V
VIEWPOINT 4
CLOCK IS TICKING ON CLIMATE CHANGE — LITERALLY
THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020 Vol. 133 | No. 6
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Learning to teach, teaching to learn Education students navigate the new classroom in the time of COVID-19 JOHN MURRAY News Reporter | @Jmurr__
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or students across the world, COVID-19 has revolutionized what “school” means to them. Tests and quizzes have turned into online surveys, classes have turned into Zoom meetings, the bedroom has turned into the classroom and “learning” has had an “e-” added to the front of it. But there is no school without teachers, and there are no teachers without school. Not to mention those going to school in hopes of becoming a teacher. Whether they graduated before the pandemic hit, in the middle of it or have it right around the corner — the newest-of-new members of the teaching community say that COVID-19 has taken its toll. “It’s definitely more stressful, and you can’t help but feel a little unprepared just because of the sheer unpredictably of everything,” said Shannon Cavins, a spring 2020 ISU graduate, and a newly hired teacher at Timber Ridge Middle
School in Plainfield. Cavins, a Golden Apple Scholar with a freshly minted special education degree, accepted her first teaching job in April. While she was happy to have found a job, she says the uncertainty surrounding the fall semester was far from over. “Because of the unknowns with what the school year would look like, it was a waiting game to get any type of plan,” Cavins said. “We were given our plan to go fully remote at the end of July, the next few weeks consisted of adjusting and planning for the upcoming school year.” Kurt Huegelmann is an ISU special education major, specializing in learning behavior. He is student-teaching this fall and said it’s equally as stressful. “It’s been tough to adapt a lot of the projects and assignments to an online format,” Huegelmann explained. “Especially because we barely had any time to prepare before the year started, let alone the fact that a lot of us are doing this for the first time.” See EDUCATION on Page 6
ART BY FLYNN GERAGHTY | ART DIRECTOR
NEWS 2
STUDENTS JOIN CONTACT TRACING FORCE
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
COVID-19 numbers in McLean and ISU
NEWS IN BRIEF
3,290 cases in McLean 15 new cases on Monday in
Redbird Scholar focuses on impactful research
McLean
0 new cases at ISU 4.6% seven-day positivity rate through Sept. 27
1.5% positivity rate at ISU. 1,349 students at ISU positive for COVID-19
16 active cases at ISU 1,333 recovered cases at ISU 72,200 total tested in McLean County
186 individuals in home isola-
Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
tion in McLean County
Freshman psychology major Arion Hills receives a COVID-19 swab test from nurse Noel Yaegal Monday afternoon SOURCE: THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT at the mobile site located in the Allamo II parking lot.
Illinois State University’s Redbird Scholar magazine focuses on the interesting and impactful researchers at the university. The magazine is published each September and March, and includes feature stories, profiles and Q&As. It focuses on the research, scholarship and creative expression of faculty, staff and students. Other sections highlight research grants procured by the university, and books and recordings produced by ISU faculty. Print copies of the magazine are available in kiosks around campus. Stories can also be found on the Redbird Scholar website. GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor
OF PUBLIC HEALTH
Students join MCHD contact tracing force RAFAEL MENCHACA Photographer | @kuma_topics_
Illinois State University Student Health Services has had to increase its workforce in response to the increased number of cases. Since COVID-19 testing has become available in various locations on the ISU campus, the number of positive cases has risen. While the positivity rate has gone down, the need for more contact tracers has continued to increase. According to assistant professor at Mennonite College of Nursing Melissa Jarvill, about 80 students majoring in nursing are working as contact tracers in the Uptown Circle Contact Tracing Center as part of their clinical hours. Along with the nursing students, there are about 10 students in Health Promotion and Education completing their professional practice hours as contact tracers. “In addition, we have hired 33 student workers from students with majors in health professions like nursing, health promotions and education, psychology, health information management and communications sciences and disorders,” Jarvill said. All student workers are supervised by Mennonite College of Nursing faculty, Health Promotion and Education faculty or part-time supervisors who have experience in nursing, public health and
healthcare management. Trevis Clementi said. While students have become Other students are concerned a source of relief for the conabout students who have moved tact tracing concern, another back to the ISU campus, tested issue has come to light as stupositive and are being sent back to dents have tested positive for their towns in areas like Chicago. COVID-19. “I think it’s a problem to send Students who have come them home to their family in back to ISU and tested posiChicago because then they are tive are being given the option spreading it to their family,” to return home for their 14-day sophomore marketing major Asha quarantine. Redd said. “That was the advice in the The decisions by ISU to allow beginning and with the advice such freedom of movement may Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @ from Dr. (Anthony) Fauci and seem counterintuitive to some maiawrites other public health experts Healthcare worker Fransiska people. about not doing that,” ISU Novarina enters contact inOfficials of the McLean County Director of Media Relations formation into the registration Health Department do take indisystem at the mobile COVID-19 viduals’ needs into consideration Eric Jome said. “We did give students an testing site. when it comes to allowing the unioption to go home, but we also versity to continue its practices of provide quarantine spaces on campus.” isolation choice. The university defaults back to following the “The best practice, when possible, would be for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guide- an individual to stay put and isolate where they are lines with a few changes to its method on how to until they are no longer contagious and preventing manage the influx of infected students on and off further spread of the virus or possibly infectcampus. ing family and friends,” McLean County Health “I think it would be smarter to keep people here Department Administrator Jessica McKnight said. so they don’t spread it to more people, however, I “Everyone’s situation is unique and what is the think that the idea of sending them home is so par- safest option for one person might not be the best ents can rest easy,” freshman social work major plan for someone else.”
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Equity with a Mirror conference to confront anti-Black sentiment Nationally recognized activist Tamika Mallory, also a staunch advocate of justice for Breonna Taylor, is the keynote speaker for the fall 2020 Culturally Responsive Campus Community Conference. The conference will be held virtually through Zoom on Oct. 29-30. Registration will be available on the CRCC website soon. Day One attendance will be required to register for Day Two. The conference’s theme will be Equity with a Mirror and will speak to the goal of facing multiple barriers when addressing anti-Blackness. The 2020 CRCC will go back to the conference’s origins of facing anti-Black sentiment, aiming to educate, enlighten and spark conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion. CRCC’s conference will feature Mallory and other nationally recognized speakers who will lead reflective sessions that will call out anti-Blackness in personal, institutional and societal aspects. KELLIE FOY | News Editor
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
Concerns linger over ISU COVID-19 steps GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @Gkinnicutt
Within two weeks of the semester starting, Illinois State University saw a spike bigger than anticipated in COVID-19 cases. A spike was likely going to happen, but many members of the ISU community expressed concern about communication and transparency by the university. This especially comes to planning and addressing questions and problems that arise as everyone navigates life with COVID-19. Preparation for COVID-19 started back at the end of February. The Redbirds Return report was created with input from different work groups made up of faculty and staff members of the Redbird Community. The return plan addresses frequently asked questions about classes, what students should do if they test positive for COVID-19 and how the university is handling the situation as it progresses. Concerns regarding how the university had been handling COVID-19 among students started to rise within the first two weeks of classes. By Sept. 1, ISU was reporting 1,000 positive cases among students and yet no quarantine or lockdown measures were taken to cease further spreading. When meetings were held regarding COVID-19 planning for the fall semester, some felt the questions asked to the administration were vaguely answered or ignored with little acknowledgement to the actual question. “Questions regarding ISU’s COVID handling seemed to be ignored or not acknowledged properly,” Student Government and Academic Senator Grant Chassy said earlier this month. “It seems like they have been playing it by ear, but you can’t play a pandemic by ear.” Chassy asked Dietz if one infection was worth reopening campus and what the plans would look like moving forward if the situation surrounding the virus worsened. “As we have encountered throughout our response to COVID-19, there are no hard and fast rules and no easy answers. Information develops and changes very quickly,” Dietz said in a statement. As cases continued to rise, university officials kept urging students to follow the guidelines of social distancing, wearing masks and to limit gatherings, but no clear action seemed to be taken. “It was deeply irresponsible that we went two weeks of the semester with a huge spike
Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites
Nurse Noel Yaegel checks sophomore business management major Jack Vivvings in for his coronavirus test.
“It was deeply irresponsible that we went two weeks of the semester with a huge spike in cases right from the start and had very little communication from the administration about what was happening.” Brain Rejack, associate professor in the Department of English in cases right from the start and had very little communication from the administration about what was happening,” Brian Rejack, associate professor in the Department of English said. Lack of communication and transparency seemed to be the driving force in parents and students voicing their anger and concern over social media in how the university seemed to be brushing off the cases and failed to implement some type of quarantine measures. “My main concern was the off-campus living situation. They didn’t prepare for students to come back, yet they told us to come back,” SGA and Academic Senator Djimon Lewis said. Off campus became one of the main factors
in the rise of COVID-19 cases as students ignored the guidelines of limiting the spread of the virus. About 80% of COVID-19 cases were caused by off-campus actions. While this number held true, the university was using the number in a misleading way. “Several times within the first couple weeks, different administrators made the claim that 80% of cases were coming from students who live off campus. Again, that’s a statement that is true but the way they were using it was deeply misleading and irresponsible,” Rejack said. “What they were trying to imply is that, ‘The problem is off campus, we are doing fine on campus.’ They imply that they can’t do anything about students living off campus.” Dietz has addressed these off-campus incidents over the past few weeks, saying that students should understand how serious the virus is. “The incidents that have occurred off campus, I’m saddened by that. I’m disappointed. I’m hopeful it was a one-time deal. Students need to understand the importance of this virus and how quickly it can spread and how sick it can make people. Not only students but other people they come into contact with,” Dietz said. As parties continued to happen among students, the Town of Normal stepped up and called upon ISU to do more. As a result,
the town made emergency orders to limit gatherings with fines up to $750 if found in violation. In one email to campus, Dietz mentioned that what happens off campus directly impacts on-campus operations. The question no longer seemed to be, “Can the university step in for off-campus situations?” but, “When is the university going to step up and handle off-campus partying?” “I felt as if that ‘we can’t control them’ is a cop-out answer. You can because you brought them here and they interact with the campus,” Lewis said. “To me, it feels as if they are giving responsibility to the Town of Normal and to the state of Illinois to put up ordinances and stay-at-home orders before taking any action. It’s just irresponsible.” While the university is not involved with lease agreements and off-campus housing, Dietz said that administration does have the ability to take action in these types of situations due to the student conduct code. “We typically haven’t done that because we haven’t had large gatherings like that. Before the coronavirus, people gathered in those kinds of settings and it was fine. But we are in a very different situation now. Safety is more important than the fun piece,” Dietz said. With ISU coming under more fire, university officials address the rise in cases by comparing the numbers to other colleges. Claims of ISU testing more to find the positive cases came out of these comparisons. The problem with ISU’s testing includes no requirements to begin the school year compared to schools like University of Illinois or Illinois Wesleyan University. “You can’t explain away the spike in cases and positivity rates by comparing them to other universities. The situation is we got a house on fire here. We don’t have to compare it to the nature of the fire down the street,” Rejack said. Now being a month into school with testing numbers and cases down, the virus still continues to spread around the community. A lockdown or quarantine order for students at this point might be too late. “We don’t know what’s really happening now. Our testing numbers are down. We are seeing far fewer cases. It’s encouraging we have far fewer cases,” Rejack said. “But there are still too many gaps in the data to really know accurately what is happening amongst students.”
ISU students react to decision in Breonna Taylor case YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
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grand jury decided not to indict the three officers involved in Breonna Taylor’s death six months ago. Only one of the officers, Brett Hankison, was indicted minimally with first-degree wanton endangerment charges Wednesday, according to CNN. Taylor was a 26-year-old African American woman who was shot by Louisville Metro Police Department officers on March 13. The police department stated that Hankison did “wantonly and blindly” shoot into Taylor’s home, as 32 bullets were fired that night, six of which struck Taylor. Hankison shot through blinded windows, which was in violation of the department policy of having a line of sight. As a result of the decision by the grand jury not to indict any of the officers for Taylor’s death, the public has begun protesting and rioting on the streets of Louisville. They feel it is unfair and no justice has been brought to Taylor, her family or to the rest of the distraught nation. Produced from this was a new curfew of 9 p.m. for the town, which is continuing to be extended as the protests continue. Illinois State University students said they feel livid and frustrated about the verdict. Junior special education major Anna Cheavens demonstrates her strong feelings toward the ordeal, comparing the amount of
training she has to do as a future educator to police officers could’ve done in that situation. the amount of training police officers do. All the blame would have to be placed on the “I am livid to say the least. It is absolutely men and women that planned the arrest or not OK that the officers are getting away with the man or woman that messed up the door this,” Cheavens said. number,” Day said. “I will never understand why I, as a future “But any officer would be trained to return teacher, will go through more training and fire once fired upon. None of them had any background checks and be held to a higher idea Breonna was in there. All they knew was standard than police officers.” they took fire, which is justifiable to return Cheavens believes that firing the 32 shots with deadly force.” was not necessary, regardless of if the officers Day comments that the police acted propdid it out of self-defense. erly in the situation they were in, as they were “There is no reason why they should trained to respond in the way they did. have fired as many times He said that Taylor’s as they did. Even if it death was still a tragedy, was self-defense, firing but an accident. multiple shots is not self“I would need to hear defense. That’s murder,” the accounts of the other Cheavens said. officers. If he had shot at “I mean, I’m content the wall without any precithat something negative sion towards Breonna’s came out of this. But by boyfriend, I believe he bringing the neighbors could be indicted,” Day into this, almost makes said. it seem comparable to “But if he was shooting ‘All Lives Matter.’ In this towards the boyfriend and case, all lives don’t matter, missed, there’s more deBreonna’s did.” bate to be had. Any person Freshman criminal placed in that situation justice major Trevor Day could have made that Michelle Guerrier | Photographer | @ mistake, [such as] missing feels alternatively about michellayy4 the charges and regardyour target.” Members of the Black Girl Code ing how the night of the Freshman social organization led a Black Lives Matincident went. ter march and a candlelight vigil on science and history “There’s nothing else the Aug. 24. education major Nevaeh
Borders thinks the grand jury decision is entirely unjust. “I believe it was completely unlawful, and the officers should have been held accountable. They murdered her in her sleep,” Borders said. Borders thinks that the altercation could in no way be lawful due to the circumstances. She said that even though Taylor’s boyfriend shot at the police, it is still not justification for the officers’ actions and Taylor’s killing. “I absolutely cannot believe they charged the walls of the house they were in instead of charging the officer with actual murder,” Border said. Senior music education major Magnus Urosev thinks that the decision is unjust and that the self-defense rationale does not suffice for the officers. “It was a necessary charge, but they should’ve been jailed for murder,” Urosev said. Senior mass media major Hailey Shreffler believes that the indictment and the charge are unbelievable. Shreffler said she thinks that the officers should have focused on their job of protecting the safety of these citizens. The police also having appeared so late at their home made it more likely the occupants would rightfully assume their home was being intruded. “I think it’s ridiculous they were charged for the bullets that missed but not the ones that murdered Taylor,” Shreffler said.
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
E
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
Clock is ticking on climate change
arth has a deadline and it is approaching faster than we think. The deadline is not for doomsday, but for how long we have left to work together to fight climate change before it is too late. Seven years, 95 days. That’s how long we have to help lower emissions to make the earth sustainable for future generations, according to The Climate Week’s project Climate Clock in New York City. Climate change, when it comes to politics, has been a leading factor in deciding who would be the best to vote for. Since change must start at the top, we must have leaders who are listening to climate activists and scientists to take the measures to help the environment thrive in a healthy way once again. Earth is our home. Our only home. There is no other planet for us to thrive on as well as we can here. As more activity and burning of fossil fuels happens, the more we speed up the process of it being too late to turn around our wrong doings. Too often do humans brush off the importance of climate change. The changing of our world is not something to be ignored. The more
warming of the planet happens, the more extreme weather events we will be experiencing. Deniers of climate change will argue that it is not real because it still gets cold in the winter. But the thing is, we are experiencing global warming. Global warming is more than just the earth getting hotter. It is rising sea levels, stronger hurricanes and tornadoes. It is wildfires that burn the entire West Coast. Climate change is here, it is real and happening. While the point of the clock is not to scare people, it might scare the right
people into doing better for a more sustainable planet for generations to come. But is it fair to put the continual burden on the relatively small climate infractions; on the bottles we don’t recycle or the seconds we leave the water running in the bathroom? Sure, that adds up, but is it more than the tons of carbon emissions or oil drilling done by major companies? When the pandemic hit and everything and everyone was put on lockdown, smog in California lifted, making it possible to see the blue sky behind the skyline. People in India were able to see
the mountains surrounding them for the first time in years. The pandemic has served as the perfect time to rewrite how we treat the planet. But will simple actions such as more people staying home and not traveling be enough? Even if every person were to stop driving and take measures to keep the earth healthy, it still would not be enough since multi-billion-dollar companies tend to be the biggest polluters of all. But the clock hangs over the everyday person, not necessarily the ones who need to see it the most. The Climate Clock has ended its tour in New York City, but it plans to make stops all over the world, bringing the unnecessary guilt to the everyday citizen everywhere it goes. Government leaders need to take the stance in helping combat climate change. The moment that clock ticks down to zero across the board is not when to take action. By that time, it will be too late. Change in how we treat our planet must happen. There can be no more brushing it off. The fight to combat climate change is an effort everyone must put in, not just the average, working-day citizen.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by GRACE KINNICUTT, a member of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Editorial policy is determined by the student editor, and views expressed in editorials are those of the majority of The Vidette’s Editorial Board. Columns that carry bylines are the opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent those of The Vidette or the university.
Even the trees are checking out of 2020 MY VIEW ELIZABETH SEILS | Editor in Chief
M
a y b e I’ve never had the chance to pay attention before, but doesn’t it seem like even the trees are trying to speed the year along? As soon as the calendar turned over to the first day of fall, it is as if the trees said “Oh, finally!” and turned their leaves red as soon as possible. I drove around to count the leaves that have changed color so far, expecting to see one or two bursts of color interrupting the
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green. Instead, I saw dozens of trees making the burning transition from summer to winter. Some had already lost a significant amount, too. Honestly, trees, I don’t blame you. If I had the ability to enter a slumber for all of winter and leave the year behind, I would do it too. But it does make me sad to imagine barren branches, grey skies and chilly weather that winter will bring. I guess, on the bright side, it will be easier for everyone to stay inside. But, all the beauty of the world will go off on its yearly hiatus, leaving the rest of us behind. Seeing nature hustle the year along makes me wonder if we will start rushing toward the end, too. I’ve already seen some Christmas decor, and Halloween season is in full swing, a month ahead of the holiday. I think the whole country is racing toward the finish line of this strange, terrible year.
I do not really blame anyone, either. Halloween and the remaining holiday season is perhaps one of the few known bright spots of the rest of 2020. While fall makes its transition very quickly this year, I hope everyone will take the time to notice it. This year much more than most, students, professors and most of the working world are hunched over their computers, racing to meet deadlines and complete assignments all while adjusting to this strange new world. I’m no different, that’s what I’m doing right now. So, sit up for a moment, take a deep breath, and look out your window. Open it, even, if the weather is nice enough. Feel that crisp fall air? Do you see the pops of color in the plants making their final performance for the season, or the squirrel scrambling to complete their winter store? Isn’t it nice that we get to
NOTABLE NUMBERS
? 145
days until Illinois State Redbirds’ first football game of the season. They will play Northern Iowa University at the UNI dome. SEE SPORTS, PAGE 8
100 mg
of caffiene is the minimum amount found in a cup of coffee. Almost half of college students have one cup of coffee a day. SEE FEATURES, PAGE 6
see such beauty on a regular schedule? Yeah, the Midwest has its weather downsides, but it has some wonderful upsides too. Make sure you take the chance to get the last walk of the season in, breathe in the crisp air and step on some crunchy fall leaves. Sit on your porch, your balcony, your yard and notice what a lovely, beautiful world we live in. Remember it now, so that maybe the chill and grey of winter won’t seem so bad. I know the semester has put me in a very grumpy mood almost constantly, but I’m hoping the change in seasons brings a change in attitude. So far, the pretty leaves seem to have done the trick. Maybe a pumpkin patch and some cozy sweaters will finally brighten my mood. ELIZABETH SEILS is Editor in Chief for the Vidette. She can be reached at elseils@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @SeilsElizabeth.
THEY SAID IT
“
If I did my best, I would be proud of myself even if I lose. Also, my teammates always support me. We have fun on everything we do, and they help me a lot to stay calm and enjoy the moment.” Pol Botifoll Rius, ISU tennis player
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, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
HERE IS YOUR BEST SHOT TO AVOID THE FLU Flu season is right around the corner, and with the coronavirus still going around and no vaccine in sight, this winter could prove to be an especially difficult time to avoid getting sick. Here are some tips provided by Illinois State University’s Student Health Services to dodge influenza. COMPILED BY JAKE DAHL FEATURES REPORTER @jdahl3005
GET YOUR FLU SHOTS
WASH YOUR HANDS, USE HAND SANITIZER
Student Health Services plans to provide free flu shots 9 a.m. to 4. p.m. Monday through Friday in the Bone Student Center. Students can set up an appointment through their health portal. “We highly recommend all students, faculty and staff get their flu shot this year,” Student Health Services Medical Director Dr. Katie Eichinger said. While COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms overlap, Eichinger stresses the importance of getting a flu shot. “This is why it’s extra important to get your flu shot this year. Eliminating your chances of getting the flu will allow you to be more certain what you’re dealing with should you come down with symptoms,” Eichinger said.
Eichinger encourages the ISU community to stock up on face masks and hand sanitizer, emphasizing to also continue wearing those face masks and adhere to social distancing. “As is typically recommended during this time of year, make sure you’re washing your hands with hot water and soap or utilizing hand sanitizer,” Eichinger said. Before people start going crazy with their binge shopping, Student Health Services recommends that individuals pick up extra face masks and hand sanitizer to help slow the spread of both the flu and COVID-19. “Wearing a mask if you’re out in public will reduce transmission of the flu, and you should already be wearing a mask anyway,” Eichinger said. “Following social distancing guidelines and wearing a mask will help reduce the spread of both diseases.”
STAY HOME AND REST If individuals are sick, they should stay home and rest. Avoiding contact with symptomatic people, and conversely, staying away from people when experiencing symptoms will reduce the spread of both COVID-19 and influenza drastically. Rest is also important to the recovery process. If individuals are sick, they should make sure to rest in bed and avoid all but the most essential traveling.
‘It isn’t the same’: The struggles of group work YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
With classes being virtually conducted, group projects must be engaged online rather than in person. Illinois State University writing project director and English professor Bob Broad talks about the adjustment experience. “Regarding asynchronous/Zoom collaboration, I’ve been surprised by how smoothly my students and I have transitioned from faceto-face small group work to working together in Zoom breakout rooms. I tell everyone that breakout rooms are my favorite part of Zoom,” Broad said. “It’s not the same and I miss face-to-face work with my students, but it’s a very satisfying alternative that I believe is serving us well while it’s too dangerous to gather in person.” Broad gathers that the alternatives to the form of virtual group projects are minimal and that he must accommodate with the times and proceed with what he can as he prioritizes safety. Yet, the virtual form does warrant nostalgia for in-person meetings.
ISU graduate teaching assistant Shannon Harman notes that online completion has not been too tedious for students.
“The ability to work effectively in a team and as a team is one of the most frequent requirements listed in any job advertisement regardless of the field,” Harman said. “Including a group assignment that eventually becomes part of students’ final portfolios in my class means that they leave the class with tangible, demonstrable proof of their ability to work and communicate both independently
classroom, so students have shown less interest in selecting their own group members,” Hurley said. Yet, Hurley agrees with Harman about the advantages of continuing to assign group projects, even throughout online schooling. “Being able to effectively Maia Huddleston | Photo Editor | @maiawrites research ideas Sophomore political science major Avery Spranger (back) and middle level and commuteacher education major Livi Switch (front) work on classwork while mainnicate your taining social distancing on the Quad. findings to others is an and in teams, proof that they can and do important skill to practice, whether you’re include in later job applications.” English professor Jeremy Hurley observes interested in becoming a writer, teacher or that the differences between online and in-per- marketing director,” Hurley said. “It’s extremely likely that the work stuson conduction of group projects are not too noticeable since most of the work in his courses dents will do after graduation will have collaborative elements and being unable or are done outside of class. He also understands that some students may unwilling to work effectively with others can not put forth as much effort as others in a group, be detrimental to their personal and profestherefore, ensures he grades fairly in this regard. sional success.” Junior elementary education major LindHurley provides how the transition to virtual say Norden views group projects generally as instruction has impacted group assignments. mediocre in what they offer to students. “The move to online courses hinders students She claims that “they allow for many stufrom developing the sorts of relationships with their peers that typically occur within a physical dents to collaborate ideas, but not all students
want to work with others.” She addresses the fact that not every student is up to collaborate with others for a risky grade. Norden also feels group projects should be eliminated for the time being as the current virtual circumstances pass. “There are class/life interferences that make it hard for the group to all meet. Since most of our classes are different, we can’t pick a good time to all meet,” Norden said. In regard to the process of connecting with group members, Norden talks about how she goes about it. “We find a time where we can create a Zoom call and work through a Google presentation and document. If not, we use email or another group message app to split up the project,” Norden said. What is seen is that all meetings have become virtual and connecting with other students requires digital access to certain applications for communication. Junior elementary education major Melissa Harder concurs with Norden concerning group projects and their strenuous quality during these times. “They take a lot longer and it’s hard to get all of our points across because we have a harder time communicating online,” Harder said. Because of these setbacks to working collaboratively online, she believes due dates and the timeframes given to complete these projects should be stretched. “I don’t know how to email them or get into communication with them. I like [virtual group projects] because we don’t meet up during the pandemic, but I wish they had longer due dates.”
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EDUCATION
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Huegelmann explained that student teachers have all the same responsibilities as if they were fully in person. What complicates things for those working in special education is that students often require extra assistance for their special needs, as is the case for the “new-to-school” age group (pre-K, kindergarten, first grade, etc.). Huegelmann’s district, located in a more rural part of the state, is doing a mix of in-person and online instruction — while District 87 and Unit 5 are fully remote. Jennifer Milligan has taught at ISU for over five years — teaching classes on interviewing techniques, nonverbal communication and gender in the humanities. She has taught both online and in-person classes before but says there is a big difference between the two. “It takes anywhere from 90-110 hours to build and plan an entire semester’s worth of material for a class, and the process of how you design everything is extremely different.” So, when finding out just a few weeks before the semester started that she had to move all of her previously in-person classes online — she would be the first to admit that the product is not yet finished. “It’s taken some time to work out all the kinks,” she reflected. “But what I do appreciate is the students’ understanding of the situation and willingness to adapt and be flexible.” Milligan added that one “pleasant surprise” she has experienced through online teaching has been the increased willingness of more students to participate. “Students who may have otherwise been too shy to speak in class now feel more comfortable doing so over Zoom or an online forum where there’s less pressure. I think it’s actually benefitted some [students] to help them improve those skills.” However, Milligan is referring to her Photo cour tesy of Shannon Cavins college-aged students. For Huegelmann, it is a Shannon Cavins graduated from Illinois State University in the spring, and just began teaching at Timber different story. Ridge Middle School in Plainfield. Cavins had to adapt to a new job during the uncertainty that is 2020. “The one thing that’s been really hard for special education, is that we teach a lot of distance and assist students with their work,” Milligan expressed a similar sentiment, both important life skills — using public transportaHuegelmann added. about her students and those just entering the tion, going to the bank, the store. Teaching those “Plus, young children — even if they don’t teaching business. things online don’t have the same effect.” have special needs — sometimes need help with “I am impressed every day by their resilience. Cavins added, “A lot of students really benefit their masks or aren’t always good with properly While all of us educators have tried our hardfrom nonverbal communication and reading wearing them … which is understandable, but it est not to let the quality of their education slip, lips, especially those with autism and students does worry me for everyone’s safety.” they’ve still obviously gotten a raw deal. But the who are deaf or hard of hearing.” Milligan, who splits time between teaching a amount of patience they’ve displayed through all Huegelmann elaborated that masks and social college-level gender studies course and helping this is really commendable.” distancing often get in the way of some of a her daughter with e-kindergarten, shed some “I think they’re learning great problem-solving teacher’s basic duties. light on the issue. skills, as well as more creative ways to use tech“Children need clear communication, and I “The same directions can come across more nology for educational purposes,” Huegelmann think that when they can’t see your face — it hinclear and easier to understand in person, rather added. ders their ability to process and understand you than through a screen via someone talking or “Patience and empathy, I think, are big things as well — especially when they’re super young or written,” she said, “that’s been a big adjustment we could all take away from this,” Milligan said. have special needs.” a lot of teachers have had to make at all levels — “And I know lots of people — adults, children Cavins worries that this conundrum could how our directions translate when typed out, as — that have made great strides in those areas. delay milestones in the development of a child’s opposed to being spoken in person.” That’s why I think the world could be a better social and communication skills. “I think it makes students feel less commuplace when this is over.” “I couldn’t imagine how difficult it is to try nity in their school environment, and obviously If there’s one thing Milligan definitely underand teach in person while maintaining social much more disconnected from their friends,” stands, it’s the virtue of patience. Aside from distancing.” Cavins said. teaching at ISU, she’s also a mother of two — “It’s pretty much impossible to socially Huegelmann, who sees firsthand what that ages 5 and 7. She, just like so many others, lives
Photo Courtesy of Kurt Huegelmann
Student teachers like ISU special education major Kurt Huegelmann are having some of their first teaching experiences while social distancing and following guidelines.
looks like every day, explained more. “Students aren’t allowed to use lockers anymore. Lunches are staggered, assemblies are held virtually. A lot of the things that kids associate with school as ‘fun’ are gone for the time being.” Whether brand new or a seasoned professor — in these uncertain times, the only certainty for teachers seems to be the need for a good Wi-Fi connection and an outlet within a charging-chord’s length from them at all times. “We want to teach the best classes and be the best teachers we can be,” Milligan said. “And while we’re doing that the best we can virtually — we can’t help but get frustrated sometimes, feeling like ‘it’d be better if it were in person like normal.’” While being a rookie teacher right now is unquestionably difficult, Cavins believes that being fresh out of college also serves as her biggest strength. “It’s challenging to meet the class’ wide range of learning needs, but I have the advantage of knowing the technology and different types of platforms well. I think newer teachers are really thriving in that respect.”
the daily challenge of balancing her work life with her home. “It’s a high-wire juggling act, for sure,” she joked. “It can be hard to separate the two sometimes, and when both are equally stressful on the same day or at the same time — you can’t go away to work or go home to relieve or escape it, and sometimes you feel like the stress of everything is piling on you all at once.” Milligan added that many parents, some of which are her fellow educators, have expressed the same issues to her. When asked if there were any ways that the pandemic has made their teaching jobs easier — Milligan, Cavins and Huegelmann all had the same response: “No.” Nobody quite knows when this era of e-learning will end, nor what the world will look like when it does. Throughout the academic community, major concerns exist and will persist, about how far behind students of all ages may have fallen during this age of Zoom. “It’s not a perfect system, and it probably won’t ever be. But you find a way to do the best you can. A teacher’s goal is to build a strong and positive connection with all of their students,” Cavins said. And isn’t that what we’re all doing? Whether we are a student, a teacher, a boss or an employee; we are all not so different in that way. Everybody is just finding ways to do the best they can.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
Coffee: A college student’s best friend ... or worst enemy
MY VIEW ALEX GANT| Photo Editor
G
e t t i n g out of bed early in the morning can be a struggle for college students, especially after a late night of studying. But after finally finding the willpower to get out of that warm cozy bed, the first thing that college students love to drink in the morning is freshly brewed coffee. According to the University of New Hampshire Scholars’ Repository, over approximately 40% of people between the ages of 18-24, the typical age of most college students, drink coffee every day. For me, waking up to the smell of a freshly brewed pot of Folgers coffee is one of my favorite parts of the day. Without coffee in the morning, I feel I won’t get anything done throughout the day. Lots of people like to argue, though, that while coffee can be your best friend, it can also be your worst enemy. Coffee, like anything, when consumed in excess amounts can be harmful. However, there are also many positive effects beyond the normal energy boost. According to studies from John Hopkins medicine, coffee drinkers are less likely to die from some of the leading causes of death in women such as coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. If you are a college student who tends to like drinking alcohol in extreme amounts, I have got good news for you. John Hopkins medicine has also conducted research that shows coffee can act as a protective layer to the liver. Avid coffee drinkers are more likely to have liver enzyme levels within a healthier range than someone who does not drink coffee at all. Even though sometimes we need an energy boost to finish that late-night project we waited last second to start, drinking coffee can be your worst enemy. Many people suffer from sleep issues when they drink coffee or consume any caffeine late at night. Caffeine can also make you shaky, irritable or anxious. Drinking excessive amounts of caffeine in a day can be harmful. According to Healthline, someone earlier this year died from ingesting 51 grams of caffeine. The average cup of coffee consists of 100 to 200 milligrams of caffeine. So, doing the math, that person would have had to have drank approximately 340 cups of coffee. So, moral of the story for this national coffee day column is even though coffee may taste delicious, drink (coffee) responsibly. ALEX GANT is Photo Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_amgant1@ilstu.edu. Follow Gant on Twitter at @AlexGant16.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Pressure on Pol
SPORTS IN BRIEF Jessica Keller promoted to associate head coach
Junior Redbird tennis player Rius accepts challenges of No. 1 abruptly shut down all NCAA college sports. During the lockdown, Rius spent his time in his home ol Botifoll Rius was eight country of Spain. While in Spain, he said that it was years old when he first picked incredibly refreshing to be with his up a tennis racket for fun. As a kid, he had decided to play family. At the time, COVID-19 cases the sport casually, yet two years were rising around the world and later his coaches floated out the Rius said going home this year was idea that he should begin to play in special for him. “Going back home is always nice tennis tournaments due to his skill for his age. Fast forward to Rius’ because I get to see my family after 2020 spring season and he was a long time, but this time I wanted it the Illinois State University tennis more than ever because of the situateam’s No. 1 player for a majority of tion that we are in,” Rius said. “I was worried about the season. their health and finally When Rius was probeing together with them moted to the No. 1, he after the semester was a was elated, saying that very happy moment for he felt proud for achievsingles wins me.” ing his personal goal. While in Spain with “It honestly felt singles losses his family, Rius kept in amazing,” Rius said. doubles wins contact with head coach “Playing in the No. 1 Mark Klysner. He said spot was my goal and doubles losses that while it was hard to I felt very proud of rank prior to keep his match sharpmyself when I finally coming to Illinois ness up, he continued to reached it.” State in Men’s talk with Klynser, asking Yet, playing in a Open him what he could do to higher position natimprove. urally brings more “It was very hard to keep the form pressure. Rius does not only rely on himself to cope with this pressure of during the lockdown because most being No. 1, but also gets important sports facilities were closed but I tried to run every day and do differsupport from his teammates. “Playing in a high position in ent exercises from home,” Rius said. the lineup always means a lot of “When I was back home, I would pressure. What helped me a lot to usually call coach Klysner just to handle that pressure is keeping a discuss how I was playing and how positive attitude. Even if someday I could improve it.” In addition, while in Spain, Rius I lose a match, or I don’t play as good as I wanted to play, I always received the prestigious Benoni try to take the positive part out of Green Endowed Scholarship. Nominated by Klysner, the scholit,” Rius said. “And if I did my best, I would be arship awards student-athletes for proud of myself even if I lose. Also, their conduct on and off the court. “I couldn’t be happier for Pol to my teammates always support me. We have fun on everything we do, be recognized for this award,” Klysand they help me a lot to stay calm ner said. “He has been a tremendous player for us throughout the years, and enjoy the moment.” While playing at No. 1 for the but what has impressed me even 2020 spring season, COVID-19 more is how he has excelled in the KEN KANOON Sports Reporter | @Ken_k____
P
Rius by the numbers 34 17 23 12 138
Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
Junior Illinois State University tennis player Pol Botifoll Rius getting ready to return a shot to an opponent during a match in the 2019-20 season. In his three seasons as a Redbird Rius has a record of 34-17. classroom. He’s always been a strong student but has gotten better each year.” Rius also noted that being a student-athlete has helped him develop valuable traits in life. “Being a student-athlete definitely helped me to become a better student because of all the values and skills that you can get from it,” Rius said. “For example, time management, development of self-confidence or mental toughness. I’ve been able to apply these skills to my classes and so far, I’ve done very well.” Despite Rius being one for the Redbirds, he plans on building from this last season. He says he loves tennis too much to stop playing and
trying to improve. “Tennis helped me a lot to grow up as a person and I really enjoy playing it,” Rius said. “It became a very big part of my life and now I’m at a point where if I don’t play for a few days, I get more stressed than usual. When I get on the court and start playing, I feel like I forget about everything else and I just enjoy the moment.” Rius outlined that he has a personal goal for this season in addition to his own thoughts on a successful season. “Practice hard, give my best every day and keep the level up. A successful season would be winning our conference title,” Rius said.
Car wash a splashing success
TOP: Illinois State student-athletes perch on the tires of a customer’s truck to wipe the hood and windows. The car wash was organized to support Bloomington/Normal Boys and Girls Club and My City, My Block, My Hood. LEFT: Sophomore hurdler Jaden Johnson jumping and pointing trying to attract cars to the Ace Hardware parking lot.
Junior long and triple jump athlete, Aanise Sajna, rinses off a car covered in soap. uFULL STORY @ Videtteonline.com
SPACK
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The Redbirds have already filled the quarterback coach
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALEX GANT | PHOTO EDITOR | @alexgant16
position with Andy Belluomini, who previously was on the Northwestern Wildcats coaching staff. “I have a longstanding relationship with coach Fitzgerald
CLASSIFIEDS
and other members of the Northwestern coaching staff, and Andy was highly recommended by them all during the search process,” Spack said.
“Andy has joined our staff and hit the ground running and we look forward to him having a positive influence on our quarterback room.”
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Illinois State University head women’s basketball coach Kristen Gillespie announced the promotion of Jessica Keller to be the new associate head coach after being an assistant coach for the past three seasons. Before Keller’s time with ISU, she served as the head coach at Columbia College for three seasons leading them to an overall Jessica Keller record of 75-24 and two NAIA National Tournament appearances. She also spent time at Minnesota State University and Quincy University as a graduate assistant coach. During her time in Normal, she has helped ISU to back-to-back 19-win seasons and has played a pivotal role to the program’s development of five All-Missouri Valley Conference players. In each of her three seasons, Illinois State has finished better than its predicted preseason poll with Keller on the staff. “I could not be more thrilled to promote Jessica Keller to associate head coach,” Gillespie said. “In the last three years, Jess has made a huge impact in all areas of our program, including in the development of our players, in scouting opponents and executing game plans, and on the recruiting trail. There is not an aspect of the program she doesn’t have a hand in, and I know the future of ISU women’s basketball is bright with her on our side.”
Doug Elgin to retire as MVC commissioner at end of year Longtime Missouri Valley Conference commissioner Doug Elgin will retire following the 2020-21 academic year, he announced Wednesday. “I’m announcing my retirement at this time in order to provide our MVC President Council with the appropriate time to guide the search for the next commissioner,” Elgin said. Elgin is the ninth MVC commissioner, serving since 1988 and is the longest tenured commissioner of any multi-sport NCAA Division I conference. The MVC hosted several NCAA championships under Elgin, including the 2005 Men’s Final Four and the 2001 and 2009 Women’s Final Fours. “Doug Elgin is a good friend and colleague,” Illinois State University Athletic Director Larry Lyons said. “He has been totally committed to elevating the Missouri Conference in all sports, but specifically men’s basketball because that sport is the big revenue driver for the league. Under his guidance, the men’s basketball tournament in St. Louis is one of the best tournaments in the country. Doug has done a tremendous job representing MVC member schools on the national stage.” Elgin was part of four athletic administration roles at four colleges prior to joining the MVC and was the assistant director of the Sun Belt Conference. The MVC is considering Atlantabased Parker Executive Search to assist in selecting the next commissioner.
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 2020
Pointless to return, yet eager to perform
W
hereas Illinois State UniverNorth Dakota State has a matchup with sity football would normally be Central Arkansas on the docket, Southern prepping for its Week 5 matchup Illinois plans to play Southeast Missouri against North Dakota State, instead the State on Oct. 23 and Missouri State has Redbirds spend their week on the practice three games lined up, two against Central field training for an anticipated spring Arkansas, one already being played and one season. Don’t get me wrong, I am thrilled MY VIEW loss that came from Oklahoma. that football has a season set in place, but Redbirds on the football squad have been as I witness other conferences allowing the JAKE FOGAL | Sports Editor adamant on social media and elsewhere pigskin to be thrown around on Saturdays, that they still wish a fall season was availit is frustrating that the Missouri Valley able right now, even with a spring schedule Football Conference is still riding the bench on its fall season. confirmed. ISU cornerback Charles Woods has been vocal on The following conferences have scheduled or approved a fall Twitter about not getting to play this fall. season: Southeastern Conference, Atlantic Coast Conference, “You have other conferences playing and you want to ask Big 12, Big Ten, Pac-12, Mid-American Conference, Mountain the question ‘Why are we not playing?'” Woods said. West Conference, Conference USA, American and Sun Belt. Running back Jeff Proctor echoed Woods' question. All of the conferences listed above are a part of the Foot“You definitely wish you were out there playing, instead ball Subdivision, which is Division I-A conferences. Football sitting on Saturdays watching everybody else play and Championship schools though, (Division I-AA) are still findyou're like, 'Nah man,'” Proctor said. ing ways to get onto the field this fall. Central Arkansas, for “Stuff happens and you got to adjust to it and make the example, out of the Southland Conference, boasts a 2-1 record most of it.” and has six games remaining on its schedule. Other universiStaying optimistic for a spring season seems like the fate we ties throughout the FCS have similar, if not lessened, football all must accept, as the schedule dropping essentially confirms schedules laid out throughout the fall season. a football-less autumn season. Within the MVFC, North Dakota State, Southern Illinois Here we sit in late September with anticipation for the reand Missouri State decided to add competition to their nonturn of football and with noise booming from the fake crowd conference schedule. In the cancellation of the conference cheers and boos from Memorial Stadium in Champaign and season back on Aug. 10, a decision was made to allow MVFC Huskie Stadium up in DeKalb. I can’t help but feel like ISU is members to instill a non-conference season if they desired to. missing out on an opportunity here.
A reason for concern around ISU is the exceedingly high COVID-19 cases that have plagued the university. Redbird student-athletes have had a pretty good reputation with negative tests throughout the first seven weeks on campus. If nearly a hundred of other universities throughout the country can face the virus and succeed, why can’t the MVFC? Travel has been another concern throughout this process of fall football. However, the Redbirds were given three non-conference games and chose none, which baffled me. Missing out on the 109th edition of the Mid-American Classic with Eastern Illinois was a head scratcher I admit, and the same can be said about the encounter that was set with the Illinois Fighting Illini. Now understand that ISU didn’t make the outright decision to cancel these games, but it appears that neither side pushed aggressively to have an in-state matchup. Due to zero football this fall in Normal, several Redbirds have made the decision to transfer from the team in order to find some playing time throughout the autumn season. Romeo McKnight and Devin Taylor highlight that list, but are joined by Zeke Vandenburgh (Transfer portal), Dylan Draka (Graduating) and Paul Monaco (Army). College football is underway, and while the Redbirds have their calendars marked for Feb. 20 against Northern Iowa in Cedar Rapids, the MVFC is fumbling on this play to not bring back our beloved football. JAKE FOGAL is a Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_jpfoga1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @jfogal5.
Spring Fever
Illinois State football players talk anticipation for reinstated spring season JAKE FOGAL Sports Editor | @jfogal5
A
s Football Subdivison schools find themselves playing football on Saturdays, the Illinois State University football team will be spending the coming weekends on the practice field, awaiting its time to shine this spring. Individuals on the team expressed their excitement for a confirmed season by the Missouri Valley Football Conference, despite watching fellow colleges compete throughout the fall. With the spring season set, the players now have something to prepare for, even though the scheduled start date is months away. Offensive linemen Drew Himmelman spoke on how head coach Brock Spack continued to assure his players that a spring season would be had. Vidette Archive “It's awesome that a schedule was Illinois State University senior offensive linemen Drew Himmelman in stance during an offensive snap against a released. Coach Spack has been telling game against Southern Illinois in 2018. us that the spring season was going to happen so it's exciting for the schedule to come out and it makes it feel all Feb. 20 that more real.” Starting running back Jeff Proctor Northern Iowa echoed his left tackle, acknowledged Feb. 27 his teammates elation. Missouri State “Obviously, we wish we were play- March 6 ing in the fall, but at least we are going Brady Davis Charles Woods Western Illinois to have something. I’m looking forward to it. I can’t wait to get out there March 13 conferences playing and you want and I’m excited for it, and I know a lot North Dakota State to ask the question ‘Why are we not of guys are excited too,” Proctor said. March 20 playing?’ We just got to be thankful The team members reunited as they North Dakota and blessed that we have a season returned to practice on Sept. 22, and March 27 in spring,” Woods said. as the schedule was released by the Woods has been vocal on TwitSouth Dakota conference, a sense of normalcy has ter, with one of his latest tweets returned for the players. Quarterback April 3 congratulating the Big Ten conBrady Davis discussed how after some Indiana State ference for reinstating its football time of uncertainty, it is finally feeling April 17 season but questions the FCS. His Illinois State Athletics like it once used to. Southern Illinois tweet read, “Congrats to the Big 10 Senior ISU running back Jeff Proctor rushing for a “It feels normal being back out here fasho but what about the FCS.” *Home games in red first down against Missouri State in 2019. playing football, and that’s something Woods' teammates also have bold we all have been dying to do for a long showed desire to play this fall. time. We have full pads on today and Proctor and Davis each showed an here getting ready for spring ball. It feels good, the last time I had full pads on was the Missouri it feels like hopefully we are starting to put this eagerness to return to the field this fall, as they State game where I got hurt so. Putting the pads thing behind us, obviously it’s not behind us yet, watch other schools on Saturday afternoon play on and getting back after it today (Saturday), does at least it feels a little more like normal,” Him- the game they love while they are unable. make it feel like something is in front of us,” Davis melman said. “You definitely wish you were out there playing, said. With a delay already established and a list of instead sitting on Saturdays watching everybody As the team returned to full pads on Saturday, games marked down, fall is out of the question for else play and your like, 'Nah man,'” Proctor said. Himmelman agreed and recognized that while a return. Although, players have discussed aspira“Stuff happens and you got to adjust to it and COVID-19 is still relevant, things are slowly get- tion to play this autumn. Charles Woods, junior make the most of it. At least we are doing someting better. cornerback, has expressed his feelings on numer- thing at this point. We are still practicing and “Yeah it does, with the schedule coming out, ous occasions about the circumstances. getting the reps that we need, so we are all still we are out here. This is our first day in pads out “Yeah, but at the same time you have other getting better.”
2021 ISU spring schedule
Spack makes staff changes amid Kurt Beathard controversy JAKE FOGAL Sports Editor | @jfogal5
I
n a continued streak of departures for Illinois State University football, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Kurt Beathard is no longer affiliated with the team. Before resigning, Beathard left a message. After clearing his office and before leaving, Beathard put Kurt Beathard a poster on his door reading “All lives matter in the eyes of our lord and savior Jesus Christ." Fingers have been pointed at Beathard taking down a Black Lives Matter poster in the locker room, and while this is all speculation, Beathard denies the claims. “That locker room crap is wrong. I took the sign down somebody put on my door. That’s it. I didn’t take anything off that wasn’t put on my door. I wrote the message,” Beathard said. ISU spokesman Eric Jome and Athletic Director Larry Lyons declined to comment on the situation involving Beathard, deeming it a personal matter. Head coach Brock Spack announced the position will be filled and shared by Ghaali MuhammadLankford and C.J. Irvin in Beathard’s exit of the program. Spack expressed his excitement for the revisions of his coaching staff. “I’m excited for Ghaali and C.J. to take over co-offensive coordinator duties,” Spack said. “They’ve been great additions to our staff over the past several years and I have no doubts they will do a great job in their new role working together. We would also like to thank Kurt for his efforts and wish him the best moving forward.” Muhammad-Lankford will also serve as the offensive associate head coach and maintain his position as the wide receiver coach. Irvin is stated to continue coaching tight ends and fullbacks amid his promotion. See SPACK on Page 7