V
NEWS 2
CAPACITY LIMITS DECREASE, BLONO MOVES TO PHASE 4
FEATURES 6
DAVIS MANSION MARKS 150 YEARS
THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021 Vol. 133 | No. 15
videtteonline.com
Walking the talk ISU’s new Athletic Director Kyle Brennan figuring out next steps for Redbirds JAKE SERMERSHEIM
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Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
fter Kyle Brennan heard about Illinois State University’s open athletic director position, he knew he wanted his name in the mix. At his introductory press conference announcement, Brennan said he reached out to every hiring firm in the country to get a shot at the position. The former University of Utah athletic director knew of ISU as a national contender from an early age. As his career grew, Brennan learned more about the Redbirds’ accolades. “First, I knew that across sports, they were competitive, at the top of the conference,” Brennan said. “That was important to me because I want to continue to make it great. I also have a memory of ISU basketball that I knew growing up out on the West Coast. Growing in my career the last couple of years I knew ISU was doing a great job in football. It was a great opportunity to take on the best on the football side.”
See BRENNAN on Page 8
New Illinois State Athletic Director Kyle Brennan stands inside Redbird Arena as the volleyball team prepares for its next match. Brennan has been meeting with teams, coaches and athletes to get a sense of the culture at ISU. Photograph by ALEX GANT | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021
BloNo moves to Phase 4: Revitalization KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
T
he Illinois Department of Public Health announced Monday that Regions 1 and 2 will be moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois plan effective immediately. This announcement comes one week after Gov. JB Pritzker and IDPH allowed Region 2 to move from Tier 3 to Tier 1 of the state’s coronavirus plan. Phase 4 allows retail, service counters and personal care services to continue at a capacity limit of no more than 50% occupancy. Meetings and social events are now limited to 50% of room capacity or 50 people while museums are at a capacity limit of 25% occupancy. Indoor and outdoor recreation are allowed to reopen select indoor facilities, but indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks are to remain closed. Indoor recreation is to facilitate at 50 customers or 50% of facility capacity. Indoor dining and drinking are now allowed for parties of 10 or fewer people in restaurants and bars. Seating areas in restaurants and bars are to be arranged so tables allow for 6 feet of distance between parties. Barriers may be put into place between booths that are less than six feet apart. An overview and more in-depth view of the Phase 4 guidelines can be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity website.
International seminar series to begin with COVID-19 vaccination presentation
Manufacturing
Indoor/Outdoor recreation
Employees must receive COVID-19 training before returning to work Employers should have a wellness screening program and conduct an inperson COVID-19 screening of employees upon entry Workstations should be disinfected between every shift and between employee handoffs In-person meetings must be 50 people or fewer
Select indoor facilities such as bowling alleys and skating rinks can reopen but indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks should remain closed Indoor recreation to operate with 50 customers or 50% capacity or less Outdoor recreation group sizes of 50 or fewer Activity stations spaced 6 feet apart Shared equipment should be disinfected before and after each use Clubhouses and other communal gathering places can reopen Concessions permitted with restrictions that follow restaurant and bar guidelines
Meetings/Social events Limit to 50 people or 50% capacity or less Food service should follow restaurant and bar guidelines
Museums Capacity at 25% or less Guided tours at 50 people or fewer Concessions can be open with permitted restrictions that follow restaurant and bar guidelines SOURCE: Illinois Department of Public Health
Health and fitness Capacity cannot exceed 50% Group fitness classes can have 50 people or fewer with 6 feet of social distancing between individuals Workout stations must be 6 feet apart without barriers or 3 feet with barriers in between Equipment must be sanitized before and after each individual use
YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
of ISU’s Office of International Studies and Programs and the Mennonite College of Nursing collaboration. The series will hold events from noon to 1 p.m. The upcoming Virtual Immunology and COVID19 Vaccination Presentation will begin the Illinois every Wednesday. The events will go on throughState University Spring 2021 International Sem- out the spring semester until April 28 with various inar Series titled “COVID-19: International speakers from across the globe. Topics range from information about Perspectives.” the pandemic and fear to dietary supThe event will be from noon to 1 p.m. plements, mental health, education and Wednesday and is open to the public. experiences of ISU faculty and staff. Advanced registration is required in order According to the seminar’s site, “The to attend. International Seminar Series has become Infectious disease and vaccine expert one of the most popular internationally Dr. Heather Zwickey will be the speaker. focused events on ISU’s campus and She will discuss important details about continues to provide international perimmunization in relation to the COVIDDr. Heather spectives on important issues around the 19 disease and vaccinations. Zwickey world.” Zwickey has a Doctorate in ImmunolAll of the events are free and open to ogy and Microbiology. She also leads a National Health Institutes-funded clinical research the public. They will be held via Zoom with time for attendees to ask questions. training program. For more information, students can check the Zwickey teaches and speaks at conferences across the globe. She has spoken on more than 30 pod- international seminar site. casts and she also launched the National University YASMIN ODEH is a News Reporter for The Viof Natural Medicine Helfgott Research Institute in dette. She can be contacted at yaodeh@ilstu.edu. Portland, Oregon. The International Seminar Series is a product Follow her on Twitter at @yasminodeh3.
Sally Turner to represent 44th Senate District
S
ally Turner was appointed over the weekend by the Republican County Chairs of Logan, McLean, Menard, Sangamon and Tazewell Counties. Turner will fill the vacant seat in the 44th District left by former State Sally Turner Sen. Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) who announced his retirement at the end of December. “It’s a true honor and privilege to have been selected to serve and represent the people of central Illinois,” Turner said in a statement. “I am humbled by the unanimous decision of the county chairs and I will work at this new position with the same diligence and passion as during my 24 years as the Long County Clerk.” Turner is a University of Illinois graduate of Legal Studies and received her master’s degree in Organizational Leadership from Lincoln Christian University. Turner served as a juvenile probation officer before serving six years as a paralegal in the Office of the Logan County State’s Attorney. She began her public service career in 1994 when she was elected as the Logan County Clerk. “Sen. Turner has spent her career working to make the government of Logan County more responsible, transparent and effective,” Senate Republican Leader Dan McConchie (R-Hawthorn Woods) said. “I look forward to working with her to help promote legislation that focuses on those same qualities here at the State Capitol.” Turner and her husband, John, live in rural Beason in Logan County and have two adult children. A formal swearing-in ceremony will take place in the coming days. GRACE KINNICUTT VIDETTE NEWS EDITOR
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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 26, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
Looking into the next four years Students discuss their desires, hopes for the Biden-Harris administration JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan19
of that. I’m very hopeful in his presidency and I’m very confident in his ability,” Graue said. Many ISU students commented on their resident Joe Biden tweeted on desire for more available health care and Oct. 2, 2020, “I’m running as quicker access to the vaccine for every a Democrat, but I will be an American. American president. Whether you These students, along with many Amerivoted for me or against me, I will cans, want Biden to prioritize creating represent you.” racial equality within the U.S. as well as Biden promised on several occaimproving international relationships with sions during his campaign to repreallies. sent every American. Students such as Graue believe that the Finishing up his first week in office, way to improving international relations it can be said he has been pleasing with allies starts with recognizing Trump’s citizens with his initiative and his perspective and his decisions. character. “I think that international relations will Specifically, Illinois State Univerbe quite different because Donald Trump sity students are excited about Biden had a very nationalistic perspective. He compared to his predecessor. pulled us out of a lot of agreements, like “I feel much better than I did with the Paris Climate Accords and the Iran [Donald] Trump as president,” graphNuclear Agreements,” Graue said. ic design major Alexis Camp said. “I think that Joe Biden will put us back Camp went on to say that she in the international stage and strengthen believes Biden and Vice President our relationships with other nations.” Kamala Harris have the public’s interIn addition, students are ready for a est in mind. Alex Wong | Getty Images/TNS president that welcomes the criticism of “I feel much safer with him, and I Joe Biden is sworn in as U.S. president during his inauguration on Wednesday on the West Front of the the media throughout his time in office. think he has the people’s interest in U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. During Wednesday’s inauguration ceremony Biden became the 46th Despite the difficulties in his path, Biden mind,” Camp said. president of the United States. is working to keep his promises to every Biden’s instant decisions to sign American. over two dozen executive orders since Biden is, however, walking into a presidency that will Biden continues to emphasize that he will protect the U.S. Wednesday has caught the eyes of many Americans. require much bravery. from its current threats. He also emphasizes that he wants to Several ISU students commented on the quickness The U.S. needs a president who can withstand the challenges progress the nation toward a stronger economy and a safer of Biden’s action and his determination to not associated with the coronavirus, the financial strain, climate environment for the well-being of American citizens. waste any time while in office. change and the general division that plagues U.S. citizens. For Syed, the process of renewing what was lost during “I feel excited for the change that is happenJournalism and political science major Jack Graue believes Trump’s presidency and moving forward begins with having ing,” nursing major Gabby Trovar said. Biden is coming into office with many challenges faith in Biden and Harris. Trovar went on to say that she was also ahead. “I think we just need to have faith in what Biden and Harris excited to see Biden’s team start taking action “There are a lot of challenges facing Joe are going to do for this country and how we’re going to move and working toward change after being sworn Biden right now from the coronavirus to forward,” Syed said. into office on Inauguration Day. relief,” Graue said. The Biden administration will be held to high standards “I know on the day of inauguration, there “I think if Joe Biden can manage to lower during the next four years. With this, Americans expect Biden were a lot of things that he was already working the temperature of American politics and to hear their voices. towards to change,” Trovar said. make it easier for people of differing sides of This will be a strained presidency for Biden, especially with “[This] is exciting especially compared to seeing the political spectrum to have a conversaevery eye on him. However, he continues to show Americans the problems that have arisen in the last four years durtion, then I think that will do a lot for this that he is fighting for the security of everyone. ing Trump’s presidency.” country.” To many ISU students, Biden represents a hope for a Graue went on to say that he believes JORDAN MEAD is a Features Reporter for The Vidette. better United States than what the nation had previBiden is capable of taking these chalContact her at jnmead@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ ously endured under Trump. lenges head on. meadjordan19. “I think he’s going to bring more peace to this coun“I think that Joe Biden is capable try and bring jobs back,” graphic design major Bill Syed said. Kirk McKoy | Los Angeles Times/TNS “I think Biden and Harris are going to do a really U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris walks the last few feet as she arrives on Wednesday at the White House in Washington, D.C. after the 59th good job bringing not only our economy, but our presidential inauguration. whole planet back together.”
P
“I know on the day of inauguration, there were a lot of things that he was already working towards to change, which is exciting especially compared to seeing the problems that have arisen in the last four years during Trump’s presidency.” Gabby Trovar, ISU nursing major
DECISION
MAYOR OF NORMAL Chris Koos ABOUT THE CANDIDATE Mayor Chris Koos has held the position for three full terms. Mayor Kent Chris Koos Karraker appointed Koos to the position in 2003 after Karraker stepped down. Koos narrowly held on to the position against returning challenger Marc Tiritilli in 2017. The Town of Normal has seen a lot of growth in recent years, including a contract with electric car manufacturer Rivian and receiving a $13 million dollar grant from the federal government for an underpass through Uptown Normal.
2021
MAYOR OF BLOOMINGTON Marc Tiritilli ABOUT THE CANDIDATE Challenger Marc Tiritilli is going up against Marc Tiritilli Mayor Chris Koos again after a narrow loss in 2017. Tiritilli has lived in Normal since 1997 and has worked as an industrial electronics technician. As a candidate, Tiritilli wants to focus on reducing debt in the town, as well as lowering the taxes of citizens. His slogan, “Normal needs better priorities,” promises to focus on issues of taxes and debt.
Jackie Gunderson ABOUT THE CANDIDATE Following a loss for the McLean County Board District 9 seat, Jackie Gunderson Jackie Gunderson is now running to become mayor after incumbent Mayor Tari Renner announced he won’t run for reelection. Gunderson is the director of the Penguin Project of McLean County, which provides access to the performing arts for disabled young adults and children. As a candidate, Gunderson is running under the People First Coalition.
Mike Straza
Mboka Mwilambwe
ABOUT THE CANDIDATE Mike Straza has lived in the Bloomington community for 37 years, and is Mike Straza the founder of Straza Consulting, which does business consulting in central Illinois. Straza’s platform focuses on accelerating economic growth, investing in infrastructure and balanced leadership in the community. Straza has been on staff at Vale Church for the past year. During his career the website states he has started and maintained six businesses and consulted with a dozen companies.
ABOUT THE CANDIDATE Mboka Mwilambwe has been a member of the Bloomington City Council since March 2011 as a Mboka representaMwilambwe tive for Ward 3. Mwilambwe was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and has been an employee of Illinois State University since 1997. Mwilwambwe said he was encouraged to run by residents after Mayor Tari Renner announced he would not seek reelection. Mwilambwe plans to focus on municipal services, coming together as a community and growing Bloomington’s economy.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021
Publisher’s choice doesn’t violate free speech
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mong all the chaos and upheaval following the insurrection on Jan. 6 at the United States Capitol, a surprising industry has entered the fray – publishing. U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley’s (R-Mo.) book “The Tyranny of Big Tech” was dropped by big five publisher Simon & Schuster and then picked up by conservative publisher Regnery Publishing. Hawley was one of the senators objecting to the counting of Electoral College votes during the proceedings on Jan. 6. The following day, Simon & Shuster announced it would not be moving forward with the publication of the book. It was stated in its announcement, “As a publisher it will always be our mission to amplify a variety of voices and viewpoints; at the same time we take seriously our larger public responsibility as citizens, and cannot support Sen. Hawley after his role in what became a dangerous threat to our democracy and freedom.” Regnery Publishing then picked up the book, proudly stating — using the language from Hawley’s tweet on the mat-
ter — that the company is publishing it to stand against the “woke mob” that is taking over America. This has led to an intense debate over what they view as the silencing of conservative ideals and the prevalence of America’s cancel culture. The senator stated on Twitter that this moment “could not be more Orwellian.” This particular choice of wording is interesting considering that the work he is referencing, George Orwell’s “1984,” is all about government control of ideas and words to the point where there is
even such a thing as “thought crime.” Simon & Schuster is a private business with no ties or obligations to the government. As such, it has every legal right to determine whom it will or will not publish. Publishing on the whole has always worked that way in America. That is how publishers were able to ignore works by women and Black people for an extensive time. They were the gatekeepers of published work and could determine what made it in to print and what did not.
So, is Hawley contesting a private business’ right to decide who to publish? It is not a violation of First Amendment rights to refuse to publish something. The First Amendment does not guarantee your right to have your work amplified by a major business. It isn’t even acting as a major gatekeeper of access to print publishing, since his book is still on its way toward publication with Regnery. Yes, there is certainly concern about certain voices being amplified over others in the media, and book publishing is no exception. With the intense polarization of American politics, both sides work tirelessly to discredit and ignore the other, regardless of the potential value in learning from someone who disagrees with you. However, ultimately this isn’t an issue of censorship. This is about preserving American democracy and freedom. Simon & Schuster decided not to amplify and be associated with a book by someone who does not acknowledge the legality of a free and fair election. They should be applauded for sticking to their morals and having the interests of the American people at heart. Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KATIE BESTE, 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.
I
Battling the blues of a blah start to the year
’m just going to mula determined by say it, January has former Cardiff UniMonday vibes. versity tutor Cliff Usually when I am Arnall in 2005, Jan. having a bad day it is 21 is the day duralways on a Monday, ing which sadness because it’s the first day about the holiday MY VIEW of the week after a nice debt, depression relaxing weekend. It’s over winter and the GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor like when you stub your yearning for warm toe on the end of the weather combine to table and then it just make for the sadruins the rest of your day. dest day of the year. Yeah, that’s January. The most hated and Of course, this has mostly been debunked annoying month out of the year to exist. as pseudoscience developed by a travel We all enter the new year making goals agency to encourage tropical trip-taking. and feeling optimistic that 2021 is going to be But it really resonates. By the end of Janubetter than 2020, but then another historical ary, the Christmas cheer has faded, the sky event happens and I’m just looking around is persistently gray and most, if not all, for the camera to stare into like Jim Halpert New Year’s resolutions have gone out the from “The Office.” window. Supposedly, Jan. 21 is the gloomiest day Even though I’ve lived in Illinois all my life of the year. Based on a mathematical forand know what to expect, I still get annoyed
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with cold, gloomy and snowy days. But even though I am not a fan of January or Mondays, I’d rather get those bad vibes out of the way first. It can only be up from here, or at least, I hope. After living through a historical 2020 that felt like an ongoing Monday every day, I’m treating the first month of 2021 as my selfcare month. Every day this month I have thrown on a different sweat suit because I deserve to have comfy loungewear even if all I am doing is sitting inside on my couch binge-watching a television show. I like to take time out of my mornings by drinking a cup of coffee while I just disconnect from social media and play “Animal Crossing.” I do a face mask three times a week because skincare is self-care and I deserve to feel and look great. After experiencing Monday vibes for most of 2020, I am determined to experience more
NOTABLE NUMBERS
? 50
is the newest limit on how many people can gather in a space. Region 2, which includes Bloomington-Normal, moved back to Phase 4 which allows for greater capacity in restaurants and indoor facilities.
4 to 6
NEWS, PAGE 2
inches of snow accumulation possible, according to the National Weather Service. McLean County is under a winter storm warning until noon Tuesday. Due to strong winds and a possible rain and snow mix, power outages may occur across the county.
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE
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happy vibes by focusing on the things I love to do and things I enjoy. Instead of thinking how much I hate the snow, I remind myself of how much I love the quiet that follows a snowfall or how January is usually a calm and quiet month that I can just enjoy and exist in without a million things to do. We deem January as a reset month, a month of new beginnings and hope for a better year, but it’s time we start treating it like that. Yes, January is the pesky first month to a long year ahead filled with more twists and turns but it also can be used as a month to sit down, set small goals and to put ourselves first as we get ready to face another year full of highs and lows. GRACE KINNICUTT is News Editor for The Vidette. She can be contacted at gkinnic@ ilstu.edu. Follow Kinnicutt on Twitter at @ GKinnicutt.
THEY SAID IT
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth
I think we just need to have faith in what Biden and Harris are going to do for this country and how we’re going to move forward.”
ANDREA RICKER Features Editor @ricker_andrea
Bill Syed, Graphic design major
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 26, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
Students sync up on online classes Weighing the pros and cons of different types of e-learning
YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
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synchronous courses have become a huge part of life at Illinois State University and other schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Most students have asynchronous courses, whether alone or alongside synchronous courses. The primary difference is that synchronous classes meet at set times during the week, typically over Zoom. Asynchronous classes have no set meeting time, allowing students to work at their own pace and requiring students to be self-sufficient in keeping up with due dates and assignments. Classes that are conducted asynchronously differ from synchronous courses because they are tailored to allow students to work at their own pace while having no fixed schedule for students to attend class or Zoom calls. The question remains as to why some courses are asynchronous while others are not. The meaning behind such courses and what they entail is important for students and faculty to speak on.
Photo by Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maia_writes
Students work on classwork in the Bone Student Center Monday. Many students have asynchronous classes which require them to work at their own pace.
Workload When deciding whether to hold courses synchronously or asynchronously, English professor Shannon Harman said the decision varies depending on the material for a course. Harman went on to say that some of her writing-heavy courses are more suitable as asynchronous, while others, such as her course covering research methods, can more effectively be taught synchronously. “Some material is just really hard to teach asynchronously while some lends itself more to asynchronous work,” Harman said. “It depends on the material being taught and on the students in the course. Is the material lecture-heavy or not? Is it material best learned through intellectual discussion among students? Are [there] students who know the drill and have developed independent study skills or are they
Flexibility For other students, many believe that asynchronous classes are beneficial for both students and professors. Some say that having the flexibility that comes with asynchronous classes helps both the professor and student space out their schedules. These students also stressed the opportunity to take breaks from sitting on Zoom and staring at computer screens all day. Junior early childhood education major Paige Corsello echoed this idea, saying that it provides a gateway to help students participate and pay attention to the course’s materials in other ways outside of Zoom. “Lecturing in front of a bunch of uninterested faces is one thing but lecturing in front of a bunch of people with their cameras off and mics muted is a whole other level of difficult. I really don’t think professors are interested in spending hours on the computer lecturing to people they can’t see or hear when they could have them read an article and post a forum response instead,” Corsello said. Corsello does feel like the inconsistency across the course types makes learning feel like an online subscription service without any guided teaching. “Instead of learning from our professor, we’re primarily learning from the resources our professor is giving us. While we’re still learning, it’s like we have a five-month long subscription to our professor in which they send out a new box each week with articles and videos for us to try out because we’re still paying for the class but the professors are not really teaching it anymore. “As for how it affects my schedule [and] availability, it’s basically making me unavailable. I had a job last semester nannying, but my class schedule this semester got in the way of
first-semester freshmen just getting used to the format of college classes? It all depends.” Sociology and anthropology professor Jennifer Woodruff believes the reason for these types of online courses has to do with safety during the pandemic. She said that if courses were to remain in person, class sizes would shrink due to a lack of room to space students 6 feet apart. Woodruff echoed Harman’s message about the excessive workload for professors holding online courses. “The reality is, there is so much more work now with asynchronous classes. I spend some days from 7 or 8 a.m. to 3 or 4 p.m. just simply answering emails. Then, I spend whatever evening time I can handle grading assignments,” Woodruff said. The reality of offering classes online, while convenient, can be a struggle for students and professors when learning and delivering material. continuing that job. Now I don’t know if I can get a new one because the hours I’m available are so limited.” Professors have also found challenges with having to teach material online, stating the differences of holding classes virtually and how it has impacted their ability to connect and work with students properly. Many professors, such as Harman, believe that holding classes online makes these connections with students less rewarding for them. “I just don’t get to hold the same conversations with students, conversations that I really love. Instead, I’m putting in all this work just to talk to a wall of blank screens,” Harman said. “It’s emotionally taxing and eliminates some of the most rewarding parts of teaching without eliminating any of the work.” Harman went on to discuss the major differences in how much time must be devoted to communicating with students online versus in person. For Harman, the process and time difference between in-person and online classes can be consuming for both the student and the professor. “A question I could answer in 30 seconds in person is now an email that takes me five to 10 minutes to type out and send. A discussion that could be had in a 50-minute face-to-face class now takes me two hours to monitor and laboriously type responses on a ReggieNet discussion forum,” Harman said. “I’m sure students feel the same way about having to type out a discussion forum post, for example, to get participation points versus make a spoken comment in a face-to-face class. I definitely have to adjust the workload for both students and myself accordingly.”
ONLINE CLASS TIPS 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.
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 their work, which can be very confusing.
Check the syllabus Checking your syllabus for dates is another key tip to knowing when homework, quizzes or exams are due.
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. COMPILED BY: ERIC SCHWEIZER VIDETTE REPORTER
Communication Sophomore business education major Matthew Gellert talked about the importance of structure for such courses. “A benefit [of asynchronous classes] is the flexibility, but that can also be the disadvantage when it leads to a lack of structure. If a professor structures them well, it can make the course load slightly easier. If the class has very little structure, that can make it harder and feel more self-taught,” Gellert said. While asynchronous classes do provide more freedom, some students argue they come with serious drawbacks. Unless the student is driven and self-sufficient, it can be easy to fall behind. Many students say that it is hard to meet other students in these classes. “A disadvantage to it is that sometimes, you don’t know anyone in the class, so you can’t work through the content with others,” senior communication science disorders major Emily Anderson said. “It can also feel very distant from the professor, so it is harder to ask for help or clarification on the content.” Some students believe that some classes are asynchronous for various reasons that might negatively impact students in the long run. Freshman elementary education major Cassie Labanowski believes that asynchronous classes are an option because “professors don’t want to sit on Zooms with us students.” English professor Shannon Harman talked about how synchronous courses are no better than asynchronous courses in terms of communication and interaction with students. She said holding these types of courses are strenuous with assigning work, saying that this is even more so than with inperson classes. “Personally, I feel it lacks the rewards of face-to-face teaching. I’m sure some people would disagree, and this could partly just be the pandemic, but I don’t get to know the students as well in my online classes in spite of the enormous effort I put into synchronous classes and into being available to talk with students,” Harman said. Some students say that asynchronous classes are a chosen method by professors because they believe the course will be easier for students when they do not have to meet. However, this may not be the case. “You don’t have to go to Zoom meetings, which might make it easier to be able to work, [but] it feels like you have to teach yourself,” junior special education major Ewa Koziol said. In contrast to Harman’s belief that the asynchronous or virtual environment obstructs the ability of professors to interact with their students, sociology and anthropology professor Jennifer Woodruff believes that online courses make it easier and more convenient to work with students one on one. “Students and teachers have access to each other a lot more frequently than they would in an in-person class. I do feel this way of teaching allows you to get to know your students better because you can have more individualized time with them, which I love,” Woodruff said. “Getting to know my students is everything to me, and it allows me to help them much better than having very little time to spend before or after class.” YASMIN ODEH is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at yaodeh@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ yasminodeh3.
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
ReggieCon asks:
Features
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021
Panels discuss diversity, inclusion through comics, movies JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
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nother installment of ReggieCon will be taking place in the month of February. The event is a celebration of Black History Month, with the panel focusing on the fictional nation of Wakanda and the comic run of “Black Panther” from Ta-Nehisi Coates titled “Black Panther: A Nation Under our Feet.” “The question of ReggieCon is ‘what’s your story?’ and what we’re doing is we’re using popular culture narratives as a way to open discussions with creators, scholars and artists about issues regarding diversity, inclusion and equity,” Scott Jordan, chair of the Department of Psychology at Illinois State University and one of the founding members of ReggieCon, said. ReggieCon’s previous iterations, which were in September and October 2020, were in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month and LGBT History Month, respectively. Both focused on different Scott Jordan aspects of comics and storytelling regarding the two groups. ReggieCon itself is also sponsored by the Office for Student Success in Enrollment Management and Academic Services. “The reason having these discussions is important, I would argue, is that if you look at the public arena, the most sophisticated and nuanced narratives we’re getting about lived life are coming from pop culture,” Jordan said. “Like, thinking about HBO’s ‘Watchmen,’ and how it’s drawing the culture’s attention to the racial atrocities of the Tulsa massacre in 1921 and building a story around that with an African American heroine.”
Attendance is free for those interested. The next event takes place from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 25 with a Q&A panel afterward, along with a postcon party where attendees can discuss ideas directly with the panelists. There are three more additional events this semester, including “Wonder Woman: Lassoing the Truth about Gender” on March 18 for Women’s History Month, “Mutant Photo courtesy of ReggieCon’s website and Proud: DiverReggieCon focuses on discussing diversity, inclusion and equality through graphic novels, movies and more. The next sity in the World of panel will be from 7-8 p.m. Feb. 25 on Zoom and will discuss “Black Panther” and the fictional world of Wakanda. X-Men” on April 15 for Diversity Month and “Eyes Unclouded by Hate: The Spirit of ‘Mutant and Proud: Diversity in the Hayao Miyazaki” on May 6 for Asian Pacific World of X-Men’ Heritage Month. When: 7-8 p.m. April 15 The ReggieCon panels all include the ‘To Live as One Tribe: Wakanda for All’ In celebration of: Diversity Month “ReggieCon Crew” which consists of Jordan, Where: Zoom When: 7-8 p.m. Feb. 25 Founder of Vantage InHouse Productions Suggested reading: “God Loves/Man Kills” In celebration of: Black History Month Victor Dandridge, Director of Latinx Comic Guest panelists: Leandra Parris, Chris ClareWhere: Zoom Arts Festival Theresa Rojas and associate mont Suggested reading: “Black Panther: A Naprofessor of the ISU Department of Psycholtion Under Our Feet” by Ta-Nehisi Coates ogy Eric Wesselmann. “Eyes Unclouded by Hate: The Spirit of “We’re expecting turnout to be different ‘Wonder Woman: Lassoing the Truth Hayao Miyazaki” from previous panels. The first panel had When: 7-8 p.m. May 6 about Gender’ 28 participants, and that was lower than we In celebration of: Asian Pacific Heritage When: 7-8 p.m. March 18 expected,” Jordan said. “We’re hoping now Month that we’re not behind in planning and adver- In celebration of: Women’s History Month Where: Zoom tising the event, we should be seeing a higher Where: Zoom Suggested viewing: “Princess Mononoke” Guest panelists: Shelly Clevenger and Travis turnout.” Guest panelists: Tatsu Shigeta, Rio Shegeta Langley and Larry Houston JAKE DAHL is a News Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at jjdahl1@ilstu. edu. Follow him on Twitter at @jdahl3005.
‘What’s your story?’ Upcoming events
Celebrating a historic anniversary
David Davis Mansion turns 150, produces commemorative book JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
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hile there is a lot of history in the Bloomington-Normal area, one particularly interesting location is the David Davis Mansion, a mansion built in the 19th century by Supreme Court Associate Justice and friend of 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln. The mansion will be celebrating its 150th year in existence with a commemorative book written by professor and historian Marcia Young. “The decision to make a book for this anniversary wasn’t hotly debated in any fashion,” Jeff Saulsbery, the site manager for the David Davis Mansion, said. “We all felt that a book telling the history of the mansion from its beginnings to today would be the best option, as it’d give people something to treasure and appreciate over the years.” The book also serves a dual function: the proceeds for the book will be going toward a fundraiser for the David Davis Mansion Foundation, a non-profit that seeks to assist the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in bringing visitors to the site, along with funding educational and volunteer programs, fundraising for preserving the site and publicizing the site, among other actions. Those who want to make individual donations can do so through the mansion’s website. “All donations to the museum go toward the maintenance of the mansion, and they will also support the educational endeavors the David Davis Mansion undertakes,” Saulsbery said. “We’re hoping with this book, it will lead to a successful endowment effort over the next two years.”
Photo courtesy of the David Davis Mansion’s Facebook page
The David Davis Mansion is celebrating its 150th anniversary and is releasing a commemorative book to celebrate. The mansion is also opening up to tours once again starting Wednesday. Tours will be from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. The museum will also be opening up to tours again starting Wednesday. Interested parties will be able to take a tour of the mansion in groups of no more than 10, with masks and social distancing required. Tours go from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Tours begin 10 minutes after the top of the hour.
“COVID had a pretty big impact on the mansion as a whole, but that’s nothing unique as far as museums go,” Saulsbery said. “We had to cancel many events throughout 2020, and we’re likely going to have to cancel more in 2021 as the year goes on.”
Green Top Grocery, artists raise money for charity GRACE DOYLE Features Reporter | @ Amaaziinggracee
Green Top Grocery has partnered with Inside Out: Accessible Art Gallery & Cooperative to raise money for charity and give local artists the ability to display and sell their work in stores. From now until Feb. 13, artists exhibiting at Green Top Grocery will be donating 10% of their gross art sales to ABC Counseling and Family Services. “Community outreach is an integral part of our store,” Green Top Grocery marketing coordinator Chloé White said. “So, we invited Inside Out: Accessible Art Gallery to sell their work to help support local artists who are struggling during the pandemic.” Additionally, Bloomington local artist Sally Berry has donated a piece of her own art directly to Green Top Grocery to be auctioned off with 100% of proceeds going to Association to Benefit Children. ABC is a non-profit organization that offers adoption services along with counseling for children that are victims of sexual abuse or struggling with sexual behavioral problems and their families. Each month moving forward Green Top Grocery will select a new charity to benefit and artists will continue to donate a portion of their profits to said charity.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Keeping up with Kate
Back on track: ISU women Del Fava delves into her unprecedented first season in professional soccer league win at UNI JAKE FOGAL Senior Sports Reporter | @jfogal5
Imagine being on the cusp of your rookie season after having been selected No. 12 overall in the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League Draft. The excitement, thrill and anticipation of having the next stage of your life right in front of you after all of your hard work has been noticed. Then, a pandemic strikes. Several unnecessary deaths inspire a movement and, out of nowhere, the franchise that drafted you is moving. Illinois State University alumna Kate Del Fava’s rookie year has been unlike any other. As the soccer ball has continued to roll throughout 2020 and into 2021, the former Redbird has kept pace and persevered through every obstacle in her path. “Obviously having my rookie season be such a crazy year wasn’t what I expected, but I wouldn’t trade it,” Del Fava said. “I feel like I learned so much as a person and a player during my first year and I’m excited to see how I can use my first year of experience to grow and develop this upcoming year and season.” With her draft date taking place on Jan. 16, 2020, Del Fava had two months of normalcy as a
first-round pick for the Utah Royals FC. When March rolled around, COVID-19 began to spread across the world. Del Fava stayed fortunate, as the NWSL continued play for its Challenge Cup season beginning on June 30, 2020. “The COVID-19 pandemic has hit everyone in the world extremely hard and I’m just grateful that I was able to even have a rookie season among all the chaos that the pandemic brought. Even though it wasn’t a typical NWSL season, I feel lucky to have been able to play at all during 2020,” Del Fava said. Photo courtesy of Utah Royals FC Del Fava was officially added to Kate Del Fava (left) exchanges a fist bump with a teammate the Royals on June 18, 2020, as in a match against the Houston Dash. only three rookies were added to the active roster. Before Del Fava’s movement. I plan to continue to kneel, donate, season began; however, a nationwide movement voice my opinion and most of all support my sparked that the midfielder could not ignore. teammates in whatever ways possible,” Del Fava Breonna Taylor died on March 25, 2020. said. George Floyd was killed two months later. As a Nearing her one-year anniversary with the new member of a professional athletic league, Royals organization, Del Fava played in six games Del Fava chose to use her platform to speak between June 30 and Oct. 3. Del Fava’s time in out against the injustice rather than remain Utah — while memorable — ended abruptly when quiet. the franchise announced on Dec. 7 that it was movBesides retweeting about Utah Royals news or ing to Kansas City. The first-year attacker noted Illinois State soccer, the content from Del Fava’s that there was an investigation into the culture in Twitter suddenly shifted, and became directed the Salt Lake State, which led to the purchase by toward the Black Lives Matter movement. Soon Kansas City. to follow was Del Fava’s decision to stand for The Royals can re-establish a team in 2023 change come her season debut. Except she did under new ownership if they so desire, but Del not stand but knelt alongside her teammates. Fava’s journey now resides on the Missouri She continued to kneel prior to every game border. this season, and her passionate sup“Utah was such a beautiful place to live and port for the BLM movement has I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to stayed true to this day. Del live there for a year of my life. I’ll definitely miss Fava is paid to play soccer, the mountains but I’m super excited to start this but she has taken it upon new journey in KC,” Del Fava enthusiastically herself to do what she can explained. to benefit those around Her rookie season has been a test unlike her. anything she could have experienced during her “I felt it was incredibly time as a Redbird, but Del Fava asserts that her important to support time at Illinois State has shaped her into the my teammates as woman she is today. well as voice my own uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com support of the BLM Former Illinois State soccer standout Kate Del Fava just completed her rookie National Women’s Soccer League. Photo courtesy of Utah Royals FC
Aces in the hole
Evansville forfeits game two of series; Redbirds add two wins to record DARNYSHA MITCHELL Sports Reporter | @DarnyshaM
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llinois State University women’s basketball (7-1, 4-3 MVC) took advantage of a shorthanded University of Evansville (4-8, 0-7 MVC), defeating the Purple Aces 73-48 Thursday afternoon, before the Aces forfeited game two of the series Friday. The Purple Aces had only seven players active due to injuries and assistant coach Doug Rogers acting as head coach in place of Mark Ruffing, which led to their decision to forfeit. After a slow start, the Redbirds outpaced the Aces in the first half, shooting 56% from the field and making eight of their last nine shots with a nine-point lead to close out the half. The Redbirds, averaging 16.6 turnovers per game this season, cleaned up their game, committing only eight on the night and forcing 13 turnovers from the Aces. “If we don’t turn the ball over, we’re going to put ourselves in a position to win a lot of games,” Illinois State head coach Kristen Gillespie said. Sophomore guard Mary Crompton had a strong start with 12 points and four rebounds in the first half, finishing the contest with a team high of 14 points and five rebounds.
Gillespie praised junior guard Terrion Moore, who finished with six points and two rebounds, for her dominate defensive efforts and clamping down on Evansville’s lead scorer Abby Feit. “If you challenge [Terrion Moore], she’s going to step up and she’s going to want to win that battle,” Gillespie said. “She just has a ton of pride with that, especially on the defensive end because it’s a tough, dirty job and we felt she was the best matchup.” The Redbirds came out storming in the second half, leading by as much as 16 and going on a 11-0 run over 3:20. Sophomore DeAnna Wilson picked up her first career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds in 17 minutes on the court. Wilson has shot 51% from the foul line on the season but finished Thursday’s game a perfect 6-of-6 from the stripe. Wilson said she has been working on her free throws in practice. She credits her teammates for the confidence boost in her performance and overall adjustment to playing at ISU. “I’m starting to get the hang of things. The way they’re asking me to guard, the way they’re asking me to do things on offense. It’s starting to come a little easier now.”
Alex Gant | Photo Editor
Kayel Newland (13) attempts a layup during Thursday’s 73-48 win over Evansville. ISU’s bench outscored Evansville’s 42-11 led by Wilson, senior guard Paige Saylor’s eight points, and senior guard Juliunn Redmond who finished with 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting. Redmond came off the bench and
was replaced by junior guard Kayel Newland in the starting lineup. The Redbirds led the rest of the way, leading by as many as 21 points to eventually seal a 25-point victory.
CLASSIFIEDS
ZACH STANGEL Sports Reporter | @Zstang5
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he Illinois State University track and field team started the season on a high note. The women’s team finished first and the men took second at the Jack Jennett Open. The throw squad kicked off the meet strong for the Redbirds, with three marks that rank in the top-30 in the NCAA. Logan Calvin, who missed last season due to injury, showed no rust in his return to competition. Calvin threw a personal best mark 19.69 meters to win the weight throw, which ranks him No. 26 in the nation currently. Despite falling short of his personal best in the shot put — heavLogan Calvin ing the weight 18.36 meters — Calvin currently ranks No. 14 in the event. On the women’s side, senior Sydney Laufenberg won the weight throw with a personal best 19.09-meter Sydney throw, ranking Laufenberg No. 20 in the NCAA. The freshmen who competed spared no time in making their names known. Sprinter Seven Hicks stood out in her Redbird debut. Not only did she finish second in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.81, she went on to win the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.35 seconds. Not far behind was Mattie Lieb, with a time of 25.44 seconds. In the longer races, newcomer Charlie Wetzel took fourth in the 3000m with a time of 8:37.23 — his first race in a Redbird uniform after cross country was postponed in the fall. Mye’Joi Williams placed second in shotput (14.50 meters) and fifth in the weight throw (17.07 meters). The Redbirds took the top two positions in six events of the meet. Besides Hicks and Lieb, who swept the 200m sprint, Grace Daun (1.70 meters) and Kristin Higgins (1.65 meters) were the first two spots in women’s high jump. The women’s throwers went 1-2-3 in shotput and weight throw led by Laufenberg, Julia Bourke (17.99 meters) and Hannah Johnson (17.84 meters) in the weight throw. For the shotput, Bourke (14.55 meters), Williams (14.50 meters) and Johnson (14.03 meters) also swept the event. On the men’s side, Brandon Gage (49.39) and Cole Maguire (49.92) went 1-2 in the 400m dash. Eddie Winner and Ryan Ashenbremer took the top two spots in pole vault. Several Redbirds moved up in ISU’s all-time best marks, as Calvin passed former Redbird legend Curt Jansen for sixth. Newcomer Aneel Gillian now ranks No. 10 all-time in the heptathlon with 4,133 points. Bourke beat her own No. 10 mark from 17.83 meters to 17.99 meters in the women’s weight throw.
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021
Redbirds open MVC season with 3-0 win over Braves MIKEY FORNELLI Sport Reporter | @mfojr
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Sweeping success
ow does a team begin a conference season 14 months in the making? How does a team even start a season where it has a chance to win an elusive third Missouri Valley Conference title in as many years? Some would answer that beating a conference rival in a three-set sweep only two days after beating the No. 20-ranked team in the country always helps, and they’re right. For the Illinois State University volleyball team, this spring presents a season unlike any other. After months of restless anticipation, the Redbirds made their home debut Monday night. The team sent the Bradley University Braves home after only an hour and a half and three huge set wins to take the match, only days after they split a weekend series against nationally ranked Marquette University. Being the first opponent to many different teams could benefit the other team because of film, but head coach Leah Johnson says getting this early experience and success is great for the Redbirds. “That’s our first six matches,” Johnson said. “It feels like everyone has an advantage because we’re returning a veteran team. We have to continue to make that our advantage because regardless of what they know, they still have to find a way to beat us.” As soon as the Redbirds took home court for the first time since 2019, they went to work against the Braves. Despite winning two conference championships in 2018 and ‘19, ISU lost to Bradley in three matchups. They took set one 25-20, thanks in part to Sarah Kushner, Nicole Lund, Kaylee Martin and Sydney Holt, who each contributed two kills apiece. They took an even larger lead in set two, winning by a total of seven points partly due to defensive errors by the Braves in their first game of the season. “Whenever another team makes an error, it does give us a little bit more momentum,” senior Holt said. “But I also think we did earn a lot of our own points, and that’s what we’re going to continue to do.” In the final set, the Redbird dominance continued. Huge blocking from Lund (10 in the match) and Kaitlyn Pronzinski (six in the match) were key to the 25-17 victory, the largest set margin of the match. While both Lund and Pronzinski were making their Redbird Arena debuts tonight, it is no coincidence that those two teammates work so well together at the net — they’ve been doing it together since long before they came to Normal. Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @Alexgant16 “They played club ball together back in high school, Illinois State University volleyball celebrating on court during its three-set win over Bradley Uniin Minnesota,” Johnson said. “We actually identified versity Monday night. In three games the Redbirds have started with a 2-1 record (1-0 MVC). Kaitlyn by watching Nicole. We saw that was definitely a tandem. Their relationship runs much deeper than from matches before they host nonconference opponent Cincinnati Univerthe last six months.” Although it was good for the team to be back in Redbird Arena after all sity on Friday and Saturday. “I’m excited about Cincinnati because I think they play a slightly different those months, there still is a major piece that is missing — fans. However, ISU’s “bench” of socially distant players in the corner of the court has brought style of ball than the Valley,” Johnson said. “They’re more point scorers than it upon themselves to bring the same energy fans would after every point, defense, and I think that’ll challenge us uniquely.” ISU now has three games under their belt in 2021, including big conferincluding choreographed dances and cheers. ence and nonconference wins. It’s a start to a “You can definitely feel the cheers and supseason that they’re obviously happy with but port from the bench while on the court, and it UP Next know there’s still work to be done as the season feels amazing,” Redshirt freshman Lund said. Illinois State is back in action at 4 p.m. on Friday gets into full swing. “We know they’re there to back us up, and it when they welcome Cincinnati University to town for However, for now, as they sit at 2-1 after really helps when there are no fans in the gym. a two-game set. Game two will start at 1 p.m. on Jan. three games in four days following hundreds They keep the arena loud, and it’s a better envi30. of days with no games, the Redbirds have a lot ronment to play in.” to be proud of and a lot to be excited about. The Redbirds will have a four-day break
BRENNAN
Continued from Page 1
In his short time on campus, Brennan has seen the Redbirds have success on the court. Brennan’s first game saw women’s basketball take down Valparaiso University in overtime, before watching men’s basketball turn around and take down Bradley for the first time in three seasons. “You can feel the rivalry,” Brennan said. “People tell me it was not the same as it used to be. I could feel it in the boxes. Even without fans, you could feel the passion from the players and coaches. When fans are back that is a rivalry we really are going to push and be proud of.” Since becoming athletic director on Jan. 15, Brennan has been quite active. Over that time, Brennan has had meetings with former Athletic Director Larry Lyons, coaches, student-athletes and donors. Brennan used these meetings to get to know coaches and studentathletes and their programs. During these talks, Brennan is deciding
what plan of action he wants the athletic department to move in. “With the coaches, I am doing one-on-one meetings and talking about the state of their programs,” Brennan said. “I want to get to know them as a person and them to know me. Talk about the values of the program and the values I want to have. We come to an understanding about where they are at, where they go and what they need.” Talks with student-athletes have been to show that they are Brennan’s number one priority. “It has been important to be in front of our student-athletes to tell them we support them, celebrate them and do everything we can to be successful,” Brennan said. “As people, students and athletes. The focus of our department is going to be on the student-athlete first. We want to create a culture and expand on a culture that puts our studentathletes first. For us, it is about having that mentality that we are here to help them to be successful.” According to Brennan, these talks are taking up most of his time right
now, with talks going until 7 p.m. most days. But the talks have been beneficial to Brennan. According to Brennan, they have helped him decide priorities and what direction to move the department in. “I believe I cannot come in here and be a part of the solution if I do not know how to fix things,” Brennan said. “I am here just to listen to find out what we are good at and what we need to do to get better. Then we can make an educated plan as a group. If I just come in with an agenda and force it on everybody then I am not in a position to put this place to be successful. For me being new I must learn, adjust and find what makes this place tick.” Despite COVID-19 still looming over the country, Brennan says the change to Illinois State University makes it feel like they are not in a pandemic, almost. One significant difference Brennan noted was that he is unable to meet people as quickly as he would in the past. “The main difference is I would
be meeting with people much more in-person,” Brennan said. “It would just be easier to get in front of people. With that being said, we have a talented team here. We have done Zoom calls and socially distanced meetings. In some ways it is better because it is more intimate and you have the chance to get to know everyone better, but it does take longer.” Brennan’s contract runs until June 2024. The goal is simple for Brennan over those three years. “What I want for this program is for all of our sports to be dominated top to bottom,” Brennan said. ‘I am still working with others to put some priorities together. I have been listening to coaches for those priorities. We want to have facilities going by the time the three years are up. It is so important for our student-athletes and coaches to have what they need.” DARNYSHA MITCHELL is Sports Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at dmitch3@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ DarnyshaM.
REDBIRD RE PORT Men’s basketball swept by Valpo over weekend
Despite a strong second-half comeback, Illinois State University men’s basketball team was unable to beat the Valparaiso University Crusaders on Sunday. Valpo swept the season series at Redbird Arena with the 70-66 win on Sunday, while improving its winning streak to seven over ISU. The Crusaders out-rebounded ISU 42-34. The Crusaders caught 16 offensive rebounds and was able to convert those into 18 second-chance points, compared to the Redbirds’ nine.
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Coach says
“It was the difference in the game in a lot of ways. They got those two at the end. It was who we had there. We had a lot of guards out there and were small. They out jumped us a couple times. Sometimes we do not go to get the ball with two hands.” ISU head coach Dan Muller
BY THE NUMBERS
13
blocks for ISU in volleyball’s win over Bradley. ISU having double-digit blocks proved to be the difference maker. The Braves put up just 3 blocks.
MVC MBB STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Drake Loyola Missouri St. Bradley Evansville Southern Illinois Valpo Indiana State Northern Iowa Illinois St.
4-0 13-0 8-1 13-3 5-1 9-1 3-3 9-6 4-4 6-8 1-4 7-4 2-3 5-9 4-5 7-7 2-6 4-10 2-7 5-10
MVC WBB STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Missouri St. Bradley Illinois St. Northern Iowa Drake Loyola Southern Illinois Valpo Indiana St. Evansville
4-0 8-2 6-2 10-5 5-3 8-3 5-3 8-7 5-3 7-8 3-2 5-4 2-2 5-4 2-3 5-4 1-7 4-9 0-8 4-9
UPCOMING Women’s basketball
The I-74 rivalry continues when Bradley comes to town at 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
Men’s tennis
Men’s tennis hits the road for two. They first take on Tulsa on Friday before traveling to Arkansas on Saturday.
Volleyball
ISU hosts Cincinnati for two on Jan. 29/30.
Women’s tennis
ISU opens the weekend with DePaul and UIS on Friday before playing Kansas City on Sunday. Compiled by Jake Sermersheim