V THE VIDETTE
FEATURES 4
NEWS 3
VIEWPOINT 6
SPORTS 7
EVITA COMES TO BRADEN AUDITORIUM MEDIA FOCUS NEEDS TO COME BACK TO THE VICTIMS MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
RUNDOWN OF BLO-NO COUNCIL CANDIDATES WJBC BROADCASTER DICK LUEDKE REMINISCES TIME IN BOOTH
videtteonline.com
Vol. 131 | No. 48
‘The Little Things’ push student, singer-songwriter to pursue dreams JONATHAN BARLAS Sports Editor | @janveselybarlas
D
Jeff Smudde | Vidette Photographer
Junior music major Grant Milliren performs at the Coffeehouse in Uptown. Milliren has been pursuing music since the age of 15.
ust settles on a row of sun-kissed guitars sitting next to the windowsill. A detached string hangs on the end of his acoustic guitar – his prized possession that has seen both triumph and tribulation throughout the years. Notebook pages filled to the edges cover his desk as a lone drum set sits idle in the opposite corner. Illinois State junior singer-songwriter Grant Milliren rests in his favorite chair, strumming along to a new riff he had come up with earlier that day. He props up, turns and asks, “How did that sound?” This is where not only music is made, but it is where thoughts, feelings and fears circle the very fabric of his headspace. For some, music is the quickest escape from life’s blithe annoyances; for others, it is an art that is forever appreciated. But for Milliren, it is an undying passion – an outlet to tackle the everyday demons plaguing his life, all in an effort to comfort others in confronting their own. “It’s no bullshit,” Milliren asserted. “It’s fun, that’s really what it comes down to. It’s just really straightforward and I like to write what’s on my mind. Whether it’s self-loathing, self-reflective or about a situation or experience that I had, my music means something to me because it’s personal.” Milliren is a 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Naperville striving to make his dreams a reality all on his own. Pursuing music since the age of 15, Milliren has not only laid the groundwork for his future aspirations, but is living out the life he knows he will continue to work towards. see MUSIC page 4
Redbird women’s hoops’ season cut short by Drake at MVC tournament BLAINE LEWALLEN Senior Sports Reporter | @Blainelew3
I
n two previous matchups this season, the Illinois State women’s basketball team struggled mightily in slowing down the high-powered, high-scoring AP No. 21 ranked Drake Bulldogs, despite being the top defensive team in the Missouri Valley Conference this season. In the third matchup between the two teams in the semifinals of the Hoops in the Heartland tournament at the TaxSlayer Center in Moline, Illinois, the fourth-seeded Redbirds were able to slow the Drake offense down, but struggled to muster up any offense of their own in a 65-54 loss to the top-seeded Bulldogs Saturday afternoon. “I could not be more proud of this group,” ISU head coach Kristen Gillespie said. “We started out 1-4, to finish 19-12 and make it to a Saturday. Just a lot of firsts.” To start the contest, it appeared things were heading in a similar direction as the other two matchups between the two squads as the Bulldogs opened up an early 13-5 lead. From there, a three by senior guard Katrina Beck and two more by TeTe Maggett put ISU in front 14-13. Drake added two late free throws to take a 15-14 lead after one. Both teams struggled to generate any offensive rhythm in the opening period. This struggle continued into the second quarter, as the teams shot a combined 7-25 from the field. The ’Birds scored eight of the first nine points in the quarter to open up a 24-18 lead with 3:20 left in the half, but were held without a field goal for the rest of the half. A three by Drake’s Brenni Rose just before the half tied
things up at 26-26. ISU held the Bulldogs to just 28 percent shooting (7-25), but were able to shoot just 24.2 percent (8-33) themselves. Leading scorer Simone Goods was held scoreless in the opening half, playing just seven minutes due to foul trouble. Defense continued to rule the game to start the second half, as each team suffered through extended scoring droughts. ISU scored four quick points to open the period, then didn’t score for nearly four minutes before a couple of Lexi Wallen buckets and a Maggett three gave them a 37-31 advantage with 3:44 left in the third. From there, the Bulldogs used a 16-3 run to close the quarter to take a 47-40 lead. Goods picked up her fourth foul in the quarter, and was able to play just two minutes in the period. Katrina Beck Courtesy ISU athletics and Lexy Koudleka also had four fouls Senior guard Katrina Beck pushes past Drake defender Maddy Dean in the Redbirds’ semifinal loss in the Missorui Valley Conference tournament Saturday. apiece heading into the fourth. “That third quarter killed us,” GilMaggett led the ’Birds with 21 points and six rebounds. lespie said. “The lineups we had on the Wallen added 13 points. Goods mustered just two points in floor, I was just proud of our fight. There was just not a whole 15 minutes of play. lot we could do.” The MVC Player of the Year Becca Hittner paced Drake A lay-in by Wallen cut the deficit to four at 51-47 with 5:37 left, but that was the closest ISU would get. The Bull- (25-9) with 22 points. Sara Rhine added 15 points. The Redbirds ended the season with a 19-12 overall record. dogs caught fire from three, going 4-6 from long range in the period.
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
Editor in Chief
Rebecca Fletcher
ISU’s Jordan turns research into song
OUTSIDE LOOK TODAY
News Editors
JOLIE SHERMAN News Reporter | @jolieshermann
Andrew Dougherty Cindy Hernandez Features Editor
Grace Barbic
Sports Editors
Jonathan Barlas Kade Heather Photo Editors
C.J. Edwards Ali Rasper
46 Low 27 Precip 10% High
TUESDAY
Night Editors
Kim Larsen Ashley Viscioni
Social Media Manager
Aubrey Henson Art Director
Flynn Geraghty Ad Sales Manager
Karina Herrera
Ad Production Manager
High Low Precip
50 37 20%
WEDNESDAY
Darius Davis
Business Manager
Abbey Lantz
Office Manager
Business Adviser
49 Low 33 Precip 60%
General Manager
THURSDAY
Ashley Bennet
Marketing Team Manager
Virgel Caval
Madeline Smith
High
John Plevka
DIRECTORY EDITOR 309.438.8745 ADVERTISING 309.438.8742 BUSINESS 309.438.5929
High Low Precip
53 31 10%
FRIDAY
CLASSIFIEDS 309.438.7685 FACSIMILE 309.438.5211 GENERAL MANAGER 309.438.7688
FOLLOW US
High Low Precip
57 35 10%
SATURDAY
@The_Vidette
59 44 Precip 0% High Low
@The-Vidette
SUNDAY
@the_vidette
50 Low 49 Precip 50% High
@videttevideo
A
fter working with esteemed G er ma n ph i losopher Thomas Metzinger during his 2006 sabbatical, Illinois State University psychology professor Scott Jordan turned his research into a song with a little help from ISU music business students. “Thomas and I worked together for a month or two in the winter of 2006,” Jordan said. “We were both working on a research group called Embodied Communication in Humans and Machines.” Jordan explained it as, “the idea that a lot of meaning is generated by the body itself. Words aren’t the only way to generate and share meaning.” Coming from two different branches of knowledge, Jordan and Metzinger had different perspectives. “He argues that ‘the self’ can only come to be your sense of mine-ness until a certain level of sophistication arises in the brain’s ability to represent,” Jordan said. Professor Jordan looks at how one’s environment plays a role in
“the self.” cognition, teaching students who “While I agree with the science want to do counseling how to about how the brain is involved, I properly talk about the reality of think while the brain is necsuffering. essary for the self, it isn’t “The dream is real in the sufficient,” Jordan said. sense it happened but it’s “When we look at what ‘I’ not as real as a brick, and means, we feel like it means I think that’s misguided.” ‘me.’ But what I am is the dif“When you ask a person ferences I’ve gleaned out of how they feel and they tell my persistent interactions you they’re suffering and with other people so I like you tell them, ‘oh that’s Scott to talk about the self as an just a brain state,’ you’re Jordan embodied other.” invalidating their being,” With this perspective, professor Jordan said. Jordan applies this to a branch of Junior music business major philosophy called ontology. Isaac Soares was one of three stu“A description of what reality is dents asked to record professor so dreams can be as real as bricks,” Jordan’s song. Jordan said. “We had a steady, little groove “And if dreams can’t be as real down,” Soares said. “All three of us as bricks, then we have a problem have a good jazz background.” with how we’re talking about realHis fellow musican students, ity,” he said. Miles Bohlman, Sam Tedeschi “The problem is when you talk and Derek Zimmerman all came about what it feels like to be a together to write the song with person, scientific language is all in Jordan. terms of physical structures and “I played around with some Latin function. The only thing that gets beats on the drum set and then my to cause things are physical things.” friend Miles was like let’s put some He spends the first three weeks congas in there. The next time we discussing this perspective in his met, we recorded it right then and graduate course on learning and there,” he said.
The song came together faster than Jordan and Soares expected and both were very pleased at how it turned out. Soon after, Jordan submitted the song to “Frontiers in Psychology,” an online book made free to the public. “You feel like you are sitting somewhere south and warm,” Soares said, describing the song. “As we were going through it, he was like, ‘Screw it, improvise. Throw a solo in there. Make it your own.’ So I’m glad I had the opportunity to do all that.” “If you look through the lyrics it’s about, ‘You’re going to tell me I can’t be a self, then I’m going to have to deconstruct all my relations,’ which isn’t an insult at all,” Jordan said. “He (Thomas) is the philosopher’s philosopher and I’m an experimental psychologist but for us to resonate at that level was very gratifying.” JOLIE SHERMAN is a News Reporter for The Vidette. She can be contacted at jmsher1@ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @jolieshermann
Normal Theater to host Six Week Film School JACK O’NEIL News Reporter | @JackONe39393244
Illinois State University’s Department of English professor William McBride will host the Six Week Film School, focusing on Stanley Kubrick’s films in the Normal Theater. The film school started on Feb. 20 and will end on April 3rd. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. and are free to the public. The Six Week Film School is sponsored by the Town of Normal, ISU’s department of English and Uptown Normal. It features six iconic films for the purpose of educating the public of the culture within each of them. Stanley Kubrick is the subject of this Six Week Film School. His films that are shown in this event are “A Clockwork Orange,” “The Shining,” “2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Dr.
Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb,” “Lolita” and “The Killing.” Stanley Kubrick was widely regarded as a master filmmaker. His films have even subtly influenced millennial culture. On the event website, McBride said that there are two memes that Stanley Kubrick created and still hold up today. “Stanley Kubrick has likewise given birth to at least two enduring memes: Hal’s red robotic eye and menacingly mellow voice in 2001 and Jack ‘the maniac’ Nicholson’s grinning as he delivers the line “Here’s Johnny” through the busted door in “The Shining.” JACK O’NEIL is a News Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at Joneil1@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @JackONe39393244
1st Place
102 N. Linden St 309.452.0699
MONDAY
Burger Baskets:
$1.50 $2.00 $2.50 $3.00
$2.00 Single Basket $3.50 Double Basket
Domestic Bottles 20oz Bud Family Drafts 20 OZ Micro Drafts Whiskey Monday
TUESDAY
Mon-Fri 5 pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm
$2.00 20 OZ Rolling Rock $2.00 Import/Micro/Cider Bottles $3.00 Tito’s Tuesday
WEDNESDAY
21 & Over After 6 pm
102 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-7393
2018
FRI. THURS. WED. TUES. MON.
STAFF LIST
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
BAR & GRILL
The Vidette The Vidette is published Monday and Thursday every week, except for final examinations, holidays and semester breaks. The Summer Vidette is published in June and July. Students are responsible for the content of the Vidette. The views presented do not necessarily represent, in whole or part, those
$1.25 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Vegas Bombs $3.00 Top Shelf & Bombs
of the Illinois State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. ©The Vidette 2017 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
Bloomington City Council Candidates COMPILED BY CINDY HERNANDEZ | News Editor @Cindylu_7
WA R D 2 Georgene Chissell Bio: Chissell owns Bloomington-based Divine Cleaning Services of Central Illinois. She currently serves on the city’s Historic Preservation Commission. Chissell is also a Faith in Action volunteer and was assistant to the Christian Education Director for more than 20 years.
Donna Boelen Bio: Boelen is a retired medical professiponal. She was a department supervisor for personnel management and budgeting. She has been an active community volunteer for 26 years. Boelen has attended council meetings for the past five years and has spoken regularly during public comment on the effects of raising taxes.
WA R D 6 Jenn Carrillo Bio: Carrillo is an Illinois State University alum. She is currently the director of Mission Impact at YWCA McLean County. She lead’s YCA’s work on anti-oppression education, voter engagement and criminal record relief.
Karen Schmidt Bio: Schmidt has represented Ward 6 since 1999. She currently works with organizations throughout BloomingtonNormal to link residents up to recources outside of the city. She previously served on the Bloomington Public Library Board of Directors.
WA R D 4 Don “Chip” Frank Bio: Frank owns and operates Capen Frank Proctor & Bowles, Inc. Frank served as president of the Illinois state insurance association, IIAI. He served almost 10,000 independent insurance agents throughout Ilinois.
WA R D 8 Jeff Crabill Bio: Crabill worked as an attorney for 25 years, including 10 years representing State Farm insureds in court and the last 7 years serving as a Corporate attorney for State Farm. After graduating from Bloomington 101, Crabill was appointed to serve on the Cultural Commission.
Julie Emig Bio: Emig is currently an Instructional Assistant Professor for the School of Teaching and Learning at Illinois State University. She currently serves as the Youth Exchange Officer for the Sunrise Rotary Club and is on the Board of Directors for the Ecology Action Center and BCAI School of Arts.
Elections for Bloomington City Council be be held on April 2. The Bloomington City Council is looking to fill positions in Ward 2, 4, 6 and 8. Residents can find what Ward they are a part of by visiting http://www.cityblm. org/government/city-council/ward-map.
Lawmakers send Pritzker bill to raise smoking age to 21
‘Black Music: A Showcase and Community Sing’ comes March 28
DAN PETRELLA Chicago Tribune/TNS
for minors and have argued that 18-year-olds should be able to decide whether to he Illinois Senate smoke if they can vote and join has approved a bill the military. that would raise the Pritzker’s spending plan legal age for buying tobacco for the budget year that and vaping products to 21 begins July 1 includes $65 statewide. million in new revenue from The Senate on Thursday proposals to increase the voted 39-16 to approve the bill, $1.98-per-pack cigarette a previous version of which tax by 32 cents and apply the was vetoed by then-Gov. Bruce state’s wholesale tobacco tax Rauner. The House approved to e-cigarettes. The goverthe measure Tuesday by a vote nor’s office did not respond of 82-31. to requests for comment on After receiving bipartisan how raising the legal pursupport in the legislature, chasing age would affect the bill now goes to Demothose revenue estimates. cratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Dozens of jurisdictions in whose spokeswoman has Illinois, including Normal, said he supports efforts to Chicago and Cook County, keep young people from already have raised the legal smoking and will review the age for purchasing tobacco legislation when it reaches products to 21. Seven states his desk. have raised the smoking age to Christopher Edwards | Vidette Photo Editor Passage of the bill is a 21: California, Hawaii, Maine, The Illinois Senate has approved a bill that would raise the smoking age to 21. The bill victory for public health was approved on a 39-16 vote. Many jurisdiction, including Normal, have already raised Massachusetts, New Jersey, advocates, who have been the legal smoking age to 21. Oregon and Virginia. pushing the issue for several dpetrella@chicagotribune. purchasing cigarettes, other tobacco products years in Springfield, citing com evidence showing people are less likely to begin and e-cigarettes, it would do away with penalties ___ smoking if they haven’t by age 21. Lawmakers for underage possession. Retailers still would be (c)2019 the Chicago Tribune passed a bill last year, but Rauner, a Republi- fined for selling restricted products to underage Visit the Chicago Tribune at www.chicagotricustomers. can, vetoed it, citing business concerns. bune.com Opponents have objected to removing penalties While the bill would raise the legal age for Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
T
ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Editor | @addough
I
llinois State School of Music and Colors International will host a free showing of “Black Music: A Showcase and Community Sing” from 7-9 p.m. Thursday, March 28 in the Kemp Recital Hall on ISU’s campus. “People can experience how music, through its tonalities, modalities, and Africanist aesthetic, has helped the black community to heal, give hope, resist, inspire, and build community,” Professor of Music Ama Oforiwaa Aduonum stated in a press release. “We are celebrating creativity and resilience through music.” The concert, which is open to the public, involves audience participation of diverse, black music styles from work songs to hip hop. For further information, those interested can contact Aduonum at 309-438-7340. ANDREW DOUGHERTY is News Editor for The Vidette. Contact him at vidette_addough@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @addough
Features
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
Courtesy of Illinois State News
Broadway to Blo-No
Eva Duarte de Perón meets the citizens of Buenos Aires in the hit musical “Evita.” This musical is a revolutionary tale of righteous determination.
Award-winning musical “Evita” brings rags to riches story of Argetine woman to life MICHAEL CRONIN Features Reporter | @mcronin94
T
here is no experience quite like witnessing a live Broadway performance. The scenery, the excitement and the energy create a feeling unlike any other. Unfortunately, since Illinois State University is located more than two hours outside of Chicago, it is not every day that students get the opportunity to see an authentic Broadway performance. Until now. Broadway is coming down to Normal and bringing the action to ISU’s very own Braden Auditorium with their smash musical “Evita.” The performance will be held at 2 p.m on March 24. Tickets will vary between $50 and $75 depending on seats. Tickets are available at the Braden Box office, located within the Bone Student Center.
MUSIC continued from page one
His discography spans over the course of three years and two albums. While Milliren’s diligence stems from the countless garage shows, free gigs and party performances, his two latest releases in his first full-length album “The Little Things,” which dropped this past summer, and “Acoustic Session at Geoff’s” ultimately showcases the uncharted territory of his soul. Recently completing his winter tour, playing all over the surrounding Chicagoland area, the junior music major says that although it is tough doing business on his own, keeping busy is what keeps him going. “I would say it is stressful, booking all these dates for shows, performing, touring, on top of staying up to date on my social media, it definitely is stressful,” Milliren explained. “But there is a difference between good busy and bad busy and there’s nothing more satisfying than having an awesome show that you put together on your own. It’s a good busy, builds character.” Personality makes him who he is and Milliren always seems to have enough to go around. His roots not only sprout from his somberly molded melodies, but are found in his intimate songwriting. Brash and to the point, he talked not only of his ability to explore outside his comfort zone, but also his personal uniqueness within his song writing. “I kind of say the things you wouldn’t hear as much,” he said. “I feel like a lot of songwriters like to sing about what’s on the surface and I like to write deep and I don’t stray away from digging deep and being serious. I think that’s what makes me unique because I just say what’s in my head.” Following the footsteps in his influences in Dave Matthews, Phoebe Bridgers, Henry Jamison and Gregory Alan Isakov, Milliren strives not to mimic their sound, but rather their musical integrity in an effort to fully connect with his audience. “I really believe in what they say and I want the same thing for me,” he explained with a smile. “Their music speaks to people and I want the same for my music. That’s what’s really cool about it to me, that
Featuring the ever-so-popular song “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” this musical is known as a power performance that has not only been performed on Broadway, but even turned into a film. “Evita” the musical is a revolutionary tale of righteous determination, ruthless power and seduction within the Argentinian Political system. Created by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical follows the true story of Eva Duarte de Perón. As a young woman, Eva desires fame and fortune. Utilizing her talent for seduction, Eva finds herself marrying an up-and-coming political figure named Juan Perón. Juan is the elected president of Argentina and Eva finds herself in a position like never before. Now, as the first Lady, Eva becomes the hero of the poor and working class. However, even with the love and support of so many people, she makes a couple enemies along the way
I can have my own voice … I want to have my own voice.” As Milliren continues his spring tour, travelling to various coffee shops, bars and restaurants in the Bloomington-Normal area, he has not lost sight of what keeps him The more you know driven. Despite the lack of You can find Grant Milliren on Spotify, recognition an Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube and on underground social media at: artist may garner, Milliren Instagram @grantmillirenmusic Facebook Grant Milliren Music knows that his Twitter @MillirenMusic fan base now Soundcloud @grantmillirenmusic is all that is needed to keep pushing for greater opportunity. “That’s what really makes it worthwhile,” Milliren said. “And I think the fact that I’m content with the songs that I’m writing just gives me that drive in knowing that when things get hectic, having that opportunity keeps me going.” In between booking and performing shows, Milliren finds the time to reflect on his journey, reminiscing both the highs and the lows. “I had this show over my winter break in Chicago, we played this legendary spot called Beat Kitchen,” Milliren said. “It was one of my bigger gigs and it was such a great crowd response, my band and I played a fun set and we really enjoyed the moment. I really felt like the crowd got a personable sense of who I was.” As he seems to find his footing amid the tumultuous tidings of the music business, Milliren offers final advice for those looking to explore the same passion as he does. “Get out of your comfort zone and not only do that, but do things in a really thoughtful way,” he said. “Make sure you think things out and be meticulous with your craft. And to just go out there and play. I don’t know how many free shows I did but in the beginning, it should never be about the money, and I don’t think it will ever will be for me.”
which creates a story that can truly come to life on stage. Winner of the Tony award for best musical, “Evita” is an enthralling musical that encapsulates corruption within government and the power of fame and admiration. It is a musical that not only captures the past, but provides a wonderful parallel with today’s modern society. After being in a lead role for the musical “Lights in the Piazza” here at ISU, economics major Chloe Alexander shares her experience with theatre. “It feels so satisfying yet so surreal all at once,” said Alexander. She is eager for the Broadway show to make its way to ISU’s campus and it is guaranteed she will be in one of the almost 3,500 seats in the auditorium. Tickets are available online at Ticketmaster with a buy one, get one free discount to celebrate this special event. Students can use the code EVITABOGO to enable the offer.
Courtesy of Grant Milliren
Milliren’s favorite part about show pictures is figuring out which song he was playing in them. In this shot, he is singing “Karma,” a song about revenge and heartbreak. It is one of his favorites from the record.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
Ewing Manor: Bloomington’s sole castle JOLIE SHERMAN News Reporter | @jolieshermann
Ewing sons came together to open a 90-year-old time capsule. “We opened it last September because the grandchildren, who On the corner of Sunset Road, a are all in their 70’s, remember quaint, little neighborhood castle from their grandparents saying ‘When the early 1900s remains in Bloomington. the house was built, we put a The Ewing Manor Castle was built time capsule in the cornerstone,’” by the wealthy Davis and Hazel Buck Tucker said. Ewing in 1928. Back in the day, Mr. Inside were coins from the late and Mrs. Ewing were quite the busi1800s, The Pantagraph, The Chrisness moguls, owning 49.5% of Wrigley’s tian Science Monitor and a letter to Chewing Gum and starting the Davis future generations, which spoke of Ewing Concrete Company, one of the the time Mr. and Mrs. Ewing first first concrete businesses in central met, their marriage in 1907, their Illinois. different homes in Bloomington, Today, their 91-year-old castle is a why they built the castle and their common venue for tours, weddings two sons. and student events throughout the year. “As we read it there were a lot Every April the Ewing Cultural Center of tears. It’s a very touching letter. offers a special kind of tour. It’s in our archives, so anyone “The architectural tour is about the that wants to come in can read it,” builders, styles and blueprints. Visitors Tucker said. go through all 44 rooms and it takes 2.5 That same day, each of the grandhours,” Ewing Cultural Center Director children came with items to put in Toni Tucker said. a new time capsule. On a regular tour, visitors are shown “One of the grandson’s fought in Ali Rasper | Photo Editor Vietnam and brought his Purple the family side of the house, which consists of 14 rooms. The architectural Every April, the Ewing Cultural Center offers a special kind of tour. Today, the castle currently serves as a common Heart. Two of them wrote letters tour, however, gives the public a chance venue for tours, weddings and student events throughout the year. and others brought photos. Of to view the castle in more detail. course, we won’t be there to open “We do this because visitors would ask “They saw many homes in England and apartment for servants. Occupying the opuit, but they put things in there for to see the rest of the home,” Tucker said. “So, France and liked that style of country home. lent space was only a family of four: Mr. and future generations,” Tucker said. we decided to have a one-time architectural Their inspiration for the architecture came Mrs. Ewing and their two adopted sons. Now a place for the public, the Ewing castle tour and that filled up so quickly. “ from these trips to Europe,” Tucker said. “It looks lavish from the outside but when is one that keeps on giving. “Now it’s always the first Saturday in April A triple-spiral staircase and decorative you come in, the rooms aren’t large. They’re and every year we have a waiting list.” metal railing create a picturesque foyer. very comfortable,” Tucker said. Prior to building their elegant home, Mr. and Other features include built-in horse staLast year marked an emotional year for Mrs. Ewing spent most of their days traveling. bles, a carriage room, garage and five-room the Ewing family. The grandchildren of the
Heartland’s Susan Baller-Shepard to release new book, ‘Doe’ ELIZABETH SEILS News Reporter | @Seilselizabeth
Ordained Presbyterian minister and Instructor of Religion Susan Baller-Shepard will release a collection of poems focusing on the aspects of nature in her newest book, “Doe.” Baller-Shepard will hold a poetry reading at 7:30 p.m., April 24 at Illinois State University’s Campus Religion Center. Many of her poems focus on life on the prairie. Her inspiration came from observing the deer in her yard and how they would appear and disappear so quickly. “They appear out of nowhere, they are always on the margins,” Baller-Shepard said. “But it’s really their margins. It would have been their land, we’re the interlopers.” Poems in her book range from the story of adopting her daughter to fossilized bees trapped in amber in Asia. She finds herself fascinated by parts of the world and seeks learn more through poetry. Even with the broad range of topics, each poem contains an element of femininity. “I really worked to have them all have something about being female and perceptions of the world,” BallerShepard said. “It starts out with women’s relationships and goes to the world beyond.” The book begins by focusing on creatures in the
woods, then moving to creatures beyond the woods, then looking at the world at large. “I think the natural world is just fascinating,” BallerShepard said. Poems are a part of the way she sees the world. She remembers spending summer nights as a child on her grandmother’s porch, listening to her grandmother recite poetry to her. Baller-Shepard began writing poetry at a young age and entered her work in a contest, winning her family a chicken dinner and inspiring her to continue writing poetry. She and her mother self-published her first book of poetry when she was 17 years old. “That was back when I was a teenager, and those are pretty awful,” Baller-Shepard said. “They’re pretty selfconfessional and all teenage-angst.” She reconsidered writing professionally during her undergraduate studies, finding the writing world to be too cutthroat. Her current poetry writing comes from the writing she does as a minister. “I write sermons, I write poetry, I write essays, I write different things,” Baller Shepard said. “But I think poetry informs all of that.” She often incorporates poetry into her sermons, using poetic style to aid her delivery. “Doe” is currently available for pre-order and print copies will be available March 29.
PARKWAY AUTO LAUNDRY
HELP WANTED FLEXIBLE HOURS $2 OFF ANY FULL SERVICE WASH EVERDAY WITH STUDENT ID
307 N. GREENBRIAR DR. NORMAL, IL 61761 (309) 888-4725
1701 S. MORRISSEY BLOOMINGTON, IL 61704 (309) 662-5335
HAPPY ST. PATRICKS DAY classactrealty.com
(309) 454 - 2960
NOW NOW RENTING! RENTING!
ALL PROPERTIES ARE WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF ISU!
Viewpoint
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
Varsity Blues affects all of us
S
ince the news broke March 12, there has been constant updates on the shocking allegations of famous Hollywood actors and actresses, like Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman, being exposed for using their fame and money to secure their children spots in top universities around the country. The University of San Diego, the University of Texas at Austin, Wake Forest, Georgetown, Stanford, Yale and USC are all among schools now being sued by students who claim they were denied a fair opportunity during the admissions process and have had their degrees devalued by the recent allegations. Laughlin and Huffman were both taken into custody with bail set as high as $1 million and are now facing jail time and public ridicule and backlash. Loughlin has lost her movie deal with the Hallmark channel, and her daughter, Oliva Jade, a popular internet personality, has received backlash from the companies that she partners with as well, in addition to deciding not to return to USC in the fall. The constant media
coverage around the “Varsity Blues” scandal has led many to speak out on how shocked they are as to how something this corrupt and immoral could have been going on for so long in higher education. However, kids from disadvantaged backgrounds that know all too well how difficult it is to make it into college are shocked by how many people didn’t know this was going on all along. We like to believe that anyone can get into college if they work hard enough in
high school — and of course, if they take out enough student loans. But it isn’t as simple as getting a need-based or academic scholarship for the kids not lucky enough to have a celebrity parent. Students from wealthier backgrounds live in areas where they have access to the best schools. Their parents, famous or not, can afford to sign them up for ACT prep, private tutors, etc. They can afford to play a sport at the club level, and pay for all of the equipment that
comes with it, not to mention they have the luxury of time to practice without having to work one or two jobs to help their family put food on the table. It isn’t as simple and unbiased as universities would like to claim it is. These celebrities using their power to go to this extreme is just one more step into something that has essentially already been happening in higher education this entire time. We need to stop pretending like these individuals are the exception to the rule and not just an extreme end of what is really a bigger problem. University selection and education will never truly be equal and accepting until we work on making our primary and secondary schools equal and accepting, no matter what neighborhood they might be serving. Until then, American youth will constantly be running a race with some kids starting 30 seconds behind others, and some already crossing the finish line without even having to run.
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KIM LARSEN, 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.
Nobody should know their names MY VIEW BECKY FLETCHER | Editor-in-Chief
M
osques are busiest on Fridays when Muslims gather for Friday prayer. New Zealand’s Linwood mosque and Al Noor mosque were devastated when eight people died at Linwood and another 42 at Al Noor - resulting in a 50-person mass shooting. The fear is strong worldwide, but some coverages are focusing on the wrong coverage angle - take Daily Mirror for example. On Saturday, Daily Mirror took to twitter with a photo of its front page paper with the headline “Angelic boy who grew into an evil far-right mass killer.”
Angelic and evil - two antonyms that don’t belong in the same headline. It has to be unpalatable for families of the dead to see a newspaper lead with how “angelic” a mass killer was as a child. This isn’t the first time mass shooters have received more media attention than the lives they destroyed. The first that comes to mind are the Columbine shooters. These two people have, in the 20 years that have passed, gained a cult following, known as “columbiners.” Then there’s the Aurora, Colorado, shooting of 2012. I will not name him out of respect for the families who lost love ones, but the massive media frenzy surrounding him became enormous. We watched his trials, kept up to date on him, and now he has his own Wikipedia page. Let’s not forget the photo of the Boston bomber front and center on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
VIDETTE LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY The Vidette welcomes letters to the editor, provided they are no longer than 250 words and are typed and double-spaced. Letters that exceed the 250-word limit can be published at the editor’s discretion,but shorter letters take precedence. Letters containing name calling and insults will not be published. Letters must be signed and contain the major or official title of the writer, the year in school if presently enrolled, address and a daytime telephone number for verification. Letters without phone numbers will not be considered for publication. Names may be withheld upon request, but only after approval by the editor. Letters are subject to editing for style and space at the editor’s discretion. Letters sent via e-mail to: vidette@ilstu.edu are accepted, provided they include a telephone number for verification.
The mayor of Boston said Rolling Stone’s decision was rewarding a terrorist with “celebrity treatment.” The sub-head to the front cover read “How a popular, promising student was failed by his family …” blah, blah, blah. We don’t need to hear anymore. Instead of focusing on victims, we’re left reading how a “popular” and “promising” student turned into a monster. He doesn’t deserve the attention. Even the Parkland shooter is more of a household name than the victims. Do you see the problem with this? Back in 2012 following the Colorado shooting, the parents of Alex Teves, one of the victims, created the No Notoriety campaign. The goal is to challenge us, the media, to limit a perpetrator’s name and image to constrained circumstances such as sharing a name and image if the identity is known and the criminal hasn’t been apprehended or
if the criminal’s caught or dies in the attack. There’s also the “Don’t Name Them” campaign forwarded by the FBI. The goal stays the same — place emphasis back on victims, survivors, communities and first responders. It wouldn’t hurt the dissemination of useful information. Restraining the spotlight put on killers through the media can play a small but crucial role in reducing the likelihood of repeated mass shootings. Without the 15 minutes of fame, the likelihood of a copycat killer is slim to none. Let’s make it our job to keep it that way. BECKY FLETCHER is Editor in Chief for The Vidette. Contact her at rlflet1@ilstu.edu Follow her on Twitter at @becky__fletcher
THEY SAID IT
MORE OPINIONS ONLINE
That third quarter killed us. The lineups we had on the floor, I was just proud of our fight. There was just not a whole lot we could do.
Larsen: The impossibility of finding consistency in college
“
Women’s basketball head coach Kristen Gillepsie on the third quarter scoring drought.
“
It is important to find the balance between monotony and chaos. Breaking up routines that feel boring can be a really nice change but change only comes when you put the work in and stick with it.” Visit The Vidette’s website or mobile app for complete details on these web-only opinion pieces by Vidette Editorial Board
ONLINE POLL
Does the media pay more attention to killers than survivors?
?
Cast your vote at Videtteonline. com or by using The Vidette mobile app
EDITORIAL BOARD BECKY FLETCHER Editor-in-Chief | @becky__ fletcher ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Editor and Columnist | @addough CINDY HERNANDEZ News Editor and Columnist | @cindylu_7 KIM LARSEN Night Editor and Columnist | @Kimla_11
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
BARLAS continued from page 8
Christopher Edwards | Photo Editor
Longtime WJBC play-by-play broadcaster Dick Luedke has been announcing both Illinois State football and basketball for the better part of 40 years.
Art of the spiel
After years of calling Redbird football, basketball, Dick Luedke does not want to be anywhere else BLAINE LEWALLEN Senior Sports Reporter | @blainelew3
B
roadcasting is a captivating art. So many individuals have sat at the scorer’s table on the sidelines in order to paint a picture with words. Now, this art has its challenges. Mistakes are made, emotions can be uncontrollable. A broadcast of an athletic event will always have its flaws. The perfect broadcast will never be attainable, no matter who is behind the microphone. Nobody is perfect. While the challenges of the job may seem too much for some, Illinois State basketball and football broadcasting legend Dick Luedke has embraced the hardship. “It is really challenging I think to accurately describe everything that’s going on and portray the excitement,” Luedke said. “I think it’s a tremendous challenge and I just enjoy that challenge.” In fact, Luedke has embraced this challenge since he was a young kid growing up in Bloomington, Minnesota. An avid sports fan, Luedke loved the thrill of a radio broadcast, especially from his idol Jack Buck, the St. Louis Cardinals radio
broadcaster at the time. Luedke’s family, however, had a different view of sports and sports broadcasting. Luedke reflects on his childhood in Minnesota, growing up in a family that was rather disinterested in sports. Even his dad wasn’t a fan of competitive sports or broadcasting. “[My dad] wasn’t a big fan of me wanting to be a sports broadcaster,” Luedke said. “And he wasn’t a big fan of competitive athletics. I was a huge fan of both. But still, he just inspired me to do the best I could at whatever I did.” This inspiration from people like his father led Luedke to pursue a career in sports broadcasting. Luedke recalls a particular broadcast he listened to with his transmitter radio that assured his interest in the field. “The event I remember that really crystalized it for me was the broadcast of the fight between Muhammed Ali (at that time Cassius Clay) and Sony Liston,” Luedke said. “I just loved the guy who was broadcasting the fight. I just remember thinking at that time ‘If I could do what this guy is doing, if people could be listening to me as intently as I am right now.’ I was just fascinated by that.”
CLASSIFIEDS For Rent Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available for Spring 2019. $235 - $575. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 Subleases available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600 Need an apartment for immediate move-in? 1 and 2 bedrooms and roommate matching available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600
This fascination led Luedke to a communications degree at the University of Minnesota. Out of college, however, more hardships presented themselves to Luedke. “As soon as I graduated, I had a hard time finding a job,” Luedke said. “But I finally found one in a little town in Northwest Indiana called Crowne Point and worked there for a couple of years, and then went to Indianapolis for four years.” Following his stint in Indiana and a brief stay in the Quad Cities as a sports reporter for a couple of years, Luedke finally found the job he was looking for. Bloomington-Normal’s WJBC had an opening, and Luedke quickly pounced on the opportunity. Luedke began at WJBC in 1981, and was a full-time worker for 17 years. During this time, Luedke was the playby-play broadcaster for ISU basketball and football, and broadcasted many local sporting events as well. But after the 1998 basketball season he decided to part ways with the station. “Things were changing a little bit,” Luedke said of WJBC. “The atmosphere changed a little bit. I just felt like maybe it was time to see if I could do something else.” see LUEDKE on page 8
A head coach can only do so much for his guys on the court. He gives them the tools and knowledge pertinent for their success, yet it is the players’ burden to bear. They just didn’t play up to their potential. No clear emergence of a leader, lack of focus and overall just consistent complacency has flushed this season into a spiral of unwanted tribulation. Yet here we are, at the end of the road trying to figure out who and what to blame when the reality of it all is that ISU was simply outplayed all season long. Yes, there were good times, but the bad times are what will be remembered this time around and sending off this group of senior players to a stained reputation in Arch Madness is the last thing Muller wanted. I would’ve cried too. I would’ve sat there in front of hundreds of reporters, eager to record whatever I was going to say, basically apologizing for what I did and didn’t do. I would’ve put it on me too, but that’s just not the case. ISU cannot look back anymore, as the program’s future is what will keep it pushing towards seeing glory in March. The Redbirds just didn’t play, regardless of how much talent was on that roster. And at the end of the day, hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t want to work hard. What more can you say? JONATHAN BARLAS is Sports Editor for The Vidette. Follow him on Twitter @janveselybarlas
Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL -- Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For Rent: Summer/Fall/ Spring ‘19-‘20 Large 2 BR Townhouse. $535/person, $365 for 3. Prime location, 2 blocks south of Watterson. Central air, laundry in kitchen, 2 parking spaces, furniture, very nice. 610 S. Fell. 309-287-1870 Lg 2 BR on campus next to trail. Off street parking, quiet, clean, furnished, laundry. $355-$535. 309-287-7228
For Rent: Fall/Spring ‘19-‘20
TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms. Include Washer/Dryer, Central Air, Dishwasher, Parking, Patio and/or balcony, yard. ONLY 265-$470 per person. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960
Three-bedroom house $1350/mo. Fenced in yard, five min. from ISU. Contact 309-827-6264
FELL: Spacious 1, 2 and 4 Bedroom units. Close to Campus. Start at $370. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 Flora Way: Large Furnished 1, 2, 3, and 4 bedrooms. Start at ONLY $330. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960
301 S Walnut - Furnished 2 bedrooms. Balcony. Covered Parking. Laundry. Quiet building. Start at only $295. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 Premium Campus housing available! 5 bedrooms, 2 bath, 2 kitchens, 1 block from Hancock Stadium. Call Nathan (309) 660-2390 HOUSES: 3-6 Bedrooms. Start at $320 each. Class Act Realty. 309-454-2960 Three four bedroom HOUSES, up to three bathrooms, $450-$500 per student per month. Call Elton at (309) 825-5435 One or two male roommates needed: 601 Broadway. Gorgeous, executive 4-bedroom, 4-1/2-bath apartment. $635(May-May) or $660(Aug-May) per tenant/month including $40 utility allowance. Call Meredith’s at 309.454.4100.
410 Normal Ave: Extensive remodeling for 2019-20. 4-bedroom, 2-bath, close to Bone, Nursing Sim Lab, FREE on-site parking. Roommate matching available. $510(May-May) or $525(Aug-May) per tenant/month. Call Meredith’s at 309.454.4100. Furnished one bedroom. 210 E. Vernon. $550 for one or $700 for 2 people. 309-825-7920 Luxury 4 bedroom 2 bath apartments located on 401 N Fell available! Walking distance from campus. ROOMMATE MATCHING AVAILABLE! Call today to set up a showing 309-829-5885
Help Wanted IDEAL Environmental Engineering, Inc. is HIRING! Floor Tile Removal Workers & Other Positions Part & Full-Time, Flexible Hours! GREAT COMPENSATION! Local, Family-Owned Company. Send
your Resume to: Info@idealenvironmental.com TODAY! ISU Spring Break Week Help Before/ After School Program is looking for staff during ISU’s spring break week. Visit our website for more info and an application, or email ktetter@normal.org Looking for a friendly, energetic, and personable individual sought to fill the position of part-time Optometric Tech. No experience necessary, we will train. Work involves greeting patients, doing preliminary exam testing, training contact lens insertion & removal as well as general office tasks. Weekends are required. Benefits include holidays and bonuses based on performance. No health insurance benefits. Please bring resume and fill out an application in the doctors office inside LensCrafters at 2109 N Veterans Pkwy Ste 2 Bloomington, IL 61704
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
Sports
MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2019
Back at the Bass
Men’s hoops expectedly ends Illinois State wins two of three over Central Michigan in its return to Duffy Bass Field in heartache
MY VIEW JON BARLAS | Sports Editor
D
Christopher Edwards | Photo Editor
Illinois State junior left-handed starting pitcher Matt Walker delivers a pitch to Central Michigan during the Redbirds’ 11-2 loss to the Chippewas Sunday afternoon at Duffy Bass Field. The Redbirds won two of three games over CMU in their home-opening series. KADE HEATHER Sports Editor | @kade_heather
E
ver since Illinois State took down No. 1 Vanderbilt in its series finale on March 10, it has scored 48 runs and won five straight games, including two in its home-opening series this past weekend at Duffy Bass Field. However, a third-inning grand slam in the Redbirds’ series finale against Central Michigan proved to be too much Sunday afternoon. “We came into the week with five games and won four of them,” ISU head coach Steve Holm said. “We happened to play our worst game on the last one, so we have a little bit of a sour taste, but overall, it was a great week. Anytime you can go 4-1 in a week I think you’re going to take it and that’s the way we chose to look at it.”
only multi-hit game for the Redbirds, going 3-4 with a walk and two runs scored.
Saturday Game Two | ISU 5, CMU 4 The Chippewas regained their second threerun lead of the game in the second inning, 4-1, however ISU freshman Gunner Peterson drilled a two-run home run to right field, as the ’Birds kept chipping away. ISU starter Jeff Lindgren continued a solid day on the mound as he only allowed one earned run in the game over five and two-thirds innings. Senior infielder Derek Parola ended up giving the Redbirds the life they needed. He did his job
Sunday | CMU 11, ISU 2 ISU junior lefty Matt Walker got the start in the series finale as he pitched two scoreless innings, but then could only record one out in the third inning before exiting the game. Walker allowed a leadoff single in the third, walked a batter, allowed back-to-back singles, then CMU sophomore shortstop Zavier Warren smacked a grand slam to center field, giving CMU a 5-0 lead. The Chippewas added two more runs in the fourth inning, one in the fifth and one more in the eighth, as they cruised to an 11-2 victory. ISU junior outfielder Jordan Libman had the
LUEDKE Continued from page 7
With his dad’s mindset, Luedke decided to pursue a different type of career in the public affairs department at State Farm Insurance in Bloomington. He ended up being a spokesperson for the company for another 17 years, but after just a few years it seemed like something was missing in his life. He just couldn’t get away from the booth. “I did miss it,” Luedke said. “Those years after I went to State Farm, by the time they asked me to come back I was definitely ready to do it. I wanted to get back to doing it.” Luckily for Luedke, WJBC was in need of a playby-play broadcaster for Redbird basketball for the 2003-04 season, and Luedke was the first person they called. Eventually, Luedke would go on to resume broadcasting football as well in 2008, and has been broadcasting both sports for the radio network since then. Now retired from State Farm, he can gear his devotion to Redbird athletics and painting a picture for fans all across the country.
in the fifth inning with a groundout that scored ISU junior center fielder John Rave, then he later came up with a bigger hit with a seventh-inning single that gave the Redbirds a 5-4 lead. ISU sophomore left-hander Jacob Gilmore entered in the eigth inning and allowed just one hit over the final two innings. Gilmore earned his fifth save of the season while striking out two Chippewas.
Saturday Game One | ISU 7, CMU 2 After CMU retook the lead in the fifth inning on a single from junior infielder Zach Heeke, the ’Birds tied it back up when Parola knocked an RBI double down the right field line. The game remained scoreless for two and a half more innings as ISU junior lefty Brent Headrick capped his six-inning start. Senior right-hander Mitch Vogrin relieved Headrick and tossed a scoreless seventh, then junior lefty Colton Johnson earned the win with three scorelss innings to close the game. The Redbirds poured on five runs in the eighth inning to put the Chippewas out of reach, highlighted by Peterson’s two-run double, giving ISU a 4-2 lead. Headrick allowed the only two runs in the second and fifth innings, while he finished with four strikeouts, two walks, and gave up five hits.
UP NEXT Christopher Edwards | Photo Editor
Illinois State junior right fielder Joe Butler swings at a pitch in its 11-2 loss to Central Michigan on Sunday. Just recently, Luedke broadcasted his 1,000th basketball game. He has been with the program through it all for nearly 40 years. The highs, the lows, everything. He has even had the opportunity to broadcast the ’Birds in the NCAA Tournament in the 90’s, including the 1998 upset over Tennessee on Dan Muller’s bucket at the buzzer, as well as the 2014 FCS National Championship football loss to North Dakota State. For this, Luedke has one word to describe the opportunity he was granted to broadcast ISU basketball and football: rewarding “Its just been so rewarding,” Luedke said. “More than I ever envisioned it could be. I have a huge attachment with so many people that have been at Illinois State. The administration, the coaches, the fans. I’ve gotten to know so many of them. It’s sort of a family really.” This family that Luedke speaks of is a Bloomington-Normal community of around 130,000 residents, some of which fill the seats at Redbird Arena and Hancock stadium. A family that Luedke will always be a member
ISU (12-6) returns to action at 5 p.m. Tuesday against the University of Illinois at Chicago Flames (6-8) at Duffy Bass Field.
of, even when he decides to hang up the mic. When will that be one might ask? Only time will tell. “It is kind of a year by year thing,” Luedke said of his broadcasting future. “I am now 69, but I am still in good physical shape, and I think I’m in good mental shape still. I love doing it. My hope is to keep doing it for a while.” For now, Luedke hopes to continue inspiring his listeners, and improve to the best of his ability. “My goal is to for each game do the best job I can do,” Luedke. “I always think about having the perfect broadcast, but that’s not going to happen. I want to keep improving. I want to find ways to help me do my job better.” As Illinois State is set to graduate multiple athletes in just over a month, expect one thing to remain constant: the great, enthusiastic voice of Dick Luedke. BLAINE LEWALLEN is the Senior Sports Reporter for The Vidette. He can be contacted at bmlewal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter at @blainelew3
isappointment and frustration are two of many words to describe Illinois State’s 2018-19 season, but sometimes all that’s needed to be said isn’t what’s said at all. Actions speak louder than words and for Illinois State, actions on the court spoke louder than the team’s reasoning behind closed doors. The Redbirds did what most expected to be done this time around at Arch Madness - skimming past Evansville only to lose to Drake in the quarterfinal of the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. While most Redbird faithful and Valley fans sit back and pat themselves on the back for a rather easy prediction, a loss was bound to happen as no Thursday team has ever reached and won Arch Madness in MVC history. But it wasn’t supposed to be like this. The ’Birds were supposed to be feared throughout the Valley, but instead were only feared at Redbird Arena finishing 12-4 at home. Firm in its mediocrity, the Redbirds finished 17-16, 9-9 in the MVC this year as their record outwardly shows the patchiness and struggle experienced. Ranked No. 2 in the MVC Preseason poll, Illinois State had every tool necessary to make this season special. A tight knit and talented senior core in Keyshawn Evans, Phil Fayne and former MVC Newcomer of the Year Milik Yarbrough all were poised to be elite forces within conference play. Instead, they finished their careers with individual success and potency, rather than keeping the glue that stuck together throughout the season. There’s no one to blame and there’s no one to point fingers at, it just didn’t happen. From half-court, buzzer-beating losses to routine weekly blowouts, we were all wrong and that’s the story that will be written until tip-off next fall. Looking ahead, Illinois State now faces new leadership in returners Zach Copeland, Rey Idowu, Matt Chastain, Josh Jefferson, Isaac Gassman and Matt Hein while newer faces in Dedric Boyd, Keith Fischer, Jaycee Hillsman and Taylor Bruninga look to see the court for the first time next season. A new era now comes into fruition as this year’s senior-heavy roster departs with ISU head coach Dan Muller still trying to bring Redbird basketball to the heights in which he dreams of. Whether you agree with his play style, his success and his failures, Muller isn’t going anywhere. The fact of the matter is; he’s signed through 2024 with a new contract extension penned in 2017. The university has faith in him to get ISU over the hump of a tournament championship and a NCAA berth. This is Muller’s program and although tensions and frustrations are at an all-time high, a sudden head coaching change will not fix the problem. see BARLAS on page 7