03.17.2020

V THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, MARCH 17,

Vol. 132 / No. 25

videtteonline.com

SPORTS 7

HICKEY: THE SEASON THAT NEVER WAS

VIEWPOINT 4

FEAR MAY BE MORE DEADLY THAN VIRUS ITSELF

Life on pause With Illinois State’s cancellation of in-person classes until April 12, coronavirus-related measures leave a normally bustling late-March campus nearly silent EXPANDED COVERAGE INSIDE 

JONATHAN BARLAS

Editor in Chief | @JonBarlas

W

hat should have been a bustling return from spring break at Illinois State University turned out to be nothing more than a ghost town on Monday.

Deserted parking lots scattered the side streets of a once lively College Avenue, as the sound of clattering tree branches offered one of the few sources of movement on campus.

Gray clouds compounded a dreary day -- fitting for the occasion as coronavirus cancellations not only take its toll at ISU, but an entire nation.

Across the board, the world as we know it has hit pause on everyday life. Sports -- from high school to professional -have terminated entire seasons due to risks related to the virus.

Long-planned events such as the School of Communication’s Com Week, Gamma Phi Circus’ annual performance, and even prom for high school students all have been taken from those waited their turn to experience them. Employees in some cases are without pay, bars and restaurants are closed and people just have nothing to do but wash their hands in a state of emergency.

It is an eerie feeling to leave “selfquarantine” and be greeted by nothing. A shallowness unearthed by stress, ignited by large and daily doses of coronavirus information, is exhausting.

Every other notification seems to announce another cancellation, another precaution and another normal activity taken away from society.

Everyone seems to be moving slower, as a simple cough or sneeze turns heads faster than a firework or a gunshot. Grocery stores are wiped clean by doomsday preppers fighting over toilet paper and disinfectant wipes.

People have seemingly lost their sense of normalcy and, perhaps most frustrating, dont know when it will return. As uncertainty, panic and widespread discontent, everything seems to be up the air “until further notice.”

A total of 105 confirmed cases in 15 Illinois counties have been reported as of Monday. None have been reported in McLean County -- yet.

And the number in Illinois and across the globe continues to grow daily.

Is this how we return to normalcy, while President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force has repeatedly said “the worst is yet to come?”

When can society press play again?

A lonely Illinois State University on Monday is stricken with coronavirus cancellations along with other colleges, businesses and sports teams across the nation.

Photograph by ALI RASPER | Photo Editor | @alirasper4

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: ADAPTING TO IMPOSED CHANGES

Bars, eateries scramble to comply with state ELIZABETH SEILS News Editor | @SeilsElizabeth

With a little time to prepare before the mandatory shutdown, local restaurant and bar workers and trying to make do with the potential halt in business.

Joe Flane, General Manager of Medici in Uptown, said that he’s expecting there to be a huge drop in business, but that’s been happening since the coronavirus news started to spread.

“Just with the issues surrounding coronavirus our business has already dropped dramatically,” Flane said. “The last sevALEX GANT | Senior Photographer eral days our business has Notification signs like these at Windy City Weiners were common in many Uptown Normal businesses on Monday morning. Bars and restaurants have been been pretty much cut in ordered closed to walk-in customers through March 30. half [with] coronavirus fear alone, business has dropped in half.” aggressive measures to combat the spread of the Flane said Medici will be open Monday until their virus. The total as of March 15 was 93 cases in Illiusual closing time. After that, it will be delivery or nois. The restaurant and bar closures are expected to carry-out only until the restrictions are lifted. last until March 30 to in-person diners.

Medici employs about 90 people in total, and Flane “I think a lot of people think it’s over-reactionary said that minimal staff will be able to work while they but if you under-react, you know, the results could be switch to entirely carry-out and delivery business. He worse, you don’t know,” Flane said. “Unfortunately I said it will mostly be management staff, but it hasn’t think we just have to go with it, hope for the best and been fully determined yet. let it all pass us.”

“Oh my gosh, it’s going to be devastating I’m sure.

And the effects of these closures are hurting some Most of our staff will all be laid off for a few weeks. It students beyond ISU’s campus. will be very difficult for our staff,” he said.

For ISU senior Alexandra Burns, she relies on her He’s hoping to bring a few staff members back serving job at Moe Joe’s, a restaurant in her homeduring that time, but that depends on the volume of town of Plainfield, for an income. But she feels the carry-out and delivery orders. impact is beyond her own needs.

“We’re hoping to get as much as we can through “I’m lucky enough to have parents who have pick-up and delivery,” Flane said, “but I’m afraid it’s careers outside of the food and bar industry and are going to drastically, drastically hurt out business.” able to put food on the table and keep a roof over my Manager and bartender at Pub II Marcus Arthurs head, but some of my coworkers are going to struggle said the bar isn’t sure what to do yet. It’s not clear if for money and even child care while finding ways to they’ll be doing carry-out or delivery orders. make money for the rest of the month.”

He said the news hurts workers the most.

She recalled one woman she works with crying “We aren’t very thrilled about it, we’ve got a lot of when she heard the news because she is a single mom people working here,” Arthurs said. “We got a lot of of two who relies solely on her work at Moe Joe’s to people that are going to be out of a job for a little bit, support her family. but the boss said he’s going to help us out so we’ve “You can feel the fear, stress and anxiety in the air got that at least going on.” this past week at work and it makes me wish I could Arthurs said the owner of Pub II is trying to help do more to help,” Burns said. misplaced employees by having them do work around Pub II or at other properties. The bars employs at ELIZABETH SEILS is a News Editor for The Vidette. least 15 cooks, 10 bouncers and 40 servers.

She can be contacted at elseils@ilstu.edu Follow her The closures come as another move in increasingly on Twitter at @SeilsElizabeth

Photo Editors Jennifer Haiden Ali Rasper

Features Editor Andrea Ricker

Night Editors Jordan Kanellis Kelvin Pough

Sports Editors Jake Fogal Jake Sermersheim

Social Media Mary Ann Rasmussen

Art Director Flynn Geraghty

Office Manager Daniela Jaime

Ad Sales Manager Brad Fekety

Marketing Team Manager Aleks Subotin

Ad Production Manager Arnie Lack Business Manager Grant Olson

Business Adviser Madeline Smith General Manager John Plevka

KELLIE FOY is a Senior Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at vidette_kafoy1@ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @kellie_foy

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2020 Editor in Chief Jonathan Barlas News Editors Grace Barbic Lizzie Seils

The recent announcement of universities closing and transitioning from face-to-face learning to online classes due to the coronavirus has extended its concern to businesses, students and athletes.

Among Bloomington-Normal, small and large businesses will be suffering from the lack of students across the area while also losing out on exposure and revenue from the Illinois High School Association competitions that happen throughout the spring.

Many of these businesses rely on ISU students for both customers and employees as the students play one of the largest roles within the McLean County economy. According to a 2016 study, spending done by the ISU community alone adds more than $550 million to the county’s economy and returns more than $18 million in tax revenues to the area.

IHSA announced its cancelation for the remaining winter state competitions on March 12. A large portion of the various competitions have been utilizing spaces within the Bloomington-Normal area since the relationship between the two parties began.

IHSA had started off that day with restrictions on attendance at all remaining games before canceling the remainder of the postseason for Boys Basketball, Scholastic Bowl, Drama & Group Interpretation, Music Organization and Debate and Journalism completely that evening.

“While we had support from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Peoria City/County Health Department to continue our events with limited spectators, it has become untenable to continue the events among our member schools,” IHSA Executive Director

Craig Anderson said in a statement on IHSA’s website.

“Multiple schools who are participating or hosting these sports and activities have been forced to withdraw from those roles, clarifying the need for the IHSA to take definitive action.”

The future for spring sport tournaments may remain unclear for IHSA and its Board, but the revenue that many of these tournaments bring to the Bloomington-Normal area and its economy goes above and beyond.

The cancelation for the tournaments only means a larger downfall for the future of McLean County in the coming weeks and months. These sports and activities can individually bring up to at least $1 million dollars alone for their tournament weekends, leaving an opportunity for these businesses to double dip with tourists and college students.

The businesses that rely on these two groups for revenue and exposure, such as Pub II and The Garlic Press, will have to deal with this issue and the addition of Governor JB Pritzker’s shutdown for in-person diners and drinkers until March 30 on their hands.

After Pritzker’s daily press conference on Sunday, the additional limitation of in-store service for bars and restaurants will leave a future that is unknown within the coming weeks.

For now, public health is the number one priority.

With that, the crowds that both IHSA tournaments and ISU faculty and students bring to these businesses will only cause a large decline in the coming weeks.

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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: ADAPTING TO IMPOSED CHANGES

Confirmed cases of COVID-19 tops 100 in Illinois KELLIE FOY Senior Reporter | @kellie_foy

The Illinois Department of Public Health today announced 12 new cases of COVID-19 in the state since Sunday Two counties, Peoria and Will counties, have been added to the list of counties reporting cases.

There are not cases reported in McLean County. On Saturday, local officials said a man in his 70s from Woodford County had tested positive. Woodford County is adjacent to McLean County to the northwest. As of Monday, there are 105 positive cases in the state among 15 counties.Other counties include Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, Winnebago and Woodford counties.

Following Gov. JB Pritzker’s daily press conference Monday, the state government and the Illinois Department of Public Health have been working to stop the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible.

Despite the rise in reported cases in the state, Pritzker has put state-wide bans in place.

Going into effect at 9 p.m. Monday, bars and restaurants are to close in-person business to all customers until March 30.

Pritzker has additionally mandated a ban that gatherings with 50 people or more be canceled. This comes as Pritzker still believes that a part of the blame should go to the federal government for not being as prepared as they should have been with testing and other options for the nation.

“My administration is working with restaurant associations and owners and food delivery services to find options to safely keep kitchens open for drive-thru, for curbside pickup and delivery during this period,” Pritzker said.

“I know there are Illinoisans all across the state who get their paychecks from bars and restaurants. My administration has expanded unemployment insurance to cover individuals without access to paid sick leave or who are unable to work due to COVID-19.”

Both Pritzker and IDPH recommend that people stay at least six feet away from their peers and only be around them for 10 minutes at most.

A total of 15 hospitals across the state are

Fate of spring commencement is up in the air

running COVID-19 testing and programs with more to come. Three of these hospitals are in Central Illinois and two are in southern Illinois, leaving seven hospitals in Cook County and three in other areas among Northern Illinois.

Details of which specific hospitals these are and where they are specifically located within these areas are to not be released to the public.

Pritzker and his administration have set this in place for the purpose of sentinel surveillance.

“The idea is that we want to get a sense for what is going on in the communities. We don’t want people to show up at those hospitals presenting symptoms, we want it to happen naturally,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker urged that leaving the hospitals unknown are not only going to help the hospitals with large crowds but help the IDPH and Pritzker administration have more of a direct idea of where this virus is growing and staying.

“Otherwise if you announce the hospitals and they think ‘well, that’s where testing is going,’ then you might end up with a line of people going there and not just some other healthcare institution,” Pritzker added. “We

want it to happen naturally, so that we can get a sense for how many given people in a community are contracting the virus.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health today announced 12 new cases of COVID-19 have been announced in the state. Two counties, Peoria and Will counties, have been added to the list of counties reporting cases.

The total number of cases reported has increased to 105 cases among 15 counties in the state. Other counties in Illinois include Champaign, Clinton, Cook, Cumberland, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Sangamon, St. Clair, Whiteside, Winnebago and Woodford counties.

Reported cases have occurred in a variety of age ranges. The number of cases that do not have a clear connection to travel or another known COVID-19 case is currently on the rise.

A list of local health departments can be found on the IDPH website.

KELLIE FOY is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at vidette_kafoy1@ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @ kellie_foy

ALL QUIET ON THE CAMPUS FRONT

GRACE BARBIC News Editor | @gracebarbic

With the constant changes and updates in the coronavirus crisis, the latest recommendation

by President Donald Trump is bringing to light questions that have likely been weighing on the minds of the Illinois State community since the initial switch to online.

On Monday afternoon President Trump, on behalf of the White House, advised the public to avoid groups of more than 10, further encouraging communities to stay away from bars, restaurants and food courts. This new set of guidelines comes just one day after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended no gatherings with 50 people or more.

So what does this mean for ISU? Many major events such as the Gamma Phi Circus, COM week, University Program Board spring concert and spring athletics have already been canceled. Yet, there is one major event that still has an uncertain future.

Spring commencement, which is scheduled for May 8-9, remains in question. At the same time, the future of classes on campus also remains unknown.

One of the biggest concerns that students have is whether ISU will follow suit with other universities, such as Loyola University Chicago and the University of Missouri Colombia, that have already decided to extend online teaching for the remainder of the spring semester.

While there is still no definitive answer, Director of Media Relations Eric Jome said the University is meeting [now virtually] nearly every day and sometimes multiple times a day, to discuss possible plans.

“We have not made any final decisions, but certainly that is something that is being looked at. If this would have to be extended [beyond April 12] we are looking at what sorts of things we would have to tackle,” Jome said.

Jome said that the same goes for Spring commencement.

He also said that ISU has been in contact with other universities to discuss best practices, what is working and what is not. While universities tend to fall in line with each other, Jome said that their actions are not the deciding factor in what ISU will do considering every community is in a different situation.

At the time there are still no confirmed cases in McLean County, but the university is preparing for the possibility.

“As this is going on it’s rather inevitable and I think that we are going to start to see cases. In the event of that we would be working with the McLean County Health Department and looking to them for guidance on how to handle things,” Jome said.

The questions of spring commencement and the rest of the semester are topics that are part of the university’s ongoing discussion.

ALEX GANT | Senior Photographer

Monday was originally to have been the first day of classes following spring break at Illinois State University. Instead, it was gloomy an quiet at university officials pushed back the resumption of academic activity to next Monday, March 23.

Number of ISU events canceled, postponed mounts

A

s Illinois State University takes safety precautions to combat the spread of COVID-19, many upcoming events are set to be canceled or rescheduled.

Assistant Director of Marketing for ISU Event Management, Dining and Hospitality Erin Watts said event cancellations were directed by ISU President Larry Dietz.

“Effective March 23, events at Illinois State with 50 or more anticipated attendees are postponed through at least April 12, which includes events scheduled at the Bone Student Center,” Watts said.

The following is a tentative list of changes to university events, updated as of March 16:

Canceled Spring 2020 Physics Colloquium Series International Seminar Series Image of Research Secretary of State’s Mobile Office Charity Drag Show Milner Library introduces Digital Discussions 2020 University Research Symposium Climate change connection to migratory birds Gamma Phi Circus Com Week 2020 Steve and Sandi Adams Legacy Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Career Center series for international

students Student and Alumni Diversity Meet-up Nonprofit Careers 101 Career Chats Diversity Employer Expo Visiting Artist Lecture: Devin Mays PAWSitively Stress Free 25th Annual Women’s and Gender Studies Student Research Symposium Success Looks Like Me: Student and Alumni Diversity Meet-up Chemistry Seminar: Dr. Paul Walton, York University Black Music Showcase and Sing Along School of Music Audition Day Men and Women’s Glee and Belle Voix Concert Symphony Orchestra Concert Social Work Day 2020: Social Work and Environmental Justice

University Research Symposium School of Music Recitals through Apr. 12 ISU Planetarium Shows through Apr. 12

To be Rescheduled College of Arts and Sciences Spring Lecture

by Professor of Inorganic Chemistry Lisa Szczepura Student Access and Accommodation Services Keynote by Maurice Clarett Illinois State University Speaker Series: Jennifer Eberhardt

Postponed Illinois State Insights: Get to know President Dietz The Vidette Hall of Fame banquet @Salon Interdisciplinary Arts Event Drop-Off Day For Student Annual Exhibition Jurying at University Galleries University Research Awards

Moved to Online Image of Research Competition EDITOR’S NOTE: Organizations and departments may send updated information about event scheduling to news reporter Maia Huddleston at mkhuddl@ilstu.edu. Huddleston is a News Reporter for The Vidette.

Follow her on Twitter at @maiawrites

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

Fear could be more deadly than virus itself

T

he coronavirus is in the headlines now more than ever since the original outbreak in Wuhan, China, in December.

The virus surfaced in a Chinese seafood and poultry market and has since spread to more than 111 countries, killing more than 4,700 and sickening more than 127,800. In the United States there are currently 1,504 cases and 39 confirmed deaths.

While widespread fear fills social media timelines and schools, workplaces and communities take preventative action, there is a lot of discussion surrounding what needs to be done.

But not many people are talking about the facts and figures of the pandemic and more importantly how individuals are being impacted.

While it seems necessary to take every action possible to protect our country and greater communities, a lot of the facts are being clouded by fear. And with fear comes panic.

It is okay be scared of the unknown, but when that fear controls your every action, it can become more deadly than the virus itself.

In fact, a recent article by The New York Times looked into the estimated 3.4% death rate and found that the number is thought to be lower. Experts with the World Health Organization said evidence about the spread and severity of the disease is still too new and spotty to know for sure.

Check it out for yourself.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for the ma-

jority of people, the immediate risk of being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to be low. There is not widespread circulation in most communities in the United States.

Preventative action is absolutely necessary, but these life altering changes that are being implemented on campuses and communities across the country are displacing students both physically and mentally.

It is undeniable that these decisions were difficult to make and while ensuring the safety of the community is greatly respected, this situation does not come without its cons.

It is impacting sports, efficiency of education, future opportunities, important community gatherings and social events — all of which people have put in countless hours, money and hard work toward.

And in an instant, all of that has been stripped away leaving us with nothing but questions and an uncertain future.

No amount of money can reimburse students for the stress and frustration that comes with these changes. The memories, the good times and even the last times that seniors may not be able to celebrate. The hard work of student athletes that are now being told to hang up their jerseys and go home.

And what about the students who don’t have the best home life? Or the work-study employees who rely on their campus jobs for an income? What will we do now?

Harvard university was the first to take action and people warned that many other universities across the country would follow suit. And so they have.

As you refresh your Twitter timeline

you will see numerous cancellations across the board.

Students who have worked endlessly and spent countless amounts of money to get a higher education may not be able to walk across the stage to receive their diplomas. Student-athletes who train all year to compete are not able to live out their passion. And that goes for high school students too, not to mention professional athletes.

Professors are reaching out to students asking for input on how to move forward with going online because this is a situation that no one was prepared for.

Yet it seems more counterproductive to live in fear. Not to mention most people are pointing their finger at the media, blaming them for the mass hysteria.

It is the media’s job to inform the people, but the way that society reacts is merely a reflection of how people consume news nowadays. While the coronavirus is most definitely a matter that needs to be taken seriously, the facts and the impact of our decisions should also be taken just as seriously.

Considering this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, hats off to all those who are working day in and day out to keep us all safe. From health care providers to community leaders who are forced to make the tough decisions, thank you.

These are unfortunate circumstances for all. Now it is time for us to do our part.

Editorial Cartoon by FLYNN GERAGHTY | Vidette Art Director | @flynniegthatsme

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by GRACE BARBIC 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.

No Normal-cy at ISU amid coronavirus MY VIEW JON BARLAS | Editor in Chief

A

s sand sank from under my beach towel engulfed in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida, sun —surrounded by thousands of other spring breakers — a complete getaway from normalcy is not what I expected heading back to school.

Making the trip to Florida this week wasn’t without concern of exposure to coronavirus. Airports can be a hub for the virus’ spread. I passed dozens of people wearing masks in effort to shield themselves from it.

It’s a topic of conversation everywhere I turn. From Twitter accounts, media personnel, random people on the beach to my friends asking about it, coronavirus currently is the country’s hottest icebreaker.

The Vidette staff’s group chat had lit my phone up over the past few days, messaging about the recent coronavirus class cancellations at Indiana University and other schools earlier this week.

After receiving two texts from one of our photo editors Jennifer Haiden and features reporter Hailey Bialas on the beach, I contacted The Videttes News Editors Grace Barbic and Lizzie Seils in effort to source a

coronavirus-related story.

Illinois State University had yet to make a decision regarding potentially switching to an online class format as numerous universities across the Midwest have taken.

Calling friends and fellow studentjournalists at other Illinois universities for a small portion of my beach day, I tried to get a sense of what they thought of coronavirus’ effects in their campus communities.

With Parkland College’s shutdown in Champaign early Wednesday afternoon seemed to be proof that more schools would take eventual action.

Even amid casual conversation and from an email sent by ISU’s public relations and journalism adviser Kate Bouiler last Tuesday, I had a strong feeling ISU would take action. I just didn’t know when or in what form.

Waiting for replies from the news team, I put my phone down striving to return to my buddies on our final spring break trip. I stood up from my towel minutes later, brushed the sand off my shorts and threw my phone in backpack, turning off the outside world with a sigh of relief.

However, that sigh of relief lasted only 10 minutes, as my phone went off once again.

Illinois State announced late Wednesday afternoon that it would be extending its spring break until March 23, implementing an online class format up until at least April 12 due to coronavirus concerns amid spring break and international travelers.

Illinois State is also the first major university in Illinois to extend its spring break and move to online classes, following other Midwestern institutions such as Iowa and Indiana.

I get it, this is a nationwide and global concern and its impact is more far-reaching than just the state of Illinois. With over 54,000 active cases and just over 4,600 confirmed deaths, people are overtly being affected by the virus in one way or another.

Announced Wednesday, NCAA’s March Madness tournament will not allow fans for any of its games, as other professional sports games and events are being canceled due to the risk of spreading the virus.

Even President Donald Trump has suspended international travel from Europe (except for the United Kingdom) for 30 days to lower the risk.

The media has not only covered this relentlessly because of its interest to the public, but also because it’s our job to inform people, especially as the pandemic ensues.

With all this concern over how to stop the spreading of the virus, I think Illinois State’s response was proper in every regard.

But it’s important to think about how things will be moving forward past the April 12 deadline. Giving faculty as well as the university another week of spring break to recollect itself in a time of temporary structural change I think is the best thing for everyone — students get another week away and a little less stress post midterms.

As a student, I’m only halfway thrilled to have another week off.

Yes, another week of spring break is a dream come true, but those students employed by university entities are without work, those who live on-campus can’t return but offcampus is unaffected.

I still have to work, and without being in office at The Vidette, it impedes my time doing what I love and what I earn a paycheck from. I can stay at my apartment but not go to work?

Granted, in today’s digital era, I’m able to do as almost as much remotely as I would in office, but I also thought about the projects and presentations I had due for class in the coming weeks. It will be a challenge for all of us trying to navigate these uncharted waters, immersed in a full online class load for two weeks.

It could also create challenges for professors who don’t use ReggieNet, causing more stress on the schedules of faculty to switch everything around due to cancellations.

While University of Phoenix may have coined full slates of online classes, I foresee more Illinois schools following in the footsteps of this format.

Even with the remaining sunny days I have left in Florida — and the extra week I have off — I’m hoping the passing sands of time will return to normal sooner rather than later.

JONATHAN BARLAS is Editor in Chief of The Vidette. He can be reached at jgbarla@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @janveselybarlas

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EDITORIAL BOARD JONATHAN BARLAS Editor-in-Chief | @janveselybarlas GRACE BARBIC News Editor | @gracebarbic ANDREW DOUGHERTY Columnist | @addough ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea ELIZABETH SEILS News Editor | @SeilsElizabeth

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

CORONAVIRUS UPDATE: ADAPTING TO IMPOSED CHANGES

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS During the unfolding coronavirus situation, Illinois State University has compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions. Below is a sample. For the complete list, visit the university’s website dedicated to the situation: https://coronavirus.illinoisstate.edu/faqs/#tabsaccord17|tabs-accord-21|tabs-accord-37

General questions

What if I do not have access to a computer or WiFi for online classes?

For any questions or concerns with anything related to technology, contact the Technology Support Center at ITHelp.

IllinoisState.edu or by calling (309) 4384357.

Can I access my residence hall room or university-operated apartment to pick up my belongings?

Yes. University Housing Services contacted students on March 12 via their university email address with instructions about how to retrieve items from residence halls and Housing Questions university apartments.

Why is Housing closed?

What if I cannot We made the return to my difficult decipermanent home sion to ask residence? students to move Accommodations to their permafor students who nent residence cannot return temporarily in home will be order to maintain addressed on CDC guidelines a case-by-case regarding social basis by Unidistancing and versity Housing aid our commuServices. nity in mitigating Will the spring the spread of this semester be exvirus. We will actended by 1 week commodate staff to accommodate and students for the extended with extenuating spring break? circumstances No. There ALEX GANT | Senior Photographer who need to are no plans Outside of Watteson Towers on Monday. remain on camto extend the pus while still semester. maintaining CDC guidelines.

Will my internship, practicum, clinical or stuCan I stay if I have a job, internship, observadent teaching continue? tion hours, etc.? What if I cannot return to my As long as your site is still operating, you permanent home or am unable to access the should report as previously assigned. If internet there? you have further questions, contact your Accommodations for those who have conacademic advisor. cerns that would require them to remain in I have a specific question about a class? on-campus housing will be addressed on a Your instructor is reaching out to you to case-by-case basis. Students should refer provide specifics regarding your course to the email sent on March 12 to their requirements and learning format. university email address regarding instrucWhat steps can individuals take to help tions for this process. prevent the spread of Coronavirus?

Can I retrieve my belongings from my resiMembers of the campus community are dence hall room/apartment? strongly encouraged to read the guidance Yes. Students should refer to the email provided by the CDC regarding preventive sent on March 12 to their university email steps you can take to avoid the Coronaviaddress regarding procedures for retrieving rus and the spread of respiratory diseases. needed items from their university housing In general, what should I do if I feel sick and rooms/apartments. think I may have been exposed to COVID-19?

When can I return to the residence halls/ You should call ahead to your healthcare apartments? professional and follow the CDC guidance.

Students should remain at their permaIf you are an employee of the University, nent home residences until further notice. you should also reference the Human ReYou will be notified when university houssources FAQs for proper guidance regarding will reopen at a date that is yet to be ing call-procedures and protocols for your determined. We ask for your patience as department and reporting time away from this situation unfolds during this unprecwork in accordance with university policy. edented event.

Primary election proceeds

Key primary races facing McLean voters Tuesday

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Below are some of the candidates on the ballot in McLean County

GRACE BARBIC News Editor | @gracebarbic

Concerns about the coronavirus haven’t stopped voters from casting their ballot.

McLean County Clerk Kathy Michael said polling sites saw a record turnout for early voting Monday at 336.

“That’s the most we’ve ever had,” Michael said. “Well over 3,000 for early voting and that doesn’t even include the City of Bloomington and they usually run a little more than us.”

Michael said that early voting numbers have been higher than usual and while most would suspect that is solely a result of health concerns surrounding the coronavirus, Michael noted that the early voting was increasing well before the pandemic started to heighten.

As for election day on Tuesday, Michael said it’s anybody’s guess.

“I think a few months ago we all thought it was going to be one of the largest turnouts ever,” Michael said. “But I think now, because of the health concerns, we will be seeing a lower than anticipated turnout.”

There were some cancellations from judges, but not an overwhelming amount, according to Michael. She said they had enough back up and were able to fill in for those who were not able to or preferred not to leave their homes at this time.

While Michael said things are looking up for the surrounding community in terms of voting, she was a little disheartened about on campus voting.

After working to get more than twice as many polling judges and a second location on ISU’s campus to accommodate large numbers of student voters, she expects students will be relying on voting in their hometowns rather than making the trip back to the desolate school grounds.

“Students can still vote in their hometown precincts,” Michael said. “I hope they get that message and do not let this situation deter them.”

Michael also mentioned a few new measures that ISU staff are requiring at the two campus polling sites in accordance with arising federal mandates.

“We were asked not to have more than 50 judges there,” Michael said. “We were asked to only have one judge at each table. They are also putting green tape down six feet apart and the judges will be asking voters to stand six feet apart.”

“But with all of the students not here we just aren’t sure how many people will turnout in that area,” she added.

Michael said they had to reconfigure the entire setting to adhere to ISU’s request. She added that they have sent out information to other polling sites in the area advising they practice social distancing as well.

“We know that no matter what happens tomorrow our judges are doing their best and we hope that voters will be understanding of the distancing because at the end of this, we are all in this together,” Michael said. “The health of our judges and voters is our top priority.”

Some students are still opting to go vote in person on Tuesday. Polling places in the Bone Student Center and Watterson towers will remain open.

All students need to register in their home county is a form of identification and a piece of mail, besides a personal letter, that proves they live at that residence. this could be a bill, junk mail or even a shipping receipt email to their phones. Registration can happen during early voting and on Election Day with the same-day voter law.

U.S. Congress 13th District Betsy Londrigan (Democrat) Stefanie Smith (Democrat) Rodney Davis (Republican) (I) Illinois State House 105th District David Paul Blumenshine (Republican) Dan Brady (Republican) (I) County Auditor Michelle L. Anderson (Republican) Trisha P. Malott (Republican) Robert B. Fazzini (Democrat) Kevin Woodard (Libertarian) County Board 1 Catherine Metsker (Republican) (I) County Board 2 William Friedrich (Republican) (I) Jeff Bertrand (Democrat) County Board 3 George O. Wendt (Republican) (I) Ryan “RJ” McCracken (Democrat) County Board 4 Adelita Cruz (Republican) Benjamin Webb (Democrat) County Board 5 John D. McIntyre (Republican)(I) Rachel Lund (Democrat) County Board 6 George J. Gordon (Democrat) (I) Hannah Beer (Democrat) David Scarpelli (Libertarian) County Board 7 Jacob Beard (Republican) (I) Val Laymon (Democrat) Darin George Kaeb (Libertarian) County Board 8 Lea Cline (Democrat) Nathan “Chiko” Russo (Democrat) Jordan Baker (Republican) County Board 9 Susan Schafer (Republican) (I) Jacilyn (Jackie) Gunderson (Democrat) County Board 10 Josh W. Barnett (Republican)(I)

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Features

PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

A

fter a long and cold winter, the warm weather and sun is finally gracing everyone- too bad everything seems to be coming to a halt.

With the recent change to online classes until at least April 12, students are now more than likely going to be stuck indoors protecting themselves as the coronavirus continues to spread.

For many people, going without the interaction of being face-to-face with professors or friends can be a difficult adjustment.

“For me, I think it could be good and bad. It could be less stressful trying to get to class all the time. But also I am one of those people who needs to physically attend class in order to feel like I’m learning, so that will be rough to navigate,” said junior Isabelle Mahr. “Plus, I worry about Reggienet not being able to handle all of the technicalities.”

But for many, how classes online seem to be the main worry. Especially for students who are in interactionbased classes. Classes such as TV10 or performing arts classes solely depend on interacting with other individuals or being on stage.

“Honestly, it’s really hard because I was looking forward to coming back after break and enjoying my last like two months with my friends and my classes,” said senior Kayla Lindberg.

“It sucks especially for people in my major doing broadcast because now I’m going to have so much less content

for a reel because I won’t be doing TV10.”

The speed of the recent radical changes is causing anxiety to grow among some students.

“Honestly, I had a panic attack the second I heard. It’s a lot of sudden change and my family preferred I be at home. All of a sudden I was being forced to change my last around in the span of about 20 minutes,” said senior Megan McCabe.

The main stress of online classes for most students is how will everything from projects to lectures and tests work.

“Me personally, I think my mental health will be just fine,” said sophomore Chase Monroe. “Only problem is not having the face-to-face interaction and asking for help in person over homework and schoolwork. It will be a different transition for me personally because I never taken an online class before.

“Another thing that will be difficult for most students is what the professor expects us to know when we get to that time,” Monroe added. “How tests are taken and how the labs for certain classes will change our grade.”

For freshman Mindy Duensing, “getting immediate feedback from my professors during class time was very beneficial to me and overall, how I learned. With the transition to online classes, I believe I will lose that confidence and become more stressed than I already was in my classes.

“My friends and I at school would support each other throughout the day

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

with the stress and anxiety relating to our classes,” Duensing added.

With not being able to walk to classes or stand in-front of the floor to ceiling window in Watterson, the absence of not getting enough sunlight can also be a damper on mental health.

Sunlight affects serotonin levels, or an individual’s mood. The more sunlight that someone’s body receives, the more likely someone is to feel content and have high energy.

Duensing, who resides in Watterson said she “absolutely loved how the sunlight would shine into my dorm window. The sunshine would just make me feel overall happier and more productive when I worked on my schoolwork. I am able to get the same

amount of sunlight in my home so I don’t necessarily think that my absence will negatively affect my overall mood and mental health.”

It’s important to take care of mental health during a time where everyone is urged to stay inside due to COVID-19 rapidly spreading.

While it is important to stay healthy and avoid leaving the house unless necessary, it’s also important to have a healthy mind and not go stir-crazy with changes happening to students’ daily lives so quickly.

Simple things such as sitting by a window with the sun shining in, staying on top of classes but taking necessary breaks as needed and using social media, messages or facetime to remain in contact with friends can help ease some worry.

And as for classes, students are encouraged to take a breather. With professors getting an additional week to change everything, it may make it easier to transition online.

online unknowns Students not sure ISU’s mandated digital-teaching format will make the grade Story by GRACE KINNICUTT | Features Reporter | @GKinnicutt Photograph by ALEX GANT | Senior Photographer | @AlexGant16

When the Gamma Phi show can’t go on I

t was a normal Thursday. I was feeling overwhelmed with midterms and life. I knew that in a day it would be spring break, but I just kept thinking about all I had to do during the break.

I didn’t want to go to practice that night. I wanted to just stay home and work and sort things out.

But I went to practice any way.

I’m so glad I did.

As a third-year member of the Gamma Phi Circus I would be performing as a clown in the 2020 Home Show, “The World of Music.”

When I’m having days like that Thursday, circus always lifts me.

I felt so much better the second I walked in the doors of the Horton South Gym. I even stayed at that practice so much later than I typically do. The universe seemed to just know I wanted to be in that space as long as possible. I had no clue what was about to happen: that Thursday night practice was the last time I’d be in the gym with all my circus family for a long time.

Every year, we have marathon all-day practices during the last three days of spring break. They’re full days of circus and they generate some of my favorite memories.

Last week President Larry Dietz announced that Illinois State students would have an extra week of break and, due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the university would be switching to online classes until April 12. I had seen other universities mak-

MY VIEW ANDREA RICKER | Features Editor ing similar decisions, but when I saw that email, my heart sank.

Immediately, my phone blew up.

Group chats, text messages, DM’s and emails. A lot was on my mind, but especially Gamma Phi. However, I didn’t think show would get canceled. I was trying to stay positive, hoping that perhaps we would find a work-around.

I just kept racking my brain of every possibility for us to still have our show.

The next day, Gov. JB Pritzker ordered for no events with more than 250 people until May 1.

That’s when I got scared.

Not only was it sinking in that COVID-19 was a lot more serious than I originally thought, but that our 2020 circus show might not happen.

I still had this glimmer of hope.

Maybe there’s some way for us to do our show. We’ve worked so hard; it can’t just get canceled in a blink of an eye.

On Saturday, my fear came true.

It was inevitable and I know how important it was to cancel. Health and safety have always been a prior-

ity for circus, even when that means the show can’t go on.

I didn’t think it would hit me as hard as it did, or that I would get as emotional as I did. I knew it was going to happen. I was starting to come to terms with it.

But seeing the announcement staring me in the face made it all so real. I couldn’t even read it all before I started crying.

I just kept thinking of all the things we would lose. Show week is my favorite week of the entire year.

It’s what made me fall in love with Gamma Phi my freshman year.

I’m fortunate though, because I have one more year left in Gamma Phi. Presumably, I can still have my last performance and my final bow.

So many of my friends don’t have that opportunity.

While I’m sad I won’t be able to perform this year, I’m more upset that I won’t get to perform with the final-year members one last time.

Saturday night, a few hours after the announcement one of my best friends and clown Co-Act Captain Alisa Christensen called me and told me to come over.

She said, “The only way we’re going to get through this is if we’re together.”

That night I hung out with so many of my circus friends. I wasn’t sad and I wasn’t alone. We were all going through this same, grievinglike process.

We laughed, played video games,

some dyed their hair and we just talked.

I had a lot of non-circus and circus people reach out to me and ask if I was okay. My parents told me they were not going to refund their tickets, meaning it would be a donation to Gamma Phi. I felt a lot better, and I was coming to terms with everything.

Sunday morning, I woke up and I went on Instagram. I saw my friend’s post of his Corde Lisse routine he would have performed in the arena.

I just started crying.

I’m not usually an emotional person, but just knowing that every member has put in so many hours of work into this show breaks my heart.

The sadness just comes in waves.

Going forward, I’m a lot more grateful for the little things. Those little moments I often take for granted.

I regret having a lot of homework and leaving act timings early. I wish I would have stayed and watched everyone perform. I wish I could go back and time and just soak up every moment I have left with final year members.

Gamma Phi can only go up from here. The circus has been growing, and more people know who we are. I got to watch my friends perform on the Macy’s star during the Thanksgiving Day Parade. I got to perform in our 90th anniversary show last

year.

There’s much to be thankful for.

I’m thankful to have joined this organization in the first place. It quickly turned from something to do during college to my second home and my family.

Even in times like this where my heart hurts, it still warms my heart to see just how big of a community there is around Gamma Phi. “Go go Gamma Phi, do or die,” is a saying that is always in our gym.

After show we go to the alumni section and chant it with everyone.

I just keep thinking of that phrase right now.

When the cancelation was announced, the amount of love and support we received was overwhelming. So many people said they would donate their ticket purchases.

So many people feel for us and I’ve seen alum share their heartache they have, as they know how big show is for us.

I don’t know if Gamma Phi has ever had a greater sense of community. After the announcement, everyone was just immediately there for each other. We knew what was going through everyone’s mind. We knew we needed to stick together and to unite. To support each other no matter what and to do or die.

ANDREA RICKER is Features Editor The Vidette. She can be contacted at arricke@ilstu.edu Follower her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea

THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

SPORTS IN BRIEF Baseball splits with Florida State before season cancellations The Illinois State University baseball team was in Tallahassee, Florida, Wednesday night to take on nationally ranked No. 15 Florida State. Three seventh inning runs by the Seminoles proved to be the difference in their 7-4 victory.

For the second straight game the Redbirds used up five arms including starting junior Jack Anderson who pitched 3.2 innings, giving up six hits, four runs, 4 ER, zero BB and striking out eight.

ISU opened up the scoring with an RBI single up the middle by Tyson Hays in the second inning, but later in the bottom half of the frame the Seminoles tied things at one courtesy of a solo home run by Reese Albert.

The Redbirds tied the game at four apiece as a double by Ryan Cermak scored Jake McCaw in the fifth inning, Aidan Huggins scored on a passed ball in the sixth inning, and Huggins singled through the right side in the seventh, scoring Tanner Peterson.

It was all FSU after that as the Seminoles went on to score three runs in the seventh off three hits to secure their 7-4 win.

ISU 8, FSU 4 The Redbirds were on the board first scoring four runs in the second inning including a three-run home run by freshman Ryan Cermak.

Cermak led ISU’s bats going 2-for4, three RBIs. Illinois State threw five pitchers in the ten inning duel as redshirt junior Brady Huffman started on the hill throwing a short 2.1 innings, giving up one hit, three runs, one ER, two BB and one strikeout. Reliever sophomore Derek Salata earned the win tossing 2.0 innings, one hit, zero runs, zero ER, zero BB and two strikeouts.

Illinois State scored four runs on five hits in the tenth inning to take an 8-4 lead. Braedon Blackford, Aidan Huggins and Jordan Libman all had run-scoring hits in the frame securing the Redbird win.

Redmond earns MVC Newcomer of the Year Illinois State junior standout Juliunn Redmond was named both Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year and Sixth Player of the Year, announced by the MVC office Thursday.

Redmond averaged 13.7 points and 7.2 rebounds in conference play, being the only player ever to claim both first-year awards simultaneously in a single season.

Redmond becomes Illinois State’s third-straight Newcomer of the Year, joining TeTe Maggett (2019) and Simone Goods (2018) as five of the last ten MVC Newcomers of the Year have been Redbirds.

COMPILED BY MATT PETROVICH

Season that never was: A student-athlete’s perspective

I

stepped out the door of my house with nothing but my trusty Garmin watch and my Asics running shoes, battered and beaten from hundreds of miles. As I went for my 5-mile recovery run — typical for a Thursday — I had hopes for the upcoming outdoor season.

Then, just 35 minutes later, those hopes were dashed.

I returned home to my phone blowing up from notifications of cancelations. I had already known of Illinois State University’s campus closure from the day before, but had no idea at the time what that meant for athletics. I found my answers on Twitter as I stretched from my run.

The NCAA had first canceled the indoor national meet, then proceeded to cancel all tournaments for the rest of the year. Then the Missouri Valley Conference released their statement suspending all athletic activities through the end of the month.

However, it does not end there, and it certainly affects more than just me and my teammates. March Madness has now been nicknamed “March Sadness” as the men’s and women’s tournaments have been canceled. Gymnastics has been stripped of the opportunity to host the conference championship,

MY VIEW RACHEL HICKEY | Sports Reporter baseball’s hopeful season has come to an early end and spring sports have been dampened altogether.

Hitting closest to home, track and field will not be able to pursue another Missouri Valley Conference team title.

Personally, I am disappointed, devastated and discouraged — and this does not even begin to cover the expansive wave of emotion that has taken over me tonight. This outdoor season, I was to be a redshirt freshman, emphasis on the redshirt. I have already used my redshirt due to a foot injury last spring, so where does this leave me now — healthy and ready to compete? What will happen to the four years of eligibility I was promised?

The NCAA has yet to make an official statement on this, but judging by the reactions I have witnessed on social media, they will

have no choice but to grant a blanket waiver to all athletes if they choose to take it. However, how feasible is it for athletes to return to and pay for school for a fifth or sixth (in some cases) athletic year?

Do I really want to be 24 years old and still in college?

As I begin to process my personal emotions, my heart breaks even more for my teammates and others whose seasons or careers ended without their knowledge. Some of my teammates stepped to the line at indoor conference for the last time as a Redbird without knowing it. Many athletes were stripped of the opportunity to end their careers on their terms, and I cannot imagine how they are feeling in these moments. This is a part of our lives, and a large one at that. My heart breaks for all these affected, especially my own teammates.

To be blunt: it sucks to be a student-athlete today. While, yes, I understand and recognize that this is much, MUCH bigger than sports, it is still devastating to have something you have worked for, dreamt of and believed in every single day of your life stripped away from you in an instant.

Public health and well-being are

certainly priority, there is no arguing that much.

And, at least for me, this is not over. I will be back. I will return to the sport I love. I will continue to train and dedicate my life to promises of the future for the next five months — until cross country season starts up in the fall. When I return to competition, I will never take another opportunity to compete for granted ever again. I will take full advantage of every single opportunity that comes my way and leave everything I have out there.

To my fellow athletes out there, keep your head held high and continue to work hard for those lofty goals you set for yourself. Seniors, be proud of yourself and your careers.

Be proud of the progress you have made, the tireless dedication you put in and the amazing results you achieved, even when you doubted yourself. I leave everyone with this quote attributed to Dr. Seuss, at the risk of sounding horribly cheesy: “Do not cry because it is over, smile because it happened.”

RACHEL HICKEY is a Features and Sports Reporter for The Vidette.

She can be reached at rehicke@ ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @r_hickey15

Men’s and women’s basketball season wrap-ups By the numbers  10-21 overall record  5-7 non-conference record  5-13 Missouri Valley Conference  9-6 home record  1-11 away record  0-4 neutral site record  Eliminated by No. 8 Drake during Thursday play-in game during the MVC Arch Madness Tournament  Zach Copeland led scoring with 14.2 points per game

Young bucks The biggest brightspots were the Redbirds young core.

Freshman stanouts in DJ Horne, Antonio Reeves and Abdou Ndiaye all got significant minutes in their first year of eligibilty for ISU. Starting 24 games, Horne ranked third on the Redbirds with 8.7 points per game.

Reeves led the bench unit with 7.2 ppg. The 6’9” Ndiaye led ISU with 31 blocks. Horne and Reeves each brought home MVC honors with Horne naamed to the All-Freshman team and Reeves brining home All-Bench team honors.

Joined by sophomore forward Rey Idowu, ISU has their future core in place.

went through a rebuilding year this season.

Even so this season marks several worsts of Mullers career. In his seven previous seasons, Muller averaged 19 wins a season.

This year’s 10 wins fell well short of his average. Through the last couple seasons Muller has struggled to find wins away from Redbird Arena with just six wins on the road the past three seasons, including a career worst 1-11 road record.

Losses ISU is set to loss a trio of seniors in Zach Copeland, Jaycee Hillsman and Ricky Torres. The trio of transfers played an integral role this season for the Redbirds.

As the only returning starter from a season ago, Copeland was an on court leader for ISU. In his only season as a Redbird, San Jose State transfer Hillsman averaged 8.5 ppg while being one of the most consistant players during the season.

Dan’s worst

Senior point guard Zach Copeland

With heavy losses, head coach Dan Muller and the Redbirds

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By the numbers

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 19-10 overall record  8-3 non-conference record  11-7 Missouri Valley Conference  12-3 home record  7-7 away record  Finished as the No. 4 seed in the Valley heading into Tournament  Lexi Wallen led ISU with 17.2 points per game

Senior Lexi Wallen who led the team in scoring with 17.2 points per game while shooting 57 percent from the field. Wallen was a consistent threat in the low post, tallying double-digit scoring in 25 of 29 games this season to finish third in the conference in scoring as well as 19th nationally in field goal percentage. The Champaign, IL made the transition to basketball last season after a four year volleyball career.

Honors Four Redbirds were honored with 2020 All-Missouri Valley Conference recognitions. Seniors TeTe Maggett and Lexi Wallen were both All-MVC First Team selections with Juliunn Redmond recognized as All-MVC Honorable Mention. Junior Paige Saylor was also named to the All-Defensive Team for the second time in her career.

Continued success In her third year at the helm, head coach Kristen Gillespie once again had the program trending upward. The Redbirds had consecutive seasons with 19 wins for the first time since the 2011-12 and 2012-13 campaigns.

New commander With leaders Wallen and Tete Maggett graduating, this year’s Newcomer of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year JuJu Redmond looks to lead the Redbirds next season. Redmond was an intergal piece coming off the becnh for the Redbirds. The Tallahass Communitty College was a general for the bench unit averaging 13.1 ppg in route to three MVC Newcomer of the Week Awards.

TeTe Maggett in action

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Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2020

SO, WHAT NOW?

Splendid spontaneity of sports goes silent

MY VIEW JAKE FOGAL | Sports Editor

A

Ali Rasper | Photo Editor | @alirasper4

A desolate Redbird Arena signifies the pause on prep, collegiate and pro sports amid the fear of coronavirus sweeping the globe, sports in March.

MVC cancels remaining spring sports, NCAA offers extra eligibility JAKE SERMERSHEIM AND JAKE FOGAL Sports Editors | @Vidette_Sports

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March without madness, a month without mayhem and -- worst of all -- a world without sports is a tough pill to swallow.

As of Friday, the Missouri Valley Conferencehas canceled all spring sports due to the risk of spreading of coronavirus for the remainder of the 2020 season, which includes tournaments, playoffs and respective championships in the NCAA. Illinois State athletic director Larry Lyons offered his well wishes to the coaching staffs, employees and players impacted by the conference’s intial decision to suspend operations until March 30 Thursday, before coronavirus’ implications grew worse over the course of the week.

“The health, safety and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff, and university community is at the heart of the decisions made today,” Lyons said in a statement. “Suspending competition is not a move that was taken lightly and while this is unfortunate for our student-athletes and staff, it is the right step with all of the current information we have at this time. In the coming days, we will continue to re-evaluate the situation and maintain our consultations university and MVC officials.”

While the MVC Presidents Council made the announcement that it would be canceling all remaining spring sports contests, intercollegiate compeitions as well as tournaments, the intial

suspeding broke the hearts of ISU women’s basketball, who had been preparing to play in its Hoops in the Heartland Tournament.

The Valley Tournament at Moline was to have started at 4:02 p.m. Thursday with No. 8 seed Loyola facing No. 9 Indiana State. Illinois State, seeded No. 4, was scheduled to face No. 5 seed Northern Iowa at 2:32 p.m. Friday. The title game was scheduled for Sunday.

In a statement on its website, the MVC said: “The main priority of the conference continues

to be the well-being and safety of its student-athletes, administrators, coaches, media and fans.

The league and its institutions will continue to work closely with local governments and health departments in monitoring the COVID-19 situation internationally and domestically.”

All tickets for the MVC Women’s Basketball Tournament will be refunded at the original point of purchase, the MVC said.

Ramifications are widespread throughout the league. Many athletes had their season cut short due to the virus.

“It is devastating for student-athletes to not know they played their last games of the season,” ISU fan Jen Ehresman said. “Heartbreaking is the only way to describe it.”

These decisions made by the Valley fall in line with the NBA’s announcement Wedensday to suspend the rest of its regular season due to coronavirus concerns. Other professional sports leagues such as the MLB as well as the NCAA canceled operations and scheduled games amid the virus’ outbreak.

But, what would happen to the student-athletes who had their season ended shortly? Would they earn an extra year of eligibility?

That question was answered Friday, as Division I athletes will be granted an extra year if their season was cut short due to the coronavirus according to a press release from the NCAA. Details of the eligibility relief will be finalized at a later time.

“It certainly is really sad that student-athletes don’t get to finish seasons and compete. But most people will realize that there is something much bigger at play. No one expected that this could be a potential outcome until last week.”

Larry Lyons, ISU Director of Athletics on the impact coronavirus has had on Illinois State student-athletes

Arch Madness: Another disappointment The 2019-20 Missouri Valley Conference Tournament (held March 5-8) saw another Illinois State loss to Drake in the first round of Arch Madness in St. Louis, 75-65. This is the second time the Redbirds have fallen to Drake in the MVC Tournament in back-to-back seasons. Following the season-ending loss, head coach Dan Muller said: “You gotta look back, reflect, self-evaluate.

Absolutely, there are things I would have done differently. It is my responsibility to put a team out there that represents this university the right way, and no fault to the players, we didn’t do that, so that falls on me.”

Photographs by ALI RASPER | Photo Editor | @alirasper4

s the 303 Amtrak arrived at Gateway Station in St. Louis on March 5, No. 8 Drake and No. 9 Illinois State were set to begin Arch Madness in just two hours. Fifty or so media types were getting ready for the action. As a first-timer in this group, a smile was etched on my face.

I stood from my courtside seat and walked around the arena with 30 minutes before tip-off. I soaked in the Enterprise Center experience.

My life without sports is unimaginable.

Now, equally unimaginable is the fact that the 75-65 ISU loss to Drake last week in St. Louis was the last sports event I will cover for the remainder of my junior year at The Vidette.

With a heavy heart, it feels as if a loved one has passed. The next several weeks or months without sports will be difficult.

Pulling up reruns from the past just cannot begin to fill the void of losing something as cherished as sports. The spontaneity. The electricity. The unpredictability of the story lines on the field, court and ice. It will all be deeply missed.

While Illinois State’s men’s basketball season is in the books, the baseball, softball and track seasons were just beginning to unfold.

And the women’s basketball team optimistically prepped for its date -perhaps with destiny -- at the MVC Hoops in the Heartland tournament in Moline this weekend. Now, poof, all these events have vanished.

Professional sports have all called for a suspension of play due to coronavirus. After NBA player Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz tested positive for coronavirus, the pro leagues have taken the precautionary trail rather than risk the health of players, staff, media and fans.

The dangerous virus that has made its way across the world, has ripped a huge hole in the heart of the sports world.

All 32 college conferences have suspended their men’s basketball conference tournaments and followed the NCAA’s ruling of canceling winter and spring sports championships. All wishing to be safe.

A month like March that many of us, including non-sports fans, looking forward to the madness, has now turned into “March Sadness.”

Sixty-eight teams annually enter the fray of the most entertaining tournament we know. Today, zero will step into the arena. No shining moment.

The intoxicating uncertainty that March Madness creates with its upsets and surprises, now gives way to a feeling of uncertainty and emptiness.

With my eyes glued to my phone, TV or laptop, each new notification seems to bring new dread.

The next few months may be unlike any other. In an unfamiliar world without sports, perhaps I will discover something to care about in the same way I became passionate about sports -- in the same way I gazed about the Enterprise Center with such wonder and anticipation.

But with arenas empty, I’m feeling more scared than optimistic.