The second semi-final between the Wes-Del Warriors (11-4) and the Cowan Blackhawks (1-14) would lead to the Warriors advancing by a score of 13-3.

The championship game was set, Tigers vs. Warriors for the 2024 Delaware County crown. By the end of the afternoon, it was Yorktown running away, taking a 10-0 victory over theWarriors.

"After losing last year we've been thinking about this all season," Yorktown head coach Jeremy Penrod said. "It was nice for the seniors to go out with a bang in their final year to get the championship back."

Yorktown was able to start hot on offense thanks to an RBI triple from freshman Olivia Jaromin scoring two runs to kickstart the Tiger offense out to a 2-0 early lead.

"I look for a lot of first-pitch stuff if it's there," Jaromin said. "I just try and relax myself and have as much confidence as I can."

For Wes-Del, the offense struggled out of the gate as Yorktown starting pitcher, senior Caitlin Laferney was blowing her pitches right past the Warrior batters.

"It's all about her control," Penrod said. "We've talked about her really trying to start ahead in counts and being a leader and taking charge in the circle, and today she really owned it."

The maroon and grey continued to struggle mightily through the opening innings offensively and defensively. They couldn't get runners on base, and Warriors starting pitcher junior Devyn Jaycox was struggling in the circle in the early going.

As a result, the Tiger batters were able to make consistent contact and get runners on base. The green and black offense was firing on all cylinders.

On defense for Yorktown, it all started with Laferney who registered no hits allowed through three innings, and going three up, and three down in each of them. Even when Wes-Del was able to make contact, the Tiger defense was making all the plays behind her.

"I try and stay one pitch at a time," Laferney said. "I know that my defense has my back and knowing that allows me to keep a cool, calm composure."

By the third inning, Yorktown was able to push their lead to 4-0 after an RBI single from sophomore Brooklyn Bartle.

With the maroon and grey offensive struggles, they needed their defense to step up and give them some help to keep them in the game. The Warriors were unable to do so in the fourth inning allowing the Tigers to add six runs to give them a double-digit lead at the end of the fourth 10-0.

"It's just what they do," Swift said. "They are one of the best teams around and hitting is their thing. We did all we could, but at the end of the day, they were pretty good hitters over there."

In a last gasp of desperation, Swift made a pitching change in the fifth to try and stop the Tiger offense from adding to their lead and was successful. However, the offensive deficiencies of the Warriors in the afternoon couldn't be overcome.

Yorktown was able to close out the championship in five innings and hoisted the 2024 Delaware County Championship trophy.

"It's really special after we lost the tournament last year," Laferney said. "It's a nice thing to have for your senior year and something to look back on."

Even for the youth on the team like Jaromin this moment was special and allowed for her to look to the future of her own Yorktown career.

"There's going to be a lot of good things in the future," Jaromin said. "I'm seeing a lot of success, and it's such a good group of younger girls."

Wes-Del will be on the road at Centerville (8-6) for their next contest on May 6. First pitch is set for 5:30 p.m.

Yorktown takes on New Castle (x-x) in a road conference matchup on May 7. First pitch is scheduled for 5:30 p.m.

Contact David Moore with comments at david.moore@bsu.edu or on X @gingninj63

A sea of caps and gowns was speckled with smiling faces as graduates joined the 210,000-plus Cardinals who have been in their place.

One of those Cardinals returned to campus in order to congratulate the 2024 graduates on their accomplishments with his commencement address â€" 35 years after earning his own degree from Ball State.

Stedman Graham graduated in 1989 with a master's degree in education. As an author of 12 books - two New York Times bestsellers and one Wall Street Journal bestseller - and the business advisor, chairman and CEO of S. Graham and Associates, a management and marketing consulting firm, he had a successful career following his time at Ball State.

Graham emphasized the importance of knowing who you are and what you want to accomplish in his address to graduates.

"When you understand who you are, you get to focus on having the best outcome you could possibly have," he said. "You can't lead anyone until you first lead yourself."

He also quoted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He said if you are called to be a street sweeper, sweep streets like Michelangelo painted, sweep streets like Beethoven composed music and sweep streets like Shakespeare wrote poetry.

Following Graham's speech, University President Geoffrey Mearns recognized that many of this year's graduates were in the high school class of 2020 and had yet to have a traditional graduation experience.

"This day is particularly special because, for many of [our undergraduates] four years ago, we were all adjusting to the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic," Mearns said. "They had commencement ceremonies in their cars, in parking lots or perhaps no ceremony at all. But today, all of the [members] of the Ball State University Class of 2024, you deserve to cherish every moment."

Mearns pointed out that the tradition of the Ball State commencement ceremony began in the same spot over 100 years ago. His advice to graduates was to set professional goals that will make them and their loved ones proud.

"People generally equate success with financial rewards, with impressive titles and with notoriety. Those are external indicators of success, and I fear that you may find they are temporary and hollow," Mearns said. "So instead on this day, I encourage you to seek fulfillment."

Contact Ella Howell with comments at ella.howell@bsu.edu.

ARFID is when a person eats a small amount or only certain types of food. The condition affects many precocious teenagers, including Muncie native Stella Williams, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 1 in 36 children across the U.S. were diagnosed with autism in 2020.

"You have a good cry because it hits you, 'My kid is not going to have a typical life,' and you worry, 'What is that going to mean?" said Dana Williams, mother of Stella.

Stella loves to produce music on her iPad and absorb language. She even learned to read at three.

Doctors gave Stella's parents a laundry list of things Stella would never do. While she surpassed all of it, food remains a struggle.

Dana said Stella has a few safe foods. She likes to drink V8 V-Fusion juice, eat protein bars and goldfish, and like most kids, she enjoys candy - specifically chocolate.

ARFID is more commonly noticed in the autistic community compared to the general population. The National Library of Medicine estimates it affects between 12.5 percent to 33.3 percent of individuals with autism.

There are many reasons for this correlation, including little interest in eating food due to its taste, texture or smell. Additionally, individuals with this disorder might fear the adverse consequences of eating like gagging or choking on food.

ARFID is relatively new. The American Psychiatric Association added the condition to its "Feeding and Eating Disorders" section of the DSM-5 in 2013.

Laura Seiverling, assistant professor of special education at Ball State University's Department of Applied Behavior Analysis, has been a specialist in pediatric feeding disorders for nearly 20 years.
She said it makes sense that ARFID children are more likely to fall on the autism spectrum.

"A large portion of the children who are going to meet the criteria for ARFID, fall on the autism spectrum disorder because selective eating is very prevalent in that clinical population," Seiverling said.

Dana said it has been difficult to get a formal diagnosis for ARFID for her daughter and has resorted to watching videos on the condition to best support Stella. There aren't any practicing doctors who specialize in ARFID in Muncie, Indiana, which has been a struggle for her family.

"I just want to make sure that she's healthy and is getting what she needs nutritionally. The food therapy field feels like it has not caught up," Dana said.

The struggle is mutual.

"It's a struggle for a lot of these clinicians because they just don't have the training. That's when a behavior analyst's skillset becomes helpful. We need to learn how to work together," Seiverling said.

Seiverling advocates for behavioral feeding interventions, such as stimulus feeding, which can help individuals who suffer from ARFID. She even published a book for parents and providers to use as a manual to deal with selective eating problems.

"The way you overcome the sensory issues is through habituation. The child gets repeated exposure to various types of textures and temperatures and whatever is most challenging for the child," Seiverling said.

She encourages sensory integration in small doses.

"We start with a tiny clump size piece of foods that are often most similar to the foods that are in the child's repertoire, and through repeated exposure paired with positive reinforcement. [The child] learns to build up a tolerance and even a preference for some of the foods that are introduced," she said.

Dana said she and her husband work hard to get Stella to try different foods. She also said they work together to get Stella to explain what she dislikes about certain foods, but they do not pressure her to finish anything.

Most of Stella's nutrition comes from Ensure, a line of ready-to-drink nutrition consumed as a meal replacement. On average, she drinks six bottles a day of the brand's chocolate flavor.

Medicaid covers Stella's prescription through Indiana's Family Supports Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver. Dana said it saves their single-income household around $400 a month.

The most important thing to Dana is that she is along for the ride in Stella's development. She said she wants to "truly know" her daughter: her interests, the source of her happiness, what makes her laugh and her talents.

"She was still the same person she was the day before the diagnosis. She didn't change because they diagnosed her with autism," Dana said. "She's not typical."

For more information about avoidant restrictive food intake disorder and how it affects children with autism visit www.kidshealth.org.

Contact Mesgana Waiss with comments awaiss@bsu.edu.

The Championship Performance Center

Director of Athletics Jeff Mitchell and Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management Jim Lowe announced a $7.8 million training facility to be opened near gate two of Worthen Arena in the winter of 2026.

The new center will be named the Eric Foss Performance Center.

Eric Foss is an alumnus of Ball State and previous CEO of Pepsi Bottling Co. His wife, Kim Foss, is a previous student-athlete herself.

According to Mitchell, 18 of the 19 athletic teams will have access to this facility. He said this equates to around 80 percent of the student-athlete population.

Mitchell said the current plan for the gym will hold "state of the art" technology and workout equipment, as well as a nutrition bar and recovery area. It will be attached to the current Shondell practice center and feature multiple large windows to allow for natural light.

The current timeline includes donors approving the design and will begin construction in Jan. 2025.

"We look forward to the coming months and we continue to develop what this facility will look like and we start to implement this transformative opportunity for our student-athletes," Mitchell said.

Upgrades to the College of Architecture and Planning Buildings

Updates were provided about the changes being done in the R. Wayne Estopinal (CAP) building. This was originally approved in May of 2023 as a part of the north campus revitalization project.

The architecture firm, MSA Design, is completing a $20 million project that plans to make large changes to the main parts of the CAP building. The east side of the building will remain available for future renovations.

The current focus of the renovations centers around student and faculty requests for more studio and office spaces.

This new project will create an anticipated three new studio spaces, update the historic preservation lab, create new gender-inclusive restrooms, add a lactation room, add entry elements to the main atrium space of the building and overall improve the accessibility and sustainability of the building.

Construction of the project is set to begin Dec. 2024

Dean of CAP David Ferguson said construction would be taking place "in chunks," and students will be able to use the cleared studio spaces hopefully by June 2026 when substantial renovations are complete..

Additionally, a project and art display in the building are prepared to potentially become a makeshift studio space. Students will be potentially able to use other locations on campus, alongside places in Downtown Indianapolis and Muncie, to have class.

"We think we can do it without missing a beat on the educational front," Ferguson said.

Changes to the University Core Curriculum

Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Anand Marri and Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Kecia McBride shared plans for a change in the University Core Curriculum that is anticipated to launch for the fall 2026 semester.

McBride and Marri sourced that the last update to the core curriculum was in 2010, prompting a refresh to the wants and needs of students.

The main change in the curriculum is the creation of what is currently called "beneficence pathways."

These are transdisciplinary classes that extend across different colleges under an overarching theme that provides students the opportunity to use their time in the core curriculum to learn about something they are more interested in.

Examples of these pathways given are social responsibilities, cultures and values, sustainability, innovations, global connections and personal and financial wellness.

Changes also include slight adjustments in current classes and the implantation of freshman seminars.

These changes are being made with the hopes of increasing enrollment and transfers. Marri and McBride sourced the changes of having 100 percent of high schools in the state offering Indiana College Core (ICC) dual credit classes.

McBride said this change will make it easier for students taking these ICC classes in high school to apply them to their education at Ball State while still engaging in first-year classes.

"We want to prepare [first-year students] for fulfilling careers, meaningful lives. It's also important that we align with the state mandates on the 30 credit hours college core," Marri said.

Retiring and Emeritus/Emerita Faculty

Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer Alan Flin presented seven faculty members for approval for retirement and promotion to Emeritus/Emerita status.

The faculty included:

• Stephanie Wilson- Assistant Lecturer and online program coordinator in the Center for Information and Communication Sciences.
• Elizabeth Kurisack - Associate Professor of Spanish
• Seonmi Lee - Academic Adviser for first-year students
• Kamal Islam - Professor of Biology
• Phil Shaffer - Director of Enterprise Information Systems
• Jim Lowe- Associate Vice President for Facilities Planning and Management
• Bob Kester- Director of the Center for Energy Research, Education and Service and Professor of Architecture

Changes to the People and Culture Work Plan

Based on survey results from university employees, Associate Vice President for People and Culture Derrell Clark shared that plans were being made at "local levels" to create positive changes in the staff onboarding and engagement process.

This includes plans for new professional development training, changes to the employee management systems and the creation of action plans for individual colleges at the university.

According to Clark, a new contract has been acquired for a new human capital system. The new system, titled 'Workday,' aims to streamline the various Human Resources and human management systems Ball State already has in place. It will replace systems like UKG and Benefitfocus.

University President Geoffrey Mearns added that Clark and his colleagues had taken time to show him the current staff experience systems and onboarding process.

"To say our current hiring process is subpar and nonoptimal is an understatement," Mearns said.

Spaces in the upcoming performance center are officially named

Flin also shared the new names for the main stage and monumental stairs in the new performing arts center that is set to open as part of the Village revitalization project.

The main stage will be named the Rhonda Newport Kaspar Stage. The name comes from donor Robert (Bob) Kasper after his $2.5 million donation. The stage will share a name with the Rhonda Newport Kasper Dance Scholarship, named after long-time dance studio owner and instructor in the Central Indiana area, Rhonda Kasper.

Both Rhonda and Robert are Ball State alumni, and Robert is a long-time donor and beneficiary of the university Flin said.

Jean Crosby, President of the Ball State Foundation/Alumni Association and Vice President for University Advancements shared with the board that she takes time to work with larger donors to allocate their money to their passions.

"When I first met Bob, I learned quickly that what he pointed to as his formative experience at Ball State was in the band," Crosby said. "We as a [foundation] staff have to remember what our donor's passions are."

The stairs in the new performing arts center will be named the Timothy Andrews Monumental Stairs, named after School of Journalism alumni Timothy Andrews. Andrews made a $1 million donation, according to Flin.

Andrews is also a long-time supporter of the university, contributing to the funding of the Multicultural Center. He also funds a graduate assistantship in the multicultural center.

Student Life and Engagement

Director of Student Life Abby Haworth and Vice President of Student Affairs Ro Anne Engle presented updates and recaps about student life in the 2023/24 academic year.

According to Haworth, there were 347 active student organizations this academic year, including 35 newly started student organizations. She says this is an increase from previous years, especially post-COVID-19.

Haworth shared a couple of observations she noticed in the school year, including:

• Less interest in large-scale programming
• Students are taking longer to commit to attendance and participation
• Students need their basic needs, such as food, met before they will engage in student life
• An increased amount of underclassmen serving as presidents and vice presidents of organizations
• Because these leaders are so young, there is an increased need for leadership and conflict management skills in organizations.

Haworth said plans are being made to combat these issues, including increased times for Cardinal Kitchen, student support hubs, and leadership training and seminars.

Haworth also highlighted the summer bridge programs, first-year experience events, summer orientation and the Engagement Ambassadors program as additional ways the Office of Student Life is hoping to engage with students and increase participation.

Engle shared updates from the past year's work on the Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) Task Force. Engle shared that the task force worked with alumni and current members of FSL to see what issues and concerns were most relevant to them. The following priorities were identified:

• An interest in community growth, which Engle shared is in the works with an addition of two The Interfraternity Council group introductions to campus in the works.
• Chapters hoped for consistent advisors and advising. Haworth and Engle both shared that they have seen progress in this with new and consistent faculty in the FSL and Student Life office.
• Similar to observations from Haworth, Engle noted large amounts of sophomore leaders, prompting a goal for more leadership training
• Improving FSL community member experience
• Increasing alumni engagement
• Sororities asked for a space that "can be there," where they can keep their belongings and foster a place of engagement and community, Engle said.

Outgoing President of the Student Government Association (SGA) Joseph Gassensmith and Outgoing Vice President of SGA Monet Lindstrant shared a recap of their administrations last year with the board.

They highlighted their work in creating a new bus shelter, helping facilitate sexual assault awareness events and creating legislation about accessibility amongst other points from their original campaign this academic year.

RELATED: Point-by-point evaluation for Gassensmith & Lindstrand's Student Government Administration

Miller College of Business "Turnaround" Plan

The Miller College of Business has one of the lowest retention rates in university colleges. The school had only a 73 percent rate from fall to fall, according to Cathy Dubois, the Bryan Dean of the Miller College of Business.

Additionally, the school is facing a 23 percent decrease in student credit hours, as well as a decrease in faculty and staff. Dubois said there is progress being made to combat this.

Dubois has a seven-point plan in progress to create improvements in this "turnaround plan" from the Board of Trustees. The plan includes:

• Energize curriculum
• Ignite purpose
• Improve programs and new markets
• Support student success
• Increase MCOB visibility
• Strengthen organizational culture
• Create brand strength and clarity

Dubois hopes this can be done in the upcoming semesters to increase retention, especially amongst underclassmen.

University College

Jason Rivera, the Vice Provost for Student Success and the Dean for University College provided updates on the retention of the University and the current engagement levels of Navigate360.

According to Rivera, the university is overall seeing a 77 percent retention rate.

Additionally, Rivera said that the retention rate for students who meet with their academic advisors at least once a semester is a 94.9 percent retention rate.

Rivera said overall Navigate360 has shown to be positive and useful across campus.

25,421 appointments have been made with Navigate306. This number includes scheduled appointments, drop-ins and ad hoc appointments.

Rivera also gave updates on the new student success coaching center. He said that at least 450 students have been using student success coaching and over 700 appointments have been made with student success coaching.

The next Board of Trustees meeting will be on June 19.

Contact Olivia Ground via email at olivia.ground@bsu.edu or on X @liv_ground_25.

Their campaign platform promised sustainability, campus and community safety and sexual assault awareness - among other things.

The Daily News completed its yearly evaluation of how the administration delivered on its promises.

Commitment to Sustainability: Mostly Complete

What was initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand aimed to maintain a strong partnership with the university's dining services by continuing the Student Dining Advisory Board. They also intended to switch to 100% biodegradable containers and flatware in dining halls to reduce unnecessary plastic waste, and they sought to introduce more diverse options for people with dietary restrictions.

Their most significant goal was to enhance their commitment to sustainability by ensuring that for every tree cut down on campus, two new ones were planted in its place.

"With all of our involvements in dining and sustainability groups, it is so important to this team that we continue involving students' voices in all aspects of sustainability," Chief of Staff Katrina Leming said via the administration's Instagram page.

What happened:

The administration continued the Student Dining Advisory Board under SGA. Lindstrand said they maintained a strong relationship with Karen Adkins, the senior executive director of auxiliary services for university food, beverage, conference services and special events.

Adkins spoke at a senate meeting in March to discuss sustainability initiatives concerning university dining. Adkins also attends most senate meetings to hear what students say about university dining and answer any questions they may have.

As the former head of the Student Dining Advisory Board, Lindstrand invited senators and outside students passionate about sustainability concepts to attend meetings and share their opinions.

"The new rotation station in the Atrium, when they introduced that, they ensured all of their products were completely biodegradable," Lindstrand said. " That's a conversation we had in those meetings…"

While the administration could not introduce any new dining options for people with dietary restrictions, they did work on getting better signage for the gluten-free snacks specifically.

"[Dining services are] working on a color coding system starting in the fall, where it will be clearly indicated [which] allergens are in different products and a section labeled for those snacks," Lindstrand said.

Regarding campus greenery, Gassensmith said they adapted. After talking to Vice President of Student Affairs Ro Anne Royer Engle, Gassensmith learned Ball State's tree canopy is overplanted with a lot of younger trees.

"Instead, SGA purchased five new trees that are going to be planted on campus with a plaque denoting they were purchased by the SGA executive board," Gassensmith said.

The trees will be planted in the fall when Ball State typically does most of its landscaping for the new school year.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI): Somewhat Complete

What was initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand set out to fund Multicultural Center programs focused on intersectionality and revitalize the identity button campaign with the Health, Promotion and Advocacy Office to encourage open conversation around pronouns and sexuality.

They also wanted to create a Student Diversity Commission to address DEI concerns across campus.

"It is important that we ensure our campus community is inclusive and equitable, as all students should feel welcomed in every space," Lindstrand said via their administration's Instagram page.

What happened:

Gassensmith said that the Multicultural Center did not need SGA's funding after all.

"We let [the center] know we're always a consistent partner if they need us for funding or otherwise," he said.

Chief Administrator of SGA Taylor Perry headed up the identity button campaign once each semester.

"At its core, it was just a tabling event, but SGA funded and made buttons with every identity that we could research or think of and gave them out to students so they could wear their identity and be proud of it," Gassensmith said.

Gassensmith said the creation of a Student Diversity Commission "was not as accomplished as I wish it would have been."

Instead, the cabinet worked with their Secretary of DEI, Rileigh Lancaster, whose position already included many of the responsibilities the commission would have had.

Transformative Disability Awareness: Incomplete

What was initially said:
Gassensmith and Lindstrand wanted to encourage professors to record all lectures so students who struggle with focusing in the classroom could refer to a recording to review class material.

In addition, they wanted to require all presentations and videos to utilize close-captioning and ensure all coursework instructions were provided verbally and in writing.

"Disability awareness is something that must be taken seriously on our campus," Gassensmith said on the administration's Instagram page.

What happened:

While SGA did receive endorsements for these points from Disability Services and the Office of the Provost. Gassensmith said the ideas did not pass Ball State's Faculty Council, the governing council comprised of professors and academic faculty.

Sexual Assault Awareness: Somewhat Complete

What they initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand aimed to expand the Angel Shot initiative, which allows women to discreetly signal a bartender or server when they feel unsafe or threatened.

Their administration also wanted to initiate discussions about sexual assault issues with residence halls through partnership programming and provide informational materials about the "Red Zone," the period of time between the first-day students arrive on campus and Thanksgiving break when most sexual assaults occur, according to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments.

More significantly, Gassensmith and Lindstrand wanted to increase SGA's partnership and support with various organizations to expand the scope of "Take Back the Night," an event on campus where survivors of sexual assault can share their stories during sexual assault awareness month in April.

What happened:

Gassensmith said they did not progress with the Angel Shot initiative because the Black Student Association (BSA) already completed this initiative.

While the administration could not work directly with the residence halls through partnership programming, they did have the opportunity to meet with Anna McGee from the Victim Advocacy Office.

Lindstrand said they discussed providing more resource materials to students through better advertising strategies. The administration expanded conversations with the residence hall representatives from the on-campus caucus to ensure they were communicating well with students about campus-offered resources.

Campus and Community Safety: Somewhat Complete

What was initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand set out to help Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) chapters raise funding for Blue Lights on Riverside Avenue and expand the number of existing Blue Lights on campus overall.

They also wanted to increase lighting in dark areas of campus, such as Anthony Apartments, Riverside Avenue and University Green.

What happened:

Gassensmith said SGA could not help FSL chapters raise funding for the placement of Blue Lights due to the legalities of how the governmental budget is categorized.

Instead, SGA designed a safety awareness sign with marketing and communications to be placed both on and off campus to make students aware of contacts available in emergencies.

He said the signs will start appearing on campus over the summer.

Transportation Solutions: Somewhat Complete

What was initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand wanted to add a second blue loop bus route to Ball State's campus and focus on providing students with more micro-transportation solutions across campus, such as more bike racks and scooters across campus and implementing a bike share program, with additional bus stop shelters.

"A diverse selection of environmentally friendly options for both students and staff will decrease our carbon footprint while providing students with an easier and more convenient way to get around campus," Leming said.

What happened:

With budgets, and a cost amounting to about $40,000, adding a second blue loop bus was not possible for the Gassensmith & Lindstrand administration.

Instead, they put fresh paint and scraped the rust off of several bike racks on campus, including the north neighborhood and areas by the quad.

As far as scooters go, Gassensmith said that Ball State is "not going to be a scooter school."

He said scooters involve a lot of liability, as they can present an accessibility hazard for those who use wheelchairs when left all over campus.

Regarding the bike share program, the administration had to turn this idea into more of a research point. Gassensmith said they submitted a research proposal to Business Affairs, which the office is currently reviewing.

SGA successfully got a bus stop shelter placed at the bus stop near Bracken Library on McKinley Avenue in March.

SGA came up with the idea, found some places they thought would work well, and submitted the idea to facilities, planning and management. Though past SGA executive boards introduced this idea, Gassensmith said his administration was the first to allocate funding for it.

"It was easier than we thought it was going to be," Gassensmith said.

Student Employment and Wages: Somewhat Complete

What was initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand set out to continue working with the SGA Fair Wages Commission.

This included expanding the Fair Wages Commission to include more non-SGA members and recognizing the progress that has already been made with the creation of new wage levels.

Their primary focus was allowing students to work more than 20 hours per week.

What happened:

This year, the Fair Wages Commission Gassensmith established was renamed the Employment and Wages Commission in March.

"That way, it could also serve to act as an advocacy group for student employees if they need it," Gassensmith said

However, most of their work was research. Gassensmith said, "It's going to take time for Ball State wages to continue to rise."

Diversity in Senate: Mostly Complete

What was initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand aimed to ensure the Vice President and the President Pro Tempore work closely with the Secretary of Diversity in recruitment efforts for SGA with a priority on recruiting students from different backgrounds to ensure the senate is representative of the campus student body.

They also wanted to expand the organizational caucus to include more diverse student organizations.

What happened:

Lindstrand said former President Pro Tempore Brenna Large was their "primary refigure for student senate."

"She's really worked hard to kind of reach out to different organizations that we typically don't reach out to," Lindstrand said.

Large was able to contact almost all of Ball State's student organizations, including smaller ones and multicultural ones.

Lindstrand said the purpose was to see if any members were interested in joining the senate or surveying to collect information for potential senate projects.

SGA could not recruit any new organizations for the caucus.

Lindstrand said this is due to recurring issues with retention for the last couple of years since all students had to switch to online school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We were able to ensure that all of our current seats were filled, which is super exciting because we usually struggle with that," Lindstrand said.

When recruiting students from different backgrounds, Lindstrand said they focused on recruiting for the off-campus caucus and filling the residence hall seats because they "provide a perspective that's a lot different than students who maybe are just joining the at-large caucus."

Lindstrand said to keep things accessible for students at senate meetings, they keep all of their presentations visual while also ensuring there are open conversations with senators about whatever accommodations they may need.

For senator DEI training, SGA hosts a presentation every semester with a representative from the Multicultural Center.

Beneficence Swipes: Incomplete

What was initially said:

Gassensmith and Lindstrand's program idea would allow students to donate unwanted/unused meal swipes to provide vouchers for those in need.

"Food insecurity is a prevalent issue on our campus and something must be done to support our peers that are struggling with this," Lindstrand said via their administration's Instagram page.

What happened:

SGA was unable to fulfill this program. Lindstrand said it's a "very long-term project," but the Student Dining Advisory Board will "keep in mind moving forward."

Gassensmith said they pivoted this campaign point to address all food insecurity. To help with this, they could allocate more of their budget to Cardinal Kitchen, a food pantry on campus that SGA initially started.

Contact Meghan Braddy with comments via email at meghan.braddy@bsu.edu or on X @meghan_braddy

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To promote gold trading effectively, create educational marketing content that helps simplify the trading process and the advantages of investing in gold. Use various media, such as blog posts, infographics and podcasts, to cater to beginners and expand your reach. For advanced traders, offer detailed market analyses and strategic advice to establish yourself as a credible authority. Utilize social media platforms, such as LinkedIn and Twitter, to interact with and engage potential investors by posting market updates and tips.

Embarking on a career as a gold trading affiliate not only provides a potential revenue stream but also involves you in a market that has intrigued humans for centuries. Success in this field requires adapting to market demands and continually educating yourself about new trading tactics. This can make your venture both profitable and personally rewarding.

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When I was a kid, I went to FAME camp at Camp Potawatomi back when they still hosted it there.

FAME, which stands for Foundation for Art & Music in Education, taught me about all things art, and each year we put on a themed performance at the end of our week-long overnight stay for the parents who had poured their wallets into this education. During my fourth-grade year, our theme was about celebrating Indiana.

We had to learn Ballard McDonald and James Hanley's song "Back Home Again in Indiana" for this performance. I still know all the words.

In high school, my marching band belted the same song as we advanced to the football field to put on our pre-game performance. I always tried to sing the loudest.

There was a real sense of pride I felt to sing about my state - to imagine the twinkling candle flames through those mythical sycamore trees and to look out across the countless fields around me and understand what McDonald and Hanley meant when they wrote about the smell of new-mown hay.

I still have a deep love for Indiana. It's not quite where I was born (that honor goes to Aurora, Illinois), but it's where I was raised. I'm a Hoosier at heart. At least I like to think I am.

But I'm not so sure anymore.

What I haven't told you yet is that I'm a gay, transgender person. As I've become more comfortable in my own identity, I've become less comfortable in my home state.

So, I'm leaving.

Indiana lawmakers often express a desire to minimize the brain drain of newly graduated young people leaving the state. With about 5.1 percent of adults younger than 30 in the U.S. identifying as transgender or nonbinary, according to the Pew Research Center, and a whole slew of Indiana legislation and politicians targeting the queer community, my advice to those lawmakers is to reassess which policies need to be acted on to make young people stay.

As of writing, according to the Movement Advancement Project and the ACLU, Indiana bans "best practice medication and surgical care for transgender youth" through SB 480; requires teachers to out students and enforces a "don't say gay" policy in schools via HB 1608; and censors books in schools by virtue of SB 12 (although it was signed into law after being amended to HB 1447)- a practice that "[has] historically been used to ban books related to LGBTQ+ topics."

These are only a few examples of the bills that have been signed into law in Indiana one way or another. These bills directly affect my life. It's strange to me to see bills like these be signed into law and the next day be asked by a policymaker what they could do to make me or my peers stay local.

The debates about whether trans people were allowed to exist here or not - about whether I should be allowed to exist or not - made my already anxious mind spiral out of control.

According to the Trevor Project, "86 percent of transgender and nonbinary youth say recent debates about state laws restricting the rights of transgender people have negatively impacted their mental health. A majority of those trans youth (55 percent) said it impacted their mental health 'very negatively.'"

This was my reality. About this time last year, I referred myself to a therapist for an anxiety spike that coincided with my realizing my trans identity.

I couldn't go out on my own.

At the grocery store, I chose paths that put me in contact with as few people as possible, even if they were convoluted. I broke off a relationship of five years and refused to speak to my family about it for six months because it was so inextricably linked to my being transgender, and I didn't know what their reaction would be.

I was nervous, unhappy, jumpy and assumed the worst of strangers who stared too long.

For these problems, my former (albeit well-meaning) therapist proposed I move to New York.

I laugh about it now - and my coworker got me a little New York City Lego set to commemorate the incident - but my therapist's words held a pearl of truth.

As long as anti-LGBTQ+ laws are active, Indiana is not a state where I can comfortably be queer.

I don't mean to discredit the amazing queer organizations that hold strong in Indiana. OUTReach, Spectrum, Indiana Youth Group and many more similar organizations do a great job making safe spaces for LGBTQ+ people - whether they are youth or adults. I'm immensely happy they exist and immensely grateful for the hard work they do.

We are strong. We are not going anywhere. These groups are proof of that.

But it's too much for me to have this transphobic Sword of Damocles hanging over my head. Gender-affirming healthcare for youth has already been banned in Indiana. Could gender-affirming healthcare for adults be next on the chopping block?

LGBTQ+ organizations cannot be the sole source of support for our community. If lawmakers want young people to remain in Indiana, they need to support the LGBTQ+ community at an institutional level.

Let's start with transgender healthcare. According to GLAAD, more than 30 major medical associations support gender-affirming medical care for transgender people and youth. Allowing transgender people access to this care is considered best practice.

Currently, Indiana outlaws best-practice medical care for transgender youth. Lifting this ban would not only allow young trans people access to life-saving care but would also grant more decision-making autonomy to them, their families and their physicians. This would be a great first step in making transgender Hoosiers feel more comfortable here.

Next, educating individuals about LGBTQ+ identities in school would be invaluable to reducing hate towards this marginalized group.

In my anecdotal experience, coming out to family and friends has often changed their attitudes about LGBTQ+ individuals in a positive way. While it certainly won't be true of everyone, I think a reasonable person just needs an example of a trans person in their own life to challenge negative biases they might have absorbed through social media, television or the movies.

If schools are granted the ability to teach individuals about the LGBTQ+ community, I believe the negative stigmas surrounding our lives would change.

The National Library of Medicine agrees with that ideology. In a case study about the effects of anti-stigma education campaigns about mental illness in Europe, they found that two years after the campaign, the percentage of individuals who held negative stigmas surrounding mental health had dropped.

In short, education combats hate.

There will always be a piece of me that longs for my Indiana home. But I cannot live here as long as anti-LGBTQ+ legislation denies us the same rights as our cisgender, heterosexual peers; as long as Indiana seeks to censor our histories and identities from school shelves; as long as schools must out their LGBTQ+ students and put them at severe risk.

It is my hope that one day I'll be able to comfortably return and see the moonlight gleaming on the Wabash River. Until then, I urge Indiana lawmakers to do better by and for their LGBTQ+ constituents.

Contact Meghan Holt with comments at mlholt@bsu.edu.

It's the mindset Ball State softball has used throughout the Cardinals 2024 campaign. It's the same slogan they remembered when the red and black faced Northern Illinois in Tuesday's doubleheader.

Yet in the first game, Ball State fell 9-2. In the loss, the Cardinals recorded four hits and gave up four home runs.

"We showed up and we weren't exactly where we wanted to be mentally and energy-wise," graduate student Haley Wynn said. "And then after getting beat like that in game one, we all kind of had a reality check."

After returning to the basics and regaining their composure, the Cardinals defeated Northern Illinois 11-7 to split the two games. Junior Maddie Weaver led the red and black and finished 3-for-4 with four RBIs.

The win put Ball State as the No. 6 team in the Mid-American Conference (MAC), which means they are in line to play in the MAC Tournament.

However, their final test of the regular season could make or break a tournament berth. This weekend, Ball State travels to Central Michigan to face the No. 5 Chippewas.

"We want to make sure that we're preparing right into the weekend," Ball State head coach Helen Peña said." "We know what to expect. We know who our opponent is, we know their strengths and we know their weaknesses."

While the Cardinals are in the spot they need to be, the red and black know their goal is still three games away from being complete.

"We know what we need to do in order to extend our season," redshirt sophomore McKenna Mulholland said. "We have got to take this series this weekend. We all know where we stand and I think subconsciously we all know that."

Yet the accomplishment of making the MAC Tournament isn't just one for winning the event. The Cardinals are trying to extend their season for their 10 seniors, whose college softball careers are coming to the finish line.

Because of that, some of the younger Cardinals might have added pressure on their shoulders. It was something the team talked about with their sports psychologist on Wednesday.

"Collectively, we're doing a good job at navigating that pressure elsewhere and turning it into anxiousness, turning it into being excited and turning into being blessed," Mulholland said.

Coming into the series, the Chippewas are 15-29 overall but have a 12-10 record in the MAC. With the Cardinals at 10-12 in the conference, a sweep would bump the Cardinals up, stealing the No. 5 position.

However, the Cardinals sit in front of Akron, who has a 10-13 MAC record. A slip-up from the red and black might allow the Zips to gain traction. At the end of the day, Ball State's destiny is in its hands.

"We just need to show up and play Ball State softball," Wynn said. "It's emotional and you start to feel all the feels because you know that each game is getting closer [to the end]. You want to leave this program knowing that you gave everything you had for the four to five years you were here and you don't leave with any regrets."

Whatever happens, the Cardinals' will continue to use the same motto that Peña told the team on the first day she arrived in Muncie.

"It has to be. It's something that I believe in," Peña said. "It puts more pressure on athletes and coaches, and I learned that as a young coach. We always prep and we feel like we want to be the most prepared staff on the field.

"We don't want them to think what ifs. We want them to think what can I do in this moment to help my team and that's what I believe is going to help us to be the most successful."

The Cardinals will open their final regular season series Saturday, May 4 with a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. The weekend's final game will be played Sunday, May 5, starting at noon.

Contact Zach Carter with comments at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or on X @ZachCarter85

The rules of flirting in the digital age are constantly evolving, from crafting captivating profiles to engaging in playful banter. In this article, we'll explore six tips for mastering flirting in the digital age.

1. Practice Makes Perfect

Before diving into digital flirting with potential human partners, consider honing your skills with platforms like Foxy AI. These sophisticated platforms provide a safe and judgment-free environment to practice flirting and conversation techniques. 

Engaging with AI chatbots allows users to experiment with different approaches, refine their flirting style, and build confidence in their interactions. Whether it's initiating conversations, mastering the art of compliments, or navigating playful banter, practicing with AI companions can help you feel more prepared and comfortable when engaging with real potential partners. 

2. Craft a Captivating Profile

Crafting a captivating profile is essential for making a strong first impression in online flirting. Your profile is your digital calling card, giving potential partners a glimpse into your personality, interests, and values. 

Start by selecting a profile picture that showcases your best features and reflects your personality. Avoid overly filtered or misleading photos, as authenticity is key in online interactions. 

Next, craft a compelling bio that highlights your qualities and interests. Use this space to share a bit about yourself, what you enjoy doing, and what you're looking for in a potential partner. Be genuine and specific to attract like-minded individuals who resonate with your vibe. 

Also, consider adding humor or wit to your profile to make it memorable and engaging. Remember, your profile is your chance to stand out from the crowd and make a lasting impression, so put thought and effort into creating a profile that reflects the best version of yourself.

3. Master the Art of Conversation

Once you've captured someone's interest with your captivating profile, it's time to master the art of conversation to keep the flirtatious energy flowing. Begin by initiating conversations with open-ended questions or playful observations to spark interest and curiosity. Show genuine interest in the other person by actively listening to their responses and asking follow-up questions. 

Keep the conversation light and playful, and don't be afraid to inject humor or wit to keep things interesting. Look for cues in the conversation and adjust your approach accordingly to maintain a comfortable and engaging rapport. 

Remember to be authentic and genuine in your interactions. Sincerity is attractive in any conversation. Finally, remember to share a bit about yourself, too. Reciprocity is essential for building rapport and connection. 

4. Use Humor Wisely

Humor can be a powerful tool in online flirting, adding fun and charm to your interactions. However, using humor wisely and considerately is essential to avoid misunderstanding or offense. 

Incorporate humor naturally into your conversations, aiming for lighthearted banter and playful teasing rather than sarcasm or harsh jokes. Pay attention to the other person's responses and reactions to gauge their comfort level with your humor. If they seem receptive, continue to use humor to keep the conversation fun and engaging. 

However, if they don't respond positively or seem uncomfortable, dial back the humor and focus on other aspects of the conversation. Be mindful of cultural differences and sensitive topics when using humor, as what may be funny to you could be offensive to others. 

5. Flirt with Confidence

Confidence is key when it comes to flirting, both online and offline. Embrace your unique qualities and approach interactions with self-assurance and positivity. Believe in yourself and your worth, and don't be afraid to express your interests or desires respectfully and confidently. 

Always stay true to yourself and avoid pretending to be someone you're not, as authenticity is attractive. If you feel nervous or insecure, practice self-affirmations and visualize successful interactions to boost your confidence. 

6. Practice Cybersecurity

When it comes to online flirting, practicing cybersecurity is essential to protect yourself from potential risks and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Always use strong and distinct passwords for your dating profiles and other online accounts to prevent unauthorized access. 

Be cautious when sharing personal information online, such as your address, phone number, or financial details, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown files. Consider using a reputable virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and protect your privacy. 

Digital Charisma: Mastering the Art of Online Seduction

Mastering the art of online seduction requires finesse, confidence, and a keen understanding of digital dynamics. You can take on digital dating platforms with ease and charm by crafting captivating profiles, mastering the art of conversation, using humor wisely, flirting with confidence, and practicing cybersecurity. 

This post is provided by a third party who may receive compensation from the products or services they mention.

For any homeowner gearing up for a full-scale renovation or just looking to spruce things up a bit, here are some tricks that will help you transform your house into a home - without the hefty price tag. 

Starting With a Plan

A well-made plan is like a road map - it'll save you from making costly detours and impulse buys that you might regret later. 

First, decide on what you can realistically spend without stretching your finances too thin. This is your budget, and it will guide every decision you make moving forward.

Next, think about the focal points in each room. What do you want guests to notice first? Maybe it's a stunning piece of art, a cozy reading nook, or perhaps a vibrant area rug. By focusing on key areas, you can direct your funds to making these spots shine so your upgrades make a noticeable impact where it counts most.

The Magic of Rugs

One of the quickest ways to shift the mood of a room is to throw down some new rugs. A single rug can tie a room together, add warmth underfoot, and inject style into your space - all without breaking the bank. 

When selecting a rug, consider the atmosphere you're aiming to create. Do you want something bold and eye-catching or soft and subtle?

Think about functionality, too. A plush rug in the living room can create a comfy gathering spot, while a durable runner in the hallway can withstand the hustle and bustle of daily life. 

Finally, let's not forget the art of layering rugs for a chic, eclectic look. With rugs, you can affordably alter the character of any room from the ground up.

A Fresh Coat for a Fresh Start

If rugs lay a foundation, then paint builds the walls. A new coat of paint is one of the most cost-effective ways to breathe new life into a room. It can brighten up a dull space, make a small room appear larger, or add coziness to a vast area.

Choosing the right color can be a game-changer. Want to enhance the natural light in a room? Go for light blues, greens, or classic whites. Feeling adventurous? Consider an accent wall in a bold hue, or try out some decorative paint techniques like stripes or chevron patterns. 

These projects add visual interest and serve as fun weekend activities that can involve the whole family. Don't be afraid to experiment! It's only paint, after all, and nothing revives an old piece of furniture or a tired room like a fresh, vibrant color.

Repurpose and Upcycle

One man's trash is another man's treasure, or so the saying goes. In the realm of budget home makeovers, nothing could be truer! Before you rush out to buy new, take a wander through your own home.

That old ladder languishing in the garage? It could become your next bookshelf or a quirky plant stand. Are the dining chairs looking a bit tired? A new seat cover might be all they need to spring back to life. Upcycling is both eco-friendly and a fantastic way to infuse your space with unique, personal touches that tell a story.

Shopping Second-Hand

Thrifting is like a treasure hunt, and who doesn't love a good adventure? Local thrift stores, flea markets, and online platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace are gold mines for budget-conscious decorators. Keep an eye out for solid wood furniture - it lasts longer and can be refinished or painted to match your décor. 

Remember, imperfections can add character. A well-placed scarf can turn a scratched table into a vintage masterpiece. It's all about seeing the potential.

DIY Decor

Why buy when you can DIY? Personalizing your space can be fun and cost-effective. Try crafting throw pillows from old curtains or designing a gallery wall with framed pages from your favorite vintage book. 

These projects save money and allow you to create exactly what you envision. Plus, they make great conversation starters! There are tons of tutorials online to get you started - before you know it, you'll be DIY-ing like a pro.

Setting the Mood Without Spending a Fortune

Lighting can dramatically change the feel of a room, and it doesn't have to drain your wallet. Start with what you have: Rearranging lamps can refresh a room's ambiance without a single new purchase. Adding softer bulbs can create a cozy, warm glow, perfect for relaxing evening lighting. 

If you're feeling crafty, why not turn a beautiful bottle into a lamp with a kit from your local hardware store? It's all about layering sources to give your space a rich, inviting feel.

Welcome Home!

From brushing on a new coat of paint to laying down a charming rug, each change we've suggested above brings your space closer to your dream home without emptying your wallet. Remember, the key to a successful home makeover on a budget is creativity and willingness to roll up your sleeves.

Start with one small project, and let your successes fuel your next endeavors. Every brush stroke, nail, and coat of paint adds a page to the story of your home.

This post is provided by a third party who may receive compensation from the products or services they mention.

With few conference games left on the schedule, this was an important series for the Tigers. However, in the end, the Golden Bears swept the season series over the Tigers with an 11-6 victory.

"We're not where we want to be in the conference," Yorktown senior catcher Jayce Key said. "Not where we want to be record-wise, but we've got to get ready for county and sectionals."

The Golden Bear bats started out hot putting up two runs right from the jump after putting two runners in scoring position to open the game with a leadoff single, followed by a double.

The Tigers couldn't respond with offense of their own despite recording three hits through the opening inning. The green and white stranded two runners in scoring position to end the first trailing 2-0.

"It's been a problem this whole season," Key said. "We come out flat and we're definitely the nail more than the hammer and we put ourselves in holes that are hard to come back from."

The offense for the black and gold did not slow down after the first inning. Consistent contact was being made off of Yorktown starting pitcher, senior Landen Eppard. The Yorktown defense wasn't helping themselves as a past ball, and an error at third base allowed the Golden Bears to increase their lead to 5-0.

"I think they were just locked in," Yorktown head coach PJ Fauquher said. "You've got to give the Shelbyville hitters credit. They squared up some balls early and really continued to throughout the game."

The green and white bats found their foothold in the second inning putting their first points up on the board with an RBI single from junior Luke Diebold. Yorktown had a chance to close the gap more with the bases loaded and two outs but stranded all three runners.

"We have to push those runs across the plate," Fauquher said. "If we'd done that in the first couple innings, we're back in the ball game instead of still chasing four or five runs in the final innings."

With Shelbyville's offense flowing for much of the game, the green and white defense hadn't held the Golden Bears to their first scoreless inning until the fourth inning.

Following the defensive stop from Yorktown, Tigers' senior catcher Jayce Key stepped up to the plate and hit a rocket over the left field wall for the solo shot. Key was able to notch two homers on the evening.

"My approach is to just step in and hunt for the fastball really," Key said.

Midway through the fifth inning, Fauquher decided to make a pitching change after Eppard surrendered his seventh run of the game. Senior Jacob Grim took over on the mound for the Tigers

Even after the pitching change, there was no slowing down the black and golds offense.

After a one run fifth inning, Shelbyville junior pitcher, Gavyn Fisher knocked in a 3-run RBI double to give the Golden Bears an eight-run advantage.

"As the catcher I need to stay positive," Key said. "Make sure the pitchers stay up because if I go down they're going to go down as well. I try to tell them to keep in the zone, but we also expect our guys to make plays so I tell them to let the defense help you and make plays."

Yorktown seemed dead in the water heading into the bottom of the sixth with such a large deficit to overcome. The Golden Bears made a pitching change in the bottom of the inning and the Tigers took full advantage.

The green and white were able to have their highest-scoring inning driving in four runs to attempt the comeback. Key contributed to that with his second homer hitting a two-run shot.

However, the hole the Tigers put themselves in early proved to be too much to overcome.

"We have to do a better job from the mental approach," Fauquher said. "From the minute we get to the field, how we do pregame, and even how we take ground balls before innings. That's just something we just have to have better consistency of effort and our mental approach."

Yorktown will be on the road in their next contest as they take on Wes-Del on Thursday, May 2. First pitch is set for 5 p.m.

Contact David Moore with comments at david.moore@bsu.edu or on X @gingninj63

The conflict started Oct. 7 after Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel. The United States became involved in the Palestinian-Israel conflict Oct. 10.

Ball State has yet to issue a statement on the conflict.

"We're not here simply because students were arrested or because of police, but because there is an ongoing genocide in Palestine and we are horrified that our university is complicit," said Joseph Souza, a third-year political science major.

Souza helped organize the event aiming to raise awareness and student consciousness.

Participants chanted "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!" "Up, up with liberation!" and, "Free, free Palestine!"

"I hope the university realizes that there are hundreds of students on this campus willing to participate in civil disobedience," Souza said. "What we're doing is for the sanctity of human life."

Sarah Blackwell, a fourth-year music theater major, and Sam Billard, a third-year business major were among the student protesters.

Even though she'll be walking in commencement May 4, Blackwell said protesting is still important to her. She said students have the ability to change the opinions of people within and at the university and that she has "good faith" in the cause.

The "good faith" is shared by first-year Linnea Orr, a general studies major.

"I've always been a huge supporter of human rights and justice, [so] for me to put time aside during finals wasn't even a question to come out here and support," she said.

Lori Kate Lowenher, an Israel-American with children in the Israeli military said the protest saddened her.

"There are so many people here today … War brings devastation [but] Israel stands for peace," Lowenher said.

When asked about the protest, Ball State University President Geoffery Mearns gave no comment.

Contact the Daily News with comments at editor@bsudailynews.com or on Twitter @bsudailynews.

Many people in my small town of Demotte, Indiana, had no idea what a job in media looked like or if one was even possible. I was always faced with confusion and doubt, which, in turn, caused self-doubt and a dislike for the town in which I spent all my life.

My plan originally when coming to Ball State as a second-year transfer student was to get a job that kept me as far away from my hometown as possible, but after three years at Ball State, I'm glad to be returning to my hometown to continue my career in media.

When it came time to start looking for internships and jobs before the fall semester, there was always an undeniable calling that was pulling me back to Northwest Indiana. It felt like I was being called back home, especially when I stumbled upon a local internship at Eleven Seventeen Media & Company.

The owner, and fellow Ball State Cardinal, Ryan Flannery, and Tony Pagorek, the creative director at the time, were key mentors who helped me realize working in media is possible in the region. Through their knowledge and experiences as creatives who made their passion into a full-time career, I fully knew this was something I wanted to pursue back in my hometown.

I think the biggest fear many upcoming graduates have is returning home once they finish school, which may feel more so like failure than accomplishment. But for me, I would've felt a sense of failure if I wasn't back home.

My final year at Ball State made me realize it was not about where you're working but whether your job is fulfilling or not. I would much rather work in a quiet, small town enjoying my job than live in a city dreading the time between clocking in and out.

In between those three years, I also found that my career was needed more than ever back home, especially with businesses starting their own social media pages and websites. If I had the power to go back and tell my freshman self one thing, it would be to stop worrying because you don't have to search far and wide to find your place and achieve your goals.

Contact Jacob Boissy with comments with comments at jacob.boissy@bsu.edu.

Today, sports play an essential role in academic circles. Talented players can access numerous scholarship opportunities to pursue their desired courses. To succeed in such courses, you need to draft quality original essays and other academic papers. You must check plagiarism before submitting them for grading.

Top 6 tips and techniques you should master as a golfer

★     Ability to balance your feet: one of the main skills one should master is balancing your feet to attain skeletal alignment. Knowing how to balance your feet allows you to get rid of pressure and reduce tension. This enables you to put your strokes successfully and seamlessly.

★     Positioning the golf ball: Another important technique you should master is how to position the golf ball. Ball position is a key differentiating factor between a good and an average putter. Always put the ball forward and ensure your sternum remains centered in your balanced posture.

★     Pay attention to comfort: In golf, remember every poster has different outcomes as you put your stroke. As you seek to maintain the right balanced posture, consider your comfort as that will determine the outcome of your golf stroke. You should stay in a way that neither your arms are excessively bent nor are they arrow straight.

★     Improve your grip: You can't talk of a great golf stroke if you are struggling with your grip. Practice often to ensure you have a grip on your club. It determines the outcomes of your swing. If you experience challenges, spend adequate time practicing and as you get better, focus on becoming more consistent with your swings.

★     Get coached: One of the most effective ways you could become excellent in golf strokes is through coaching. You can seek physical coaching or capitalize on the available online channels such as YouTube to train yourself. However, having a professional coach is better since you can get timely feedback on areas to improve on.

★     Self-assessment: It is advisable to conduct a deep self-assessment to understand your strengths and weaknesses. This allows you to know the areas you need to focus on to become a prolific golfer. You can use videos or tutorials to gain new skills. 

★     Practice: For you to become perfect in golf you need to keep on practicing. As you practice will identify areas of weaknesses as you perfect your areas of strength. One advice I would give you is to practice with different clubs to ensure you become better with your swings. Again, you should keep adjusting your targets. Set yourself challenges to assess your milestones. Create as much time for practice as possible.

5 techniques you need to balance golf and education

❖     Develop and strictly follow a timetable: Balancing between co-curricular activities and education is sometimes challenging for learners. You need to have a comprehensive timetable to have a clear plan on when to study and concentrate on golf.

❖     Set your priorities right: As a student, it is vital that you set your priorities since golf and education are equally important. When it comes to classwork, you need to submit your assignments within the set deadlines. Besides, you need to concentrate on practice to become a professional player. Identify your priorities and set them right.

❖     Maintain high levels of organization: One of the success factors for student-athletes is organization skills. Create a planner to help you decide on the tasks you should complete within a given period. When you remain organized, you can complete your assignments and set time aside to practice golf.

❖     Have clear goals: Goal-setting is an essential skill that will enable you to perform exceptionally in academic work as well as in golf. With clear goals, you are aware of what you want to achieve within a given time. If you are having issues with putting strokes, you can set goals on how you will improve.

3 things you should consider before choosing a golf coach

Without a doubt, one of the surest ways to improve your golf skills is by working with a professional coach. But, since you need optimal results, there are a few things you should consider when choosing a coach.

Before you commit to working with a golf coach, you should have an idea about their mastery of the game and experience in coaching. While one might be a professional golfer, one may not possess the right skills to become a professional coach. Experienced coach understands the different needs of players, making it easy to work with you and give timely and the right details.

You should select a coach who aligns with your goals. If you want to become better in your golf strokes, then you need a coach who understands the same. Communicate with them before engagement to ascertain that you will achieve your goals. Experienced coaches will tailor their training based on your goals.

Another consideration you should make is whether the coach will be available to train you based on your schedule. You need someone who can fit your schedule and offer you consistent support to help you improve your skills. They should create a schedule that serves to meet your needs.

You can improve your golf stroke through practice

If you are determined to improve your strokes, then you should utilize the tips discussed above. Working with an experienced coach is one of the ways you will learn and become a better golfer. Persistent training and practice will also help become better in developing important skills, such as stability.

This post is provided by a third party who may receive compensation from the products or services they mention.

It's not strikeout rates or RBIs or stolen bases.

It's not the "what" they see on a stat sheet but the "who" they see in the dugout. The relationships made both on and off the field are what mattered most for the 10 softball players who are reaching the end of their careers at Ball State.

"I'll remember it forever," graduate student infielder Samantha-Jo Mata said. "These are my best friends, and most of these people will be at my wedding."

The graduating team members have played through a global pandemic, coaching transitions and the uptick in transfer portal applications. While some arrived in Muncie and never left, others have come along for the ride.

Despite different backstories and pre-collegiate careers, their time at Ball State has made them more than athletes.

"They're the last piece of the puzzle," redshirt sophomore utility player McKenna Mulholland said. "The culture they brought to this team over the last few years has created our team."

'Better than they found it'

Before current head coach Helen Peña took the reins, former head coach Lacy Schurr spent a great deal of time with the now-veteran group during her three seasons (2021-23) in Muncie.

While she recognized the gameplay skills of the group, the way they handled themselves off the field stood out even more.

"They took care of all of the younger [players] coming in and set a really, really good example," Schurr said. "At their core, they are just really good human beings."

Events at player's houses, team dinners and just having fun at practice, Schurr - who is now associate head coach at the University of Pittsburgh - said the seniors accepted their roles on day one and never lost sight of that.

Despite challenges during their tenure, the graduating players kept their faith in the program.

"They're built a little differently," Schurr said. "They all came from very, very different backgrounds. I think the character of who they are just says a lot about them … Given the state of what nationally [happens], with a lot of people coming in and others going out, this group bought in and fought for each other."

The two seniors who stood out the most to Schurr were graduate students Jazmyne Armendariz and Haley Wynn. Both were always there for their teammates and coaches no matter the situation.

"Somebody like [Armendariz] in the program who is really wise beyond her years," Schurr said. "She just did such a good job of welcoming everybody in. And then Haley Wynn … to watch her grow and develop solidified this class."

While Schurr is now coaching the Panthers, most of her memories from Muncie involve this group and what they did for her and the entire program.

"They're just so caring and are leaving the program better than they found it," she said. "That's all you can ask for any class."

'Even when they're gone'

Before Peña arrived at Ball State's campus, she noticed the high number of seniors, which was unlike any team she had coached prior. With that in mind, she knew she was going to get a group of upperclassmen who saw themselves as more than just athletes.

"I feel like the previous coaches have done a good job just because our juniors and seniors are great athletes and great people," Peña said. "I feel like the underclassmen have looked up to them, and they've done a good job leading them throughout the year."

She arrived with some housekeeping items, but it did not take long for the 10 seniors to lend their hands to the process.

"They helped me not only get my message to the team - but also just when it comes to logistics and keeping me in the know - they helped me as a first-year head coach," Peña said.

While she was pleased to see their stats and value on the field, Peña's first preview of how the group worked was when Wynn hosted a "dip night" for the entire team and coaching staff.

"It's a tradition here. We had it and all 29 athletes and coaches were all sitting in her large living room," Peña said. "We were doing a Jeopardy-style game and we were split into teams. It was just something that they organized."

That night, the upperclassmen showed Peña and the new coaching staff they were serious and cared more about the other 16 Cardinals outside of the game of softball. From that point to now, their mentality has never changed.

That same mentality is the main point Peña wanted to bring to Ball State, with her slogan "culture of care." Since its implementation, the upperclassmen have embraced it every moment of every day.

"They were not only sharing that, but they were walking the walk and leading by example," Peña said. "I think for the future, [it will help] with the types of recruits that we're trying to get in here. Not only elite athletes, but ones with character and elite integrity.

"They were the ones that kind of paved the way in a sense. They will be an amazing alumni group, and they're still going to have an impact on the team, even when they're gone."

'One Saturday or Sunday'

While the Cardinals still have at least five games remaining on their schedule, they know the end is near.

"We're trying to think about it too much," King said. "[We're taking it] one game at a time to make the season last as long as possible."

The acknowledgment of their careers coming to a close has given the seniors time to look back at their years in the program and the games they played on the softball field at the First Merchants Ballpark Complex.

"This has been the best time of my life," Mata said. "I've never had anything like this - family-wise, team-wise or coach-wise. This has been the best three years of my life without a doubt."

Though the upperclassmen have mixed feelings about the rest of the season, the Cardinals, who are in line to carry the Ball State name, are not ready to lose their presence.

"They make everything fun," Mulholland said. "With a [senior] group this big, it means that much more going into the rest of the season. Every game is for them."

Yet the emotions and mindset cannot stop the inevitable. After hundreds of games, thousands of innings and outs, their final "play ball" moment is almost here.

"We're just trying to enjoy every single moment," Wynn said. "Because one day, one Saturday or Sunday, it's just gonna be the end of it."

Contact Zach Carter with comments at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or on X @ZachCarter85.

During his time in Delaware County, Andrews became the Raiders' and the county's all-time leading scorer. He also helped the red and black win back-to-back regional titles and the school's first-ever semi-state championship. He led the Raiders with 21 points in the 2A State Championship game, where Wapahani fell 55-36 to Brownstown Central.

Indiana Wesleyan finished the 2023-24 season with a 29-6 overall record, including a 15-3 record in the Crossroads Conference.

Maintaining composure and following head coach Mike Fleck's game plan throughout its three-day event at Chatham Hills in Westfield, Indiana, Ball State men's golf captured the 2024 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship in convincing fashion.

In a full-team effort led by a pair of experienced juniors, Ali Khan and Kash Bellar, the Cardinals booked their ticket to the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 2013.

"We have had some incredible teams and awesome players over the last 30 years," Fleck said. "It's just awesome to be able to finish this off and get this MAC Championship, not only for us in the program right now, but for everyone that's gone through it over the years."

A former Ball State golfer turned 26-year head coach of the Cardinals, Fleck has experienced nearly everything throughout his tenure in Muncie, Indiana,-everything except the elusive MAC Championship.

After last year's squad fell just five strokes short of vaulting Northern Illinois to take home the conference title, it was only right that this year's group redeemed the runner-ups with a five-stroke victory, this time over Miami (OH).

"We all knew what this one meant," Khan said. "We all felt like we were traveling in the right direction, coming into this tournament and feeding off each other, being close to home and feeling the support all combined to push us over the edge."

Following their championship victory, Khan and Bellar were both named to the 2024 MAC Men's Golf Championship All-Tournament Team. Additionally, Fleck was named 2024 MAC Coach of the Year, earning his second award during his time at Ball State.

"It feels amazing," Khan said. "It's the one goal that we always have every year: to win the MAC and make it to the NCAA Regionals. Being able to achieve it this year feels amazing, especially with this team."

Friday - Round One

Heading to Westfield, Ball State began its opening round at Chatham Hills with a number of solid performances from their five-person squad.

Sophomore Carter Smith, playing in Ball State's top spot, finished his first 18 holes with a score of 70 (2-under-par). Smith's production was matched by Bellar and Khan, playing from the No. 2 and No. 4 spots, respectively.

With three players tying for 6th place individually, the Cardinals concluded the opening round tied for first with Miami (OH).

Saturday - Round Two

Saturday, shooting 7-under-par as a squad in the event's second round, Ball State leapfrogged Miami (OH) to gain sole possession of first place.

Rising to the top of the team's leaderboard, Bellar posted his best round of the tournament with a score of 69 (3-under-par).

Following closely behind, Smith and Khan both finished one stroke behind their fellow Cardinal with scores of 70 (2-under-par) apiece.

Sunday - Round Three

In a race to the finish between the competition's two red-bird teams, the Cardinals battled the RedHawks to be named 2024 MAC Champions.

With solid scores from four of Ball State's golfers, the Cardinals were eventually able to overcome Miami (OH), earning Fleck his first-ever conference title since he took over the program from Earl Yestingsmeier in 1998.

Ball State's best finish of the day came from their youngest competitor, freshman Alec Cesare.

"Alec is a competitor, and that's the thing that I love about the kid," Fleck said. "I love watching him play the game, because he plays with passion and desire. For him to come home and have a great championship here at Chatham is just the icing on the cake for a phenomenal freshman year."

Cesare concluded the competition with a personal best third-round score of 70 (2-under-par) to earn 8th place on the individual leaderboard.

Despite holding down the Cardinals' No. 1 lineup position for the majority of the season, Smith was another one of Ball State's least experienced players. Smith placed 11th on the individual leaderboard, just one stroke out of the top-10 after netting a third-round score of 76 (4-over-par).

Leading the Cardinals throughout the competition, however, Khan and Bellar tied for fourth place on the individual leaderboard after posting third-round scores of 72 (even par) and 73 (1-over-par), respectively.

"Our horses stepped up," Fleck said. "It was fun to watch them execute and play really good golf. We relied on experience to get us through the finish line."

Rounding out the lineup, junior Braxton Kuntz finished in 29th individually with a round-three score of 80 (8-over-par). Kuntz, however, was also able to put together two solid rounds before slipping on the event's final day with scores of 73 (1-over-par) in both of the competition's previous rounds.

"It just goes to show you the depth; we've got a really deep and talented team," Fleck said. "I've got five really good players, and it was fun to watch them close the deal today."

Ball State begins its next chapter May 13, teeing off for the NCAA Regionals at a location yet to be announced.

Contact Nick Shelton with comments via email at nicholas.shelton@bsu.edu or on X @NickS9954.

Here are some team and individual results from the event.

Yorktown (1st)

Team Score: 323

Junior Christian Groves placed first overall shooting a 78.

Nate Schaal-Deresh finished third overall with a score of 81.

Junior Marshall Johnston, and Nate Matthews tied in fourth shooting 82 overall.

Noah Barnet finished the afternoon for the Tigers with a 90 tying for ninth place.

Delta (2nd)

Team Score: 351

Individual results for Delta could not be found.

Wapahani (3rd)

Team Score: 356

Individual results for Wapahani were unable to be found for the event.

Cowan (4th)

Team Score: 408

Raef Keith shot a 93 to take twelfth place in the event.

Zack Lawson scored a 100 even to earn the fifteenth overall spot.

Daleville (5th)

Team Score: 447

Individual results for Daleville could not be found.

Wes-Del (6th)

Team Score: 469

Grayden Hensley shot a 99 for the Warriors.

Nick Kimble registered a 102 in his outing.

Isaac Mitchell knocked in a 130 on the afternoon.

Mason Skinner closed it out for Wes-Del with a 138.

New roommates often text, call or direct message each other before moving in together, but Ball State women's basketball seniors Estel Puiggros and Annie Rauch never did. Move-in day of their freshman year was the first time they spoke.

Hailing from Spain, Puiggros said it was hard to understand the "funny and loud" friend that just entered her life.

Rauch recounts Puiggros' outgoing nature and, most notably, the high temperature she liked in their room.

"It was a big problem for us," Annie said. "For the first month of living in the dorms we never spoke about the temperature but passively aggressively moved it up and down. I like it cold and she likes it hot."

Laura Rauch, Annie's mom, remembers meeting Puiggros for the first time.

Laura wondered if the seemingly opposite pair would work together after that first day, but she said it was only a matter of time before the two were side by side. The teammates have lived together ever since.

"Of course, we were shy at the beginning, but after a week or so, she was my sister, and I knew it was going to be like that for the rest of the year," Puiggros said.

Annie said she and Puiggros have the same "easy-going" nature, making it easy to become friends.

"They just worked so well together," Laura said. "They are very, very different, but they are the perfect pair."

Navigating a home away from home

Though they are described as a perfect pair now, their friendship started by helping a "thick-accented Spaniard." Puigross was often shy to speak with her little knowledge of English at the time.

"I did not want to talk much, but [Annie] made the time and effort to try and understand me," Puiggros said.

Through Google Translate or even their shared but limited proficiency in French, Puiggros said Annie made the effort. At restaurants, Puiggros asked Annie to order for her, but time and time again, Annie forced her out of her comfort zone.

Annie said working with Puiggros was able to advance Puiggros' English. Annie said the help was not just a one-way street. She said Puiggros pushed her out of her shell too.

Being around Annie also resulted in the Rauch family spending time with Puiggros.

Since day one, the Rauchs have welcomed Puiggros as one of their own.

"It would always be like, 'You're a part of our family,'" Puiggros said. "After a game, we would go eat. It is the small things, like Valentine's Day my freshman year, [Laura] came into the dorms and brought me a big basket.

"It was great. I love them. They are my family too."

Though she went through an initial culture shock, Puiggros said the Rauch family was able to make her feel more accepted in a new country. Even experiencing a difficult freshman year, Puiggros said their support and love made her want to stay a Cardinal.

"It was a no-brainer having her around for family stuff when she did not have another option," Annie said. "My family loves her. My mom is not a hugger at all, and I've seen her hug Estel multiple times."

Whether it be food, gifts or adopting Christmas traditions from Spain, the Rauch family always wanted to make sure Puiggros was included and taken care of.

"I hope she does not have to feel like she is a guest anymore. I hope she feels like she is part of the family," Laura said.

Brought together by basketball

Although their friendship runs deeper than basketball, the game is the funnel for their friendship.

"Basketball brought us together, and it's amazing that I am from Spain and she is from here," Puiggros said. "I have a sister across the world, and I know I can come back here and see her or she can come to Spain.

"It has developed to the point that no matter what, I know you'll be there."

The pair of friends were the only seniors in the 2023-24 season who had been Cardinals during their entire collegiate careers.

"I feel so lucky to be able to do that with her for so long," Annie said. "She would be a great teammate on the sidelines and a great teammate on the court. It was awesome and something I am going to miss for sure."

After a Mid-American Conference (MAC) tournament semifinal loss in 2024, Puiggros and Annie both wanted to cherish the last few possible games they had together in a Ball State uniform. Going into the final game, the two wanted to just have fun on the court.

"We were laughing on the court," Puiggros said. "It was not the ending we wanted, but at the end of the day, we have each other. We started together and finished together."

Watching it all play out - as she had for years - was Laura in the stands.

"It was fun to watch them and get to travel and see them play as a parent," Laura said. "You have to cheer for both of them because they are both your kids.

"They get mad at each other. They approach things differently, they think about things differently, and so even if they are great compliments to each other, they still have those sister qualities."

'I can't believe they are here.'

With Puiggros having been immersed in American culture for much of her collegiate career, Puiggros said Annie has always wanted to go to Spain. It did not happen freshman year, got put aside during COVID-19 and finally happened last summer, with junior Alex Richard also making the trip.

"It was so fun to learn about someone else's culture and bond through that," Annie said.

In her first time overseas, Annie said Spain was incredible - to see where Puiggros grew up, to spend more time with her parents and to be around her extended family.

"As soon as I left I wanted to start saving to go back," Annie said.

There are stories of going to get breakfast at five in the morning after a night out with friends, days on the beach and cooking food together. Everything that happened in Spain is something Puiggros will never forget, she said.

"Every single second was like, 'Wow, I can't believe they are here,'" Puiggros said.

With the Rauch family taking care of Puiggros, Puiggros' family was excited with open arms to welcome Annie to Spain.

"[My parents] said, 'You took care of our daughter for four years, now it is time for us to take care of you,'" Puiggros said. "It was great that she got to see my culture. It was full circle."

An uncertain future, not an uncertain friendship

Years of living together and playing on the court will soon come to an end with graduation.

"They will be there for each other no matter what," Laura said. "To have each other as a constant is huge. They use each other as a sounding board when they need to vent or talk about what is going on."

Through the years on the court, living with each other and many other shared experiences, Puiggros said Annie will always be a part of her life

Puiggros said the two might not talk every day since they will be separated by an ocean, but no matter what, she knows Annie will be there when and if she needs her.

Annie plans to finish her master's degrees in nutrition and dietetics and Puiggros plans to play professionally overseas in Spain. Annie and Puiggros have no doubt about staying in touch.

"There won't be anything that keeps them from being together and spending time together," Laura said. "In 10 or 15 years, I think they will make it a point to be a part of their lives."

Contact Elijah Poe with comments via email at elijah.poe@bsu.edu or on X @ElijahPoe4.

Earlier today, Andrews - with former AAU teammate and Delta senior D'Amare Hood - attended the gym once again for one of his final high school basketball games.

"If you're from Indiana, you have seen the movie. At least you better have," Isaac said. "The court is a little small, and it makes it tough to play."

The gym has hosted the Hoosier Reunion All-Star Classic since 2005 and has featured the top girls' and boys' basketball seniors in Indiana. For this addition, Andrews and Hood were selected to play on the court where the Hickory Huskers became an iconic name.

"I've been here once, but this was the first time I've taken shots on the court," Hood said. "It was cool and sharing the court with these guys was good."

Over the last four years, the two cross-county opponents had multiple run-ins and attempted to outplay the other. Yet in the classic, they both dressed in Terhune Tigers uniforms and made plays, including an assist from Hood that set up a 3-pointer from Isaac.

"It was kind of a throwback [to AAU]," Isaac said.

While the contest ended in favor of Hickory 132-129, the game was one of enjoyment for both seniors. Both representatives of the 765 finished with the same stat line of five points, one rebound, one assist and one steal. With other names like Kokomo senior Flory Bidunga and Noblesville senior Aaron Fine, the skill level was high.

"It's very similar to AAU," Hood said. "It was cool to be able to play with them on the same team."

For Isaac, he will play in one more event as he was chosen for the Indiana All-Star team. The game against Kentucky will be played in June. He has also shared some of his recruitment process via X, but is still undecided.

Multiple members from the Wapahani community made the stop to see one of their guards' final games. They have been there for all of his achievements including the moment he became the school's all-time leading scorer, Delaware County's all-time leading scorer and when the Raiders played in the 2A State Championship game.

Yet Jeff was there the very first time his son entered the doors of the historic gym.

"It's a full circle type of thing," Jeff said. "...We're just trying to enjoy every bit of it and watch him have the time of his life."

However, Hood's time on the hardwood this afternoon was his final high school game as he is heading to St. Francis-Fort Wayne. He leaves Delta basketball being a 1,000-point career scorer and helped the Eagles become back-to-back regional champions in his junior and senior seasons.

To the forward, if there was any way to finish his career, this was the place to do it.

"For this to be my last game and to play with these guys, it was nice," he said.

Contact Zach Carter with comments at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or on X @ZachCarter85