V THE VIDETTE
FEATURES 6
NEWS 2
OVERCOMING OBSTACLES FOR LOVE CYBERSECURITY AND HOW IT AFFECTS SPORTS 8 YARBROUGH, FAYNE INFLICT PAIN: REDBIRDS YOU AND YOUR SET TO PUSH FOR VALLEY CROWN SECURITY
PRIDE YOURSELF
LGBTQ students have different opportunities for support Story by CINDY HERNANDEZ | News Editor @CindyLu_7 & Cover photo by ALI RASPER | Photo Editor @alirasper4
I
llinois State University students in the LGBTQ community can find many resources on campus that are geared toward helping them. October is LGBT History Month. Students can find help through professionals on campus or support through Registered Student Organizations.
Health Promotion and Wellness Students looking for information and ways to improve their overall health can reach out to ISU’s Health Promotion and Wellness department. Health Promotion and Wellness offers a variety of resources for students. Redbird Respect is a program that looks to create a caring community that builds on respect for one’s self, others and boundaries. Health Promotion also focuses on educating and providing resources to students to improve sexual heath. These programs are geared toward all ISU students. For more information, call (309) 4389355.
Pride Pride at ISU is a Registered Student Organization for students who wish to be active members in the LGBTQ community. The RSO does a lot of programming that gives students more information about issues that people in the LGBTQ community deal with on campus and on a national level. Freshman psychology major Kiera Henderson says that when she chose to come to ISU she was excited that Pride was involved in helping LGBTQ students. “It’s nice to see that there is a whole group dedicated that says, ‘we are here,’” Henderson said. “It’s nice to know that there is a community that is accepting.” According to Pride, they are a student-run group that strives to provide a safe social and educational atmosphere for the LGBTQ people of ISU. They also promote cultural awareness and student leadership on campus and throughout the community. Pride can be reached at pride@ilstu.edu. see PRIDE on page 5 From left: Senior theater major Viviana Lazu and freshman psychology major Kiera Henderson find comfort in coming to Illinois State. With many different services and groups, it helps students feel welcome.
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
Editor in Chief
Monica Mendoza
Big-time companies attend ISU’s Fall Career Fair
OUTSIDE LOOK TODAY
News Editors
Becky Fletcher Cindy Hernandez
KACEY NICHOLS News Reporter | @Kacey12793516
Features Editor
Stuart Stalter
Sports Editors
Jonathan Barlas Kade Heather Photo Editors
Samantha Brinkman Ali Rasper
High Low Precip
67 50 59%
FRIDAY
Night Editors
Kim Larsen Ashley Viscioni
Sam Brinkman | Photo Editor
Social Media Manager
Hannah Zettl
Art Director
High
Flynn Geraghty
Low
Ad Sales Manager
Precip
Karina Herrera
Ad Production Manager
79 68 71%
SATURDAY
Evan Morris
Business Manager
Zack Oldenburg
Office Manager
Ashley Bennet
Business Adviser
83 Low 62 Precip 91%
General Manager
SUNDAY
Marketing Team Manager
Virgel Caval
Madeline Smith
DIRECTORY
ADVERTISING 309.438.8742 BUSINESS 309.438.5929
High Low Precip
76 64 78%
MONDAY
CLASSIFIEDS 309.438.7685 FACSIMILE 309.438.5211 GENERAL MANAGER 309.438.7688
FOLLOW US
High Low Precip
85 65 43%
TUESDAY
@The_Vidette High Low
@The-Vidette
Precip
83 61 78%
WEDNESDAY
@the_vidette
77 Low 53 Precip 87% High
@videttevideo
ISU on cybersecurity month, cyber protection BECKY FLETCHER News Editor | @becky__fletcher
High
John Plevka
EDITOR 309.438.8745
Illinois State University online security wants to inform students about protecting themselves from online hackers. Pictured Seth Pheasant, lead information security analyst and Kevin Crouse, director of information security.
It is seen all over campus, the stickers over the laptop screens, protecting users from the possibility of being watched by someone unknown. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Illinois State’s online security is looking to shed a little light on what cybersecurity means and what students can do to protect themselves from possible breaches. Lead information security analyst Seth Pheasant said there are many different terms, a breach being the worst. “We have incidents and events where we think something may have happened but no records were actually accessed so when an individual’s records are actually accessed, that’s when it becomes known as a breach and that’s when we have legal obligation to report to the state of Illinois,” Pheasant said. Cybersecurity is accessible and there are a couple of different reasons why people should be concerned. Director of information security Kevin Crouse said people should mainly be concerned about identity theft, protecting personal information and losing confidential information, among many others. “It cost parents over $500 million to clean up the stolen identities of their minor children because of their stuff being online. They don’t have secure, strong passwords, people get a hold of them, then they go in and start opening up credit files on them and all that kind of stuff,” Crouse
explained. Crouse said these different types of breaches can also hurt individuals in the job market. Anything put online can be viewed whether it has been erased or not. Tax returns and IRS scams are also prevalent when data has been breached but these are only some of thousands of possibilities. “It’s hard to protect people from themselves,” Pheasant said. “I can’t stop you from giving out your username and password.” Pheasant explained that ISU does not rely on a single boundary to protect students from possible breaches. There are numerous controls to prevent scams coming through email and they are building more every day, making it difficult for breaches to occur at ISU. With many people striving to breach personal information, there are some simple ways to help protect data and identity. “Don’t click on links in emails,” Pheasant said. “Phishing is always one of our biggest pushes here on campus because it’s hard to protect people from themselves. While we do have controls in place to block a lot of the phishing emails that come in, the problem is even if you’re using natural speech recognition patterns, that’s not going to catch everything.” While joking that it is easier to never use electronics and to lock doors and close window blinders, it is not necessary because life would not be well lived. The main thing ISU strives to get across is common sense. Do not click on random links and be conscious of what is being shared and what data is being presented online.
The Vidette The Vidette is published Monday and Thursday 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
More than 175 businesses came to the campus of Illinois State University Tuesday in hopes of finding new employees. These businesses gathered at Redbird Arena for the Fall Internship and Career Fair. Students came from all over campus wearing heels and ties to show off their resumes and were given the opportunity to interact face-to-face with some of the largest companies in Illinois. The main objective of an internship and career fair is to give students some experience talking to big-time employers. Students can give a 30-second elevator pitch to whichever company they would like. Talking about their strengths as a person as well as an employee, in hopes of standing out from the rest. Companies like Caterpillar, Inc., State Farm and Country Financial Insurance attended the event. Alumni Ryan Kopka attended the Internship and Career Fair and mentioned how important it is for students to attend this fair for the future. “It benefits students because it
2018 1st Place
Ali Rasper | Photo Editor
Rachael Wernsman, interpersonal communication studies major, speaks at the fair.
entices them to do research for companies and motivates them to look for opportunities,” Kopka said. “[It is an] easier and more personable way of looking for a job than searching on the internet.” For future career fairs, all ISU students can go to the Career Center and get their resumes overlooked and prepped for the upcoming event. You can also print out your resumes for free and design your own business cards. The Career Center also has jobs listed on their website under Hire-A-Redbird.
FRI. THURS. WED. TUES. MON.
STAFF LIST
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018
102 N. Linden St 309.452.0699
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 2017 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
Picture Yourself With Us
All student properties are walking distance from isu Now leasing for 2019/2020 School year!
classactrealty.com 309-454-2960
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018
ISU students share coming out stories Stories compiled by senior reporter Andrew Dougherty s news reporter Garrett Karsten
Aaron Gyllenhaal, senior public relations major For those in the LGBTQ community, revealing their sexuality to friends and family can be either a positive or negative experience. One Illinois State University student has shared his personal story of coming out. Senior public relations major Aaron Gyllenhaal said he always knew he was attracted to the same gender since he was a child. “I’ve always liked boys. There’s never been a time in my life where I liked girls. I always thought it was normal until I realized what the word for how I felt was because I didn’t know any different. All my friends were attracted to girls, but I wasn’t,” Gyllenhaal said. “I learned in probably fourth or fifth grade what being gay meant and that’s when I was like, oh, I guess I’m gay, but it was hard for a fourth grader to understand what that meant. I came to terms with it when I was in middle school and Submitted by Aaron Gyllenhaal Senior public relations major Aaron Gyllenhaal always understood what it meant for me as a person,” he said. knew he was gay and said he is happy people have He first came out to his parents his supported his sexuality.
sophomore/junior year of high school and received a positive reaction from both parents. “I mean I was as flaming as the sun is hot, so it was pretty obvious. I mentioned it to my mom on the way to one of my vocal lessons and as we were walking out the door and I mentioned to her that I was bisexual because I thought it would be easier for my parents to stomach,” he said. Gyllenhaal then told his father, who he said sent him articles with lists of famous celebrities who were LGBTQ that he loved. “I love celebrities and pop culture and he knew that, and I thought it was a cute way of him saying he accepted me,” he said. As a student at ISU, Gyllenhaal said when he filled out his roommate profile for the dormitories, he made it clear he was gay. “I made mine pretty much as gay as possible so there wouldn’t be any surprises, so there were no roommate issues there. For the two years I was in Manchester, I never had any issues with the people I met or encountered. “I guess the only times I ever experienced anything close to homophobia is when I would be dating someone and we’re walking around
holding hands I’ll hear the word ‘faggot’ once in a while but that’s about it. It’s never gone beyond side comments from people,” he added. “I’m so secure with myself that I don’t really care very much, but not everyone has that luxury,” Gyllenhaal said. He said the message he would give to students who have not come out yet or may be afraid to is to find places where you can feel free to explore who you are and find your individuality. “For me, I would go on YouTube and watch gay youtubers and things like that or listen to pop music because I’ve always found acceptance from pop stars such as Madonna and Lady Gaga who are very pro-LGBT,” Gyllenhaal said. “I’d also listen to other gay people’s stories of them coming to terms with who they are which helped me process what I was feeling and also helped me see that I wasn’t alone in dealing with it,” he said.
Jeremy Gavin, sophomore theatre acting and production design major Sophomore theater acting and production design major Jeremy Gavin said, although hesitant at first, he came out to his family a year ago. “I first came out to my aunt when we were in the car and she just kind of changed the subject,” Gavin said. “It wasn’t a matter of spite but rather a matter of her loving me either way.” “When it came to my dad, I had to do it over the phone because I didn’t want to face him head on because it was really nerve-racking. Once I got those two very important people in my life I became more confident and started telling more people,” he said. He didn’t think his father would be accepting of it at first, and it was a difficult time because he wanted to be who his father wanted him to be. Gavin said he had an easier time than others because his father did come to accept him. Gavin’s mother, who had passed away when he was younger, had been a strong support system for him due to her love of LGBTQ culture. “For me, that made it even harder to tell my dad because I didn’t want to just tell him, ‘Hey, I’m this,’ and not get back the support I know I would’ve gotten from my mom right away, but my dad did come around,” he said. Growing up and during high school, Gavin was more feminine when it came to gender roles and said it was quite obvious who he was. “I was more out in high school but to the people around me I wasn’t fully out. When I talk my voice is pretty feminine and it’s very obvious of what I am and who I am and I’m not ashamed
Anonymous
of it,” Gavin said. “I’ve always been drawn to more feminine things, acting in more feminine ways and I’m not saying that makes you gay or anything, but the tendencies have a connection and I kind of showed that,” he said. Up until this school year, Gavin said he had never really encountered any problems regarding who he is and found acceptance from those around him. “I know that when I first came to ISU, everyone was pretty accepting, and I never, for a second, tried to be someone who I wasn’t. I was definitely myself 100 percent,” he said. “For the most part, everybody was pretty accepting of who I am and you know, there’s Submitted by Jeremy Gavin that human tendency that when you’re not Sophomore theatre acting and production design major Jeremy Gavin (right) comfortable with or used to something you give looks. So, I definitely have gotten a enjoys the outdoors with boyfriend and University of Illinois Chicago sophomore biology major Nestor Ramos. Gavin said that self-love is important and that there couple looks here and there,” he added. is no reason to change a personality because somebody else does not like it. For Gavin, an incident occurred this year where he was walking down the street with Gavin’s message for students who may be nervous or afraid a friend as someone in a car drove past and yelled the word to come out is one of self-love. “faggot” at them. “Self-love is what will drive you home. At the end of the day “That’s the only thing I’ve realized has happened to me. if someone doesn’t accept you or someone doesn’t realize that Everyone else has been very helpful and open with me for the this is your authentic self, you have to realize that it is not a most part, at least to my face. Other than that, I’ve never really problem with you, it’s a problem with them. You don’t need to had any issues,” he said. change that, they just need to open their horizons.”
personality than just physical attraction.” Her struggle began in third grade, while attending a Catholic school. “I knew I was different sexuality-wise, and didn’t know exactly what it was until fifth [grade]. That’s when I knew I liked girls too. I never told anyone until the summer before high school.” She found relief in telling her best friend of eight years at the time — one she trusted the most — and was eventually introduced to a group of friends who related to the struggle of sexual identity by sophomore year. However, attending the only Catholic high school in Springfield, Sacred Heart-Griffin, attributed to more judgement. “Everyone in school pretty much knew my ‘secret,’ and other parents were telling mine that they were uncomfortable with me,” she remembered. She also recounts times where abuse from other students took place, from getting eggs thrown at her to profanities yelled by male Graphic by Flynn Geraghty classmates from across the parking lot. An anonymous source stresses that people are perfect the way they are, “I was diagnosed with depression, struggled regardless of sexuality. with self-harm and attempted suicide twice,” she said. “Kids would whisper about me and I didn’t “I thought no one would miss me, but I know now they feel safe. This was all a big source of my depression. I even would,” said an ISU student when describing her suicidal thought about pretending to be straight at one point.” thoughts. “It took me awhile to realize that.” The source stated She suspects her parents already know but is still terrified that she requests to remain anonymous. to officially address them to this day and recalls, especially her She identifies as pansexual and stresses that it often gets dad, being harsh in every aspect of her life growing up. confused with bisexual, which is being sexually attracted to “[At home] I was being yelled at for being different. I felt like both men and women. an outcast to begin with and it was turning into more.” “Pansexuality means you are attracted to non-binary, She recalled feeling a little jealousy over her friends throughtransgender, genderfluid and others. To me it’s more about out high school, as their parents showed incredible support for
their sexuality, something she never experienced. “It’s like I want them to accept me for who I am, but like, I’m an adult and it’s my life. I should be happy with who I am.” Major relief came when she was able to come out to her grandmother, “the most accepting member of [her] family.” This was based on a recommendation from a counselor, and her grandmother was always someone to turn to in the past. “I told her, and she said, ‘I already know. I will love you no matter what.’ I instantly starting crying. That made me so happy. I could get that weight off my shoulders. I thought it was going to change her opinion of me.” “Things will get better and I still struggle. College has made it better.” The source said she started realizing that college was when it all started improving and wishes she could have seen that in high school, as it helped separate her work and private life. “I want people to see me as another person, not by my sexuality.” ISU does a great job with that, as she can focus on herself as a professional, she said. “[ISU] accepts you as a person, you’re not treated special for being different, and that doesn’t change how they think about you. I have skills and interests, and I’m recognized for that well here.” She recommends pursuing the idea of speaking with a counselor. It serves as an unbiased source to vent to, free of judgement, as well as mentioning meeting with ISU’s Pride group. “You are perfect the way you are,” she said. “Yes, we all have flaws and that doesn’t change. Life is worth living through, we can do amazing things and we are worthy to be here for them. Appreciate others as much as you can. See the good they can do.”
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018
To be a woman and non-conformant
A
s of this year, 825 men have won Nobel Peace Prizes compared to only 47 women. Of the 47 women, only three won their Nobel Prizes in physics. Only two Nobels were awarded to women this year. From 2015 to today, only men were bestowed this top honor. Why is this? The Brett Kavanaughs of the world think we are all stupid, lying about dumb little things like getting into Yale and being successful all on his own, despite having a grandfather who was an alumnus, despite having grown up wealthy with every opportunity and option available. As reported in “The Atlantic” on Feb. 18 of this year, women from countries with the highest levels of gender equality are more likely to choose study in non-STEM fields because they are simply less interested and have the freedom to choose lower-paying careers in their wealthy nations and still survive. Due to the fact that men are the gate keepers of success, fields in which they are not dominant in are less important and pay less money, so they can afford and keep their competitive edge.
Kavanaugh and his supporters ironically refer to his accusers as participatory in a “witch hunt,” an act men perpetrated against women to discredit them so they could remain inferior. Women who spoke up were called witches and then permanently silenced through death, sending the message that female “deviance” to the norm is not acceptable. The term has been co-opted, recolonized by the white man in the same way racism has been turned on its head, with the advent of the falsity that is “reverse racism,” which to the uninitiated is what white people use to discredit
people of color’s claims of racially based problematic behavior. Why does a man accused by three separate women of sexual misconduct still garner more respect, more virtue and understanding, than the woman who tells the world what he has done, a woman who was forced to let the world watch her bleed, a woman revered in the field of psychology with a Ph.D. and years of therapy under her belt? They want her to stay silent, so that she doesn’t ruin the future of an old guy. When she cried, she was “hysterical.” When he cried, he was “powerful and
She’s gotten
everything handed to her...
2#
1#
moving.” A woman has to be stoic and calm for her words to even be considered, and black men who cry are weak and a disgrace; inferior and undeserving of respect and fair treatment; caught and guilty. But white men are apparently innocent and persuasive while crying. Does this mean that white men have a monopoly on righteous tears? Who has the right to cry? To never suffer from the pains of injustice and inequality? To be a woman and break barriers is never enough. To demand a seat at the table and to challenge the status quo is to open yourself up to threats of violence and men calling you “sexually deviant” to discredit you, like that automatically means you are a liar. To be a woman and refuse to be silenced, consequences be damned, is the highest form of bravery. To challenge the morality and lack of fitness for office of a proven liar trying to be appointed for the only job with lifelong security, charged with interpreting the constitutional rights of the people, is an act toward peace for the people.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by TYLER SMITH 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.
Another box set, another cash grab MY VIEW BECKY FLETCHER | News Editor Last week, The Beatles and Tom Petty announced the releases of huge box sets. For The Beatles, it represents the 50th anniversary of their “White Album,” and for Tom Petty, his greatest hits in remembrance of his death a year ago. While re-releasing albums is seemingly harmless, it is also a petty cash grab for younger generations who may be unfamiliar to these musicians and bands. Tom Petty’s “American Treasure” is currently $40 and The Beatles’ “White Album” mix is $140 on Amazon. While to the super fan this might not
seem like a big deal, I find these prices upsetting. I was introduced to these two artists when I was 14 years old. My dad bought me a Beatles box set containing all their CDs for $200 because I had just been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. That gift left me ecstatic and I listened to those CDs over and over again before I began collecting vinyl and other box sets, because in my mind I felt that I needed to own everything they released to prove I was an ultimate fan. But here I am now telling you that this is not the case. Re-released box sets, for any artist, are cash grabs. Advertisements and marketing will make it seem like the set is releasing something never heard before, but it has been. No amount of outtakes or seemingly unheard-of tracks have been truly unheard of prior to this box set, they have been released in the past. A YouTube or Spotify search will lead
you right to it. I figured, what is more fiscally savvy – buying a $200 box set or buying that specific album for $10 at Target? I pick the latter. To the college generation and younger, buying the expensive box set is not always worth it. We are not rich and there are cheaper ways to look for and discover music. I did this mostly through YouTube when I was younger. One video click after another, I created never-ending playlists before maturing into Spotify. Start with a CD, give it a thorough listen, create self-discovery. My time spent listening to my Beatles albums straight through ignited curiosity inside me. This led me to other artists and genres and since then, my musical knowledge has richly expanded. I’m always skeptical toward these big boxsets, and I’m skeptical to those who buy them too. I’m not saying do not do it, but I am saying explore your options. I am happy that artists are striv-
ing to relate and market to younger generations to keep older music alive but pandering it for hundreds of dollars seems unworthy to a potentially struggling bank account. Outside of box sets, the cost of music is rising every day. Ticket prices are becoming increasingly expensive. The upcoming Iron and Wine show at Castle Theater is very expensive. Of course, ISU students receive perks with University Program Board discounts and free concerts but, outside of that perk, prices are only rising. Nonetheless, it is important to be part of the music and relish in its discovery. I will always encourage that, but do not go unnecessarily broke because of it. BECKY FLETCHER is a news editor for The Vidette. Contact her at vidette_rlflet1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @becky_fletcher.
ONLINE POLL
How much do you spend on entertainment services?
?
Cast your vote at Videtteonline. com or by using The Vidette mobile app
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Envionrmental issues for election
Chicken Doodle Soup by Claire Wagner | Vidette Photographer
To the Editor, As we approach the Nov. 6 election, many students who care about environmental issues will want to know not only the position statements of the candidates (which are typically on the candidate’s website), but their actual voting record if they are incumbents. The following websites give information on each incumbent’s
voting record and the item they voted on so that you can make up your own mind as to whether or not they voted based on your values. 1. Illinois Environmental Council: for Illinois state legislators (state Representatives and Senators): http://ilenviro.org/scorecard/ 2. League of Conservation Voters: for Illinois
federal legislators (Congress Representatives and Senators): http://scorecard.lcv.org/ 3. Project Vote-smart: for both Illinois state and federal legislators, covering more than environmental issues: https:// votesmart.org/ Angelo Capparella Associate professor, biological sciences
EDITORIAL BOARD MONICA MENDOZA Editor-in-Chief | @coolstorymonica BECKY FLETCHER News Editor | @becky_ fletcher ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter and Columnist | @addough TYLER SMITH Columnist | @incognegro
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018
Rauner praises partnerships in opioid battle
ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough
Brady (R-Bloomington) and several officials from Blue Cross Blue Shield and Walgreens. Rauner said the public-private partnership Gov. Bruce Rauner visited the Walgreens must also address mental health issues that on Veterans Parkway in Bloomington often drive addiction issues. Tuesday to discuss initiatives being “That is why we work with the fedtaken to combat the opioid epidemic eral government as a partner and we in Illinois. now have a very significant national Rauner began by discussing the leading partnership in Medicaid for severity of the opioid crisis in Illibehavioral health,” he said. nois and the effort by both the private Illinois received $2 billion upfront and public sector companies to safely from the federal government to assist in disposing of unwanted and advance mental health services Gov. Bruce unused opioid medications. across the state to proactively idenRauner “The opioid epidemic is devastating tify mental illness and mental health so many families and we need to come together disorders early. to combat it and reduce the risk of death and “We need to treat [mental illness] early so injury due to opioid overdose,” Rauner said. they do not devolve into addiction or other “Opioid overdose has taken over 11,000 lives physical ailments in the future. This is a major of our fellow Illinoisans over the last ten years cost-saving [effort], but most importantly and it is a scourge we must stop, which is why major improvement in the healthcare for the we created the Opioid Epidemic Task Force to people in Illinois,” Rauner said. take this on. This is why we partnered with Rauner praised the introduction of disposleaders in the private sector and the healthcare able kiosks which allow residents a safe and sector to take this on. This is a public-private secure place to dispose of their unwanted or partnership to end this scourge,” he said. unused medications. The governor was joined by state Sen. Jason “These kiosks can help save lives, in so Barickman (R-Bloomington), state Rep. Dan many communities, young people and those
who may mistakenly or intentionally try to get access to addictive drugs will go into medicine cabinets and take those. We need to make sure that the only medications that are available and anything that is addictive or dangerous needs to be secured and if any medication is not needed it should be safely and properly disposed of, not kept in the home where it may accidentally fall into the wrong hands,” Rauner said. “These disposable kiosks can help increase safety by being a free, convenient place for all of us to come and dispose of our unwanted or unused medications, which increases safety and healthcare quality as a result for all of us,” he said. The governor then emphasized the importance of the availability and training for the use of the opioid overdose treatment drug naloxone, which has been made available statewide. “We are now national leaders in making naloxone available and training for healthcare responders around the state so that we can respond to opioid overdoses when they happen. We’ve already saved many hundreds of lives through this naloxone training and availability,” Rauner said. A prescription-monitoring program for all
physicians now allows the state to monitor in real time where opioid prescriptions are being prescribed to prevent “doctor-shopping” across the state. Rauner said he was proud to have signed and co-sponsored legislation with members of the General Assembly on a bipartisan basis to allow medical cannabis as a replacement for opioids. “Opioids are stunningly addictive and although cannabis is also addictive, it is not nearly as addictive, and in situations where we can deal with chronic pain and have cannabis replace opioids, that is a step in the right direction as well,” Rauner said. “We’ve got to work together continuously around the clock to deal with this crisis at every possible step and it’s a wonderful partnership,” he said. The governor reminded and emphasized to Illinoisans that there are 83 kiosks around the state funded by Walgreens, Blue Cross Blue Shield and others. “We thank them for that generous support. Come on in and get rid of any unnecessary and unused medications safely, free and help increase the safety in your home and for your neighbors,” Rauner said.
Watterson to celebrate 50th birthday Home to over 2,000 Illinois State students and many more before them, Watterson Towers is celebrating its 50th birthday this year. Although the main celebration will be hosted during homecoming week, the birthday festivities started during move-in day in early August. All Watterson residents were given free birthday t-shirts. The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Rosa Parks Conference Room with appetizers, cake and a program including Jan Murphy, vice president for Academic Affairs and provost, housing director Stacey Mwilambwe and alumnus Jim Sheldon. Guests at the event will have an opportunity to view Sheldon’s 1:87 scale model of Watterson along with 3-D printed scaled models of the room types in the hall created by design students. Attendees will be provided birthday t-shirts, and tours of the Bird’s Eye View at the top of Watterson will be offered. University Housing Services Assistant Director for Marketing and Assessment Stephanie Robertson acknowledges that 50 years of anything is truly a milestone. Roberston believes that celebrations like this give alumni an opportunity to see all that has progressed since their time here. “We are constantly evolving, making our halls the best they can be,” Robertson said. “It is equally as important for alumni to be able to come back and see the things that haven’t changed, bringing back all their own fond memories of their time in our halls. Our buildings are home to many for the most critical years in their college journeys, and it is so valuable for them to be able to come back home to visit. Birthday celebrations give them the
PRIDE continued from page 1
Queer Ed Birds Queer Ed Birds is an RSO of education majors that aims to assist future teachers in providing support for LGBTQ students. The organization holds fundraisers that focus on suicide prevention of LGBTQ youth and holds workshops for local teachers to provide them with resources to help their students. Queer Ed Birds meets every other week. It can be reached by contacting Kari Hammerstrom at kchamme@ilstu.edu.
Student Counseling Services
Claire Wagner | Vidette Photographer
Watterson Towers will be hosting a 50th birthday celebration. The event is free to all ISU students. Attendees will receive a free t-shirt and a tour of Bird’d Eye View. perfect opportunity to do so.” Former Watterson Tower residents are invited to share their favorite memories, stories and positive experiences on the Watterson Towers Facebook group. Their stories could be featured at the birthday event. Junior education major Kelsey Little lived in a quad in Watterson Towers her freshmen year. “My favorite memory about living in Watterson was when my roommates and I would receive holiday care packages from our moms and decorate our dorm to make it look more festive and feel more like home,” Little said. Watterson Towers is one of the tallest residence halls in the United States, second only to one in Manhattan that was just built in 2015. It is also the highest point between Chicago and St. Louis. “It is the first building you see coming in and
the last one to fade from your rear-view driving out,” Robertson said. “Everyone in the community knows Watterson Towers, it is truly a staple of Illinois State University.” University Housing Services and Alumni Engagement plan milestone events for all residence halls. Watterson Towers is the last standing residence hall to celebrate 50 years, which makes it the “youngest” residence hall on the ISU campus. Robertson explained that alumni from all over the nation come to celebrate and support Illinois State during homecoming. “If any event truly captures the meaning of ‘coming home’ it is a celebration inviting alumni back to what was once their home on campus,” Robertson said. The event is free to attend, RSVP is required. The deadline to register is Oct. 9.
Burger Baskets:
ISU’s Student Counseling Services offers many resources for students who need help dealing with various issues. SCS offers individual and group counseling and encourages LGBTQ students to come in. According to SCS, a student’s college years are a time where they are still trying to figure out who they are. They believe that it is not uncommon for students to question their sexual orientation or gender identity. SCS can help students learn more about themselves and can help them figure out how to integrate their identities into their lives. Student Counseling Services is located in the Student Services Building. For questions or more information, the office can be reached at (309) 438-3655.
21 & Over After 6 pm
$2.00 Single Basket $3.50 Double Basket Mon-Fri 5 pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
102 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-7393
SATURDAY
THURSDAY $1.50 Domestic Bottles $1.25 Well & UV Flavored $2.50 Red Bull & Vodka
$1.75 20oz Rolling Rock $3.00 Stoli Saturday $2.50 20oz Bud Family Draft
FRIDAY
SUNDAY
$1.75 20oz Bud Family Draft $2.50 Fireball Friday $3.00 Top Shelf Rum
BAR & GRILL
$2.00 Bloody Mary $2.00 20oz Bud Family Draft $2.50 Seagram’s 7 Sunday
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Thursday, August 4, 2018
From despair to devotion Special education major Shiann Farrell finds stability, support at ISU
S
STUART STALTER Features Editor | @VidetteStuS
emester overload is a breeze compared to the storms sophomore double major Shiann Farrell has weathered. Farrell, 19 of Glen Ellyn, has battled family turmoil, depression and sexuality struggles. “Illinois State University has shaped me as a person by creating the most structure I have ever had in my life,” Farrell said. Structure is an unfamiliar luxury. Kala Charette, Farrell’s half-sister, was frequently sent to mental hospitals while Farrell was in high school. The situation placed extreme stress on the entire family. Consequently, Farrell frequently lived alone. Raised by her great-grandparents, Farrell notes that she has essentially been on her own since junior high. Internally, she did not find respite from the outside world. In addition to lifelong anxiety disorders, Farrell developed depression her freshman year of high school. “I had managed things pretty well until my grandpa [Jerome Velotta] died,” Farrell said. Losing Velotta was like losing a parent. The death thus worsened Farrell’s anxieties and depressions. During her darkest hour, Farrell considered suicide; however, she did not act on those thoughts. She did not want to hurt loved ones. Music was a key factor in keeping Farrell upbeat. “Music was my happy place,” Farrell explained. “I spent all my time in the band room at Glenbard South High School.” Nowadays, she finds comfort in the loving arms of former ISU secondary mathematics education major Sarina Cruz. The two met as freshmen at Glenbard. “Shortly after coming out, I saw this girl who was totally my type,” Cruz explained. “She [Farrell] had black hair with a blue streak, bright green eyes and a bright smile.” At lunch, Cruz sat at Farrell’s table. Farrell answered the gesture by giving Cruz her number. Just as the two became close friends, Cruz transferred to East Aurora High School. Though the town changed, the friendship remained. The couple tried a romantic relationship as juniors. It failed due to Cruz’s strict parents limiting contact. Ultimately, love prevailed when both attended ISU. “We knew we still had feelings for each other and I asked her out on the first day of classes,” Cruz said. Unfortunately, Cruz was forced to leave ISU in June after being on academic probation for two semesters. “I was in a bad mental state and couldn’t pull myself out,” Cruz explained. “I ended up not going to class and my grades suffered. I was put on probation.” Since the departure, Cruz works on taking community college classes in hopes of transfering back to ISU while Farrell perserveres in the classroom. Once again, the couple hurdled life’s obstacles. “She [Farrell] helped me get through being kicked out. I visit ISU every other weekend just to see her and sometimes, if her car is safe to do so, she’ll come to me,” Cruz said. “It gets lonely and boring sometimes but it is not like I’ll never see her again.” Distance is not the only issue the couple faces. Farrell notes that lesbians regularly deal with ridiculous behavior, such as stupid questions. “People I barely know have asked me in public how we have sex and if we will have a threesome with them,” Farrell explained. “That is completely inappropriate and honestly somewhat degrading to me.” Farrell believes the lack of acceptance of the LGBTQ community derives from fear of the unknown. Sexuality education is the solution. “Once people start to understand things, they start opening their minds to the possibility that it is okay if people are
Sam Brinkman | Vidette Photo Editor
Sophomore special education and deaf and hard of hearing double major Shiann Farrell has overcome many struggles in her life such as family turmoil, depression and sexuality identity. ISU has provided her a place to find acceptance and purpose.
Wrongs affecting LGBTQ rights
13
Number of United Nations members where one can be punished by death for consensual samesex activity, according to the Los Angeles Times.
72
countries have laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace based on sexual orientation, according to The Catalyst knowledgebase.
different than them,” she said. Despite remarks, Farrell and Cruz’s bond is stronger than the hatred trying to break it. “Everything about my girlfriend just makes me appreciate her more each day,” Cruz said. “I sometimes find myself looking at her and feeling just amazed that she is a person and that person is with me.” “She [Cruz] is what makes me feel happy the way no man can, and nobody can ever take that away from me,” Farrell explained. Outside of her relationship, Farrell dedicates herself to the classroom. Clinical and developmental psychology once fascinated her, but she wanted to branch out. As such, Farrell switched paths to special education. “I was actually in psych hoping to become a high school guidance counselor and I then thought about all the teaching majors that would allow me to work in a high school, but I didnt want to specialize in a certain subject per se,” Farrell said. She continued, “I had special education at the back of my mind for a while, as my high school had an amazing special education program and it was pretty awesome.”
70
Percentage of surveyed LGBTQ teenagers reporting battling depression or other negative emotions during the past week, according to Human Rights Campaign.
74
Percentage of surveyed LGBTQ teenagers who do not feel always feel safe in classrooms, according to the Human Rights Campaign.
Farrell’s deaf and hard of hearing major selection stems from being fascinated with deaf culture. Looking toward the future, Farrell hopes she can help those struggling with mental health. “Everybody should have somebody they can confess everything to and have no problem talking about it, even if the person is a professional,” Farrell said. She stresses that those fighting depression should get help. “Some days might be really good and it may seem like help is not needed anymore,” she explained. “Then, a bad day arrives and getting help previously would have provided the coping skills to deal with bad days.” Farrell also notes that therapy, medication or another method will eventually work. “Whatever the form of help is, do not feel [bad] about it,” Farrell advised. “It will probably take a few trial runs of different methods, but suicide is never the answer.” STUART STALTER is the Features Editor for the Vidette. He can be contacted at sstalt1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @VidetteStuS.
ISU School of Theatre to host performances of ‘The Liar’ KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM Features Reporter | @kourtcunningham
Christopher Edwards | Staff Photographer
ISU’s production of “The Liar” premieres 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Westhoff Theatre.
The School of Theatre and Dance Performance will host an adaptation of Pierre Corneille’s classic farce, “The Liar.” The first performance occurs at 7:30 p.m. Friday in Illinois State University’s Westhoff Theatre. Additional performances will occur at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, also at the Westhoff Theatre. “The Liar” is about a young man named Dorante looking for someone to marry. In the process, Dorante falls madly in love with a woman who he believes is named Lucrece, but her real name is Clarice. The real Lucrece is already engaged, the real Clarice is the one in love with Dorante and twin maids are causing trouble all over town all while Dorante is blissfully
unaware. “‘The Liar’ explores just how silly our lives actually are. Its characters can be ridiculous, but everyone can relate to looking for love, trying to dig your way out of a hole after lying and wanting others to like you,” director Nic McNinn told ISU News. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster or the College of Fine Arts Box Office. Ticket prices are $10 for ISU students, faculty, staff and senior citizens and $12 for everyone else. For those looking for a night of rhyme, dance and the triumph of true love, “The Liar” is sure to entertain. Be prepared to pay attention as the play is somewhat confusing. However, paying attention pays off. KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM is a Features Reporter for the Vidette. SHe can be contacted at klcunn1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @kourtcunningham.
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018
On the road again ISU volleyball takes 4-game win streak to Iowa TYLER JACHNICKI Sports Reporter | @TJachnicki10
The Illinois State volleyball team (12-4, 4-0 MVC) has been strong out of the gate in Missouri Valley Conference play. The Redbirds have won their first four MVC matches, sweeping three of them. The Redbirds had a successful weekend after sweeping Evansville Friday, before a four set win against Indiana State. This weekend ISU will head to Iowa for a pair of conference tilts against the likes of Northern Iowa and Drake. The success on the court has also brought success off the court, as Courtney Pence was named a Senior CLASS Award Candidate. The award recognizes notable achievements in the classroom, community, character and competition.
Northern Iowa The Panthers’ start to MVC play has almost mirrored that of ISU’s. UNI is also riding a 4-0 start to MVC play, while sweeping three of its first four conference opponents. UNI is fresh off a weekend where it swept Loyola, before taking down Valparaiso in four sets. Despite a 10-6 record, the Panthers are a lot
better than their record may indicate. The Panthers had a brutal non-conference schedule that included a bevy of ranked opponents such as Creighton, USC, Kentucky and Illinois. UNI entered the season as preseason favorites to win the MVC and received six points in the AVCA Top-25 Poll. The Panthers sit at 32nd overall entering play this week. ISU will have to keep tabs on senior middle-hitter Piper Thomas. Thomas was named MVC Player of the Week after she had 50 kills and a .456 attack percentage over a three-game stretch.
Drake After ISU takes on the Panthers, it will travel to Des Moines, Iowa, to take on Drake. The Bulldogs have had a 2-2 start to MVC play. Samantha Brinkman | Photo Editor Drake split its two matchups this Illinois State freshman Carley Nicholson bumps the ball with her teammates communicating around her. past weekend. The Bulldogs were swept by Valparaiso, before bouncTYLER JACHNICKI is a Sports Reporter season and is averaging 3.04 kills per set. ing back with a four-set win against for The Vidette. He can be contacted at The action kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday when Loyola. ISU will have to plan for senior outside-hitter the Redbirds head to UNI. ISU will wrap up trjachn@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at Cathryn Cheek, who was a first-team All-MVC the weekend in Des Moines, Iowa, with a @TJachnicki10. selection in 2017. Cheek has 155 kills on the match against Drake at 7 p.m. Saturday.
Men’s golf claims another top-10 finish Illinois State men’s golf place seventh at the Firestone Invitational in Akron Monday, Tuesday NICHOLAS HONEYSETT Sports Reporter | @Honeyhoneysett
Sam Ohno finished third overall, shooting six under par. Obviously, this is not the same performance fter placing first and second at its ISU is used to seeing this season, but ISU head first two tournaments, the Illinois coach Ray Kralis isn’t letting that diminish the State men’s golf team traveled team. to Akron, Ohio, to try and keep the “We’ll learn from this and move team’s hot streak going. forward to the next one,” Kralis said. The Redbirds placed seventh out of “We salvaged something today when the 17 schools at the Firestone Invitawe didn’t have our best stuff.” tional, scoring an 867 (287-285-295). Individually, junior David Perkins The host Akron Zips took first place was leading the team all tournament. by just one shot, shooting seven under He ended the last round one over par, par and 857. placing him in sixth out of 90 other Ray Furman placed second with with a golfers. Kralis score of 858, and Eastern Michigan Perkins has placed in the top-10 and Ohio tied for third, shooting five in his first three tournaments this under par and 859. year, including another sixth place finish Placing just ahead of the Redbirds was Wil- at the Ram Masters Invitational in Fort liam & Mary with a one under par and score Collins, Colorado, and a tie for third place of 863. at the Badger Invitational in Madison, Connecticut placed sixth with a one over Wisconsin. par and score of 865. Sophomore Andrew O’Brien has been one Ohio’s Zach Crawford took first place over- of the underclassmen playing at the top of his all, shooting 10 under par, while Eastern game. Michigan’s Ty Celone placed second with a He finished two over par, placing him tied seven-under-par finish, and Dartmouth’s for 17th in the tournament, while scoring 212
A
GoRedbirds.com
ISU senior Trent Wallace follows through on a swing in a tournament last season.
CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Set up appointments with clients to get them into our office for policy reviews. Hourly rate plus bonus. Best paying job for part time. 6-9 hours per week flexible schedule. Contact Chris @ (309)661-2502 Childcare teachers needed immediately. MUST have completed 2 yrs college with 18 hrs in child development. Call (309)557-0065 Join the Team! (Tobin’s Pizza – Bloomington IL) Call now as a Training Session will be scheduled soon! High Volume, Fast Pace Restaurant looking for Highly Motivated Servers. Must be 19 years old. Close attention to detail, multi tasking, accuracy & A+ personality is a must! Call 309-261-3737 NOW as a training session may be near! Job Type: Part-time PHONE (ORDER TAKER) (Tobin’s Pizza - Bloomington IL)~~ Fast paced restaurant seeking Phone help (Order Taker) Must be able to work in a fast pace environment & must be very detailed oriented and A+ personality. Please phone Moe at 309-261-3737 NOW as a training session may be near, regarding this job or Apply back door of Tobin’s Pizza 3p or after and ask for Brad Davis.
(72-69-71). Underclassmen have been able to play at the top of their game because of the leadership on the team led by two seniors, Trent Wallace and David Rauer. Both Rauer and Wallace finished the final round with a 77. Wallace ended the tournament with a score of 218 (72-69-77) and placed tied for 29th overall. Meanwhile, Rauer finished with a 232 (78-77-77) but placed tied for 76th in the tournament. However, Kralis knows the Redbirds can play better than they did. “It is obviously disappointing to back up when we went into the day hoping to make a move up the leaderboard,” Kralis said. The Redbirds will travel back to Ohio in two weeks, to the town of Kettering for the Dayton Invitational on Oct. 15-16. NICHOLAS HONEYSETT is a Sports Reporter and a Viewpoint Columnist for The Vidette. He can be contacted at nmhoney@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @HoneyHoneysett.
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
A training session is soon! Job Type: Part-time Pizza Delivery Drivers needed for fast pace business. (Tobin’s Pizza – Bloomington IL) Must be neat in appearance and have a A++ personality for customer service! A clean driving record is a must. (A MVR will be run) Also must be age 20 or over. We supply the vehicle, gas and insurance. Stop in IMMEDIATELY and apply 3p or after or 11A or after on Sundays. Ask for Bob or Kirk. Job Type: Part-time Tobin’s Pizza is seeking individuals for Line Cook/Prep Cook/Pizza Maker. Must be able to work in a fast pace environment. Experience preferred but will train the right individual. Apply 3p or after, ASAP, back door of Tobin’s. Ask for a Manager. Or call Moe 309-261-3737 to set up an appointment. Job Type: Part-time PT front staff team member at a busy salon. Please send resume to Oh Baby Salon.
FOR RENT
210 E Vernon furnished 1 bedroom apartment for rent. $500/month (1 person) $700/month (2 person). $200 deposit/person. Please call Ellen for details 309-825-7920
Near ISU. Looking for one female roommate to share a four-bedroom house with two sisters. A/C, Fireplace, screened in porch, HBO. $500/mo. Lease is no smoking, no pets, and background check. Call Kathy @ 3095852817 2 BR Townhouse. $435/person greatly discounted. Very nice. 610 S. Fell. Available now. (309)287-1870 Subleases available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600 Need an apartment for immediate move-in? 1 and 2 bedrooms and roommate matching available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
SUMMER/FALL/SPRING 19’-20’ TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms. Include Washer/Dryer, Central Air, Dishwasher, Parking, Patio and/or balcony, yard. ONLY 265-$470 per person. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 FELL: Spacious 1, 2 and 4 Bedroom units. Close to Camus. Start at $370. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 Flora Way: Large Furnished 1,2 and 4
bedrooms. Start at ONLY $330. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 301 S Walnut - Furnished 2 bedrooms. Balcony. Covered Parking. Laundry. Quiet building. Start at only $295. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960
104 E. Mulberry St. furnished house between Manchester Hall and Pub 2, 8 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, A/C, private parking, owner managed, $510/each, please call/text 309-830-1873
HOUSES: 2 - 6 Bedrooms. Start at $320 eac. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960
7 BR FOR 7. Very large and very nice. 2 blocks south of CVA. Large yard with 6ft. fence. 2 kitchens, 2 living rooms. $565/person. (309)287-1870
Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available for Spring 2019.. $235 - $575. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960
N. Linden 4 or 5 BR. Central air, great location, off street parking. Call or text (309)261-1805
Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms and some single rooms available for 20182019. $265-$675. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 401 N. Linden. 5 people to share 5 BR house. Porch, laundry. $400/person/ mth + utilities. 12-month lease. Call 309-530-7772 717 Hale. 3 people to share 3 BR house. $400-$450/person/mth + utilities. Two kitchens, two baths. Off-street parking, porch. 12-month lease. Call John @ 309-530-7772 Premium campus houses available 4, 5 or 6 bedroom. Many to choose from. Call Nathan 3096602390
N. Linden 3 or 4 BR. Central air, great location, off street parking. Call or text (309)261-1805 Pet friendly 3-4 BR house. Fenced yard w/deck, washer + dryer, central air. Great location. Call Sean (309)2611302 Agt. Int.
MISCELLANEOUS Get free samples of a new smart coffee that helps with energy, mental focus and weight loss. Its coffee with beneficial supplements added and it taste really good. If you would like free samples, contact me at peace-73@live.com or 773-895-6546(text). Tammie
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4, 2018
Ali Rasper | Photo Editor
Head basketball coach Dan Muller.
Basketball media day: Muller and company set for 2018-19 tear JONATHAN BARLAS Sports Editor | @janveselybarlas
A
Monica Mendoza | Editor in Chief
Running backs James Robinson and Markel Smith stand at the front of the pack at ISU’s loss to Western Illinois in last season’s meeting, 31-14.
Valley vendetta
ISU football croons for a comeback, looking to line Leathernecks at home KADE HEATHER Sports Editor | @kade_heather
J
ust when the Illinois State football team seemed to be soaring into its Missouri Valley Football Conference schedule, it fell back to the reality of the MVFC with its eye-opening, last-second loss at Missouri State. Despite ISU head coach Brock Spack believing that the loss was rooted from poor preparation during the week, there is reason for optimism in ISU’s return home to face Western Illinois (2-2, 1-0 MVFC) on Saturday. “The one thing I think [is] a lot different from a year ago is, this team, in this loss, they fought to the very end,” Spack said. “That was the good news. It wasn’t a lack of effort, it was more a lack of execution, and the lack of effort thing is difficult to overcome sometimes, but that wasn’t the issue. [It is] all correctable stuff and we moved on.”
Just as any MVFC opponent is tough, the Leathernecks supply the Redbirds (3-1, 0-1 MVFC) with their “hands full” moving into Week 6. “You have to be razor sharp, pinpoint focused every Saturday because the margin of error is very slim,” Spack said. Leading the charge for WIU is the reigning MVFC Offensive Player of the Week, senior quarterback Sean McGuire. The 6-foot-3 quarterback leads the MVFC with 11 passing touchdowns, is second with a 63 completion percentage and is third with 1,124 passing yards. “There’s not a whole lot of quarterbacks that play that position with a linebacker mentality, and we’re fortunate enough here that we have a guy that runs the ball like a 230 pound fullback,” WIU head coach Jared Elliott said. “Sean, he might not run away from you, but he’s going to lower his shoulder and he’s going to punish you, and I love that
in our quarterback.” For Spack, he sees a lot of similarity between McGuire’s game and a former Redbird. “He reminds me a lot of Matt Brown when he was here [at ISU], in that he’s a big, strong-armed guy. He looks the part, runs okay, but runs good enough, and hard to tackle because he’s tough,” Spack said. McGuire has ran for only 39 yards this season, but he is still a threat to get outside of the pocket. “He’s difficult and when he gets on the run he becomes a real problem because he can throw on the run very accurate. He really makes them go. He’s a handful,” Spack said. The Redbirds’ defense sits in second in the MVFC with 13.2 points allowed per game, and the offense is third, averaging 37.5 points per game. “It’s going to be a great challenge for us, games like this. It just comes down to obviously taking care of the ball, getting turnovers, eliminating
penalties, field position ... special teams is going to play a role,” Elliott said. “Every single phase of the game is magnified that much more, against a team like Illinois State, it’s critical to execute details and for us to out-execute them.” The Leathernecks began their season with two road losses at Montana State and Illinois, but then won back-to-back home games against Montana and Youngstown State. WIU defeated ISU in Week 10 last season 31-14 at Hancock Stadium. While the Redbirds may have lost some momentum after their first loss, they will be welcomed by a home crowd for the first time since Sept. 8. Kickoff between the Leathernecks and Redbirds will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at Hancock Stadium. KADE HEATHER is Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_kfheat1@ilstu. edu. Follow him on Twitter at @ kade_heather.
Vidette staffers ride with Redbirds in Week 6 matchup against Western Illinois Tyler Jachnicki
Ben Adkins
Blaine Lewallen
Jonathan Barlas
It was a disappointing week for ISU football last week after falling to Missouri State 24-21. Expect the Redbirds to bounce back in a big way when they return to Hancock Stadium in front of an electric crowd on Homecoming. Western Illinois has given up 20-plus points in each game this season. If both teams get into an offensive shootout, the Redbirds will come out on top.
Western Illinois comes into Normal at 2-2. Western Illinois will leave Normal 2-3. The Illinois State Redbirds have enough weapons on offense to overwhelm the Leathernecks. The Spack Stache Bash will pack fans into the stadium, making it that much more difficult for the visitors. We’ll see another close matchup, but the Redbirds should pull through.
The Redbirds suffered home a tough loss at the hands of the Missouri State Bears last weekend and fell in the FCS rankings to No. 15. This week, the ’Birds return to Hancock Stadium to take on Western Illinois. The Leathernecks, led by senior quarterback Sean McGuire, will be another tough matchup for the Redbirds, but I think ISU will get back on track this week.
On the verge of Missouri Valley Conference contention lies Illinois State, on the cusp of Valley triumph. Handed their first loss of the season to Missouri State last Saturday on a blocked field goal, the Redbirds’ offense failed to be as productive as they have been all season. A key for head coach Brock Spack this week is consistency as the ’Birds strive to keep their season on the rails.
Illinois State 38, W. Illinois 17
Illinois State 27, W. Illinois 21
Illinois State 35, W. Illinois 31
Illinois State 28, W. Illinois 14
s Illinois State basketball began NCAA-regulated practices last week, head coach Dan Muller had more than enough to say about the high expectations for this season. The Redbirds finished the 201718 season 18-15, falling victim to the Cinderella story of the Loyola Ramblers in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament championship. With that loss came speculation as Muller points out positives in last season’s tribulation, touting a potentially potent team in 2018-19. “I’ve said it before, but this could be the best team we’ve had if we stay healthy,” Muller said. “One thing we learned a lot about last year was handling adversity, but just staying consistent and being an everyday guy, competitively or with energy, being an everyday guy in whatever your role is and just trying to do that to the best of your ability.” While last season bit the injury bug in junior point guard Keyshawn Evans and senior forward Phil Fayne, the Redbirds remain healthy and optimistic heading into their second week of practices. Muller referenced this year’s squad to that of ISU’s 2015-16 starstudded roster, which included former players in Paris Lee, Mikyle McIntosh and David N’Diaye. Lee and McIntosh led the Redbirds to a 28-7 record and along with then-budding playmakers in senior guard Milik Yarbrough and senior forward Phil Fayne. With an all-star cast, collecting an MVC championship and a NCAA Tournament nod in the process seemed almost second nature. Now as Muller reminisces, he sees more than just glimpses of glory in the near future, alluding to the team’s high productivity and experience both on and off the court. “With the hours this summer, and with most of these new players having Division I experience, it’s been a really fast start,” Muller said. “If you compare it to last year, it was night and day quite frankly. It’s more like our team a couple years ago.” Additions in transfers Keith Fisher III, Dedric Boyd, Josh Jefferson and Matt Chastain all look to contribute to the culture surrounding Redbird basketball. “We have a lot of experience coming back, we have high expectations within our team,” Muller added. “It’s a really good group of guys. Leadership is there, experience and understanding of our culture and it’s a fun team to coach right now. I think we’re going to keep getting better.” ISU’s first fall exhibition game is scheduled against Lewis Oct. 30.
EXPANDED STORY @ videtteonline.com