V THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017 Vol. 130 / No. 16
THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL
Celebrate
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Students share stories for National Coming Out Day STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ AND KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editors
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ational Coming Out Day was celebrated Wednesday to recognize the struggles that members of the LGBTQ community have gone through and is part of the United States’ National LGBTQ History Month. It is also a day for those who have not come out yet to hear from people that are not only out, but proud, successful and in relationships. The day goes back to Oct. 11, 1987, when half a million people participated in the March on Washington for queer rights. The march resulted in the founding of a number of LGBTQ organizations, including the National Latino/a Gay & Lesbian Organization and AT&T’s LGBTQ employee group, L.E.A.G.U.E. According to the Human Rights Campaign, one out of every two Americans has someone close to them who identifies as queer. For transgender people, that number is only one in 10. With over 20,000 students roaming its campus, Illinois State University is home to many different cultures, races, ethnicities, sexualities and social backgrounds. Some ISU students who are a part of the LGBTQ community spoke with The Vidette about their experiences with coming out in hopes others will feel inspired to live their truth.
Senior Spanish education major Eduardo Escatel Escatel said initially coming out to his friends helped him tell more people in his life. “[They] reacted positively which helped me gain confidence in who I was and I became more comfortable sharing it with people beyond my friends,” Escatel said. “My mother was less than thrilled; she still supported me in the way she thought was best. The topic is still something she doesn’t like to bring up, but I did feel a weight off my shoulders letting her know.” Escatel reassured those struggling to come out that they do not have to if they do not feel comfortable. see LGBTQ page 3
PICTURED ABOVE: Junior Spanish and French major Raymundo Gomez-Hernandez Photograph by MONICA MENDOZA Vidette Photo Editor
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GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE DANIEL BISS ‘CONFIDENT’ ABOUT DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION
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FOOTBALL OR BASKETBALL? IT COMES DOWN TO THE FANS
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Ameren wants lower green-energy standards Company claims regulations impede on its ability to provide service MIKE SMITH News Reporter | @Agora_180
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
After a local power company requested lower standards of environmental regulation, an environmental organization asked for the exact opposite. Ameren wants to lower their compliance standards to the new green-energy plan. The company already has lower standards to meet than that of ComEd, the company’s main competition. The state of Illinois set the regulations into full effect last June. The Future Energy Jobs Act (FTJA) would require Ameren and ComEd to adapt their business plans to generate energy efficiency and save money on the price of utilities. Ameren claimed that the regulations reduced the company’s ability to provide efficient service to their mostly rural customer base. The company is planning on appealing for even lower standards to meet in compliance with the FTJA. Clean Energy Regulatory Implementation Environmental Defense Fund Manager Christie Hicks believes that Ameren should work harder to meet the standards they have. The group will oppose the request made by Ameren and ask the state to make the power company appeal to higher standards of regulations. Co-President of the Student
Path 5k to prevent elder abuse MASON MCCOY Senior News Reporter | @Real_McCoy18
Program for Appropriate Technology in Health’s (PATH) inaugural Just a Call Away 5K event will be held this Saturday at Destihl Brewery, located at 1200 Greenbriar Drive in Normal. Check-in will begin at 8 a.m., with the race starting off at 9 a.m. PATH is happy to be partnering with Destihl to make this event happen. The organization hopes that
Environmental Action Coalition (SEAC) at ISU Andrea Gilleran said the regulations are more than fair to Ameren, but also said that they have a key role to play. “When we are talking about the environment, I don’t think it’s a good idea to set lower regulations for anyone,” Gilleran said. Gilleran said there are a lot of aspects when it comes to environmentalism, but she thinks reducing human contributions to climate change is vital. “I think the regulations are on the right path to helping people become more conscious about environmentalism. Most people don’t care about environmentalism; they care about making money,” Gilleran said. “While we certainly need to support smaller businesses, cutting these regulations or making them less impactful will only hurt us all in the long run.” SEAC President Kevin Gehm agrees with the Clean Energy Regulatory Implementation group and Co-President Gilleran in how important the FTJA is for the environment and our awareness of it. “I believe that the Clean Energy [Regulatory] Implementation is in the right here, in the sense that they are carrying out a function they serve. I also believe that it is the responsibility of [Ameren] to be vocal concerning issues that would affect their service this 5K is only the first of many, with plans for future events to be held annually. “The proceeds are aiding our social workers and preventing elderly abuse,” executive assistant Samantha Herrell said. “They’re to ensure that our social workers are properly funded.” Interested participants can register online. The $30 registration fee includes admittance into the 5K, as well as a T-shirt. Same-day registration is possible, but the fee increases to $35, and late participants may miss out on the t-shirts.
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Co-President of the Student Environmental Action Coalition at ISU Andrea Gilleran feels the current regulations are fair to Ameren and other companies. to the public,” Gehm said. Gehm was not shocked to hear about the company’s attempt to lower standards in compliance with the regulations, but he also thinks they do not have much ground to stand on with that argument. “Generally speaking, I can’t say I’m surprised by the situation unfolding. It isn’t unlike larger organizations to insist that regulations be equal, even if they may lack equity in some cases,” Gehm said. “At the same time, I don’t think the argument, that an organization’s resources and size should exclude it from standard regulations, is an easy one to make.”
Gehm did see the problem with forcing smaller companies to adhere to standards they do not have the resources to tackle head-on. “I can’t fully agree or disagree with Ameren’s request to have lowered standards. It’s hard to set a broad precedent when it applies to unequal groups,” Gehm said. “Especially when, in doing so, you may be choking an organization simply because it lacks the scale of resources that would make regulations less of a struggle to meet.” To hear more from SEAC, you can reach them at their weekly meetings, which are at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays in the Felmley Hall of Science, Room 209.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
ISU CELEBRATES LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH 2017
“
‘Gay is okay’
National Coming Out Day is important for anyone who is questioning or thinking about coming out.” Valerie Madro, Pride secretary
STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ | News Editor | @StephanieRoddd
W
ords of encouragement cover the “closet door” Illinois State University’s Pride brought to the Quad for students to come out through. Pride Vice President and junior social work major Roe Allen said the registered student organization held the event to celebrate National Coming Out Day. “National Coming Out Day is a queer holiday to celebrate being out and being visible because it hasn’t always been easy for us to be that way,” Allen said. “[Pride] encourages people to come out to the Quad and, you know, come out. We have a little door to signify coming out of the closet, we have pins and candy. It is a pretty fun time, a really affirming space and people seem to like it a lot,” Allen added. Pride gave students the opportunity to write encouraging messages on the “closet door.” “People have written a lot of affirmations on the door and some of them say, ‘You’re amazing just the way you are,’ ‘Stay strong, you’re not alone,’ ‘Being gay is okay’. It’s pretty
nice, friendly stuff from supportive people,” Allen said. Pride secretary and sophomore psychology major Valerie Madro identifies as nonbinary and said the holiday is very important to them as they recently came out to friends and family about their identity. “I use the pronouns they and their,” Madro said. “National Coming Out Day is important for anyone who is questioning or thinking about coming out. It is a day to recognize them too, even if they do struggle to come out.” This year marks the holiday’s 13th observation. “I think it is really cool that we have a national holiday,” Allen said. “[Under] the current administration, it is really easy to feel isolated and alone, so just knowing that other people are also celebrating is a good feeling.” Allen recognizes the strides made, but said there is still a long way to go. “[The holiday] serves as a reminder that we haven’t always been like this, so we won’t always be like this, so we can always progress further and be better,” Allen said.
LGBTQ
“I didn’t have to hide a part of who I am, a part that made me me,” he continued. “It encouraged me to keep being true to those who I Emmanuel thought deserved Carrera to know.” After coming out, Carrera felt more like himself than ever before and encourages others to let their true selves shine. “You don’t need to tell every person you know or meet,” he said. “Who you are shouldn’t be a secret. Trust me, they don’t call it a community for no reason.” With the changes the government has been making recently, including the transgender military ban, Carrera said he feels the country is taking a step in the wrong direction. “I feel like LGBTQ rights in the United States are at a standstill, on a hill, going backwards,” Carrera said. “Resist. That is all I can say.”
continued from page 1
“There is no pressure to come out if you don’t feel safe, or simply don’t want to,” he said. “Coming out as a gay, white man in Chicago is different than coming out as an Asian, trans woman in Mendota, Illinois. These issues are better received in some places more than others and Eduardo thus the choice Escatel to come out and when/if to do it should be ultimately yours.” While he said the legalization of same-sex marriage played a pivotal role in queer rights, Escatel said he was unsure of how much progress it would actually make. “The one fear that I developed when same-sex marriage was passed was of people saying, ‘Y’all can marry now, what more do you want?’ It’s the same narrative that this country is constantly retelling to minority groups every time there’s an advancement in social rights,” Escatel said. “Yes, marriage is a big step forward, but there’s still many places within the country where LGBTQ members are shunned or harassed.”
Senior public relations major Emmanuel Carrera Carrera said he learned a lot after coming out to one of his close friends and questioned why he did not do it sooner. “It happened two years ago, a few days into winter break actually. I was catching up with my best friend Aaron when I got stuck on one thought, ‘Why are you lying to him? You can’t just keep covering it up,’” Carerra said. “And just like that I told him everything. It was the most amazing thing being able to talk like I thought.”
Senior English major Ash Brown Brown came out to their mother when they were 13-years-old. “I knew she’d be cool with it, but it was still really scary,” Brown said. “Fortunately, she was really nice about it and said she’d support me no matter what. Unfortunately for others, it’s not that easy, and everyone’s coming-out story and feelings about it are different.” They said they Ash Brown felt empowered revealing their sexuality out loud. “Labels aren’t always for everyone but some people, like me, feel a sense of ease when they can finally put a name to what they’re feeling,” Brown said. Brown said they are disappointed in President Donald Trump’s actions involving the queer community.
Sophomore social work major Rachel Sloan “comes out” of the closet while senior mass media major Patrick Sheard reads words on the closet door at Pride’s National Coming Out Day event on the Illinois State University Quad. Photographs by Natalie Stuckslager Vidette Photo Editor “As a bisexual person, even the LGBTQ community needs to do better,” Brown said. “Bisexual peoples’ identities are constantly erased, by heterosexual people and the LGBTQ community alike, and we need to be more aware and accepting of our LGBTQ family members. All of them.” Brown reassured those struggling to come out, that there will always be somebody in their corner. “It’ll be hard,” Brown said. “There are always groups of people that will be there for you, even when family isn’t. Just keep one thing in mind: do it for you.”
Sophomore biochemistry major Justin Chhoeun Everyone’s experiences with coming out are different and for Chhoeun, it was less than ideal. “I did not have a positive experience with coming out to my parents as some lucky individuals do. Thankfully, my sister and my friends all accepted me for who I was, and I did not have to deal with this identity crisis alone,” Chhoeun said. “I feel like Justin I am a stronger, Chhoeun independent individual thanks to my own optimism and people that supported me through thick and thin.” When deciding whether or not to come out, Chhoeun said it is best to first know one’s surroundings and to confirm they are ready for all possibilities. “Weigh your options, because coming out does not always have a happy ending,” he said. “Be prepared for the outcomes and make sure you are strong enough to deal with them. Do not be afraid to be who you are, but always be wary of what you will have to deal with in the future.” Though Chhoeun said being part of the queer community comes with its own pressures, he still believes
being oneself is the best way to live life. “With all these problems, being LGBTQ seems like a burden with just too many problems. But, I am proud of how it shaped who I am today and I would never trade this identity just to live an ‘easier’ life,” he said.
Junior Spanish and French major Raymundo GomezHernandez Coming out for Gomez-Hernandez was something he knew would be hard to do considering his cultural background. However, it is one thing he will never regret doing. “Coming out was a difficult but necessary experience,” GomezHernandez said. “I knew my culture and my family were not going to entirely accept me but it had to be done, especially for me. Shortly after, I felt like I was liberated from the worst burden ever.” Gomez-HernanRaymundo Gomezdez knows how Hernandez hard it is to find oneself in a world that can be very unaccepting of those who do not fit into preconceived notions of what normal is, yet he has managed to find his niche: being a drag queen. Though, he said there is discrimination associated with this as well. “Being a drag queen has allowed me to overcome most of my personal problems and at the same time has given a platform to express my love for life and to entertain people from all kinds of backgrounds,” Gomez-Hernandez said. “Having said that, I do believe drag queens are not given enough respect and tolerance even by the LGBTQ community itself. We are often treated as good entertainers but never as anything more.” As for the rights of those who identify as LGBTQ, Gomez-
Hernandez said there is still one specific issue he feels impacts not only members of the community, but also those the law stops them from helping. “I believe nowadays we are making consistent progress. However, there are very important aspects that still need discussion, like the fact that we are not legally allowed to donate blood,” he said.
Senior psychology major Christian Raether Raether said while his sexuality does not define him as a person, he is thankful for the support he has received from the people he began coming out to. Christian “I came out to Raether one friend about a year and a half ago and it was the biggest relief off my shoulders,” Raether said. “I started coming out to one person at a time and everyone was supportive. Coming out to my family was a bit rough, but they came around. They’ve always been supportive of me no matter what.” “I now get to share all of me with my friends and family as opposed to what I think they want to see,” Raether continued. “I’m hoping that we eventually get to a point where people don’t have to come out at all. If you don’t think you have to or it’s not anyone’s business then that’s fine too. It’s just one ingredient that makes you who you are.” Raether said he believes the best way to make progress in the queer community is for more people to speak up. “I won’t deny that I’m lucky that more people are more open-minded, but I know I’m in a bubble,” he said. “We have a lot to improve on, but I think the more people speak up and voice their support for diversity the better and more accepting we become as a country.”
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Celebrate Queertober this month
W
e’re almost halfway through October, or Queertober, as Pride has dubbed it. Pride is an RSO on Illinois State Univeristy’s campus that celebrates and supports LGBTQ+ students. Its mission is to provide a safe, social and educational atmosphere, and Queertober is just one way it is accomplishing this. Having a month-long celebration with just over half a dozen events planned, from Pride History Night to Ally Night to Queertober Ball, this month will be one to remember. Wednesday was National Coming Out Day. Coming out is one of the more difficult things that LGBTQ+ folks face, and it isn’t a one-time thing. Coming out of the closet is a lifelong event that doesn’t end the first time. National Coming Out Day is meant to both allow someone to have a specific day when they can come out, as well as be
visible. Visibility is pertinent in the movement toward creating universal acceptance and tolerance of queerness, especially in these turbulent times. The popular protest chant of “We’re here. We’re queer. Get used to it” is a great example of visible queerness. More of the month’s festivities focus on social and educational events. Pride History Night is about ISU’s own RSO. Barb Dallinger, associate director of event management, dining and hospitality and former Pride
advisor, is giving the history of the RSO. Currently, Pride is the only RSO on campus that caters and provides specialized service to LGBTQ+ students. This history lesson will explain how Pride became the Pride ISU knows today. Knowing how LGBTQ+ students on ISU’s campus have been treated in the past in juxtaposition to the representation and support students have now is important in understanding the growth of acceptance and visibility. Ally Night takes another step
toward visibility. It is an educational night for sharing the role of the ally in LGBTQ+ circles and how allies can be more supportive. This is a conversational topic where both community members and allies can come to have their voices heard and their questions answered. The function of an ally is to use their privilege to provide support and safety for the community. Allies can use their voice in spaces where LGBTQ+ people aren’t involved or their voices won’t be heard as well. Queertober Ball closes the month. Queer liberation dance parties were once used as a form of protest, and they now celebrate public exposure. Queertober is meant to bring happiness and hope to the LGBTQ+ community on campus, to provide safe places for people to celebrate their queerness and provide education on queerness to those who seek it out.
Editorial Cartoon by Lee Walls | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KAYLA JANE JEFFERS, 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.
Still much to do for LGBTQ community MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist
L
ike with so many things, progress toward equality comes with a lot of the “two steps forward, one step back” mindset. Recently, however, it feels like it’s been one step forward, two steps back for LGBTQ rights. October is LGBT History Month, and it reminds us that while the country has made progress in queer rights and equality in politics and the media, there is still a long road ahead, especially around the world. According to a new survey conducted by LGBT advocacy group Stonewall, incidents of anti-LGBT abuse and assault in Britain have increased by 78 percent in the last five years. A poll of 5,000 LGBT people found that 21 percent of respondents had experienced a hate crime in the
past year, but 81 percent of these victims did not report those incidents to police. These crimes occurred more among black, Asian and other minority respondents. The Egyptian government has also intensified its campaign against the LGBTQ community, arresting dozens of people over the last few weeks. A media regulatory body has also banned all “positive” reporting on homosexuality. This comes after several people brought rainbow flags to a concert, despite homosexuality not specifically being illegal under Egyptian law. Indonesian police raided a popular sauna gay men liked to attend last Friday, arresting 51 people. This is at least the fifth raid targeting LGBT people in private spaces in 2017, including an instance where two men were flogged this past summer. Members of the queer community are also fighting for marriage equality in Australia. If it were to pass, Australia would be only the 25th nation to allow gay marriage. Two attempts at passing legislation in 2016 and 2017 failed after the opposition Labor Party and Greens Party helped block it.
Our own country has unfortunately hit some roadblocks as well. The Department of Justice released a memo signed by Attorney General Jeff Sessions that reversed a ruling that said Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of sex, includes gender identity. In other words, the Trump administration does not believe that the country’s most powerful federal anti-discrimination law applies to trans people. This comes after the alreadyinfamous transgender military ban from this summer. The decision to reverse course on sex discrimination regarding gender identity flies in the face of lived reality for trans people, who must navigate daily a society obsessed with their genitals. Remember when I said we’re taking steps backward? Well, it is important to note we have taken a few forward as well. On Oct. 1, Germany celebrated its first same-sex weddings after a new law came into force that made samesex marriage legal with Karl Kreile and his partner of 38 years, Bodo Mende. Civil partnerships have been legal in Germany since 2001, but
same-sex partners were not granted the same rights as heterosexual couples. A new Netflix documentary, “The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson,” was released last week. It explores how attempts to get the police to investigate her death were fruitless for decades, until it was finally reopened as an unsolved case. It follows the work of LGBT activist Victoria Cruz as she undertakes her own investigation into Johnson’s death, and examines the history of the LGBT movement and its icons. This month provides an opportunity to reflect on the great strides made by the LGBTQ community, in the face of what may feel like never-ending hurtles. It also tells a story that unfortunately isn’t taught in classrooms. However you may identify, you are important and your story matters. No one should feel as if they don’t have history. Kevin Schwaller is a columnist and news editor at The Vidette. Any questions or comments concerning his column can be sent to vidette_ kschwal@ilstu.edu.
REGGIE IN THE NEST by SAMANTHA MCINTYRE Vidette Cartoonist EDITORIAL BOARD EMA SASIC Editor-in-Chief @ema_sasic
TAMIA LITTLE Columnist @sungoddessmiaa
KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor @kevschwa
ALEX GOUGH Columnist @jalexgough
KAYLA JANE JEFFERS Columnist | @KJJeffers
KAMARA TURNER Columnist | @kvmara
How to make the gun debate productive
T
he gun debate in the United States is presented as one of two splits. One split is between patriots defending their second amendment rights, and people who think all guns should be forcibly removed from the hands of the public. The other split is between citizens who demand common sense reforms for the sake of safety in communities, and people who believe their gun rights are more important than public safety. Both are narratives that may contain elements of truth, but ultimately result in Americans putting each other into boxes, placing each other on one side or another to justify refusing to hear one another. Groups like the National Rifle Association, who have a significant financial interest in preventing gun regulations, are content with debate remaining so deadlocked. For the vast majority of Americans who agree they would rather not be shot while going about their business, this conversation is unhelpful and will not make them any safer, because it has failed to do so for decades. Groups like the Alliance for Gun Responsibility and the Gun Owners for Responsible Ownership are interested in actual policy change that speak to our common interest in public safety. They support policies that would allow for family members to remove guns from the homes of unstable relatives and advocate putting the force of law behind protecting children from guns. Groups who prioritize safety and personal responsibility over rhetoric and labeling should be the leaders in the discussion, not groups who demonize Americans in an effort to boost the standing of a political party or the sale of guns. Letter to the Editor writter by JAMES GASS, a 2016 Illinois State University history major alumnus. Any questions or comments concerning his letter can be sent to jegass137@gmail.com.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
Meet the candidate
Sen. Daniel Biss talks Rauner, campaign for governor EDITOR’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of profiles of gubernatorial candidates in Illinois. ANDREW DOUGHERTY Political Reporter | @addough
As he fights to win the democratic gubernatorial primary in the fall of 2018, state Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) says he is excited and confident about the position his campaign is in, winning the nomination to challenge Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner. Biss officially announced his candidacy for the democratic nomination on March 20 on a Facebook Live video. This will be his first run for governor. An alumnus of Harvard University, Biss grew up in Indiana as the child of musicians. During his time at Harvard, Biss earned his bachelor’s degree in mathematics, graduating summa cum laude in 1998. He went on to earn his Ph.D. in mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2002. After college, he went on to become an assistant professor of mathematics
at the University of Chicago before announcing in November 2011 his plan to run for the Illinois Senate seat held by retiring Sen. Jeffrey Schoenberg. “The Iraq War in 2003 made me understand that there was a lack of integrity and empiricism in the Bush administration. Someone had to step up and do something and so I started knocking on doors and asking people,” Biss said. His choice to run for governor is motivated by what he sees as an opportunity to bring real progressive change to Illinois. “Bruce Rauner has done untold harm over the last few years to our state, but this began decades before he was in office. We need a government that works for the rest of us and a campaign that can achieve that,” Biss said. Biss said that Illinois needs a progressive income tax, a fundamental reform to campaign finance laws, Medicare for all, a $15 minimum wage and a transformation of the school funding system. “The way our schools are funded is vicious and unfair to many students across the state,” Biss said. “Money is too influential in our politics. “We have the ability to make a movement that brings real change to our state,” Biss said. “This is a fundamental choice of what the democratic party is going to be.” Biss said that it does not make sense to him that Democrats should elect a billionaire just because Republicans do.
He said that government should be about what the working and middle-class need in order to improve their lives. During his tenure as a state senator, Biss said the legislation he is most proud of is the Secure Choice Retirement Savings Plan. “I said that I would not take no for an answer and after two years of relentless work I was able to get this bill passed into law. Because of what we did here in Illinois, other states followed suit,” Biss said. “We can make real progress if we put our foot down and work together.” The Secure Choice program creates an automatic enrollment retirement savings program for workers who lack access from employer based retirement plans. Biss said that his campaign has just opened up an office in Bloomington-Normal and is unbelievably appreciative of the support he has garnered in McClean County. “I’m incredibly proud of the support we’ve gotten from all across Illinois,” Biss said. “We’ve received both small and large donations, which I believe is the right way to run a campaign,” Biss continued. “We’re excited about the position we’re in and I believe that Illinois is hungry for someone with the knowledge and experience to get things done.” Andrew Dougherty is a political reporter for The Vidette. Contact him at vidette_addough@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @addough.
All’s well that ‘plays’ well
School of Theatre and Dance is presenting Shakespeare classic throughout October MASON MCCOY Senior News Reporter | @Real_McCoy18
llinois State University’s School of Theatre and Dance will present two plays — a comedy and a tragedy — in the Westhoff Theatre. The comedy is sure to interest ISU students. William Shakespeare’s “All’s Well That Ends Well” will be performed from 7:30 – 10 p.m. on Oct. 14, 18, 20, 24, 26 and 28. Daytime showings will take place from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. on Oct. 15 and 21. “Oedipus” will be performed on alternate days throughout “All’s Well’s” run. Tickets are $12 for students and senior citizens. Tickets for adults are $17. Faculty members can buy tickets for $14. “The school is very excited to be producing ‘All’s Well That Ends Well’ with ‘Oedipus’,” director for the School of Theatre and Dance Janet Wilson said. “[‘All’s Well’] is definitely a romance, but not a typical romance,” Enrico Spada, the director of the production, said. “It is a bitter sweet romance … with major themes of growing up and becoming yourself when you have all these pressures, particularly intergenerational pressures, to deal with.” Relatability to the characters of “All’s Well” is what the director is hoping will bring ISU students into the theatre.
ABOVE: Senior actor and theatre management major Anthony Harden stands front and center at an “All’s Well” dress rehearrsal. RIGHT: Christian Frieden, Daniel Balsamo and Michael Hendrickson perform in the final dress rehearsal. Photographs by Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor
“People find a lot in common with the characters,” Spada said. “What sets it apart is that the parts being done by young people are the main characters that are going through this journey.” This, Spada asserts, “should make for some really compelling theater.” For those who have had a bad experience
with Shakespeare, this production is sure to defy expectations. “So many students read Shakespeare in high school but never get to see it performed, and they were written to be performed,” Wilson said. She made it clear that this production of “All’s Well” “focused on telling the story
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clearly.” “Many ISU students would be surprised how well they can follow the plot,” she added For more information about “All’s Well That Ends Well” and “Oedipus,” as well as other events, please visit the webpage for for the College of Fine Arts.
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Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor
Football vs. Basketball
Vidette Archives
Only one can get first place in ISU’s heart
JONATHAN BARLAS Features and Sports Reporter | @janvesleybarlas
F
rom tip-off to kickoff, two of America’s most popular sports battle one another each and every day for the limelight. Whether it be news about a football player’s ghastly injury or LeBron’s political views, football and basketball seem to not only immerse their viewers into their world, but also continuously force fans to choose a side, specifying a genre. When it comes to cities like Cleveland, we automatically assume that it is a basketball town because of the Cavaliers. But what happens when the success of multiple teams is too great to define a city? Towns such as Boston or Chicago produce a variety of winning sports teams to symbolize their city. So, which sport defines Illinois State: football or basketball? To get a sense of the average student’s representation of our school’s sport, random ISU students answered the question
on the Quad as definitively as they could during the rush hour in between classes. Beginning with the bittersweet playoff run men’s basketball experienced last season, their latest triumph could turn into potential success for years to come. Regardless of their loss to University of Central Florida in the second round of the NIT invitational tournament, coach Dan Muller and company started to attract national attention last spring as their record of 28-7 was among the best in the NCAA. In spite of just missing an invite to the NCAA Tournament, the Redbirds took the Missouri Valley Conference crown for the first time since 1998, seemingly putting themselves back on the college basketball map. With the foundation set from last season’s buzz, sophomore business major Sean Gogola thinks that basketball has solidified itself as the top sport reigning over ISU. “After all the excitement Paris Lee brought last year along with the tournament’s hype,” Gogola said, “I think that ISU is a basketball school, no doubt. The energy when you go to a basketball game
is so amazing and I don’t think it compares to a football game.” While basketball may have dribbled their way to greener pastures, the emergence of the football team’s recent success has undoubtedly made some noise around campus. With back to back Missouri Valley Conference championships in 2014-15, an unmatched home record of 40-9 in eight seasons, four appearances in the FCS playoffs in the last five seasons and an extraordinary win over BIG 10 powerhouse Northwestern last year, ISU football has generated more than enough material to make this conversation relevant. Since head coach Brock Spack joined the team in 2009, he has completely revamped the Redbird football program as the ’Birds are soaring higher than ever before. Now 4-1 on the season, the team looks to regain focus after last week’s unexpected loss to Northern Arizona. Despite their latest slip, the Redbirds continue to dazzle and dance their way to the top of the Valley, where they have been the past
STUDENT PROFILE
America aces ISU tennis player’s educational, sports, life goals
STUART STALTER Senior Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS
Through sports and education, 18-year-old Diego Le Gal Perez, freshman interior design major and Redbird tennis player, builds upon experiences in his hometown of Villaviciosa de Odon, Madrid. "I chose transferring to Illinois State University because I had the opportunity to play in a Division 1 team while studying," Le Gal Perez said. "That blessing is impossible for me to achieve back home." Le Gal Perez weighed many options when college arrived. A top 100 national ranking in men's high school tennis in Spain attracted athletically-successful universities. The prestigious list includes Alabama, East Tennessee State, Purdue, Arlington, Virginia Commonwealth University and Texas. Le Gal Perez chose wings over horns since Illinois best fits his interests. Le Gal Perez loves ISU's campus and its inhabitants. His love for tennis started at age four. As Le Gal Perez grew, tennis sharpened his self-confidence as much as his serve. "So far, playing college tennis is one of the best things I've done in my life and I think I've never been prouder of
myself," Le Gal Perez said. "The interesting thing about tennis is that there is never a true end, and my teammates just keep making my dreams bigger." ISU head coach of men's tennis Mark Klysner is happy to help make Le Gal Perez's dreams come true. "He possesses a wealth of natural talent that we're excited to continue to develop," Klysner said before the season started. "What impresses me most is his personality, character and how supportive his family is." When Le Gal Perez transitions from tennis courts to classrooms, he notices vast differences from his homeland. "A big difference is that, in Spain, a 50 percent is a passing grade, whereas a 60 percent is the lowest grade here," Le Gal Perez said. "They motivate a lot more to get an ‘A’ here. Spain has more theory, as well." Le Gal Perez believes A mer ic a's practice prob-
lems and homework creates a stronger learning environment than Spain's memorization system. In fact, he notes that America has a better living environment. He admires the lofty goals American peers set. Additionally, America's enduring democracy and economic status fosters more motivated, positive-minded citizens. Regardless, Le Gal Perez recommends studying abroad. "There is great value in learning multiple cultures [and] languages," Le Gal Perez said. Like himself, Le Gal Perez feels anyone studying abroad may find a new destination to call home. Someday, he may help others build or improve their homes as an interior designer. Home design lets Le Gal Perez combine drawing with innovation. These adventures ultimately lead to Chicago. Featuring a rich architectural history, the Windy City swept Le Gal Perez's heart away as a kid. For now, Le Gal Perez enjoys the sound of his own racket rather than Chicago's traffic. Samantha Brinkman Photographer
three seasons. Sophomore construction management major Joey Guanci nominates football as the school’s sport due to the amount of conference championships they have won in recent years. “They won in 2014, 2015 and didn’t they win last year too?” Guanci said. “Even if they didn’t, I bet they did because judging from how good we’re doing so far this year; I’d pick football over basketball any day to represent ISU.” Among the 20 students stopped in the Quad that answered the question, basketball won out by a margin of two votes, 12 to eight. Although a small sample size, the rich history of Redbird basketball, as well as last year’s winning season, served as the independent variable to crown basketball as ISU’s top sport. In light of the debate, one thing remains constant: both the football and basketball teams are among the best in the Valley and their illustrious play represents our school’s everlasting pride, now and forever.
Throwback teenage heartthrobs set to perform at Braden Auditorium EMILY GRIFFITH Features Editor | @emilygriffy
T-Pain and Jesse McCartney have banded together to perform for UPB’s #FallThrowbackConcert at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in Braden Auditorium. Julia Broskey, Dean of Students’ student activities and involvement specialist said, “UPB wanted to form a line-up of well-known artist names that the audience could get excited about and sing along to during their performances.” T-Pain and McCartney were popular artists in the mid-2000s. McCartney’s debut album, “Beautiful T-Pain Soul,” is certified platinum. In addition, T-Pain was featured on more than 50 charting singles in the span of just four years. However, this begs the question: how will the two artists’ differing sounds combine into one concert? Broskey reassures students that the concert will still be a hit. “The artists will have separate sets actually, but with how popular festival-style line-ups have become on college campuses, UPB thought the varied genres represented in their line-up was a good way to make the most students happy,” Broskey said. “We are so excited to see the audience sway with [opener] LOLO.” McCartney is also excited to see the audience’s Jesse reactions to the performances. McCartney “There are no words to describe the feeling of being onstage and getting the screaming approval of thousands of people; it’s such a rush,” McCartney said. “Also, seeing individual faces smiling in the audience makes it completely addicting … I want them to leave feeling like it was the greatest night ever.” This concert will be one for ISU students to remember as they join together to sing beloved throwback songs.
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
THURSDAY, O CTOBER 12, 2017
Redbird football slips in two major FCS polls A drop in the FCS Coaches rankings was expected for the Illinois State football team after a crushing defeat to Northern Arizona, 37-16. The Redbirds (4-1, 2-0), who entered last week ranked No. 7, have descended to No. 15 in the latest iteration of the polls Monday afternoon. ISU remains a perfect 2-0 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, a league that currently boasts four teams in the top-8: North Dakota State (No. 2), South Dakota (No. 4), South Dakota State (No. 7) and Youngstown State (No. 8). Illinois State also moved down in the FCS Stats from No. 11 to No. 17. NATE HEAD | SPORTS EDITOR
Keene named MVC Offensive Player of the Week, Scholar Athlete of the Week
Owen Miller (8) readies for a pitch in an April series against the University of Dayton at Duffy Bass Field in Normal.
Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor
ISU’s Miller to lead again in ’18 ALFONSO CERNA Sports Reporter | @fonzcerna
As preparation for the 2018 college baseball season gets underway, Redbird shortstop Owen Miller looks to pick up right where he left off. A native of Fredonia, Wisconsin, Miller is set to begin his junior year as the starting shortstop for Illinois State. Miller is always looking to improve his game, an attribute to which he credits his success up to this point of his career. “Working hard in practice with the right mindset is key,” Miller said. “Showing up to the ballfield every day trying to get better.” As a freshman in 2016, Miller made an immediate impact on the field, being named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America Team by Collegiate Baseball. One of only two players to start all 54 games, Miller slashed an impressive .328/.368/.498 with 23 doubles, five home runs, 44 RBIs and 117 total bases in his debut campaign. The ISU shortstop also excelled off the field, earning a spot on the MVC and AFNI honor rolls, while also
achieving the MVC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award. The 2017 season was no sophomore slump for Miller, who saw more of the same success, as he was the lone Redbird to appear and start in all 56 games. Miller earned All-Missouri Valley Second-Team honors while slashing .325/.351/.498. He led the team in batting average, slugging percentage, as well as collecting 81 hits (2nd all-time in school history). Other highlights from the season include a career-high 13-game hitting streak (4/19-5/12) which will continue into the 2018 season. The accolades and achievements can be credited to the work and preparation from Miller off the field. “I think the biggest thing is doing the right things to stay healthy,” Miller said. “Baseball is a long season so you got to do things to prepare yourself to play to the best of your abilities.” Miller also hit safely in all five games during Illinois State’s improbable run during the 2017 MVC Tournament, which saw the Redbirds defeat nationally-ranked Missouri State. Despite a disappointing regular
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season (16-40, 2-18 Missouri Valley Conference) the Redbirds remained confident throughout the tournament. Miller explained that the team understood the talent they had that allowed them a chance to beat anyone. ISU fell just short of a trip to the College World Series, losing to Dallas Baptist in the championship game, 10-6. However, the Cinderella run left the team on a positive note to end the season and gave the players something to build on in the offseason. “It was an awesome experience and it gave us a lot of hope for this year,” Miller said. “I think we could really do a lot of damage this season.” The transition from freshman to junior year has seen an improvement on how Miller approaches the game as well. “You learn a lot coming in as a freshman,” Miller said. “You feel more comfortable once you learn and make the right adjustments as your career goes on.” In his third season, Miller looks to take on a leadership role with the ball club, as he is always looking to help teammates in any way he can. When asked what kind of advice he
would give to younger players on the team, Miller opted for confidence. “Coming in as a freshman you don’t really know what to expect,” Miller said. “But trusting your abilities and knowing that you were recruited for a reason helps a lot.” The Redbird shortstop also credits his success to the coaching of fourthyear coach Bo Durkac. “He’s a very smart coach who I’ve really enjoyed playing for the past two years,” Miller said. “I think this is going to be our year to show the conference we’re on the upcoming.” The team expectations set by Durkac remain high for Miller and the 2018 Redbirds. “We have a lot of guys coming back from last year and we set a high standard for ourselves heading into this season,” Miller said. Miller looks to continue a career in baseball after college, with plans of being drafted professionally at some point in the near future. “It’s something I’ve always dreamt about when I was younger,” Miller said. “I hope to play baseball as long as they say I can.”
Illinois State volleyball standout Jaelyn Keene has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week and the MVC Scholar Athlete of the Week, the league announced. Keene helped guide the Redbirds to victories on Friday, Saturday and Monday night. In the two matches over the weekend, the senior led her team in kills both nights, equaling 41 total kills. She managed to set a Redbird Arena record with 29 kills on Saturday night versus MVC newcomer Valparaiso. For the weekend, Keene averaged 5.12 kills per set on a .411 hitting percentage, while also recording four aces and averages of 1.25 digs and 1.12 blocks per set. Keene also ranks among the top-10 in the MVC in hitting percentage (.324), kills per set (3.96), aces per set (0.34) and blocks per set (1.00), while leading the league in aces (27) and points per set (4.88). In the classroom, Keene is an accounting major, who owns a 3.97 cumulative GPA. She has been named to the Illinois State AFNI Honor Roll and MVC Academic Honor Roll every semester possible, while also being a two-time MVC Scholar-Athlete First-Team selection and three-time MVC Commissioner’s Academic Excellence Award winner. MICHAEL MARRA | SPORTS EDITOR
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2017
ISU football must not overreact MY VIEW NATE HEAD Sports Editor
I
Victoria Kaschl | The Lumberjack, Northern Arizona University
ISU junior wide receiver Spencer Schnell eludes Northern Arizona defenders during Saturday night’s game in Flagstaff, Arizona.
’Birds look to rebound in Carbondale Illinois State looks to avenge first loss of season against Southern Illinois in return to MVC play MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU
No. 15 Illinois State looks to bounce back from their first loss of the 2017 season, trying to prove to be different than last year’s team who let one loss spiral into four. “When we lose now, everybody’s stunned,” coach Brock Spack said. “I go to church and no one knows how to talk to me. They don’t know if they want to say ‘hi’ Jake Kolbe because I probably don’t have a real good look on my face. So, that is a sign of being successful.” The Redbirds (4-1, 2-0 Missouri Valley Football Conference) will head into Carbondale with new faces making their debuts on Saturday. “I think we’ve got some young players that are developing quickly. You may see a couple of those guys in this game,” Spack said. “I don’t really want to tell you who they are right now, but we have some guys I think ... you might see for the first time in this game … There’s some guys
we’d love to save their redshirt year, but it’s about this season right now. It’s not about next year, it’s now. Can the player help us win now? If the answer is yes, he’s playing.” Illinois State will turn to quarterback Jake Kolbe to right the ship and rebound from a three interception performance at Northern Arizona, a season-high for Kolbe. As the storyline has been all season to this point, the ISU defense will be heavily relied upon to stop the Salukis on Saturday afternoon. Southern Illinois (2-3, 0-2 MVFC) is coming off a demoralizing loss at South Dakota State, 49-14. In the loss, the Salukis allowed 584 yards of offense, opposed to 263 of their own. One key to victory will be stopping their offense prowess, led by quarterback Sam Straub and running
back Daquan Isom. “They are typical in some ways. They are very athletic, Southern usually is, they’ve got very good athletes,” Spack said. “Their tailback is an excellent one-cut, jump-cut – not a one cut, but a jump-cut guy. He’s very, very quick, very, very sudden. [He] catches the ball well, he is a dart. He is very difficult because of his foot speed and he does have toughness.” The Salukis are outscoring their opponents 42-30 in the first quarter, but drop off in the fourth, being outscored 31-21. A fast start from Illinois State might mediate any threat of a second consecutive upset in Carbondale. PREDICTION: The Redbirds are coming off a bad loss at NAU, likewise are the Salukis at South Dakota State. However, ISU is looking to stay unbeaten in MVFC play while SIU is looking to avoid slipping further into the basement. The ‘Birds will be hungry and determined after a lackluster road trip a week ago.
ISU 31, SIU 17
Head coach Brock Spack
Vidette Sports staffers like ISU in Week 7 Nick Damiani
Neil Doyle
Nick Landi
Kade Heather
Alfonso Cerna
The Redbirds will look to get back on track this weekend against a struggling Salukis team who have lost three straight games. I expect the Redbirds to rely heavily on their ground game after Jake Kolbe’s three interceptions last weekend. The duo of James Robinson and Markel Smith should find plenty of room to run, as Southern has allowed 153 yards per game on the ground this year. The Salukis should keep it close for most of the game on their homecoming, but ISU has the talent to pull away late in this one.
Suffering their first loss of the season could be a blessing in disguise for the Redbirds. NAU helped expose some weaknesses for ISU, which will need to be worked on for another road trip to Southern Illinois. This almost has the feel of a must win game for ISU, as after this meeting with the Salukis, the remaining five games are all against top25 opponents.
Illinois State’s defense will be looking to reemerge after giving up 403 passing yards to Northern Arizona. Expect them to have success against a Southern Illinois team with one of the least efficient offenses in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
The Redbirds should be back on track this week against a struggling MVFC opponent Southern Illinois. Illinois State’s defense should be just as good as they were in the first four games of the season. I think the Redbirds will get back in the win column this week.
ISU is looking to bounce back from a tough loss last weekend as they continue their road trip to Carbondale to take on Southern Illinois. The Salukis have lost their last three games but I think they’ll make things interesting against the Redbirds in this MVC showdown.
ISU 31, SIU 17
ISU 24, SIU 17
ISU 27, SIU 14
ISU 30, SIU 17
FOLLOW SATURDAY’S GAME ACTION ON TWITTER at @Vidette_Sports
ISU 35, SIU 24
Nate Head Illinois State struggled on both sides of the ball Saturday but will bounce back against Southern Illinois. The Redbirds will establish the run early and cruise to a victory in Carbondale.
ISU 35, SIU 10
t was all good just a week ago. The Illinois State football team rolled seamlessly through the first month of the season, outscoring its first four opponents 147-35 to coast to the program’s third 4-0 start during coach Brock Spack’s six-year tenure. Then came Saturday, a demoralizing 37-16 defeat to Northern Arizona. The loss erased the pleasant possibility of the Redbirds running the table on the first half of the schedule before entering a stretch of five consecutive matchups with FCS top-25 teams, beginning Sept. 21 with a Homecoming battle against South Dakota. Illinois State looked nearly untouchable before the trip deep into the high altitudes of Walkup Skydome in Flagstaff, where a seasonhigh 10,420 raucous fans gathered for Family Weekend. A few figures from the Redbirds’ first four games: the team only allowed three total touchdowns, ranked second in the nation in total defense and yielded just 8.3 points a contest. Yes, the Redbirds are a good football team. This we know. But are they great? This will depend on how the group responds to such an abrupt onset of adversity presented for the first time this season. As Spack said following the defeat, the team needs to “reset its jaw.” Can the Redbirds fire back with a roundhouse punch of its own at Southern Illinois Saturday to get the train back on the rails? The short answer: they should. Southern Illinois is a team struggling tremendously in just about every facet of the game, especially on defense, where they have allowed an average of 39 points in the last three weeks. The key for Illinois State is to avoid trying to force success in Carbondale this weekend. There is no need to overreact and overcompensate for this bump in the road. Just stop the bleeding, which, at 4-1, is no more than a paper cut. The Redbirds simply need to play the game and do what Spack says the team struggled to do in Arizona. Execute. Last season, the Redbirds disappointed in their follow-up campaign to a special 2015 season, which ended in a gut-wrenching loss in the FCS Championship. The ’Birds finished just 6-5 and squeezed into the playoffs, just to be bounced in the opening round. A sizzling start to that season (including Illinois State’s dramatic and improbable 9-7 win over Northwestern) soon fizzled away to a gruesome stretch of four consecutive defeats. This kind of meltdown simply cannot happen now, especially given the loaded schedule looming dangerously near. Saturday was a slap in the face for the Redbirds, or, according to Spack, the jaw. Now it is time to hit back. NATE HEAD is Sports Editor for The Vidette. He can be contacted at vidette_ndhead@ilstu.edu Follow him on Twitter at @NateHead51