I was unsure how we would be picked. We have a young basketball team, we’ve got six new faces, so the fact that we were picked fourth, I could see that having a young team. Last year they’re weren’t any expectations. We were picked seventh and when coach (Marshall) resigned we were picked at the bottom of the league.

PHOTO BY SEAN MARTY / THE SUNFLOWER

Senior Louisa Brunt prepares to hit a put during a practice on Oct. 6 at Crestview Country Club.

Louisa Brunt finds home at WSU as a graduate transfer BY EMMIE BOESE elboese15@gmail.com / @elboese15

PHOTO BY SEAN MARTY / THE SUNFLOWER

Senior Asia Strong takes a shot during Shocker Madness’ Three-Point Contest on Oct. 13 inside Charles Koch Arena.

I think the biggest thing this year is handling expectations.” The Shockers (16-6, 11-2) return four of the top-five scorers from last season’s trip to the NCAA Tournament. In addition to Etienne, returning starters Dexter Dennis and Morris Udeze are back for their fourth seasons. Ricky Council IV made the league’s all-freshman team last season, but Etienne was the lone Shocker to make a preseason all-conference team. For the women, Wichita State senior forward Asia Strong was named to the Preseason AllConference First Team. Strong earned Second Team All-Conference honors a season ago after averaging 15.2 points and 6.6 rebounds a game. Strong scored 10 or more points in all but two games last season, while shooting 42.4 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from beyond the arc. She is the first Shocker to earn Preseason First Team All-Conference honors since WSU joined the American. “We’re definitely going to be competitive,” Strong said. “We’ve got 15 players and we’re all coming in strong. Our goal is to go to March Madness. We have a full team, the confidence and the great coaches and great chemistry. We’re ready to fight.” The AAC coaches picked WSU to finish eighth in the 2021-22 American Women’s Basketball Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Wichita State received 36 total votes, just

The Sunflower, founded in 1896, is the student-run newspaper covering Wichita State University. The print edition is published Monday during the fall and spring semesters. The staff publishes daily online at www.thesunflower.com.

MISSION The Sunflower — both in print and online — will be a timely resource of information about the Wichita State University community. It will report on news, issues, activities, academics and athletics, in addition to offering a forum for discussion, reviews and commentary. It will also be an effective learning experience for students, who will have the final authority over what is published.

LEGAL One free copy of The Sunflower is available to members of the WSU community. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 in the newsroom, Elliott Hall 019. The Sunflower is private property and unlawful removal or use of papers is prosecutable. The Sunflower is funded by a combination of print and online advertisment sales and student fees allocated by the Student Government Association. The Sunflower is a member of Kansas Collegiate Media, the Associated Collegiate Press and College Media Association. Copyright © 2021 The Sunflower. This newspaper, its design and its contents are copyrighted.

two behind seventh place pick East Carolina. USF enters the season as the conference favorites after receiving 100 points and 10 of the 11 first place votes. UCF, Houston, Tulane and Temple round out the top five spots. “Last year it was really a challenging season and what we went through, a lot of programs would’ve shut their seasons down but we did not do that,” head coach Keitha Adams said. “I think that’s a testament to our players and how much they love to play and their resilience. I definitely feel that we’re going to benefit from that this year from what we went through last year.” The Shockers were hit hard by COVID-19 during the 2020-21 campaign and finished with just a 6-12 overall record and 2-9 mark in conference play. The Shockers return 92 percent of their scoring and all five starters from a season ago. “It definitely helps you in practice when you’re able to put five returners on the floor and they can show the newcomers what our system is and how we do things. That helps the process of the teaching with your new players. That makes a big difference in your practices.” Both programs are set to begin their seasons with exhibition games against Missouri Southern State in early November, with the men’s taking place Nov. 1 and the women’s on Nov. 4.

She played soccer, netball, rounders and hockey but golf was the sport that struck up a lifelong passion of playing for Louisa Brunt. Brunt is a fifth year senior in the Wichita State Women’s Golf Program, and is originally from Manchester, England. Brunt moved to the United States after high school and played golf for four years at Texas Tech University. There she earned a bachelor’s degree in criminology and forensic science. “Since the age of 12 it’s kind of what a lot of my golfing friends did and it’s just what you aim for, especially for girls,” Brunt said.”There is a lot more money invested here in women’s sports than there is in England.” However, she did not enjoy playing golf at Texas Tech. She said when she learned that she would receive an extra year of eligibility due to COVID - 19 she decided to enter the transfer portal in April to get a shot at a more enjoyable golfing experience in college. After Head Coach Tom McCurdy of the women’s program contacted her on Instagram Brunt and McCurdy started communicating frequently and so she decided to go on a visit to Wichita State. She said she did not have a great relationship with her coaches at Texas Tech, when she came to Wichita State that all changed for her. “Just the relationship and how genuine and caring the coaches are as well as the team,” Brunt said.“They know there is more

EDITOR IN CHIEF Lindsay Smith news@thesunflower.com

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NEWS EDITOR Julia Nightengale news@thesunflower.com

PHOTO EDITOR Khanh Nguyen photoeditor@thesunflower.com

OPINION EDITOR Jaycie Nelson opinion@thesunflower.com

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SPORTS EDITOR Sean Marty sports@thesunfower.com

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ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR Emmie Boese elboese@shockers.wichita.edu

FACULTY ADVISOR Amy DeVault amy.devault@wichita.edu

“Since I’ve lived here I love the city. It’s the perfect size, the people are really caring and it’s just a really nice place to live.” Louisa Brunt Redshirt Senior

to you than just scorecards and your grades. Just playing here I’m really comfortable and I always play good golf when I am comfortable.” With only one year of golfing left in her college career, Brunt hopes she can continue to change the culture of the golf program at Wichita State. “I just really want to help change the program and kind of start a pathway that means Wichita State is kind of looked at like you know a really good competing school,” Brunt said. “Already in the three tournaments we’ve made such a good difference and we are trending in the right direction. I feel like people forget to have fun when you are playing the sport in college.” Brunt said when she graduates from Wichita State’s masters program in Criminal Justice, she might end up in the city she got to enjoy her golfing career including a future career as a homicide detective. “I love Wichita,” Brunt said. “Since I’ve lived here I love the city. It’s the perfect size, the people are really caring and it’s just like a really nice place to live. I could live here right after college.”

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Corrections

The Sunflower is committed to accuracy in its publications. If you find an error in any of its publications, please email the editor at editor@thesunflower.com immediately.

THURSDAY, OCT. 14, 2021 | 3

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Sports

HAVE A STORY IDEA? contact The Sunflower’s sports editor, Sean Marty sports@thesunflower.com

PHOTO BY SEAN MARTY / THE SUNFLOWER

Junior L.J. McDonough prepares to throw a pitch during game two of the Fall World Series on Oct. 9 at Eck Stadium.

PHOTO BY SEAN MARTY / THE SUNFLOWER

Redshirt freshman Jordan Rogers celebrates with sophomore Couper Cornblum after scoring a run in game one of the Fall World Series on Oct. 9 at Eck Stadium.

Yellow Team takes early lead in Fall World Series

BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

The baseball program returned to action at Eck Stadium this weekend with the annual Fall World Series – an intrasquad scrimmage with the program split into two teams. The Yellow Team took the first game of the series on Saturday, 14-7 ,after scoring seven runs in the top of the ninth inning. The game featured 27 combined hits, including two homers from each team. Ross Cadena homered on the first pitch of the game for Yellow and Chuck Ingram hit a go-ahead three-run shot in the seventh. Black got back-to-back homers from Brock Rodden and Garrett Kocis. In game two, the Black Team evened up the series, after a go-ahead three-run home run from Garrett Kocis gave Black a late 5-2 lead. Yellow showed some fight in the bottom half of the inning, as Chuck Ingram slammed a two-run double to center that put the tying run in scoring position. Reliever

“The way they’re competing against each other, that’s what we’re looking for. That’s the way I look at Shocker baseball.” ERIC WEDGE Head Coach

Grayson Jones slammed the door with a strikeout to nail down the save and tie the series. “The way they’re competing against each other, that’s what we’re looking for,” head coach Eric Wedge said. “That’s the way I look at Shocker baseball. You go out there, you compete, you fight, and you work hard to win ball games, and you saw that.” Wedge said he was encouraged by the chippiness and trash talking he’s seen from both sides as they put a close to the fall season. “I call that energy,” Wedge said. “We’re going to be respectful, but we’re looking to raise the anxiety

level, we want them to put pressure on each other, we want them to push each other and you’re going to have that in the regular season in college baseball. Those that haven’t been here need to understand that’s going to be coming their way.” Senior Garrett Kocis has been one of the brightspots of the series, hitting two homers and driving in five runs in the first two games. Kocis is coming off a breakout junior season when he hit a careerhigh 12 home runs but struggled down the stretch after missing a month with a wrist injury. “Once I got injured, I kind of lost my rhythm,” Kocis said. “I just kept working at it and finally got back in the swing of things. Now I’m back to my old self and it feels good.” Kocis said these games are crucial after two season with limited competition. “The two different teams today, we’re getting after each other but once this World Series is over and whoever wins, wins, we’re just going to be a big family and taking

on everybody as one,” Kocis said. “It’s huge to be able to compete against each and feel what it’s like to do it against other teams.” The Shockers had a roster overhaul during the offseason, after 16 players entered the transfer portal and had seven more players graduate. WSU has added a total of 24 players to the roster this fall including 11 high school players. Wedge said these scrimmages can be beneficial to those younger players. “I think it’s helpful for everybody but especially for the younger players,” Wedge said. “They haven’t dealt with this before and this is just a smidgen of what it’s going to be like in the spring when you have more people in the stands, playing a different uniform. For us to replicate that as best we can, I think it’s really important especially as we head towards the end of the fall.” The Shockers will wrap up the Fall World Series this week with games four and five. Game five will be open to the first 2,000 fans on Oct. 17 with the first pitch at 1 p.m.

Softball continues perfect start to fall season BY RACHEL RUDISILL racheltaryn268@gmail.com

The Wichita State Softball Program continued its fall season this weekend, picking up three more victories to improve their record to 6-0. The Shockers got a shutout after defeating Seminole State 13-0 on Wednesday. The team had 20 hits and 13 total runs. Power hitters, Lauren Mills and Jessica Garcia both hit home runs. On Friday, the Shockers picked up another victory, this time against the University of Central Oklahoma. At the bottom of the second inning, Addison Barnard was up to bat.. With the bases loaded, Barnard hit her first grand slam of the fall season. Barnard finished the night going 4-for-4. Barnard had a good reputation at the plate during the 2020 regular season, after breaking the program’s single season home run record. However, during the fall season she has been trying to adjust her approach at the plate to have a good sophomore season for the 2021 spring season. “I was relieved,” Barnard said. “I’ve kind of been on a downhill. I haven’t been feeling my swings, but my grand slam boosted my confidence. Every time I went up to bat yesterday I just felt confident in myself.” On Saturday, Oct. 9, the Shockers played Emporia State University. The Shockers trailed early as ESU took an early lead in the top of the second. With one

runner on base, they had a player hit a home run. This was the first home run the Shockers surrendered this fall season. After Emporia’s home run, the Shockers did not let Emporia score another point. Lainee Brown hit the first home run of the night bringing in two runs for Wichita State. Brown tied the game. Following Brown’s homer, the Shockers tallied four home runs and 20 total hits. Paige Rocha, Neleigh Herring, and Lauren Mills all hit homers, while Brown led all Shockers with six RBIs. Herring and Mills hit back-to-back home runs in a fiverun bottom of the seventh.From the pitching side, the Shockers only allowed two runs on four hits. One of the main priorities the Shockers have focused on this fall season is pitching. With two freshmen pitchers, and redshirt freshman coming in, the group had a lot to learn. All of the pitchers get along really well. “Before practice and games, we all get to sit on the bench together,”Erin McDonald said. “One of the reasons I feel like we get along is because our pitching styles really complement each other. It gives us something to build off of.” The Shockers have two games left for the fall season. On Sunday, October 17 they will play Fort Hays State University for their final home game. They will play their last game of the fall season at Oklahoma State University on Wednesday, Oct. 20.

FALL WORLD SERIES GAME ONE

Yellow 14 - Black 7 Top Performers: Chuck Ingram (Y) 2-5, HR, 4 RBIs Xavier Casserilla (Y) 4-5, 3 runs Garrett Kocis (B) 2-4, HR, R, RBI Will Carpenter (B) 2-4, SF, 2 RBIs

GAME TWO

Black 5 - Yellow 4 Top Performers: Garrett Kocis (B) 2-4, HR, 4 RBIs Janson Reeder (B) 2-4, SB Payton Tolle (Y) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER Chuck Ingram (Y) 1-3, 2B, 2 RBIs

GAME THREE

Yellow 12 - Black 6 Top Performers: Xavier Casserilla (Y) 4-5, HR, 4 RBIs Seth Stroh (Y) 2-4, 2 HRs, 3 RBIs Conner Holden (Y) 1.1 IP, S, 2K, 0 ER Brock Rodden (B) 2-5, 2 RBIs

SPORTS IN BRIEFS WOMEN’S TENNIS WINS FIRST FALL TOURNAMENT

PHOTO BY SEAN MARTY / THE SUNFLOWER

Wichita State women’s tennis players put forth a dominant performance at this weekend’s Shocker Invitational. Five Shockers combined to go 15-0 in singles play against opponents from Newman University and Barton Community College, winning 28 out of 30 sets. Harriet Hamilton dropped just four games over six sets in a 3-0 singles weekend. Jessie Zheng was just as sharp, taking 36 of 41 games. Lingwei Kong, Natsumi Kurahashi and Clara Whitaker all went 3-0, as well. The Shockers experimented with seven different doubles pairings over the course of the weekend and took 7 of 8 sets. Wichita State continues Fall tournament play Oct. 21-25 at the ITA Central Region Championships in Iowa City, Iowa.

TICKETS FOR WOMEN’S MARCH MADNESS ON SALE OCT. 19

PHOTO BY RACHEL RUDISILL / THE SUNFLOWER

Top: Freshman Addison Barnard celebrates after a double during the game against Emporia State on Oct. 9 at Wilkins Stadium. Bottom: Senior Erin McDonald pitches during the game against Central Oklahoma at Wilkins Stadium on Oct. 8.

March Madness is returning to Wichita in 2022 and ticket details have been released. Wichita will host the regional rounds of the 2022 March Madness at INTRUST Bank Arena on March 25-28, 2022.Tickets go on sale to the general public on Tuesday, Oct. 19 at 9 a.m. CT. The last time Wichita served as host for the women’s tournament was for rounds one and two in 2011.

4 | THURSDAY, OCT. 14, 2021

SPORTS

SHOCKER MADNESS

PHOTO BY RACHEL RUDISILL / THE SUNFLOWER

The women’s basketball team cheers on Asia Strong during the finals of Shocker Madness on Oct. 12 in Charles Koch Arena.

Fans get preview of 2021-22 basketball programs, with dunk contest and scrimmages BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

Shocker basketball welcomed fans back to Charles Koch Arena with Shocker Madness on Tuesday night. Fans were introduced to the 2021-22 men’s and women’s basketball teams, and the returners from the 2020-21 men’s team were presented with their American Athletic Conference championship rings. The event started with a threepoint contest, as senior Asia Strong advanced to the finals with a 13-10 victory over junior Carla Bremaud in the first round. Freshmen Jalen Ricks and Kenny Pohto then faced off for the men’s, with Pohto defeating Ricks, 13-12, to advance to the finals. Pohto, a 6’11 freshman center, claimed the three-point contest title after defeating Strong 17-10. “Kenny is a weapon,” head coach Isaac Brown said. “He’s one of those big guys that can step out

and shoot the three. He’s probably the best shooting big man I’ve ever coached. You can run pick and pops with him, he can shoot the three at a high percentage, he can defend, and he’s got great size at 6’11.” Four Shocker players – Clarence Jackson, Dexter Dennis, Ricky Council IV, and Isaac Abidde – then competed in the slam dunk contest. Dexter Dennis advanced to finals after the only perfect score of the night, while freshman Isaac Abidde advanced following a dunk-off with Council IV. After a final-round tie, Abidde took home the title after defeating Dennis in his second dunk-off of the night. “Isaac’s my man, I was talking to him before, ‘I’m going to win but who knows you might win you’re the freshman, you’re the new guy’,” Council IV said. “He can jump out of the gym so I’m not mad.” The night wrapped up with

10-minute scrimmages from both teams. In the women’s, Yellow defeated Black, 9-7, behind seven points from freshman center Ella Anciaux. Anciaux, a freshman from Wichita, saw her first action as a Shocker in the scrimmage. “It’s so special to be here and have all my friends and family, I know that they’re there supporting me,” Anciaux said. “It’s really special just to be here in my hometown, where I was raised.” Senior Seraphine Bastin led the way for the Black Team, with three points, while Asia Strong, Mariah McCully, and Carla Bremaud each tallied two points each. “We’ve got a lot of things we’ve got to work on but I’m excited about our team,” head coach Keitha Adams said. “We’ve got some inside presence and some outside presence so our balance I think will be improved this year. We’re going to have more depth and we’re going to have a fun season so I’m excited.”

PHOTO BY SEAN MARTY / THE SUNFLOWER

Freshman Jalen Ricks shoots the ball during Shocker Madness on Oct. 12 inside Charles Koch Arena.

Ricky Council IV and Joe Pleasant led the charge in the men’s scrimmage, combining for 18 points in Yellow’s 22-21 victory. Council finished with a team-high 10 points while Clarence Jackson tallied eight points for Black. “I like our guys,” Brown said.

“We’ve got a new basketball team pretty much, we’ve six new players and that’s a lot of guys. We’ve just got to get them to gel together, start learning about each other so those guys can play more on the basketball court. I like what we’ve got right now.”

Volleyball collects two road victories over the weekend BY SEAN MARTY sports@thesunflower.com / @TheSeanMarty

The Wichita State volleyball picked up a pair of victories over the weekends on the road. The Shockers’ record now stands at 9-6 on the season and 3-3 in American Athletic Conference play, following a three-match winning streak.

MEMPHIS

PHOTO BY RACHEL RUDISILL / THE SUNFLOWER

Redshirt sophomore spikes the ball during the game against South Florida on Oct. 3 at Charles Koch Arena.

Wichita State picked up itas first road conference win of the season against Memphis on Friday, as they won the match in four sets. The Shockers got 16 kills apiece from Brylee Kelly and Natalie Foster, to lead the charge offensively. Foster matched a season high with her 16 putaways, doing so on just 28 swings. Meanwhile, Kelly picked up six kills and two solo blocks in the decisive fourth set, including a stretch of three straight points that gave the Shockers a commanding 22-16 lead they would not relinquish. Sophomore Kayce Litzau tallied 47 assists in the match, as she led the Shockers offense to a .240 hitting percentage, getting ten kills from Morgan Weber and seven from Sophie Childs. The Shocker offense were able to clinch the victory in the fourth set, after being unable to finish off

the sweep in the third set. Kelly’s play turned the momentum in favor of the visitors, as Memphis had sliced the lead to 14-13 after a Lexi Lewis kill. Wichita State took four of the next five points to regain control, and Kelly and Foster combined for three kills down the stretch to end it. Lily Liekweg paced the Shockers defensively with 14 digs, while Weber notched ten of her own to post a double-double.

SOUTHERN METHODIST Brylee Kelly’s 29 kills led a relentless Wichita State offensive attack, as the Shockers knocked off SMU 22-25, 25-16, 25-20, 22-25, 15-8 for their third straight victory. The 29 kills for Kelly are the second most in program history, one shy of Emily Stockman’s 30 on November 27, 2009 against Missouri State. Brylee’s 30.5 points are also the second most in the modern WSU record book, just a half-point back of Stockman’s 31.0 recorded on the same day against Missouri State. Kelly racked up six kills in the first and second sets, nine in the third, five in the fourth, and three in the decisive fifth set. Wichita State (9-6, 3-3) hit .301 for the match, including two sets of better than .420, as the Shockers

racked up 70 kills. Natalie Foster added 17 kills of her own for a new season high. Kayce Litzau set a new career best with 61 assists, adding 13 digs and five total blocks in another well-rounded performance from the sophomore setter. After splitting the first four sets, the Shockers dominated set five from the opening point, jumping out to a 6-0 lead, before taking the decisive set, 15-8. WSU hit .429 for the set. Lily Liekweg paced the Shockers defensively with 20 digs, while Bryn Stansberry tallied 15 digs for a new season high.

WHAT’S NEXT Wichita State returns to Charles Koch Arena for a twomatch homestand, starting on Friday night with a matchup against East Carolina. First serve is scheduled for 7:00 PM. WSU will conclude the homestans with a match against Cincinnati at 1 p.m. Both matches can be streamed live on ESPN+. With their winning streak, the Shockers currently sit in a tie for sixth place in the AAC, with East Carolina. Four of WSU’s next six games are against teams in the top-six of the conferece standings, with two games on the road and two games at home.

5 | THURSDAY, OCT. 14, 2021

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Opinion

HAVE AN OPINION?

contact The Sunflower’s opinion editor, Jaycie Nelson opinion@thesunflower.com

Get rid of Sally the Salad Machine Rachel Rudisill Columnist rtrudisill@shockers. wichita.edu

Did you know Wichita State University has their very own salad machine located in the Rhatigan Student Center? The Sally Salad Machine is provided for students so they have an alternative healthy lunch option. This may seem like a good choice, but who actually uses the machine? On Monday, I sat in the RSC from 10:30 in the morning until 1:00 pm. “Sally” was refilled at approximately 10:30 in the morning with lettuce. No cheese, other vegetables, or dressings. Not a single person touched the salad machine. From there I got curious. Why does nobody want to eat a salad? The most common answer I got was that the salad machine was the worst salad they had ever had. Why eat a gross salad when you can get one two steps away at Chick-fil-A? Chick-fil-A has a cobb salad with fresh chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and blue cheese.

“Why eat a gross salad when you can get one two steps away at Chick-fil-A? Chick-fil-A has a cobb salad with fresh chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and blue cheese.” Another common anwer students told me was if they wanted to eat a salad, they would just go to the dinning hall and make their own. The machine also has technical issues often and students do not find the wait appealing. The machine is similar to the ice cream machine at McDonalds. Sure, McDonalds has decent ice cream, but that’s not your first stop in mind. Why risk driving to McDonalds just for the machine to be down when you have different options such as Braums, Cold Stone, or even Chick-fil-A. Another issue you run into with the machine is that not many students want to waste $10 on a salad. The solution to this issue is

to go to the dining hall. If you have a meal plan on campus, you have the option of building your own salad for free. The hall has freshly made salads and on top of that, you also get different meals with the salad like burgers, pastas, and pizzas. If students on campus do not have a meal plan, they are welcomed to come to the dining hall. The price is $9, but they are more willing to spend this because of the various other options. While sitting in the RSC, there were numerous campus tours. They told each student about “Sally the Salad Machine.” Even the tour guide did not seem to be thrilled with the machine. She told the students how she and others line up for the machine and end up at Chick-fil-A instead. If nobody is earning money from the salad machine or wants to buy a salad, then the machine is a waste of money — the school earns enough money by giving us parking tickets anyways. The machine is a cool idea and very 21st century, but it gives nothing back to the students. The machine is just a shiny new tool that attempts to make the school look better.

PHOTO BY RACHEL RUDISILL/THE SUNFLOWER

Sally The Salad Machine is located in the Rhatigan Student Center

FILE PHOTO BY KHÁNH NGUYEN/THE SUNFLOWER

Online classes are a common class choice during summer.

MEET THE STAFF Columnist, Rachel Lyons Major: General Business, Minor in Supply Chain Management Year: Senior Favorite Color: Yellow Hobby: Creative writing Favorite type of Music: Classic Rock Favorite Song: Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond Life Motto: Poem “Success” by Ralph Waldo Emerson

Opinion LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters should concentrate on issues, not personalities, and must be fewer than 400 words. Letters may be edited for accuracy, clarity and length. Please include your name, WSU affiliation and a phone number for verification purposes. To submit letters, email opinion@thesunflower.com or submit at www.thesunflower.com. The opinions expressed in The Sunflower editorials, columns, guest columns, reviews, advertisements, letters and editorial cartoons are not necessarily those of the staff, publications board, student body or the university. The Sunflower reserves the right to edit or reject any submission. We also reserve the right to edit or reject any advertisement.

Professors should respond to emails in a timely manner “I am not expecting that my midnight email has a response at one am. I am asking that my email at midnight has a response at some point during the next one to two business days.”

Rachel Lyons Columnist

raylons@shockers.wichita. edu

I’m not sure whether it’s a written rule or not —but professors who don’t respond to emails within 24-48 hours (or ever for that matter) get on my nerves. Why are most professors able to respond to emails in a reasonable time frame, but others could care less until they have a reason to? Why are guest professors held to different standards than Wichita State University professors? I want to make it clear right here: I understand when a professor states in the syllabus, makes it clear at the first meeting, or includes in their reply that replies to emails may be delayed for (insert reason). It’s the professors who don’t do that and then can’t understand why the student is upset. This isn’t the first semester that I’ve encountered this issue during my time here at WSU,

and compared to my time at Hutchinson Community College it has been significantly worse. I shouldn’t have to fight with my Statistics Professor to have my (urgent) email dealt with regarding missing an exam for extremely unavoidable reasons. I shouldn’t have a professor in an eight week course that responds to some students, but not others. I shouldn’t still be waiting on a response while others have received one and have moved on. WSU, please hold all of your professors to the same standard.

SUNFLOWER HOT TAKES The Sunflower editorial board gives their one-sentence opinions.

Lindsay Smith: Panda Express’ quality is getting worse. Sean Marty: I miss Pizza Hut in the RSC. Julia Nightengale: Eight week courses are the way to go. Jaycie Nelson: Fall break needs to be longer. Thy Vo: I agree with Jaycie.

In online courses, it is imperative that professors respond to all student emails because it is the only method of appropriate communication. I am not expecting that my midnight email has a response at one am. I am asking that my email at midnight has a response at some point during the next one to two business days. I would like to applaud professors who take the time to respond to student emails in a reasonable amount of time. Thank you, because of you, students are able to return to learning quickly with a better understanding of what is going on. I simply ask now for WSU to look at their Email Policy and place reasonable time constraints for replies within this policy for faculty and staff. It will help with student satisfaction, especially in eight week courses, or courses with a unique delivery format. If I do my coursework on time, I expect emails to be on time too.

6 | THURSDAY, OCT. 14, 2021

OPINION

Street WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE FALL ACTIVITY?

FILE PHOTO BY NOAH MERRELL /THE SUNFLOWER

Junior aerospace engineering student Shubhrojit Bhattacharya and freshman mechanical engineering student Irene De Giacomi laugh after reading the COVID-19 class suspension update.

Memes are now a coping method Jaycie Nelson Opinion Editor opinion@thesunflower. com

CARTER VOIGT MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, FRESHMAN “I go on walks.”

KAITLYNN MOREL ACCOUNTING, FRESHMAN

Memes, according to the dictionary, are “a humorous image, video, piece of text, etc., that is copied (often with slight variations) and spread rapidly by internet users.” Memes are now the way we cope with disasters, crazy situations, and life in general. Sometimes they’re a little ill-willed, however, they do a great job of releasing some tension with a laugh. We now have access to an overload of information. We receive more information in a day than people used to get in a year thanks to the internet and social media. While there are some great events happening that we now have access to, we also have access to the chaos that is going on in the world, everywhere and all the time. It’s exhausting.

The benefits of this rapid knowledge from the internet is that we can help, learn, and be better informed individuals. The negative side is it can be rather depressing and overwhelming. So how do we handle and decompress all the information we now have access to, the good and the bad? We use memes. Memes turn a situation into something humorous. Now, every sad or unfortunate thing should not be turned into a meme. There’s topics that are too sensitive and just clearly wrong. However, most of the memes we see are over more controversial topics. One example is the political memes we saw during the past election. There’s not a clear right or wrong — even if you think there is — and this leads to some rather funny memes. As someone who gets easily overwhelmed, memes help to create a less stressful take on everything. For example, the quarantine memes were great. We had this

“We often take life so seriously, and I’m not saying it isn’t, but it’s easy to focus on the negative, and memes bring us back to the present with a good laugh.” situation of being stuck at home for a long period of time that not a lot of us were used to — even extroverts leave home once in a while — and memes came around to lighten the mood and relieve some stress. Even the recent past water crisis in Wichita had some memes and jokes. There were tweets telling people not to freak out over the contaminated water, saying it’s “just a little spicy.” While the water crisis was a big deal and affected a lot of people, humour has a way to lighten the mood and make our lives a little

happier. There’s the saying that “laughter is the best medicine,” and this is really one of the biggest benefits of memes. We often take life so seriously, and I’m not saying it isn’t, but it’s easy to focus on the negative, and memes bring us back to the present with a good laugh. It’s okay to let go, laugh about a crazy situation, just as a way to cope with it. As much as we would like to, we can’t solve everything. The weight of carrying every disaster and world crisis on your shoulder is too much. Memes remind us that we can laugh, simply as a way to ease some of that burden. Memes help to communicate emotions and feelings. They help people to feel connected to others with the same viewpoint, opinion, or humour. There are memes that take things too far. But there’s also the memes that truly help us. Besides, a laugh a day keeps the crazy internet people at bay.

“Going to corn mazes just because we get to go exploring, and I like using like my analytical part of my brain to go use the map and try to figure out where to go.”

ISAIAH WASSON ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, FRESHMAN “Fall being chilly, hot apple cider. Always, always a great drink.”

ILLUSTRATION BY THY VO/ THE SUNFLOWER

I believe the true Zodiac “The boys” are an Killer was discovered important relationship Rachel Rudisill Columnist rtrudisill@shockers.wichita. edu

ADELYN TACKITT EXERCISE SCIENCE, SOPHOMORE “To go on walks… I like to paint, read.”

JACK WHITEHEAD EXERCISE SCIENCE, SOPHOMORE “I like to get dressed up in sweatshirts and flannels. I like to go to pumpkin patches and drink apple cider and eat donuts.”

Late last week, the Zodiac Killer was allegedly identified. Was he really found and who exactly is the Zodiac Killer? The Zodiac Killer is from Northern California. He killed at least five people from the year 1968 through 1969. The only reason the area knew the name of “Zodiac” was because he wrote “Zodiac Killer” on taunting cards and letters which he addressed to the San Francisco Bay Area’s press. The letter was ineligible because he wrote using astrological symbols and signs. He also told the press he had killed over 37 individuals. I believe he killed for attention. He created a game in his sick mind. He got away with all of these murders without anyone knowing who he was. That is why he was dropping “hints” on his true identity. The Zodiac Killer must have gotten a thrill from seeing his name in headlines, conspiracy theories, and even the movie “Zodiac” starring Robert Downey Jr. Over 50 years later, the San Francisco Bay Area believes they have identified the Zodiac Killer. No, the killer was not Ted Cruz, as some people made a conspiracy theory about. Instead, the killer has been allegedly identified as Gary Francis Poste.

“I believe he killed for attention. He created a game in his sick mind. He got away with all of these murders without anyone knowing who he was.” Poste was a former member of the United States Airforce. Poste is believed to be the killer because he has the same scar on his forehead as the police sketch. Now, many individuals have scars; however, within the letters and symbols that were sent to the police, it has been proven you can spell out Gary Francis Poste in the symbols. Unfortunately, Poste cannot be arrested and questioned because he passed away at the age of 80 in 2018. Because there is not enough evidence to connect Poste and the Zodiac Killer the FBI has dismissed all evidence. The case remains unsolved to this day. I believe that Poste was the Zodiac Killer. Maybe it is for closure, or maybe I just believe what I read on the internet, but I believe in the evidence. I believe that being able to spell Poste’s name is proof for questioning. Although he is deceased and cannot be brought in for questioning, I believe because his photographs and name match the description, Gary Francis Poste is guilty.

Mitchel Adamson Columnist meadamson1@wichita. shockers.edu

What is the most important relationship a man can have? Is it with his parents? No. Is it with his significant other? No. Is it maybe with relatives or other family members? Again no. The most important relationship a man can have is with his boys. “The boys” is not just a construct that keeps young men together, but it is also a lifestyle. A lifestyle guided by 3 key points: 1) You can always have a good time 2) Try to make a party out of every situation 3) You’re part of “the boys” for life. A man that hangs with his boys is doing the duty that every good man in America needs. He is relinquishing all of his daily activities to support his homies along the paths of life. Who do I turn to when I’m getting clapped in Warzone? Who do I turn to when my Kansas City Chiefs lose to the Buffalo Bills because they have a terrible defense? The boys come to the rescue. Sometimes I need a quick cuddle session with my homies. Sometimes I need my boys to help pump me up with some encouraging words like “bro, you’re definitely stronger than him, look at your biceps,” The relationship between us is stronger than any

I’ve ever had with a woman. And why is that? My boys just get me. They have no other motive than to follow point 1) You can always have a good time. A relationship is definitely cool, but the love my boys give is just on another level. There is a major problem in the world that is destroying “the boys” and that is the “simp.” A simp is a dude that is part of the boys, but yet just follows his girl around like a stray puppy. You can’t have that. What if your boys want to go for a drive and listen to some T-swifty, but you can’t because your boy wants to go hang out with his girlfriend Samantha. Your boy is slowly becoming dependent, not upon the emotional support that a good homie can give, but on his girlfriend. I’m not saying that a boy can’t have a relationship, I’m just saying you gotta save some time for the most important relationship in your life. Saturdays are not enough, you need that homie on homie contact at least 3 to 4 times a week. At the end of the day you gotta wave the “Full Send” flag high and remember the most important relationship you’ll ever have is with your boys. Don’t forget that as some girl tries to steal you away, don’t forget that as you graduate college and become some big wig. The boys are for life.

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Arts & Entertainment

THURSDAY, OCT. 14, 2021 | 7

HAVE A STORY IDEA? contact The Sunflower’s A&E editor, Kyran Crist arts@thesunflower.com

Netflix’s newest release ‘Squid Game’ takes the interenet by storm in short time BY KYRAN CRIST arts@thesunflower.com

Recently Netflix released their newest series “Squid Game”— which has taken the internet into a new spin of memes and questions. Within the first 28 days of it’s release, it has become one of Netflix’s most watched series across many regions as well as surpassing last fall’s release “Bridgerton.” The series is based off of an idea that director Hwang DongHyuk, had surrounding his own personal financial problems in his earlier life and the class disparity in Korea. The series follows on character Seong Gi-hung, who is recently divorced and lives with his elderly mother. Broke and suffering from a gambling habit, Gi-hung has another habit of letting his daughter down. In debt and looking for a way to make more cash, when offered to play a series of childrens games, such as “Red light Green light” and shape puzzles, for cash - he accepts the offer and

gets taken to a hidden location to participate with 455 other players in the games, and now learns that losing the game means death. The games seem easy enough, as they are ones that they had played as children and knew quite well. But the games were rigged with struggles and one wrong move disqualified you. And with disqualification, comes death. The rest of the series takes twists and turns to keep viewers engaged, following our characters throughout the games as they try to complete the challenges that at first seemed much easier than they actually were. While keeping you engaged with it’s intensity, the series is not for the faint of heart. It is rated TV-MA for the intensely gorey scenes, as losing characters get shot or killed, as well as violence and nudity. Though not for everyone, the show has captivated the majority of the internet. Especially with October beginning and a lot of people are looking for movies and shows that could fit into the horror genre, it has gained many viewers and more as it stays in Netflix’s top

ten. Generation Z has the best time with the show, as they are using it for their comedic purposes and started new trends and provided many new audios on TikTok, as well as produced new memes. People don’t seem to be as horrified as initially led to think they would be, but instead find it simply intriguing and borderline humorous. While it wasn’t the most exciting show ive seen, it was something new and out of the box for people to enjoy. After spending plenty of months cooped up inside with the TV and not given much new or out-of-the-box content, it is easy to see why the show did as well as it did, even though it isn’t something as extraordinary as some of Netflix’s other shows such as “Black Mirror”. If made past the first episode it is a good watch for what it is, and I would suggest watching if you haven’t before spoilers are absolutely everywhere and inescapable. Once the spoilers are heard, the show loses it’s zest.

Meet-ups for queer people of color to start this month

COURTESY OF NETFLIX

Netflix recently released their newest brain-spinning series “Sqiud Games” and take the internet by storm.

GARBA NIGHT

BY KYRAN CRIST arts@thesunflower.com

The office of Diversity and Inclusion LGBTQ+ Shocker Ambassadors is beginning a meetup for the queer Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), to provide a safe space and create a sense of community. The first meeting will be on Thursday, Oct. 14 from 4-5p.m. in the Rhatigan Student Center room 238. This meeting is to help build a community and create visibility for queer BIPOC. Coordinator of Student Diversity Programs, Armando Minjarez, said that this meetup is something that he wanted to create since entering his position seven months ago. “One of my focuses here at ODI [Office of Diversity and Inclusion] is programs for our LGBTQ student population,” Minjarez said. “There are a lot of intersections within those groups, so I just want to create a space for our black, indigenous, brown, and queer students to talk about the things they’re needing here at school.” Minjarez said that he is hoping that this helps the students with feeling included at WSU and helps them find a community at school with fellow students as well as staff that is here for them.

COURTESY OF OFFICE OF DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

The office of Diversity and Inclusion is starting a queer BIPOC meetup this weel for students looking for a community.

“So, for all the black and the brown queer students out there, we just want them to know that this is going to be a safe space for them to one, connect with other queer black or brown students on campus,” Minjarez said. “To find some community, it’ll be a safe space where we can talk about the challenges and issues they have on campus. And we’re going to really listen to them and their concerns and getting feedback on how we need to better serve the population.” With students just recently returning to campus this semester,

Minjarez said that it has been hard to get students to come and engage in events lately. He said that they will have a few meetings planned throughout the semester and are going to see how those go. If they go well and students are enjoying it then it may be something they’ll continue. Students who come are encouraged to bring a mask but if you don’t have one they will have one provided, in an effort to encourage a safe environment.

PHOTOS BY JORDAN PLOWMAN / THE SUNFLOWER

Guests enjoying the Garba Hight celebration at the Wichita State Marcus Welcome Center on Oct. 11.

8 | THURSDAY, OCT. 14, 2021

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Sunflower’s Fall Soundtrack BY KYRAN CRIST

SWEATER WEATHER THE NEIGHBORHOOD

AUTUMN LEAVES ED SHEERAN

WE FELL IN LOVE IN OCTOBER GIRL IN RED

TAYLOR SWIFT THRILLER

MICHAEL JACKSON THRILLER

This 2013 song gives off the perfect vibes for the fall season. The name itself emmits fall like settings - but it is also a popular enough song that when you ask for a song of the season, you’re bound to hear it.

Released in 2011, this Ed Sheeran song says it in the name. Autumn Leaves gives you the feeling of holding a hot chocolate while walking on a cool crisp, cloudy fall day, as leaves crunch

This 2018 release was made popular on TikTok in 2019 and still can be found being used now. Its sweet melody and essance give this song a perfect happy fall vibe to your playlist.

Taylor Swift blessed our ears with her 2020 release of “Cardigan” in the Folklore album. Honestlyyou could choose any song from Folklore or Evermore and achieve top tier fall vibes. This song is perfect to take a walk with and just enjoy the crisp weather.

Whether you’re a fan of him or not, Michael Jackson hit spooky season on the nail with this 1982 release. This song is perfect for any Halloween party, or if you’re just looking for a spooky song to boogie to.

Looking for more fall-like songs to get you through this semester vibing along? Check out The Sunflower’s ‘Fall Bops’ playlist on Spotify by search or the code below.

Weirdest Pumpkin Spice Products A Taste of Fall: Freddy’s BY RACHEL RUDISILL rtrudisill@shockers.wichita.edu

1. Pumpkin Spice Pringles: Pringles always experiment with new flavors. Some of which do not make sense to me. I believe that pumpkin spice should only belong on pastries and coffees. No savory foods. 2. Pumpkin Spice Toothpaste: When going to the dentist as a child, they ask you what flavor of toothpaste you would like: cherry, grape, and strawberry. These, in the adult point of view, already seem a bit strange; however, pumpkin spice toothpaste has crossed the line. Pumpkin Spice is

usually advertised through coffee to adults. Adults do not need to be using flavored toothpaste. Stick with mint and you’ll be fine. 3. Pumpkin Spice Latte Deodorant: Pumpkin Spice makes lovely scents for lotions, hand sanitizers, and candles. Native deodorant decided to make a bold statement by creating their own natural pumpkin spice deodorant. How Native is getting consumers to purchase this product is by giving out $100 gift Starbucks gift cards daily. By posting a picture of the product on your instagram and tagging Native, you are entered in the give away.

4. Pumpkin Spice Toilet Paper: Scott Toilet Paper Company has created pumpkin spice toilet paper. The paper itself is not scented; however the cardboard roll is scented with cinnamon and pumpkin spice scents. This allows your entire roll of toilet paper to smell like pumpkin spice. 5. Pumpkin Spice: Cup of Noodles: Even Cup of Noodles believe they are crossing a line with Pumpkin Spice. If you go on their website, they even state that. They claim to say their product is the “perfect blend” and will give you a perfect fall flavor. I however do not believe that pumpkin spice belongs on pasta.

Pumpkin Pie Concret BY RACHEL LYONS ralyons@shockers.wichita.edu

Due to last week’s water situation in Wichita, I was only able to test one food item. This week we’re looking at Freddy’s Pumpkin Pie Concrete, which has been around for several years.

PUMPKIN PIE CONCRETE Merchant: Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Why?: This concrete tastes exactly like what the name implies it will- pumpkin pie. One can taste both the crust and pie filling while eating their concrete. I advise getting the mini to avoid an extreme sugar high. Verdict: Delicious, but the sugar high is a bit intense. Would I purchase again: Yes! So long as I’m up for a sugar crash later that day. Statement: Tastes like pie, ice cream, and memories.