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Celebrating an unwanted milestone
THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021 Vol. 133 | No. 21
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ISU community still rattled by pandemic YASMIN ODEH
News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
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his time last year, many Illinois State University students packed their bags and headed out of central Illinois for spring break, fully expecting to come back in a week to continue life as normal in Normal. Anyone who has lived through the past year knows that is not how it worked out. At first, spring break was extended for an additional week. Less than a week later, campus was closed for the rest of the year. Friendships, final memories and rites of passage for students were all gone in a moment. “This past year has been hard on my physical and mental health. Having lots of stress, not being able to connect to those I care about, eating too much food and not being able to exercise enough are just some of the few things the pandemic has had a negative effect on in my life,” sophomore English publications major Samantha Bath said. “While the pandemic hasn’t been the greatest, I think it was a good wake-up call to all of us. It reminded us all of how precious our time is on earth.” For faculty, a reprieve from grading and planning turned to a mad dash to adapt to remote learning formats, as associate professor of sociology Chris Wellin explains. “Last spring, we taught in person until spring break and then had to deal with the uncertainty and strangeness of teaching remotely when returning in mid-March,” Wellin said. “Everyone involved had a sense of loss, and some anxiety about whether we could effectively meet our goals.” See COVID-19 ANNIVERSARY on Page 3 ART BY FLYNN GERGHTY | ART DIRECTOR
VOLLEYBALL REIGNS VICTORIOUS AGAINST MSU
SPORTS 8
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
ISU sticks to current COVID-19 testing process
Despite UIUC saliva-based test receiving FDA approval, ISU plans to stick with antigen tests MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @MeghanFortunato
T
esting for COVID-19 has undergone multiple options in deciding what would be best as the pandemic progresses. Illinois State University originally planned to use the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign saliva-based COVID-19 test for this semester. But since the saliva-based test was not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration by the start of spring semester, ISU had to look at different testing options to fit the needs of the university. For the spring semester, ISU began using the COVID-19 antigen test as a primary on-campus testing method which allows for increased testing capacity, quick results and the ability to quickly move students who test positive into isolation and begin contact tracing. Director of Media Relations Eric Jome explained the antigen test ISU is using is affordable and can be processed on campus with same-day results. “[The antigen test] is affordable and can be processed here on campus with results available within 30 minutes when deemed necessary by Student Health Services,” Jome said. ISU will still use the RT-PCR test if an individual is symp-
tomatic or if there is high clinical suspicion that an individual has COVID-19. The RT-PCR test ISU uses takes about a day for results to be known. On March 1, the FDA authorized emergency use of UIUC’s saliva-based COVID-19 testing. “The UIUC SHIELD test is a PCR test, a fast PCR test,” ISU’s head of testing and chemistry professor John Baur said. “It’s more of the gold standard for detecting the virus so it detects the genetic material and so it can detect it sooner and basically you can have some more confidence in your results because it’s a more accurate test.” Since the approval came so late in the semester, ISU decided to not use the saliva-based test for the spring semester. Pertaining to the future, Baur has not put a stop to potentially using the UIUC saliva-based test or another form of testing that could be beneficial. “Because we are already halfway through the semester, ISU will not be implementing the saliva-based testing procedures on campus this semester,” Jome said. “However, the university is keeping the option open for using the test on campus in the future.” ISU has planned to use SHIELD on campus for the salivabased test, and while the university is not currently using the saliva-based test, Jome reiterated that the lab is still planning
to be used. The lab is being used to test for entities in central Illinois and other areas around the state, moving its practices onward to campus as more students transition back to in-person courses. “Part of having classes in person [and] getting back to normal [is] making sure the virus is not being transmitted or any other spread as well ... obviously a strong testing program is important to make sure that it’s not spreading,” Baur said. Baur expressed truth on the matter that as of March 11, President Joe Biden is reaching to have all adults eligible for vaccinations by May 1. “I think fall is still open ... that decision is probably made a little bit later when we know what the testing needs are going to be. If almost everybody’s vaccinated there’s probably not a need for as high of testing.” “The decision not to use the saliva-based SHIELD Illinois test at ISU at this time does not impact the operation of the SHIELD Illinois lab,” Jome said. While numbers of people are being tested, Baur expressed uncertainty of what the future holds while setting up the vaccine availability. “We’re still doing our part to make sure the testing is robust, and the community is being protected,” Baur said.
“Part of having classes in-person [and] getting back to normal [is] making sure the virus is not being transmitted or any other spread as well” John Baur, head of testing and chemistry professor
SGA mobilizing students to make voices heard MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @MeghanFortunato
Despite the slowdowns due to the pandemic, Student Government Association has stayed busy addressing issues students face on campus by passing over a dozen resolutions promoting sustainability, equity, justice and civic engagement. SGA has had to get creative with how it contacts constituents and works in an online format. “Things in SGA this year are obviously different from years past, but things have [run] incredibly smoothly,” secretary of sustainability Jonathan Jerkatis said. “Having our General Assembly meetings over Zoom has begun to feel quite normal, and it has not seriously impacted our work.” Maddy Small, the Civic Engagement Committee chairperson, has had to adjust quickly to a hybrid meeting format. “COVID-19 has obviously changed everything, from not being able to have in-person
meetings with my peers nor being able to have [registered student organization] and class meetings online; life is not at all the same as we thought it would be when we ran for these positions,” Small said. SGA continues to pass resolutions that are supporting a wide range of initiatives, including ISU divesting from fossil fuels and a resolution urging action on paying student teachers for the work that they do every day. “We called on the ISU Foundation to divest from fossil fuel industries, the College of Education to advocate for student-teacher compensation and most recently, we called on ISU administrators to pay graduate workers a fair wage,” Vice President of the Assembly Dylan Toth said. Part of Jerkatis’ job within the association is to head the Student Sustainability Committee as its secretary. Every academic year, $180,000 is funded to campus-wide projects that will make ISU a more sustainable campus. A big concern going into the year was finding people who were active on campus during
the pandemic and looking for funding. As of March 5, the committee will have spent the last of those funds. “Some of the really cool stuff that we funded this year was new compost bins that will be on campus in the fall, reusable menstrual products for students and reusable masks to be given away at the School Street Food Pantry,” Jerkatis said. Additionally, SGA has funded civic engagement efforts surrounding the 2020 presidential election and the upcoming 2021 municipal election. Toth discussed the change to mobilize the Committee on Civic Engagement to ensure student voices are heard at the ballot box. “We need to ensure that students’ voices are heard as votes are cast for mayor, town council, school boards and community college leadership,” Toth said. Local elections tend to be the races with the lowest turnout but the highest impact on
students’ lives. Students can find a Redbird Voter Guide on the Center for Civic Engagement’s website. SGA plans on continuing the support of the Graduate Workers Union as their mediation with university administrators continues. “We simply will not stop our advocacy until our graduate workers can obtain a fair, living wage and are supported with the benefits they deserve,” Toth said. “There’s no reason graduate workers should be tens of thousands of dollars in debt because they don’t get enough compensation for their work at ISU.” Student elections for SGA positions are taking place on April 16 and 17. All students are invited to run for a spot for the 2021-22 academic year. Voting will take place online via RedbirdLife.
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The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The digital Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2021 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
Looking back at a long, pandemic year A
COMPILED BY GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor | @GKinnicutt
s the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its one-year anniversary of being introduced to the United States, society continues to live alongside the virus and countries are working to vaccinate everyone in an effective way. Below is a timeline of some key events since the beginning of the pandemic.
SPRING 2020 Jan. 24, 2020: Illinois Department of Public Health confirms first COVID-19 case in Chicago. March 9, 2020: Gov. JB Pritzker issues disaster proclamation after state cases rise to 11. March 11, 2020: The World Health Organization declares COVID-19 a pandemic. Illinois State University President Larry Dietz announces in a campus-wide message that the university will be extending spring break until March 23. March 13, 2020: Pritzker announces statewide school closures beginning March 17 until March 30. Dietz announces classes will be moved online starting March 23 and lasting until April 12. March 15, 2020: Pritzker orders all bars and restaurants to be closed for dine-in for two weeks. March 16, 2020: First Illinois resident dies from COVID-19. March 17, 2020: ISU announces the remainder of spring semester will be online. March 19, 2020: McLean County Health Department announces first confirmed COVID-19 case. Pritzker orders statewide stay-at-home order taking effect March 21. March 22, 2020: McLean county reports first COVID-19 death. April 9, 2020: University announces all summer classes will be online. Campus events or those sponsored by ISU through the end of July are postponed or canceled. May 5, 2020: Pritzker lays out a regional fivephase plan to reopen based on public health data and care availability throughout the state. McLean County falls into Region 2.
SUMMER/FALL 2020 June 26, 2020: Illinois moves into Phase 4, allowing gatherings of up to 50 people. Indoor recreation venues and services can reopen with capacity limits. July 9, 2020: ISU provides an update of fall semester with classes being a mix of face to face, hybrid and online. ISU moves all instruction online after fall break. Face coverings and social distancing required when inside campus buildings. Student Health Services to provide testing for symptomatic students only. Aug. 14, 2020: ISU postpones fall sports until spring 2021. Aug. 17, 2020: Free on-campus testing for asymptomatic students becomes available. Aug. 17 to Sept. 3: ISU sees a spike in COVID-19 cases among students. On Sept. 2, ISU had 827 active COVID-19 cases. Aug. 28, 2020: Normal Mayor Chris Koos issues two executive orders around ISU limiting gatherings of 10 or more people and limiting indoor capacity for bars and restaurants. The orders include a fine up to $750 for non-compliance due to a spike in cases among college-aged students. Sept 4, 2020: McLean County enters warning level due to a spike in COVID-19 cases. Oct. 1, 2020: ISU announces spring classes to be a mix of online, face to face and hybrid. Oct. 8, 2020: Winter commencement moves to virtual format. Nov. 4, 2020: McLean County can no longer allow indoor service and gatherings limited due to three straight days of the testing positivity rate exceeding 8%. Nov. 10, 2020: Illinois passes 500,000 cases, over 10,000 deaths. Nov. 20, 2020: McLean County moves back into the IDPH’s Tier 3 Resurgence mitigations. Nov. 24, 2020: McLean County confirms 50 COVID-19 deaths.
May 9, 2020: ISU confirms first COVID-19 case.
Dec. 10, 2020: Dietz announces the cancellation of spring break. Personal well-being days and reading days to take place in spring 2021.
May 20, 2020: Illinois tops 100,000 COVID-19 cases, over 4,500 deaths.
Dec. 14, 2020: McLean County passes 10,000 COVID-19 cases.
May 28, 2020: ISU releases Redbirds Return plan for fall semester.
Dec. 15, 2020: Illinois begins vaccinating those eligible under Phase 1A vaccine distribution plan.
May 29, 2020: Stay-at-home order expires. Illinois is able to reopen non-essential businesses and manufacturers and allows outdoor dining and gatherings up to 10 people.
Dec. 18, 2020: McLean County receives first shipment of COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 ANNIVERSARY
Dec. 30, 2020: McLean County reaches 100 COVID-19 deaths.
Maia Huddleston
It has been one year since the COVID-19 pandemic has been introduced to the United States. Health care professional Kanisha Clements tests Normal community member Kristen Knite at the Alumni Center testing facility.
SPRING 2021 Jan. 7: Illinois surpasses 1 million COVID-19 cases. Jan. 18: McLean County is able to move into Tier 1, allowing indoor dining at 25% capacity and gatherings of 25 people or 25% room capacity or less. Jan. 24: McLean County moves into Phase 4 mitigations, allowing an increase of capacity limits for indoor dining, services and gatherings. Jan. 25: McLean begins vaccinating Phase 1B. Feb. 1: Traditional spring commencement ceremonies canceled. Feb. 15: ISU begins vaccinating employees eligible under state’s phase 1B vaccine distribution plan. March 4: ISU announces plans for a traditional, in-person fall semester for the 2021-22 academic year. March 15: McLean County has 14,831 confirmed cases, 175 COVID-19-related deaths.
classes,” Bath said. Beyond simply the reach of classes and lecContinued from Page 1 ture halls, Wellin argues that the pandemic has shed light on issues that hadn’t been considered Wellin is not the only professor who before. had to adapt the circumstances of remote “We have seen broader social problems learning. more clearly, which, in many cases, have Interim Dean of the College of Arts and been existing for decades prior to COVID-19,” Sciences Dr. Diane Zosky said that many Wellin said. professors faced challenges from the sud“Among the most important are the need den shift to online. for safe, well-regulated and affordable day“The past year has obviously been chalcare — seeing how the current virus has lenging, but I am in awe every day when I especially hurt women, who have had to leave see how our faculty and staff have found work to care for children — and the need for ways to meet the challenge of continuhigher-quality, widespread access to WiFi and ing to provide a premier education to our computer resources for the many sectors of our students,” Zosky said. society that have lacked that.” “Our faculty and staff are frontline As vaccines become more available for the heroes.” public and more opportunities for vaccination Wellin considers himself lucky to have appear in McLean County, COVID-19’s days in taught familiar material in the spring. the community may be numbered. While his material had the comforts of “I know we will move forward and will never familiarity, the rest of the population was go back to life as it was,” Zosky said. getting introduced to all of the new staples “I hope that going forward includes being of today’s society. Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 more aware of the preciousness of life and Toilet paper and hand soap went from As the COVID-19 pandemic reaches its one-year anniversary of being introduced to the United relationships. I hope we carry the ‘good’ that we invisible staples to valuable commodities. States, Illinois State University students and faculty reflect on what life has been like and how they have been affected by the virus. have learned forward with us and incorporate Masks, gloves, face shields and other this experience to be better and kinder.” forms of personal protective equipment Now nearly a year later, the country is optimistic about Zosky went on to discuss the pandemic’s became spring’s hottest must-haves. seeing the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel. ISU is effect and impacts, saying that today’s society took many They have also managed to stick around in the year that setting plans in motion for an in-person return to campus in things for granted before COVID-19 started. followed. fall 2021. “I think if I had to find one word to describe how I feel “I wish people would wear their masks and do what we are The university made the same plans for fall 2020 but had to about the pandemic it would be ‘humbling,’” Zosky said. supposed to do so people can stop dying and we can return roll back in-person classes once the risk for spread increased. “Prior to the pandemic, we took so much for granted. This to normalcy,” freshman special education major Hannah When things go “back to normal” for ISU, students and experience has called into question our complacency. I think Hitchcock said. faculty wonder if that means dropping all of the changes the or I hope I will value the important things in life more.” Wellin echoed Hitchcock’s statement, saying that everyone university has made. should do their part in helping reduce the spread of the virus. “The advantages of living under a global pandemic for me YASMIN ODEH is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can “[Wearing masks] is a very minor, even trivial, burden. was being able to attend classes online via Zoom. I didn’t be contacted at yaodeh@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ Knowing that if there is collective cooperation regarding masks, yasminodeh3. we can significantly reduce the spread of the virus,” Wellin said. have to worry about running from building to building for
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
Why some are desperate for normal
H
appy anniversary to COVID-19! It is not an anniversary that many of us were looking forward to, but it has come around all the same. While we seem to be at the light at the end of the tunnel regarding the pandemic, it leaves the question, are we prepared to go back to normal? The intense stress and anxiety ruling over our everyday lives can explain why every time we seem to get a breath in this pandemic, someone somewhere is calling for the country to reopen again. Even now, as vaccinations are still barely underway in Illinois and the rest of the country, State Sen, Terri Bryant and U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis have called for the state to reopen. A study released by the Kaiser Family Foundation, which seeks to inform and educate the public on mental and physical health, shows that the number of adults who reported symptoms of anxiety or stress increased from 1 in 10 in 2019 to 4 in 10 in 2020. There were also a significant number of Americans having difficulty sleeping or eating. These negative developments on the nation’s mental health are part of
the reasons many are calling for things to “get back to normal.” However, is this indicative of an oncoming mental health crisis or a natural reaction to extraordinarily stressful times? A study just released by the American Psychological Association refers to the pandemic as a collective trauma that we’ve all experienced. Since most Americans are lucky enough to not have experienced intense trauma, the stress of the past year can feel even worse. One day, this “collective trauma” will simply be referred to as a historical event, and we might forget the real-life
strife, stress and grief it has caused for everyone. Many are trying to get to a point where they can forget. It is the same reason there was so much hype around the new year — the unhappy population is desperate to move on. In part, this seems like a ridiculous leap to a finish line that is still a mile away. In the same vein, however, it’s easy to see why we’re so desperate to return to what we once knew. We’re desperate for some control and some normalcy after having a year in uncertain and unprecedented circumstances. When individuals are in intense and
stressful situations, they react in irrational ways. Our brains are operating in survival mode, doing whatever we can to reestablish the status quo. When that status quo hasn’t been significantly disrupted in decades, a change like COVID-19 can be even more devastating. We see this desperation as selfishness and privilege, and in part that’s true. However, can you attribute the sense of privilege to the person who exercises it or the society that created it? Until a significant percentage of the population is vaccinated and COVID-19 is fully under control, it would be a foolish decision to reopen the state, but when someone remarks that they are dying to “get back to normal,” have compassion for them. Yes, they may seem selfish for it, but they are the product of a culture that thrives on greed and individualism. What’s beneath that selfish façade is someone who really wants the safety and security of the life they once knew. Once this is all over, think of the people for whom “normal” was not so great to begin with, and help them achieve a status quo that’s good for everyone.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ELIZABETH SEILS , 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.
F
Virtual world brought real-life comfort
or years I had been As the launch day came waiting for the release closer and closer, the of “Animal Crossing: world felt like it was falling New Horizons.” While I was apart. From Illinois State excited to play the video University switching to game, I never thought it online-only classes, to MY VIEW would have such an impact events being canceled and on my life. more, I at least had a little “Animal Crossing: New ANDREA RICKER | Features Editor happiness to look forward Horizons” came out on to. March 20, 2020. I’ve been Lockdown in Illinois a fan of this video game series since I was started the day after “Animal Crossing: New a little kid, and I was over the moon that Horizons” came out. I was so relieved that I there would be a new game on the Nintendo would be able to pick up the game at Game Switch. Stop before having to go into quarantine. At “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is a the time, I didn’t think quarantine would last life simulation video game that follows your as long as it has, but I was planning to spend character as you move to a deserted island. all of my time inside playing this game. You can talk to the animal villagers, decorate “Animal Crossing” gave me a sense of routhe island, fish, catch bugs and more. It’s set tine when everything else in my life seemed in real time so when it’s 2 p.m. in real life it’s like it was in shambles. I was able to wake up 2 p.m. in the game.” in the morning and turn on my Switch and When it was announced that this new game dive into my cute virtual island. I could just would come out in March 2020, I immediwalk around, talk to the animal villagers, lisately put it in my calendar. I pre-ordered the ten to the relaxing music and invest my time game as soon as I could. I spent the months making my island look pretty. leading up to March so excited that my favorIn March and April, I went through a phase ite video game series was finally getting a new where I was so stressed with life, school and installment. work where I just couldn’t sleep. I would
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normally wake up at 3 or 4 a.m. and be wide awake. I started a morning routine where I would get up at those times and go to my living room to play “Animal Crossing.” It was this relaxing moment where the world seemed to pause. I wasn’t getting news notifications about COVID-19 yet, my professors weren’t emailing me yet and everything was able to just be silent for a couple hours. Playing this video game in the early hours of the day gave me a sense of peace and an escape to everything that was going on in the world. One of the beauties of “Animal Crossing” is that since it is set in real time, every day is a new start in the game. Each day there are daily tasks to be done, such as digging up fossils, checking out the new rotation of items in the shop and seeing if there are characters visiting your island. The game gives you a feeling of productivity. It was hard for me to be motivated to get things done in my school life, but getting these daily tasks done in the game helped me get started on things for school and work. This game also let me interact with my friends when I couldn’t see them physically. So many times during quarantine my friends who also had “Animal Crossing” would visit
each other’s islands while talking on the phone. We would just laugh and goof around. It helped me feel connected during a time where I was so disconnected from everyone. I played “Animal Crossing” every single day from March 20 until mid-August when I came back to school. Sometimes I played for five minutes and sometimes I played for hours. It was the one constant thing in my life when everything else seemed to change and be taken away in the blink of an eye. This past summer was especially rough for me. I was living at home and couldn’t really go anywhere. I also dealt with the loss of my childhood dog and I wasn’t in the best place emotionally. As silly as it sounds, this video game gave me so much joy during dark times. It’s a way to escape from the troubles of daily life. It can calm me down when I’m feeling anxious, and it can cheer me up even after having the worst day. While the past year has been unlike any other and has been emotionally exhausting, I’m so happy to have always had this virtual world that I can turn to for comfort. ANDREA RICKER is a Features Editor for the Vidette. she can be reached at arricke@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea.
“
THEY SAID IT
NOTABLE NUMBERS
? 10.7
cents per gallon is the average price increase across the state for gas in the past week. According to Gas Buddy, prices rose 38.5 cents in the past month, and the average price across over 4,000 Illinois gas stations is $3.
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walks during Illinois State University baseball’s matchup against Univesity of Missouri Saturday. The number of walks matches the record for the most walks in a losing game since 2015.
SPORTS 7
Tattooing does not necessarily have a rating system like we have in the institutional world. They’re figuring out this world on their own where there aren’t these markers that are David Lane easy to compare themselves to others.” David Lane, criminal justice sciences professor
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor @BesteKatherine
MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor @maiawrites MYA ROBINSON Sports Reporter @Im_Myaaa JOHN MURRAY News Reporter @Jmurr_
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
Local food banks face higher donation demand due to COVID Need for donated food up to 50% higher than in pre-pandemic period CHELSEA CORA News Reporter | @cora_chelsea
W
i t h COVID-19 impacting many people and businesses, the local food banks in Bloomington-Normal have been extremely busy. Local food banks, such as Midwest Food Bank and the Center for Hope Outreach Programs, have had some adjusting to do over the past year. “The food pantries we serve reported needing 20% to 50% more food than in times before the pandemic began. Some of our partner pantries have had to close at the beginning of the stay-at-home orders while those that remained open served more people with more needs than ever before,” Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Tara Ingham said. When the pandemic began, the availability of food and other products began to decrease significantly. Grocery stores had empty shelves and restaurants were closing everywhere. “Many of our reoccurring volunteers are retirees, who also fall into a higher risk category for COVID-19. Nearly 10,000 volunteers served at our Normal location in 2019, in comparison to 5,400 in 2020,” Ingham said. "One extra blessing during the pandemic year is that nearly half the amount of volunteers we are accustomed to still contributed over 77,000 hours of service." The Midwest Food Bank has had a lot of help from others around the local community during this time of need. However, the pandemic was not the only thing that caused the increase in the need for food supplies at the food bank. “In addition, the 2020 hurricane season was relentless, adding more need for food and disaster supplies to the mix. Between emergency COVID-19 relief, hurricanes and wildfires, assisting with civil unrest situations where grocery stores were destroyed, we sent out over 110 semi-truckloads of food and supplies in 2020,” Ingham said. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the food bank has teamed up with other food manufacturers and farmers that did not exist before
COVID-19. The community has contributed a lot to the local food banks. “There is a tremendous sense of gratefulness for the continuing support of the local community and beyond,” Ingham said. "From our longtime faithful and new financial partners to those willing to give their time and effort through volunteering, the food relief efforts that happen here at Midwest Food Bank are a direct reflection of an engaged community." Now that COVID-19 vaccines are out, the food bank is beginning to return to normal. “We are beginning to see more of our regular volunteers join us again as they receive the vaccine. We will continue to evaluate our heightened level of COVID-19 precautions for our staff and volunteers as vaccine distribution continues,” Ingham said. For the future, the Midwest Food Bank is prepared to continue the increase of food distribution as needed and is hoping for better days ahead. Another Vidette Archive program that has been impacted by COVID-19 was the Center for Hope Outreach Programs. The program operates food pantry sites in Bloomington. “When the pandemic started, we put our energies toward adjusting for safety, service and the surge in need,” Executive Director for Center for Hope Outreach Programs Patricia Turner said. Prior to the pandemic, families were able to come inside and “shop” for the foods they needed whether it be fresh produce, seasonings or baked goods among other things. However, it all had to change when the pandemic began, and social distancing guidelines were put in place. “With the need for social distancing we moved to a complete no-contact model at one site and adjusted to accommodate social distancing at the other location. We also adjusted the number of volunteers as many were elderly or had health conditions that made them more susceptible to severe illness,” Turner said.
While other food banks such as the Midwest Food Bank saw increases in their food distribution, the Center for Hope Outreach Programs saw a decrease after the first few months of the pandemic as other community agencies, churches and organizations began to distribute food as well. “What was not initially anticipated was the surge in what we called peripheral needs. Those coming to the Center for Hope for help were no longer just looking for help with food but also for help with utilities, help with homelessness, help with job loss and other issues,” Turner said. "Additionally, we saw a huge increase in the number of those who needed food delivered to their homes." The Center for Hope Outreach Programs were encouraged and more ready than ever to help with food drives, donations, finances and volunteering. With the vaccine being available, everyday activities may return to normal. “We are elated to see that vaccines are being made available now. We use our relationships with local families to share information and encourage vaccination acceptance,” Turner said. "We are also working with community partners to identify and remove barriers facing those that find it difficult to access the vaccine." The Center for Hope Outreach Programs are being cautious with its next steps following the vaccine distribution before returning to full in-person food distribution. The programs continue to prepare for a new normal with in-person and remote access to the services as a new norm. “We also understand that local citizens may be dealing with the economic impacts of COVID-19 long after the disease is under control. We plan on increasing our capacity to meet a growing and changing need,” Turner said. Even with the vaccine beginning to have control over the pandemic, local food banks are still taking extra precautions until it is no longer necessary. In the meantime, with COVID-19 still taking a toll on the community, they will continue to do their best to help those in need of food distribution. CHELSEA CORA is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at crcora@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @cora_chelsea.
MCHD: Achieving Biden’s May vaccination goal appears unlikely As of March 9, only 9% of local residents fully vaccinated JOHN MURRAY News Reporter | @jmurr__
especially those who may live alone or have little contact with the outside world or limited transportation options also are The Biden-Harris administrachallenges to reaching the herd tion has announced its plans to immunity threshold. have all American adults eligible “This is why community partto be vaccinated by May 1. nerships and our ability to send However, McLean County mobile units into pocketed areas Health Department Public of the county is so pivotal.” Affairs Coordinator Marianne Manko also believes that Manko says that can only happeople who are distrusting of the pen locally in McLean County COVID-19 vaccine serve as yet if the region receives enough another challenge to protecting vaccines. the community. “Our goal of herd immunity is “We are working hard to get minimum 80% of the population, but of course the higher the popu- accurate, scientific information lation, the better,” Manko said. “It to all residents,” Manko reassured. is possible [to achieve the goal set Another factor that has MCHD forth by the Biden-Harris adminconcerned, per istration] but Manko, is the comcan only happen FAST FACTS bination of residents if the county loosening safety receives enough 9% of residents fully precautions and the vaccine doses. vaccinated emergence of new With MCHD’s variants of coronanew partnership 49,617 vaccines adminvirus – which could with the Illinois istered spell another spike National Guard, 55% under phases 1A in cases. and through and 1B have received “We are proud our continued of our community, vaccine partner- first dose 23,000 residents can be especially our college ship within the students, who have community, vaccinated each week all made big sacriMCHD now fices for the sake of has the abilthe greater good. ity to vaccinate We share the frustration of being 23,000 McLean County residents masked and distanced from each per week.” other. But if we let up now, there Manko added that MCHD has is no doubt we are risking another yet to receive any shipments of spike in positive cases and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines, risk of death remains quite high although they are expected to if those students spread it to an arrive soon. older relative.” As of March 9, approximately MCHD continues to ask all 9% of McLean County’s popularesidents to test for COVID-19, tion has been fully vaccinated continue to wear a mask and to with 49,617 vaccines being adpractice social distancing. ministered thus far. “We have come a long way in McLean County continues to one year and we would all like to focus on vaccinating those in get back to ‘normal’. [We need phase 1A, 1B and 1B plus populato continue to do] everything we tions, of which approximately can to ensure we do not experi55% have received first doses of ence another spike in COVID-19,” the COVID-19 vaccine. Manko said. “MCHD [values] “Our 65+ population is the the sacrifices each resident has most vulnerable and we are made to battle the spread of this very focused right now on makdisease. We can only conquer ing sure we vaccinate as many the spread of this virus if we do it older residents as possible as together.” quickly as possible,” Manko said. JOHN MURRAY is a News The biggest challenge for Reporter at The Vidette. He can be MCHD remains the number of vaccines sent to the health depart- contacted at jwmurr1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @Jmurr__. ment. Reaching older residents,
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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Features
Seeing ‘The Other End of the Needle’ ISU’s David Lane publishes book discussing world of tattoos JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan19
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llinois State University criminal justice sciences professor David Lane recently wrote a book called “The Other End of the Needle: Continuity and Change among Tattoo Workers” where he discussed the intricacy of tattooing and how the tattoo industry manages change. Lane said that tattoos have a history that is cross cultural and has existed for thousands of years. The world of tattooing is socially constructed, and the artists learn to become members of it. “Tattooing and tattoo work is far more complex than most of us see,” Lane said. “Most of us don’t spend our days in tattoo shops and around them in general, so we don’t see the amount of labor that goes into making tattooing happen.” Lane went on to say that the tattoo industry is filled with behind-the-scenes work, such as those who build the machines or build the network to sell the equipment. There are a multitude of pieces that work together to create tattoos and keep the industry alive. “There’s a lot that goes into this. Moreover, tattoo artists in the current age work very hard to be good at what they do,” Lane said. “While they have people to look up to, tattooing does not necessarily have a rating system like we have in the institutional world. They’re figuring out this world on their own where there aren’t these markers that are easy to compare themselves to others.” Initially, Lane wanted to conduct research on political violence, but he had mentors that persuaded him to use his knowledge of the tattoo industry as the basis for his research and his book. Lane decided that instead of studying what people’s tattoos mean, he would focus on the tattoo shop itself and the process of how we create tattoos. Lane became interested in tattooing before the “tattoo boom” in the early 2000s when he was spending a great amount of time in his friend’s older brother’s tattoo shop. “It was a lot harder to get into tattooing then. We didn’t have television shows putting it in people’s living rooms every week, and there wasn’t this widespread internet accessibility,” Lane said. “I think to some degree, to get involved in tattooing you had to go find somebody. Now, it’s much more accessible, but for me personally, I miss to some degree that intimacy of the small community around a tattoo shop.” Lane spent several months interviewing tattoo
artists about how they survive, and then his research expanded as he gathered information about how they engaged in collective activity. “When we think of something like tattooing in our heads, we tend to credit the tattooer as the sole person responsible for making it. But like any cultural good, there are many people involved in the production of it,” Lane said. “They’re reliant on many other people, and there’s a lot of cumulative knowledge that is passed on. While one person gets credit for that piece of art, it really is a collective world that makes it happen.” “The Other End of the Needle” concentrates on how tattooing has survived as an occupation in capitalism. While many jobs have professional Photo courtesy of Illinois State News associations and unions to protect workers, tattoo Criminal Justice Sciences professor David Lane recently published his book “The Other End of the Needle: Continuity and Change among Tatartists typically do not too Works,” all about the intricacy of tattooing. have this. Lane said that many jobs without this In today’s world where consumerism is high type of protection disappear or become lowand culture contains many of the same elements wage sector positions that are rationalized and from city to city, such as the same chain-based bureaucratic. stores and restaurants, tattooing grants individ“Tattooers have been a bit resilient as the uals a way to consume culture in a unique way. forces of capitalism have bore down upon them. “I think it should be no surprise that tattooing As we’ve seen many jobs go the way of certificais as popular as it is right now. It gives us the way tion and formal credentials and so forth, tattooto cultivate distinct identities in a time period ers don’t rely on that,” Lane said. “They have a where some of the larger forms of production bit more humanistic understanding of the world. and consumption seem the same across locaEven to create a tattoo on some person … it retion,” Lane said. “Obviously, there’s a caveat to quires intimate face-to-face interaction … things this as we produce more culture now than we we have seen disappear from other spheres.” ever have because we’re far more efficient at it The entire industry is complex, and Lane said and there’s more accessibility with the internet. that even with as much work as he has done, he I think there’s a reason why we have these tatcontinues to find new information about differtooed bodies now, and we see quite a few more ent groups and tattooing. of them.” Historically, Lane said the top reasons to be Currently, Lane teaches Crime and Behavior, tattooed were not for deviant reasons but were Social Construction of Crime and Criminological positive characteristics of society. Largely, tattheory courses. “The Other End of the Needle” toos were a memorial, familiar or an occupationcan be purchased at rutgersuniversitypress.org. based symbol.
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
‘Zoom Past the Limitations’ COM Week goes virtual April 5-8 ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
The annual Communication Week will be held virtually April 5-8. The theme is “Zoom Past the Limitations.” The goal is to help give students the same professional development as years past, just in a new virtual format. The week will feature virtual panels and keynotes featuring School of Communication alumni. There will also be a COMedy night, Documentary Film Festival, Mocktail Hour and a Speech Showcase. There will be a preview of the event from 1-2 p.m. March 25 with Brook Ramlet. Ramlet created her own marketing and communications firm, 6-4-3 Strategies. The firm focuses on startups, nonprofits and politics. Ramlet has advised more than 50 political campaigns. In the past, she has planned and executed communications and campaign strategies for U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) and former U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam (R-Wheaton). She has also worked as a staff member in the U.S. Senate. A full schedule of all COM Week events will be released soon. Those interested in learning more can visit the COM Week website at about. illinoisstate.edu/comweek. Those with questions about the event can contact the School of COM Lead Intern Julia Kopfman.
REVIEW
‘Minari’ shows real American dream GRACE DOYLE Features Reporter | @Amaaziinggracee
over. However, the biggest strength of this film is the script — one of the most real and unflinching looks at the American dream I have ever seen. “Minari” is written and directed by Lee It makes no hesitation to show the toxic Isaac Chung and stars Steven Yeun, Han aspects of chasing something at the cost of Ye-ri, Alan S. Kim, Noel Cho and Youn your life or the amount of stress that it puts Yuh-jung. This film tells the story of a on a human being and the sometimes hardKorean family moving from California to-watch or incomprehensible lengths they to Arkansas to start a farm and chase will go to in order to succeed. Most importhe idealistic “American dream” that is tantly, it captures love, and while that love sought after by so many. However, this may look different at times and be hard dream is at a constant strain as marital to understand if you never grew up in an strife, financial setbacks and family isenvironment similar to those in this film, it sues continue to plague the characters’ still shows the true goal of wanting better attempts at success and happiness in this for your kids and the desperate yearning new life. for them to be proud of you — even at their “Minari” is an absolutely beautiful film own detriment. The writing does struggle in so many ways. Aesthetically it has some with sudden time jumps during certain of the best direction and cinematography scenes, but it is easy to get your bearings of the year with its gorgeous use of nature again when this happens. and the almost nostalgic setting of the Overall, “Minari” is a tale of aspirations 1980s. Chung captures the subtle beauty of and believing in yourself. The American small family moments and the success of dream has always prioritized hard work giving your all to something and getting a Courtesy of Sundance Institute/TNS and the importance of betting on yourself, win, while also showing the devastations of “Minari” is directed by Lee Isaac Chung and follows a Korean family as they chase the “American and “Minari” shows a tale of people trying failure and the need to persevere through dream.” The film is nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture. to prove their worth not only to others, the difficult times in order to chase the but most importantly to themselves. It is a high of success yet again. while Yuh-jung feels so authentic in her role, embodying the tale of perseverance, but not always escaping hardships; the The incredible imagery of the film would not be possible character and showing the disconnects but also the true effort love you have for your family but the want for a better life. without the help of the fantastic cast — everyone involved put forth when trying to connect with a family that has lived “Minari” is the true American dream — it is not perfect or does a notable job portraying their characters, but there are so long without your presence. pretty, it is backbreaking work, but the honesty and beauty two stand-out performances in Kim who plays the young son, “Minari” also features a beautiful score that helps to elevate of a hard day’s work is the dream in the end. Being handed David, and Yuh-jung, who plays the distant grandma of David the dramatic and exciting scenes while also knowing when success is not the dream you are chasing; it is finding the and his sister. Kim gives an impressive child performance to take a backseat and let the visuals and performances take success yourself. I give “Minari” an A. as he captures fear, anger and spite well for being so young,
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Heartbreak in the Heartland
Redbirds rally comes late, Tigers dominate weekend
Redbirds fall in closing seconds
JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
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arly in Illinois State baseball’s last game with Missouri, a late offensive start doomed the Redbirds. The Tigers opened the game strong against ISU pitching. Missouri scored seven runs in the first three innings. Tiger pitching also managed to limit the Redbirds. Despite going into the fourth inning hitless, the Redbirds managed to have three players left on base at the end of Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 the inning. During the game, the Illinois State’s ace Colton Johnson Redbirds were walked 12 times, warming up in the bullpen prior to the most in a loss since March 1, Friday’s game. 2015, against No. 1 Vanderbilt. free passes. Ultimately, we were Despite having 12 walks, the Redbirds struggled to convert those probably a couple of hits away from runners into runs. ISU had nine run- tying it up and putting pressure on them. Overall, we gave up too many ners stranded on base. Still looking for the first ISU hit runs early.” After a tough inning in the bottom in the fourth, Jordan Libman stood with the bases loaded after three of the eighth, ISU looked to rally. straight free passes. On an 0-1 pitch, With two outs, Jake McCaw singled Libman ripped a single to right field to give ISU hope. But that hope would not last long. driving in two ISU runs. A fielder’s choice earlier in the inning from Ryan Cermak popped the ball up the Tigers’ second baseman on the next Luke Cheng tacked on another run. pitch to end the game. The Redbirds picked ISU struggled over up runs in the next two the weekend, managing innings to bring the score Up next to win just 1 of 4 games to 9-6. Despite pulling The Redbirds against Missouri. With close, the Redbirds were will be back in the loss, the Redbirds’ not able to pull off the action when they record falls to 5-9. comeback and fell 12-7. visit No. 9 East Libman led the way at “We obviously fought Carolina for a the dish for ISU finishback. It took us a couple three-game set ing 2-for-5 with a pair of innings to get going,” ISU starting at 6:30 RBIs. head coach Steve Holm p.m. Friday. said. “They gave us some
DARNYSHA MITCHELL Sports Reporter | @darnyshaM
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n the third meetup between Illinois State women’s basketball and Loyola-Chicago in a week, the Redbirds fell to the Ramblers 61-60 in Moline. The Redbirds seemed to be gearing up for a late run in the fourth quarter, but the Ramblers disrupted the Redbirds’ plan. ISU jumped out to a onepoint lead to open the fourth Courtesy of Missouri Valley Conference quarter. But Loyola-Chicago ral- Illinois State’s JuJu Redmond shooting the final shot as time expires in round lied from the deficit with about one of Hoops in the Heartland. Loyola took down ISU 61-60 on a late free throw. 2:30 minutes left in the contest my fault. We were supposed to trap “I think it was just kind of going off to tie the game, propelled by junior on every possession. If you look tra- paint touches inside and feeling conforward Allison Day, who exploded ditionally this year and how we guard fident and just letting that fly.” for a career-high 23 points on 10-of- her in the posts, we trap. I’m not sure It was a tight-knit, low-scoring 13 shooting. what happened, and that’s some- matchup throughout most of the Loyola-Chicago head coach Kate thing that I have to do a better job. contest. But it was mostly a shootAchter said following last weekend’s I’ve got to make sure we understand ing match between Day and senior loss to the Redbirds in the regular the game plan.” guard Juliunn Redmond. season conference series, the team With one second left in the conRedmond also tied her career high spent extra time preparing for late test, sophomore forward DeAnna and was just shy of a double double, game stretches. Wilson fouled freshman guard Maya scoring 23 points on 9-of-10 shoot“We’ve been in a lot of these situ- Chandler. ing with nine rebounds, carrying the ations where we call that timeout in Chandler hit the free throw to put Redbirds on efficient shooting. the stretch, it was just to regroup and the Ramblers up by one to secure a “This is my first collegiate level say there are no six-point baskets,” slot in the semifinals. conference tournament,” Redmond Achter said. “You have to take a one Day said what worked better for said. “But I wanted to win, so I came position at a time, and they did.” the Ramblers in game three against in the game focus and with a lot of Day became unstoppable and the Redbirds versus last weekend’s confidence shooting the ball.” noticeably difficult to guard for the two matchups was getting open While Loyola-Chicago shot 46% Redbirds. looks and catching on to the Redbird from the field in comparison to the ISU head coach Kristen Gillespie defense. She said practice heading Redbirds’ 52%, Day kept the Ramadmitted to struggling to guard Day up to the quarterfinals gave her the blers in close margins, weathering in the post. confidence to shoot efficiently. any storm that the Redbirds brought. “Our game plan was not to play “Gradually, I’ve gotten more confione on one,” Gillespie said. “That’s dent outside of the paint,” Day said. u EXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com
Hitting close to home
VOLLEYBALL
Continued from Page 8
Former infielder Derek Parola returns to Redbirds as first-year assistant coach
MATT PETROVITCH Sports Reporter | @matt_petrovitch
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o stranger to the Redbird culture, a former Illinois State baseball player returns this season in a different role. After graduating in 2019, Derek Parola found himself a coaching position under his own former coach Steve Holm. Parola represented the Redbirds as an infielder from 2015-2019 before taking on duties as director of operations in fall 2019. Starting anew as an assistant coach, Parola is excited about this next base in his baseball career. “It is a different dynamic than a normal coach would be just because all the guys have a different relationship with me, but I got experience last year with being the graduate assistant director of baseball operations,” Parola said. “I learned how to put up the wall. What it was to be a former player with them but now to be a coach, it is definitely hard, but they know how much I care for them.” For Parola, baseball has always held a significant role in his life. His roots run deep back to his high school days under a familiar face. “My dad was my high school coach growing up and throughout my time here I realized how much baseball meant to me and how much of my life it was,” Parola said. During Parola’s years in a Redbird jersey, the makeup of the coaching staff he looked to for
CLASSIFIEDS
guidance shifted. In 2019, Holm took over at the helm of the program and assistant head coach Wally Crancer joined Holm from Purdue. The drastic changes at the top of the program taught Parola valuable lessons as a player, which inspired him to continue a career in the sport. “When they [new coaching staff] first got here Illinois State baseball did not have the Vidette Archive most success or the successes they wanted Derek Parola in action for Illinois State during his playto see, and I was scared of the coaching ing days as an infielder in 2018. He is now an assistant change,” Parola admitted. “A lot of new coach for ISU. coaches come in and want to change the culture but that is the opposite of what they did. talent displayed by the players on the team. They wanted to build with the guys that are here. “I just got here so I was not able to see the fall but “The coaches impacted me here and I wanted the week I have been here the talent level is high. We to reciprocate that with my career. It made are very optimistic about the season ahead. Even it easy because they care so much and all the looking back to 2019 you can tell the talent level is life lessons they taught and how much they greater this year. Hopefully the guys can perform impacted guys with their first year here is somelike they are supposed to and we would be looking to thing I wanted to model for my career.” have a good year,” Parola said. From his time as a player to now, Parola’s dediDespite his familiarity with the program and cation to the game he loves runs true. He, along culture, Parola recognizes that there is much with the rest of the coaching staff, have one main room to grow and learn as a coach. Years of goal this season — positive results on the field with experience is the key for his successes in coachas many players contributing as possible. ing the Redbirds and beyond. Since COVID-19 shut down the spring 2020 “The biggest thing I want to do in the next baseball season, the team members will finally couple years is to learn as much as possible and have an opportunity to display their talent to learn my style of coaching. I want to impact the during the remainder of the 2021 campaign. guys here as much as I can. I want to figure out Parola seems confident in and inspired by the my own philosophy over the next couple of years.” Phone (309) 438 - 7685 • Fax (309) 438 - 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL | Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
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Nonetheless, the Redbirds could not keep up as the Bears took control back, built momentum and won the set. “After we lost the third set, I think we really just talked about and focused on our strengths,” Kushner said. “When we play together and give our best effort, we can do amazing things.” The Bears rode their new energy into a 2-0 lead to start the fourth set. Not losing their focus, the Redbirds fought back. They took a 9-5 lead off two strong blocks from Martin and Sydney Holt, respectively, forcing a Missouri State timeout. The Bears then flipped the script, tying the match at 16-all to force a Redbird timeout. They traded the lead and built long rallies, but the defending conference champion Redbirds did not lose their focus when it mattered most, winning the set and the match 25-21 on three kills in a row by Kushner and Martin. Kushner led the Redbirds with 21 kills and maintained an excellent .442 hitting percentage throughout the match. “Sarah is truly understanding how to take care of the ball in tough situations,” Johnson said. “I’m really pleased with her performance and her overall effort.” The Redbirds (9-5, 7-3 MVC) will stay at home next weekend hosting Evansville (5-11, 4-10 MVC) for a two-game series, looking to continue their success in their final four games before the MVC tournament in the first week of April. For now, however, Kushner wraps up the attitude of her team in three simple words. “We haven’t played in so long, and we get a sweep against the No. 1 team in the conference,” Kushner said. “I’m so happy.”
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2021
’Birds on the big stage
Smith, Koski post impressive showings at NCAA Championships
RACHEL HICKEY & JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editors | @r_hickey15 & @JakeSermersheim
A pair of Illinois State student-athletes took flight at the national stage this week. Senior high jumper Kameesha Smith capped off a stellar indoor track and field season at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Indoor Championships on Friday, while fifth-year senior Kevin Koski made his NCAA debut Monday at the cross country championships. Smith earned Second Team All-American honors for the second time in her Redbird career, tying for 10th in the nation. The high jumper easily soared over the first two bars at 1.71-meters and 1.76-meters before missing all three attempts at 1.81-meters. Smith’s personal best and school record leap is 1.83-meters from earlier this season. Although falling short of her best, Smith is grateful for the opportunity to compete with the best in the nation. “Nationals was a great experience and I was blessed to have the opportunity to represent Illinois State at this level,” Smith said. The finish is the best of her career, as Smith placed 12th at the 2019 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Smith is the second Redbird women’s student-athlete to earn Second Team honors and is the ninth overall to post an All-American performance. She is also the first Illinois State women’s high jumper to qualify for the NCAA Indoor Championships. Assistant coach Daniel Gooris, who oversees Illinois State’s multi-event groups and vertical jumps group, feels Smith’s representation at the meet is a testament to the progress of the program. In 2020, the Redbirds finished the indoor campaign ranked 11th in NCAA event squad rankings, which averages the performances of each team’s top four athletes. In 2021, the group—led by Smith—finished second in the NCAA. Gooris is confident that Smith’s performance Friday will help propel her, and the whole squad, to new heights in the outdoor season. “I am very proud of Kameesha and all she has accomplished this year,” Gooris asserted. “I know this wasn’t the result she wanted but at the end of the day she gave it her best and that’s all I could ask of her at the National Championships.” “I am confident that this whole experience has motivated her even more and we are all going to witness a truly historic outdoor season.”
Courtesy of ISU Athletics
Kameesha Smith soars over her first bar at the NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Smith finished the competition tied for 10th, earning Second Team AllAmerican honors.
Koski fourth Redbird in top 100 After taking home the Missouri Valley Conference Championship, Koski competed with the best at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Cross Country Championships. Koski continues to etch his name in the Illinois State University record books after becoming just the fourth Redbird to finish in the top 100 at the NCAA Championships. The fifthyear senior’s time of 31:32.5 was good for 99th place against a field that included runners from Brigham Young, Iowa State and Notre Dame. Prior to the race, Koski knew the competition was going to be tough. “It was definitely a tough race,” Koski said. “We knew it was going to be tough. A lot of people chose cross country as their focus. The course was brutal; it was fun to get out there and grind.” Before the halfway point, Koski was hovering back around the 150th place. But after the 1k mark, Koski picked it up. Surging, Koski was able to finish strong in the Courtesy of ISU Athletics top 100. Kevin Koski sprints to the finish of the 10-kiloKoski noted how the end of the season could meter course Monday at Oklahoma State. Koski finished in the top 100 at the NCAA Cross Counnot have been better for him. “The race was a perfect end to a good season,” try Championships after winning the Missouri Valley Conference individual title to qualify. Koski said. “All those long months of training that is what it is for. It is just the season as a whole has been really cool progression that I have seen quite a few leaps and goals I have achieved.”
Day Two blues avoided Volleyball earns its second game two win in sweep over the Bears MIKEY FORNELLI Sports Reporter | @mfojr
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hat’s better than coming off a two-week break and sweeping a two-game series? Doing it in only seven sets. On Monday night the Illinois State volleyball team defeated the Missouri State Bears 3-1, completing the sweep against a top conference team and breaking out of a second-day slump that has lingered throughout the 2021 season. The Redbirds and Bears went back and forth to start the first set, locked at six. ISU then went on a 5-1 run to take a strong 11-7 lead. Capitalizing on some Redbird errors, the Bears did build their way back up to within a point at 21-22. The Redbirds kept control, however, and pulled away to take the win 25-21 much in part to Nicole Lund and Sarah Kushner’s two blocks apiece in the set. The Redbirds, who lead the Missouri Valley Conference in blocks per set, soared above the net throughout this match. They had 11 total blocks, Lund responsible for six and Kushner for four.
“We had a ton of positive block touches,” Kushner said. “That made it a lot easier for us to win transition points. We needed to shut them down, especially their outsides.” The second set started similarly, with the Redbirds pulling away after the score reached 5-all. With Kaity Weimerskirch serving, they won five straight points, including three Bears errors and a service ace. Although that could be a sign of Day Two adjustment and scoutAlex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 ing, head coach Leah Johnson says Senior Kaylee Martin leaps up for a kill during game one against Missouri the Redbirds just continued to find State on Sunday. Martin surpassed 1,000 career kills en route to the Redsuccess with the same aggressive birds’ three-set sweep of the Bears. serving strategies they used in The Redbirds took control after just a beast. She was the main game one. Coming into the game the that run and never looked back, scorer on their team, so just knowRedbirds were just 1-3 in game two taking the second set 25-17. Kushing she was going to get a lot of of the series. ner and Missouri State’s Amelia points and not letting that phase us “We knew they’d be a little better Flynn traded kills throughout this was all we could do. We still found passing, but we didn’t feel like set and the match. Flynn, who is the ways to score.” it was worth changing dramati- defending MVC Player of the Week, To the Bears’ credit, they did not cally,” Johnson said. “We stayed was a bright spot in an unsuccessful go down without a fight after falling the course, and came out and weekend for the Bears. She led the down 2-0 in the match. They got out served very similarly today as we match with 26 kills out of her team’s to a 13-9 lead in set three, causing the did yesterday. It forced them into 48 total. Redbirds to call a timeout. situations that we wanted to see “She is a great hitter and them in.” defender,” Kushner said. “She’s See VOLLEYBALL on Page 7
REDBIRD RE PORT Soccer held scoreless, losing streak extended to two games For the second consecutive game, the Illinois State soccer team was held scoreless as it fell to Indiana State 2-0 Saturday at home. Despite an aggressive offensive attack early, the Redbirds could not make it happen against a strong Sycamore defense. Both teams remained scoreless after the first half, despite eight shots on goal from the ’Birds, in a battle of the denfenses. Seventy-eight minutes into the match, Indiana State midfielder Celeste Wahlberg scored the first goal of the game. This was the Sycamores’ first shot of the afternoon. Michaela At minute 81, Kirschten Anna Holcombe secured the shutout for the Sycamores with a goal kick that was drawn from an Illinois State yellow card on Michaela Kirschten. The Redbirds move to 2-4 on the season and 2-2 in conference play. Next up, the Redbirds will look to improve their record against Loyola-Chicago at 1 p.m. Sunday in the Windy City. The reigning Missouri Valley Conference tournament champions currently hold a 3-1 winning record, most recently shutting out Valparaiso 1-0.
VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Missouri St. Bradley Illinois St. Drake Loyola Northern Iowa Valparaiso Indiana St. Evansville Southern Illinois
8-4 12-5 10-4 10-4 7-3 9-5 8-4 10-5 6-6 7-6 6-6 6-10 8-6 9-7 6-8 6-9 4-10 5-11 1-13 2-14
MVFC STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
North Dakota North Dakota St. Southern Illinois South Dakota St. Missouri St. Northern Iowa South Dakota Illinois St. Western Illinois Youngstown St.
4-0 3-1 3-1 3-1 2-1 2-2 1-2 0-3 0-3 0-4
4-0 4-1 4-1 3-1 2-4 2-2 1-2 0-3 0-3 0-4
UPCOMING Football
The Redbirds return to Hancock Stadium at 11 a.m. Saturday to play Western Illinois in their second home game of the season.
Baseball
Baseball travels to Greenville, North Carolina, to face No. 9 East Carolina Friday-Sunday.
Softball
The Redbirds take on their first Missouri Valley Conference opponent of the season, facing the Indiana State Sycamores on the road Saturday and Sunday.
Gymnastics
Gymnastics hosts the Midwest Independent Conference meet at 3 p.m. Friday in Redbird Arena.
Swimming and diving
ISU travels to Carbondale for a dual meet against conference foes Southern Illinois and Evansville Friday.
Compiled by Rachel Hickey