V THE VIDETTE
NEWS 5
No Veterans Day ceremony for 2020, professors celebrate service in class
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020 Vol. 133 | No. 12
videtteonline.com
Still ‘a lot of work to be done’
Students react to Biden-Harris win
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GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
fter four days of waiting in anticipation for the presidential winner, former Vice President Joe Biden, along with United States Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.), were announced as the projected winners for the 2020 presidential election. In one of the most historic elections, people all over the country broke out onto the streets in celebration. In downtown Bloomington, people gathered to celebrate Biden’s win over President Donald Trump. “I am very happy and so thankful. As a woman I feel like it’s even better,” sophomore psychology student Celia Hernandez said. What seemed to urge voters to lean toward Biden is what was at risk. The COVID-19 response, women’s rights, the Black Lives Matter movement and systemic racism were some of the biggest issues that pushed people to vote for Biden. “I think Joe Biden is the lesser of the evils and will be able to turn everything around once the COVID-19 pandemic is actually taken seriously,” senior recreation management student Emily Miles said. “Not to mention, he will secure our national security, acknowledge that climate change is a real issue and will treat everyone, especially women, with dignity and respect.” The win came as a big sigh of relief before preparing for the next steps to ensure Biden goes through with his promises and continues to fight for equal rights. “I feel very relieved. It’s been a long four years. Biden’s win is finally a moment of respite, and it’s a moment for us, not just Biden supporters, but us as a nation to take a breath and prepare for the next steps,” mass media major Kaleigh Kreis said. “Besides relief, I feel eagerness to see what the Biden-Kamala administration will accomplish in their first 100 days and to ensure that our government works for its people again.”
See BIDEN-HARRIS on Page 3
Bloomington-Normal community members hold a farewell for President Donald Trump after Joe Biden wins the presidential election at Withers Park on Saturday. Keith Moldovan holds his sign at the beginning of the celebration. Photograph by ZOE WOODS | Photographer | @zoe_rae10
ELECTION RESULTS COVERAGE: McLean County bids ‘farewell’ to President Trump — PAGE 3 VIDETTE EDITORIAL: Biden win not possible without Black voters — PAGE 4
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Student Counseling to host Voices of Discovery
COVID-19 on the rise in McLean County
In spring semester SCS will offer series of discussions that commit to addressing social issues MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @Meghanfortunato
people who are different from us, and sitting down with each other to have an open, honest and reflective conversation can help uncover the biases we hold without realizing it,” Phillips said. For many, it can be difficult for individuals to discuss topics that cover race, gender, ability status and sexual orientation. “We hold this event to give students of diverse backgrounds the opportunity to come together and learn from each other's perspectives and develop the skills to cultivate healthy relationships with people who are different from them,” Phillips said. “I respect the idea that people apart from the school are trying to create a space for students to talk about these sorts of topics,” senior interior design major Madison Lucas said. “Especially during the time we live in now, it's important to have a space that all students
can respectively come together and have an actual discussion about our different backgrounds.” Phillips is hopeful that students learning about Students looking to discover more about other identities and perspectives will lead to themselves and interested in understanding the richer and more fulfilling relationships, rather diversity of others around campus are given an than division. opportunity to participate in a program called Guided by two trained facilitators for each Voices of Discovery (VOD) during the spring session, VOC gives students a chance to semester. engage in what they have learned in classStudent Counseling Services is hosting the room environments about multicultural and program, focusing on understanding more about diversity. Students who complete the program identities including identities that differ from may become elgible to apply for a role as a each other. facilitator. SCS graduate assistant Laura Phillips, coorThe program is working on events to be dinator of the program, expands on what VOD hosted in the spring semester, but implemenis all about. tations will be going on from January through According to Phillips, this is an inter-group April each month. An implementation equals dialogue program where students will have two 2.5 hour sessions that students will atdiscussions with each other about stereotypes, tend every other week bias, privilege and how we on Tuesday or Thursday can commit to social action in addressing these issues “I think we tend to make a lot of assumptions about people who are to discuss the topics at hand. as they relate to race, gendifferent from us, and sitting down with each other to have an open, Students interested or der, ability status, sexual orientation and other honest and reflective conversation can help uncover the biases we looking for more information about the program demographic groups. hold without realizing it,” can contact Laura Phillips, “I think we tend to make Laura Phillips, SCS graduate assistant and program coordinator at vpsalephill@ilstu.edu. a lot of assumptions about
No joke! Explore benefits of leading with humor
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YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
IF YOU GO
llinois State University's Alumni Engagement has organized the Humor and Leadership: How Might it Matter event to occur from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday through Zoom. The event may be inspired by the recent election, as it has much to do with the usage and effectiveness of humor in the role of a leader. The presentation will cover how humor can be used to the advantage of a leader when speaking publicly or working with individuals. The speaker of the event will be Richard Ringer, professor of Management in the Department of Management and Quantitative Methods and Director of the Organizational Leadership Institute. He previously worked in Training and Development at Los Alamos National Laboratory in New Mexico. His teaching areas include leadership and organizational behavior and change.
WHAT: Humor and Leadership: How it Might Matter webinar WHEN: Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday WHERE: Zoom COST: Free SPECIAL NOTES: Registration is required in order to attend via Zoom
Jamie Sennett
The event session will cover three main topics, including the types of humor and which are beneficial in contrast to others, the advantages of humor to forming relationships and the pointers of humor to other key leadership traits. "The Humor and Leadership event is actually part of a series of webinars we are doing for our Redbird family, primarily ISU alumni, that provide professional development opportunities. The series is
a partnership with Alumni Engagement, the College of Business and the Organizational Leadership Institute," Director of Alumni Engagement Jamie Sennett said. Humor is said to be able to decrease arising conflicts as well as to open doors for better communication. Status distinctions can also be minimized through the use of humor in the role of a leader. It will also cover types of humor and which may be harmful rather than helpful to leadership. Humor can be an indicating factor of the presence of additional leadership traits in a leader. Advanced registration is required for the event as spots are limited. Registration can be done online until capacity is reached. YASMIN ODEH is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at yaodeh@ ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @yasminodeh3.
5,508 cases in McLean 260 new cases on Monday in McLean since Nov. 6
0 new cases at ISU on Nov. 9 8.7% seven-day positivity rate through Nov. 8
7.1% positivity rate at ISU.
1,623 students at ISU positive for COVID-19
152 active cases at ISU 1,471 recovered cases at ISU
109,000 total tested in McLean County
952 individuals in home isolation in McLean County
SOURCE: THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
NEWS IN BRIEF Karl Sila announces run for Normal Town Council seat Normal resident Karl Sila is running for Normal Town Council for the April 2021 consolidated municipal election. He plans to use his accounting background and engineering degree to help the town operate more efficiently. “I can use my unique skillset to problem solve ways to cut spending. Having proper priorities is key, and I would like to lower property taxes,” Sila said in a statement. “I want to make sure Normal continues to be a great place for families like mine. I want Normal to be a town where my kids can not only grow up safe and happy, but also a town they’d like to stay in once they do grow up.” Sila was a strong write-in for Normal trustee in 2019 and is now hoping to claim a seat on town council. He is a McLean County native and graduated from the Unit 5 schools.
GRACE KINNICUTT | News Editor
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The Vidette is published Tuesdays every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The digital Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2020 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
McLean County gives Trump ‘farewell’ rally JOHN MURRAY News Reporter | @jmurr_
Trump presidency has been the level of activism and organizing that it set off in the community,” Carrillo expressed. Swick is still relatively new to the voting upporters of President-elect Joe Biden and Vice and election process. She reflected on her President-elect Kamala Harris gathered at Withimpressions of modern-day politics and the ers Park in downtown Bloomington Saturday last two election cycles in 2016 and 2020. afternoon to celebrate the ticket’s historic win in the “At first, I wasn’t sure if this is just what 2020 presidential election. it’s like or if this is so out of the norm. It’s For Policy Director for the Young Democrats of been kind of trial-by-fire in that respect,” Illinois and Illinois State University graduate Derek Swick said. Lough, that alone was more than enough reason for “I’m just glad to see that a lot of our demotaking to the streets of Bloomington to celebrate. cratic norms that this country was built on “There’s a lot of reasons to celebrate today, that’s are going to be restored very soon.” for sure. Despite there not being many public appearLough echoed Swick’s thoughts on Ameriances, all I’ve seen today is happiness and pure relief,” ca’s “democratic norms,” saying that Illinois’ Lough said. Democratic candidates worked hard to stress “I know I’m feeling those same emotions as well. ideas of human rights. This is a great day, but tomorrow we have to get back “No doubt this was a tumultuous season. to work.” Our Democratic candidates up and down the The event, titled You’re Fired! A Community Farestate gave their everything to secure wins, well to 45, on Facebook, was organized and hosted by movements for our party and to secure the Ward 6 Alderwoman Jennifer Carrillo. ideals of human rights,” Lough said. “Even in the midst of a pandemic, I still felt strongly “To ensure that, they continued to be enZoe Wood | Photographer | @zoe_rae10 that it was important for us to see each other and shrined in law here in Illinois and throughBloomington-Normal community members held a farewell Saturday for President Doncelebrate this out the country.” ald Trump at Withers Park. moment,” CarEven in the midst of such jubilation, Car“I think one of the rillo said. rillo remained vigilant in preaching underMcLean County community member Alora Swick echoed a “Some of greatest things to standing and holding realistic expectations for the incoming similar sentiment. She admitted that she still has mixed feelus worked really hard administration. come out of this Trump ings due to the events of what has been a challenging year for to get Biden elected, “They [Biden and Harris] won’t be able to magically solve the country. others worked really presidency has been all of our problems, but it’s certainly comforting to know now “We’ve had very few things to celebrate this year, but we’ll hard to get [President that at minimum we have an administration that’s more rethe level of activism and Donald] Trump out take what we can get,” Swick said. ceptive to the things that we’ve cared about for so long in this “It’s definitely worth celebrating Donald Trump being voted organizing that it set off of office. But either community,” Carrillo said. out of office, but there’s still obviously a lot of work to be way, we thought it in the community.” done.” was important to get JOHN MURRAY is a News Reporter at The Vidette. He can be Carrillo believes that there have been good things to come Jennifer Carrillo, Bloomington Ward 6 together safely and contacted at jwmurr1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @ out of the last four years of Trump’s presidency. celebrate this historic Alderwoman Jmurr_. “I think one of the greatest things to come out of this and momentous day.”
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BIDEN-HARRIS
Continued from Page 1
Some feel indifferent and that things might not take the progressive change millions have been urging the past few years. “[I am] more happy that Trump lost rather than Biden won,” junior business administration information system Peter Behling said. “To me, this just means we’re going to return to non-progressive neoliberalism and essentially nothing will change.” For Behling, he believes that Biden and his administration need to push progressive policies that have been widely popular. This includes policies, such as universal healthcare, the Green New Deal and defunding the military and police. Despite the amount of work that many believe needs to be done, some are celebrating the new president-elect through social media and celebrations across the nation. After the announcement was made on Saturday, the McLean County community took the opportunity to gather in Withers Park in Bloomington to celebrate Biden’s win. Among them, there are still others who are not as happy but are looking forward to seeing what the next administration will bring to the White House. “Although he’s not who I voted for, I will support him because we need someone to unite the United States of America,” sophomore Josh Kilcullen said. Students across the McLean County area are taking this as an opportunity to see if Biden will keep all the promises he made over the next four years. “I’m very interested to see if [Biden] actually pursues all the promises he made throughout his campaign,” sophomore Illinois Wesleyan University nursing student Duke Harms said. Even with the mix of feelings, one thing many seem to be finding common ground on is how the Biden administration will move our country forward.
Withers Park send off for President Trump
Illinois State University’s College Democrats were among those gathered to say goodbye to President Donald Trump after President-elect Joe Biden’s win this weekend.
Members of Illinois State University’s College Democrats, including Avery Spranger, Allie Beam and Livi Swiech, gathered to celebrate President-elect Joe Biden’s win.
ABOVE: Bloomington Ward 6 Alderwoman Jenn Carillo speaks at the Withers Park rally. Carillo organized the event on Facebook. LEFT: Normal Town Council member Chemberly Cummings speaks at the rally held in Withers Park Saturday. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ZOE WOOD | PHOTOGRAPHER | @zoe_rae10
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Biden win impossible without Black women
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fter a prolonged, arduous Election Day-turned-week, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been elected as president and vice president of the United States, according to media projections. People took to the streets to rejoice. Dancing, crying, cheering, waving American, Pride and Black Lives Matter flags. Blowing car horns, saluting postal workers driving by who delivered mailin ballots that came in clutch and sealed the victory for Biden in swing states. For millions of Americans, this indicates a sign of hope. Biden and Harris delivered chilling, empowering and hopeful words to the American people, overwhelmingly opposite of what Americans were used to hearing for the last four years. What was significant about Biden and Harris’s speeches Saturday night was their recognition of Black women, the Black community and people of color who played a substantial role in Biden’s victory. Black women were at the frontlines of this year’s election and proved yet again, in Harris’ words, to be the backbones of democracy, with a whopping 91% of Black women voting for Biden. The work of Stacy Abrams cannot go unnoticed. Despite losing out on the governor’s office in Georgia in 2018, she continued
her grassroots efforts to combat voter suppression that could turn a usually Republican-leaning state Democratic. Since 2018, over 800,000 people (mostly youth and people of color) registered to vote by organizations Abrams worked with. She’s received her proper recognition for Biden’s lead in Georgia, turning the state blue for the first time in 24 years. LaTosha Brown, the co-founder of Black Voters Matter who works to increase voter registration in Black communities and inform them of the power to vote, worked tirelessly and has for years, in southern states registering Black voters and to combat voter suppression efforts. Aimee Allison, Jessica
Byrd and so many other organizers deserve their flowers as well. Biden made it clear that the Black community showed up and showed their power at the polls when it mattered the most. Black voters in swing states turned out in record numbers. Particularly, Black voters in major cities with large Black populations such as Detroit, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Milwaukee played a major role in turning states that were once red to blue, making what appeared to be an initial Trump lead in the swing states disappear as more votes were counted. With all the heartbreak, loss and mourning the Black community has experienced, it’s about time we get
some sort of relief and bliss in a disastrous year. It’s beautiful to see someone that looks like you in one of the highest positions in the country. It’s satisfying to see everyone come together and celebrate. But we can’t get too comfortable. Switching political parties in the White House doesn’t erase the systemic racism that runs rampant in this country. Everyone must keep their foot on the gas when it comes to addressing racism, antiBlackness and countless other issues that impact other groups of people to create the change needed in this country and hold those in power accountable. We still have work to do. American democracy and white America cannot continue to depend on Black people, especially Black women, to save them from turmoil when we have to plead for justice, equality, recognition and the bare minimum: to matter. Let this also be clear: Black people vote to protect themselves. And when voting to protect themselves, they’re protecting others in the process. Give Black women their flowers by listening to, elevating, and protecting them. To truly appreciate Black people for saving this democracy, help work to dismantle policies that oppose, oppress and dehumanize Black bodies.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by DARNYSHA MITCHELL, 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.
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Biden’s election a celebration, but not the end of the fight
he whole nation This wait was not just sat waiting, and election week. This wait waiting and was four years in the waiting. The day it was making. announced, I was sitting Nov. 7, 2020 seemed in my room with ABC so much brighter than MY VIEW on in the background. Nov. 4, 2016. I had gotten so used to When President waiting that I wasn’t reDonald Trump won in ANDREA RICKER | Features Editor ally paying attention. 2016, I was a senior in I noticed the screen high school. I was only changed and looked up and saw a picture of 17, so I wasn’t able to vote. However, I was so Biden taking up the whole screen, with the involved in that election. I advocated with my words “Joe Biden, the president-elect”. friends and followed every detail of the race. I I immediately sat straight up. I couldn’t watched every debate and every speech. even process the information. My phone Election night, I was lying in bed, watching started blowing up from news notifications the CNN map on my phone. I couldn’t pull and I started rapidly texting my friends the my eyes away from it. When Trump won, I news. just cried. I was scared. I had no idea what Finding out that Biden is the presidentthe next four years would hold. elect felt like a big sigh of relief. It felt like this I was scared for my own rights. I was weight that had been on my chest for four scared for the rights of my friends — many years was finally lifted. of whom are in the LGBTQ+ community and I had tears of joy. I remember being so are people of color. I was worried for any miscared back in 2016 and now it felt like, at nority group because this man made it clear least for a little while, I didn’t have to feel that he did not value them. afraid of what might happen. I was also worried that the first years of
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my adult life would be spent with Trump as president — a man whom I felt did not care for my rights or the rights of my community. Going to school the day following the 2016 election is something I will never forget. I grew up in a conservative town and my high school was very small and out in the country. Students wore Trump yard signs around with them like a shirt. During every passing period that day there were students who would yell “Trump train” at everyone who walked by. My friends and I were visibly upset, but my fellow classmates didn’t hold back to let us know that they don’t care about our feelings. For me, it was scary knowing just how many of my peers loudly supported someone who was so openly homophobic, racist and sexist. If they agreed with him, what did they think about me and my friends? The past years have been long and tiring. It felt like every day something was at risk for any given minority group. Our rights have just been up in the air. Everyone has their own political views, but I feel Trump’s presidency was more than politics. These were human rights.
ANDREA RICKER is Features Editor for the Vidette. She can be reached at arricke@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ricker_andrea.
THEY SAID IT
NOTABLE NUMBERS
? 8.7%
seven-day positivity rate for McLean County. the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the McLean County Health Department announced they will report probable cases alongside confirmed cases.
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I’m excited to have a president who actually cares about everyone in this country, whether they voted for him or not. I’m also excited to have Kamala Harris as vice president. Not only is she the first woman to serve in this position but she is the first Black and South Asian person to be elected vice president as well. I can’t even imagine how big of an impact she will have on young girls, so they can see someone who looks like them in such a high position. This is a giant leap forward, but there are still so many steps that need to be taken. I will not blindly support Biden and Harris. I will call them out when they make mistakes, because there is no such thing as a perfect president. Politicians should not be someone you are a number one fan of. Save that for musicians and actors. Politicians are people we should hold responsible and demand action from. But for now, we can pause, rest and celebrate.
NEWS, PAGE 2 days until Illinois State University’s athletic season begins. Many seasons were postponed or canceled in the fall. Men’s and women’s basketball will be the first seasons to start, but no official date has been announced yet.
SPORTS, PAGES 7 & 8
“
To me, the fear of not even trying outweighed the fear that this business may fail. Some would say starting a business in the middle of a pandemic was crazy, but we took the jump and made an opportunity for ourselves, and I truly encourage others to do the same.” Payton Meade, co-owner of 1-1000 Boutique
EDITORIAL BOARD ELIZABETH SEILS Editor in Chief | @SeilsElizabeth ANDREA RICKER Features Editor @ricker_andrea
MAIA HUDDLESTON Photo Editor @maiawrites
GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor @GKinnicutt
MYA ROBINSON Sports Reporter @Im_Myaaa
KATIE BESTE Night Editor @BesteKatherine
JOHN MURRAY News Reporter @Jmurr_
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
No ISU ceremony for Vets Day ERIC SCHWEIZER Features Reporter | @EricSchweizer2
H
i s t o r y professors spoke at Illinois State University about the importance of Veterans Day. Many Americans use Nov. 11 to celebrate veterans and their sacrifices for us. A few history professors went into a little more detail on the history and true meaning behind this holiday. “It kind of has two meanings. It’s the end of World War I. It’s become associated with all veterans,” professor Ross Kennedy, history professor and chair at Illinois State University, said. What originally started as Armistice Day, a day to commemorate the end of World War I, has turned into a day to commemorate all who have served. “You can’t create a special day for each war, there’s been too many of them,” Kennedy said. It is a patriotic day that is well respected by most Americans. It has grown into a very
big holiday since it was originally created by President Woodrow Wilson in 1919. “The military in American life is a big deal. It’s one of the only institutions who’s respect and public opinion polls has increased in the last 20 or 30 years,” Kennedy said. Professors do not really bring up the history of Veterans Day in their course curriculum. However professors like to commemorate those who have served and will show their respect. “People have given a lot to serve. I try to make sure that their peers know what Veterans Day means, and I always make sure I ask if they would like to stand up and let us know what division they were in,” history professor Kyle Ciani said. In a year that has been overtaken by the COVID-19 pandemic, most of the history classes have not been in person. Just like everything else, this means the way we are able to recognize Veterans Day will be different this year. “I know that there are veterans in my classes, so yeah I’ll do the same kinds of
Zoe Wood | Photographer | @zoe_rae10
A plaque for veterans can be found on the ISU Quad. shoutouts. I will recognize my students who “It’s gotten washed out by the election,” have served,” Ciani said. Kennedy said. Usually there are in-person events on Veterans Day might look different this campus to recognize all veterans who have year with not being able to have in-person served but with both the pandemic and the celebrations but people can still celebrate recent election, there have not been any and give thanks to those who fought for our virtual events that have been planned. country.
Making bets on next year’s rent With next school year still uncertain due to COVID-19, students are hesitant about signing or re-signing a lease early
BloNo NAACP acknowledges result, importance of 2020 election GRACE KINNICUTT News Editor | @GKinnicutt
MEGHAN FORTUNATO News Reporter | @Meghanfortunato
U
ncertainty over what tomorrow — let alone next year — is going to look like persists due to impacts of COVID-19. Questions surfaced this year on how leasing an apartment on the grounds of Illinois State University is going to look as students began to sign with agencies. SAMI agency representative Armani Mendiola brings reassurance to students signing leases. Policies have been implemented to help sort out situations for next year for students unsure of what the next step is. Offering in-person showAlex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16 ings with both clearance Leasing companies have had to change the ways they show apartments and get students to sign due to COfrom the tenants and people VID-19 halting plans of people renting. SAMI is offering in-person showing as long as prospective tenants wear looking into the unit, SAMI a mask and are comfortable with it. Companies are also providing virtual tours. Realty is holding tours of facilities in a safe manner, to be making.” hopeful for a more normalized should make that commitment or requiring masks and social One safety net at signing agencampus experience next year. not,” prospective Young America distancing. cy SAMI includes a new clause “I actually re-signed from my resident Brianna Gehrig said. If tenants are uncomfortable implemented, surrounding the apartment recently. I’m hoping Students who are new to the with in-person tours, the realty idea that if COVID-19 were to maybe by next year we might leasing process or re-signing is also sending agents into the completely shut down all school have the coronavirus somewhat can expect that leasing agencies apartments to do a virtual tour operations with in-person and under control,” Rotondo said. are working to cooperate with over Zoom. online courses, students are then “I'm fortunate that my roomcertain circumstances for each “We’ve had some sort of push given the option to be released mates also re-signed so I can still person. back. We haven't seen a deficit, from their leasing agreement if have a fun college experience “With COVID-19, I know a lot though we have pushed our they wish to go home. living off campus.” of my peers were stressed out open-leasing period back two Students re-signing with “I’m glad I am able to live with signing leases because evweeks,” Mendiola said. agencies on campus voice their with my roommates again. erything is so uncertain,” future Varying case to case, people thoughts when entering into a Hopefully next year we will be YA resident Mallory Gibbons have been reluctant to sign back lease for 2021-2022. able to do more activities, and said. with SAMI Realty for next year, “I am waiting to sign my coronavirus dies down a little,” “For me personally, signing even students coming in from next lease until we know what Kantzavelos said. a lease was reassuring because different leasing companies. the school year for 2021-2022 Students new to off-campus that can guarantee regardless of “We do have a few people holds,” junior Meredith Mallon lease signing seem to express classes being in-person or online who are hesitant because with said. “Although I will be a senior, more concern when leasing I will be able to return to campus COVID-19 going on there is a if all my classes are online, then apartments early on. next fall.” lot of uncertainty even for next staying at home with my parents “I still have not decided semester.” would save me a substantial whether to sign yet because of MEGHAN FORTUNATO is a “We definitely don’t want to amount of money.” the uncertainty with COVID. I News Reporter for The Vidette. put a lot of pressure on them to Roommates Taylor Rotondo do not know whether we’ll be reShe can be contacted at memake a decision until they feel and Alexis Kantzavelos are leasturning to campus next fall so it’s fortu@ilstu.edu. Follow her on that they are most comfortable ing through The Edge and are been a tough decision whether I Twitter at | @Meghanfortunato with the decision they are going
“We definitely don’t want to put a lot of pressure on them to make a decision until they feel that they are most comfortable with the decision they are going to be making.” Armani Mendiola, a leasing agent with SAMI
The Bloomington-Normal branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People acknowledged the significance President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris will have on the country going forward. The outcome of the 2020 election is significant to African Americans across the country and serves as a win and success for the non-partisan BloNo NAACP branch. The branch worked for over a year to ensure every American citizen used their vote no matter what party they are affiliated with. The BloNo NAACP collaborated with Jack and Jill of America, The League of Women Voters, The Links of America, Incorporated, Normal Community High School’s Student Union, Not In Our Town and The National Panhellenic Council. “We held a plethora of town hall meetings, candidate forums, Strolls to the Polls and we even placed door knockers on hundreds of doors. I am extremely pleased with the voter turnout and I believe residents now feel empowered. For generations, African Americans have endured the brutal hand of systemic racism and discrimination," President Linda Foster said in a statement. "This is more than a win — this is a movement toward justice. We will hold all elected officials equally accountable.” The BloNo branch does not support a specific political party but does acknowledge the importance of this election. “The criticality of this moment is undeniable, as our beloved America’s history books are now forever altered. The NAACP proudly acknowledge and applaud the worth and essence of the African American community and salute this momentous occasion, as the arc of justice bends toward equality for all — in spite of continued racial disparities," the first vice president and elected NAACP state officer, Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson said. “The NAACP will continue to play a critical role with voter empowerment, as we remain on the battlefield for racial and social justice,” the second Vice-President Willie Halbert said. The mission of the NAACP is to ensure political, educational, social and economic equality of everyone and to eliminate racebased discrimination. GRACE KINNICUTT is News Editor for The Vidette. She can be contacted at gkinnic@ ilstu.edu Follow Kinnicutt on Twitter at @ GKinnicutt
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Features
Seamlessly fashionable ISU alums open online boutique YASMIN ODEH News Reporter | @yasminodeh3
SOTD presents ‘Top Girls’ ALEXIS PLUMMER News Reporter | @Lexi1Oliver
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ecent Illinois State University graduates Emma Walton and Peyton Meade have used their experiences and degrees to make their dreams a reality. Both Walton and Meade were fashion merchandizing majors at ISU. Walton graduated in the fall 2018 semester, and Meade in spring 2019. The two met in their first semester, and immediately shared interests and goals. “We both majored in fashion merchandising, and we actually met in our very first college class, FCS 101,” Walton said. “The major definitely helped me to see the fashion industry from a different perspective. Our professors were really good about showing us different routes we could take with the major, and I know we both knew pretty quickly we wanted to open a boutique together one day.” Together, Meade and Walton created 1100 East Boutique, an online clothing store. They currently sell women’s clothing and accessories at their shop. “What I love most about our business and what we strive to do going forward is become a retailer that really has something for everyone. I would love to expand into extended sizing in the future and incorporate menswear into our business as well,” Meade said. “Our target market right now is young to middle-aged women, but we are always looking to expand our target market and appeal to a larger audience. Right now, we sell trendy women’s clothing, such as sweaters, cardigans, tops, skirts, jeans, accessories and more all available on our website 1100eastboutique.com,” Meade said. The pair additionally discussed their experiences at ISU during their time as students. Meade held various positions in the Fashion Design and Merchandising Association and was also a part of the ISU Fashion Show. Meade added, “I truly believe ISU does a fantastic job preparing students in our major. Our professors really took the time to show us different career paths within the fashion industry and allowed us to gain real-life experience by setting up meet and greets with fashion professionals and encouraging us to get an internship in the field.” “One of the biggest pieces of advice I could give to any student no matter the major is to get involved and make connections,” Meade said. In terms of the inspiration behind 1100 East Boutique, Walton and Meade both had dreams of opening up a boutique and owning their own businesses. “I went into the major knowing I wanted to own a boutique one day. It’s what I’ve wanted to do for as long as I can remember. Once we met and realized we both had the same goal, we knew it would be a lot more fun if we did it together and combined our ideas,” Walton said. “When I was a sophomore in college, I started a small T-shirt design business, and ever since then I have dreamed about starting my own boutique and becoming my own boss,” Meade said. Their collaboration was officially decided around the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, but the
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Photo courtesy of Emma Walton and Peyton Meade
After meeting in their first ISU class, graduates Emma Walton and Peyton Meade decided to open their own online store, 1100 East Boutique.
pandemic did not stop them. The pair went their own ways post-graduation, so they had to put their ideas on hold. Once the pandemic struck, they each returned home more inspired than ever to act on their dreams. “[W]e decided there was no better time than now, so we started and didn’t look back,” Walton said. “The initial process of setting up business structure was a bit tedious, but soon we were into the part we love … creating a brand and dialing in the fashions we wanted to represent our brand.” Meade talked about the various hurdles for them in their industry with their new business on the rise. “I would say one of our main obstacles right now is how to set ourselves apart. The boutique business has quickly become very popular, so finding a way to stand out and make ourselves different than our competitors is something we really want to focus on.” Maintaining and proceeding to advance 1100 East Boutique during the pandemic also has its downsides. “Even though right now we’re an online business, we’ve been affected by COVID in a lot of ways, unfortunately,” Walton said. “We have been unable to visit any trade shows to look at the clothing and accessories in person, so we have to order everything online without being able to really put our hands on it. We have also had a lot of items back ordered due to wholesale businesses being closed due to COVID and shipping dates being behind. We’ve been dealing with those obstacles and learning as we go.” Walton notes the ways in which the partners are trudging through the issues the pandemic has posed for them. Yet, she addresses the upside of the hurdles, which is that the entirety of the struggles are part of the learning process. “I do think this experience has helped us in some ways,” Meade said. “Many Photo courtesy of Emma Walton and Peyton Meade people are switching from 1100 East Boutique is currently an online-only shop, but Walton and shopping in malls and Meade have hopes of someday making a physical store as well. physical stores, to strictly
shopping online. We currently are an online-only business, so the switch many people have made to shop online only has really helped us.” With the pandemic causing consumers to have to shop solely online, Meade and Walton have an advantage, as they have entered the industry first with an online store. The pandemic has assisted their success in this way. Yet, they are still exploring the option of opening up a physical location in the foreseeable future. Walton says, “We’ve discussed a brick and mortar retail store in the future, which I think would be a whole new and exciting experience.” The pair has endured a long journey to get to where they are now, but they have met their dreams face to face. “Finally being able to say we started our own boutique sometimes still doesn’t seem real, and we are both so excited and grateful for this opportunity,” Meade said. “Emma and I have talked about doing this since we were freshmen sitting in our college dorms, so making this a reality has been so surreal. We are both very excited to see this little business grow and cannot wait to see what the future holds for 1100 East.” Meade and Walton leave some advice for ISU students and others with aspirations in the business industry and all other fields. “My biggest advice to any college graduate looking to start a business is to take the leap of faith,” Meade said. “There were so many times prior to starting this business where I would second guess if this could actually become a reality for us, but I would tell anyone who wants to do a boutique to absolutely go for it and stay true to yourself in the process.” “To me, the fear of not even trying outweighed the fear that this business may fail. Some would say starting a business in the middle of a pandemic was crazy, but we took the jump and made an opportunity for ourselves, and I truly encourage others to do the same,” Meade said. “Before starting, I had been talking to my dad about it for years and he had always told me regretting not doing something is far worse than worrying about the challenges we could face. From then on, I decided that if we didn’t try, we would never know,” Walton said. “Knowing now how much I love doing this and how rewarding it is, I’m so glad we went for it,” Walton said. “I would tell anyone who dreams of opening a startup to research as much as they can before and go for it. Everyone makes mistakes, but that’s how you learn along the way.”
Illinois State University’s School of Theatre and Dance will be performing “Top Girls” from 7:30-10 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday on Zoom. Guests can register for the show on the SOTD website. The show is directed by Paul Christopher. “Top Girls” takes place where Marlene, played by Eve Doyle, has a luncheon in celebration of her promotion. The guests are historical women and they tell the sacrifices each one made in their life. Actors have had to adjust to how to put on a play without actually being around their fellow performers. Working with others is a big factor in acting and not having everyone around to practice could be difficult. “Think about all the time you are in the room with another person. You go with their intensity, and their human emotions are infectious,” Director Paul Christopher said. Setting up for the show was also something that came into play when getting everything ready. Props are a part of the play as they are a big part of what is going on in a scene. Those who need a prop may need it to be mailed to them a week in advance to ensure students have them. “We have to figure out a way to make sure that everyone gets props,” Christopher said. “Even remembering lines is different now due to us not being able to move to match the lines and now you have to sit down in range of the camera. Scene designers had to come up with digital backgrounds and if the actors move too much they disappear in the background.” Working on Zoom also has a different feel for the actors, as they don’t really know how the audience will feel about their performance. The audience will be muted so that no one is distracted from the play. This means that the actors also cannot play off the energy of the crowd because of their silence. “Theater thrives off the audience’s reaction and with it being on Zoom you can’t tell, and you don’t know if they checked out or not,” Christopher said. “Zoom has made it a very different experience and I’m lucky I’m doing the third show because some things have been ironed out and Zoom is not the same as when we are on stage and in the same space as each other,” Christopher said. ALEXIS PLUMMER is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at amplum1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @Lexi1Oliver.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
Departed Del Fava leaves ISU’s future uncertain
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he Illinois State University women’s soccer team had an incredible 2019 season. Led by their captain Kate Del Fava, the Redbirds had a 14-6 record and also went to the Missouri Valley Conference Championship where they fell to first seed Loyola University. Yet, during the 2021 season, the Redbirds will be missing their most important piece of that 2019 team, midfielder Del Fava. She was drafted No. 12 in the National Women’s Soccer League draft, the highest any MVC player has ever been selected, and the void left by her on and off the field may result in the Redbirds being unable to repeat their success of last season. Del Fava was instrumental during the 2019 Redbird season. That season she had an astonishing 17 goals, leading the team and the conference for goals. Her 17 goals also placed her 10th in the entirety of Division I women’s soccer. In addition, six of her goals came as game-winning goals that saw many
Redbird victories. Further, she had the second-highest number of assists for the team at five. Del Fava ended up with a total of 39 points in total, which led the team by a significant margin. How big of a margin? If you were to add up the second and third place points total for Redbirds women soccer, Del Fava would still have the most points on the team by six points. In addition to all these extraordinary achievements, she also set a record for most MVC Player of the Week awards, winning it five times. Finally, she was also named an Illinois State Robert G. Bone Scholar, which is the highest honor that can be awarded to an undergraduate student at Illinois State University. Along with her incredible play on the field, it is her off-field leadership that will be sorely missed by this Redbird team as well. In an interview earlier this year, current Redbird women’s soccer player Abby Basler hailed Del Fava’s play and leadership. “Kate, it was unbelievable what
MY VIEW KEN KANOON | Sports Reporter she accomplished … and is still accomplishing as a Utah Royal. She was an incredible leader on and off the field. Filling that role, she had been a captain for three years, so filling that role is a lot of leadership to fill,” Basler said. Needless to say, the women’s soccer team has a problem on its hands. The loss of a player who has scored or assisted on 28% of the team’s total goals and assists is enormous and those totals will be very hard for any player on this current Redbird roster to come close to. In addition, the leadership void and captaincy left by Del Fava will be hard to replace as well. Losing a leader and locker room influence is never easy to replace.
So what is the future for this Redbird team on and off the field for the 2021 season? Well, in the same interview from earlier this year, Basler said that she and two other upperclassman teammates are helping to fill the leadership void left by Del Fava. “Ashley Santos and I and Sarah Ochitwa stepped up. We still have great leadership on the team. There are four of us seniors, as upperclassmen, we still are going to fill that role … because we all have that same end goal that Kate had when she was here,” Basler said. Yet while the leadership void may be filled, the on-field play may be a different story. Del Fava’s incredible form last season almost led the Redbirds to silver but when you lose a star player who scored six game-winning goals, the team will struggle without her. In addition, during a normal season, a team would be able to practice and try to work out an identity without their star player but this is not a normal season thanks to
COVID-19. Concurrently, adding 11 freshmen to a team that hasn’t practiced together at all, the integration period may be longer and tougher for this Redbird squad. Finally, while no one player on this team looks poised to fill the gap left by Del Fava, the Redbirds will need a greater team effort to fill the gap. Players like Natalie Vaughn-Low, Basler and Sarah LaFayette will all need to play at their best this season. It looks to be a tough year for Redbirds women’s soccer. With the loss of Del Fava, COVID-19 limiting team training sessions and the addition of 11 new players to the Redbird’s side, these factors may make it a difficult season for the Redbirds. Yet, if the new batch of freshmen can integrate quickly and the seniors up their goal and assist tallies, this season may turn out to be successful for the Redbirds. KEN KANOON is a Sports Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at kjkanoo@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @Ken_k____
Flying with the ‘Birdies’
Fresh out of high school, Paeglow shoots for low rounds and high honors MATT PETROVITCH Sports Reporter | @matt_petrovitch
G Mara Best | Photographer | @marabest_
Linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh suited up at fall practice.
Vandenburgh rejoins Redbirds after stint in transfer portal DARNYSHA MITCHELL Sports Reporter | @DarnyshaM
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pandemic delayed the season unexpectedly. Players dropped off the roster one by one. The season appeared somber to Illinois State University football junior linebacker Zeke Vandenburgh, pushing him to enter the transfer portal. But the portal made Vandenburgh realize he was meant to be a Redbird after all. Vandenburgh announced Thursday that he was removing his name from the NCAA transfer portal to remain with the Redbirds for the spring 2021 season. He continued to practice with the Redbirds while in the portal. “It was just a lot of fun playing with my teammates,” Vandenburgh said. “We had 15 practices. And I feel like I got better, and I feel good playing in our defensive scheme.” With NFL aspirations and an extra year of eligibility, Vandenburgh considered competing at a higher level
by transferring to a Power 5 conference school, but he did not want to prolong getting back on the field. “I did have a few options. I just never felt excited about leaving it for the schools that I talked to,” Vandenburgh said. Looking ahead to the spring season, Vandenburgh is optimistic about where the Redbirds are headed despite the changes to the roster. “There’s a lot of guys that are filling in for seniors that left last year that are going to get their first opportunity to get a lot of playing time.” Vandenburgh switched to outside linebacker mid-season in 2019. In the offseason, he has worked on adjusting more to his new position and pass rushing. “As far as my role on the team, I think that I took a lot of strides personally. I want to be a guy my teammates can count on when the game’s on the line on defense. So hopefully I can do that for us this season.”
REDBIRD REWIND Redbirds challenge Ramblers in 2019 MVC finale
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fter a 14-6 season, which Fava, ISU women’s soccer was unresulted in the Illinois State able to overcome Loyola-Chicago University University, falling women’s soccer 2-0 in the MVC team receiving championship. the most wins at The Ramblers the university, the dominated the Redbirds came one 2019 season segame short of earnries, winning both ing a NCAA bid. matchups by outDespite havscoring ISU 6-1. Illinois State Athletics With the win, the ing one of the Illinois State soccer midfielder best players in Ramblers secured Abby Basler dribbling the ball past an automatic Missouri ValLoyola-Chicago defender Lindsey bid to the NCAA ley Conference Hardiman in the MVC Championhistory, Kate Del tournament.
ship game on Nov. 10, 2019.
rowing up, one always wants to make their family proud. Have them recognize the value one brings to not only the family, but the strangers impacted each and every day. For Jack Paeglow, representing his family is a priority and he looks to do so in his fresh start at Illinois State University. Paeglow grew up watching and learning from his dad, a PGA head professional in his hometown of Dekalb. Seeing how golf changed his father’s life, the page now turns to the next chapter as Paeglow’s opportunity presents itself to do the same. “I do not even know where to start,” Paeglow said. “Obviously I am playing because of my dad. The influence of going to the course with him at such a young age, I have always enjoyed it. He has shared his experiences and passed it on to me. He has helped me with my game tremendously. I do not know where I would be if it was not for him.” As the freshman prepares for the spring season, he carries some heavy weight as he was given the moniker of being the second-best high school golfer in the state of Illinois in 2020. “I worked hard on my game all throughout high school to play Division I golf. I am happy with second and coming into this year. I hope for a good spring season,” Paeglow said. Paeglow’s experience landed him a tournament spot in Chicago. The
top two players from the tournament would qualify to play at Torrey Pines, home of the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open and site of the 2021 U.S. Open. He earned his spot at number two from the tournament and punched his ticket to San Diego. “Torrey Pines was a really cool experience for me playing with kids from all over the world who spoke different languages. Although it was a tough course, it was a great time playing and to be with family was great,” Paeglow said. All of his hard work and determination to be great led him to the decision to come to Illinois State. “I chose Illinois State because I thought it was the best opportunity for me,” Paeglow said. “I like the
coach and the facilities they have. The campus is awesome, it was the best opportunity for me to improve my game and continue my education.” Choosing the right school was just the first step in the transition into becoming a Division I athlete. Paeglow wants to leave a lasting mark in the program in each of his four years as a Redbird. “I have written down my freshman goals that include being the player of the year in the conference, to win the Missouri Valley Conference each year I am here, and at some point to get to nationals,” Paeglow said. “I just want to get as good as we can as a team and as good as I can as an individual.”
“It was a tough game,” ISU head coach Brad Silvey said. “We knew Loyola was going to be incredibly quick and strong, and athletic. We had a good game plan in place ... we weren’t able to execute the way that we needed to play in order to deal with the pressure that Loyola was
bringing.” It was a high-powered offensive performance for Loyola-Chicago, who took 14 shots in the first half, compared to ISU’s two. Loyola’s senior midfielder Sienna Cruz scored in the 40th minute to make it 1-0. In the second half,
junior midfielder Lindsey Hardiman made the score 2-0 with a goal in the 55th minute. After the championship game Del Fava, Haley Smith and Natalie Vaughn-Low were recognized as MVC-All Tournament Team selections.
Photo Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics
Freshman golfer Jack Paeglow crouching and lining up a putt at Weibring Golf Course.
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2020
Track and field under attack by NCAA
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n Thursday, Clemson University Athletic Director Dan Radakovich released a letter announcing the termination of the Tigers’ men’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field programs. While Clemson marks the first Power 5 institution to scratch all three programs, they are unfortunately not the first to make cuts. Across the country, such cuts to men’s programs have been seen at the Division I level since the pandemic struck in March of this year. Akron sparked the trend, with William & Mary and Brown University following suit over the summer months. The University of Minnesota announced earlier this fall that its men’s indoor and outdoor track and field programs would be terminated. Many of these rash decisions have since been reversed, with Brown — and more recently William & Mary — opting to save these programs. However, it does not change the fact that track and field is under attack by the NCAA. Looking closer into Clemson’s decision, Radakovich cited “financial challenges” from the ongoing pandemic as the reasoning behind the cuts. Looking at the numbers behind that allegation though, things just do not add up.
MY VIEW RACHEL HICKEY | Senior Sports Reporter Clemson’s football coach is one of the highest-paid employees in the state of South Carolina, making approximately $9.3 million annually as reported by the university. Additionally, the university recently invested in a $55 million renovation project in 2017 — overhauling its prized Memorial Stadium, home of the 2019 College Football Playoff national champions. The facility includes a slide, bowling lanes, a full-sized basketball court, a 9-hole miniature golf course, arcade games, a barbershop, a shoe-shine area and more unnecessary additions. The athletic department is demanding the program fundraise $60 million in order to continue the program at Clemson. However, financial records indicate that it only costs
slightly more than $2.2 million to fund its men’s and women’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track programs combined. As I said, the numbers are simply not adding up. With unfair and groundless cuts such as this occurring across the NCAA, it is safe to say the sport of track and field is under attack, simply because it is not a primary revenue-earning sport like football or basketball. Not only is track and field under attack, but so is diversity. At Clemson, for instance, the track and field programs are the more diverse sports on campus — offering opportunities to the widest breadth of races, economic backgrounds, genders and religions in the department. Typically, the same can be said for many track and field programs within the NCAA. Cutting track and field means cutting equal opportunities for student-athletes everywhere. Many of those athletes rely on the scholarships they have earned in order to continue their college education. Without the program to fund those scholarships, these student-athletes are left without opportunity. I can only hope that Clemson will realize the
error of its ways and that all across the NCAA schools will cease targeting low-income sports due to “financial obligations” that are grounded in questionable evidence. I will continue to sign petitions for these programs so that the student-athletes can have the opportunities that they earned. I will continue to fear that these cuts will hit closer and closer to home, wondering when the cuts will begin to strike within the Missouri Valley Conference — or worse — Illinois State University. There are better ways to combat financial crises than simply cutting opportunities. I encourage the NCAA and university athletic departments to look at every single angle and make the choice that best benefits all studentathletes —not just those in high-revenue sports. After all, the NCAA is meant to “create a pathway to opportunity” and put student-athlete needs first. It is time for the NCAA to stand by these empty words and truly put their focus on the student-athletes. RACHEL HICKEY is a Senior Sports Reporter for The Vidette. She can be reached at rehicke@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @r_hickey15.
Fisher opts out of season JAKE FOGAL Sports Editor | @jfogal5
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Alex Gant | Photo Editor | @AlexGant16
Illinois State junior safety Christian Uphoff (24) celebrates on the sideline with the defense during the Redbirds’ first fall scrimmage on Oct. 10.
Staying to lead
Uphoff puts NFL on hold for last run with Redbirds JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim
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oing to sleep on Oct. 21, Illinois State University safety Christian Uphoff thought that his next scrimmage would be the last time he played as a Redbird. Originally the senior was planning on leaving Illinois State to prepare for next year’s NFL draft. But Uphoff’s mind was changed when he woke the next morning. “I woke up Thursday before the Saturday scrimmage and I was supposed to leave. My parents were coming to get me,” Uphoff said. “I woke up and told my mom that I wanted to stay. “My teammates wanted me to stay. I feel like I am a leader on this team. I know they need me and count on me and I did not want to leave them.” As a senior, Uphoff wanted the chance to do something he has never done before — lead a team. “Leading this team means a lot because I have never been a captain before,” Uphoff said. “It gives me a sense of belonging.” The lack of a fall season for the
MVC almost convinced Uphoff to leave. With the MVC season scheduled to start in the spring, Uphoff would not be able to compete at the 2021 NFL combine. But despite missing out on the combine, Uphoff saw more positives than negatives to staying with the Redbirds. “I wanted to stay so I can finish out my senior year and get more film,” Uphoff said. “I also did not want last year to be my last season. Getting more game tape for scouts was another big reason. The biggest con is I will not be able to participate in the combine.” Having changed position Uphoff did not want to leave after last year’s season. “Last year was my first year starting at free safety,” Uphoff said. “I was still learning the position and getting comfortable. Towards the end of the year, I felt a lot more comfortable. I was more seasoned. I was getting better reading offenses.” During his first year starting at free safety, Uphoff recorded 70 tackles, seven pass breakups, 5.5 tackles for loss and two interceptions as a
part of one of the best defenses in the Missouri Valley Conference. Prior to his move to free safety, Uphoff was an MVC All-Conference Honorable Mention kick returner while starting 11 games at safety on the defensive side of the ball. During the Redbirds’ final fall scrimmage on Oct. 24, Uphoff talked to the Redbirds at the 50-yard line and told them his plan to stay. Uphoff projects to be a late-round pick during the upcoming draft. Uphoff figures to have chances to improve his drafted stock. Picked to this year’s senior bowl list, Uphoff does have the chance to up his draft stock on a national stage like former Redbirds and now NFL rookies Luther Kirk and James Robinson. With Kirk and Devin Taylor now gone from the Redbirds’ secondary, Uphoff will have more chance to shine through. Uphoff and the Redbirds will be back in action on Feb. 20 at Northern Iowa to start their conference-only season. The season is scheduled to conclude April 17 in Normal against Southern Illinois.
“I wanted to stay so I can finish out my senior year get more film. I also did not want last year to be my last season.” Christian Uphoff, Illinois State safety
s the Illinois State University men’s basketball team prepped for its season starting in less than three weeks, senior Keith Fisher III made an abrupt announcement to sit out the season. “To my Redbirds Family, (COVID-19) has brought uncertainty, instability and extreme worry to the entire world. With our daughter’s birth Mara Best | Photographer | @marabest_ coming at the beginning Illinois State forward Keith Fisher III dunking of it, I have been plagued against Bradley last season. Fisher III anwith those feelings and nounced on Friday that he would be opting out emotions,” Fisher said on of the 2020-21 season. Twitter. COVID-19, forcing eight players “After a long, deliberate process of research, deep thought into isolation. Having instances and prayer, I have decided it would of encountering the virus occur in be in my best interest to opt-out of August, September and October, the 2020-21 season. This decision the Redbirds have had a tough time resolves all burdens surrounding combatting COVID-19. Fisher III was expected to play this time for me as well as allows me to protect my immediate family a huge role for the Redbirds this best. My coaches and brothers have season. Being the only senior on the team, made this decision easier with their constant love and support, and I am the Redbirds boast a youth-filled lineup with nine new faces dawning grateful for that. “Thank you for all the love and the the red and white. Who steps up in support. Let’s back the ’Birds stron- Fisher III’s absence still remains to be seen. ger than ever this year.” Fisher began his college career as Concerns surrounding COVID19 were at the forefront of Fisher a member of San Jose State. Fisher III’s decision, as he pointed and San Jose teammate Jaycee Hillsout in his tweet addressing his man transferred prior to the 2018-19 season. departure. Fisher sat out the following season Head coach Dan Muller tweeted due to the NCAA’s transfer rules. soon after Fisher III’s announcement Fisher first saw time on the court was made public, showing support during the 2019-20 season. In his for his only senior. “While it is tough to learn about lone season, Fisher averaged 9.6 Keith’s final decision so close to the points per game on 46% shooting. Fisher will have the season, I fully supoption for a waiver to port his decision to play another season opt out due to his conif he wishes. At this cerns,” Muller said. time Fisher’s plans are “We will really miss unknown. Keith and wish him points a game The Redbirds have and his family nothshooting yet to set a non-coning but the best going ference schedule but forward.” rebounds are expected to return The Redbirds to action around the returned to practice minutes per game Nov. 25 return date. on Wednesday this double-doubles week after a player tested positive for
Fisher by the numbers 9.6 .460% 181 24 3