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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017 Vol. 130 / No. 24

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THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL

INSIDE: Previewing the men’s, women’s basketball team pages 5-8

NEWS 3

A LOOK AT THE YEAR AFTER TRUMP’S WIN FEATURES 10

ARMY VETERAN, NEW TRANSFER SERVES ISU VIEWPOINT 4

Guard Keyshawn Evans (3) and forward Phil Fayne (10) prepare for Saturday’s opening game. PHOTOGRAPH BY MONICA MENDOZA VIDETTE PHOTO EDITOR

TAKEAWAYS FROM LAST YEAR’S ELECTION

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

STAFF OUTSIDE LIST LOOK Editor in Chief

Ema Sasic

TODAY

Celebrate America Recycles Day

News Editors

Kevin Schwaller Stephanie Rodriguez Features Editor

Emily Griffith

Sports Editors

Michael Marra Nate Head Photo Editors

Monica Mendoza Natalie Stuckslager

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Brigid Ackerman Haley Varnes Social Media Manager

Maddy Wierus Art Director

Lee Walls Phabian Clark Ad Sales Manager

Jonathon Higgs

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Ad Production Manager

Evan Morris

Business Manager

Zach Oldenburg

Office Manager

Madillon Kenney

Marketing Team Manager

Brittany Olson

Business Adviser

Madeline Smith

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DIRECTORY

ADVERTISING 309.438.8742 BUSINESS 309.438.5929

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The Ecology Action Center and Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) will host its sixth annual Mega Recycling Event Center from 9 a.m. to noon on Nov. 18 at the IWU Hansen. They are hosting this event in celebration of America Recycles Day. This is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in the United States. According to America Recycles Day webpage, the national recycling rate has increased over the past 30 years and the current rate is up to 34%. Local residents can recycle electronics, clothes, books, plastic bags, etc. Licensed recyclers will properly recycle all items where applicable. Those with questions about acceptable items or household hazardous waste can contact the Ecology Action Center at (309) 454-3169.

John Plevka

EDITOR 309.438.8745

NEWS IN BRIEF

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CINDY HERNANDEZ NEWS REPORTER

Bloomington report recommends parking garage demolition The Bloomington Downtown Task Force has recommended demolishing the Market Street parking garage in Bloomington. The recommendation became public knowledge through the final report from the task force meeting on Oct. 24. The report contained plans to replace the old parking garage on Market Street with a new library and Connect Transit bus stop, part of the plan to revitalize the Bloomington Public Library and create a new transfer center for Connect Transit. The Task Force determined that transforming the site would help downtown Bloomington in both aesthetics and functionality. The report outlined the reasons for the recommendation in its Catalyst Project section. Evidently, the city would save money by choosing to demolish the building instead of refurbishing it. The Downtown Strategy Plan also highlighted the potential of the parking garage and its location.

MIKE SMITH NEWS REPORTER

Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Photo Editor

ISU’s mascot Reggie the Redbird cheers the university’s football team on with the help of loyal Redbird fans decked out in red to show support.

Red Alert cheers on ISU JOHNATHAN BARLAS Features Reporter | @janveselybarlas

Attending an Illinois State University sporting event, not noticing the colossal amount of superfans cheering for the Redbirds is probably one of the hardest things to do. ISU students support their sports teams with more passion, emotion and enthusiasm than any other college in the state. With this passion comes pride, and what better way to show that school pride than by becoming a part of the engine that drives ISU’s spirit? As the start of the basketball season quickly approaches, a sea of red is always counted on being in attendance for the big moments of each game. That said, super-fans of ISU sports should join Red Alert, the official student section of ISU. For a onetime fee of $50, anyone can support the football and basketball teams at each of their home games. Red Alert operates out of ISU’s Athletics Marketing department and maintains its simple goal of allowing all students to be able to support the Redbirds. Accommodating over 3,000 current members, strength seems to always come in numbers. While offering students the opportunity to be a part of the positivity Red Alert brings to campus, it seems as though the frivolous novelty of a superfan never seems to wither. Second year member Garrett Meier attributes Red Alert for witnessing some of ISU’s recent and most magnificent sporting moments. “I went to a lot of basketball games last year with

The Vidette The Vidette is published Monday and Thursday every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those

my friends and every time I caught a game, I was always glad to be cheering on the ‘Birds,” Meier said. “Being a part of Red Alert has allowed me to be an avid sports fan as well as experiencing big moments with the team in my own way.” Second year Sports Management graduate student and third year Red Alert intern Haley Francke enforces Red Alert’s mantra of escaping the everyday stresses of life to have a little fun at the games. “Taking an evening off for a men’s basketball game, or a Saturday for Redbird Football is one of the most exciting, and best getaways from school a student can choose to do. The Red Alert team is working hard to make sure everybody has a great time,” Francke said. Francke also emphasizes the amount of school spirit Red Alert instills into its members. Not only does a sense of pride develop more enjoyable experiences, but the unity surrounding a member’s involvement makes one’s participation worth all their while. “The absolute greatest takeaway about being a part of Red Alert is the sense of family and community that students feel when cheering on the Redbirds at a big game,” she said. “Whether it’s the Homecoming Football game, or the annual men’s basketball War on I-74 game with Bradley, Red Alert members and all students will feel a sense of belonging.” Any ISU student from freshman to graduate can join Red Alert by purchasing an online pass at goredbirds.com/students. Follow Red Alert on all social media platforms at @RedAlertISU to be up to date on giveaways, events and game times to come out and support the Redbirds.

of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2017 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Books to Benefit relocates family heirloom from Civil War ALEX CAMPBELL News Reporter | @alex_campbell98

Some stories just seem so improbable that they remind us that anything is truly possible. Mary Ryder’s recent finding is definitely one of those stories. Ryder works for the non-profit Books to Benefit whose main purpose is to raise money for local literacy programs. Books to Benefit also has a community service scholarship that they donate proceeds to. During the sorting of one of the most recent donations for the sale that took place this past weekend, an unusual item was found by Ryder. In a collection of 7,000 books, Ryder discovered a Civil War training manual. The manual was copyrighted in 1852 and contained Captain Reynolds’

signature. “These training manuals were so important back then because most of the soldiers were illiterate so the captains would have to buy them and read them to the rest of the soldiers,” Ryder explained. Ryder started working with the organization a year ago this past July and specializes in sorting vintage fiction. This is an area of interest for Ryder as she received her doctorate in post-Civil War fiction. Ryder is a Bloomington-Normal native that has a long-standing relationship with Illinois State University. Ryder’s father was the first head of chemistry at ISU in addition to the fact that she taught herself for about seven years in two different stints with the university. Books to Benefit has two book sales a

year in which they sell books that have been donated from members of the community. If a book is decided to be of historical value, then it is the job of Mary Ryder and others to find an appropriate home for them. Ryder was able to trace the book back to Galesburg, Illinois and decided to try and see if there were any remaining relatives that would like the book. This turned Ryder to her friends from church. She knew that they were from the Galesburg area and she thought that they could help her find some

distant relatives. Steve and Kathy Gossard were her friends from church and their daughter does work in genealogy. As it turns out, Kathy is a relative of Captain George Reynolds. “I formally returned the manual to Kathy and her family this past Wednesday in a formal presentation,” Ryder said. F i nd i ng b o ok s a home a nd increasing literacy is what Ryder and Books to Benefit is all about. Alex Campbell is a news reporter for The Vidette and can be reached at ajcamp2@ ilstu.edu Follow him on Twitter at @ alex_campbell98 Submitted by Mary Ryder

365 days later

A look at life one year after Donald Trump’s election MASON MCCOY Senior News Reporter | @Real_McCoy18

the President adopted an “America First” attitude that won him a lot of grassroot support. ednesday marked a year since “I think Trump has taken his first year to President Donald Trump was try and prove how he’s putting the United elected. His first year has been States before anything else,” senior early plagued with controversy and scandal, education major Taylor Boyce said. leaving the American public wondering President Trump claimed he was putting what the next three years have in store for America first when he pulled the United the White House and the United States. States out of the Paris Climate Accord, According to Gallup, President Trump’s much to the displeasure of many Ameriapproval average to date sits at 39 percent, cans. The United States is the only country 12 percentage points lower than his predeyet to sign, with Syria joining the agreecessor, Barack Obama, after his first year. ment earlier this week. “Trump has been extremely ineffective “Although on paper that sounds like a during his first year as President,” argues good plan, in reality, there are many people President of Illinois State University’s and ideas that are being neglected,” Boyce College Democrats Billy Stripeik. “The added. President has tried to push legislation that The sentiments of a large portion of the would be terrible for the American people.” American public seem to very much be Stripeik points to the President’s inabilopposed to the President, and the actions ity to pass any major pieces of legislation, he has taken during his first year in the despite working with a Republican conOval Office. trolled House of Representatives and Between his behavior on Twitter and Senate. in front of crowds, Stripeik fears for the “He has still failed to unite the party,” sanctity of the position of President of the Stripeik said. “In fact, he’s done the oppoUnited States. site as he continues to attack members of “Trump has carried himself in a manner Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor that no American child should consider his own party.” Earlier this year Trump butted heads Students gathered on the Quad for a Black Lives Matter protest in response to the election of role-model worthy,” he said. “Following his with prominent Republicans over their President Donald Trump Nov. 9, 2016. presidency, it will take great work to restore collective inability to repeal and replace our norms and institutions.” the Affordable Care Act. Two such figures Perhaps the feelings of some Americans The President’s third attempt at this ban was struck down included John McCain and Mitch McConell. can be summarized in the brief, Twitter-like comments of Oct. 13. Other scandals that have found President Trump in hot junior early education major Abbie Ceres. This ban seems to be fulfilling campaign promises water include his immigration ban, which was decried by “Zero out of ten. Hope no one votes for him again,” Ceres President Trump made before his election, where he often many — and ultimately struck down by higher courts — said. relied on anti-Muslim rhetoric. On the campaign trail, for being discriminatory against peoples of Islamic faith.

ISU students fight back to retrieve items after burglary MALLORY LOVINGS News Reporter | @MalloryLovings

Students living on their own results in a lot of new experiences, responsibilities and creates an abundant amount of new scenarios to consider. With a low crime rate at Illinois State University and a large amount of people present throughout the campus surrounding areas, break-ins are not a common occurrence. This was not the case for junior human research management major Rachel Olson and junior agriculture education major Megan McCausland when an intruder entered their Kensington Suites Apartment on the corner of North School Street and West College Avenue in October. “We want to inform other college students on what happened because maybe it can be prevented from happening to them,” Olson said. “We didn’t think it would ever happen to us and I’m sure other students feel the same.” The roommates always made sure to keep their doors locked at all times. Their apartment is elevated off of the ground with a balcony that has a door they always keep locked as well. Olson said they left the balcony window unlocked and the intruder jumped from the retaining wall onto their balcony, removed the screen from their window

and entered that way. When he exited, he walked out of the front door with a towel over his head to avoid cameras. “When I came back I noticed the front door was unlocked and things in my room had been moved around,” Olson said. After she called McCausland and learned she had not been home for hours, Olson figured her dog messed around with her stuff, considering she left it in her room. “I then went to leave and could not find my car keys anywhere. Joe [her boyfriend] checked outside and said he couldn’t see my car and I started freaking out,” Olson said. “I walked passed Megan’s room and noticed that her plants sitting on her window ledge were knocked onto the floor and the window was opened.” That is when everything clicked for Olson. “I stood there staring at the window with my mouth open because I could not believe what had happened during those short 2 hours I was gone,” Olson said. She said the first thing she did was call the police, her parents, her roommates and search the entire apartment to make sure the intruder was gone. Olson encourages people to make sure the apartment has security cameras inside and outside of the apartment complex and if they do not, contact the realty company about installing them.

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Bring back the kindness you showed this refugee MY VIEW EMA SASIC | Editor-in-Chief

wenty years ago, this country gave my parents and me two of the greatest gifts: kindness and the chance to start over. It welcomed three Bosnian refugees, two of which spent years running away from war, with nothing to call theirs, and allowed them to find their home. Unfortunately, this kindness has lost its way in the last year. For many, Wednesday was just a regular day. The sun rose and set just like it did Monday, Tuesday and every day before. But for some of us, we remember the dark shadow that has been looming over our country the past year. It’s hard to believe it’s been a year since the United States elected Donald Trump as president. People like to make light of the fact that he has not accomplished much during his time in office and engages in Twitter rants far too frequently, but when

you are reminded and personally affected by the damage that has been done in those 365 days, it no longer becomes a laughing matter. One aspect of his presidency that hurts me the most is his cruel words and actions toward immigrants and refugees. I celebrated the big 2-0 this year. Not in terms of age, but in terms of my family immigrating to the United States. I was a little over a year old when we moved to Chicago, and while my parents suffered much more than I did, I was with them through all the hardships we faced as refugees. In the 1990s, the Yugoslavian War took place. What was once one country split up into six different countries— Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia and Slovenia — over the course of 10 years. This wasn’t just a war; it was also a genocide. Over 8,000 Bosnian Muslims and Croats were killed as part of an “ethnic cleansing” process. This war affected my entire family. My father, mother and their families were all living in former Yugoslavia when these conflicts occurred, and they soon had to escape to save their lives. My parents escaped to Den-

mark and Germany as refugees, living in poor conditions for many years, until I joined the family in 1995. Times were always hard, but they thought they could make a decent life for the three of us in Germany. All changed when the German government ordered all Bosnian refugees to leave by the end of 1998. Returning to Bosnia was not an option since the war was still going on, and other countries would probably refuse us just like Germany. We really only had one option: the United States. We left everything behind, and in February 1997, we made our way. What followed was years of struggle. Coming to a country when you don’t know the language or anyone, don’t have a home, job or much money and really have no idea what you are doing is the set up for guaranteed failure. They tried to give me as normal of a childhood as possible, but normality can’t really be achieved in those conditions. Every day was a challenge, it continues to be at times, but through the kindness and help Americans offered us, we were able to reach some seemingly impossible feats. My parents learned English, secured jobs for

themselves, bought an apartment and a few cars and we even enjoyed a few vacations. All of these “accomplishments” seem silly to a lot of people, but when you start with nothing, everything is a blessing. I go back to the statement I made at the beginning of this column. The kindness I have grown up with has lost its way. When Trump started building up his campaign on such hateful messages toward immigrants and refugees, I watched in disgust. When I saw so many people’s continued support for him despite all those hurtful words, my heart broke. How was this country that welcomed my parents and me now turning its back on those that need the most help? In my multi-part series Coming to America: An ISU perspective, I told you through international students’ words what they feel and what they think needs to happen in this country in the most objective way possible. In this column, I open my heart for all of you and ask for one small thing: bring back the kindness. As one international student said during our interview, “The people that pay the price are the ones that least deserve it.” Refugees and immigrants are willing

to risk everything, including their lives, to come to the United States to escape one part of their troubles and start over. I’ll never understand why people, including the president, have such negative thoughts and words for them. This country is a beacon of hope for many, so why wouldn’t people be honored that we want to come and live here? I often imagine what would have happened to my family if the United States had a travel ban targeted toward Bosnian refugees in the 1990s. I don’t know where we would have ended up, or if we would even be alive at this point. It’s the reality men, women and children in those travel ban targeted countries are living all because of one person, and it’s not what they deserve. As we remember all that happened within the last year, my hope is that we can move forward and help those that need it most. A little kindness goes a long way, and from my family’s personal experience, I can say it goes so far as saving people’s lives. Ema Sasic is a senior journalism major and Editor in Chief for The Vidette. She can be reached at vidette_esasic@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter @ema_sasic.

One year later: What happened? MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist Nov. 9, 2016: he last few hours of Tuesday were an absolute shit show. The entirety of today was an absolute shit show. The next few days are guaranteed to be just as unbearable. As anyone that has ever interacted with me for more than five minutes knows I am a Hillary Clinton supporter. More importantly, I am not a Donald Trump supporter. Not only was (is) she the most qualified candidate of the two, the other one was just terrifying. It’s hard to describe this situation and how it feels. I sat on my couch alone last night, too upset to even bother chugging a bottle of whatever alcohol I could get my hands on, with the feeling of a reality television star that has the support

of the Ku Klux Klan becoming the next President of the United States sinking in. I sat there, phone in hand, reading and seeing terrified people’s reactions to it all. And my heart ached. My heart hurts for Hillary. It hurts for her supporters, and for the people that voted just so he wouldn’t win. It hurts for women and the black, Muslim and LGBTQ people that put their heart and souls into preventing the country from taking away their rights. Not a single poll that I saw predicted a Trump win, let alone a win by that much. This should not have happened. Just over a year ago today, I entered that note in the Notes app on my Mac because I was in a pretty dark place and wanted to sort out my feelings. It was the day after Trump won the 2016 presidential election against Clinton. I was saving it for my inevitable autobiography when I become the next Anderson Cooper or Chelsea Handler, but I figured The Vidette readers can get a sneak preview. It was a week we were all tired of hearing about come Thanksgiving 2016. We were then reminded of it when

third-party politicians and their supporters tried to flip the results even though it was far too late when all they had to do was vote for the woman Beyoncé encouraged them to vote for. We were then reminded of it come inauguration day. We are even reminded about it every week on “American Horror Story.” But as we march onward, I can’t help but feel a little sentimental. And still pretty pissed. This was the fifth time in history that the candidate with the most votes lost the election. Clinton has far surpassed Vice President Al Gore’s grand total when he won the popular vote but lost the presidency in 2000, with Clinton surpassing Trump by roughly 3 million votes. Since taking office, the president has declared war on women, Muslims, transgender people and anyone that cannot afford the basic right that is healthcare. He is also constantly attacking and criticizing the profession I so passionately care about and have been studying for the last several years. While I am still overwhelmingly bothered, I know the best thing to do is try to encourage people to vote in the

REGGIE IN THE NEST by SAMANTHA MCINTYRE | Vidette Cartoonist

upcoming 2018 midterm elections. We may have Trump in the Oval, but he cannot act alone. Most people don’t vote for midterm elections, especially not college students. Hopefully we can change that. These elections aren’t just important at the federal level; changes in state and local governments have impact on our everyday lives. The country doesn’t have to stay the same until 2020. But hopefully, come 2020, we don’t continue the trend of letting a reality TV star run the country. Unless it’s Kim Kardashian, then I’d probably be OK with it. Or even #Kanye2020 at this point - I’m sure he is still considering it. I’m only half joking. But seriously, let’s make a difference. Let’s use our voices and exercise our rights to vote. Head to the polls in 2018, so you can finally get petty, passive aggressive people like me to shut up. Kevin Schwaller is a senior journalism major and news editor and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.

MORE OPINIONS ONLINE

Editorial: A reminder that separation of church, state still exists Turner: How to deal with end of semester stress, procrastination Editorial: Kardashian-West saying ‘We don’t see color’ is problematic Visit The Vidette’s website or mobile app for complete details on these web-only opinion pieces by Vidette Editorial Board

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Redbird Hoops 2017-2018

A SPECIAL VIDETTE PULLOUT SECTION

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

New era

MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU

t’s the beginning of the Kristen Gillespie era for Redbird women’s basketball. “I can’t wait. I can’t wait for the first game,” Gillespie said. “I know this year there might be times that are a little trying. I know we’re limited. ... Are we in the talent top-to-bottom as talented as some of the teams we play? No, but we’re still excited about the opportunity to compete … and no one probably thinks we can do much, but it’s all in our control.” She has brought a newfound energy to a program amid the worst four-year stretch in its history. “The state of our program – has it changed overnight? No, you know, I wish. But, I will tell you, those kids are doing everything that they possibly can do to get better and that’s all you can ask.” Optimism lies ahead for what seemed like such a gloom and dark program just a few months ago, but then came along Gillespie. And according to her, these last six months have been anything but dark and gloomy. “This job, it’s a dream come true. I think I am one of the luckiest coaches in America because I work for two really good men in Larry Dietz and Larry Lyons,” Gillespie said. “We’re working hard to get better.” Gillespie comes from Division II Lewis University, where she admitted leaving the Flyers was not easy. The former NC State point guard accumulated a 51-12 record at Lewis, on her way to collecting the 2016 Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year and appearing in the NCAA DII Tournament each of the two seasons. One thing Gillespie and staff have already jumped on for the future of the program? Recruiting. “Recruiting has gone unbelievable. Since we’ve gotten the job, we have seven commitments. Two are playing this year, we have five for the ’18 class,” Gillespie said. SEE GILLESPIE ON PAGE 8 PHOTOGRAPH BY MONICA MENDOZA VIDETTE PHOTO EDITOR

Redbird Hoops 2017-2018

PAGE 6 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 7

Redbird hoops ready to bounce back Fresh-faced Illinois State men’s basketball looks to repeat last season’s success in the Missouri Valley Conference

MIKE MARRA Sports Editor| @MikeMarraILSTU

fter coming just one win shy of their first NCAA Tournament berth since 1997–98, the men’s Illinois State will begin their newest journey, which includes more than just hopes of an NCAA Tournament berth. Head coach Dan Muller enters his sixth season at the helm of the Redbirds, owning a 104-65 record during his tenure, which has included two trips to the Arch Madness title games and two trips to the National Invitational Tournament. Muller is also coming off a magical year that saw the Redbird coach bring home the 2017 Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year, along with graduated Paris Lee taking home both the 2017 MVC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. The season also included the most wins in program history at 28 and a program best 17 wins in the MVC play. “There’s going to be some lost production and lost minutes,” Muller said at media day last Thursday. And no, he isn’t talking about the graduated seniors or transfers, although it does apply to those players as well. Muller is speaking of the injury bug, which seemingly has struck Illinois State quite early this season. Junior David N’diaye, sophomore Matt Hein and freshman Elijah Clarance will all begin the season out with injuries. Hein is expected back in two-to-four weeks after sustaining a bone bruise in his knee in a closed exhibition versus St. Louis in late October. For the other two, there will be more significant loss of time. N’diaye, who has been plagued by injuries his entire career at ISU, will be out until mid-December. While Clarance can be expected to make his Redbird debut in early December, both have suffered foot fractures. “I want guys to understand they have to be themselves. Clearly our numbers are low,” Muller said. “It’ll be a little bit of a work-inprogress, practice is a little challenging at times, but the main thing I want these guys to focus on is just keep getting better and understand that if we compete hard enough, we’ll give ourselves a chance.” That’s not the only adversity this team will face. Illinois State was gutted this past offseason by graduation and transfers to new universities. Most notably the losses of Paris Lee, Tony Wills, Deontae Hawkins and MiKyle McIntosh will be felt the most as all four were key components to this team a year ago. The other transfers who left ISU’s campus after season’s end were DJ Clayton and Andre Washington. The lone returning starter for this Redbird squad will be junior Phil Fayne. Fayne was an All-MVC Second Team preseason selection this year after averaging 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds a game throughout his first season as a Redbird. The other returner who has stepped up his game in practice has been junior Keyshawn Evans. Evans comes off a season where he primarily came off the bench, but shot 38 percent from three-point range. Others Muller has seen step up in practice heading into the season are newcomers Milik Yarbrough and William Tinsley. Yarbrough sat out last season due to NCAA transfer rules, while Tinsley comes to the Redbirds from Lake Land College, where the junior averaged 13.7 points and 6.3 rebounds per contest. “Those four guys have consistently been our leading scorers from the beginning of practice,” Muller said. “Obviously those four guys are healthy still. Those are four of the healthy eight. But, we’re going to need production from a little bit of everybody.” In Illinois State’s lone exhibition versus Lewis, three of the four lived up to the hype from Muller. Yarbrough stole the show, scoring a game-high 25 points in just 22

NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51

Illinois State head coach Dan Muller returns Phil Fayne as his lone starter for 2017-18, as the Redbirds welcome in a group of new faces. However, there is still a sense of familiarity within the unit, as key role player from last season, Keyshawn Evans, is expected to have a more prevalent role this time around. Milik Yarbrough practiced with the team throughout last year but was unable to play due to NCAA transfer rules. Guards Isaac Gassman, Madison Williams, Matt Hein and forward David N’Diaye were members of last year’s team, which has added William Tinsley, Jerron Martin, Elijah Clarance, Taylor Bruninga and Luke Litwiller.

minutes and snared eight rebounds. Tinsley tallied 17 points, including going 5–7 from behind the three-point line and Fayne contributed 12 points, including his first three-pointer in his time as a Redbird. This team will be tested early in nonconference play starting right with the season opener at Florida Gulf Coast on Nov. 11. From there, it gets no easier as the Redbirds have dates with 2017 Final Four qualifying South Carolina, Nevada, Charleston Southern, Tulsa, BYU, Murray State and Ole Miss. A very tough non-conference schedule will prepare this young team for a run in the MVC, where Illinois State has been picked to finish fourth.

Leaders of the flock

Prediction for 2017-18 Redbird hoops: The Redbirds are going to struggle early on. They not only have a tough nonconference schedule, but begin injured. Do not fear, this team will be anxious to show that last season was no fluke. The MVC is a one-bid league now without Wichita State and that bid will belong to ISU this season despite a slow start to the year.

Keyshawn Evans

Although Evans wasn’t a starter on last year’s team, he played significant minutes in crucial situations. Simply stated: he has valuable experience. Evans played an average of 19 minutes a game as a sophomore off the bench last season and provided a spark for the Redbirds, including a Feb. 7 contest against Drake in which Evans poured in 16 points on five 3-pointers. Evans is a quality ball-handler who can create his own shot off the dribble, facilitate to teammates or knock down a 3-pointer — a skill ISU will heavily rely on. Also, Evans is one of the many that have bought into the Redbird defense, an aspect of the game the team prided themselves on last year.

Regular season record: 20-10 Conference record: 13-5

Instant impact

Milik Yarbrough

William Tinsley

The junior transfer from St. Louis joined the team last season but was unable to hit the floor with the Redbirds due to NCAA transfer rules. Yarbrough is a 6-foot6 physical forward with capabilities of running the floor, rebounding and scoring at will in the paint. Yarbrough showcased his versatility in ISU’s season-opening exhibition last week, dropping a game-high 25 points on a dazzling 8-for-10 shooting. In the exhibition, Yarbrough came off the bench, but it is expected that he will crack the starting five once the team opens up the regular season against Florida Gulf Coast and provide an immediate spark for the Redbirds.

Tinsley grew up 30 minutes from Normal in the small town of Colfax and always wanted to be a Redbird growing up. The junior transfer from Lake Land Community College is a 6-foot-6 guard that excels with distance shooting and is capable of playing strong defense with his tall, agile frame. As the team looks elsewhere to fulfill the void of scoring from last year’s team, Tinsley could step right in and shoulder the load. Keyshawn Evans is expected to use his experience as a junior guard in a key role for the Illinois State men’s basketball team during the 201718 campaign. Last season, he averaged 5.8 points and shot 38 percent from the 3-point line while averaging 19 minutes a game for the Redbirds.

Role players Jerron Martin

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MONICA MENDOZA | Vidette Photo Editor

Illinois State Basketball Vidette Staff

Phil Fayne

There is no question regarding Fayne’s role this season: he is the team’s leader. A substantial piece of last year’s historical run, Fayne will look to even further improve this time around, as he has expanded his scoring range to outside of the paint and even to the 3-point line. The Elk Grove, California, native posted 9.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season to land him a spot on the Missouri Valley Conference All-Newcomer Team. This season, however, Muller and the Redbirds will be looking for him to score more than ever, as he will be one of the top options on the offense. Fayne will still be expected to provide the defensive prowess he is known for, as well as a consistent presence on the boards for Dan Muller’s bunch.

ABOVE: The Redbirds celebrate a lead before heading into timeout in Sunday’s exhibition victory over Lewis at Redbird Arena. TOP LEFT: Junior Phil Fayne scores a pair of his 12 points Sunday afternoon in ISU’s 79-52 victory over Lewis in a season-opening exhibition. TOP RIGHT: The team’s two true freshmen Elijah Clarance (left) and Taylor Bruninga (right) pose at the 2017 Media Day event Thursday.

Dan Muller is entering his sixth season as head coach for ISU men’s basketball.

Roster Breakdown

BY THE NUMBERS

0 1 number of regular season losses at Redbird Arena for the 20162017 team

returning starter from last year (Phil Fayne), as the team graduated Paris Lee and Tony Wills while Deontae Hawkins and MiKyle McIntosh both transferred to different programs.

number of rebounds per game from Phil Fayne last season, which ranked seventh in the conference

6.3

number of scholarship players available for at least the first week of games due to injury

The lone senior on the roster, Martin looks to bring collegiate experience to the Redbirds. The guard has been a bit of a journeyman, as ISU is his fourth stop on his college tour. Martin is mostly known for his longrange shooting and speed, both of which will fit right in with the Redbird system. The ISU backcourt will mostly be a revolving door with many different players seeing time, and Martin will be no different.

Isaac Gassman

Taylor Bruninga

The Ottawa native will be coming off a redshirt year and recently earned an athletic scholarship in the summer. Gassman has the ability to space the floor at the point guard position while also capable of facilitating the offense and getting the ball to the right place at the right time. His tall frame will be an asset on defense against a core of physical guards in the conference, and the unit needs to take his game to the next level this season to contribute to the Redbirds.

A local kid from Illini Bluffs, Bruninga was originally given the opprotunity to walk-on at Illinois State last year. In the spring, Muller and staff offered Bruninga a scholarship, which he accpeted. At Illini Bluffs, Bruninga averaged 33.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season. A two-sport athlete, Bruninga also excelled on the baseball field, earning himself all-team first state honors. He was recruited by both Bradley and Illinois State to pitch at the collegiate level.

Elijah Clarance Although Clarance will be sidelined with a foot fracture until at least December, the true freshman Clarance is expected to step in and play a pivotal role in the Redbird backcourt when he is healthy. The Sweden native brings a sense of style and flashiness to Normal and averaged a team-best 18.7 points with 4.7 rebounds to lead St. Maria Goretti High School in 2016-17.

Redbird Hoops 2017-2018

PAGE 8 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

ISU turning new page Despite recent shortcomings, Redbirds ready for this season NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51

Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor

Hannah Green (25) is expected to be a lead scorer for the Redbirds this year.

After four consecutive losing seasons, the expectations surrounding the 2017-18 Illinois State women’s basketball team aren’t exactly as high as the rafters at Redbird Arena. Someone forgot to tell the team, though. The unit includes a new face at the helm, Kristen Gillespie, and two upperclassmen leaders flanked by a core of freshman and sophomores — all of whom believe the Redbirds can compete at a high level this season. “The past is the past, this is a new start for a lot of us and we are looking forward to the future,” the team’s highest-scoring returner Katrina Beck said. “We are just going to come on the court every day and give our best effort and win games.” The team finished 8-23 (4-14 Missouri Valley Conference) last season and subsequently relieved coach Barb Smith of her duties after four years on the sidelines with a combined 28-93 record. Gillespie was announced to replace Smith in April after compiling a 51-12 record in two seasons as the head coach at Lewis University. She inherits a team that graduated the top-two scorers from last season and lists only one senior on the roster. She says the transition to the Redbird program has been a seamless move with the players. “Our kids are playing hard, our young women have really bought in from day one,” Gillespie said. “With everything that we are trying to do, there has been zero pushback and so, as a coach, that is a dream come true.” ISU was pegged for seventh place in the MVC preseason polls released last month, as Drake, Missouri State and Northern Iowa claimed the top-three spots, respectively.

The Redbirds averaged just 54.2 points a contest last season, which was the second-worst mark in the conference. As scoring remains a true question mark for ISU this season, senior Hannah Green may have provided a bit of clarification at last week’s seasonopening exhibition game against Eureka. Green, who averaged 6.6 points last season while battling a back injury, poured in 24 points to lead all scorers. The six-foot Santa Clarita, Calfornia, native will be tasked with at least a share of the offensive production this year for the ’Birds, an opportunity she is embracing with open arms. “Yes, absolutely, it [being one of the team’s scoring leaders] has to be that way,” Green said. “There’s really no other option [than to help the team offensively].” The starting lineup will feature a flurry of newcomers, especially at point guard, where true freshman Paige Saylor will assume the duties as the team’s floor general. Gillespie praised her game while acknowledging the inevitable caveats of introducing a first-year player to arguably the most important role in the offense. “She is a competitor,” Gillespie said. “She is probably our best focal leader … you think about what you want in a point guard, all the intangibles, she has that.” Illinois State will begin the regular season Saturday in Rochester, Michigan against Oakland at noon. Conference play begins Dec. 31 against Bradley at Redbird Arena in Normal.

Predictions: Regular season record: 10-19 Conference record: 7-11

Saylor to steer offense in 2017-18 voyage NICK LANDI Sports Reporter | @nlandi1033

f first year head coach Kristen Gillespie is going to succeed in rebuilding the Illinois State women’s basketball program, she is going to need multiple players to build the team around. One individual that is already standing out as someone who could lead ISU’s potential resurgence is freshman guard Paige Saylor. While the regular season hasn’t technically started yet for the Redbirds, Saylor is already making a noticeable impact on the court. “She is a competitor,” Gillespie said. “She is probably our best vocal leader, which is pretty cool from a coaching standpoint.” Gillespie isn’t the only one with favorable reviews of one of the Redbirds’ newest additions. “[Saylor] coming in as a freshman and taking on the role of a senior at the point guard position, she’s done an incredible job and she’s going to really elevate the team this year,” senior forward Hannah Green said. “She’s an incredibly hard worker, she knows what she’s doing, she knows the offense, she knows every single thing, and she’s a lockdown defender. So I think she’s really going to make a difference this year.” The Martinsville, Indiana, native arrives at ISU after originally committing to play at Lafayette before changing her mind after previous head coach Theresa Grentz was fired. While other new players may start out as followers, Saylor is already establishing herself as one of the outspoken leaders of the Redbirds. “I just feel like you need energy all the time,” Saylor said. “I just try to take pride in that, in providing energy for the team and trying to help motivate my teammates and make them better players.”

GILLESPIE continued from page 5

“We’re going to have a great class next year. You want things to happen quicker than they probably will, but I know as of whatever day it is – I couldn’t ask for our program to be at a better place than it is right now.” But for now, Gillespie will have her work cut out for her, as the Redbirds were selected to finish in seventh place in the Missouri Valley Conference. Despite the lower tier projected finish

Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor

Freshman Paige Saylor will be the starting point guard for ISU.

Saylor is one of three newcomers on the Redbirds this season, along with fellow freshman Ajai Simmons andjunior transfer Simone Goods. Those three, along with Gillespie and her almost entirely new coaching staff, will usher in a new era this season for Illinois State women’s

in the Valley, Gillespie’s goals have not deterred. “We’ve really just tried to be in the moment with this team of every single day that we come together, we’re given an opportunity,” Gillespie said. “Our young women have really bought into that.” One final thing Gillespie wants to leave with everyone is that the Redbirds cannot compare themselves to anyone else but themselves, given the unique situation this program finds itself in. “We don’t want to compare ourselves

to other schools because we’re in a unique spot. We’re not comparing [ourselves] to other Valley schools. All we can control is us. I don’t really care what’s going on in Iowa or down south. All I’m concerned about is our effort [and] what we’re doing as a unit to get better.” Mike Marra is a sports editor for The Vidette. Any questions or comments concerning his article can be sent to vidette_mmarra@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @MikeMarraILSTU.

basketball. At Roncalli High School in Indianapolis, Saylor’s preps career was a successful one. In her senior season, she averaged 13.3 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.0 steals per game before being named to the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association/Subway “Supreme 15” team. Saylor finished as RHS’s all-time assist leader with 419, while also becoming the only player in school history with over 400 assists and 300 steals (314). Gillespie will have Saylor be her starting point guard this season. In her ISU debut on Nov. 1 in an exhibition against Eureka, Saylor had eight points on 3-6 shooting and two steals in 36 minutes of action, while also committing zero turnovers. “We’ve been really working with her ... she’s got to be a threat,” Gillespie said after the game. “She is such a passfirst type of young woman, which we love. She is a really unselfish kid. But we’re going to have to be able to knock down a few shots here and there.” As the coaching staff looks to improve her offensive productivity, the Hoosier continues to enjoy playing on the other side of the court. “For me, I’m really big on defense,” Saylor said. “I love defense, so that’s kind of what gets me going.” With the official start of the season nearing, many will be looking to see if the Redbirds can finish above their predicted seventh place finish in the Missouri Valley Conference. For Saylor, she is also looking to achieve something else by the end of the year. “I just want to make everyone around me better,” Saylor said. “I don’t want to be complacent with what I’m doing ever. So I want to make my teammates better along with myself.”

Gillespie glance 51-12 record in two years Lewis University 2016 Great Lakes Valley Conference Coach of the Year 2016 WBCA Midwest Region Coach of the Year and the IBCA Division II Coach of the Year Four-year letter winner at North Carolina State, three-time captain Starting point guard for NC State in the 1998 Final Four Hired at Illinois State in April to replace four-year coach Barb Smith

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 9

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Normal Town Council moves towards property tax increase

New CEO leads OSF HealthCare SARAH ATEN News Reporter | @sarahmaten

OSF Healthcare began its run under new CEO Robert Sehring on Oct. 21. However, Sehring is not new to OSF HealthCare, having worked there since 2002. “Mr. Sehring has been part of our Ministry for more than 15 years, recruited and mentored by Mr. Schoeplein and they have worked collaboratively to advance our Mission of serving with the greatest care and love,” Sister Judith Ann Duvall, chairperson of the OSF HealthCare Board said. Former OSF HealthCare CEO Kevin Schoeplein retired earlier this year. “Our Sisters know OSF HealthCare is on the appropriate path to transform healthcare for the communities we have the privilege to serve under the leadership of Mr. Sehring,” Duvall said. Sehring has extensive experience in leadership at OSF HealthCare. After working as Vice President for Business Support Services for OSF HealthPlans, Inc. and then as their CEO, he was the CEO of Ambulatory and Accountable Care for OSF. In order to make the change of CEOs work better, Sehring became Chief Operating Officer for the Ministry in January and worked with Schoeplein. “Having that opportunity to help lead, help direct, help shape our future over the next years is just a wonderful opportunity I’m looking forward to,” Sehring said. The patients’ requirements are extremely important to Sehring. “What we see today — and we see it in population health and we see it in really serving the communities that we’re called to serve — how do we think differently about that? How do we think about the entire continuum, not just about a particular service that we provide in the hospital or in an ambulatory setting,” Sehring said.

MIKE SMITH News Reporter | @Agora_180

Normal’s Town Council met Monday to vote on a motion that would focus on the 2017 Property Tax Levy Ordinance. All 7 council members were in attendance to congratulate participants of the All About Normal program and to vote on the motion to raise property taxes. Mayor Chris Koos spoke on the matter to address some concerns that the public had and to clarify why the tax hike was necessary. “We have an obligation to fund these pensions,” Koos said. “We understand our responsibilities to do things in a responsible manner and to not function like the state of Illinois and pass this issue down to some future council.” Council member Jeff Fritzen defended the tax hike by pointing out that the money must come from somewhere, and that public funding is far more reliable than private funding. “Other sources of revenue are challenged right now, particularly income tax,” Fritzen said. “If we are going to switch to another revenue source, we would be looking at cutting services, cutting staffing, doing something to outset that. Those are the facts of city government.” Council member R.C. McBride mentioned that getting rid of the tax hikes would leave us

Ho, ho, ho! Santa Claus is coming to town STAR JOHNSON News Reporter | @Star2flyy_

Uptown Normal is ready to spread holiday cheer for its annual Holiday Open House where Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting uptown businesses and taking pictures on Saturday. The Holiday Open House showcases the retailers and businesses in

BURGLARY continued from page 3

She also recommends locking all doors and windows when they are not in use and being cautious about who knows when everyone in the apartment leaves campus. McCausland said it took about a week before everything calmed down. “The realty company also didn’t hesitate to put up more cameras in the parking garage,” McCausland said. “They made us feel very comfortable with whatever we asked them.” Her biggest word of advice is to connect any phones and laptops to trackers if it is possible. Without her computer and phone connected to Find My iPhone, they would not have been able to find her belongings and Olson’s car. When using Find My iPhone, the app is not exactly

in the position that the state of Illinois has been in for a long time, meaning that nothing would change. “If we don’t do this, that money doesn’t get put to work for the next year,” McBride said. “I just think it’s worth pointing out that it is precisely what the state of Illinois has done over decades. I have no interest in doing that.” City Manager Mark Angela Adamo | Vidette Photographer Peterson said that the council made a promise Mayor Chris Koos spoke about property tax increases in Normal. to pay the full pensions by 2040, and that the tax several concerns about the tax levy and was hike made sure other means of funding were opposed to the tax hike. not disrupted. “As a property owner, I find no consolation in The motion would authorize preparation for Governor Rauner’s proposal for a property tax a tax hike of 6.38 percent. The council made freeze,” Stimpert said. “I don’t wanna be stuck a unanimous vote to move forward with the in the second highest tax bracket for property tax hike, though certain members of the public taxes in the nation … You are looking at passmay not have agreed with the decision. ing a tax increase while you’re still able to get Two members of the public were against the one passed.” tax hike, while three members of the public Stimpert was also present last year when the were grateful that the council was working to council put forth an initiative to increase propfund pensions. erty taxes. Craig Stimpert, a resident of Normal, had

Uptown Normal that will have their own specials and sales. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be visiting Uptown from noon to 2:00 p.m. Free carriage rides will be available for guests from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a reservation system that allows riders to place their name on a list and continue to shop, eat or get warm in doors before returning at a designated time for the ride. “This event gives proprietors an opportunity to truly show off their businesses and how they can make your Christmas even merrier. We have some great business owners in Uptown,” Communication

accurate and can be anywhere between 40 — 50 feet away from the actual location. “The address was a vacant lot and they [the police] went to the majority of the trailers nearby and couldn’t find it,” McCausland said. “While they were looking, my roommate and I went looking for her car. About a mile down the road from this location we found her car ditched on the side of the road.” They had the car towed and checked for fingerprints. The next day they continued the search for McCausland’s laptop Aaron and ended up going to the location Find Woodruff My iPhone indicated. After asking around, they were able to locate it from a woman who bought it off of an unknown individual. ISU Police Chief Aaron Woodruff said the most

Burger Baskets:

carriage rides for the event. Visitors who wish to get on carriage rides are encouraged to reserve their ride at 11 a.m. “I’m looking forward to starting the Holiday Open House with my honey skim latte from Coffee Hound. Then I’ll walk over to Uptown Gifts to check out their latest Vera Bradley offerings,” Leuty said. “After that, I’m off to the Garlic Press to pick up the adorable Normal Girl shirt. Hopefully, I’ll get to take a selfie with Santa, Mrs. Claus and the [elf].”

important thing to do if you are present during a breakin is to immediately call the police and attempt to find a safe exit. “Most burglars are there to take something and leave,” Woodruff said. “If you can’t safely exit your apartment, I would recommend securing yourself in a room and telling the intruder the police are in route. Police response time in this community is extremely fast during crimes-in-progress.” He also recommends that students get renter’s insurance just in case situations like this, fires and other scenarios happen. He also said to keep a list of all valuable information and items, including the model, make and serial numbers. The intruder of Olson and McCausland’s apartment has still not been caught and the items that are still missing are being replaced with their renter’s insurance.

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Specialist for The Town of Normal Rachelle Leuty said. “The Holiday Open House is a great way for shoppers and citizens to get to know these business owners, their management team and their staff.” Prior to the event, Uptown Normal staff made arrangements with Santa and Mrs. Claus to ensure they could attend. “We make sure to assign a ‘Head Elf In Charge’ and this year its ISU Uptown intern, Matt Trujillo,” Leuty said. The staff also coordinated with Hile Group who will provide the

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Features

PAGE 10 | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor

Maggie Matlock is a second-semester sophomore majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Peace and Conflict Resolution. Matlock enlisted in the Army Reserves in June 2012 and is currently a sergeant/E5 and team leader.

Freedom isn’t free

Maggie Matlock serves nation along with Illinois State community

EMILY GRIFFITH Features Editor | @emilygriffy

o one can understand the amount of sacrifice one makes when serving in the military: mental, physical and social. The courage and compassion these men and women have to protect and serve is a sacrifice that cannot be repaid by merely just words. That said, Illinois State University is home to many veterans. Therefore, the university wants to ensure these veterans have a smooth transition into Illinois State coordinated support efforts. STUDENT through One of these veterans currently enduring PROFILE a transition into ISU is recent Heartland Community College transfer and second-semester sophomore criminal justice major Maggie Matlock. Matlock joined enlisted in the Army Reserves at 20-years-old in June 2012. “I had always been drawn to the idea of the military, but I didn’t join right out of [high] school because I was nervous I wouldn’t be able to complete Basic Combat Training and didn’t want to let anyone down,” Matlock said. “I finally worked on my physical fitness and decided to go for it.” Five years into her contract and now a sergeant/E5 and team leader, Matlock does not regret a day of service. Besides valuing the level of respect and integrity needed to become a good soldier, Matlock also said she values the lessons the military has taught her.

Vet Facts Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, after the end of World War I. Congress later passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, making Nov. 11 a national holiday in 1938. Finally, in 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation to change the name to Veterans Day as a way to honor those who served in all American wars.

“The biggest lesson I have learned from the Army is the importance on developing yourself as a leader,” Matlock said. “To lead is to also follow, and the importance of mutual respect from supervisors, peers and subordinates really makes a difference in the success you have with your soldiers.” Matlock is happy she made the decision to join the Army Reserves and believes it is one of the best decisions she has made for herself. Instead of living on an Army base with a more assigned and structured military environment, Matlock is required to attend Battle Assembly once a month, with additional annual training. “I wanted the structure, and I wanted to give back and serve my country,” Matlock said. “[But,] it’s nice being a part of the Reserves in this aspect because I am able to still stay engaged in the community.” Being engaged in the community entails continuing one’s education to build a better future community. Matlock said, “I️ chose ISU because the Criminal Justice Sciences program is one of the best. ISU has always been on my list, and as a Veteran, they have made my transfer very manageable.” That said, Matlock is enjoying her first semester at ISU. “I️ have loved my first semester so far. My instructors are knowledgeable and accessible,” Matlock said. “You can tell they want their students to be involved and engaged in each class. It’s made it less intimidating and more exciting to learn.” In addition to opportunities inside the classroom, Mat-

lock has also recently taken advantage of the opportunity to serve her community even more as a police telecommunicator for the ISU Police Department. “I hope to build the foundation for my criminal justice career, as well as help maintain campus safety as a police telecommunicator,” Matlock said. Overall, Matlock is thankful for the opportunity to continue her education at ISU. However, as Matlock gets more involved in the ISU community, she must make a decision about her future with the Army. “My first contract is up this coming June so I’m in the process of determining the next move for myself and my Army career,” Matlock said. With this Saturday being Veterans Day, Matlock reflects on the amount of valued gratitude and acknowledgement she receives. “Oftentimes, the military can be one of those touchy subjects for people in a political or economical sense,” Matlock explains. “On Veterans Day, so many people really take the time to appreciate those who serve. I am really proud to be a part of something bigger than myself.” While Matlock is one of the many brave citizens acknowledged on Veterans Day, she does not forget to thank her fellow servicemen and servicewomen. “There are never enough words to show my gratitude to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Matlock said. “Thank you to those who came before me, those who serve with me, and those who will serve in the future.”

550

78 percent

Approximate number of veteran students currently enrolled at ISU

Non-Hispanic white veterans in U.S.

18.5 million Military veterans in U.S. in 2016

1.6 million Female veterans in U.S. in 2016

28.3 percent Veterans 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree or higher in 2016

11.6 percent African-American veterans in U.S.

6.5 percent Hispanic veterans in U.S.

1.6 percent Asian veterans in U.S. SOURCE: 2016 U.S. Census Bureau

Compiled by Emily Griffith Features Editor

FAST FACTS WHAT: Veterans Day Ceremony WHEN: Friday WHERE: Bone Student Center Prarie Room WHY: To commemorate of the 100th anniversary of the U.S. entry into World War I and honor veterans

THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 11

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Get to know Katrina Beck STORY BY NICK DAMIANI | Sports Reporter | @nGdamiani

unior guard Katrina Beck is one of five upperclassmen that are expected to make a large impact for the new Redbird women’s basketball team. Since her freshman year, Beck has started 52-of-59 career collegiate games and that experience will be big for a young Redbird team. The Chicago native averaged 8.7 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.4 steals per game last season while also leading the team in made free throws and was second in steals. With the departure of last season’s leading scorers Brechelle Beachum and Taylor Stewart, Beck becomes the number one scoring option in new head coach Kristen Gillespie’s offense.

How has the transition been coming from Whitney Young, one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the state, to the struggles you have faced at ISU? The culture has definitely been a transition for me, but my attitude coming from a good high school helps in that transition. I am still very positive and high energy, so I just hope that rubs off on my teammates.

What was the draw for you to come to Illinois State after your senior season? A lot of it had to do with the atmosphere of the community. Everyone is very involved here and wants to see you do well on and off the court. Also, it’s very close to my hometown, so it was easier for my friends and family to see me play.

What were your feelings when you heard Kristen Gillespie was the new head coach? I think I am always very open to change and I think I had a lot of positive energy. I was open to having a fresh clean slate for

the two years I have left here. Any change is difficult, but I think if you go into it with a positive mindset good things will come out of it.

How would you describe Coach Gillespie’s coaching style? Coach Gillespie is very confident in her abilities and she is able to merge what our individual talents are with her strengths as well. I think she is very flexible and, since we as a team are very coachable, she helps mold us into the best players we can be.

What was the feeling like in the locker room after the team saw they were picked to finish 7th in the Valley? The whole team has a positive attitude, we don’t really look at stuff like that, but obviously it has to happen. We’re not going to let being 7th determine how we do this season, we’re ready to exceed expectations and we can use that as motivation to get better.

Now as a junior what do you plan on bringing to the team this year? I hope to contribute to my team in any way I can, I know they will look for me to score a lot this year. But I also want to be able to do anything that is asked of me in that particular moment whether it be in practice or a game.

What will your leadership role consist of on this team as one of the only upperclassmen? I know a lot of people look up to me, so I try to keep everyone encouraged and keep a lot of positive talk around the team. People always come up to me to ask me questions and I do my best to answer those questions and keep the team spirit up.

Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor

Junior Katrina Beck smiles as the women’s basketball team kicked off the new era under new head coach Kristen Gillespie at Redbird Arena on Oct. 20 for the Redbirds’ annual Hoopfest.

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309-287-1870 Flora Way: Large Furnished 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms. Start at ONLY $315. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Fell: Spacious 2 & 4 Bedrooms. 1 block from campus. Laundry. Start at $380. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 North Linden 4 bdrm house. Off street parking. Great location. Call Days: 309275-1281 Evenings: 309-365-8604. Nice 4 Br house available for rent. 2 blocks from campus. Parking & amenities included. $500/month. 630336-8959 /email 1010suniversitycom NOW LEASING 2018-19 406 Dewey Ave, Newly Remodeled, 3-4 bedrooms, utility allowance, high speed Internet, on-site laundry, on-site parking. $370425/month. Call Meredith’s Properties 309-454-4100 401 N. Fell Ave. Remodeled 4 bedroom/2 bath. New flooring, kitchen cabinets and counter top, above range microwave, dishwasher, garbage disposal, large balcony, washer & dryer in

unit. Central air, secured building, off street parking, high speed internet provided. $640/per person. Call Excel Real Estate at 309-829-5885. Houses: 2 to 6 Bedrooms. Start at $325 per person. Walk to Campus. 3094542960 Large 2 BR Townhouse. $585/person, $390 for 3. Prime location, 2 blocks south of Watterson. Central air, laundry in kitchen, 2 parking spaces, furniture, very nice. 610 S Fell. 309-287-1870 Premium campus houses available 4, 5 or 6 bedroom. Many to choose from. Call Nathan 3096602390 301 S. WALNUT: Furnished 2 Bedrooms. Balcony, Covered parking, Laundry. Quiet Building. Start at ONLY $290. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 LINDEN TRAILS: BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION. 4 bedroom 4.5 Bath Units with Washer/Dryer. Next to the Trail. Utilities Included. Start at $610 per person. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960

Sports

PAGE 12 | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 2017

Illinois State defeated South Dakota 37-21 in Normal on Oct. 21 to claim the series lead between the programs at Hancock Stadium in Normal.

Monica Mendoza | Photo Editor

Football travels to South Dakota

Illinois State looks to return to win column this weekend in Brookings NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51

The No. 17 Illinois State football team enters Week 11 with a daunting task at hand, as it heads to Brookings, South Dakota to play No. 5 South Dakota State. ISU sits at 6–3 on the season and is expected to need at least one victory in the closing two weeks of the season to secure its fourth straight postseason berth, given the array of talent up and down the conference. Brock Spack The problem? South Dakota State and North Dakota State await to finish the 2017 campaign. ISU head coach Brock Spack acknowledged the tough test the Jackrabbits pose. “They have a very good team,” Spack said. “They have a very good offense, obviously, they have firepower … I think they have improved on defense and are a step ahead of where they were a year ago.” Illinois State is coming off a 31-14 defeat to Western

Illinois at Hancock Stadium last week, a contest in which the Redbirds led 14-0 at halftime before a troubled second half handed them their second conference loss. This week, however, is a new week. With a new week comes new life, and ISU hopes to find it out in the snowy terrain of Brookings. “The best thing to do [after a defeat] is to get right back on the horse,” Spack said. “We went right back out there on Sunday and critiqued the game like we would no matter if we won or lost … I Christian liked our spirit.” Gibbs South Dakota State is trending in a different direction than the Redbirds, as it defeated its in-state rival, North Dakota State, 33-21, to knock off the No. 2 team in the FCS and improve to 7-2 overall. ISU will look to rejuvenate an offensive unit that stalled in the second half of last week. Receiver Christian Gibbs returned to action on a high note against

the Leathernecks with five receptions and 113 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown. The Redbirds will need to see more of that, as the unit was held to just 113 yards in the second half last week. Spack expects running back Markel Smith to be available despite a head-to-head collision in the second half that left him sidelined for the rest of the game. “He is OK, he is going through the protocol,” Spack said. “He has symptoms so we have to take them through the protocol but we expect him to play Saturday.” Kickoff for Saturday is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings.

Prediction: Illinois State will use a quality week of practice to compete with the sizzling Jackrabbits, but its efforts will fall short, as South Dakota State will ride a passing attack to another key victory.

Illinois State 14, South Dakota State 27

Vidette Staff picks Rabbits over ’Birds Nick Landi

Neil Doyle

Stephen Garner

Mike Marra

South Dakota State continues to be powered by the duo of quarterback Taryn Christion and tight end Dallas Goedert. If ISU’s offense can’t keep up with its opponent on offense like they did last season, the Jackrabbits will get an important conference victory on Saturday.

Many are still scratching their heads after the second half meltdown a week ago. ISU can’t afford to still be scratching because they head to a hostile Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium to face a red hot Jackrabbits team. This would be the best win of the season if the Redbirds could pull off the upset, but being on the road will make things too tough for the ’Birds.

After last week’s second half melt-down, the ’Birds now have their backs against the wall. The next two games are both must-wins, the first of which being this weekend at South Dakota State. Coming off a conference win over juggernaut North Dakota State, the Jackrabbits have now won three games in a row. The ’Birds will have their work cut out for them, and will need their running game to re-establish itself early and often. However, the SDSU has been clicking on all cylinders. Expect more of the same from them.

South Dakota State is coming off a monumental victory, while on the other hand Illinois State scuffled away what looked like a victory versus WIU. Make no mistake, it’s do or die for the Redbirds now. SDSU dons a first round NFL tight end and another tough QB match-up for ISU. After a slow start the Jacks are back, which hurts the Redbirds on Saturday.

Final score: SDSU 41, ISU 27

Final score: SDSU 30, ISU 21

Final score: SDSU 35, ISU 24

Final score: SDSU 34, ISU 21

Game time: 2 p.m. Saturday at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium in Brookings, South Dakota | Follow real-time Redbird action on Twitter at @Vidette_Sports