SIU Foundation
CEO Matt
Kupec talks
For the first time in 12 years, Southern Illinois University is working on a major on-campus construction site. According to the SIU Foundation’s top leader, it’s right on schedule.
The Tedrick Welcome Center, which is set to become “the front porch of the university” is expected to be completed May 1, 2026. This is about a month earlier than originally planned, according to Matt Kupec, vice chancellor for development and alumni relations and CEO of the SIU Foundation.
“We’re progressing very well,” Kupec said.
The Daily Egyptian spoke with Kupec in early December about the progress that has been made. After months of construction and 12 weather delays, the center now boasts underground detention, basement walls and a retaining wall.
“This is gonna be a building for not just our university but for our region, and that’s pretty cool. We lift this region. We, as a university, are the, really, economic driver,” Kupec said, sitting in a conference room of Colyer Hall. The building, which is located near campus lake, has been home to the SIU Foundation for over a decade now, but that will all change once the welcome center is complete.
“We’re the SIU Foundation, and we raise money to support the university,” he said. “Last year, we gave out over 5 and a half million dollars in scholarships. 16% of our students have a foundation scholarship. So basically, we’re trying to raise money for you and the faculty to enhance this great experience you get in here. We’ve been in this building (Colyer) for awhile, and about four years ago, we were told ‘You gotta leave.’ We’re the last tenant in the building over here. So we started on a journey: ‘Where are we going to go?’”
The Tedrick Welcome Center will have two occupants: the Welcome/ Visitors Center and the SIU Foundation Offices, also called the Philanthropy Center. The two-story building is going to be a total of 44,401 square feet, with 13,732 square feet designated for the
The final countdown: Hangar 9 celebrates New Year’s Eve on last night
LyLee Gibbs
MyLee WaLker
DoMinique Martinez-PoWeLL
@LyLeeGibbsPhoto
@MyLeeWaLkerWrites
@D MartinezPhoto
Confetti and balloons rained down into the sea of people all standing shoulder-to-shoulder in front of the stage, loud cheers of ‘Happy New Year!’ ringing out across the room. Hangar 9 was a place for hundreds of people to welcome in 2025, but the beloved Carbondale bar is now a piece of the past. Before indefinitely closing its doors, the final night of the establishment was held on New Year’s Eve with a drag show and a celebration that followed as the clock struck twelve.
Right at the entrance sat owner Sally Carter who took the $7 cover one last time from the long line of people waiting to celebrate the evening at her bar.
The Carter era of Hangar 9 began in the 1980s when she took ownership. The establishment became a staple on The Strip, and for
Who let the dawgs out: SIU wins first Valley game of season
ryan Grieser rGrieser@DaiLyeGyPtian CoM
As a roar of ‘SIU’ chants filled the Banterra Center, Coach Scott Nagy led the Salukis to their first Missouri Valley Conference win of the season… barefoot. While Nagy roamed the sidelines with no shoes to raise awareness for the non-profit foundation Samaritan’s Feet International, a tradition he brought with him to SIU, the Dawgs beat Missouri State 88-78 to snap their five-game losing streak and notched their first conference win since Feb. 25, 2024.
“There should be no more arguing about which position he should play, he should feel good about playing at the five. He’s a hard matchup at the five,” Nagy said.
“I’m proud of our guys for obviously not losing the lead, but not caving when it went into overtime,” Nagy said. “Our guys were obviously very disappointed, but they were able to get it and play well and make free throws when we needed to.”
The Dawgs’ 88 points were the most they’ve scored in a game all season.
“Our offense is getting better. It’s still not anywhere where I would like
OUT 10
SIU’s overtime victory was led by Jarrett Hensley who notched the second consecutive 30-plus point game as he piled up 30 points on 11-for-16 shooting. He filled out the statsheet with a block, two steals and six rebounds. Nagy was impressed with Hensley’s performance and thinks that he’s found a new home for Hensley.
Faim Lee Jewls performs to the crowd as they hold out tip money Dec. 31, 2024 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois. Dominique Martinez-Powell | @d.martinezphoto
Sheridan Sharp looks to pass the ball from the ground as he is guarded by Vincent Brady II and Jalen Hampton of Missouri State Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
several years she had been trying to sell the bar and retire. After several selling attempts fell through, Carter decided it was time to close the doors.
“People met, made good friends, just had a good time hanging out there,” Carter said in a November interview after announcing the bar’s closing. “I love that they did that.”
Whether it be karaoke, drag shows, themed nights or live music, for the last three years Winter Thomas and Tyler Vanburen could be found in the crowd.
Five years ago,v Thomas made the move from California to southern Illinois where Vanburen is a native. The pair met four years ago and have made evenings at Hangar 9 a regular activity.
“I haven’t always really been one to go out to bars and places, but as being with her [Thomas] and actually going out to experience more of these things, like this has been just absolutely like one of my favorite places,” Vanburen said.
Drag shows are first to mind when it comes to thinking about fond times at the establishment for Thomas. Always one of the first to show when it comes to Hangar 9 events, she and Vanburen were at their table with a drink at time of the doors opening at 7 p.m.
“I love everytime I go to a drag show there’s always something new,” Thomas said. “The people who are performing and just give out the best memories, I can’t just pick one, it’s always memory-full every time there’s a show.”
Hangar 9 has become a staple to the Carbondale community. Many memories created under its roof became a highlight for its regulars. As Thomas and Vanburen stood outside of the building in the cold December air before the start of the night, Thomas said aloud “Really miss you Hangar.”
“The memory of being able to just keep experiences again with my friends as well my loved ones is just the best part,” Vanburen said.
The neon lights, stage and bartop were not just important to its patrons, but also to Hangar 9’s employees, including Grant Kentala and Eric Caldwell, who are typically behind the bar throughout the week. Caldwell says Hangar 9 and its staff aimed to create an environment that made everyone feel comfortable.
“Whether it was making people that were under 21 feel comfortable or families, we always try to make everybody feel safe,” Caldwell said, who has served drinks for the last 10 years.
Caldwell said the Carbondale community flocks to places like Hangar 9, where there is a sense of freedom not found many other places.
“There’s a real sense of community whether it’s with the other students with just the people that live here even with the other bars,” Caldwell said. “That’s what I love the most and that’s what I’ll miss the most is that you just feel a part of the community.”
With the announcement of the closure, customers have shared their stories with employees in person and on the Hangar 9 forum.
“It’s been great to see so many people come in these past few months and tell us all their stories about Hangar. People have met at Hangar that are now married with children,” Caldwell said. “You know I’ve had friends that have had their wedding photos taken at Hangar because they met playing trivia together.”
Hangar 9 is also known as a unique live music venue in Carbondale, which will leave a gap in the music community.
“Carbondale won’t have a really true quality live music venue anymore,” Kentala said. “The stage and the quality of the sound equipment and everything about how it’s set up, it kind of fits in a niche that no other venue really does.”
Not only home to live music, Hangar 9 has been a place for live performances for the drag performers of southern Illinois and beyond. Performers from around the Midwest and southern states came to perform and facilitate Hangar 9’s New Year’s goodbye event.
Faim Lee Jewls, southern Illinois drag king hosted the event. Faim Lee Jewls took over hosting the drag events at Hangar 9 four years ago on New Year’s Eve.
“When it came up that was the final hurrah, that my show was gonna be what closed it, it just kinda felt full circle. The first show that I did here as the show director was New Year’s Eve 2020,” Jewls somberly said.
2024 Southern Illinois Bearded Queen Lumber Jill was among the performers at the New Year’s event. Jill credits Hangar 9 as a key to her recent success as a bearded queen and believes Hangar 9 to be a safe space for queer
people and performers like her.
“I think without Hangar 9, it’s just one less safe space for queer people and anyone who is different… I’m not really sure what the future holds with Hangar 9 closing but I’m hoping that we get the same amount of love wherever we end up because God knows where that’s gonna be,”
As the clock hit 11:55, Faim Lee Jewls paused the show and invited any drag queen in costume to come to the stage. Confetti cannons were passed around and the crowd buzzed with anticipation as
the time ticked away towards the top of the hour and the new year. A countdown from 10 ensued until it hit one and rainbow confetti burst into the air alongside red, black and gold balloons poured out from the ceiling. The show continued while balloons bounced around the crowd into the early hours of the new year.
Following the show’s conclusion when the music cut and the overhead lights flickered on, the remaining crowd slowly shuffled out leaving empty drinks, cans, confetti and balloons in
Confetti shoots into the air raining down on the crowd of attendees as the clock strikes midnight for the new year Jan. 1, 2025 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois. The end of 2024 also marked the end of Hangar 9 as it celebrated its last night open.
Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto.
Joshua Vogel blows into a noise maker while Madison Piazza holds up glowsticks just after the clock struck twelve Jan. 1, 2025 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois.
Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
Feed My Sheep aids in food insecurity
Nicole Fox JourNalism 419
In 2002, Richard Hayes of Carbondale, Illinois founded a community kitchen with a goal of feeding the unhoused and food insecure population in his community. Twenty-two years later, Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church and its network of volunteers are still working to make a positive impact in the community while keeping up with the level of need. Feed My Sheep Community Kitchen assists in meeting the needs of those who walk through its doors by serving noon meals to the public every weekday, free of cost.
National trends outlined in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Household Food Security Report show that the percentage of households experiencing food insecurity across the country has been steadily rising over the last few years, from 10.5% in 2020, to 13.5% in 2023. The report shows that in
WELCOME CENTER
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Illinois alone, approximately 872,000 households were not food secure in 2023. According to Feeding America, southern Illinois consistently experiences a disproportionate level of insecurity compared to the rest of the state. This includes Jackson County, which as of 2022 was at a food insecurity rate of 16%, significantly higher than the nationwide average of 12.8%
Additionally, the current state of the U.S. Farm Bill, which offers support to farmers, creates environmental protections, and regulates food assistance benefits, poses possible threats to food insecure communities across the country. Typically, Congress approves a new farm bill every five years, but after a one-year extension to the 2018 bill expired at the end of September, lawmakers still cannot decide on a clear path for the next version. If by the end of 2024, new legislation has not been approved, key programs would revert to “permanent
FEED MY SHEEP | 5
the
is misrepresented, likely due to a lack of understanding which causes people to
Whether at Sunday Service or a weekday meal, Bethel aims to combat this type of thinking. A message board in front of the building proudly reads “Choose love over judgement.” Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks
main welcome area and 26,827 square feet for the foundation. The site plan is located at the university’s main entrance off U.S. Route 51.
“Back in 2009, this was the former home of our football stadium called McAndrew…so from the ashes of McAndrew, we arise this great new Tedrick Welcome Center,” Kupec said.
Since McAndrew was torn down in 2012, the area has served as a commuter parking lot. The lot has been closed since construction began, and will not reopen until the building is complete. Kupec said Chancellor Austin Lane, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs Jeff Bergen and SIU Chief of Police Benjamin Newman work closely with the Undergraduate Student Government to keep students updated.
“That will remain closed until May 1, 2026, so unfortunately for the rest of this academic year and through all the way to May 1,” Kupec said. “You know, fingers crossed, maybe they can keep accelerating the pace of construction.”
When the lot reopens, students can expect 250 spots to return. “It was about 380, so at the end of the net, we’ll lose 130 spots, but we don’t think it’s dramatic,” he said. SIU currently has around 1,200 students, compared to the 1,900 in 2012.
Floor plans for the building show 14 “activation points,” with 12 on the first floor. These are interactive boards that feature SIU news, highlights and history. “We’re really excited about telling our story and what this experience is all about,” Kupec said.
Most visitors will enter from the west into the main lobby, which is where the majority of the interactive experiences will take place.
“It will also be a great area for alumni returning; a very warm and welcoming place to think ‘Hey, remember when I was in school in the ‘70s, how cool it was’ — bingo, you hit a video and you can see how cool they thought it was,” Kupec said. Campus tours will begin in the east lobby of the building, with the first stop being the Student Services Building across the street. Kupec said there will be desks in the lobby of the welcome
center for when tours begin but that campus admissions and tour guides will keep their offices in the Student Services Building. The offices in the Tedrick Welcome Center, of which there are 53, will solely house staff members of the SIU Foundation.
The two lobbies are adjacent to the main welcome center. The 14,000 square foot
culmination of all of our work for recruitment. It’s kind of the key point of whether we’re going to seal the deal.”
“(This) approach to campus goes beyond swag bags and name tags; they support the recruitment strategy,” Kupec said. “They need to foster emotional connection; a sense of belonging for all those coming to the space. So this is really,
“During the day, we’ll have it set up where students can come in and you can study right there.”
- Matt Kupec Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Relations & CEO of SIU Foundation
room will be a flex space. Kupec said they are anticipating hosting speakers, seminars, lectures, dinners, retreats and more in the space.
“During the day, we’ll have it set up where students can come in and you can study right there,” he said.
The east foyer, which will serve as the lobby for the Philanthropy Center, will be an activation point for SIU Foundation Stories. According to a conceptual design provided by the foundation, the goal is “to create a connection for donors and alumni, inspiring a sense of pride in their pivotal role in shaping the future of the university.”
“It’s kind of a dual-purpose facility here, which is what we’re really excited about,” Kupec said.
In addition to creating those connections, the foundation is hopeful the center will help improve the university’s retention rates. Kupec said they looked at welcome centers at many different schools, including the University of Kansas. He referenced the following quote from KU’s chancellor, Doug Girod: “We know statistically the campus visit is the most important element of (the students’) decision on where they go to school. The campus visit becomes the
really a key for us on this. We think it’s gonna really help drive recruitment, retention and again, a really warm, welcoming space.”
Additionally, the foundation believes the center could generate revenue opportunities. “We do believe that a better experience to return, a more welcoming to return is going to drive donations,” Kupec said.
Collaborative meeting spaces, conference rooms and offices will make up the Philanthropy Center, housing the foundation team and welcoming alumni and donors.
According to a progress update posted at https://siuf.org/twc, the Tedrick Welcome Center will now have its own gardens with greenery, ornamental flowers and trees. “Once completed, the Tedrick Gardens will enliven campus with fresh colors and an atmosphere that complements the scenic splendor of Southern Illinois,” the site states.
As stated on the webpage, the foundation is committed to upholding the university’s pillar of sustainability, and will be planting a tree on campus for every tree removed during construction, with some being located at the
welcome center.
Ultimately, Kupec and the SIU Foundation has high hopes for the future of the Tedrick Welcome Center. “We think within the 17 southernmost counties in southern Illinois, this facility probably will be the most attended, have the most volume, most visitors, that kind of thing,” he said.
No state funds are being used to create the Tedrick Welcome Center. Instead, it is being financed through fundraising, reserves and borrowing, as well as a historic donation of $6 million from SIU alumni Roger and Sally Tedrick, the namesakes of the building. Roger Tedrick is a member of the SIU Board of Trustees and the SIU Foundation Board of Directors.
“They see this as such a value added for the university. That was really inspiring for us,” Kupec said. “They could have given that money anywhere else. They could have decided not to do anything. But they see the value in this building, they see what it’s going to mean to it, and they’re both prideful southern Illinois folks. They love seeing our university, they love seeing the young people that were attracted…And it was a great, powerful message that was sent to all of the alumni to see, you know, you can do that, if you have the wherewithal.
“It is transformational — that word is too overused, but this gift really is, because this facility is going to be transformational. And the beauty of it, we’re going to see, this is just one of the projects we’re working on…We’re working on a AgEd (agriculture education) building, we’re looking at a new greenhouse. We are going to see some things at the campus lake. We’re going to see a lot of other buildings that are going to rise, in large part due to philanthropy. So this is kind of like the tipping point.”
To track construction progress, visit https:// siuf.org/twc.
Feed My Sheep guests and volunteers alike say that in addition to policy changes and rising hunger, the community must face the effects of harmful stereotypes. Diana Doroubi, a church employee who does custodial work for the kitchen, says the people who come through their doors often encounter misconceptions spread by “people inciting fear, talking about things they have no idea about.” She said she feels that
unhoused population in Carbondale
jump to conclusions.
Brittany Harry named SIU volleyball head coach
Ryan GRieseR RGRieseR@dailyeGyptian com
The successor to Ed Allen has been found. Brittany Harry, a longtime junior college coach who hails from Champaign, Illinois, has been named Saluki Volleyball’s new head coach.
Harry, who has been a head coach for 16 seasons, holds a career 310-178 record, good for a 63% career win percentage.
“I feel really grateful and blessed to have the opportunity to lead this program,” Harry said.
Harry is a proven winner, and a highly decorated one at that. Harry has been named coach of the year four times while in various head coaching positions.
Most recently, Harry was the head coach at West Texas A&M
in Canyon, Texas. In her lone season at the helm, she led them to a conference championship, punched a ticket to the Division II national tournament and was named the Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year.
She also was the head coach at Texas A&M International from 2020 to 2023 and oversaw a 19-win improvement from 2021 to 2022, which represented the largest jump in NCAA DII. Harry was also named Lone Star Conference Coach of the Year that season.
At 23, Harry was one of the youngest coaches in the country when she kicked off her head coaching career at Spartanburg Methodist College in 2007. She won district coach of the year in both of her seasons at the helm.
“We were looking for a proven head coach, a winner and a leader with integrity and high character. That’s exactly what we found in Brittany,” athletic director Tim Leonard said.
Many players have received accolades while playing under Harry; three earned All-American honors, and 27 more were named all-conference players under her tutelage.
SIU finished 10-19, including 3-15 in the Missouri Valley, in 2024. Though no other players have been announced to be in the transfer portal, the team will lose Maggie Wallenberger and Anna Jaworski to graduation.
Sports reporter Ryan Grieser can be reached at rgrieser@dailyegyptian.com
Carbondale man accused in mothers death
Joslyn cole Jcole@dailyeGyptian com
A Carbonale man was arrested on two counts of first-degree murder Dec. 13. According to a press release from the Carbondale
Police Department, an arrest warrant was issued for William L. Walters, 65. Walters is the son of Shelby Winfield, who was 85 years old when she was found unresponsive in her home on
March 19, 2024. According to the Carbondale Police Department, “Carbondale Police officers and detectives, assisted by the Jackson County State’s Attorney’s Office, continued
to investigate the circumstances leading to Winfield’s death for several months.”
Walters is now being held in the Jackson County Jail, awaiting a detention hearing as he would be
facing two charges of first degree murder. His preliminary hearing will be Jan 14.
Sports reporter Joslyn Cole can be reached at jcole@dailyegyptian.com.
Journalism students receive hostile environment training ahead of presidential inauguration
Journalist Chris Post demonstrates creating a tourniquet out of on-hand materials using a bandage and food tongs on journalism student Ryan Grieser Jan. 13, 2025 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. Staff of the Daily Egyptian, Capitol News Illinois, St. Louis Public Radio and NPR participated in a two-day course for Domestic Hostile Environment First Aid Training (D-HEFAT) held on campus Jan. 13 and 14 led by journalists Chris Post and Bryan Woolston of the International Media Support Group. The course covers a range of possible domestic risks in unstable environments that working journalists might encounter such as personal safety, situational awareness, threats and hazards, legal issues and more. Attendees and students listened to lectures and participated in demonstrations over the two days to receive a D-HEFAT certificate. Members of the Daily Egyptian staff participated in the course to learn safety and emergency response techniques ahead of covering the presidential inauguration on Jan. 20. Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
Photo courtesy of West Texas A&M University Athletics.
Carly Gist practices tying an Israeli bandage used for dressing wounds around Ryan Grieser’s arm in a practice session on using equipment in a provided first aid kit to respond to emergency situations Jan. 13, 2025 at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.
FEED MY SHEEP
law” policies dating back to the 1938 and 1949 farm bills. However, with a Republican majority in both bodies of Congress, any new bill approved before the end of the year would likely cut or freeze benefits provided by the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
In the wake of fluctuating policies and an increase in hunger, Feed My Sheep hopes to provide meals to individuals whose needs surpass what they can obtain via their own means or government assistance.
and James
stand for a
Hutchinson and Garner have been traveling together for multiple years and are currently unhoused. They both have chronic illnesses and say that living outdoors helps to manage their symptoms. Before coming to Carbondale the two spent some time in Morgantown, West Virginia, where they participated in a program that provided daily work opportunities to unhoused people, and they would love to see a similar program implemented in Carbondale. Garner states that in his experience, starting outreach programs can be difficult because those who have never experienced homelessness are either scared of it or simply don’t know how to help.
been renting an
but
not to
when
of this year. Hicks states that he didn’t like living there due to bad neighbors and poor management, and would rather sleep on the street, which is what he did most days while he had the apartment. Nicole Fox | @fox.flicks
Pastor Ron Chambers of Bethel AME stands for a portrait in front of his church. When Chambers came to Bethel 10 years ago, his new position as Pastor meant that he also took over the operations of Feed My Sheep. Chambers believes that providing assistance to the unhoused and food insecure population in Carbondale should be a collaborative effort. “We’ve got to be willing to be a community,” Chambers says. He states that while it’s important that each individual take it upon themselves to care for their own wellbeing, he believes that the church should be a resource for people in times of need. “You can do it yourself, but you may need a little help and that’s what we’re here for.”
Rayeshun Hicks sits for a portrait in the Bethel Church basement where Feed My Sheep is hosted Oct. 23, 2024. In May of 2023 Hicks lost his wife, who used a wheelchair. He came to Carbondale shortly afterward in July. Since then he had
apartment,
he chose
renew his lease
it ran out in October
Kala “Little Bear” Hutchinson (left)
“Maverick” Garner
portrait in the front lawn of Bethel AME Church.
Abby HArris JournAlism 419
‘Why baseball, I’d say it’s the game I fell in love with.’ Not my identity
Al Holguin takes his time walking across the field to step onto the brown pitcher’s mound at Itchy Jones Stadium. His hand is jammed into a bright mint-green glove. He sways. His index and forefinger rub together before he grabs the baseball.
His left arm swings around, the ball leaving his fingers and a 91-milean-hour pitch crosses the plate. The mint glove is special to Holguin.
One side shows a Bible verse and the other has two ZIP codes - one for where his parents were born in Mexico and the other for where he was born in Chicago. He added the ZIP codes as a way to “always have his parents with him.” The Bible verse serves as a reminder of his faith.
Every year, Southern Illinois University spends time recruiting, finding new players to make their team stronger on and off the field.
Al Holguin, 22, left-handed pitcher and the only Latino baseball player on his team, takes pride in where he comes from and who he plays for. After this season wraps up, Holguin’s 18-year baseball career will come to an end.
“Bittersweet moment with it coming to an end because I’m going to miss playing,” said Holguin. “But I’m excited because I’m going to continue coaching travel ball so I’m excited to do that.”
Holguin grew up on the south side of Chicago, in a Latino community surrounded by people with shared culture.
“Being around people who I was familiar with, and I think it’s shaped me into the person I am today in terms of just being able to be with, doesn’t matter who it is, just
be around them and be the same person,” he said.
Holguin played two years at the University of South Carolina Upstate and transferred to SIU for his last two years of college after making a visit in June 2023. Despite the fact that the largest minority group in the MLB is made up of Hispanic players, Holguin has yet to play on a team with other Latinos.
“It has been tough because in my college career I’ve been the only Latino every year that I’ve been on a team. But overall, I don’t think it’s been impossible or anything, I’ve loved every second of it,” he said.
Austin Tribby, Holguin’s pitching coach, has seen many players come through in his four years at SIU. When it comes to recruiting, he looks for players who have the ability to play at a higher level and who are going to do the basics –throw strikes and compete. Building a relationship is one of the most important things, giving the coaches the chance to learn about the player they are wanting to bring to their roster.
“I love getting to know all aspects of the players that I’m recruiting,” said Tribby.
Tribby started recruiting Holguin two summers ago when he entered the transfer portal. Holguin caught his eye with being from Chicago and his stats from his previous school, USC Upstate.
“After one phone call with Al I knew he’d be a phenomenal addition to the pitching staff and team,” said Tribby. Holguin went for a recruiting visit and committed to SIU the same day.
Holguin came into SIU with a
lot of Division I experience and him being a left-handed pitcher comes as a big deal in baseball. He came in knowing what to expect at this level and what was expected of himself to be better and help his teammates as well.
“Al brings an infectious personality to the field every single day... everyone gravitates towards him,” Tribby said. “It’s been really special to watch Al have successes on the field and overcoming hardships as well. All while doing that with grace and humility. Al is a great player and an even better person.”
Holguin started playing baseball when he was four-years old. It became the game that he was able to adapt to and learn from along the way.
“When I first started it wasn’t pretty. I remember my dad took me to the batting cages and I just started crying uncontrollably, and here we are, last year of college playing college baseball,” said Holguin. “Why baseball, I’d say it’s the game I fell in love with.”
One of Holguin’s biggest motivators are his parents. They are the reason he has been able to play baseball all these years.
“My parents have been extremely supportive with missing days from work to take me to my out-oftown tournaments. They’ve had to struggle with sometimes sitting alone because they couldn’t have conversations with other parents because of the language barrier,” Holguin said. “That still never stopped them from paying for me to play in the top teams in the state.”
Both of his parents have made it possible for him to play at the
Division I level and he gives a lot of his success to them and what they’ve done for him. They still make an effort to watch him play the game he loves.
“My dad has taught me what I have known and continues to help me with my game. My mom did what very few would ever do. In 2020 she moved with me to Cincinnati to give me the opportunity to play for an out-ofstate travel team,” Holguin said.
“With me going to school in South Carolina out of high school, it has been tough for them to see me play in person. This fall when they came was the fourth time they’ve seen me play at the college level.”
Holguin spent his first season at SIU as a starter. He suffered an injury to his shoulder halfway through the season but was able to come back after a few weeks. And while he came back and pitched the rest of the season, he was still in pain and there wasn’t an answer as to what caused it. An MRI eventually showed it was a minor sprain and he spent the summer doing rehab and was cleared to throw again.
“I honestly don’t know if it was torn or not at some point and I say that because it just sucked to live with that pain. I couldn’t raise my shoulder all the way up but I still pitched through it with pain killers and cream,” Holguin said. “Someone prayed for it over the summer and I kid you not all the pain went away. I love telling the story because it was a miracle through His work.”
Alec Nigut, another left-handed pitcher, and one of Holguin’s roommates, transferred to SIU the
same time as Holguin and they have been able to build a friendship over the last two years.
Being around someone a lot can help you learn more about them as a person instead of just an athlete. “He brings a certain level of goofiness that I don’t think is matched,” said Nigut.
Holguin and Nigut attend a bible study together once a week. It has allowed them to bond over something outside of baseball. “The bible studies have allowed us to talk about things that aren’t just surface level, but have meaningful conversations about Jesus,” said Nigut.
Aside from his family, God is also a huge part of Holguin’s life inside and outside of baseball. Holquin is not afraid to show it and wants to be a person others can look up to. He joins a Bible study call once a week with a few of his friends and also attends one with some of his teammates.
“I just see myself as just someone who can be a light to other people around them in terms of letting them know that you don’t have to be perfect to be loved by Him,”
Holguin said. “It’s just something I see myself as, like I don’t do it for religion, I don’t do it for attention. I just do it to help others and just to be a light to other people.”
Holguin will begin his senior season with the Salukis in February. Throughout that he will not only continue to play for himself but also for where he came from and for God. “This game doesn’t define you. Like I said before it’s a platform that has been able to teach me that my name isn’t defined by the game of baseball but rather it’s something that’s a part of my life.”
Pitcher for SIU Baseball Al Holguin sits on the pitchers mound for a portrait Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. Abby Harris @photoabbyharris
Al Holguin prays with his friend on a Bible study call at home Monday, Oct 21, 2024 in Carbondale, Illinois.
Al Holguin pitches the ball during a fall game Saturday, Oct 19, 2024 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois.
Al Holguin stretches out his arms before seeing his athletic trainer Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. “My Injury last year, just pitching through it obviously wasn’t fun; I am trying to get healthy and stay healthy,” said Holguin.
Al Holguin stretches with the other pitchers after practice Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois.
Al Holguin holds his glove while posing for a portrait Wednesday, Oct 2, 2024 at Itchy Jones Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois. “99400 is the ZIP code of where my parents were born and raised in Mexico and 60632 is the ZIP code of where was born in Chicago. It represents the journey of them coming to America and just a reminder of everything they’ve done for me. From driving hours in summer ball to giving me the resources to be able to play D1” said Holguin.
their path. The well-loved bar that held its last event on the last day of the year, will
now sit empty on The Strip heading into the new year until it becomes invested in once more.
Faim Lee Jewls told the Daily Egyptian
they had no final words for Hangar 9. “This is not goodbye. This is see you next time,” Jewls said.
Editor-in-Chief Lylee Gibbs can be reached at lgibbs@dailyegyptian.com. Staff reporter Mylee Walker can be reached at mwalker@dailyegyptian.com.
Student Managing Editor Dominique
can be reached at dmartinezpowell@dailyegyptian.com
Martinez-Powell
The large crowd packed in Hangar 9 dances to songs like ‘Fireball’ by Pitbull before the final drag show begins Dec. 31, 2024 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois. Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
Spikey Van Dykey grinds metal to create sparks on stage Jan. 1, 2025 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois. Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbsphoto
Victoria D. Devine grabs tip money from Valerie Long while Jayden Licious dances in the background Dec. 31, 2024 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois.
Faim Lee Jewls and Lumber Jill cheer and throws their hands up to celebrate the New Year during the Hangar 9 2025 New Year Drag Show Jan. 1, 2025 at Hangar 9 in Carbondale, Illinois. Dominique Martinez-Powell | @d.martinezphoto
Ryan Livingston: An alleged robbery gone wrong still unsolved 18 years later
Mylee Walker @MyleeWalkerWrites
On the hot summer night of July 13, 2006, Ryan Livingston walked down West Walnut Street after a sunset concert at SIU. He met with some friends at their house after the concert, but left on foot that evening.
He had plans with his older brother, Randy, who was expecting him later that night. When some time passed and he had not heard from Ryan, Randy called him. When Ryan answered the phone, he begged for help. Randy then called the police, who found Ryan on the 300 block of West Walnut Street. He had been stabbed in what is thought by police to be a robbery gone wrong.
“It was reported that this was related to a robbery,” Carbondale Police Department Deputy Chief Matthew Dunning said. “Mr. Livingston was able to give a description to officers before his death indicating that two Black males attempted to rob him.”
Ryan, at the time of the attack, was able to give investigators a limited description of the men who jumped him. He said that they were two Black males, one with a lighter complexion and the other with a backwards hat. Ryan later died on the operating table after an attempt to save his life.
Ryan had just started a job at Hardee’s and was starting to plan out his life. His mom, Denise Livingston, is still fighting for him almost two decades later.
“He would have had his whole life ahead of him,” Denise Livingston said. “And I really had high hopes for him, because he was so smart and I think he was really trying to better himself.”
Since the young father had succumbed to his injuries the next day, he left behind a confusing case for his grieving family and investigators.
“I’m frustrated and disappointed that the Carbondale Police Department has not ever resolved our case,” Livingston said. “There are suspects, but nothing has ever been proven and resolved, and it’s frustrating…The case is probably sitting on a shelf collecting dust, so
to speak.”
Dunning says he shares Denise Livingston’s desire for movement in the case.
“I empathize with her and share her desire to make movement in Ryan’s case,” Dunning said. “I was working here when that happened back in 2006.”
There have been limited updates to the case publicly since Ryan’s murder, much to the frustration of his mother, who has worked behind the scenes to aid investigators.
“18 and a half years now and nothing,” Livingston said. “I continue to investigate on my own and I do what I’m able to do. Of course, I don’t have the resources that the police do.”
Dunning says the Carbondale Police Department has been working on the case recently, holding an interview with a potential suspect in February of 2024. They are working on leads and ask the public to turn
any information they may have to CPD. They are willing to follow any leads they’re given.
“Detectives have followed up on all known leads at this time,” Dunning said. “We will continue to follow up on whatever new information we learn.”
Denise hasn’t stopped working towards resolution in her son’s case. Even after multiple surgeries, a heart attack and a roll-over car accident, she has not stalled.
“I’m 75 now, and I don’t know how many years I’ve got left, because I’ve got so many health issues now, but I’m not going to stop fighting until the day I die. If I keep going, I will do it for my son,” she said.
Staff reporter Mylee Walker can be reached at mwalker@dailyegyptian. com or through instagram @myleewalkerwrites
editor@dailyegyptian.com
Faculty Managing Editor: Alee Quick aquick@dailyegyptian.com
Editor-in-Chief: Lylee Gibbs lgibbs@dailyegyptian.com
Design Chief: Peyton Cook pcook@dailyegyptian.com
Photo Editor: Enan Chediak echediak@dailyegyptian.com
News Editor: Carly Gist cgist@dailyegyptian
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Digital Editor: Bhayva Sri-Billuri bsri-billuri@dailyegyptian.com
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About Us
The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of Southern Illinois University Carbondale on a weekly basis. Fall and spring semester editions run every Wednesday. Free copies are distributed in the Carbondale, Carterville, and Springfield communities. The Daily Egyptian can be found at www.dailyegyptian.com or on the Daily Egyptian app!
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The Daily Egyptian, the student-run news organization of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is committed to being a trusted source of news, information, commentary and public discourse, while helping readers understand the issues affecting their lives.
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it,” Nagy said. “Our mantra now is kind of embrace the ugliness… the only way we’re going to win is by embracing the ugliness.”
While Missouri State kept the game close through the opening minutes of the first half, a 16-4 Saluki run built SIU a comfortable 25-13 lead and a 35-27 lead heading into the break.
SIU held their lead throughout the second half, but the Bears came screaming back with under two minutes to play.
Missouri State got within four, 69-65 with 1:46 left to play, before closing to 72-69. The Bears’ Chase Martin hit a three to tie the game, and the game was sent to overtime.
The Dawgs couldn’t miss in overtime. Hensley poured in seven more points, including an emphatic dunk to start OT, and Drew Steffe also scored seven in the frame to lead to a 10-point SIU victory. Steffe’s 16 points were a career-high, bolstered by shooting 50% from
three-point range.
“To see him knock down three threes today was big, it’s big for our team, and he just needs to let that thing fly,” Nagy said.
Damien Mayo Jr., who previously played at Missouri State, was back in the starting lineup for the contest and swiped four steals throughout the game.
SIU forced 19 turnovers, including 11 turnovers and scored 21 points off them.
Nagy largely played a six-man rotation against the Bears; Ali Dibba and Kennard Davis Jr. both played all 40 minutes, while Mayo played 37, Steffe played 32, and Hensley and Sheridan Sharp played 31 each.
With the win, the Salukis move to 6-11 overall and 1-5 in the MVC. They will face off against MO State again on Jan. 15, this time in Springfield, Missouri.
Sports reporter Ryan Grieser can be reached at rgrieser@dailyegyptian.com
Coach Scott Nagy watches from the sidelines barefoot to raise money for Samaritan’s Feet International Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois. Nagy brought the tradition of coaching one game a year barefoot with him to SIU. The game works to spotlight the need for shoes worldwide. Fans could support the cause through the university’s virtual shoe drive, sponsored by Samaritan’s Feet International.Lylee Gibbs | @lyleegibbs
Scott Nagy coaches from the sidelines barefoot to raise awareness for Samaritan’s Feet Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Ali Dibba tosses the ball into the net as the Salukis face the Bears of Missouri State at home Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Scott Nagy coaches barefoot from the sidelines as Kennard Davis Jr. gets up from a fall Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Jarrett Hensley celebrates with Sheridan Sharp and Rolyns Aligbe after the Salukis defeated Missouri State 88-78 to end a five-game loss streak Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Jarrett Hensley pushes past Dez White of Missouri State towards the basket Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Sheridan Sharp dribbles the ball down the court as the Salukis face the Bears of Missouri State at home Jan. 11, 2025 in Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Sheridan Sharp jumps up towards the basket to dunk the ball as Michael Osei-Bonsu of Missouri State follows behind on defense Jan. 11, 2025 in Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Drew Steffe shoots from the corner as Dylan Chambers and Chancellor Austin Lane watch from the sideline chairs Jan. 11, 2025 at Banterra Center in Carbondale, Illinois.
Winter storm leaves mark in Herrin
Enan ChEdiak @EnanChEdiak
A winter storm passed through southern Illinois on the night of Jan. 4 and 5, leaving behind snow, ice and fallen tree branches. Towns throughout southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, southeast Missouri, and northwest Kentucky were affected by the storm damage, including Herrin.
According to the National Weather Service, some areas received up to four to eight inches of snow. This snow, along with the ice and wind caused power outages in the storm’s path. According to the National Weather
Service, over 100,00 residents were affected by power outages the night of Jan. 5 and the morning of Jan. 6.
In Herrin, downed branches caused some roads to be impassable and affected telephone and powerlines.
Three telephone poles fell down near the emergency vehicle exit at the Herrin hospital, causing road closures and detours on Harrison Street. A block away, Peggy Trapani’s tree fell down on 12th street.
Trapani said that the tree fell Sunday night Jan. 5, 2025 around 8:30 to 9 pm. “We could hear the tree popping and cracking,” Trapani said.
The city moved the tree from the
road Monday morning after the storm.“We had to move it. It was across the road, so the city had to come and move it,” Trapani said.
“The city’s been great. It was sad to lose the tree,” Trapani said. “We’ve been here 42 years, and the tree was here a lot longer than that.”
The city will continue to clear roads and fallen trees and branches throughout Herrin.
editor Enan Chediak can be reached at echediak@dailyegyptian.com or through instagram @enanchediak
Photo
A snapped telephone pole leans near the road Jan. 6, 2025, one of three that fell during the winter storm near the parking lot of the Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois.
A fallen tree lies in the Trapani’s front lawn Jan. 6 2025 in Herrin, Illinois. The tree fell down during the winter storm that passed through southern Illinois over the weekend. While the city moved the tree from the road, the Trapani family will still have to deal with the tree. “We’re going to have a guy come and cut it and take it away,” Peggy Trapani said. Enan Chediak | @enanchediak
An emergency vehicle leaves the driveway of the Herrin Hospital onto the icy roads Jan. 6, 2025 in Herrin, Illinois.
A snapped telephone pole leans near the road Jan. 6, 2025, one of three that fell during the winter storm near the parking lot of the Herrin Hospital in Herrin, Illinois.