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SPORTS 8
HOUSING PREPS FOR STUDENTS’ RETURN
SPORTS 8
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD WINS 4TH MVC CHAMPIONSHIP
THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021 Vol. 133 | No. 20
videtteonline.com
Women’s History Month celebrates all women Story by ANDREA RICKER | Features Editor Illustration by FLYNN GERAGHTY | Art Director
W
omen’s History Month is not just learning about the leaders throughout history but understanding and acknowledging the everyday women who play a large role in society. Since 1987, March has been declared Women’s History Month. Before then, the week of March 8 was celebrated as Women’s History Week in alignment with International Women’s Day. “For me, Women’s History Month means the chance to speak even louder about the stories of women throughout our history and today,” President of Illinois State University’s Women’s History Club Kaylee Combs said. Women’s History Club is a registered student organization that was formed in fall 2019. The goal is to integrate women’s history completely and continue conversations regarding it year-round. “There are so many incredible women in our country who are never talked about who have amazing stories, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ women,” Combs said.
“Some white women are lucky enough to make it into the typical narratives that are taught in schools. But there are so many women of color and women of all sexual orientations who also have amazing stories that should be told.” March allows for there to be emphasis on women’s history while making sure the understanding of women’s issues stays throughout the year. Combs added, “The whole point of our club is to celebrate and acknowledge the stories of women who are typically left out of the narrative. To have an entire month in our country dedicated to this same purpose makes me happy.” “It’s always interesting to me that we still think of history as a very male dominated discipline, [and approaching] historical events and issues from the perspective of men in power,” Faculty Advisor for the Women’s History Club and associate history professor Kyle Ciani said. “That’s only providing a piece of the historical story.”
See WOMEN’S HISTORY on Page 6
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
Birds Give Back raises over $1 million GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @Gkinnicutt
Birds Give Back by the numbers
Birds Give Back: 1 Day for Change had a record-breaking day in this year’s third annual fundraiser. Alumni, students, staff, faculty, friends, family and community members helped raised $1,138,866 with a total of 3,184 gifts that will be used across the university to help with scholarships, departments and organizations found throughout campus. The Multicultural Center had the most donations across the participating groups with $71,615 raised from 390 gifts. Money raised will go toward technology within the center along with library and education resources to advance and expand campus knowledge around social justice and general support of the program. Athletics came in second, raising $74,380 from 355 gifts that will go toward investing in strength and sport performance. Donations will be put toward purchasing velocity based training camera systems for every area of the weight room, force plate technology that will track athletes and build a profile over their college careers, timing gates, analytical jump mats, run racks and new equipment. Meanwhile, Milner Library fell short of its goal to raise $29,000 to continue to The Vidette digitization project. The library raised $7,550. Donation amounts and gifts from each participating group can be found throughout the Birds Give Back 2021 website by clicking on the participation
COVID-19 numbers in McLean County and ISU 14,549 cases in McLean County 75 new cases on Monday in McLean 2.3% seven-day positivity rate through Feb. 28
5.9% cumulative positivity rate in McLean
170 COVID-19-related deaths in McLean
244,700 total tested in McLean County
14,164 recovered in McLean County 199 individuals in home isolation in McLean County
34,983 vaccinated in McLean County 0.1% positivity rate at ISU 5 active cases at ISU 2,130 recovered at ISU SOURCE: MCLEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, ISU COVID-19 WEBSITE
$71,615 raised from 390 gifts for the Multicultural Center
$74,380 raised from 355 gifts for Athletics $34,465 raised from 284 gifts for LGBTQ+ Student Support
$101,745 raised from 215 gifts for School of Communication
$17,885 raised from 117 gifts for Redbird Esports
$1,138,866 raised in 24 hours 3,184 gifts donated 17 participating groups SOURCE: BIRDS GIVE BACK 2021 WEBSITE
ISU will not be vaccinating those in Phase 1B part two GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @Gkinnicutt
Illinois State University has been informed by the McLean County Health Department that they will not begin vaccinating part two of Phase 1B at this time. Gov. JB Pritzker announced Phase 1B for the state’s vaccine distribution plan will be expanded as of Feb. 25 to include individuals with high-risk medical conditions along with prioritizing those with disabilities. This will be referred to as Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 Phase 1B part two. Nursing student Marissa Oliver gives Kara Cicciarelli, ISU will not vaccinate employees with a graduate student, her first dose of the Moderna vachigh-risk medical conditions based on cine. their high-risk conditions. Employees with high-risk medical conditions should operational needs of the department are met. consult with their primary care physician for While it is not required, employees are further guidance. strongly encouraged to receive the vaccine. ISU remains in contact with MCHD and COVID-19 testing remains available for continues to monitor the progress of vaccine students, staff and faculty at the on-campus distribution in the county. testing sites. Employees who are eligible for the vaccine Testing for asymptomatic students and should receive an email in their school accountemployees is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday from Student Health Services indicating that through Friday at the old firehouse station the vaccine is expected to be received soon. behind Cardinal Court at 604 N. Adelaide St. Once employees make a vaccine appointment, and in the mobile home located in The Alamo they should notify their supervisors to ensure II parking lot.
Research Symposium moves online YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
Hosted by The Graduate School and varying departments at Illinois State University, the Online University Research Symposium will showcase student-led research. The symposium will open on April 9 and remain open through the end of the semester. The event is seeking students who demonstrate research, scholarship or creative work under faculty mentorship. Student submissions can be in-progress or completed but must include an abstract with either a poster, PowerPoint presentation or an MP4 audio file. This year, presenters have the option of including a Screencast-O-Matic audio or video MP4 file. The audio or video file will allow attendees to view or listen to when looking at the students’ abstracts. “Should one choose to include a description of their research by including an MP4 file, it will provide a wonderful experience and learning opportunity in presenting their research to a general audience,” Coordinator of the University Research Symposium Kim Shennett said. Depending on the department a student is conducting research in, the presentation methods will differ student by student. Shennett said the research exhibition will occur on ISU’s Research and eData website that can be found on the Milner Library website. There are typically 400 to 500 student presenters. According to Shennett, submitting research to the Symposium is a great opportunity to enhance resumes. Due to the pandemic, the format of the symposium has changed. “The symposium is typically an annual, one day, in-person event held in the Bone Student Center,” Shennett said. “Due to COVID-19, it was quickly moved to an online format last spring and will be online again this spring.”
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TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
COVID-19 vaccines bring hope of normalcy ISU hoping for more in-person classes to start fall semester
JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan19
happy if they were in-person.” Teeling, along with many other ISU students, said that socializing during the pandemic has been one l l i n o i s State University anticiof the worst parts of 2020. pates moving toward a higher Last year was Teeling’s first year number of in-person classes for the on campus after transferring to ISU, fall 2021 semester. and she did not have a large opporEvery decision by the university tunity to meet people on campus. depends on direction from Gov. JB She is excited to potentially have Pritzker, the Illinois Department of more opportunities to meet people Public Health and the McLean County next year if the university returns to Department of Health. in-person courses. “We’re about 80 percent online Another ISU student, analytics and 20 percent in-person, and those and integrated marketing commuare mainly laboratories and clinics. nications major Jon Messina also We’re hopeful that we’ll have about 80 transferred to ISU last year and had percent in-person and about 20 percent only one full semester before the in the other direction,” ISU President lockdown. Larry Dietz said. “I think as time has gone on, it’s “The bottom line is that health and been hard to see a reason when safety is our number one priority, so you’re lacking a really deep personal whatever it takes to do all of that, we connection,” Messina said. will comply.” “I think it’s tougher to stay moDietz went on to say that ISU simply tivated when you put a lot of work does not have the space for large lecture in, but you don’t really see why at hall classes to have 6 feet of social Mara Best | Photographer | @marabest_ the end of the day. It doesn’t feel as distancing. With multiple vaccines available for COVID-19, Illinois State University is starting to plan for the fall 2021 tangible.” However, the smaller classes can semester. Currently, ISU is looking to hold as many in-person classes as possible. Messina is a senior and will not easily be held in person with social be at ISU beginning in the fall, but distancing. dence halls. Dietz said everything depends on the local and he said that he is happy to see other Based on the protocols, students will be expected to also state mitigations. students preparing to return to in-person classes. wear masks and follow health department guidelines if inISU students appear excited for the high likelihood of in“My worry is that now that we’ve been in lockdown, coming person classes resume on campus. person classes in the fall. out is going to be really hard and really slow. So, I’m hop“There’s a lot of time between now and the fall,” Dietz said. “I would be really excited to be completely in-person next ing that once it does happen, it’s quick and to the punch and “I think with the increase in vaccinations, continual dedicafall. For the most part, online classes are not equivalent to it’s almost as if nothing would have happened, as opposed tion to testing and everybody being responsible for wearing what was in person,” business education student Matthew to people being in their shell and be too used to lockdown,” their mask and washing their hands frequently, we can be Gellert said. Messina said. optimistic about a very different semester for fall 2021.” “Also, I have more clinicals next semester, so in-person “Hopefully once we open back up, we go fairly smoothly While the pandemic can change in an instant, ISU hopes classes means in-person clinicals.” back to normal.” to have more definitive plans available before students start Gellert said the experiences of being online were not great Since last year, the world has sought out more control over registering for the fall semester in a couple of weeks. for him. He is hopeful that with the rate of vaccine distribution, the coronavirus. Now ISU faculty and students are optimistic As of now, ISU cannot require students to get a vaccination, it will be safe to resume in-person classes in August. about the next academic year as time progresses. but Dietz said that he hopes students and faculty will get the “I’m doing clinicals in middle school, so I think that with vaccine when offered to them because it is a proven way to the hybrid learning, it’s really difficult to observe them and JORDAN MEAD is a Features Reporter for The Vidette. combat the virus. teach when I’m online,” middle level education major for Contact her at jnmead@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ As the fall semester approaches, students may be required math and English language learners Claire Teeling said. meadjordan19. to get the vaccine, especially if they want to live in the resi“There’s a big disconnect in communication, so I’d be really
I
“The bottom line is that health and safety is our number one priority, so whatever it takes to do all of that, we will comply.” Larry Dietz, Illinois State University president
Housing plans for students’ return in fall 2021 JOHN MURRAY News Reporter | @Jmurr__
Illinois State University has started preparing plans for the fall 2021 semester. Last week, ISU President Larry Dietz announced plans for the university to have a “more traditional on-campus experience.” This would mean a pivot toward more in-person classes and more students being housed in residence halls and Cardinal Court apartment complexes. “Illinois State leaders remain optimistic that a continuing vaccine rollout nationwide and in the state of Illinois will help facilitate the move toward more in-person classes,” ISU Director of Media Relations Eric Jome said. Thus, University Housing has begun planning and preparing for the fall semester as well. “We are still in the development phase for the fall 2021 semester,” Assistant Director for Marketing and Assessment for ISU Housing Services Edsel Campbell said. Campbell went on to say what rooms University Housing is planning on offering for the 2021-2022 school year. “We will, of course, adhere to guidance provided by the Office of the Governor and local, state and national health officials,” Campbell said. “University Housing will maintain the same room type offerings in the fall as we have currently, including deluxe doubles and suite-styled living spaces.” Jome went on to say that planning for next semester will continue following health and safety guidelines. “Planning for the fall continues to follow COVID-19 health and safety guidelines,” Jome said. “The university will continue to take guidance from the governor’s office, and from national, state and local health authorities.” Currently, ISU’s University Housing is planning to enforce its on-campus living requirement for students in their first two years out of high school.
Housing sent out a letter on Feb. 12 to current students who are required to live on campus in the fall with instructions on how to renew their housing contract. According to Dietz, students who live in the residence halls may be required to get the vaccine. However, this depends on the local and state mitigations. “The health and safety of the campus community remains at the heart of all planning for classroom settings and housing and dining operations for the fall semester,” Jome said. Campbell echoed that sentiment, saying that student health and safety has and will continue to be University Housing’s top priority. “The health and safety of our students has always been our top priority and we have supported their best during every twist and turn of the pandemic,” Campbell said. “We take pride in developing inclusive living-learning environments and we always have staff available to provide assistance in making sure the university feels like home for all Redbirds.” Jome added that with the move to more in-person activities coming this fall, COVID-19 guidelines for testing, face coverings and social distancing will remain part of ISU’s standard procedure. More information about specific housing and dining operations for fall will be communicated in the coming months. JOHN MURRAY is a News Reporter at The Vidette. He can be contacted at jwmurr1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @Jmurr__.
FALL 2021 RESIDENCE HALL PLANS ISU is looking to have a more traditional semester for fall 2021. This means as many in-person classes as possible and bringing more students back to campus and into the residence halls. University Housing currently stands in the development phase for the fall 2021 semester. ISU and University Housing continue to emphasize that student health and safety are their priority and that they plan to continue following COVID-19 guidelines. Testing, face coverings and social distancing will remain part of ISU’s standard operating procedure throughout the whole campus, including in the residence and dining halls. According to ISU President Larry Dietz, students who live in the residence halls may be required to receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This will depend on state and local mitigations as time moves on. University Housing is planning to have the same room type offerings as it does now. This includes deluxe doubles and suite-styled living spaces. Housing is planning to enforce the on-campus living requirement for students two years out of high school. Instructions to renew housing contracts went out to current students on Feb. 12. More information about specific housing dining operations for the fall semester will be released in the coming months.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
Eating disorders affect all walks of life N ational Eating Disorders Awareness Week was able to get people talking about disordered eating. Now, it’s time to continue that discussion. The conversations sparked from NEDA Week should continue throughout the rest of the year. An eating disorder impacts lives 24/7 and by learning about them we can not only help others but implement change into our daily lives. According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. An eating disorder does not have a certain “look.” Anyone from any walk of life can suffer from disordered eating habits. Oftentimes characters shown in movies and TV shows who have an eating disorder fall into a similar body type and are also often white women. However, ANAD reports that less than 6 percent of people with eating disorders are medically diagnosed as “underweight.” People from all walks of life can develop an eating disorder. Any weight, race, gender, sexuality and age can experience it; Mental illness doesn’t pick and choose. There are a large number of different eating disorders and habits people who are suffering may
develop. There is not a set mold that someone with an eating disorder has to fit into. There is also no such thing as being “sick enough” to receive help for an eating disorder. Eating disorders are one of the deadliest mental illnesses. ANAD reports that over 10,000 deaths a year are related to disordered eating. That estimates to about one death every 52 minutes. Yet, for something so deadly, disordered eating habits are still prominent in our day-to-day lives. The National Eating Disorders Association reports that, “The best-known environmental contributor to the development of eating disorders is the sociocultural idealization around thinness.” We see it in diet culture, promoting
that people need to lose weight in order to be valued. We live in a world where many companies profit off of making people, especially women, insecure of their bodies. We are constantly told that we should look one way instead of another. That our stomachs shouldn’t be big, that people should cover up parts of their body that aren’t “stereotypically attractive,” and that we should feel guilty about taking up space. Constantly being told this information can have a lasting impact. NEDA reports that, “by age 6, girls especially start to express concerns about their own weight or shape.” The words we say and the actions we make can have lasting impacts on some-
one’s development. Phrases like “You’re eating all that?”, “You should start a diet,” or “Why don’t you just eat?” can stick with someone years down the line. How do we change a narrative that has been present in our society for so many years? Change begins with each person. Each person can work to destigmatize eating disorders. There is no way to look at someone and know whether they have an eating disorder. When talking about food and bodies, it’s important to watch the language that you use. Don’t question what someone is eating because you don’t know what they might be going through or how much strength it can take for someone to buy food, cook dinner or just to eat. We should allow people to exist in their bodies the way they look already. You don’t need to fix yourself to fit any sort of box or beauty standard. At the end of the day, we should all admire our bodies for the work they do for us. They help protect us and they let us enjoy and experience life. While the national awareness week was just seven days, we can continue to make strides toward destigmatizing eating disorders for the other 358 days of the year.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ANDREA RICKER, 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.
Numbers don’t define me on my personal journey E ver since about Now, I have daily intake and two summers outtake goals I am supposed ago, my relationto be achieving. ship with food has been Far too often I would stress … complicated. about these numbers and I I had just gotten would cry myself to sleep afhome from the best trip ter I would weigh in and not MY VIEW meet my “target weight.” I of my life when I ran into someone I went to would lose my appetite comRACHEL HICKEY | Sports Editor high school with at a pletely over stressing about Starbucks at home. In these meaningless numbers our conversation she had asked if I was OK. in addition to other stressors just from being I laughed, confused, and asked her why she a student-athlete. thought that. Not to mention, I would take every harmShe responded with words that have stuck less comment about my weight, stature or with me ever since: the amount I would eat — or neglect to eat “You just don’t look healthy. I’m worried — personally. I never used to concern myself you might be anorexic.” over what I ate or how many calories I took Anorexic is a term I have been called a lot in, but suddenly it felt as if these factors were during my life, and in the sport of distance defining my life. running it can be a real concern. Since that Last summer, I hit my all-time low — and specific interaction, though, I have always not just in the pounds on the scale. I pushed been more self-conscious of my body. I myself to work 50-hour weeks at the pool struggled with eating and maintaining I guarded at, while attempting to hit my weight. I sought help from our nutritionist lifetime highs in weekly mileage. The result on campus who told me to count my calories. was devastating to my long-term health, as I
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convinced myself to compensate for missed mileage by increasing the intensity of my workouts. All the while, my calorie intake took the biggest hit of all, as I neglected to prioritize my nutritional needs, convincing myself that I could handle it all. In short, I was too stubborn to admit my own weaknesses. I returned to campus after this intense summer balancing work and training, while battling life changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and I could tell something was off. I had lost more weight than I would care to disclose, and my performances suffered. By the start of September, my body had decided it had enough. I obtained a stress fracture in my right tibia that sidelined me from the remainder of fall training. If my experiences have taught me anything it is that numbers do not matter. I have felt my best, healthiest and happiest self when I stopped paying attention to the numbers on the scale or the calories on that granola bar, and I focused instead on how I actually felt. Eating disorders are real and a major issue in distance running and other aesthetic
RACHEL HICKEY is a Sports Editor for The Vidette. She can be reached at @rehicke@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @r_hickey15.
THEY SAID IT
NOTABLE NUMBERS
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back-to-back Missouri Valley Conference championships for Illinois State women’s indoor track and field team. They are the only women’s MVC team to accomplish four indoor titles in a row.
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sports. I am blessed with a coaching staff, support staff and teammates who understand these issues and do everything they can to help but not everyone is so fortunate. The Washington Post reports that in sports that emphasize leanness, 47 percent of female elite athletes had clinically diagnosed eating disorders. Additionally, I have heard far too many tales of coaches requiring weigh-ins and rigorous target weights athletes are supposed to maintain. Unhealthy cultures breed unhealthy athletes. Education and awareness about the gravity of such issues in sports is the only way to improve the statistics. Rather than teaching athletes to value a number above all else, help them find value in themselves separate from those figures. In my own journey, I am still working on accepting myself and my body the way it is, but each day is a step in the right direction.
SPORTS, PAGE 8
million raised as a part of Birds Give Back. Over 3,000 donations were made in the 24-hour period. The donations will be used to improve facilities and groups across campus.
NEWS, PAGE 2
EDITORIAL BOARD
“
“The health and safety of our students has always been our top priority and we have supported their best during every twist and turn of the pandemic.”
ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor @ricker_andrea Edsel Campbell
Edsel Campbell, assistant director for Marketing and Assessment for ISU Housing
GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor @BesteKatherine
MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor @maiawrites MYA ROBINSON Sports Reporter @Im_Myaaa JOHN MURRAY News Reporter @Jmurr__
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
Student teachers facing complex assignments Between long hours, financial burden, student teachers look to College of Ed for relief GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
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ith COVID-19 changing the way students learn, the hands-on experience has taken a hit for student teachers this year. At Illinois State University, those who are majoring in education are required to student teach for at least one semester. Student teachers are paired with a mentor in a classroom and are in charge of helping run a classroom, taking the time to plan weekly curriculum, activities, assessments and learning accommodations on top of juggling their own schoolwork. “I’m at school from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. and then I come home, give myself a little bit of a break and then I am typically in front of my computer, from about 6 until 11 and that’s a daily thing,” senior middle level education major Hailey Prefontaine said. “[It can be] grading, planning for the next day, working on anything that has to do with the student teaching class itself.” Prefontaine has been with the same class since August but spent her first semester teaching over Zoom since some schools felt that ISU students were spreading COVID-19. “First semester, we were not allowed inside the building. So, I was teaching everything from my apartment. Even when the kids were in the school because they were under the impression that ISU students were the ones spreading COVID,” Prefontaine said. This semester, Prefontaine is in the building getting an in-person and hands-on experience of student teaching. When it comes to student teaching, especially during a pandemic, each student’s experience will be different depending on the school they are placed in and the type of program they plan on teaching. Senior elementary education major Victoria Alper was lucky enough to be placed to fulfill her requirement.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
DeGarmo Hall can be easy to spot with the reflective floor-to-ceiling windows. DeGarmo sits between Fell and Cook Hall. It serves as the main building for students majoring in education. She was supposed to be in the professional development program, which requires a full year of teaching. However, Alper felt that ISU was not taking enough precautions against COVID-19, removed herself from the PDS program and opted to live at home since her mother is at a higher risk for the virus. “I took myself out of the program because of COVID and I didn’t feel comfortable going to school,” Alper said. “I tried to get one closer to home and [ISU] kind of wouldn’t budge with me.” For the fall semester, Alper was lucky enough to get a placement by getting her hours through tutoring students via Zoom. When it came to getting a placement for this semester, Alper heard two to three weeks before her placement began where she would be teaching. “I felt like we were just kind of all just dropped into this district,” Alper said. Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, schools seemed to be hesitant when it came to accommodating student teachers, leaving students frustrated and the College of
Education trying to find alternatives. Not only were the students frustrated with the lack of placements and options to fulfill requirements, but also with the lack of income since most still had rent, groceries or gas to pay for. Found in the Student Teaching Handbook under Outside Activities for Student Teachers, it states “student teachers are strongly urged to not have out-of-school employment or enroll in additional coursework during the student teaching semester. Participation in extracurricular activities is discouraged.” If the student is found to be in violation of the policy, the student could potentially be at risk of removal from the program. “[Most people have] saved enough money beforehand, or are being supported elsewhere but either way, they are working so hard just to be able to make ends meet and some people physically can not do that,” junior education major Dylan Toth said. In an already difficult year, Toth took it upon himself to take action when it came to the financial impact of being a student teacher.
As vice president of the assembly in the Student Government Association, Toth co-sponsored legislation that called on the College of Education and the Cecilia J. Lauby Teacher Education Center to make it a priority to eliminate the financial burden of student teaching. In December, SGA unanimously voted to pass the resolution in hopes the College of Education would reconsider the financial burden student teachers face without some type of steady income. While it is a far reach, Toth believes even a recruitment tactic would help relieve the financial burden of being a student teacher. “Imagine if we had that little recruitment tactic to say we are supporting you, we understand your financial burden, we understand this and that we’re going to give you this monthly stipend or we’re going to give you this semester stipend just to make sure that you’re supported during this time,” Toth said. Toth also started a petition on Change.org after hearing from a former education major who had to drop their education credentials a semester before graduating since the individual could not afford to teach without having a steady income. “I hope they listen to us, that they understand the petition, they understand these real-life stories,” Toth said. Though students are still grateful to get some sort of student-teaching experience, the financial burden for student teachers is still there with or without a pandemic. “Especially this year, a lot of people’s families took a hit. I think every person was affected from COVID,” Alper said. “Whether that was socially, academically, financially, there was some area of someone’s life that was affected or multiple [areas] that was affected by COVID. I mean, there’s no way that you can escape it, it’s been around for almost a year.” Even given the situation, student teachers are happy to safely be in a classroom doing something they love and help make a difference. GRACE KINNICUTT is a News Editor for The Vidette. She can be contacted at gkinnic@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @GKinnicutt.
NEWS IN BRIEF Bloomington mayoral candidates meet in WGLT debate Tuesday; Normal candidates March 9
FAST FACTS
WHAT: Bloomington Mayoral Debate WGLT will host two live debates featuring candidates running for Bloomington and WHEN: 6-7 p.m. Normal mayor. Tuesday The Bloomington mayoral candidates will debate from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. Normal WHERE: Streamed on mayoral candidates will debate from 6-7 p.m. March 9. WGLT news director Charlie WGLT Facebook page, Schlenker will moderate the debates. Both debates will air on 89.1 FM and be streamed airing on 89.1 FM live from WGLT's Facebook page. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no in-person audiWHAT: Normal Mayoral ence will be present. Three candidates are running for Bloomington mayor: Mike Straza, Jackie Gunder- debate son and Mboka Mwilambwe. Incumbent Tari Renner is not seeking a third term. The WHEN: 6-7 p.m. race for Normal mayor is between incumbent Chris Koos and challenger Marc Tiritilli. March 9. WHERE: Streamed on The debates are co-sponsored by WGLT, the League of Women Voters of McLean County, the Bloomington-Normal branch of the National Association for the Advance- WGLT Facebook page, airing on 89.1 FM ment of Colored People and ISU's Center for Civic Engagement. Early voting for Normal voters began Feb. 25 and early voting for Bloomington voters begins March 12. The election is April 6.
GRACE KINNICUTT | VIDETTE NEWS EDITOR
University allocates $552,000 in GEER Funding to support students in need of technology equipment Out of the $1.9 million Governor Emergency Education Relief fund provided by Gov. JB Pritzker, Illinois State University has allocated $552,000 to support students in need. The university has spent $500,000 toward loaner technology equipment such as laptops, MiFis and webcams to assist students in remote learning. The other $50,000 will assist in construction and equipment for the media room in the Multicultural Center. Those who qualify can contact Technology Solutions. Per the grant guidelines, GEER funds must be used to support target initiatives in the state of Illinois to help enroll and retain low income, underrepresented, first-generation and high-economic-need students that might not enroll or return due to the financial impact caused from the COVID-19 pandemic. ISU has also dedicated $20,000 in grants to support and maintain identity-based registered student organizations. Only $2,000 of the RSO fund has been allocated. Groups who quality can contact the Dean of Students office to apply for funding.
GRACE KINNICUTT | VIDETTE NEWS EDITOR
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Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
WOMEN’S HISTORY Continued from Page 1
Ciani adds that by teaching women’s history, people are able to look at historical conversations through a new lens that has “women’s issues at the center of that conversation,” focusing not only on the leaders of movements such as the suffrage and labor movements, but also highlighting the everyday woman. “Women have always participated in the economy and women have always provided wages for their families,” Ciani said. “We just haven’t studied it.” When studying history, it is important to understand what the average person does in their dayto-day lives. Ciani mentions it is worthwhile to put this information into conversations regarding public policy. There are women’s issues that are important to the economy and the national agenda but are being left out of public policy, such as maternity leave and the wage gap. Photo courtesy of Kaylee Combs “If we know more about the hisISU’s Women’s History Club was formed to continue the conversations about women’s history beyond the month tory of why those things are still of March. Before COVID-19, the group would hold meetings in person. not a part of our policy agenda, we can create change,” Ciani said. sectionality between women. gender identity and how these play a part in how “It’s not an overnight thing, it’s going to take “I hope students are able to possibly relate this women may be seen in society. decades. But we’re doing that hard work.” topic to current issues and events that are going For Tasdan, this month is a time to reflect. To help students get involved in celebrating on right now,” Vice President of the Hewett“When it comes to current issues today [we this month, the Women’s History Club is colManchester Student Association Kerem Tasdan need to] think about how these exist and what laborating with the Hewett-Manchester Student said. “Women’s History Month is the history of are the root causes of these extended issues?” he Association for a presentation at 5:30 p.m. all women and those struggles and successes said. “With the current political climate there’s a March 25. The event will meet in person in the they’ve been through and that are still going on lot going on, so it’s important to reflect.” Escalante Room for a maximum of 25 people, today.” He adds that people need to apply this reflechowever, the event will also be available on The event will discuss issues related to women tive thought into their daily lives as March Zoom. and also other facets such as gender equality, continues and as time moves on. The presentation will be recognizing the intervarious racial and religious backgrounds and “Equality for all women is far from where it needs to be, especially regarding women of color and LGBTQ+ women,” Combs said. “We need to be even more dedicated to sharing the stories of all women and to keep being loud when change needs to be made in our country.” OTHER: The max occupancy of the in-person ISU’s Women’s History Club monthly meeting She added, “I think that there will always be option of the event is 25 people. WHEN: 7-8 p.m. March 2 more work to be done in our country regarding MORE INFO: The event will feature a guest WHERE: Zoom, link available on the Women’s equality for all women.” speaker who is to be determined. The presenHistory Club’s Facebook and Instagram pages. Combs mentioned that people should “never tation will discuss intersectionality between MORE INFO: The meeting will feature Sarah stop learning.” People should continue to reach women. Rowley, assistant professor as well as Women out and learn about issues that might be impactGender and Sexuality Studies Affiliated Faculty ‘Artists, advocates, acrobats, & more! Women ing people’s personal lives and those around the at DePauw University. Rowley will present her who made McLean County History’ world. research, titled “The Bully and the Bombshell: “March is an important time to learn about WHEN: 7 p.m. March 30 Gender, Political Culture, and the 1975 Conthese things. The rest of the year is where you WHERE: Zoom. Link available on mchistory.org. gressional Sex Scandal.” can actually implement what you’ve learned,” Registration is required prior to attending. Tasdan said. “It’s very important to apply [this MORE INFO: The McLean County Museum of Hewett-Manchester Student Association, knowledge] to every day, every week, every History will be highlighting 20 historic women Women’s History Club collaboration month and every year.” from McLean County. Some of the women to be WHEN: 5:30 p.m. March 25
Women’s History Month events
WHERE: Escalante Room of Hewett-Manchester. The presentation will also be offered on Zoom.
discussed will be first female Illinois State Sen. Florence Fifer Bohrer, “Queen of the Flying Trapeze” Antoinette Concello, Civil Rights activist Sister Mary Antona Ebo and more.
ANDREA RICKER is Features Editor The Vidette. She can be contacted at arricke@ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea.
‘Where Privilege, Compassion Meet’ UPB hosts March series on intersectionality JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
Illinois State University’s University Program Board is planning a webinar series entitled “Intersectionality: Where Privilege and Compassion Meet,” which will allow for in-person and virtual attendance. This webinar series is a group of three talks on March 3, 17 and 31. Each talk will be at 6 p.m. on their respective days. The first in the series is titled “Money Talks,” and will be hosted by Ivy McGregor, who is Beyoncé’s Director of Social Responsibility. She will discuss the intersection of financial inequity and race on Wednesday. The second is titled “Body Talks,” and is hosted by comedian Chloé Hilliard, who will discuss fatphobia and diet culture in the U.S. The final talk is titled “Talks Beyond the Binary,” and will be hosted by Gottmik, who will discuss transphobia and its impact on society. Gottmik is a drag queen on the current season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. “Money Talks” will be taking place in the Prairie Room of the Bone Student Center, while both “Body Talks” and “Talks Beyond the Binary” will be taking place in the Old Main Room. Students who RSVP to the watch party and attend in person will be entered for a chance to win a signed book by one of the speakers. All who attend in person will receive a gift bag. Those who choose to attend virtually can find the links to the respective Zoom meetings on UPB’s Redbird Life page.
Celebrating historic ISU women CHELSEA CORA News Reporter | @cora_chelsea
M
arch is Women’s History month, and there are a lot of local figures in Illinois State University’s history who have made a tremendous impact on our community.
Angeline (Ange) V. Milner If you go to ISU, then you have probably heard of Ange Milner. Milner Library was named after Milner after being constructed in 1940. She was hired in 1890 as ISU’s first fulltime librarian and became devoted to all the students and faculty on campus. Students often referred to her as “Aunt Ange.” Milner Library is best known for the tireless work of Milner to create a library that was integrated into the curriculum and research needs of the university, and she transformed Ange Milner several thousand books into a collection totaling more than 40,000 volumes. She also initiated a library instruction program that was recognized nationally. Milner was known for being extremely opinionated and vocal. She used that to her advantage in her leadership roles in the American Library Association, Illinois Library Association and National Education Association. Milner remained working until October 1927 when her poor
health took over and she was forced to retire. There are many stories to this day regarding Milner and the dedication she put in when working at Illinois State University.
June Rose Colby In 1892, June Rose Colby was hired by ISU as a literature professor and was the third female professor to be hired at the university. During her career, she served as Dean of Women and become a sponsor of the University’s Sapphonian Society. Several of her works were published and she was also an editor on a study of “Silas Marner” by George Eliot. June Rose Colby was known to be an outspoken Colby feminist. She supported the suffrage movement and was a member of the Normal Equal Suffrage Association, organized in 1911. She retired from her work in July 1931 and was named Emeritus Professor of Literature. The old residence hall, now demolished, was named Colby Hall in honor of her.
Cathy Boswell Cathy Boswell is known as a Redbird legend in women’s basketball at ISU. Boswell attended as a 16-year-old freshman. She left ISU as the university’s all-time leader in scoring and rebounds. Boswell has 31 years of competitive basketball experience and 24 years of professional basketball. She joined Illinois
State University’s staff as a women’s basketball assistant coach for the 2015-16 season. In her first year as assistant coach the Redbirds quadrupled their overall win total. Boswell led the Redbirds to 90 wins in her career. She was the first ISU Redbird to eclipse 2,000 points. She is currently the ISU career record-holder in field goals, rebounding average and is in the top-10 in scoring, assists, blocks and steals.
Cathy Boswell
Sarah Hackett Stevenson Another important figure to ISU’s history is Sarah Hackett Stevenson. Stevenson graduated in 1863 from ISU, what was then Illinois State Normal University. She completed her medical training in 1874 at the Woman’s Hospital Medical College in Chicago, which is now Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. “She was the first woman physician to be admitted to the American Medical Association and the first woman on staff at Cook County Hospital,” associate professor of history Kyle Ciani said. “She entered the public debate at the time challenging that women did have the intellectual ability and physical Sarah Hackett Stevenson endurance to pursue professional degrees, proving so through her medical career.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Redbirds fumble home opener Seven turnovers doom ISU in 27-20 home opener loss to South Dakota JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
In Illinois State’s football return to the field against South Dakota, momentum changed in the blink of an eye. Up three possessions early, the Redbirds were cruising before the Coyotes’ defense locked up. Five straight ISU possessions resulting in turnovers were vital for SDU scoring 27 straight points to take down the Redbirds 27-20 off of seven turnovers. ISU starting quarterback Bryce Jefferson noted how the Redbirds needed to protect the ball better. “The name of the game is don’t beat yourself. We had way too many turnovers on offense, me included. When you have the momentum like that, turnovers tend to kill drives easily. We must get back and lock in and make better plays,” Jefferson said. This game marked the first at home for the Redbirds since November and the first game in 14 months. ISU defensive linemen John Ridgeway noticed the difference fans made. “It was really fun,” Ridgeway said. “It was kind of hard to get used to everything not having played in 14 months. It felt nice to have fan support on every play. It brought the juice to both sides of the ball.” Up 17-0, Illinois State’s football team was cruising in their first game of the season against South Dakota. Jefferson was fresh off a 58-yard passing touchdown against the scoreless Coyotes. But things would quickly change. Three straight turnovers from the Redbirds in the second quarter flipped the momentum in the Coyotes’ direction. ISU head coach Brock Spack did not see any difference in the film on the Coyotes. “They stuck with their plan,” Spack said. “They did what they do, everything they did they showed on tape. It was a matter of our execution and not doing everything on all phases of the game.”
BASKETBALL
Continued from Page 8
No. 4 Indiana State In their last game out, the Sycamores felt the loss of Tyreke Key as they fell 70-58 to Valparaiso. Key stepped up to lead the Sycamores to the No. 2 seed averaging 17.4 points a game. Indiana State repeated as the No. 4 seed for the Valley.
No. 5 Evansville
In his first full season under the helm of Evansville, head coach Todd Litlicker has turned the Aces around. Out of all the teams in the MVC, Evansville has exceeded expectations the most. This season’s preseason poll projected that the Aces would repeat as bottom feeders in the MVC. A middle of the pack team, the Aces will be able to miss the expected Thursday play-in game. Jawaun Newton comes in as the Aces’ top scorer averaging 13.9 points per game and placing eighth in the MVC.
No. 6 Valparaiso
Last season Valpo made history as they were the first team to play a Thursday play in game and make it to the MVC Championship. Despite falling last year, Valpo proved that a team could make the multi-day run. This season Valpo will have it much easier as they barely sit outside of that Thursday play-in window. Last season’s leading scorer in Javon Freeman-Liberty has been felt, but
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Illinois State tight end Tanner Taula (11) lets a pass in the end zone slip through his hands at Hancock Stadium Saturday.
A sack from Devalon Whitcomb Caleb Vander Esch for a 23-yard UP NEXT forced a fumble from Jefferson lettouchdown. The Redbirds will ting USD take over the ball on the With only two minutes left on the be back in action ISU 36-yard line. Despite being clock, the Redbirds looked to get at 4 p.m. Saturday on the Redbirds’ side of the field, a quick score. Trying to extend it at Northern Iowa. USD could not find the back of the downfield, Jefferson was picked off The Panthers beat end zone and settled for a field goal by Myles Harden. Youngstown State making the score 17-3. Once again, the Coyotes moved Saturday 21-0 to ISU turnover problems would quickly after the turnover. After just move their record continue on their very next offensive five plays, Camp was able to trot into to 1-1. possession. Starting running back the end zone for a rushing touchdown. Pha’Leak Brown blew past defenders In four minutes, the Coyotes went to pick up the first down for the Redbirds. But as from down 17 to a tie game. he was passing the first down marker, Elijah Reed Coming out of the half the Redbirds did not flew in forcing another Redbird fumble. manage to improve much. The Redbirds extended USD would not be denied the end zone a second their turnover streak to five straight possessions. straight possession. Taking just four plays, Coyote starting quarterback Carson Camp connected with uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com
Ben Krikke has stepped up to average 12.3 ppg.
No. 7 Northern Iowa
Prior to the season starting, the Panthers were expected to repeat as No. 1 seeds in the MVC tournament. But the Panthers lost star player and reigning MVC Larry Bird Player of the Year AJ Green in the second game of the season due to a hip injury that required surgery. That loss was devastating for Nickolas Parra | Photographer | @NickoolasParra the Panthers as they have sunken to the No. 7 seed. Illinois State’s DJ Horne driving to the paint against Northern Iowa over the weekIn Green’s absence Trae end. After being swept by the Panthers at home the Redbirds will play their third Berhow has stepped up straight game against them. to average 13.2 points per Lacking key players Elijah Childs, momentous push that will be needed game to lead the Panthers and rank 11 Terry Nolan Jr. and Danya Kingsby to three-peat as conference champs. in the MVC. due to a sex crime committed in No. 9 Southern Illinois Springfield, the Braves come in No. 8 Bradley behind Ja’Shon Henry, who scores A season plagued by an injury Despite a good start in nonconfernear 11 points per game. dwindled Southern Illinois’ hopes ence, the reigning Missouri Valley Making a late season stand, Brad- of competing at the top of the MVC. Champions hit a wall mid-season, ley took down Drake in its season The Salukis’ leading scorer Marcus and the location of the wall was in finale, potentially giving the Braves a Domask has been sidelined since Springfield, Missouri. Jan. 25 with a foot injury. Without its sophomore standout, SIU followed behind Lance Jones and Ben Harvey How to follow to a five-win conference record. The Arch Madness opens at 5 p.m. on Thursday when SIU and Bradley face duo almost knocked off Loyola-Chioff. ISU’s first game will be played at 8:08 p.m. later that day against cago to end the season, taking the Northern Iowa for their third straight game with the Panthers. You can Ramblers to overtime. Speculation follow along on Videtteonline.com for the game story and @Vidette_ has been made that Domask could be Sports and @The_Vidette for live game updates. WBJC 1230 will have available in St. Louis, but nothing has the radio broadcast. The game will be aired on the MVC TV Network. been confirmed at this time.
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REDBIRD RE PORT Softball notches two wins in a washed-up weekend
At the Tennessee Invitational, ISU softball picked up a pair of wins in its first two games before the weekend was washed away. ISU won on Thursday against UT Martin, defeating the Skyhawks 8-3. The Redbirds scored five runs in the second inning, with Mack Leonard securing the first two and utility player Emme Olson hitting ISU’s first home run of the year. Despite the next two games getting rained out, the Redbirds were not phased as they took the field against NKU on Saturday. Morgan Emme Olson Day got off to a hot start for ISU, pitching a near perfect game, only allowing one hit and striking out 10 of the 16 batters she faced. The Redbirds scored all the points in the third inning, with Olson securing her second home run of the season. Three more runs notched a 4-0 shutout victory over the Norse. The Redbirds improved their season record to 3-2. ISU travels to Florida next weekend for the FAU “Parents’ Weekend” Tournament.
MVC MBB STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Loyola Drake Missouri St. Indiana St. Evansville Northern Iowa Valparaiso Bradley Southern Illinois Illinois St.
16-2 21-4 15-3 24-3 12-6 16-6 11-7 14-9 7-11 9-15 7-11 9-15 7-11 10-17 6-12 12-15 5-13 11-13 4-14 7-17
MVC WBB STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Missouri St. Drake Illinois St. Northern Iowa Bradley Loyola Valparaiso Southern Illinois Indiana St. Evansville
14-0 18-2 11-5 13-10 10-6 13-6 9-7 12-11 8-8 12-11 8-8 10-10 7-7 11-10 5-11 8-13 2-10 5-12 2-14 6-15
UPCOMING
Cross country
Redbird cross country squads travel to Evansville Wednesday for the Missouri Valley Conference Championships.
Men’s basketball
ISU opens Arch Madness play against UNI at 8:08 p.m. Thursday in St. Louis.
Women’s basketball
The Redbirds travel to Loyola for their final MVC regular season series at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Baseball
ISU baseball will face Southeast Missouri State in a fourgame road series Friday-Sunday.
Soccer
The Redbirds open their home slate, welcoming Missouri State at 4 p.m. Friday.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics heads to NIU Friday before welcoming NIU, Central Michigan and Lindenwood to Horton Fieldhouse at 2 p.m Sunday. Compiled by Rachel Hickey
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 2, 2021
Tracking the march to Arch JAKE SERMERSHEIM & JAKE FOGAL Sports Staff | @Vidette_Sports
No. 10 Illinois State Coming into the season, many expected the Redbirds to struggle. Illinois State’s only seniors, Keith Fisher III, Matt Chastain and Taylor Bruninga did not compete this season, leaving ISU with a very young roster. In the Missouri Valley Conference preseason poll, the Redbirds were picked to finish in the No. 9 spot, but have let down even those expectations. With the season concluded, the Redbirds sit at the bottom of the Valley in the No. 10 spot. Two straight games were lost over the weekend for ISU head coach Dan Muller and the Redbirds when UNI came to Normal and swept. Come Arch Madness and the Redbirds will have a tough task on their hands as they play the Panthers for the third straight game. Coming into the tournament, DJ Horne has been the most
consistent piece for the Redbirds. Horne leads the Redbirds with an average of 15.3 points per game and ranks fourth in the Valley. Horne is fresh off a career high of 35 points in game two against UNI.
No. 1 Loyola Only managing two hiccups throughout conference play, Loyola-Chicago comes in as the No. 1 team in the Missouri Valley. Ranked No. 22 in the country, the Ramblers have had the deepest team in the Valley. The Ramblers are led by big man Cameron Krutwig averaging 15.0 points per game but the four other guys on the floor can be just as dangerous if not given enough attention. Lucas Williamson and Aher Uguak could light up anytime from beyond the arc if given the chance.
No. 2 Drake The most surprising team of the bunch is the Drake Bulldogs. As Drake began the season with 18-0, the Bulldogs had many thinking they could
run the table and stay undefeated. That was the dream until a loss to Valparaiso on the second day of a back-to-back squandered those hopes. The Bulldogs have been rolling, but come in wounded without ShanQuan Hemphill and Roman Penn, both nursing foot injuries. D.J. Wilkins and Darnell Brodie now head the Bulldogs in Arch Madness combining for 17.6 points per game.
MY VIEW
No. 3 Missouri State Joining the group of most improved, MSU added several aspects on the court that pushed them to the top-tier of the conference. Last season the Bears were expected to tear through the Valley and secure a spot in March, but things just didn’t click. This season has been a completely different story. Sitting as the No. 3 in St. Louis, Gaige Prim and Isiaih Mosley pose problems for any team they face. Combining for 36.8 points per game, Mosley was the leading scorer in the conference this season. See BASKETBALL on Page 7
History made First women’s team to win four straight MVC titles; men’s team places third STORY BY ZACH STANGEL | Sports Reporter | @zstang5
I
Tournament run will come down to Muller’s coaching
llinois State indoor track & field had a special day three of the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference Indoor Track & Field Championships. The women’s team became the first team in conference history to win four consecutive MVC indoor titles. Heading into the Championship Sunday the ISU women’s team was tied for second with Indiana State (56 points) and behind SIU. Down 40, it looked bleak. But ISU rallied to become the first team in MVC history to win four straight women’s championships. A 70-point day three gave the Redbirds a historic win. “Me and my team worked very hard through ups and downs but no matter what we kept the goal in mind, which was to make history and we did,” ISU senior Kameesha Smith said. “We couldn’t have done it without pushing each other and supporting each other the way we did and couldn’t be more happy with the outcome. With God all things are possible.” Competitors in the high jump were key in bringing the Redbirds back. ISU swept the top three spots along with taking seventh. Smith broke her own school record set a week ago clearing 1.83 meters to lead the group. Smith also took All-Valley honors in the long jump earlier in the meet. Grace Daun and Kristin Higgins both had personal bests (1.76 meters) placMVC Awards ing second and third behind Smith for Jeff Bovee | MVC All-Valley. Freshman Carly Tucker also Women’s Coach of had a personal best with 1.66 meters to the Year, his fourth place seventh. straight honor Mya Robinson won the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.68 seconds. High jumper This is the first title of Robinson’s Kameesha Smith | career and ISU’s only first-place finish Most Outstanding in an individual track event. Field Athlete The sprinters added three All-Valley Mid-distance runner honors. Senior Jaclyn Greci and junior Jack Gillum | Elite Destiny White placed second and third 17 Award in the 400-meter dash to combine for 14 points. Greci’s time of 55.79 seconds was her indoor personal best and placed her at No. 8 all-time in school history. White ran a lifetime best of 55.96 seconds. “This weekend is surreal to me,” Greci said. “After a disappointing sophomore season, and then not even making a final my junior season, to place second in the 4000-meter dash, seventh in the 200 meter dash, and to win the 4x4 really meant something to me.” Seven Hicks has had an incredible freshman season. Hicks tied for second with her personal best time of 24.68 seconds in the 200-meter dash to earn All-Valley honors. Hicks just missed the Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics mark earlier in the day in the 60-meter dash when she placed ISU track and field’s Kameesha Smith celebrating with her teammates after becomfourth with a personal best time of 7.56 seconds. That time ties ing MVC champion in high jump. Smith’s championship jump helped the women win for eighth all-time in ISU indoor track & field history. their fourth straight MVC Indoor Champion. Juniors Maddie Exline and Rachel Hickey contributed eight In the men’s 4x400 race, the Redbirds battled back. The team consisting of points in the 800-meter run with Exline taking fourth with a perKai Larson, Cole Maguire, Nick Swartzendruber and Gage came from behind sonal-best time (2:10.80) and Hickey finishing sixth (2:12.94). The women’s squad got a victory in the 4x400-meter relay. The relay team to beat the field with a 3:18.20 time. In the 800-meter run, Riley Wells and Jake Gillum finished 1-2 with Wells consisted of White, Mattie Lieb, Audrey Harrod and Greci. They led the entire capturing his first MVC title (1:52.08). Gillum took second in the 800m race and finished with a season-best time of 3:50.01. ISU men’s team took third behind Northern Iowa and Indiana State, finish- (1:52.31) to earn All-Valley honors. ISU collected 15 points in the 60-meter hurdles. Brandon Ratliff (7.98 ing with 138 points. ISU took home three individual MVC titles in the MVC seconds) and JT Lowder (8.08 seconds) both conquered personal bests in Indoor Track & Field Championships. Senior Brandon Gage made it to the top of the podium for the first time the 60-meter hurdles. Ratliff’s time is tied for third all-time in ISU history. in an individual event. Gage won the 400-meter dash with a time of 49.03 Lowder’s time ranks fifth all-time in school history. Jaden Johnson finished seventh with a time of 8.18 seconds. seconds.
JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Sports Editor
F
rom Bob Knight to John Calipari to Mike Krzyzewski, a basketball team’s coach can be the most important piece. In the Missouri Valley Conference, this idea is no different and even more applicable during the 2020-21 COVID-19 season. MVC coaches like Porter Moser and Brian Wardle have shown in recent years that coaching can be the difference in a tight matchup during the tournament. Wardle especially has been impressive with getting the most out of his Bradley team. In the last two seasons, the Braves have walked into St. Louis as a middle-of-thepack team but has left as MVC champions. ISU head coach Dan Muller should look to Wardle to rally his team. As one of the youngest teams in the MVC, Muller has admittedly not had an easy task leading ISU. Immaturity factors have plagued the Redbirds throughout the last two seasons. But Muller has done little to inspire hope in fans. While young, the Redbirds are not untalented. ISU has found consistent scorers in DJ Horne (15.3), Antonio Reeves (12.5), Josiah Strong (11.7) and Dusan Mahorcic (9.6), averaging close to or over 10 points a night. Arguably the most talented players, they have been able to thrive off of their talent while others have struggled. Often times in press conferences after games, Muller notes how while two or three players will play well, the rest of the team does not “know how to win.” Now, this is a troubling sign to me. This seems like an easy opt-out for Muller to place the blame on his young team. Increasingly over the last three seasons, Muller’s responses have become more and more troubling. Quotes such as “how about they just play better” and “we were not ready to play” make me increasingly concerned the Redbirds will have a short stay in St. Louis. I have not been the only one with concerns about Muller’s coaching. Redbird Twitter fans and ISU fan forums have made it clear that this sub-par play and coaching is getting old. Accounts have even surfaced on Twitter dedicated to ridiculing Muller with accounts such as one named “Did Dan Muller Get Fired Today?” While another, “Days since Illinois State Basketball went Dancin” which updates every day with how long it has been since the Redbirds’ last appearance in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament. Despite these fans wanting Muller gone, he did not seem concerned with losing his job in the final MVC Coaches conference call of the year. “My job is to try and win the next game. We have got a good young group. I have to do a better job. My focus is on Thursday and helping this young team grow. Right now my focus on this group getting ready for Thursday.” uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com