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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021 Vol. 133 | No. 14
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After challenging start to decade, what comes next?
There is a large amount of room for discussion and reflecting to have, from the COVID-19 pandemic to a new presidency and everything in between. As these events continue to unfold, we look at how the Illinois State University COMPILED BY VIDETTE NEWS STAFF | ILLUSTRATION BY FLYNN GERAGHTY and Bloomington-Normal communities Vidette Art Director | @flynniegthatsme are handling them and moving forward. As a result, The Vidette talked to ISU officials and public figures to get their take fter the historic 2020 leaving and on moving past a challenging year. 2021 arriving, most of the country is reflecting on the events that took CONTINUED ON PAGE 3 place and what is to come.
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EDITORIAL 4
CAPITOL RIOT WAS A CONSTITUTIONAL DISGRACE
FEATURES 6
RESTAURANTS HUNGRY FOR CUSTOMERS WHILE WAITING OUT WINTER
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
University planning vaccine distribution Shots are expected for late spring, will remain limited across campus
KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
vaccine for those that are living in the residence halls, working on the campus, taking With both the Pfizer and Moderna their courses [in-percoronavirus vaccines being approved son],” Dietz said. by the Food and Drug Administration If things continue in December and supply being limited, as planned and ISU is states are slowly working through their able to have that mass vaccine distribution plans. Because of the immunization, both limited supply, it is still unknown when Vice President and either vaccine could be made available to Provost for Academic the public. affairs Aondover TarLast week, Gov. JB Pritzker announced hule and Dietz said that Illinois was moving into Phase 1B of that they hope to its vaccine distribution plan, and essenhave more in-person tial frontline workers and residents age and hybrid classes in 65 and older would be included in this place next fall. phase. This would allow a large group of However, they still citizens to be eligible for the vaccine. continue to tell facFrontline essential workers include ulty, staff and students United States Postal Service workers, to plan for all scenarpublic transit workers, grocery store ios regardless of what workers, first responders, persons workthose plans end up ing in education, food and agriculture, being and how things manufacturing, corrections workers and play out until then. staff at shelters and day cares. “In my messages, In the most recent weekly COVID-19 I’m suggesting to facemail sent out to the campus commuulty to plan for an nity, Illinois State University addressed this recent announcement: Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 in-person class for “While Illinois State remains in con- Students walk across the bridge outside of the Bone Student Center and Milner Library Monday afternoon. Due to COVID-19, the fall but to be prepared if the infections stant contact with the McLean County students are still required to wear masks and social distance. Monday marked the first day of classes with most of them onhave not improved as Health Department and the governor’s line due to COVID-19 restrictions for limiting the spread of the virus. much as we expect office, it has not received information governor's office,” ISU President Larry Dietz said. and have to move regarding a timeline for when vaccines “[In Pritzker’s announcement], they made a online,” Tarhule said. Phase 1B is not yet eligible for will become available to the university distinction between K-12 faculty and higher eduthe BioNTech or Moderna vacTarhule went on to say that this message and the extra prepafor distribution to the campus commucation faculty, staff and students. K-12 are the ration time is for a couple different reasons. cine but is expected to be within nity,” ISU officials said. highest priority and we will fit in after that at the next few weeks. Phase 1B “We do that for two reasons. Number one is that it is much “At this time, the university anticisome point, but there’s still not enough specific- easier to plan for an in-person class and then move it on. [Trying includes: pates a limited vaccine supply to be ity in the directions that we’re getting from the to do it] the other way around and try to plan for an online class Frontline essential workers available no earlier than the middle of state level and county level for us to certainly give and move it in person is so much harder. We would prefer that First responders the spring semester. Once a vaccine any timelines as to when this might happen.” Education employees faculty begin by planning for in-person classes,” Tarhule said. supply is received by the university, it Dietz also said that the administration is curFood/agriculture employees “The second one is an unfortunate one, but I think it's a fact. will be distributed with guidance from rently discussing all possibilities of what is to We now have some experience [and] we now have one year Manufacturing employees local health officials and in accordance come with the vaccine in loose terms and that worth of experience of [virtual learning]. On top of that, most Correction workers with the Illinois Department of Public many of the major decisions of what the fall 2021 people probably have two versions of their classes [with] one USPS employees Health’s (IDPH) vaccination distribusemester will look like will be made in late spring online and one in person. My hope is that it will be easier to Public transit employees tion plan.” or over the summer. Grocery store employees switch from one [version] to another depending on what the Despite Phase 1B not including instiOne possibility that Dietz mentioned is to vac- pandemic allows us to do.” tutions of higher education, Illinois State cinate ISU students, faculty and staff during the Despite what ISU’s end decisions are for the fall semester, University’s administration has started fall semester if the distribution plan continues Dietz said that the goal is to ensure the safety and health of the discussing possible plans to have vaccines on campus in the and is made available to the public by then, allowing the campus entire campus community. future. “The umbrella over [everything] is that whatever we do, we “Our steering committees are talking about that a lot [and] to have a mass immunization as well as an immunization site want to make sure that we’re doing what we can to ensure the I’ve been in some of those conversations. Where we take our similar to the on-campus testing sites. “I think this fall is going to be a very different time for us. I health and safety of everyone. That underscores everything that lead is the health experts, [such as] the McLean County Health Department, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the would fully expect that you will see stronger language about the we’re looking at,” Dietz said.
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The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The digital Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of The Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2021 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
REVISION 2021: MOVING FORWARD FROM A DIFFICULT YEAR
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I look forward to 2021 with optimism because of the resilience of the Redbird spirit.” “In February, Academic Affairs will hold a major retreat. The planning and preparation for this event has involved approximately 150 people in 10 working groups who have been meeting for much of the fall semester. The retreat will help the Division of Academic Affairs to identify priority areas and strategies to help ISU remain competitive and to thrive in the post-COVID-19 landscape. Also, in the spring semester, we look forward to finalizing and presenting to the university community ISU’s final report and proposal for an engineering program. Commencement is always special but this year it will be even more because of the traumatic experiences of the past year.”
AONDOVER TARHULE | Illinois State University provost
“To think about that [and] going back to a year ago, I don’t think any of us probably really envisioned where we would be over the coming nine months. Similarly, it’s really hard now to picture us being out of the pandemic, you know, they kind of have that fear of peace to it. But you know, when I look ahead to the rest of 2021, probably my number one concern is getting the vaccine out and having that widely accepted. Those are two pretty big caveats to what the remainder of 2021 Lynn Fulton looks like, getting the vaccine out to our communities and having adequate supply. Then, [it’s] having that vaccine accepted by individuals and have them willing to take the vaccine. If both of those happen in 2021 and we can reach some level of herd immunity, then I would look to the remainder of 2021 having a scale-back of the pandemic, meaning that we’re not seeing COVID-19 to the levels that we are today. Know that perhaps some of our ‘regular life,’ we’ll be able to resume, maybe we can have a few more people in restaurants [and] maybe we can be a little more comfortable with our children going to school next fall in more of a kind of our previous life instead of having them right now. My kids go to Unit 5, so only half of them are in school at a time. As I look to the future, that’s kind of the caveat to that as I look to the rest of 2021. I do think that we will have some level of a pandemic for a good portion of this year. I’m hoping that the cases go down and that we again don’t have it to the extent that we have right now. But given the rollout of the vaccines and that worry, I don’t know right now the percentage of people that are willing to take it. I do think we’re going to have to continue to be very mindful at least probably still masking [and] social distancing, but perhaps we can start to step back into our regular lives.”
LYNN FULTON | President of OSF Healthcare
NEWS IN BRIEF McLean reports 10 COVID-19 deaths, 278 new cases McLean County Health Department is reporting 10 COVID-19-related deaths Monday. One was a male in his 60s, two were males in their 70s, two were females in their 80s, one was a male in his 90s and four were females in their 90s. McLean has had 131 COVID-19-related deaths. There are 278 new COVID-19 cases since Friday, bringing the total of probable and confirmed cases to 12,639. There are 11,318 individuals who are considered recovered. Currently, 1,157 individuals are in home isolation and 33 McLean County residents are hospitalized. McLean County hospitals are reporting 65% of intensive care units in use and 69% of total beds in use. More than 189,100 tests have resulted in a cumulative positivity rate of 6.7%. The rolling seven-day positivity rate is 10.1% through Jan. 10. GRACE KINNICUTT | VIDETTE NEWS EDITOR
Dean of Students Office to hold Tea at Three event Tuesday Illinois State University’s Dean of Students Office is hosting a Tea at Three event in the Student Involvement Center from 3-4 p.m. Tuesday. This event aims to inform students about Leadership Education and Development and highlight the various leadership opportunities offered and designed for
“It’s a continuation of the goals that we’ve had for the strategic plan. I think it’s a special time at the beginning of this year to acknowledge what happened this last week is not only an assault on our democracy but also a reminder about the work that all of us have to do for justice, diversity, inclusion and equity. We clearly, as a country and a university, have a lot more work to do in that area and I am pledging to continue that work on those topics. We’ve got lots of things going on in a lot of various spots. I’m very much looking forward to the Martin Luther King Jr. speaker that we have coming in in the middle of January and trying to get some ideas and inspiration from him. I think it would be reminiscent if we didn’t pause a little bit and renew our own energy and own motivation to continue to address those issues, to raise more awareness and to take action on those things that will help us make the world a better place for all of us.”
“I think it’s going to be a challenge in the spring semester, but I really want to focus on our community engagement unit. While it still is a focus, it’s a challenge because we can’t have group meetAaron Woodruff ings or gatherings, it is all over Zoom. The Community Engagement Unit would attend a lot of the [registerd student organization] events and it was a way for them to engage the student administration. Because the RSOs and events are not occurring on campus, it makes it a challenge for us to do the engagement work that we try to focus on.” “There’s the national political change with a new president coming in, but we’re going to be experiencing a change in the school year due to the president. There will be the criminal justice reforms that end killing and reform due to 2021. We did form the police chiefs advisory committee at the end of 2020 and there’s a coalition that is willing to look at our coalition and really help build that dialogue and that trust for the community that we serve.”
LARRY DIETZ | President of Illinois State University
AARON WOODRUFF | Illinois State University Police Chief
students on campus. Those in attendance of this grab-and-go event will receive a free Redbirds Lead mug along with availability to an assortment of prepackaged hot tea and other warm drinks. The Student Involvement Center can be found on the second floor of the Bone Student Center. Anyone wanting to participate in this event who needs accommodations in order to do so can contact LEAD directly. GRACE DOYLE | VIDETTE FEATURES REPORTER
Eddie S. Glaude to be guest speaker at annual MLK keynote address Illinois State University’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. keynote address will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday via Zoom. This year, the guest speaker is Eddie S. Glaude, a distinguished author and professor at Princeton University. In his writings, Glaude attempts to shine a light on the complex racial disparities we witness throughout democracy. When he is not focusing on Black communities and racial injustice, he also works as a columnist for Time Magazine and takes part in a variety of MSNBC programs. Glaude is an intellectual American critic who uses his knowledge and credentials to educate the public on this country’s vulnerabilities and opportunities for hope. He will discuss his most recent book, titled “Democracy in Black,” at the event as well. The registration for this event is free, but registration closes Friday. A Zoom link will be emailed to individuals once this process is completed. PEYTON BELL | VIDETTE NEWS REPORTER
Dietz urges optimism amid ongoing challenges GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz sent out a campus-wide message welcoming students back to the start of a new semester while addressing the angry mob that stormed the United States Capitol building Wednesday and urging Redbirds to remain diligent during these unprecedented times. “As we prepare the spring 2021 semester at Illinois State University, I understand it begins much the same way December 2020 ended — with optimism tempered by ongoing challenges.” Dietz asks that the Redbird community remains diligent in following COVID-19 health safety guidelines and strongly encourages to take advantage of the free, on-campus COVID-19 testing as students return to campus. Students can get tested at the old firehouse station behind Cardinal Court and the mobile home in The Alamo II parking lot. Dietz also addresses the angry mob that stormed the nation’s Capitol building calling it, “America at its worst.” “The national tragedy was exacerbated by the realization that inadequate defense and security measures stood in stark contrast to what was observed during the demonstrations that occurred over the summer months. This difference in response is yet another reminder that our nation must reconcile its legacy of systemic racism and inequality if we are to realize our dream of a ‘more perfect union.’” As students process the traumatic event of the nation’s Capitol building being breached, Dietz urges everyone to invest in extra time for their well-being and to support those who are most vulnerable and may need an empathetic ear and shoulder to lean on. GRACE KINNICUTT is News Editor for The Vidette. She can be contacted at gkinnic@ilstu.edu Follow Kinnicutt on Twitter at @GKinnicutt.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
Chaos at the Capitol violates the Constitution
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n the aftermath of 9/11, then-Secretary of State Colin Powell became known for his own personal mantra in regard to United States foreign policy concerning military responses to the 9/11 attacks. They have become quite famous, and infamous. “The Middle East is like a crystal ball ... if you shatter it, it’s yours ... you break it, you own it.” One day after violent insurrectionists invaded the U.S. Capitol building for the first time since 1814, Powell said on national television that it was a “national disgrace to all of us” and called for President Donald Trump to step down. Sunday, Powell announced that he has preamble of America’s Constiofficially left the Republican tution: Party. We the people. Last week, before the atIt’s not “Me the People,” it’s tempted coup, the vice presi“We the People.” dent whom Powell served — It’s “establish Justice,” not Dick Cheney, otherwise known “obstruct and undermine as “Mr. Unitary Executive,” Justice.” It’s “ensure domesmade a statement of his own tic Tranquility.” Not “incite condemning President Trump’s domestic hostility.” It’s “secure attempt to threaten and coerce the Blessings of Liberty to ourthe Georgia Secretary of State selves and our Posterity,” not to “recalculate” election results “secure Criminal Immunity to and “find” 11,780 votes for him myself and those with undying — an unprecedented attack on loyalty to me.” American democracy all on its Now imagine the United own. States of Let’s repeat that: “We the People of the United America all the Cheney States, in Order to form a more and people who condemned perfect Union, establish Justice, live here. a president for abusing ensure domestic Tranquility, American presidenprovide for the common defense, democracy. America’s tial power promote the general Welfare, and influence and taking presidential secure the Blessings of Liberty throughout world; authorto ourselves and our Posterity, the its standity too do ordain and establish this ing with far. When allies and Cheney says Constitution for the United adversaries. “you can’t States of America.” Law, order, do that,” Preamble of the United States Constitution justice. The you’ve got Capitol problems. building —the very symbol of Since the president can no our democracy. Imagine all of longer express his feelings that as a crystal ball of its own. about this on Twitter, I’ll do it That American crystal ball, for him. much like the Middle East, was Sad! broken last week. Not all of us There is an important broke it. Not all of us divided nickname for the U.S. Capitol it. But now — we all own this building (it’s also been given to broken house, divided against the White House, to an extent) itself. I own it, you own it, — “The People’s House.” Karen down the street owns it, People, referring to “We the our Fox News-watching uncles People” — the first words of the own it; all of us, unfortunately.
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‘Bumper car’ mentality key to shaking things off in 2021
MY VIEW JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Sports Editor
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Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
A fixer-upper of the highest order, so much so that HGTV probably wouldn’t even want it. But there are many, many more people who are responsible for this. There is no such thing as a leader-less cult. Fires cannot burn without oxygen. Those who served as the oxygen for this insurrection might be, could be, and should be guilty of, implicated in, and/or deemed complicit in: Insurrection, incitement of insurrection, sedition, treason and conspiracy against the United States — just to name a few. From U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley to Trump and all of the Newsmax and InfoWars in between, that’s them. He who controls the world’s largest nuclear arsenal has been deemed unfit to responsibly hold any social media accounts — and while it’s a case-study in “too little, too late” — it’s not like the president really needs his social media accounts anymore. Those who attempted to overthrow the U.S. government; who stormed the capitol with zip-ties looking to kidnap and publicly execute their leader’s own vice president; those who wore “Camp Auschwitz” hoodies, set up gallows and hung nooses outside the People’s House; those who destroyed journalists’ cameras with American flags and murdered a Capitol Police Officer with a confederate flag on the same floor that once held Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and John Kennedy’s caskets
they’ve all known for a while — now that Trump “loves them” and thinks they’re “very special.” They don’t need him to remind them on social media anymore, especially considering plenty of them had already been banned for violating the same rules that he did. Although, it won’t matter soon enough — because he will not come to visit them in prison. Even if he and his extended crime family end up in neighboring cells — they do not allow much mingling in prison. Although — members of the president’s entourage might have a lesser chance of catching COVID-19 in prison, as opposed to a White House Rose Garden event. Speaking of COVID-19 — at least none of the insurrectionists can claim the government was violating any of their rights to not wear masks — the whole country has seen their smirking faces. Soon enough, those images will be replaced with mugshots. But back to the original point — Trump being off social media is, in fact, a good thing. Now that he no longer has to worry about carnival-barking into Siri, and even his own Banana Republican on Fox News have started to go against him — maybe he can put those finishing touches on that 2017 infrastructure plan, or that health care plan that’s “two weeks away.” He has nine days, or less. After all - it’s difficult enough as it is, to tweet with such bloody hands.
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by JOHN MURRAY, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the University.
ONLINE POLL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
NOTABLE NUMBERS
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points scored by Indiana State Sycamores against Illinois State women’s basketball during Friday’s game. The victory also marked a new program record for the fewest points allowed in a league game. SPORTS, PAGE 8
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days until the next election, on April 6. Both positions for mayor in Bloomington and Normal are up for grabs. Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner is not running for reelection, but Normal Mayor Chris Koos is. Several city and town council seats are also open.
VIDETTEONLINE.COM
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THEY SAID IT
It’s been tough times it’s not been great I think for any restaurant. We have scaled our operation to the sales we are doing now, and we think if we can maintain this, that will see through to the end hopefully.” Abby Bosenberg, Fort Jesse Cafe owner
aying 2020 was a bumpy year is an understatement. Just 11 days in and this year is no different, so far. From Kim Kardashian and Kanye West getting a divorce, to rioters breaking into the U.S. Capitol building and talks of a civil war, 2021 has unfortunately maintained the standard set by last year. And if it keeps going, the 2020s are going to get a bad name. With COVID-19 still raging and a new president on the wings of taking over office, more bumps are likely to arise in the coming days, weeks and months. Most people would shy away from these apparent challenges. I think we should have a different approach. Picture this: You are 6 or 7 years old at an amusement park. You just puked your funnel cake up all over the last ride, but you are still going on to the bumper cars. Now you and your friends hop into the bumper cars smashing into each other and shaking it right off as quickly as they come. In bumpy situations, I think it is wise to look at bumper cars with how to deal with the unexpected setbacks life hands you. Being able to take a hit and rebound is key or life would be able to get you down very easily. After this past year, especially, people all around the world have taken hits due to the pandemic among other things. Like in bumper cars you may take a hit, but it is all about how you rebound. Rebounding with a “no obstacles can get in my way” mindset can help you get anything done. Like a 7-year-old hopped up on sugar in a bumper car, life can come out of nowhere and knock you off course. When this happens, it is common to get frustrated or upset, but you always have the chance to pick yourself up and keep going and run down that kid that hit you first. Do not get me wrong. I am not saying that it is as easy to shake off a hit from life as it is in a bumper car course, but if you adopt a bumper car mentality, you can shake anything off. JAKE SERMERSHEIM is Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be reached at jrserme@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @JakeSermersheim.
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor @BesteKatherine
MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor @maiawrites MYA ROBINSON Sports Reporter @Im_Myaaa JOHN MURRAY News Reporter @Jmurr_
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
WINTER WONDERLAND WELCOME FOR SPRING SEMESTER
Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
Students received a glistening welcome back to the Illinois State University campus Monday with the remnants of last week’s snow and ice storm in central Illinois. ABOVE: Trees outside of Schroeder Plaza are covered in a light layer of snow and ice. The Quad remains relatively quiet on the first day back to classes Monday, since most classes are online due to COVID-19. UPPER RIGHT: Located on the side of The Alamo II bookstore, Reggie Redbird sits atop of the clock covered in a light layer of snow and ice. LOWER RIGHT: Ice can be seen hanging off a table with the chairs and the top of the table covered in snow. RIGHT: Hidden behind the snow- and icecovered trees sits The Bone Student Center Monday afternoon. Some of the wintery coating may begin to disappear Tuesday and Wednesday with high temps to begin pushing 40 degrees.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
’21 marks new year, new name for CESL JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
At the beginning of January, the Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning officially changed the center's name to the Center for Civic Engagement. In late October it was revealed at the Board of Trustees meeting that the CESL would be changing the organization's name. “We created the center in 2017 to support and promote the university’s core value of civic engagement. We believe [the new name] not only ties us more directly to the university’s core value, but it also better aligns the center with the scope of the work we are undertaking,” Dr. Katy Strzepek, director of CESL, said. “Additionally, our current name is rather long and difficult for faculty, staff, students and community members to remember. Updating our name simply made sense for purposes of branding and name recognition.” While CESL has only been around for about three years, the organization is already looking at a rebrand. In late October, the center announced that it will be looking
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning officially changed its name at the beginning of January 2021 to the Center for Civic Engagement. The organization is located on the corner of Fell Avenue and North Street, across from Watterson Dining Commons and CVS. to make the switch officially at the beginning of January 2021. The center initially decided to postpone any statements regarding the new name until after the general election on November 3. “We decided to postpone any official announcements in an effort to not take attention away from the work the center is doing in collabo-
ration with the Voter Engagement Coalition over the next two weeks,” Emily Nafziger, the Assistant Director for the CESL, said. “While the new name was mentioned by President [Larry] Dietz during the Board of Trustees meeting as part of the official process to change our unit name, we’re still waiting on other policies and procedures to be put in
place before we move forward with the transition.” The Center for Community Engagement and Service Learning is an organization on Illinois State University’s campus whose purpose is, according to its website, “to bring coordination and a shared purpose to the numerous civic engagement efforts already occurring throughout the university as well as to create new opportunities.” The center assists students in finding ways to serve the Bloomington-Normal community, and is also responsible for providing Illinois State students with the opportunity to enjoy Alternative Breaks, wherein students can travel to other communities and assist in volunteer efforts, whether they be local, national or international. “We believe that engagement is a process and that partnerships must be built on equity and the idea of the co-creation of knowledge. We don’t want our students to view themselves as saviors, but rather as learners who work with and alongside community groups to develop and enact plans for positive change,” Strzepek said. “An important piece of this learning process is reflection, and we ask
students to reflect on their actions before and after participating in civic projects to help them make meaning of what they are learning and connections to their personal and professional life.” For those interested, the CESL also accepts outside help in the form of donations to some of its programs. Prospective donors might be interested in supporting programs like film showings or their deliberative dialogues or give funding to its Alternative Breaks so that students can travel to new places. “We hope the name change will make us easier to recognize and will also show students the many different types of civic engagement enhancing students’ engagement,” Strzepek said. “Students can become involved not only by participating in community service, but also through advocacy, political engagement, philanthropy and other types of engagement. Thinking of all of the different types of engagement helps us meet students where they are and gives them many ways to enter into their journey to live out our core value of civic engagement.”
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
Features
Starting the year off right PEYTON BELL News Reporter | @peyton_vidette
Waiting on orders Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
Local restaurants, like Avanti’s, have been trying their best to adapt to the COVID-19 guidelines while staying in business. However, as the days get colder outdoor seating is no longer available for many, leaving one more hurdle for these businesses to jump over.
Restaurants adjust to winter, limited options MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @Meghanfortunato
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or several months, local restaurants and bars in Bloomington-Normal have continued adjusting to seasonal changes, facing adjusting to no indoor dining during this year’s winter months. For well-known local restaurant Avanti’s, approaching its 50th anniversary, public relations manager Martha Blankenship explains how winter month operations, in effect with COVID-19 restrictions on indoor dining, has shifted dining production. “We want to do the best job we can, we’ve been in this town for 49 years and we want to do a good job, we want our customers to return, obviously,” Blankenship said. “We’re just hopeful we can do the business we can to ride this out.” Customers are still able to directly come in for carryout or can call ahead. Avanti’s can also bring out orders curbside. The online option has been very popular, and there are drivers available for delivery. “We’re hoping for increased delivery. That often happens this time of the year,” Blakenship said. “With a combination of online ordering and the
Normal restaurant options
curbside pickup, we deliver everywhere in Bloomington-Normal. We know that will be a benefit.” Keeping up with the health department and state guidelines for sanitation, Avanti’s goal is to protect employees and the public. This is a top priority right now, especially when it comes to food sanitation and dealing with the pandemic. “We are extremely grateful, and I don’t just speak for our business, I really speak for all the local businesses in town, we need public support and they are providing it.” Not knowing what the future holds, Avanti’s is hopeful things will begin to improve this year. “We’re taking things as they come, and trying to protect our employees and the public,” Blankenship said. Medici in Uptown Normal has adjusted to the cold weather, implementing $35,000 of industrial heaters on the outdoor patio on the roof. Bar Manager Alex Ebberc says some people have taken advantage of the outdoor dining, but due to no indoor seating, sales have decreased. “Our sales are not where they were last year,” Ebberc said. “As far as sales go, obviously we’re doing maybe 25% of what we were doing last year.” The restaurant has changed as operations in the past have focused on the sit-down dining
FORT JESSE CAFE: Curbside carry out and delivery from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
experience at Medici. They continue to stay open for the winter months. “We’re feeling pretty fortunate at least that our doors are staying open,” Ebberc said. Although winter restaurant operations come with weather problems, many are just hopeful to make it to the spring. “It’s been tough times, it’s not been great I think for any restaurant,” Fort Jesse Cafe owner Abby Bosenberg said. “We have scaled our operation to the sales we are doing now, and we think if we can maintain this, that will see through to the end hopefully.” The full menu is still available while Fort Jesse Cafe offers curbside delivery and DoorDash. Bosenberg pushes to get through to the other side of the pandemic and get dine in open again. Unfortunately, the restaurant had to furlough some people. The restaurant wants to get employees back, paying them regularly. The flow of operation has come with its challenges as restaurants continue to have dine-in restrictions. Owners and employees encourage the community to remember local businesses in the area offering their outdoor services. MEGHAN FORTUNATO is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at mefortu@ ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @Meghanfortunato.
MEDICI: Rooftop patio and carryout from noon to 7:45 p.m. Mondays through Sundays and delivery from 11:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Wednesdays
through Sundays. AVANTI’S: Carryout, curbside pickup and delivery from 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Sundays.
Tips, tricks for tackling another online semester ERIC SCHWEIZER Features Reporter | @EricSchweizer2
School is back in session here at Illinois State University and for many students the majority of classes are online. After having the past fall semester taught remotely, many students have learned skills to help them in the second online semester. With online classes can come a lot of struggles, so here are some tips and tricks from ISU students to help get you through the semester.
Have a daily routine For many students, this is the key to success; having a game plan for your classes and making a specific time for each class that you are in. “Something that really helps me is getting a daily routine down and having some sort of reward activity for when I’m done with my
work whether it be video games or watching Netflix,” ISU junior Noah Lewallen said.
Pay attention to ReggieNet A key to staying on top of assignments is by checking each of your courses daily. Many students struggle when they can’t locate where their work is which can be very confusing. “Paying attention to ReggieNet and the seemingly endless third-party sites that hold homework can be challenging,” junior Carter Evans said. “It is all about getting focused and keeping track of these sites. Taking things day by day.”
Check the syllabus Checking your syllabus for dates is another key tip to knowing when homework, quizzes or exams are due. “Checking the syllabus on a
Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
Sophomore math education major Madison Nottke and sophomore accounting major Anna Ludolph prepare for online classes. regular basis and checking in with the professor if I have any questions about due dates, requirements and etc.,” Lewallen said.
Use a calendar The last tip is to use a calendar. Whether it be one that you hang up on a wall in your room, a planner or
even just the one on your phone. Anything that will help you remember what is due and when. “Using Google Calendar to plan out my class and homework schedule for last semester was essential to succeeding in my classes,” freshman Carson Bounds said.
With the dramatic downturn of 2020, many individuals are looking to start out this upcoming year on the right foot. It is important that we all learn to grow from these troubled times and gain a positive outlook on our own lives for the future. Here are some of the New Years’ resolutions Illinois State University students plan to accomplish. “I’m wanting to be more organized as well as fix my sleep schedule,” freshman international business major Ava Webster said. “I’m going to try and drink more water, have healthy recipes to cook and work out three times a week or more. I want to be more active and get more use out of my day by being better at time management.” With the start of the new year, students are hoping to gain back the time management skills and the social structure they used to have before 2020 hit. “This year, I am hoping to achieve happiness in my everyday life. One of the ways in which I will do that is by practicing mindfulness tactics every morning as well as positive affirmations,” freshman business administration major Jasir Mahkri said. “I hope to remain optimistic as 2021 continues. I also hope to focus on school more and improve my GPA this semester.” Ever since classes switched to online, most students have found it hard to adjust to such unprecedented times. But, with the new year, professors and faculty at Illinois State University have made it possible for students to succeed even with asynchronous circumstances. “Success has everything to do with your mindset and the way in which you respond to certain situations. It’s about preparing for the worst and believing you can put forth your best work,” Mahkri said. Because of the pandemic, people have been spending a lot of time and money on activities they can do from the comfort of their own home as well as vast leisure expenses. “In 2021, I would like to work on becoming a more independent, responsible college student and I will do that by saving my money and limiting my expenses as the months go by,” freshman physical therapy major Damola Williams said. The previous year came with a lot of uncertainty, and it is important for fellow students to take advantage of the fact that they can control certain aspects of their lives. The transition into the new year has clearly sparked some motivation in the eyes of Illinois State University students to achieve their goals and improve their well-being on various levels.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
SPORTS IN BRIEF Forward Sy Chatman opts out of season
Courtesy of Illinois State Atheletics
New Illinois State University Athletics Director Kyle Brennan talking during an introductory press conference while President Larry Dietz looks on. Brennan is set to take over as AD on Jan. 15 for Larry Lyons after his over 30-year career with ISU.
Brennan ‘excellent fit’ for ISU JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @jakesermersheim
F
or the first time, the newest Illinois State University athletic director, Kyle Brennan, stepped on ISU’s campus on Dec. 31. ISU President Larry Dietz noted this was the first time that an administrator had been hired before being on campus. But Dietz knows 2020 was unlike any other year and despite the low points, finding Brennan was one of the good parts. “Kyle (Brennan’s) leadership and experiences make him an excellent fit for Illinois State,” Dietz said. “His terrific attitude completes his diverse and well-rounded background. The thing that really resonated was that he is a person with a great passion for winning and studentathlete success. His passion, energy, experience base is well rounded all throughout athletics.” After the brief introduction, Brennan thanked those who helped him get to ISU, before breaking down his plans as AD. “Our student-athletes will be our top priority, we are going to provide
a world-class experience and give them every opportunity to be successful not just on the field and the classroom and community,” Brennan said. “And we will support the mission of the university. Also, we will be engaged in the community. If we are asking folks to help us, we want to be supportive of them too. Finally, we will win with integrity. I didn’t come here to be good or OK but to be great but winning with integrity is how we will do it.” Coming in, Brennan knows that he will have to adapt to implement his plans. “It means everything to me. how you go about it is the question,” Brennan said. “My intent is to come and listen, learn and understand then we will decide what to do. I am not someone to come and make a change right away.” Coming to ISU was not a tough call for the former Utah athletic director. “When this job became open, I called every search firm in the country and told them I wanted in,” Brennan said. “The reason is it’s got such an amazing history and great potential. When I look at the
success, I see an opportunity to build on great success. I compare it to a house with great bones, that we need to build on it. At the end of the day what attracted [me] the most was the people.” Brennan was the deputy athletic director and chief operating officer for the University of Utah Athletics. While at Utah, Brennan was responsible for overseeing football, men’s basketball and gymnastics, diversity and inclusion efforts and student support services, as well as securing an over $15 million grant for the lacrosse program. Before joining Utah, Brennan was director of compliance at Texas Christian University (2005-06) and Ball State University (200608). Before that he spent time as a graduate assistant at University of Northern Illinois (2004-05). Brennan’s contract runs until June 30, 2024. It includes a $220,000 salary, a membership to the Bloomington Country Club and a car. His first day will be Jan. 15. To accommodate Brennan’s starting in mid-January, former AD Lyons will stay in his position until Jan. 15.
When this job became open, I called every search firm in the country and told them I wanted in. The reason is it’s got such an amazing history and great potential, at the end of the day what attracted [me] the most was the people. Kyle Brennan, Illinois State athletic director hire
After not traveling on Illinois State University men’s basketball’s last road trip to University of Evansville, head coach Dan Muller confirmed that junior forward Sy Chatman has opted out of the season. After transferring from the University of Massachusetts, the junior forward appeared in just five games where he averaged 4.8 points and one rebound a game. Chatman’s best game came against Greenville University where he posted 12 points. Muller also confirmed that Chatman remains enrolled in the university.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @ alexgant16
Former starting quarterback Brady Davis during practice in October 2020.
Davis leaves Redbirds to follow NFL dream Illinois State University starting quarterback Brady Davis announced he is leaving the program. Davis went to Twitter early Dec. 23 to say he is chasing his dream to play in the NFL. Davis came to ISU in 2018 after two seasons at the University of Memphis that saw Davis appear in just one game. After taking over as starting quarterback in 2018, Davis was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer team. In 10 games Davis threw for 1,935 yards and 19 touchdowns. In his second season Davis appeared in 10 games throwing for 1,570 yards and nine touchdowns. Davis missed the final regular season game and three playoff games after tearing his ACL against Missouri State University. The Redbirds will have a quarterback battle on their hands. Bryce Jefferson and Jack Baltz both return after filling in for Davis last season.
Football announces 2021 signing day class The Illinois State University football team gained 20 new players during the 2021 early signing class when 18 student-athletes signed letters of intent and announced two preferred walk-ons. This was announced Dec. 16 by Illinois State University head coach Brock Spack. “This class touches a lot of different areas of our team and helps fill some needs at certain positions. The coaches and all the staff did a great job of putting this class together. We had to be creative with how we recruited this group due to the pandemic ... we are extremely happy with where we are at and think we have a great group of student-athletes and young men joining our program,” Spack said.
Track and field’s Harris Porter honored by Valley This week Harris Porter, a middle-distance runner on Illinois State University’s track and field team, was recognized by the Missouri Valley Conference in its State Farm Scholar-Athlete Spotlight. To be eligible for this recognition, MVC athletes must have a GPA of 3.20 Harris Porter or higher and have completed at least one academic year. Porter, a third-year accounting BS/MPA student, has a 3.87 GPA and has been named to the Dean’s List, AFNI Honor Roll and the MVC Honor Roll in addition to serving on the executive board of Beta Gamma Sigma, an international business honor society. On the track, Porter has competed in the 800-meter run at the MVC Indoor Track & Field Championships twice, with the Redbird team tying for second place in 2020 and winning the MVC title in 2019.
Men’s basketball opens Valley with rocky 1-3 start JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @jakesermersheim
At times, many were unsure if it would happen or not. Through COVID-19 outbreaks, schedule releases, re-releases, no preseason, limited practice and more strings of outbreaks, the Missouri Valley Conference men’s basketball season finally began at the end of December. Like several other MVC teams, Illinois State University faced complications in the opening weeks of the conference season. The Redbirds faced an opening weekend sweep, adjusting to two-game series, postponed games and a 12-day break between series. Through the Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics twists and turns of the young Dusan Mahorcic going for the tipoff during season, the Redbirds sit at 1-3 Sunday’s 73-68 win over the Evansville in the conference slate. Aces. ISU opened the season with a points, there was little to celebrate in two-game series at Loyola University the Redbird’s opening weekend. Chicago with a pair of back-to-back The Redbird’s MVC season took a rough showings. Loyola dominated sudden turn shortly after the Ramthe weekend with two 30-point vicblers’ sweep. An outbreak of COVID-19 tories. Despite DJ Horne posting on Valparaiso University’s team would back-to-back games with 15 or more
postpone the teams’ showdown on Jan. 2 and 3. The postponement meant that ISU would go 12 days in between games. ISU head coach Dan Muller used this to his advantage. With the chance to play a nonconference Division I or non-DI opponent instead of Valparaiso, the Redbirds and Muller instead decided to get back some of the practice time taken by COVID-19. “The best way to get better defensively is mindset, the second-best way is to train and to teach. Once they know what they are supposed to do is, it’s about competing and being on the same page and that’s the last one that takes the longest,” Muller said. “It is very challenging, and this is not an excuse but it’s the facts, it’s reality. They missed two months of summer workouts, and then the quarantines and you’re just behind. Then on top
of that you lose confidence, you don’t grind it out consistently and build up that grit and toughness and that can be frustrating.” ISU’s extra practice showed after the 12-day break concluded when they faced University of Evansville on Jan. 9 and 10. The Redbirds used the work on a zone defense that was not seen much in the nonconference season. Game one of the series saw the Redbirds stifle the Aces for a half before what Muller cited as a less intense second half leading the Aces to a 58-47 win. Game two saw Muller stick to the zone defense at first but switch out of it at a key moment. With the Redbirds down seven, Muller changed from man to zone defense and it helped lead the Redbirds back. Along with improved defense, five straight shots from Antonio Reeves
CLASSIFIEDS
helped dig the Redbirds out of a hole late in the second half. The Redbirds took home their first conference win of the season 73-68. So far, during the conference season, ISU’s young guards have proven to be on-court leaders. Prior to ISU’s matchup with the Aces, Muller called for sophomore guard Antonio Reeves to play more aggressively. This mindset worked for Reeves who led the Redbirds in both games over the weekend. Reeves opened the series with an 11-point showing before leading the Redbirds back with 21 points to close the weekend. “I just lost it. I stayed in the game trusted my teammates, trusted the process. I was out there, was not thinking and it paid off,” Reeves said. uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2021
Redbirds sweep Sycamores Dual attack of Crompton, Redmond cut down trees in record-setting final game
MVC alters women’s, men’s hoop schedules
The Missouri Valley Conference announced Thursday that Illinois State University men’s and women’s basketball teams will have their schedules altered.
RACHEL HICKEY Sports Editor | @r_hickey15
A
REDBIRD RE PORT
MBB schedule changes
Jan. 20: ISU takes on Bradley University at home, originally a road game. Tipoff scheduled for 8 p.m. Jan. 23-24 — Valparaiso University comes to Normal after this weekend’s series was canceled. Both games are scheduled to start at 5 p.m. Feb. 17 — ISU travels to Bradley, originally a home game. Tipoff 7 p.m.
MIKEY FORNELLI Sports Reporter | @mfojr
fter a rough start to the new year with backto-back losses against Northern Iowa to open league play, the Illinois State University women’s basketball team went to Terre Haute, Indiana, with high hopes. The Redbirds picked up their first two Missouri Valley Conference wins in a successful two-day campaign against the Indiana State University Sycamores.
Jan. 7 | ISU 74 - IND 60 After a slow start in the first quarter, the Redbirds picked up some steam and rolled past the Sycamores for their first league victory 74-60, snapping a two-game losing streak. Courtesty of Illinois State Athletics The first quarter left both teams with scores in JuJu Redmond driving to the paint at Indiana State over the weekend. the single digits and double-digit turnovers — with ISU and Indiana State combining for 10 For the Redbirds, 13 points and went 3-5 from behind the arc. points in just as many minutes. The Sycaredshirt sophomore The victory also marked a new program record mores held the Redbirds to just six points Mary Crompton for the fewest points allowed in a league game, as at the end of the opening 10 minutes — the once again made the Redbirds held the Sycamores to just 32 points fewest points in a quarter since Jan. 19, her presence known, and a 30-point lead. 2020, when the Redbirds were held to just scoring 14 points Despite pulling away in the last three quarters, four points to open a loss against Loyola in the game, aver- the Redbirds started the game 4-13 shooting in the University Chicago. aging 56% in field first. However, Gillespie says there were still posiISU head coach Kristen Gillespie added goals and 50% from tive takeaways from a seemingly cold start. another victory to her four-year tenure at “I thought we started out pretty well.” Gillespie Illinois State (55 - 40). However, Gillespie JuJu Redmond Mary Crompton the outside. Teammates Paige Saylor said, “I liked the shots we got, they just didn’t fall, felt the team had much room to improve and Maya Wong but I liked what we were doing defensively.” in tonight’s road win. In addition to stifling the Sycamore’s scoring “I am never going to complain about a road, also scored double digits, accounting for 13 and attempts, the Redbirds had only 12 turnovers in conference win, but we have got to shore up our 10, respectively, of the Redbirds’ 74 points. “I love our balanced scoring,” Gillespie asserted. comparison to Indiana State’s 22. Illinois State’s turnovers and our free throw shooting … I just “That is such a positive and that’s continued to be defense also limited Indiana State’s Jamyra thought we started a little sluggish — we did find our legs; we got into a little bit of a rhythm, but we something that we hang our hats on at any given McChristine and Sommer Pitzer, who combined for 35 points Thursday night, but only five on just have to value possessions and we have to make time.” “I thought JuJu started really slow — she picked Friday in this commanding 30-point win. our free throws,” Gillespie said. This completes a two-game weekend sweep for As a team, the Redbirds shot just 50% from the it up in the second half. Mary hit some big threes.” the Redbirds’ visit to Terre Haute, Indiana, and charity stripe in tonight’s game, with junior guard Jan. 8 | ISU 62 - IND 32 brings them to 2-2 on the MVC season and 5-2 Terrion Moore leading the way, shooting 5-of-8. Four minutes into Friday night’s matchup overall. Meanwhile, the Sycamores dropped to 4-5 The Redbirds picked up momentum in the second quarter and into the second half, led by between Indiana State and Illinois State, the home overall (1-3 MVC). Next up, the Redbirds return to Normal for a senior Juliunn Redmond who scored 16 points in team Sycamores held an 8-2 lead. After two big the game, going 7-of-8 from the field and shooting shots from three-point land by Crompton, the Thursday/Friday doubleheader versus Valparaiso. Redbirds stepped on the gas and never let off. “We coach to the end. That last quarter, some of 3-for-3 from the outside. Illinois State never gave the lead back after the these players got really good minutes, and that’s Redmond’s former teammate Jamyra McChristine paved the way for the Sycamores, scoring 19 Redbirds stole it early on and went on to a dom- great experience,” Gillespie said, “Next weekend points of the team’s 60. McChristine battled Red- inant 62-32 win, led by a team scoring effort; when we play Valpo, I think some of the players mond throughout the game, sinking 8-of-11 field Moore had eight, Saylor had nine, Redmond had that got good minutes today — it’s going to serve 11 and MVC three-point total leader Crompton had them well.” goals and 3-of-4 three-pointers.
WBB schedule changes
Jan. 21-22 — Evansville travels to Normal, originally scheduled for Jan. 22-23. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m.
BY THE NUMBERS
32
points from Antonio Reeves led the weekend series for ISU men’s basketball. Reeves and the Redbirds split a two-game series with University of Evansville over the weekend.
MVC WBB SCORES Illinois St. 62, Indiana St. 32 Bradley 80, S. Illinois 68 Northern Iowa 79, Valparaiso 71 Drake 76, Evansville 43
WBB STANDINGS
Bradley Northern Iowa Drake Illinois State Southern Illinois Valparaiso Loyola Indiana State Missouri State Evansville
Conf Ovrl 3-1 7-4 3-1 6-5 3-1 5-6 2-2 5-2 2-2 5-4 1-1 5-4 1-1 3-3 1-3 4-5 0-0 4-2 0-4 4-5
Depth, talent key to Redbirds taking flight
MVC MBB SCORES
A
Illinois St. 62, Indiana St. 32 Bradley 80, S. Illinois 68 Northern Iowa 79, Valparaiso 71 Drake 76, Evansville 43
packed roster full of potential spread from top to bottom is the Illinois State University women’s basketball team. Well, that was already known, right? I just wanted to state the obvious so that we are on the same page before I dive deeper into how special this Redbird team is. Sitting at (5-2, 2-2 MVC) has the Redbirds at fourth in the Missouri Valley Conference standings. The first NET ranking of the season had ISU at No. 51, only trailing MVC Preseason Poll favorite Missouri State (No. 27). Having endured a hectic road thus far this season, the program has had seven games canceled or postponed, the latest being Valparaiso University on Jan. 1-2. That series has been rescheduled for Jan. 14-15, but the constant changes have not been easy on the Redbirds. ISU head coach Kristen Gillespie had this to say after being swept by University of Northern Iowa, who replaced Valpo for ISU’s opening conference series. “We have been in quarantine since August for eight weeks. That’s the tough thing about this year, no one cares. We have games to play, so we
MY VIEW JAKE FOGAL | Sports Reporter have to find a way to overcome and get better every day,” Gillespie said. Gillespie, who is in her fourth season at the helm, made sure to mention that no excuses will be made during a season where changes are imminent. I do not think there will be many instances where excuses will be needed as the season continues. Team captain Juliunn Redmond has lived up to the hype during her senior season, soaring out of her bench role from a season ago. Redmond leads the team with 13.4 points per game, but the talent around her is what should be garnering more attention. The spotlight has shone on redshirt sophomore Mary Crompton. ISU’s three-point specialist has swished in 22 buckets from beyond
the arc, shooting a red-hot 58% from downtown. Gillespie seems to have a smile etched on her face each time she talks about Crompton, saying about a month ago, “I would pick Mary over any other shooter in the country.” The confidence is high not just for Crompton, but blossoming new people joining the Redbirds on the court this season. The guard tandem that sat out a season ago, Terrion Moore and Maya Wong, have had impressive performances for the Redbirds. Moore has been starting at point guard, while Wong has been seeing about 19 minutes off the bench. Both have stepped up to the challenge that Gillespie has presented them, and it makes the team much more wellbalanced (and fun to watch). Currently, ISU’s biggest weakness lies in the paint, but I do not foresee that lasting long. After Lexi Wallen and Megan Talbot graduated in May, a large hole opened at the four and five spots. Junior Lexy Koudelka, sophomore DeAnna Wilson and freshman Kate Bullman have been splitting minutes through ISU’s seven games. Before the season started, the praise bestowed upon both Wilson and
Bullman by Gillespie reassured any concerns, but neither have hit their ceiling this season just yet. Koudelka has started every game this year, but the junior forward has been dealing with knee problems. If her injuries press on, then Wilson, who averages nine points a game off the bench, might sure up any weakness I had mentioned earlier. The two losses to UNI may have been a wake-up call to the Redbirds, who hadn’t faced much adversity through their three nonconference games. Responding well with a sweep over Indiana State University this past weekend balanced out the Redbirds conference record, but this is the beginning of something good and dangerous for ISU women’s basketball. Gillespie and the team will be taking each game one at a time, but from what I have seen this season, as well as last season, Missouri State University may have to make some room at the top in the MVC, this year and those to come. JAKE FOGAL is a Sports Reportor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_jpfoga1@ilstu.edu Follow Fogal on Twitter at @jfogal5.
MBB STANDINGS
Drake Missouri State Evansville Loyola Northen Iowa Southern Illinois Illinois State Indiana State Bradley Missouri State Evansville
Conf Ovrl
4-0 13-0 5-1 8-1 4-2 6-6 2-1 7-3 2-3 3-7 1-3 7-3 1-3 4-6 1-4 4-6 0-1 6-4 0-2 3-7 0-4 4-5
UPCOMING Women’s basketball
ISU hosts Valparaiso, with both games tipping off at 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday,
Men’s basketball
Illinois State hosts Indiana State at 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Compiled by RACHEL HICKEY Vidette Sports Editor