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Waldo, Buddy the Elf, other characters play baseball | PAGE 4

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2015

VOLUME 120, ISSUE 25

THESUNFLOWER.COM

‘Light in the Piazza’

Photo by Xavier Mortenson

Designs are created on a 3D printer using material from spools, and can be printed at various qualities ranging from low to high.

Renovations to Ablah Library offer students creative workspace BRENNEN SMITH

REPORTER

@brennen19_26

It’s not easy making renovations for Ablah Library at Wichita State. Although a long process, the official opening of Creation Space (C-Space) is scheduled for Nov. 2. The new space will provide opportunities for students of all majors to utilize new software and flexible study space in the library. “We moved … I don’t even want to estimate how many tons of materials,” said Kathy Downes, senior associate dean of University Libraries. The open space adjacent to the leisure reading area behind the library stairs includes about 10 tables, a media zone, an Android workstation, a CAD workstation, a multi OS zone, a sound booth for recording, color printing and a 3D printer. Each zone or station features its own computers tailored to that area’s usage. “I would argue that there isn’t any other library out there that has the same type of scope or equipment that we have in the

same type of space,” said Donald Gilstrap, dean of University Libraries. Since last week, WSU students and employees have had the opportunity to try out the equipment in C-Space. Senior Ernie Cisneros said he plans on talking to his engineering group about using the C-Space. “It just seems like a better place (than the lab in the Engineering Building) to work on our projects,” Cisneros said. “I personally think that people will want to come study here.” Gilstrap said library renovation ideas have been discussed for a number of years, but the project management cycle did not begin until January. Downes said moving all of the shelving around in preparation for the renovations and waiting for the equipment took about three months. Gilstrap did not disclose the cost of the renovation but said almost all of the funds came from private donations.

SEE ABLAH • PAGE 3

Photo by Celeste Thompson

Actors rehearse for “The Light in the Piazza,” a romantic comedy set in 1950s Italy. The opera will be presented Thursday through Sunday at Miller Concert Hall. The musical is part of National Opera week.

Romantic opera to light up Miller Concert Hall MARISSA CAMPBELL

REPORTER

@soupitup13

From “Smokey Joe’s Café” to this weekend’s production, “The Light in the Piazza,” the School of Performing Arts has been busy this semester, and many behind the scenes workers helped make the production complete. Between the stage crew, costume designers, lighting techs and makeup artists, there are many behind-the-scenes factors involved. “The Light in the Piazza” is a romantic comedy set in 1950s Italy. The story is about two American ladies, Margaret and Clara, who travel to Florence. On the trip, Clara and Fabrizio meet and fall in love. Amongst the chaos of parental and cultural problems, the two must find the means to stay together. The opera will take place at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday at Miller Concert Hall.

Cate Wieck, assistant professor of costume design, has been designing and working with collegiate musicals for 12 years. As someone heavily involved in back-stage production, she knows how to bring a character to life. Wieck said that simple gestures, like loosening a tie, can change the meaning of the scene and how the character feels. Wieck designed costumes for both “Smokey Joe’s Café” and “The Light in the Piazza.” Although both musicals are set in the ’50s, the culture and style of the musical changes the wardrobe, as well. “Both shows needed to have the 1950s silhouette,” Wieck said. “The difference between the two was ‘Smokey Joe’s’ was more about production numbers and flash while ‘Light in the Piazza’ is set in Italy, so it’s fun and challenging to show the difference between American and Italian styles.” Since “The Light in the

Piazza” has both cultures featured in the production, Wieck and the costume design team had to make sure the characters had distinct cultural looks.

SEE LIGHT • PAGE 3

« IF YOU GO: ‘The Light in the Piazza’

When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday Where: Miller Concert Hall

Tickets are free for WSU students with Shocker ID and $7 for the public

Photography students endure adventures, mishaps in Paraguay MARISSA CAMPBELL

REPORTER

@soupitup13

Other than mishaps like lost luggage and an unplanned extended stay, Wichita State photography students had a successful two weeks taking pictures of the Asuncion Biennale in Paraguay. It is the first large, contemporary art exhibition curated by Royce Smith, WSU associate professor and director of the School of Art, Design and Creative Industries. Senior Mikayla Bastin said the unique trip had many ups and downs, including not having a change of clothes or other necessities for a few days while waiting on lost luggage. “Our job was to basically interview the artists, take a portrait of them and then take photos of them installing their work,” Bastin said. The students took direction from Smith, a 2015 Fulbright Scholar for his work organizing art projects and cultural activities in Paraguay’s capital city, Asuncion, since 2011. “The gallery was basically the entire city and there were installations all over,” said

Bastin. “Instead of being in a specific gallery setting like most art shows are, we saw all sorts of venues and places in Paraguay. One of the installations was even in an abandoned hotel.” The students enjoyed learning about the artists and the new culture. “Some of the cultural differences were things like the locals whistling and honking at the blondes in our group or seeing children washing car windows and making an income instead of being in school,” said senior Haydee Mendez. “It was an amazing trip and great to see the differences between our culture and theirs, and learn about the different artists and why they were doing their work.” Senior Thien Doan’s trip lasted a little longer than expected. Due to not having his green card, he unexpectedly had his visit to Paraguay extended. Doan and his family moved to America a few years ago from Vietnam. He is required to take his green card with him when he leaves the U.S. along with his passport. “I was there by myself for seven days,” said Doan. “I was worried about running out of

Courtesy Photo

Student Thien Doan poses for a picture in Paraguay. Doan was one in a group of photography students who traveled to Ascunscion, Paraguay, earlier this month. Doan forgot his green card and had to spend an extra week in Ascuncion while waiting for it to be mailed to him.

money, and it was stressful because it was hard to communicate since there weren’t a lot of English speakers. But Manuel [a WSU student from Paraguay]

helped me and I stayed with his family.” Doan’s classmates helped by giving him money and professor Jennifer Ray gave him her

laptop. Doan said that other than being stuck in Paraguay, he and the class had an exciting and educational experience.

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Great performances, script cross Spielberg’s new ‘Bridge of Spies’ Between Hollywood’s love of corny, one-sided “good guys vs. Commies” COLUMN BY Cold War ALEX PERRY stories and Steven Spielberg’s penchant for sentimentality, it would be reasonable to dismiss “Bridge of Spies” from the get-go. But with strong writing (partial courtesy of the masterful Joel and Ethan Coen) and top notch acting from just about all of its players, Spielberg’s latest historical retelling is thoroughly riveting throughout, with a couple of minor hitches along the way. Tom Hanks plays James B. Donovan, a New York-based insurance lawyer who is given the task of providing a Constitutionally-mandated legal defense for Rudolf Abel, a Soviet spy living in the United States. America was at the height of the Red Scare in the late 1950s, so this made Donovan unpopular to say the least. After an American spy plane flown by Francis Gary Powers is shot down over Soviet airspace, the story shifts to Donovan’s efforts to negotiate for the two global

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superpowers to exchange Abel and Powers in East Berlin just after the Berlin Wall goes up in 1961. I’m of the mind that legal drama tends to be formulaic and, well, boring. “Bridge of Spies” successfully uses the threat of military conflict and the often times shady tactics of both parties to ratchet up the tension. Actually, “shady” is putting it nicely. The anti-Communist fear mongering in the U.S. at the time led to Abel’s conviction based on evidence that was gathered illegally. If not for Donovan’s lobbying, Abel probably would have seen the electric chair, and the whole exchange wouldn’t have happened. “Bridge of Spies” is at its most successful when it challenges the notion that one side of the Cold War was unequivocally nobler than the other. This was a messy, ideological clash filled with deceit from both sides, and the film examines that fairly well. It does break down a bit in the second half as Donovan has to deal directly with the Soviets, but it’s more respectful than many other Hollywood films in that regard. The aforementioned script is really what makes everything work. The Coens’ influence is definitely

SEE IT SKIP IT ‘Burnt’

SKIP IT

This Bradley Cooper-driven restaurateur story doesn’t look offensive by any means, but it looks entirely missable.

Courtesy Photo

noticeable, with the characters occasionally exchanging rapid-fire witticisms without devolving into Aaron Sorkin levels of obnoxiousness. Hanks is as capable as ever in his role, while Mark Rylance offers an incredible performance as Rudolf Abel. The Soviet spy is public enemy No. 1, but as depicted by Rylance, he’s the most sympathetic person around. Unfortunately, Spielbergian schmaltz can only be held back for so long, and “Bridge of Spies” has

a bit too much of it at the end. It puts a damper on what is otherwise an enthralling narrative, but not enough to ruin anything. It’s always nice to be reminded that Steven Spielberg got to where he is for a reason, and “Bridge of Spies” is a good reminder. It’s by no means a cinematic classic, but it’s extraordinarily well crafted and enjoyable all the way through.

‘Our Brand is Crisis’ SKIP IT Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton are professional campaign advisers running opposing presidential campaigns in an impoverished South American country. That sounds only slightly insensitive.

Marissa’s Melodies

Seaway attempts to stand out in pop-punk genre Although October was a bit of a slow month for music releases, many bigCOLUMN BY name artists MARISSA including Toby CAMPBELL Keith and Selena Gomez released some hit albums. This week in music came the new Carrie Underwood album along with the underground punk band Seaway and the monthly Throwback Thursday album.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29

PAGE 2 | ENTERTAINMENT

‘Storyteller’ by Carrie Underwood Released: Oct. 23 Genre: Pop-country Although Carrie Underwood is considered a country star, her music sounds pop and her lyrics are about country life. She starts the album off with the upbeat song “Renegade Runaway,” which is surprisingly good, definitely pop and about living in the Wild West. The album then slows down a bit with the extremely boring pop-country song “Smoke Break.” On songs like “Mexico,” Underwood shows that she is capable of making unique pop-country songs, but the majority of the album is mundane. Download: “Renegade Runaway”

‘Colour Blind’ by Seaway Released: Oct. 23 Genre: Pop-punk Pop-punk music has hit the alternative scene hard lately, and it is almost drowning in the ridiculous amount of options. From Neck Deep, Man Overboard and many others, it may be hard to distinguish Seaway from the mass of bands, especially since they are so new. Although many pop-punk bands and songs sound the same, they are still pretty enjoyable. “Freak” by Seaway is definitely their anthem song of the album that has a fun vibe. “Big Deal” fails to be a unique sounding pop-punk song but still remains fun and exciting. “Growing Stale” is probably the most interesting song on the album since it has a bit of a different vibe than the other songs. Although the album is going to be enjoyable to fans of pop-punk, it would be nice to have a fresh spin on the genre. Go download: “Growing Stale”

‘(What’s the Story) Morning Glory?’ by Oasis Released: Oct. 2, 1995 Genre: Alternative Happy “Throwback Thursday”

Courtesy Photo

to Oasis, the band that created the amazing song “Wonderwall.” Chances are, this second studio album is the best one ever made. With the hit songs like “Champagne Supernova” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” they made a name for themselves in the alternative-grunge world with these rock anthems. Although many today still enjoy all of those hits, they also have songs like

“Hello” and “Some Might Say” which are not as popular but are still pretty rad and jam-worthy. Even though Oasis was a bit of a one-hit-wonder with this album, people who weren’t even alive when it came out still love the album today. Oasis is one of many bands that have helped shape the alternative scene, and for that, I’m thankful. Go download: “Hello”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29

PAGE 3 | NEWS

SGA senators clad in costum for meeting THE DAILY Marshallville recognized as registered student organization TJ RIGG

REPORTER

@tj_rigg

Marshallville, the area outside Charles Koch Arena where students line up before home men’s basketball games, was recognized Wednesday by Student Government Association as a Registered Student Organization. In a 25-1 vote, SGA approved Marshallville as an RSO. Marshallville started in 2013, said organization President Max Runyon, just after the men’s basketball team made a run to the Final Four and said it has several functions. “It works as kind of like a tailgate spot when students are going to get into the game,” Runyon said. “And it also functions as a student line.” Until recently, Marshallville has consisted only of students. In order to become an RSO, however, the group needed a faculty adviser. The group chose Amy DeVault, assistant professor of communication, as its adviser. “We love Mrs. DeVault,” Runyon said. “She’s awesome. She’s really into Shocker basketball and she kind of fits into our personalities, so it’s going to be a great fit.” The bill during SGA’s Senate

Photo by TJ Rigg

Student Government Association poses for a picture with senators and officers dressed in Halloween costumes.

meeting Wednesday brought up several questions. Many questions centered on funding, and what Marshallville would need to fund. Sen. Paige Hungate, a member of the budget and finance committee, said the committee does not take funding requests lightly. “The Budget and Finance Committee heavily look into what people are applying for and we definitely wouldn’t recommend they get funded [for things] they shouldn’t get funded for,” she said. Eric Sexton, executive director of Athletics and SGA’s adviser, also answered questions. One particular question asked was how

security is handled in Marshallville when students camp outside Koch Arena. Athletics is responsible for students who camp out before games, Sexton said, and handles all necessary security measures. During the debate portion of the bill’s reading, Hungate spoke up in favor of granting Marshallville RSO status. “I think a lot of things were coming up in the questions that were kind of downgrading what Marshallville stands for and how great of a thing they are,” Hungate said. “People were questioning whether or not they were going to

vote for it and I thought that was troubling because Marshallville is something that definitely needed to be granted RSO status.” Hungate said funding is only one aspect of an RSO. Student Body President Joseph Shepard said he was pleased to see senators engaged with the bill. “They’re wanting to know that student organizations that we pass are going to serve a purpose and they are going to be sustainable,” Shepard said. After Hungate’s statement in favor of Marshallville, the group was approved as an RSO, with one dissent. Runyon said the RSO status is important to the group. “The idea of the student body being behind Marshallville is important to us,” Runyon said. “It’s going to have a lot of benefits.” In addition, Runyon said he wants to make sure the framework for students moving forward with the group is in place. Having RSO status allows that, he said. “I think it’s important that students are involved as much as possible,” he said. “That’s really how it has become as prevalent as it has. I think that is what’ll keep it prevalent is having students be in charge of it.”

Decorate sugar skulls at Dia de los Muertos table Friday VICTORIA HENDRICKS

@sunflowernews REPORTER

Every year on Nov. 2, a flood of people adorned in rich and vibrant clothing, jewelry and makeup flock the streets and neighborhoods to hold a special party. In a dizzying whirlwind of vivid reds, brilliant golds, cool blues and mysterious blacks, these individuals are not just playing dress up. They are celebrating a day practiced and cherished by millions of people around the world — Dia De Los Muertos, or “Day of the Dead” — a day that holds significant meaning to honor deceased ancestors. The Office of Diversity Inclusion in conjunction with Sigma Lambda Beta, Student Involvement and the Student Activities Council plan to feature a table at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the Rhatigan Student Center in honor of the celebration. Quang Nguyen, marketing coordinator for the Office of Diversity Inclusion, summed it up as “a holiday generated from Mexico to celebrate the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties and celebrations.” Day of the Dead has also become synonymous with its intricate and beautifully decorated sugar skulls. “They use these skulls… throughout the holiday… [to] symbolize the person who had passed away, and so I would think that it’s just creating things that may symbolize the person who had passed away in your life,” he said. The skulls have experienced a recent surge in popularity; there

are makeup tutorials, tattoos, jewelry and dessert treats. “We have thought of skulls as being negative or ugly,” said Natalie Toney, program coordinator for ODI. “But the beauty of these skulls, when you see it at the Day of the Dead and the way that the Hispanic community [use it], make it a beautiful thing in celebration.” The booth Friday will be come and go, Toney said. There will be altars to commemorate and honor “those who have passed,” as well as cookies, sugar skulls and other crafts to decorate. “It’ll just be something you can do in between classes and kind of be a part of another culture,” she said. “[We] want to make sure that it’s a fun and festive day,” Nguyen said. With the popularity comes the Day of the Dead-themed Halloween costumes. But Nguyen and Toney said they hope those costumes don’t cause people to commit cultural appropriation. “As long as you’re not dressing up to…[perpetuate] stereotypes and pulling things out of context,” Nguyen said. Toney said costume-wearers should educate themselves before wearing an outfit that represents a culture, which means “getting with people from that community, researching it and knowing why, and then being able to understand that it’s OK to appreciate other cultures, but don’t abuse or mock or other culture. “Be aware of the way you present yourself … and respect it the way you would want your own culture to be respected.”

YAK This is a collection of yaks from the Wichita State campus. This is what you think about, talk about and wonder about. Enjoy.

There are so many beautiful people on this campus. Inside and out. I hope everybody realizes this and starts treating each other with respect and kindness. You’re all amazing. Don’t you forget it! Carrying my groceries makes me feel that freshman 15. I think its time to go say hello to the heskett center. Does running away from my problems count as cardio? I’ve meet some really fantastic people at this school. That makes me so happy. College is really getting to me. I need to get out of here If I had a nickel for every unread email in my WSU account. I’d have enough money to pay my tuition. Could the computers in the library be any slower? I wish I lost weight as fast as I lose motivation My hotness level = Potato

LIGHTS

FROM PAGE 1 Photo by Xavier Mortenson

Ablah Library recently received several new additions, including a 3D printer. With the addition of the C-Space section came a number of new tools, including the ability to print their designs.

ABLAH

FROM PAGE 1 “The space is open to all students and all disciplines, and we think it will help them be much more creative in their discipline because of the options,” Gilstrap said. The sound booth alone has potential use for students in fine arts, opera, theater and even journalism students interested in broadcast media, Gilstrap said. Students were involved in the conversation about the new space. Feedback from students and the Student Government Association informed Gilstrap, Downes and library staff about how they could effectively use the space. In terms of software licensing, Downes said they took advantage of current WSU licenses whenever possible. This means much of

the CAD and media software should be similar to the software at other places on campus like the engineering lab. Other C-Space items include a portable green screen, 6-foot wide magnetic white boards, two GoPro’s and an iPad mounted on a tripod. Anthony Caldwell, C-Space network analyst, said the multiOS zone currently has Windows 7, 8, 10 and Linux OS’s. Despite the plans for officially opening the C-Space next week, Downes said they still want to hear students’ opinions. An online user guide for C-Space is in the making that will offer links to training and help guides, as well as an area for feedback. “We’re trying to listen and add things as we get the demand and as we can afford it,” Downes said. “We left a number of parts deliberately open because we want to hear from students on that.”

“I did a fitting with the actor playing Frabizio, who is the young adult male lead, and that was a challenge to show how the character went from being young and carefree to a grown-up, which we talked about in the fitting,” Wieck said. “I first put him in a patterned check shirt and he looked so American so I switched the shirt to a solid and he looked so much more sophisticated.” Even simple style changes can be made to create the perfect look needed for each musical. From costuming to set design, there are many different elements that go into creating the musical. Settings are necessary in the musical so the audience has an idea of where the characters are. Sometimes the sets can be simple or as intricate as creating a stained glass window, which was necessary for “The Light in the Piazza.” “Teaching these students how to help create the components that go into a musical is what I enjoy,” Wieck said. “It’s a lot more involved than people realize, and being able to see students contribute their own ideas to costuming and take leadership is always great.”

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29

PAGE 4 | SPORTS

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Shocker volleyball on winning steak, approaches matches with high spirits REECE BURNS

SPORTS EDITOR

@reeceburns14

The Wichita State volleyball team is headed to Missouri this weekend to face the No. 6 Missouri State Bears. The Shockers will first face the Bears at 7 p.m. Saturday in Springfield, Missouri. The Shockers, currently on a seven-game win streak, hope to keep the top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference. The Shockers are one of the top 90 teams in the nation, according to the NCAA’s rating percentage index report for the 2015 season. The report lists the MVC as one of the nation’s best conferences with six teams in

Photo by Jessica Green

Redshirt freshman Josh DeBacker, portraying a big, fat ninja, prepares for a hit Wednesday in the bottom of the fourth inning during the “Screamage” game, in which the team dresses in costume for a scrimmage.

Ghosts defeat Ghouls 3-2 JESSICA GREEN

REPORTER

@jesserca9

In the second-annual Wichita State baseball Screamage game, the Ghosts defeated the Ghouls 3-2 in four short innings — just in time for everyone to get home to Game two of the World Series. “This is always a good way to end the fall,” said sophomore Keenan Eaton, dressed up as Squints. “The costumes were better, and we had a lot of fun.” While both teams were tied with six hits each, it was the costumes that kept the crowd interested. Costumes like the Three Blind Mice, Buzz Lightyear and Woody, the Joker from Batman, Squints, Benny Rodriguez and Hamilton Porter from “The Sandlot,” and the infamous Waldo. “The costumes are so much better compared to last year,” said junior Reagan Biechler, one of the

Three Blind Mice. “We have a lot of returners that really stepped it up.” Meanwhile, redshirt junior Willie Schwanke did just that with his Joker costume. “I portrayed it really well with my hair being this long,” he said. “I’ve been told I have some of the same facial expressions so it was a perfect fit. But next year I want to go as something more comical — I don’t like being serious and want to try something different.” Among players and fans, Schwanke seemed to be the crowd favorite according to freshman Connor Lungwitz, who dressed up as Buddy from the movie “Elf.” “This was a lot of fun,” Lungwitz said. “It’s nothing too serious, just a good way to end the fall, but Willie was definitely my favorite. His hair obviously helped, but the face paint was just too good.”

While Schwanke would have been awarded “Best Costume” by players and fans, there was a large variety of costumes including Mario, a neon yellow Sharpie, a convict and most interesting of all: a big, fat ninja. “I came as Batman last year and wanted to do something really different,” redshirt freshman Josh DeBacker said. “I wanted something crazy and searched everywhere. Finally I saw it at a Halloween store and I knew it would be perfect, I just couldn’t resist.” While the fall season has officially drawn to a close, the Shockers will pick back up again this spring. “We’ve had a productive fall, and now it’s time to hit the weight room for the off season,” said redshirt sophomore Cody Tyler, one of the Three Blind Mice. “This is the time for us to get stronger and get better.”

Women’s golf to finish fall season in Arkansas REECE BURNS

SPORTS EDITOR

@reeceburns14

The Wichita State women’s golf team is leaving this weekend for Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, to compete in the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) Golf Classic. The tournament begins Sunday and is scheduled to conclude Tuesday. The Shockers have more experience with the UALR Golf Classic than the tournaments in Colorado and Iowa. However, the Shockers usually play UALR in the spring. Head coach Tom McCurdy said the different seasons will present the team with “much different roughs.” McCurdy isn’t concerned,

though. After the break in tournaments, the team is in a good spot. “After four tournaments in a row, the girls really needed some time to recharge,” McCurdy said. “Once we started back we had relaxed practices — this week we’ve cranked it up and I’m really impressed with the work ethic.” McCurdy said the girls have continued to work on a lot of fundamentals, particularly their short game and putting, and he’s seen “good tempo” from his team. Arkansas State and Missouri State are two of the teams the Shockers will face at the UALR tournament. McCurdy said he wouldn’t be surprised if any of his players stepped up to shoot low scores.

Senior Bryce Schroeder and sophomore Taryn Torgerson have been the most consistent players in the top spots for their team. Junior Meghan Schuetz also achieved a top spot on the team in the Ron Moore Intercollegiate two weeks ago with a total score of 221. Junior Maria Alejandra Villalobos is another player McCurdy expects to have a good tournament. According to McCurdy, Villalobos’s game often depends on her previously injured wrist. “If [her wrist] feels good, she’ll play really well,” McCurdy said. “If not, she still fights it out, that’s one of the things I love about her.” The Shockers are set to tee-off Sunday. For live scoring, visit goshockers.com.

the top 90, the Shockers coming in at No. 38. The Bears historically hold an upper hand against the Shockers leading 43-27. According to MVC stats, WSU has the upper hand in every category, coming in with an overall .273 hitting percentage versus Missouri State at .192 percent. Sophomore Mikaela Raudsepp led the charge in last week’s match against Indiana State with 13 kills and a .522 hitting percentage. The Sycamores fell to the Shockers 3-0. The match against the Bears can be viewed on ESPN3 and live scoring can be followed at goshockers.com

WSU cross country to compete in MVC conference tournament EVAN PFLUGRADT

REPORTER

@evpflu

The Wichita State cross country team travels to Evansville, Indiana, this weekend for the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Bradley ranked first in the polls for their men’s and women’s teams. The Braves’ women’s team earned 99 points and nine first-place votes in the polls — they have the opportunity to be back-to-back conference champions this year. The Shockers’ women’s team is ranked second in the conference polls going into the tournament this weekend. The women received 87 points in the poll ranking along with one first-place vote. WSU has the most top times in the Missouri Valley Conference 5K course including: Sidney Hirsch (5th), Rebekah Topham (6th), Emilea Finley (8th) and Kayla Deighan (9th). “Bradley is a strong favorite for the women’s race,” head coach Kirk Hunter said. “It looks like a great, tight competition for conference titles.” Hunter said that although Bradley is considered a strong favorite, his team will have a great chance for the top spot. Freshman Rebekah Topham last competed with a slight injury, as reported by Hunter, which kept her out of the front of the pack in pre-national tournaments. “Topham will have a chance to do well in the conference tournament,” Hunter said. Wichita State finished third in the polls behind Bradley and Indiana State. Though the Shockers received 65 points, they were only one point behind second-rated Indiana State. Hunter believes the competition for the men is strong, and that there are four potential teams who could finish first in the conference. “Bradley is good, and I believe Illinois State easily could have been rated higher than us,”

Hunter said. Bradley is looking to compete for their first conference title for the men’s team in program history. “We have a strong men’s team,” Hunter said. “It’s nice to have the respect of other coaches in the conference.” The Shockers raced Bradley in the pre-national event two weeks ago. The Bradley women finished 23rd, the men 26th and the Shockers finished 36th for the women and 37th for the men in pre-nationals. “Yes, [Bradley] came out on top in the pre-national,” Hunter said. “The conference meet is smaller, and it changes the team dynamics. It makes it more favorable for us on both sides.” Veterans Brady Johnson and Paul Raymond look to boost the Shockers to a top conference spot. Johnson’s time broke the Shocker’s 8K record at the Chile Pepper Invitational, the third fastest 8K time in the conference this season. The Shockers will race at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Angel Mounds State Historic Site hosted by the University of Evansville.

COMPETITORS WOMEN Sidney Hirsch Rebekah Topham Lycia Hollon Emilea Finley Kayla Deighan Jordan Maestas Sarah Wright Paige Wells MEN Brady Johnson Ugis Jocis Paul Raymond Kyle Larkin Gage Garcia Nathan Wickoren Dray Carson Reno Law

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