V THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020 Vol. 132 | No. 23
NEWS 5
SPORTS 7
VIDETTE CLAIMS GENERAL IN THE WINNER’S EXCELLENCE AT ICPA 2020 CIRCLE WITH EDDIE
Full-time student, full-time parent
videtteonline.com
Illinois State student-parents reflect on triumphs, tribulations
STORY BY HAILEY BIALAS | Features Reporter | @haileybialas
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Sophia Post, 10, and mother, April, joyfully embrace as their bond symbolizes April’s pursuit of a degree in health information management at Illinois State, striving to set an example for both her daughter and herself. Illustration by FLYNN GERAGHTY | Vidette Art Director | @flynniegthatsme Photograph by JENNIFER HAIDEN | Photo Editor | @jen_haiden
eing a parent while in college means taking on two full-time jobs. Perhaps unknown to most, there are many parents walking among the student body at Illinois State University. April Post, an ISU student doubling as a mother to Sophia, 10, also triples as a woman struggling with kidney failure, while supporting a child and pursuing a degree. When asked how she juggles such a jam-packed life, she explains that her teachers’ help is significant. She also said, “I schedule all of my assignment due dates out and figure out what I need to accomplish each day. I do most of my work between classes so that way I’m not working on homework when
I’m at home.” Her added struggle of health complications not only leads to less time to study or be a parent, but also a taxing surgery. Post underwent a successful kidney transplant on Dec. 2. The time off from school allowed her to relax with her daughter while focusing on her recovery. This, though, obviously adds stress to final assignments that loomed around the surgery date and single motherhood. Thankfully, her professors were very supportive and worked with her to succeed with her health, child and academics all at the same time. However, as one of the larger universities in the state, ISU has few accommodations for parents like April. See STUDENT-PARENTS on Page 6
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
Expanding tech repair business may employ up to 150 in Bloomington
Bell ringing revelry
MEGHA N FO RTUN A D O Re p o r te r | @ m e g hanfo r tuna d o
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Alex Gant | Vidette Senior Photographer | @AlexGant16
One hundred and sixty-three bell ringers consisting of faculty, students and alumni were all nominated and chosen to ring the bell for every year since the university was founded. An Illinois State University Police Department officer was one of the bell ringers Thursday during Founders Day festivities. The ringers used a replica of the Old Main Bell, funded by donors and created in 2010 by Carson and Iris Carner who were faculty members at Illinois State. The ceremony was held outside until 2007 when a snowstorm pushed the events indoors. MORE PHOTO COVERAGE OF FOUNDERS DAY ONLINE AT Videt teonline.com
growing industry has taken over in Bloomington that could benefit over 100 residents with new opportunities of employment. The new tech repair business Contec is expanding to the region. CEO Joe Joy decided to place a new office in the Midwest location to help cut transportation cost and to be able to send supplies back out by being closer to its market. The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council CEO Patrick Hoban discussed that the reason why Contec expanded was due to the workforce in the region. “When they first originally looked at Mclean County, they didn’t know if they could find the workers they wanted,” Hoban said. “They were
very happy about Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan being there, but they took a further look out, about a 45-minute drive time and found 700,000 available workers.” Contec repairs tech for other logistic companies all over the United States. The company's headquarters is in New York and has expanded into North Carolina, Texas and California. As of just recently it is now opening its first Midwest office in the Bloomington area. According to The Pantagraph, the company will be opening operations in the next two months, starting out with 40 to 50 employees, within the first year Contec plans to hire 150 workers. “When it comes to a company like Contec, they are in the tech repair business so those are not actually starter jobs,” Hoban said. “When you
add a job like that, those are called based employment jobs and they normally support other jobs like your restaurant workers or service providers, so there will be a ripple effect from these hundred new jobs to our community.” Contec has leased the space from Agracel, currently occupying 56,000 square feet, and wants to take use of more space in the building located at 2402 E. Empire St. “It seems like a great company that is coming to Bloomington, especially if there are going to be new jobs available for students who are looking for work in the area after college,” junior public relations major Bekah Cartildge said. For students searching for a job in the technology and logistics field, Contec has applications on its website. To find out more information, go to gocontec.com.
Ax-throwing biz chopped, changes to backyard fun K A RINA LO PE Z Rep o r te r | @ klo p e z _ 0 2
10 Pin Pigskin, Scrabble, custom battleship, Skee-Ball, yard games, darts, giant Jenga, horses and more. Before starting to create, Kelley’s team man with a dream to start a new WHAT: The Grove Street looked at a lot of business models and looked Social Backyard Fun business but was not able to due to at the community. financial reasons ended up with an Center “We didn’t want to become the novelty, so WHEN: Grand opening even better idea. we quickly realized we needed to make mulDaniel Kelley sadly had to say goodbye to will be in May tiple great things, so that’s where we came his original plan of an ax-throwing location WHERE: 1707 E. Hamup with the arena idea, the arcade and backin downtown Bloomington. After looking at ilton Rd. yard games," Kelley said. the upgrades, it was just too much financially. SERVICES: Several None of the games are set to be there per“We didn’t want to fail and just walk away food selections and manently since Kelley wants to be able to and say, ‘Oh well we tried.’ We really wanted 35 games in rotation, change the games according to popularity. to bring something awesome to the commu- including board games “The awesome thing of this is that it’s very nity,” Kelley said. and outdoor games family friendly; it’s all ages so its young and He decided to create The Backyard Social. old and everybody in between,” Kelley said. It will take the place of the Alexander Lumber They will provide pizza and chips, but the main building at 1707 E. Hamilton Rd. and have indoor games plan is to have food trucks. The plan is to start buildand nine lanes for different yard games. Guests will be ing in March and have a big opening May, right before able to come in to pay for an hour and a half of lanes. graduation. After, they can pick to change lanes or just play that one “Our whole goal was to bring something to the comgame the whole time. munity that they can take on for their own. Our whole Some of the games that will be there are: cornhole, thought process is backyard social,” Kelley said.
FAST FACTS
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“We didn’t want to become the novelty, so we quickly realized we needed to make multiple great things, so that’s where we came up with the arena idea, the arcade and backyard games.” Daniel Kelley, The Backyard Social Business Owner
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The Vidette The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The 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 2020 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
Board of Trustees act on academics, projects and programs GRACE BARBIC News Editor | @gracebarbic
The Illinois State University Board of Trustees was busy Friday morning, acting on multiple items including the opening of the campus Multicultural Center. Trustees authorized the $5.5 million renovation project to prepare a campus building for the new campus Multicultural Center. The project will include the design and construction of meeting and program spaces, a kitchen, computer lab, reflection room and administrative officers for staff, student organizations and satellite support services. The new Multicultural Center is expected to open in fall 2020. ISU is also moving forward with the engineering program, receiving authorization to complete a comprehensive program and master plan, hiring Cannon Architects as the consulting firm. The authorization includes approval of $875,000 to hire consultants to aid in further educational planning and investigation of programming and space needs. The focus for the plan includes mechanical and electrical engineering programs. In a move to formalize ISU’s Department of Technology, the board approved the creation of a Bachelor of Science degree program in computer systems technology. The department is planning to make the current academic sequence into a stand-alone major. The Board also acted on facility naming, contracts for office space, student health insurance and building systems in Watterson Towers residence halls. A contract with Aetna Student Health for the university’s student health and accident insurance was giving approval for renewal. In recognition of a generous gift, room 120 of ISU’s Alumni Engagement Suite was named the Ron and Mary Kathleen Beales Alumni Engagement Suite. Other key points of action at the meeting included approval of a performance bonus of $48,000 for President Larry Dietz, the reconfiguration and repair of the visitor parking lot of the Bone Student Center and the replacement of air handling units in mechanical penthouses on the roofs of the Watterson Towers residence hall.
Business Week brings opportunity for professional development KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM Reporter | @NewsKourtney
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llinois State University is home to many business majors and each year the university provides many opportunities for the students during Business Week. Business Week, which began in 1979, is a longstanding tradition in the College of Business. The mission is to provide engaging, authentic and professional opportunities that enable students to interact closely with alumni, employers and industry leaders. Key areas focus on developing soft skills and understandings required for success. Students partner with the Dean’s office in the planning, promotion, and implementation of various College of Business functions throughout the year that culminate during Business Week every spring. Below are some of the opportunities students will be able to partake in during the 41st annual Business Week.
Photo by Mara Best
The Spring Internship Fair was held on Feb. 4 in the Bone Student Center and connects employers with students from all majors seeking internship opportunities.
Mentoring program Most Fortune 500 Companies have an established mentor program. To name a few, companies such as Google, Caterpillar and General Electric have established mentor programs. At ISU, the College of Business aims to help provide guidance for students in the early stages of their career. Specifically, mentors will serve as role models who reinforce the importance of joining registered student organizations, teach proper business etiquette, interaction, networking and create the path for career preparation. “Things I taught my mentor team were things that you really can’t learn in a classroom,” former Business Week mentor Alex Larson said. “Soft skills such as interviewing, how to build a resume, networking.” Mentor/mentee pairs get acquainted with one another throughout two pre-Business Week events designed and implemented by the Mentor Program Team. The pairs will attend training sessions led by alumni Eric Hoss ’87, MBA ’90 and Tim Pantaleone ’07, followed by an induction ceremony.
Professional Development Dinner Proper etiquette is essential to professional business and what better way to hone those skills than at a dinner? At the Professional Development Dinner, College of Business faculty with etiquette expertise provide coaching advice to guide students in their future business endeavors. The dinner started 6 p.m. Monday in the Brown Ballroom. This event had a $10 nonrefundable cost payable by credit or debit card. Madeline Trimble, Ph.D. gave an etiquette presentation and a social networking hour
preceded the dinner for students, faculty and company representatives.
Keynote Speaker Jeff Wilson is Global Head of Total Rewards for Caterpillar Inc., based in the company’s headquarters in Deerfield. He joined Caterpillar (CAT) in September 2018 and leads the continuing development, design and delivery of CAT’s total rewards vision and strategy. Wilson was this year’s keynote speaker for the Professional Development Dinner and gave his address at 7:30 p.m. following the dinner. Wilson’s corporate partners include Archer Daniels Midland, Commerce Bank and Deere & Company. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Management from ISU and is responsible for CAT’s leadership and oversight of the company’s total rewards.
Transition Seminars The transition from college to professional life can be a major leap, but ISU is hosting seminars during Business Week to alleviate the stress. The two seminars will be at 6:15 and 7:15 p.m. Tuesday in State Farm Hall of Business. The topics covered in each seminar were chosen to better prepare students as they enter their prospective industries. The seminars will showcase intercultural relations, student debt, landing a dream job, incorporating diversity and how to build a brand. Following the last transition seminar, at 8:15 p.m., there will be a networking reception in the COUNTRY Financial Atrium.
International Business Showcase Divyesh Jevtani International Business ’04 will lead the International Business Showcase from 5-6 p.m. Wednesday in the Caterpillar Auditorium inside State Farm Hall of Business. Jevtani is currently the Global Brand Team Senior Manager for Deloitte. His team is responsible for Deloitte’s strategic partnership with the World Economic Forum and he oversees Deloitte’s presence and participation in Annual Meetings, Regional Summits, communities and initiatives.
Trivia Night The Business Week team is proud to present its annual INSPIRE: Trivia Night after a successful inaugural event in 2019. Trivia Night is an entertaining event where students and staff are invited to form teams and compete for exciting prizes. Teams of five to eight people will answer questions in a variety of categories as well as compete in various mini games throughout the night. The Business Week team is utilizing all net proceeds from the INSPIRE event to help fund the COB’s Pay It Forward student fund. Registration for this event is $30 per team.
Keynote Address The COB said on its website “due to the global coronavirus outbreak, travel between China and United States has been restricted. This travel constraint has affected the availability of our Business Week Keynote speaker. The event will be rescheduled for a later semester.” KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM is a Features Reporter for The Vidette. She can be reached at klcunn1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ NewsKourtney.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
Putting the ‘you’ in youth voting
hether you want to Keep America Great, make the billionaire class pay their fair share or see the first woman president, casting your ballot this coming March will show baby boomers that millennials and Generation Z will no longer be idle when it comes to choosing our elected leaders. The politics of young Americans are in a realignment and our generation is playing a significant part in that. According to the Pew Research Center, more than half of United States eligible voters cast a ballot during the 2018 midterm elections. That’s 122 million Americans who cast a ballot, the highest in a midterm election year since 1978. Additionally, a study done on Illinois State University showed there was a 13% increase in students who voted in 2018. Political pundits and elected officials are beginning to realize that young voters, ages 18-29, clearly played a significant role in 2018
and will continue to shape elections in 2020 and beyond. A common complaint heard in the political world is younger generations being upset about policies that either only benefit older folks or negatively affect younger people. Make no mistake, there definitely can be obstacles that hinder youth voter turnout; some of that is done purposefully. Voter participation in the U.S. has always been historically low, with 60% of non-voters not voting due to process issues. Most everyone we know has a
smartphone, and apps such as TurboVote now make registering and requesting absentee ballots available at the tip of your finger. TurboVote keeps track of voter registration, absentee and vote-bymail rules for all 50 states. The app will send text and email reminders about registration deadlines, upcoming elections and where to vote. It’s safe, secure and no one’s data will ever be shared with a third party. The upcoming elections will have issues that are near and dear to us. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a
freshman or senior, marketing major or fashion merchandise major, there will always be something on the ballot that you care about or has affected you or someone you love. Climate change, gun violence, marijuana, voter suppression and an array of other issues will be addressed in one way or another this election cycle. If we care about our future, the future of our families, we’ll get to the polls in March and November. If those hot-button issues aren’t enough to get you up off the couch, just remember there’s someone out there with the completely opposite view on how the world should be and they will be at the ballot box. There’s no longer any excuse for us not to vote. Apps such as the one mentioned above have taken the most difficult part of the voting process out of our hands. The only and most important part we have to do is get to the polling stations on Election Day and make our voices heard.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ANDREW DOUGHERTY, 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.
Self-care is not consumerism MY VIEW ANDREA RICKER | Features Editor
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reat yo self is a joke I often tell myself or my friends when debating whether or not to buy something. Maybe I’ve had a long week, life’s been stressful or maybe I’m just feeling sad. I start digging for any justification to buy something I do not need. Then after finding some excuse, I buy whatever it is that looked cute under Target’s fluorescent lights. I walk to my car happy with my purchase and
I get back to my apartment and check my bank account. My heart sinks to my stomach. I’m such an idiot. I didn’t need to buy whatever it was and I don’t feel like I treated myself at all. I need to get groceries, but here I am buying something for temporary happiness. But, self-care is important, right? Everybody needs “me time” and should do things that are nice for themselves. It’s also nice to buy yourself something that you don’t necessarily need, but that makes you feel happy. Self-care seems to be shown as face masks, bath bombs and shopping sprees. It’s shown as staying in and ordering a pizza and binge watching Netflix. This is self-care, yes, but it’s just one form of it.
Chicken Doodle Soup by Claire Wagner | Vidette Cartoonist
Sometimes buying something you don’t need and staying home and watching a movie can have a negative effect on you. Self-care is a case-by-case situation. It’s different for everyone. Sometimes self-care can be a day of doing nothing and just relaxing. But sometimes a self-care day can be doing laundry and finally tackling the mountain of dishes overflowing in your sink. It can be forcing yourself to go to class even though you really, really don’t want to. It’s all about doing things for the betterment of yourself, not for the satisfaction of others. However, that doesn’t have to fall to the hands of consumerism. Whenever I’m trying to do something nice for myself, I try to think about what I need at that moment.
Maybe I don’t need to buy that overpriced facemask or that sweater that I’ll probably never wear. But maybe there’s something at the store that I will genuinely use and not feel guilty about. Or maybe I need to just make a nice dinner or finally start working on a paper. Self-care doesn’t have to end with feeling guilt for spending money on something you don’t really need. I’ve learned that there isn’t a standard for what self-care looks like. It doesn’t have to look like what it does on Instagram or in TV shows. What matters is that I feel better and that I took time out of my day to focus on myself. ANDREA RICKER is Features Editor The Vidette. She can be contacted at arricke@ilstu.edu. Follow. her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea.
THEY SAID IT
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This win isn’t just about the work we’ve done over the past year, it’s about the people who put in that work, time and effort into creating a culture that means more than words can describe.” Jonathan Barlas, Vidette Editor in Chief
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Why do you think young voters are less likely to vote? Cast your vote at Videtteonline. com or by using The Vidette app
EDITORIAL BOARD JONATHAN BARLAS Editor-in-Chief | @janveselybarlas GRACE BARBIC News Editor | @gracebarbic ANDREW DOUGHERTY Columnist | @addough ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ ricker_andrea ELIZABETH SEILS News Editor | @SeilsElizabeth
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
VIDETTE WINNERS IN ILLINOIS COLLEGE PRESS ASSOCIATION CONTEST First place awards Vidette Staff for General Excellence Editor in Chief Jon Barlas for Front Page Design, three successive front pages published on Oct. 1, 8 and 15 and featured cover photographs by Photo Editor Jennifer Haiden and a graphic illustration by Art Director Flynn Geraghty, respectively. News Editor Grace Barbic Feature Page Design which focused on a film about Ted Bundy Former Vidette Photographer Jeffery Smudde for Sports Photo from an Illinois State vs. Bradley game.
Second place awards
Above, Photo Editor Ali Rasper’s second-place Feature Photo taken in 2019 from the Gamma Phi Circus. Below, Photo Editor Jennifer Haiden’s third-place photograph shot Friday in Chicago of a man surprising his girlfriend with a proposal. The Illinois College Press Association conducts a live “Shoot Chicago” photo competition during its annual conference. This year’s theme was “Relationships.”
News Editor Lizzie Seils for News Jeffery Smudde first-place Sports Photo from the Illinois State Story: “Fake diversity has got to go” vs. Bradley game in February 2019 Seils for Headline Writing: “Students sound off on late-night false fire Aeilts thrives with position change” alarms” Former Advertising Production Manager Darius DaNews Editor Grace Barbic for Column Writing: vis and current Ad Production Manager Arnie Lack “It’s okay not to be okay” for Best Full-Page Advertisement design Features Editor Andrea Ricker for Features Page Photo Editor Jennifer Haiden for live ICPA Photo Design featuring Bob Dylan Competition conducted on Friday: Engaged at Editor in Chief Jon Barlas for Features Writing: the Bean. “Normal’s Jared O’Brien brings term ‘super fan’ Honorable Mentions to new heights” Former Sports Editor Blaine Lewallen for Sports Photo Editor Ali Rasper and Barlas for Multimedia Column Reporting for coverage of 2019 Lollapalooza Lewallen, Barlas and current Sports Editor Jake Barlas and Vidette Editorial Board for Opinion Pages Fogal for Best Podcast: MVC Weekly Rasper for Feature Photo: Gamma Phi Circus Vidette Staff for Multimedia Reporting Smudde for Photo Essay: House fire on Irving Street Former Editor in Chief Becky Fletcher for Headline Vidette Staff for Entertainment Supplement: Writing 2019 Best of BloNo Guide. Smudde for Spot News Photograph Vidette columnist Andrew Dougherty for Editorial Vidette Photographer Kacey Nichols for General Writing: “BHC rally: Issue facts and figures” News Photograph Third Place awards Vidette Photo Staff for Photo Essay Barlas for Sports Page Design Art Director Flynn Geraghty for Editorial Cartoon Former Sports Editor Kade Heather for Sports Haiden for Sports Photo Feature Story: “Illinois State cleanup hitter Joe
Vidette wins General Excellence in ICPA competition VIDETTE NEWS STAFF
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h e Vidette captured first place for overall General Excellence Saturday in statewide competition among campus newspapers from throughout Illinois. The general excellence recognition was one of a record 29 different awards captured by the Illinois State University newspaper in the annual Illinois College Press Association contest. Twenty-seven schools competed in the contest this year, and in most categories The Vidette competed against other large school newspapers. In the general excellence category, which recognizes achievement in all aspects of the newspaper, The Daily Illini at the University of Illinois finished second and The Daily Northwestern at Northwestern University finished third. General excellence is based on three separate editions of the newspaper, two on dates required by
judges and one at the discretion of local editors. In addition to the coveted general excellence awards, The Vidette won three other first-place awards, 13 second-place awards, four thirdplace awards and nine honorable mentions. Judging was done by a total of 42 professional journalists from across the county. The contest periods spanned the spring 2019 semester and the fall 2019 semester. Becky Fletcher was editor in chief in the spring and current editor in chief Jonathan Barlas was editor last fall. The Vidette General Manager John Plevka said he was “absolutely bursting with pride” over The Vidette’s performance in the ICPA. “There is some outstanding student journalism being performed across the state of Illinois and for The Vidette to be recognized as being among the best is a greatly deserved salute to the hard efforts by these outstanding Illinois State students,” Plevka said. “For the
VIDETTE PHOTO
Vidette staff members display some of their ICPA awards Saturday in Chicago. Front, from left, Flynn Geraghty and Kellie Foy; second row, from left, Jennifer Haiden, Grace Barbic, Ali Rasper, Andrea Ricker and Lizzie Seils. Back, from left, Jake Fogal, Jonathan Barlas and Jake Sermersheim. newspaper to be honored in all phases of the business — news, sports, features, opinion and
headline writing along with design, photography, multimedia, social media and podcasting is especially
gratifying.” Barlas echoed Plevka’s pride. “This win isn’t just about the work we’ve done over the past year, it’s about the people who put in that work, time and effort into creating a culture that means more than words can describe,” Barlas, a senior public relations major in the School of Communication said. “I couldn’t be prouder of us, our GM John Plevka and the organization as a whole. Best in the state has a nice ring to it, very happy we did this not as a team, but as a family. Without the staff, we wouldn’t have been able to do this. Give all credit to them.” The Vidette’s previous record at IPCA is 27 total awards in 2017. The only other time The Vidette captured the general excellence award was in 2017. There were 985 assorted entries from student journalists in this year’s IPCA contest. The awards were presented at the annual, twoday ICPA conference in Chicago.
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Features
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
STUDENT-PARENTS Continued from Page 1
The university only has parental services for the parents of current Redbirds. They have an entire site dedicated to them, but slim to no resources for parents who are students. When reaching out to the Dean of Students office in regard to parents who are students, Associate Dean, Jill Benson says, “Sadly we are unsure of how many students are currently parents on our campus. It is not on the admissions applications, but I know under our accommodations we federally support pregnancies and births of students. We also have a childcare center Women’s Policy within our Family and Consumer Sciences Research Finding Department.” College students She then commentwho are parents repreed on how accommosent one in five college dations after pregstudents. nancy and birth can Of the 3.8 million be limiting because it college students who only helps in the first are also parents, 70% stages of becoming a are mothers and 30% parent. New mothers are fathers. also have breastfeeding classes, and every “Student-parents student has counseling tend to be older while options, but current enrolled in college than mothers and fathers in their peers without general have a lack of children.” resources. One-third of Jennifer Haiden | Photo Editor @jen_haiden Student-parents student-parents have a April and Sophia Post gather around their coffee table, bonding and playing Uno. According to the National Postsecondary Student Aid also have to focus on GPA of 3.5 or higher. Study, more than one in five college students are parents. providing for their children, not just parent in college because your themselves. Working, on top of striving for acachild has to come before everydemic greatness and stellar parenthood, can take up thing. That may mean rocking even more time that can be used for schoolwork or them to sleep instead of working quality time with family. on a huge project that’s worth Ken Taylor, 25, is the father of Leila, 5, and a 30% of your grade.” student in the School of Communication at Illinois Long is pursuing a major in State. English as a full-time student. He said “The biggest challenge of being a parent She is a local, which makes the in college is juggling time between school, work dueling roles as mother and stuand my kid. It’s easy for her to be overlooked in the dent a bit more manageable. many things I have going on, so I try to make sure I She added that setting a positake time specifically for her and I, so she knows she tive example for her daughter is is the most important facet of my life.” also a key priority. Although she Taylor is a communications major who is also goes through the same stress on already pursuing future careers. He not only has a mental health as any student, a Jennifer Haiden | Photo Editor @jen_haiden podcast, but also enjoys expressing himself through factor that makes it all worth it is ABOVE: Sophie Post smiles in front of her artwork hanging at music. His passions for music and his daughter having her daughter say that she both are strong. His studies in communications can home. AT RIGHT: Leila is the 5-year-old daughter of Ken Taylor, 25, who is studying communications at ISU. is proud of her. further support his achievements with his podcast, (Photo provided by Ken Taylor) Parents like these, who are he said. enrolled at Illinois State UniverTaylor lives near campus, making it easier to daughter isn’t good, then neither am I.” sity, are pursuing what all students are reaching for: a better juggle his many responsibilities. In class, or on social media, These students, just like others, are working toward a education that can lead to a more fulfilling life. Parents like he often posts himself dropping off or picking up his daughdegree. Unlike most other students, though, it is not necesLong, Taylor and Post are just striving for this while also ter from school. He describes it as one of his favorite parts of sarily their priority. Their priorities are their children and striving to be good role models for their children. his day. families. This makes their own personal needs, mentally and When asked about how he keeps up with being a fullscholarly, slide down from top priority. HAILEY BIALAS is a Features Reporter for The Vidette. She time parent and father, he goes on to endearingly say, “I Diamond Long, mother of her 6-year-old daughter, Jewcan be contacted at hgbiala@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter don’t stay on top of parenting. I’m a parent (first). So, if my elry, and student at ISU, explains, “It’s a challenge being a at @haileybialas.
ISU production of ‘Guys and Dolls’ opens Friday HAILEY BIALAS Features Reporter | @haileybialas
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llinois State University’s School of Theatre and Dance is taking on the feel of New York this weekend. “Guys and Dolls,” a renowned musical, will be playing from Friday until March 6 at the Center for the Performing Arts. The story considers several typical personas you would see in New York around the ’20s and ’30s. Gamblers, gangsters, their lovers and their friends are teetering a thin line between crime, true love and perpetual sin. The main characters, Adelaide, Sky, Sarah and Nathan, are all trying to figure out if this is a city in which they will be saved or continue in their old ways of life. Overall, the characters are bewildered by the same question, will a guy really do anything for his “doll”? Normally, through the ISU School of Theatre and Dance, musicals are not often performed. Rather, there are a multitude of plays and recitals. With the school now taking on a long-loved show that originated on Broadway in the ’50s, faculty, fans and students are asking, “Why now?” Director Jimmy Chrimson explains, “I think ‘Guys and Dolls’ is a classic show.
and Dolls’ falls at a perfect point to balance out the drama with some comedy. You leave feeling good and smiling. As much as it is important to hold a mirror up and WHAT: “Guys and look at the larger problems that face us Dolls” in the world, it is also important to take WHEN: 7:30 p.m. a moment to breathe, relax, smile and Friday, 2 p.m. Satlaugh. I think this show does that.” urday and Sunday He continues to explain, “We also tried and at 7:30 p.m. to address the misogyny and chauvinism March 3 through in the show as well, by taking the female March 6. characters and making them stronger. WHERE: Center for They are smarter than the men. They the Performing Arts make their own money. COST: $12 for se“They have ambition and are unapoloniors and students, getically females. They give consent. They $17 for the general make choices and grow as characters. public They are not the one-dimensional ‘dolls’ SPECIAL NOTES: for the men in the show. So, we hope to Tickets can be bring the show into 2020 and empower purchased at CPA the women in the show with a modern box office or online sensibility.” Anna Gorski | Vidette Photographer at Ticketmaster The shows will vary in price, with tickISU’s School of Theatre and Dance will have its opening night of “Guys and Dolls” at 7:30 Friday at the Center for the Performing Arts. Performances will ets starting at $12 for seniors and students continue until March 6. and $17 for the general public. Shows also will vary in times, with the Sunday and Everyone knows it, and if you don’t think you season in the School of Theatre and Dance. Saturday shows being matinees. know the show, you know a song or two from The current season, and specifically this Tickets can be purchased by calling the it and don’t even know it is from this show. I semester, is a pretty heavy lineup of shows Center for the Performing Arts box office, or think this show is timely, specifically in our in terms of content and subject matter. ‘Guys online at Ticketmaster.
IF YOU GO
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
Redbirds steal win from Sooners over weekend MATT PETROVITCH Sports Reporter | @matt_petrovitch
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he Illinois State University baseball team (2-5) finished its four-game weekend series with a 7-5 victory against No. 23 Oklahoma (7-2) in game two of the doubleheader action.
Saturday | OU 3, ISU 2 Redshirt freshman Sean Sinisko took the mound for the Redbirds in game one, pitching 6.1 innings giving up two runs on six hits and one walk with nine strike outs. Illinois State’s offense lived off redshirt junior Aidan Huggins, who went 3-for-4 while driving in both runs for the Redbirds. The game was tied at two heading into the eight, Oklahoma regained control of the ball on a Peyton Graham sacrifice fly that would seal the win.
ISU 7, OU 5 The Redbirds were off to a hot start in the third inning as senior Joe
Butler hit a grand slam to open the scoring giving the ’Birds a 4-0 lead. Butler would go on to finish the day 2-for-4 with four RBIs and two runs scored. In the next at-bat, Braedon Blackford would follow Butler’s lead adding a solo shot to the home run party. Blackford went 2-for-4 with one RBI and two runs scored. The Sooners would not go down without a fight as they climbed their way back into the game after Brad Lindsly hit a three-run bomb off of starter junior Jack Anderson. Oklahoma would add another run in the fifth off of a wild pitch from senior Micheal Sebby. Illinois State did all it could to prevent further scoring from Oklahoma using a total of six pitchers in game two. Sebby, who entered the game in the fifth went on to earn the win pitching two innings allowing an unearned run on no hits. An RBI double by Connor McKenna brought the Sooners within two at 7-5 in the bottom of the ninth, but Redbird senior Jackson Bronke
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Illinois State starting pitcher Colton Johnson pitching against the Missouri State Bears. came in and sealed the deal, getting a huge out to uplift the Redbirds to their first victory of the weekend.
Friday | OU 2, ISU 1 Senior Colton Johnson took the hill to start the day for the Redbirds.
Johnson started the game strong, pitching a scoreless first five innings for the Redbirds, but ultimately hitting trouble in the sixth. Johnson would pitch 7.0 innings, giving up four hits, two runs with 10 strikeouts. Redshirt sophomore Jake McCaw
Ali Rasper | Photo Editor
knocked in Joe Butler for the one run of the game in the seventh inning to cut the game to the onerun deficit.
EXPANDED STORY @ videtteonline.com
o two athletes’ journeys to a Division I program are alike, but for one pole vaulter the journey was particularly unconventional. For Illinois State University sophomore Eddie Winner, that journey took him from the other side of the world, through military service, another college, a gap year and a television game show before finally arriving in the ISU record books. Born in Siberia, Russia, Winner moved to Israel when he was just a few months old. His athletic journey started when he joined a youth soccer team when he was 12. “As a kid I didn’t really do STORY BY much until I was 12 years old; I KEVIN KOSKI Sports Reporter joined a soccer team in my town,” | @_Koski_ Winner said. “At the age of 14, while still playing soccer on the team, they took us to a track meet for our junior high.” In that first track meet, Winner tried the 80-meter dash and long jump and won both events. “I qualified for the next round [regionals] … and there again I won the 80-meter dash and long jump and I qualified for the national junior high competition,” Winner said. “There, I was second in the 80-meter dash and I don’t remember about long Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics jump, but the fact that I realized that I was pretty Illinois State University pole vaulter Eddie Winner beginning his strides as he prepares to pole vault at the Meyo Invite. Winner was awarded fast and was curious to try track.” Missouri Valley Conference track and field athlete of the week. Winner tried out for the track team during the soccer’s team off season and started competing as and field championships and defended his title in the outdoor “I’m scared, stepping into it, it’s really hard, it’s even harder a sprinter. At the age of 17 he participated in the world youth vault. He also qualified for the DI East preliminary round now to combine school and meets and practices and physics.” championships. where he placed 27th in a jump of 5.00 meters. Winner said, chuckling. “I understood that I am not as fast as I thought,” Winner “I understood really quickly that I needed to search for Hard as it may be, Winner is finding success both on the said. “I was the last in my heat. I also started to do pole vault a stronger conference and a stronger team,” Winner said. track and in the classroom. Winner finished the first semester for fun and since then I’ve been a pole vaulter.” “So, I went back to Israel and took a gap year in search for with a 3.7 GPA, landing him a spot on the AFNI honor roll. Unlike his American peers who transition from high school universities.” On the track, Winner has stepped up and been a major constraight into college, Winner was required to serve three years During this time away from competing in the NCAA, tributor for the Redbirds. His vault of 16 feet, 10 ¾ inches is of mandatory military service under the Israeli Defense SerWinner tried his hand at a different kind of athletic competileading the team and first in the Missouri Valley Conference, vice Law. tion — Ninja Israel, a television gameshow competition. as well as the fourth best mark in ISU history. “In Israel every citizen has to serve three years of man“I prepared for the show like I prepared for a meet. I prac“The team is really even better than I thought in terms of datory service in the military and if you are a good athlete, ticed twice, three times a week in a special facility.” Winner said atmosphere and the way we treat each other,” Winner said. they give you a light service,” Winner said describing his serabout how pole vaulting helped him prepare for the show. Winner still has big goals for this season. He has already vice. “It hurts your schedule and you can’t fly abroad without Winner completed the obstacle stage without falling from attempted the school record height of 17-04.25 held by teampermission.” the course but due to time didn’t qualify to the next round of mate and friend Luke Nelson. Serving in the military prolonged Winner’s recruitment for the show. Even though he was participating in Ninja Israel, “I really am trying to go after Luke Nelson’s school record,” pole vault but grew his desire to go back to school. Winner never stopped his search for a school to attend for the Winner said. “He really, really supports [me] breaking the “Those three years that I took a break from school helped upcoming school year. school record. He came to Notre Dame with his own car, me to be hungry to learn. In high school, I was really a different His search led him to find ISU and Mary Wood, the associdrove four hours to see me maybe break his school record.” student; I didn’t really do much. But now, I am really interested ate head coach and event coach of long jump, triple jump and Winner will have one last chance to claim the indoor record in subjects and I think those three years that made me hungry pole vault. this year at the MVC conference championship meet. really helped me. I feel more mature now.” Winner said. “I contacted coach Wood and I was really happy with the “I hope to break the record indoors and win the conferAfter completing his service requirement, a friend conteam and I came here.” Winner said. ence,” Winner said. vinced him to take the SAT and visit American colleges. Winner committed to ISU and enrolled for the 2019-2020 Winner and the rest of the Redbirds will compete in the In spring 2018, he enrolled in Manhattan College and comschool year. As a Redbird, Winner is studying physics in conference meet Saturday and Sunday in Cedar Falls, Iowa, at peted on the track and field team. As a Jasper, Winner placed hopes to one day work in the science field. the University of Northern Iowa. first in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference indoor track
In the Winner’s circle
Sophomore pole vaulter Eddie Winner takes unconventional path to ISU
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2020
Seniors stretched thin in Redbird win Seniors combine for just eight points on senior night
Track and field sweep weekend
ALFONSO CERNA Sports Reporter | @FonzCerna
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llinois State University men’s basketball (9-19, 4-12 MVC) defeated Drake (18-11, 8-8 MVC) by a final score of 57-53 Saturday afternoon to snap a threegame losing streak. The ’Birds nearly blew an 11-point second-half lead but managed to secure the win in the final minute of Senior Day honoring Zach Copeland, Jaycee Hillsman, Ricky Torres and Madison Williams. Keith Fisher III scored the game-winning basket with 58 seconds remaining and posted a game-high 21 points and seven rebounds. The junior also shot three of four from behind the three-point line. “He was locked in,” ISU head coach Dan Muller said, “He was really active on both sides of the ball, which is something we’ve worked on, and hopefully he can continue that.” As well as ISU played at times during this contest, blown leads have been nothing new for Illinois State this season. This time around the ’Birds managed to stay composed down the stretch. “I think we had the right mindset,” Fisher said. “We didn’t get down on ourselves or our teammates and we just kept playing the game the right way.” The Redbirds were held scoreless for the first three minutes of the game before freshman Antonio Reeves drained a threepoint field goal, trimming ISU’s deficit 7-3. Despite some recent struggles, Reeves shot four of seven from three-point range including some timely baskets in crunch time. “I put in a lot of reps and make sure I’m in the gym every day,” Reeves said. “It came easy to me because my teammates found me and I felt comfortable.” As dominant as Drake has been at home this season (14-1, 77.8 ppg,) the Bulldogs struggled on the road (1-9, 63.7 ppg) and Ashley Binkowski | Photographer this showed during their visit at Redbird Keith Fisher III going up for a lay-in against Drake on Saturday. The Redbirds held off a late comeback from the Arena. Bulldogs to win 57-53 on senior night that honored the seniors graduating in May. Just when it seemed like the Bulldogs were pulling four-minute scoring drought away with a 18-9, the UP NEXT nearly doomed the ’Birds, allow’Birds used a 15-5 scoring Drake to go on a 12-1 run. Tipoff between ing run to take a 24-23 ISU had plenty of chances the Redbirds and advantage with 6:02 down the stretch and finally Braves is set for remaining in the first ended a seven-minute field goal 6 p.m. Wedneshalf. Drake took full drought when Fisher finished a day at Redbird advantage by scoring layup to take a 55-53 lead with Arena. Last time, 20 points on 12 Redbird :58 remaining. the Redbirds turnovers and rode a After some timely defensive held a two-point 32-29 lead into halftime. stops, it was fitting on Senior halftime lead, Illinois State turned Day, one of the honorees came but the Braves the tables on Drake to through in a game-deciding outscored ISU Ashley Binkowski | Photographer begin the second half, moment. Torres iced the game by 14 points in Illinois State University seniors honored prior to the Redbirds’ matchtaking a 45-41 lead on by hitting two free throws after the second half six of 13 made field goals up with Drake. From left to right: Zach Copeland, Jaycee Hillsman, being intentionally fouled to to win 75-63 in Ricky Torres and Madison Williams with their families. with 11:53 remaining. secure the 57-53 win. Peoria. Taking care of the The senior only had two points just 32% shooting in the second half after the Bullball and a pesky zone on the night, but a 5:1 assist to turnover ratio and other defense were the keys dogs shot 52% in the first. heads up plays fueled the ’Birds throughout the game. “We couldn’t guard them in man in the first half,” for ISU’s second-half comeback. “He’s a hell of a point guard who can bring a Muller said. “We also took care of the ball and I thought Illinois State contained Drake’s big man Liam lot of energy, toughness and the right mindset,” Robbins, holding the 7-foot forward to a quiet 14 everyone that was in the game had a great mindset. ISU extended its lead 52-41, but another Fisher said. “Today he showed all of that and when points in the game. The ’Birds also held Drake to he’s in he knows how to get us in our offense.”
SPORTS IN BRIEF Softball sweeps rain-shortened weekend
Jennifer Haiden | Photo Editor
Morgan Day pitching last season against Bradley. Over the weekend, Day picked up a pair of wins; one while starting and one in relief.
REDBIRD RE PORT
Traveling to Florida, the Illinois State baseball team swept Long Island, Hofstra and North Florida in FAU’s Strike Out Cancer Tournament. After beating Long Island and Hofstra on Friday by a combined 17-0, ISU was back in action on Sunday, after weather canceled Saturday’s games. After their first matchup was canceled on Saturday the Redbirds took down the University of Northern Florida 2-1. With the score tied at 1-1, Alyssa Wiebel stroked a double to left centerfield driving in Alyssa Wiebel to give the Redbirds their third win of the weekend. Junior Morgan Day collected her second win of the weekend pitching 3.2 innings.
Kierston Farley-Sepe takes home MVC Swimmer of the year Illinois State University senior Kierston FarleySepe took home the Missouri Valley Conference Swimmer of the Year award after winning three events along with setting two meet record at the MVC Swimming and Diving Championships. Farley-Sepe also brought home a pair of First Team All-Conference Awards. Along with Farley-Sepe’s accomplishment the Redbirds took home fourth in the MVC. Missouri State took home first place. “This meet was a total team effort and I think coming in, our focus was on having each other’s backs and focusing on the things we could control,” ISU head coach Caitlin Hamilton told goredbirds.com.
The Illinois State University men’s tennis team won both of its road matches, beating Chicago State for the second time this year and Green Bay. The Redbirds started their weekend in Chicago sweeping the Cougars for the second time this season. In Sunday’s match against Green Bay, the Redbirds capped off their weekend 2-0 with a 5-2 victory over the Phoenix. The third match of the weekend, against Northern Illinois was
“
canceled.
Coach says
I’m proud of the guys today, as we played some of our best doubles thus far and that momentum definitely carried into singles play. It was great to have Jorge [Adair Bartra Quispe] clinch the match for us and take a little pressure off the other guys. We are playing better each match and I’m excited to see how good we can get.” Mark Klysner, ISU head coach
BY THE NUMBERS
Ashley Binkowski | Photographer
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three-pointers from senior Zach Copeland leads the Illinois State men’s basketball team. Copeland finished with just one against Drake.
MVC MBB STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Northern Iowa Loyola Southern Illinois Bradley Indiana State Drake Missouri State Valparaiso Illinois State Evansville
12-4 11-5 10-6 10-6 9-7 8-8 8-8 8-8 4-12 0-16
23-5 19-10 16-13 19-10 16-11 18-11 14-15 15-14 9-19 9-20
MVC WBB STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Missouri State Drake Bradley Northern Iowa Illinois State Southern Illinois Valparaiso Loyola Indiana State Evansville
13-1 23-2 12-3 20-7 10-4 19-6 8-7 16-10 7-7 15-10 7-7 15-10 7-7 15-10 6-8 15-10 2-13 4-23 0-15 3-23
UPCOMING Baseball ISU travels to Monroe, Louisiana, to take on the University of Louisiana Monroe for a three-game set starting Friday and finishing Sunday.
Softball ISU travels to the Holiday Inn Hilltopper Spring Fling Tournament taking on IUPUI, Austin Peay and Western Kentucky starting Friday and ending Sunday.
Men’s tennis Drake comes to ISU on Thursday, before ISU travels to DePaul on Saturday. Compiled by JAKE SERMERSHEIM Vidette Sports