V THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 Vol. 133 | No. 23
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Homecoming combines new virtual format with ‘same Redbird spirit’
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JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
he homecoming parade is rolling into town a few months late, and mostly online. Illinois State University’s Homecoming will be taking place from April 5 to April 11 this year. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of the events have shifted to a virtual format. All events are free to attend. Some events, like the On the Move Homecoming Kickoff or the blood drive, will have in-person components, but social distancing and mask wearing are encouraged. “Virtual Homecoming will still have the same Redbird spirit and camaraderie as all Redbird Homecomings,” Rachel Kobus, the associate director of Alumni Engagement said. “Although some things like the parade or 5K will look different, being able to hold virtual events means alumni from across the country can now participate and students who may have selected to live at home this semester can do so as well.” For this Homecoming, safety was the number one concern for Alumni Engagement. With the situation around the coronavirus rapidly evolving, it was in the organization’s best interest to plan its events to be as virtual as possible. It was the same safety-first mindset that prompted Illinois State to cancel the remainder of the spring 2021 football season, and with it one of Homecoming’s biggest events: the Homecoming football game. “While it is disappointing but understandable that the football season has been canceled, I am really excited to see the shift toward celebrating all Redbird Athletics,” Dave Horstein, the Vice President and President-Elect of Illinois State’s Alumni Association Board of Directors said. “I think this will increase reach to alumni that closely follow our other teams.” See HOMECOMING on Page 6 ILLUSTRATION BY FLYNN GERAGHTY ART DIRECTOR | @flynniegthatsme
VOLLEYBALL SETS UP FOR MVC TOURNAMENT Redbirds look to defend championship title for third year in a row.
FULL PREVIEW IN SPORTS, PAGE 8
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
COVID-19 vaccine eligibility, ISU testing hours change
BLOOD DRIVE KICKS OFF, CONTINUES TO THURSDAY
Vaccine eligibility
Photo by Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Junior nursing student Shannon Rocke gives blood for the first time Monday afternoon at Schroeder Plaza. Rocke squeezes a stress ball to help relieve the stress of donating blood. The blood drive will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday in Hewett and Manchester Halls. All blood types are needed. Appointments can be made by texting (217) 720-5254. People who donate blood can receive free blood donor socks or a $5 gift card.
ISU receives federal aid JOHN MURRAY News Reporter | @Jmurr__
Illinois State University is expected to receive approximately $44.3 million as part of President Joe Biden’s recently signed American Rescue Plan. Per ISU Director of Media Relations Eric Jome, 50% of ISU’s share of the financial relief package will go directly to student grants and the other 50% for institutional support. Jome said he expects the institutional aid portion of the funding to help address ISU’s “COVID-19-related expenses.” “At this time Illinois State, along with other schools, is awaiting further clarification and guidance from the federal government on how the institutional aid funds can be distributed,” Jome said. Sophomore Kaitlyn Schatteman said it is important that the university does what it can to help students. “I think it’s great that they’re going to use the money to help students,” Schatteman said. “Whether it’s through internships or direct aid, I just appreciate that
the university’s going to do something for the students who need it.” Junior Alex Duerte hopes that the federal government lets ISU and other higher education institutions use their money how they see fit. “I just hope that the federal government doesn’t step in and limit what these universities are allowed to spend it on or how to use it,” Duerte said. “I think that ISU should be allowed to use it in whatever way they think it will best help their institution and their students continue to succeed.” Illinois State was given $24.9 million in aid as part of a previous federal relief package passed earlier in 2021. Jome said that relief was divided into $8 million for “direct student financial aid” and $16.9 million in “institutional aid.” Details regarding how the grant money of the student portion will work are still being planned. A more specific estimate of how much of ISU’s COVID-19-related expenses this round of funding will cover will be seen at a later date.
“Whether it’s through internships or direct aid, I just appreciate that the university’s going to do something for the students who need it.” Kaitlyn Schatteman, sophomore
Gov. JB Pritzker recently expanded vaccine eligibility to those who are classified as 1C and are: Higher education staff Government workers Media Restaurant staff Construction trade workers Religious leaders Starting April 12, all residents 16 and older are eligible for the vaccine. ISU will hold weekly vaccination clinics every Thursday. Weekly clinics will be staffed by an 18-person Illinois National Guard team. The number of clinics offered may change as the vaccine becomes more available. Clinics will be held in the Brown Ballroom of the Bone Student Center. ISU continues to work with the McLean County Health Department to provide on-campus vaccine clinics for students, faculty and staff who are eligible under Illinois Department of Public Health’s vaccine plan.
Vaccine locations MCHD is currently vaccinating those in phase 1A, 1B and 1B+. Vaccine appointments are required. Vaccine clinics are being held at Grossinger Motors Arena in downtown Bloomington. People can also get vaccinated at Walgreens, Hy-Vee, Jewel-Osco, Kroger, OSF Healthcare and CVS pharmacies.
COVID-19
in McLean County 15,410 cases in McLean County
142 new cases since Friday in McLean County
4.9% seven-day positivity rate through Sunday
5.6% cumulative positivity rate in McLean County
207 COVID-19-related
deaths in McLean County
273,400 total tested in McLean County
14,779 recovered in McLean County
397 individuals in home
isolation in McLean County
68,901 vaccinated in McLean County
New COVID-19 testing hours On-campus testing is available and free for all students and employees of the university. Testing is available MondayFriday from 9 a.m. to noon at the former fire station at 604 N. Adelaide St. and 1-4 p.m. at the temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall. Students experiencing COVID19-related symptoms or believe they have been exposed should call Student Health Services for further testing and quarantine guidance.
SOURCE: MCLEAN COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
IF YOU GO WHAT: COVID-19 testing WHEN: 1-4 p.m., Monday through Friday WHERE: Temporary building in the parking lot between Watterson Towers and Stevenson Hall WHEN: 9 a.m.to noon, Monday through Friday WHERE: Former fire station at 604 N. Adelaide St.
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TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
ISU explores class, living options for fall JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan19
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campus instead of at home.
Returning home to save money
Contrarily, elementary education llinois State University made plans student Melissa Harder said that while for a more traditional class setup for it was worth it to live on campus during the fall semester, but students with her junior year because of the ability online classes must make the decision to see her friends and use ISU student to either live on campus or at home. amenities like the gym and library, she ISU Director of Media Relations is moving back home during her senior Eric Jome said that everyone is year to save money. highly encouraged to get vaccinated “I would tell students that if they to continue moving toward a tradihave the financial option, go on campus tional college environment. There are because you won’t have that much time no promises about the class schedule in college. I felt like I grew a lot when given the inconsistent nature of the it came to cooking and cleaning, and pandemic, but ISU is determined to that’s part of leaving for college and adhere to health and safety guidelines learning to make decisions for yourself,” and to be careful as it approaches the Harder said. “I could have chosen to be fall semester. at ISU, but it’s cheaper for me to stay “The class registration for fall was home.” pushed off to early April. That was ISU Spanish professor Marcela López done so that we could see developsaid she misses the camaraderie that ments at the state level and have a builds among the students during a better idea of what things are going to normal semester. She went on to say the look like going into the summer and Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 constant technical difficulties of Zoom then into the fall,” Jome said. Illinois State University is looking to have more in-person classes in the fall, anticipating that more students and the lack of human contact creates “We’re not exactly sure at this point will be on campus. Katie Kranich, a sophomore integrated marketing communications and professional several issues. what the breakdown of online and in sales major, sits in one of her online classes on Monday while at the Bone Student Center. She is hopeful that her classes will person will look like, but the general return to an in-person setting so that plan is that we’re going to move to because then you get the experience.” far from campus. she can see the faces of her students and a more traditional campus experiHelstrom spent her entire freshman year “Teaching Spanish or any other language, colleagues again. However, if her classes are ence where we’ll have a lot more in-person living in Watterson Towers. For Helstrom, is about teaching not only the language but online, she encourages her students to live at classes.” all of her classes were online except for her also culture. I miss cooking for my students, home rather than on campus. ‘Ultimately, it’s a personal choice’ microbiology lab, which consisted of eight and I miss being an ambassador from the “If students have their own space at home people who met every other week to allow all Hispanic culture in my classroom,” Spanish and can take their classes there, that’s a good ISU students are encouraged to do what is lab sections time to meet in small groups. professor Marinelly Castillo-Zuniga said. option. But for students who share the space best for them regarding their living situation “I was comfortable living in person. If I Castillo-Zuniga went on to say that while with relatives who also are taking classes or in the upcoming year. wouldn’t have been here, I wouldn’t have it has been difficult not having direct contact working online, living at home can be a bit “I think ultimately, it’s a personal choice made these friends and been this close to with students, she encourages them to live at difficult,” López said. “Living on campus gives depending on what someone’s class schedule people. It’s a risk I’m willing to take to make home if they are online in the fall. them resources that may not be so readily is and what form their classes take. We heard new friends and new experiences,” Helstrom Even though he recommends students to available at home and freedom as well. Stufrom a number of students in the residence said. move on campus, Frierdich said that being in dents should note this freedom comes with halls that all their classes were only online, Other students had similar experiences to Zoom classes in the residence halls was difresponsibilities. Ultimately, I believe that the but they still physically wanted to be here Helstrom, and they do not regret living on ficult when living with friends. decision should be an agreement that benefits because all their friends are here and where campus during the pandemic when classes Often, it was difficult to focus because of all members of the family.” things are going on rather than being sepawere online. Nursing student Drew Frierdich the temptation to turn off the camera and the There are pros and cons to living on camrated,” Jome said. “I think we’ll see a lot of also spent his entire freshman year online in microphone during Zoom calls. pus during the pandemic when classes are people wanting to be on campus because of Watterson Towers. Many students who lived in apartments online, and many faculty and students have that experience, but depending on the class “Honestly, I wasn’t too worried about also enjoyed the social aspect of living on mixed feelings about which decision is best. format, it’s up to the individual.” campus even though their classes were The important thing to consider is prioritizDuring the 2020 to 2021 school year, many COVID-19 because I feel that they make it online. ing both the mental and physical health and ISU students with only online classes chose to pretty safe for everyone. It was definitely different from what I expected,” Frierdich said. “I’m online for my classes. I spend over safety of the community. live near or on campus because they wanted “I would still recommend coming to campus. half my day in my apartment,” exercise major “Overall, people have been very resilient to be close to the campus community. It’s still been a good college experience. I’m Nick Conger said. “If you’re just trying to get and have risen to the challenge that we’re Nursing student Haley Helstrom believes really excited for when we go back in person, the education part and you’re not too keen on facing. I think overall a lot of people want to that students should come back to campus but I’d still recommend everyone to move on the social aspect, then I would say stay home move back to a normal way of doing things,” even if their classes are all online again. campus and get that experience.” and focus on your work because you’ll be able Jome said. “For me personally, I would have said Not only do online classes impact student to focus more. If you feel you’re missing out, Regardless of the number of students living to come to college because you can stay in living arrangements, but they impact the come to campus.” on campus next semester and the number of your room all that you want,” Helstrom said. lives of professors. Many professors have Conger said he hopes his classes are in online classes, Jome said ISU will continue to “They have hand sanitizers everywhere, and witnessed firsthand the difficulties of not person in the fall because he learns best in monitor the pandemic and the presence on there are ways to come to campus and feel being able to meet with students because of an in-person setting. He said that even if he campus while abiding by COVID-19 health safe. You can do whatever you want to feel regulations and because students have lived must pay the extra money, he would live on and safety guidelines. safe. I would tell people to come to campus
ISU receives national Voter Friendly Campus designation MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @Meghanfortunato
Through the extensive efforts across the campus of Illinois State in promoting civic and political engagement among its students, it has been recognized as a voter-friendly campus among 231 institutions. Uplifting the core value of civic engagement, which was led by national nonpartisan organizations, the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project and Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education put in over a year and a half of work to become designated in a part of the University’s Engagement Coalition. ISU was evaluated on the individual efforts and plans of students. The evaluation consisted of registration, education and encouraging students to vote. “Participating in the voter-friendly campus initiative [was] not just a recognition, but really a process,” Assistant Director of the Center for Civic Engagement Harriett Steinbach said. “We had to submit our interest to participate, and we were accepted; as a part of the process we had to submit a draft of our plan around mid-March.” After submitting interest to participate in the voter-friendly initiative and receiving feedback for ISU’s plan to achieve a voter-friendly campus, it enabled the Voter Engagement Coalition to incorporate the feedback into the final vision of engaging students to vote. The executions in the spring primary for ISU benefitted from the feedback given and helped the Voter Coalition to create a set plan. Most of the plan was sketched out in January 2020 before the coronavirus pandemic hit in the spring.
“In April and May with updating our plan, we planned under the [assumption] of returning to Normal and once we got to August we had to make some decisions about how we can’t do this event or we will have to modify to do it as virtual events and those kinds of things COVID aside,” Steinbach said. “We were really well prepared to go into the fall semester with a presidential election because during our planning process we had a wide group of people provide input on the plan.” In May, the plan was posted online along with a survey for the campus community. The survey was for students to give feedback on the process of expanding the voter engagement along with creating a more voter-friendly campus. “I truly believe that learning the destination is the result of everyone’s efforts, I mean far beyond the individuals that make up the Voter Engagement Coalition,” Steinbach said. The coalition divided the plan into parts to help Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 decide which members would handle certain asIllinois State University recently received the national Voter Friendly Campects to help achieve a voter-friendly campus. pus designation. ISU is among 231 institutions that received recognition One group would be in charge of events to get for its efforts. students registered and learn about the voting process while another individual or group would word within the colleges in the department’s about things like take on more of a liaison or administrative role to keep everythe resources in the toolkit,” Steinbach said. thing running smooth and efficient. The voter guide or toolkit promoted key dates to pass along “Part of the duties with folks reaching out across campus to students to help make them aware of important dates such was executed and implemented by coalition members, with as registration deadline, early voting locations and times and each member contacting ‘X’ amount of faculty or reaching out the last date to vote. to the college they’re a part of and really trying to spread the
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PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
Next steps are even more uncertain
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et’s stop asking graduating college seniors the age-old question “What are you doing after graduation?” For one, we all need a moment to breathe. After spending the past year and half with all online classes and trying to find the motivation to even do the smallest of tasks, we all need a moment to breathe and process the last year of our college career. Online school, while more convenient at times to do it from the comfort of our beds, is not ideal. We are not made to sit, learn and socialize behind a screen. Yes, we all adapted fairly quickly — we had to. We have handled it with grace and came to terms with the fact that we will never get the traditional, last-year-ofcollege experience. But we are exhausted. Entering a job market is already scary as it is but entering it in the middle of a pandemic is a whole lot worse. Many of us don’t even have a clue as to what we want to do. While some of us have applied to graduate school because we want to, others are applying to avoid entering the job market during a difficult time.
Some of us don’t even know what we want to do with our degree or where we want to go. All we have been focused on is graduating college. It is not even the pandemic that makes entering the job market scary. For almost two decades of our lives all we have known is the structure and life of school. We go to class Monday through Friday, sit with friends during lunch or any free time we have and study throughout the week. We finish a year of school and move on to the next. Being a student is a huge chunk of our identity.
Now, for the first time in our lives, we don’t know what is beyond the school doors. Many of us are entering a world of unknown. It’s frightening. How do we adjust to a world with no school? How do we learn to exist without the identity of being a student? We have to rediscover who we are without the identity of being a student. People always tell graduating high school seniors that college teaches us about ourselves. But no one prepares graduating college seniors for the loss of identity that follows suit. We have spent two decades learning
and discovering what type of career we want to go in, but no one teaches us how to live a life that doesn’t revolve around being a student. Our entire life has revolved around the question of “What’s next?” in our academic career or life after college. Taking a moment to breathe is not doing anyone harm. Take a moment to process how we spent the last year of our undergraduate career behind a computer screen away from professors and friends. Take a moment to grieve the loss of our senior year. Grieve the loss of identity that comes with being a student. None of us would have ever imagined we would be finishing our academic years in the middle of a pandemic. We were never taught how to navigate a world where we no longer identify as students. Asking college students “What are your plans after graduation?” is pointless. How are we supposed to know when so many things are still up in the air because of the pandemic? So please, do not ask what our next step is for our career. The next step is to breathe and process the trauma of the past year we experienced.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by GRACE KINNICUTT, 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.
Skip the mean, harmful pranks this April Fool’s day MY VIEW KATIE BESTE | Night Editor
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t’s almost April Fool’s day this year, and I just want to say how much I hope people don’t celebrate the ways they normally
do. Pranks aren’t a part of most people’s everyday lives unless you are part of a YouTube prank channel, and rightfully so. When we are children, we might play little pranks on our parents, siblings or friends, trying to test the limits of what is an acceptable prank. But for the most part, we grow out of it, because a lot of popular pranks aren’t that funny to
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adults. Pranks are especially un-funny in the YouTube sphere, where things are done to embarrass, harass and downright bother people for the views. What is funny about screaming in someone’s face or pretending to rob a bank, I’ll never know, but it needs to stop. We are still in a pandemic, although from the spring break news I’ve seen many people have forgotten that. In a pandemic, everyone is just trying to get by and stay safe as best they can, and the last thing they need is some random person ruining their day for likes. Public pranks on the whole are not funny, but they are exceedingly inappropriate and in bad taste during a pandemic. People should not be penalized for going on a walk or doing their shopping in a public space by being bothered by anyone, especially for a dumb prank. This isn’t to hate on pranks as a whole, though I am generally not a fan. Some pranks can be hilarious for just about everyone
involved. An example that comes to mind is when a while back a group changed the Hollywood sign to say “Hollyboob” instead. Was this a rather juvenile thing to do? Absolutely. But it was also funny to hear about, and I’m sure it was funny to see. It also didn’t disrupt people’s lives, destroy any property or make a single person feel humiliated or devalued. It was in public, but all their changes were done on sheets that could easily be removed, so even if someone had to take it down afterward it would have been a speedy clean up. I’m sorry, but a prank that puts someone down or makes fun of someone is not funny. It’s mean. So are pranks that destroy private or public property or interfere with people just living their lives or doing their jobs. Sure, you might think it’s funny to make a huge mess in a store, and so might your third-grade followers, but the staff at that
? $24.9
million given to Illinois State University as a part of a federal relief package passed in late 2020. The university is expected to receive $44.3 million total in aid.
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KATIE BESTE is a Night Editor for The Vidette. She can be reached at kabeste@ ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ BesteKatherine.
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store will not. Pranks should be about laughter — shared laughter. Instead of ganging up on one person, do something as a group that is funny for everyone. Use pranking as a way to make your community, big or small, laugh with you instead of putting them down. We could all use a little more considerate laughter. Life is hard enough right now without making it harder on other people for no real reason other than your own personal entertainment. So instead of pulling a massive prank on April 1, consider going for a walk, watching a movie or doing a small prank on your roommate that both of you will be able to laugh about.
straight wins by the Illinois State University softball team. The Redbirds face Drake University next on Saturday and Sunday.
SPORTS 8
If you’re just trying to get the education part and you’re not too keen on the social aspect, then I would say stay home and focus on your work because you’ll be able to focus more. If you feel you’re missing out, come to campus.” Nick Conger, exercise science major
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 30, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
ISU offers food for thought in new master’s program JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan19
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l l i n o i s State University approved a new master’s program in its nutrition department. The new program will replace the previous one in the family consumer science degree program and dietetic sequence. ISU Director of Media Relations Eric Jome said that the new and improved program helps students who are preparing to be professionals in the field, saying that it is a great way to help them as they begin their careers. “Having these kinds of more specialized master’s degree programs within our curriculum at ISU is a big help for students who are preparing to be professionals in the field, in this case in the field of dietetics and nutrition,” Jome said. “That’s going to be a great qualifier for them as they begin their careers in that field. It really is a way for us as a university to keep up with what the current standards are in the professions and help to prepare students to enter those professions after graduation.” Registered dietitian nutritionist and associate professor Julie Schumacher said that students who graduate and become registered dietitians will be required to have a master’s degree to take the registration exam and become a registered dietitian. This will begin in the year 2024. ISU is also consequently changing its previous program to the master’s in nutrition for these specific students. “Currently over half the masters in family consumer science degree
John Baldwin Communication 438-7110 John Berger International Students Inc. 212-4450 Joe Blaney College of Arts and Sciences 438-5669
program are nutrition focused, so this will allow the nutrition focused master’s students to get a degree in nutrition,” Schumacher said. The classes for this master’s program are already created and implemented at ISU, but the students will therefore earn a more specialized degree in nutrition with the new program. “[Schumacher] really wants every person to be involved in this major,” media management, promotion and sales student Blake Kuffel said. “She said to me that it will allow students to focus mainly on nutrition and elevate the degree that they end up with. I think what Alyssa Cornelison | Photographer | @285_cornelison was a big highlight for me, Jake Crowley reaches down to grab grapes for a healthy afternoon snack. and what I took from that, is how diverse this major is going to be.” medical nutrition therapy class and jor that will help students out, but The field of nutrition continues a research class,” Schumacher said. we are getting a new major that will to grow with the nation and the “I think a variety of classes and help the college out as well.” world’s focus on health. Schumexperiences with professional pracSchumacher said that students acher said nutrition plays a key role tices allows students to feel their who aim to become dietitians or in the health of individuals and niche and understand where their managers of nutrition operations families. passion is going. When they graduwould benefit from this program. The job market around nutrition ate, our alumni get jobs in all areas The degree will offer many prois growing and allowing various opof nutrition.” fessional practice experiences portunities for students when they ISU is hoping that the transition throughout the community, prepargraduate. from the FACS master's program to ing them for careers in the field of Many nutrition students choose the new master’s in nutrition will nutrition. careers in clinical nutrition in create growth in opportunities for All in all, the advancement of this hospitals, in food service director students and that the program will program will bring more awareness positions at long-term care facilibe an asset to the community. and diversity of opportunities to ties or school districts and in other “It’ll help us progress in getting nutrition-focused students. nutrition positions throughout more students enrolled to ISU. It’ll community settings. help with revenue. I think that’s the JORDAN MEAD is a Features “I think the master’s in nutrition long game for ISU: finding more Reporter for The Vidette. Contact program allows students to get a students to enroll,” Kuffel said. her at jnmead@ilstu.edu. Follow her variety of experiences. We have an “Not only are we getting a new maon Twitter at @meadjordan19. advanced nutrition class, advanced
Brad Christensen Mary Cranston College of CeMAST Nursing 438-1899 438-2381 Janet Caldwell Special Education 438-2959 David Collier Music 438-2959
Carol Cox CECP Renee Carrigan 452-0963 Career Services Jim Cox 438-5864 Marketing 452-0963
Gina Dew Music 438-726
Cheryl Fogler Planning, Research, Policy Analysis 438-3390
Peter Foreman Mgmt & Quantitative Methods 438-5579 Sara Gentry Music 438-3458 Ellis Hurd TCH 438-5115 Carol Jones Redbird Card Office 438-5779
Jin Jo Technology 438-7793 Sharon Van Der Laan Milner Library 438-7461 David Loomis Economics 438-7979
NEWS IN BRIEF Dr. Shamaine Bertrand receives diversity award Dr. Shamaine Bertrand was awarded the David A. Strand Diversity Achievement award. The award recognizes a current faculty or staff member who is instrumental in curricular or program activities that assist the university to its commitment to diversity. In her role as a faculty member, Bertrand plans and implements professional development sessions that focus on social and racial justice and culturally responsive teaching for colleges, universities and public schools across the nation. The award was established in 1994 by former ISU President Emeritus David Strand. GRACE KINICUTT NEWS EDITOR | @GKINNICUTT
WGSS to host annual research symposium The annual Women’s, Gender and Sexuality studies student research symposium will be April 12 to16. The theme will be “Reconcile, Rebuild and Recover” which will highlight student performances, scholarships and ideas that are underrepresented in the traditional university curriculum. There will be a combination of live and recorded performances, panel discussions, readings and presentations.
GRACE KINICUTT NEWS EDITOR | @GKINNICUTT
Barbara Ribbens International Business Institute 438-3210
Tim Wickenhauser Comptroller’s Office Kimberly Risinger 438-5750 Music Valerie Wright College of Nursing 438-8100 38-2482 Laurie Sexton SED 438-3202
Josh Millman Psychology 438-8687
Jan Jolynn Staley Marketing (815) 210-3721
Andy Mitchell Chemistry 438-2697
David Snyder Music 438-5222
Shaoen Wu Technology 438-8338
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
‘COMing’ back better than ever Com Week connects students to larger opportunities JORDAN MEAD Features Reporter | @meadjordan19
C
OM Week 2021 will be teaching students to “Zoom Past the Limitations.” The week is dedicated to Illinois State University’s School of Communication, and will consist of a variety of panels, keynote speakers and learning opportunities for the ISU community. “COM Week is going to be phenomenal. We wanted to provide School of Communication students the same professional development opportunities that they would have any other year,” Julia Kopfman, a public relations student and School of Communication Promotion and Development Team intern said. “We really want to get students involved, even given all the limitations that are going on.” Kopfman, Robert Martinez, Doniven Hill-Bush and Angela Adamo work as interns for the School of Image courtesy of the School of Communication Communication Promotion and Development Team. COM Week will be virtual this year from April 5-8. The theme is “Zoom Past the Limitations,” as the School of Communication is still These four students worked closely with Director of working to give students the same networking and learning experiences as in years past. Field Experiences and instructional assistant profesweren’t able to come back and be interns this year,” Kopfman “It has been so amazing to see how supportive our alumni sor Tom Lamonica and Business Manager Denise said. “A lot of things got canceled for a lot of people, so having are and how supportive our faculty are during this time, esThomas to create the agenda for COM Week 2021. similar feelings as others created a bit of a unifying feeling pecially for students,” Kopfman said. “COM Week shows that In 2020, the School of Communication Promotion Develbecause we were all sharing in that sadness that we couldn’t even if it doesn’t feel like it sometimes, there is a larger comopment Team planned COM Week and organized last minute put on COM Week 2020.” munity outside of just ISU and your immediate peers. There details, press releases and the program during the time when During the week of April 5 through 8, many alumni who are people supporting you always, and the School of Commuthe university shut down due to the international lockdown. were supposed to speak in 2020 will return as speakers and nication always has opportunities to help students grow.” “To find out that we had to contact everyone and tell them panelists for the 2021 COM Week. They will present diverse For more information regarding COM Week 2021, visit the the sad news that they couldn’t come speak to the students topics virtually on Zoom to prevent the spread of COVID-19. School of Communication website. was really difficult especially for the seniors last year that
MONDAY EVENTS
TUESDAY EVENTS
11 a.m.: Graduate School panel Noon: Keynote speaker Keith Habersberger, ISU alum and member of The Try Guys. He will give a presentation on the new age of digital mass media followed by a Q&A. 2 p.m.: Human resources consultant and ISU alum Frank DiLeonardi will present about starting a career. 7 p.m.: COMedy Night, featuring alumni discussing their experience working in entertainment. Keith Habersberger
11 a.m.: Life at an Agency panel 2 p.m.: Corporate Communication panel 3:35 p.m.: Planning Events, Even Apart panel 5 p.m.: The New Age of Sports Communication panel 5 p.m.: Mocktail hour held by the Student Alumni Council and Association for Women in Communications. Alumni will discuss the importance of networking. Registration is required.
HOMECOMING
Continued from Page 1
Despite the vaccinations beginning to make their rounds in the BloomingtonNormal area, Alumni Engagement has decided to continue to push forward with its virtual format. While this may confuse some prospective attendees, the reasoning behind the decision mostly revolves around timing. “Homecoming is planned months in advance. To be sure to continue to provide the safest experience for all our Redbirds, we opted for virtual events,” Kobus said. “There are still several socially distanced opportunities like the Grab-and-Go Carnival and blood drive as well as the Center for Civic Engagement’s Bring it Back to Normal service project. Virtual events also do not have number limits where gatherings do. This means our students on campus, our community, our alumni from across the world and our students living off campus can still participate safely.” All information on Homecoming events can be found through the Homecoming website. Homecoming kicks off with announcing the Campus Decorating Contest Winners on April 2 via the Homecoming Twitter account and the Campus Decorating website. JAKE DAHL is a news reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at jjdahl1@ilstu. edu. Follow him on Twitter at @jdahl3005.
MONDAY, APRIL 5 Window paintings from 1-5 p.m. in various locations: Organized by the Student Alumni Council, help paint the windows of local businesses to celebrate Homecoming. On the Move Kickoff, 2:30-5:30 p.m. on the Quad. University Program Board will be driving golf carts around the Quad and giving out free Homecoming items and Jimmy John’s sandwiches for those with their Redbird Life event pass on their phones.
TUESDAY, APRIL 6 Homecoming Swag Table, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Schroeder Plaza Stop by the hospitality table for free Homecoming gear. First come, first serve. Mocktail Hour, 5 p.m. on Zoom The Student Alumni Council and the Association for Women in Communications will be hosting a panel discussion regarding networking and professional development. Greek Life: 2021, 6 p.m. on Zoom Learn how Greek Life at ISU has evolved over the years with a webinar featuring Greek alumni moderated by Vice President for Student Affairs Levester Johnson. Learn to Draw Reggie Redbird, 6:30 p.m. on Zoom Join the Alumni Association and ISU’s University Marketing and Communications graphic designer Sean Thornton to learn how to draw Illinois State’s beloved mascot, Reggie Redbird.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 7 Redbird soccer vs. Valparaiso, 5 p.m. at Adelaide Street Field Cheer on Illinois State soccer as the Redbirds take on Valparaiso in a conference matchup at Adelaide Street field. Grab-and-Go Carnival, 6-8 p.m. at the Bone Student Center Swing by the Bone Student Center to grab some carnival snacks and an exclusive stuffed animal. Historic Quad Talk, 7 p.m. on Zoom University Archivist April Anderson-Zorn and Associate Director of Event Management, Dining and Hospitality Barb Dallinger will be hosting a behind-the-scenes virtual look at how the iconic Quad has changed over the years. Virtual Carnival Night, 8-9 p.m. on Zoom After the Grab-and-Go Carnival, join UPB for a night of virtual bingo and trivia and a chance to win prizes.
WEDNESDAY EVENTS 11 a.m.: Find your Passion in Non-profit panel 2 p.m.: Communication Leadership panel 3 p.m.: Media Production panel led by alumni 5:35 p.m.: The In’s and Out’s of Digital Mass Media panel 7 p.m.: Documentary Film Festival
THURSDAY EVENTS 11 a.m.: Diversity and Inclusion panel 2 p.m.: Journalism in a Digital Age panel 5 p.m.: Keynote speaker alum Matt Klusas 7 p.m.: Forensics Union Showcase on the performances of ISU’s Speech and Debate Team.
THURSDAY, APRIL 8 Virtual Pep Rally, 7:30 p.m. on Zoom While initially planned to rally Redbirds for the now-canceled Redbirds vs. North Dakota football game, the event is still going forward with a special appearance from the Big Red Marching Machine.
FRIDAY, APRIL 9 Women’s golf Redbird Invitational at the Weibring Golf Course on April 9 and 10 Go support the Redbirds at the Women’s Golf Redbird Invitational. Redbirds Care: Homecoming Blood Drive, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Old Main room of the Bone Student Center Come participate in an on-campus blood drive hosted by the Alumni Association Redbird Engagement and Development Committee, with the first 30 donors receiving a Homecoming spirit bag and all current students who donate receiving a $10 gift card. Bring it Back to Normal, 2-4 p.m. at various Normal Parks and on Constitution Trail Give Back to the Normal community through a collaborative effort between the Center for Civic Engagement and Normal Parks and Recreation by getting the parks and Constitution Trail ready for the spring and summer. Redbird baseball vs. Indiana State, from April 9-11 at Duffy Bass Field Redbird baseball will be going up against Indiana State in four different games across the weekend, with one doubleheader scheduled for Saturday, April 10. The game times are at 5 p.m. April 9, 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. April 10 and 1 p.m. April 11. BCA’s Virtual Party and FUNdraising Experience, 7-10 p.m. on Zoom Join the Black Colleagues Association in celebrating Homecoming and supporting the BCA student scholarship program.
Vidette Archives
While this year’s Homecoming is virtual, there will still be a Grab-andGo Carnival from 6-8 p.m. April 7 in the Bone Student Center. 2019 Homecoming Court member Anna Krecklow juggled at last year’s carnival.
SATURDAY, APRIL 10 Driveway Tailgate Parties at various locations Show off your Redbird spirit by decorating your driveway, lawn, windows, etc. and post your photos with the hashtag #RedbirdHomecoming to be entered for a chance to win some Redbird swag after Homecoming ends. Virtual Town and Gown 5K, ends April 10 The Virtual Town and Gown 5K this year will be virtual, meaning participants get to decide how they complete their 3.1 miles, whether that be by treadmill or by running laps. Be sure to register on the Homecoming website by April 7 for the virtual running packet. Virtual Homecoming Parade, 10 a.m. This year’s Homecoming Parade will be held virtually. Those interested in viewing the parade can see it through Illinois State University’s Facebook page. Redbird softball vs. Missouri State, April 10-11 at Marian Kneer Stadium Cheer on Illinois State University softball as the Redbirds take on Missouri State, with three games over two days. The times are as follows: noon and 2:30 p.m. on April 10 and 11 a.m. on April 11. Redbird women’s tennis vs. UNI, 1 p.m. at Gregory Street Tennis Courts Support Illinois State University women’s tennis as the Redbirds take to the courts against the Panthers. Redbird women’s tennis vs. Drake, 10 a.m. at Gregory Street Tennis Courts The Redbirds take to the courts again the following day to face off against the Bulldogs.
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Redbirds out of the losing column with series win over ASU DARNYSHA MITCHELL Sports Reporter | @DarnyshaM
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fter breaking their six-game losing streak, Illinois State baseball looked to start a winning streak against Arkansas
State. The Redbirds took game one of the series on Friday before game two was cut in the fourth inning due to rain.
ISU 10 ASU 9
Holm said. But Arkansas State snapped the Redbirds’ 7-0 scoring run through four innings. A home run from Red Wolves’ outfielder Drew Tipton followed by runs from Blake McCutchen, Parker Rowland, and Jacob Hager at the top of the eighth inning cut the Redbird lead down to one. Libman’s home run and a score from Hayden Jones pushed the Redbirds to 10 runs to seal the victory.
ASU 13 ISU 6
The Red Wolves jumped out to an early lead The Redbirds edged the Red Wolves 10-9 in the continuation of game two of the non- despite pitching woes and remained in front conference series after it was postponed due for most of game three to shut down the Redbirds 13-6. to rain Saturday. Early pitching woes from freshman Sean Outfielder Jordan Libman finished with a .377 batting average and launched a 414-foot Sinisko resulted in back-to-back walks for bomb center field at the bottom of the eighth Arkansas State to jump out to a 3-0 lead in inning, picking up another home run. He fin- the top of the second inning. Sophomore right hand pitcher Garrett ished with three runs. Witcher replaced Sinisko Center fielder Ryan Cermak Up next following the walks. picked up one home run, Baseball plays Eastern “I ended up having to put including the homer in the Illinois at 3 p.m. on Tuesday some guys in some spots bottom of the seventh inning in Charleston. The Redbirds that they’re not accustomed followed by a run from Libman will be back in action over the weekend for a three-game seto and we just didn’t have to extend the Redbird lead to ries. Then ISU starts Missouri the number of innings to eight. Valley Conference play with cover there very well,” Holm ISU head coach Steve Holm No. 22 Southern Illinois. said. said getting out to a solid start The Redbirds took advanoffensively was key in game tage of the early pitching two. “Some of our main guys got some big hits struggles from the Red Wolves, who allowed and that first game went pretty well for us,” three straight walks. ISU picked up steam in
Nickolas Parra | Photographer | @NickoolasParra
Illinois State freshman pitcher Mason Burns over the weekend against Arkansas state. ISU won the series two games to one. the fifth inning, adding four runs to hand ISU the lead. “We’ve been kind of waiting for him to do that,” Holm said. “Hopefully that bodes well for his confidence going forward. He’s definitely a guy that we need to get going and he can carry us offensively for weekends and then even multiple weekends at a time.”
Redbird report card Men’s basketball COMPILED BY JAKE SERMERSHEIM | Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
Illinois State men’s basketball finished the Missouri Valley Conference season at the bottom of the barrel. Little went right for the young Redbirds. ISU finished the season as the tenth team in the MVC; worse than their projected ninth place finish heading into the season. With that being said, I am going to revisit my grades from the halfway point in the season. See who’s grade improved and who flunked out in the latest Redbird Report Card:
DJ Horne | Sophomore | Guard | Previous grade: B
After the halfway mark through the season, Horne upped his game. Horne improved his average from 13 points a game to 15.1 leading the Redbirds and ranking fourth in the MVC. As well as leading in points, Horne paced the Redbirds in assists (65). steals (35), three-point shooting (.424) and free throw shooting (.854). Horne was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference third team.
Grade: A-
Howard Fleming Jr. | Freshman | Guard | Previous grade: D
As a freshman Fleming has been hyped as the Redbirds’ next star. But in reality, Fleming has been very underwhelming on the court thus far. Fleming led the Redbirds in turnovers (65) and fouls (59) in his first year while adding little upside on the offensive end. Fleming averaged 22.3 minutes a game but posted just 3.8 ppg while being the worst shooter on the team with a field goal percentage of .395.
Grade: F
Josiah Strong | Junior | Guard | Previous grade: A
Grade: B-
Strong transferred to ISU and stepped in as a reliable secondary scorer behind Horne. In the early going this is how it was shaping up. At the halfway mark Strong trailed Horne in most major categories. Strong’s average points fell down to 11.5 ppg after an injury kept him out of some contests. Despite Strong’s average points dropping toward the end of the season, he proved to be a solid piece behind Horne and Antonio Reeves.
Harouna Sissoko | Redshirt freshman | Forward | Previous grade: C+
An early starter for the Redbirds, many expected Sissoko to play a big impact for the Redbirds. But around the halfway mark of the season Sissoko lost his starting role due to a lack of production. Sissoko’s time went down from 20 minutes a game in the first half down to 11 minutes a game in the second half. Despite this Sissoko has maintained his four ppg from the first half.
Grade: C
Dusan Mahorcic | Junior | Forward | Previous grade: B+
Mahorcic was a big piece in turning the Redbirds’ game in the paint around. Last season the Redbirds were beat in nearly every game in the paint. Averaging 9.9 points and 7.2 rebounds a game. Mahorcic did struggle with turnovers at times.
Grade: B
EXPANDED REPORT CARD OF FULL TEAM ON VIDETTEONLINE.COM
CLASSIFIEDS
Arkansas State picked up five runs in the ninth inning while the Redbirds were without a hit the last four innings of the contest. Red Wolves’ Infielder Liam Hicks finished the contest with a .410 batting average, five at bats and two RBIs. Tipton added two runs and three RBIs.
SOFTBALL
Continued from Page 8
In the bottom of the frame, Leonard launched her second homer of the game to make it 7-2 ISU. The Redbirds loaded the bases but couldn’t bring anyone home. The Ramblers cut the lead to three with a two-run shot, but Reili Gardner came up with a diving catch in center field to give ISU the 7-4 victory. Day improved to 9-3 in the circle with the win. The senior allowed six hits and three earned runs in seven innings pitched and struck out 13 batters. Illinois State found itselfin familiar territory as the Ramblers jumped out to the early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. Sydney Barnett drove in the opening run with an infield single. Despite having runners on first and second in the bottom of the first, the Redbirds came up empty handed. Loyola increased their lead in the fourth. Teagan Sopczak drove in a run with a single to right field with the bases loaded. After a mound visit, Mack Leonard gave up a double to the ensuing batter to give the Ramblers a four-run lead. Day came in for relief to get ISU out of the jam and stranded a pair of baserunners. Rebecca Moffett reached first base on a fielder’s choice and stole second in the bottom of the frame, but the Redbirds come up empty. Day followed back-to-back strikeouts to start the fifth with a pair of errors. Despite putting the Ramblers in a scoring position, she rebounded with another strikeout to end the frame. The senior followed that up with two straight Ks in the sixth. After conceding a triple, Day left her on base as she struck out the next batter. Through 3.2 innings pitched, Day allowed one hit and fanned seven of the 14 batters. After a strong relief effort from the veteran, ISU was
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down to their last hope as they came up to bat in the bottom of the seventh trailing 4-0. Head coach Melinda Fischer said the senior’s performance was what the team needed to turn things around when they needed to. “I thought Morgan [Day] was better today than what she started yesterday,” Fischer said. “If you look at Morgan as a freshman and now as a senior, she has made tremendous strides, especially in her self-confidence. With a rise-ball Up next pitcher, the The Redbirds wind wasn’t in hit the road for a our favor, but three-game series she has proven with Drake startthat she can ing at 2 p.m. on come back and Friday and continuing through get us back on Saturday. track.” Chloe Jefferson sparked the offense with a leadoff double. Then Madi Bylak reached on a fielder’s choice to put the Redbirds in scoring position. Pinch-hitter Andrea Coursey also got on base thanks to an error to load them up. Loyola intentionally walked Leonard to bring in ISU’s first run. On the next at bat, Chval singled up the left side to bring in another run, cutting the margin to two runs. Emme Olson smacked a double into center field to tie the game at four. Kennedy capped off the comeback with a single up the middle. The Redbirds came from behind to beat the Ramblers 5-4 as every batter in the inning reached base in addition to not giving up a single out. After no hits in the first six innings, the Redbird bats came alive in the seventh: five hits in the span of seven batters. Fischer said the depth from their dugout contributed to their seventh inning spark. “It’s kind of happened all season. Every game, somebody different seems to step up and do something exciting,” Fischer said. “The top of our lineup has been the most consistent all year. I think when that happens, it energizes the team and helps themselves play for each other.” Illinois State returns to the field at 2 p.m. Friday for the first of a three-game series between the Drake Bulldogs in Des Moines, Iowa.
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021
MVC Tourney field set after final series ISU takes top seed, prepares to host conference at Redbird Arena
ISU football loses players to transfer portal
MIKEY FORNELLI & MATT PETROVITCH Sports Reporters | @Mfojr and @Matt_Petrovitch
T
he Illinois State volleyball team has earned yet another Missouri Valley Conference regular-season championship after its weekend sweep of Southern Illinois to earn the university’s 11th title and second in the last two years.
No. 1 Illinois State
After going 13-5 overall and 11-3 in the Valley, the Illinois State volleyball team looks to make a deep tournament run to add to its ring collection and its success in the last two seasons. A third ring for Illinois State would not only solidify the Redbirds’ dominance this spring season but capture off a dynasty under head coach Leah Johnson. Johnson has been head coach since 2017 and since she arrived at ISU, she has helped shape the Redbirds into a winning team. Although the Redbirds lead in many statistical categories including kills, blocks and service aces, a tough road lies ahead of them as seven other strong teams make their way to Normal for the weekend. In a season like no other, it all comes down to this weekend. Let’s take a closer look at the field for the 2021 Missouri Valley Conference volleyball tournament, hosted by Illinois State.
No. 2 Drake
In addition to leading the conference in assists and digs, the Bulldogs are second in the conference in numerous statistics — hitting percentage, assists and blocks. They have also seen multiple stellar individual performances throughout the 2021 season. Haley Bush is second in the
conference in kills per set (4.40), Caitlyn Smith is third in the conference in assists per set (10.50), and Gillian Gergen is second in the conference in solo blocks (89). They beat UNI early on in the season and will look to make quick work of them again in the first round of the tournament.
No. 3 Missouri State
Service aces are the name of the game for the Bears, ranked third in the conference in both service ace scoring and defending. Additionally, Brooklyn Cink is the best in the conference with total service aces this season with 36, closely followed by Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 teammate Kennedee Anderson with 29. Junior Amelia Flynn Illinois State’s Kaylee Martin (4), Stef Jankiewicz (9) and Sydney Holt (17) completed her star season on celebrating during the Redbirds win over Missouri State. March 28, collecting career kill 1,000. They led the contournament to try and bring that in the Valley, the Ramblers have ference in mid-March before being same home energy. managed to maintain impressive swept by the Redbirds but have since defensive statistics. Taylor Venuto No. 5 Valparaiso rebounded and gone 3-1 to end the Valparaiso sits two wins above is fourth in the conference in blocks, season and capture the third seed. .500 at 10-8 in the Valley, including averaging 1.07 per set. They split a No. 4 Bradley big wins versus Illinois State, Drake two-game series against Missouri The 12-6 in the Valley, Bradley and Bradley as well a sweep against State in March, winning the first Braves sit second in the conference UNI. They are in the middle of the match in five sets but were swept in digs, blocks and assists. Despite pack for most collective statistical the next day. splitting a series against upcoming categories except for limiting oppoNo. 7 Northern Iowa opponent Valparaiso in early March, nent service aces, where they come After falling to ISU in the chamthey have gone 6-3 in March to cap- in first. Victoria Bulmahn also leads pionship match in UNI’s own arena ture the conference’s fourth seed. the conference in assists per set with last season, the Panthers want Also, they maintained an impres- 10.84, edging out ISU’s Stef Jankie- nothing more than to meet in the sive 8-1 record at home. With wicz’s 10.58. championship and flip the script at Peoria being only 45 minutes down Redbird Arena. Although they sit at No. 6 Loyola Chicago I-74 from Redbird Arena, it can be the seventh seed after an even 8-8 Although they are another team expected that some Bradley fans will in conference season, UNI leads be in attendance for the conference that finished at an even .500 8-8 the conference in limiting opponent assists and is at the top of the pack in limiting opponent kills.
Redbirds’ sweep of Southern clinches Valley Back in the fall, the ISU volleyball team did not even know if they would have a season to play this year. Months later, the two-time defending conference champs head into the 2021 MVC tournament as the No. 1 seed, and with the regular season conference title. In a season that saw its highest highs and lowest lows, the Redbirds capped off their pre-tournament play Sunday with a six-match winning streak, defeating Southern Illinois in yet another 3-0 sweep. During the six wins, the Redbirds only dropped one set and swept five different matches. Following a 3-0 win on Saturday, the Redbirds soared in their return to Davies Gym for Sunday’s second match. Maintaining control throughout, ISU dominantly won the first set by a double-digit margin of 25-14. The second set followed almost identically, with the Redbirds not giving the Salukis an inch and winning again by a score of 25-14. Kaitlyn Prondzinski flew high in the first two sets and throughout the match, collecting seven kills and maintaining a .583 hitting percentage.
Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
Illinois State’s volleyball team celebrates winning the regular season conference title in Redbird Arena.
The Salukis kept it closer throughout, but it was Sarah Kushner’s kill that gave them the match. uEXPANDED STORY @ Videtteonline.com
No. 8 Indiana State
At 7-11 in conference play and 7-12 overall, the Sycamores barely edged Evansville for the eighth and final ticket to this weekend’s big dance in Normal. They are near the bottom of the conference in blocks per set and preventing opponent service aces. That all being said, they have maintained a collective .201 hitting percentage on the season, the highest for any team in the MVC. They split the series in day two against Illinois State on Feb. 8, although that was during the period where numerous members of ISU’s senior core were out with various injuries. They look to upset the tournament favorites and hosts in the tournament’s first match.
Softball win streak to 10 after walk-off ANTHONY FERRETTI Sports Reporter | @Anthonyferret6
REDBIRD RE PORT
inning with a leadoff home run to tie the game at two. The Ramblers threatened with another run, but Day got ISU out of the inning with After the series opener was postponed a strikeout. due to lightning in the area, Illinois State ISU’s batters expanded their lead University softball brought the thunder in the bottom of the fifth inning. Kento sweep the Loyola Ramblers at Marian nedy drove in Leonard with a double Kneer Stadium. into left field. Prior to the umpires moving Saturday’s The ensuing batter doubled to leftgame to Sunday, the Ramblers held a 1-0 center to advance Kennedy to third, lead. Allyson Ivey drew a leadoff walk and but she came around to score off of a advanced to third on a throwing error, throwing error. The Redbirds added which set her up for the game’s opening a third run and took a 5-2 lead headrun. ing into the sixth. The Redbirds did not take long to get Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 Despite back-to-back singles, the settled in once the game resumed. Facing Ramblers could not do anything to an 0-2 count and one out, Morgan Day Illinois State softball celebrating after walking off against Loyola. cut into the lead with Day still on the struck out the batter on the first pitch, and mound. The senior pitcher escaped Brittni LaFountaine threw out the runner field to tie the game. A couple of batters later, trying to steal second for the third out. Dayna Kennedy drove Kaili Chval in for the go- the jam with her 11th strikeout of the game. Mack Leonard gave ISU some offense in the ahead run off a sac fly. See SOFTBALL on Page 7 bottom of the third with a home run to right-center Loyola quickly responded in the following
Since ISU football opted out of the season, the Redbirds have been losing pieces of their team. Since the Redbirds announced they were opting out with four games left just over a week ago, six players have officially entered the transfer portal. Defensive back Charles Woods started the wave of Redbirds transferring. Over three seasons Woods played in 30 games with 84 tackles, eight tackles-for-loss, six interceptions, 21 pass break-ups and a forced fumble. During the defense’s 2019 playoff runs, Woods had four interceptions and a forced fumble. So far this season, Woods had 20 total tackles, 12 solo tackles, five pass break-ups and two interceptions. Woods earned a HERO Sports All-America Honorable Mentions for his 2019 season. Days later Jack Baltz, Trenton Hatfield and Taylor Grimes announced their intentions to transfer via Twitter a couple days later. Hatfield saw action in every game for the Redbirds in 2019. He finished the season with nine tackles and seven solo stops. He spent most of the season on special teams before transitioning to quarterback at the end of the season. Grimes concluded the 2019 season with 11 receptions for 213 yards and a touchdown at wide receiver. Baltz appeared in four games under center for the Redbirds in 2019, completing 16.7% of his passes. Over the weekend defensive back Mike Gardner and punter Adam Sauly joined the transfer portal.
VOLLEYBALL STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Illinois St. Missouri State Drake Bradley Valparaiso Loyola Northern Iowa Indiana St. Evansville Southern Illinois
11-3 13-5 11-5 15-6 11-5 13-6 12-6 12-6 10-8 11-9 8-8 9-8 8-8 8-12 7-11 7-12 5-13 6-14 1-17 2-18
UPCOMING Baseball
Baseball plays Eastern Illinois at 3 p.m. on Tuesday in Charleston. The Redbirds will be back in action over the weekend for a three-game series. Then ISU starts the Missouri Valley Conference play with No. 22 Southern Illinois.
Volleyball
The Redbirds open the MVC Tournament at 11 a.m. on Thursday against Indiana State. The MVC Tournament will stretch until Saturday.
Track and field
Track & field returns home for the first time during outdoor season. The Redbirds play host at the Redbird Invite.
Softball
After last weekend’s walkoff win at home the Redbirds hit the road to continue conference play. ISU will open a three-game series with Drake at 2 p.m. on Friday and continue through Saturday.
Soccer
After breaking their losing streak over the weekend, ISU is looking to build a winning streak as they hit the road again against Southern Illinois at 6 p.m. on Saturday.
Tennis
Both teams play over the weekend. The men are in action at 5 p.m. Saturday. The women play at 10 a.m. Sunday.
Compiled by Jake Sermersheim