Homecoming IN 2015 s t a t e s man Friday, Oct. 16, 2015
Indiana State University www.indianastatesman.com Volume 123 Issue 25
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Murray hopes to win Provost Award Kristi Sanders News Editor
For the past two years the College of Arts and Sciences has won the Provost Award at Indiana State University. Dr. John Murray, the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, is prepared for this year’s homecoming. “We hope we win it again,” Murray said. “We think we will.” This is the third year for the Provost Award, and it was started by former provost, Richard Williams. It will now be upheld by the new provost, Michael Licari. The criteria for judging this award is food/beverage, tent size, signage, ISU pride, tent decorations, homecoming theme implementation, activities available, number of Faculty and Staff present, emeriti and alumni presence and brown-nosing. The trophy, a blue leaf on the head of Sycamore Sam who is sitting on an ISU football helmet, has been on display in the waiting room of the dean’s office, and he’s not ready to relinquish it quite yet. “Before this the College of Arts and Science’s tent was lackluster,” Murray said. “Now we try to have as many departments as possible and be engaging and interesting. We
have a lot going on that makes the event lively and fun.” At the tent for the College of Arts and Sciences there will also be free food, such as corndogs. “The corndogs were a success last year so we are bringing them back again,” Murray said. Murray is facing some competition for the award this year. “Usually deans keep secret what they want to do but the College of Health and Human Services could be our biggest competition,” Murray said. “But you never know and someone else could always surprise us.” Last year during the games, the College of Health and Human Services tried to “steal” the trophy as a joke. “I’m prepared for this year,” Murray said. “We want people to know we have spirit. It’s the Provost Award but that is what this is really about.” The judges for this award are the provost, the associate vice provosts, the Office of Academic Affairs Staff and some members of the Senate Leadership. The College of Arts and Sciences, along with the other colleges, are all preparing for their chance to win the Provost Award this homecoming, but all will have to wait and see what the judges decided.
Submitted Photo
The Provost Award currently sits in the office of the College of Arts and Sciences, and they hope to keep it for another year.
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Sycamores battle Salukis in Homecoming showdown Zach Rainey Reporter
Hoping to return to its winning ways in front of what should be a packed crowd of past and present fans, the Indiana State football team is set to collide with Missouri Valley Football Conference foe Southern Illinois in the annual Homecoming game on Saturday afternoon. While the Salukis have a record under .500, this is not a team to be taken lightly by any means. The team’s 541 yards per game is good enough for first in the conference and fifth in the FCS. To go with that, they are second in the conference in passing yards per game and first in rush-
ing yards per game, which is ninth overall in the FCS, and it ranks ninth out of the ten teams in the conference and 94th in the FCS. Their run defense is middle of the pack — sixth in the conference — but it’s their pass defense that burns them, allowing 254 yards per game through the air. This ranks last in the conference in that category. With their deadly passing attack, it only makes sense that the quarterback would show up as one of our players to watch. Senior Saluki quarterback Mark Iannotti has been red-hot coming into this game. Iannotti’s 72.8 completion percentage is stellar and is second in the FCS. He enters this weekend with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions on the year and looks to
add to the touchdown total. Iannotti can also hurt you with his legs as he’s also the team’s leading rusher with 374 yards and four touchdowns. He has rushed for at least 40 yards in each of his five contests so far, including a 106-yard performance against Indiana, where the Salukis lost 48-47 after failing to convert the twopoint conversion for the win. While this team’s offensive numbers look frightening, they have had moments of imperfection. They lost to Southeast Missouri State on Sept. 12, committing seven turnovers in the contest. The Salukis also have a very skilled running back by the name of Daquan Isom. While he’s only a freshman, he has immediately made a name for him-
self. He ranks 23rd in the FCS in all-purpose yardage with 139 yards per game, as well as ninth in the MVFC in rushing yards. One thing noticed was that the Salukis’ losses have all come by three points or less, two of them being decided by just one point. The Salukis offense is up to full steam as we saw last week, scoring an astounding 73 points against Missouri State last Saturday. On the flip side, Sycamore quarterback Matt Adam isn’t too bad himself, ranking 18th in the country in passing touchdowns with 10. He is also 31st in total offense and 32nd in completions. Adam continues to look to hit his stride as the season reaches the halfway point and is hoping to rebound after the offense
sputtered a week ago at South Dakota State. The rest of the offense looks to piece back together as well. LeMonte Booker hopes to get more carries out of the backfield, and Adam’s top targets including Gary Owens and Robert Tonyan Jr. are also hoping for a few more productive catches and yards that lead to scores. On the defensive side, Connor Underwood’s return should provide a huge spark along with a couple of other defenders who are returning after dealing with the injury bug. This will be the healthiest the Sycamores have been since week one. Kickoff on Homecoming Saturday is slated for 3:05 p.m. Audio is available on 90.7 WZIS and 95.9 WDKE. The game can also be viewed online on ESPN3.
Q & A with Erika Nord Rob Lafary Sports Editor
Indiana State volleyball’s Erika Nord has been a mainstay in the Sycamores’ starting rotation since last season and has become one of many key players the 2015 team possesses. A senior setter, Nord has 716 assists so far this season to go along with 201 digs and 33 kills. We sat down with Nord on Wednesday afternoon and discussed her current year as well as her entire four-year career at Indiana State. Q: How would you assess the 2015 season to date? A: I think we have been playing great volleyball. We’ve been winning a lot of matches and there have been a few recently that haven’t gone our way, but overall I think the team is doing a really good job. We are still improving everyday and getting better. Q: How would you assess your year so far in terms of individual play?
A: I think I’m doing good at doing my job. I’m doing what I need to do for the team and producing on my part. There are a few things in my game that I could pick up but I am working on them in practice everyday so that I can better help my team. Q: What are some of those things that you are trying to improve on? A: Blocking for sure. We’ve been running the 6-2 lately and we went back to the 5-1 so I haven’t been in the front row recently, and I’m trying to get back into the rhythm of that. Q: What brought you to Indiana State? What was the selling point to come here? A: I definitely knew I wanted to play volleyball in college so that was one of the points was the fact that I was going to be able to play volleyball here. I just really liked the campus when I got here and I liked the smaller school. I didn’t want to go somewhere huge so it was just really nice. Q: What are some of the changes that
you’ve seen both as a person and player here at Indiana State? A: Personally, I’ve gotten a lot more independent since I’m by myself and away from my parents. With volleyball, I think my game has gotten even better since I came here. Q: What’s the potential of this team as the second half of the season gets underway? A: I definitely think we can make it to the conference tournament. We still have a little over half of the season left, and I think we can reach our goals of getting to the tournament. Q: You’re a senior. What memories will you take with you from these last four years here at Indiana State? A: Definitely all the girls, all the teammates. They’ve been great. They will be the biggest things I take away from all of this here at ISU.
ISU Communications and Marketing
10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Hulman Memorial Student Union, Dede II and III This fair is an opportunity to learn about the graduate programs offered at ISU. Application fee waived for students who apply at the fair. Food will be provided. T-shirts and gas cards will be awarded to select students! RSVP at indstate.edu/gradfair
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Underwood set for Homecoming return Rob Lafary Sports Editor
While most of us 21 and over Indiana State students will be about 10 beers and five shots deep Saturday afternoon on “the walk,” ISU football linebacker Connor Underwood will be making his own walk. But instead of a walk that is accompanied by booze and surrounded by loud and obnoxious college students up and down Wabash Avenue, Underwood’s walk will be slow, poetic and meaningful. As he walks down a narrow hallway outside the friendly confines of the ISU locker room surrounded by his teammates and closest friends, he’ll pass a slew of posters that honor the former greats in the history of Sycamore football, knowing in the back of his humble, yet confident mind that there’s a good chance he too will be idolized forever on his own poster in that hallway. But until that time, his mind is still stuck on the goal at hand on Saturday, and will pass those posters to a set of double doors that separate him from the territory his hamstring has kept him from seeing for the last two weeks. But the hamstring is healed now, and his walk is complete when the doors open and his cleats hit the turf of Memorial Stadium. Wearing the big No. 55 on his Sycamore blue uniform, he’ll make it official on Homecoming day 2015 at 3:05 p.m. Connor Underwood is back and ready to once again dominate anyone who gets in his team’s way. And Underwood is ready to be back. After missing the last two games with that hamstring injury, the fifth-year senior is ready to return and get back to accomplishing the lofty expectations that were placed not only upon him, but his team as well. Although the Sycamores have fared somewhat well in his absence — going 1-1 in the two full games he’s missed — Underwood’s presence should be an instant boost to the defense and get the Sycamores back up to par in terms of potential and production on the field. “It was real frustrating,” Underwood said after practice on Wednesday about missing the last two ballgames. “Two weeks ago was the first game I’ve missed here in my career, and this is my fourth year playing. I needed to wait, though, until I was 100 percent ready to play again. If I didn’t, something could have (gone) wrong and I would have had to start the whole recovery process all over again.” Through the first three games of the year, Underwood’s stats were impressive and backed up his preseason honors that saw him receive Preseason AllAmerican and Preseason AllMissouri Valley Football Conference first team accolades. Underwood had racked up 17 tackles — 11 unassisted — with 3.5 tackles for a loss and two
ISU Communications and Marketing
Connor Underwood will return to ISU football after the two-game hiatus that resulted from an injured hamstring. His return on Saturday for the Homecoming game should give ISU’s defense a strong boost as they challenge Southern Illinois.
sacks and is hoping those numbers begin to creep back up on Saturday against Southern Illinois. The senior also added his name to one more school record this year, breaking the career tackles for a loss record with 55. The record-breaker came in game three at Purdue. But that doesn’t mean he is content with what he’s already accomplished this year or in the past three years for the Syca-
mores. While Underwood is a record-holder in eight separate categories at Washington Community High School in Illinois, owns four school records here at ISU, and is an All-Conference and All-American selection in multiple years, his mind is set on much more with at least six games left this season. “It means a lot to me,” Underwood said when reflecting upon his accomplishments. “It’s always a team-first mentality for me, but to win all of these awards and break these records, it’s very humbling. It’s something that means a lot to me
even though I don’t say it a lot and it’ll be something that I’ll always remember. I didn’t expect this (the records) but I always strive for greatness.” That greatness Underwood strives for could result in even more once the ISU season comes to a close. After 13.5 sacks and four forced fumbles a year ago, talk of his ability in the FCS ranks fueled conversation of a potential professional career. A chance for Underwood to be drafted by the NFL or receive a tryout is now no longer a farfetched idea. “I haven’t really thought about it too much,” Underwood said
Connor Underwood Position: Linebacker Height: 6’3” Weight: 240 Year: Senior Experience: 2 Letters Hometown: Washington, Ill. High School: Washington Community HS
when asked about a potential pro career. “I mean I’m definitely going to try and go to the NFL after this year but I want to focus right now on this year, this season. I just want to focus on this year first before my mind goes to what lies ahead.” And luckily for the future professional prospect, there are still plenty of items left to focus on here in Terre Haute for him and his teammates. The goals the team and head coach Mike Sanford laid out prior the season such as a conference crown, playoff bid and national title are still reachable in Underwood’s mind. His return will hopefully elevate the Sycamores back into the overall conference and national picture as the team now faces the most daunting part of its 2015 schedule. “It’s going to feel great coming back,” Underwood noted. “I’ve really missed being out there with the team the last couple of weeks, and now I get the chance to come back in front of a lot of past players and fans here at Homecoming. Saturday is something I’m really looking forward to.”
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Brad Balch at The 40th Annual School Law Conference.
ISU Communications and Marketing
Sycamore sitdown with 2015 grand marshall Q: What does this position mean to you? A: It is most humbling to serve as Reporter grand marshal, especially as we kick off Q: What position do you hold within our sesquicentennial era celebration. the university? My family’s roots in Terre Haute began A: Professor of educational leader- in the 1800s and the first family memship and dean emeritus ber attended ISU nearly 100 years ago. Being part of homecoming extends a Q: How did you get the position of deep family legacy and commitment to grand marshal? the bright future of ISU. A: I was contacted by a member of the Homecoming Committee and inQ: What is your favorite part of vited to serve as grand marshal. homecoming and why? A: I very much enjoy Tent City, the Q: What do you get to do as Grand football game and the halftime enterMarshal? tainment provided by the marching A: As grand marshal, I’m invited to band. Such a rich tradition. participate in activities throughout the week of homecoming, then ride in the Q: Any other comments? parade for a short distance on SaturA: My wife, Tonya, (and a proud Sycday morning. I’ll be dropped off at the amore graduate) will be joining me for ISU Foundation offices to watch the re- the parade and homecoming festivities mainder of the parade. on Saturday. I look forward to sharing this experience with her.
Morgan Gallas
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Blood donations save lives Dajia Kirkland Features Editor
Marissa Schmitter | Indiana Statesman
President Bradley and First Lady Cheri Bradley light the way for the Torchlight Parade, accompanied by Sycamore Sam.
Torchlight Parade spreads ISU spirit Erica Garnes Reporter
“We’re what? We’re blue. We’re Indiana State. We’re ISU.” That was one of the many chants sung Wednesday night at the Torchlight Parade and Pep Rally to get everyone rowdy for Saturday’s Homecoming game. Indiana State University’s Marching Sycamores, color guard and cheerleaders were all part of the excitement. Attendees danced and sang as they
traveled around campus, giving the football players high fives for luck as they entered the gym. Haley Ellis, an ISU freshman, said she was excited for Homecoming week. “A lot of the school is coming together, excited and getting ready for the week and the game that’s happening at the end of the week,” Ellis said. The parade started at the Rec Center and traveled through the dorms, ending in the South Gym with a pep rally, where the marching band, Sparkettes and cheerleaders performed.
There were many organizations present to help through the night. The people who were carrying the torches were the organization members. Karalyn Christman, a senior and the vice president of Sigma Pi, described the event. “Each organization comes out, and we all get a torch, and we walk in groups just to amp up morale for Homecoming, and then we end at a big pep rally to get everybody pumped for the game on Saturday.”
On Monday and Tuesday, Indiana State University held a blood drive in the Hulman Memorial Student Union. The drive was conducted from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., serving a large number of Indiana State students. Donating blood can potentially save someone’s life. Blood is a substance that cannot be man-made, so donations are vital when it comes to saving the lives of those who are deficient. Those who are in need of blood include surgical and cancer patients, women with complications in pregnancy, malnourished children and those with diseases such as Sickle Cell Anemia. Donors must be at least 17 years of age (or 16 if given parental consent), healthy, weigh at least 110 pounds, not currently be taking any sort of antibiotic and have not donated in the past eight weeks — donating too much blood can be harmful. Giving away drug tainted or unhealthy blood cannot aid in stabilizing a person. It is crucial that before you decide to give away your blood, you give yourself a quick health check. Once the blood has been collected, it is stored in a Blood Bank and is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The blood is regulated so that it can be tested for infections before any of it is used in a surgical operation or transfusion. After your blood has been drawn, your body will almost immediately begin to regenerate the blood that was lost and will have recreated the full amount in 24 hours. Possible side effects that donors might experience are soreness, bruising and fainting. Donors can avoid these risks by getting lots of sleep and drinking plenty of water in preparation.
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Students give it their all at Sycamore Sync Nevia Buford Reporter
The Sycamore Sync event was held Tuesday in the Hulman Center as part of this year’s Homecoming events. Sycamore Sync is an event where student organizations compete against each other in choreographed performances.During the performances, the members dance and lip sync to a song of their choosing. The theme changes every year, and this year’s theme was “Throwback Blue.” In honor of the theme, competing groups performed to songs from their selected artist’s past and present albums. Some of the artists were Usher, Beyonce, Daft Punk, the Black Eyed Peas, Britney Spears and Rihanna. The event was planned by the Homecoming committee and judged by four ISU faculty members. T he judges were Valerie Craig, the Charles E. Brown African-American Cultural Center assistant director, Dr. Nancy Rogers, the vice president of university engagement, Greg Lansing, the men’s basketball coach and Dr. Linda Maule, the dean of University College. During the event, audience members were given clues on the upcoming artist that the groups would perform to, and allowed to guess which artist. “Any and all organizations are encouraged to participate in Homecoming events. The more the merrier,” said Kevon Christian, the associate director of Campus Life. “Fraternities, sororities, residence halls and a few student organizations,” were some of the competing groups this year, Christian said. “Organizations have to be registered in the ISU Treehouse and must be in good
standing with the university,” Christian said. Some of the groups that preformed were Alpha Sigma Alpha, Phi Gamma Delta, Mills Hall, Cromwell Hall, Student African-American Sisterhood and the Full O.W.T. dance crew. Christian said that winning groups would receive trophies and certificates. “The winners of Sycamore Sync, Poster Competition and Trike receive an award,” Christian said. “Awards are also given to the Homecoming pairing, sorority and fraternity, respectively, with the most points accrued throughout the week.” The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony, Monday at 5 p.m. During the event, there was an altercation among the audience members. However, the altercation did not stop the show and was handled swiftly. Jason Collins, a freshman health administration major, said that he had come to the event to see his sister perform and was hopeful that the Mills hall performers would win. “I loved it. It’s so much fun to see everybody do all their dances,” said Kayla Dunagan, a sophomore nursing major. She said she came back to see the event because of her experience with last year’s event. “I thought it was awesome,” said Hanna Morrow, a freshman pre-med major. “I was really excited. I didn’t know what to expect at first. I definitely want to go next year.” Samantha Hightower, a freshman financial planning major, said she enjoyed preforming at the event. “It was awesome,” Hightower said. She decided to sign up after at a friend’s encouragement. “I’m really glad she did that,” Hightower said.
Indiana State students put on a show at Sycamore Sync.
A student rocks the show at Sycamore Sync.
Marissa Schmitter | Indiana Statesman
Marissa Schmitter | Indiana Statesman
Marissa Schmitter | Indiana Statesman
A group of Indiana State students at Sycamore Sync give it their all.
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Homecoming week kicks off with opening party Kristi Sanders News Editor
A kickoff party began Indiana State University’s Homecoming celebration in Dede I on Monday afternoon. This event had new features for students who attended this year, including food and drinks along with a trivia game to win free Homecoming t-shirts. This event was hosted by Union Board. Asia Terry, a graduate assistant for
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Union Board, helped with setting up this event. “The purpose of this event is to start off the week and get people excited,” Terry said. “We plan for 200 to 250 people to attend.” The event had varied hours so students could stop by in between their classes, Terry said. Many students who attended said liked the event and thought it was a great way to start Homecoming. One such student, Stan Williams, a ju-
nior criminology major, is involved with Union Board and attended the kickoff. “This creates a good vibe for school spirit,” Williams said. “We are together; we support each other and we make Indiana State.” Another student who enjoyed kickoff was junior communication major Kyea Conley. “I came to see who was involved and because it’s Homecoming,” Conley said. “The music is nice and free food is the best. I do think they should promote this
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event more though.” A few students found the event not to be what they were expecting. “It’s kind of boring,” Lindsay Umbarger, a freshman social work major, said. “It’s not as hype as in high school. This is a really good idea, but I think there could be more to it.” Umbarger had some suggestions for improving kickoff. “Maybe this could be moved outside,” Umbarger said. “Then more people could easily stop by between their classes.”
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Students prepare for trike races
Throwback parade builds upon 100 years of tradition
Helena Walker
Miguel Lewis
Reporter
Reporter
The Sycamore Trike Derby Race has been held since 1963 when it was a 10-lap race around the sidewalk of the Quadrangle on children’s tricycles. Now the race features men and women’s teams racing on specially built tricycles at the Michael Simmons Student Activity Center at Ninth and Sycamore Streets. Each team qualifies for the race before the actual derby. The fastest male and female rider win the title of “hot wheels.” Students need to practice with a team to be able to race the trikes. Brooke Barber, a junior nursing major, explained what students need in order to participate. “To be in the event, you have to be a part of a team and attend most of the practices,” Barber said. “What I like most about trike is getting to spend time with my sisters and growing together as a team. Being a new member of the sorority, I didn’t know my teammates when I joined. But now, they are some of the sisters that I know best. We will always have a special bond from trike.” Caitilin Mayden, a junior recreation therapy major, talked about her experience with the trike races. “You have to have grades and be an active member of Gamma Phi or any organization on the ISU campus,” Mayden said. “You also need to be committed to it. I like the adrenaline rush, how much fun it is, how it brings your team together and pan love that comes along with racing.” Marissa Schmitter | Indiana Statesman The race takes place Friday at The Trike Derby Race is a tradition that has taken place since 1963. Rec East from 4 to 7 p.m.
Sycamores prepare to celebrate 150 years of tradition with the Homecoming parade this Saturday. The Blue and White parade has been around for over 100 years and is put together by local communities and campus organizations including facilities management, parking services, the Indiana State public safety office, the university police and the city of Terre Haute. The Homecoming Committee made countless efforts to assure that this year’s Homecoming would be one to remember. They started by making this year’s theme “Throwback Blue.” Freda Luers, the director of Campus Life, helped prepare for the annual parade. “We were particular about the theme we selected this year, ‘Throwback Blue’ making sure that it tied into the sesquicentennial celebration,” Leurs said. “So ‘Throwback Blue’ is really about reliving our history.” For students, participating in the parade is a great way to give back to the community and to show Sycamore spirit. The Blue and White parade is one of the first things the Terre Haute community gets to experience, which is why planning for this celebration started in January 2015. Some of the organizations known to participate in this kickoff celebration include fraternity and sorority life,
residential life, Hulman Memorial Student Union, Black Student Union and Terre Haute high schools. Richard Smith, a senior public relations major, will be participating in this year’s parade. “I participate in the Blue and White parade because it is a big part of our tradition and culture, and being able to give something back to the community,” Smith said. “Being in the parade and experiencing the joy and happiness on the face of the community means a lot to me. While planning for the parade I really took pride in getting to watch my fraternity brother Josh Burdette put his talents and skills to the test. I am also grateful for the wonderful ladies of Zeta Tau Alpha and their contribution. With this being my last year, I wouldn’t have it any other way than being able to share this experience with the community.” Although the Homecoming celebration is almost over, there is still much to be done. The early morning of the Blue and White parade can be a hectic period. Campus life, ISU organizations and the city of Terre Haute will be up as early as 2:30 in the morning preparing to set up floats, barricades and street directions. Afterwards, those involved with the parade arrive in shifts to make sure that things are in order. At 8:30 a.m., final checks are done and the parade and Homecoming kick off begins at 9 a.m.
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Get involved with Homecoming Homecoming elicits many thoughts and memories. Some may flash back to high school and the Friday night football games where you and your best friends did more socializing than watching. Or you may Columnist reminisce on the immense amount of school spirit, the borderline inappropriate dress code throughout the course of the week, and to top it off, the endless amount of homework that seems to grow astronomically year after year. While some of these things stayed in high school just like your letterman jacket should have, others continue to ring true in the everso-interesting college atmosphere. But much like everything else that is new and terrifying in college, Indiana State University’s Homecoming week is both memorable and unique. No longer are there themed dress-up days and thankfully there are no after-the-game awkward dances in the converted cafeteria/ dance floor. Instead, Homecoming week on campus is about everyone coming together to support the team and campus they have come to know and love. Coming at a time when everyone needs a Fall Break, Homecoming week serves that exact purpose: a time for us to relax, still do our homework and enjoy ourselves a little extra because we are worth it. I think that one of the biggest mistakes you can make in your college career is to distance yourself from the experiences that you may never again get. That’s not to say that you should commit yourself to everything and
Kirstyn Quandt
accumulate more stress balls than positive memories, but you should leave your room and step outside your comfort zone more often than not. And there is no better time to do so than during Homecoming week. So get involved and don’t you dare think about wearing another university’s shirt during this week. Aside from the obvious, there are many reasons you should get involved with Homecoming. Here are just a few: Homecoming brings out the goofball in us all. Sycamore Sync is by far the best chance to show your peers your dance skills or lack thereof. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. And if you’re like me and are nowhere close to getting it, you can go to watch or choose to participate anyway. The line usually stretches out the door two hours prior to performances, and it’s a great opportunity to take a break from school work and enjoy yourself for a little bit. Grab your friends, have some laughs, sing along and dance if the moment speaks to you. It is a great opportunity to make friends. We surround ourselves with the same people day in and out. Whether we’re in class, at a sorority event or elsewhere, we have our select few friends that are bound to be there. However, with all of the events going on this week, campus is never vacant and you’re bound to meet new people. And the beauty is, you meet people of all ages, backgrounds, majors and personalities. It’s not only a great chance to learn more about campus, its history and traditions, but also to meet individuals who are learning right along with you. Whether you find them walking in the Torchlight Parade or they become your donation buddy at the Blood Drive, Homecoming week
never fails to bring us Sycamores together. You learn what real school spirit is. From the Torchlight Parade to the Trike race on Friday, there are many events that ISU takes great pride in. When you’re on campus, actually be there and experience what it means to bleed blue. Put down your phone, engage in legitimate conversation with your fellow peers and be a part of Homecoming week at ISU. The worst mistake you can make is to stay inside during this week. With so much going on, homesickness is pushed to the side and you begin to see yourself falling in love with the campus for more than Larry Bird and George’s. Hard to believe, I know, but this week teaches you not only about yourself and how much sleep you actually require and how to prioritize your time, but it also helps to reinforce why you chose ISU in the first place. If all else fails, go people watching. Let’s be honest — with all of the people out and about this week, there are bound to be moments to write home about. Wal-Mart has always been my first choice, but college students aren’t a bad option either. Whether you are at the stadium, walking home from the library at the wee hours of the night, or simply enjoying any of the events on campus, there will be many moments that leave you in utter shock and awe. But instead of capturing them on Snapchat, laugh about it with the people who are actually there with you. Ultimately, Homecoming week is about more than sporting your finest blue shirt. It’s about connecting with campus, realizing you chose it for a reason and spending the week with everyone who makes ISU your home away from home.
Editorial Board
Friday, Oct. 16, 2015 Indiana State University www.indianastatesman.com Volume 123 Issue 25
Alex Modesitt Editor-in-Chief statesmaneditor@isustudentmedia.com Kristi Sanders News Editor statesmannews@isustudentmedia.com Kylie Adkins Opinions Editor statesmanopinions@isustudentmedia.com Dajia Kirkland Features Editor statesmanfeatures@isustudentmedia.com Rob Lafary Sports Editor statesmansports@isustudentmedia.com Marissa Schmitter Photo Editor statesmanphotos@isustudentmedia.com Carey Ford Chief Copy Editor The Indiana Statesman is the student newspaper of Indiana State University. It is published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the academic school year. Two special issues are published during the summer. The paper is printed by the Tribune Star in Terre Haute, Ind.
Walk a matter of respect, responsibility Statesman Staff Editorial
The day is finally arriving, after months of waiting. This Saturday many students will undertake “The Walk.” The walk is a tradition for many Indiana State University students — particularly those of legal drinking age — where students attempt to hit every bar on Wabash Avenue leading down to the football stadium for Tent City and the Homecoming game. Many ISU Alumni even return for the occasion and to help initiate the new generation. The walk provides a significant boost in business to the many local bars and clubs along Wabash. It is also a good opportunity for making friends and having some fun. Many students get a large group of friends to travel with them and create memories that they will remember for the rest of their lives. It is also an event completely unique to ISU. You will be hardpressed to find another school that has an event as memorable and fun as the walk. It also does a better job than almost any other event at bringing us Sycamores together. We have struggled with attendance rates for our sports teams and many other events seem sparse at times, but the walk actually drags students out and about together.
That being said, many walkers go overboard. Wear all the face paint you want, but please try not to throw a chair out of a window. The walk is the time to remember to be respectful. If you know that you can’t handle your alcohol well, try to keep yourself under control or just don’t drink. Everything that students do while on the walk represents our university and reflects back on us, so students should keep this in mind before getting completely sloshed. We should also make sure to treat our businesses respectfully by not destroying their property and respecting what they are serving. If you are going on the walk this year, please arrange a designated driver or walker to help you and your friends get around safely. It is dangerous to consume large amounts of alcohol in the first place. Couple this with cheap alcohol, a major street and drivers, and there is suddenly a potential problem. The point of the walk is to have fun and spend time with friends — not to die from alcoholism or a drunk driver. So please, be responsible, don’t pressure others to go through it if they don’t want to and keep your senses about you.
Opinions Policy The opinions page of the Indiana Statesman offers an opportunity for the Indiana State University community to express its views. The opinions, individual and collective, expressed in the Statesman and the student staff’s selection or arrangement of content do not necessarily reflect the attitudes of the university, its Board of Trustees, administration, faculty or student body. The Statesman editorial board writes staff editorials and makes final decisions about news content. This newspaper serves
as a public forum for the ISU community. Make your opinion heard by submitting letters to the editor at statesmanopinions@isustudentmedia.com. Letters must be fewer than 500 words and include year in school, major and phone number for verification. Letters from non-student members of the campus community must also be verifiable. Letters will be published with the author’s name. The Statesman editorial board reserves the right to edit letters for length, libel, clarity and vulgarity.