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MENDOZA/VIEWPOINT 4
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TO MY FRIENDS WHO ’BIRDS LOSE 3 STRAIGHT BECAME MY FAMILY GAMES IN A ROW
Have yourself a merry little Winter Break
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018 Vol. 131 | No. 31
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CHLOE LINDBOM Features Reporter | @chloe_dae17
Since the holiday season has arrived and in a few short days students are out for Winter Break, they may be thinking all about Christmas. Around this time of year, many family members are constantly asking these college students what they want. Many students give the response, “socks and underwear,” since no one can seem to have enough of those. However, many parents already know to get those things and may want to get their student something a bit more special to show their support for doing well and getting through another semester. When speaking with local shops around town, they provided some wonderful ideas that could be useful for students when trying to think of what they may want for Christmas. When stopping at Best Buy, there are many electronic devices that seem to be very popular with college students. Best Buy employee Brooke Evers shared some insight on what could be some popular gift ideas this year. “One of the items that has been purchased a lot recently is a Fitbit. These have been selling like crazy and would be perfect for a college student,” Evers said. A Fitbit is a perfect investment for any college student. Many students want to stay in shape throughout college and this is a great way to make sure that daily fitness goals are met. Even for those college students that don’t go to the gym, this is a way to check up on their health. Another electronic that seems popular this year is a Roku. A Roku is a little remote with a streaming device that connects to the television. “A Roku is great for students, because they can stream shows through apps on the Roku such as Netflix or Hulu,” Evers explained Also, students wouldn’t have to worry about paying monthly to watch shows besides paying for their subscriptions to the streaming apps. More information about the Roku can be obtained at Roku’s website, http://www.roku.com/. One last electronic that is great to put on the Christmas list is wireless, Bluetooth, noise-canceling headphones. These have been popular for a few years now, but there are new and improved versions. The latest version is the YYQ Bluetooth Headphones, which are sweat-proof and noise-canceling. “This pair of earbuds are extremely popular and get the job done. They are great for just walking to class or going to the gym,” Evers said. All students can appreciate listening to music with no interruptions and this pair of earbuds will get the job done. Electronics are very popular gifts for college students, but a few more nonelectronic ideas can include a new coat for the chilly days on campus, some new shoes while walking on campus or just some every day school supplies, such as new pens and pencils. Another great idea is gift cards for food and/or activities like the movies. All these are great ideas for college students to ask for besides just saying “socks and underwear.”
Cover photo by Samantha Brinkman | Photo Editor Junior math education major Anna Janaszak gets ready for the holidays by dressing festive.
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
STAFF LIST Editor in Chief
Monica Mendoza
Monday, December 10, 2018
Two professors awarded $85,000 to study wealth in Mexico
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New sexual assault guidelines, possible impacts on ISU In November, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos proposed new changes to sexual assault response on campuses. DeVos’ proposal would offer more legal protection for the accused. Another proposed change could involve changing the definition of sexual assault, which could change the current processes. Currently ISU’s Title IX program classifies sexual misconduct as sexual assault, stalking, romantic partner harassment, sexual harassment and more. “My hope is that any changes that the government may mandate upon us won’t result in students not wanting to come forward,” ISU’s Title IX Coordinator Tony Walesby said. “That whatever changes we make that students will still feel comfortable coming forward and expressing concern.” Currently, the proposed changes are in the comment period until January. During this period, anybody in the country can voice their concerns on the possible regulations. The government will take these concerns into consideration when finalizing the regulations. There’s no date for when these changes will be finalized as of now. “We’re staring now [to] think what changes we might need to undertake to make sure we’re compliant with the law,” Walesby said. “We’re always trying our best to make sure we’re balancing both our legal requirements as well as our commitment to our students on campus.” The university doesn’t know
how these changes could impact both victims and those accused of sexual assault. The public is currently commenting concerns on these possible changes. “I think these new policies are a mistake and should not be implemented.” Junior history major Beau Kallenbach said. “It also gives more protection to the accused. Nobody would accuse someone of something horrible just for fun. It’s a serious accusation and if someone is accused of it, there’s probably a good reason.” One of the possible changes in the proposed regulations would allow one party member, or their support person, to ask the other party questions directly during a hearing. Currently in hearing, the accused and the accuser cannot speak to each other directly, only through the hearing officer. Current investigations are also conducted with a single investigator model. This means that the same investigator takes the case from beginning to end and reaches a finding. The new proposed changes would include an investigator doing the investigation and another person or a panel will make a determination. “We’re always taking steps to try to show that this is a very fair process [and] it’s a very thorough process” Walesby said. “We want to make sure that both students are feeling supported throughout the process.”
The Fulbright-Hayes Group Projects Abroad award, totaling nearly $85,000, has been awarded to two Illinios State University faculty members to help build cultural knowledge in Mexico for future classrooms. The project, “Teaching the Cultural Wealth of Oaxaca, Mexico: Funds of Knowledge for the Twenty-First Century Classroom,” was received by associate professor of Spanish and Latin American Studies Juliet Lynd and associate professor Beth Hatt. A group of six teacher education majors, six practicing K-12 teachers and two K-12 administrators will be able to join them in Oaxaca, a culturally diverse state and home to dozens of indigenous communities, for a month. The trip will run May 30 through July 1, 2019. The deadline for applications is Feb. 8. “The group will experience different walks of life in Mexico, starting with a weekend tour in Mexico City, followed by two weeks in the city of Oaxaca, in the mountains, and then two weeks in a smaller coastal city,”
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Lynd said. During the trip, participants will study Spanish, be able to take classes in the indigenous language, Zapotec, engage in workshops and develop knowledge for curriculum to implement in their own schools. “We hope all of our participants come away with improved language skills and new understanding of the tremendous cultural wealth of Mexico,” Lynd said. Lynd personally looks forward to enjoying the beautiful country, meeting new people and developing new relationships during her revisit, as she spent a year in Mexico when she was an undergraduate student. She then completed her master’s degree and doctorate in Hispanic and Luso-Brazilian Literatures and Linguistics at the University of Minnesota. Her interest in Chile sparked during graduate school and she is now researching poetry and art written during the state of revolution and dictatorship of the late twentieth century in the country. “I have achieved things in life I’m quite proud of in my career and with my children,” she said, “but I am [an] idealist working for a better world and I’m still working on that.”
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
Governor-elect Pritzker names Dietz to transition committee ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter | @addough
Illinois State University’s President Larry Dietz has been named to Governor-elect J.B. Pritzker’s transition committee for education, the Educational Success Committee. The committee consists of 35 members including several legislators, representatives from K-12 and higher education as well as education advocacy groups. Dietz said he was honored to serve on the transition committee to advocate for higher education, especially for ISU. “Well, this transition committee is a big group,” Dietz said. “The overall education and higher education portion discussion is frankly one of the smaller topics. We’re talking about different levels of education such as K-12, which will take up a lot of the conversation. “I think we’ll get our oar in the water to educate for higher education and the importance it plays in educating students but also providing an educated work force for economic development,” he said. During his time as a member of the Educational Success Committee, Dietz will not be relinquishing any of his duties as ISU’s president. “This is a short-term effort and our work will be done by the inauguration, so it’s just between now and the middle of January. This
is a volunteer service component role,” Dietz said. The education transition committee will be working on an accelerated time frame which gives the members a short time period to accomplish their work. “We do have our homework assignments and our first meeting was last Friday and we have another meeting on Dec. 11 so there’s a lot of work to be done between the two dates,” he said. The responsibilities for the committee members will include pulling together ideas and providing feedback on a number of issues. In addition, they will also include extensive reading, ref lecting on ideas and providing information for the new administration. Pritzker’s incoming administration wants a report in that will allow him to include some of the information the education committee will be providing as part of his inauguration address. This will give the citizenry an idea of what he will be emphasizing during his tenure. “Our role is to really just try and inform them about the needs of education and higher education, with Illinois State in particular,” Dietz said. “It’s ultimately the decision of the governorelect but I’ve always been pleased to be a part of a group of folks who give input on the topics at hand,” he said.
Ali Rasper | Vidette Photo Editor
Illinois State University President Larry Dietz was named to Governor-elect Pritzker’s transition committee for education. His position on the Educational Success Committee will include coming up with ideas on how to improve issues in the education system while advocating for ISU. Dietz explained that he believes the overall success of ISU will allow him to provide a meaningful contribution. “Illinois State has a solid reputation throughout the state and even in the nation in terms of our retention rate and tuition rate. We have a lot of things that work for us quite well and we’re working well within our
YES!
ISU part of nationwide effort for college access, completion GRACE BARBIC News Reporter | @gracebarbic
Illinois State University is part of a nationwide effort to increase college access and completion. Schools all over the nation are finding that retention rates are going down, so the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU) started an initiative. The initiative is known as Powered by Publics. ISU is one of 130 institutions that are working together to increase access to college for all students and to increase retention and degree acquisition once students arrive. The sole purpose is to try and make sure that more people in this nation earn a college degree. APLU has divided these institutions into smaller clusters based on which universities are similar in student population, retention rates and graduation rates. ISU has been a member of APLU for nearly three decades. Although Ian Roberds | Vidette Photographer ISU has high retention and graduation rates for a university of its size, Illinois State University is working to improve and increase college access Vice President for Academic Affairs and completion for students. The initiative known as Powered by Publics is working to make sure that students all over the nation acheive a college and Provost Jan Murphy believes degree. “we can always do better.” “It’s never good enough, right? than they were 15 years ago. Along with their efforts So, currently, much of the student retention effort is to help students through their programs, Murphy in University College and in student affairs. We will believes that adding something like a multi-cultural continue to study the evidence of which programs center could help increase student retention by “prowork best and how we can expand those programs,” viding a supportive environment for students.” Murphy said. “Every student that we admit to this university is One of the most successful programs that ISU offers academically talented enough to succeed, but not is known as the TRiO program. It is funded by the fed- everybody does,” Murphy said. “So we have to figure eral government and helps assist 250 students. This out what happens, why does a student not succeed year, President Dietz added money to double the size and are there things that we could’ve done to help the of the program, which now impacts the lives of 500 succeed that we didn’t. The university also bears some students. responsibility. The university also utilizes predictive analytics. The “For us, what it will do is hopefully not only idea behind this is to use data the school already col- increase retention rates, but if it works right it could lects on students to predict who is most at risk to fail make the learning environment better for everyand try to intervene early to help prevent that failure. body on campus. And that’s our hope that students “We have to start to think about, what are things come and that student success remains a priority for that we can do that we can impact every student’s life this university, that everybody believes in student on campus?” Murphy said. “But each student is dif- success.” ferent so now you have to start to understand what Murphy continued to explain that the university has does this student group need … because that’s going a promise to its students to do everything it can to to be different than this population. Part of what we ensure students have opportunities for academic sucwill work on with these clusters is what works best for cess, and that’s exactly what it plans to do. this particular group of students.” Murphy understands that each and every student GRACE BARBIC is a News Reporter for The Vidette. is different and requires different needs. She also She can be contacted at mgbarbi@ilstu.edu. Follow explained that students’ needs are different today her on Twitter at @gracebarbic.
mission,” he said. “We hope that there will be a reinvestment in higher education in particular, and those are the terms of the operating budget and capital needs so those are the types of things I will be advocating for.”
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PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
A call for peace
S
aturday marked the 38th anniversary of musician John Lennon’s death. Lennon was shot and killed outside his New York City apartment, The Dakota. The reoccurring anniversary continues to spark debates over gun violence. Lennon’s twitter page tweeted the statistic that over 1.4 million people have been killed by gun violence in the U.S. since Lennon’s death in 1980. Since then, a demand for stricter gun laws has come into popularity across the United States. Compiled data from May this year by WGLT indicates that at least 100 people died from gunfire over the past three years with at least 500 wounded from eight cities in downstate Illinois. These cities included Bloomington, Carbondale, Champaign, Danville, Decatur, Peoria, Springfield and Urbana. As of Friday, seven people have been killed by gunfire in Bloomington in 2018, according to WGLT. It brings a sudden chill of reality that deaths by guns can happen virtually anywhere, even in Bloom-
ington-Normal. A lot of debate has taken place over gun violence and gun control. Movements like March for Our Lives, which took place March 24 throughout the U.S. sought to bring a voice to gun violence and mass shootings. Midterm elections brought forth new members who ran on the issue of gun safety to Congress, which has placed some optimism on people involved with gun safety movements. According to ctmirror.org, gun control advocates are “dusting off dozens of bills that have failed to move in the last
few Congresses, largely because Republican leaders have ignored the issue.” Republicans, like House Speaker Paul Ryan, has argued that gun violence is due to mental health problems and that there are already gun control laws in the books. After the new Congress takes effect in January, Democrats will be looking to seek votes on tightening federal gun laws. However, those against gun control laws often state that stricter laws won’t deter crime, but that gun ownership can help deter crime, that
enforcing laws could infringe upon rights to self-defense and that it essentially denies people a sense of safety. The right answer to have stricter gun laws or not isn’t entirely clear. Both sides present good arguments but it is arguable to say that deaths and injuries by guns have trended upwards over the last couple of years. Even with optimism that Congress may act, gun control laws could still face obstacles in the Senate. Gallup polling indicated there is a growing desire for more gun control but answers to what that exactly means isn’t so clear cut. Both Republicans and Democrats could look towards working together to form gun laws that could work. What kind of guns should be made for sale to the public? Where can they be carried? Do stricter gun laws make people safer? Answers to these questions aren’t black and white. It’s remembering death anniversaries, like John Lennon’s, that remind us there is still work to be done.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by BECKY FLETCHER 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.
The one where Monica graduates MY VIEW MONICA MENDOZA | Editor-in-Chief
T
he time has come and this time, it’s for real. Many people go off to get their masters and then their doctorates, but I’m going to be real for a moment: I don’t remember the last time I read a book for pleasure. Trust me, I understand what is going on around me and I can’t tell you the amount of times that I have started and finished “The Office” or “Friends” since I’ve been here. It’s time for a break – I’m just not ready to leave. I’m excited to graduate and start the next chapter of my life working at Disney World in Orlando for a couple of months, but before I leave, I have so much to be thankful for because of ISU and The Vidette. When I finished up my associates in 2016, I applied to ISU and when I got in, I was so ecstatic and happy that I found my new home. The adjustment is never easy, going from a community college to a university, but the
people at The Vidette made it easy. They call this place a family and that’s exactly how I feel about The Vidette. I never in a million years would have thought the people I have met would impact me as much as they have. The people who have walked inside this building, have opened up my eyes. The dedication, love and support from all sides of The Vidette, is beautiful. When I first started, I didn’t think for one second that I would be sitting in the Editorin-Chief’s chair. I was a photographer my first semester, then climbing towards Senior Photographer in the spring with the leadership of Jenna Kadziulis and Kelly McNamara. That turned into an interview with last year’s EIC, Ema Sasic, to become Photo Editor alongside with Natalie Stuckslager. That year, the editorial team consisting of Sasic (EIC), Stephanie Rodriguez and Kevin Schwaller (News Editors), Emily Griffith (Features Editor), Mike Marra and Nate Head (Sports Editors) and Natalie and myself went on to win 29 awards at ICPA (Illinois College Press Association) going up against the top journalism schools in Illinois. We are the number one newspaper. How many people can say that? Just us. The amount of photos that I have captured, I can’t even begin to explain. The moments,
VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters that exceed the 250-word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion,but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published. Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone number for verification. Letters without phone numbers will not be considered for publication. Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent via e-mail to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.
the smiles, the tears, the jumps, made everything worth it. I believe in being at the right place at the right time, and I was lucky enough to have had my camera on me. There was a protest on the Quad after the presidential election. The silence, the chants, the students coming out of class to join the protest is a sight I will never forget. It’s the idea that I strongly believe in: a picture is worth a thousand words. Now with more insight, it’s that and then some. The strong caption and strong story that comes along with it matters. I know my staff will do great things because they are passionate individuals who put their heart and soul into everything that they do. A little shout out to the people that have helped me become the person that I am today. John, I don’t know what I would do without your guidance, patience and laughs. Through the InDesign questions, to our rants and inside jokes, you have made this moment memorable. I can’t thank you enough for doing what you do, and being who you are. You are forever a part of my life. To my successor, Becky Fletcher, I know you will do a phenomenal job because you’re a phenomenal individual who is dedicated, smart and kind. Cherish every moment and breathe. I have taken 1,594 photos for my two and a half years here, each with a personal story to tell. The time, the place, the people – you tell
EDITORIAL BOARD MONICA MENDOZA Editor-in-Chief | @coolstorymonica BECKY FLETCHER News Editor | @becky_ fletcher ANDREW DOUGHERTY Senior News Reporter and Columnist | @addough TYLER SMITH Columnist | @incognegro
me the photo and I will tell you a story. I have met Patricia Arquette, the bass player of Portugal. The Man at the Castle Theater, Cardinal’s shortstop Paul DeJong and Jerry Springer, just to name a few. On top of the people that I have met, I had the experience of going to St. Louis to cover Arch Madness, and the State of the Union in Springfield to hear at the time, Gov. Bruce Rauner. My recent side project this semester is working with Ashley Viscioni, Night Editor, and Ty “Grand-daddy” Lesure where we discussed everything and anything pop culture related. Here is to every chair I threw down during production day, to every joke, smile, Dunkin’ coffee run, I owe it to you. Sam, Ali, Jon, Kade, Becky, Cindy, Stuart, Ashley, Kim, Flynn, Hannah, Virgel and Karina, do great, be great and thank you for a great semester. As Chandler Bing said in “The Last One,” “Look around, you guys. This was your first home. And it was a happy place, filled with love and laughter.” MONICA MENDOZA is the Editor-in-Chief and columnist for The Vidette. Any questions or comments regarding her column can be sent to vidette_mmendoz7@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter at @coolstorymonica.
THEY SAID IT
“I am excited to get back to work,” Davis said. “I feel like we will be the most talented team on the field in most of our games. Throughout ‘The Valley’ I feel like we will be one of the most experienced teams. The playoffs is a big goal, and we want to be able to win the conference.”
Quaterback for Illinois State football, Brady Davis on next year’s outlook
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
ISU Professor receives AAAS Fellow name
Fred Smith one of only five scientists to gain title for Neanderthal, human fossil research GARRETT KARSTEN News Reporter | @GKarstenISU
A
nthropology and biological sciences emeritus professor Fred Smith was recently named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a position chosen by one’s peers. Smith is one of the only five scientists at ISU to be chosen as a fellow. He is the first since 1969. “My family owned a grocery store in my Tennessee hometown,” Smith said. “I learned early to cut up meat and by 13 or 14 started wondering just what I was actually cutting into. So, I got interested in anatomy.” Submitted by Fred Smith Smith has worked studying Fred Smith, professor of anthropology and biological sciences, was named a Neanderthals and early modern fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Smith is human fossil material for nearly one of five ISU scientists to receive the title. He is the first to be named since 50 years, focusing on the role 1969. of Neanderthals in modern During his junior year, according to Smith, with the early humans in western Eurasia. his professor encouraged him to write about modern human His work, based on fossil evidence and the original Neanderthal find in Germany groups migratrecent DNA findings of the Neanderthals, in 1846. ing into Europe beginning about 40,000 has proven solid. DNA evidence has conSince then, Smith has published seven years ago.” firmed Smith’s 40-year-old theories to be books, over 200 articles, abstracts, notes His love for research and work in Croatia true and have sparked interest in media out- and reviews. His 1984 book, “The Origin of runs so deep, that he says “Ja sam kod kuce,” lets, including The New York Times. Modern Humans,” was named the best book meaning “I am home,” when he gets off the Smith said a National Geographic article in the life sciences by the American Associa- bus or plane in the country. that his childhood household contributed to tion of Publishers. Smith credits his research and success his interest in science. “I have been involved with almost every to his parents, high school teachers and his “Among the things that grabbed me were facet of a very important Neanderthal site in undergraduate experience at UT. articles about the work of the Leakey family Croatia called Vindija,” he said. “I was there “All of this has proved tremendous experiin Africa,” Smith said. for the excavations from 1974 to 1985.” ence,” he said. “But I never thought a small-town boy like “I analyzed and described all of the Nean“I think sometimes we don’t realize how me could do something like that, so I majored derthal fossil human remains from the site, important it is to take an interest in what in zoology at the University of Tennessee with and this material proved to me that Nean- young people do. The positive effect of just the aim of going to medical school.” derthals were definitely interbreeding asking them about what they’re doing or just
GARRETT KARSTEN is a News Reporter for The Vidette. He can be reached at gtkarst@ ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @ GKarstenISU.
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a passing compliment is almost inestimable.” He said without the support of his elders, he would not be where he is today. Smith also said his two goals in life are to be a family man, happy and in good health, as well as be respected as a scholar and particularly as a teacher. “With regard to the second goal, I am satisfied with what I have done,” he said. “I could always have done more and done it better, but I have done okay.”
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PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
Features
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
Sophomore education major Kathleen Smith left the stunning landscape of Colorado to follow her head and heart into ISU’s lauded education program. Though hard at first, she has no regrets Photo submitted by Kathleen Smith
From Rockies to Redbirds
Kathleen Smith exits high altitude for higher education MÁIRE MALONEY Features Reporter | @MáireMRose
I
f given the opportunity to go to college in Colorado where one’s typical day consists of hiking, kayaking and rock climbing, many would not be quick to turn it down. However, for sophomore Illinois State University education major Kathleen Smith, her dream of becoming a teacher made that choice a lot more complicated. Smith’s decision of choosing Normal over the beautiful Rocky Mountains to pursue her plan of becoming a first-grade teacher also meant parting from her twin sister and best friend Carly, who followed her calling to Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. After never leaving her sister’s side for the first 18 years of life, Smith found herself second-guessing the path she had chosen for herself. Watching her twin sister live the life that she could have easily had herself brought Smith a great deal
of envy and frustration. Though her life at ISU may not have started out as exciting and thrilling as her sister Carly’s adventurous life in Colorado, Smith knew at the end of the day that she had made the right decision for her future. As the sophomore works hard to achieve her teaching degree, Smith tries to make every day at ISU better than the last and never loses sight of what she wants. “Though the view from my bedroom window may not be as scenic as the one my sister wakes up to every morning, I know that in the end coming to ISU was the best decision for my career because of the amazing education program that’s here” Smith said. Smith is grateful for the personal growth that she has experienced since coming to Illinios State, and credits her supportive family and best friends for her progress when discussing her future. Part of Smith’s evolution includes being environmentally
conscious. She is currently fundraising for The Ocean Cleanup. The Ocean Cleanup designs and develops advanced technologies to rid all oceans of plastics. “For my birthday this year, I’m asking for donations to The Ocean Cleanup; I’ve chosen this nonprofit because their mission means a lot to me, and I hope [readers] consider contributing as a way to celebrate with me,” Smith said. Smith has raised $272 of her $300 goal so far. Donations can be made on her personal Facebook page. Ultimately, Smith looks forward to taking full advantage of every opportunity that ISU offers and hopes to become a well-rounded adult who always strives for the best. MÁ IRE MALONEY is a Features Reporter for the Vidette. She can be contacted at mrmalo1@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @MáireMRose.
Self-made Christmas decorations deter store splurges KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM Features Reporter | @kourtcunningham
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veryone knows the financial struggles of being a college student, so being frugal is important when buying things that are not necessities. When it comes to inexpensive self-made Christmas decorations, a little ingenuity goes a long way. Students can make them at school or back home for their parents’ house. Parents will be sure to appreciate their student’s thoughtfulness and creative side. One craft idea involves a couple clear wine glasses, large candles — fake or real — and small ornaments. The color scheme is completely customizable. Although this craft will cost a little bit more than the average self-made craft, the turnout is stunning and not much effort is required when creating it. The wine glasses will act as candle holders when turned upside down. Next, place the small ornaments underneath the upsidedown glasses and fill it fully with the ornaments for the best look. Lastly, place the candles on top. These decorations can be spread out all over the house or put together on a cute platter that matches the ornaments. Sometimes, going back to basic decoration ideas can be the
best. One very simple, yet aesthetically effective, option is drawing snowflakes. Decorators can use a washable-paint marker to add snowflakes to a mirror. Furthermore, Festive stockings attached to a faux garland and a tassel basket adds to the Christmas aesthetic. For students void of ideas, junior human development and family sciences major Alexandra Burns recommends using Pinterest to spark creativity. “Whenever I need some inspiration I look on Pinterest. They have so many creative ideas that you would never think of on your own,” Burns said. “You can be as specific as you want when searching so you’re sure to find the perfect match.” These options maintain a festive household and a jolly Christmas after the bills. KOURTNEY CUNNINGHAM is a Features Reporter for the Vidette. She can be contacted at kltcunn1stu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @kourtcunningham.
Lydia Cogan | Vidette Photographer
Shopping at stores for Christmas decorations adds deceptive dollars to the priciest holliday season. Self-made crafts stay seasonal and budget-friendly.
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
MONDAY, December 10, 2018
LEFT: Illinois State junior quarterback Brady Davis awaits taking the field before the Redbirds’ 51-3 Homecoming win over Southern Illinois on Oct. 13. RIGHT: Davis fakes a handoff to junior James Robinson in ISU’s 48-10 win over Eastern Illinois on Sept. 8 at Hancock Stadium.
Photographs by Samantha Brinkman and Ali Rasper | Photo Editors
Brady’s ’Birds poised for bounceback From battling injuries, starting jobs, Brady Davis is making most of ISU experience BLAINE LEWALLEN Sports Reporter | @Blainelew3
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t was an injury that no athlete ever wants to endure, one that will change the course of someone’s career both physically and mentally. For a Division I college football quarterback, a torn ACL means you may never be the same player again. In fact, job security at that position might be in question as well, as many other guys are anxious to step in. This was the case for Brady Davis, a highly touted high school recruit from Columbus, Mississippi. After redshirting his freshman season at Memphis University and watching future NFL play-caller Paxton Lynch put on a show, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Davis entered the 2016 season with much confidence. Little did he know that his world would soon come crashing down by this one injury. “It was the final series of an end of-the-fall camp scrimmage,” Davis said. “It was the last series I was even going to be in. I didn’t even get tackled, I just made a little move and blew my knee out.” Although Davis likely would not have won the starting job for the Tigers as a redshirt freshman, he was confident he would have received some playing time behind starter Riley Ferguson. Playing time for Davis did not improve during the 2017 season, as he again sat back and watched Ferguson, who broke Memphis’
single-season passing record that year previously held by Lynch. Davis saw action in just one game for the Tigers. Although Davis had to battle with a couple of NFL-worthy quarterbacks while at Memphis, his ACL injury kept him from immediately returning to that star status he was so used to in high school. “I came back that spring like six months after my injury,” Davis said. “I just was never as good as I once was. For a long time there, I wasn’t playing very well. That was really frustrating for me because I used to feel like I could do anything on the field and I just didn’t feel like myself that spring and into the next season.” Despite having a chance to compete for the starting job in the spring of 2018, Davis decided it was time for a change of scenery. “During the spring I felt like I was being o v e rlo ok e d ,” Davis said.
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“After the spring game I decided that was it. Right away, though I didn’t know where I was going to go, that was some more adversity. For a couple months there I
really didn’t know where my football career was going to go.” Luckily for Davis, coach Brock Spack and company at Illinois State came calling, as soon-to-be senior quarterback Jake Kolbe was entering his last season for the Redbirds. After much thought and consideration, Davis made the tough decision to leave the South and make the move to the Midwest, saying that the ISU opportunity was “almost too good to be true.” Obviously this was no easy choice for Davis, who chose Memphis partly because it was around two hours away from his hometown. Davis explained that his wife, Michaela, played a big part in pushing him to pursue the new opportunity in Normal. “She has helped me a lot,” Davis said. “She is the reason I am where I am at today. She is the one who pushed me to leave Memphis and come here. It’s been a blessing.” While Davis was very grateful for Spack’s offer and the outpouring of support from the ISU community, he knew that it was time for him to get to work. And that he did. Much to the surprise of most, Davis was named the starting QB for the Redbirds following the team’s fall scrimmage. Davis replaced Kolbe, a fifth-year senior who led the Redbirds the previous two seasons under center. Davis would ultimately start all 10 games he was active in for this season at ISU (missed one game due to injury). He finished the season throwing 142-for-254 for 1,935 yards and 19 touchdowns on the season, while surrendering just five interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown. Along with this, Davis was recently named to the Missouri Valley Football Conference All-Newcomer Team and was named MVFC Newcomer of the Week on three separate occasions. Despite these accolades for Davis, when
asked about his performance this season, “disappointing” was the first word uttered. “I would say I learned a lot,” Davis said of this season. “But individually, I would just give the word disappointing, it was all disappointing. I had a lot of high expectations for myself. We were too good of a team to have happen what happened to us there at the end of the year.” Confidence is key for Davis, as that has allowed him to compete as a starting quarterback for the Redbirds this season, and likely for the next two seasons (assuming a waiver is granted by the NCAA). With this confidence comes numerous goals for Davis, one of which is bringing the ’Birds back to the top of the conference next season. “I am excited to get back to work,” Davis said. “I feel like we will be the most talented team on the field in most of our games. Throughout ‘The Valley’ I feel like we will be one of the most experienced teams. The playoffs is a big goal, and we want to be able to win the conference. I think we should be able to do that.” With these high team expectations for Davis comes even bigger personal goals. “I definitely want to work to have a chance to play in the National Football League,” Davis said. “I am really going to work and try to perfect my craft. I think I have the ability to throw with the best of them and I really just want to try to show out these next two years to try to get there. “ Once a star quarterback for New Hope High School and later powerhouse Starkville High School, Davis hopes one day his hard work will pay off to not only lead the Redbirds back to the national title game, but to fulfill his dream of making it to the League. BLAINE LEWALLEN is a Sports Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at bmlewal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @blainelew3.
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Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2018
Barlas: Recent woes wither for Redbird basketball
Same ‘ole song and dance
JONATHAN BARLAS Sports Editor | @janveselybarlas
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Christopher Edwards | Vidette Photographer
Senior forward Milik Yarbrough attempts a hook shot from mid-range as Illinois State fell to Ole Miss 81-74 in Saturday’s SEC matchup at Redbird Arena.
Redbirds miss mark against Ole Miss, lose three straight KADE HEATHER Sports Editor | @kade_heather
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ith Illinois State trailing 62-51 and Ole Miss’ Breein Tyree shooting a free throw, ISU head coach Dan Muller screamed across the court to Isaac Gassman with firmly clenched teeth, telling him to “get back [on offense]. After he made the free throw, Gassman hustled up court and Milik Yarbrough rushed it up to Gassman for an easy layup. While that may have worked, the frustration in Muller’s face showed all night from the sideline – ever since Ole Miss grabbed its first and only lead in the Redbirds’ 81-74 loss Saturday night at Redbird Arena. ISU (6-5) opened the game better than most this season with a pair of threes and built a small lead until Bruce Stevens tied it and Devontae Shuler gave Ole Miss the only lead it needed. “I thought they kind of punched us right in the mouth early,” Ole Miss head
coach Kermit Davis said. Although ISU started off well, the hot shooting did not continue despite the many open looks it had. “I thought we had a lot of good looks, obviously [I] missed a few easy layups which still kind of upsets me, but no, we got the shots we wanted, we just didn’t finish,” Gassman said. The Rebels outscored the Redbirds in fast break points 12-0 with quick guard play and several dunks. Had ISU limited the fast breaks, it could have been a much closer game at the end instead of meaningless fouls and desperation shots. “I thought their transition buckets might’ve been the difference in the game,” Muller said. The Redbirds found zero consistency shooting the ball after their quick start. ISU finished 41 percent from the floor (26-63 FG) and 40 percent from three-point range (10-25 3FG). “I thought throughout the entire game we got good looks,” Muller said “ … We’re a team that’s got to make some threes. We made 10. That’s a lot and I know that, but we have a couple guys who are trying and doing everything you need to do to shoot the ball well, but it’s not going in on game night.”
Senior Keyshawn Evans is one of those guys, finishing with only three points on 1-for-8 shooting (1-6 3FG) in 25 minutes. Senior William Tinsley also finished with just four points and went 0-for-3 from three-point range. Going along with this season’s theme, Yarbrough seemed to be the only hope for ISU, hitting a three-pointer that brought ISU within single digits with eight minutes left. While Muller has called out his team on the defensive effort it has shown, ISU had much better effort Saturday. Senior Phil Fayne tallied a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but nearly fouled out for a fourth straight game. Rebels guard Breein Tyree led the game with 22 points (6-17 FG) and Terence Davis added 20 points (8-13 FG). In final desperation with about 30 seconds left, Josh Jefferson missed a final desperation foul and Tyree took the ball coast to coast with a monster slam, then the Rebels let out roars right in front of the ISU student section. With finals week here, the Redbirds will take advantage of an entire week of practices to regroup with just two non-conference games remaining. ISU returns to the court against Cleveland State at 1 p.m. Sunday at Redbird Arena.
Lady ’Birds earn first road win at Northern Kentucky KADE HEATHER Sports Editor | @kade_heather
After a winless road stint, then back-toback home wins, the Illinois State women’s basketball team earned its first road win Friday night. Senior forward Simone Goods led the Redbirds with 19 points in 18 minutes to help ISU to a 58-53 win at Northern Kentucky. While the Norse scored first, the Redbirds quickly tied it and then grabbed the lead, then never looked back. ISU led for 35:42, but its lead dwindled to one point early in the third quarter when the Norse began with a layup then a threepointer in the second half. Back-to-back layups from Goods were able to comfort the Redbirds a five-point lead. Then ISU gradually pulled away and grew its largest lead to 11 points in the fourth quarter. Despite ISU growing an 11-point lead, NKU returned to striking distance, making it a three-point game, and NKU was only outscored by two points in the fourth. “I thought we got out tough in the second
half. We were playing on our heels defensively,” ISU head coach Kristen Gillespie said. “We have been so good in the last couple games, so I’m not sure what our mindset was, but I have to give Northern Kentucky a lot of credit.” Former ISU volleyball player Lexi Wallen made her ISU women’s basketball debut in the second quarter with little knowledge of the team after being added just Wednesday, but scored a layup and finished 1-for-2 with two points. “Lexi went out and got her first collegiate point which is awesome in her first game. Poor kid, I threw her out there and she knows one play,” Gillespie said. Junior TeTe Maggett was the other Redbird in double figures with 15 points, while senior Viria Livingston scored five points and grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds. The Redbirds improve to 4-4 with 1-4 on the road this season, as they will take a week off during finals week. Ali Rasper | Photo Editor ISU returns home to take on Maryville at FROM LEFT: TeTe Maggett, Lexy Koudelka, Frannie Cor3:30 p.m. Sunday at Redbird Arena. rigan, Katrina Beck and Ally Gietzel celebrate a win over Oakland Nov. 29 at Redbird Arena.
hile Illinois State rides the unappealing wave of a three-game losing streak, optimism ultimately rises from the ’Birds’ performance Saturday against Ole Miss. In a hard-fought battle, the Redbirds’ talent was truly tested against one of the SEC’s highlighted programs as ISU lost 81-74 to the Rebels. As Illinois State hosted its first SEC school in the regular season for the first time since 1978, the ’Birds found trouble matching up with the physicality of the Rebels’ starting five. The ’Birds pulled off a 101-97 overtime win last season against the Rebels at Ole Miss as Saturday’s matchup was enveloped in excitement. 6,598 fans packed the stands in support of ISU, whose full yet unfulfilled bench rotation still nurses nagging injuries. Although the ’Birds suffer their third-straight loss, brighter days are ahead as the defense looked sharper and more tuned than in games past. Fact of the matter is, doubt should not be in the minds of the Redbird faithful. A talented team battling some adversity early on is masked as the true antidote for the Redbirds’ Missouri Valley Conference schedule. Along with injuries, confidence plays a marquee part in ISU’s recent tribulation, but losing does not seem to wallow in the team’s mindset. Staying confident and collected, expect the ’Birds to heat up when the iron is hot and playing underneath the arches.
REDBIRD REPORT ISU track & field opens 2018-19 season on high note The ISU men’s and women’s track & field team began their 2018-19 season finishing with eight individual event wins as well as marking nine ISU all-time top-10 performances at Saturday’s Jimmy Grant Invite in Iowa. The Redbirds also recieved seven of the all-time top-10 marks from both the high jump and throw squads.
MVC SCORES Ole Miss 81, Illinois State 74 Drake 75, Milwaukee 61 Valparaiso 82, G. Washington 79 Indiana St. 77, Truman St. 69 Northern Iowa 75, Dubuque 67 Maryland 55, Loyola 41 Southern Ill. 83, Southeast Missouri 73
MVC STANDINGS Drake Indiana State Bradley Southern Ill. Valparaiso Illinois State Loyola Evansville Missouri St. Northern Iowa
Conf Ovrl 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0
6-1 6-2 7-3 7-3 6-4 6-5 5-5 5-4 5-4 4-5
Complied by JON BARLAS Vidette Sports Editor