PHOTO BY KELLEN JENKINS

For over 70 years, “Silent Joe” has sung praise to victory and silently sulked to defeat aside the walls of Welch Stadium for Emporia State’s football program and the spectators of Jones Field.

Although the 154-year-old bell got its nickname because of a long losing streak at the end of the Great Depression, the bell is now rung whenever the Hornet football team wins.

“Joe was born (cast) in Troy, New York, of unknown parentage (foundry unknown) in 1855,” according to a 1976 Associated Student Government handbook. “Where he spent the first thirty years of his life is unclear as there is no mention of him in College (Normal School) records before the year 1880.”

The football stadium was not always Joe’s designated home. In fact, the bell was once kept for daily practical use.

“We do know that on June 14 of (1880) that year he took up residence in the new building which replaced the building destroyed by fire in October 1878,” according to the 1976 ASG handbook, which is titled “The Legend of Silent Joe and Other Assorted Tales.”

After being given a place on campus, Joe’s purpose changed as people began discussing the possibility of making him into a victory bell.

“As of June 27, 1918, plans were made to install the bell from the old building atop a concrete pillar inside the running track at the southeast corner of the athletic field, (presently the site of Cram Hall) to be used as a victory bell,” according to the ASG handbook.

Sometimes plans and promises do not ring true, as the allocation of Joe’s new home fell through.

“Joe, who was merely ‘the bell’ in those days, had been stored away and largely ignored since July 1917,” as stated in the student handbook.

Joe was sounded once again 16 years later.

“An article in Alumni News of February, 1938, recommends using this bell as a victory bell to complement the new stadium which was completed in that year,” according to the ASG handbook

With a new stadium, an up and coming football program and the aspirations of loyal fans, Joe was expected to have his work cut out for him.

“Sources indicate that the 1939-40 Hornet football squad was expected to be a “super team,” in fact, one optimist reckoned that the victory bell would be worn out halfway through the season,” according to the student handbook.

But lack of consistent success on the field, time and lack of use had taken its toll on the bell, which circumstantially gave way to the legend.

“The first two games that season saw the Hornets somewhat less than victorious and it was apparently at this time that the students began calling the bell ‘Silent Joe,’” as written in the handbook

The only success the stadium saw was that of “Silent Joe.” As Joe’s popularity grew, so did the publicity.

According to the handbook, “he was even recognized by this name in the Sunflower that year.”

The “Silent” part of the name was obvious, but the origins of where the name “Joe” came from and the reason behind it are unknown to this day.

The article went on to say that some research on this topic suggests that the “Joe” portion of the name could be related to “Joe College” and “Betty Co-ed” but more research would have to be done to confirm this.

The site of the bell is somewhat hidden from view due to the size of the openings atop the tower.  However, according to the Legend of Silent Joe and other assorted tales, the metal hulk is no average Joe, weighing in at 1,400 pounds.

As generations come and go and seasons fade in and out, Joe sits silently in his tower waiting and watching for a Hornet victory. Although teams will be known for being bound for greatness or haunted by mediocrity, Joe’s legend will live on.

Doug Irby/The Bulletin

Send article as PDF to

Coming off of a six game winning streak, the 17-8 Emporia State softball team is preparing for their next game at home this Sunday.

According to Head Coach Kristi Bredbenner, winning the conference and being well represented in the region is something the team aspires to do to get to the World Series.

“We have been playing pretty well,” Bredbenner said. “We want to win the conference and focus on one game at a time.”

At this point in the season, Bredbenner said the team seems to be on track.

“We are over with our pre-season and I think we are peaking at the right time and getting better but we need to have a good performance,” Bredbenner said.

Although playing at home gives the Hornets an advantage, the weather could still be a factor.

“We cannot control those types of things so we have to go out there and put our best foot forward and have a good defense and offensive day and hopefully come out with four wins,” Bredbenner said.

After 25 accumulative hits in the double header last weekend against Incarnate Word, the Hornets are using the momentum to prepare for their game against Truman State.

“I think everyone is contributing one through nine in the line offensively and that is what needs to happen for us in order to be successful this year,” Bredbenner said. “We have to have everybody step up.”

Confident pitching has attributed to more success on the mound, helping the Hornets to succeed on game day.

“Our pitchers are getting better and better and that is the one thing you would like to see is your pitchers giving up less and less hits and runs every game,” Bredbenner said.

Getting more experience has helped the Hornets find their game.

“We are all doing much better making adjustments and playing with a lot more confidence,” Bredbenner added.

Although the team has had to deal was some injuries, the Hornets continue to adjust and prepare for their upcoming game.

“We have had some bumps and bruises earlier in the season that we could not recover from but right now we are not doing too badly,” Bredbenner said. “We have 15 players and feel that everyone is contributing and if someone gets hurt then we will have to deal with that when we do.”

The Hornets will play at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Trusler Sports Complex.

Doug Irby/The Bulletin

Send article as PDF to

Junior Guard/Forward Jeremiah Box drives through the FHSU defense Saturday night at White Auditorium. The Hornets overtook the Tigers in a 81-74 victory./PHOTO BY KELLEN JENKINS

The Emporia State men’s basketball team placed third going into the MIAA Basketball Tournament after beating the Fort Hays Tigers Saturday 81-74.

Both teams came out with a strong defense as only three points were scored in the first four minutes of regulation.

The game continued to stay close as the score seesawed between 10 point Hornet leads and one possession Tiger comebacks.

The Hornets managed to maintain the lead on what was viewed as an important Senior Night home game.

“It was a huge game,” said Head Coach David Moe. “Winning at Washburn made the next game a big game and winning here tonight makes the next game even bigger.”

Defense was key to ESU’s victory.

“We know that most good teams go on runs,” said junior guard Tim Niles. “For the most part we kept our composure and wanted to make sure to take care of the ball.”

Junior guard Lamar Wilbern led the team in scoring with 26 points on the night. Junior guard Robert Moores and sophomore forward Adam Holthaus also hit double digits with Moores scoring 16 points and Holthaus scoring 14 points on the night.

The Hornets continue to average over 50 percent from field goal range and three point range.

The Hornets had seven rebounds on offense and 22 rebounds on defense.

“Defensively we are getting much better because we are talking more, getting up to the ball more and helping more,” Moores said.

With the last several wins attributed to smart defensive play, the team continues to focus on the defensive side of the game.

“It is the same as it has been these last few games,” Moores said. “Defense, defense, defense. That is all we need to do is get stops and face adversity on defense.”

Because last night’s game was the end of regular season play, the seniors on the team said the game was that much more important.

“Well for me it is my last game and I know everyone else wanted to come out of here with a win so it was great to get the win,” said senior guard Alex Pyle.

Following this win, the team prepares for another face off against Washburn University in the MIAA Tournament.

“It gives a little momentum,” Wilbern said. “We have got our rivals coming up. We know it is hard to beat the same team three times. This will be a great opportunity for us so we have got to prepare well and work on some things we have got to work on.”

The Hornets’ record is now 18-9 overall and 12-8 in the MIAA. The team will play their first game of the tournament at 8:15 p.m. March 5 at Municipal Auditorium in Kansas City, Mo.

Doug Irby/The Bulletin

Send article as PDF to

The Emporia State men’s basketball team ended last night’s game 78-63 in a decisive win over the Washburn Ichabods.

At one point in the game, the Hornets were up by 19. The Ichabods did not go quietly, bringing the game within three points with less than six minutes left.

“They were a good team and they were making a run,” said Head Coach David Moe. “We did not have a lot of rhythm. They were playing great and then we held our composure. We never really panicked – they were just out playing us.”

Despite five consecutive missed shots and foul trouble, the Hornets were able to maintain the lead after a momentum swinging drive from junior guard Lamar Wilbern for a two point conversion. Lamar had 19 points on the night.

“I was trying to pick my place,” Wilbern said. “I had some good looks and we ran a play down the stretch. Coach called that for me and I just wanted to attack the rim.”

Junior forward Jeremiah Box and junior guard Robert Moores went into double digits, both with 21 on the night.

The Hornets showed good prowess off the rim with 30 rebounds and a well working transition defense with 16 points off of turnovers.

“They strive off the offensive board and we did a great job on the defensive board,” Box said. “I think the biggest thing tonight was boxing out and it was a team effort.”

With an approximate 51 percent shooting average in the last three games, the Hornets are cleaning up their stats from a messy middle season.

“I thought it was a rewarding victory for us,” Moe said. “We have been getting better, it just has not shown up in the wins and losses and I think we are a much better team than we were at 7-2 now that we are 11-8.”

With a win against an infamous rival on the away court, the Hornets look forward to Saturday’s senior night game with optimism.

“We have been working hard – we have been getting and playing better,” Moe said. “We have got to realize that we are getting better and that is what is going to help us with confidence down the road as we continue to improve.”

The Hornets go into their final home game against the 11-7 Fort Hays Tigers. The Hornets are 17-9 in overall play and 11-8 in the MIAA. The game will start at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in White Auditorium.

Doug Irby/The Bulletin

Send article as PDF to

The Emporia State women’s basketball team was unable to pull out a win against the Washburn Lady Blues last night, ending the game with a score of 87-74.

The Hornets struggled to get the lead in both halves as the Lady Blues played tough defense on their senior night, blocking seven shots in the second half.

“They came out and played a really good game,” said junior guard Sophia Lenard. “We came back throughout the game but they came out strong and worked harder and it showed.”

The Hornets were not able to keep consistent possession on offense with 13 unforced turnovers.

“Throughout the game, it was a lack of concentration I believe,” Lenard said. “We could have moved the ball up more and struggled with the ball. It happens sometimes but we played hard.”

Getting out rebounded 35-31 also contributed the lack of Hornet possession and hindered senior guard Andrea Leiker’s play throughout the game.

“Their size bothered her,” said Head Coach Brandon Schneider. “When they had screens, she did not quite make the reach we would like her to. Point guard play this time of year is really important and we just made too many mistakes at crucial times that never enabled us to get back in control of the game.”

Perimeter shooting was also a factor for the Hornets, who shot 27-66 to the Lady Blues’ 29-62.

“They are a very good team and I think Leiker struggled to make shots and they did a good job of keeping her out of rhythm,” Schneider said.

Though the Hornets lost, their rank in the MIAA tournament will not be affected by this game. The Hornets will not play Washburn again during the regular season but might face off against them in the post season.

“We will work hard on this, come more focused and play more aggressive,” Lenard said. “We each need to come in being the aggressor so that is what we will be working on for the next game.”

The Hornets’ record is now 22-4 overall and 16-3 in the MIAA. ESU plays their last regular on season home game against the Fort Hays State Tigers on senior night at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at White Auditorium.

Doug Irby/The Bulletin

Send article as PDF to

Kristen Ford, sophomore biochemistry and molecular biology major, practices her backhand Wednesday afternoon on the Milton Tennis Courts. The ESU women’s tennis team starts their season against Friends University Feb. 28 in Wichita, KS./PHOTO BY KELLEN JENKINS

With a new season comes new beginnings as the Emporia State men’s and women’s tennis teams prepare for the first meet of the season Feb. 28 at Friends University in Wichita.

On the men’s side, the team has several new players but still has veterans to lead the way for the younger players.

“We have three players from last year and a bunch of new players but I think we will have a pretty strong line up all the way through,” said Marti Eidson, graduate assistant tennis coach. “One of our returners is the captain this year so he is leading the team in that way. They are all leaders of the team in what aspect you look at and they all help the team and push each other.”

On the women’s side, rebuilding is a main focus during training and matches.

“We have a couple of transfers coming in but we do not have the depth we have had in the past,” Eidson said. “We have two returning players who have been working hard and are leading the team at the top of the lineup and they are pushing other girls to get better.”

Since both teams have new players, creating bonds and becoming a team is a large part of being successful.

“We are finding doubles partners that fit well together and just keep building the team chemistry throughout the year,” Eidson said.

With more experience, older players know better what to expect and how to prepare for future competition.

“Since it is my junior year, (my goal) for myself is to just keep on improving,” said junior Kevin Schoon. “After three years you could say it gets old but all lot of it is to just keep working hard and going out there and doing what you can do.”

According to Schoon, the teams practice outside when the weather allows. If not, they train at the HPER Building in one of the downstairs gymnasiums.

“So far a lot of it has been conditioning and foot work because if you are in the right position you can hit the right balls and usually they will go in,” Schoon said.

Though the season has not started yet, according to Eidson, both teams have already competed in an alumni match in Prairie, Kan. to get more match experience.

“We just want to compete well, come out of every match winning two of three doubles and just playing lots of matches and staying healthy,” Eidson said.

Doug Irby/The Bulletin

Send article as PDF to

With the college basketball season well past the halfway point, teams continue to strive to qualify for postseason play. Although postseason play is exciting for both teams and fans, the amount of teams competing during this time should be cut back.

According to an article in the New York Times, another 16-team invitational tournament will be introduced in March along with the annual NCAA and NIT postseason tournaments.

Having more teams play for more titles may sound like a good idea at first, but having more than a third of the teams in the NCAA competing in the postseason play is too much. With more and more programs taking center stage, teams who are considered to be the best do not get as much attention.

The article went on to say that the main NCAA and NIT tournaments host 97 schools and with the addition of another tournament, the grand total comes to 129 teams competing for a tournament title. With so many teams competing, fan-based attendance will struggle to fill the stands as the larger NCAA schools view these smaller tournaments as inadequate in comparison to programs competing for the NCAA title.

With lower attendance and not as much publicity, these smaller tournaments will hurt for funding.

In another article printed in the Roanoke Times, the University of Virginia lost more than $150,000 after hosting the College Basketball Invitational last year due to a lack of ticket sales.

According to collegeinsider.com, teams competing in these newly formed tournaments will get separate funding from private sponsors even though these sponsors have not been specified.

Even with funding to host these kinds of tournaments, there is no point in investing money if no one wants to watch. With the incorporation of more tournaments like CBI, more sponsors will lose money.

The quality of the match-ups will also be a factor for the success of these newly founded tournaments. Because of a very similar CBI tournament going on at the same time, getting a decent number of quality teams to compete will be a struggle.

Although the decision to host these tournaments ultimately falls in the hands of the hosting schools and private investors, they should give credit where credit is due and leave postseason play for those teams whose records prove they deserve to continue playing.

Doug Irby/The Bulletin

Send article as PDF to