V THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021 Vol. 133 | No. 24
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NEWS 3
IT’S ELECTION DAY – MUNICIPAL BALLOT RUNDOWN INSIDE VIEWPOINT 4
LOCAL ELECTIONS STILL MATTER
kcaB to Back
ISU volleyball wins second MVC Championship, will face UNLV in NCAA tournament
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Story by MIKEY FORNELLI | Sports Reporter | @mjfor Photograph by ALEX GANT | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
he Missouri Valley Conference champion Illinois State University volleyball team will take on University of Nevada Las Vegas in the first round of the 2021 National Collegiate Athletic Association Women’s Volleyball Championships, as announced on ESPNU Sunday afternoon. Spaced out in the same Redbird Arena seats that their fans sat just 24 hours prior, the Redbirds watched Sunday as the 48-team field for the 2021 NCAA Women’s Volleyball Championships was announced. Their conference championship win meant they had an automatic bid into the tournament, and they waited to see who they would be up against in the first round. After a long hour of waiting, the final matchup was announced in the lower right region of the bracket; the Illinois State Redbirds versus the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels at 6 p.m. CST on April 14. “We were kind of just thinking, ‘who’s left?’” senior Kaylee Martin said on the long wait. “We were getting anxious of who it could be, since the options
were getting smaller and smaller. I think we were the second-to-last team called. I even turned to coach and asked, ‘have they ever forgot to call a team's name?’ It always feels better every year when we see our name pop up there.” The Redbirds and Rebels are two teams of 48 that will travel to Omaha, Nebraska, next week for a tournament “bubble,” a first of its kind for NCAA women’s volleyball’s usually nationwide tournament. Despite all the disadvantages and distractions that come with it, Redbird head coach Leah Johnson sees benefits in the unique year. “Everyone’s going through the same thing,” Johnson said. “Every venue is the same, the circumstances, the [COVID-19] testing, the accommodations. There’s a lot of neutrality in that sense. No one is truly at home, and I like that.” The Redbirds will take part in scouting and practice in the next week, preparing to take on a solid UNLV team that put together a perfect 12-0 season. The winner of that matchup will face No. 2 Kentucky, which is one of the 16 “seeded” teams that got a first-round bye.
FULL TOURNAMENT COVERAGE ON PAGE 8
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021
Will students be required to be vaccinated? Foy named next editor of Vidette
Illinois State seeking guidance from state health department ELIZABETH URBAN News Reporter | @eliizabethurban
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s the COVID-19 vaccines becomes more widely available, many are wondering if Illinois State University will require students to get vaccinated to return to campus this fall. Several colleges across the country have already said that they will require the vaccine but ISU Director of Media Relations Eric Jome says that decision is up to the state. “We as an individual institution, that kind of mandate, there’s a lot of complicated factors. I mean, you’ve got legal issues and all sorts of things,” Jome said. “So, really that’s the kind of thing that would have to happen at the state level.” Since ISU is a public university, Jome said that they have less flexibility in certain decisions than a private university might. However, Jome believes that most universities are looking to state governments for guidance. “But even private institutions a lot of times are [looking to] the Illinois Department of Public Health for guidance on vaccinations and things like that because you’ve got a number of vaccinations that are required by the state for K-12 schools and also for people going into college,” Jome said. While ISU has not required the vaccine yet, the university has been encouraging students and staff to get vaccinated. The university has also been holding its own vaccine clinics every Thursday in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center. “We have been running vaccine clinics here on campus since late January, and we’ve gotten a lot of people in the Phase 1A and 1B categories [but] certainly not everybody,” Jome said. “But we also try to make sure we let the campus community be aware not only of the clinics on campus but the ones in town.” According to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website, McLean County has fully vaccinated about 12% of the population. Sophomore Sydni Stoffregen returned to campus for the spring semester due to having one in-person class. She said that without everyone being vaccinated as of right now, she finds it difficult to feel safe around her peers at times. “We just wear our masks and try to stay as far away from people as we can, but it’s kind of tough because we have to work close together,” Stoffregen said. Stoffregen said that her mother is requiring her to get a vaccine to return to campus next
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Nursing student Marissa Oliver prepares Kara Cicciarelli, a graduate student, for her first dose of the Moderna vaccine. ISU is holding vaccine clinics every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center.
semester, but she still would not feel completewhether his students have vaccines since it will ly safe if not everyone is vaccinated. ultimately be left up to university officials. If ISU “I think it should be mandatory that everydoes not require the vaccine, then it more than one gets the vaccine,” Stoffregen said. “If every- likely means that professors will have to enforce one kept wearing masks, proper safety precautions I guess I’d feel the same in the classroom. as I do now, but I’d feel “If the university “I think if everyone is much safer if everyone doesn’t have a firm policy vaccinated and there aren’t then it becomes the inwas vaccinated.” problems with any of these structors’ responsibility Many students are hoping to have in-person to try to keep everybody new variants, I think it classes next semester as safe and to ask students would be OK to go back and to wear masks, and I don’t more people get vaccinated, but students are not kind of do this ‘business as really feel like that’s my the only ones affected by job,” Hurley said. “I feel usual,’” the possibility of whether like the university should the vaccine will be renot put that burden on Professor Jeremy Hurley, Department of English quired or not. instructors.” English professor ISU postponed fall regJeremy Hurley currently teaches two classes, istration dates in hopes of getting a better idea but both are online. Hurley believes if everyone of whether classes could be in person. were to be vaccinated, then the university could “I think we’ve heard a lot about what the go back to an almost pre-COVID-19 world. university wants, what the board of regions “I think if everyone is vaccinated and there wants, but we haven’t really heard very much aren’t problems with any of these new variants, about what the students want in this situation,” I think it would be OK to go back and kind Hurley said. “It’d be nice to hear what other of do this ‘business as usual,’” Hurley said. “I stakeholders are saying about this upcoming think part of the trepidation on the part of facfall semester.” ulty is that the university’s approach right now is exactly the same that it was last year. We ELIZABETH URBAN is News Reporter for The were all told to prepare for face-to-face classes Vidette. She can be contacted at emurba1@ until basically the last minute.” ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @eliizaHurley would not be making the decision on bethurban
Kellie Foy has been named the next editor in chief of The Vidette. Foy, currently a sophomore journalism major at Illinois State University from Naperville, succeeds outgoing editor in chief Elizabeth Seils. Foy’s term as editor will begin in mid-May upon the graduation of Seils. The decision to hire Foy was made Kellie Wednesday by Foy The Vidette Publication Board. As a freshman, Foy joined The Vidette staff as a news reporter. During the current school year, she has served as news editor alongside Grace Elizabeth Seils Kinnicutt. In February, Foy won third place in the News Writing category in the Illinois College Press Association competition among other large-school newspapers in the state. Foy’s winning entry was titled “What comes next for diversity at ISU?” During her upcoming term as editor in chief, Foy will be charged with overseeing a major transition as The Vidette will cease printing newspapers at the end of this semester and will become a fully digital news organization. Student journalists under Foy’s watch will concentrate exclusively on The Vidette’s website, Videtteonline.com, its social media channels and its multi-media formats of photography, video, graphic design and podcasts. After 133 years of printing newspapers, The Vidette will produce its final edition on April 27. That will be followed by a special commemorative printed edition to be published in early May.
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The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The digital Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2021 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
DECISION
2021
PREVIEWING TODAY’S KEY LOCAL CONTESTS M AYO R O F T H E TO W N O F N O R M A L
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MARC TIRITILLI
arc Tiritilli lost the 2017 election for Normal mayor by 11 votes. Tiritilli fell to incumbent Normal Mayor Chris Koos. Four years later, Tiritilli is challenging Koos for the mayoral position again. Tiritilli has run his campaign largely in a contrasting style to Koos. While Koos has focused on his record as the town’s mayor for the past 18 years, Tiritilli is drilling down on the concept of change and offering an alternate view of local governance. “The focus needs to be more on the residents. There are residents with unclean drinking water, [there are] potholes all over the place giving residents flat tires and a lot of residents are fed up,” Tiritilli said. “They’re holding up their end of the bargain by paying taxes, and they’re not happy with what they’ve been getting in return.” Tiritilli, an Illinois Wesleyan University professor, has criticized Koos’ handling of disagreements and con-
CHRIS KOOS
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Marc Tiritilli flicts within the constructs of Normal Town Council. Tiritilli was referring to policies currently in place regarding residents being able to address the Town Council to voice their concerns. Paying down the town’s debt and investing in the town’s infrastructure are Tiritilli’s biggest priorities. Should he be elected, Tiritilli believes the biggest challenge facing local government is political division. Tiritilli presents himself as a candidate who will not engage in highspending practices that result in high debt and taxes.
hris Koos, who has been Normal’s mayor since 2003, is running for another term of office in the 2021 municipal election. The 2021 mayoral election in the Town of Normal is a rematch of the town’s 2017 campaign. Koos owns two small businesses in Normal, known as Vitesse Cycle Shop, and Often Running. Koos believes his background as a small business owner has helped him lead the town to many successes throughout his nearly two decades as mayor. Koos said the transformative path the town has gone under his time as mayor has been “challenging but also rewarding.” Koos often calls upon his small business experience when it comes to helping the town navigate through financial hardships brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Under Koos, the town has developed a 20-year plan to pay off its debt – which currently sits north of $81 million. Koos also noted the town has saved itself nearly $8 million in future interest payments, thanks to the town refinancing its debt. “We’re in a tough time right now with COVID-19, and we are by no means out of the woods yet. I
think that my experience as mayor of this town for so long has equipped me to best handle the financial challenges at hand,” Koos said. Chris Koos The mayor specifically noted he was pleased with the creation of a citizen’s task force to respond to any and all COVID-19-related matters in the Normal community. Koos added that once the town has financially recovered “a fair amount” from the pandemic, broader economic expansion and development will be on the agenda for his office if he’s reelected. The proudest moment of the last four years for Koos came when electric automaker Rivian decided to take over a vehicle manufacturing plant in Normal. Koos urges students at Illinois State University and Illinois Wesleyan University to participate in the election Tuesday. He believes that college students should be considered “valued members of the community” just as much as any other residents who live in Normal.
M AYO R O F T H E C I T Y O F B L O O M I N GTO N MBOKA MWILAMBWE
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JACKIE GUNDERSON
Jackie Gunderson
Mboka Mwilambwe
ince 2011, Mboka Mwilambwe has served two terms on Bloomington City Council. Mwilambwe has represented Ward 3, covering most of Bloomington’s east side. In the age of the COVID-19 pandemic when current Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner announced he would not run for another term, Mwilambwe saw it as an opportunity to make a strong push to take the mayoral mantle. Mwilambwe has depended largely on his decade of City Council experience throughout his campaign, touting his even-keeled demeanor and decade of leadership experience as things that separate him from his opponents. Mwilambwe also serves as Illinois State University’s assistant director of Equal Opportunity and Access. Infrastructure repair has been a focal point of Mwilambwe’s mayoral campaign. “I know that’s the smartest way to get things moving again and stimulate growth because I’ve seen it,” Mwilambwe said. “We’ve been pretty responsible with our spending throughout my time on the council, I think – which has benefitted us in dealing with the pandemic the past year.” As a councilman, Mwilambwe has opposed the building of a new downtown library and the building of a new downtown hotel on grounds that the city cannot afford either. Mwilambwe also was a strong supporter of the city council’s recent adoption of Juneteenth as an official city holiday.
MIKE STRAZA
Mike Straza
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ackie Gunderson is fresh off an unsuccessful bid for a McLean County Board seat in which she fell to incumbent Republican Susan Schafer. It was after that campaign that Gunderson turned her eyes to the Bloomington mayoral opening, after current Mayor Tari Renner announced he would not seek another term. Inclusivity, diversity and creativity have been the hallmarks of Gunderson’s 2021 mayoral campaign. “My experience working [as a procurement manager] at Illinois State University, my not-for-profit experience and my personal experience as a local small-business owner all uniquely position me to bring all the key players to the table,” Gunderson said. “[They] really foster a strong collaborative environment in local government, where we can get things done and bring real improvements to the city and the lives of its residents.” Gunderson is also the director of McLean County’s Penguin Project, which is a nonprofit youth theater organization for children with special needs. Gunderson and her spouse also run a vegan and vegetarian meal prep service in Downs that serves the Greater McLean County area. Gunderson markets herself as having a more creative approach to handling Bloomington’s biggest current challenges. This includes political division, infrastructure repairs and economic recovery from COVID-19. Gunderson has supported the idea of Bloomington adopting a Welcoming City ordinance. The ordinance would put limitations and restrictions on how much local authorities could assist U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement. Gunderson believes the actual aim of the ordinance outweighs any possible negatives from adopting it. Gunderson says that her biggest motivation for running for Bloomington mayor is the desire to give back to the community that she says helped shape her. If Gunderson wins the mayoral election, she would become Bloomington’s first openly queer mayor.
NORMAL POLLING PLACES NEAR ISU Illinois State University’s Bone Student Center (100 N University St.) First United Methodist Church (211 N School St.) Normal Township Hall (304 E Mulberry St.) First Assembly of God (800 E Vernon Ave.)
Polling places are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Individuals can find a full list of polling places online.
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ntrepreneur and business consultant Mike Straza is one of three candidates running in the Bloomington mayoral election. Straza is currently a member of the Bloomington Zoning Board of Appeals. He was also the founding treasurer of the Responsible Cities political action committee – which recruits candidates for nonpartisan offices, such as city councils. The PAC is endorsing Straza in his 2021 run. His political campaign experience consists of working on Normal Mayor Chris Koos’ reelection bid in 2017 as well as contributing to former State Sen. Bill Brady’s campaign and the BushCheney 2004 reelection campaign. “I want to give back to the community that’s given so much to me, and I think there are a lot of untapped resources that I could use along with my 25-plus years of business experience to connect people and make this a better place to live for future generations,” Straza said. Straza is an alumnus of Bloomington Jr. High, Bloomington High School and Illinois State University. Straza has had his sights on running for Bloomington’s Mayor since 2016 and is running on the platform of economic growth. Straza believes that the town’s economic growth rate affects everything else. He also believes that diversity in businesses and industry is key to the city’s economic development. If elected mayor, he has vowed to increase the surveying of local small businesses to gain more insight into what they really need. Straza believes Bloomington’s leisure and hospitality industries could benefit the most from that. Straza said that he wants to expand the tax base and it will subsequently lessen the tax burden on Bloomington’s residents and thus help small businesses as well. Throughout his campaign, Straza has expressed his desire to mold the economic welfare and health of Bloomington’s residents and small business together.
TO W N O F N O R M A L T R U S T E E S Voters in Normal face a field of nine candidates to fill three seats on the Town of Normal Council. Voters are to vote for no more than three candidates. David Paul Blumenshine Brad McMillan Steve Harsh Karl Sila Albert J. (A.J.) Zimmerman
Kevin McCarthy Chemberly Cummings Scott Preston Donna M. Toney
COMPILED BY JOHN MURRAY | NEWS REPORTER
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021
Municipal, national elections equally valuable
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or those who do not know, and there are likely to be a lot of students who don’t, the municipal elections for Bloomington-Normal are Tuesday. Leading up to the 2020 general election, voting was in the zeitgeist. More eligible Americans voted than they had in over a century, according to voting turnout numbers. Even beyond voting, people were getting involved, signing petitions, sharing issues and stances on social media and thinking critically about the country they live in and what they wanted it to look like in the future. For many, there was a lot at stake. Much of the voting population felt an intense need to get out and vote for what they believed in. However, after Jan. 20, that earnest political interest seemed to fade. After all, in many Americans’ eyes, the big evil had been defeated. It was time to rest on our laurels and never go through the mental anguish of thinking about politics ever again. Municipal elections are generally less exciting and get less turnout than presidential election years, especially in smaller towns where mayoral and town
council races are not a large part of daily life. For students living in the cushion of a university, it is easy to feel even more isolated from the town surrounding them. Students can come and go without ever knowing the mayor’s name — Normal’s is Chris Koos right now, by the way. While they may get less national attention, municipal elections often have a more direct impact on citizens than a general election does. After all, local officials, mayors and town council members are the people who determine property taxes, housing zones, recycling measures,
public transportation and much, much more. Students are residents in the Town of Normal, whether they live in oncampus or off-campus housing. The roads they drive on, the buses they use, the restaurants they enjoy, the trail and bike paths that they utilize are all in some large or small part affected by who sits on the town council and who the mayor is. Students, especially freshmen, should vote in this municipal election. The results of election night can have a large effect on the town and the development of the university. Students have power via the
revenue they provide to the town, so use the power of the ballot box in addition to that. Read up on the candidates and cast a vote. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that our local leaders play a huge role in our lives. We have also learned that the student population can have a drastic effect on the town. Students clearly had a level of impact when it came to how the community battled the coronavirus, so why would they not have an impact when it came to voting as well? If the bike trails are not enough of a draw, think of this: town councils determine property taxes and the costs of utilities like water. If those were to go up, rent on off-campus apartments could increase. Do you want the price of your apartment to change? If not, use the power of your vote and make sure it does not happen. If you enjoy the community, do your part to make it stay that way. Normal is not just a pit stop for partying or college life on your way to other places, it is a community of which you are a member.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ELIZABETH SEILS, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the university.
Bidding a bittersweet farewell to a unique college experience MY VIEW GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor
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s I am entering the last month of my undergraduate career, I have a lot of mixed feelings happening at once. I have so much to say, but I am not sure where to begin. I am full of excitement for many reasons. After spending four years dedicating myself to my major, I finally get the chance to celebrate everything I accomplished at Illinois State University. Commencement is something each of us look forward to when we begin our final year.
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Graduating college is a huge step in our lives and helps us close the door before we move onto the next step. I was terrified as we entered this semester that an in-person ceremony would be canceled again. For me, I need something more than a video announcing my name and major to help me close the door on this chapter in my life. When ISU announced that it would be offering a Redbird Stage Crossing, I was happy to have something to help me close this chapter. But even with all the excitement of graduating, I am having a hard time coming to terms that this is my final month at ISU. I am sad that I did not get to experience the traditional lasts that many of us look forward to such as Homecoming, Parents and Siblings weekend or sitting in a stuffy Fell Hall classroom with my peers again. I miss the hustle-and-bustle of the Quad when everyone is walking to class. I miss that
first warm and sunny spring day where everyone gathers with friends and packs the Quad — people blasting music, throwing frisbees or playing spike ball. My normal, in-person undergraduate college experience ended on a random Friday in March 2020. It is something I am still trying to process. I imagined my last year at ISU completely different than sitting behind a computer screen, apart from my professors and peers. It is hard imagining that I am about to graduate when I have sat behind a computer screen for the past year. Even though I am grateful I get some type of in-person commencement to close this chapter, it does not feel quite right. But what really seems to be making it hard for me to come to terms with graduating is the uncertainty surrounding my next steps. For the most part, I am pretty confident in what I want my next steps to be after graduation, but the uncertainty of not knowing is
GRACE KINNICUTT is News Editor for The Vidette. She can be reached at gkinnic@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @GKinnicutt.
THEY SAID IT
NOTABLE NUMBERS
? .23
seconds was how close to Illinois State University cross country runner Grace Beattie was to beating the school record for the 5K. Her time was 16:06.28.
12%
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causing me anxiety because I am unsure if I have to change my plans. But other than my ongoing anxiety, I am just sad to be closing an important chapter of my life in a pandemic. The past year is memorable enough as is and will make for a great story years down the road, but I am just sad I did not get the traditional senior year that many of us were looking forward to. Four years ago, when I stepped through the lobby doors of Watterson Towers, I was so excited for what the next few years had in store. Who would have even imagined a pandemic abruptly ending my normal college experience? But as I sit in my apartment, reflecting on my time at ISU, I am grateful for all the experiences, friends and memories made along the way.
SPORTS, PAGE 7
of McLean County residents have been vaccinated, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health. Vaccinations will open up to all Illinois residents over the age of 16 on April 12. NEWS, PAGE 2
“I think it should be mandatory that everyone gets the vaccine. If everyone kept wearing masks, I guess I’d feel the same as I do now, but I’d feel much safer if everyone was vaccinated.” Sydni Stoffregen, ISU sophomore student
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, APRIL 6, 2021
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
Academic dishonesty cases on the rise
Student Conduct and Dean offices sees academic dishonesty double in fall semester due to the virtual format of online classes YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
or says something that you know is an idea that someone else in the field has — busted,” Smith said. “Also, when a student in an introductory course is using language that is indicative of someone with a PhD, that’s a tipoff that Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck and schools have maybe it wasn’t their work.” transitioned to an online format, Illinois State University Stevenson indicated that when a student puts their has noticed and addressed an increase in academic dishonname on an assignment, they are certifying that the work esty. submitted is entirely their own. Many students rely on the internet to complete assign“I think, sometimes, students get caught up in the idea ments, essays and exams. With the virtual format of coursthat they just have to turn something in or that they need es, students have the internet at their fingertips, which has to get the assignment done and don’t really consider the made cheating and plagiarizing an easy option for students potential ramifications of taking shortcuts,” Stevenson to turn toward. said. “Everyone is stressed and living with a lot of uncerAssistant Dean Bradley Pearson noted there to be an tainty, but I think this is when their values, ethics and increase in academic integrity violation reports. integrity are most important.” “[In] the fall semester of 2020, [we] saw as many reports Pearson believes students must primarily grasp the concerning academic integrity issues as Student Conduct expectations set at the collegiate level for progress to be and Community Responsibilities has regularly seen in a made with regard to academic integrity. full academic year for the last several years pre-COVID,” “What is expected here is not necessarily the same acaPearson said. Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 demic standard they experienced in high school,” Pearson Pearson also said that many acts of cheating are not Academic dishonesty cases have doubled the past year at ISU said. reported or go unnoticed, meaning the Dean of Students Of- since classes have been moved online. He is optimistic about what can be done to deter fice could never declare an accurate statistic about cheating academic dishonesty and how to encourage academic occurrences. and don’t know the answer, they can’t easily raise a hand integrity across students. Professor of English Aaron Smith stated that the online and get help. So, students do what they do when they have “ISU can further promote services it has in place to supformat has caused students to take the easy way out. Smith a question and there isn’t someone else around: they check port students in their academic efforts and to meet the rigor believes students are turning to the web more often now Google,” Stevenson said. of the academy, such as through writing-focused courses, than ever. Smith said virtual schooling has brought into question the the writing workshops supported by University College and “For me, the line is crossed when the student shows no definition of cheating and what constitutes it per circumthe writing assistance offered at the Julia N. Visor Academic evidence of trying to understand what they have been taught stance or assignment. He gave attention to the students’ Center,” Pearson said. — maybe they didn’t get it or they weren’t paying attention perspective and how it could be faulty. Smith views in-person learning as more effective than in the Zoom environment — and then lifts verbatim sentenc“While on the one hand, it does seem like cheating when remote learning. He also believes the language used to refer es from easy-to-find sources,” Smith said. students take information from the web instead of consultto mandatory courses should be modified. Senior Specialist at the Dean of Students Office Jen ing the material they are learning in class, I suspect that “I think it would be helpful if we changed our rhetoric Stevenson said that the areas of academic dishonesty being some of them think they are simply ‘using resources,’” Smith about learning and getting a degree away from required reported the most are plagiarism, using online sources and said. courses, hurdles to jump through, etc. and got students students communicating with one another during quizzes In addition to more reports being filed, evidence for an thinking more about the fact that they really need to master and exams. increase in academic dishonesty also comes from professors certain kinds of information to be a professional in a certain Stevenson also acknowledged the differences between identifying items in student work that were not taught in field,” Smith said. “Perhaps, they would take the learning learning in person and online and how accessible assistance class. Smith said professors are very knowledgeable in their process more personally and understand it as a moment for is for students. fields and can recognize plagiarism. intellectual growth, not just getting a passing grade.” “When [students] are working on an assignment [online] “If a student says something that you didn’t teach them
Grad students express concerns for lack of income, diversity GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
Inquiry doctoral cohort regarding a letter they sent to the Dean of Students and Provost office in March. The letter expressed to prioritize the hirIllinois State University’s Board of Trustees ing of faculty to teach in the Department of held a special meeting that was streamed live Educational Administration and Foundaon YouTube Saturday morning. tions along with hiring Latino/a faculty During public comments, graduate stumembers to teach within the department dents and faculty members made the argusince there is no Latino/a faculty represenment for paying graduate students a livable tation within the department. wage and to diversify faculty in the Depart“It is easier to recruit students ment of Educational of color than it is to hire people Administration and “Our representation, like us,” Perales said. “Students Foundations. of color, Latino/as are a growing “Our representation, our knowledge demographic and they appear to our knowledge needs to needs to be valued. be a commodity and a revenue be valued. Currently, at stream for universities. If you Currently, at ISU, it ISU, it simply is not,” are opening your doors to our doctoral student Jorge simply is not,” students, you need to open Sanchez said. Jorge Sanchez, doctoral student our doors for Black and brown Sanchez said that ISU faculty as well.” has purposefully disinOn behalf of the Graduate vested in the Black and Workers Union, graduate student Trevor brown communities and there has been no Rickerd expressed frustrations regarding effort to hire and retain faculty of color. ongoing negotiations for a livable wage. Doctoral student Jose Perales spoke on Rickerd shared a statement written by Isabel behalf of ISU’s Illinois’ Latino/a Council on Samuel who is a graduate representative on Higher Education Leadership, Equity and
the Academic Senate. In Samuel’s statement, she described her financial struggles due to a lack of income. Samuel mentions how the pay she receives is not able to cover groceries on top of rent, gas and outlying bills. While she can save portions of her stipends each month to use in case of emergencies, Samuel expresses her frustration in regard to how the stipend she receives is not enough to help pay off the debt she owes for her education. “This is far too common of a situation [among] graduate students at ISU,” Rickerd said. “Low pay for graduate teaching assistants is not only a moral issue, it’s a diversity issue.” The board then went on to discuss projects the university hopes to move forward on in the upcoming years. No actions were taken or passed. Projects that were discussed were the College of Engineering, a new simulation lab for the Mennonite College of Nursing and on-campus renovations. While the Academic Senate rejected the College of Engineering to stand in solidarity with GWU, discussions regarding the John Green building for the College of Engineer-
ing proceeded. Vice President for the Division of Finance and Planning Daniel Stephens presented a breakdown of the space needed for the program and the benefits the ISU College of Engineering will have on the university. The university is hoping to renovate and use the John Green building located near Cardinal Court and across from University High School on Gregory Street for the engineering program. Stephens went on to break down the financial impact and benefit it would have on ISU over the years and how it would help fund extra initiatives across campus along with meeting the workforce needs of the state and having a stronger enrollment and recruitment demand. “I firmly believe that adding a College of Engineering here at ISU is definitely a strategic investment in our future,” Stephens said. President Larry Dietz emphasized that the College of Engineering will not be happening within the next year and has yet to be approved.
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Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021
Feeling burnt out
Running out of time before graduation
Fight the end-of-semester slump
MY VIEW
GRACE DOYLE Features Reporter | @Amaaziinggracee
S
ANDREA RICKER | Features Editor
tep aside, senioritis. Students around campus are feeling the wrath of an entirely new end-of-the-year illness — COVID-19. With virtual classes and an endless wave of stress, young adults have been left feeling as if they are drowning. Luckily, however, five students have given their tips on how they stay afloat during these rocky waters.
Sleep This one may seem obvious, but one would be surprised how many people neglect this simple necessity. Doctors recommend at least seven hours of sleep for adults. Especially with a year as unpredictable as this last one, it is important for students to recognize when it is time to take a much-needed break and allow oneself to cozy up for some deep sleep. Even laying down and enjoying a quick 20-minute power nap in between classes, studying or homework assignments can rejuvenate the body enough to feel noticeably better and motivated. “My go-to stress reliever is sleep,” senior psychology major Isabelle Bartscher said. “Sometimes I work myself to death and realize too late that I haven’t slept at all, so I try my best to dedicate time to get a good night’s sleep. It really can change your entire mood.”
Take some time off It is no secret that these last two semesters have been hard for students and faculty alike — between balancing time for relationships, classes and work, finding time for oneself has lost its priority. Online schooling has moved past the allure of classes in pajamas and days spent in bed and has instead become a never-ending to-do list with plenty of stress. When these stressful moments occur, it is normal for students to resort to the classic “crunching” strategy. However, actually removing oneself from the stressful situation can often be the best solution. Drowning in assignments has become universal as COVID-19 lives on, and people across college campuses are discovering that taking a relaxing break from these assignments can really help in refilling the urge to work. “Since quarantine I’ve been focusing more on my health as a way to separate myself from school,” therapeutic recreation student Rachel Stanley said. “Spending a lot of time at the [Rec Center] has helped me lose 40 pounds so far
Dwayne Banks | Staff Photographer | @de_wyzil
It is the final stretch before the semester ends, and students like senior nursing major Maddy Thompson might be feeling burnt out after a digital semester. and re-find my love for working out and staying active.”
Dedicate time for hobbies COVID-19 has altered numerous school-related activities and events, leaving some students feeling depressed and forced to be content with their own company. Because of this, the recognition and nurturing of hobbies has never been more important. While finding the time to complete activities that one enjoys can be difficult depending on the situation, it is still just as crucial. Hobbies can provide a much-needed escape from the daily grind that can be debilitating at times. “To relax these days I mainly either play games or go out on walks,” ISU senior Filip Sofeski said. “It feels like school has been more stressful since it got to be online, so I decided to pick up video and photo editing as hobbies too. They all really help me chill out.”
Embrace natural healing Meditation, along with many other spiritual activities, has been recognized as a way to calm oneself for many years as it allows participants the opportunity to feel at peace in an individualized setting. Luckily meditation doesn’t require any level of knowledge or skill in order to be successful, so even the most novice of those interested can take part. YouTube offers plenty of instructional videos as well for newbies and longtime hobbyists alike. Along with meditation, the adoption of plants and gardening has blown up
since COVID-19 as well. Students are finding that forms of nature, plants and flowers in particular, can be loyal companions just as much as people and with even less work. “I have about 25 plants that I take care of when I’m not virtually farming in ‘Animal Crossing’ or ‘Stardew Valley,’” elementary education major Jessica Snell said. “I find it relaxing to be surrounded by plants and fulfilling to take care of something and watch it grow.”
Plan it out Sometimes, the simplest fix can be the most rewarding one. For a lot of students the act of planning out weeks, and sometimes even months, day by day can be a major stress reliever. Having the stability of a plan allows those with anxiety the ability to visualize their workload and create a personal schedule that works with their needs. Even something as simple as logging onto ReggieNet, taking out a calendar or planner and marking down due dates for upcoming assignments can feel like a weight has been lifted off one’s shoulders. With the remainder of the semester quickly dwindling down, it would not take much time at all and would still be just as rewarding. “I’m into planning; it really helps me stay focused,” ISU senior Sam Montag said. “Everything is color coordinated in my notebooks and has its place. I haven’t always been that way, but I’m glad I do it now, it’s been super helpful especially during this crazy year.”
Too much screen time? Ways to unplug, unwind If the constant use of computers and phones is becoming too much, there are plenty of ways to unplug. Some people, like ISU student Merv Butler (shown dribbling), enjoy the sunshine by playing sports and working out.
CHELSEA CORA News Reporter | @cora_chelsea
With classes being online, it is hard not to stare at a screen all day. Here are some ways to take a break and unplug from technology for a bit:
Get some exercise Exercising is a great way to get away from schoolwork and your phone or laptop. Go to the gym and have a good workout day or do an at-home workout. The weather has been pretty nice lately, so go outside and enjoy it. Get some exercise in by going for a walk or run around town and enjoy the sunshine.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @alexgant16
Have a game night Turn your phone off and get together with some of your family members or a couple friends and have a phone-free game night. Pull out old board games or a deck of cards and play games while not being on your phone all the time. Have conversations and just enjoy each other’s company.
Treat yourself This could be a variety of different things. School has been a lot lately. If you can, go out and treat yourself to a spa day, shopping or
maybe just buying some clothes. Go with a friend or someone in your family. Turn your phone off and just treat yourself to something good.
Visit the zoo Since the weather is getting nicer, it would be fun to visit the zoo on a day off. Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington is currently open from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. Take some time away from school and
the screen by going to the zoo and saying hello to all of the animals that live there.
Cook or bake something If you like to cook or bake, you could explore new recipes and make something new. After you whip up a new recipe, have your family members or friends taste it to see how well you did. You could make a desert, dinner, lunch, appetizer, etc.
Enjoy the outdoors Aside from running or walking, if the weather is nice, then head outside with some friends or family members and play football, soccer, frisbee, etc. You could even go on a bike ride. If you live on campus, head to the Quad and see if anyone is playing catch or kicking a ball. It is nice to get out of the house and away from the screens for a while by enjoying the weather.
I feel like I’m chasing something, but before I can reach the goal I am being pulled out of the race. Since April began, I have had this sinking feeling. I only have a month left of my college career. One month before this chapter of my life ends. I should be excited, but I’m being crushed by the weight of all the things I need to accomplish before I graduate. Why does life have to move so fast? I should be excited to never have to sit in a lecture or write a paper ever again. I should be looking forward to moving out and getting a job and meeting new people. But instead I am just dreading it. I keep putting off looking for a job because I feel like I am in denial. We wait our whole lives to be done with school and now in the blink of an eye I almost am. So, what happens next? The next few weeks are going to be filled with my lasts. My last circus practice, my last TV10 newscast and my last production day at The Vidette. And I do not feel ready. I am a very emotional and sentimental person and I know I will be crying a lot leading up to May. And while I am going to have to have my last time doing the things I love, I know these next few weeks will also be filled with great moments. I get to graduate. Even if it is not in the traditional way, I will get to walk across the stage and get my diploma. I will get to go to events and see my friends. That is something that I didn’t know would be able to happen this year, and I am grateful I can have these celebrations. Looking back to freshman year Andrea, I wonder if she would be proud of me or disappointed. I always set goals for myself that I just think are way too big for anyone to achieve. Sometimes I feel a lot of regret when I look back at the past four years. I should have talked to more people, joined more clubs, worked harder in classes and more. I had such a clear image of who I wanted to be in college and such high expectations for myself. While freshman year Andrea might think I have not done enough, current Andrea is proud of herself because I have grown over the past four years. Plus, the only me that matters is the one that is right here, right now, because freshman year me does not exist anymore. Even if the path I took is different than I wanted it to be, and even if I did not do as much stuff as I had hoped, I am so thankful for everything I have done because it is led me to amazing things. Everything happens for a reason, and all my decisions during college have given me my best friends that have become a second family. I’m so comfortable with how life is right now that it is going to be weird when that changes. But it has to happen eventually, that is how growing up works. Graduation is scary. It’s this exciting but daunting thing that’s looming over me. I don’t know if I’m ready for it, but I’m trying to accept it, nonetheless. ANDREA RICKER is Features Editor of The Vidette. She can be contacted at arricke@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
On the home stretch
Beattie shatters facility record; Redbirds dominate home invite ZACH STANGEL Sports Reporter | @Zstang5
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Senior Grace Beattie celebrates at the finish of her impressive solo run in the 5,000-meter run Friday afternoon at the Redbird Invitational. Beattie’s time of 16:06.28 ranks No. 2 in Illinois State history.
Ratliff taking second over his teammate Johnson. Ratliff’s time of 14.35 seconds is good for sixth overall in school Illinois State senior distance runner history, while Johnson’s time is the sevGrace Beattie shattered the Outdoor enth-fastest at 14.46 seconds. Track & Field Complex facility record Freshman Seven Hicks continued her to highlight the eighth annual Redbird stellar season by placing second in the Invitational on Friday afternoon. Beat100-meter dash (11.77 seconds). With tie stole the show in the 5,000-meter that time, Hicks is now ninth all time in run with a time of 16:06.28, surpassschool history. ing the old facility record by nearly a Four field event athletes recorded minute. top-10 marks in school history. Fresh“Today went exactly how I wanted it man Macy Byer threw a personal-best to go in terms of me running by myself throw of 49.29 meters for second overall in the front and just really focusing on Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 in Friday’s competition. That throw is myself and staying in tune with what my Senior Jaclyn Greci explodes out of the blocks to lead off good for the eighth-best in ISU history coaches were telling me,” Beattie said. the Redbird 4x400-meter relay team. ISU reigned victoin the discus. Freshman Mye’Joi Wil“I really needed today after coming off a rious in the event with a combined time of 3:50.01. liams also went into the record books really rough ending to my cross country for shot put. She placed second and had season. My performance today is really proud of her and she’s going to have an outa personal-best throw of 14.66 meters, which getting me motivated for steeplechase next standing season ahead of her.” is good for 10th in school history. week and telling me that I belong. It was cool Eight other Redbirds posted Illinois State Pole Vaulter Nicole Bagwell and high to get a possible regional mark in the first race top-10 performances. The hurdle trio of Mya jumper Grace Daun each secured individual of the season, solo and in the wind, and that Robinson, Brandon Ratliff and Jaden Johnevent wins and personal best marks. Bagwell definitely gave me some confidence.” son all ran top-10 times in school history in bested the field with a vault of 3.82-meters, Beattie surpassed Tonya Nero’s previous the short hurdles. good for fifth in Redbird track and field hisfacility record (16:46.47) by 40 seconds. BeatRobinson placed second overall and ran tory. Daun won a jump off clearing 1.73 meters tie just missed the ISU school record for the the fifth-fastest time in school history with to secure the No. 10 spot in school history. 5,000-meter run, Wendy Van Mierlo’s 1983 a time of 13.92 seconds in the 100-meter Both the men’s and women’s squads ended run of 16:06.05. The impressive run improves hurdles. The mark is Robinson’s first sub-14 the meet victorious. The men’s team earned Beattie’s personal record in the event by 29 sec- second 100-meter hurdles of her career. The 235 points and the women’s totaled 287.5 onds. She is just the second Redbird ever to run men’s sophomore duo placed second and points to top the eight-team competition. a sub-16:10 5K and after the weekend ranks third overall in the 110-meter hurdles, with “We had a lot of wins, a lot of 1-2, 1-2-3 finNo. 1 in the Missouri Valley Conference, No. 2 ishes across the board, on the track and in the in the National Collegiate Athletic Association Up next field,” Bovee said. “I really felt good about our West Region and No. 11 overall in the NCAA. ISU will return to Ole Miss for the Joe balance that we’re seeing out there right now. “I was really happy to see how well Grace Walker Invite on April 9-10. This will be the We had so many people that had personal did, just barely missing that school record,” second time this season the Redbirds will bests today that it’s so hard to mention them ISU head coach Jeff Bovee said. “She had just flock to Oxford, Mississippi. all, maybe close to 20 PRs in all different areas.” a tremendous effort all by herself. I’m really
Baseball bests Salukis in MVC opener ANTHONY FERRETTI Sports Reporter | @AnthonyFerrett6
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llinois State baseball took on No. 28 Southern Illinois for its first Missouri Valley Conference game in 685 days over the weekend. The Redbirds took the series opener on Friday before splitting Saturday’s doubleheader. ISU’s hot bats in Sunday’s finale propelled the Redbirds to take three of the four games in Carbondale.
Friday | ISU 11 SIU 3 The Redbirds took care of business in a high-hitting conference opener as they topped the Salukis 11-3. ISU registered 13 hits while SIU tallied 12 hits. Tyson Hays opened the scoring
VOLLEYBALL
Continued from Page 8
The two teams traded blows to start the fourth set before ISU took a 11-7 lead backed by two big kills from Kushner. Venuto, who led the match in blocks with six, added two more blocks and a kill to take the lead at 13-12. “She is pretty dynamic,” Johnson said on Venuto. “She’s a talented middle. I’d put her right up there with Syd Holt, and I’d say that’s a pretty huge compliment.” At the point that the fourth set turned into an 18-all tie, it became a battle of who wanted it more and who would prevail: the young Ramblers who had a new energy after falling down 0-2, or the No. 1 seeded defending champion Redbirds who knew another title was theirs if they could keep control and get one more set win. After falling 21-22, that is exactly what they did. The Redbirds took control and won five-straight points to end the match, solidifying their National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament bid with their second-straight Missouri Valley Championship tournament title in as many years. “I can’t even really put it into words how special it feels,” senior Kaylee Martin, who led the match
for the Redbirds with a solo shot in the first inning. Jack Butler followed that up in the third inning with an RBI single. ISU blew open its lead in the sixth inning with five runs. Kyle Soberano drove in two runs with a single before Butler got walked with the bases loaded to make it 5-0. Hays increased the Redbirds’ lead to seven with a two RBI single. Salukis got on the board in the bottom of the sixth, but they left the bases loaded. SIU left a total of 17 batters on base. The Redbirds added four more runs in the eighth to make it a 10-run lead. Salukis added two more but fell in the opener by eight. Colton Johnson pitched five
scoreless innings and allowed five hits. He became the ninth Redbird to reach 200 career strikeouts as he struck out four on Friday. Hays led the offensive attack, going 3-for-5 with a home run and four RBIs.
with 16 kills, said. “There was a lot of heartbreak. Not being able to come back to campus, and then not being able to have our fall season or fans — there was a lot of things that kind of just stunk. It was great to work through everything and come back to win at home in front of our fans.” Martin was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player, joined also by Jankiewicz and Holt on the all-tournament team. They’re three of the “fab five” seniors who played their last game at Redbird Arena Saturday night. “I do think that we left it all on the court,” Martin said. “We really fought, and there is not a point in our mind where we doubted ourselves.”
While there are still matches to be played in the NCAA tournament, the Redbirds have a lot to be proud of after achieving a goal they have had all season. Nine straight wins including the regular season and tournament, another conference title and a season to remember forever. Looking back now with another ring acquired after the 2018 regular season and 2019 tournament titles, a quote ofJankiewicz’s from long before this crazy 2020-21 spring season had even begun still holds true. “A third ring looks great on the hand,” Jankiewicz said in the fall. “and good in your heart.” ISU will take on UNLV in the first round of the tournament.
Saturday | ISU 6 SIU 3 The Salukis jumped out to a tworun lead, but the Redbirds tied the game up in the second. Hayden Jones singled to drive in the first run and Soberano drew a basesloaded walk on 13 pitches. Jones followed that up with another RBI single and a two-run home run to give ISU a 5-2 lead. He finished the first game with a career-high four RBIs and tied a career-high with three hits.
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CLASSIFIEDS
Soccer nets second straight MVC win KEN KANOON Sports Reporter | @Ken_k____
the net, giving the Redbirds an early lead, 1-0. Both sides continued to trade shots A Shaina Dudas goal and assist but neither of them could find the helped cap off a dominant Illinois State back of the net. However, in the 33rd win against Southern Illinois. Other minute, Dudas doubled the Redbirds’ goals from Sarah Lafayette and Riley lead off a pass from Abby Basler. O’Brien netted the Redbirds another Dudas’ goal put the Redbirds up 2-0. After Dudas’ goal, both sides had win, moving them to 4-5 this season. After this important win for the one shot each and the halftime whistle Redbirds, head coach Brad Silvey rang with ISU up 2-0. The Redbirds praised the team’s strong road per- outshot the Salukis 9-6 with four of formance and their concentration in the Redbirds shots going on goal. Then, less than five minutes into order to hold this lead. “We challenged the team ahead of the second half, ISU scored its third the game to put in a complete per- goal of the game thanks to an O’Brien formance. Tonight was exactly that. shot. Her goal in the 50th minute From back to front and from every gave the Redbirds a 3-0 lead. In the 64th minute, Basler had a member coming off the bench, our execution and competitive spirit kept go at goal but it was saved by the SIU us in the driver’s seat. Really proud keeper. Less than two minutes later, of our team’s drive and focus to stay Ashley Santos followed up with her in the moment and to earn a great own strike. However, the Salukis’ goalkeeper was able to make the save. result on the road,” Silvey said. Again in the 79th minute, both Basler The Redbirds began the game controlling the tempo, firing off and Santos had consecutive shots, but five shots within the first 10 min- they missed the target as the Redbirds held onto their 3-0 lead. utes. Both Lafayette and The game ended 3-0 O’Brien’s shots in the early Up next in favor of the Redbirds minutes forced saves out The next ISU as they moved up to 4-5 of the Salukis’ keeper. Their dominant play saw game is at home on the season and 4-3 against Valin inter conference play. them score the first goal paraiso. Kickoff The Redbirds dominated of the game in the 15th is scheduled for the second half with nine minute. Lafayette received 5 p.m. April 7. shots on goal compared to the ball from Dudas and SIU’s one shot on goal. struck it into the back of
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021
REDBIRD RE PORT Labat advances to NCAA Final after perfect day Sophomore gymnast Angelica Labat had a career day at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Regional in Tuscaloosa, Alabama to advance to the NCAA Championship. Labat had a perfect day on the vault as she led her group to advance. Her score of 9.950 topped the vaulters. “Angelica was phenomenal today and we are so excited for her,” ISU head coach Bob Conkling told goredbirds.com. “She hit on every event, but her performance on vault was amazing. She never attempted a full vault in warmups, but I think once she saw a couple other gymnasts hit it gave her some confidence and she just went out there and stuck it. She received a 10.000 from one of the four judges, which goes to show you just how clean that vault was.” Labat will be back in action on April 16 and 17 in Fort Worth, Texas.
Illinois State volleyball’s Stef Jankiewicz, Sarah Kushner and Sydney Holt celebrating during the trophy presentation. ISU won its second straight Missouri Valley Tournament.
Alex Gant | Photo Editor
Redbirds Repeat
Horne enters transfer portal, set to leave ISU Star sophomore point guard DJ Horne announced he was entering the transfer portal on April 1. In his two seasons with the Redbirds, Horne was becoming a star player. As a freshman, Horne averaged 8.7 points en route to earning a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Freshman team. As a sophomore, Horne blossomed into a star player for the Redbirds. Horne paced the Redbirds in points per game (15.1), assists (65), steals (35), three-point shooting (.424) and free-throw shooting (.854). This earned Horne an MVC Third-Team nod. Horne’s destination is not known yet.
ISU wins back-to-back MVC titles MIKEY FORNELLI Sports Reporter | @Mfojr
This season, with all its challenges, was unmatched. The championship match was not without its flaws. However, when it mattered most, the 2020-21 Missouri Valley Conference Champion Illinois State volleyball team can only be described as perfect. Saturday night’s Missouri Valley Conference championship matchup between No. 6 Loyola and No. 1 Illinois State was a hard-fought 3-1 victory for head coach Leah Johnson’s Redbirds, winning back-to-back conference tournament titles and punching their ticket to a third-straight National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament after an unprecedented and unique spring season. “You have adversity every year, but this year is unique,” Johnson said. “I don’t know if I can put into words how hard it was to stay locked in from June, through a modified offseason, and then do it again in the spring. I’ve been so impressed with
them, and that to me is what makes this so special.” As has been the case throughout the regular season and tournament, the Redbirds took flight early in the first set. Three kills by Sydney Holt helped build a quick 8-2 lead that forced the Ramblers’ first timeout. Keeping control throughout the set, the Redbirds took a double-digit lead at 18-8 and never let the Ramblers get an inch. Just like the first two matches of the tournament, the Redbirds built a dominant doubledigit win in the opening set, 25-14. “The team does a lot of scouting on their own,” Johnson said. “They do a nice job understanding their personal responsibilities, and I think that helps in set one.” Led by a strong offensive effort from Sarah Kushner and Holt, the Redbirds continued the same pace into set two and took a 11-6 lead. The Ramblers, led by senior Elle Van Grinsven, kept fighting with a pair of service aces, but big kills by Kaylee Martin and Kaitlyn Prondzinski gave
Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @alexgant16
Illinois State senior Kaylee Martin going for a spike in the championship game against Loyola. Martin was named Most Valuable Player of the MVC Tournament.
the Redbirds a 15-9 lead headed into a media timeout. The Redbird offensive effort was spread out throughout the second set and the match, facilitated by MVC Setter of the Year Stef Jankiewicz. Her 39 assists were the most for anyone in the match. Following two different failed challenges by the Ramblers, the Redbirds built up yet another double-digit lead to take set point at 24-14. The next play, a Kushner kill sealed the deal on the Redbirds’ 2-0 match lead. A pair of quick kills by Loyola’s Taylor Venuto helped the Ramblers get out to a 4-1 lead to start set three, but the lead was short-lived after the Redbirds scored five unanswered points with yet another kill by Holt. Holt, one of the five seniors on Illinois State’s roster, had a team-high .565 hitting percentage in her final
game at Redbird Arena. “She was outstanding,” Johnson said on Holt. “Syd was excellent, offensively and defensively.” The Ramblers, however, were not going to go down easy in the championship match. Showing adjustment from the first two sets, they scored three straight points and brought it back within one at 13-14. Unable to return the aggressive serving from the Ramblers, the Redbirds fell 19-21 and called the second of their two timeouts in the set. Out of the timeout, the Ramblers capitalized off a pair of Redbird errors and took the set 25-20. “Set three, they [Loyola] showed something different,” Johnson said. “I think [going into set four,] we tried to go back to simpler things.” See VOLLEYBALL on Page 7
Perkins prepares for pro tour after graduation ERIC SCHWEIZER Sports Reporter | @EricSchweizer2
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llinois State senior golfer David Perkins is giving professional golf a shot. After a break-out junior season where he averaged two under par, Perkins is looking to do the same again in his senior season. Through four events this season, Perkins is averaging one over par. Earlier this season, Perkins earned conditional status for Professional Golfers Association Tour Canada in early March. “Every time I tee up I know I can play well and compete against anyone,” Perkins said. “That’s been a big key to my success over the last few years.” So far, his numbers have not been as good as his junior season due to a spring start instead of the typical fall start time. Head coach Ray Kralis thinks he is still one of the best to play at ISU. “Regardless of what happens this year, his career even to this point is
so complete,” Kralis myself but for the said. “He’s gonna be team as well.” one of the best RedNo matter if birds in history.” they are together Kralis has played as a team or coma big role in helping peting on their Perkins develop into own, they are a better golfer. always there for “He’s helped me each other. see the game from “Whether we’re a different perspecplaying our own tive,” Perkins said. individual events “Him showing me in the summer that side of the game. or playing as a At the end of the day team, we always we’re playing a game have each other’s and we should be backs,” Perkins happy to be doing said. that.” Perkins is a Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics leader for his Along with his coach, his teammates Illinois State senior golfer David teammates, wanthave played a big part Perkins putting during a tournaing to see them ment. Perkins has been ISU’s No. have just as much in motivating him. 1 player for the 2020-21 season. “They play a key success as he has role in giving me had. motivation and wanting to do well,” “He’s a tremendous teammate, Perkins said. “Not only play good for cares a lot about his teammates,”
Kralis said. “Despite golf being an individual game, he’s as interested in their success as he is [in] his own.” Confidence has been the big key in improving his play. Knowing that he can compete with anyone and understanding that he cannot get shaken up has helped him grow. “His belief in himself. His confidence level and his ability to keep his energy high on the golf course,” Kralis said. Perkins has developed a different mindset that has helped improve his game and take it to the next level. “It’s been big picture stuff when it comes to playing this game and what we do,” Perkins said. Being able to understand it is not going to be easy and you are going to have to overcome obstacles is something that Perkins has grown to understand. “You deal with a lot of adversity,” Kralis said. “He handles adversity and whatever comes at him so well.”
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SOCCER STANDINGS
Conf Ovrl
Loyola 2-3 6-1-1 Indiana St. 2-2 5-3-0 Illinois St. 4-3 4-5 Valparaiso 2-2-3 3-3-4 Northern Iowa 3-3 3-4-2 Evansville 1-0 2-2-2 Drake 2-3 2-3-2 Missouri St. 2-7-1 2-0 Southern Illinois 4-3 0-5-3
UPCOMING Golf
Golf has an action-packed week. First, the men finish play at the Tiger Invitational in Columbia, Missouri. Then, on Saturday, the women’s golf team hosts the Redbird Invitational, while the men will compete in the Boilermaker Invitational at Kampen Course in West Lafayette.
Soccer
ISU hosts Valparaiso at 5 p.m. Wednesday for the final regular season game of the year. Then, on Saturday, the Missouri Valley Conference starts. Time and place are still to be announced.
Baseball
Baseball welcomes No. 25 Indiana State for a four-game set throughout the weekend. A double header is scheduled for Saturday.
Track and field
Track and field hits the road for a two-day event in Oxford, Mississippi.
Softball
Softball will open a three-game set against Missouri State on Saturday before wrapping up on Sunday. Saturday will be a double header.
Women’s tennis
Women’s tennis welcomes a pair of foes to Normal for the weekend. First, the Redbirds have Northern Iowa coming in for an afternoon match at 1 p.m. Saturday. Then, 10 a.m. Sunday the Redbirds will face off against Drake.
Compiled by Jake Sermersheim