UCLA showed their talent off throughout the entire season, only dropping one game to the Texas Longhorns in late November. The Bruins found themselves facing off against the Longhorns once again in the final four, this time getting the win and helping solidify their season record of 37-1.

But who was behind the powerhouse of a program? UCLA’s head coach, Cori Close, has been leading the Bruins for 15 seasons, putting up an impressive 358-144 career record. After years of successful seasons, Close saw all the hard work pay off on Sunday.

In an interview, Close stated, “There were a lot of times we wondered if it could be true. I said I wanted to find uncommon, courageous women who were willing to make uncommon choices that maybe possibly could yield an uncommon result, and today it did.”

The NCAA is becoming increasingly unstable as the transfer portal expands each year, making it harder than ever for programs to secure long-term commitments from athletes.

That’s what makes two names in UCLA’s starting lineup so remarkable: Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez. Both were central to the team’s success, and unlike many players in the transfer portal era, they spent all four years at UCLA, making this win extra special for them.

Since the game was largely one-sided, it never produced the kind of thrilling buzzer-beaters that fans expect from a championship. Nonetheless, ESPN recorded some of the more memorable moments, saying in a post, “With 3:46 remaining in the contest, Betts and Kiki Rice exited to a standing ovation from UCLA fans and hugged coach Cori Close on the sideline. Shortly after, Jaquez drained a 3-pointer to put the Bruins up by 34. She amped up the crowd on her way off the floor and hugged Close, too. It was special for those three pillars of the program, all seniors heading into the WNBA, to have that moment exiting the floor for the final time.”

As the final buzzer sounded, UCLA’s historic season was complete. From a near-perfect record to a dominant championship performance, the Bruins cemented their place at the top of women’s college basketball.

Invincible is an adult animated superhero series centering on 17-year-old Mark Grayson, who inherits powers from his father, Omni-Man, the planet’s most powerful superhero. As the show progresses, it follows the story of Mark Grayson, aka Invincible, developing his powers and understanding that despite the legacy his father had left, Invincible must become the Earth’s next great defender.

After the show was originally released back in 2021, the show received a 98% on Rotten Tomatoes, creating a high standard from the start. Since then, the show has maintained a steady and consistent rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, making this fourth season the third season in a row to achieve a perfect score. Coming back following its season three finale, garnering the highest-rated season finale, scoring a 9.9/10 IMDb rating, and joining shows such as Game of Thrones and Succession, the show’s three-episode drop ranked number one on the top ten shows on Amazon Prime that week.

Following the new season’s release, fans have praised the season for its darker tone, higher stakes, and showing how each and every character has a crucial role within the show, especially Mark, as he faces increasingly complex moral decisions that will eventually dictate the reputation of the hero. The show has remained consistent with having explosive character development and a strong musical soundtrack, as well as not being afraid to create highly intense and emotionally graphic scenes.

One of the biggest changes to the show that fans took quick notice of was the higher-quality animation the show created in the following season. Fans of the show have debated back and forth since the show’s original release that the quality of the animation was deemed poor and needed to be enhanced, yet this season has broken that critique. As this season progresses, fans are eager to get their hands on consistent, higher-quality animation.

With the continuing success of Invincible, Amazon Prime has already greenlit the next season, which is slated to be released between February and April of 2027. This early renewal highlights the platform’s confidence in the series and its growing fanbase.

The first four episodes of Invincible season four are now streaming exclusively on Prime Video, with the following episodes set to be released every Wednesday until April 22nd.

Season Four Invincible Schedule

• Episodes 1-3: March 18 (Now streaming)

• Episode 4: March 25 (Now streaming)

• Episode 5: April 1

• Episode 6: April 8

• Episode 7: April 15

• Episode 8: April 22

Bad Bunny’s 2026 Super Bowl LX halftime show made history by becoming the first halftime show to be performed in Spanish while also bringing in 128 million viewers. Not only did Bad Bunny make history with his performance, but he also included various odes to Latin Culture and Puerto Rico.

The show started with a man playing the guitar while wearing a pava in front of a sugarcane field, who says, “Qué rico es ser Latino,” which translates to: “How wonderful it is to be Latino.” The man with a pava hat opening up the show represented the jíbaro, which is a traditional Puerto Rican rural farmer or agricultural worker.

Throughout the show’s set design, various street vendors and stands were featured representing Latin foods such as Piraguas (Puerto Rican shaved ice) as well as iconic street vendors and small businesses, including Los Angeles-based Villa’s Tacosand Brooklyn’s Toñita’s (Caribbean Social Club).

Additionally, several nods to common experiences in Latin culture were highlighted. For example, Bad Bunny waking up a small child who was sleeping on a set of chairs during the wedding reception was a nod to a universally relatable image from any Latin family gathering that goes late into the night. The people featured playing dominoes represented a social game that brings Puerto Rican communities together.

Although the halftime show had many references to Latin Culture, Bad Bunny used the big stage to share several messages for the viewers across the globe to take in.

During his performance of his song “Monaco” he shares in Spanish: “Mi nombre es Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, y si hoy estoy aquí en el Super Bowl 60, es porque nunca, nunca dejé de creer en mí. Tú también deberías de creer en ti. Vales más de lo que piensas. Confía en mí.”

This translates to “My name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, and if I’m here today at Super Bowl 60, it’s because I never, ever stopped believing in myself. You should also believe in yourself. You’re worth more than you think. Trust me.”

For those who might not understand the correlation of the show and music as a whole, “Stranger Things” utilizes various songs from the 1980s to emphasize some of the most crucial scenes throughout the show’s history.

yMusic is incredibly vital for the show. The WSQK Collection vinyl packaging created by the Duffer Brothers shares that “Music is not just a backdrop, it’s an intrinsic part of the series, both in Hawkins (the prominent fictional town in the series) and for the audience watching at home.”

As stated previously, music is not just a backdrop; it’s integral to the show. One notable song tied to some of the biggest scenes in the show’s history is “Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) by Kate Bush. This song has been prevalent throughout seasons four and five, emphasizing some of the events that take place surrounding the character Max Mayfield.

After the series finale of the show aired on Dec. 31, 2025, Spotify took to Instagram to share how the show helped skyrocket specific songs featured in the show’s final episode. Prince’s “Purple Rain” stream rate increased by 608% globally on Spotify in the week following Dec. 31, alongside the stream rate of his overall category, which increased by 190% globally on Spotify in that week as well.

Not only did Prince see an increase in streaming rates, “Sweet Jane” by Cowboy Junkies saw a 264% increase globally on Spotify in the week following Dec. 31.

Other songs that saw a large increase in Spotify global streaming rates following the show’s conclusion included “Heroes” by David Bowie, “Here Comes Your Man” by Pixies, and “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac.

With these figures in mind, it is hard to ignore how crucial music is within the show’s runtime. Although the show has concluded, the musical aspect of “Stranger Things” will remain prevalent for the foreseeable future.

Led by Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, the film has generated high expectations. Robbie recently starred in the Barbie movie, which set records as the highest-grossing live-action comedy of all time. Elordi also achieved success in his 2025 film Frankenstein, winning the Critics’ Choice Award for best supporting actor.

The two have joined together to retell the English love story of Catherine Earnshaw and Heathcliff. Since childhood, the two characters have always loved each other, but as the story unfolds, their class differences drive them apart. This leads to Heathcliff’s rise to wealth and Catherine’s life in her prosperous marriage with the successful Edgar Linton. Though they go their separate ways, fate eventually brings them back together.

The book continues the story through Catherine and Heathcliff’s children. The forbidden love story seems to come full circle when Heathcliff’s ward starts to fall for Catherine’s daughter. The reader has to question whether the historical love story will repeat itself.

While the book follows the generational love triangle, the movie seems to focus on the first 23 chapters of Brontë’s novel, following Catherine and Heathcliff’s forbidden relationship. Will the two end up happily ever after, or will their differences keep them apart eternally? It all unfolds in theaters on Feb. 13.

It’s no accident that this gothic romance was released on Valentine’s Day weekend. Margot Robbie says, “That was always the plan … and it felt like the perfect weekend.”

Wuthering Heights is shaping up to be a can’t-miss romantic experience, perfect for couples looking to celebrate with a memorable date night. Industry tracking suggests this film could bring in upward of $40 million on opening weekend alone.

So, whether you’re celebrating the holiday of love with family, friends or that special someone, be sure to get your tickets now. This film is set to be one of the romantic highlights of the year on screen.

Having one of the best running backs in the country, Marshawn Lynch, it was assumed the Seahawks would run the ball, punching through to the end zone. Attempting to avoid predictability, Coach Pete Carol chose to throw the ball, thinking it would fool the defense. This play didn’t end well for Seattle as Malcolm Butler, a cornerback on the Patriots, intercepted the ball to win his team the Super Bowl.

Seattle fans have yet to live down the embarrassment of this play. Reliving it year after year, however, this year they have an opportunity for a rematch. The Seahawks and Patriots will face off in the Super Bowl again this weekend, on Sunday, Feb. 8th.

This Super Bowl is projected to be an incredibly competitive match-up. The Seahawks come to the game with a 16-3 record (16 wins, 3 losses), whereas the Patriots hold one more win than the Seahawks, sitting at a 17-3 record (17 wins, 3 losses).

This championship game will feature the best defensive team versus the best offensive team. The Seattle Seahawks have had a historically great defense. A recurring tradition on the Seahawks defense is nicknames, most well-known being the Seattle secondary in the 2010s known as the “Legion of Boom.” The new nickname of their commanding defense is ”The Dark Side,” and they are led by defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who joined the organization in 2024. They currently lead in many metrics, most notably leading the NFL in fewest points allowed per game.

On the other side, the Patriots feature one of the best offenses in the league. Ranked 3rd in overall yards per game at 379.4, and 3rd overall in postseason yards with 835. This powerhouse offense is led by offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and quarterback Drake Maye, who was drafted 3rd overall in 2024.

It is safe to say that this game is going to be a great watch. Who will win this time? Only time will tell. Grab your friends and tune in wherever you watch sports to see the Seattle Seahawks take on the New England Patriots this Sunday, February 8th.

The first convocation has occurred, reintroducing college norms as well as celebrating the achievements of the Bethel student body. Two weeks of classes have gone by, as well as a weekend celebrating the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The past week has laid the foundation for another spectacular semester for the Bethel College community. 

The first half of the academic year was filled with great memories across the board, featuring events such as Taste of Newton, Fall Fest, the fall musical, and many home football games. While acknowledging the joys of the past year, let’s take a look at what’s to come. 

Students are falling back into the swing of things and getting going with second-semester classes. Ashlyn Rushing, from Dallas, Texas, says she is excited to be back.

“It feels good to be back with friends. To return to our regular school routine,” said Rushing. Rushing is in the second semester of her first year in nursing school, and is looking forward to all of the exciting adventures she has ahead. 

With this being the last half of the year, it means the end of an era for some. Emma Killingsworth, a senior from Austin, Texas, stated, “I am excited to spend one last semester living with my best friends, taking in every second and making memories to last a lifetime.”  

With the return of students, the campus has undergone a shift in overall environment. While it may still be cold outside, many have noted a warmer ambience within the community now that everyone is back together again. Trent Voth even commented in convocation that he noticed this positive shift in mood after seeing students return to life on campus.

Some events to look forward to for the remainder of the year are the spring play, Bubbert’s film contest, Mudslam, Threshpies, and, of course, graduation. 

This semester is sure to provide many opportunities for students to have a wonderful college experience. Be sure to branch out and explore all that Bethel has to offer. 

“Connection is one of the most important protective factors against seasonal mood downturns,” says mental health expert Jennifer Kemlan. Students can get connected in many ways this semester, and intramurals are a perfect example. Every Tuesday night, students come together to compete and socialize — whether it is a game of soccer, volleyball, or something else — offering a chance to stay active, have fun, and connect with others.

Bethel will host a wide variety of sports events in the coming weeks. Whether students are interested in softball, basketball, or tennis, there is something for everyone this February. Attending these events, staying active, and connecting with others are great ways to boost mood and fight off the winter blues.

Behavioral science experts at Goldsmiths University suggest that attending live music can boost well-being by about 21 percent compared to other activities. Bethel’s choir will host a Chamber Singers concert on Feb. 1. The concert offers another opportunity for students to enjoy live music, lift their spirits, and connect with the campus community.

While attending events is a great way to combat the winter blues, there are also simple habits students can adopt to make the most of the colder months. Southern New Hampshire health experts recommend light therapy, time outdoors, vitamin D supplements, increased daylight, and daily movement.

Putting these recommendations into practice does not have to be complicated. Even something as simple as going for a walk outside on a nice day can provide more daylight exposure, fresh air, and physical activity. When outdoor conditions are less inviting, the new wellness center provides an alternative for staying active. From pickleball and basketball to treadmills, weightlifting, and volleyball, there are many options to help increase daily movement.

Together, these strategies offer effective ways to manage the seasonal sadness that often comes with the colder months. All Bethel events mentioned can be found on the Bethel website under the Events section. By staying engaged, active, and connected, students can make the most of the semester despite the lingering winter gloom.

The film follows a convict who is sent to explore an ocean of blood discovered on a desolate moon using a shabby submarine nicknamed the “Iron Lung.” His journey takes place in a post-apocalyptic future after an event known as “The Quiet Rapture” resulted in all known stars and habitable planets in the universe disappearing.

Prior to the film’s release, it had already developed a dedicated fanbase and a massive media following due to the popularity of Markiplier. He originally launched his YouTube channel in 2012, initially for sketch comedy, but quickly pivoted to gaming, gaining traction with the horror survival game Amnesia.

As Markiplier continued to upload a variety of videos, he began to build a massive fanbase following the release of the 2014 indie horror game Five Nights at Freddy’s. His gameplay of the game skyrocketed, gaining millions of views and rapid subscriber growth, later establishing him as a top gaming influencer.

For gaming and pop culture enthusiasts, the cast of Iron Lung has some familiar voices throughout the film. One notable cast member is Troy Baker, best known for his role in the game The Last of Us as well as the game Batman: Arkham Knight. Additionally, the voice actor for Charlie Magne in the hit show Hazbin Hotel, Elsie Lovelock, will also be included in the upcoming film.

Popular gaming YouTuber Seán McLoughlin, or Jacksepticeye, will act alongside Fischbach. For gaming YouTube fans, seeing the two act on screen together is a big deal due to Jacksepticeye and Markiplier being featured in many videos together over the last decade.

The anticipation surrounding Iron Lung’s release is prevalent due to tickets selling out in minutes across 2,500 theaters. Our own Chisholm Trail 8 in Newton will get its own showing of Iron Lung on opening day for the film. According to Deadline.com, the film is projected to garner $9M-$10M when it opens on Jan. 30.

Tickets for Iron Lung are available on the Chisholm Trail 8 website starting on Jan. 30.

In Theater Production and Direction, students taking the class have the opportunity to direct their own One-Act play. This means they participate in multiple facets of the production, including picking a play, getting the script, creating sets, and running lights and sound. These students also hold auditions for roles within the act, allowing students outside of the class to participate.

All One-Act performances, this year led by student directors Daniela Casique, Kaleb Scripsick, and Lilli Reisser, are held back-to-back, allowing students and faculty to experience all the hard work of the directors in one night.

Kaleb Scripsick, a senior Communication Arts major, is showing an act titled “Knock Knock” by Jason Pizzarello and Kathryn Funkhouser. This play is centered around package delivery and the surprises that may lie behind every door.

When asked about what audience members should expect, Scripsick stated, “My play is a comedy, so it has been really fun to produce. It should be really funny for the audience, I think they are going to like it.”

Lilli Reisser, a senior Psychology major, spoke about the challenges and joys of producing as well, in her play titled “Answers” by Tom Topor, a play speaking about the potential for abuse of power within the interrogation system.

Reisser stated, “Preparation has been chaotic at times, but I’m proud of my actors and excited to see how [the play] comes together by show night.”

Reisser continued by highlighting the fun parts of this role and stated, “I’ve always wanted to try directing in some aspect. Being able to put forth good effort and to see my actors care about their roles is a lot of fun.”

All three performances will be held in Krehbiel Auditorium in the Luyken Fine Arts Center on November 20, beginning at 7:00 pm.

In all seriousness, Halloween has passed, and Thanksgiving is coming up. The end of the year provides a time to get together with friends and family and enjoy the holiday season. For those looking for fun holiday activities to participate in, here are some nearby options.

The Dyck Arboretum in Hesston has an event called Prairie Lights. The event occurs on November 28th, 29th, and 30th from 5:30 to 8 pm. The weekend of December 5th will also have openings, with the same time slots available.

The arboretum describes to future attendees that at the event, they will be “observing tens of thousands of twinkle lights adorning the Arboretum path and illuminating our grounds.” They state that Praire lights “is a great way to kick off the holiday season and find renewed appreciation for the prairie landscape around us.”

Another popular event during the holidays is the lighting of the green. During this event, the campus turns off all lights and invites all students to the green for a moment to celebrate the holiday season.

Senior Emma Killingworth from Georgetown, Texas, was in attendance for the event last year. When asked what she enjoyed about the event, Killingsworth stated, “The music was really good, and the overall atmosphere was incredibly uplifting.” She mentioned that it reinforced, for her, the reason for the season.

Additionally, here in North Newton, there is a Christmas parade located right on Main Street. This year, on December 4th, the Newton Lions Club will be hosting its annual Christmas parade. Along with the typical parade floats and other activities, “the evening will also include hot chocolate, cookies, and photos with Santa after the parade.”

The parade is completely free to those who would like to attend, and businesses located on Main Street are going to remain open later into the evening for those who would like to shop.

The Holidays are a busy time for students, but events such as these are a great opportunity for them to get a break from their intense workload.

Every Halloween, several teams on campus take a break from their busy practice schedule to have light-hearted fun. This year, teams like tennis, women’s soccer, and softball hade practices where athletes dressed up in their Halloween costumes during practice. This, as it often does, led to a fun seasonal experience for the athletes.

This tradition gives student-athletes a chance to be creative with their teammates. The women’s soccer team was one example of this creativity. Sophomore soccer players Madison Davis and Madeline Moscrip went to practice dressed as Humpty Dumpty and The Wall. Another one of their teammates, Taylor Andrew, went as Lightning McQueen.

Athletes stated that instead of a typical practice, their team captains got to decide what activities they were going to do for the day. They first played a game called soccer tennis, which is played like a match of tennis with a soccer ball as a substitute. They then followed with a PK (penalty kick) shootout.

Softball practice had a similar premise. Junior softball player Cassie Albin came to practice dressed as Abby Lee Miller from Dance Moms. Her fellow teammate, Freshman Kate Quidato, went to practice dressed as Where’s Waldo.

The softball team participated in a kickball game, followed by pumpkin painting, watching Halloween Town, and eating pizza. Following the festivities, Quidato stated, “I think team bonding is very important. Everyone should have a team Halloween party!”

At this point in the semester, it is easy for athletes to feel burnt out and ready for the semester to end, especially with classwork piling up. Having practices like these can take some of the pressure off the practice routine. They serve as a reminder to athletes that it is good to take a break and have fun every once in a while.

Radio Practicum is one of these featured courses, and it is always a popular choice, evident by the long wait list for the class each year.

In Radio Practicum, students run their very own weekly radio show, broadcast on KBCU-FM 88.1. During their session, students are free to express themselves in many different ways. Some DJs choose to have guests on the show, ask them questions, and get their opinions on topics.

Other DJs on the KBCU radio station have used AI services to generate playlists that fit a certain theme they are maintaining for that day. One DJ does live broadcasting of Thresher sporting events, and another plays country music and talks about the weather. The possibilities are endless.

Reese McCord, from Newton, is a first-year DJ. McCord shares that her favorite part of the course is “getting to talk with my sister for fun.”

McCord has a show with her twin sister Mateya on Fridays from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. Those who tune into their show can expect to hear a lot of “rock, Michael Jackson, or anything seasonal,” McCord informs.

McCord encourages her fellow students to get involved with radio, stating, “it’s like a fun break, but a class at the same time.”

This course is often repeated by students. Not because they do not succeed, but quite the opposite, in fact. Students seem to enjoy this class so much that some even end up taking it each semester they attend Bethel.

Radio can be enjoyed by many. The frequency of the broadcast goes from here in North Newton to roughly Hesston. If listeners go online to the website (KBCU-FM 88.1), it will broadcast anywhere in the world, allowing more ears to hear what the students are up to.

The Student Activities Council (SAC) is one of these organizations at Bethel College, dedicated to enhancing student experience through a variety of events and activities. 

This organization is composed of six students led by their President, Karissa Wilson, a junior from Sterling. Karissa is currently in her third year of involvement with SAC. Karissa’s leadership roles include: coordinating, providing resources to SAC staff, and budgeting.  

SAC offers activities for students to participate in weekly. Events range from larger-scale gatherings, including local vendors, to smaller, more casual gatherings like ping-pong tournaments. 

These events are free to students and offer a space for community and involvement within the school. Organizations like the SAC are highly encouraged because they offer opportunities for students to gather together for food, games, socializing, and overall enhancing their Bethel College experience. 

The Student Activity Council is committed to making Bethel College a memorable place for every student. Karissa Wilson expresses this commitment by stating, “It is a really great opportunity for students to see something they want to happen on campus and  directly make it happen!” 

Groups like SAC are here for students, allowing them to participate in fun activities outside of their sport or music involvement. SAC has hosted several events already this semester, including “Snacks with SAC,” bowling night, and a Clash Royale tournament. 

These few examples show the wide range of activities that students can expect from an SAC event. There is bound to be an event for many interests. 

SAC is currently looking for more members to join their organization. Students who are interested should reach out to President Karissa Wilson or SAC advisor Camryn Harrison. 

This year’s fall break was kick-started, last Thursday, Oct. 9th, by a performance from the Bethel College Wind Ensemble, conducted by Chris Miertschin, one of the Assistant Professors of Music at the college.

The performance featured instruments such as flute, trombone, clarinet, euphonium, saxophone, tuba, percussion, trumpet, and horn. During this performance, audience members heard songs including Light Cavalry Overture, Harvest Hymn, Third Suite, Salvation is Created, and Galop Infernal from “Orpheus in the Underworld.”

Based on audience reactions, the crowd favorite tune seemed to be the Galop Infernal. This song was written by Jacques Offenbach and is more commonly known as the “Can-can.”

Members of the audience picked up on this familiarity quite fast. They could even be seen doing the Can-Can in their seats!

For any who may be looking to get more involved, the wind ensemble is made up of students from a variety of different areas, lots of them coming from other extracurricular groups such as the choir, theater, or athletics. Bethel offers a unique environment where students can thrive in multiple areas.

Katelyn Johnston, a freshman from Longmont, Colorado, is one of these students. Johnston plays the bass clarinet for the Bethel College Wind Ensemble and is also a member of the softball team.

When asked about this concert, Johnston shared that events such as these put on by the music department allow others to “learn a little more about a different culture on campus.”

“We play a variety of styles and you can learn a lot from listening to those styles,” Johnston added.

Johnston also mentioned that “the thing that sets this group apart from other ensembles is the fact that we play a large variety of literature.”

Stay tuned for upcoming fine arts events!

While Bethel does not require students to affiliate with a particular religion, they do encourage attendance at religious-based events such as chapel services in the Bethel College Chapel, or services in the Bethel College Mennonite Church located on the campus.

In previous years, students have created a club on campus entitled FCA, which stands for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. This club has recently (within the last year) been brought back to life by sophomore Kaylee Linnebur from Ozark, MO.

On the evening of Thursday, Sept. 26, FCA hosted an event in collaboration with a church in the community called The Gathering. The Gathering has held community events in town, participated in College Night, and has provided a bus for students to attend services in the past.

Sophomore Kenzi Young, from Los Angeles, CA, described how this event was filled with energetic worship. “I left feeling very connected to my fellow followers in Christ and God,” she stated.

Young was baptized that night. “The atmosphere gave me the courage to be bold in the name of God and make a public statement of faith,” she said. “I can’t wait for the next FCA event.”

Kaylee Linnebur concluded the night, saying events such as these are Christ’s work through us. Linnebur tells the audience that the purpose of these events is not to force people to come out, but to encourage people to be bold enough to make that choice to worship Christ.

FCA has more activities lined up for the future. This event seems to have been the beginning of what looks to be another busy year for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

This play is set in an old, crumbling, farm home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Vanya and Sonia are siblings who have taken over the farm since their parents passed away.

When Vanya and Sonia’s sister, Masha, comes home to visit, conflict ensues. We meet Spike, who is Masha’s young lover, along with many other characters.

“This leads to nothing short of a wild weekend at the farmhouse,” said Professor Damon Klassen, director of theater at Bethel College.

Klassen has been working for Bethel College for eight, going on nine years. For four of those years, he was the technical director and directed one play, and he is now in his third year of being the full-time director of theater.

When asked about play preparation, Klassen spoke about the student commitment needed.

“Students only get four weeks to prepare themselves for the plays, leaving little downtime. We meet every weeknight for two to three hours. Within these four weeks, students memorize lines, build stage props, and learn stage directions,” said Klassen.

Vanya is played by Preston Vicenzi, Sonia is played by Selphie Collins, Masha is played by Kyra Linenberger, and Spike is played by Isaiah Smith.

This play is a mix of comedy and drama with highbrow and lowbrow moments throughout the scenes. It has also been a long time coming. “I have wanted to direct this play since it came out in 2013,” stated Klassen.

There will be three performances of Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.

Performances will be held on Friday, Oct. 3 at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 4 at 3:00 p.m., and Sunday, Oct. 5 at 2:00 p.m. All performances will be held in Krehbiel Auditorium in the Luyken Fine Arts Center.

Tickets can be purchased at the Thresher Shop or at (316) 284-5205.

The music faculty performers included Dr. Christina Liu, Dr. Russell Adrian, Prof. Kris Hilding, Prof. Chris Miertschin, Dr. Holly Swartzendruber, and an added performance from Dr. Will Wiebe-Friesen, associate professor of chemistry here at Bethel College.

The event began with a piano solo entitled “Jasmine Flower Fantasia” by Chu Wanghua. This was performed by Dr. Liu, music department chair and associate professor of music. Liu also accompanied other faculty members on the remaining six pieces. Dr. Adrian’s pieces were performed on piano as well, performing a piece with Liu, and a second with the addition of Dr. Wiebe-Friesen on organ.

A variety of other instruments were played as well, including trombone and horn by Miertschin, viola by Hilding, and voice by Swartzendruber.

A variety of genres and periods were displayed in this showcase, as audience members heard pieces by Franz Schubert, Sammy Nestico, Sergei Rachmaninoff, Rebecca Clarke and several others.

When asked how this performance came about, Liu stated, “It’s something that I’ve been thinking of doing for several years…we also believe as a faculty that it’s valuable for students to see their professors performing, as they usually see us in teaching roles.”

“With many newer faculty members, this is also a way for us to interact with the community so people can put faces to names. It’s also just fun for us, we enjoy performing.” Miertschin added.

This event provided an opportunity for faculty members to collaborate for a larger audience. “It’s fun to play with other people that you enjoy making music with, and know how to work with,” stated Liu. “It’s a good way to build community and it keeps us fresh.”

Liu and Miertschin also noted that they are planning to make this a yearly event, possibly traveling to other locations such as Kansas City.

Be on the lookout for upcoming fine arts events this semester!

Intramurals are a part of most colleges and universities, and provide avenues for social interaction, competition, and exercise in a more stress-free environment. Bethel College has a long history of intramurals, and the program is off to a quick start again this fall.

Each year, intramurals are headed by a student or a group of students. This year, intramurals are being led by junior Josiah Buller and sophomore Noah Schrag.

Buller and Schrag have a variety of sports planned this year, including Spikeball, dodgeball, kickball, wiffleball, indoor soccer, and basketball. The first event of the year, a pickleball tournament, has been completed.

Many students enjoy intramurals for the social and competitive aspects. “I play intramurals to stay involved on campus outside of my regular activities. It lets me see and compete against other students I maybe wouldn’t normally see,” stated sophomore Abby Koontz.

For others, it’s a great way to experience new activities with your teammates. “I decided to play because [intramurals] were really fun last year. Intramurals have always been a fun way to meet new people. This year I’ve had a fun time playing with my doubles partner, Moses Sawatzky,” stated sophomore Titus Wassom.

Intramurals allow space for more relaxed and stress-free competition. Students can enjoy a wide range of sports they have not had the opportunity to participate in and enhance their social circles. Intramurals are open to everyone regardless of skill level and experience.

If you are interested in competing in intramural sports this year, contact Josiah Buller or Noah Schrag and join in on the fun!

While North Newton might not be the largest, it still offers a variety of fun activities. With loads of local treats in North Newton and its connecting town to the South, Newton, there is something for everyone. 

Here are a couple of fun options for entertainment in Newton:

A favorite late-night activity for many students in the area is running to Drubers Donut Shop - Daylight Donuts. On Friday nights, you can plan on seeing many Newton community members and students from nearby colleges and high schools stop by Drubers for some delicious donuts. 

Drubers does a great job at aligning its business with its target audience of college students. They have affordable prices as well as late-night hours for those late-night cravings. On Fridays, they have their usual morning hours of 4:30 am to 1 pm, but open up again from 11 pm to 12 am. If you’re in need of a sweet treat, Drubers Donut Shop can be a new go-to in Newton.

Newton’s Main Street is filled with many fun things for students to do as well. One example could be the Et Cetera Shop, Newton’s local thrift store. The Et Cetera Shop opened its doors in 1976, and employees and volunteers there work hard for the love of their community. 

As stated on the Et Cetera Shop website, the store was created out of “commitments to serving their world neighbors…promoting the sales of international crafts and donated goods.”

Mainstreet is also home to Norm’s, a coffee shop with tasty drinks, food, and free WiFi for those who enjoy a peaceful cafe environment, or just a place to escape from busy work and enjoy a treat.

If you’re in need of some off-campus entertainment, Newton has you covered.