Friday, May 7, 2021
THE
AUGUSTANA MIRROR
Students share quarantine hobbies Kost brings awareness to sexual assault
Developed new skills in lockdown It’s On Us project creates safe space for survivors
Variety Page 6 Forum
Up in the Air
Marijuana
could soon be
legal in South
Dakota, but
Augustana s plans
for the substance
remain unclear
Ari Forcelle
amforcelle18@ole.augie.edu
A fter overwhelming support in overturn-
ing marijuana laws that were approved by
South Dakota voters in the November election,
Gov. Kristi Noem delayed both Initiated Measure
26 (IM-26) and Amendment A. The question is,
what does this mean for Augustana?
“It is a tough conversation to have,” Mark Black-
burn, Dean of Students, said.
In South Dakota, the IM-26 ballot received
about 74% of votes in favor of implementing medi-
cal marijuana, while the Amendment A ballot
received about 51% of votes in support of recre-
ational use. According to Insider, 36 out of 50
Page 4
states have legalized the use of medical marijua-
na, and 16 out of 50 have overturned recreational
use in the United States alone.
According to the safety report, Augustana for-
bids “the use, possession, distribution, or sale of
drugs (i.e. hallucinogens, narcotics, stimulants, and
depressants).” This also includes “the possession
of drug-related paraphernalia, such as bongs and
pipes.”
Rick Tupper, the associate vice president for
Campus Safety and logistics, said anytime a student
is found with possession of either drug parapherna-
lia or marijuana, campus officials notify the Sioux
Falls Police Department, and they treat the situa-
tion as a criminal offense.
Now, almost six months after the ballot was cast,
South Dakota will be legalizing medical marijuana
use. After meetings between Noem and the
South Dakota Legislature, it was announced
that IM-26 will go into effect July 1, 2021.
This law will permit the use and sale
of medical marijuana among individu-
See MARIJUANA, page 9
Art by Jeni Fjelstad
Vol. CVIX
No. 10
Bowden Field to be renovated
Construction will begin in June
Sports Page 10
Herseth
Sandlin to
remain at
Augustana
Noah Wicks
ntwicks17@ole.augie.edu
Over a month ago, Augustana President
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin felt torn. She had
been sworn into the federal bar and was being
considered for a potential spot in the Federal
Judiciary but also felt a strong commitment to
her current position at Augustana.
But at 11 a.m. on April 29, as Herseth Sand-
lin sat in her office, the uncertainty that had
tormented her in the previous weeks was gone.
It was nowhere to be found. Not in her office,
with the morning sun radiating through the
window. Not on her face, which, at this time,
seemed to express contentment.
It appeared that, in this moment, everything
was right for Herseth Sandlin. She had chosen
to remain at Augustana rather than to continue
being considered for a federal judgeship. She
sent a letter to the White House on April 21
See HERSETH SANDLIN, page 3
Chrystal,
Moore elected
ASA president,
vice president
Andrew Kronaizl
ajkronaizl@ole.augie.edu
Last Friday, students elected sophomores
Courtney Chrystal and Mekhi Moore as their
Augustana Student Association (ASA) presi-
dent and vice president for next year by a large
majority.
Chrystal and Moore received 69% of the
votes, which is 451 ballots, according to soph-
omore Cal Irvine, the ASA technical director
and this year’s election commissioner. The
opposing ticket, Brayden Harris and Laura
Hartke, received 29% of the votes, or 188 bal-
lots. Two percent of voters abstained.
“The campaign in general, for me, was super
tiring, I’ll be honest, but it was also really re-
warding,” Chrystal said. “Our whole point was
to go and meet people where they were at.”
See ELECTION, page 2
NEWS
Sophomores Courtney Chrystal and Mekhi Moore were elected the ASA president and vice president for next year,
after receiving 69% of the votes. Their opponents, juniors Brayden Harris and Laura Hartke, recieved 29% of the votes.
Continued from page 1
ELECTION
Going forward, Chrystal said the major
points that the two want to address in their
administration are Title IX and sexual as-
sault issues, mental health awareness on
campus and how to support affinity stu-
dent organizations that represent systemi-
cally non-dominant groups.
Chrystal also said their administration
will plan to address other major issues as
they come up.
“Students can expect that, as needs arise,
those are going to be the ones that are ad-
dressed first,” Chrystal said.
According to Moore, besides these large
plans, the two also want to make ASA a
place where senators can quickly pursue
projects that they care about.
“We want the new elected senators to be
constantly getting projects done and fin-
ished,” Moore said.
Students also elected sophomore Gedi-
on Alemayehu as treasurer and junior Sara
Alhasnawi as secretary.
Sophomore Harley Tran and junior
Onajite Taire were elected as the two inter-
national senators, and Andrew Struck was
elected as the adult learner senator.
Ellie Holmes, Noah Hovorka, Sheldon
Jensen and John Walker are the new senior
senators. Students chose Tsegab Arega,
Cooper Benning, Camryn Simmons and
Raena Brendtro as the junior senators. Me-
gan Richardson, Lauren Teller, Zachary
Variety Editor Laura Johnson
Opinions Editor Anna Sorenson
Sports Editor Olivia Bertino
Copy Editor Jenifer Fjelstad
ASA Reporter Andrew Kronaizl
Social Media Producer Kayla DeAlba
Photographer/Videographer Gage Hoffman
Photographer/Videographer Camryn Hay
Podcast Director Chelsea Felton
augiemirror.com
Pandorf and Slater Dixon were elected as
the sophomore senators.
One of the major concerns during
the presidential election was the use of
mass emails. According to an email sent
by current ASA President Cole Tessend-
orf and Vice President Hannah DeWild,
candidates were not allowed to campaign
through mass emails.
According to Tessendorf, this rule,
which is not an official part of ASA’s elec-
tion code, was created after pushback from
students about candidates using mass
emails in the 2020 election. Earlier in that
school year, ASA passed an amendment
that student organizations could not send
out mass emails to all students unless stu-
dents signed up, but according to Tessen-
dorf, ASA was not subjected to that same
rule. As a result, candidates in last year’s
election sent out mass emails, which stu-
dents argued was hypocritical.
“[The mass email rule] was an attempt
to make us as compliant as all of the other
student organizations,” Tessendorf said in
his reasoning for creating the rule this year.
Irvine, who was responsible for receiving
complaints from students about rule viola-
tions, said that both tickets had reports of
sending out mass emails. In all cases, can-
didates got permission from staff members
or student leaders that have access to email
lists to send info to those groups.
Chrystal and Moore sent out an email to
students on the Lost & Found club’s email
list detailing some of their initiatives. At-
tached to the email was their campaign’s
THE AUGUSTANA MIRROR
Noah Wicks Dawn Geertsema
Editor-In-Chief Managing Editor
augustanamirror@gmail.com
Friday, May 7, 2021 2
SAFETY LOG
Below is recap of notable Cam-
pus Safety reports from April 11
to May 2.
Tow
May 2
A repeat violator was towed from
the Stavig Hall parking lot at 9:23
p.m.
Bike Theft
April 28
A student stopped into the De-
partment of Campus Safety office
at 2 p.m. to report a bike theft at
the Norse Inn.
Transient Camp
April 23
Campus Safety officers found a
giant wooden spool being used as
a table, snacks, trash, wrappers, a
cooler containing water and juice
and other miscellaneous objects at
Ronken Field.
Traffic Accident
April 17
Photo by Courtney and Mekhi for ASA
Campus Safety officers wrote an
accident report for a hit and run
near the Edith Mortenson Center.
platform. Trespasser
Harris and Hartke sent out two emails to
April 14
different student populations. Harris sent
Campus Safety officers identi-
an email to the Elmen staff saying, “I’d real-
fied and removied a subject from
ly appreciate your support,” and containing
Ronken Field at 10:17 p.m.
a link to the voting website. The ticket also
sent an email to the nursing department, Smoking Violation
which was forwarded to students through
April 13
a staff member.
According to Tessendorf, there was an Campus Safety officers investigated
investigation by the ASA executive mem- a report of smoking in a room in
Stavig Hall at 11:50 p.m.
bers and Mark Blackburn, the Dean of
Students, into all of these reports. Because
the term “mass email” was not defined in- Theft from Motor Vehicle
April 12
depth in the original email by Tessendorf
and DeWild, and because both tickets did A student reported an item stolen
the same thing, no candidates were pun- from their car parked near Bergsa-
ished for the emails they sent. ker Hall at 2:46 p.m.
“In our minds, what [the no mass email
rule] meant was scraping Buzz Book for all Theft from Motor Vehicle
the names,” Tessendorf said. “That’s kind of April 12
how we worded it, but obviously both can- A student reported an item stolen
didates found the gray area.” from their car parked near Gran-
Irvine said ASA could pass an amend- skou Hall at 3:47 p.m.
ment to define what mass emails are and
how they will be dealt with in future elec- Theft from Motor Vehicle
tions. Chrystal and Moore said part of April 12
their goals for next year will be to clarify A student reported an item stolen
the definition of mass email and the rule from their vehicle parked near
as a whole. Granskou Hall at 6:13 p.m.
“I hope this is something we can set in
stone for next year,” Moore said. “Mass Disorderly Parent
emails have been a talk that’s been hap- April 11
pening for a long time, so it would be nice Campus Safety dispatchers re-
to have, like, ‘here are the rules regarding ceived multiple phone calls from a
mass emails,’ and then leave it at that.” student’s parent demanding action
for an off-campus incident.
JOIN US
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
If you are interested in contribut-
Holden Sutter ing to the Mirror, please email
Kat Elgersma augustanamirror@gmail.com for
more information.
Arden Koenecke
Slater Dixon
Ana McCabe REPORT AN ERROR
Jonah Kost The Augustana Mirror corrects all
Seth Miller factual errors brought to its atten-
@augiemirror Callin Naddy
tion. Please email augustanamir-
Alayna Jones ror@gmail.com with any errors.
3 Friday, May 7, 2021 augiemirror.com NEWS
Continued from page 1
HERSETH SANDLIN
asking that she no longer be considered
for a nomination to the federal bench.
“I’m not just at peace with this deci-
sion, I’m excited about the decision and
the weeks and months and years ahead
here,” she said.
It was about four days into spring
break that she decided that she would be
staying. The break gave Herseth Sandlin,
who said she had previously been suffer-
ing from the same chronic fatigue that
students and staff have been experienc-
ing this school year, some extra time to
mull things over and come to a decision
before the Board of Trustees meetings on
April 23 and 24.
“It gave me some time for real deep
thinking and critical analysis and soul
searching and praying,” she said.
The decision was a culmination of
weeks of reflection and thought. Herseth
Sandlin said she had actually shot down
the idea during the first few conversa-
tions she had on the subject but took an-
other look once she thought about how
important it was to be open to opportu-
nities that present themselves.
“If you’re open, it doesn’t mean you’re
open and you make a quick decision,”
she said. “It means you explore and [see]
what you discover about yourself, your
current professional opportunities, your
personal and family life and what some-
thing else could mean.”
However, it was the Jan. 6 riots at the
U.S. Capitol building that reawakened
Herseth Sandlin’s call toward public ser-
vice. Previously, she had gone to George-
town Law School, clerked for two U.S.
District Courts and served four terms
in the House of Representatives. After
seeing the events unfold in Washington,
D.C., she took the initial step toward a
nomination by being inducted into the
federal bar.
However, she also said that she felt
strongly about the work she was doing
at Augustana, which made it difficult for
Photo by Hunter Chear
her to determine which path she felt she Augustana President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin gave a pre-semester speech to faculty and staff last August.
should take. Herseth Sandlin has asked that her name be removed from consideration for a position as a federal judge.
“While the decision in some ways was
hard, [...] in some ways it became very my life to help me.” my professional pursuits,” Herseth Sand- As she sat behind the piles of papers
clear,” Herseth Sandlin said. “That this is It was her mother, Joyce, that really lin said. “And I think that this allowed me on her desks with her glasses on, Hers-
where I want to be, that this is the team helped her through the decision. She said to say, you know, it’s important to be self- eth Sandlin affirmed that this was exactly
of people I want to work alongside, that her mother knows her best and pushed less […] I think I’ve learned that maybe where she wanted to be. Augustana was
these are young people I want to be with, her to weigh the regret she might feel, it’s not always about the next [move...], where she belonged and, at least for now,
to learn from — but also to share, you both if she chose to stay or chose to leave. but really where I think I’m being called this was where she would stay.
know, some of my wisdom or lessons “There’s always that potential for re- to be and how I can serve, not only my She then recounted a conversation that
learned along the way as they start their gret with whatever decision, and I think colleagues and our students here at Au- she had with a student a few weeks prior.
careers after their journey here with us particularly when you get to a stage in gustana, but my extended family.” Both her and the student happened
on campus.” one’s career when you feel like you’re at She said her decision to stay was ac- to see each other in the parking lot, and
She explained it with great care, like it a pinnacle of influence and responsibil- tually popular with some of her family they talked, first about a conversation
was a conversation that she’d already had ity, these decisions get harder, and there members, particularly her son Zachary the student had with a Lyft driver about
many times. And she had. She’d spoken to could be even deeper regret if you do or who she said was “very excited” to hear Herseth Sandlin’s decision to stay and,
several friends and family members: her don’t do something,” Herseth Sandlin the news. then, about a moment from a welcome
husband, her parents, her older brother, said. However, she said she was equally week ceremony a few years ago.
a few of the close friends she had bonded As she pondered this, Herseth Sand- pleased to have support from students According to Herseth Sandlin, it’s
with over the years — about eight people lin said she found herself asking another and faculty throughout the discernment these random conversations with stu-
in total. question: where was her service needed process. She said some students even dents that make her feel like she’s in the
“They were just good sounding most? While she still felt a sense of duty came up to her and started conversations right place.
boards,” she said. “They could sort of toward the public, she also had to con- upon hearing that she planned to stay. “I think we all sometimes need to put a
hear how I had journeyed through that sider her family and how she could best “They didn’t have to say anything to premium on happiness, but those things
process, that discernment process. It be- serve them. As a daughter, wife and me, but the fact that so many of them make me happy,” she said, breaking into
came clear to me and, I think, clear to mother, she also considered how a change went out of their way to share kind words a laugh. “Those interactions make me
them what the best decision was. I’m re- in career would affect those closest to her. — just icing on the cake,” she said with a happy.”
ally appreciative to have those people in “There are times where I felt selfish in smile.
FORUM Friday, May 7, 2021 4
SUSTAINABILITY

Consider sustainablity when summer traveling Tweets

Ana McCabe
ajmccabe19@ole.augie.edu
Summer is a time to rejuve-
nate from the nonstop grind
of class work by camping, tak-
ing car trips and chilling at the
lake with family and friends.
However, many of us over-
look numerous environmental
consequences when planning
summer fun.
While the negative impacts
of travel play a factor into the
heavy footprint humanity has
upon the environment, this
should not cause one from
completely stopping all sum-
mer trips. After all, adventures
must be had.
Mia Werger, junior, said she
feels the weight of her actions
on the environment when she
travels.
“I’ve often struggled with
wanting to travel and do fun
things but feeling guilty about
using extra resources to do so,”
Werger said. “I try to find a
middle ground, where I recog-
nize that I am not personally
at fault for our environmental
problems, but that I still have
Ana McCabe
a responsibility to set a good
example for others.”
This middle ground can be
reached through thoughtful
actions we take when going on
vacation. The website REI has
a list of eco-friendly vacation
tips. One suggestion is DIY
snacks. The many wrappers
from single packaged snacks
overflow trash cans and pol-
lute nature.
Homemade protein and
granola bars are easy to make
and perfect fuel for a long hike.
Instead of buying multiple
bottles of flavored water, buy
Photo by Laura Johnson
a water flavor to squeeze into
your water bottle. Try to find
used gear to rent to prevent
buying brand new gear. Tooth-
paste, soap and lotions such as
sunscreen can have chemicals
that pollute water systems.
David O’Hara, the sustain-
ability director on campus,
suggests focusing on both
water use and food localism
when traveling.
“Food production can
be ecologically expensive,”
O’Hara said. “Choices like
eating small fish rather than
big fish, or shifting your diet
toward local and traditional
grains, fruits and vegetables
of the
can make a big difference.”
O’Hara adds that packing
light, spending money on lo-
Week
cal businesses and restaurants,
walking, using mass transit “This semester is the
whenever possible and learn- lamp from Pixar
ing about natural ecosystems
can also positively impact the
and I am the ‘I’”
area one is visiting. -@LayneSymington
Werger suggests another tip
for eco-friendly traveling.
“If we want to travel more
sustainably, I think we need “it’s now officially ‘sit in
to challenge our love of con- your garage in a lawn
venience. For example, even chair watching a storm
though air travel is faster than unfold’ season and you
ground travel, it can be more
polluting,” Werger said. “This
can’t tell me it’s not”
summer, think about slowing - @madsolson
down your travel plans. Enjoy
the journey, experiment with
simplicity and challenge your- “i just cried because
self to make your next vacation
the most sustainable one yet.”
there was cheese on my
pasta ... i’m lactose
This summer, focus on the
sensitive emotionally &
present moment of each indi-
vidual spot. Find a uniqueness physically now”
in each place and delve into - @gabbybrunkow
the process of travel instead of
the next destination.

PERSPECTIVE

Kost: What Sexual Assualt Awareness Week means to me

Jonah Kost
jlkost20@ole.augie.edu
While working on the It’s On
Us project, I came across a quote
by Alice Walker: “Healing begins
where the wound was made.” I
think that quote is a perfect way
to explain why I felt called to do
this project.
My name is Jonah Kost, and I
am a survivor of sexual assault.
It has taken me a long time to be
able to say that out loud. When
I first got the idea for Sexual As-
sault Awareness Week on cam-
pus, I could count on one hand
the number of people who had
known about what I had gone
through. Now, through this week
of awareness and through this
article, I’ve found the strength
within myself to speak up.
Nothing can prepare you for
what it’s like to live with the trau-
ma of sexual assault. Even now,
it affects many aspects of my
life. When you feel silenced, you
build up walls over time. It took
me facing my demons head on to
be able to start knocking down
some of those walls. I felt stuck
in a body I didn’t own. I didn’t
know where I was heading.
By working on this project,
I’ve learned to take back what’s
Jonah Kost
mine.
When you live in fear and
shame for so long, it can be in-
credibly difficult to open up.
You’re scared of all of the ques-
tions.
For LGBTQ+ survivors, there
can also be an added layer of
shame. When you don’t feel
comfortable with who you are or
are in an environment where you
don’t feel heard, it’s quite literally
impossible to say anything.
Being a male survivor also
adds another layer of difficulty
when it comes to opening up,
since the stigma around male
sexual assault is so large. These
are compounded issues and are
different for all people of differ-
ent backgrounds. We need to
start advocating for all survivors
and start acknowledging their
stories. We need to be heard.
Before this project, I was not
aware of how much of an issue
sexual assault is on our campus.
I’ve heard stories from so many
students about things they have
experienced here, and it upsets
me to the core. Students feel si-
lenced, and that is unacceptable.
We need to listen to survivors
and do our part in eliminating
sexual assault in our community.
That’s what It’s On Us is about.
It’s on each of us to become edu-
cated on combating violence at
Augustana and beyond, especial-
ly for those who don’t feel com-
fortable sharing their stories.
Something I am most proud
of was how this project became
something bigger than just a
week of awareness. Now, we are
having discussions about how
sexual assault is treated at Au-
gustana. I am so grateful that
so many survivors were brave
enough to share their stories.
Knowing that this project
The people who are speaking out about this
are doing so in hopes of giving courage, trust
and love where we ourselves did not receive it.
was just the start to real change
on our campus is incredible. We
have shown that our voices are
strong and that we won’t go un-
noticed. We start with awareness,
and then move on to change.
Grace Ahles, a sophomore
that I have had the pleasure of
meeting through this project,
said it best: “We don’t owe any-
one activism or support. The
people who are speaking out
about this are doing so in hopes
of giving courage, trust and love
where we ourselves did not re-
ceive it.”
Even though it may sound
like I’m in this amazing place,
I will still continue to live with
the pain. I know it won’t go away
and I’m still on my journey. I just
try to not to let it control me as
much anymore. Opening up
makes it easier.
It’s a personal journey for
each survivor. I didn’t know if I
̶ Grace Ahles
would ever find the strength to
say something. Survivors don’t
owe advocacy, but through this
project, I have a clearer picture of
what I feel called to do. I won’t be
silenced any longer. I’m not just
a victim anymore; I’m a fighter.
Taylor Swift, in one of my
favorite songs, “Clean,” said
“when I was drowning, that’s
when I could finally breathe.”
When I confronted my deepest
pain, I was able to find the most
peace. That’s what Sexual Assault
Awareness Week means to me.
Jonah Kost is a freshman journal-
ism and government major and
ASA senator. His ASA project
was advocating and planning for
Sexual Assualt Awareness Week
and It’s On Us.
5 Friday, May 7, 2021 augiemirror.com FORUM

Should Augustana maintain or minimize COVID-19 protocols?

Anna Sorenson
acsorenson17@ole.augie.edu
As this spring semester starts to wind
down, Augustana University has started
discussions on how to handle the CO-
VID-19 pandemic in the fall. There are
myriad approaches the university could
take to control the spread of the virus,
but many factors will impact how Augie
implements protocol.
Some colleges, such as Duke Univer-
sity, Rutgers University and the Univer-
sity of Notre Dame, will require students
to receive the COVID-19 vaccine before
returning to campus in the fall. It is legal
for schools to require vaccines, although
some may have to navigate federal and
state laws to do so.
Other alternatives could be a more hy-
brid approach, such as requiring masks
but minimizing distancing. The univer-
sity could also consider changing how
events are held on campus or the struc-
ture of online and hybrid classes.
Augustana could also completely re-
move all COVID-19 restrictions and pro-
tocols, although this plan seems highly
unlikely, considering the pandemic is
still ongoing and the United States is no
longer expected to reach herd immunity
this summer, according to The New York
Times.
No matter Augustana’s decision for
the fall, current vaccination and infec-
tion rates will be a factor in determining
the plan. As of May 4, 59.92% of the Au-
gie community, was in the vaccination
process, and 46.62% were fully vaccinat-
ed, according to myAugie.
Below, Arden Koenecke argues for a
return to pre-pandemic normalcy, and
Slater Dixon argues for caution before
changing protocol.

Augustana should try to return to normal this fall
After almost a year and
a half of a world turned
upside down, it’s hard to
imagine what life might
look like post-pandemic.
However, with vaccines on
the incline and cases on the
decline, Augustana should
start planning for a return
to normal by the time class-
es resume in the fall.
As of May 4, according
to MyAugie, almost 47%
of the campus community
was fully vaccinated, with
over 59% in the vaccina-
tion process. Recipients
achieve immune protec-
tions two weeks after their
second vaccination, mean-
ing those who have just
gotten their first dose are at
maximum six weeks away
from protection. Those in
the vaccination process will
be in shape and ready to
go by the time the fall rolls
around, ready to learn and
participate in campus activ-
ities like they could before
Corona was nothing more
than a beer.
Although these num-
bers could certainly be bet-
ter, the administration also
relies on people who are
vaccinated to report to Au-
gustana that they’ve done
so. This means there could
be a number of students or
employees out there who
haven’t reported yet, even
though they are protected
from COVID-19.
Additionally, it can be
hard to find time in be-
tween classes, activities
and study sessions to go get
vaccinated. Vaccine clinics
with open times are often
not close to campus, with
some students going as far
as Canton, meaning that
many students may simply
choose to wait until sum-
mer comes.
The vaccine is impor-
tant in ensuring a return to
normal life, but it’s impor-
Arden Koenecke
agkoenecke18@ole.augie.edu
tant to acknowledge that
some students and faculty
may still choose not to be
vaccinated for a variety of
reasons. Though they may
not be as protected as oth-
ers, having most of campus
vaccinated starts a move to-
ward herd immunity where
those of us with the vaccine
can protect others without
it. This helps further justify
a return to normal campus
life.
Augustana’s hybrid and
online learning have also
been challenging for some
students, further encour-
aging a return to normal
classes. I respect individ-
ual professors’ decisions
to teach online when their
health is at risk due to the
pandemic. It’s difficult,
however, to fully learn ma-
terial and engage in classes
when there’s no face-to-
face interactions with class-
mates and professors.
According to the Brook-
ings Institute, online
learning can reduce GPA,
increase likelihood of drop-
ping out and decrease over-
all academic performance.
Online classes also depend
on access to reliable tech-
nology, which can be hard
for some students to find.
Although it’s easy to justify
why we’ve compromised
full, robust learning for
VS.
our health over the last
several months, as we
anticipate a return to
normal in the rest of the
world, classes at Augus-
tana should go back to
normal as well.
Last, and probably
most underrated, is a
return to campus activi-
ties. Although day-to-
day life builds camara-
derie, too, there is value
in bigger traditions like
the Viking Days pa-
rade, UBG’s Big Event
or opening night of Wel-
come Week. Take it from
a Viking Days co-chair:
It’s incredibly difficult to
replicate these environ-
ments amid a pandemic.
In addition, student
groups have modified
their activities to be pan-
demic-friendly, includ-
ing Zoom meetings and
hosting in bigger spaces.
Although modifications
have been necessary, to
put it plainly, it really
just isn’t the same. Au-
gustana should also plan
for a return to normal
because it opens up the
possibility to host the
events that make Augus-
tana feel like Augustana.
Augustana has been
taking precautions and
limiting interactions
because it was not safe
to do so. Now that we’re
moving toward a vacci-
nated campus, it’s time
to strategically remove
precautions and get back
to normal.
Arden Koenecke is a
junior government and
communication studies
major from Pierre, South
Dakota.
Let s wait and see before changing restrictions
As students prepare
to leave for the summer,
many are excited by the
prospect of returning to
a campus without a trace
of COVID-19 restric-
tions. These feelings are
understandable — we’ve
spent over a year wear-
ing masks, avoiding large
gatherings and attending
meetings via Zoom. But
defining “normal” is dif-
ficult.
Excluding the precau-
tions in place that lack
scientific backing, Augus-
tana may need to make
changes to campus life
to address the lingering
effects of the pandemic.
Restrictions should only
be rolled back if there is
strong evidence that do-
ing so would come at
minimal cost to public
health. In the long term,
measures like contact
tracing and regular vac-
cinations should be ac-
cepted as a regular part of
a post-COVID world.
There are some CO-
VID-19 precautions that
should not return to cam-
pus next year simply be-
cause they lack scientific
backing. For example,
the use of Vindicator dis-
infectant on desks after
each class is unnecessary,
not necessarily because
the pandemic is over,
but because such prac-
tices never accomplished
much in the first place.
And as recent guidance
from the Centers for Dis-
ease Control and Preven-
tion suggests, restrictions
on outdoor gatherings
should be scaled back to
reflect the minimal risk
associated with catching
the virus outside, espe-
cially if one is vaccinated.
Other questions, how-
ever, are more difficult
to answer. Masking and
Slater Dixon
sjdixon20@ole.augie.edu
limiting large gatherings
are the most effective pre-
cautions for controlling
the virus, but they also
have the greatest impact
on our perception of what
is normal. Once these re-
strictions are eased, our
campus will lose its pri-
mary tools for preventing
the spread of the disease.
The decisions surround-
ing what to do should be
made with great caution.
Of course, such deci-
sions will also be highly
contingent on vaccina-
tion rates. The vaccine is
unequivocally effective at
protecting people from
getting sick from the virus,
yet disingenuous fallacies
surrounding the vaccine
have led to substantial
rates of vaccine hesitancy
across the nation. Hesi-
tancy, combined with the
challenge of new variants,
has led some sources to
argue that the U.S. is un-
likely to ever reach stan-
dard epidemiological herd
immunity.
Recent reporting from
The New York Times sug-
gests that differences in
vaccination rates within
different states and differ-
ent countries will mean
that the virus is never
completely eradicated.
What this means for Au-
gustana is uncertain.
Anecdotally, there has
already been a general re-
laxation in COVID vigi-
lance on campus, and it is
unlikely that substantial
precautions will remain in
place next fall considering
the number of students
who have been vaccinated
and general fatigue sur-
rounding social distanc-
ing measures. But it would
be beneficial to have the
understanding that we
will likely never erase the
coronavirus from exis-
tence, especially not in the
short-term.
Although research is
inconclusive, there is evi-
dence that the coronavi-
rus will become a flu-like
illness that requires yearly
immunizations and con-
tact tracing in order to
prevent deaths. Currently,
minimizing deaths due to
COVID-19 still requires
social distancing and
masking. It is too early
to tell whether that will
change in three months.
Variants, vaccine hesi-
tancy and an overenthu-
siastic return to pre-CO-
VID activities still have
the potential to prolong
the pandemic, even after
the summer ends. In such
a case, the administration
should maintain social
distancing and masking
rules. It is crucial that a
large majority of students
get vaccinated in order to
avoid this situation.
By doing so, we can fi-
nally hope for a year that
is not devoid of all traces
of the virus, but is not sig-
nificantly hindered by it.
Slater Dixon is a freshman
government major from
Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
VARIETY
Photo by Annika Jacoby
Sophomore Annika Jacoby poses for a selfie with her quarantine
pal, Collin Kern, during a kayaking trip.
Photo by Olivia Bertino
Sophomore Jose Cruz Medina strums a cord on his ukulele to
show his honed musical abilities on the campus green.
Photo by Olivia Bertino
Senior Emilee Kreykes sits in the Bergsaker lounge to embroider
small, white flowers against a blue backdrop.
Friday, May 7, 2021 6
COVID-19
Students enjoy art,
music and nature
during lockdown
Olivia Bertino that video,” Cruz said.
orbertino19@ole.augie.edu
Initially, the skill was hard to pick up. Cruz
chose a few songs he liked and learned the
Just under 500 days ago, the first COVID-19
chords. Once he got the hang of it, the ukulele
case was reported in the United States. Augus-
became a way to pass the time in quarantine.
tana students unknowingly left campus for the
Cruz also said that quarantine brought up a lot
rest of the semester on March 7, 2020. With an
of trauma for him.
approximated 18 hours a day allocated for work,
“It kind of made mental health more towards
school and sleep, students were left with six
the front of my mind as well,” Cruz said.
hours each day to spend at home. Quarantined.
For him, playing ukulele became a way to re-
Alone.
lieve the stress of isolation.
Between the start of last spring break and
“It definitely has helped a lot with stress as
now, that’s over 2,500 hours of isolation.
well during the semester,” Cruz said.
Quarantine hobbies quickly emerged for most
He joined the new ukulele club on campus.
of the world. After the Tiger King credits rolled,
The group opened for singer Emma Jude at a
the internet started producing its own collection
Union Board of Governors (UBG) coffeehouse
of skills to try while stuck at home. Most of the
event in the dining hall.
country caught onto the TikTok whipped cof-
“It’s so much fun, and learning music is even
fee craze and tidying up with Marie Kondo, but
more fun,” Cruz said. “I love music, so jamming
a handful of students found their own unique
out was just my go-to.”
ways to fill those 2,500 hours.
Emilee Kreykes
Annika Jacoby
Despite campus opening back up, some pro-
After returning home in spring, sophomore
fessors still opted for Zoom classes to help de-
Annika Jacoby and her family came across an old
crease COVID-19 exposure or lessen the amount
purchase. When Jacoby was in middle school,
of classes in one building. Senior Emilee Kreykes
her parents bought two kayaks to use in the river
knew she needed something to help keep her
near their house in Paynesville, Minnesota.
focused while doing classwork remotely, so she
After being sent to work from home, her
started embroidering.
family and neighbors decided that their Fridays
Kreykes said she started playing around with
would be best spent outdoors.
embroidery when she was much younger but
“It’s really hard to find time to do that, espe-
never took it seriously until recently.
cially when most people are adults and working
“I have little kicks of it. I got on another little
during the day,” Jacoby said. “So to have every
kick of it around December because I had a lot of
Friday off to go float down the river — we just
the stuff already,” Kreykes said. “I needed some-
knew we wouldn’t have the opportunity most
thing to do with my time that didn’t use a lot of
times in our life.”
brain power.”
Jacoby and her family had gone kayaking be-
Over the last few months, Kreykes created
fore, but with extra time on their hands, they
delicately threaded images of little mushrooms,
began going every week. A friend lived with Ja-
bunches of flowers and femenine silhouettes.
coby over the summer, so the two of them went
“I’m not always super good at coming up
together, too.
with my own ideas, so I found that one online,”
“Everyone’s in a good mood, so it’s a great way
Kreykes said about her mushroom design.
to get to know someone,” Jacoby said.
Kreykes already works as the shop floor per-
Every once in a while, the group will see bea-
son for the theater department, and she makes
vers swimming by their kayaks, or carp will run
her own clothing. She knew that embroidery was
underneath.
a cheap way to satisfy her need for crafting while
“I really enjoy being out in the sun and being
in quarantine.
in nature,” Jacoby said. “I think we’ll keep doing
“It’s also just super meditative,” Kreykes said.
it.”
“It’s a little addicting too. It’s hard to put down
Jose Cruz Medina once I get going.”
While most of Kreykes’s work so far has been
Before sophomore Jose Cruz Medina returned
on scrap fabric, she hopes to use embroidery to
to campus this fall, he came across a TikTok of a
help repair clothing with tears or holes.
girl playing the ukulele. He thought the instru-
“Things shouldn’t just be thrown away be-
ment looked interesting.
cause they aren’t perfect,” Kreykes said.
“Maybe I should learn the ukulele,” Cruz said.
Kreykes said she can use embroidery to help
So he decided to go buy his own.
her wind down, too. For her, it’s a task that keeps
The ukulele he chose was decorated with
her occupied while her mind can work on other
wooden etchings in a geometric swirling pat-
things.
tern. It’s just long enough to reach out past his
“It’s a really nice way to do something that
shoulder when nestled into the crook of his right
feels productive when it’s hard to do things that
arm.
feel productive,” Kreykes said.
“Mine’s actually the same one that they had in
7 Friday, May 7, 2021 VARIETY
Whitening Thief: Speaker discusses white supremacy
Katherine Elgersma
keelgersma20@ole.augie.edu
“White supremacy and classics have been walk-
ing hand-in-hand pretty much since its inception,”
Dr. Maxwell Paule told a group of Augustana stu-
dents during a Zoom event Tuesday, April 27.
Paule’s January 2020 article in Eidolon, “The
Whitening Thief,” discusses the elements of white
supremacist ideology in the young adult fantasy
novel: “Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief ”
by Rick Riordan.
Many Augie students grew up reading the se-
ries, and it remains a favorite for many today,
and that’s okay. Paule points out that the series
becomes more inclusive as it goes on and that
Riordan himself is most likely not a white su-
premacist, simply writing a story using ideas
that are unfortunately prevalent in American
society.
“The crux of why I see white supremacy in Per-
cy Jackson is because it is built on the idea of the
‘Heart of the West,’” Paule said.
To summarize, Paule said that the world that
Riordan has created is built on the idea that
Western civilization is a great force from which
the best leaders, artists and minds stem. “World
history” in the novel is equated with western,
eurocentric history. Not to mention, much of
the world is built on bloodlines and genetics
creating a “distinct class of divine offspring,”
as well as the use of the word “half-blood,” a
word with a history of being used in extremely
racist contexts.
The field of classics has a history of being
used to justify white supremacist ideology. Paule
pointed to the example of an essay written by
Thomas Jefferson defending slavery called Notes
on the State of Virginia. In the essay, Jefferson
Senior Nate Meredith gives two thumbs-up in front of his art display, which includes prints and his
website, at the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery located in the Center for Visual Arts.
augiemirror.com
names a number of well-known Greek and
Roman slaves and claims that even while
enslaved, they were able to become artists,
philosophers and educators, but that it was
not so with African slaves.
The difference, in his mind, was that there
was some intrinsic racial difference, on the
assumption that the Greek and Roman slaves
were white even though they weren’t. The es-
say concludes by stating, “Among the Romans
emancipation required but one effort. The slave,
when made free, might mix with, without stain-
ing the blood of his master. But with us a second is
necessary, unknown to history. When freed,
he is to be removed beyond the reach of mix-
ture.”
Augustana professor of classics Rocki
Wentzel said that the term ‘western civiliza-
tion’ wasn’t coined until the 19th Century, and
it was tied to colonialism. She also mentioned
that there are those that would say that western
civilization as an idea is imagined.
"The idea that there is a western civilization
and that it is grounded in Greek and Roman civi-
lization […] and the idea that Americans are the
heirs to that leads to the classics being used to justi-
fy white supremacist ideology within the field
of study," Wentzel said.
Paule highlights the importance of Percy
Jackson in the context of the discussion of white
supremacy and classics. Paule said that about
90% of his students have read the series, which
gives some idea of the sheer number of people
that are familiar with it.
"It’s kind of worse that [Riordan] was uninten-
tionally writing a piece that aligned so well with Art courtesy of Antonio Caparo
white supremacist ideology," Paul said. "That says On the cover of the first book, Percy Jackson holds his sword,
less about Riordan and more about the pervasive- Riptide, preparing to travel to New York City.
ness of those ideas in American culture.”
Linebacker tackles
art of graphic design
Jenifer Fjelstad
jrfjelstad18@ole.augie.edu
There are two sides to Nate Meredith.
On the football field, he's on the defensive line, attacking the
opponent with fierce tackles to protect the Vikings.
But when he takes off his cleats and leaves the locker room, he
heads to the art studio where he creates vibrant graphic design or
focuses on photographing nature’s intricate design.
Football, an aggressive sport by nature, and art, a more contem-
plative activity, do have one commonality for Augustana senior
art major and football player Meredith.
“Both require passion and drive to be great,” Meredith said.
On a typical day, Meredith goes from weight lifting, to studying
and playing his guitar, to his art classes, then back to the Elmen for
more football training, a meeting and practice.
To move back and forth between these each day, Meredith
makes a mindset switch by taking extra time to pump up for foot-
ball, honing in his confidence and strength. Or to switch back, he
sometimes takes a walk to cool down towards his more quiet and
artfully sensitive self.
“They’re definitely two different sides of me, one’s more mean
and the other’s more creative,” Meredith said.
His friends T.J. Liggett and Parker Buckley, both football play-
ers, see Meredith make this transition often. Buckley said that
while other football players might be going to dinner after prac-
tice, Meredith might be going to the art studio or gallery.
Photo by Gage Hoffman
“I’d probably say artist mind in a football body,” Liggett said.
“And you can definitely see that in the way he plays some, too, he’s
Continue ARTIST, page 8
VARIETY augiemirror.com Friday, May 7, 2021 8
MOVIE REVIEW

'Mortal Kombat' is an unfortunate fatality

Holden Sutter
hasutter17@ole.augie.edu

Saying that movie adaptations of

video games have had a rocky history
is an understatement. Underwhelming
past attempts like “Assassin’s Creed” and
the “Resident Evil” film series have left
the myth of a curse over the genre. The

d
most recent attempt to break that curse

James Willar
is “Mortal Kombat,” a live-action adap-
tation of the fighting game series of the
same name.
According to legend, there is a great
tournament known as Mortal Kombat
that pits select champions from our

"Mortal Kombat"
world (Earthrealm) against those of an- Photo courtesy of Warner Brothers
other realm (Outworld). Outworld has Cole Young and Sub-Zero stand in defense positions in anticipation of what
is to come throuhgout their adventure in the movie.
Starring: Jessica McNa-
won the last nine, and if they win again,
they conquer Earthrealm. Now it’s up to
Cole Young played by Lewis Tan, and mee, Joe Taslim, Lewis duction of Kano played by Josh Lawson synopsis earlier in the review is what
a handful of other fighters, to defend Tan, Sisi Stringer who is a hilarious standout), but it never the plot sets up initially; however, the
Earthrealm in this fight to the death. Director: Simon McQoid fully leans into it. Mortal Kombat tournament never actu-
This is not the first film adaptation of Distributor: Warner Fans of the video games will likely be ally happens in this movie. The movie is
excited to see iconic characters use their just about the villains trying to stop the
“Mortal Kombat.” The original came out
Brothers powers and quote their catchphrases. heroes from preparing for the tourna-
in 1995 with a sequel released two years
later. Those movies are about as cheesy For everyone else, it all may seem a ment. There’s still plenty of action, but
as you can get, and they were only rated bit awkward. One character, Kung Lao it feels a bit disingenuous to call the film
the games they’re based on.
PG-13, which doesn’t allow for the level played by Max Huang, says “flawless “Mortal Kombat” and not have the titu-
These fights, however, lead to some
of violence these games have become victory” at the end of a scene. This is lar fight until the supposed sequel.
tonal inconsistency. On one hand, you
known for. a popular line from the games, but it Unfortunately, this film doesn’t
have the cartoonishly gory fight scenes
Oh boy, this film earns an R-rating doesn’t make sense in the context of the break the video game movie curse. It’s
that come off as silly, just as they did in
though. “Mortal Kombat” certainly isn’t movie. It’s fan service for the sake of fan nowhere near the worst one out there,
the games. On the other hand, charac-
for the squeamish since characters get service, and this movie goes overboard and it’s an improvement over the ’90s
ters are constantly brooding over their
stabbed, sliced and burned alive. It gives with that. adaptations, but it still isn’t that good.
various stoic and boring motivations.
the well-choreographed fight scenes “Mortal Kombat” commits the cardi- There’s so much potential here that is
There’s never a solid balance between
some extra punch that the original mov- nal sin that so many blockbuster movies just squandered by a studio that priori-
the two. The film seems like it wants
ies lacked and remains more faithful to seem to repeat: it acts more like a set-up tizes making a franchise over making a
to be more absurd (like with the intro-
movie than a standalone adventure. The fun movie.

Continued from page 7 Meredith is a well-rounded posted the first drawing he re- his use of color,” art professor

“
ARTIST
artist with emphasis in graphic members really caring about Anna Reich said. “I remember

definitely very creative with his

pass rushing and everything.”
As a dependable and sup-
portive teammate Meredith
design, photography and draw-
ing.
The current feature in the
Eide/Dalrymple gallery is a
showcase of the work of gradu-
ating art majors, and many of
Meredith’s photos and draw-
always checks in on his team-
ings are featured in the show.
mates after football practice.
A new twist on the typical all-
“In the locker room after
physical show is that a comput-
practice, he’s always one who
will come up to me and ask
er with his professional web-
site, natescottmeredith.com, is
how it went. So, he’s concerned
also featured.
about people outside of himself
Meredith said he has often
a lot of the time,” Buckley said.
intertwined his drawing or
Being a student athlete takes
photography with his graphic
about five hours a day, accord-
design. As a professional, he
ing to Meredith, so he has to
expects graphic design to be his
carefully dedicate his time to
primary focus.
make room for his hobbies.
“I want to progress my art,”
Meredith started teaching
Meredith said. “I want to expe-
himself the guitar in December,
rience new things, and graphic
and while he’s creating designs
design is a really good medium
or sketches, he listens to about
in which I can explore new op-
8 hours of Ed Sheeran, John
portunities.”
Mayer, Hozier, Justin Timber-
His product design project,
lake, the Lumineers and plenty
featured on the website, depicts
more artists that fit his style.
a rosé bottle label with a bal-
“That’s kind of how I survive,
lerina and careful typography
too, as an artist like if I don’t
with wisping smoke interacting
have music in my ear, there’s a
with each. His preference for
noticeable difference between
a majestic, elegant style is also
[the art],” Meredith said.
Graphic design is a
really good medium
in which I can explore
new opportunities.
-Nate Meredith
“ on Facebook — an NBA player.
From there, he started to ex-
plore his innate talent. But after
an eight grade drawing of Jesus,
Meredith didn’t create another
drawing for five years. The
early on a much more limited
color pallet and a lot of darker
values. And his most recent
work has a really broad range
of value, really bold and intense
and vibrant color.”
drawing journey kick-started Meredith’s favorite photo-
Senior
again with a precise sketch graphic subject is nature.
of his high school classmate “Your photography will nev-
Christian McAffrey, who now er be as good as God’s creation,
plays for the Carolina Panthers. but sometimes I like to incor- C
incorporated in the design. Last year, he discovered porate my own ways,” Meredith
“There’s a powerful aspect
drawing with Procreate on the said. “I have my own signature
to [Meredith’s designs] but also
iPad, which yields a quicker stuff.”
sensitivity as well,” retired art
and more flexible and detailed Another one of his senior
professor Tom Shields said. “So
result. Like his complex draw- show features, “Ink Heart,”
there’s almost that duality that I
ings, his photography zooms in found its beginning in a Petco
find intriguing about him: [...]
on reality. One of his favorite fish tank. The technique of ink
his football side and his physi-
photographs, featured in the photography requires drop-
cal strength and yet his ability
show, is a close-up of fall leaves. ping acrylic ink into water and
to be sensitive in developing
“I try to zoom into the tex- photographing the result. With
images.”
ture of the leaves where you these images, Meredith cap-
Meredith’s parents are also
can’t really see with the hu- tures motion and fantasy in an
graphic designers and willing
man eye,” Meredith said. “I love abstract way.
to share trends and techniques.
photography that has a near A variety of Meredith’s pieces
He interned with them this past
focus, where the background is can be found in the Humanities
summer in his hometown Den-
blurry.” concourse and Eide/Dalrymple
ver, Colorado.
Fire orange, amber and gold- gallery through the rest of the
“My mom is probably my
enrod make it one of his most academic year.
biggest inspiration going into
colorful pictures.
graphic design,” Meredith said.
“He’s been much more ex- Read the full story online at
As a sixth grader, Meredith
perimental and confident in augiemirror.com
9 Friday, May 7, 2021
Continued from page 1
MARIJUANA
als who have a proven health ailment. At this moment
in time, both possession and use of marijuana are still
illegal within the state until July 1.
“I don’t see it [medical marijuana] any different as
taking tylenol or a controlled substance,” junior Cassidy
Waggoner said.
Implementation of recreational marijuana remains
unclear at this point. On February 8, 2021, Circuit
Court Judge Christina Klinger ruled that Amendment
A as written violates South Dakota’s single subject rule,
which calls for certain types of legislation to deal with
only one main issue. The case moved to the South
Dakota Supreme court, which heard final arguments on
Wednesday April 28, but has not given the final verdict.
As of right now, Augustana policies have not been
changed or adjusted for any form of marijuana use.
“We are taking it one day at a time,” Blackburn said.
He said the Dean of Students office and campus
officials are “working together to provide a safe envi-
ronment for our faculty, staff and students.” In the near
future, if students need to use a medical form of mari-
juana on campus they will take specific measures for
each student.
“We will make modifications for that particular stu-
dent on a case by case basis,” Blackburn said.
If certain students wish to use medical marijuana,
there will also need to be “adequate documentation”
provided to campus officials, Blackburn said.
According to Tupper, once marijuana becomes legal
on campus, it then becomes a judicial action. This
means that if a student were to break the updated mari-
juana policies within the Code of Student Conduct in
the future, Augustana has the right to investigate and to
enact further consequences.
Most students interviewed for this story did not op-
pose medical marijauana; they did have certain con-
cerns and expectations.
“If there are designated locations, I would be in favor
of people using marijuana if they choose,” sophomore
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Jakota Hernandez said. However, some students think Augustana needs to do
The odor of marijuana appears to be the biggest con- more than adjusting the alcohol policy.
cern among students. “If the state laws change, I think that Augie is going to
“I’d prefer there to be smoking areas,” sophomore have to find a middle ground that is actually impactful
Sean Boland said. “It is really just the smell. I don’t have and not just like the dry campus policies that we have
a problem with weed by any means.” now,” senior Taylor Beagle said. “That is just a label.”
According to senior and ASA president Cole Tessen- She said just because Augustana has policies for
dorf there are a lot of misconceptions of what medical things, such as dry campus, doesn’t mean that alcoholic
marijuana is. occurrences don’t happen here. If there are going to be
“People assume, ‘Oh, I’m going to do medical restrictions on marijuana, they need to be impactful
marijuana, I’m just going to be smoking it in my room’ ones, Beagle said.
because that is what we see in movies,” Tessendorf said. According to Tupper, in 2020, there were 14 counts
“But that is not realistically what medical marijuana of marijuana cases during Augustana’s academic year,
looks like.” and in 2019, there were 18.
However, the controversy sur- These numbers do not include
rounding Amendment A means arrests.
that South Dakota residents won’t “Usually every year we
know the court’s determination for a Students who want to use have two to four cases that
few more weeks. marijuana are already using it. get turned over to the police
“I was pretty disappointed to see There are ways to keep university department,” Tupper said.
students safe. I don t see why we
that South Dakota overturned that “Otherwise, the majority of the
[recreational use],” Tessendorf said. cases [found are due to] the
“South Dakota doesn’t have to be
should not allow them to get the odor of marijuana.”
last to everything.” safest type. According to Medical News
If recreational use is implement- Today, states that already
ed in South Dakota, the university
-Cole Tessendorf legalized recreational use of
will have to review and update its Senior and ASA President marijuana have seen a decrease
campus policies to adjust for this. in binge drinking among indi-
According to Augustana Presi- viduals 21 and over. However,
dent Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, this finding may be contradict-
the university needs to start with ing as other studies have found
its alcohol policy before looking at that marijuana use can cause
marijuana. people to be more reliant on other substances.
“Let’s start there, and then maybe it’ll allow us for “You are not going to stop someone from breaking
some pathways and integration into a related policy the rules,” Tessendorf said. “Students who want to use
depending on what is ultimately deemed as permissible marijuana are already using it. [...] There are ways to
and legal,” Herseth Sandlin said. keep university students safe. I don’t see why we should
She said that before COVID-19, the alcohol policy not allow them to get the safest type.”
was “going to get put under the microscope to evaluate Augustana will further determine what the marijuana
whether or not that policy needed to be changed.” She policies will be on campus based on the state’s rulings.
said that she would like to sit down soon with the newly
elected ASA president and vice president to talk about a Noah Wicks contributed to this report.
task force for re-evaluating alcohol on campus.
SPORTS augiemirror.com Friday, May 7, 2021 10

Let runners breathe again

OPINION

Callin Naddy
cnaddy18@ole.augie.edu

I can run for 10 miles with minimal effort. Sure, I’ll

be winded and breathing hard, but once I stop, it doesn’t
take long for me to recover and regain my breath.
Slap a mask on me, and I doubt I’d make it more than
a mile before calling it quits.
Yet that’s what many runners are facing thanks to
COVID-19 regulations. At some point or another over
the course of the past 13 months, masks have become
our new normal, in all areas of life.
In fact, states like California and Massachusetts have
told citizens that masks aren’t an option; they are re-
quired in all public settings. High school activity asso-
ciations in places like Oregon and New Mexico are re-
quiring masks be worn by student-athletes at all times.
And when indoors—where studies have repeatedly
shown that close contact and saliva spread COVID-19–
it’s an understandable set of rules.
But for other settings, requiring masks is pointless.
Like while running.
It’s an outdoor activity, so any potential COVID-19
droplets you may come in contact with are constantly
being dispersed. The likelihood of contracting the virus Photo by Olivia Bertino

while outside is therefore miniscule, according to the
Mayo Clinic.
Running is also non-contact, which both the CDC
and Mayo Clinic—among other research institutions—
have said further decreases the likelihood of contract-
ing COVID-19. Keeping the recommended six feet of
social distancing space between yourself and others is
easy. There is no constant justling of elbows, no hip-
checking or chest-bumping like in many other sports.
Instead, it’s just the runner and the pavement.
Still, the mask mandates exist.
And they’re harming both athletes and the sport.
Earlier this month, a high school track coach in
New Hampshire was fired for pushing back against the
state association’s requirement that athletes wear masks
while training and competing. In a letter to the school’s
athletic director, Coach Brad Keyes wrote that he “will
not stand up in front of the kids and lie to them and tell
them that these masks are doing anything worthwhile
Junior Calin Naddy would prefer to run cross country without having to wear a mask outdoors.
out in an open field with the wind blowing and the sun
shining,” according to The Concord Monitor.
Just last week, a high school runner collapsed before
the finish line at New Mexico’s state cross country meet.
It wasn’t from mere exhaustion or an overwhelming en-
vironment. No, Adam Donaldson—who has used an in-
haler for asthma for basketball but never for running—
said the mask he wore made him feel like he couldn’t
get enough air. And his doctors agree, citing breathing
problems that lasted for over an hour and too much car-
bon dioxide as potential side effects of his mask.
Research shows that, for most people, a reaction like
Donaldson’s is rare. The Mayo Clinic calls wearing a
mask while exercising safe. The only side effect is de-
creased oxygen intake, which for most is a mere annoy-
ance.
But for those with asthma and other chronic or un-
derlying conditions—many of which may be undiag-
nosed—wearing a mask can turn running into some-
thing dangerous.
So when organizations require that athletes mask up
to run, they transform the sport. Running, which usu-
ally prides itself on being accessible to all—especially at
the high school and “hobby jogger” levels – and attract-
ed almost 60 million people in 2017, shuttered its doors.
This isn’t to say “don’t wear a mask.” Having a gaiter
around your neck or a mask stored somewhere on your
person while you run is great—for emergency bath-
room stops, for the quick seconds when athletes are on
the line right next to other athletes or for any “just in
case” moments.
But requiring runners to trudge through mile after
mile of soul-sucking, lung-burning pain just for the
sake of it isn’t only pointless but dangerous for many.
It’s time states stepped back from the mandates and
let runners breathe a little easier.

Continued from page 12 it easier.”

BATTLESHIP
could participate in informal water basketball, a belly
flop competition won by Gilbert Dewitte, a build-your-
own boat contest won by junior Tyl Woelber, junior
Mack Braun, junior Josh Schumacher and sophomore
Kaye Paschka, and a gladiator stand-off to be crowned
King of the Hill won by senior Joshua Morin-Baxter
and freshman Kiana Sauer.
For students who were not prepared to be soaked,
there were other activities in the gym: karaoke, vol-
leyball, bean bags (cornhole), ping pong and ring toss
football. Each game was played for tickets which could
be entered into a raffle for a beach-themed basket. In
addition, the staff provided a meal of sloppy joes, chips
and freezies because a light night event would not be
complete without full bellies.
Team leaders and seniors Nate Cassady and Camryn
Keyeski combined their teams to coordinate the event
six weeks earlier. Their teams had five meetings in total
with Elmen adult staff to plan and delegate tasks.
“It’s a lot of work, but Camryn and I worked well to-
gether,” Cassady said. “We were good at delegating and
also communicating what we were doing which made
Cassady said it was difficult to navigate COVID-19
safety policies. Students were required to wear masks
when they were on the pool deck. However, they did
not have to wear face masks when they were in the
pool. Planning an event is a difficult task in itself. Add-
ing a pandemic to the mix made activities harder to
execute though it did not stop students from having a
blast.
Assistant Director of Recreation Lydia Lindberg was
the faculty member involved with advising the student
leaders throughout the process of planning the event.
Lindberg has had a hand in the event for five years.
“One highlight for me about these events is that they
are all student organized and planned,” Lindberg said.
Lindberg was able to lend her experience to the stu-
dent leaders and draw from what did and did not work
in the past. One new feature that they spontaneously
added this year was the King of the Hill contest. The
floating lily pad that was used for the game came from
Cassady’s family’s lake cabin. The activity ended up be-
ing a huge success, and they hope to incorporate it for
future events.
Though the chaos eventually died down, remnants
of fierce comradery linger among those present. The Photo by Laura Johnson
carnage was cleaned up but never forgotten. Those who Senior Kyja Norris and freshman Caleb Friesen
were shipwrecked survived, never the same again. sing karaoke at Late Night Battleship.
11 Friday, May 7, 2021
TRACK AND FIELD
Outdoor season
kicks off with
double relay wins
Alayna Jones
ajones20@augie.edu
This spring, the Augustana women’s and men’s
track and field teams are transitioning from indoor
to outdoor track.
“Outdoor track is quite a bit different than in-
door,” senior Austin Miller said. “You have to deal
with wind, rain, cold temps and other variables.”
Both teams participated in the Drake Relays on
Saturday, April 24 and claimed victory. Junior Patty
Jo English, senior Sydney Mudgett, senior Meagan
Schenk and senior Nicolette Schmidt had a time of
11:53.76 putting their time as No. 6 on Augustana’s
all-time list. The distance men’s relay also had a vic-
tory with Evan Johnson, Ryan Sully, Tiegen Lindner
and Miller having a time of 10:07.80.
“The coaching staff is very pleased with our re-
sults,” Head Coach Tracy Hellman said. “Our pro-
gram is always excited for the excitement and chal-
lenge that the relays presented.”
English and Miller have been standouts on both
teams. Last season, English placed fifth in the mile
at the NCAA Championships with a time of 4:57.00
and was a part of the distance medley race placing
fourth breaking a school record of 11:35.55.
“I have big goals for this outdoor season and cross
country next fall,” said English. “I’m super excited to
see what your women’s and men’s teams can do this
outdoor season.”
On April 19, Miller earned NSIC track athlete
of the week and earned All-American honors. Last
season he ran a personal-best in the mile at a time of
4:06.86. He placed first in the NSIC championship
in the 800 meter, mile and 1600 meter races.
“My goals for the outdoor season are to qualify
for the NCAA championship in the 1500-meter and
the 800-meter. I would also like to win NSIC titles
in both of those races,” Miller said. “I have been do-
ing some great workouts and have been able to stay
injury free.”
Both the women’s and men’s teams will be com-
peting at Minnesota State University, Mankato on
May 8.
MEN S TEAMS
BASEBALL
05/02
WIN vs Wayne . . . 16 - 8
05/01
WIN vs Wayne . . . 7 - 1
LOSS vs Wayne . . . 1 - 7
04/28
WIN vs MSU Mankato . . . 1 - 0
WIN vs MSU Mankato . . . 7 - 0
04/25
WIN vs Winona State . . . 6 - 4
augiemirror.com
Softball Head Coach Gretta Melsted, her husband, Dan Van Schepen and their children, Matthew and
Jacob, pledged a gift to help the renovation budget for Bowden Field. The process will start in June.
Continued from page 12
FIELD
effort and thought behind creating a new space for our
program is exciting and appreciated. I can’t wait for the
new field to be unveiled to everyone and for everyone
to have a chance to come be part of a great experience
at Bowden Field.”
Currently ranked No. 1 in the nation and still the de-
fending national champion from 2019, the softball team
is sitting at 36-4 heading into the final week of the NSIC
regular season.
“My team and I are super grateful that we have peo-
ple willing to make our dream field become a reality,”
sophomore Torri Chute said. “I’m excited for it, and so
is everyone else. We all saw the pictures of it and were
in awe at how awesome it looks. We definitely needed
some renovations.”
The addition of turf to Bowden Field will set up an
abundance of opportunities for the team. Practices can
then be held outside longer into the fall, as well as ear-
lier in the spring. Augustana will be able to rent out the
field to teams around the area to make some extra reve-
SCORE
BOARD
Scores of this month’s games
TRACK AND FIELD
05/02
Patty Jo English
5,000m record at 16:20.53
Austin Miller
Metric mile record at 3:45.58
Mathias Kollberg
Long jump record of 25-feet
SPORTS
Photo by GoAugie
nue, and most importantly, the softball team will be able
to play home games earlier in the season and through
the rain.
“Now we’ll have a facility that’s indicative of the pro-
gram,” said Athletic Director Josh Morton. “The vision
has been there for some time, but I’d say in the last 18
months it really picked up steam. There’s no question
the momentum from a national championship and the
years leading up to it definitely got people excited and
continues to.”
There hasn’t been a specific number put on the ren-
ovation, but Morton said it will be funded through a
combination of large, medium and small gifts.
When the renovation is complete, Bowden Field will
become the fourth outdoor turf facility on the Augus-
tana campus, joining Kirkeby-Over Stadium, Ronken
Field at Karras Park and the Larson Track and Field
complex.
“The softball field is one of the first things people
see when coming up to campus,” Herseth Sandlin said.
“This gives us an opportunity to put another nice cor-
nerstone with these improvements.”
Noah Wicks contributed to this report.
WOMEN S TEAMS
SOFTBALL
05/02
WIN vs Crookston . . . 9 - 1
WIN vs Crookston . . . 8 - 0
05/01
WIN vs Bemidji . . . 11 - 0
LOSS vs Bemidji . . . 9 - 1
GOLF
05/05
NCAA Super Regionals . . . 6 out of 9
SPORTS
BOWDEN FIELD
RENOVATION
Bowden Field to
undergo overhaul
in June after
donation from
head coach
Beef, beats, battleship at late night
REC SERVICES
Laura Johnson
lajohnson19@ole.augie.edu
After a Rec Services staff member announces the
rules, four canoes launch themselves towards each oth-
er, attempting to balance offense and defense. Armed
with neon pool noodles, buckets and foam kickboards,
teams of students throw, pour or launch water to sink
other canoes while trying to keep their own afloat.
The Late Night Battleship event was quickly filled with
buckets of deliberate sabotage and screams of despair
as canoes sunk into the shallow depths of the Elmen
pool.
On Saturday, April 26, two Elmen staff teams coor-
dinated the late night battleship event that took place
in both the pool and the gym in the Elmen Center. The
Friday, May 7, 2021 12
Seth Miller
smiller18@ole.augie.edu
nise Herseth Sandlin said. “We upgraded the conces-
sions stand and were looking at the seating — now we
are going to be able to do a more comprehensive ap-
For the first time since 1992, Bowden Field, the home
proach.”
of Augustana softball, will be getting a championship-
Herseth Sandlin said it makes sense that renovations
level upgrade.
will begin a year after the team won the national cham-
A fully turfed field, suites, grandstands with chair
pionships, as the field was originally built a year after
back seating and a plaza will be up and ready to go for
the first national championship win.
the start of the 2022 season. Ten days after the NCAA
“This renovation will provide a championship ex-
Division II Softball season wraps up, groundbreaking is
perience for fans and players for many years to come,”
set for June 10.
Head Softball Coach Gretta Melsted said. “The time,
“Since I’ve come to Augustana, we’ve been looking at
how do we improve the softball field,” President Stepha-
See FIELD, page 11
event attracted more than 150 students and was facili-
tated by 29 staff members. The winners were juniors
Shayla White, Ana Krause, Erika Kim and Madeline
Borgmeier.
Sophomore Cooper Benning participated in one of
the battleship rounds. He said he was excited to attend,
especially since last year’s battleship event was canceled
due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I had no idea how they were going to make the bat-
tle happen logistically, but they did, and I enjoyed the
heck out of it,” Benning said. “The team aspect of it is
what I enjoyed the most. You geared up with your mat-
ies and set sail for rough waters!”
Photo by Laura Johnson
Even though battleship was the main event, students
The swim team canoe was capsized by Shayla White,
See BATTLESHIP, page 10 Ana Krause, Erika Kim and Madeline Borgmeier.