Homecoming Edition 2016
de dailyegyptian.com
since 1916
Volume 100 Issue 103 @dailyegyptian
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Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
Contact Us Email: editor@dailyegyptian.com Editor-in-Chief: Luke Nozicka (618) 536-3397
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Photo credit for the front cover:
Morgan Timms | @Morgan_Timms
Junior cornerback Craig James sprints onto the field Sept. 10 before the start of SIU's 30-22 win against Southeast Missouri at Saluki Stadium.
Photo credit for the back cover:
Anna Spoerre | @annaspoerre
George Brozak, director of athletic bands, conducts the Marching Salukis from the stands during SIU’s first home game of the season against SEMO on Sept. 10 at Saluki Stadium.
Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
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Saturday,OctOber 22, 2016
Family of Carbondale man in disbelief over charges connected to burned body BILL LUKITSCH | @Lukitsbill
Family of the Carbondale man who is accused of concealing a homicidal death said Tuesday afternoon they were shocked to learn of the allegations pending against him. Robert Dennis, 25, of Carbondale, appeared in court and was read his charge for the first time Tuesday. He is the second suspect to be arrested by police in connection with a burned body found in a wooded area on the east side of town in August. During the hearing, Judge Ralph Bloodworth noted the felony charge carries a possible two to five years’ prison sentence.
His older brother Michael Dennis, 31, was present in the courtroom. In the lobby after the hearing, Michael Dennis described his brother as a peaceful man, and said he is still in disbelief over the charges. “I think my brother got sucked in the middle of it,” he said. Police have said little about the circumstances surrounding the death. No additional charges have been filed against either defendant, and the medical examiner’s office has declined to share details regarding the cause of death with the Daily Egyptian. While the official identity of the woman has been withheld by police pending forensic verification, court
records named Robin L. Stief as the victim. A woman by that name was reported missing in Mount Vernon on Aug. 25, five days before the body was found. The body was discovered after firefighters responded to reports of a fire Aug. 30 near Piles Fork Creek. After extinguishing the flames, the remains of a woman were found in a metal trash can, according to Carbondale police. Tiesha Anderson, 22, of Collinsville, the first suspect arrested and also charged with concealment of a homicidal death, is due in court Nov. 3. Her bond is set at $750,000. Robert Dennis' bond is set at $500,000. His next court date is Nov. 3.
Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
SIU dorm councils to add eco-representative position MARNIE LEONARD | @Marsuzleo
A new student leadership role has been created by the sustainability office and university housing with the goal of improving environmental sustainability in the residence halls. This position, dubbed the ecorepresentative, will place one student on each of the seven area councils on campus, said Geory Kurtzhals, SIU’s sustainability office coordinator. Kurtzhals said the eco-reps will design initiatives to increase environmental awareness within the dorm and apartment walls. The hope is that these students will be able to influence the daily habits of residents so that they will start making more environmentally friendly decisions without having to think about it, she said. Residents elect the eco-representative for their dorm each semester. Currently only one of seven positions is filled. Leighla Philpott, a graduate student from West Virginia studying accounting, is the representative for the Wall & Grand Apartments. Philpott said she’s excited to get started and already has ideas for making her apartment complex greener, such as an inter-building recycling competition and organizing a Carbondale street cleanup. Her most important job as an ecorepresentative, she said, is to create programs that work for Wall and Grand residents. “What works for us isn’t going to work for every building on campus, so who better to figure that out than someone who lives here?” Philpott said. This is why it was important to make this program a student led initiative, said
Travis Hardwick, assistant director for university housing and outreach. Though the initiative began this semester as a collaboration between the sustainability office and university housing, Hardwick said the idea now is to let the students make it their own. Kurtzhals agreed, and said now that the program has been set up, the two offices plan to hand the reigns to the student leaders. “I could put together a program and put it in a box and tie a bow on it and hand it to the eco-reps but then it wouldn’t fit,” Kurtzhals said. “We want something that makes sense for students.” In their first official meeting, Philpott, Kurtzhals and Hardwick brainstormed ideas for promoting sustainability within the dorms. These include film showings, putting up signs to call attention to energy and water consumption and creating centralized garbage and recycling bin stations to increase landfill diversion. Kurtzhals and Hardwick said they hope to fill the remaining eco-representative positions soon through appointments, since area council elections have already taken place. Until then, Philpott said she will begin crafting her own initiatives to create a more environmentally friendly campus. “Every day we can do something to have a less negative impact on the environment and our society,” she said. “We’re trying to make changes that will have long term effects.” Staff writer Marnie Leonard can be reached at mleonard@dailyegyptian.com.
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SIU plans to offer two-day drone certification program HANNAH COOPER | @HCooper_DE
SIU’s aviation department will offer a $500 unmanned aircraft system, or “drone,” certification course in November. The two-day course will prepare students to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aeronautical Knowledge test. In August, the FAA passed a new rule known as FAA Part 107. It requires remote pilots, also known as drone operators, to have certification to fly in certain airspaces. SIU’s program will cover FAA Unmanned Aircraft System regulations, weather, airport operations, aeronautical decision making and radio communications, according to a university press release. Sales of drones that require registration are expected to grow to 2.7 million by 2020, opposed to an estimated 600,000 sales this year, according to the FAA. Drones, the FAA says, “will be the most dynamic growth sector within aviation.” “We are starting to see more use of drones so it is helpful to have more public education,” Michael Robertson, an associate professor in SIU’s Aviation Management and Flight program, said in the news release. “People are operating drones and may have no idea what type of airspace they are operating in.” SIU graduate Nathan Wambold — a certified small unmanned aircraft system remote pilot for drone operations and consulting company OurFocus — said this new trade is still being developed. Because drones are essentially flying cameras, Wambold said, they can be used for nearly any industry. Small, unmanned aircraft systems are a fraction of the cost of helicopters, and can get images that
File photo Jan Thompson, an SIU professor of radio, television and digital media, explains the operation of her drone Nov. 16, 2015, at her home. Thompson used the drone in Montana during filming for a documentary.
experts can analyze. For example, a drone could inspect a malfunctioning cell tower and make sure it is safe for a worker to climb up and fix, or it can be used to show aerial views to potential property buyers, Wambold said. Agriculture is going to receive the largest benefits from the technology, he said. Time and labor can be saved by surveying the crops and targeting problem areas instead
of treating the entire crop. “These are making a lot of jobs safer and more cost efficient,” Wambold said. The course will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on Nov. 12 and 13 at the Southern Illinois Airport in SIU’s Transport Education Center. Those interested in the course and certification must register by Nov. 4. Staff writer Hannah Cooper can be reached at hcooper@dailyegyptian.com.
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Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
JOIN US UNDER THE SIU TENT HOMECOMING OCTOBER 22 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Saluki Row (New location, south of the stadium)
LIVE MUSIC, REFRESHMENTS, AND FUN! GETTING IN IS EASY! Show your SIU Alumni Association membership card, game ticket, or current SIU student ID.
Not a member? Join on site or at siualumni.com/join.
Brought to you by: Office of the Chancellor, SIU Alumni Association, Saluki Athletics, and Saluki Sports Properties
Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
Women’s golf shooting for first Valley title in nine years TYRA WOOTEN | @twootenDE
SIU women’s golf is aiming to outdrive its competitors this season to achieve a Missouri Valley Conference title for the first time since 2007. Out of six events this fall, the Salukis only finished in the bottom half once with two team victories. Senior Brooke Cusumano said she had a less than ideal finish to her junior year and wanted to come out stronger than ever. “I really put in work this summer and worked my putting to death,” Cusumano said. She, or any of the current Salukis, have yet to make the NCAA postseason, which coach Alexis Mihelich said is achievable this season. Cusumano said if the team plays
to its normal abilities, the Salukis will make the postseason because no team in the Missouri Valley really stands out. SIU finished second among Valley teams at the MVC Preview on Oct. 2 and 3, 10 strokes behind threepeat champion Wichita State. Cusumano won Missouri Valley Conference Golfer of the Week on Sept. 14 and 21 and also won the Loyola Fall Invitational individual championship on Sept. 20. But, she said, the awards mean nothing if the team doesn’t win. “I could go out and win conference individually, but that wouldn’t mean anything,” Cusumano said. “We need everyone to be on their game and pushing each other to be playing the best.” SIU will host the conference
championship on its home course April 19 and 20, which Mihelich said is an advantage for the team. “We will have the course set up strategically in our favor,” Mihelich said. Cusumano said this will be her last shot at competing at something so rare. “Not many get a chance to play D-I sports,” Cusumano said. “Knowing that, I will prepare and put everything I can into my final season as a Saluki.” Mihelich said winning the conference is realistic but improvements still need to be made. “Our mental game has improved the most, but we need to polish up our short game,” she said. To read more, please see www.dailyegyptian.com
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Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
Today's Birthday (10/22/16). Introspection, retrospection and ritual feed your spirit this year. Financial discipline and communication pay nice dividends. A professional turning point this spring comes before surging passion, fun and romance. A domestic change or move next autumn leads to new career opportunities. Follow your heart. To get the advantage, check the day's rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 7 -- You can take ground on long-term family financial goals over this next month, with the Sun in Scorpio. Enjoy precious time together, especially today and tomorrow. Taurus (April 20May 20) -- Today is a
7 -- Develop partnership over the next month, with the Sun in Scorpio. Take your relationship to the next level. Romance and friendship flower. Prioritize family matters today and tomorrow. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -- Today is an 8 -Communicate with your networks today and tomorrow. Share information. Prioritize health and well-being over the next month, with the Sun in Scorpio. Nurture your body, mind and spirit. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -Today and tomorrow are good for making money. It's easy to spend, too. Enjoy a fun, games and romance phase over the next month under the Scorpio Sun. Get playful. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- You're especially hot today and tomorrow. This month with the Sun in Scorpio favors home renovation projects. Get into a sweet domestic phase. Family matters engage you. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is a 5 -Review and revise. Slow down and contemplate options over the next few days. The next month under the Scorpio Sun benefits communications. Research and write your discoveries. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is an 8 -Develop a team strategy over the next few days. It's easier to make money over
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the next month, with the Sun in Scorpio. Research investments carefully. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -- Today is a 9 -Career matters engage you today and tomorrow. The spotlight shines bright, with the Sun in your sign this month. Pour physical energy into pursuing a personal dream. Provide leadership. Sagittarius (Nov. 22Dec. 21) -- Today is a 7 -- Exploration and discovery tempt today and tomorrow. Turn your thoughts inward over the next month, with the Sun in Scorpio. Complete old projects and invent new possibilities. Capricorn (Dec. 22Jan. 19) -- Today is an 8 -- With the Sun in Scorpio this month, play with friends, groups and community. Review the numbers with your partner over the next two days. Together, you can move mountains. Aquarius (Jan. 20Feb. 18) -- Today is an 8 -- Your partner is a big help today and tomorrow. Career matters have your attention this month, with the Sun in Scorpio. Take on a professional challenge. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -- Today is an 8 -Your work is in demand over the next two days. Expand territory this next month under the Scorpio Sun. Exploration and adventures call you out. Enjoy trips and classes.
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Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
How SIU football has done in recent homecoming games
Ryan Michalesko | @photosbylesko Players race for the ball during SIU's fall football scrimmage Aug. 20 at Saluki Stadium.
SEAN CARLEY | @SCarleyDE
After three straight losses, SIU football will take on the Indiana State Sycamores on Saturday during the team’s homecoming game at Saluki Stadium. Here’s how the team has performed during homecoming games in the last six years. 2015: Defeated Youngstown State 38-31 (OT) SIU’s most recent homecoming victory was arguably its most thrilling of the season. Senior quarterback Mark Iannotti led an 11-point comeback in just more than five minutes to force overtime. He found senior wide receiver Israel Lamprakes for a touchdown to open overtime, then the defense stopped the Penguins on fourth down to seal the victory. Iannotti tallied more than 300 yards of total offense in the game, en route to leading the Football Championship Subdivision in that category for the season. 2014: Lost to Indiana State 41-21
Early in the fourth quarter, Indiana State opened up a 24-point gap that would be insurmountable. Sycamore quarterback Mike Perish threw for more than 350 yards with four touchdowns. SIU only rushed for 27 yards total in the game. 2013: Lost to North Dakota State 31-10 The No. 1 team in the country was too much for SIU in 2013. Upset was on the Salukis’ mind as they held a 10-0 lead that was cut to 10-7 just before halftime. The Bison then reeled off 24 points unanswered to put the game away. 2012: Defeated Northern Iowa 34-31 Then-freshman kicker Austin Johnson was the homecoming hero in 2012, sealing the Saluki victory with a 24-yard field goal with under a minute to go. SIU weathered the storm of current Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson who went off for 118 yards against the Salukis. The Dawgs’ defense and special teams
each picked up a touchdown to help propel the team to victory. 2011: Lost to Youngstown State 35-23 A 10-point Saluki halftime lead would fade away in the second half to spoil homecoming in 2011. The Penguins scored four second-half touchdowns to storm back. SIU mustered just 248 yards of total offense, only 106 in the second half. Current Minnesota Viking tight end MyCole Pruitt caught 124 of those yards. 2010: Defeated Northern Iowa 4538 (OT) SIU fought off a 28-point unanswered run by the Panthers, as quarterback Chris Dieker scored a touchdown with just more than one minute remaining to force overtime. The Dawgs led by as much as 17 before the UNI rally. In overtime, Dieker found wide receiver Jeff Evans to start the extra period. The Saluki defense then forced the Panthers to three incompletions and a sack to clinch the victory. Dieker finished with 263 yards and two touchdowns, plus the one on the ground.
Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
Scouting the Indiana State Sycamores SEAN CARLEY | @SCarleyDE
SIU football’s best chance to win a conference game this season may come on homecoming Saturday. “Losing three games in a row, you have to find a way to get back to work,” SIU coach Nick Hill said. “You have a bad taste in your mouth. We’ll get back to work like we always do.” This year’s homecoming foe is the Indiana State Sycamores, who sit in a tie for eighth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference at 1-3. The Sycamores’ one conference win so far this season was against the Illinois State Redbirds, who recently defeated the Salukis. Since that win, Indiana State has lost three straight games, including a doubleovertime heartbreaker Saturday against South Dakota. Last season, SIU lost a 39-36 decision to the Sycamores in Terre Haute, Ind., the week before headcoming. The status of many of SIU’s key contributors for Saturday is uncertain. Hill said Monday that sophomore running backs Daquan Isom and Jonathan Mixon and junior wide receiver Connor Iwema are questionable, while sophomore wide receiver Jimmy Jones is doubtful because of injuries. On the surface, ISU looks a lot like a more moderate version of last year’s SIU squad with an above average offense and suspect defense. Offensively, the Sycamores run through sophomore quarterback Isaac Harker who is third in the conference with 285.9 yards passing per game. This is the third year in a row ISU has a new starting quarterback, but Hill said he’s as prepared as the rest. “They do a really good job with their quarterbacks,” he said. “It’s a good system and he does a good job of making it go. He does a good job at what they’re asking him to do.”
Jacob Wiegand | @JacobWiegand_DE Saluki senior running back Aaron Stanton is tackled by Racer freshman wide receiver Zachary Wade during the first half of SIU’s matchup against Murray State on Sept. 17 at Saluki Stadium.
Much of Indiana State’s success comes through Harker’s ability to hang on to the ball. ISU is 2-1 when Harker does not throw an interception and 1-3 when he does. Turnovers have been a struggle for the Sycamores as a team. Indiana State has turned the ball over to opponents 15 times this season, the most in the MVFC.
The two combine for 110.6 yards per game with Genesy getting most of the goal-line touches. The key for SIU’s defense will be to execute on its biggest strength: third down defense. The Salukis only allow a MVFCbest 26.8 percent of third downs to be converted, while ISU converts a MVFCworst 27.6 percent.
“Since that win, Indiana State has lost three straight games, including a double-overtime heartbreaker Saturday against South Dakota.” Harker has been the biggest offender in that category with nine total turnovers — five interceptions and four fumbles. SIU’s rush defense should not have a difficult time handling Indiana State’s MVFC-worst running game. What yardage the Sycamores do get on the ground comes from senior running back Roland Genesy and junior running backs Dimitri Taylor.
SIU senior quarterback Josh Straughan could have a field day with a Sycamore secondary that allows 264.1 passing yards per game, the secondworst in the conference. The Sycamores’ biggest weaknesses all seem to line up with the Dawgs’ biggest strengths, so if SIU executes its game plan, it should be able to celebrate homecoming with a victory.
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Saturday, OctOber 22, 2016
Saluki football's recent history in homecoming games Page 10
INSIDE: Women's golf aiming for MVC title pg. 7 | Scouting the Sycamores pg. 11