12.3.19 by Vidette Online

V THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019 Vol. 132 | No. 15

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Once in a lifetime

Gamma Phi Circus relives performance at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade PAGE 6

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Courtesy of ISU Athletics

Illinois State University volleyball secured its second Missouri Valley Conference championship in two years Saturday as the Redbirds defeated Northern Iowa in a three-set sweep in the MVC Tournament in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Robinson’s remarkable game PAGE 8 ALI RASPER | Photo Editor | @alirasper4

Double time: ’Birds dance their way to NCAA berth in back-to-back years

his year’s selection for the NCAA Tournament was STORY BY JAKE SERMERSHEIM filled with less uncertainty for the Illinois State UniSports Editor | @JakeSermersheim versity volleyball team. After entering the tournament last season as an at-large bid, ISU earned an automatic bid after becoming the first No. 3 seed to win the Missouri Valley Tournament. The Redbirds will face a tough opening challenge taking on No. 4 Wisconsin Dec. 6. “Being able to play a No. 4 team in Wisconsin is awesome. They are playing really great volleyball right now,” ISU head coach Leah Johnson said. “This is why you play.” See VOLLEYBALL on Page 7

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

STAFF LIST Editor in Chief

Jonathan Barlas

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019

OUTSIDE LOOK TODAY

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Grace Barbic Elizabeth Seils Features Editor

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NEWS IN BRIEF NPD officer charged with stealing $12,000 from scene of drug overdose

from an unknown source saying that the case needed to be dropped to get the money back. WGLT also said that an operation was set up to catch the thief in an exchange at a gas station. There, Williams was i g h t e e n - y e a r veteran of arrested and charged. Normal Police Department NPD will run a parallel investigaBrian Williams was arrested tion to the Illinois State Police. Wilon theft-related charges following liams has been placed on administhe disappearance of $12,000 from trative leave following the results of the scene of an overdose an internal investigation. on Nov. 25. “The department urges Officers were called to everyone to not rush to the scene of a possible judgement and to allow overdose on Nov. 25, time for the process to according to a statement run its course and come from NPD. Following to a factual conclusion that call the department before making any judgewas notified that $12,000 ment,” the statement was missing from the reports. “As this involves Brian Williams residence. both a criminal and a perNPD received assistance from sonnel matter, there is no further Illinois State University Police in information that will be released at investigating the case. According this time.” ELIZABETH SEILS to WGLT, the person who reported VIDETTE NEWS EDITOR the money missing received calls

Festive feelings before finals

John Plevka

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Half a million to go toward Better Bus Stop Campaign from US Dept. of Transportation

onnect Transit was awarded this grant further demonstrates a grant from the the board and staff’s United States commitment to ConFAST Department of Transpornect Transit customers. tation’s Buses and Bus McCurdy said he hopes FACTS Facilities Grant Program that receiving this WHAT: Bus Facilities for the Better Bus Stop money will allow them Grant Program Campaign. to continue making WHERE: Bus stops U.S. Rep. Rodney improvements “more throughout the comDavis (R-Taylorville) quickly.” munity and U.S. Rep. Darin Connect Transit IMPACT: Improve acLaHood (R-Dunlap) General Manager Isaac cessibility to bus stops Thorne expressed his announced Nov. 21 that Connect Transit gratitude for Davis and would be receiving LaHood’s support of $500,000 to continue improving public transit, as well as U.S. Sen. bus stop infrastructure through Dick Durbin and U.S. Sen. Tammy the Better Bus Stop Campaign. Duckworth. This campaign was approved “Congressmen Davis and LaHood by the Connect Transit Board of have been instrumental in helpTrustees in March 2018. Over ing Connect Transit secure federal the last 18 months, the camgrants to improve the infrastructure paign has improved 53 bus stops in the Bloomington-Normal comthroughout the community. munity,” Thorne said. “It’s important that we have “This grant funding will allow a safe, reliable public transit Connect to continue our investsystem,” Davis said. “I’m proud ment in bus stop infrastructure to see Connect Transit receive that improves the mobility of our these funds to continue their customers who depend on Connect Better Bus Stop Campaign.” to get to education, work and mediConnect Transit Chairman cal appointments.” GRACE BARBIC Mike McCurdy said that seeking VIDETTE NEWS EDITOR

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In the final week of classes, students are prepping for finals while getting in the holiday spirit. Senior student Paolo Prado decorates her tree as a break from studying.

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COB hosts ugly sweater party Tuesday Ugly holiday sweaters have been a highlight for many throughout the month of December.  This season at Illinois State University, the Pay It Forward student team will be hosting the College of Business’ second annual ugly sweater party from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday in the atrium. Participants will be provided with a social media-worthy photo frame and can earn Illinois State

gear while it lasts. Prizes will be awarded for the top three sweaters in attendance.  The Pay It Forward team urges all students, faculty and staff to join in on the fun.  Notably, if marketing and sales students participate in the event, the business attire requirements for Tuesday have been lifted. This event is just one of the many ways that the Pay It Forward team is creating an influence on the College of Business.

KELLIE FOY VIDETTE NEWS REPORTER

HAPPY

Thangsgiving FROM US AT CLASS ACT!

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The Vidette The Vidette is published Tuesdays 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 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 2019 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019

ISU alum uses app to improve farmer productivity

ISU grad student named Forbes Under 30 Scholar Ngozi Ukweni has ‘dream come true’ experience at summit

JAKE DAHL News Reporter | @jdahl3005 KELLIE FOY News Reporter | @kellie_foy

ccomplishing big dreams doesn’t always come easy. For Illinois State University graduate student Ngozi Ukweni, these big dreams came when she followed through with her goals and was selected as a Forbes Under 30 Scholar.  Forbes magazine selects 1,000 high-achieving undergraduate and graduate students from across the nation to obtain a scholarship to attend its celebrated Forbes Under 30 Summit every year. Ukweni learned about this scholarship program in February when she found out that one of the key speakers was professional tennis player Serena Williams.  She became more interested in being chosen as one of the Forbes Scholars as time went on. As a result, she completed the application process and submitted an essay about leadership and diversity.  After being selected, she attended the 2019 Detroit event at the end of October. The summit showcased 220 speakers, including entrepreneurs, artists, engineers, musicians, CEOs and representatives from the fashion industry. “I was very excited [after being selected] because at first it started as a dream and I just wanted to go for the event. [From there], it became a passion,” Ukweni said.

Attendees were also given networking opportunities and practical business help along with the informative sessions. These learning and building opportunities included professional headshots, resume reviews and networking connections.  Ukweni’s experience at the summit was one of a kind for Photo Submitted by Ngozi Ukweni her. She notes one of Ngozi Ukweni, a graduate student in the College of Business, was chosen the highlights of the by Forbes magazine to attend the 30 Under 30 Scholars Summit. weekend included the address by Williams. that she hopes can last for a long time. Her advice On the last day of the summit, participants and message to students is within the same ballwere involved in a community service event.  park that she has for herself.  Ukweni used this opportunity to load and Ukweni strongly believes in setting goals distribute care packages for boys in the Detroit and accomplishing them with an active plan area. Originally from Nigeria, Ukweni has used and a positive mindset while also making a her passion and experience in all aspects of her difference. life to help her set goals and accomplish them in She also encourages students to evaluate their an active manner.   goals from time to time, especially when it comes “One of my goals is to be a life-long learner and to grasping onto big dreams.  also to make an impact in the education aspect “[Evaluating your goals] doesn’t mean that [which] comprises of so many things,” Ukweni your goals are not going to change, but it means said.  that you are conscious [and consistent] of where For her, it’s also about helping her surround- you want to be at different [aspects] of your life,” ing communities succeed and creating an impact Ukweni said.

Black Girl Code aims to empower minority women across campus RAFAEL MENCHACA News Reporter | @kuma_topics_

to be open about the stress they are facing while being a student so that they can receive the necessary help llinois State University has an and seek motivation from fellow abundance of different student members within the group. organizations that incoming and “We need black women on campus current students can participate in. to know it is okay to feel anxious and One of these groups is the Black Girl scared. We can seek comfort in each Code that was established in spring other,” Sammons said. 2019. The number of members for the Black Girl Code was established on Black Girl Code has risen to 62 within campus to empower female minority its first year of being established. students all throughout the ISU comWith the help of all members, the munity. The group focuses on bringing group partakes in different events attention to social injustice happenacross campus, including the recent ing to black women in and around the #AntiBlackISU protests and commuBloomington-Normal community while nity services like holding the recent Photo Submitted by Rose Sammons Black Girl Code Clothes Drive that also shining light on national issues. The Black Girl Code organization The executive board of Black Girl Code poses for a picture. The collected clothing to be donated to a stands to support minority women as group’s president Rose Sammons stands in the center. local homeless shelter. they may encounter personal issues There are weekly meetings held and strong but that does not leave a lot of opporinside and outside the classroom during their tunity to grow,” Black Girl Code President Rose for the Black Girl Code and those interested can independent journey throughout college. attend from 6-8 p.m. Thursdays in Stevenson Sammons said. “Black women are taught to be independent Sammons said participants are encouraged Hall 133A.

What does the rapid expansion of technology like smartphones mean for the agriculture industry? For Sean Arians, an Illinois State University alum who studied agribusiness, it meant launching an app meant to simplify grain marketing, inventory management and tracking deliveries. The app, named GrainCoat, launched on the web in August 2018, but mobile versions of the app came to the iPad and iPhone in December 2018 and April 2019, respectively. Arians came up with the idea for the app to solve a problem he had trying to manage his family’s farm after his uncle passed. He struggled with his career off the farm while also attempting to market his grain. While there were many apps that performed what he required, he found that all of them were too complex, and wanted a more streamlined experience. However, the intersection of agriculture and apps doesn’t stop there. Soil scientist Clay Robinson, who frequently works with this technology in the Department of Agriculture at ISU, says that one trait that farmers need to work on is “technological fluency”. “Apps are like tools. There’s many different ones for a variety of different things, such as checking soil fertility and working irrigation systems,” Robinson said. “The most important thing is knowing how to use these apps and which ones are most useful to you and your farm.” Apps like GrainCoat, when used correctly, can lead to an increase in productivity and yield, which consequently increases profits earned. ISU professor Nicholas Heller, who teaches agronomy, the science of soil management and crop production, discussed how a farmer made a short-term investment in a GPS system to plant crops more accurately to eliminate the risk of planting two crops too close together. This simple change resulted in the system paying for itself over the course of two years.

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PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019

Happy Holidays from The Vidette

any people, including those within the Illinois State University community, can agree that there are times when political correctness can go too far, but this holiday season, taking the initiative to appreciate the diverse cultures within our society is something we should all take into account. Although many students celebrate Christmas, there are tens of millions of Americans who don’t celebrate Christmas religiously or as nonChristian religions. This holiday season should be much more than celebrating one’s respective religious or non-religious celebration — it should be a time when Americans appreciate diversity and inclusion in all its forms. Inclusivity means using the phrase “Happy Holidays” when sending a gift or greeting card or changing Christmas office parties into “holiday parties.” Some conservative pundits and combatants in the “War on Christmas” will say this

is political correctness gone too far. But new data on how Americans feel on the issue can lay those claims to rest. A 2017 Pew Research Center survey found that 52% of United States adults said it didn’t matter to them how they were greeted in stores over the holidays, up from 46% in 2012. In the same survey, 56% of Americans believe that the religious elements of Christmas are emphasized less now than they were in the past while only 32% said that

development bothers them either “a lot” or “some.” More than half of Americans said they celebrated Christmas as a religious holiday while 33% celebrated it as primarily a cultural holiday. Over the past few weeks, there have been issues raised among groups at ISU about racist and insensitive remarks made in classrooms and by friends. One solution to this ugly truth is taking time out this winter break to understand cultures and traditions that may be

HAVE A VERY MERRY

CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

N AUGHTY OR N ICE

Happy holidays?

foreign to oneself. No matter what holiday one celebrates, it’s important to understand and most importantly, respect the ideas, beliefs and values of others. Holiday celebration time is also a time to celebrate diversity and inclusion with family and friends while also understanding and bringing awareness to the traditions and beliefs of those who are different than them. This is a time where individuals and groups from all parts of our society can come together to not only celebrate a holiday but to bring diversity to those celebratory events. One of the core values of ISU is Diversity and Inclusion but Respect, Integrity and Collaboration are all pillars of our institution that we can uphold, especially during the holiday season. With that in mind, here’s a reminder to bundle up, give thanks to your loved ones and appreciate the upcoming winter break as yet another tumultuous finals week approaches.

Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director

EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by ANDREW DOUGHERTY, 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.

Streaming life away; TV is getting out of hand MY VIEW ELIZABETH SEILS | News Editor

f I had a dime for every time I saw “[insert show from 2000s] reboot in the works” on my Twitter timeline in the past few months, I would be able to pay off my college loans tenfold. I’ll be honest with you, I hate reboots. I think they serve no purpose except as a flagship of streaming services and ways to draw former audiences back to TV as a new genera-

tion is watching TV in fewer and fewer numbers. I know what you’re thinking, “She’s a jaded, edgy, hipster who hates all things fun and mainstream.” Not entirely true, I like “The Office,” and I used to really enjoy old Disney Channel shows, but that’s the operative phrase: used to. I have no desire to know what Lizzie McGuire is up to these days. I can make a rough estimate: she’s in New York, working at her dream company in some fancy, well-lit New York office ... as an assistant. She’s hoping to work up the ranks, but as she says that, someone knocks the coffee she’s carrying for her boss onto her shirt. Oh no, how quirky and relatable she is. I, too, struggle in my adult life.

Chicken Doodle Soup by Claire Wagner | Vidette Cartoonist

She’s also navigating the dating world (using Tinder, of course, because she is a struggling millennial, just like us but with a Bitmoji companion) and it has its ups and downs. Until, who comes across her phone screen but ... Gordo?! How crazy and insane that ALL of the beloved characters are back together! I don’t think they’re cleverly written. I think they’re old characters that are picked up, dusted off and shoved into a bundle of millennial tropes. I can’t even say it’s a “same soup, different pot.” It’s more like “same soup, same pot, just a little older.” Why do we all flock to old soup? Because long ago, we had a really good soup. It made us happy, it warmed our little kid hearts. Now, as unhappy,

stressed adults, we return to that old soup, hoping it will taste the same. Will it? I can’t say, but I am saying that if you’re returning to reboots to relive some joy from your childhood, try something else. To conclude this angsty, I-onlylike-REAL-TV rant ... I encourage you to look beyond the excitement of seeing famous TV characters come to life, and instead try to find a new show to enjoy. In this age of countless content and content creators, why not find a new favorite rather than return to an old one? ELIZABETH SEILS is a News Editor for The Vidette. She can be contacted at elseils@ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @SeilsElizabeth.

THEY SAID IT

“

I was counting who I thought was going to go and I was not one of them. [When they said my name], I was shocked. I texted my parents telling them I was going to have [to take] a rain check for Thanksgiving.” Danny Less, Gamma Phi Circus performer

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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019

Dem McLean County Board candidate wants to ‘make a difference’ in county-level politics Candidate McCracken wants to focus on county spending against incumbent Wendt MAIA HUDDLESTON News Reporter | @maia_writes

l o o m i n g t o n resident RJ McCracken (D) will run for Board Seat 3 on the McLean County Board in 2020 against incumbent George Wendt (R). As the event director at Let’s Party Rentals, McCracken said he travels across the county and meets residents from various walks of life. “I am running because I believe that I will make a difference in the way politics is run on our county’s level,” McCracken said. McCracken said he spends his free time relaxing with his dog Sophie and reading books. He hopes to bring her along as he campaigns across the county. “I admit that I don’t spend much time home. I am blessed with good friends and workplaces that allow me to bring Sophie along,” McCracken said. “In relation to my campaign goals, I believe that this will be a similar situation.” McCracken described himself as a moderate Democrat and said he believes the government has some responsibility to look out for its citizens. He also said he does not believe the government should be a one-stop solution for social problems.

CANDIDATES INFO George Wendt

RJ McCracken

(Democrat)

Event director at Let's Party Rentals  Volunteered with Sen. Mark Kirk’s campaign 20 years ago  Lives in Bloomington with his dog, Sophie 

“We must carefully watch what we spend because it’s not our money, it’s the taxpayers’, and we have a responsibility to spend it wisely,” McCracken said. The issues McCracken plans to tackle as a board member include local business contracts and privatized nursing homes. “I believe that work done in our county and purchases made by the county should give our local businesses the first shot at all the money we spend,” McCracken said.

(Republican)

Current representative of McLean County Board District 3  Member of several committees, justice committee, serving there as vice-chairman 



Lives in Bloomington

“Even if the cost is higher, keeping the money local will be better in the long run than going out of county.” The candidate also said he wants to eliminate private nursing homes. “Our senior citizens deserve to be taken care of. They are who built our county, and I will not allow them to be put out,” McCracken said. McCracken said he became interested in politics when he met with retired Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) about 20 years ago. Kirk’s mother taught McCracken

in middle school, and McCracken said she invited him to Kirk’s candidacy announcement at the family’s home. “Meeting him with my mother led to a long conversation about his vision for the campaign, and we both volunteered,” McCracken said. “I ended up spending 30 hours a week volunteering at the campaign’s office until we managed to get him elected to the House of Representatives.” McCracken said he wants to create a space for clear dialogue between the two parties in McLean County and encourage civil deliberation. “[Kirk’s] campaign was founded on transparency and integrity, something that I to this day hold in the highest regard when evaluating our elected officials,” McCracken said. “I run with the same intention: to represent the people I live alongside with, being true to them and myself, working to make our lives better.” MAIA HUDDLESTON is a News Reporter for the Vidette. She can be reached at mkhuddl@ilstu. edu. Follow her on Twitter @maia_ writes.

“We must carefully watch what we spend because it’s not our money, it’s the taxpayers’, and we have a responsibility to spend it wisely.” RJ McCracken, McLean County Board candidate

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Stuff the Bus seeks donations of food and toys GRACE BARBIC News Editor | @gracebarbic

Paul Davis Restoration, of Bloomington-Normal and Peoria, is kicking off its 16th annual Stuff the Bus event just in time for the holiday season. Paul Davis Restoration Inc. restores, reconstructs and remodels residential and commercial properties damaged by fire, water, mold, storms and disasters. Starting Monday and continuing through Saturday, multiple locations throughout the Bloomington-Normal and Peoria communities will be collecting donations. This year Paul Davis is partnering with Connect Transit, Amalgamated Transit Union and Great Plains Media to collect donations for Children’s Home & Aid Crisis Nursery. Stuff the Bus is seeking non-perishable food, new clothing and toys, diapers and other age appropriate items. The donations will be used for children as young as infants and as old as 6 during their stay in the Crisis Nursery. Items will be accepted from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. throughout the week. Nearly 180 volunteers will help stuff the bus and organize items, greet and thank donors and hand out flyers. The items collected will help restock the local nonprofit organization’s pantry for the entire year with supplies needed to benefit the at-risk children and families within the communities. The six-day event will change donation locations each day. Donations will also be accepted at the Children’s Home & Aid office located at 403 S. State St. in Bloomington and at the Connect Transit office located at 351 Wylie Dr. in Normal.

Features

PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019

Star Struck

Gamma Phi becomes second circus to perform on famous New York Macy’s star ANDREA RICKER Features Editor | @ricker_andrea

And with the twirl of ribbon, the performance was over. Months of practice and preparation had paid off.

he Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a classic of the holiday season, gathering millions of viewers across the globe. Bloomington-Normal was able to have a moment of representation during the iconic parade.

The Aftermath

The Journey The Gamma Phi Circus is the oldest collegiate circus in America, celebrating its 90th anniversary during its home show in April. During this show, it was announced that the troupe would be travelling to New York City to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. During a practice at the beginning of the school year, circus Director Marcus Alouan and Artistic Director Ivan Stoinev announced who would be representing the troupe and the university in the parade. “Immediately when they said 16 people, I was counting who I thought was going to go and I was not one of them,” performer Danny Less said. “[When they said my name] I was shocked. I texted my parents telling them I was going to have [to take] a rain check for Thanksgiving.” The fall semester was filled with hard work from the troupe, preparing and perfecting its routine for the big day. “It was, legitimately, a lot of blood, sweat and tears,” Less said. “Specifically pertaining to what we did, it was a lot of time just preparing for it,” performer Cassie Weigel said. “There was a lot of work that went into that performance.” Gamma Phi walked alongside Coach’s float and performed with none other than Emmy award winner Billy Porter on the Macy’s star. This year was the historic parade’s 95th anniversary. Along with the anniversary, Coach was also the first luxury fashion brand to have a float in the parade. This was the first time the Gamma Phi Circus has performed in the parade, so history was also made for the organization. Not only that, the troupe was also the second circus to perform on the Macy’s star, second only to Cirque du Soleil. On Nov. 24 the performers, along with their directors and coach, took off to the big apple. During their time in the city, members were able to sight see, visit Central Park, watch

Photos Courtesy of Alyssa Greenberg

(Top) Gamma Phi Circus members show their excitement before the big parade finally begins. (Above) Performer Haley Hendricks balances on the Russian Bar, which was used during the performance on the Macy’s star with Billy Porter. (Right). Marc Sorensen and Francesca Vega perform an acrosport trick in front of “Rexy,” Coach’s giant dinosaur who accompanied the float. Coach was also the first luxury fashion brand to have a float in the parade. Broadway shows, see the Statue of Liberty and more. The troupe got to watch Circo Vazquez perform and even got a backstage tour. “Everyday was a full day,” Less said. “But it brought us a lot closer.” On Nov. 25, the troupe was let into the Macy’s store on Herald Square for costume fitting. Alterations were made and on Nov. 26 the circus had its rehearsal on the star. Before and after their rehearsal, members we able to watch other performances. After Gamma Phi’s first run of their performance, they were asked to switch out a trick with a jump rope with something else. “It was a little concerning because we wanted to get it perfect so we didn’t mess anything up,” Weigel said. The jump rope trick that was cut was one that Weigel performed with member Brendan Kim. They rehearsed another acro trick to put in the place of the previous one. “It was really scary because we weren’t getting the trick for some reason,” Weigel said. “But, when we did it for the performance it was perfect. That’s honestly all that matters.” Gamma Phi had 30 minutes to rehearse in front of Macy’s. However, it only took 10 as they were already ready to go.

The Big Day On Thanksgiving, performers had an early start when they had to meet in the lobby at

4:30 a.m. with makeup on. They hopped on the subway to the New Yorker Hotel to get their costumes on before heading to the parade route. “[The night before] I was laying in bed and I didn’t know if I was going to be able to sleep,” Weigel said. “At one point I was just thinking about how I was going to be on TV and you only get one chance. I was laying in silence and I just screamed ‘Oh my God!’ because it all hit me that this is happening. We would be doing a performance for live TV.” Before the parade started, performers were able to meet Billy Porter before walking next to Coach’s float. The parade route consisted of members performing on jumping stilts, Russian Bar, acro, juggling and various other acts. “The morning was pretty cold, I’ve got to say,” performer Marc Sorensen said. “But once we got to the point when we were at the float and we started to march it felt good to be in the cold. I felt more awake and aware of everything going on.” Just before they knew it, they were turning the corner to perform on the Macy’s star in front of millions. “Once the music began, I felt like I kind of went into a mechanical mode where my body just knew exactly what to do,” Sorensen said. “I felt so calm and happy to be there with everyone else.”

“Two days before we left [for NYC] we were not at our best,” Less said. “That got me very nervous, but I’m glad it happened though, because that made me extra cautious about spotting Russian Bar and catching every single [juggling] club.” “It helped me get in the mindset that this has to be perfect,” Less said. After its big performance, Gamma Phi had Thanksgiving dinner with the Big Apple Circus. “It all hit me when I was at Thanksgiving dinner. I was almost about to cry,” Less said. “I was just thinking, ‘This is crazy. We just did that and I’m in a circus in Macy’s because of a fifteen second difference. Because of a decision I made to join Gamma Phi last year.’” Gamma Phi Circus had a large network of support behind it throughout its journey to Macy’s. Weigel adds that the support wasn’t just for each individual performer, but for Illinois State and for the circus as a whole. “I had been looking forward to watching the parade since I got home. I think everyone has been looking forward to it since the announcement during show last year,” GPC member Jeremy Cifonie said. While Cifonie did not travel to NYC to perform in Macy’s, he adds that he was still proud of the organization to be at the Thanksgiving Day Parade. “I was nervous [watching it] because I wanted everything to be perfect for the people there,” Cifonie said. “We’re all so proud of them. I just really wanted to see them do well and they did.” Gamma Phi had one last day exploring the city before getting on a flight Saturday morning to come back to ISU. “Everything happens for a reason,” Weigel said. “You never suspect that something will happen. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity and that my decisions in life had led me to this.”

THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019

REDBIRD RE PORT ISU women’s basketball on four-game winning streak The Illinois State University women’s basketball team finished November on a high note, winning its last four contests to improve its record to 5-1. The tandem of TeTe Maggett and Lexi Wallen led the team, combining for 33 points a game.

Coach says I’m so proud of this team. To come out in the second half after being down and hold [UT-Martin] to only 11 points — I think it’s a testament to the character of our program.” Kristen Gillespie, ISU head coach

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Men’s basketball ends losing streak Courtesy of Redbird Athletics

The Illinois State University volleyball team celebrating Sunday night after finding out they would take on No. 4 Wisconsin in the opening round of the NCAA tournament. ISU earned an automatic bid after winning the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament, taking down fellow tournament team University of Northern Iowa in three sets. kills to put her team up 18-12. Volleyball While it seemed like the PanContinued from Page 1 thers could mount the comeback, the Redbirds were having none Big Ten champs Key players “Obviously there are some nerves. of it. Finishing the set by way of The Badgers finished the Junior Dana Rettke was a We know we are going to come in as the a Martin kill 25-19, the ’Birds season atop the Big Ten with a strong front player, leading the underdog and we are excited to be in that swept the reigning regular season conference record of 18-2. A team with just over three kills environment and have the chance to play champions. sweep against Rutgers a set and 126 blocks. on their home court,” junior Stef JankieJohnson saw her team playing clinched the conference Senior Tiffany Clark led wicz said. “It will be a great experience for the best since early in the season. for the Badgers. the team with 377 digs. our freshmen.” “I think this tournament mirThe Redbirds caught fire in the MVC rored our home tournament. We Tournament, only dropping one set VS. ranked teams Common opponents upset Illinois, UCF and took No. throughout the weekend. Loyola Chicago 7 Marquette to the brink,” JohnTaking on 11 ranked The two teams had was the only team to earn a set against son said. “I think our team looks foes, the Badgers ended the three common opponents this the red hot ’Birds, as they swept Evanslike that team.” year 6-5 against ranked teams. year: Marquette, Illinois and ville and the University of Northern Iowa. The ’Birds sputtered mid-seaBut the Badgers went 0-4 Ohio State. Both teams lost to Kaylee Martin led the Redbirds with a son after some key players went against ranked teams not from Marquette and Ohio State and commanding 17 kills against UNI. down with injuries. But with a fully the Big Ten. beat Illinois. The Redbirds came into this championhealthy team, the ’Birds are rolling. ship game riding a seven-game winning “The first thing that is going streak, and while that’s quite the accomright is our whole team is plishment, the Panthers did them one Sydney Holt blocked any chance of the Panthers healthy. Everyone who has been playing has been better sporting a 12-game streak that had many making a comeback attempt. fabulous,” Johnson said. “I think the difference is opponents fearful to step on the court with them. Holt finished off the set with a kill to the back when you go to the practice gym and have everyUNI’s streak started after a loss to the Redbirds on row that was too difficult to handle, taking the first one healthy it is more competitive and easier to Oct. 12, so regardless of these two teams having a set 25-21. make improvements faster.” successful season, one had to fall. Following up on a terrific set, the ’Birds pushed With the full squad, ISU has started to improve Only one team looked ready for this monumen- out to a 7-3 lead, resulting in UNI head coach its game. tal game and that was the Redbirds, who got off to Bobbi Peterson calling a timeout. Attempting to “I think the other thing we are doing really well hot starts in each of the three sets. Early on, the center her offense around MVC Player of the Year is serving and passing better than I have seen all play by Sarah Kushner was key to the Redbirds’ Karlie Taylor, the Panthers tried to change tactics. year. We are being aggressive, hitting our locaattack as she totaled three kills within the first five At every turn the ’Birds just outworked the Pantion, changing depth and passing at an elite level,” points scored. Soon to follow was Martin, who also thers. The Panthers came into this game sporting Johnson said. “The serve and pass game is huge put up three kills rather quickly. one of the best front lines in the conference, but because you can neutralize any opponent.” The Panthers seemed so out of sorts through the ’Birds were the winners on the front lines in MVC foe UNI also made the tournament as the first set, trailing 10-2 and already using both of blocks. an at-large bid. Other ISU opponents from the their timeouts. Back-to-back service aces looked to Martin continued her pressure on the Panseason, University of Illinois and Marquette, also have jumpstarted the UNI offense, but to no avail thers’ back row, but with the errors already made the tournament. as a service error followed. costing UNI, they fell behind two sets to none, Something that never changed was the continu- losing 25-16. Senior Sports Reporter Jake Fogal contributed to this ous pressure from the ’Birds. Having built their The ’Birds dominated the beginning of the third story. lead to 10 points, the Redbirds looked ferocious on set with a 4-0 run that forced UNI into a timeout. JAKE FOGAL both ends of the court. Martin and Kushner were While the Panthers began to find themselves, Senior Sports Reporter | @jFogal5 supplying the offense, while Emmy Ogogor and Martin was as hot as ever, scoring four consecutive

Scouting report: Wisconsin Badgers

“Obviously there are some nerves. We know we are going to come in as the underdog and we are excited to be in that environment and have the chance to play on their home court.” Stef Jankiewicz

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The ISU men’s basketball team defeated University of Illinois-Springfield 76-57 to end its four-game losing streak.

BY THE NUMBERS

straight wins for the ISU volleyball team. The Redbirds’ win streak started on Nov. 9 in a home match against Drake. Five of their eight victories have come by way of a sweep.

UPCOMING Men’s basketball ISU will travel to take on TCU 8 p.m. Tuesday before returning home against Morehead State 6 p.m. Saturday.

Women’s basketball ISU hosts Western Illinois 6 p.m Wednesday and then 2 p.m. Sunday at Saint Louis University.

Track and field ISU is at Charleston Friday, starting time will be announced at a later date.

Volleyball ISU will face Wisconsin in the opening round of the NCAA tournament.

Football ISU travels to Central Arkansas 6 p.m. Saturday for round two of the FCS playoffs.

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Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2019

Michael Dann | ISU Athletics

Illinois State University senior running back James Robinson (25) looks for a hole after receiving a carry in Saturday’s FCS playoff game at Southeast Missouri State University. Behind Robinson’s career-high 297 rushing yards on 41 carries and a touchdown, the Redbirds moved on to the quarterfinals of the playoffs with a 24-6 road victory over the Redhawks. The day for Robinson was an ISU record for a single game and also a Missouri Valley Football Conference record, and gives him 4,158 rushing yards in his impressive four-year ISU career. Robinson was named to the 2019 MVFC All-Conference First Team after leading the league in rushing yards and touchdowns for most of the season.

Survive and advance

Robinson’s historic day ignites ISU past SEMO 24-6 to move on in FCS playoffs JAKE SERMERSHEIM Sports Editor | @JakeSermersheim

The Illinois State University football team struggled against Youngstown State Nov. 23, falling 21-3. But a dominating run attack with star senior running back James Robinson helped the Redbirds take down Southeast Missouri State University 24-6 in the first round of the FCS playoffs. “James and our offensive line had a great game. This is how you have to play in the Missouri Valley, you have to make it off a good defense and a strong running game,” ISU head coach Brock Spack said. “We did not play well early against Youngstown. We came out today and started better. They are a tough, strong group; they came in with a chip on their shoulder and used that to their advantage.” As the focus of the Redbirds’ offense, Robinson got plenty of touches raking up 297 yards — a career high and ISU high in a game — compared to last week’s 82-yard effort. Robinson worked much more efficiently, averaging 7.2 yards a carry compared to last week’s 3.7 yards. Despite loading up the box, SEMO was unable to find an answer to Robinson. “We came into the game knowing we would run a lot,” Robinson said. “We knew they would stack the box like they did, our offensive line did a great job helping out. I did not think I was going to get the ball that much but it worked out.” Spack was not shocked by Robinson’s career day. “Watching the tape, I thought 250 was in the cards. But you never know playing someone you have never played,” Spack said. Robinson was featured early and often. Of the 15 plays in the first quarter, Robinson was handed the ball 11 times. On the first drive of the game, Robinson found the end zone after six carries and 78 yards. He set up the score after flipping field positions with a 49-yard rush. After his first big rush, Robinson knew they would have to keep the momentum up. “It was more of keeping the momentum and flow going,” Robinson said. “It is all about the momentum, we kept the energy up the whole game even though some things did not go our way.” The Redhawks responded with a 40-yard field goal to get on the board 7-3. The Redbirds found the end zone again early in the second quarter. After featuring Robinson on seven of eight plays, ISU featured a play fake with freshman quarterback Bryce Jefferson. Faking to Robinson, Jefferson completed the quarterback draw as he ran untouched into the end zone for his first rushing touchdown. Jefferson got in the action again in the final minutes of the first half. Faking the run to Robinson, Jefferson threw a

ISU football quick hits Player of the game Undoubtedly, senior running back James Robinson was the main storyline in ISU’s upset victory at Southeast Missouri State University, compiling 297 rushing yards on 41 rushing attempts while also scoring an 11-yard touchdown in the first quarter. The performance by Robinson was the most rushing yards gained by an individual player in ISU history, and also set a Missouri Valley Football Conference playoff game record. Robinson also surpassed 4,000 yards for his career.

Stepping up Despite the strong rushing performance by Robinson, redshirt freshman quarterback Bryce Jefferson stepped into the starting role and guided an ISU offense that gained 392 total yards of offense. Jefferson finished going 4 for 7 for 52 yards and tossed a 33-yard touchdown to Andrew Edgar in the third quarter. He also added 28 rushing yards on seven carries and a 13-yard score.

Michael Dann | ISU Athletics

Illinois State University senior linebacker Tuvone Clark chases after Southeast Missouri State quarterback Joe Pyle during ISU’s 24-6 victory over the Redhawks Saturday in the first round of the FCS playoffs in Cape Girardeau, Missouri.

Up next ISU (9-4) will travel to Conway, Arkansas, to take on the No. 8 seeded Central Arkansas Bears 2 p.m. Saturday. The last time the two teams faced off was in the 2016 FCS playoffs, where the Bears escaped with a 31-24 home victory in the first round to advance. This was just the second time the two teams met, with the previous matchup coming Sept. 9, 2006 in an ISU 18-3 win at Hancock Stadium. Field goals ruled the game, as the team combined for five total. The Redbirds have posted a 6-4 overall record against Southland Conference teams like UCA. deep bomb to sophomore wide receiver Andrew Edgar for the 33-yard touchdown. “Coming in I knew my guys had my back and that we would do well if we executed the plan,” Jefferson said. “The nerves were not there, it is football go out there and win the game.” That was Edgar’s first touchdown since Week 4 against Northern Arizona. Late in that game after catching a pass from Brady Davis, Edgar was tackled and on the play shattered his collarbone. “I got hit while throwing it, I had to trust that he was going to be there,” Jefferson said.

Scouting the opponent A member of the Southland conference, the Bears finished the season at 9-3 overall and finished in a tie with Nicholls State for first place in the conference with a 7-2 record. UCA dropped the head-to-head matchup earlier in the season to Nicholls 34-14, and its only other conference loss came on Nov. 9 as Southeastern Louisiana State upset the Bears 34-0 on the road. Sophomore wide receiver Lujuan Winningham and junior defensive back Robert Rochell were the lone UCA players named to the All-Southland Conference First Team, which was announced Monday. COMPILED BY BLAINE LEWALLEN | SPORTS EDITOR

In his first start filling in for the injured Davis, Jefferson had a solid showing, throwing 4-7 for 52 yards, one rushing touchdown and a passing touchdown. Neither team was able to get much going in the second half. The only points scored were off field goals from ISU’s Sam Fenlason and SEMO’s Kendrick Tiller. ISU’s defense was disruptive in the second half. Forcing a fumble, three interceptions and three sacks were key for the Redbirds stopping the Redhawks in the second half. Devin Taylor was especially explosive with five solo tackles, one tackle for loss and a big interception.