V
FEATURES 6
STUDENTS PREPARE FOR HYBRID LEARNING
SPORTS 8
FOOTBALL RETURNS TO ISU FOR REGULAR SEASON
THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020 Vol. 132 | No. 00
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Moving in ...
or moving out? Many students weigh pros, cons of living on campus this fall KELLIE FOY & GRACE KINNICUTT News Editors | @kellie_foy & @GKinnicutt
W
ith the Illinois State University Redbirds returning to the nest for the fall semester, living situations on campus and off campus might look a little different. Like many decisions made during the pandemic, the final choice on whether 1,000 students will have to find off-campus living or not won’t be made until the end of July. Until it’s known when the second wave will come, all the plans seem tentative.
While the future is still unclear for the many specific situations that are among students, the feelings of many returning Redbirds vary with their living situation. Off-campus students have found themselves not as worried about the impact the pandemic has on their living situations. Many of the students living in the residence halls believe the current decisions of the university aren’t enough to deal with the day-to-day routine of these on-campus students. --See DORMS on Page 2
Photos by Alex Gant | Photo Editor and Rafael Menchaca | Photographer
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
DORMS
and elementary education major Mackenzie Hodge, the concern of how long it will take Continued from Page 1 to finalize these details and decisions is on the rise as the school year approaches. “I mean, honestly, how do you social disIncoming freshmen and sophomore tance in an elevator, bathroom or anything? transfers are set to wait until mid to late I think it’s not worth [going back] because July to finalize room assignments with their the cleaning staff is going to have trouble future roommates. Given such a short timecleaning so much every day,” sophomore frame to figure out a backup plan if things elementary education major Emily Mcfall through gives many of these students Nicholas said. a large amount of frustration toward the McNicholas went on to highlight the access system in place for on-campus students university. Hodge highlighted that she will not be to get into the residence halls and the dining able to find out a lot of details regarding her halls with the usage of their university identification cards, stressing the unsanitary housing situation until July 23, emphasizing the fear she has if things don’t work out and concerns that come with the system. the short time period she would have to find “I just don’t think this is worth it and I another place to live. think holding off [on going thing is dorms are back to campus] until the “The thing is dorms like“The the people you live with second wave is over is the are like the people at home. Some have three best option,” McNicholas said. you live with at home. [roommates], some have six [roommates and] some As university officials Some have three have more. We will be announced, the social distancing guidelines in place [roommates], some around each other no matter what,” Hodge said. will have students living have six [roommates On-campus students on campus seeing less of their peers among them in and] some have more. are remaining hopeful that officials and the residence halls to stress We will be around each university University Housing follow the importance of social other no matter what.” through with their commitdistancing. ment to work the various One of the decisions Mackenzie Hodge, sophomore issues before August rolls is to replace the tradistudent around. tional quad setup in each For off-campus students, residence hall with triples off-campus living might be more difficult instead. Many students found out about to implement guidelines and rules of social this decision from a peer or for themselves distancing and wearing face masks. With by looking at the housing website for other many students living with at least one information. roommate or more, it can be difficult to folWithin recent weeks, the university also low the guidelines. decided it would be better to move approxiBut since leasing companies are leaving up mately 1,000 of the 6,000 students out of rules and guidelines to residents, some are the residence halls and into off-campus not too worried about having strict rules. apartments. “Right now, I’m not too worried about University officials believe these deciit. I’m sure ISU will implement face masks sions serve the purpose of avoiding a large and social distancing and I saw how face portion of students in the same proximity masks and all that stuff helped my homeon campus, emphasizing that there is more town so it’s like, I can’t imagine it will be work and details that they have to finalize too bad once we are all back at ISU,” senior within the next couple of months. Gabriel Ayala said. However, sophomore sociology major Leasing companies have urged students Tatyanna Gibbons shares a similar perto make payments online or mail them in spective as McNicholas. She believes that since they are restricting visits to the office. the university can be much clearer when it For leasing companies who have pools in comes to the specific details of how things apartment complexes such as The Lodge will look in the residence halls and at the or College Station apartments, security will campus-wide level. be present to limit the size in the pool area “There’s not much you can do to social distance on a college campus when there are along with restrictions for non-residents. With many things still up in the air for people living there. People are bound to get students living on and off campus, the safe close and all we can really do is implement return to campus along with safe guidelines social distancing where it can be and hope gives a gleam of hope for a slow return to for the best,” Gibbons said. normal. For students such as sophomore transfer
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NEWS IN BRIEF
Occupy residence halls, while being prepared to implement other occupancy strategies. Limit guests in the residence halls. Extend move-in over more days to limit congestion and follow social distancing guidelines. Enhance cleaning in community spaces, high-traffic areas, and restrooms within residential communities. Require students to wear face coverings in accordance with the Restore Illinois Phase 4 guidance in common areas within residential communities. Offer housing, dining, and support services to quarantined and isolated on-campus students.
On-campus dining guidelines for fall 2020 Arrange seating in dining areas in accordance with public health guidelines. Modify service options to the extent possible to reduce self-service in all dining venues and encourage carry-out options. Enhance safeguarding measures within facilities to ensure social distancing. Install appropriate barriers to reduce contact points between diners and staff. Explore ideas to open satellite dining locations on campus to allow for different service points. Enhance focus on providing a safe environment that will include cleaning and sanitation efforts in all production and service spaces. Collaborate with University Housing Services to provide meals to residential students who are quarantined and isolated. SOURCE: Redbirds Return Report
SAT, ACT no longer required for fall 2021 freshmen Illinois State University’s Office of Admissions announced that freshmen applying for admission for the summer or fall 2021 semester won’t be required to provide a standardized test score as part of their application for admission. University officials state that the decision was made to help reduce anxiety for students in the upcoming application season. Students will be given the option to provide an SAT or ACT score. The decision to do so will not affect their standing in a negative manner. Students who do not include an SAT or ACT score are required to provide a high school transcript to complete their admission application. These students will be eligible to obtain merit-based scholarships through the Office of Admissions and will be permitted to be in the Honors Program. Additional information, such as an academic personal statement, may be requested for students whose application requires additional review.
KELLIE FOY NEW EDITOR
Amtrak cuts Texas Eagle from Chicago to Texas Amtrak will have fewer options for travel at Uptown station for Bloomington-Normal riders. Amtrak is cutting the use of its Texas Eagle Service that travels between Chicago and San Antonio with a stop in Normal from every day to three times a week. Due to the coronavirus pandemic and a decrease in demand, changes to the long-distance train service will go into effect Oct. 1. The Texas Eagle and Lincoln service (between Chicago and St. Louis) that have a stop in Uptown Normal saw about a 20% decrease in riders during April. Amtrak is hoping to restore daily services come summer 2021. GRACE KINNICUTT NEW EDITOR
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2020-2021 Editor in Chief Elizabeth Seils News Editors Kellie Foy Grace Kinnicutt
On-campus housing guidelines for fall 2020
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The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The 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 2020 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
END OF AN ERA: RETIREMENT OF PROVOST JAN MURPHY
‘It was an amazing experience’ VP of Academic Affairs and Provost Murphy reflects on her 35-year career at ISU GRACE BARBIC FORMER NEWS EDITOR | @gracebarbic
interim vice president for Academic Affairs and provost in 2017 and transitioned into a permanent position in 2018 after serving more than 10 s her over 30-year career years as associate provost and interim comes to a bittersweet end, provost in 2008. Vice President for Aca“Throughout her career, Jan Murdemic Affairs and Provost phy has been a dedicated teacher, reJan Murphy hopes that she will be searcher, and administrator and those remembered for being kind. experiences made her a natural fit in “It was always my goal to have a job the role of provost,” ISU President where I felt like I was doing something Larry Dietz said. good for someone,” Murphy said. “Dr. Murphy’s deep knowledge of Now, as she prepares for retirement teaching and learning, passion for stufrom Illinois State University, Murphy dent success and support for faculty believes that she was truly able to do and staff involved in the academic just that. enterprise have made her a valuable Murphy has always had a passion asset to the Illinois State community. for education. She said her life was She has been a trusted colleague and I changed through her own education, deeply appreciate her years of service so she made it her goal to do the same to the university. I will miss working for others. with her on a daily basis, but I wish Murphy started her path to her the very best as she embarks on higher education at the University of retirement.” Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned Murphy’s last official day with the her bachelor’s degree in nutrition and university is Tuesday. Since the pandietetics, a master’s degree in human demic shut down campus, Murphy nutrition and eventually a Ph.D. in has been finishing her career from nutrition research. home. Her career at ISU started in 1986 In all her years, she said that this when she accepted a position as an was the first time she has ever had assistant professor in family and conto work from home. She misses sumer sciences. being on campus and being around At the time, there were only two the excitement of students. Most of positions available in the country for all, she was saddened that students her area of study, she said. She was were not able to participate in tradibetween Baylor and ISU. tional commencement. From the second Murphy stepped “I love commencement,” she said. on campus for her interview, she knew “It is such a joy and truly a cumulathat ISU was a special place. tion of everything that we do.” “I fell in love with the place, fell in But she knows that this is not love with the people,” she said. “The goodbye. faculty and mission of the university Vidette Archives Murphy still plans to continue livwas perfect for me.” Jan Murphy will be retiring after being associated with the Illinois State University community for nearly ing in town and being involved with Murphy eventually became a full 35 years. Her last official day is Tuesday. the university from afar. She looks professor in 1995. This was just the Murphy has brought a wealth of knowledge students directly through student affairs. forward to spending more time with family. beginning of what she considers a very to her role as provost. I join the whole IlHer other positions were strictly acaHer hope is that the ISU community will rewarding experience. linois State community in thanking her for demic affairs, which she said limited her see her as someone that worked hard and She has worn many hats during her her years of service to the university.” ability to make strong connections with worked on behalf of the university. time as a Redbird, including former assisMost rewarding for Murphy was her time individual students. “I truly believe that over my 35 years that tant dean and associate dean in the Colas the director of campus dining services. “It was an amazing experience … I never as a whole I have worked with a great group lege of Applied Science and Technology. Not only was she able to put her knowlworked around such a hard-working group of people who have made this university Murphy also served as the former chair of edge of dietetics and nutrition into practice, of people,” Murphy said. better.” the Department of Family and Consumer but it was also an opportunity that would “It reminded me that although the “When I came here in ’86, we didn’t Sciences. later aid in her success as provost. faculty all reside in academic affairs, I have the stature and the recognition that “Jan Murphy’s professionalism and “This position made me a better adminis- felt like everybody in student affairs is we have now. I think through the years, I deep love for Illinois State University trator in academic affairs because it sort of still an educator … they all believe in look now and I see us as a top 100 univerhave been hallmarks of her career,” Board cemented my appreciation for the imporcreating the best learning environment, sity and I think of the reputation that we of Trustees Chairperson Julie Annette tance of a strong division of student affairs,” which helps support the university’s have and it makes me feel good to know Jones said. Murphy said. educational mission, making academics that I was a part of a team that was able to “Through her experience in the classroom She said she enjoyed this role so much function better.” make that happen.” and in numerous administrative roles, Dr. because she was able to interact with Murphy was appointed to the role of
A
“Dr. Murphy’s deep knowledge of teaching and learning, passion for student success, and support for faculty and staff involved in the academic enterprise have made her a valuable asset to the Illinois State community.” Larry Dietz, president of Illinois State University
ISU Housing offers free laundry services in fall ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter
With the start of the new school year approaching, Illinois State University is looking to make some improvements as students head back to campus in August. One of the most significant upgrades they are looking to make is that students living on campus will be able to wash their clothes for free. The residential areas will get 140 washing machines and 188 dryers this summer to replace the current models. Edsel Campbell, assistant director for marketing and assessment, stated that the replacement comes with the new contract they have in place. “Our new contract includes the replacement of all our current washers and dryers with brand new ones,” Campbell said. The replacement of the current models
Vidette Archives
A student uses a dryer at Illinois State University in February, before the COVID-19 shutdown.
before the school year will allow the new washers and dryers to last longer. In many incidents, students would not have enough money to use the machines for multiple
loads. As a result, many students would try to put as many clothes as they could into one machine at the same time. This change for students allows them to no longer have to worry about saving or getting money to wash their clothes. Sophomore Jovan Plummer Jr. highlighted that this change will help him financially due to the amount of laundry he regularly does. “I’ll get to save more money and wash more often because of it,” Plummer said. Students, such as sophomore Alexis Glasper, are in the same boat as Plummer and are lucky enough to share the same perspective as well. “It would help me save a lot of money because I wash a lot. I spend $40 a month,” Glasper said. Students staying in the residence halls will see a large decrease in many of their previous concerns.
With the new machines and free services, they can now wash anytime without having to think about if they have enough money. Campbell highlighted that the making of this decision involved how they wanted to make the lives of students easier while on campus. “We are always looking for ways to enhance our students’ living-learning experience,” Campbell said. For University Housing, the new contract was the perfect opportunity to solve one of the problems that students see within their day-today lives in the dorms. “University Housing Services chose to take on this manageable expense because our current contract was up and we saw this as an opportunity to finance an amenity that really matters to our students,” Campbell said. ALEXIS PLUMMER is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at amplum1@ilstu.edu
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
Mixed feelings, mixed messages for LGBTQ citizens
I
n the middle of Pride month, with a president who consistently attacks the rights of LGBTQ people, one of the biggest advances in LGBTQ rights was decided by the Supreme Court. According to their ruling June 15, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides legal protection for members of the LGBTQ community from workplace discrimination. Under Title VII, discrimination based on “sex” is prohibited and — thanks to the 6-3 vote of the Supreme Court — discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity falls under that category. Opponents to the inclusion of LGBTQ individuals under Title VII cite that when it was enacted, the rights of LGBTQ people were not a consideration and are not typically classified under the term “sex.” According to the published findings of the court, the term “sex” applies in the cases of sexual orientation and gender expression, stating, “An employer who fires an individual for being homosexual or transgender fires that person for traits or actions it would not have questioned in members of a different sex. Sex plays a necessary and undisguisable role in the decision; exactly what Title VII forbids.”
This ruling comes at a time when LGBTQ rights have been under fire from the current administration. Earlier this month, the Trump administration’s Department of Health and Human Service deemed that the previous interpretation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act prohibiting healthcare discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age and sex was not to be upheld, and that the use of “sex” does not include protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
Essentially, this decision would make it legal to refuse treatment to a patient based solely on their LGBTQ status. Only three days after the HHS decision came the Supreme Court’s ruling on Title VII. It is unclear as of now what outcome the Supreme Court’s ruling will have on the reversal of policy enacted by the HHS, but it certainly calls that action into question, especially since the interpretation of the term “sex” was key to the decision making in both instances. Not only does the Supreme Court rul-
ing call into question the actions of the Trump administration, but it also marks a historic win for the rights of LGBTQ people in the United States. The 2015 ruling on same-sex marriage was huge, but as New York Times editor Spencer Bokat-Lindell summarizes in his opinion piece on the recent court ruling, “Only some queer people get married, but almost all of them work.” The effects of this decision are far reaching and hit home right here at Illinois State University. LGBTQ students who are looking for work after graduation now have this ruling to back them up. The Title VII decision will allow them to work in any state without worrying about their right to employment. Since the beginning of President Donald Trump’s administration, LGBTQ activists have fought to maintain and further the rights of their community. Amid all the hardships this country is facing to uphold the rights of citizens over the decisions of a lessthan-progressive leader, this Supreme Court ruling serves as a beacon of hope for continuing change and increased civil rights for all Americans. Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KATIE BESTE, 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.
‘Hot girl summer’ takes on new meaning MY VIEW GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor
H
o t girl summer is in action — at least for me. Just not in the way I wish. Every summer during my breaks away from school I work my life away because my rent isn’t about to pay itself. Unlike having a dream internship or something a little less dirty, I spend eight to 10 hours of the day inside a hot, humid factory linking together chains for John Deere. So yeah, hot girl summer is every day for me. It’s easy work and pays well, and the people I work with have included me like one of their own every time I come back to work during my breaks. By the end of the day I’m hot, sweaty, tired and dirty on my arms and shirt. Once that bell rings at 3 p.m., I’m ready to sit my butt in my
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air-conditioned car and cool off. Then drive 30 minutes home to shower off the dirt and grime. Honestly, I’m living the hot girl dream. When I’m not walking around or talking to other people, I stand and make chains, and it gets boring. Since I can’t use my phone to entertain me, I have a lot of time to think. My brain sure does cover almost everything. One minute I’m thinking about why must I be an adult and work during my school breaks and other times I think of what I’m going to buy because it’s important to treat yourself. Most of the time though, I’m thinking of my lunch just waiting to be eaten come break time. Besides quitting time, the lunch bell is my second favorite bell of the workday. Also, the bells signaling when my shift starts and ends remind me of high school all over again, except I’m not going to a different class just to either stand in the same spot or leave. When we have those glorious food days, I stack that plate up. I love that my job can make me feel like I’m back in high school at times. Other times when I’m not thinking of what I plan on eating or how excited I am to get in my pajamas after work and sit down and endlessly
scroll through my phone, I’m having an internal battle with my anxiety. Those days at work tend to be the worst because I’ll get so in my head. I’ll go back and forth with my brain and tell it to chill and that I am fine, and this too shall pass. Sometimes not a lot is going on up there and I just zone out. Then I mess up, probably yell some cuss words because I have to tear the chain apart. But getting to use the grinder when I mess up is pretty fun. Who knew power tools are a blast to use? When the chain still is not coming apart after using the grinder to make it easier to hammer out the pins used to hold it together, I yell some more cuss words and walk away from it before I hammer my finger again. By the way, I have hammered my left index finger twice, both times breaking the skin and bleeding out like a water fountain. Not a fun time. In those moments, I think to myself, “why in the world aren’t I back at school sitting in lecture on my phone?” Factory work makes me thankful that I’ve continued my education. My supervisor jokes with me all the time how she is going to call
NOTABLE NUMBERS
GRACE KINNICUTT is a columnist and News Editor at The Vidette. She can be contacted at vidette_gkinnic@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @GKinnicutt.
THEY SAID IT
? 50
Under Phase 4, Illinois restaurants, store and other sorts of gatherings will be allowed to open again. Gatherings are now limited to 50 people, breaking the months-long restriction of 10 or fewer. Phase 4 will remain in effect until a vaccine or treatment is developed, or COVID-19 is defeated.
2,600
my school and tell them I’m not returning because I just love working at the factory. While it makes me feel appreciated that my hard work while I’m there does not go unnoticed, I couldn’t imagine doing it for 40 years like she has. It’s labor-intensive work. It is not cut out for everyone. I’ve seen my fair share of people come and go the short time I’ve worked there. Some of the people who have been there for years and whom I’ve gotten the chance to know are welcoming, share the best stories and are hilarious. Even on my worst days they make me smile and laugh. I know my past summer and winter breaks aren’t the ones I wanted away from college. Something as simple as linking chains together linked me to knowing some of the best people I’ve met so far. Even though I’m not sitting on the beach, I’ll take that hot, humid factory with those crazy folks any day — as long as I get that paycheck at the end of the week.
SEE NEWS, PAGE 5
Starting Sept. 4, Illinois State University football fans will be able to return to the stadium for home games. Each stadium will be allowed to operate at 20% capacity. For Hancock Stadium, that means about 2,600 fans. SEE SPORTS, PAGE 8
“
I don’t want to jinx anything, but we may have a new Newcomer of the Year on our team. We’re hoping for a four-peat.” Kristin Gillespie, Illinois State University women’s basketball coach, on her team’s success so far.
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt KATIE BESTE Night Editor | @BesteKatherine
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
Illinois moving into Phase 4 reopening plan Declining rates of COVID-19 infection cases in Illinois will allow non-essentials businesses to safely reopen starting Friday GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
With a continued decline in the rate of infection in new COVID-19 cases, Illinois is on track to move to Phase 4 of Gov. JB Pritzker’s reopening plan Friday. All regions in Illinois are set to move onto the next phase as of Monday morning. Gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed under Phase 4. Along with more people at gatherings, restaurants can offer indoor seating. Seating in Phase 3 was limited to outdoor areas only, but as long as restaurants have safety precautions, follow social distancing guidelines and extra sanitation measures, they can begin seating people inside. Parties of up to 10 people are allowed to sit inside for dining and drinking. The Town of Normal, along with the Mayor of Bloomington, announced in a statement Monday that since outdoor seating has worked well and is being operated in a safe manner, outdoor dining will be extended until Aug. 2. “The outdoor dining extension will continue to be a great help in the early stages of Phase 4, when indoor seating will be limited,” Bloomington Mayor Chris Koos said. For those who haven’t seen relatives in nursing homes, outdoor visits will be allowed in accordance with social distancing guidelines. Retail shops can reopen but are limited to a 50% store capacity. Customers must be following social distancing guidelines, along with the recommendation of wearing a mask and that checkout keypads should be cleaned after each use. Businesses such as hair salons, barber shops, nail salons, spas, massage therapy clinics, or any other personal care business are allowed to open with a 50% capacity
along with customers and employees wearing a face mask. Any shared items such as magazines need to be removed. Fitness centers for gym goers, cycling, dance, or yoga studios can reopen with a capacity of 50%. Face coverings must be worn by staff and social distancing guidelines must be implemented. Exercise equipment and areas must be sanitized after each use. Museums and zoos are allowed to operate at a 25% capacity but no hands-on exhibits are allowed. Miller Park Zoo in Bloomington is asking visitors to make reservations to visit when the zoo reopens Friday. Indoor theaters and performing art venues can reopen but with 50 people or fewer in attendance. Social distancing must be implemented between the guests. Businesses such as legal services, accounting services and architectural/engineering design can return to the office with 50 people or fewer at one time who must follow social distancing guidelines. Day camp services such as recreational, education and religious camps that were not licensed by the Department of Children and Family Services are allowed to reopen with group sizes of 15 participants or fewer. Pritzker also announced that schools will be allowed to reopen in the fall under the guidance from the Illinois Department of Health. Illinois will not be able to move on to the next phase until a vaccine or a highly effective treatment is proven to work or until COVID-19 is defeated. IDPH will continue to closely monitor trends in cases and hospitalizations to decide if a return to a previous phase is necessary. GRACE KINNNICUTT is a News Editor for The Vidette. She can be reached at gkinnic@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @GKinnicutt.
Infographic by FLYNN GERAGHTY | Art Director
Dietz: ISU planning a safe return to Normal KELLIE FOY News Editor | @kellie_foy
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz announced last week that ISU students and faculty would be coming back for the fall 2020 semester with a different style of how things will work. The new semester will come with new safety and health guidelines in which an update was put together and sent out in a Redbirds Return progress report. However, details are still being worked out for many aspects of campus with more updates to come. According to Dietz, the university plans to spend the summer working the logistics out in a more detailed manner. “What went out with this report simply was a progress report to let people know how much work we’ve done in the last few months [and] the things we’re wrestling with,” Dietz
said. “It will be updated as things change, but at least it’s a point in time that we say, ‘Here are the things that we’re working on and here are some decisions that have been made here or others that will need further work.’” As of now, the university is working to identify where face masks will be required and where to include a testing facility on campus with contact tracing available. Dietz said that there is a team working on determining the many aspects of what else will be incorporated on campus, including the consideration of having students and faculty get their temperatures taken before entering buildings. “Right now, we’ve got a work group that’s working on [this] and it includes some of our faculty from our nursing program,” Dietz said. “We want to do what at the time is considered to be best practices, but we don’t have the definition for all
Vidette Archives
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz.
of that today.” Along with the on-campus testing facility, Dietz stated that the university is working to set aside quarantine areas if students cannot go home. “I think probably the best thing
that would happen if someone does get sick and they know that it’s the coronavirus [and has been] diagnosed is to go home and recuperate it at home,” Dietz said. One of the ways the university is planning on practicing social distancing in the residence halls is by moving approximately 1,000 of the 6,000 students out of the halls and into off-campus apartments. The university is planning on changing the quads in the residence halls to triples to help prevent the spread of the virus as well. For off-campus apartments, Dietz said that the prevention of spread and the incorporation of social distancing will remain up to the landlords as students sign their leases with the leasing companies. Dietz also stressed that the university plans to continue working with the issues that have come with the housing changes in the next couple months. “We just don’t want to have the
same number [of students] in the same proximity on the campus,” Dietz said. As far as classes go, Dietz said that the university is looking at moving the combination of online, in-person and hybrid classes completely online after Thanksgiving. A final decision on this plan has yet to be made as the university is also looking into other options. Dietz stated that he plans to have faculty weigh in on the issue when the time comes. The university plans on providing resources to internet accessibility and technology accessibility to students who need it for that two-week period of time if they decide to make the transition. “The first thing that we’re interested in is the health and safety of faculty, staff and students. The other piece that we’re very interested in is that students are able to pursue their academic goals,” Dietz said.
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Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
Excitement mixes with concern for fall ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
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Students react to hybrid learning plans at ISU
fter months of online-only classes, Illinois State University students will finally be able to see one another again in the coming fall semester. However, things won’t be completely back to normal in Normal. Earlier this month, ISU President Larry Dietz announced the campus will be open for the fall 2020 semester. “My initial reaction to the [announcement] was surprised,” senior television production major Viktoria Figueroa said. “I did not think we would be back in face-to-face or hybrid classes. I thought we would stay online since there are huge lecture halls with tons of students.” The Redbirds Return progress report stated that courses will be taught in a combination of face-toface courses and hybrid courses with both face-to-face and remote learning and online only courses. “I’ve taken a couple of [hybrid] classes before and I really did not feel like the learning experience was the same at all, so it makes me a little nervous about the upcoming semester,” senior special education major Kyle Mlynarczyk said. “It also Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites feels a lot less personal when you ISU’s campus will be open in the fall, but in order to stay safe and follow COVID-19 guidelines classes may be taught in a hybrid style, combining face-toface and remote learning. aren’t in class with your peers and teacher.” Students voiced their concern ing into online courses again. czyk both mentioned that their main area of “Although hybrid and online classes may with continuing in an online learning envi“I feel I do not study as much since it’s concern revolves around student teaching in be the norm now, I want to have at least a bit ronment, however, some also mentioned they online and I have the internet for answers. I the fall. more in-person experience prior to looking were hopeful due to the experiences in the don’t think I learn as much in online classes,” “This upcoming semester, I am supposed for a full-time teaching position,” she added. spring semester. Figueroa said. to be teaching in a classroom for four days Christensen continues, saying that she The switch to online classes during the spring Courses won’t be taught the same as in the a week but have gotten no news as to if this remains hopeful for the semester to come, semester was on a very short notice. However, spring, and with different ways for classes to is still going to happen or not,” Mlynarczyk as the spring semester, “greatest challenge I now professors will be able to prepare their be instructed, it can benefit those who may said. encountered in college, but I’m happy to say class in whatever format it will be taught, struggle in an online-only setting. Christensen also voiced concern for stuthat I pushed myself and came away from the whether that is online, hybrid or in person. “I think it’s also really helpful for students dent teaching within the new circumstances, semester with not just new content knowl“I am optimistic to see how my classes are who may learn better in-person to have that such as wearing a mask in class. edge but also knowledge on how to organize improved from last semester as our profesopportunity as well,” senior English educa“While I am completely fine with and willmy schedule and motivate myself to work. sors are being given a heads up this time tion major Alisa Christensen said. ing to wear a mask, I worry about how it may “Having classes online will definitely be around,” Mlynarczyk said. Throughout the summer, more of the impede communication,” Christensen said. a challenge in the upcoming semester, but The switch from face-to-face classes to logistics on the return to campus will be an“I currently work with kids at a summer hopefully it will cause teachers and students online only was a difficult but necessary trannounced. learning center where we all wear masks at to become more flexible in the way they teach sition to make. But some classes have more hurdles to all times, and it can be a bit difficult to hear and learn,” Mlynarczyk said. “I am both Figueroa adds that online classes changed jump through when it comes to transitioning and understand what others are saying while extremely excited and anxious to see how this how she studied, and she shows concern goto the new normal. Christensen and Mlynarwearing masks. semester will play out.”
Milner Library turns page toward Miller Park Zoo reopens Friday its fall 2020 operations outline ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea
JAKE DAHL Features Reporter | @jdahl3005
Milner Library is currently working toward an outline for their general operations for the fall 2020 semester, alongside other locations on the Illinois State University campus. With the changes that COVID-19 has brought to everyday life, Illinois State has been attempting to bring students back to campus in a safe and sanitary way. Operations were outlined for what students could expect in a recently released newsletter from the office of ISU President Larry Dietz. However, while many campus buildings were covered in the newsletter, there was little to no mention of how Milner Library will be changing its operations in response to the coronavirus. “I would not say we have no concrete plans, though there is still a tremendous amount to figure out,” Shari Zeck, the retiring dean of Milner said. “Dr. (Dallas) Long (Milner’s new dean) should have more information after he meets with planning groups.” That’s not to say that Milner has
Rafael Menchaca | Staff Photographer @kuma_topics_
ISU’s Milner Library is currently working toward an outline regarding general operations for the fall semester, with more information to be released. not made any changes; the library has removed 70% of its seating capacity to encourage social distancing, closed any group study rooms where social distancing cannot occur, added sneeze guards to the circulation desk, spaced out office areas where necessary, are starting curbside delivery of study materials (with an eventual expan-
sion to delivery to faculty offices) and quarantining any physical materials for a period of time after they are returned to the library. “With the library being closed for the summer, we have lots of time to figure out safety and cleaning protocols,” said Zeck. “We’ll have all of these things figured out before patrons return in the fall.”
Miller Park Zoo is getting ready to reopen their doors at 9 a.m. Friday. Zoo visits will be on an appointment-only basis. Appointments can be made by calling (309) 4342250. However, the first weekend of opening will be for Miller Park Zoo members only. After the opening weekend, reservations will open to non-members as well. Walk-up ticketing will not be available. Those interested in renewing their zoo membership or checking their membership status can visit Miller Park Zoo’s website or call (309) 434-2250. Vidette Archives The reservation process will Miller Park Zoo will open once again allow the zoo to make sure there at 9 a.m. Friday, and visits will be by are 50 visitors or fewer at the zoo appointment only. at any given time. In order to meet social distancing guidelines, there All indoor zoo buildings will be will be a one-way path throughout closed except for restrooms. The the zoo for guests to follow. There carousel, petting zoo, Zootique and will also be special signage and paw concessions will also be closed for prints on the ground to help the flow the time being. of traffic. Miller Park Zoo employees Masks will be required for all are currently using a cleaning guests over the age of 3 and masks and sanitization method recomwill be available to purchase upon mended by the Centers for Disease entry. Control and Prevention and will Guests and families will be asked be cleaning restrooms and other to keep a 6-foot distance between high-touch areas at least every two themselves and other guests. hours.
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Passing the torch Senior Abby Basler set to assume leadership role from Kate Del Fava KEVIN KOSKI Sports Reporter | @_Koski_
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fter a historic 2019-20 season, the Illinois State University women’s soccer team has high hopes to build on its success. For the young team to improve the Redbirds will look to the experience of their only redshirt senior — midfielder Abby Basler. Basler, a native of St. Louis, was a four-year starter during her time at Ursuline Academy. There she was named team MVP for three seasons and was the team’s leading scorer each of her last three seasons. As a Redbird, Basler appeared in all 23 matches of her freshman season with eight as a starter. That season the Redbirds won the Missouri Valley Championship tournament and secured their spot in the 2016 NCAA tournament. Basler redshirted the 2017 season due to injury, getting surgery on her hip. “I tore my labrum my freshman season and got surgery the upcoming spring,” Basler said. “It was an eight-month recovery, so I was out all of my sophomore year.” After sitting out a year Basler started right where she left off, starting in all 21 matches for the Redbirds and received multiple MVC awards. “That [redshirt sophomore] season I had lofty goals for myself and I got on the first team All-MVC with my first full season back, so I am very proud of that,” Basler said. Last year Basler was a major part of a historic team, starting in 17 games of the 2019 season and totaling over 1000 minutes of play. She was awarded the MVC Offensive Player of the Week for her second career hat trick and two assists in a 5-0 victory against North Florida. “We clearly set some unbelievable records and that has a lot to do with the senior class that just graduated,” Basler said. “They were a really good bunch that came in with me and I think they set some records individually and they helped us set some records
Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
Illinois State redshirt senior midfielder Abby Basler dribbling the ball down the field during the 2019 season. Last season Basler scored four goals. as a team so I think coming off of that season we have some goals in mind for this coming season and we just want to keep building off of what we already accomplished last season.” Of last year’s senior class, the loss of star midfielder, and MVC Player of the Year, Kate Del Fava — who was drafted 12th overall in the National Women’s Soccer League College Draft — will leave a large hole to fill. “Kate, it was unbelievable what she accomplished … and is still accomplishing as a Utah Royal,” Basler said. “She was an incredible leader on and off the field. Filling that role, she had been a captain for three years, so filling that role is a lot of leadership to fill, but Ashley Santos and I and Sarah Ochitwa stepped up. We still have great leadership on the team. There are four of us seniors, as upperclassmen, we still are going to fill that
role pretty easily because we all have that same end goal that Kate had when she was here.” Basler’s leadership role has already been put to the test with the COVID-19 pandemic creating an unprecedented situation. “I haven’t seen my teammates in three months now. That’s been extremely weird to get used to, but nowadays with social media and everything over the phone I stay in contact with them like every single day,” Basler said. “But it’s definitely challenging not seeing them especially because our team is very close so seeing each other in person is what we like to do. Training by yourself has been not so fun but we all have the same end goal of wanting to come back fitter than ever, better than ever for the fall so we can win a championship and compete.” One unique way Basler says the team is handling the COVID-19 pan-
Basler’s numbers 61 career games 14 career goals 41 career points 13 career assists One-time Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week Five career game winning goals demic is by a program they call Team Sisters, where a senior is paired with an incoming freshman as “sisters” and group up with two other girls on the team to form “families”. “We have 12 freshmen coming up and that’s our biggest class we’ve had; that’s a lot of incoming girls,” Basler said. “We’re normally up here during the summer so they get integrated into our team pretty easily, but not having that this
SPORTS IN BRIEF ISU football hires new director of football operations Illinois State football head coach Brock Spack announced the hiring of Holden Boyle as the program’s new Director of Football Operations on Monday. “Holden brings a wealth of experience to this role and came highly recommended to us. With everything going on and the uncertainty surrounding college athletics right now, it’s a comfort knowing we have someone in the role that knows the right decisions to make and is able to adapt quickly to changes. His experience at Arizona State as an undergrad and at Western Illinois the past three years has prepared him well for success in our program and we are excited to work with Holden planning for the 2020 season,” Spack said. While at Arizona State, Boyle received two bachelor’s degrees in business management and sports business. He earned his master’s of sports management at Western Illinois in the spring of 2019. Boyle joins Illinois State after spending three seasons with Western Illinois serving as the Director of Football
Operations. Now at Illinois State University, Boyle will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the program.
Former Redbird Del Fava inks deal with Utah Royals Former Illinois State University soccer standout Kate Del Fava officially signed with the Utah Royals FC for the 2020 National Women’s Soccer League season. A May 2020 Redbird graduate, Del Fava was selected by the organization as the 12th overall draft pick back in January. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Royals FC organization to begin my Kate Del Fava All Access and Twitch for fans outside professional journey,” Del Fava said. the United States and Canada. “It’s been a dream of mine to play The former Illinois State midfieldprofessional soccer my whole life and er capped off an impressive collegiate to have that dream become a reality career with a senior campaign highwith such a great club and amazing lighted by a sweep of the Missouri Valteammates and coaches is a dream ley Conference Player of the Year and come true.” Scholar-Athlete of the Year awards. The Redbird alumna will finally live Del Fava also led the league in goals her dreams as the URFC kicks off the (17), points (39) and game-winning 2020 campaign on June 27 at Zion goals (6). Banks Stadium in Herriman, Utah. Off the field, Del Fava has garnered No spectators will be in attendance just as many accomplishments as for the games, but avid Del Fava fans a Redbird, earning one of 14 Bone can follow her journey via CBS, CBS
summer has kind of been a struggle because we don’t get to know their personalities as best or how they play the field. [Season Sisters] is something we grasp onto especially during this pandemic. Checking in weekly having FaceTime with your family; it just incorporates every class together … so that they do start feeling comfortable with the team because that’s a huge thing, bonding in the spring season and summer just to become a team in the fall.” Despite the unusual circumstance the pandemic has created, the team goals for this upcoming season remain the same. “We were talking, as a team, during this COVID thing over Zoom and we just said like, we want to be doing what we are doing now, we want to be doing it the best, running, fitness, soccer skills because we know that some teams in the MVC might not be doing it, and we want to come out of this as the best and on top, not only in the MVC but we want to make a statement in the NCAA,” Basler said. “So, I think, just using that as inspiration, that’s going to springboard us into the fall even though we haven’t been together yet.” Heading into her last season as a Redbird, Basler still has something to prove. “Personally, I definitely want to leave something behind whether that’s leadership or a record or whatnot, I just want to leave something behind for my teammates that will still be on the team next year and years to come within the program,” Basler said. “Mostly though, what I want personally is again an MVC championship, that’s just something I’ve been trying to force since my freshman year again.” According to NCAA.org in a June 8 release from the NCAA Division I Competition Oversight Committee chair Lynda Tealer, the 2020 fall sports championships remain unchanged. “The plan at this time is to keep the same formats, the same timelines and the same previously determined sites for fall championships.”
Scholarships, the highest academic award a student can receive at the university. She is also a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American and is the only Illinois State student-athlete ever to earn the CoSIDA Academic All-America Team Member of the Year Award.
Boomer Grisby up for College Football Hall of Fame Former Illinois State defensive lineman Boomer Grigsby has been named as a finalist for the National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Football Hall of Fame. The three-time Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Year is on the ballot for the fifth consecutive year. During his four-year Redbird career, Grigsby was a threetime First Team All American, tallied a school-record 580 tackles and was a finalist for The Buck Buchanan Award on three separate occasions. “The Hall’s requirement of being a First-Team All-American creates a much smaller pool of about 1,500 individuals who are even eligible. Being in today’s elite group means an individual is truly among the greatest to have ever played the game,” NFF President and CEO Steve Hatchell said.
THREE-PEAT
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“I really feel like Terron should be able to step up and put the work in and be the Newcomer of the Year and keep this train going on,” Redmond said. As next year nears, only time will tell who will be the next Redbird to step up to the challenge of being the MVC Newcomer of the Year, but regardless of who that may be, Gillespie has her eyes locked on another firstyear sensation. “I don’t want to jinx anything, but I think we may have another Newcomer of the Year on our team. We are hoping for a four-peat,” Gillespie said. JAKE FOGAL is a Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_jpfoga1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @jfogal5.
Sports Football attendance to be limited; tailgating is blocked
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2020
KEN KANOON Sports Reporter | @Ken_k____
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ov. JB Pritzker announced on Monday that sports stadiums would be allowed to hold events at 20% capacity beginning when Phase 4 of Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan goes into effect Friday. The guidelines are for parts of Illinois dependent on if they meet the criteria outlined by the state. However, indoor stadiums are still closed until further notice. The Phase 4 guidelines would allow Hancock Stadium to open for games with at most 2,678 fans in attendance. This number is consistent with the 20% cap in attendance. However, the state added that events should avoid crowding entrances and exits in the stadium. However, also in Illinois reopening guidelines, the state is prohibiting tailgating activities during this impending season. Illinois State University Assistant Athletics Director Mike Williams said the school is exploring the impact of the guidelines on the upcoming fall sports seasons.
“We’re still working through all that. We don’t know, we’ve been doing some initial looks at the stadium seeing where we can socially distance appropriately, but we don’t have a seating chart in place yet because it came out yesterday,” Williams said. With plans to bring back sporting events, the NCAA announced on June 12 that it had approved an altered training camp with organized team activities for athletes and coaches. The NCAA also said that “late July” would be when teams could begin camps provided their local and state guidelines allow it. “The NCAA set a date of July 24 but ours is actually July 23 because we open on Friday instead of a Saturday but that’s for what they call more organized team activities … it’s not gonna be full team full practice,” Williams said. So, with a tentative date set, Illinois State football looks to return on July 23 for team activities. In addition, Williams later said Aug. 6 is when the first actual practice was scheduled for Redbird football. Eventually when the venues open, masks will be required for use when inside the stadium
“I would say we will focus our attention on these new guidelines and shelve the alternate scenarios we were running. So, we will dig in on the impacts to our fall sports of football, volleyball and soccer. These are broad guidelines and we have several questions that need to be answered. There is a caveat in the guidelines that capacity restrictions could change as we continue through Phase 4,” Illinois State University Director of Athletics Larry Lyon said. As of now, all preparations are Vidette Archives being made for Illinois State UniTailgating scenes like this at an Illinois State game will versity football to be back this year. not likely occur under guidelines announced this week While this situation is fluid and evolvby the state. Stadiums can be filled to 20% capacity, but fans are not allowed to tailgate prior to or during the ing, the first steps have been taken in order to assure that football is back game. in a safe and organized manner for unless attendees are at their seat and at least 6 this year. feet apart from another person. Furthermore, Illinois State is scheduled to open the season while inside Hancock Stadium, anyone selling on Sept. 4 at Illinois. The first home at Hancock is food or drinks must adhere to the current state Sept. 12 against Mid-America Classic rival Eastguidelines outlined to bars and restaurants. ern Illinois.
Three-peat feat
How Illinois State has dominated MVC Newcomer award
JAKE FOGAL Sports Editor | @Jfogal5
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throughout the season but set loftier expectaSo, the standard that Gillespie applied to tions for her first season in the red and white. her recruiting and coaching was the impor“I was shooting for Defensive Player of the tance of searching and finding junior college Year in my first year and to be on the first products that could make an immediate team all-conference team, but I also enjoyed impact on the court. By following the game and appreciated becoming Newcomer of the plan, Goods’ spectacular first season led to Year because I put the work in,” said Maggett, who shined at Vincennes Junior Redmond. College and then onto Redmond, who Both Goods and Maggett played at Tallahassee Junior College. each recalled having little As Goods transitioned into her knowledge on the first-year senior year, Maggett was fresh on the exclusive award. scene with plenty to showcase. “Honestly I don’t really Gillespie alluded to the passing know if I knew Newcomer of a torch from Goods onto of the Year was a Maggett, and then Maggett thing. We put onto Redmond. in the hard “They passed it on, work at pracSimone started it. We tice day in recruited her to help and day out, us get this program and when I back going. The received it, it year before we was an honor, got here, Illinois but it wasn’t really something State won eight I was aiming for. I was trying games. So, we really to be an impact on the team, sold her, “You’re going that’s what my focus was. That’s to be the face of the program, just what ended up coming along you’re going to be the one who with it,” Goods said. gets the ball going,” Gillespie TeTe Maggett What the trio did have in said. common was the eagerness to play for the “She had a partner in crime so to speak, team first, before themselves. Redmond was when TeTe joined the next year. That’s been grateful for winning the Newcomer of the the nice thing, we have always had two years Year award but discussed the team before with our junior college players, so all mentioning any of her individual accomplish- the burden doesn’t lay on just one ments. Goods followed suit, calling on winthat next year. It’s something ning games as a team being the ultimate goal. that our program takes great While Goods’ first season in Redbird Arena pride in, we’ve had it the last was still lacking a winning record, the stanthree years and that’s been a huge dard was set by Gillespie and her coaching part of our success.” staff. While the three newcomers “On my visit, we talked in depth about played quite different roles on the the changes that she wanted to make. We court, leadership proved evident sat in the office, everything we talked from one to the other. Maggett about we did, we spoke on it and it was a tough sell upon her arrival ended up happening. She was very to Normal, but with an extra effort open and honest about what she from the coaching staff, the final wanted, and she stood on her word,” straw came from her teammate. Goods said. “I ran into a lot of different As mentioned prior, Goods was people and they taught me life referred to as laying the foundation skills and how to be a better by Gillespie for the revamped women’s person. They didn’t really have basketball program. Before her two to tell me anything but instead it years at ISU though, Goods played was the way they did things. I at Kirkwood Junior College in saw what they did and applied Cedar Rapids, Iowa. it to my life,” Maggett said. Goods put it simply when “It was a collective effort addressing what Kirkwood to help me buy in, and she did for her development as (Simone) was showing me the a player, “Without Kirkropes.” wood, there would be no Soon to follow, Redmond Illinois State. It’s a huge was yearning to get to Redpiece to my success at bird Arena to show everyone Illinois State.” what she was made of. Upon
inning fixes everything, right? Seems to have done the trick for the Illinois State University women’s basketball team, as a winning culture has grown from the ground up since the Kristen Gillespie era began in the 2017-2018 season. Gillespie has turned the program around with a 52-38 record, with three constants being present: Simone Goods, TeTe Maggett and Juliunn Redmond. Each of these women have put together impressive careers at ISU, so much so that all have brought home the Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year award over the past three consecutive seasons. The trio made MVC history, becoming the first to three-peat the award in the conference’s illustrious archives. Gillespie spoke highly of the award winners, realizing their unlimited potential before most could. “Simone, she was in our first recruiting class, we were so fortunate to sign her late. To have a player of her caliber still available, we knew she would be an impact player from the moment she stepped foot on campus,” Gillespie said. “TeTe was just so different, she’s such a dynamic playmaker, but she had the same impact. The ball was in her hands for the last two years and I really think she elevated our program. Simone laid the foundation and Tete took that next step for us. Then with Juju’s play once conference hit, she really found her footing so to speak. She really started to blossom and became the player we knew she was going to be; she just impacts the game on both ends in so many different ways with her versatility.” The three Redbirds each brought a different skill set to the table, Goods’ vicious post play, Maggett’s scoring habits and Redmond’s lockdown defensive mindset, all of which culminated in the same outcome: success. Redmond was the only one of the three to have knowledge of the Newcomer of the Year award Simone Goods
Juliunn Redmond
arrival, Redmond found her role as the first player off the bench. “I was trying to prove a point and also show that junior kids can come to a program and make an impact and also contribute,” Redmond said. What started the Gillespie era at ISU was a simple conversation that set expectations and built trust. Upon that introduction, respect was gained, bonds were built and winning was soon to follow. “For coach [Gillespie] to come in and do what she did, she had a plan, she was very strategic in what she wanted to do and what she saw for the team,” Goods said. “Knowing about her knowledge and watching her coach, you just have a lot of respect for a person like that, for a person that can turn things around as well as bring everybody along and not let anyone feel left out. It takes a big person to really take on that type of role, so I will always respect coach [Gillespie] for that.” Echoing Goods’ appreciation, Redmond had a similar perspective on her head coach. “She was very honest. It was everything I was looking for in a coaching staff, I knew they loved their players and she was going to push us to be the best we could be,” Redmond said. With the three-peat accomplished, all eyes move forward to address the next newcomer in line. Assuming many of the first-year Redbirds have set their sights on becoming that fourth woman to claim the Newcomer of the Year award, two names headline the list. Transfer forward from Mobley Junior College DeAnna Wilson, and guard Terrion Moore, who sat out the 2019-2020 season due to NCAA transfer requirements were spoken in good faith by Gillespie. “DeAnna Wilson, the post player that we signed from Moberly last month, the neat thing about DeAnna is that she is coming in as a sophomore instead of a junior, and she is going to help us with losing Lexi Wallen,” Gillespie said. “She (Moore) is really going to help ease the hurt of losing TeTe, just ’cause TeTe was so dynamic, she was such a great scorer. Now Terrion isn’t a point guard, as we call her a scoring guard. She’s a great defender so she will be able to impact the game in both ends.” Redmond agreed with her head coach, expecting an exceptional season for Moore. See THREE-PEAT on Page 7