Patty Jo "Yoga Mama" Thompson. Photo by Kellen Jenkins/The Bulletin.
At age 70, Patty Jo Thompson, or ‘Yoga Mama,’ no longer has a heart murmur, a condition that runs in her family which she has suffered from her whole life.
“When you do yoga, you just kind of have a healing wisdom that goes on inside of you, and you don’t know what it’s going to do for you – I didn’t do yoga to heal my heart murmur,” Thompson said.
Although Thompson began doing yoga for different reasons, after practicing the discipline for 11 years, becoming the director of the Ancient Yoga Institute and giving up sugar, she is healthier now than she has ever been.
“I haven’t had any sugar in my body (since 2000)… I don’t miss it, and I actually used to be a gourmet dessert maker,” Thompson said.
Thompson said that today she is doing everything that she can to “feel good,” which includes practicing yoga and drinking plenty of water.
“When you do yoga you detoxify and purify all your nerves, so when you have all that happen, you don’t want those (toxins) to stay in your body, you want to get it out, so you want to drink water,” Thompson said.
As the director of the Ancient Yoga Institute, Thompson is able to certify others to teach yoga. Thompson was certified in Texas to teach ancient yoga.
Thompson said there are many different forms of yoga, but all styles are essentially ancient yoga, the very first form, with specific additions like props and aerobics. Ancient yoga is the most basic.
“I really like this (ancient yoga) because it’s just really gentle stretched just like the animals do – it’s pure,” Thompson said.
Thompson has been teaching ancient yoga in Emporia for about seven and a half years. She began teaching at the Emporia Recreation Center in 2003, and then K-4 grade school students along with ESU. Her grade school students dubbed her “Yoga Mama” about four years ago.
“Age doesn’t matter,” Thompson said. “You’re as young as your spine is supple.”
Thompson said the benefits of yoga include an increase in flexibility and strength, lubrication of one’s joints, ligaments and tendons, an increase in coordination and ability to balance and yoga massages the internal organs and strengthens the immune system.
The overall aim of yoga is “to be bendy and flexible and have a flexible spine, so that when you’re spine is flexible… you don’t get old and stiff,” Thompson said.
Joshua East, senior music education major, plays the piano, violin and sings. He said that yoga has both toned his muscles to aid in his playing and improved his breathing techniques.
“The class itself helps me relax after a long day… it’s nice to unwind and let go for an hour,” East said.
Myles Louderback, graduate student in psychology, has been in Thompson’s class since the spring semester of his freshman year. For five years, he has stayed behind after his evening classes to help Thompson gather up her equipment and escort her to her car. Louderback said that he and Thompson have developed a good friendship.
“Out of all of the wonderful professors that I have, she has been the one that will go above and beyond to do anything she possibly can to help you with any problem. If you are sick or you have problems at home, she will listen to you or give you advice, and she will always be there for you if you want her,” Louderback said.
Charlie Heptas/Kenzie Templeton
Video by Kellen Jenkins
Guests and photographers gather for the opening on “Iconic Kansas” Jan. 19 at the Emporia Arts Center. Kellen Jenkins/ The Bulletin
Last Wednesday, Jim Richardson, a Kansas native from Lindsborg, spoke at the Gallery Opening of the Emporia Arts Center.
“He talked about back in his day… as a young adolescent driving around Kansas, going on vacation with his family, they’d stop at a restaurant or gas station and there would be calendars and photos all over the walls. And those images would be of the Colorado Rocky Mountains… as we approach these 150 years (of Kansas statehood) this year, that these works are somewhat of a beginning of Kansans recognizing that we’ve got something too… we no longer have to hang the Rocky Mountains in our restaurants,” said Susan Brinkman, assistant director of the Center for Great Plains Studies.
The Center for Great Plains Studies has been working on a photo project of the Great Plains region for the past four years. They applied for a grant to move the online photo gallery into a tangible space. The ESU Endowment Office granted them financial aid through the Katherine K. White Faculty Incentive Grant Program.
The Center for Great Plains Studies approached the Emporia Arts Council with the idea to open a show in their new gallery space, allowing local artists to be represented without emphasizing a specific one. The show offered versatility by featuring photos of Kansas by photographers from Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Maryland, North Dakota and Ohio.
Jim Hoy, professor of English, found it appealing that “the photographers ranged from professionals to amateurs.”
Melissa Windsor, executive director of the Emporia Arts Council, was “thrilled” with the idea. “The quality of work was fabulous,” Windsor said.
Jim Richardson was the juror for the show “Iconic Kansas.” Hoy said he has been in contact with him “off and on” for the past six years for resources of two articles he wrote for National Geographic in 2003 and again in 2007.
The grant issued to the Center for Great Plains Studies was not only to move the online project into a real space and to celebrate the sesquicentennial of Kansas’ statehood, but also to bring a renowned photographer into the process.
Everyone involved in the process felt that it ran very smoothly and was an evening to be proud of. The transformation of the space and the excitement of the 100 plus turnout was overwhelming for the staff of the Emporia Arts Center, as well as Hoy and Brinkman.
The Grand Opening of the Emporia Arts Center will take place at 5 p.m. on Jan. 28. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 per couple.
‘Seldom is heard a Discouraging Word’
“Iconic Kansas” marked the opening of the gallery of the Emporia Arts Center Jan. 19. However, with the suggestion of Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback to cut federal art funding programs such as the Kansas Arts Commission, the question of “How iconic can Kansas really be?” is raised among Emporia artists.
“It sucks…. for fellow students that are here and future students who are wanting to come to this area, it will discourage them – it’s very discouraging to even want to come to school here in Kansas for art,” said Christa Westbrook, senior glass and sculpture major.
A Facebook event swept through last week entitled “Protest Phasing Out of KS Funding for the ARTS!” and many students are fighting back by writing letters to their local representatives.
Melissa Windsor also voiced concerns for the new and growing Emporia Arts Center. She said nearly $30,000 is given annually to the Arts Council, making a new arts center available. If these funds are cut, a cut in services (personnel and programs) is sure to follow.
By Brianne Simon
Video by Kellen Jenkins
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The Emporia State football team fell to the Washburn Ichabods on Saturday, 56-35. The match between the inter-state rivals marked the 106th meeting of the two teams, which currently ranks as the most played active rivalry in NCAA Division II.
The first few possession for the Hornets would prove counterproductive. A punt by sophomore computer science major Tyler Chilson was blocked and then returned for a touchdown by Washburn fullback Brad Haug. On the ensuing kickoff, freshman wide receiver and undecided major Shjuan Richardson fumbled the ball – Washburn recovered and in two plays scored from a touchdown pass from quarterback Dane Simoneau to wide receiver Brad Cole.
The score, however, was not indicative of how the rest of the first half of the game played out. The Hornets would battle back with key offensive efforts by sophomore quarterback and recreation major Sheldon Smith and senior wide receiver and social science major Danny McEvoy. Smith would hook up with McEvoy on a 68-yard juggling touchdown catch that would put the Hornets on the board with seven.
“The first one, I knew they threw a flag so I knew we were going to get something out of it. He (the defensive back) made a hell of a jump on the ball, tried to tip it from my hands and it just kind of bobbled forever,” McEvoy said. “I just caught it and cruised into the endzone.”
The scoring would continue for the Hornets. A 50-yard interception return by senior defensive back and sociology major Shaunquez Powell that set up another McEvoy score, a 23-yard touchdown run by junior running back and physical education major La’Darrian Page and a 4-yard touchdown run by Smith gave the Hornets the share of the lead at 28-all to end the first half.
“The second one (touchdown pass) was a gift from God,” McEvoy said. “I didn’t see it until the very last second.”
Powell took pride in his team’s effort to reduce the Ichabods’ lead.
“We fought back, that’s what I’m proud of the most,” Powell said.
The Hornets’ offensive would become stagnant in the third quarter, which proved to be quite the opposite for the Ichabods as they scored 28 unanswered points to bring the score to 56-28 in favor of Washburn.
“I wish we would have never had halftime,” said head coach Garrin Higgins. “I wish we could have said, ‘Hey look, let’s just line up and play on,’ but you have to have a halftime. We just came out and did not play very well that third quarter. That was a big momentum shifter when they scored…they scored in three plays to start the third quarter. And then we come back and we get a delay of game and then we put ourselves in a long yardage situation and we kind of lose a little gas in the third quarter. I think Sheldon got a little tired…I thought he played well, but he got a little bit tired there in the second half.”
The fourth quarter held the remaining 7 points for the Hornets, which occurred on a 2-yard touchdown run by junior running back and business major Kevin Smart, which was the result of a 13 play, 84-yard drive. The Hornets would successfully attempt an onside kick, but to no avail as time expired.
Powell hopes that next year’s team can learn from the trails and tribulations that the Hornets faced this season.
“Overall as a season I think we learned a lot, we’ve got a lot of young guys,” Powell said. “I hope this is a stepping stone in the foundation that we’ve built so we can learn from those mistakes.”
Smith led the game in passing and rushing for the Hornets, totaling over 312 yards of offense on 7 of 13 passing for 176 and 136 yards on 34 carries, with 4 total touchdowns. McEvoy led in receiving with 3 catches for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns.
McEvoy, who was among nine seniors who played their last game as a member of the Hornets, had some advice for the younger players on the team.
“They have to buy into Coach Higgins’ plan,” McEvoy said. “If they buy into it better than we did this year, they can do really good. There’s a lot of talent on that team, there’s no question. They can win a lot of games next year.”
A glow rose from Welch Stadium at Emporia Sate as students gathered last night at a candlelight vigil in memory of junior business marketing major Samuel Williams. Williams was found dead on Wednesday as a result of a motorcycle accident.
Over 150 students came to the candlelight vigil held for Williams last night. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.
His former track coach, John David Harris, said that the autopsy report showed no evidence of alcohol or drug use.
As an All-American track athlete with a personal best time of 20.99 seconds for 200 meters, Williams undoubtedly contributed to the team, but his teammates said his talent surpassed athletic ability.
“The guy was a world class athlete, I had no doubt in my mind that he would have been in the Olympics one day if he wanted to, he had that kind of talent,” said Kent Lonberger, junior communication major and member of the track team. “But he was also a great teammate. He led by example, and had very few words, but when he spoke, he meant it and you could always get a good laugh out of Sam.”
A starting block was set up on the track in memory of Williams. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.
Harris recalled an example of Sam’s sportsmanlike attitude.
“Last year after the outdoor championships, it was my last year coaching,” Harris said. “He gave me his All-American award, and he was just very grateful. I was just a provider of workouts and here he is showing me his gratitude.”
Williams was determined and confident in his athletic ability even before he had the support of the coaching staff, which he showed when he first approached Harris.
“The first time he walked into my office, he asked if he could run track,” Harris said. “When you hear somebody say they can run 10.3 seconds in the 100 meter, you kind of laugh it off, but the first time I saw him at practice, he took about three steps and I looked at the other coaches and just smiled.”
Jennifet Baldwin/ The Bulletin
At that same practice, Williams made a first impression on teammate Derwin Hall, sophomore pre-physical therapy major.
“I remember the first time I met Sam, I was actually intimidated,” Hall said. “But once you talk to him, or he cracks a smile, or you get to know his personality, you just see that he’s the sweetest guy.”
Lonberger said that he will remember Williams for his character.
Track coach David Harris stands next to the illuminated finish line during Thursday night's candlelight vigil. Jennifer Baldwin/The Bulletin.
“Sam had the biggest smile ever, he was a great friend and loyal,” Lonberger said. “He was there for you whenever you needed it. He was just a great guy.”
His personality was one that Lonberger said will not soon be forgotten.
“It’s amazing to me, all of the people that showed up,” Lonberger said. “He was only here two years, but he affected a lot of people and changed a lot of lives. As a team, we are going to do whatever we can to honor him in our lives and on the track.”
Brooke Kent, senior psychology major, said that Williams will remain an inspiration for the team.
“I think everybody on this team is going to miss him,” Kent said. “But I know our team is going to be stronger because of this.”
The Emporia State volleyball team came out victorious over the #4 University of Central Missouri Jennies last night, winning a close bout in five matches, 3-2. The last time the two teams met was on Sept. 23 of this season – when UCM walked away the victor with a decisive 3-0 win over the Hornets. ESU was out for revenge and took care of business, taking the match to five sets and winning 25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 17-25 and 15-11
In the first set, the Hornets started off hot with a 5-2 lead. UCM battled their way back to eventually lead by two points, 14-12, when ESU head coach Bing Xu called a timeout. After the timeout, the Jennies continued their dominant play, but the Hornets would not throw in the towel. A pivotal kill by freshman setter/outside hitter and undecided major Katelyn Schmidtberger brought the team back into the lead at 20-18 – timeout was called by UCM first-year head coach Flip Piontek to regroup his squad.
Right Side Hitter Brittney Miller and Middle Hitter Katelyn Kaiser jump to block a spike sent by UCM’s Kelsey Ellis Wednesday night at White Auditorium. The Hornets beat the #4 Jennies 3-2 (25-22, 25-21, 23-25, 17-25, 15-11). Kellen Jenkins/The Bulletin.
A four point swing in favor of Central Missouri would force Xu to call his final timeout of the set with the score 22-20, UCM. ESU would eventually win the set, 25-22, due largely in part to a high energy, psyched-up Hornet squad that set out to take care of business after the Xu timeout.
The second set was a bizarre one. ESU jumped out to an 8-1 lead early in the set with the help of strong defense and several critical errors by the Jennies. After a UCM timeout, a successful comeback effort was made by Central Missouri, tying the game at 9-9.
The Jennies came out strong, leading by as much as four, but the Hornets stayed disciplined and brought the score back to a tie at 17-17. Points were traded back and forth, until great defense and a service error helped the Hornets take the lead at 22-20 – timeout was taken by UCM.
Another service error, a heads-up play by junior setter and business major Ting Liu, and a final kill of the set by senior outside hitter and marketing major Arica Shepard sealed the deal for the Hornets, as they took the set, 25-21. Xu could tell the stark difference in the Hornets play from the last meeting with UCM to this one.
“The last time we played so poorly, and this time they were so ready,” said Xu. “The first two games you could tell.”
The third set looked easy for the Hornets until the very end. At one point, a 5-5 tie turned into a 9-5 ESU lead, thanks to smart playing by the Hornets. A definitive and dominant showing by ESU forced a Jennies timeout at 20-14, Hornets lead. A late surge by UCM turned the game into a 21-18 ESU lead, followed by a Xu timeout. Two more points for the Jennies forced another Xu timeout to regroup the Hornets.
Xu believed his team lacked some qualities that are usually present in most matches.
“We have to play consistently,” Xu said. “From the third game you could tell, they picked up their serving…they tried to go after us every single point.”
A rare service error by Liu and solid offensive output by Central Missouri set the score at 24-22 UCM – the Jennies would go on to win the set 25-23.
Shepard thought that team spirits weren’t in check.
“We weren’t believing in ourselves as much as we should have, and we just can’t do that,” Shepard said.
Set number four started slow for the Hornets, falling to a 5-1 UCM lead. After an unproductive couple of sets for ESU, an extremely rare substitution was made – Shepard left the game. The Hornets were trailing as much as seven before a determined Shepard returned to the game. Shepard knew that her play wasn’t up to par.
“Tonight, I definitely deserved to be taken out,” Shepard said. “It wasn’t my best game, by any means, and I kind of knew it was coming. He was just trying to get, I think, some motivation back out there and motivate me, too.”
Key efforts, both on offense and defense, led the Hornets to take the lead at 13-12, followed by a Jennies timeout. An ESU timeout gave the team a quick break as UCM led, 20-16. Shepard was again subbed out of the game and would not return, as the Hornets dropped the fourth set, 25-17.
The fifth and final set of the evening started off with a 3-0 Hornets lead. Central Missouri would fight back, but it wouldn’t be enough before a timeout was called by Piontek with the Hornets leading, 7-4. Another UCM timeout would come after the Jennies fell down by 4 to the Hornet lead, 11-7. The match rounded off with a victory for the Hornets, winning the fifth set 15-11.
During the match, junior middle hitter and chemistry major Brianne Boner became Emporia State’s all-time leader in block assists.
“It’s something that’s nice,” Boner said. “I’m not really about records, but it’s nice to know that I can help my team out in that way, and that’s really an honor.”
Xu noted the positives of Boner’s presence on the court.
“She brought a lot of fire on the court,” Xu said. “You can tell after she blocks how excited she was, and that pumps the whole team up.”
After the match, Shepard commented on how important the win was for her and her team.
“(I feel) happy and relieved,” Shepard said. “I don’t know why we put that much pressure on ourselves…getting a win like that, that was huge. We needed that so bad.’
Boner also commented on how she felt after the big win.
“It feels great, because we know they’re a really good team,” Boner said. “It feels great to beat a team this good.”
Freshman setter/right sight hitter and undecided major Katelyn Schmidtberger led the Hornets with 18 kills on the night, followed by Shepard with 15, junior right hitter and nursing major Brittney Miller with 12, and Boner with 11. Junior setter and business major Ting Liu added 54 assists, and senior libero and health promotion major Amy Byfield chipped in with 23 digs.
Up next for the Hornets will be a Saturday afternoon match against MIAA opponent Nebraska-Omaha. First serve is set for 4 p.m. in Omaha, Neb.
Shane Wilson/The Bulletin