videtteonline.com
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
CHAMPS!
Vol. 129 / No. 44
Photo courtesy of ISU Athletics
Illinois State (25-5, 17-1 Missouri Valley Conference) poses after Saturday’s game against Northern Iowa. The Redbirds are the No. 1 seed in this week’s MVC Tournament in St. Louis.
Redbirds clinch first place in Valley for first time since 1997-98
Illinois State rolls past Northern Iowa, 63-42, in season finale, captures first victory at Cedar Falls in 13 years, awarded No. 1 seed for MVC Tournament
Mayor Tari Renner
Alderman Diana Hauman
Ian Bayne
Robert Fike
See back page for story
Alderman Kevin Lower
Mayoral candidates prepare for primary With five hopefuls eyeing the position currently held by Mayor Tari Renner, a primary will take place Tuesday, the vote will narrow the race to two for the April election Compiled by Ema Sasic & Mary Cullen | News Editors
Mayor Tari Renner
Alderman Diana Hauman
Ian Bayne
Robert Fike
Alderman Kevin Lower
Tari Renner is the current mayor of Bloomington and is now running for re-election. This marks Renner’s third mayoral race. In his three and a half years as mayor, Renner has overseen many additions to the community. “Bloomington is on the move. We are clearly an attractive area for people to invest, and we want to make it even more so,” Renner said. At the start of Renner’s time as mayor, the Illinois Policy Institute rated the city of Bloomington with an “F” for transparency. Nearly four years later, Renner has been proud to announce the city is now awarded an “A.” Renner also holds a position at Illinois Wesleyan University as a tenured political science faculty member.
Ward 8 alderman Diana Hauman was appointed to her position two years ago. In an interview with WJBC, Hauman commended the recent positive features added to the City of Bloomington. With this in mind, she still believes “we can do better.” “Our first priority is to continue to maintain our high levels of public safety, continuing to support our police and fire departments,” Hauman said in the interview with WJBC. “Then, like any successful organization, we need to know where we are going.” Hauman believes this requires a strategic plan that defines what the City of Bloomington wants to be. This includes concrete plans to get to that place as well as the willingness to put work in to achieve it.
Ian Bayne’s campaign website states the heart of his platform rests on cutting taxes and bringing jobs back to residents. “Bloomington’s recent sales tax [increase] was not only harmful but unnecessary,” Bayne said on the “Issues” section of his campaign website. “After raising the city sales tax to 8.75 percent, the money brought in resulted in a surplus in spending that equaled the increase in tax. That means the city didn’t need the money to operate.” He wants to focus on making Bloomington a more business-friendly environment. Known for his work as a morning radio host on NewsTalk 98.3 and Cities 92.9 WRPW from 2014 to 2016, Bayne now works as editor for Inside Bloomington.
Robert Fike was the final candidate to enter the race for Bloomington mayor. He was born and raised in Bloomington and graduated from Bloomington High School. He is an Illinois State University alumnus with a degree in mathematics. Fike was also a member of the Bloomington Fire Department, retiring in 2008. Some of Fike’s plans if elected mayor include no new taxes, an early retirement package and cutting travel spending. “I don’t think we need to be going to Cuba,” Fike said. “I think we need to stay home and take care of our home community and maybe travel to Normal and talk to them, but Cuba seems a little bit out of the way.”
Kevin Lower was elected Precinct Committeeman in Precinct 18, which includes South Hill, to begin his public service. Since April 2013, he has been a member of the Bloomington City Council, representing Ward 1. He also has a history with the Bloomington-Normal airport as a transfer airline pilot. If elected mayor, Lower wants to build a northeast fire station and invest in public safety in the police and fire department with training. He also believes economic growth in Bloomington is slow because of excess spending. “ The local government is involved in much too much,” he said. “We need to get back to basics.”
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
STAFF LIST Editor in Chief
Ave Rio
News Editors
Ema Sasic Mary Cullen
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
MCN receives 94 percent on licensure exam high standards and high expectations for our students,” Neubrander said. “We also have great clinical partners that prov ide excellent experiences for our students. We have a state of the art simulation lab that gives students the opportunity to practice high risk skills in a low risk setting before practicing in a clinical setting. We also have a success program that prepares students to learn how to think critically and take tests.” The Commission on Collegiate Nu r s i ng E duc at ion (C C N E) recommends that the NCLEX-RN pass rates for colleges must be 80 percent or higher. In this circumstance, the Mennonite College of Nursing went above and beyond the expectations. “The College of Nursing has students who are focused and excel as students and caregivers,” Neubrander said. “They spend a tremendous amount of time studying and learning the skills and knowledge they need to meet the rigorous standards required to be a nurse and to successfully pass the NCLEX. ISU College of Nursing graduates are the best and brightest and should give others confidence when they need health care that if they have a Redbird nurse caring for them — they are in good hands.”
ALI RASPER News Reporter | @AliRasper4
Features Editor
Bret Farrell
Art Director
Nicholas Buegel
Ad Sales Manager
Kevin Rizzo Ad Production Manager
Evan Morris Business Manager
Zach Oldenburg Office Manager
Maddillon Kenney Marketing Team Manager
Charlie Goodyear
Web Editor
Caleb Boma
Business Adviser
Madeline Smith
General Manager
John Plevka
DIRECTORY EDITOR 309.438.8745 ADVERTISING 309.438.8742 BUSINESS 309.438.5929 CLASSIFIEDS 309.438.7685 NEWS 309.438.2882 FEATURES 309.438.8746 SPORTS 309.438.3723 FACSIMILE 309.438.5211
MONDAY
Emma Horath | Vidette Senior Photographer
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) recommends colleges receive at least an 80 percent on the nursing licensure exam. “This program provides clinical experiences for our students in 26 elementary schools in central Illinois. St udents lear n about pediatric health care in settings where students spend most of their time — at school,” Neubrander said. “Nursing students educate elementar y students about their bodies, about oral health care, mental health care and safety issues. Nursing students also participate in
Professors to lead brown bag talk on diversity, inclusion KEVIN SCHWALLER Senior News Reporter | @kevschwa
Illinois State University’s Department of Psychology Brown Bag Series will present a Diversity and Inclusion session with Beth Hatt, Ph.D., and Pamela Hoff, Ph.D., at noon Wednesday in DeGarmo Hall Room 551. Hatt and Hoff are associate professors in the Department of Educational Administration and Foundations. Hatt will lead a discussion on “The Cultural Production of Smartness,” and Hoff’s topic is “Colonizing Communities: Smartness and the Ideology of Domination.” Hatt said she and Hoff often write and present discussions together.
TUESDAY
“Dr. Hoff and I regularly present and write together around issues of diversity and equity,” Hatt said. “The psychology department wants to do more work regarding diversity and equity. As a result, they asked us to speak.” Hatt said her talk will look at what it means to be smart in education. “Sometimes we do not think critically about the ways we think about who is smart or what it means to be smart,” she said. “I believe that students develop academic identities in relation to schooling and that a piece of this is whether students perceive themselves as smart.” “I am especially interested in thinking about how we can reframe smartness in schools to include such things as street smarts rather than always focusing upon book smarts,” Hatt said. Hatt explained why she thinks students should attend the talk. “We will discuss how to make academic spaces more inviting for students and faculty who are the first in their (families) to go to college and/or students of color,” Hatt said. “If people are interested in how to do this, then they will find our session interesting.” The speaker series is sponsored by the ISU Department
55 High 67 Low 45 Low 45 Precip 10% Precip 60%
47 Low 28 Precip 60% High
Source: National Weather Service
48 Low 22 Precip 10% High
Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Photographer
Professors Beth Hatt and Pamela Hoff will speak on intelligence and its relation to culture.
of Psychology. Admission is free and open to the public. For additional information or special accommodation, call the department at (309) 439-8651 or contact Department of Psychology Media Manager Mandy Webster at (309) 438-8687 or alwebs1@ilstu.edu.
COUPON
WEDNESDAY THURSDAY
$ High
home visits with their elementary students. They provide education to students and their parents.” It took a lot of hard work to get to where they are today, and Neubrander expects to continue on this path in the years to come and hopes to grow the program even bigger than it currently is. “Our facult y are amazingly committed to providing a high quality education for our students. They have
8.99
Two-bedroom townhouses starting at $350/bedroom with parking
HAIRCUT
Sand volleyball and basketball courts coming in Spring 2017!!
CAMPUS: Main St Between Mcdonalds & Buff. Wild Wings NORMAL EAST: Veterans Parkway in front of Walmart NORMAL NORTH: Main & Raab By Moe's and new Schnucks
WALK RIGHT IN! Expires 5/20/2017
COUPON
VID899
Best Value. Great Locations.
Rent SAMI. ASK ABOUT OUR SPECIALS!*
SERVICE FEE WAIVER Bring this coupon at signing, and we will waive your service fee.
75
$
VA L U E
7
Social Media Manager
/1
Night Editors
Anya Malley Brigid Ackerman
18
Photo Editors
Jenna Kadziulis Kelly McNamara
2/
Josh Tolentino Beth Geistlinger
The Mennonite College of Nursing received a 94 percent pass rate on the national nursing licensure exa minat ion (NCL E X-R N) of Baccalaureate Degree state schools in Illinois for 2016. The national and state of Illinois pass rate is 85 percent. Dean of the Mennonite College of Nursing Judy Neubrander ref lected on receiving the award. “Mennonite College of Nursing has been at the top of the state schools in Illinois for many years,” Neubrander said. “This first-place ranking is an acknowledgement of the quality of nurse that graduates from our program. Our graduates are compassionate, caring and competent. The NCLEX scores reflect the hard work of both our faculty and students.” Neubrander, excited for what is to come in the future following the high percentage rate, said, “building on the College of Nursing’s nearly 100year history of excellence, the college continues to be on the forefront of where health care is going.” One example Neubrander gives is the “America Promise Program.”
EXP .
Deb Bethel
Sports Editors
This coupon must be present at signing.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
Gamma Phi Circus flips to Vegas Story by MALLORY LOVINGS | News Reporter
Photo submitted by Mattie Schaefer
Gamma Phi performers Rebecca Angles and Mattie Schaefer.
I
llinois State University’s Gamma Phi Circus traveled to Las Vegas last weekend on Feb. 17 to participate in the VIVA Fest Competition. “This was a competition, but we went for the experience of performing and connecting with other circus performers around the world and the states,” captain of Acro-Sport and Lyra Hoop of Gamma Phi Circus Alison Tye said. Treasurer of the Circus Executive Board Savannah Wetzel said VIVA Fest is the first
international circus festival in the United States. The director and assistant director of the circus reached out to creators of the festival and were invited to participate. With this being the first VIVA Fest, it took a lot of preparation and planning. Director Marcus Alouan and Assistant Director Ivan Stoinev chose which two acts they thought would best represent the Gamma Phi Circus in Vegas. “I gained so much from this experience. We got to see another side of the circus world and community,” Co-Head of Theme Committee Mattie Schaefer said. “It was great to participate in something that is keeping circus alive.” Schaefer said the festival gave the performers opportunities to go to seminars and classes that were taught by retired Cirque du Soleil performers. They were also given the opportunity to go on tours and rehearsals of KÀ, LOVE and Mystère. “I really enjoyed meeting all of the different circus artists that performed at the competition,” Wetzel said. “It was inspiring seeing different artists’ interpretation of various circus acts and how they performed.” Tye believes this trip gave Gamma Phi Circus acknowledgement in that it has the ability to produce talented performers. Not only are they putting in work and practice to improve as performers, but they are doing it while studying and working hard to get their degrees. “The majority of the people in Gamma Phi came in with no experience to circus and are there because they share the same passion all circus performers hold,” Tye said.
Photo submitted by Natalie Wetzel
The Gamma Phi VIVA Fest performers include (from left) Rebecca Angles, ISU alumnus Cornell Freeney, Joseph Kernes, Alison Tye, Savannah Wetzel and Mattie Schaefer. To Wetzel, this was a life-changing experience she hopes the circus will participate in annually. “Circus is an art and it always amazes me how people interpret it and also the skills they have developed,” Tye said. “There is no end game in circus, there is always something to be learned, something to be taught and I think that was a huge eye-opener for me this trip.” The performers competed in the category of “Emerging Artists” and their acts included Lyra Hoop combined with Cyr
Wheel, and also Dance Trapeze. They were inspired by the Broadway shows “Cats” and “Wicked.” “I am so proud of the hard work they put in. It seems like just yesterday we were all trying out for the circus three years ago,” Schaefer said. Mallory Lovings is a News Reporter at The Vidette. Contact her at mloving@ilstu.edu and follow her on Twitter @MalloryLovings.
‘Welcome Neighbor’ signs multiply in Blo-No Recent influx of protests around the nation have made for very interesting and creative use of signs, but one church’s unique sign resonated with people so much it spread across the whole country, even making its way to central Illinois. The Immanuel Mennonite Fellowship in Harrisonburg, Va., started making the now pinned “Welcome Neighbor” signs about a year ago in response to the anti-immigrant rhetoric used by presidential candidates. The church’s Facebook page explains why they chose to display the signs. “At Immanuel Mennonite Church, our motto is ‘real people following Jesus’s radical call to love and service.’ Posting signs is a way to show our deep commitment to sharing God’s love in the world,” the Facebook post reads. “We encourage you
Kelly McNamara | Vidette Photo Editor
These “Welcome Neighbor” signs can be found across Blo-No. to join us in welcoming the stranger, getting to know your neighbors, hosting and being hosted, reaching out across divides, providing shelter, seeking justice, and sharing love with friend and stranger.” The signs read, “No matter where you are from, we’re glad you’re our
neighbor” in English, Spanish and Arabic, in hopes of relaying a message of inclusivity to people who may feel unwelcome in our country.
Pastor
Continue reading this online. videtteonline.com
FRI. THURS. WED. TUES. MON.
STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Reporter | @StephanieRoddd
$5 Domestic Pitchers $3 Fireball Lunch Special: Ribeye Steak Sandwich $2 Domestic Longnecks $3 Rail Calls $3 Imports and Micro Brews Lunch Special: Reuben $1 Tacos (3pm-9pm) $5 Bud Family Pitchers $4 Vodka & Redbull $4 Bombs Lunch Special: Pork Tenderloin $2 Domestic Bottles $3 J.P. Wisers Rye Whiskey $3 Sailor Jerry Lunch Special: Ham & Cheese $3 Jack Daniels $2.50 Keeper Cup $2.75 Corona and Corona Lite Lunch Special: Cod Sandwich
Patio Open & Margarita Specials Everyday! 102 N. Linden St. | 309.452.0699
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
Immigration reform necessary (much like human decency)
T
hrough just more than a month of his Presidency, one thing about Donald Trump is apparent — the man intends to follow through on his core campaign promises. Among the most notable of those promises are the ones relating to immigration reform. After “build the wall,” the second priority of Trump’s immigration aims could be summarized as “kick them out.” Immigration is a touchy subject for most and it should be. After all, regardless of your personal stance on how to deal with the issue of undocumented immigration, it is imperative to keep in mind that those at hand are fellow human beings with the same exact fears and aspirations as the rest of us. Oftentimes, when our president speaks he does so in a matter that negates this, or dehumanizes them. This is wrong for any individual to do, but especially when that individual is the most powerful man in the world. Now this condemnation of Trump’s words should not be confused for condemnation of a tougher stance on illegal immigration — in fact, a tougher stance is needed. A conversation with almost any immigrant who spent years following the legal process to immigrate will tell you how unfair
they feel it is when people have “cut in the line.” However, taking a tougher stance is something that must be done with the utmost dignity and patience when human lives are at stake. Playing up fears of nonexistent crime, stoking racism and rushing shifts in federal guidelines does not fit this bill. As has been widely reported in recent weeks, Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been given wider rights to hunt down undocu-
mented immigrants. Whereas they were directed to pursue violent criminals and gang members under the Obama Administration, they have now been given free reign to pursue any and all undocumented immigrants. Many have celebrated this and reports have stated that morale among ICE agents is the highest it has been in recent memory. Largely unreported though are the many ICE agents stating their concern that protocols are changing too quickly,
and that potential matters of life-and-death are being handled hastily. One sign of encouragement has been decrees that the aptly named “dreamer” immigrants — those who were brought here illegally as children — will be allowed to remain in the United States while seeking formal citizenship. Also encouraging has been the claim that violent undocumented immigrants will remain the priority in terms of ICE efforts at deportation. However,
Editorial Cartoon by Ashley Brown | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist
questions remain and concerning situations have arisen. The largest such issue has been apparent claims that undocumented immigrants from Central and South America will be deported to Mexico. Not only is this risky in the sense that it foists an unfair responsibility onto a major ally in our Southern neighbor, but also in that it potentially places at-risk people into an unfamiliar and dangerous situation. Also concerning is the potential for ICE agents to begin terrorizing non-violent undocumented immigrants. A report two weeks ago from Virginia stated that officers targeted men leaving a homeless shelter during a raid. While enforcement is undoubtedly difficult, doing so in ways that will not have unintended consequences should be prioritized, even if it means action will have to wait. Unlike so may of the issues purported by Trump to be serious and of dire importance, immigration reform is undoubtedly necessary. It will be interesting to see if an administration that has shown impulsiveness, disorganization and disregard for human decency will be able to change its tune when handling an issue that will demand the opposite.
Editorial written by TOM HEAGNEY, 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.
GO TO VIDETTEONLINE.COM TO VOTE!
ONLINE POLL
?
Are you happy with the results of The Academy Awards?
Classic Hollywood surprise ending at Oscars MY VIEW EMA SASIC | Columnist
T
he 89th Academy Awards came and went Sunday night and it was everything I could have wanted from an award show. My friends and family know how obsessed I am with the Oscars, and everyone has had to unfortunately listen to me gush about the show over the past month. Well, the night finally happened and it was full of all the glitz and glam of Hollywood. Host Jimmy Kimmel kept things political while still poking fun at people in and out of the room. He touched base on the current administration and immigration ban, saying the Oscars were broadcasted to over 200 countries and the ones “that now
hate us.” He even shed light on the trending hashtag #OscarsSoWhite from last year. The takeaway from the year’s nominated films was “Black people saved NASA, and white people saved jazz,” which is what “you call progress.” As a huge Oscar buff, I pride myself on guessing as many winners correctly as I can. I fill out my bracket each year and anxiously await the results. The absolute biggest surprise of the night happened when “La La Land” was announced Best Picture, but it turned out Warren Beatty read the wrong film. He saw Emma Stone’s name on the card winning for “La La Land,” so he assumed it was for the film. However, “Moonlight” came out on top. To say I was at a loss for words in that moment is an understatement. Everyone in the room was shocked, and for good reason. It’s pretty much one of those “what just happened” moments that I’m still confused about. Nonetheless,
“Moonlight” and “La La Land” are both great films and deserving of the big honor. For the actors and actresses that took away the gold statue, there really were no surprises. Mahershala Ali won Best Supporting Actor for “Moonlight,” while Viola Davis won her first Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for “Fences.” Both were for sure winning awards and rightfully so. I was hoping for some shakeups in the Best Actor and Actress category, but it was as I had predicted. Casey Affleck and Emma Stone took home Best Actor and Best Actress for “Manchester by the Sea” and “La La Land,” respectively. The performances were fine, don’t get me wrong, but they’re not what I think of when I think of an Oscarwinning role. The veteran actors in both categories should have won, but it is what it is. Something else I expected was for there to be political statements. There weren’t many, but the biggest was Asghar Farhadi not attending
REDBIRD RUMBLE or FUMBLE Redbird Rumble:
To the Redbird basketball team for sharing first place in the Missouri Valley Conference on Saturday. This is the first time ISU’s basketball team has been in first place in the MVC since 1997-98.
the Oscars. Even though he won Best Foreign Language Film for “The Salesman,” he did not come to the show out of respect for the people of his country. He is from Iran, one of the seven Muslimmajority countries currently under the immigration ban. I can only imagine what it feels like to win an Oscar, but defending the country you love is an even stronger feeling. This was a great move by Farhadi, and one that I highly respect. As for upsets, I promise you will never hear me say or write “Oscarwinning movie ‘Suicide Squad’” ever again. It’s the film almost everyone made fun of and somehow it still has the same number of Academy Awards as Leonardo DiCaprio. Let that sink in. Cute touches that I loved included the real Katherine Johnson, one of the women depicted in “Hidden Figures,” coming out to join Janelle Monáe, Taraji P. Henson and Octavia Spencer to introduce the Documentary Feature. As one
of the movies I absolutely loved this year, I thought this was so adorable. She did not receive the recognition she deserved while at NASA, but this film and the Oscar stage put a spotlight on her and the other women. Another one of my favorite moments was Moana herself Auli’i Cravalho singing “How Far I’ll Go” with Lin-Manuel Miranda. That movie was such a breath of fresh air, and Cravalho could not get any cuter. Plus, she did an incredible job singing. Although they didn’t win Best Original Song, they’re still the winners in my heart. Overall, I didn’t do as well as I usually do with my bracket. I had 16 out of 24 correct picks. It’s definitely not my best year, but I think I still deserve an Oscar for trying. EMA SASIC is a junior journalism major and News Editor and columnist for The Vidette. Any questions or comments regarding her column can be sent to vidette_esasic@ ilstu.edu. Follow her on Twitter at @ema_sasic.
Compiled by The Vidette Editorial Board
Redbird Fumble: To the record low crime rate in Bloomington.
According to the city’s 2016 FBI Uniform Crime Report, 82 fewer cases of crime were reported in 2016 than in 2015. That’s a 5 percent decrease.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
Former General Manager of WGCI to speak at ISU STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Reporter | @StephanieRoddd
Radio Executive Marv Dyson will be at Illinois State University Monday to help the university celebrate Black History Month and share with students the knowledge he has acquired over his long career. D yson will speak at 7 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts’ (CPA) Concer t Hall. The School of Communication Marv event is free and Dyson open to the public. The radio legend is credited with leading Chicago’s WGCI-AM/FM to its status as “No. 1 for hip-hop and R&B.” Dyson will speak on his experiences as president and general manager of WGCI in Chicago, as well as managing radio stations for Atlas Communications, Johnson Publishing Company, Gannett Inc., Chancellor Media, Evergreen Media, AMFM Radio Inc. and Clear Channel Radio, the world’s largest media company. Associate Dean of the ISU College of Arts and Sciences Joseph Blaney said Dyson is one of the radio world’s trailblazers. “In an industry full of smart but cautious media executives, Marv Dyson blazed trails for the urban contemporary format and made it something to be imitated nationwide,” Blaney said. “He fought ferociously for his product and clients. He changed the media landscape in Chicago forever.” In 1979, Dyson took WGCI’s revenue — which then stood at $2 million — to $20 million by the year 2000, making it one of the top major-market radio stations in the nation. Dyson received his Media Management degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his Master’s degree as a Certified Radio Marketing Consultant from the Radio Advertising Bureau. In the world of radio broadcasting, Dyson remains the longest tenured general manager and is now on the Board of Directors of the Illinois Broadcasters Association and a member of the Radio Broadcasters of Chicago. Along with former WGCI Radio Senior Account Executive Kevin Wagner Dyson founded the URBan Radio Broadcasting, LLC, which owns nearly 11 radio stations in Alabama, Mississippi and Ohio.
Route 66 under debate as a national historic trail CLAIRE WEINZIERL News Reporter | @ClaireWeinzierl
A pair of federal bills could establish Route 66 as a National Historic Trail. The bills come from U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) and U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Peoria). They could also help create a Route 66 100th anniversary committee, which is 9 years away. LaHood said in news release that Route 66 has been a crucial transportation artery in the U.S. and it is time it gets the national recognition it deserves. Local Route 66 enthusiast Terri Ryburn will be opening a visitor center and gift shop this spring at 305 Pine St. in Normal, the former Sprague Super Service gas station. Ryburn has been restoring the building since 2006 and in June 2016 the Town of Normal purchased the building to finish its restoration. The former Sprague gas station on Route 66 in Normal will re-open its doors as Ryburn Place. The station is on the National Register of Historic Places, is a Town of Normal landmark property and is in the Route 66 Association of Illinois Hall of Fame. “Establishing it (Route 66) as a National Historic Trail adds a layer of importance and protection to what remains of the road and the buildings that stand along it,” Ryburn said.
Anna Gallagher | Vidette Photographer
If legislation passes deeming Route 66 a historic trail, adjacent businesses would also benefit from added importance and protection. Route 66 was designated on November 11, 1926 and was the first all-weather road from Chicago to the west coast. As the Depression began and worsened, people used it to travel to California, seeking a better life. The last part of Route 66 was bypassed in 1984 near Williams, Ariz. “It was in the 1990s that people began to feel nostalgia for Route 66 and the simpler way of life it seemed to embody,” Ryburn said. McLean County Museum of History Executive Director Beth Whisman said that its visitor center sends Route 66 travelers to sites in the area including its “Cruisin’ with Lincoln on 66” exhibit in the museum, the Sprague station, the original Steak ‘n Shake restaurant,
SUMMER SESSIONS START MAY 22 AND JUNE 5. Start planning your summer now at harpercollege.edu/summer
PLEASE VISIT VIDETTEONLINE. COM TO SEE THE ANSWERS TO THIS PUZZLE
MONDAY
Burger Baskets:
$1.50 Coors Lt & Miller Family Bottles $2.50 20 OZ Micro Drafts $3.00 Whiskey Monday
$2.00 Single Basket $3.50 Double Basket
TUESDAY
Mon-Fri 5 pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
$2.00 20 OZ Rolling Rock $2.00 Import/Micro/Cider Bottles $2.50 Tito’s Tuesday
WEDNESDAY
21 & Over After 6 pm
102 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-7393
which is now Monical’s Pizza on Main Street and the BEER NUTS factory. Other sites include the
Miller Park Zoo, which is the only zoo on Route 66; Funk’s Grove, the midpoint for Route 66 in Illinois; the Dixie Truck Stop in McLean and our friends down the road in Atlanta, Ill. and Lincoln, Ill. The McLean County Museum of History is also beginning to open 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays since many other communities do not have Route 66 sites with Sunday hours. “We are collaborating with the Lincoln’s Festival in Bloomington group to rebrand that event as Lincoln’s Festival on Route 66 this summer. This will enhance our area of impact along our stretch wof the road that has been known as the Red, White and Blue Corridor of Route 66,” Whisman said. There will be activities in communities from Normal to Springfield during the Lincoln’s Festival.
BAR & GRILL
$1.25 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Vegas Bombs $3.00 Top Shelf & Bombs
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
Hang out with Hammin’ Out REBECCA MONACO Features Reporter @rebecca_monaco
W
ith enjoyable weather coming r ight around the corner, the most popular place to hang out on campus will be to Know full of life again. The Quad is where students come to hang out, study, read, play sports and listen to music. But in the heart of the Quad, there is a group of students who catch everyone’s eye, and that is the registered student organization, Hammin’ Out. Hammin’ Out members can easily be spotted on the Quad at the designated hammock tree. Often, the hammock tree can hold up to 10 hammocks. The club is best known for its friendship, relaxation and appreciation for nature. Many students at Illinois State University easily overlook this RSO because it is usually only seen when there is nice weather outside. The club, founded on March 20 2013, can be seen on the Quad during nice weather. President and junior molecular cellular biology major Michael Muneses said that Hammin’ Out is home to at least 40 members and is always accepting more.
RSO
events, fundraising ideas and even T-shirt designs. The club raises money through coupon specials and promotions throughout the year to fund future events and trips. In the past, it has gone on camping trips and has even hosted t hemed events. The club steals the spot light dur ing Festival ISU, an annual festival on the Quad t h at pr omote s student run organizations, clubs and sports teams. Many students are attracted to the club during this event and develop a love for the hammocking lifestyle. The hammocking Courtesy of Hammin’ Out’s Facebook culture is easily Hammin’ Out members are easily spotted at the designated hammock tree on ISU’s Quad. picked up by “This organization has allowed “Especially in Illinois, the weather anyone who takes me a release from my studies and can be depressing. So as soon as to it. The hobby simply consists given me lifelong friendships,” it’s warm enough to set up a ham- of having a hammock, two good Muneses said. mock on the Quad, Hammin’ Out trees to tie the hammock tightly The club is a home away from is the first place I go to.” to and an appreciation for the home for many students. Junior Hammin’ Out not only invites outdoors and nature. While and music therapy major Marcos local ISU students to hammock hammocking can be done alone, Ahlman says he has been a part of with it, but the RSO also encour- it can also be done with friends. Hammin’ Out ever since he bought ages and invite them to explore Members encourage others to have a hammock at ISU. outside the ISU Quad. The student- a “hammocking” playlist to share “I love to spend as much time run organization has meetings with others or a good book to read outside as possible,” he said. regularly to discuss future while relaxing outside.
‘Jazz’ it up for Mardi Gras
‘Great Wall’: Not so great
MARIDSA CHOUTE Features Reporter | @maridsa_
EVAN HOON Features Reporter | @Hoondog7
Tuesday night Jazz UpFront is celebrating Mardi Gras in style with its first annual Fat Tuesday celebration and parade from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Jazz UpFront wanted to start a tradition to pay homage to New Orleans and Mardi Gras through music, tradition and New Orleans foods like shrimp and grits. “Our owner was talking to one of our [regulars] and they both loved Mardi Gras and thought a Illustration by Nicholas Buegel | Art Director celebration could have huge potential to be successful, her to see if she wanted Diggers so we’re basically planning to participate in the evening this big party,” Club Manager festivities. Danielle Dixon said. “Years ago few bars did The club is still relatively anything to celebrate Mardi new — this is its second year in Gras, but now a lot of them do Bloomington-Normal — but Jazz … What makes this different is UpFront hopes events like this that there are three businesses will set it apart. involved, so I think that would “We hope the turnout for it is make more people interested in great. We did a music festival on attending,” Bateman said. Front St. last summer and a lot Diggers is preparing by of people showed up, so we hope decorating its bar and preparing to have a similar attendance for hurricanes. this,” Dixon said. The Prairieland Dixie Band The parade starts at Jazz will lead the parade and take UpFront then makes two stops; participants to both stops and the first at Diggers and the other back to Jazz UpFront for dinner. at Rosie’s Pub. Tickets are $35 in advance and “I think it will be really $40 on the day of the parade; successful because it’s Mardi Gras each ticket includes one drink and this is a really interesting per establishment, dinner, way to celebrate it,” Peg Bateman, music, masks and beads. owner of Diggers, said. Anyone planning to attend Bateman said that the owner must be 21 and over. of Jazz UpFront reached out to
Matt Damon passed up “Manchester by the Sea” for this movie? “The Great Wall” is the new computer-generated dumpster fire of 2017. It stars Matt Damon, Willem Dafoe and Pedro Pascal, three actors that come to everyone’s mind when a story needs to be told about the Great Wall of China. Two rogue explorers, played by Damon and Pascal, are being chased by a band of warriors before somehow stumbling across the largest manmade landmark on planet Earth. They are then captured by the Chinese army, led by actress Jing Tian. After awkward scenes of bland exposition, the prisoners learn that the army is in a constant war with a race of mutant monsters called the Tao Tei. Damon and his sidekick are caught in the middle of the war and have to make a decision if they want to escape or fight for someone other than themselves. This movie is a mess. This movie is a pile of tangled iPod headphones. The first large fight sequence happens about 15 minutes into the movie, before any of the audience has any chance to know what is happening. The monsters are as bland and as uninspired as Damon’s char-
REVIEW
acter. Damon’s Scottish/Spanish/ British accent changes sporadically, like the direction of a rubber ball in a racquetball court. If the audience does not care about the characters, no amount of action can keep a viewer interested in the movie. No character has any personality or passion. There are no stakes because the monsters are incredibly easy to kill and the main characters never experience pain or struggle. The two elements that this movie should get right are the effects and the action set pieces. Both elements are executed terribly. Any scene involving a human and a monster is completely jarring. The computer generated creatures do MCT Photo not blend into their environment at all. Massive armies do not make pointless fight scenes interesting. Filling up the screen with mindless action does not make a compelling movie. The only thing redeemable about this movie is the Chinese army. On a pure visual basis, the color coded army does keep the eye slightly interested in what is going on. However, Damon’s character ruins the sleek aesthetic with a ragged, European look. “The Great Wall” is a mindnumbing, lazy, waste of 104 minutes. Character sacrifices are emotionless, action moments are not earned and Matt Damon cannot rock a man bun. Rating: 0.5/5 stars
Blo-No makes splash for Special Olympics JAKE PLAUTZ Features Reporter | @JakePlautz
Bloomington-Normal residents plunged themselves into the depths of Miller Park Lake for a worthy cause this Saturday, as hundreds of people came together to take a frozen dip to raise money for the Special Olympics. This is the fourth consecutive year for Bloomington-Normal’s Polar Plunge. John Stephens, who runs the hospitality unit at the plunge, said that the last few years they’ve had somewhere close to 800 plungers show up. This year, they were supposedly expecting more than one thousand. Stephens has worked with the Special Olympics for the last 22 years and been helping at the plunge for the last four. He said he does it because “they’re a bunch of great people to work with and to work for.” Stephens also plays Santa during Christmas in Uptown Normal. Many of the plungers were in costume, dressed up anywhere from M&M’s to unicorns. A team of over 25 plungers was the first to go into the lake at 10:30 a.m. Most people made a face that was a mixture of shock and joy as they ran into the freezing water. The line to get in extended around the fenced-in area of the lake. One unfortunate, yet oddly fitting detail of the day was the weather. Ironically, the plunge took place on the coldest day of the week, with the temperature dropping down to 25 degrees. Participant in the plunge and Illinois State University sociology professor Doug Dowell said, “Yeah, definitely would’ve preferred it to be warmer.” Dowell and his son Christian were part of the Special Opportunities Available in Recreation’s team of plungers, all dressed as different colors of M&M’s. Dowell and his son were blue, wearing all blue clothes and a pair of bright blue wigs. “We volunteer with the Special Olympics, so the cause is really near to our heart,” Dowell said. Dowell said he was also there in support of Mike Cavanaugh, an athlete in the Special Olympics who passed away last weekend. Many of the people plunging were doing the same. Cavanaugh was often at the downtown bars to listen to the live music. “After teaching for 20 years, I think that Mike is known by more college students than I ever will be,” Dowell said. Many ISU and Illinois Wesleyan University groups also participated in the event. Groups of fraternities and sororities made up a large number of the participants. Dowell said that some of ISU’s football players and staff were also part of the event. The players would give the plungers towels as they got out of the water. ISU football head coach Brock Spack was at the event, too, though it is unsure if he took the plunge. The Special Olympics Illinois’ website reported that Saturday’s Polar Plunge raised over $96,000. Dowell’s advice for anyone trying to participate in the future is fairly simple: “Get in, and get out.”
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2017
Redbird baseball swept in three close defeats NATE HEAD Sports Reporter | @NateHead 51
The Illinois State baseball team was swept this weekend against Memphis University at FedEx Park in Memphis, Tenn. All three games were decided by two runs or less, including Saturday’s thriller, when Memphis escaped with a 12-11 win in 11 innings. ISU starters Jack Lendwehr and Mitch Weis both rebounded from turbulent season debuts at the Governor’s Challenge last weekend. Landwehr threw five innings and allowed two runs Friday while Weis tossed four innings Sunday, striking out five Tigers and yielding two runs. The top half of the Illinois State batting order continued to thrive, as each of the first four hitters in the lineup sport batting averages over .333. Noah Sadler leads the team with at .348. “Noah is what we hoped he would be when we recruited him out of junior college. I’ve been impressed with his ability to get on base and
hit the ball and hit it with power at times,” ISU coach Bo Durkac said. Illinois State relievers saw its fair share of innings, combining to pitch 13 frames out of the bullpen in the series. Mitch Vogrin allowed just one run in 3 2/3 innings Saturday and Trevor Cross appeared both Friday and Sunday and kept the Tigers off the board in both outings.
Feb. 24: Memphis 5, Illinois State 4 Illinois State jumped to an early lead and Landwehr coasted on the mound, but the Redbirds lost the series opener to Memphis 5-4. Sadler put ISU in front in the top of the first inning with a two-run home run, and John Rave hit an RBI double to give the team a 3-0 lead before the Tigers took their first wraps at the plate. Memphis got on the board in the third inning with a Nick Vaage solo home run and a sacrifice fly from Chris Carrier. The game unraveled for the Redbirds in the sixth inning after
LOSSES
Continued from Page 8
Evansville would ice the game, making 10 free throws in the final two minutes of play. “After halftime, we were more aggressive on both ends of the court, which helped us get back in the game,” Smith said.
Landwehr exited. A costly throwing error, four walks and a pair of sacrifice flies put the Tigers ahead 5-4. “Landwehr showed the kind of pitcher he can be and kept them off balance with a nice mix of off speed pitches. If he continues to do that, he has the ability to go out and win some games for us in the Friday pitching role,” Durkac said. ISU was never able to mount a comeback, squandering a two-on, no-out situation in the top of the eighth inning.
Feb. 25 (11 innings): Memphis 12, Illinois State 11 ISU jumped to a resounding 11-0 lead but could not fend off a comeback from Memphis, dropping the second game of the series 12-11 in 11 innings. David Meade started the game on the mound for the Redbirds and allowed two runs through four innings. Illinois State broke the game open with eight runs in the second
Katrina Beck led all scorers with 18 points. Beck also had a game-high three steals. Taylor Stewart contributed 14 of her points, as Stewart and Beck would be the only Redbirds to reach double figures in the contest. Illinois State turned the ball over 19 times
Emma Horath | Vidette Senior Photographer
Illinois State went 0-3 over the weekend in Memphis, Tenn. inning. Collin Braithwaite hit a solo home run and ISU took advantage of three Memphis errors to make the score 8-0. The fifth frame proved to be the turning point in the game, as Memphis rattled off seven runs to cut the ISU lead to just two runs at 11-9. Memphis added a run in the eighth inning and tied the score 11-11 in the ninth. Jeff Lindgren walked in the winning run in the 11th inning and
Sunday, making it back-to-back games with 19 turnovers. The Redbirds outscored the Purple Aces inside the paint, 40-30. Evansville had four players notch double digits in Sunday’s contest. Sara Dickey scored 15 points, Camary Williams followed with 12 points, Kerri
Memphis won its second consecutive game of the weekend.
Feb. 26: Memphis 3, Illinois State 1 Memphis outdueled Illinois State on the mound and completed its sweep over the Redbirds on Sunday.
Continue reading this online.
www.videtteonline.com
Gasper added 11 points and Brooke Dossett contributed 10 points. The Redbirds will conclude the 2016– 17 season when they travel to Bradley on Saturday. ISU will be the No. 9 seed in Hoops in the Heartland, which takes place on March 9-12 at the iWireless Center in Moline.
SUMMER SESSION STARTS MAY 22 AND JUNE 5. Start planning your summer now at harpercollege.edu/summer
Today’s Birthday (02/27/17). Lucrative opportunities bless your family this year. Your professional star is on the rise. Changes around work and health this month lead to personal breakthroughs. Insights in September illuminate a new road, providing an energizing jolt of passion. Love nourishes you. To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging. Aries (March 21-April 19) -- Today is a 6 -- Despite your selfconfidence, a structural problem or roadblock could get your goat. Guard against fears and impetuous action. Supplies can’t get through.
Stay positive. Taurus (April 20-May 20) -Today is a 6 -- Settle somewhere cozy and quiet. Consider your next moves today and tomorrow. Don’t make assumptions. Be patient with a resister. Take time for yourself. Gemini (May 21-June 20) -Today is a 7 -- Career opportunities entice. Make sure what you build is solid. Your friends have useful connections and resources. Tell them what you’re up to. Support them, too. Cancer (June 21-July 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Work deadlines have your attention over the next two days. Handle responsibilities and
CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED- OFFICE/ CLERICAL It is easy making phone calls for local community service projects, part time evenings. Call 309-454-7692
HELP WANTED- OUTDOOR/ ATHLETIC PLAY SPORTS! HAVE FUN! MAKE MONEY! Top-rated sports camp needs fun loving counselors to teach all land, water & adventure sports. Great summer in Maine! Call (888) 844-8080; apply at www.campcedar.com
FOR RENT: SPRING 17 & SU/ FALL/SPRING 17-18 Subleases available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600 1-6 BR houses for rent. Furnished, low rent, 1 mile from ISU. Call or text 309-830-1121
FOR RENT: SU/FALL/SPRING 17-18 NEW CONSTRUCTION!!! 403 E. VERNON, 4 bed/4.5 bath
check tasks off your list. Things don’t go as planned. Study your options. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Take a trip or get immersed in studies today and tomorrow. Unexpected deviations can provide special reward. Use what you’re learning to grow your shared accounts. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Today is an 8 -- Collaborate with your partner to grow shared accounts over the next two days. Negotiate terms and sign contracts. Take your romance up a level. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) -- Today is a 7 -- Provide support to a
partner dealing with unexpected circumstances. Share the load for greater power. What you give comes back multiplied. Grow your heart. Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) -Today is an 8 -- Get moving over the next two days. Physical activity grows your heart stronger. Get out with people you love. This energy inspires your work. Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) -- Today is an 8 -- Relax and enjoy time with someone special today and tomorrow. Adapt to changes. Take care of family and friends. Home comforts draw you like a magnet.
Today is a 7 -- Can you work from home? Find a cozy spot for writing. A warm cup and good music set the scene. Get domestic today and tomorrow. Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) -- Today is a 9 -- Study and travel over the next two days. Seminars and classes feed your intellect and offer great new connections. Keep to your budget without suffering. Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) -Today is a 9 -- Cash flow increases over the next few days. Your ideas are attracting attention. Let people know about a personal dream you’re saving up for.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) --
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
townhomes Two laundry rooms/unit Flat screen TV, swimming pool/fitness room access www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
Days: 309-275-1281. Evenings: 309-365-8604.
Crossing Dr. Large 3 Br/2 & 3 Ba townhome. W/D. $367-382 per person. 309-830-5073. See www.RLapartments.com
Huge 1 and 2 BR uptown Normal. Next to campus. Furnished. Off-street parking. On site laundry. Quite/clean. $355-575. 309-287-7228.
Large 2 BR. Apt. for 2. $395/person., $265 for 3, A/C, dishwasher, deck/ patio, laundry. Heat & water paid, 6 blocks north on School St. from ISU (309)287-1870
Linden Trails. Brand new construction. 4 bdrm, 4.5 bath with washer and dryer. Next to the trail. Utilities included. Start at $620/person. Class Act Realty 309-454-2960
Linden Trails: Brand new construction. 4 bdrm, 4.5 bath with washer and dryer. Next to the trail. Utilities included. Start at $620/person. Class Act Realty 309-454-2960
406 Dewey Ave: Spacious 4 bedroom, 1 bath, dishwasher, parking, laundry. All utilities included. Close to ISU. Starting $370/bedroom. 309-827-5686
301 S. WALNUT: Furnished 2 Bedrooms. Balcony, Covered parking, Laundry. Quiet Building. Start at ONLY $290 Class Act Realty. 454-2960 808 S Linden: Large 1, 2, 3 and 4 person units. All Utilities Included. Next to the trail. Start at $350. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 N Linden 3 or 4 bdrm house. Off street parking. Great location.
5 BR House near ISU golf course. Partially furnished w/ attached garage. $500/mo/person. 309-696-9326
Fell: Spacious 2 & 4 Bedrooms. 1 block from campus. Laundry. Start at $375. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms. Include Washer-dryer, central air, dishwasher, parking, patio and/or balcony, yard. ONLY $255-360 per bedroom. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 401 N. Fell Ave. Remodeled 4 bedroom/2 bath. New flooring and kitchen counter top. Breakfast bar with stools, dishwasher, garbage disposal, washer
& dryer in unit. Central air, secured building, off street parking, high speed internet provided. $495/per person. Call Excel Real Estate at 309-829-5885. Houses: 3 to 5 Bedrooms. Start at $325 per person. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Flora Way: Large Furnished 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms. Start at ONLY $325. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 2017-2018 School Year! 1,2,3 & 4 bedrooms www.sami.com (309) 888-4600 Large 2 BR. Townhouse. $585/person, $390 for 3, Prime Location, 2 blocks south of Watterson, central air, laundry in kitchen, 2 parking spaces, furniture, very nice. 610 S. Fell. 287-1870
FOR RENT: SPRING 2017 Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available. $235$555. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Need an apartment for immediate move-in? 2 bedrooms and roommate matching available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
HELP WANTED- GENERAL Local student for work on non-farm rural property. Experience with mowing, outdoor work and projects helpful. Part-time for spring, summer and fall. Call John at 728-2920. We are expanding our business program and we are widening our network our company is looking for part time Work from home account managers and sales representatives in our account receivable department.it pays 1500-5000USD plus benefits and takes only little of your time.The individual must have experience and knowledge of payables, receivables, general ledger, printing of financial reports...Requirements Should be a computer Literate. 24 hours access to the internet weekly.Must be Efficient and Dedicated.If you are interested and need more information,Contact Email: ads.recruit2020@gmail.com<Turn on JavaScript to see email address> Spring break week help & 2nd semester. Before/after school program. Looking for staff during ISU spring break and/for the semester. Applications can be picked up at the Normal Parks & Recs Office or email ktetter@normal.org<Turn on JavaScript to see email address> for more info.
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2017
Jenna Kadziulis | Photo Editor
Bret Farrell | Scial Media Director Nicholas Buegal | Art Director
#1
ILLINOIS STATE March 4 | 2:30 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
#8
EVANSVILLE
#9
INDIANA STATE
March 3 | 12:00 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
March 2 | 6:00 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
#4
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
#5
LOYOLA
ARCH
MADNESS CHAMPIONSHIP
March 3 | 2:30 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
#3 March 2 | 8:30 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
#7
UNI
#6
BRADLEY
March 5 | 2100 PM | CBS
MISSOURI STATE March 3 | 6:00 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
#2
#10 DRAKE
WICHITA STATE March 4 | 5:00 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
Left: Senior Paris Lee has emerged as a Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year favorite. All-MVC Teams will be announced by the league on Tuesday. Right: Seniors Deontae Hawkins and Tony Wills are part of ISU coach Dan Muller’s first recruiting class. Bottom: Illinois State finished conference with a 17-1 record. The Redbirds are the No. 1 seed in MVC Tournament held at Scottrade Center in St. Louis this week.
March 3 | 8:30 PM | MVC TV NETWORK
Redbirds cap historic season with best-ever league finish JOSH TOLENTINO Sports Editor | @JCTSports
CEDAR FALLS, IOWA — Illinois State players began the long overdue celebration with a minute left on the game clock. Players, coaches and managers jumped, slapped high-fives and hugged each other on the sideline. Shortly after being drenched from a locker room soaking, Dan Muller returned to the floor for a postgame interview and was greeted by loud cheers from Redbird fans. Upon ISU’s arrival back to campus Saturday evening, a handful of fans waited outside Redbird Arena to embrace the Missouri Valley Conference co-champions.
The celebrations continued throughout the night for a team that repeatedly made history this year. The Redbirds capped the regular season with a season finale, 63-42, victory at Northern Iowa, becoming MVC Champions for the first time in 19 years. “This team is leaving a legacy. I’ll let them celebrate as long as they want,” Muller said. “I think they know. I don’t have to worry about that too much ... It’s important to me that they enjoy this.” Deservedly so for a team not many saw finishing 25-5, tying the program record for wins, set in the 1997-98 season. ISU concludes the conference season 17-1, another program-best and first in school history. Senior Paris Lee, who has emerged
as a favorite for recipient of the Larry Bird Trophy as the MVC’s most valuable player, finished with 14 points, a team-high eight rebounds, four assists and two steals with just one turnover. All-Conference Teams and Player of the Year will be announced Tuesday. The last ISU player to receive the award was Tarise Bryson in 2001. Lee said, “It feels unreal [to be league champions]. We’ve always dreamed of it ... it’s an unbelievable feeling. It was a lot of pressure. It’s time to get our minds right for St. Louis.”
History For the first time in its 110-year history, the MVC has co-champions with identical 17-1 league records.
ISU finished tied in first-place with Wichita State. ISU earned the tiebreaker over Wichita State based on overall RPI through Saturday’s games. The teams split their regular-season series, but ISU won the league’s secondary tiebreaker, finishing with 34 RPI compared to Wichita State’s 40. The Redbirds are the No. 1 seed in the MVC Tournament, which will be held Thursday through Sunday at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis. ISU faces the winner of the play-in game between No. 8 Evansville (1516) and No. 9 Indiana State (11-19) in a quarterfinal game at 7 p.m. Thursday. The Vidette will have live coverage of every game in St. Louis. All ISU contests will also be aired on 103.3 WZND.
#REDBIRDHOOPS FAST FACTS WHO: No. 1 Seed Illinois State (25-5, 17-1 MVC) WHAT: MVC Men’s Basketball Tournament: “Arch Madness” WHEN: Thursday – Sunday WHERE: Scottrade Center in St. Louis HOW TO GET TICKETS: Online at www.goredbirds.com/gettickets or call 309-438-8000 WHAT’S AT STAKE: Automatic bid to NCAA Tournament
Check out Thursday’s issue of The ’Bird for an in-depth preview
Another one: ISU women drop consecutive games, receive No. 9 seed MICHAEL MARRA Senior Reporter | @MikeMarraILSTU
Illinois State women’s basketball dropped another pair of weekend games, this time to Southern Illinois and Evansville. The Redbirds have yet to sweep a weekend series this season. Coming into the weekend, the Redbirds had the chance to gain ground in the Missouri Valley Conference standings as the remaining three games in their schedule were against three teams directly above them in standings. This weekend’s games did not go ISU’s way and it was officially given the No. 9 seed when they head to the MVC Hoops in the Heartland Tournament next week. Poor shooting and turnovers haunted the Redbirds this weekend, the same as it has been all season.
Feb. 26: Evansville 60, Illinois State 56 ISU (7-21, 4-13 MVC) trailed by as much as 19 points
in the contest before trying to mount a fourth-quarter comeback that fell short. “We dug ourselves in too big of a hole today and could not put enough shots in the basket,” ISU head coach Barb Smith said. Evansville (11-16, 6-10 MVC) would go on a 20-4 run to give them its largest lead, 28-9, just before halftime. Illinois State held the Purple Aces to just one basket the final 3:31 of the second quarter before heading into halftime trailing, 30-17. ISU shot just 23 percent from the field in the first half, compared to Evansville’s 50 percent. The tides turned in the third quarter as ISU shot 44 percent while Evansville shot 29 percent, allowing the Redbirds to cut the Purple Aces lead to 10 points heading into the fourth quarter. The Purple Aces lead was trimmed even further, as the Redbirds went on a 10-2 run, cutting the lead to 50-48. ISU would fall down six once more before Brechelle Beachum knocked down a shot with 10 seconds remaining in the game to cut the lead back to two. Emma Horath | Vidette Senior Photographer
See LOSSES page 7
Illinois State women’s basketball has not swept a weekend series this season.