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Photo courtesy of Carlee Dove (pictured back right)

Dove studies art, explores cuisine in magnifica study trip to Italy

“I have always had a passion for traveling and wanted to go to Europe,” Carlee Dove, student-athlete of Upper Iowa University, said. Through the Academic Programs International, or API, Carlee Dove enjoyed a study abroad trip to Florence, Italy during the summer of 2022. For eight weeks, Dove visited multiple, incredible cities in Italy and took part in fun activities towards her art degree. 

For eight weeks in Italy, Dove took tours to various, respected cities such as Rome, Venice, Capri, Milan, Pompeii, and more. Additionally, Dove participated in cooking classes and wine tastings, explored many art museums and traveled via train to the beach. 

Along with traveling to beautiful cities in Italy and partaking in fun activities, Dove was joined by other students from other states who were also part of the API program. They were grouped into an apartment based on their personalities, and quickly bonded with one another. “I am so thankful to have the roommates I did,” Dove said. 

Dove plays volleyball at Upper Iowa University and is double majoring in art and graphic design with a double minor in communication studies and marketing. When it came to picking the program that was best for her, Dove looked into various programs and highlighted all the events and trips each program planned for the students. “I chose Italy due to its renaissance art movement,” Dove said.

Eventually, Dove picked API due to the length of trip and opportunities it opened for her: eight weeks for cooking classes, free museum tickets and multiple weekend trips. Being eight weeks, the API program allowed Dove to take two credit classes towards her art major. Then, Dove made sure she monitored how much she was spending on groceries every week to help her budget for the trip. 

Along with a passion for traveling, especially to Europe, Dove wanted to further her education and learn more about her major through studying abroad. Due to her being a student-athlete during the school year, the best time Dove had to study abroad was during the summer, so she took on the adventure. When she did, studying abroad in Italy helped expand her knowledge about various art styles and which art style suited her best. 

In Italy, transportation for Dove was a lot easier than she thought it would be. She traveled via taxi, bus or train if she needed to go to another town or city. Her favorite way to travel was by using the train as it moved her across the country fast, and her favorite place she traveled to was Elba, an island that did not have many English speakers and where she went snorkeling at, rode a boat, and walked to get to a beach. 

Dove met multiple people who did not speak English, but it was not as difficult for her. She was able to use the Google translate app or ask one of her program friends who spoke Italian to translate. Though Dove said she wishes she would have taken time to learn more of the Italian language to communicate with those she met in Italy more. 

When it came to communicating to her family and friends from back home in the United States, Dove bought an Italian SIM card which allowed her to receive service in places she went using the Italian phone number it came with. Additionally, there was also WiFi in their apartment. 

With these, Dove was able to make Facetime calls with her family and friends in the United States. There was one adjustment she had trouble with: there was not always air conditioning in their apartment, restaurants, shops and classrooms due to how expensive electricity is in Italy. This became hard for Dove and her roommates as the temperature in Italy got very hot during the summer. 

“There is not one thing I would change about my trip,” Dove said. “I loved every single part of it and wished I was still there.” 

Though there were communication barriers and problems with the air conditioning, studying abroad in Italy became a trip to remember for Dove. She was able to expand her knowledge with art, learn more about herself as an individual, build communication skills with another culture, strengthen her skills as a leader and made memories that will stay with her forever. 

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Opinion: Live music is thriving the Midwest

By Hunter Goltz/Collegian Staff

The Midwestern section of the United States is often considered bland and boring, but this isn’t necessarily true. There are many activities and events that exist, even in areas near Fayette.

For music lovers, the Midwest is an exceptional area for attending concerts and festivals. Some would even say they prefer music shows in this area to performances in states like Texas or California. Though these states have a lot to offer, there is something more authentic feeling about the atmosphere in the Midwest.

Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Detroit and St. Louis are popular cities in the area that offer amazing music concerts and festivals. Cities like these create a great interest for music lovers everywhere, especially in neighboring cities and states. 

The Midwest offers the best music festivals in the United States. The absolute biggest music festival in the United States is Summerfest, which happens to be in Milwaukee. Since Milwaukee is less than four hours away from Upper Iowa University, it would be a mistake to miss the biggest music festival in the U.S.

The city of Chicago is without a doubt the most popular area for concertgoers. The Windy City is only four and a half hours away and offers the biggest surplus of musical entertainment in the Midwest. Chicago is home to huge music festivals such as Lollapalooza, Riot Fest, Pitchfork Music Festival and a popular rap festival known as Lyrical Lemonade Summer Smash. 

Some recently ended tours of artists who have traveled through the Midwest include Red Hot Chili Peppers, Kendrick Lamar, Yes, Darrel Hall, JID, Smino and more.

Midwesterners shouldn’t be discouraged by the state of their location. Music lovers in the area should instead be celebrating the great number of talents that travels to the area to perform. Some of the best music festivals and performances to ever exist can still be seen in places like the Midwest.

Students at Upper Iowa University should broaden their horizons of the live music scene and explore the wonders of near musical entertainment. 

First-time concertgoers should be prepared and in control of themselves at a live show. Students that want to go to live music performances in the future should be aware of parking, hotel booking and protecting all personal belongings as some people may try to pickpocket personal belongings.

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Peacocks’ match vs #5 Saginaw Valley goes down to wire

The Upper Iowa men’s soccer team hosted Saginaw Valley State on October 16. The Cardinals had got the best of the Peacocks in their first matchup back in September and came into Sunday’s game ranked as the fifth-ranked Division II team in the country.

The Peacocks (1-11-2) put up a valiant effort Saginaw Valley (10-0-4), but ultimately came up short, losing 2-1 at Harms-Eischeid Stadium. 

Saginaw struck first, opening the game’s scoring inside the first minute. A long throw-in was flicked on into the middle of the penalty area, and the ball was eventually finished into the net by Jason Squeo. 

The Cardinals continued to control the first half, and 20 minutes later would score their second goal of the contest. Anthony Waller took control of the ball inside the Peacocks defensive half and would lay the ball off to the GLIAC-leading goal scorer Jonathan Monney who rounded goalkeeper Archie Watts and slotted the ball into the back of the net. 

After a first half dominated by the Cardinals, the Peacocks came to play in the second half. The Peacocks would end up cutting the Saginaw lead in half with about 18 minutes to play, when Leart Wunsch fired in his first collegiate goal. 

The play started from a long ball into the box by Daniel Pranger, which Alex Arriola kept out of the goalkeeper’s grasp and played the ball to Wunsch. Wunsch then played a give and go with Jonathan Baylon and finished the chance into the top of the Cardinals’ net, giving Baylon his first career assist. 

The Peacocks kept the pressure on for the last 18 minutes, including a free kick opportunity in the final minute of the game. The Peacocks sent all 11 players into the Cardinals’ defensive half, including goalkeeper Watts, but the ball sent in from Noah Gjervik ended up in the hands of the Saginaw keeper, effectively ending the match.

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Winner, winner, chicken dinner: McDuel parlays free President's Ball tickets into $1,500

By Guinevere Calpito/Collegian Staff

The day before performing at his first home football game, Darryl McDuel won nearly $1,500. On October 7, McDuel attended Upper Iowa University’s 10th President’s Fundraising Ball, to which he also won free tickets, the night before the Homecoming football game. Needless to say, luck is right by McDuel’s side this year. 

The week before Upper Iowa’s Homecoming game against Augustana University, Upper Iowa Student Activities partnered with the Upper Iowa Alumni House to host a giveaway. The giveaway was open for all UIU students and staff members to win the free, last ticket for the UIU President’s Fundraising Ball. On the day of announcing the winner, McDuel luckily won the last ticket and was able to attend the Ball for free. 

McDuel dressed in an all-black suit with matching black pants paired with a white collared undershirt, white shoes, and silver and gold jewelry for the Ball. At the Ball, McDuel met with many UIU alumni and sponsors, was treated with respect and was served some of the best foods UIU has to offer. 

Ten years ago, Dr. William Duffy, president of Upper Iowa University, and his First Lady, Sharon, founded the UIU President’s Fundraising Ball and have continued to be one of top sponsors each year. 

More luck came McDuel’s way at the Ball in the game heads-or-tails. In order to play, attendees of the ball had to buy beads. McDuel met a friend who purchased McDuel and others beads for them to play. Luckily, during heads-or-tails, McDuel chose the right answer. By the end of the night, McDuel won nearly $1,500. Surely, this made McDuel’s week. 

“I was completely shocked,” McDuel said. “When I heard that I won, I will forever be grateful and thankful for those who sponsored the money.” 

The next day, McDuel enjoyed his first performance as an Upper Iowa cheerleader at the Homecoming football game against Augustana. McDuel just began his cheerleading career when he tried out for the team a few weeks before Homecoming week. 

One of his happiest achievements, McDuel was accepted as a cheerleader and quickly learned cheer choreography, stunts and dances. Needless to say, McDuel achieves his goals and brings his luck wherever he goes this school year. 

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From across the pond, Garrett at home on pitch for UIU

By Luke Hanson/Collegian Staff

Dexter Garrett made the 4,000-mile trip across the Atlantic Ocean from England this summer to play soccer in Fayette for Upper Iowa University. 

Garrett has had a bright start to his collegiate career, scoring his first goal in just his fifth collegiate game, and has logged the third most minutes on team through 14 games. He has played and started in 13 of the first 14 games, while playing through a broken wrist for the last five games. 

“The opportunity to play Division II soccer in the U.S.” is what brought Garrett to Fayette this summer, who was accompanied by his former club teammate Edward Stephens-Truman. Garrett and Stephens-Truman are two of five English players on the team this season, and having a couple of teammates who he can share the experience with have helped ease him into the change. 

Garrett’s favorite part about his time in the United States so far has been meeting new people and hanging out with the new friends he has made. Over 4,000 miles from home, the hardest part of the transition to the United States for Garrett has been, “leaving (his) friends and family for a long period of time.” 

Before coming to Fayette, Garrett played for seven clubs in England, among those were Fulham, Chelsea, Portsmouth, and most recently, Aldershot Town. Reflecting back on his moves across soccer clubs in England, Garrett said, “Everything happens for a reason, and if you focus on the negatives, you’ll never see how great things are.” 

Finding the right fit can be hard at some points, especially when it comes to highly competitive teams in England. Though there were many ups and downs, Garrett’s experience from playing at multiple high-level clubs in previous years is shown through his work on the pitch. 

Garrett was able to make his first start in a Division II match as a freshman, having come to a new country and a life on his own just less than three weeks prior. His motivation for coming across the pond to play collegiate soccer came from, “the chance to play the game (he) loves while getting a degree.”

“The freedom and competitiveness” were two characteristics Garrett used to describe the reason he fell in love with the sport of soccer. His own competitiveness has come to fruition this season, as after he suffered a broken wrist in a match versus Purdue-Northwest, Garrett missed just one match and has played 88 or more minutes in every match since, a staple point of the Peacocks’ backline. 

Garrett says his best quality on the pitch is his heading ability. He has backed up that statement this season, winning many aerial duels and smashing in a thunderous header off a corner kick in a rainy September match against UW-Parkside, a header that gave the Peacocks the lead early in the first half of that match. As for leading up to games, Garrett’s pre-game rituals consist of two tuck jumps just before kickoff. 

Throughout his time here as a Peacock, Garrett hopes to “continue to play every game and help the team do well in the playoffs.” While it has been a tough first season, the freshman has a bright future ahead of him and can help to turn the Peacocks back to winning ways. 

Alongside soccer aspirations here at Upper Iowa, Garrett is pursuing a major in business and has dreams of starting his own one day. Like most college students, Garrett loves spending his free time outside of soccer hanging out with his friends, or in English terms, “chilling with (his) mates.”

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Editorial: Mental health matters

By Hunter Goltz/Collegian Staff

Mental health matters. Whether in the workplace or school, taking the time to focus on mental health is important. 

Like any college, Upper Iowa University has its fair share of stressful situations. These issues must be carefully dealt with through stress management and an increased focus on the mental stability of students.

Some of the biggest stressors for college students at Upper Iowa University may be large amounts of homework, overwhelming classes, personal struggles with relationships on campus or even finding a job to gain a little extra money.

How can college students find ways in their own life to manage these stressors? The answer is a lot more difficult than one may think.

There is no absolute answer for solving mental health challenges. The tactics for resolving mental strain vary from person to person. Though everyone copes differently, it is important to take some basic steps to regain mental clarity. 

A common practice of any student is to take a mental health day. This is a type of sick day for students who simply need a break from class or socializing. Students often spend their mental health days recuperating and collecting their thoughts. Students may also use mental health days to step completely away from their tasks and focus on something they enjoy more. 

Some students, though, may already be conditioned with a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. Some serious forms of these illnesses can put students at risk of hurting themselves or others.

In their interpersonal relationships, patients diagnosed with depression or anxiety tend to push away from important life factors. People with depression or anxiety can lose friends through their poor judgment of a situation. 

Mental health issues can be a big reason why a college student may drop out of school or miss out on school opportunities. Some students may spend less time with their friends or less time entertaining their hobbies because of their mental health. Some students may see the opposite effect and end up avoiding school or work instead.

In severe cases, a student may feel like there is nothing worth living for and might want to commit suicide. When the mental struggle is this serious, individuals should seek help from a professional.

Upper Iowa University offers its students free counseling and therapy on campus. It is important for students to seek help when they notice a significant decline in their mental health. Upper Iowa University is eager to help manage the issues of daily life in college. 

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Peacocks still seeking first win as Augustana spoils Homecoming 31-14 

By Hayden Sathe/Collegian Staff

On October 8 the Upper Iowa Peacocks (0-5) hosted the Augustana Vikings (4-1) for UIU's Homecoming game. The Peacocks suffered another heartbreaking loss, falling to the Vikings 31-14, bringing their record to 0-6.

Upper Iowa started with the ball. Only a few plays into the opening drive, Augustana ended up strip-sacking quarterback Marcus Orr and recovered the fumble at the Peacocks 3-yard line. The Vikings were able to punch it in for a touchdown, giving them an early 7-0 lead. The next Peacock possession ended with a short punt, giving the Vikings good field position. Two plays later, sophomore safety Stacy Terry picked off Augustana’s quarterback, giving the ball right back to the Peacocks.

Early in the second quarter, Augustana found itself in the red zone, but a pass to the end zone was intercepted by sophomore safety Tyler Owens. The Peacocks took advantage of the turnovers and scored a touchdown using a little trickery.

What seemed to be a toss play junior to running back Desean Phillips ended up with Phillips throwing the ball to freshman tight end Eddie Burgess for a Peacock touchdown. This tied the game up 7-7.

The Vikings responded well and were able to march down the field and score a 6-yard touchdown run. Upper Iowa tried to make one last push before halftime, but the drive ended in an interception. Augustana was leading 14-7 going into halftime.

Augustana received the ball to start the second half and was marching down the field with ease. With a new quarterback under center, Augustana's pass into the end zone was intercepted by freshman cornerback Cody Cotton at the Vikings 1-yard line. It was Cody Cotton’s second interception of the season. 

A few possessions later, Augustana lined up to punt the ball. The punt ended up being muffed and recovered by Augustana on the Peacocks' 8-yard line. The Vikings were able to just run the ball in for a touchdown on the very next play, extending their lead to 21-7.

The Vikings would take this lead into the fourth quarter before eventually making a 33-yard field goal to put them up three scores. But Upper Iowa was not going to give up.

Late in the fourth quarter on fourth and long, sophomore Orr hooked up with graduate wide receiver Richard Kamara for an incredible 40-yard touchdown pass. This would cut the lead down to 10 points. On Augustana’s next drive it would end up running for a 72-yard touchdown, killing the Peacocks potential comeback.

The Peacocks travel to Minnesota on Saturday, October 15 to take on the 4-2 Minnesota State-Mankato Mavericks.

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That spooky feeling: Ghost Zinita may still haunt Garbee's halls

By Hayden Sathe/Collegian Staff

Garbee Hall has been around for a long time. It would not be surprising if Garbee Hall has caught any evil spirits throughout the years.

Garbee's older look gives it a spooky vibe, especially walking the halls at night. Going online, there are stories of former students and their experiences they had with ghosts.

They call the ghost “Zinita.” Zinita the ghost haunts multiple buildings around campus, mainly the old theater and an old dorm hall. That theatre is now long gone, and the old dorm hall has been turned into something else.

Nowadays, Garbee Hall residents wonder if Zinita might have made her way to Garbee Hall as students have started to experience some ghost encounters. Students have claimed seeing things in mirrors, hearing voices, having paranormal experiences, it all adds up to prove that Garbee Hall has a ghost.

After hearing some of their stories, other students have started to get that eerie feeling as well. There is an old story online from a former student about how Zinita shows up in people's dreams and shows herself in people's mirrors. Even with both buildings now destroyed, the legend of Zinita lives on.

But what students do know is that it has not caused anyone to run out of their rooms screaming. The ghost has not forced anyone to leave Garbee Hall. It has not caused anyone to get hurt.

So, if Garbee Hall happens to be haunted by a ghost, this ghost must be friendly. 

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During Upper Iowa’s homecoming week, organizations and clubs competed in decorating the window panels of the Student Center. Each organization or club had to decorate two panels with a design that related to Upper Iowa’s homecoming theme: Top Gun. Here, Antonio Garrido, UIU sophomore and member of the bowling team, PEC, and SGA, takes part in window decorating.

— Photo by Guin Calpito

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On Sept. 24, children between the ages of 4 and 12 joined the Upper Iowa Cheer and Dance teams for an "Encanto"-themed halftime performance at Upper Iowa’s home football game against Bemidji State.

Kids involved experienced what it was like being a cheerleader and a dancer for a university by attending practices, learning cheers, dances, stunts and tumbling.

— photos by Guin Calpito

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Chen's world travels bring her to UIU

By Hunter Goltz/Collegian Staff

 Upper Iowa University is famous for having a variety of talents at the school. The diverse population is not only limited to students though as the school brings in new staff yearly. When the school looks for new staff members they may often search outside of the state. 

Like students, professors come and go. Professors who specialize in business are constantly in demand at Upper Iowa University. Demands are often met as a surplus of business professors enter the college each year. One of the many new professors that have arrived this year is Dr. Chun Chen, and her story is one worth telling. 

Chen is a first-year professor at Upper Iowa University. She was born in Taiwan in 1971 and has been exploring the world well into adulthood. Chen has been teaching on and off for 20 years while traveling the world.

Chen pursued her teaching career in places like Taiwan, China, Scotland, England and Georgia. The first place taught was Taiwan. “I enjoyed working in Taiwan because I received grants,” Chen said.

She also expressed her love for Scotland and England saying, “Europe was my favorite country to live and teach.” She then moved to Atlanta, Georgia in hopes to make a difference in the United States, but she found the work to be disappointing. 

 What brings someone like Chen to Upper Iowa University? Iowa just so happened to be the right fit for her. “The area has similar systems of teaching to what I am used to,” Chen said.

Upon arriving in the area, Chen found herself surrounded by friendly people. She found the atmosphere to be comforting and enjoyed her early experiences. 

Chen was excited about something new in her field of work, and Iowa happened to be the right place for her. She expressed her love for the size of Upper Iowa University’s campus and the simplicity of student life in the area.

The most important quality of a new professor to college students is the area of teaching. It is in the student’s best interest to find classes that align with their major and a teacher that is appropriate enough to teach them.

Chen is a business professor who specializes in marketing. Most students who plan to graduate from Upper Iowa University with a degree in business will likely take one of the many classes she teaches. The classes Chen is set to teach include marketing principles, advertising, consumer behavior, new product development and personal selling.

“Students will like my classes if they like group work, videos in class, and discussions,” said Chen.

Chen is interactive with students and eager to help people achieve their goals. Business and marketing majors will find classes of hers to benefit their future.

“Everything fun about marketing is highlighted in my classes,” Chen said. Classes like marketing principles and advertising will equip students with knowledge of terms used in the marketing industry.

Chen is the newest face in the field of business at Upper Iowa University. Her story is an interesting one, but it is just an introduction to her new life in Upper Iowa.

Chen is a friendly individual who is ready to work with new students. Upper Iowa University is filled with a diverse population of students and professors, and the college now offers a warm welcome Chen. She has traveled the entire world connecting with students and is now eager to connect with us.

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My opinion on Local churches in Fayette

By: Hayden Sathe/Collegian Staff

Everyone has a different view of God; it all depends on what someone may believe in. With all the different religions worldwide, there have also been many different views on God, whether God is real or not or if there are just one or many Gods. Whether someone is a believer or not, it is always important to be connected to God. Out of 7 days of the week, God only asks for one hour of people's time to go to church and learn about him. Saying a prayer is an effortless way to stay in touch with God, whether before meals, before bed, or when someone wakes up. Those are not the only times; anyone can say a prayer at any time, and God is always listening. When students get to college, it is easy to lose touch with God, even if that student has been going to church their whole life. Students would instead do other things than go to church without having to be forced to go by their parents anymore. Because face it, nobody wanted to go to church and sit quietly for an hour when everyone was young. But as students started to get older, everyone realized God's importance. Going to church started to feel important. But with the workload that students may get from college, it is pretty easy to overlook attending church. Nobody has so much work that they are unwilling to take just one hour out of their day to attend church. Father Ralph Davis is the priest at a few local churches, notably St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, just half a mile from campus. "The best thing a college student can do is so close to God because he gives you your salvation," Davis said. "God offers to everyone. We need to allow him to help us." St. Francis of Assisi has a mass on Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Saturday at 5 p.m. for just one hour. That is all God asks for. Father Davis has dealt with people who do not believe in God. He starts by telling them about Jesus' story, how inspiring Jesus was, and how he was nailed on the cross. Davis advises, "If someone has not been to church before, they need to learn about Jesus. Get a basis, do not just walk into church without knowing his story. That is like throwing someone who does not know how to swim in the pool's deep end." Some other local churches include First United Methodist Church, Grace Lutheran Church, and Fayette Community Church. All those churches are within a mile of campus. Hopefully, this has encouraged some students to start going to church or learning about God because he is inspirational and helps guide everyone through life.

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My Thoughts on UIU Cafeteria Food

By: Luke Hanson/Collegian Staff

If I have one unpopular opinion on something, this is it. The food served in the cafeteria here at Upper Iowa doesn’t get the credit it deserves. As an incoming freshman this year, I was pleasantly surprised by the cafeteria food. I had always been less than impressed with my high school’s cafeteria food and expected to continue into college. Throughout my first two months here, I’ve been impressed with the food quality and variety in the cafeteria. For me, the breakfasts are what stood out the most while eating at the cafeteria. The pancakes have been my favorite food, and the scrambled eggs are usually served alongside them. While being a student-athlete, there must be enough healthy options for every meal, and the cafeteria does an excellent job. There is always a salad and sandwich bar, and there is usually chicken, fish, or other proteins beneficial to an athlete. On the other hand, if you’re looking to treat yourself, there are usually burgers, chicken tenders, or pizza options. Everyone will have a different opinion on how each food item tastes, but I rarely find myself not liking any of the many options they have available. From teammates, classmates, and other people around campus, I have heard complaints about the food, and while it may not be five-star restaurant food, I think people talk badly about it too often. The convenience of not having to cook in-between classes or after a long practice, combined with the variety of options available at each meal, means that people should be grateful for what we have here in our cafeteria.

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Emphasizing College Students' Mental Health

By: Guinevere Calpito/Collegian Staff

"1 in 3 college students experience significant depression and anxiety," Mayo Clinic Health System said. There is no doubt that college students struggle with their mental health, especially if they are student-athletes. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, depression and anxiety rates have increased among college students. University staff, coaches, and students need to be aware of the symptoms, risk factors, and treatment early to get students proper care. Young adults face complex problems; they feel pressured to succeed and achieve their goals without having much knowledge of necessary life skills. "Young adults are increasingly pressured to be effortlessly perfect," Julie Scelfco, a New York Times writer, said. Many young adults are pushed to or above their limits since elementary school, which causes their mental health to suffer. In addition to hyperachievement, students may have demanding schedules many days a week, resulting in sleep-deprived and barely having enough time to focus on developing independent living skills. As a student-athlete who lives off-campus, finding time for myself may get more challenging as my days are filled with face-to-face, and online classes, meetings, work, lifts, practice, events, and occasionally study hours. By the end of the day, the stress of managing money and schoolwork takes a toll on my mental health. Students who struggle with depression and anxiety may be reluctant to seek help, which increases the risk of a harmful outcome: a decrease in their academic performance, dropping out of college, substance abuse, or suicide. Therefore, university staff, coaches, and students need to emphasize the topic of mental health in hopes of helping students. Symptoms of depression and anxiety that need to be acknowledged include but are not limited to the following: loss of interest in activities, a decrease in eating or sleep, panic, lack of energy, panic, difficulty with schoolwork, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. To help the students, these symptoms should be understood by people in the university and actively provide resources to students and treatments. Mental health is a growing concern, and students' mental health should be more severe than ever. Students need the proper treatment and attention they may need when it comes to mental health to reduce harmful outcomes. University staff members, coaches, and students need to be aware of their resources and possible treatments to prevent students' mental health from suffering. There needs to be an emphasis on students' mental health.

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Mid-Season Football Team Statistical Review

By: Nick Peck/Collegian Editor

The Upper Iowa University football team has had a tough first half of the season. They are 0-5 overall with two losses at home and three on the road. In five games this season, they have been close in just one, but they still have had several bright spots statistically within the program. The team is young and growing, and the weekly statistical growth is nothing short of extraordinary for such a young program. On the offensive side of the ball, peacocks have rushed for a total of 537 yards. They have three touchdowns in their first five games from their strong rushing attack of a three-headed running back monster trio. On the passing side, quarterback Marcus Orr has averaged 147 yards per game and has five touchdowns to go along with that average. As an offense in total, they have 1,065 total yards and eight touchdowns. On the defensive side of the ball, they have at least three players with 20 plus solo tackles. They also have four players with at least one sack on the season—two with interceptions and around forty on the defensive side of the ball with at least one tackle. This statistic speaks to the amount of contribution they are getting from this young team. On the special team's side, punter Traegen Kramer has been a bright spot. He has had 1209 yd in total punt yards, averaging 37.78 yards per punt. With five punts being 50 plus yards, the longest on the season is 63 yards. The kicking unit also has a 57.4-yard kick for kickoffs and has had two touchbacks on the year. This team has many positives despite their five records in midseason. Those positives come from the contribution of many different younger players statistically. As head coach Jason Hoskins and the rest of his staff prepare for the second half of the season, they look to use these positive statistics to help propel them to their first win. On October 8th, 2022, at 3 p.m. on the new Harms-Eischeid Stadium turf, this team will take on Augustana University, looking to use these positive statistics to get their first win of the season.

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Upper Iowa Basketball Preview

By: Austin Hilmer The Upper Iowa basketball team has started preseason workouts and is preparing for the upcoming season. After a very successful season last year, finishing the year with 26 wins and just six losses, they are looking to move forward and have another great year. Although it will not be an easy task as the Peacocks lose several key pieces from the following season. Joe Smoldt and Jareese Williams are two of the most significant losses, averaging over 17 per game a piece. Adding to that, the team will also be without two key role players: Connor Duax and Cade Moritz. Although they were not high-scoring players, they got the job done on the defensive end and knocked down shots when their name was called. Despite these significant losses, they bring back four starters from last season: Jake Hilmer, Dylan Jones, Nick Reid, and Lucas Duax. Senior point guard Jake Hilmer is looking forward to the upcoming season. “We had a great season last year, but I can’t wait to get this season rolling. Jareese and Joe will be tough guys to replace, but I think this year teams will be counting us out from the day, and it will be fun to prove all of them wrong, ” said Hilmer. Jake averaged 16.5 points per game last year and a team-best 127 assists. Lucas Duax added 10 points per contest and led the conference in steals with 46, bringing his career total to 149. Senior center Dylan Jones contributed six points per game while adding five rebounds per game, and Nick Reid added seven points per game. Max Duax is another everyday player from the following season that is back. Seniors Jackson Foley, Baden Noenning, and Quinn Killerlain are guys who will be expected to take a more prominent role in the upcoming basketball year. Additionally, the team has added eight first-year students to the roster. Freshmen Jayden Mackie and Maddox Griffin have enjoyed their time at Upper Iowa and can’t wait for the season. “Preseason has been a lot of fun and is getting me amped up for the year,” said Mackie. Griffin echoed that by saying, “my experience here so far has been great, and I can’t wait to see what the future here holds.” Along with the vast first-year class, the team also added an excellent pick-up in the transfer portal in Caleb Delzell. After spending his first two years at Kirkwood Community College, Caleb has three years of eligibility for the Peacocks! Despite the significant losses from graduation, the men’s basketball team is excited about the challenge and uses last year’s success for the upcoming season!

[theuiucollegian]

From France to Fayette

By: Luke Hanson/Collegian Staff Meet Yannis Sapim, an incoming Upper Iowa Men's Soccer Team transfer. Sapim is originally from Toulouse, France, and has spent time playing soccer in France, England, Oklahoma, and now here in Iowa. He first played college soccer at Oklahoma Panhandle State University (OPSU) for two years, scoring four goals and tallying an assist in the 2021 season while leading his team in minutes and being named to the 2021 2nd Team All-SAC (Sooner Athletic Conference). With a coaching change occurring at OPSU, Yannis found himself in the transfer portal, leading him to Fayette. Over his first month and a half here on campus, Sapim has said that he has enjoyed meeting new people and making new friends in a new state. Though the Peacocks have had a tough start to the season, Yannis has netted two goals through the first nine games. At a young age, he first fell in love with soccer, watching the 2006 World Cup final, where his native country, France, lost on penalty kicks to Italy. Even though France lost, Yannis said that this moment inspired his love for the game and his passion for getting better every day. "Knowing that I've always got something to learn, and I'll never be the finished product, that I can always be a better passer of the ball, run faster, that's what pushes me every day to become better," said Sapim. His growth throughout his college career so far shows this mindset. As for beginning his college career, he first decided he wanted to play college soccer after being released from Brentford F.C. at the age of 19. He decided to go across the pond to continue his education and soccer career. The hardest part of coming to the U.S. for Yannis was leaving his family "not being able to have that home-cooked meal or not being able to see my brother grow up has been a challenging aspect of coming out here," said Sapim. Sapim hasn't been able to see his family in person in over three years but says he is here to make them proud and get a degree while experiencing high-level soccer in a foreign country. Sapim is a forward-thinking central midfielder, citing his best quality as being able to stay composed. He loves to use his aggressiveness and intensity to turnover opponents and drive his team forward with the ball at his feet or with a pass. Throughout his time here, Sapim hopes to turn the program back around after losing several key players from last season, saying, "The program is a good one with a good young core. Unfortunately, we've not gotten off to the best of starts, but hopefully, we can change that." Sapim has a handful of hobbies outside of soccer, including watching and playing other sports such as football, playing FIFA, listening to music, and going to the gym. He also enjoys watching anime and other T.V. shows, along with reading books such as "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" and "48 Laws of Power". Before each game and before each time he steps onto the field, Sapim makes sure to pray and consequently entirely focuses on the game ahead. While a dedicated student-athlete, he is majoring in general business with a minor in marketing and hopes to become a successful entrepreneur. Your next chance to catch Sapim and the rest of the Upper Iowa Men's Soccer Team in action is this Sunday, October 2, at 2:30 p.m. at Harms-Eischeid Stadium for an important conference matchup vs. St. Cloud State!