V THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021 Vol. 133 | No. 22
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VIEWPOINT 4
DON’T BLAME YOURSELF FOR FALLING BEHIND ON THE JOB HUNT
Calling it quits
After first victory, ISU football punts on remainder of season due to numerous injuries
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JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
ust one day after its first win, Illinois State football announced that it would be opting out with four games left in the season. Head coach Brock Spack made the decision early Sunday after the 26-18 win over Western Illinois. Spack gathered team leaders Sunday morning to break down his decision before talking to players’ parents and donors. Starting quarterback Bryce Jefferson noted that opting out after the team’s first win hurt some. “Emotions were high as everyone was trying to get another win and ride that wave,” Jefferson said. “After getting our first win it hurt. But taking everything into account, it was the smartest decision.” Players transferring and injuries have left ISU’s defensive line to just four healthy players. Early on in the season, the Redbirds lost Jude Okolo and Jason Lewan on the same play. Left with just about half the players needed on the defensive line, Spack knew it was time to call the season. “I wasn’t going to do that to these kids. I watched it long enough,” Spack said. “We got hit by the injury bug and did not want to hurt these kids’ chances. The one thing FCS coaches said was that they did not want to ruin the fall for the spring. I just didn’t think it was worth it.” See FOOTBALL on Page 8
Head coach Brock Spack walks on the field during Illinois State’s first winning game Saturday. The football team has opted out of the rest of the season.
Photograph by Nick Parra | Vidette Photographer | @nickoolasParra
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
‘I miss seeing students, colleagues’
Academic advisers adjust to the challenges of meeting with students through Zoom JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan16
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n e day at a time is the approach that Illinois State University advisers have taken through the last year as the coronavirus dramatically impacted their jobs. While the case load and complexity of their specific department of study plays a role, all advisers were forced to adapt quickly and have patience as everyone worked together to navigate the world of COVID-19. “It’s definitely been a year like no other that I’ve ever encountered in 21 years,” anthropology and sociology adviser Ryan Gray said. “It’s caused me to be more intrusive in my advising and reaching out to students because I have faculty members who tell me students sign up for a class and don’t show up. It’s gotten me out of my normal comfort zone of advising.” Gray went on to say that before COVID-19, he was able to walk from his office in Schroeder Hall to speak with students after classes if they were struggling or forgot to answer his emails. Now, he cannot do this. Business and management adviser Brittney Vietti feels meeting over Zoom or phone has been the biggest adjustment. Vietti, along with some of her advising students, misses meeting face to face. “For me, traditionally, my job is very student focused, so my day is primarily meeting with students and advising appointments. Having to adjust to either meeting over Zoom or phone has been the biggest adjustment,” Vietti said. “Students seem pretty receptive to it, but I think they still want to meet with me directly.” While advising normally requires face-to-face interaction, advisers have found Zoom to be an effective means of communicating with students and colleagues. Zoom does not replace the ability to read one’s body language during a meeting, which creates difficulties, but advisers said Zoom does have benefits and they plan on keeping this option open for students once in-person meetings and classes resume. “Coronavirus extenuated our use of email, texting and certainly Zoom to relay information, which quite frankly from my perspective are very efficient uses and good ways to relay information. In some level, I think we’ve been moving in this direction for 10 or 15 years,” agriculture adviser David Malone said. “Before COVID, over half of the work I did was on email, so this has made it an even greater percentage.”
Many advisers said that while they prefer meeting inperson, they feel that Zoom was a positive aspect of adjusting to a socially distanced college environment, especially for nontraFrom left: Advisers Laura Edwards, Ryan Gray, David Malone, Brittney ditional students who Vietti. work full-time and struggle to find time to While physical, mental and social suffering drive to campus. took a toll and continues to affect individuals, All advisers and university personnel have had ISU advisers say that there are positives to focus to make quick decisions that they thought were on. best under pressure, and much of the adjust“To get a positive from it, one thing that ments they endured were tiring both physically employers are starting to look for when they’re and emotionally. hiring people is being able to navigate a virtual “It’s easy to schedule appointments straight environment. College students have become through your day, and you don’t take a break. On masters at navigating this,” Gray said. “We’re Zoom, you click out of one meeting and click into all starting to integrate technology a lot more the next, and it’s exhausting,” Vietti said. “I’ve and do it more effectively than it was done in the been much better at not forgetting to take care of past. I guess I’m looking for the glass half-full myself during these times, like taking a 15-minside of this.” ute walk on my lunch break.” Vietti said that the resilience of humans to Foreign language adviser Laura Edwards said adapt fairly quickly is amazing. In a time where she struggles with Zoom fatigue and has sufadvisers could have lost their jobs, they found fered from headaches, exhaustion and straining ways to navigate this new normal instantly. of her eyes from looking at a computer screen “It was important for us advisers to advocate all day. Edwards also said because of her role for the students in these times because we’re the as an adviser for foreign languages, it has been ones who work with the students and also the difficult to advise students to study abroad when department chairs,” Vietti said. “Really, we’re programs and borders were shut down. just trying to find that balance between advocat“More than meetings, I miss seeing students ing for students and also being realistic in terms in the hallways, between classes and in our lanof what things were going to look like.” guages commons in an informal way. I miss my Moving to the virtual format caused life to colleagues in that same way because there was a slow down in many aspects, but advisers said lot of exchange that we had the opportunity to do they could still meet the needs of their stuwhen we were in-person, such as ideas we have dents and work with colleagues and adminisfor the department or the courses,” Edwards trators because they relied on one another for said. “You lose most of that spontaneity when support. you’re not in-person.” “We all communicate with each other. There Malone said that people are more understand- are professional development opportunities and ing about scheduling and constant changes advising open forums with representatives,” because in the bigger picture, everyone underGray said. “The advisers here in Schroeder Hall stands that this is a serious time where everyare always talking to each other about issues. body is hoping to remain healthy. The advisers on campus have leaned on each “I think all you can do is be honest about what other a lot, and that’s helped.” the situation is, and generally people appreciate In a year of changing their modality in terms that honesty,” Malone said. “If you explain what of working with students, ISU advisers took you know when you know it, or you feel comfortsteps toward caring for their students and caring able saying ‘I don’t know,’ in general, they’re good about their jobs because they want to be advoto work with, and you tend to get good responses. cates for students. All you can do is try and remain patient, calm and professional. They might be upset about the JORDAN MEAD is a Features Reporter for The constant changing, but I think in the atmosphere Vidette. Contact her at jnmead@ilstu.edu. Follow of COVID-19, in general, everybody gets it.” Mead on Twitter at @meadjordan19.
NEWS IN BRIEF Emergency alert system test Thursday Illinois State University will be testing an emergency alert at 1:55 p.m. on Thursday. Students should inform parents and those who are registered for the emergency alert of the time and day the test will be conducted. The mode of communication tested includes text-only alerts to registered cell phones, all registered email accounts, public space digital displays, VOIP phone, ISU’s homepage and main Facebook and Twitter accounts, classroom desktop computer popups and the SafeRedbirds app. The community is encouraged to review all available information and resources to learn more about the modes of communication issued for alerts. Questions about the test and campus emergency information should be directed to Emergency Management at (309) 438-0100. MEGHAN FORTUNATO NEWS REPORTER
Alumni Association to feature author Walker in webinar Founding editor of the Wall Street Journal’s sports section will be the subject of an upcoming webinar hosted by Illinois State University’s Alumni Association. Sam Walker, author of “The Captain Class: A New Theory of Leadership” will be joining the livestream from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Walker’s book explores the concept of different types of captains in professional sports and researches what the greatest teams in the history of sports all had in common. Advance registration is required in order to access the live webinar. Registration is available online. JOHN MURRAY NEWS REPORTER
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TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
ISUPD assessment among diversity plans ISU to implement more support throughout campus community through sessions KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
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o n t i n u i n g to work on its commitment toward creating a more diverse and inclusive campus, Illinois State University’s Office of the President remains resilient with its progress and goals as the semester continues. Friday’s bi-weekly diversity, equity and inclusion update emphasized this progress, highlighting the DEI committees and councils in place across campus and the strong support for DEI that came out of ISU’s annual Birds Give Back event. Interim Assistant to the President for Diversity and Inclusion Doris Houston and ISU President Larry Dietz both added onto the email with additional progress that the university has made since August. Their current focus and themes revolve around initiatives and programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, social justice and DEI learning opportunities and affirming spaces and programs on campus. “I’m very proud of the work that has gone on [with] the students and the #AntiBlackISU students. I’ve been working with them directly ever since [this] started as Dr. Houston [has as well],” Dietz said. “Dr. Houston’s role has changed though, officially, [as] she became the interim assistant to the president for Diversity and Inclusion.” According to Houston, the Multicultural Center is set to open over the summer and will include funding for a new therapist who specializes in counseling with diverse students, a proposal for a required diversity course that is pending Academic Senate approval and a $1.9 million grant from the state to reduce the technology equity gap during COVID-19. “During COVID-19, there was a real focus on reducing any equity gaps in technology,”
they said that one of their biggest goals in the coming months is to increase the retention and presence of diverse faculty across campus. In addition to these notable numbers in Dietz’s cabinet, Houston highlighted TRIO Student Support Services and an increase in student retention rates for first generation and underrepresented students on campus. Currently, ISU is seeing a 95% retention rate for these students. The Honors Program is one of the many programs that has seen a significant increase in these underrepresented students. In 2013, the honors program averaged about 5% of its students being students of color. In 2019, the number of students of color sparked to about 22.2%. In addition to the honors program increase, the 2020 Valeria Lazu | Photographer | @ValeriaLazu freshman class has about 31% Illinois State University’s latest campus-wide diversity plans include holding multiple virtual sessions of students from traditionally between students and Margolis Healy for an in-depth external assessment for ISU’s police department. underrepresented groups which Other plans include an increase in retention and presence of diverse faculty and students and the Multievens out to be one-third of the cultural Center. entire class. “As you can see, in a fairly short Houston said. Healy for an external assessment of the ISU amount of time, there has been a “We received a $1.9 million grant from the Police Department. lot of work being done at the university level state of Illinois to address any needs students The next two sessions will be from 4 - 5 and with the provost and Student Affairs as had if they lived in an area that didn’t have p.m. Thursday and 4 - 5 p.m. March 31. well as at the college and departmental level,” the access to the internet [in which] we had Those who are interested in participatHouston said. portable hotspots for them as well as equiping are asked to sign up in advance and will “I’ve been working with a number of ment.” receive an email from Healy with the meeting diversity and inclusion advisory councils and Vice President of Academic Affairs and link following registration. social justice councils that continue to be Provost Aondover Tarhule and Student AfAccording to the email, the assessment and formed throughout various academic departfairs have also delivered over 300 workshops sessions will help to “enhance campus safety, ments and colleges, so we’re really looking in the past 12 to 15 months that focus on vari- further our commitment to diversity, equity forward to that.” ous diversity topics as well. and inclusion and improve upon the departDietz echoed Houston’s work since joining The Office of the Vice President for Student ment’s strategy and practices.” ISU in July 2020, emphasizing how much Affairs has also taken efforts into its own Dietz also highlighted his current adminwork has been done since then. hands by working to implement its own istrative cabinet and the overall campus “[Dr. Houston has] done a lot of heavy inclusion and support for the campus comleadership, saying that about 45% of his 11 lifting in terms of coordination across the munity. cabinet members identify as people of color entire university campus with academic This comes as the office announced last from underrepresented groups. units and student service units and working week via email that it was holding multiple While both said that the university has with the #AntiBlackISU students,” Dietz sessions between students and Margolis made significant progress over the past year, said.
“We received a $1.9 million grant from the state of Illinois to address any needs students had if they lived in an area that didn’t have the access to the internet [in which] we had portable hotspots for them as well as equipment.” Dr. Doris Houston, interim assistant to the president for Diversity and Inclusion
COB hosting annual Business Week virtually CHELSEA CORA News Reporter | @cora_chelsea
Illinois State University’s College of Business is holding its annual Business Week Monday through Thursday. Business Week consists of a series of events throughout the week that help students grow and develop in a professional manner. During the events, students will have the opportunity to meet with alumni, employers and other leaders. This helps them to gain skills and understanding that will help them succeed in their future careers. “It’s a great chance for students to get involved and gain the skills that can’t be learned in a classroom,” mentor program coordinator for Business Week Weronika Rybarska said. Rybarska went on to explain the mentor program that is implemented before Business Week happens. Rybarska said that it is a program that helps students connect with one another before the actual Business Week itself. “First, students have the chance to become part of the mentor program where an underclassman student is paired up with an upperclassman as their mentor,” Rybarska said. “That program aims to give students guidance and help them with a transition into Business Week.” There are multiple events that Business Week has to offer. Before Business Week begins, there are a trivia night and a corporate social responsibility case competition that are hosted as the “pre-Business Week events.” “The official Business Week presents a professional development dinner, transition seminars, diversity and inclusion speaker event and lastly a keynote speaker to finish off the week,” Rybarska said. “Each opportunity is a chance to network with the profes-
than just Zoom advanced but acBUSINESS tually advanced, WEEK where you come and there’s chats EVENTS and entertainment,” Vandiver Tuesday: said. Transition “We’ve done Seminar from trivia nights and just everything 5:45-8 p.m. has been virtual Wednesday: this year.” Diversity and InBusiness Week clusion speaker is open to all students at ISU. Victor Terry It is not required speaking from to be a business 7-8:30 p.m. student. Thursday: “It gives a different perspective Keynote from people who speaker Jim aren’t strictly Jacobs speakhigher education, ing from 3:30these are profes4:30 p.m. sionals in the field,” Vandiver Mara Best | Photographer | @marabest_ said. Vandiver went sionals [and] staff that join us every year.” on to talk about what the biggest misconception is when it With COVID-19 still active, Business Week will be held comes to Business Week. virtually this year on Zoom. Each event will still give students “The biggest misconception is that Business Week is only the same chances as it did prior to the pandemic. for business students,” Vandiver said. Executive Director of Marketing and Communication Steve “I think there are certainly aspects of it that business stuVandiver highlighted how COVID-19 has affected the prodents will garter more out of.” gram and Business Week, saying that doing everything has been a challenge but has worked out for them. “It’s been a bit of a challenge, but we’ve actually worked with a Zoom professional to try and make the meetings more
CHELSEA CORA is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at crcora@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ cora_chelsea.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
Still on the job hunt? Don’t blame yourself
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t this time last year, much was written about how the pandemic had affected soonto-be college graduates. The standard rites of passage that so many college seniors go through each spring were made much more difficult – finding a first job, interviewing, possibly relocating, graduation, saying goodbye to friends and the things they were a part of throughout their time in college. Plainly put, there were so many — in fact, too many — reasons to feel bad for the class of 2020. One year later, and that time again is approaching for the class of 2021. There’s a new president, a new approach to fighting the different challenges America is faced with today and a new approach to helping soon-to-be college graduates enter into the next chapters of their lives with some actual help. In other words, a less steep hill to climb — or at least, that appears to be the hope. Much of this does, in fact, have to do with a new president — as levels of malarkey have never been lower. But also just a general better handle on most things pandemic-related. Companies have become savvier with things like remote work, managing furloughs
or operating on tighter budgets to keep employees. Employers have changed their outlooks on what to look for in candidates. Many fields that were popular among recent college graduates have been rendered nearly obsolete and will be for a bit longer. Entire books could be written about the seismic shift that’s been taking place in the way millions of people work, and what’s valued most in work life. However, it is important to note that one year later — many graduates from the class of 2020 still have not been able to get on their feet. Surely, it will hap-
pen for those people in time — but the simple fact of the matter is that a good portion of those graduates would in fact have jobs and independent, prosperous lives right now if it weren’t for the pandemic shutting down their ability to do what they went through 18-plus years of schooling to do. But this underscores a point that’s extremely important for every member of the class of 2021 to understand — it could be just as hard and just as frustrating for you, too. Yes, things are undoubtedly better by most means than last year. But that won’t necessar-
ily translate to finding a first job and getting this next chapter of your life started right away the way that you had originally planned — and honestly, the way it probably would’ve been for most graduates if there wasn’t a pandemic. This is a stressful time for seniors in their final semester of college —even more so amid a pandemic when it has arguably never been more difficult for new people entering the workforce. It is also arguably more difficult than ever for soon-to-be college graduates to find a job in their chosen career fields after college. Everything is still scarce. So, a word of encouragement to anyone who is about to graduate college and is still looking for their first job: sit down, calm down and put the phone down. Everything will be OK. It is not your fault that finding a job is harder than ever right now. More times than not, it is not that you’re generally undesirable by employers — it is that you’re logistically unpayable. There are just fewer resources to go around right now, but that’s not permanent. And, most importantly, you are not to blame for any of it. Patience and understanding are the key.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by JOHN MURRAY, 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.
Cycling through hope and despair during COVID-19
round this time a year ago, I fell back into an old hobby of riding my bike. At the time, the state was all but shut down, and I was feeling the loss and grief that everyone was feeling. I needed some kind of escape, some kind of action that I could fully claim for myself. The bike ride did that for me. I remember the first time I went out riding. In truth, I hadn’t sat on a bike in years, and my current setup is anything but sporty. I positioned myself with care, lifted my feet off the ground and pressed down on the right
pedal with enough force that it sent my bike on a sharp turn right. I quickly pressed on the left petal with just as much force and overcorrected. Rinse and repeat a few times until I readjusted, and suddenly it was easy again. The more I got used to riding, the easier pandemic life seemed to be. I’m no cyclist, but it was a welcome retreat from the confines of my empty apartment. I’d ride my bike — I’d hop on the trail or search for some bit of land where I could be by myself. Maybe out on the edge of Constitution Trail where I could watch the wind rustle the corn fields, or in Uptown Normal where I could lay in the circle and soak up the warmth of the sun. In those moments, I could forget what was happening in the world beyond my bubble. When everything felt uncertain, getting out in the sun and feeling the air on my skin reminded me that nature was a steady constant. It reminded me that eventually the world would heal from the pandemic because after all, the planet was still spinning.
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As summer ended and winter approached, I was hit with a new set of sharp turns and overcorrections. Winter winds and incoming cold were threatening to tip my smooth riding experience over. It felt like everything I worked so hard to adjust to was about to be taken away. The same scenery day in and day out created a new sense of despair and entrapment for me. It left me wondering when I would ever be able to regularly see my friends without the guilt of spreading COVID-19, and if I would ever have a normal experience again. In an attempt to right myself and stay upright, I would either overwork myself or avoid responsibilities. I overcorrected, which would then lead to more stress. Left and right, left and right, I would wobble without the ability to readjust like I had previously. I won’t say I ever got used to it. I continued my unbalanced existence until the first day of warmth and sun gave me a sense of hope and peace that I hadn’t felt in months. The hope of spring, and the promise of
? 195.225
the total score for Illinois State women’s gymnastics during its conference meet on Friday. The gymnastic’s team took second overall. SPORTS, PAGE 7
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22.2%
of students in the Honors Program are people of color, according to a 2019 survey. That number jumped from 5% in 2013.
NEWS, PAGE 3
vaccines gave me the balance I needed to readjust. Instead of wavering, I’m riding smoothly again. I underestimated the power the weather had on my mental health — I think we all did. I know the world isn’t the same as it was a little over a year ago, but I hope we all take time to enjoy this breath of fresh air the world has given us. For the first time in a year, we feel a genuine hope. Instead of a spring of despair, this year we head into a spring of new opportunities and hope. Last year, we spent spring adjusting to our new world of masks, hand sanitizer, concern and worry. This year, I hope we can spend the season finding the balance that we all lost in the past year. It won’t be easy, there will be some stumbling and even some falls, but just like riding a bike, the balance will eventually come back to us. ELIZABETH SEILS is Editor in Chief for The Vidette. She can be reached at elseils@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @SeilsElizabeth.
“
THEY SAID IT
I really couldn’t be happier that I took the leap and started my business and that it can support me. I create all of the pieces by hand so it’s a lot of work, but the outcome makes it all worth it.” Lissette Zarco, owner of ZaZa’s Resins
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 23, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
SPRING HAS SPRUNG ON THE QUAD With a high temperature around 70 degrees, Illinois State University students enjoyed time in the sun on the Quad. FAR LEFT: Adam Padron hits the volleyball to Manny Zagel. Padron and Zagel went outside Monday afternoon to take advantage of the sun and warm weather. LEFT: Terrence Mayfield sits on a blanket on the Quad to enjoy the afternoon Monday while working on homework. Tuesday will be a bit less outdoor friendly with a chance of rain in the forecast. PHOTOGRAPHS BY DWAYNE BANKS Vidette Photographer @de_wyzil
ISU professor Goel researches demand for face masks JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan19
that I can make a contribution. In this process, the journal had comments and we revised it to get it to this place.” Rajeev Goel, Illinois State UniThe research article contributes to versity College of Arts and Sciences discussions on whether it is better to professor, wrote a research jourrecommend or require masks in this nal article titled “Unmasking the era of COVID-19. demand for masks: Analytics of It considers how this impacts socimandating coronavirus masks.” ety while providing security when we Rajeev The article creates a mathematical Goel consider the heavy demand of face model of different kinds of masking masks. policies and provides an analysis of Goel wrote that there are three possibilities the demand for masks. It also answers the question of what the most regarding masking policies. This includes the government requiring effective way to encourage face masks is. “This is a new angle and a new opportunity masks for frontline workers only, the governto look at this because COVID-19 was some- ment suggesting but not requiring wearing thing we did not experience before, so this is masks and the government allowing compula new area of research,” Goel said. “I thought sory masking by the whole public.
NEWS IN BRIEF McLean tops 15,000 COVID-19 cases McLean County Health Department is reporting 83 new cases of COVID-19. The total number of cases is 15,058. There have been 177 COVID-19related deaths in McLean County. Currently, 248 individuals are in home isolation. MCHD is reporting that 14,609 individuals have been released from isolation and are considered recovered from the virus.
CHELSEA CORA NEWS REPORTER
ISU partners with Common Application Illinois State University’s Office of Admissions has announced that prospective students will be able to submit applications through the Common Application. Common App allows students to apply for admissions to nearly 900 different colleges and universities with the goal to promote access and equity through the college admissions process. “Joining the Common App will make Illinois State even more accessible to students in Illinois, the Midwest and nationally on a platform that is well recognized and provides access and convenience for all,” ISU Director of Admissions Jeff Mavros said in a statement. ISU is among 11 other public institutions who use Common App and will be the second state to have all public, four-year colleges partner with Common App.
GRACE KINNICUTT NEWS EDITOR
COVID-19 numbers
in McLean County and ISU 15,058 cases in McLean County
83 new cases on Monday in McLean County
3.2% seven-day positivity rate through March 21
5.7% cumulative positivity rate in McLean County
177 COVID-19-related
deaths in McLean County
265,900 total tested in McLean County
14,609 recovered in McLean County
248 individuals in home
isolation in McLean County
58,325 vaccinated in McLean County
0.8% positivity rate at ISU
16 active cases at ISU 2,162 recovered at ISU SOURCE: MCLEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, ISU COVID-19 WEBSITE
“What we see is that the mask price will increase when they are universally mandated. The welfare or consumer benefit is higher when masks are recommended,” Goel said. “So, the public is, given this model, happier when it’s recommended and not required. That’s, in a nutshell, what this research does.” COVID-19 has increased the demand for surgical face masks due to many professions requiring individuals to wear masks and due to government orders for the public, especially in situations where social distancing is difficult. Goel said that there is not enough data on the supply chain issues with the masks, especially as individuals constantly hear reports on shortages of N-95 masks. Therefore, this journal article serves to look
at the different approaches of masking policies, and it provides evidence that can inform policymakers. “This is one way to impartially and formally think about the issue. That is my intent,” Goel said. “Of course, the reader will judge it if I have succeeded or not.” Previously, Goel wrote a journal article on “The supply chain performance and economic growth: The impact of COVID-19 disruptions.” This article addresses the amount of disruption COVID-19 caused globally and how that will impact the corresponding economic growth. Goel is also doing research on the COVID19 vaccine rollout and will present his findings on the speed of the vaccine rollout and the implications for corruption at the International Seminar Series in May.
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
Molding a passion into a business
Alum creates resin art that reflects who she is GRACE DOYLE Features Reporter | @Amaaziinggracee
her love for art into a fulfilling success. “I really couldn’t be happier that I took the leap and started or 25-year-old Illinois State University alumna Lissette my business and that it can supZarco, culture, art and her self-made business are evport me,” Zarco said. “I erything. However, it was not always this way. create all of the pieces After graduating from college in 2018 with a by hand so it’s a lot major in political science, Zarco had reluctantly of work, but the accepted that her days of creativity were to be unoutcome makes fortunately left behind, forced to only remember it all worth that side of her through childhood memories. it. I am very “I was a part of After School Matters when blessed and I was in elementary school where we would thankful for any silk screen shirts and sew,” Zarco said. “In high and all business, school I took a pottery class that I loved, along especially since it with being involved in the knitting club. But I really is COVID times.” lost that creativity after high school.” Currently, Zarco’s main It wasn’t until the coronavirus swept the nation and inventory consists of resin forced everyone to stay home that Zarco rekindled her pieces, such as homemade love for art. Being close with her family, especially durdominos, trays, keychains ing the unprecedented times of COVID-19, Zarco shared Photo courtesy of Lissette Zarco Lissette Zarco graduated from Illinois State University in 2018 with a degree in political sciand coasters along with many special moments with her mother, but one that was ence. During quarantine she was able to get back in touch with her artistic side and used her other crafts. Since obtaining a most important to her came in the form of an accidental craft to start her own resin art business. Cricut from her parents introduction. however, she hopes to “My mom showed me a resin piece and I absouse my Cricut to print out the quote, image or lettering. They transition her store to lutely loved it,” Zarco said. “I said, ‘I bet I can make come out so nice and the clients love them because they are include personalized gifts and apparel along with her that!’ and that night I went on TikTok and started unique to them.” resin artwork. researching. I purchased molds, resin, glitters, Beyond just being a successful businesswoman, Zarco also “I’m so thankful to my parents that they’ve suppigments, pressed flowers and started making a few takes pride in her heritage and finds it important to share the ported me every step of the way throughout my pieces of my own — it wasn’t long until I was falling message of being honored in who you are and who you can be. business, including helping me buy a in love with art again.” Lissette Zarco creates resin art“I am a very proud Latina and many of my items are repreWith this revived motivation and paswork, including keychains that can printer to expand my products. It allows sentative of my culture. I have a cup that is all about women sion to create, Zarco began to produce an be personalized for each customer. me to customize wine glasses, mugs, and empowerment and it’s in Spanish; a lot of my circle key chains increasing amount of art pieces and, with Photos courtesy of Lissette Zarco traveling cups with names, quotes and cute are about being proud of being Latina as well. I want to empictures. In the future my main goal is to the support of her parents, decided it was power and inspire anyone I can.” start making T-shirts and bags with it as well.” time to jump headfirst. Due to social distancing and state restrictions Zarco is no In the meantime, Zarco appreciates and finds happiness in “I started ZaZa’s Resins during the pandemic,” Zarco said. longer able to take part in vendor popups in her hometown sharing her current products with customers. “I was unemployed and didn’t have any income, so I turned of Chicago, so she has moved her business to be entirely “My favorite product that I offer is the round keychain,” my parent’s basement into my studio and started creating. I contactless and online. Anyone wanting to purchase a product Zarco said. “I get to incorporate both resin and the Cricut decided to start selling my items three months ago.” from Zarco is encouraged to contact her through Facebook at which is super fun. The customer gets to pick a color for the What started as a quarantine experiment has now transZaZa’s Resin or Instagram at zazas_resins. disk and their choice of glitter resin; once that part’s made, I formed into a full-time job, allowing Zarco to transform
F
Historic season, reactions to Oscar nominations GRACE DOYLE Features Reporter | @Amaaziinggracee
It has been a full year since the country went into lockdown and the Oscars have felt it. Movie theaters have been forced closed, leaving films released in 2020 with no place to complete their nomination requirement of a minimum seven days showing in theaters, and some films being postponed multiple months if not years. “Cinema has been hit by the pandemic as in all aspects of cultural and social life,” Illinois State University communications professor and filmmaker John McHale said. “Nevertheless, filmmakers have found ways to craft effective, compelling, revelatory and provocative films.” To accommodate these unprecedented times, the academy announced in June 2020 that the renowned award show would be pushed back two months from its typical February date to late April. Now, only a month away from the big night, nominations have been announced and fans have begun discussing. “I’m over the moon about the Academy Awards this year,” ISU senior Samuel Erickson-Ely said. “I watch it every year, but this year will be special because of the pandemic and everything that has happened since last March. I’m glad it will be in person so it will feel like a return to normalcy.” “I was pleasantly surprised with
Glen Wilson/Warner Bros. Pictures/TNS The nominations list for the 93rd Academy Awards have been released. “Judas and the Black Messiah,” starring LaKeith Stanfield and Daniel Kaluuya landed six nominations, including best motion picture of the year.
the best picture nominees,” cinema studies minor ISU alum Eric McConnell said. “It is a very diverse list of films that doesn’t have one clear winner, which makes the show more exciting.” “Nomadland,” “Promising Young Woman,” “Minari,” “The Father,” “Sound of Metal,” “Mank,” “The Trail of the Chicago 7” and “Judas and the Black Messiah” are the films that make up this year’s extensive Best Picture list. Many critics already have their money in the bag that Chloé Zhao’s “Nomadland” will take home the win, giving the first ever best picture nomination to a non-white woman. Others believe the honest story of Fred Hampton
is not to be forgotten. “One of the strongest films for me was ‘Judas and the Black Messiah,’” McHale said. “Which explored the illegal police killing of Fred Hampton in Chicago in December of [1969]. Telling the story of Fred Hampton is essential to understand the oppression of outspoken Black leaders in our history and how those stories resonate on our streets today.” As mentioned before through the nomination history made by Zhao, this year is an impactful one for women in the film industry. For the first time in Oscar history, not one, but two female-directed films have been nominated for best director, making Zhao and Emerald Fennell
only the sixth and seventh women ever nominated in the typically male-dominated category. The best picture nomination for Fennell’s “Promising Young Woman” also marks the first time a woman has been nominated for a feature directorial debut. Producer Christina Oh also made history, becoming the first Asian American woman to receive a best picture nomination with “Minari,” alongside Asian American director Zhao becoming the first woman to receive four nominations in a single year with her nominations for film editing, adapted screenplay, directing and best picture. “For best director I hope Chloé Zhao wins as she’s one of the only two female directors nominated,” ISU senior Caroline Lecoeur said. “I haven’t seen all of the movies yet, but this is a great panel of artists and I’m happy to see the diversity in the overall nominations this year.” While each film nominated for best picture is strong in its storytelling and direction, the portrayal of passion and emotion within the scenes themselves would not be possible without the actors and actresses within them. This year a multitude of records were broken across various nomination categories, including the first Asian American and first Muslim actors nominated for best actor in Steven Yeun and Riz Ahmed for “Minari” and “The Sound of Metal,” respectively. “Best actor for me did have a big
snub in Delroy Lindo from ‘Da 5 Bloods,’ but it is a very competitive race that could go to anyone,” McConnell said. “My hope is Ahmed or Yeun, but it’s looking like it will most likely be a posthumous win for [Chadwick] Boseman.” Actress Viola Davis also broke records with her Best Actress nomination this year, with her fourth nomination now making her the most nominated Black actress in Oscar history, along with being the only one with two nominations for lead roles. “Viola Davis deserves nothing less than being nominated for best actress,” ISU senior Andie Bernhardt said. “She’s an amazing performer and always delivers on and off the screen. I also love that Chadwick Boseman is nominated for his work, despite his recent passing. I’m rooting for both of them to take home the Oscar in their categories.” Though Boseman passed in 2020, his posthumous best actor nomination for his character in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” has still marked his first nomination ever with the Oscars. Boseman is also only the seventh actor to receive a posthumous Oscar nomination. “Overall, for the rough year the movie industry had in 2020, they were able to put out a good list of contenders,” McConnell said. “I’m intrigued and excited to watch the show when it comes around in April.”
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Athletics accepts $2 million gift for indoor facility JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
advantage to the Redbirds in future competitions. In addition, the facility upgrade will provide a significant recruiting asset to the programs at ISU. “We are incredibly grateful for the donors’ remarkable investment and their confidence in the direction of Redbird Athletics,” Illinois State Director of Athletics Kyle Brennan told goredbirds.com. “When I took the Illinois State job, I knew things like this were possible at such a special institution. My focus in this role is on creating the absolute best student-athlete experience we
I
llinois State Athletics received one of its largest cash donations ever on Friday, when it secured a $2 million donation from donors who wish to remain anonymous. ISU will use the donation as the lead piece for an indoor practice facility for athletics. The donors are passionate that a new indoor facility will benefit every sport at Illinois State and will grant a competitive
possibly can, while providing every opportunity to be successful in competition. Securing a commitment of this magnitude significantly improves our ability to achieve that goal. I am excited about the future of Redbird Athletics and this is a milestone in our efforts to elevate our department to new heights.” This facility is intended for all sports. This is the largest single donation thus far in Brennan’s time as ISU’s AD. Plans for the project and updated funding numbers will be released at a later date.
Kyle Brennan
“My focus in this role is on creating the absolute best student-athlete experience we possibly can, while providing every opportunity to be successful in competition.” Kyle Brennan, director of Athletics
Silver lining
Redbird gymnastics earns second place at the MIC Championships; Labat named Gymnast of the Year ANTHONY FERRETTI Sports Reporter | @AnthonyFerrett6
Decroo (9.775) placed in second with Angelica Labat and Mia Quigg tying for third with 9.750. After the second rotation, ISU found itself tied Illinois State gymnastics stuck the landing on its season with with LU in first place, nearly two full points ahead of a second-place finish at the Midwest Independent Conference the next nearest competitor. TWU fell to fourth after going on a bye, putting themselves slightly ahead of Championship Friday afternoon on its own floor. The Redbirds were initially set to host the championship meet SEMO who competed for the first time in the meet. Newcomer J’Chelle Heard made noise on the vault last season, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellawith a career-high score of 9.875 to help the Redbirds tion of the event. Fortunately, the break allowed the Redbirds to build, and earn an even 49 points. ISU went into the break with the program entered the meet with the highest team National 146.375 points and trailed the first place Lions by five Qualifying Score at 195.194. ISU is also ranked No. 43 in the hundredths of a point. Heard was named the MIC country, one spot ahead of the eventual MIC Champion Lin- Champion on vault and sophomore Labat joined her on the podium as she placed second. denwood Lions. The trailing teams attempted to catch the leaders “Honestly, we were hoping to win but [Lindenwood] did really good today,” head coach Bob Conkling said. “I’m very while ISU was on a bye, but the Lindenwood Lions proud of the team. I thought they did a fantastic job. I felt like scored over 49 points on the vault as they finished we lost it a little bit on balance beam; I think that’s where we the competition with a team score of 195.575. IlliAlex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 could’ve done a little bit better, but other than that I thought nois State held a slight lead in second over SEMO, Teammates Kaylee Sugimoto and Christin Bandy embrace each other and TWU and Centenary. As the Redbirds went into cheer on their team at the MIC Championships Friday in Redbird Arena. they did a fantastic job tonight.” Illinois State began the meet on beam despite usually starting on their final event — the uneven bars — a new teamthe all-around competition while teammate Isabelle Fox earned vault. Freshman Madison Kipp led the way for the Redbirds with high score would be necessary to steal the lead third place honors. After Labat’s strong performances througha score of 9.825. Kipp wound up tying for third in the event. After from the Lions. “We as coaches knew that we needed a 49-2 and if we knew out the meet and the season, she was named the MIC Gymnast the first rotation, the Redbirds found themselves in the middle of it … the girls probably knew it too,” Conkling said. “We kind of of the Year. the pack. “Angelica is the perfect athlete to have,” Conkling said. “Besides knew going into bars, at least those The Lions sat atop the leaderboard coaches did, that even if we rocked being extremely talented she likes to win, and she’ll do what she after a 49.050 on the vault, with ISU bars that it was going to be tough to needs to do to do that and she’s a competitor in the gym.” right behind. This was their second In addition, Megan Harrington and Chris Muras were move into first place and the girls highest score this season and fifth named the MIC Assistant Coaches of the Year. Reflecting on probably knew that too.” highest in ISU history. Coming up The gymnasts embraced the chal- the season, Conkling said he is happy about the way the season right behind was Texas Woman’s lenge on the uneven bars. Junior turned out given the circumstances and looks forward to next University with 48.950, followed Sofia Iribarren’s score of 9.900 season. closely by Centenary College with “I feel like this fall we didn’t even know if we were going to earned ISU another MIC Cham48.750. pion. Despite the team’s sharpness have a season and we made it to the championship,” Conkling The Redbirds brought it on the in the event, the Redbirds ultimately said. “We’ve had kids miss here and there and different meets, floor, tallying a team score of 48.850. fell short, finishing second with a but as a team we’ve been to every single meet and this last month, All six gymnasts for ISU earned a we’ve just been hitting and doing great and beating some pretty 9.7 or higher for their routine, highAlex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 195.225 team score behind Lindenbig teams … I just feel like we had a really good season. I think wood’s 195.575. lighted by a 9.850 performance Isabelle Fox high fives MIC Gymnast of the Year AnLabat took home the MIC title in it’s going to be good momentum for next year.” from senior Cameron Topp. Isabella gelica Labat following her performance on the floor.
Slow start dooms women’s basketball in WNIT DARNYSHA MITCHELL Sports Reporter | @DarnyshaM
I Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
Illinois State seniors Paige Saylor (right) and Juliunn Redmond in their last game as Redbirds.
n an up and down last game of the season, Illinois State women’s basketball (16-9, 12-6 Missouri Valley Conference) fell to University of Tennessee at Martin (22-6, 12-2 MVC) 59-64 in the Consolation Final game. The Redbirds had trouble buying a shot in the first quarter. They had good looks, but trouble getting shots to fall as the Skyhawks led by as many as 13. The Skyhawks went on a 15-2 run over seven minutes. ISU ended the quarter shooting 3-of-11, 27% from the field.
CLASSIFIEDS
UT-Martin’s Maddie Waldrop could not be stopped. She led the way with 24 points and eight rebounds. But the tables turned in the second quarter. ISU opened the second quarter on 4-of-5 field goal shooting run and took it from there, ending the first half 58% from the field (7-12) and cut the lead to single digits while the Skyhawks went scoreless for two minutes, shooting 42% from the field. “I’m really proud of our kids,” ISU head coach Kristen Gillespie said. “For an outlooker, this game probably didn’t mean a whole lot, but it meant something to us. I love how we responded after the first quarter, especially coming out of the half. We just
fell short. We didn’t execute as well as we need — we forgot some plays down the stretch and if you’re gonna win in March, that can’t happen, but it’s all part of the process of becoming the March team that we need to be if we’re gonna be a contender.” Sophomore DeAnna Wilson had a team-high 12 points and seven rebounds, pitching up most of the Redbirds’ points early in the contest. But the Redbirds didn’t stop there. They embarked on a 12-4 run to open the third quarter to come all the way back from a 13-point deficit in the first half to take the lead for the first time. The run was led mainly by redshirt sophomore Mary Crompton, shooting
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back-to-back triples and picked up eight quick points in that span, finishing the contest with 11 points on 4-of-5 shooting. They outscored UTMartin 21-12, shooting 69% from the field. The Skyhawks went cold, shooting 5-of-11 from the field. But the game switched around again. ISU went scoreless in the first four minutes to start the fourth quarter while the Skyhawks went on a 7-0 run. Chelsey Perry picked up steam in the second half, pitching in 18 points and six rebounds in 38 minutes of action. The Redbirds struggled again to get the ball to fall despite getting open looks. Junior Terrion Moore put up clutch shots in key plays but was silent most of the game with seven points and five rebounds in 39 minutes of action. With three minutes left in the contest, ISU took the lead. Despite a struggling shooting day, shooting 4-of-18 from the field, two free throws from Redmond and a layup from senior Paige Saylor gave the Redbirds a two-point lead.
u EXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 23, 2021
Successful senior night send off ISU sweeps both games vs. Aces MIKEY FORNELLI Sports Reporter | @mfojr
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f the last four games are any indicator of how good Illinois State’s women’s volleyball team is at home, then Redbird fans should be getting very excited for the Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Monday night’s 3-0 win over the Evansville Purple Aces completed the second-straight series sweep for the Redbirds. During those four games, they only lost one set. “I think because we lost those two weekends on the court, we were so eager to get back and show everyone else who is number one in the conference, because we believe that that’s us,” Senior Sydney Holt said. “Missing those games, we just wanted to get back out there and compete, so it gave us even more of a drive.” Following an inspired and unique senior night national anthem sung by one of ISU volleyball’s five seniors, Alyssa Kronberg, the Redbirds came out soaring in set one. They got out to a 7-1 lead, capitalizing on Evansville’s many early errors. Following a timeout, the Purple Aces looked sharper and put together a 6-1 run of their own to tie the set at 11-11. Three more Evansville errors in a row helped the Redbirds score a 15-11 lead, and while they kept it close, the Redbirds kept control and took the set 25-20. The second set started similarly, with the Redbirds building a quick lead. The Purple Aces came back to tie it at 12-all, in part due to three quick ISU errors in a row. Three kills in a row by Evansville’s Alondra Vazquez gave them a 21-18 lead and forced a Redbird timeout. When Evansville got to match point at 24-22, the “fab five” didn’t quit on their night; the Redbirds went on a 6-2 run to win the set 28-26. Five of those six points came from a kill by Holt, a block by Stef Jankiewicz, another kill by Holt, a service ace by Kronberg, and finally a kill by Kaylee Martin. The only other point: an error from the Aces. When it mattered most, the Redbird seniors took care of business. “I think we just have a never give up mentality,” Holt said. “Every practice, we practice being down. We practice with us starting at 19 and the other team 22, so we’re used to having to fight back from behind and I think that’s something we’ve really improved on.”
Alyssa Cornelison | Photographer
Illinois State’s volleyball team huddling during its set one win over Evansville. ISU swept the two games, winning six sets to none. ISU also celebrated its five senior players after the game. They rode that momentum into the third set, never losing control and winning 25-19. In the final set and throughout the match, there was an all-around scoring effort from many different players. Holt led the Redbirds with 13 kills, followed by Sarah Kushner with 12. Jankiewicz was a playmaker as always, stacking up 41 assists in only three sets. Nicole Lund soared above the net with six total blocks. With “Birds win!” still proudly displayed on the video screens around Redbird Arena, family and fans stuck around after the game as the five seniors were honored individually with a video thank you and speeches from head coach Leah Johnson. It is obvious this is a special group that has made a huge impact, both on and off the court. “It’s always so fun to win in Redbird Arena,”
Up next ISU will be back in action at 2 p.m. Saturday as it travels to Southern Illinois for the final road trip of the season. Game two starts at 2 p.m. on Sunday. This is the last regular season series of the year before the top MVC teams flock to Redbird Arena for the MVC tournament.
Holt said. “We have the best fans in the whole country even if we aren’t able to have them all here. These past four years have just been awesome, the coaching staff, my teammates, the community — it’s so welcoming and everyone is so supportive so it makes it easy to represent this university.” “I don’t know a season without them,” Johnson said on her first four-year senior class. “They’re what I see as Redbird volleyball and that’s an incredibly high standard. They’re exceptionally competitive and just champions every day in everything they do.” While senior night was a successful celebration, the five and their teammates are looking forward still to the biggest celebration, their goal all season — a third-straight Missouri Valley Conference championship. After finishing the regular season next weekend at Southern Illinois, the Redbirds will return home to host the 2021 MVC tournament and defend their title. The last four games show that it could not come at better place or better time. “We’re playing nearly at 100 percent now in terms of roster,” Johnson said. “We’re still building our endurance and our capacity, but we feel like everything is starting to click together.”
Missouri State postponed. wasn’t the best idea.” games we just had,” Jefferson said. FOOTBALL Despite some criticism on social Now with the spring “I already reached out to the Continued from Page 1 media, Spack says he has had posi- season cut short, ISU will receivers to keep our timing look ahead to the fall season good for the fall. We are not Spack revealed against North tive reactions to his decision. “I don’t read social media,” Spack that is scheduled to be going to quit we are just Dakota State an unnamed lineman going to keep working.” had his knee drained of 50 ccs of said. “I have not gotten any criticism played. Spack will give the players The Redbirds opting out fluid so he could play. With all the personally. Feedback has been posiwill not affect their record or injuries to the defensive line, the tive from donors to parents. I don’t a week to rest and recover the record of who they were Redbirds were reliant on starters like know what they want us to do, we before returning to the field. scheduled to play. Jacob Powell and John Ridgeway to don’t have enough defensive linemen Once back from their week Bryce to play. So personally, no, I haven’t hiatus, ISU will start in the Before opting out, ISU take up a heavier workload. Jefferson weight room before taking picked up its first win of Spack noted how he noticed the seen it.” While making the deci- another break for finals the season to improve their toll on Powell’s and Ridgesion, Spack talked to other week. In the summer, ISU will have record to 1-3. way’s faces. Football Championship a chance to get back to a normal proIn ISU’s 26-18 win over Western “We did not have the backSubdivision coaches to see gram for the first time in a year. Illinois, the Redbirds used a twoups to play, so Powell and if they shared his concern. Keeping players healthy for the headed rushing attack of Nigel White John Ridgeway are taking As well as talking to confer- summer and fall was a priority for and Pha’Leak Brown to win their first a lot of those snaps,” Spack ence schools, Spack talked Spack. game of the season. said. “I could see in their eyes to Big Ten coaches about “I’m not saying this is right or Both White and Brown finished that they were exhausted. The the problems they experiwrong,” Spack said. “But when we the game with career highs. White human body can only take so Brock enced last season. got deep into this I did not like where led the way with 112 yards, while much.” Spack “I talked to coaches this was going. What we had ahead of Brown added 108. The Redbirds finThe lack of depth was starting to affect the team at practice and during pregame and other coaches us was a lot of football to be played ished with 274 total rushing yards. on the phone, and they are concerned down the road in the summer and White credited a strong game from in-game. fall. I am going to his offensive line. “The facts are evident we do not also,” Spack said. stop the bleeding “We ran power a lot,” White said have d-line help and the three or four “We had injuries right now and try after the game. “It was really up to my of us left are banged up,” Powell said. at the one posito get these kids to-lineman, they did a heck of a job of “From a workload standpoint, it was tion. We are 34 healthy again.” blocking and getting to the secondary tough. We did not have enough to go guys short of who final season record While Spack so I could break for long runs.” two-deep at practice, in games you we had in the fall. looked ahead to White and Brown broke the 100really aren’t rotation. When you take I was concerned, average points scored the summer and yard plateau for the first time in their so many snaps a game you increase what was the right thing to do. I felt fall, Jefferson is careers. your odds to get injured.” average points allowed already plotting on Since the announcement, some the players were rushing defense how to improve the JAKE SERMERSHEIM is Sports ISU fans have gone to social media so excited that we passing game. Editor for The Vidette. He can be to air their displeasures. Fans are needed this and total defense “Personally, I contacted at jrserme@ilstu.edu. specifically citing a video posted by needed to try to will go back and Follow him on Twitter at @Jake the team’s Twitter with Spack saying do this, in hindopponent first downs watch the four Sermersheim. “anywhere, anytime, anybody” after sight it probably
ISU football by the numbers 1-3 17.2 21.5 #1 #2 #1
REDBIRD RE PORT Jeff Jackson named new Valley commissioner For the first time in over 33 years, the Missouri Valley Conference will have a new commissioner. Early Wednesday, the Missouri Valley Conference announced Jeff Jackson would be the 10th commissioner in conference history. Currently Jackson serves as the Executive Commissioner in the Big 12 Conference. “I would like to thank the MVC Presidents Council, and its chair Mark Nook, for this opportunity,” Jackson said. “The Missouri Valley is one of the premier conferences in the country that, under the leadership of Doug Elgin, has prospered in a fashion that is in many ways unrivaled. I look forward to continuing the success of this great league and finding new avenues to improve and enhance the experiences of our studentJeff athletes.” Jackson In the Big 12 Conference, Jackson has played an important role in overseeing men’s basketball. Jackson directs the Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament, serving as a member of the league’s senior leadership team. Before joining the Big 12 Conference, Jackson served as deputy commissioner of the Big South Conference. Jackson will take over for longtime commissioner Doug Eglin who announced his retirement in the fall. Elgin’s 33-year career will come to a close on June 30. Jackson’s first official day is July 1.
VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Illinois St. Bradley Drake Missouri St. Valparaiso N. Iowa Loyola Indiana St. Evansville Southern Illinois
9-3 11-5 11-5 11-5 10-4 12-5 9-5 13-6 9-7 10-8 7-7 7-11 7-7 8-7 7-9 7-10 4-12 5-13 1-15 2-16
MVFC STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
North Dakota St. 4-1 North Dakota 4-1 South Dakota St. 4-1 Missouri St. 3-1 Southern Illinois 3-2 Northern Iowa 2-3 Illinois St. (opted out) 1-3 South Dakota 1-3 Youngstown St. 1-4 Western Illinois 0-4
5-1 4-1 4-1 3-4 4-2 2-3 1-3 1-3 1-4 0-4
UPCOMING Baseball
Eastern Illinois comes to town at 6 p.m. Wednesday to take on ISU. The game was rescheduled from Tuesday. ISU will then return to Duffy Bass field over the weekend for three games against Arkansas State.
Softball
Northern Illinois comes to town at 4 p.m. Wednesday for softball’s first home game of the year before Loyola comes for three games over the weekend.
Soccer
Soccer returns home at 4 p.m. on Thursday against University of Northern Iowa.
Track and field
Track and Field has a pair of meets this weekend. Friday holds the Billikin Invite in St. Louis. Also starting Friday is the Ole Miss Classic in Oxford, Miss. and runs for two days. Both start times are to be announced.
Compiled by Jake Sermersheim