9 14 17web

V THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017 Vol. 130 / No. 08

videtteonline.com

THURSDAY BIRD SPECIAL

Saturdays are for the ’Birds

ISU gets ready to tackle Panthers at Eastern MICHAEL MARRA | Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU

T

he oldest rivalry in the Illinois Football Championship Subdivision, 13th oldest in all of the FCS, renews with the 106th matchup between Illinois State University and Eastern Illinois University. They will be battling for the Mid-America Classic Trophy.

“This is a rivalry game. You can throw the statistics out, throw the records out,” coach Brock Spack said. “We’re going to get their best and that’s just how it is. We can’t really worry about them, we have to worry about us and that’s where our focus is – to try and get better this week.”

The Redbirds (1-0) are coming off a bye week in dominating fashion, defeating Butler a week prior, 45-0.

“I think we’re better now than we were last week at this time,” Spack said. “I thought we got good work done last week. Our players

have been really good about staying the course and being professional about getting better.”

ISU’s defense, which has been the forefront of much of the preseason talk, held the Bulldogs to just 41 total yards of offense and zero rushing yards.

In the Redbird season opener, junior quarterback Jake Kolbe went 18-for-29, totaling 194 passing yards, adding two touchdown passes, both to senior wide receiver Christian Gibbs.

Eastern Illinois (1-1) enters Saturday’s matchup with Illinois State after losing, 38-10, at Northern Illinois a week ago.

The Panthers defeated Missouri Valley Football Conference foe Indiana State week one, 22-20.

“It’s their home opener, we’ll see a different team,” Spack said.

Above: (From left) Linebacker Brannon Barry and quarterbacks Jake Kolbe and Malachi Broadnax before the start of the Sept. 2 home opener against Butler University.

SPORTS 8

EVERYTHING REDBIRD FANS NEED TO KNOW BEFORE THE MID-AMERICA CLASSIC

Photograph by MONICA MENDOZA | Photo Editor

VIEWPOINT/SCHWALLER 4

SEXISM STILL AFFECTING CLINTON AFTER ELECTION

PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE

STAFF LIST Editor in Chief

Ema Sasic

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

OUTSIDE LOOK TODAY

News Editors

SGA gives out pads, tampons to eliminate stigma Students were surveyed to see if ISU should invest in free hygiene products for campus

Kevin Schwaller Stephanie Rodriguez Features Editor

Emily Griffith

Sports Editors

Michael Marra Nate Head Photo Editors

Monica Mendoza Natalie Stuckslager

High Low Precip

82 60 10%

FRIDAY

Night Editors

Brigid Ackerman Haley Varnes Social Media Manager

Maddy Wierus Art Director

High

Lee Walls

Low

Ad Sales Manager

Precip

Jonathon Higgs Ad Production Manager

87 63 10%

SATURDAY

Evan Morris

Business Manager

Zach Oldenburg

Office Manager

Madillon Kenney

Business Adviser

88 Low 66 Precip 10%

General Manager

SUNDAY

Marketing Team Manager

Brittany Olson

Madeline Smith

High

John Plevka

DIRECTORY EDITOR 309.438.8745 ADVERTISING 309.438.8742 BUSINESS 309.438.5929

High Low Precip

86 63 20%

MONDAY

CLASSIFIEDS 309.438.7685 NEWS 309.438.2882 FEATURES 309.438.8746 SPORTS 309.438.3723

High Low Precip

83 63 10%

TUESDAY

FACSIMILE 309.438.5211

FOLLOW US Twitter @The_Vidette Facebook @The-Vidette

High Low Precip

81 63 60%

WEDNESDAY

Instagram @the_vidette YouTube @videttevideo

STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor | @StephanieRoddd

ISU’s Student Government Association handed out feminine hygiene products Wednesday in efforts to reduce the stigma associated with periods while giving students a chance to express their thoughts on the accessibility of these products on campus.

Senior Student Body Vice President and broadcast journalism major Ashley Shannon came up with the idea to give back to female students, who account for the majority of students enrolled at ISU. “I started this initiative because the Chief of Staff for the Student Government Association, Idan Rafalovitz, asked me what I would do, besides sexual assault prevention, to make a difference on this campus for female students,” Shannon said.

“It’s a predominately femalebased population, so what can we do to ease the burden of our female students? We said, ‘what a better way than to give back to them the money that they already invested into the school?’ I wanted to do something that I struggle with— paying for pads and tampons— I said this is would probably be the best way we could do so.”

Helping with the burden of having to pay for these products was just one of the reasons Shannon felt this would be a good thing for not only students, but the community.

“Not only do we want to give away free feminine hygiene products, but we also want to end the stigma that the female body is something we should be ashamed to talk about,” Shannon said.

“If we can walk down the hallway with a condom in our hand and it’s not a problem, why can’t we do that with pads and tampons?”

Junior student senator for College of Applied Science and Technology and engineering technology major Magalie Baker helped organize the event.

Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor

Students were able to get free feminine hygiene products by filling out a survey provided by the Student Government Association.

“I think it’s incredible. This is something that most universities don’t dare do. It’s a lot of things that people still consider taboo, which is annoying because it’s really something that happens every single day for women all over the world,” Baker said.

“It is something that I am really excited about, something that I am excited to not only benefit from but also to help carry on through my college career.”

Both Shannon and Baker hope to expand the initiative.

“This is something we would hope to have at the G-Spot because, at the end of the day, sexual health is important, but so is gendered health, especially with fifty-five percent of our campus being women,” Baker said.

“So with that, we are trying to see how students feel about it and they’re just taking a five-question survey to see how they feel, and if it’s something they would be interested in. So far, we’ve had a great response.”

For students, both male and female, to receive free feminine hygiene products that SGA bought online, they had to complete a fivequestion survey that asked them how they felt about these products

The Vidette 84 Low 62 Precip 10% High

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 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

being given out on campus.

“We asked a lot of high schools in the surrounding areas, as well as our home high schools what they do because some of them give out pads and tampons to their students as well,” Shannon said.

“They said they used a school nurse supply website so we visited it and compared prices and realized that would be the best company for us to buy from for now, just to do a survey.”

The survey will serve to help reveal whether or not students are interested in this event becoming

commonplace.

“I got $2,000 allocated to me out of SGA’s general initiatives to do this and to survey the campus. So, if I get enough responses, I can ask for more money to be invested in this initiative in the future,” Shannon said.

The initiative comes at a time when feminine hygiene products are still a hot topic, especially since Gov. Bruce Rauner signed bill SB2746 into law last Aug. which eliminated sales tax on feminine products such as pads and tampons in the state of Illinois.

Baker feels there should be no such tax across the board as women have no control over their periods.

“Especially when [periods] affect as many people as it does, specifically an entire gender. But this is something that we can give back to the students so they don’t even have to worry about the tax or going to the store,” Baker said.

Baker said SGA is looking forward to seeing the outcome of the surveys.

“This is something that we can offer almost every day of the week for our students and expand it from not only the G-Spot but maybe in to buildings like Schroeder or Turner, and also in residence halls like Hewett-Manchester and Watterson,” Baker said.

“We’re excited to see where this goes.”

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

DeVos seeks more concrete rules for Title IX complaints MASON MCCOY News Reporter | @Real_McCoy18

S

ecretary of Education Betsy DeVos said she and her staff will be reexamining complaints of sexual misconduct filed under Title IX on campuses across the country in a speech Sept. 7.

Although DeVos stressed the well-being and continued support of victims of sexual assault continues to be a priority, denouncing sexual violence as “atrocious” and “reprehensible, disgusting, and unaccepted,” her ultimate goal is to install more concrete means for handling sexual misconduct cases on campuses.

DeVos found herself mired in a new controversy shortly after her speech, with members of the public decrying it as overly sympathetic to the perpetrators of sexual violence.

President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center Fatima Goss Graves claimed the speech served as “a blunt attack on survivors of sexual assault.”

DeVos mentioned the American Bar Association and the American College of Trial Lawyers, and their efforts to come up with a better way to handle cases of sexual misconduct. No specifics were shared during her speech.

“ISU has been, and remains, committed to ensuring a fair, equitable and thorough process to review allegations of sexual misconduct,” Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access Anthony Walesby said.

Students gather on the Quad for Consent Day on April12.

“We take steps to ensure that each person is treated fairly and that we adhere to all due process obligations,” he added.

The Secretary of Education seems to offer a

Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Photo Editor

solution in the form of Gina Smith and Leslie Gomez’s “Regional Center” model, which would refer any Title IX incidences of a criminal level to a body of legal experts who specialize in Title

IX cases. These experts would then work with local law enforcement to ensure that a legitimate trial and due process are guaranteed.

The “Regional Center” model seems to be what DeVos is pushing university campuses to adopt, although no formal plan has been implemented as of yet. DeVos also called for comments from the public, specifically from school administrators and other parties directly involved in these cases of sexual misconduct.

“We are very interested in students sharing their experiences to determine if there are ways we can improve the process,” Walesby said. “It is important to always monitor and seek feedback to ensure we are getting things right.”

Students at ISU can be assured that campus administrators are here to help those affected by sexual misconduct, and will not be brushed aside or treated unfairly.

“It is important to us that we the ISU community [have] faith and confidence in the system that is set up to address very serious allegations,” Walesby said.

However students and faculty may feel about the Secretary of Education, everyone can agree with her assertion that “we must continue to condemn the scourge of sexual misconduct on our campuses.”

Resources are available for both victims of sexual misconduct and those who have been accused of it at titleix.illinoisstate.edu.

New BRMM director ‘marches’ into action SARAH ATEN News Reporter | @sarahmaten

doing. I have never experienced that level of support for a marching band perforew band director Polly Midmance. It was really special.” dleton is excited to take on Middleton is getting settled the helm of the Big Red in and wants to become familMarching Machine. iar with the students in band.

“Everyone I’ve worked with “The band is a great comhas been incredibly supportive,” munity for any student. It’s an Middleton said. instant support system and Middleton is originally from great family atmosphere for Normal and stayed in the state to the students. We watch out for earn a bachelor’s in music education each other and are invested in at the University of Illinois. She then each other’s success on and off moved to Plainfield, Illinois, where the field,” Middleton said. she instructed a high school band.

Middleton highlighted Middleton decided to continue with that the band is meant to be her education and obtained a Master inclusive. of Music degree in Wind Conducting “Any student at ISU should from Indiana University, and then a know that there is a place for doctorate in music education from them in the band program,” Submitted photo Middleton said. “Whether they the University of Illinois.

After serving as the Associate BRMM’s new director Polly Middleton came back to her roots to work with the want to play in a concert band, collegiate band.

Director of Athletic Bands at Virpep band, or marching band, ginia Tech, Middleton became the always a great experience to bring what we anyone can participate. You Director of Athletic Bands at Arkansas State do to high school programs who may not have don’t have to be a music major to be in the band.

University. experienced the Big Red Marching Machine,” We are happy to welcome any students who love There were a variety of factors that lead to Middleton said. music and want to participate.”

Middleton coming to work at ISU. Her experiences as band director have been Finding that tradition carries great impor“Because I’m from Normal, I knew that Illinois positive so far and indicative of a passionate tance, Middleton hopes to encourage positive State had a fantastic music school, and when I community. change. heard the position was open, I applied,” Middle“The administration and athletics department “It’s always a balancing act to find the traditon said. has been fantastic to work with. It’s evidence tions that make the band unique and special This year the band will perform on Band Day, of how much the marching band means to the and make sure that we protect them, but also to taking place Oct. 14, which brings together 42 community. I was shocked at how supportive find things that we can improve,” she said. “It’s high school marching bands. everyone was of the band at the first football about making us the very best Big Red March“We also have numerous exhibition perfor- game,” Middleton said. “It means so much to the ing Machine we can be, and we strive to hit that mances at high schools around the state. It’s band that people are excited about what we’re goal every single rehearsal and performance.”

N

Body Project to promote body positivity on campus STEPHANIE RODRIGUEZ News Editor | @StephanieRoddd

An internationally recognized leadership and healthy body image program will be coming to Illinois State University to help students’ body image.

Staff psychologist at Student Counseling Services Jenni Thome is responsible for coordinating student-focused outreach aimed at promoting healthy body image and preventing the development of eating disorders.

Thome has brought the internationally used program The Body Project to ISU to achieve her goals.

“The program was developed to help women establish and maintain a positive body image,” Thome said.

“Using a variety of fun and engaging media literacy and self-awareness exercises, activities and discussions teach participants to embrace the healthy ideal and their own body image, counter fat-talk in their daily life, promote body activism and embrace non-appearance related characteristics in themselves and in others.”

There are different variations of the project Thome hopes to bring to ISU

in the future. “[The Body Project] was developed by Dr. Eric Stice, and adapted by Dr. Carolyn Becker for use with college females,” Thome said.

“There are several other versions in development and being tested, including the Female Athlete Body Project for female athletes and More than Muscles for college males. We’re hoping to incorporate those versions once they are available.”

The specific version of the program coming to campus is aimed at collegiate women with education and communication intertwined.

“Participants can expect a fun and engaging program with female peers.

They will engage in discussion, activities, learn about media literacy and the unrealistic appearance ideal, how to promote body activism and practical ways to end ‘fat talk’ in their relationships with others,” Thome said.

The program is free of charge and participants who complete it will earn credit toward the Civic Engagement Pilar of the ISU Leads Program.

Pre-registration is required and applications and program dates and times can be found on at counseling.illinoisstate.edu.

T-Pain, Jesse McCartney headline fall concert ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Reporter | @addough Musicians T-Pain and Jesse McCartney will perform at Illinois State University’s #FallThrowbackConcert at 8 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Braden Auditorium.

Students and faculty who enjoy rap and pop music are welcome to attend the event sponsored by the University Program Board.

“T-Pain and Jesse are on tour right now and are selling out at venues across the country,” UPB Director of Marketing and Communication Adrienne Fox said. “The money made from the concert will go back to the university to pay for the artists.”

Singer LoLo will be the opening act.

“The University Program Board has two concerts every year,” Fox said. “Our large concerts are held in Braden Auditorium and it does cost to attend.”

Tickets for the event went on sale Sept. 7. Tickets range from $18-45 and are available at Braden Box Office located in the Bone Student Center, Ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. They can also be purchased via phone at (800) 745-3000.

Student tickets must be purchased at the box office with a valid ISU Student ID. “We also have a spring concert that is on the quad which is free for students,” Fox said. “We’ve had artists such as JoJo, Jeremih, Iggy [Azalea], Dan & Shay, Daya, Kanye West and many more.”

For additional information on the concert, contact UPB at (309) 438-8814 or by email at universityprogramboard@ilstu.edu.

Andrew Dougherty is a news reporter for The Vidette. Contact him at vidette_addough@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Tiwtter at @addough

videtteonline

Viewpoint

PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE

VIDETTE EDITORIAL

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

It’s time to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment

T

his Saturday in Normal is the Rally to Ratify, a rally to ask Illinois legislators to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).

The event will have numerous speakers, from state representatives to McLean County officials to Illinois Wesleyan University and Illinois State University students. The event will take place in Uptown Normal and on ISU’s Quad in support of the ratification of the ERA. The ERA is an unratified amendment to the U.S. Constitution that passed in Congress in 1972. The ERA has three sections: (1) Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex; (2) The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article; (3) This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of the ratification.

After its approval, the ERA was sent to the states to ratify, needing 38 states for ratifications.

The vote fell short — 35 states ratified this amendment — and Illinois is not on that roster. In fact, Illinois is the only northern

state to not ratify the amendment.

Senators Dick Durban (D-Illinois) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) introduced resolutions that would eliminate the original deadline for the ERA, which was 1979, and the needed ratification in three more states. Nevada ratified the ERA last March.

It’s time for Illinois to join the ranks of those 36 other states.

The ERA is needed now more than ever, especially with the heightened levels of global conservatism. Preserving the rights of all those living in this country is of the utmost importance. While the

ERA focuses on sex equality, as it is the legislative child of the suffragette and female liberation movements, it is a step in the right direction for nationwide equality. Ratifying this amendment in our state will be the next, but not last, step to getting this amendment added to our constitution.

During the initial debates in the Illinois General Assembly, Rep. Thomas Hanrahan from McHenry, Illinois, infamously called advocates for the ERA “braless, brainless broads.” Sexism isn’t quite as rampant or blatant as it was in 1972, even if the Pantagraph’s “Nation

suffering thanks to suffrage” Letter to the Editor from last year does come to mind, along with our current president’s well documented history of accusations, allegations and admissions of sexism and misogyny.

We need the ERA now just like we needed it in 1972 and every year since.

The ERA will be the second amendment to explicitly affirm equality between sexes — the other being the 19th amendment which gave women the right to vote in 1920. The 14th amendment can be used in sex discrimination cases, but it isn’t as uniform or inclusive as the ERA would be. The ERA would provide clearer standards for judicially handling sex discrimination cases both on the state and federal levels.

Most importantly, the ERA won’t be just for women in the country; it can be utilized by men who experience sex discrimination. While rarer than the much more common female directed sexism and misogyny, it can still occur.

Come out to the ERA rally this weekend in Uptown Normal. Afterward, please call, write and tweet at your representatives to get your voice as a constituent heard.

Editorial Cartoon by Lee Walls | Vidette Editorial Cartoonist

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.

‘What Happened?’ Sexism, among other things MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist

O

n Tuesday, Hillary Clinton released her tell-all book “What Happened,” a reflection on the already-infamous 2016 presidential election.

The book tackles the days after the Nov. 8 election, what she was feeling, and of course, what happened. But, just like everything Clinton does, there has been a mixed response to the book.

Some anticipated the book, excited to read into the candidate’s mind following Donald Trump’s win. Others, however, were not too excited.

“I love Hillary,” Sen. Al Franken (DMinnesota), said. “I think she has a right to analyze what happened. But we do have to move on.”

Democratic nominee-hopeful Bernie Sanders is one of the many criticizing

Clinton’s book.

“Secretary Clinton ran against the most unpopular candidate in the history of this country and she lost, and she was upset about it and I understand that,” Sanders said last week. “But, our job is not to go backward … I think it’s a little bit silly to keep talking about 2016.”

Sanders — as luck would have it — is on a book tour of his own, promoting “The Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution.” In 2016, Sanders released “Our Revolution” which explored his presidential campaign.

Yet nobody bashed Sanders for his reflection on the election. In fact, The Washington Post noted Sanders’ book tour was “group therapy.” But Clinton’s book sparked complaints that she needs to move on.

However, I don’t recall Sanders becoming the Democratic Party nominee, nor do I recall him winning the popular vote in the presidential election. If anyone has a right to be pissed, I’d say it’s Clinton.

Clinton spent her entire campaign being dismissed, mocked and ignored

by Trump and Sanders supporters alike.

This, once again, reiterates a popular

theme from the election: sexism.

“This has to be said,” she writes. “Sexism and misogyny played a role in the 2016 presidential election. Exhibit A is that the flagrantly sexist candidate won.

A whole lot of people listened to the tape of him bragging about sexually assaulting women, shrugged, and said, ‘He still gets my vote.’”

She’s not wrong. I know many have, and will continue to, dismiss it. But she’s not wrong.

Several “Bernie Bros” refused to support Clinton once Sanders lost. While they didn’t necessarily have to, it’s lunacy to continuously complain about Trump’s win if you had the chance to prevent it. Don’t complain about Clinton having the time to write a book when she could be leading the country.

Bernie is a big boy and used similar language toward her in his book. He is a well-experienced politician who can fight his own battles. He did back Clinton after his loss, and defended her numerous times, so it is definitely quite unfair to blame him and his followers on the loss.

So, it’s a good thing Clinton doesn’t.

Clinton analyzes several factors that

REGGIE IN THE NEST by SAMANTHA MCINTYRE | Vidette Cartoonist

resulted in her loss throughout her book, including James Comey and Vladimir Putin. And before you criticize her for not thinking to blame herself, stop there.

She admits mistakes large and small.

“It’s fair to say that I didn’t realize how quickly the ground was shifting under our feet,” she writes.

If you give Clinton a hard time for her book, but not Sanders, you’re encouraging sexism. If Trump or Sanders can attack Clinton, but when she hits back and you say she’s being too negative or vicious, you’re encouraging sexism.

“Losing is hard for everyone, but losing a race you thought you would win is devastating,” Clinton wrote.

She’s right. Almost every media outlet predicted her win. And while she did win over three million more votes than Trump, she still lost. I’d say “What Happened” is a pretty fair question to be asked, indeed.

Kevin Schwaller is a senior journalism major and news editor and columnist at The Vidette. Questions can be sent to vidette_kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.

MORE OPINIONS ONLINE

Editorial: America needs immigrants to be great again Little: Have we learned our lesson from Katrina?

Editorial: It is possible for free speech to go too far Visit The Vidette’s website or mobile app for complete details on these web-only opinion pieces by Vidette Editorial Board

ONLINE POLL

Should the Equal Rights Amendment be ratified in 2017?

?

Cast your vote at Videtteonline. com or by using The Vidette mobile app

EDITORIAL BOARD EMA SASIC Editor-in-Chief | @ema_sasic KEVIN SCHWALLER News Editor | @kevschwa KAYLA JANE JEFFERS Columnist | @KJJeffers TAMIA LITTLE Columnist | @sungoddessmiaa ALEX GOUGH Columnist | @jalexgough KAMARA TURNER Columnist | @kvmara

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

Blo-No now home to bitcoin ATM Internet machine can be found at 707 Liquours ANDREW DOUGHERTY News Reporter | @addough

CoinFlip, a new bitcoin ATM that can transform cash into digital currency called bitcoins, is now located at 707 Liquors on North Linden Street.

Daniel Polotsky the Chief Executive Officer of CoinFlip, whose team operates the ATM in Uptown Normal, unveiled the new machine Aug. 25.

“I definitely wouldn’t have driven three hours if I didn’t think I’d make a profit, but students are honestly a great demographic for bitcoin, given that they’re more open to new technology.” Polotsky said.

Polotsky came up for the idea for CoinFlip in 2014 and established their first bitcoin ATM in 2015.

For students unfamiliar with cryptocurrency, it is a digital currency in which encryption techniques are used to regulate the generation of units of currency and verify the transfer of funds operating independently of a central bank, such as the U.S. Federal Reserve.

“Bitcoin is digital gold, a decentralized currency not controlled by any individual or government and

is capped at 21 million. It’s based on block-chain technology, which is a public ledger that records every transaction, pretty much a trust based system.” Polotsky said.

Bitcoin can be traded for other cryptocurrency, invested into, spent and even sent to relatives across the globe.

“Students can walk into the liquor store and exchange cash for bitcoin or vice versa. It lowers the tech barrier people face when trying to work with bitcoin and it makes it more convenient,” Polotsky said.

CoinFlip currently has 17 ATM’s and is looking to expand that number to 20 by the end of the month while rolling out an operating program where other businesses or people can license and operate their own CoinFlip machines.

Polotsky stated that his company has operators looking to bring more ATM’s to Texas, Nevada, California and eventually nationwide. His company is currently focusing its main operations in Illinois.

“The sky is the limit right now,” Polotsky said.

Through use of the bitcoin ATM, students can deposit cash which will then be sent to their virtual wallet,

connected through the QR code.

“Students can go in and buy one bitcoin, half of a bitcoin, even a .01 part of bitcoin since it is divisible up to 8 decimal places. You put cash in and get bitcoin back, with only a small fee of 7%,” Polotsky said.

Alan Gurevich, the CTO of CoinFlip and Polotsky’s business partner, advised that students understand the fundamentals of bitcoin and become educated on what it is.

“A lot of people just buy in without knowing what bitcoin is. [What] I would recommend, especially to investors is to get an understanding of how it works and why the bitcoin protocol was designed in the first place,” Gurevich said.

Gurevich handles issues dealing with infrastructure and maintaining operations while expanding the company’s technology to keep up growth.

“A great example of the problem with currency today is that organizations like the Federal Reserve can print any amount of money they want and, in terms of the way we utilize our money today, it’s just not sustainable” Gurevich said. “Yet with bitcoin, theres a set limit to the amount of currency that can be

produced.”

Both Polotsky and Gurevich said that their end goal is to provide a simplified process for consumers to get involved with bitcoin.

“The way we see it, is that it’s

adopting and benefiting cryptocurrency in general and we want to get this out to as much of the public as possible, including students at Illinois State University,” Polotsky said.

Push for gender equality Rally encourages politicans to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany

Community members, students and faculty can join in on a march that organizers think could be the push needed to make history on giving men and women equal rights across the nation.

The ERA Illinois Coalition of Bloomington-Normal will host the Rally to Ratify Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon. The march will encourage Illinois legislators to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment.

The rally will start in Uptown Normal circle and will march to Illinois State’s campus. The rally will include speakers in Uptown and on campus. Some of the speakers will be Dan Brady, Louis Lang, Bonnie Cox, Chemberly Cummings and more.

One of the rally’s organizers Jodie Slothower said the amendment is close to being passed.

“Only two more states are needed in order to pass the amendment, and we plan on getting Illinois to be one of them,” Jodie Slothower said.

In July, the coalition members planned an ERA Kickoff Celebration, where 200 people attended in

order to jump start the enthusiasm for the amendment in Central Illinois. The members are expecting at least 200 people for the rally.

“We have more momentum than ever, and we are trying to gain even more momentum from the community and raise awareness around Illinois that this could, in fact, happen finally,” Slothower said.

During the rally, there will also be postcards to fill out, which the Coalition will then send to respective representatives.

“The best part about this event is that it is bipartisan, so everyone can come together as one to be a part of something historic,” Slothower said.

The Equal Rights Amendment was first proposed by the National Woman’s political party in 1923, and has been pushing for national ratification since then. The amendment was passed by Congress on Mar. 22, 1972, and was then sent to the states for ratification. Throughout 1972 and 1982, supporters lobbied, marched, petitioned, went on hunger strikes and committed acts of civil disobedience to draw attention to this amendment, in hopes that it would get officially passed within the Constitution. Unfortunately, only 35 out

of the needed 38 states approved the amendment.

Sally Pancrazio, who took to the fight in the 1970’s, is one of the many who are eager to see this change finally take place.

“Illinois was the only northern state not to pass a constitutional amendment assuring that men and women had equal rights. The fact we lost the ERA bruised my heart and soul for decades,” Pancrazio said.

Now, since Nevada became the 36th state to ratify it on Mar. 22, 2017, ERA bills have also been introduced within the legislatures of Arizona, Florida, Illinois, North Carolina, Utah and Virginia.

“I was very reluctant to re-engage in the recent work to ratify the ERA, given the humiliations and the previous loss. I am 77 years old, after all. However, my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Kay Moss, became enthusiastic about this second chance to get the ERA ratified in Illinois, and I couldn’t resist joining her and others to try once again,” Pancrazio said. “I realized that ratification of the ERA is a bucket list item for me. I want to see equal rights in America as the law of the land before I leave this earth.”

Burger Baskets:

21 & Over After 6 pm

$2.00 Single Basket $3.50 Double Basket Mon-Fri 5 pm - 9pm Sunday 12pm - 6pm

and during Bears Games

102 S. Linden St. Normal, IL 61761 (309) 452-7393

THURSDAY

SATURDAY

$1.25 Well & UV Flavors $1.50 Coors Lt & Miller Family Bottles $2.00 20oz Bud Family Draft $2.50 Red Bull & Vodka

$1.75 20oz Rolling Rock $2.50 Stoli Saturday $2.50 20oz Bud Family Draft

SUNDAY

FRIDAY $1.75 20oz Bud Family Draft $2.25 20oz Micro Drafts $2.50 Fireball Friday $3.00 Top Shelf Rum

BAR & GRILL

$2.00 Bloody Mary $2.00 20oz Bud Family Draft $2.25 Seagram’s 7 Sunday $2.50 20oz Micro Drafts

PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE

Junking for joy

Features

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

ISU alumni experience business success in Nashville with Music City Removal STUART STALTER Senior Features Reporter | @VidetteStuS

Upon graduation, the world becomes an open space of endless opportunities. Illinois State University 2016 finance graduate Al Luszczak, from Palatine, and his partners, College of Business classmates Nicholas Theodore and Mike Medwed, both from Lemont, quickly realized this.

Although the three anticipated lifelong finance careers, they partnered in 2016 to start a junk removal service called Music City Removal (MCR) in Nashville. The company offers residential cleanups, tenant cleanups and junk removal assistance to property managers. In addition, the company removes debris while helping with construction site cleanups and helps businesses remove equipment.

The partners met through ISU's Pi Kappa Alpha chapter and owning a business has been a mutual lifelong dream between the brothers.

Theodore explains the beginnings of MCR. "The three of us would brainstorm at night after work on Google Hangouts and we would talk once

a week about different ideas to start something ourselves. Soon, it became a few times a week, then it became every night for hours."

Medwed has lived in Nashville for a year. After seeing a mutual friend experience success in a similar venture in Chicago, Theodore and Luszczak joined Medwed due to growing demand and opportunities in Nashville.

Even when opportunities exist, one must take the initiative to capitalize on them for success. Using one of the COB's biggest lessons of prioritizing relationship building over profit chasing, MCR prospers.

"Being a new service competing against large franchise names, we have and will go above and beyond to build our customer base," Medwed said. "We’re doing so by going out and making new connections in Greater Nashville (contractors, property managers, real estate agents), showing them the value of our service and performing high quality jobs for clients."

To foster these connections, MCR offers a rebate program for managers to work within their budgets and build continuous relationships.

That said, all partners are members

Submitted Photo by Music City Removal

Music City Removal is a removal business started by three alumni in Nashville, Tennessee. Pictured from left to right: Nick Theodore, Al Luszczak and Mike Medwed. of Nashville's largest Business Network International chapter to expand networking capabilities and the MCR brand name.

Ultimately, the three wish to use MCR as a vehicle for startup entrepreneurial ventures.

"We plan to use Music City Removal as a starter for future ventures that we have planned, where we will need more funding in order to bring those ideas to life because we want to be able to self-fund all of our ventures."

To achieve future ventures, the partners apply lessons learned at ISU every day.

"The most important lessons that I use in my day-to-day life are my organization and networking skills that were not exactly taught in class curriculum, but through my personal involvement in ISU,"

Luszczak said.

Though recent graduates, all three gained ample business experiences before starting MCR. Theodore worked at TD Ameritrade and Zacks Investments and Medwed interned at Medix and DeGarmo Group, a BloomingtonNormal business management consultant.

Aiming high after graduation, Luszczak worked 10 months at JP Morgan.

"I was intimidated at first, but realized shortly after starting, although it is a big company, the teams [we] work in are small," Luszczak said. “The teams provide a unity and provide many different resources to seek in order to ensure you are on the right path to success."

Now that the trio is on the path to

success, they offer advice to current ISU students hoping to carve their own business path.

"Realize that your everyday actions will have a direct impact on future successes," Luszczak said.

"Habits that you create in college will play into your professional life and overall well-being."

"Entrepreneurship is a commitment and you cannot start a company or business by putting one foot in the water, you have to dive into whatever you are doing and go all in," Theodore adds.

Medwed reminds everyone to remember the resources gathered at ISU. "Don’t think for a second you don’t have a chance because you’re too young," Medwed said. "People are willing to help, especially your professors."

Jasmin Baluran desires Philippine traditions, but appreciates American opportunities HOPE DALY Features Reporter | @hopedaly_

Junior accounting major Jasmin Baluran took on a whole new life when she moved from the Philippines to America.

Along with her dad and older brother, the family moved to Illinois in 2006. Baluran was eight years old. Since then, she has lived in a northern suburb of Chicago and made a new life for herself in America.

Life was very different for Baluran when she first moved here. She remembers it being exciting, but she also wished that she had stayed in the Philippines. Baluran recalls thinking about how great America was going to be.

When her father decided to relocate, her grandparents already lived in the U.S. Baluran’s father did this with hopes of getting a better job and providing his children with a better education. At first, Baluran’s mother stayed in the Philippines, while pregnant with Baluran’s younger sister. Baluran did not get to meet her younger sister until she was two-years-old and spent six years without her mom before her mother was able to move here. Growing up without her mom and sister was hard, but it has made them incredibly close now.

During the transition to America, Baluran experienced culture shock. The main thing she noticed was how extremely loud Americans are.

Baluran’s boyfriend, Jacob Cermak, said, “The biggest difference between our culture and theirs is they are much quieter. Jasmin's always talking about how loud Americans are, and that's so weird to me because I'm so used to everyone here always being loud, but then when I really think about it we can be really obnoxious.”

Submitted Photo by Jasmin Baluran

Junior accounting major Jasmin Baluran came to America in 2006 after growing up in the Philippines. Although the transition has been rough, Baluran is thankful for the opportunities she has in America.

Besides American’s volume levels, there are several other cultural differences between America and the Philippines.

Education in the Philippines is typically limited to whether or not families can afford to send their child to high school and college.

If Baluran was still living in the Philippines, she thinks she would still go to college, but her major would absolutely not be accounting; it is more or less looked down upon if you are not in the medical field in the Philippines.

“Even today, my grandma still thinks I’m not smart because I’m not in nursing, and most people would take offense to that, but I don’t blame her because that’s how she grew up thinking,” Baluran said. To put the

different cultures in perspective, nurses in the Philippines make 8,000 pesos a month, which is around $155 in the United States.

Another difference is how inexpensive the cost of living in the Philippines is. People are able to get a meal for as little as 10 cents.

“I always tell people to visit there because you don’t need a lot of money to have a vacation. If you have a budget, go there and you’ll have the time of your life,” Baluran said.

Baluran feels that the Philippines are much more enjoyable than America. She mentioned that even though there are many people who are unemployed or cannot afford to go to school, she feels that it is much easier for them to enjoy life there.

“You get to be outside and you can still find your own little way of making money,” Baluran said. “Some people sell ice cream or flowers, but I would say people are definitely happier there.”

In addition, Baluran believes holidays are a lot more pleasurable back in the Philippines.

“In the Philippines, Christmas is so much more fun. In America, people seem to be all about gift giving, and I find that unnecessary because I feel like Christmas should be about being with your family and not just gift giving,” Baluran said.

Baluran also believes that Americans are very materialistic. She said she never got gifts for Christmas when she was a kid in the Philippines. Instead, Baluran would get a little goodie bag of chocolate and her family would go to everyone’s houses on her street to eat and socialize.

“People are a lot more personable [in the Philippines]. I knew everyone on my street and had a personal relationship with each one of them,” Baluran said. “Family also seems a lot more important and maybe that’s why we have nine people living in our house because we stick together for life.”

Baluran will continue to visit her home in the Philippines as often as she can and encourages people to take a trip to the beautiful land.

Although there has been many life changes and she wishes to be living in the Philippines, Baluran still feels that moving to America was the best choice for her family. It has given her the opportunity to get a better education and allowed her parents to get higher paying jobs to provide for her family. While the transition has been rough, Baluran is excited for her promising

THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 7

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

Barry and ’Birds help Harvey victims BEN ADKINS Sports Reporter

On August 25th, 2017, Hurricane Harvey struck the United States.

The hurricane hit especially hard in Houston, Texas, affecting the lives of many.

One of those affected was Bryce Barry, brother of Illinois State football captain Brannon Barry. Bryce is the Dean of Students of Westside High School in Houston.

As a leader in the community, Bryce decided to help those in need. With the hurricane destroying homes and separating families, Bryce sought to help his displaced students and gather supplies for those in need.

In times like these, we realize how important family is. With aspirations of supporting his brother in the 2017 season opener Sept.

2, Bryce drove all the way from Houston to Normal to watch the ISU-Butler game. Brannon, a redshirt Junior, is a linebacker on the team and the leader of the special teams unit.

Brannon did not want his brother to go back empty handed.

The redshirt junior felt the need to reciprocate the support to his older brother. He went to his coaches — including ISU head coach Brock Spack — to see what they could do

together to help. They all stepped up in a significant way.

“When I reached out to Coach Spack, I didn’t expect this overwhelming response. But within 24 hours, my brother was able to bring around half a trailer full of supplies from ISU and the Special Olympics alone.”

But it was not just Bryce and Brannon that helped from the Barry family. Their parents from St. Charles and relatives all the way to Dallas did not hesitate to contribute.

“My brother ended up collecting around 400 backpacks to bring back with him to Houston.”

These backpacks were filled with supplies and toiletries that the victims of the hurricanes lacked. Even simple supplies like water are going to go a long way in helping.

All of these donations warranted an extra trailer to bring back to the victims in Houston. The selflessness of the Barry family will help those in need get through this dark time.

To help the victims of Hurricane Harvey, Brannon has suggested sending donations to the American Red Cross. People like Bryce’s students are still in need of anything from water to new clothes. You can make your donations to www.redcross.org. By donating to the Red Cross, they can also use the money to help with Hurricane Irma.

EASTERN continued from page 1

“For some reason, [when] Redbirds step on their field, they get pretty excited about it. So, they’ll play very well.

I’m counting on it.”

Leading the way for Eastern Illinois will be Syracuse-transfer Mitch Kimble.

Kimble threw for 204 yards, completing 27-of-44 pass attempts and two touchdowns in the Panthers season opener versus Indiana State on Aug. 31.

The redshirt senior struggled against Northern Illinois this past weekend, going 14-for-29, totaling 127 yards, throwing his first two interceptions of his 2017 campaign. “[He’s a] really good athlete, has a strong arm and is a good player. He’s very good,” Spack said of the Eastern gunslinger.

On the ground, expect Isaiah Johnson to get a majority of the Panther carries. Johnson leads the team with

26 carries, 89 rushing yards and one touchdown.

On defense, the Panthers boast an athletic and quick footed secondary, headed by safeties Tray Mitchell and Bradley Dewberry, both of whom lead the team in tackles.

“Very athletic. They’ve got some linebackers who run around really well.

[They] always run well in the secondary, no different this year,” Spack said. “We’ll have to be very good in our precision offensively, we’ll have to execute.”

Last season, the Panthers defeated the Redbirds, 24-21, at Hancock Stadium in a game which saw Eastern Illinois jump out to a 24-7 lead, before Kolbe attempted a fourth quarter comeback, but fell short after being unable to recover a late onside kick.

The last time ISU visited Eastern Illinois, kicker Sean Slattery nailed an overtime field goal to lift the Redbirds over the Panthers, 34-31.

CLASSIFIEDS FOR SALE Mattress: Sealy Posturepedic “Airdale” luxury firm, twin XL. Like new condition.

Includes mattress protector and pad. $500. Call 309-454-3935.

Sportcraft Model #35083HG. Nice quality Foosball Table in very good condition, just a few minor blemishes. $150.

3092617031

HELP WANTED- FOOD & DRINK Ozark House Restaurant now hiring p/t servers and busers Tues. - Sat. evenings.

Apply in person or at ozarkhouse.com/ apply.

Bartender needed. Flexible hours. 8.25 plus tip. Apply in person at 801 S Main, Bloomington

FOR RENT: FALL/SPR 17-18 Newly remodeled 3 BR, 2 BA, plus den.

206 W Walnut, Bloomington. $1200/mo Call 309-826-8536.

For Rent: Spring 2017 Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available. $240 $570. Class Act Realty. 454-2960

Shea Grehan | Vidette Photographer

Brannon Barry (right) exits the tunnel with Malachi Broadnax (left) at ISU’s home opener Sept. 2.

ISU soccer goalie looks to build off previous success ALFONSO CERNA Sports Reporter | @fonzcerna

When Redbird goalie Haley Smith steps onto the field she has one thing in mind: winning.

A sophomore from Fall River, Nova Scotia, Canada, Smith begins the year looking to repeat her past success, as well as continuing to improve as a player.

Prior to attending Illinois State, Smith was a three-year starter at Shattuck St. Mary’s Boarding School in Faribault, Minnesota.

Smith captained her team to success and believes her prep career has prepared her well for collegiate competition.

“We had a lot of people from different areas who played different styles, so I think that a variety of people helps the whole team learn,” Smith

said.

Smith took home the honors of All-MVC Honorable Mention and All-Freshmen Team in a season where the Redbirds finished with an overall record of 14 wins, 6 losses and three ties.

After being selected to the 2017 Preseason AllMVC Team, Smith is always looking to improve despite the accolades she has garnered.

“It’s an honor, but you can’t be complacent.

There’s always going to be someone pushing you and getting better too,” Smith said.

The 2017 season is also the first for newly acquired Head Coach Brad Silvey. Adjustments for the new coach were not hard to make for the team.

“His philosophies are very similar to last season with a bigger focus on character and how it translates onto the field,” Smith said.

Silvey has the Redbirds playing under the motto of playing with heart, honesty, effort, accountability and trust. Something the players value on and off the field.

Full story online.

videtteonline.com/article

Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.

HELP WANTED- GENERAL Farm/Student/Flexible hours/10 miles East. 309-725-3370 Technique Tumbling & Cheer Prep is looking for Tumbling and Cheer Instructors for a new facility opening close to ISU in Normal this Fall! We have openings for Tumbling Instructors as well as instructors for Cheer Skills and Stunting.

We are looking for mature, dependable, high-energy individuals willing to work with children of all ability levels.

Experience is preferred but not required as we will train the right individuals.

Background check and references are required. Email us with your interest and experience or a resume to info@techniquetumbling.com and we will contact you!

Animal Loving Baby Sitter wanted for 16 year old twin Autistic boys.

Two days a week and occasional extra times needed, like weekends.

Prefer Special Ed/Education major.

Please call Kelley @ 309-838-6273

FOR RENT: SPRING 18 Spring 1 & 2 bedroom units available www.sami.com (309) 888-4600

FOR RENT: FALL/SPRING 17-18 2 bedroom studio apartment. Upper unit in an older home. Close to Bone Student Center. Off Street Parking. $500 a month. Call 309-824-1177 if interested.

Subleases available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600

+ utilities. Washer/dryer included.

309-660-1089 1214 Fell. 2 blocks from Wesleyan.

3 bdrm, 1 bath, ceramic, hardwood, washer/dryer.$1200/mo. + utilities.

3096601089

FOR RENT: SU/FALL/SPR 18-19

Various 1, 2, 3 and 4 Bedrooms and some single rooms available. $270 $670. Class Act Realty. 454-2960

808 S Linden: Large 1,2,3 and 4 person units. All Utilities Included. Next to the trail. Start at $355. Class Act Realty.

454-2960

Need an apartment for immediate move-in?

1 and 2 bedrooms and roommate matching available! www.sami.com (309) 888-4600

Nice furnished house for group of 8.

Very close to ISU. 8 bdrms, 3 baths, A/C, private parking, utilities included.

Owner managed. $560/person. Call/text 309-830-1873.

Spacious 2 BR, 1BA apt in 4-unit bldg avail. immediately. No pets, no smoking.

Secured entry with central air, off street parking, laundry room in unit (washer/ dryer available), new windows and flooring. $615/mo. $615 deposit, 1 yr lease.

Owner pays water. 1010 N. School St., Normal. Call/text 309-310-9266 712 E. Taylor. 2 bdrm apt. Close to Wesleyan and ISU. $800 per month

TOWNHOMES: 2, 3 & 4 Bedrooms.

Include Washer-dryer, central air, dishwasher, parking, patio and/or balcony, yard. ONLY $265 - $455 per bedroom.

Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Flora Way: Large Furnished 1,2,3 and 4 Bedrooms. Start at ONLY $315. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Fell: Spacious 1, 2 & 4 Bedrooms. 1 block from campus. Laundry. Start at

$375. Class Act Realty. 454-2960 Houses: 2 to 6 Bedrooms. Start at $325 per person. Walk to Campus.

401 N. Linden. 5 people to share 5 BR house. Porch, laundry. $400/person/ mth + utilities. 12 mth lease. Call 309-530-7772 301 S. WALNUT: Furnished 2 Bedrooms.

Balcony, Covered parking, Laundry.

Quiet Building. Start at ONLY $290.

Class Act Realty. 454-2960 LINDEN TRAILS: BRAND NEW CONSTRUCTION. 4 bedroom 4.5 Bath Units with Washer/Dryer. Next to the Trail. Utilities Included. Start at $620 per person. Class Act Realty.

309-454-2960

Sports

PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2017

Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor

Sophomore Markel Smith cuts back on the Butler defense in the Redbirds season opener at Hancock Stadium on Sept.

2. The Redbirds defeated Butler, 45-0.

Four-horse race in ISU backfield A deep Redbird running back core poised to keep opposing defenses on their toes in 2017 NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51

The Illinois State football team has a problem on offense.

A good one, actually.

Following an offseason of uncertainty surrounding the backfield, a season-opening 45-0 blowout over Butler on Sept. 2 provided a bit of clarity for the Redbird running backs.

Sophomores James Robinson and Markel Smith paired with freshmen Artiss Henderson (redshirt) and Jordan Birch for 183 rushing yards in ISU’s first showing of 2017, as each of the four displayed dangerous talent on the ground.

Although he finished behind his teammates in total yards, Birch stole the show with a 26-yard touchdown after leaping over a defender — a play that landed sixth on ESPN “SportsCenter’s” nightly “Top-10” countdown.

He’s the fourth string.

Illinois State head coach Brock Spack said he was impressed by the core’s performance in the first week, noting each of the guys brings something unique to the offense.

But how is he going to find playing time for all of them?

“I think we will use them all, and whoever has the hot hand, we will play those guys,” Spack said. “There isn’t a

real difference between the four guys, to be honest. We have a good situation there.”

Last season, Robinson shined in limited opportunities behind the team’s leading rushers Jamal Towns and DeMarco Corbin.

Artiss Markel The Rockford native carried Henderson Smith the ball 63 times for 322 yards in 2016 for an average of 5.1 yards per touch.

Robinson, who is listed as the starter, is most known for rushing powerfully with his 5-foot-10, 210 pound frame, but ISU running backs coach Lamar Conard says that he has evolved into more than just a one-dimensional tool.

“James has progressed to a point,” Conard said. “He has cut a bit of weight, he’s a little quicker and has a bit more speed … he will do anything we ask him to do.”

Conard came to ISU along with Spack in 2008 and started as a defensive backs coach before taking over the running back duties a couple years later. He says that this is the most versatile group that he has had during his tenure.

“I do not remember having depth like this in the backfield,” Conard said. “I’ve had two or three guys sometimes,

Illinois State at Eastern: Who’s set to win?

Kade Heather

Nick Damiani

Last season, the Redbirds scored two touchdowns in five minutes, but fell just short of a comeback versus Eastern Illinois and lost, 24-21. This season’s matchup between the Redbirds and Panthers will be much different.

ISU is coming off an early bye week while Eastern Illinois is coming off a blowout loss at Northern Illinois. ISU’s defense will be too dominant for the Panthers, while the Redbirds offense should hold their own.

Coming off a shutout victory against Butler, expect the Redbird defense to pick up right where they left off.

Look for the defense to force the Panthers into a few crucial turnovers to put Jake Kolbe in a position to replicate his 275-yard, two touchdown performance last year against Eastern Illinois. The Redbirds will control this one from the start and begin the year 2-0.

Illinois State 31, EIU 7

Nick Landi

Neil Doyle The Redbirds come off a bye week, which should mean very fresh legs against a Panthers team who will be hungry after a 38-10 loss to Northern Illinois.

Look for the Illinois State defense to shine again after shutting down Butler.

ISU jumps ahead early, but it’ll be close late as the Redbirds win.

Illinois State 24, EIU 17

Illinois State 28, EIU 10 Eastern Illinois is usually a difficult opponent for Illinois State, and Saturday’s game will be no exception.

ISU will come out a little sluggish in the first half, allowing Eastern to build a solid lead early. In the second half, the running game will help the Redbirds get back into the contest, but junior wide receiver Alexander Hollins will have a big performance for EIU. The Panthers hold on and pull off the upset.

Illinois State 24, EIU 27

but not where I feel comfortable putting all four in and letting them play.

While it may seem challenging to have such a wealth of players at one position, it has not hampered the players’ chemistry off the field. Smith, a transfer from Central Missouri, says that he shares a close bond with his fellow backs and that they all root for each other to succeed.

“It’s all love and friendly competition. These guys are my brothers and I love them to death,” Smith said. “I’d die for them on the field and they’d do the same for me…we work hard and play for each other.”

Henderson worked on a variety of skills during his absence from game action, especially footwork, before stepping onto the field at Hancock Stadium for the first time in the home opener.

He says it was an exciting time.

“It especially felt good with it being a home game,” Henderson said. “I’ve been waiting a year and a half to play, as my last game was in high school, and the fans made it worthwhile.”

While it remains to be seen how the workload is distributed to these four running backs, there is one goal they all share.

Win. No matter who is playing.

GAME PREVIEW

What to know heading into Saturday’s rivalry matchup NUTS AND BOLTS ILLINOIS STATE The Redbirds have fresh legs coming out of their bye week. The week prior, Illinois State pummeled Butler, 45-0, in the season opener at Hancock Stadium. Illinois State enters the week three matchup with Eastern Illinois ranked No. 14 in the Coaches Poll and No. 18 in the FCS Stats poll. Illinois State leads the all time series versus Eastern Illinois, 54-42-9.

EASTERN ILLINOIS

The Panthers enter Saturday’s contest 1-1, with both games being on the road. In Eastern’s game loss last week to Northern Illinois, the defense recorded three takeaways in the form of one interception and two fumble recoveries. The Panther defense also recorded a pick-six in the season opener at Indiana State, which saw the Panthers defeat the Sycamores, 22-20, after trailing 20-16 with 1:52 reaming to play.

PLAYERS TO WATCH ILLINOIS STATE Christian Gibbs is coming off a two score, five reception game in Illinois State’s season opener. The senior wide-out also recorded 79 yards in the Redbird victory. He emerged himself as the primary target for junior quarterback Jake Kolbe, look for those two to hook-up early and often Saturday afternoon.

EASTERN ILLINOIS

Mitch Kimble, transfer quarterback from Syracuse, showed his poise in week one, as he completed six straight passes, including the game winning touchdown to secure the Panthers comeback victory over Indiana State. Kimble was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Newcomer team in 2016, as he started in seven games. However, he did miss four games due to injury, including the final two games of the season.

WHAT COACH SPACK THINKS “This is a rivalry game. You can throw the statistics out, throw the records out. We’re going to get their best, that’s just how it is.”

“It’s their home opener, we’ll see a different team.

For some reason, [when] Redbirds step on their field they get pretty excited about it. So, they’ll play very well.

I’m counting on it.”

PREDICTION: Illinois State puts last season’s loss behind them as the Redbirds come out from get-go and shake off any bye week kinks. Eastern just won’t be able to match the firepower ISU throws at them.

Illinois State: 28, Eastern Illinois 17 MICHAEL MARRA Sports Editor | @MikeMarraILSTU