V THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018 Vol. 130 / No. 55
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NEWS 5
‘TRUTH OR DARE’ STARS TALK FILM WITH VIDETTE
NEWS 3
LOS ANGELES TIMES EDITOR JIM KIRK RETURNS TO ISU
THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL
Hitting it out of the park
Spence shines for ISU softball STORY BY JONATHAN BARLAS | Features and Sports Reporter | @janveselybarlas
A
s Illinois State softball continues its rollercoaster ride of a season, better days are surely in sight. While ISU has sporadically struggled this season, marking a 14-23 record as of Sunday, impact players such as infielder Allison Spence lead the charge for the Redbirds’ faithful turnaround. Being selected to the National Invitational Softball Championship All-Tournament Team, a 2017 Missouri Valley Conference First Team All-Conference player and current single-season record holder for putouts (527), Spence’s remarkable 2017 season has bled into 2018. Leading the ‘Birds in batting average (.314), slugging percentage (.457), hits (33) and runs Infielder Allison Spence records one of her four hits during a weekend series against Indiana State.
batted in (23), Spence seems to embody the winning culture noted by the MVC preseason polls. While the Redbirds were predicted to finish at the top of conference play, their current record says otherwise, as Spence continues to strive to prove they are the team to beat in the Valley. “The pre-season rank definitely has pushed us to work hard day in and day out,” Spence said. “To return back to regionals [and] winning the conference tournament is our ultimate goal.” As a three-year varsity player for head coach Kerri Evans at Marian Catholic High School, Spence’s road to Division 1 softball was almost always in her cards. With an AllConference nomination, three-time All-Area selections, 2014 Illinois Times All-Area MVP
and 2014 Second Team All-State selection, Spence’s gifted talent for the game she loves was almost undeniable. While Spence holds the game close to her heart, she holds certain people closer. Starting softball around 4-years-old, Spence says her parents and former coaches have prepared her to play and play well at the Division 1 level. “My biggest inspiration is my parents, Spence said. “They have done everything for my brothers and I, and have worked so hard while doing it. I also had great coaches and teammates along with playing tough competition throughout both club and high school ball that really prepared me.” see SPENCE page 7
Photo courtesy Dennis Banks | Illinois State Athletics
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
STAFF LIST Editor in Chief
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5k run to benefit Habitat for Humanity Proceeds from April 29 event will go toward this year’s house project GARRETT KARSTEN News Reporter | @GKarstenISU
ISU Campus Chapter of Habitat for Humanity will host its first Habitat Home Run 5k at 9 a.m. April 29 with all proceeds going to building this year’s Habitat house. The 5k is a color fun run/walk fundraiser where event workers will throw colored powder on the participants at various locations throughout the course. Organizers encourage participants to wear either white clothing or anything that will “show off the awesome colors or clothes” and anything
Students can create their own space space at COM Week 2018
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they do not mind getting dirty. Participants are also encouraged to bring a personal towel to clean any excess color powder. Habitat works in nearly 70 countries seeking to eliminate substandard housing — houses that pose a threat to its occupants’ health and safety — within local communities. ISU’s chapter has built 23 houses in 22 years, thanks to successful fundraisers, driven volunteers and generous donations, they said. “It does this largely through volunteer assistance in constructing, rehabilitating and preserving homes,” Co-President of ISU Habitat for Humanity Zoe McGrath said. “Habitat for Humanity was founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a decent and affordable place to live in dignity and safety.” This year marks the 24th house sponsored by RACHEL MCKINLEY News Reporter | @Kinle17Mc
Panels by various professionals, networking opportunities and a documentary film festival are all offered Monday through Friday as a part of COM Week. The theme of this year’s week is “Create Your Space.” COM Week is an annual event hosted by the School of Communication that aims to inform students of various career options while highlighting the importance of professional development. This year, there will be panels discussing Broadway, the media and free speech, the fashion industry and the process of obtaining a master’s degree. There will be a mocktail hour 7-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at
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 of the Illinois
the ISU chapter. The house will be ready for a local family to move in soon. The 5k is one fundraiser in a series planned for spring 2018. The 5k will take place 9-11 a.m. with check-in beginning at 8:15 a.m. It will cost $10 for students of any age and $15 for adults and non-students. All children age five or younger can race for free. An option to purchase a T-shirt will be available when registering. For registration, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ habitat-home-run-5k-tickets-44333193776. Email habitatforisu@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. Garrett Karsten is a news reporter reporter for The Vidette. He can be reached at gtkarst@ ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @GKarstenISU.
the Hancock Stadium Club. A brief panel on the importance of networking will be followed by the opportunity for students to expand and practice their own networking skills. Registration is not WATCH FOR MONDAY’S required but is encouraged. In addition to the panels, VIDETTE FOR A COMPLETE there will be a film festival PREVIEW OF COMWEEK 6:30–9:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Normal Theater. The festival will feature a student-made documentary about current socio-political issues in society. The full schedule and a list of the panelists can be found on the COM Week website at casit.illinoisstate. edu/sites/comweek.
State University administration, faculty and students. The Vidette is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press and the Illinois College Press Association. Subscriptions are available by mail to anywhere in the United States for $150 per calendar year. © The Vidette 2017 University & Locust / Campus Box 0890 / Normal, IL 61761–0890
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
From Vidette to Los Angeles Times
Former Chicago Sun-Times Editor Jim Kirk reflects on ISU days before Hall of Fame induction Story by EMA SASIC Editor in Chief | Photo courtesy JIM KIRK
M
General Manager] Harry Thiel was a great mentor. When Harry would put up pages of the paper on the board, he’d circle stories that he loved, circle stories he didn’t love and show what was right or wrong. It was a constant teaching moment for all of us there. Journalism was something I wanted to do since high school. When I came to ISU, there was nothing else I wanted to do, and it was a great training ground.
ost students at Illinois State University might not think they have much in common with the Editor in Chief of the Los Angeles Times, but just like them, he is a Redbird. Former Chicago Sun-Times Publisher and Editor in Chief Jim Kirk graduated from ISU in 1987 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication. From his days as a reporter at The Vidette, he has covered various beats, lived in some of the country’s major cities and held top editorial positions with notable newspapers. As one of this year’s inductees to The Vidette’s Hall of Fame, Kirk will join a group of former student employees who have had successful careers in news, public relations, photography, advertising or marketing. Other class of 2018 inductees include Mitch Pugh, editor of The Post and Courier, Sally McKee, managing editor of the Peoria Journal Star, Bryan Bloodworth, former Pantagraph sports editor, and Tony Andracki, senior digital producer for Comcast SportsNet Chicago. Prior to his induction Saturday, Kirk spoke to The Vidette about his new role with the Los Angeles Times and his time as a Redbird.
What did you do at The Vidette? What all did it teach you? I worked all over the paper. I did a little bit of news, features and sports. The best experience was working with strong editors across the sections. The Vidette has always prided itself on having the right editors in place. For me, it was great to work alongside those people, especially as an underclassman. You think you know everything, but then you realize you have a lot to learn. Having good editors to guide you was phenomenal. I became a better writer and reporter, so I’m very proud of that work.
What are some of your fondest memories at ISU? I met a lot of people from the state and outside the state. It was a fairly diverse campus. I met my wife there and that was terrific. It was always a very friendly and welcoming campus and that was key.
You were just recently named the Editor in Chief at the Los Angeles Times. How did that opportunity come about? How have you adjusted to the role so far? For about five years I was publisher and editor at the Chicago Sun-Times. When new ownership came in over the summer, I took a position with Tronc, which owns the Los Angeles Times and the Chicago Tribune. In August, they had decided to make a change in Los Angeles at the top editorial leadership. They brought in a new publisher, so my first task was to come out to LA on an interim basis and help the publisher find a new editor. I spent through November working with the team out there to get the new editor up and running. When I did that, I went to New York because they just bought the New York Daily News, so they were also in between editors there so I was interim editor at the New York Daily News for a short period of time. There were issues with the new editor in LA, and they had to make a move again. When that happened, they asked me to be editor full-time and this was late January. It’s been a great transition coming back. I had a bit of an advantage because I got to know the staff in the fall when I was out there on an interim basis, I had a good relationship with the staff and really focused on the work. I think the transition went smoother than might have been because the staff was familiar with me from my interim time period. After I was named editor in chief, the company announced it was selling the Los Angeles Times to a local investor, so we are waiting for that deal to close and to hear the strategy of the new owner. I talked to him a bit during the transition period but have not sat down yet to fully engage on what the strategy will be going forward. But so far, so good.
Prior to LA Times, you were the Editor at the Chicago SunTimes. Illinois has been an interesting state to report on the last few years, so how did you handle the ups and downs? What has it taught you about your field? How does your role now compare? Chicago is unique in that there are few two-paper towns left, and Chicago is blessed with two very good newspapers. The big difference is we were number two in a big market compared to LA where the Times is the dominate paper. That calls for a bit of a different approach. The Sun-Times has had a history of being the scrappier newspaper. There are far fewer resources, fewer reporters on the streets, so from the time I started there we had to make some tough decisions on what to cover. We tactically made the decision by looking at our core readership and decided to double down on our resources to cover very big city issues that affect Chicagoans, which was politics, government, education, sports, investigative reporting. We decided we had to do a lot more partnering in order to fill in some of the gaps. I made a content-sharing agreement with the Daily Herald
What did your post-graduate life look like? Did you have a job lined up?
BIOGRAPHY: JIM KIRK Los Angeles Times Editor in Chief (since January 2018, succeeded Lewis D’Vorkin) ISU School of Communication graduate 1987 Degree: Mass Communication Reporter for The Vidette during his time at Illinois State University Will be inducted into the Vidette Hall of Fame Age: 52 for suburban news, so they took some of our city news and we shared content, which was sort of a first for both newspapers. At the LA Times, there are foreign bureaus, national bureaus, the metro staff is almost as big as my whole newsroom in Chicago. At the Sun-Times, it was a lot more hands on with the journalism day-to-day as opposed to here where I’m still very involved, but there’s so much more content on a daily basis that I don’t see firsthand. When you’re at the Chicago Sun-Times, you’re fulfilled by this sort of scrappiness of the paper and trying to be the underdog and beating the big paper on a daily basis. In LA, it’s trying to compete nationally with the New York Times and Washington Post. It’s an altogether different kind of competitive landscape and making sure you’re covering all parts of California as well as possible so you can continue to lead the state in terms of all news in the state. When wildfires hit northern California, we sent a full team up there. When wildfires hit southern California, we were all over that as well. We were also in Las Vegas for the massacre and Mexico City earthquake. The geography and landscape is so much more different than in Chicago. We’d love to have more reporters in Washington to cover the White House so we can compete with other papers.
Before heading these major newspapers, you were a Redbird just like us. Did you always know you wanted to be in journalism? What helped you choose mass communication as your major at ISU? I was familiar with ISU and its program. My brother went to ISU before I was there. It’s a school I always wanted to attend. When I started working at The Vidette, I found very early on it was an aggressive, fun, independent voice on campus. It was great to be part of that team. I made a lot of friends and learned a lot. I loved The Vidette. [Former
Through ISU, I had an internship at a business publication in Chicago. It was a magazine for the grocery industry called Grocery Marketing Magazine. A couple of good things about that: I’ve never done business or was a business reporter. That internship taught me a lot about being a business reporter, learning about a completely foreign industry and I had no idea how complicated and intricate the grocery business actually was. From that standpoint, it was a great way to understand real nuanced reporting, which then launched my business reporting. Later I went to Adweek Magazine, which covered the advertising industry. In 1995, I heard about a business reporting position at the Chicago Sun-Times. I was ready to get back to newspapers, and they hired me to cover food and marketing. Chicago was still a very strong advertising town. I worked there for two years, and then I got a call from the Chicago Tribune and they were looking for a marketing writer. I was on the business staff for a long time, and I decided I wanted to try my hand at editing and ended up becoming the business editor there for five years. I always had a love for politics and Washington and was lucky enough to be recruited by Bloomberg to go to Washington for two years and head up their government team which covered the White House, Congress and Pentagon. I ran a team of about 40 reporters. That was fascinating to see Obama’s first-term and there was a lot going on. The banking system had collapsed, he was overseeing the bailout of the auto industry and those were the first two years of the healthcare debate, so it was interesting to watch from the sidelines. It really helped round out my editing and helped me understand how government and Washington works. It helped me as I moved back to Chicago to be more of a general editor going forward.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you can offer to young journalists hoping to join these media outlets and maybe hold editor positions? First and foremost, it comes down to the story and great storytelling, finding the stories, the unique angle. I like to tell young reporters to not always come at a story head on, come at it from the side and you’ll find a better story and better way to tell that story. Learn as much diversity in storytelling as possible. Don’t just think writing a story is the only way to tell that story. Think multiplatform all the time and learn those skills. Whether it’s knowing how to do a great podcast or shooting story video, understanding how to be this modern journalist is so crucial. It’s really what most editors are looking for now. As you think about how people access content, they want it multiple ways, and you have to be aware of that every time you do a story.
Class of 2018 Vidette Hall of Fame inductees Mitch Pugh News and sports reporter at The Vidette Graduated from the University of Illinois-Springfield in 1998 with a degree in English Named editor of The Post and Courier in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2013, the state’s largest newspaper
Sally McKee Editor in chief of The Vidette in 1981-1982 Joined the Peoria Journal Star in 1982 as a features reporter; later was a news reporter, business reporter, lifestyles editor, Sunday editor and assistant managing editor Named managing editor in 2012
Tony Andracki Sports reporter and sports editor at The Vidette Graduated from Illinois State University in 2010 Joined Comcast SportsNet Chicago through an internship and now is a senior digital producer Covered Chicago Cubs, Bulls, Bears, White Sox and 2016 Rio Olympics
Bryan Bloodworth Sports writer and sports editor at The Vidette Graduated from Illinois State University in 1979 Member of the Pantagraph sports staff for 30 years, 14 of which as sports editor Worked for WJBC and WGLT radio and co-authored the book “100 Years of Illinois State Redbird Basketball”
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
W
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
Positives, negatives of the census
hile it still seems far off, it is important to know what exactly is going down with the 2020 census — because there are problematic and good elements. There has been much research and debate on whether or not there should be a separate question asking if the respondent is Hispanic. This is separate from the race question. According to Pew Research Center, during a test census that did combine the questions, “More than 70 percent of self-identified Hispanics said they were Hispanic [...] and less than 1 percent checked the ‘some other race’ box on the test census.” Despite such positive results, the decision to not include the combined question feels pointed: that Hispanic people must have a race outside of their Hispanic heritage and ethnicity. There is a lack of a question on Middle Eastern and Northern African descent. The same test survey from 2015 included the test question, but the official upcoming census will not have it. As far back as 2014, advocates have asked for
more accurate race questions when it comes to those of Middle Eastern and Northern African descent, because for those people, the only option currently is “white.” The Pew Research Center wrote then, “The new category would be broader than the Arab ancestry data collected by the Census Bureau since 1980. […] The Census Bureau estimates there are 1.8 million ArabAmericans in the U.S., up 51 percent since 2000. But the Arab American Institute Foundation estimates there
are nearly 3.7 million Arab Americans living in the country.” But, this question will not be on the official census. There is the issue that for most ArabAmericans in this country, they are not treated as if they are white. It becomes a double-edged sword — your identity can be erased on paper, but in life, you won’t be able to forget it. One positive thing to come from the census, though, is the first ever question for same-sex couples. This is a positive change for those in same-sex relation-
ships, but also a better way to collect data. Right now, without the question, “the bureau produces a count of same-sex couples by using people’s answers to two questions – one about respondents’ sex and another about how each person in the household is related to the person who filled out the questionnaire.” But this led to inaccuracies, as the Census Bureau found that the majority of same-sex married couples counted in the 2010 census and were recorded as opposite-sex couples in Social Security files. The upcoming census has positives, but it also has a glaring issue. The census is blatantly asking respondents if they are citizens. This is the first time since 1950 that this question has found its way into the census, which is quite telling. There has already been a lawsuit filed against the question. The Department of Justice says it’s just to collect data, but the administration has been firm in its xenophobic anti-immigration stance. Should we believe them or not?
Editorial Cartoon by Flynn Geraghty | Vidette Art Director
EDITORIAL POLICY Editorial written by KAYLA JANE JEFFERS, 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.
‘A Quiet Place’ screams for representation MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist
T
his past weekend, the highlyanticipated horror movie “A Quiet Place” finally hit theaters. I have been waiting for this movie since I first saw the trailer back in November. Everyone knows I love horror movies, and everyone also knows that I love John Krasinski and Emily Blunt (as individuals and also their relationship). If you don’t know, “A Quiet Place” is about a family living in a post-apocalyptic world where they cannot make noise, because if they do, something(s) will hunt and kill them. Hence the title. Krasinski and Blunt play a married couple in the film, and they have to raise their children using American Sign Language.
Krasinski, who also directed the film, specifically pushed for actress Millicent Simmonds to play one of his children. Simmonds lost her hearing when she was young and has become an advocate for the deaf community since. Since the film is almost entirely quiet, with just roughly three minutes total of verbal communication, it is so incredibly awesome that Krasinski championed for Simmonds. Back in October, Simmonds expressed her hopes for the future of Hollywood. “I want to see more deaf people have the opportunity to become actors,” she told People. “And I want [hearing people] to know that it’s okay to learn [American Sign Language].” Krasinski’s choice to hire a deaf actress to play a deaf character sends a really crucial message to Hollywood: give more opportunities to deaf talent. There’s no denying that the film industry is becoming more diverse and that audiences are becoming more accepting. There has been an increase in films and discussion about homosexuality, racism and gender equality that I’ve been applauding for inclusiv-
ity and representation. However, it is important to note the lack of proper representation of disabled people. I think the quality and the success of “A Quiet Place” has put a small, but evident crack in that glass ceiling. By now, directors and screenwriters are much more aware of characters with various disabilities and will now be more interested in writing and creating roles and films for them. The film’s use of ASL is both interesting and impactful because we see the parents treating and communicating with their children equally. Simmonds’ character’s deafness is never considered a setback or a detriment in any way. Simmonds actually taught the cast how to use sign language as well. Her disability helped create a character who exists on camera because the actress understands the character behind the scenes. “A Quiet Place” takes deafness and throws it into a new (and also horrifying) world that puts those with disabilities and those that are able-bodies in the same place. Going off on a quick and relevant
tangent, the sole disabled person to win an Academy Award is deaf actress Marlee Matlin back in 1987, for “Children of a Lesser God.” It has legitimately been over three decades since a disabled person won an Oscar. Now that Simmonds has a pretty impressive platform, she also has an opportunity to shine. Hollywood is aware of her and her talents, and I really do hope they take a closer look at creating films to incorporate more deaf people. The more deaf and disabled talent that is cast, the more they can advocate for their respective communities and raise awareness. Simmonds’ presence in her work also offers meaningful and proper representation for young deaf viewers, and I hope more filmmakers take this cue from Krasinski. For the 100th time now: representation matters. Kevin Schwaller is a senior journalism major and news editor and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.
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LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Response to ‘Attacking survivors isn’t the way to go’ editorial Dear Kayla Jane Jeffers, I recently read the editorial you wrote in The Vidette, Vol. 130, No. 53, titled “Attacking survivors isn’t the way to go,” where you discuss two instances of people criticizing Parkland survivors and labeling the people who mock these kids as bullies. To this I, and perhaps others, would say, “if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
That is not to say that they are not entitled to their opinion, and that they should not be allowed to express that opinion by any means at their disposal. But, when you get on national TV and begin to advocate for policy that concerns 325 million other citizens, then you can expect some backlash, especially when you advocate for legislation that affects the constitutional rights of those citizens. Regardless of your age. When you make the decision that your opinion is important enough to be heard by millions and to affect millions more, you are saying that you are old enough to play on the same field as
career politicians and political commentators. Fields where people are mocked, investigated, accused and made the targets of political satire on a nearly daily basis. Admittedly, some of those are dumb, like the conclusion that Representative King reached based entirely off of a flag on Emma Gonzalez’s jacket, which speaks more about King than about Gonzalez. However, in the case of Laura Ingraham’s comment about David Hogg, in which she quoted an article by The Daily Wire with a small contribution explaining the normality of his rejection, is vastly over-shadowed by Hogg’s response. Ingraham’s
comment was pretty mild – indeed, it was far from mocking. Still, Hogg felt the need to call for her sponsors to drop their support of her. One small tweet that simply pointed to a fact — which perhaps cost Hogg a few minutes of hurt feelings — and he made sure it cost her sponsors. Perhaps it was comeuppance; it is undoubtedly petty. Eugene Washington
Full letter to the editor online
videtteonline.com
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
Lucy Hale, Tyler Posey talk ‘Truth or Dare’ Stars of new supernatural thriller chat it up with Vidette editors
KEVIN SCHWALLER AND EMA SASIC News Editor and Editor in Chief
O
ne question: truth or dare? The popular, seemingly harmless game turns deadly in Universal Pictures’ new film, “Truth or Dare.” Lucy Hale of “Pretty Little Liars” and Tyler Posey of “Teen Wolf” star as college seniors Olivia and Lucas in the new supernatural thriller from Blumhouse Productions (“Happy Death Day,” “Get Out,” “Split”). When a tightly knit group of friends embark upon their last undergraduate getaway and engage in a harmless game of truth or dare, the game follows them home, forcing them to play or face the deadly consequences. Approximately 200 Illinois State University students saw an exclusive, free screening of the film April 3 at the Normal Theater. Vidette Editor in Chief Ema Sasic and News Editor Kevin Schwaller were invited to partake in a virtual interview with Hale and Posey. According to Posey, the cast was able to get creative during the filming of the initial truth or dare game. “Everyone “I like when was throwmovies kind ing out adlibs and we had a of mess lot of fun with with your it,” Posey head, it’s said. “It really feel like creepier that did we were playway. That’s ing truth or frightening.” dare.” Hale Tyler Posey, and Posey co-star of “Truth or reflected on Dare” their experiences playing the game. Hale noted that she usually chooses “truth.” “It’s just the safer route to take,” she said. “Unless they ask you an embarrassing question,” Posey added. “How often do you change your underwear?” “Daily! What are you talking about?” Hale responded. Posey said the cast wanted to make their characters as relatable to college students as possible. He explained the friends begin to realize their friendship is the most important thing to them and they would face danger to save each
Photo Courtesy Peter Iovino
Lucas (Tyler Posey) and Olivia (Lucy Hale) try to deny their truth in “Truth or Dare,” a supernatural thriller from Blumhouse Productions. A harmless game of “Truth or Dare” among friends turns deadly when someone — or something — begins to punish those who tell a lie — or refuse the dare. other. “Anybody who is in such a tight knit friend group like Lucas and Olivia, [...] you really do care for one another,” he said. “These kids realize that friendship is the most important thing to them and they would risk their lives to save the people that they love.” While discussing what scares them the most, Hale revealed it is losing her sanity without realizing it. “My biggest fear in life is losing my mind but not realizing it, but everyone else around me realizes it,” Hale said. “I like when movies kind of mess with your head, it’s creepier that way,” Posey said. “That’s frightening.” The actors also discussed what they look for in scripts when deciding on future projects. Posey said he was looking to switch things up from one of his recent projects. “For me, I played a character that was super brooding and intense and the leader all the time, and now I’m kind of looking for something a little more lighthearted,” he explained. “I just try to change it up, whatever I’m not used to doing at that moment, I kind of like to go for.” “Unless I’m really [passionate],” he continued. “’Truth or Dare’ fit
right in line with ‘Teen Wolf,’ and that’s a genre that I just love. I’m either looking for something that I really love, or something I haven’t done yet.” Hale also noted the similarities in tone of “Truth or Dare” with “Pretty Little Liars”. “Eight years of [Liars] made me way more comfortable within the filming of a movie like this. There’s also some parallels between Aria and Olivia. Friendship is really important to them, and I feel like they’re really brave,” Hale said. “I feel honored that I get to play characters that are willing to sort of step up and put everything aside for people that they care about.” “It doesn’t matter if it’s TV or film, or what genre it is, I just really want to try new things, and things that seem really challenging to me,” she continued. “What I love about ‘Truth or Dare’ is there’s a really strong female lead, and I think we need a lot more of those.” While a popular cliché in horror films is for the protagonists to make irrational decisions, Posey noted that “Truth or Dare” rarely utilizes those moments and that is part of the reason he was attracted to the film. “There’s not a lot of those
Burger Baskets:
moments in the movie where you’re like, ‘What the hell are you doing? Don’t go down that hallway!’ The only [time] is the
initial truth or dare game, but the guy’s charming, it seems like it’s going to be safe and fun,” Posey explained. “One thing that I love about filmmaking is making it look real and as believable as possible.” “Even though you’re dealing with supernatural elements,” he continued. “And [the supernatural elements] are obviously — well — I hope demons aren’t real …” “They are real, Tyler,” Hale said. “I think she might be one,” Posey said. “But I do have kind of an issue when movies seem ‘fake.’ This was going to be a challenge to try to make it as believable as possible, as an actor.” “What I loved is that they really incorporated social media [into the script],” Hale added. “It’s so relevant in the time that we live in.” Hale said she thanks the writers and Blumhouse for the creativity of the movie. “This is not your typical horror film,” Hale said. “I think [people] are going to walk into it thinking it’s going to be one thing, but it’s really not. I think they’re going to walk out and it being a totally different experience than they thought.” “Truth or Dare” opens nationwide Friday.
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Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
Designer Natalie Zuber, senior fashion design major, makes last minute fittings to model and sophomore mass media major Briana Williams’ clothes. Zuber made her entire collection within the past two weeks.
Moments leading to ‘legacies’ FDMA buckles down on ISU Fashion Show preparations
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STORY BY EMILY GRIFFITH FEATURES EDITOR | PHOTOGRAPHS BY NATALIE STUCKSLAGER PHOTO EDITOR
rom the front row, fashion shows seem effortlessly chic. Gorgeous models strut their way down the catwalk in bold, beautiful clothes, strike a pose and walk back behind the curtain. However, a great deal of preparation takes place for those 45 seconds each model walks down the catwalk. Fashion shows are one of the most demanding events to produce, and the Fashion Design and Merchandising Association’s 17th annual Illinois State University Fashion Show is no exception. Behind the scenes, there’s an army working day and night to ensure the show goes off without a hitch. Senior fashion merchandising major and Director Marissa WueBEHIND thrich and senior fashion merchandising major and THE Associate Director Morgan SCENES Murphy explain that with the help of a board of directors, a marketing team, designers, models and volunteers, ISU’s student-led fashion show is made possible. Both Wuethrich and Murphy were hired to their positions at the end of last spring semester. Throughout the summer, they brainstormed ideas for the show. The fall was then dedicated to setting a theme, marketing the fashion show and preparing guest lists. However, once January hit, chaos set in. “Everything doesn’t start rolling until about January when we have model auditions and have all of our final designers to pick their models,” Murphy said “[Lately,] I’ve been constantly emailing Molly, who works with the Brown Ballroom, and trying to set up the whole [show's] layout,” Wuethrich added. “Then [I'm] Marissa working with TicketmasWuethrich ter, working with tech and light,and then with hair and makeup… There’s a lot that goes into the production that people don’t know about.” Regarding the designing side, designers can start their collections whenever, as long as the designs are purely original. Design Director Shannon Juliah Bowie, senior fashion design and merchandising
major, explained she had a whole collection and decided to scratch it last minute and start from the very beginning. “[My inspiration] just really comes to me. I don’t go looking for it and try to force it,” Bowie said. Bowie explains the most stressful part about the ISU Fashion Show is deadlines. “As design director, I have to collect everyone else’s work on time,” Bowie said. “I’m trying to manage myself while trying to help everyShannon Juliah Bowie one to get their stuff in on time. Staying motivated to keep going [is also hard] because it gets really stressful.” However, all the hard work pays off, especially with this year’s theme, “Legacy.” Designers can either make their collection about what legacy has been led by them or make their collections about how they would like to be remembered at ISU. "I like that [the theme] is not limiting us," Bowie said. "Everyone has their own individual theme of what they want to leave behind at ISU." Not only does the legacy theme work for individual designers featured in the show, but it also works for the overall fashion design and merchandising program at ISU as well. “Our program is super small, and this is a great way to showcase it,” Murphy said. “It’s awesome to see that we Morgan have so many talented people Murphy who are willing to share their collection and people who are willing to take time out of their school day to come volunteer for us.” Overall, both Murphy and Wuethrich hope everyone has a memorable experience. “I hope the models have a fun time, that the designers are happy with how their stuff was presented on stage, that the professors are proud of their students and that all audience members have a good time,” Wuethrich said. The ISU Fashion Show will be at 7 p.m. Friday in the Brown Ballroom. Mocktail hour begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 each and can still be bought on Ticketmaster.
TOP: Models perfect their final struts in the ISU Fashion Show’s final model practice. This practice focused on models’ timings to their designers’ background music choices. Overall, there were eight model practices leading up to the ISU Fashion Show. ABOVE: Designer and senior fashion design and merchandising major Megan Hanson makes a pattern for an undergarments to go under a dress in her collection. All designers have access to the Turner Hall sewing lab to work on their collections. RIGHT: Model Frank Kenne walks down the practice runway.
THE VIDETTE | SPORTS | PAGE 7
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
Softball Spotlight: In the circle with Sarah Finck
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NICK LANDI Sports Reporter | @nlandi1033
he 2018 season has not gone nearly as well for Illinois State softball senior pitcher Sarah Finck as the 2017 campaign did. A year after finishing with a record of 21-8 on the circle with a 2.31 ERA and being a Missouri Valley Conference First-Team All-Conference selection, the pitcher now finds herself leading the league in losses with 12. As ISU (14-23, 5-5 MVC) sits in a tie for third place with about a month to go in the regular season, Finck will be relied upon to help the team aim for its second straight MVC regular season championship. Before the team’s three-game series at home against Evansville this weekend, Finck talked about the current season, the impact her family has made on her career, and what her plans are after graduation.
the control of the pitcher at times. How much do you factor in a stat like a win/loss record when evaluating your overall performance? A: I do not really look at stats. I have no idea what my stats are right now, but you win as a team, you lose as a team. It’s
chance to come out here and watch you play? A: They’re at every game. Not so much preseason, but definitely the home games and all of the conference games. My grandparents always come too, my mom comes when she tries. They see mostly all of my games.
Q: Was that one of the factors that played a role in you choosing to come to ISU? A: Definitely. My grandpa grew up pretty
much taking me to all of my practices, weightlifting, and stuff like that. So it was really important to me to have him around because he played a major role in my performance and my success.
Q: So you really have a close relationship with him, especially when it came to developing your passion for softball? A: Yeah. My mom played softball so once
I was born, I think I was pretty much expected to play softball and he just was really into it. He taught me, he made sure I went to my pitching lessons, [that] I didn’t hang out with my friends the night before, [it was] a very strict softball household. I think he did a really good job of disciplining me, getting me to practice early, not arriving late, trying my hardest [and] getting the most out of me. So it was important that he came to all of my games.
Q: You have played a lot this season. You are one of the league leaders in innings pitched (4th with 105.1). Overall, how would you evaluate how you have done so far this season? A: Compared to last season, it’s kind of rocky,
but I think that the pitching staff has done a wonderful job picking me up and making sure I’m in the right state of mind going into the game. If I don’t finish a game, I know that there is six other pitchers ready to come in and shut them down.
Q: Why do you think this year has not gone as well as last year did? A: I don’t think it’s anything in particular.
Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor
Sarah Finck is in her final season inside the circle for Illinois State and coach Melinda Fischer.
I just think it’s that thought in the back of your head, that comparison. I’m still trying my best and I know my team is behind me and we’re all pushing for the same goal as we did last year and I think that we’re going to get there by the end of the season.
not so much stats: it’s what are you going to work on this week in practice? How are going to make yourself better? What pitch do I need to work on to strike the next batter out in the next game? What do the hitters need to do to make sure they can adjust well?
Q: You lead the MVC in losses, but in baseball and softball, a win/loss record is something that is out of
Q: You came from East Peoria, which is less than an hour from ISU. How often does your family get a
internship in Tampa, Florida for exercise science and that’s basically just corporate wellness. It’s for an insurance company and they have all their employees and my job is to train them, lead group fitness classes, nutrition consultation, educational stuff. So I’m excited for that. Illinois State is coming off a two-game shortened series sweep over Loyola last weekend.The Redbirds welcome Evansville for a three-game series Saturday with the front-end of a doubleheader beginning at noon at Marian Kneer Stadium.
SPENCE continued from page 1
Spence not only commends her teammates for the hard work they have put in, but also admires the team’s diligent work ethic in effort to attain glory by season’s end. “The thing we are working on is playing a complete game,” she said. “[What we need] to focus on most is to get better every day and to not take practice for granted.” As Spence works hard to stay consistent, the threeyear veteran infielder continues to prove her presence on the field. Merited with NISC and MVC selections, not only is she unfazed by the target on her back, but is instead motivated to become better in all aspects of her game and her life. “I don’t really feel a target, but it has me worked even harder,” Spence said. “It’s always in the back of your head to do better, and that’s what I strive for. At the D1
Allison Spence in action at Marian Kneer Stadium versus Indiana State. Photo courtesy Dennis Banks | Illinois State Athletics
Student Apartments
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Q: When you graduate, what are your plans for life after school? A: I’m really excited. I just accepted an
level, it’s the best of the best. The best players and the best teams are competing for one goal and I think now as a three-year veteran, it is important to really set an example at practice, games and academically.” While Spence strives to set an example for her teammates, she puts her best foot forward when giving thanks to the program that has allowed her to play at such a high level. “Being able to play the sport I love at ISU is an honor,” Spence said. “Being part of such a great program with great teammates is one of the best things.” Due to the unlikely inclement weather, the Redbirds are also experiencing some trouble from Mother Nature. With both games against Loyola and DePaul receiving cancellations earlier this week, Spence and company look to finally stretch their legs as the Redbirds travel to Evansville for a three-game conference series. The Redbirds host the Evansville Aces noon Saturday at Marian Kneer Stadium, looking to break their even 5-5 record in the Valley.
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2018-2019 School year now renting 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms close to campus and affordable living. Call 309-454-4888 411 Normal Ave. 5 bdrm 3.5 bath. House for rent available May 2018. $2300/mo. 3098268536 94 Poplar - 3 BD, 1.5 Bath home next to Trail. 2 car garage. A/C, DW, W/D in unit. $400 for 3/$600 for 2. Call Area Wide Services (309) 829-4800. Privately owned house at 702 Franklin, Normal. Room for 4 (one male occupied-needs 2/3 more). 2 bath, fenced backyard, deck, firepit, storage garage, air, W/D. $400 for 4/$500 for 3. Utilities included. 5 min. to center of quad. Call 815-303-5971. Dave 9 Flora Way 4 bdrm 2 bath. Walking distance to campus. Off street parking. Newly remodeled. Includes washer and dryer. 12 month lease. $250/month per person. Call Nick 309-287-2842.
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
THURSDAY, APRIL 12, 2018
Redbird softball ready for 3-game series vs. Aces STEPHEN GARNER Sports Reporter | @StayTrueSdot3
With roughly 15 games left on the schedule for everyone, and a month left in the regular season ahead of the MVC Tournament, this weekend will provide a match-up between two teams that have essentially swapped positioning in the conference.
For Evansville
Ali Rasper | Senior Photographer
Illinois State designated hitter Nick Zouras congratulates teammate Bryce Grimm after scoring a run in Wednesday’s game at Duffy Bass Field.
ISU splits midweek contests KADE HEATHER & TYLER JACHNICKI Sports Reporters
Game One (Tuesday): Illinois 4, Illinois State 2 After two postponed games between the Illinois State and Illinois Fighting Illini baseball teams at Duffy Bass Field, the in-state foes finally took the field in Champaign Tuesday evening. The Redbirds hoped to carry some momentum with them after their 4-3 extra innings victory over Dallas Baptist Sunday. Momentum was not enough, as the Redbirds continued their losing streak against the Fighting Illini, losing 4-2. Illinois State (11-16, 2-4 MVC) surrendered the two winning runs in the fifth inning. It was a bullpen kind of day for the Redbirds as senior Kyle Pauly started the game for ISU on the mound, but survived just one and two-thirds innings. Pauly gave up two earned runs on three hits, one walk and two strikeouts, while facing nine batters. Although, he picked up a no-decision for the game. In fact, no Redbirds pitcher threw more than two innings and ISU used seven different arms to record outs. Illinois State struck first, however, when Joe Aeilts reached first base in the second inning on a dropped third strike. After two singles, John Rave flew out to bring in Aeilts on a sacrifice and ISU led 1-0. The Redbirds knocked with a run, and the
Redbird hoops inks first 2018-19 recruit Lake Land College Josh Jefferson to join Redbirds
Fighting Illini answered with two more in the bottom half of that inning. After Pauly got back-to-back groundouts to begin the bottom of the second, U of I grabbed a 2-1 lead, as four straight batters reached base. In the top of the third, another sacrifice fly out for ISU gave it its second and final run of the game. Nick Zouras flew out to right field, scoring Noah Sadler from third base. A scoreless bottom of the third, fourth inning, and top of the fifth, gave way to the Fighting Illini in the bottom of the fifth. At this point, the Redbirds were on their fourth pitcher, freshman Connor Peplow. Peplow struggled mightily out of the gates, as he hit the first two batters and then walked the third batter. Just like that, the bases were loaded and nobody was out. A Fighting Illini infield single, followed by a sacrifice fly out, gave U of I all it needed to secure its sixth straight victory over ISU. The Redbirds haven’t defeated the Fighting Illini since 2014. Illinois State will hope to bounce back at 3 p.m. tomorrow against Saint Francis (Illinois) at Duffy Bass Field.
Game Two (Wednesday): ISU 11, St. Francis 3 After a tough road loss at Illinois Tuesday, the Illinois State baseball team (12-16, 2-4 MVC) hoped to bounce back when they returned to Duffy Bass Field on Wednesday to face the St. Francis Fighting Saints. MIKE MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarra32
Illinois State men’s basketball coach Dan Muller announced the signing of Lake Land College transfer Josh Jef ferson on Wednesday. “We are excited to add Josh to our team,” Muller Dan said. “Josh is a dynamic Muller scoring guard with a great feel for the game. He had a terrific sophomore season this year at Lake Land College under Coach Colvin and Coach Earp, and we believe he is just scratching the
The Redbirds did just that as they put on a hitting clinic, bringing home 11 runs on 14 hits to take the mid-week matchup 11-3. ISU received a strong offensive output from the entire lineup with four Redbirds having multi-hit performances and eight runners reaching base. Shortstop Owen Miller had a terrific day at the plate as he went 4-5 with a pair of RBI’s. Designated hitter Nick Zouras also put together a solid performance at the plate going 2-5 with 3 RBI’s. Zouras’s single in the second brought home Derek Parola to open the scoring for the Redbirds. Redbird right-hander Jack Spicer earned the win in what was his first start of the season. The redshirt senior gave up one earned run on three hits in three innings, before being replaced by Jack Bellinger. In Tuesday’s matchup against the Fighting Illini, the Redbirds had a tough time capitalizing with runners in scoring position, stranding 11 runners on base. However, ISU was successful in turning around its misfortunes on Wednesday, as it did most of its damage in the sixth inning, scoring five runs on five hits.
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surface. Josh adds another high-character student-athlete to our team, and I can’t wait to get him on campus.” Jefferson was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-Region 24 Team and to the Great Rivers Athletic Conference First Team during his time at Lake Land. This past season JefferJosh son averaged 22.8 points Jefferson per game, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game, while shooting a clip of 49-percent from the field and 45-percent from 3-point distance in 24 games.
Currently ninth in conference, and on a three-game losing skid after a tough series at home against Missouri State, the Purple Aces are in a slight rut of sorts. They will be eager to get back in the win column and climb their way up the MVC standings. A standout performer of late for the Aces is freshman Mea Adams, who went 4-10 this weekend which led to her receiving MVC recognition for her productivity. The Aces also have a noteworthy pitcher in Morgan Florey, who is 5th in strikeouts in the nation, and 8th in strikeouts per seven innings. She recently surpassed the 600-strikeout plateau for her career.
For Illinois State Winners of five of their last seven, including winning two of their last three series in MVC play, the Redbirds have climbed from last place to third. Currently on a four-game win streak, Illinois State is beginning to hit its stride. It is putting together complete performances in all aspects of the game. From the circle, ace Sarah Finck (7-12) and Morgan Day (6-6), who both received Sarah MVC recognition Finck for their efforts in last weekend’s 2-0 series win, are doing a great job of mixing their pitches, hitting their spots and commanding the rhythm and flow of the game. Defensively they are putting together more clean performances. Offensively, they are getting hits of the timely variety and doing a great job bringing runners home. Riley Hale (who received MVC recognition for her weekend performance) and Shannon Felde are hot for the Redbirds, getting the job done from the top and the middle of the line-up. This will be a battle of hungry MVC teams that are looking to climb up the standings and put together good habits in a winning effort. Let’s hope that we can get fair weather conditions and play all three games in this series for the weekend.
He scored a season-high 38 points on Feb. 3 versus Wabash Valley, while notching double-figures in every game he played in this season. Jefferson scored 20 points or more 15 times and five games of 30 points or more. During his freshman season he averaged 18.7 points over a 32 game span. Jefferson scored double-digits in 28 contests while netting a career-high 44 points against Rend Lake in his freshman campaign Jefferson attended New Albany High School in New Albany, Indiana. Mike Marra is a Sports Editor at The Vidette. He can be contacted at mmarra@ilstu.edu or follow him on Twitter @MikeMarra32