03.03.20 by Vidette Online

V THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020 Vol. 132 | No. 24

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Primary preview Know who’s who on BloNo’s ballot, 2020 primaries PAGE 2-3 NEWS 5

FEATURES 6

TARHULE SELECTED AS NEWEST PROVOST

‘SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES’ ALI RASPER | Photo Editor | @alirasper4

ARCHING ORDERS Amid Illinois State’s 20-loss season, can the Redbirds cure their blues in St. Louis?

ARCH MADNESS JAKE JAK AKE FO OG OGA G AL & JA JAKE K SER KE SERMER MERSHE SHEIM HEIM M Spo Sp porrts tss E Ed dito itors rss | @Vid Vidett id dett e e_ e_Sp e_S _ Spor por ts ts

Soop S ph hoom mor oree ffoorward Re Reyy Idow Idow wu re reaches over ove ov er Bra radl adleey ey’s Darrelll Bro rown rown wn (No No. 5) 5) in I lin Il lino li nois noi is Statte te’s final home ggaame te’s me Wed edne n sne daay att R Red ed dbird Arena,, lo losi sing ngg to th t e Br B avveess in ovvve in ert rtim rtim me, e, 74-71. Th Thee Re Redb Redb dbirdss are re set ttoo p pla la ay D Drrak a e in the fi firrst st round ou d of the th he Misssou ouri Val ouri allleey Conferen alle nce ce Tour ou urnam ame men ent at 6:0 05 p.m 05 m. T Th hur u sd s ay in St. Stt Lo oui uis. s s. ASHLEY BINKOWSK W I Videt Vid ett eet tte Photograph pher phe er | @Bin Binkow ko skiiAsh kow Ashhleey

usst wh when n fanss th hou ugh ght ht Illli linoois Sta ate te U Un nive versittyy’’s ver se eas ason on cou ouldn’ ould n’tt ge get aan ny worse wors wo rse, rs e, a sil i ve v r li lini ning ni ngg fina fi nall na lly emer lly em merge g s ffrrom ge m a fru rust s ra r t-in ng 2 20 019 9-2 -20 0:: Thee Missso s ur ui Vall Va lleeeyy C Coon onfe fere enc nce Toou urrnaame mentt. Th he midd-se d-se season o sta tain tain ins ns of of we eek eklyy blo own wn lea eads eads ds, a on nee win win wi road ro ad rec e orrd (a (aft fte ter Sat a urday’ y’s y’ fina fi nall regu na ulaar se seas ason son n gam me aggainst E Evvansv ansv an svi vil ille le) an le) and a yo youthful o u yet et unp npro r ve ro en sq squ uaad al al seem se em to pr pressen nt a cllea ean slaatte fo IS fo for ISU U mo movviing ng foorrw wa aard rd d. How weve er, r, waasshi hin hin ngg awa wayy it it all ll am mid d the maad dne nessss at Ente Ente En t rrpris pr isse Aren na in in St. t Lou ouis i is mu uch c eassieer said sa aid id tha han doone ne.. Noo Thu h rssda d y tea team te am haass eve er ad dva an ncced ed to th he MV MVC C To T ur urna nament me nt cha hamp mpio ions n hi hip p ga g me m , ass the Re th Red Redb db birrdss find theem mselv se elv lves e es aatt Arcch Ma ad dn neesss in n almos lmosst lm th the he sa sam mee situa ittuaati tioon n as la astt se eas ason n. See e FULL LL PRE REVI V EW W on Page Page 8

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

Primary preview: Federal and state offices Illinois primary elections are March 17, with early voting beginning on Monday. For those who want a quick rundown of each candidate in key local and regional races, here’s what you should expect to see on your ballot.

COMPILED BY VIDETTE NEWS STAFF

U.S. Congress 13th District

of corporations or establishment politicians, unlike both of my oppoBetsy Londrigan nents,” Smith stated. “I (Democrat) is again stand for workers’ rights seeking to challenge and have gone to picket incumbent U.S. Rep lines. My opponents have Rodney Davis in the not because that would November General upset their donors. I have Election. Londrigan Betsy Stefanie Rodney [a] bold vision informed narrowly lost to Davis Londrigan Smith Davis by lived experience, and in 2018. But she first a critical eye for policy faces a challenge in the Democratic Primary from discrepancies, miscalculations and manipulation.” Stefanie Smith. Davis (Republican) is the incumbent U.S. House “Betsy is running for Congress to put the middleRepresentative for the 13th District of Illinois, class first and to end a system that has served career having served since 2013. “During his time in politicians and their special interest donors instead of Congress, Rodney has established himself as an working families in Illinois,” Londrigan stated on her effective lawmaker who is able to work with his website. colleagues on both sides of the aisle to pass legislaSmith (Democrat) is also running in the primary to tion,” according to a statement on his website. “He oppose Davis. She has previously worked at a shelter has fought to ensure priorities of the 13th District for helping victims of domestic abuse. are represented in Washington.” “As a grassroots candidate, I am not in the pocket

Illinois State House 105th District David Paul Blumenshine (Republican) is once again challenging State Representative for the 105th State House District Dan Brady. Blumenshine lost against Brady in the 2018 Republican primary by 50 percentage points. Blumenshine is a lifelong Illinois native, growing up on a farm near Princeville. For the past 26 years, he has brokered real estate in the BloomingtonNormal area, but it was in 1998 when he launched his own brokerage company with zero capitalization. David “There are dozens, if not hundreds, of political issues Blumenshine we can discuss, but if we do not get the corruption and unfunded liabilities under control, we will be in such turmoil we will not have the ability to address the rest,” Blumenshine wrote on his website. Brady (Republican) has represented the 105th District in the Illinois House of Representatives since 2001. This district encompasses McLean and a portion of Livingston County, including a large portion of the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area. Brady is currently a partner and Funeral Director at KiblerBrady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington. Before being elected state representative, Brady was elected as McLean County Coroner in 1992 and re-elected in 1996. Brady and his wife Teri reside in Dan Bloomington with their two children. Brady

Students weigh pros, cons in voting locally GRACE KINNICUTT Features Repor ter | @GKinnicutt

s early voting is underway, students are faced with the decision of voting at home or at Illinois State University. With living at ISU for more than half the year, students' votes can be more impactful and beneficial in the Bloomington-Normal community than back at home. “We are residents of BloomingtonNormal, and we need to vote as is,” President of the College Democrats Angel Zamudio said. “The university has a huge impact in McLean County, and the university would not be here without students, so we should have a say in how it is run.” Students can learn about local candidates by searching them up on websites dedicated to electoral politics. Ballot Ready’s website gives the specific candidates depending on the voting address provided. Students can also attend public forums that help individuals learn about candidates who are running and policies

that could positively or “I am not voting mainly IF YOU GO because negatively impact the I feel like policommunity. tics has become more of WHAT: Early voting “I vote here because WHEN: Every weekday a popularity contest than college students are a from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. actually attempting to get significant portion of until March 17. things started,” senior the BloNo population,” WHERE: Founders Suite Megan McCabe said. “To junior Kaeleigh Kreis in the Bone Student put it simply, candidates said. “BloNo has become Center, or in Watterson seem to make promises my community, espe- Towers from noon to but they ignore other cially after getting an 7 p.m. aspects or never hold apartment here, and I true to their promises. It’s want to be represented become less about what’s by my government.” best for our country and more about While voting at ISU can be more power.” impactful, some are sticking to Whether to vote or not, it can be voting at home without having to one of easiest ways to get involved deal with the hassle of changing the in politics. voting address and waiting for a new “It is your freedom to choose voter ID card. where you vote, but you need to take “I plan on voting, and I will prob- into account where local legislation ably do it at home because I’m impacts you more,” Zamudio said. registered there. I don’t know local Students can vote early every candidates, only those at the national weekday leading up to the primary level,” senior Kyle Keca said. on March 17. Early voting takes place For others, voting has taken a neg- from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Bone ative turn and they do not want to Student Center in the Founders Suite participate in politics that no longer or from noon to 7 p.m. in Watterson seem to have good intentions. Towers.

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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, MARCH 3, 2020

Primary preview: McLean County offices

County Auditor

Michelle L. Anderson (Republican) is the incumbent County Auditor for McLean County. She was appointed in 2009 after the previous auditor retired and has since kept the role. “[My mission is] to continue to build strong internal controls for McLean County and respect that tax dollars Michelle entrusted to public servants come with Anderson an obligation,” Anderson said in a statement. Trisha P. Malott (Republican) is challenging Anderson in this primary for her position as McLean County Auditor. She currently serves as McLean County’s Behavioral Health Coordinating Council Supervisor. “I have a proven track record of collaboration. The auditor’s office is only one piece of the financial equation for the county,” Malott said in a statement. “That one piece of the equation, though, can be led with a collaborative spirit to partner with county leadership for efficiency in the financial process, while being a good steward of taxpayer dollars.” Robert B. Fazzini (Democrat) is also challenging Anderson for her position as McLean County Auditor. He is a

County Coroner

Trisha Malott

County Board 1

Don Everhart (Republican) is the incumbent McLean County Circuit Clerk, seeking his fourth term. “I’m hopeful the voters will return me the office of McLean County Circuit Clerk to continue to expand upon our previous successes and to see the fruition of a much sought after [case management sysDon tem] -- and the Everhart improvements it would afford,” Everhart said in a statement. Erik Rankin (Democrat) is seeking the office of McLean County Circuit Clerk, opposErik ing Everhart. Rankin He currently works at Illinois State University as an instructor and as director of enrollment management and undergraduate studies. “I believe that my experience as an administrator and organizer can provide the leadership the Circuit Clerk’s office needs to bring the department into the 21st century,” Rankin said in a statement.

Catherine Metsker (Republican) is the incumbent District 1 representative on the McLean County Board. She will run unopposed in the upcoming election.

Don Knapp (Republican) is the incumbent State’s Attorney for McLean County, after being selected unanimously by the County Board in 2018. He will run unopposed in this election.

Kevin Woodard

former alderman who resigned in 2014 and a retired banker. “If someone is an experienced and mature executive, you can be auditor on the other side of things and still have respect for people; that seems to be missing at the current time,” Fazzini said in a statement. “I don’t think you do a better job when you antagonize everybody, you do a better job when you have respect for each other.” Kevin Woodard (Libertarian) is also challenging Anderson for her position as McLean County Auditor. He is a former traffic engineer and currently works as a bill collector. Woodard stated his primary objective is “[to provide an option] who will use the office of auditor to serve as a watchdog for McLean County taxpayers.”

Circuit Clerk

State’s Attorney

Robert Fazzini

County Board 2 William Friedrich (Republican) is the incumbent District 2 representative on the McLean County Board. He was appointed to fill the seat left behind by a retiring county board representative in 2019 and will be running for his first full term this year. Friedrich has stated that he is most interested in continuing the progress made by the board at the McLean County Jail and on mental health issues. Jeff Bertrand (Democrat) is the sole challenger to Friedrich’s position. He works as a Democratic precinct committeeman.

County Board 3 George O. Wendt (Republican) is the incumbent District 3 representative on the Mclean County Board. He was elected to the position in 2004, having previously served in the Labor Department for the State of Illinois. Ryan “RJ” McCracken (Democrat) is the sole challenger to Wendt for his position. He currently works as events director for Let’s Party Rental in Bloomington, and had previous experience working in a congressional campaign. “I’m running because in a rather turbulent time in American politics, I believe the level-headed minds of the world need to be able to discuss and work through our problems rather than seek to

divide us further. It’s time to end the polarized partisan politics that have plagued our political system,” McCracken said in a statement.

County Board 4 Adelita Cruz (Republican) Campaign website not available, social media page provides no further information. Benjamin Webb (Democrat) Campaign website provides no information, social media page not found.

County Board 5 John D. McIntyre (Republican) is the incumbent. McIntyre has been the County Board Chairman since 2016 and has been on county board since 2008. Rachel Lund (Democrat) is an Illinois native, Lund’s campaign states that she is running because she believes more people should participate in local government.

County Board 6 George J. Gordon (Democrat) is an incumbent. Gordon currently is a member of the Executive Committee, Health Committee, Justice Committee, Rules Sub-committee and Legislative Sub-committee. Hannah Beer (Democrat) is focused on improving accessibility to voter services, increasing staffing at polling locations, and ensuring the budget for the County Clerk’s office is followed as it was implemented. She has served as a commissioner of the Town of Normal’s Human Relations Commission and as the committee person for the Town of Normal’s 8th Precinct.

Kathy Yoder (Republican) is the incumbent McLean County Coroner. She has worked in the position since being appointed in 2014, winning formal election to the role in 2016. “It has been a great honor Kathy Abbi to serve the citizens of Yoder Sorrells McLean County for the past five years as coroner,” Yoder said in an announcement. “I feel that I am the voice for those who no longer have a voice. I hope the people of McLean County have seen the passion I bring to this office and will allow me to continue to serve them as their coroner.” Yoder will be challenged by Democrat Abbi Sorrells in the November general election. Sorrells has worked in emergency nursing and critical care and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in nursing. “I have been a McLean County resident for the last four years. I love this community and the people within it,” Sorrells said in a statement. “Being a coroner has been a life-long dream of mine. My experience helping families during stressful and traumatic times will be beneficial to this office.”

David Scarpelli (Libertarian) No information found

County Board 7 Jacob Beard (Republican) is the incumbent. Beard’s campaign states he is focused on ensuring McLean County is fiscally responsible, acting as steward of our farmland and effectively providing services to residents. Val Laymon (Democrat) is an alumna of Illinois State University; Laymon’s campaign hopes to bring respect, compassion and infectious joy to the grassroots level of McLean County politics. Darin George Kaeb (Libertarian) No information found

County Board 8 Lea Cline (Democrat) is an associate professor of art history at Illinois State University. She has served as an election judge and polling coordinator with the Bloomington Election Commission. Cline is the chair of the Bloomington Historic Preservation Commission and lives in the west side of Bloomington. Nathan “Chiko” Russo (Democrat) is a Democratic precinct committee person. He was involved in successful neighborhood efforts to stop the reopening of Park Pantry at the former West Side Food and Beverage near Miller Park. Russo has stated his campaign is focused on decent jobs, supporting youth, veteran and homeless people, which are all concerns within the community. Jordan Baker (Republican) is a senior and current President of the Illinois Wesleyan College

Republicans, Baker’s top priorities include introducing himself to every person in the district and listening to their concerns. His campaign focuses on transparency with constituents and a pragmatic approach to local issues.

County Board 9 Susan Schafer (Republican) is the incumbent. Schafer is the chair of the board’s health committee and also serves on the Behavioral Health Coordinating Council, Board of Health and community health Improvement Behavioral Health Priority Action Team. She helps oversee three new mental health programs the county started in 2019. Schafer’s campaign focuses on advancing services and supports for youth and adults with behavioral health needs and eliminating the stigma for those grappling with mental health issues. Jacilyn (Jackie) Gunderson (Democrat) is the director of a nonprofit project that pairs theatrical opportunities and artists with disabilities. She is running to bring a fresh perspective of continuous improvement, according to her website.

County Board 10 Josh W. Barnett (Republican) is the incumbent. Barnett is a community volunteer, Kiwanis member and McLean County Board member. His campaign focuses on supporting McLean County’s behavioral health initiatives, advocating for investment in rural infrastructure and promoting economic development to diversify and grow local workforce and economy.

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

Illinois State’s new provost a model hire

ith the retirement of Illinois State University’s Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Jan Murphy, many people are wondering whether her replacement, the vice provost and dean of the Graduate School at Binghamton University Aondover Tarhule, will address the issue of diversity and inclusion demonstrated by minority students earlier this year. Tensions were high last fall as the #AntiBlackISU protests against perceived “racist” policies raged on social media and during a protest on campus. Last October, Murphy sent an email in response to the #AntiBlackISU protests on campus, promising to work toward increasing retention and diversity. In the email, she further said the university would review appoint, salary, promotion and tenure (ASPT) policies to better recognize and reward diversity, equity and inclusion contributions faculty make.

Murphy’s retirement means that Tarhule will now have to take on the responsibility of ensuring Murphy’s promise to the Redbird community. Though he does not assume his full responsibilities and duties until July 1, it would behoove Tarhule to make a statement in the coming months regarding the issue of diversity and inclusion at ISU. Equally important for Tarhule is to assist in finding appropriate donors who are interested in naming the new spaces within the multicul-

tural center. Further showing how issues of diversity are important to the campus community, 20 student activists protested outside the Student Fees Committee meeting to call for student fees to be allocated to a multicultural center. ISU’s Board of Trustees finally authorized a renovation project to prepare a campus building for its new role as Illinois State’s Multicultural Center. According to an ISU news release,

Tarhule has helped create new degree programs, develop international partnerships and implement major innovations to data and workflow software. Our new vice president of Academic Affairs and provost is no stranger to issues that college students hold dear. Tarhule is a physical geographer whose scholarly work has looked at how climate impacts water scarcity and security. He has consulted the World Bank, the Niger Basin Authority, the Council for the Development of Social Science Research College of Mentors and many other prestigious organizations. ISU President Larry Dietz has clearly chosen a well-rounded, experienced and knowledgeable provost to serve the Redbird community. As a community and a family, we hope Tarhule will live up to the promises his predecessor and ISU’s administration have made.

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.

Find your beach, or ... facemask MY VIEW HAILEY BIALAS | Features Reporter

ell, Florida has done it again. Seen all over Twitter the last few days, the hashtag #Coronavirusflorida is trending a week before spring break kicks off. Now, I don’t know about you, but I am freaking out just a tad. I don’t know if it is just because I am superstitious at the fact that the deadliest of viruses swept the world in the 20s of each century, or that I don’t want a tan line from wearing a surgical mask in Tampa, but I would rather skip a trip than suffer.

Now, maybe it won’t be that serious. I mean, we all know how headlines in Florida can be a bit much, but is the sun really worth it? I mean, I get it, we just dropped a bunch of cash on a trip that is going to relieve all of our stress from the first half of the semester. I want to go just as badly as all of you, but there are some major things to be cautious of when it comes to traveling at this time. Planes, which are already known for their lack of cleanliness, are especially dangerous. Aircrafts go to several different locations every day, so no matter where you are traveling, it is key to be cautious. The aircraft that you are using as your vessel to paradise could have traveled to places that already have mass amounts of the virus, or even just a single passenger who doesn’t know they were infected yet. Airports, especially when the coronavirus is expected in an area, are going

Chicken Doodle Soup by Claire Wagner | Vidette Cartoonist

to be full of people running for the hills from a possible threat. Who knows, maybe those people have already been infected, so steer clear. So, let’s be real, there is only so much we can do to avoid this. If your hygiene isn’t the best, that’s not only gross, but please fix that. However, if your hygiene is amazing, go the extra mile. I am saying scrub those hands, for the sake of yourself and everyone around you, cough and sneeze into your sleeves, and carry hand sanitizer around as if it is your new best friend. Wearing surgical masks has also become the latest fashion trend. Now I am not saying go out and buy a Billie Eilish inspired Louis Vuitton mask, but the most effective of surgical masks are already flying off the shelves. Although these extremely effective masks are hard to come by right now, any kind of mask could help. Also,

carrying around disinfectant wipes to wipe down public areas, especially plane seats, can be the deciding factor between if your spring break will turn into medical leave. We all know how Twitter is. It is where we go for a good laugh and some quality memes, but this new form of the plague is no joke. Over 3,000 people have passed away from this all over the world, and it is spreading quickly. Plenty more people than that have been infected. So, please, let’s keep that number as low as possible by being cautious while traveling this upcoming week. Nobody wants to be laying on the beach one second, and then coughing up their lungs the next.

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HAILEY BIALAS is a Features Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at hgbiala@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @haileybialas.

THEY SAID IT

“

BloNo has become my community, especially after getting an apartment here. I want to be represented by my government.” Kaeleigh Kreis, Illinois State junior

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

ISU alum and veteran talks on the harm of ‘moral injury’ JAKE DAHL News Reporter | @jdahl3005

h e military may not be as glamorous as the movies make it seem, but for Col. David Rabb, the United States Army and the Marine Corps presented him opportunities he wouldn’t have had otherwise. “Coming from poverty and a lack of opportunity, the military gave me a step up, and really allowed me to grow, reach and change,” Rabb said. “I got to see the Philippines, Okinawa, Thailand, Taiwan and Japan at 18. What other place would allow you to do that?” Rabb is a veteran not just in the military sense, but in life as well. He began his distinguished military career of 41 years at age 17, serving in the Marine Corps, and later serving as a soldier in the Army. Alongside that, he worked in Veterans Affairs for 34 years as a social worker, which shed light on some things he hadn’t considered during his time serving. “Us social workers got exposed to a lot. You really had to get your hands dirty, in a sense,” Rabb said. “What I noticed working at the [Hines] VA hospital was that it was the younger guys, those who came home from Vietnam and Korea, that

Courtesy of News at Illinois State

Col. David Rabb speaks on his decades of experience in the military in the Circus Room of the Bone Student Center. had it bad. Their emotions were very raw, very acute.” One of Rabb’s biggest achievements was getting the Veterans Administration and the

Department of Defense to formally recognize “moral injury” as a disability, allowing veterans to include it on their medical records. “Moral injury is an injury to your soul. I’ve

had physical wounds, psychological wounds, but moral injury has run deeper than all of them,” Rabb said. “It’s when you know what’s good and what’s right, but you have to do the opposite. I would gather that 10-15% of suicides, civilian or military, are caused by moral wounds. It hits your mental health hard, and that results in people feeling as though they’ve been left behind.” Rabb is also an Illinois State University alumnus, having been a criminal justice sciences major, later going on to get his master’s at the University of Chicago. During his time at ISU, he served as president of the Black Student Union and served on the Academic Senate. When presented with the information that ISU was recognized nationally as military friendly, a distinction given by VIQTORY in February, he didn’t seem surprised at all. “I think Illinois State is absolutely worthy of the distinction. I know for a fact that they helped me grow and change into not just a better student, but a better person,” Rabb said. “They most certainly live up to the ideals spelled out on the seal, not only learning and teaching, but doing so gladly.” JAKE DAHL is a News Reporter for the Vidette. He can be reached at jjdahl1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @jdahl3005.

“Moral injury is an injury to your soul. I’ve had physical wounds, psychological wounds, but moral injury has run deeper than all of them. It’s when you know what’s good and what’s right, but you have to do the opposite.” Col. David Rabb, veteran and ISU alumnus

Aondover Tarhule named VP of Academic Affairs and provost

Birds Give Back

$1,118,734

raised in

total

ELIZABETH SEILS News Editor | @SeilsElizabeth

in New York. As a member of the university's presidential cabinet, Tarhule will be chief academic offiFollowing a week of public forums cer of Illinois State. and a week of discussion, Aondover As a researcher and geograTarhule has been named as Illinois pher, Tarhule's work has been State University’s vice president of featured in “National Geographic” Academic Affairs and provost. and “Nature” magazines. Tarhule He will enter the position has also served on several July 1, following current national and international provost Jan Murphy's organizations. retirement. Tarhule was chosen “I am humbled and following several public thrilled to have been forums presented by four selected to serve as the finalists. The decision next vice president and was made based on audiprovost of Illinois State ence evaluation of the University,” Tarhule said. forums, as well as review “From the moment I by committee. Aondover Tarhule stepped foot on campus, “Dr. Tarhule’s vast I was immediately struck experience and knowledge by how committed and lifted him to the top of a invested everyone was to the future very qualified pool of candidates,” of the institution. President Larry ISU President Larry Dietz said. “My Dietz and his entire leadership team thanks to the Provost Search Comare amazing.” mittee and all those who contributed Tarhule currently serves as vice to this decision through shared govprovost and dean of the graduate ernance. We look forward to Dr. school at Binghamton University Tarhule becoming a Redbird.”

BY THE NUMBERS

2,188 individual donations made

$54.26 average per donation

44 states, at least one donation came from across the United States

$493,239 more raised

than the first Birds Give Back Campaign in 2019

18 participating groups Graphic by Flynn Geraghty | Art Director

Illinois State University’s second annual Birds Give Back Campaign broke previous records for the amount of funding raised in one day. Donors were able to select where they wanted their donations to go. Additionally, several donor challenges from alumni and university officials matched individual donations. Donors were encouraged to use #BirdsGiveBack on social media.

across the university

SOURCES: Birds Give Back Campaign at Illinois State University

“We would like to extend our thank you to all of Courtesy of @ISUAdmissions the donors that participated in #BirdsGiveBack 2020 yesterday! These donations make it possible for #FutureRedbird students to pursue their passions and succeed at Illinois State!”

Features

PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

‘A bushel, a peck’

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

’20 Shakespeare Fest combines murder, mayhem, manipulation ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea

a standing ovation Maia Huddleston | News Reporter | @maiawrites

ISU’s School of Theatre and Dance had its opening night of “Guys and Dolls” Friday in the Center for the Performing Arts. Performances will also be held 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Tickets cost $17 for general admission and $12 for students and seniors and can be purchased at the CPA box office.

‘Guys and Dolls’ production debuts with a bang MAIA HUDDLESTON News Reporter | @maiawrites

udience members packed the Illinois State University Center for the Performing Arts lobby after opening night of the School of Theatre and Dance’s “Guys and Dolls” performance on Friday. Parents, friends, romantic partners, theater lovers and student spectators gathered in the narrow space, anxiously waiting to greet the passionate performers. Some students, like freshman marketing major Madison Eichhorn, attended the show after reading the musical script in theater classes. Eichhorn said she really enjoyed the music and felt like the show told the story in a more entertaining and complex way.

“I love it. It’s so good. I think the cast is doing incredible. There’s so much energy and dancing. I about lost it when they did tap dancing. It was so good,” Eichhorn said. According to cast member and senior acting and theater education major Dylan DeWitt, the cast and crew put a lot of work into making the scenes flow together seamlessly. “This show is a very heavy ensemble show. Getting to work with everybody through the dance and the music to create a story that goes beyond just explaining a simple story,” DeWitt said. “You have to express it through dance and singing and movement as one, and that’s a really ensemble-building process that I enjoyed.” DeWitt’s character Benny Southstreet pairs up with comedic relief Nicely-Nicely Johnson to guide the audience through the story of

“craps” game organizer Nathan Detroit and his relationships with New York City gamblers. As Detroit searches for a location for his next illegal “craps” game, he makes a bet with top gambler Sky Masterson that involves Broadway’s most conservative young woman Sarah Brown. The show’s delivery by the School of Theatre and Dance, complete with challenging music and flashy dance scenes, turns what was once an old classic musical into a contemporary comedy for college students and senior citizens alike. “Guys and Dolls” will play at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday in the ISU Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets cost $17 for general admission and $12 for students or seniors. They can be purchased at the box office or by calling (309) 438-2535.

How to get ready for spring break travels Stay safe anywhere

HAILEY BIALAS Features Reporter | @haileybialas

With spring break quickly approaching, all students are ready to replace school with some fun in the sun. As the semester reaches its halfway point, many will turn in their books for bikinis and travel. Traveling for spring break, to college students, is its own holiday. With plenty of the campus catching flights instead of Fs in a week, here are some tips and tricks to stay safe while still having fun.

Heat and alcohol do not always mix well Going from subzero temperatures to pure sunlight is a huge shock to the body. So is mixing that while mixing drinks. It sure would be a bummer to miss out on the fun if student travelers start their marathon break with a sprint.

Be respectful of law enforcement Cops will be on high alert during this spring break season. Yes, it can be a tad annoying when the 5-0 pulls up and dampers the fun, but it is their job. They are there to keep people safe, and I am sure they wish they could be having as much safe fun as the spring breakers.

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Tackle packing but don’t over do it MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @Meghanfortunato

Spring break is fast approaching, so it’s time to turn your attention to packing and start planning what to take with you. It’s inevitable that there will be last minute add-ons that will keep your suitcase from zipping shut, so here are some key essentials to take on vacation this year. “Overpacking is always an issue when I’m going anywhere, I would recommend trying on outfits beforehand and planning out what to wear Anna Gorski | Staff Photographer | @annabanana191 that day, so my suitcase isn’t For those traveling for spring break, here are the essentials that should be in your suitcase. overflowing.” junior interior design major Madison Lucas said. visiting any temples, make sure you durable option that is unlikely to If you’re heading to a beach have something to cover up to show break. destination, you’ll want to pack for respect. “My camera is very important to the weather. Bring along a couple Spring break is a vacation, but me when going abroad; I want to swimsuits with a coverup. you don’t want to forget about have quality photos that I can look Pack some lightweight jeans for keeping items charged and plugged back on.” sophomore communicaany colder evenings. Sunglasses up to keep in touch with family. tions sciences and disorders major and flipflops are beachwear esBe sure to pack your smartphone Bridget McCracken said. sentials, along with a towel and in your luggage and include any The essentials that travelers end sunscreen. chargers or cords to avoid a dead up going to the closest convenience If you’ll be heading abroad, look battery. store to repurchase are shampoo into local customs before you leave If you need to get any work done and conditioner, toothbrush and to see how much you need to cover over spring break, you may want toothpaste, a razor, deodorant and up to be respectful. to bring your laptop if you have shower gel. Don’t forget these so If you’ll be spending time abroad, anything urgent to do while you’re you can save some money. It’s also you will want to dress appropriaway. wise to pack some Advil with you ately. Wear longer sleeves and long If you want to snap photos on too; it’ll ward away any headaches pants for exploring. If you’ll be a camera, bring one, but find a for the duration of your trip.

The 2020 season of the classic Illinois Shakespeare Festival will combine murder, mayhem, manipulation and more. Through Illinois State University’s Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, the season will be back in Normal June 4 through Aug. 8. Mainstage performances are held at 7:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturdays and at 2 p.m. Sundays. Here’s what this summer’s theater fest has in store:

‘The Complete Works of William Shakespeare’ (abridged) Directed by William Jenkins, the fast-paced comedy runthrough of Shakespeare’s classic works will take audiences on a ride of laughter. Starring Thomas Anthony Quinn as Tom and David Kortemeier as Dave, the show will begin with a preview June 4, then will continue with shows on June 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 at Ewing Theatre in Ewing Manor.

‘Macbeth’ “Something wicked this way comes,” with “Macbeth” previewing June 26 and performing June 27, July 12, 18, 19, 23, 26, Aug. 1, 4 and 8 in the Center for the Performing Arts. The Shakespeare tragedy is directed by Geoffrey Kent and will star Gene Gillette as Macbeth and Tracie Lane as Lady Macbeth.

‘One Man, Two Guvnors’ This comedy, based on the Italian show “The Servant of Two Masters,” will take audiences to 1960s England. The show follows Francis Henshall, played by Sammie Joe Kinnett, as he tries to work two jobs to get two times the money, but quickly learns how hard it is to be in two places at once. Constance Swain will also star as Rachel in this production. “One Man, Two Guvnors,” will start with a preview July 2 and performances will be July 3, 15, 16, 18, 21, 22, 24, 28, 31 and Aug. 1, 5 and 7 in the Ewing Theatre. Illinois State Alumni and Friends Night will include a social hour, dinner and a short program on July 24 before the 8 p.m. showing of “One Man, Two Guvnors.”

‘Measure for Measure’ The final play during the festival will be “Measure for Measure,” directed by Jenny McKnight. Taking the audience to Vienna, the show follows the backlash after the Duke’s surrogate Angelo, played by Thom Miller, enforces a strict moral code on sex. However, Angelo can’t follow his own code as the show explores justice, morality and mercy. The play also stars Charence Higgins as Isabella. There will be a preview on July 10 followed by performances on July 11, 14, 17, 25, 29, 30 and Aug. 6 in Ewing Theatre.

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THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

Track takes third straight MVC Indoor championship

MATT KALINOWSKI Sports Reporter | @mattkalinowski8

he Illinois State University Redbirds won their thirdstraight Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Championship on Sunday with 190.16 total points. Day One was led by ISU’s seniors.

Charde Golliday won the long jump (5.92 meters), Grace Beattie won the 5,000-meter (16:50.96) and Ariana Cranston won the pole vault (3.93 meters). Beattie and Golliday won their first MVC championships and Cranston won her second-straight indoor title and fourth-straight title in indoor and outdoor combined.

Three men, Eddie Winner, Jack Anstey and Jordan Wilkerson all took home the MVC championship. Winner, who won the pole vault with a mark of 5.01 meters, tied with fellow Redbird senior Kellen Kravik. The last win of Day One came from the women’s relay team of senior Annie Moore, sophomore Audrey

Harrod, senior Hattie Plumb and sophomore Rachel Hickey (11:45.99). Senior Jordyn Bruce placed second in the pentathlon but moved into the leading spot of the school record for lifetime points at 3,849.

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Redbird Report Card Arch Madness edition

GRADES BY JAKE SERMERSHEIM

AND JAKE FOGAL

Sports Editors | @JakeSermersheim & @jfogal5

ith the regular season in the rearview mirror, the Illinois State University men’s basketball team is gearing up for Arch Madness with a hope for a

NCAA Tournament bid. Since the last round of grades, the Redbirds have gone 3-5 en route to clinching the No. 9 seed and a matchup with Drake. Sports Editors Jake Sermersheim and Jake Fogal give their grades for five of the most important ISU players over the course of the season.

Zach Copeland | Senior | Previous grade: C-

d Alex Gant | Senior Photographer

DJ Horne shooting over Bradley sophomore forward Ja’shon Henry on Jan. 22 at Bradley. Horne finished the Missouri Valley Conference season averaging 11.8 points a game, second among Redbirds.

Freshman Horne looks to ‘play older’ JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editors | @JakeSermersheim

orth Carolina native DJ Horne is no stranger to being underestimated. The recruitment trail was pretty dry for Horne. No Division I team showed interest until ISU head coach Dan Muller and the Illinois State University Redbirds brought the 6-foot-1-inch point guard for a visit. Horne and ISU were an instant match, with the point guard committing before the visit was over. “I felt like I was overlooked in my AAU and schools overlooked me. The fact that [Muller] gave me that first offer when I had none meant a lot to me,” Horne said. “Coach Muller giving me that first opportunity made me want to come here and play hard for him.” When Horne visited over the summer, Muller saw Horne’s overlooked skill. “I just kept watching him and I thought he had a whole lot of talent. I just thought he was going to be really good. But he is more talented than I thought,” Muller said on Feb. 12 after Horne’s game-high 16 points. That shot has paid off so far for the Redbirds. Playing in all 30 games, Horne ranks second in assists (42), three-point percentage (.409), steals (20) and third on the team in points per game (8.8).

Future Continued from Page 8

A multitude of choices to fill the final spot in the starting lineup is there, it just depends on who fits the mold that Muller is looking to

A big part of Horne choosing ISU had to do with an early bond with Muller. “Just building that relationship with Coach Muller through the recruiting process was big,” Horne said. “I think our relationship has grown a lot. Coming in he was very hard and I was like why is he doing this. But he just wanted me to get better. Sticking with the process ‘chopping wood’ as he says.” Coming into the season, the Redbirds had a hole to fill at point guard and several options to fill it including Horne. Unsurprisingly, Horne lost the opening day starting point guard spot to transfer senior Ricky Torres. “When you come in as a freshman you think you are not going to play. We had some more experienced guys coming in so I thought I was going to come in and have a learning year,” Horne said. “The fact that I was thrown into the fire has only made me better.” Through consistent defensive play and offensive promise, Horne earned the starting spot for the first time on Dec. 3. While the defensive play remained for Horne, it took time to build scoring consistency. After posting 13 and 14-point performances in his first two starts, Horne went stone-cold, shooting just 2-of-19 in the next three games. Horne learned with a starting role came a change of mindset. “Coming in I thought whenever I was going to be in a game to be

ready off the bench. Now it is more being consistent and not playing like a freshman anymore, playing older than I am,” Horne said. Horne played older than he was to open Valley play. In a surprise ISU win, Horne broke out, posting a then career-high 22 points en route to beating the now No. 1 Northern Iowa Panthers 76-70. With the change from non-conference to MVC play, Horne reached a turning point. He improved from 4.9 points a game to 11.3 ppg in the MVC. “Being mentally tough has been a big takeaway this season,” Horne said. “I have had mental slip-ups and the coaches say something. I can see how being focused the full 40 minutes makes a difference.” The joy from beating UNI did not last long as the ’Birds could not buy a win going on a seven-game losing streak that lasted from the start of the new year to Jan. 29. Over that course of games, ISU struggled with offensive and defensive consistency. Horne views that time as a learning experience. “You just try to learn from it and try not to make the same mistakes moving forward,” Horne said. “It definitely is hard because we have lost a lot of close games this year. But I think it will only make me better.”

build. Next season, I could see ISU being the surprise team in the Valley, much like what Southern Illinois was this season. After a 24-point performance against Evansville in the season finale, I think Horne’s

play as of late solidifies him as a front-runner to be a leader both on and off the court. Having a solid foundation built at this point allows for a more cohesive team, and with a forefront leader in Horne and good pieces

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The point leader for the Redbirds, averaging 14.6 points per game, has struggled to stay consistent throughout the better half of conference play. Through the final five games of the season, Copeland averaged 31% and lacked to lead the team in scoring like he did for the entirety of the season. After leading the team through non-conference, Copeland has fallen and down and struggled to get back up.

New grade: Sermersheim: C | Fogal: CJaycee Hillsman | Redshirt senior | B+ The story of Hillsman’s season has been a question of consistency, as the beginning of the season saw him just along for the ride, turning it up a notch at Christmas, and staying hot until the end Valley play. Hillsman’s improved play led the Redbirds to some wins in conference play, but also cost the team in key stages of big games. A missed free throw to tie the game against Bradley and a two-shot performance in a three-point loss to Valparaiso show a hit-or-miss season for the senior guard.

New grade: Sermersheim: C- | Fogal: C+ Keith Fisher III | Redshirt junior | AFisher has continued to be a consistent presence for ISU. The redshirt junior leads ISU with 161 rebounds and ranks second in scoring with 9.4 points per game. After missing the Feb. 5 Missouri State matchup, Fisher was out once again in the regular season finale with Evansville. But the last two games that Fisher has been on court he has been a force, averaging 22 points and 7.5 rebounds.

New grade: Sermersheim: A | Fogal: ADJ Horne | Freshman | AStepping into the starting role this season, Horne fit right in and impressed early. After several losses, Horne seemed to become just a guy in the shuffle of ISU’s mess. Finishing the season on a high note with a 24-point career high game against Evansville gives hope toward the future for the freshman.

New grade: Sermersheim: A | Fogal: B+ Antonio Reeves | Freshman | CReeves continues to be a reliable scorer off the bench for ISU. As a leader for ISU’s second team, Reeves averages over seven points a game. Over the last eight games the freshman has posted three games in double-digit scoring. But Reeves has struggled with consistency, including posting just one point in the season finale.

New grade: Sermersheim: C- | Fogal: C beside him will allow for improved results. With Horne being the guy expected to step into the roll that Copeland held this season, Horne is accompanied by a team that will have stronger chemistry after playing a full season together.

Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. HELP WANTED Before/After School Staff Needed for ISU’s Spring Break Week & 2nd Semester Normal Parks & Rec is looking for before/after school staff for ISU’s spring break week, and 2nd semester. Information can be found at www.normalparks.org, or e-mail ktetter@normal. org for more info.

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While fans have been more aggressively calling for Muller’s head since the beginning of MVC play, Muller has been quietly building a future for the basketball program while fans are focused on this down year. Besides, Muller is nowhere near the hot seat with the contract extension that he received in 2017 that keeps him here through 2024. Any sort of buyout would cost Illinois State upward of $2 million. So while the “Fire Muller” tweets and the “Can Dan” signs have been increasingly present through the latter half of the season, I think Muller has blocked out the noise and focused on the future of this program while the team’s struggles have engulfed this season. Bright things are on the horizon for ISU basketball, and after this long season, fans will be rewarded for their patience.

Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, MARCH 3, 2020

PREVIEW Continued from Page 1

2020 ARCH MADNESS PREVIEW

Northern Iowa Panthers | NET Rank: 37

MY VIEW

A surprise loss to Illinois State opened the MVC season for UNI, but the Panthers have since rebounded nicely. Leading the conference led by front runner for the Larry Bird Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year AJ Green, the Panthers were early favorites at the beginning of the season. Paired with a perfect 16-0 record at home, the Panthers stayed tough near the end of the season and finished sitting on top of the Valley as the No. 1 seed. Key Players: AJ Green, Austin Phyfe, Trae Berhow

JAKE FOGAL | Sports Editor

Future appears bright for ISU basketball

Loyola-Chicago Ramblers | NET Rank: 98 Throughout Valley play, the Ramblers have stood behind Cameron Krutwig, and he has stepped up to the challenge of leading his team to clinch the No. 2 in the Missouri Valley Conference standings. The Ramblers have shown that they rank as one of the most consistent teams in the conference, proving capable of win streaks that reach four to five games three different times this season. Pushing past Bradley in a nailbiter for their final game of the season, the Ramblers were able to get out of Carver Arena by the skin of their teeth to win a share of the Valley. Garnering a victory over every team in the Valley, the Ramblers look to push past just three more teams to win Arch Madness. Key Players: Cameron Krutwig, Tate Hall, Keith Clemons

Indiana State Sycamores | NET Rank: 99

Mara Best | Photographer

Illinois State men’s basketball forward Keith Fisher III dunks during ISU’s game against Bradley Wednesday at Redbird Arena. ISU fell to Bradley 74-71. ISU is set to tip off the MVC Tournament Thursday night against Drake

After beginning the season losing their first four games, the Indiana State Sycamores had looked like a meant-to-be bottom feeder in the Valley. Suddenly, the Sycamores rattled off six straight games to sit in the upper half of the conference. Having had one of the better one-two punches in Tyreke Key and Jordan Barnes has been a tough stop for fellow MVC teams, as the duo is combining for just under 30 points per game. Add in the improved play of Jake LaRavia throughout Valley play and the Sycamores are one of the deeper teams in the conference. Key Players: Tyreke Key, Jordan Barnes, Jake LaRavia

Bradley Braves | NET Rank: 111 The Braves were the team to watch coming off a Cinderella run in Arch Madness just a year ago, then pushing Michigan State to their limits in the first round of the NCAA tournament. The loss of Elijah Childs looked to derail the momentum of Bradley early in the season. Leaving Darrell Brown to fend off the tough environment that the Valley is known for, Brown was not alone as Nate Kennell stepped up for the Braves as well. With Childs returning just in time for Arch Madness, the Braves look to be more dangerous as the season closes. Key Players: Darrell Brown, Elijah Childs, Nate Kennell

Missouri State Bears | NET Rank: 122 Picked as the MVC preseason favorite, the Bears have greatly disappointed, finishing as the No. 6 seed. A tough non-conference schedule took a toll on the Bears, as losses to Miami, LSU and No. 21 ranked Xaiver were too much to handle. The Bears were in danger of a Thursday play-in game but a win over Southern Illinois clinched a bye. Key Players: Keandre Cook, Gaige Prim, Tulio Da Silva

Valparaiso Crusaders | NET Rank: 135

Valpo looks to be a potential sleeper team in the Valley. After opening the Valley 3-4, the Crusaders have bounced back to finish the second half of the slate with a solid 6-4 record. Losing leading scorer Javon FreemanLiberty (19.3 points per game) to injury will test the Crusaders throughout the tournament. Key players: Ryan Fazekas, Mileek McMillan, Donovan Clay

Southern Illinois Salukis | NET Rank: 165

Illinois State Redbirds | NET Rank: 200

Picked to finish dead last in the MVC, the Salukis have turned heads with their current fourth place standing. Like most teams in the MVC, Southern Illinois thrives at home with a 12-3 home record compared to just 3-9 on the road. The Salukis’ biggest win of the season came against Drake in a hostile road situation. Breaking a 15-home game winning streak for the Bulldogs, the Salukis took down Drake 79-72 thanks to 28 points from Marcus Domask. Key players: Marcus Domask, Eric McGill, Barret Benson

Clinching the No. 9 seed three weeks before the end of the regular season, Illinois State University is set to play on March 5 against Drake. Leadership has varied over the long season, which saw Zach Copeland step into the role of primary scorer through non-conference play, to an expansion of players like Jaycee Hillsman and Keith Fisher III getting more shots up as the season moved along. After a lackluster 5-7 nonconference performance, the Redbirds knocked off the No. 1 team in the Valley in Northern Iowa on Dec. 31, shocking many people. The momentum seemed to be at an all-time high but took a disastrous turn that led to seven straight losses for the Redbirds. Picking up their first road win of the season against Evansville on Saturday, the Redbirds look to have built the slightest bit of momentum heading into the chaotic weekend. Key Players: Zach Copeland, Keith Fisher III, Jaycee Hillsman

Drake Bulldogs | NET Rank: 174 After finishing second in the conference last season, Drake was expected to finish fifth in the conference this year. The expectations of D.J. Wilkins were overshadowed by the emergence of big man Liam Robbins. Robbins leads the team in points with 14.0 a game as well as 6.8 rebounds a game. Something that has been powering the Bulldogs through the season was the impressive 14-2 record at home. Although, the Bulldogs have had struggles in MVC play, as they came out last in a potential fight that could have led the team to the fifth seed. Other teams in the battle were Missouri State, Valparaiso and Indiana State over the month of February. Coming out in eighth, the Bulldogs lose the bye chance and now are forced to play on Thursday against the Redbirds. Key Players: Liam Robbins, Roman Penn, Anthony Murphy

Evansville Aces | NET Rank: 267

Evansville opened the season shocking the world by beating No. 1 Kentucky at Rupp Arena. A 9-4 non-conference record gave the Aces apparent momentum heading into MVC play. But things have not gone according to plan for Evansville. A coaching scandal rocked the team to start off January, resulting in Walter McCarty’s firing and Todd Lickliter’s hiring. That scandal has affected the Aces’ play, who are 0-18 in the Valley with the No. 10 seed and a March 5 Arch Madness play-in game clinched. Key Players: DeAndre Williams, K.J. Riley, Sam Cuncliff

fter a troublesome season for Illinois State University, the Redbirds enter a play-in game versus No. 9 Drake on Thursday as underdogs. While no team has ever made it to Sunday after starting on Thursday, the Redbirds strive to do what has never been done before them: Winning four games through the madness that is the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Arch Madness should be looked at as an opportunity to add maturity to the young guns at ISU. Of course, the players will be leaving it all on the floor and look to win at all cost, but with the unlikihood of the Redbirds making history, other goals should be kept in mind. I would not be shocked if ISU picked up the win against Drake on Thursday, but beyond that I do not foresee this year bringing any surprises for the Redbirds. However, to reset and take on No. 1 Northern Iowa the next day is a tough task for any Valley team, especially with the lack of road success plaguing ISU all season. There is no doubting the poor play of the Redbirds, but even through this tumultuous season, there’s still light at the end of the tunnel: The future of this team. Players like DJ Horne, Antonio Reeves and Abdou Ndiaye play a significant role in the future of Illinois State’s program. Horne has started 21 games for the Redbirds this season, while Reeves and Ndiaye have only gotten a handful of starts. The Redbirds are set to lose three guards who play substantial minutes for the team in Zach Copeland, Jaycee Hillsman and Ricky Torres. Copeland and Hillsman have been starters for most of the season, while Torres has seen action primarily from the bench. The three seniors combine for 27 points per game, while the team averages 66 each game. Losing 40% of the scoring load leaves the Redbirds with major holes heading into next season. While enhancing and improving the freshman trio of Horne, Reeves and Ndiaye, ISU head coach Dan Muller is building something far greater than what some of us can imagine for next season. Muller was put in an impossible situation heading into this season, trying to build this team from a bunch of transfers and first year players at ISU. Not to say transfers can’t be difference makers, but an excessive amount hurts team chemistry. With Copeland and Matt Chastain being the only two returners from last season, the ’Birds were doomed from the start. It seemed as if the Redbirds were never on the same page. Copeland was looked at as the primary scorer throughout non-conference play, but as Muller wanted Hillsman, Keith Fisher III and Horne to become more involved, Copeland’s production and place on the team took a devastating hit. Having time to figure out what their identity is over the next seven months will only make for the better. Add in the fact that Fisher is returning for his senior year next season, and four spots of the starting lineup are already decided on. Muller also has the options of sophomore guard Dedric Boyd, sophomore forward Taylor Bruninga, sophomore forward Rey Idowu, junior forward Chastain or even future freshman Emon Washington. See FUTURE on Page 7