VIDETTE summer WEDNESDAY, June 14, 2017 Vol. 129 / No. 63
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B-average could lead to free tuition PAGE 2 Kolbe looks to rebound in second season PAGE 8
Behind the red curtain
40th Illinois Shakespeare Festival calls for hard work before play STUART STALTER Senior Features Reporter
“The work that we do as artists is essential for societal progression. All social and political movements have begun in the arts, and with arts, we can critique and challenge social norms and ideologies of our time,” senior Illinois State University theater major Sam Rosenfeld said. William Shakespeare remains arguably the ultimate master of arts and social critique. ISU honors Shakespeare’s legacy through the Illinois Shakespeare Festival (ISF). This 40th season produces three Shakespearian
plays: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Shakespeare’s Amazing Cymbeline” and “I Heart Juliet.” The saying “business before pleasure” strongly applies to theater. ISF Managing Director William Prenevost gives insight on daunting behind-the-curtain business preparations. “We spend a good deal of time exploring different combinations of plays for a season with the need to match casting of three different shows with the same 25 or so actors,” Prenevost said. “Negotiating for rights to newer plays or adaptations and even commissioning new plays like ‘I Heart Juliet’ is an elaborate undertaking.”
Pressure soars as management transitions from scheduling to setting the operational budget. Prenevost notes that the budget undergoes at least 20 iterations before finalization. Management crunches numbers and predicts grant/donation scenarios countless times. Prenevost reports an overall 2017 budget of nearly $885,000. ISU provides approximately 39 percent, while ticket and venue sales provide the same percentage. Donations, grants and proceeds from a very small endowment covers the remainder, Prenevost said. see SHAKESPEARE page 6
ABOVE: (From left) Emily Wold, Susie Parr and Raffeal Sears rehearse an emotional scene from William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on the partial set designed by Joe Klug.
Photograph by Emily Kinasz | Vidette Photographer
Related photo gallery at videtteonline.com
PAGE 2 | NEWS | THE VIDETTE
STAFF LIST Editor in Chief
Ema Sasic
News Editors
Kevin Schwaller Stephanie Rodriguez Features Editor
Emily Griffith
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
House bill may lead to free tuition Students with good grades to be rewarded with grant from state
Sports Editors
SARAH ATEN News Reporter | @sarahmaten
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Monica Mendoza Natlie Stuckslager Night Editors
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John Plevka
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The Illinois House passed a bill which would allow eligible students with good grades the opportunity to receive grants, and possibly even free tuition. House Bill 1316 has several requirements students must meet to be eligible. Students must have a B average, or 3.0 and a family income of under $125,000 a year. The grant is $4,000 annually, which in addition to other grants could lead to free tuition for some students. Rep. Lou Lang said that the bill is meant to benefit students and provide additional funds. “Students still have to get their Pell Grants, they still have to get their MAP grants…but there’s going to be a whole bunch of students up and down that sliding [income] scale that are going to end up with free college education as a result of this bill,” Lang said. With so many facing financial challenges, the goal is to assist hard working students. Interim director of the Financial Aid Office at Illinois State University Bridget Curl has encountered
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“I think the bill has great intentions, but long term solutions should have been put into effect five to ten years ago. Now, we need to focus on short term ways to generate money for Illinois,” ISU junior Logan Ingersoll said. Lang said the bill is estimated to cost between $300 and $400 million in the first year and with the current state of Illinois’s budget, cost is a concern. State budgeting is done on fiscal years, which begin July 1 and conclude June 30, said Guzzardi. The bill would not be a part of the upcoming fiscal year, but rather the one after that, “so the bill’s not going to have any impact at all on our messy budget situation”. Curl said that while the bill sounds like a good idea for students and she wants the state to pass a budget and focus on funding for current grants, like the state MAP grant. “Budgeting is a matter of priority, I believe this is high priority,” Lang said. Guzzardi acknowledges that the budget crisis needs to be dealt with, and wants to be able to make college less expensive, or free, for students. “It feels important to be to set this program up and make sure we built it the right way, so that when we do finally have the money to put towards this goal, we are going to do it in the way that’s going to help the most students and in the best way possible,” Guzzardi said.
Bike lane proposal has cyclist’s wheels turning with joy CLAIRE WEINZIERL News Reporter | @ClaireWeinzierl
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many families in similar situations. “Every family that we talk to, they are concerned about increasing costs and how to pay for college,” Curl said. There are many facets to the bill, including the scholarship and debt relief. Funding for work study is also covered under the bill. Lang highlighted examples of other states like Texas that has a substantial fund that allows universities to entice professors to come from out of state. Lang wants Illinois to do the same. Many students graduate college with excessive debt but under the bill, loans would be bought back by the state, allowing students to pay their loan back at zero percent interest. “Higher education in Illinois is in danger of extinction,” Rep. Will Guzzardi said. Guzzardi said students and professors are leaving the state due to the budget crisis. The goal is that by bolstering educational resources, the economy of Illinois will benefit in the long run. “Our state universities and community colleges are the steel mills and coal mines of Illinois towns, generating more than $50 billion in economic activity,” Rep. Christian Mitchell said. Upon graduation, students who benefited from the scholarship must reside in Illinois for two years. Some students at ISU have mixed feelings about the bill.
Several Bloomington-Normal cyclists are supporting a recent proposal for an added bike lane in Bloomington. The city is considering adding one bike lane and one mixed parking and bike lane that would be added along Washington Street after it is resurfaced as part of Bloomington’s Complete Streets Policy. Complete Streets is a national organization working toward designing and operating streets to enable safe access for everyone who uses them including cyclists, pedestrians, mass transit and vehicular traffic. The new bike lanes would connect with existing bike routes through Bloomington. Co-founder of Bike Blono, a local bike advocacy group, Michael Gorman said the proposals purpose is to make the street safer for everyone. “Right now, Washington Street in the Founders Grove Neighborhood has two 18.5’ travel lanes, which encourage speeding,” Gorman said. “The proposal in this area would reduce the lanes to 11’ wide, which is much safer and more common in urban and suburban areas.” State Farm’s Lead Data Scientist
simultaneously. Fewer injuries, reduced pollution and the health care costs of healthier citizens who bike make the lanes a cost effective public health intervention that benefits all, per Bernico. Both Bernico and Gorman said cyclists can avoid accidents by staying off the sidewalks. “Most often, immediately before the crash the cyclist was reported as located on the sidewalk,” Bernico said. “Riding on the sidewalk creates opportunities for cyclists to enter and leave the road in unexpected ways. If you’re a cyclist, your safest bet is to ride on the road and obey the same traffic laws, signs, and signals as motorists.” Cyclists must follow the same rules as motorists including stopping at stop Michelle Carrico | Vidette Photographer signs, riding in the same direction as A new bike lane in Bloomington would give local cyclit, like Illinois State student Jack traffic and signaling turns using their Mullowney, a safe place to ride by removing the need to bike on sidewalks. hands. “I think it’s safe to say that everyMike Bernico is an avid cyclist in the because many commuter cyclists use the body agrees our streets should be Bloomington area who works on the street to get to work and local businesses safe. The question is what that looks McLean County Bicycle Safety Report are most exposed during commuting like when the rubber meets the road,” as part of Bike Blono to give back to the traffic hours. Gorman said. community. Bernico suggests bike lanes have been “We believe this proposal is the best, According to Bernico, Washington good investments in other communities most cost-effective way to improve Street is the sixth most dangerous street in terms of public health and that they safety for everyone who uses Washingfor cyclists in Bloomington-Normal address multiple public health concerns ton Street.”
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 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
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THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 3
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
Gibson City drive-in withstands test of time Harvest Moon has kept it ‘reel’ with movie lovers for decades CLAIRE WEINZIERL News Reporter | @ClaireWeinzierl
W
hether going on a date, hanging out with friends or spending time with family, seeing a movie at Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In makes for a popular past-time when the weather is warm. The drive-in movie theater was founded in 1954 by Clifford and Joyce Orr in Gibson City. Prior to opening the drive-in, Orr owned and operated an indoor theater in town. The original design of the drive-in offered a single screen theater with one snack bar, two small restrooms and enough room for about 350 cars. “Many people come just on a whim to see a movie, but we also cater to lots of special functions from engagements, bridal showers and birthday parties to company outings,” Harvest Moon general manager Will Harroun said. “People love the bonding aspect of the drive-in experience.”
NEWS IN BRIEF Special Olympics Illinois athlete dies A Special Olympics Illinois athlete died Saturday from a medical emergency during a State Summer Games swimming competition at the Aquatics Center at Normal West High School in Normal. Barry Mogk, 43, of Normal suffered a medical emergency, the McLean County Coroner said. Lifeguards and emergency medical technicians were on site already, per Special Olympics Illinois event protocol, and responded immediately. Mogk was transported to Advocate Bromenn hospital in Normal. After much medical effort by the first responders and medical team at the hospital, the athlete was not able to be resuscitated and passed away.
EMA SASIC EDITOR IN CHIEF
HeartCare Midwest renamed HeartCare Midwest in Peoria was renamed OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute Monday. OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute is supported by over 65 physician experts, specializing in every aspect of cardiovascular care throughout the OSF HealthCare Ministry. “While our name has changed, our commitment to quality, accessible, cardiovascular ser vices remains the same,” CEO of OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute Dr. Ken Berkovitz said. “Our new name, OSF HealthCare Cardiovascular Institute, highlights the full complement of cardiovascular experts who stand ready to care for you and your loved ones throughout our Ministry.” For more information, visit osfhealthcare.org/heart.
KEVIN SCHWALLER NEWS EDITOR
Michael Tercha | Chicago Tribune/TNS
Heidi Mules and Gary Katzer watch a documentary about the history of drive-ins with their Chiweenie named Trixie on a queen-size airbed and couch set up behind their car at the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In Movie Theatre in Gibson City, Illinois. Harroun is the son of Mike Harroun, the co-founder of the reopening in 1989. The theater
was operated by the Orr family until the 1970’s when an economic downturn combined with the rise
of home movies decreased theater attendance caused them to shut down.
The drive-in hit another obstacle with the digital revolution, but was able to raise enough money to remodel and buy new projection equipment. The theater became a “twin drive-in” in 1996 when the screen tower from the Kankakee Starlite Drive-in was removed from the Clinton Drive-in and erected at Harvest Moon. It became the third top drive-in in USA Today’s Top Drive-In’s list in 2016. “It is a special place, filled with some of my best memories, and I hope the same can be said for future generations,” Harroun said. Since reopening in 1989, the theater has firmly become a family-friendly site. “I went there with my cousin and we went to see the movie ‘Spy’,” Harvest Moon guest Taylor Thompson said. “It was really fun and I would love to go again. There were a lot of people and it was a great experience.” Harvest Moon is featuring several movies this summer including “Wonder Woman,” “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales,” “The Mummy,” “Baywatch” and “Cars 3.”
College of Fine Art creates partnership abroad TIFFANY MORRISON News Reporter | @MorrisonTiffany
After over a year of planning, the College of Fine Arts at Illinois State University partnered with Shanghai Normal University Tianhua College (SNUTC) for a new study abroad program. SNUTC will recruit Chinese students whose focus is in graphic design and will have them spend their first three years studying on site with a set of courses put together by both universities. Over summer and winter breaks, ISU faculty members will be f lown to Shanghai to teach courses to the individuals within the plan of study. During their fourth and final year, students will return to Illinois to finish their final 36 credits and graduate at ISU with a degree in art. “We are excited for the partnership and looking forward to the cross-cultural learning on our campus,” Associate Professor in Graphic Design at ISU Archana Shekara said. The partnership is an idea that started from director Luis
Canales and associate director Yimin Wang of the Office of International Studies and Programs. Both thought of developing a 3 + 1 course, which specialized in teaching graphic design. There were many tweaks and revisions before perfecting the plan of study for the program that would best fit the school, faculty and students. Graphic design faculty and School of Art advisors were involved from the start. “SNUTC wasn’t the first potential partnership that we worked towards, however, it was the best fit for ISU,” School of Art Director Michael Wille said. In early April, Canales and Wang, along with Jean Miller the dean of College of Fine Arts and Wille, took a trip to the University and felt that it was a great start to an ongoing collaboration abroad. President Larry Dietz signed the agreement with SNUTC president Caifu Ye followed by a memorandum of understanding, in hopes to further collaborate between the two institutions. The faculty believes this will
Natalie Stuckslager | Photo Editor
Illinois State University College of the Fine Arts will work with Shanghai in the near future. be a unique experience not only for the university, but also for students. “We find that few students have the financial ability to afford a study abroad experience, so having 30 or more Chinese students enrolled as senior-level art majors will positively impact the student body,” Wille said. “Whether it’s through the way that China practices and teaches graphic design or how Chinese students interact with our university community, our students
educational experience will be broadened by these students.” Wille said the College of Fine Arts is always trying to internationalize their academic programs. “I hope that our students realize that they live in a global community, not just central Illinois. I hope they learn to know and appreciate that design is happening all over the globe, and it can be either the same or different depending on where you are,” Wille said.
Upcoming showings and events at Normal Theater The Normal Theater will offer a variety of film screenings throughout the summer.
“Yankee Doodle Dandy - A Tuesday Night Classic”
“Obit”
The classic film starring James Cagney as Broadway legend George M. Cohan will show 7 p.m. June 27.
The documentary about how writers at The New York Times put together obituaries will show at 7 p.m. June 15, 23 and 25, as well as 1 p.m. on June 17.
“Romeo + Juliet” Baz Luhrmann’s 1996 adaption of the play starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes will play at 7 p.m. Monday.
“Much Ado About Nothing” Joss Whedon’s 2012 rendition of the Shakespeare play will be show at 7 p.m. June 26.
“Hermia & Helena” The film will show 7 p.m. June 29. There will be more showings in July, taking place at the same time on the 1, 5 and 7. There will be a final showing from 1 p.m. July 9.
“The Hero” The film is set to open at the theater on June 30, with more shows taking place on July 2, 6 and 8. An afternoon showing will also take place from 1 p.m. on July 1.
“Colossal” “Colossal” will show 7p.m. June 28th. All other showing of the film will take place 10 p.m. July 1, 7 and 8. Outside of the normally scheduled showings, the Normal Theater will also host the monthly live event Midwest Songwriter Sessions at 7 p.m. Saturday. The event will be a gathering of local and Midwestern musicians coming together to enjoy each other’s company and art. This will be the last monthly session until September, as the Normal Theater will be temporarily closed while the premises installs an HVAC system. Compiled by Mason McCoy | News Reporter
Viewpoint
PAGE 4 | THE VIDETTE
VIDETTE EDITORIAL
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
Female lead films can, do dominate box offices
N
o one’s interested in watching a movie with a female lead. Well, so they say. We’ve all heard those people that refuse to acknowledge the idea that people actually do pay money to see a movie starring a woman. They cast a dark cloud over these films, don’t give them a chance to possibly prove them wrong and reinforce the sexism in our nation. However, 2017 has proven yet again that people are drawn to these movies, and at times, they shatter box office records. “Wonder Woman,” the first superhero film about a woman superhero since 2005, hit theaters June 2 and has faced raved reviews. It has also generated over $263 million in box office sales since its release. Some people are even saying it is the best superhero movie ever, and that’s saying something when almost every single one stars a male actor. What really shines through is the fact that people are ready for these female films, especially in a genre that has focused on Superman, Batman, Spider-Man and other men for decades. Who would have thought people are just as interested in learning about Wonder Woman’s past and and how she rose to power as much as Superman’s? According to the box office revenues, millions are interested. This is not just limited to this one film. Back in March, Disney’s live-action remake of “Beauty and the Beast” starring Emma Watson
as Belle took first place as it waltzed its way to a towering $170 million its opening weekend. As of Tuesday, it has made over $1.2 billion dollars worldwide, and it can still be seen in theaters. Maybe some think this box office powerhouse has generated so much attention the past three months because it’s “Beauty and the Beast,” a well-known and loved animated film from the 1990s. Sure, that’s definitely a factor. However, it’s a film about a
young woman and how she falls in love with the Beast. There are other plots that deal with the men in the story, but the movie revolves around her adventures in the extraordinary castle. People chose this movie over “Logan,” “The Boss Baby,” “CHiPS” and “Life,” to name a few, in March. These four films all have men as their main characters, and while many did do a fine job with revenue, none could compete with Watson. People loved this female lead film
so much that Watson was the recipient of MTV’s first gender-neutral Best Actor award. Though she was up against competition with Daniel Kaluuya, James McAvoy and Hugh Jackman from “Get Out,” “Split” and “Logan,” respectively, the viewers decided to pick the actor that continues to dominate movie theaters worldwide. Even the Academy Award nominated film “Hidden Figures” was the first live-action, non-franchise film starring more than one female lead
Editorial Graphic by Lee Walls | Vidette Art Director
to hit number one two weekends in a row since “The Help” in 2011. Though it’s a film about NASA, which at times can get complicated to wrap one’s head around, the film was such a hit with audiences because of those three leading ladies. So why, after three films that took movie theaters by storm just this year, let alone the countless others, does Hollywood and much of society think no one is interested in watching females on screen? When producers and writers discourage these films, the representation isn’t there. Young girls will think their stories don’t matter or no one will take the time to listen to them compared to their male counterparts. If they go to a movie theater and can’t find a handful of films that have women as the main character, it continues to reinforce the idea that men are preferred over women. Well, it’s 2017, and Hollywood and the rest of the world needs to realize the people that make up half of this planet’s population are a pivotal part of society who should not be hidden. Even though many of these films are fictional, having women in the spotlight is still important. When girls see people they look up to on the big screen, it does make a difference. With a film like “Hidden Figures,” it could influence them career wise. While it’s true we have come a long way, there is still a large hurdle to get over in terms of encouraging and making films with female leads. Women’s stories and voices do matter, so it’s time to show it.
Editorial written by EMA SASIC, 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.
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Bill Maher gets pass for racial slur, but should he? MY VIEW KEVIN SCHWALLER | Columnist
I
n case you missed it, comedian Bill Maher landed in some hot water when he dropped the “Nword” on his live HBO program a few episodes ago. In the following episode, Maher said his use of the word was a “mistake” and that it was not his intention to cause anyone pain. Maher, the host of his left-wing political show “Real Time with Bill Maher” for multiple years now, has apparently just now discovered that there are lines he cannot and should not cross. It’s not like Maher to regret insen-
sitivity—he prides himself on political incorrectness and often mocks the apology tours of other public figures. But Maher’s use of the racial slur warranted a serious response. Before being ripped apart by celebrities and politicians alike, causing Maher to issue an apology, he dismissed his comment as “a joke.” Maher, here’s a good rule of thumb for comics: Whenever you are compelled to say, “Hey, it was a joke,” it probably wasn’t. The comedian’s apologies have yet to answer my biggest questions: Why did he think it would be a good idea to say it in the first place? Did he genuinely think people would not find it offensive, especially as a political talk show host? Did he seriously think he could get away with it? Apparently. Maher’s “joke” reflects a prominent issue in the world of entertainment. It goes back to Stephen Colbert’s homophobic quip about
President Trump and Vladimir Putin. It goes back to Seth McFarlane’s overwhelmingly sexist “We Saw Your Boobs” song at the Academy Awards. It goes back to Daniel Tosh’s “joke” about an audience member being raped after said audience member told him rape jokes are not funny. Wealthy, white, liberal men seem to think that just because they are liberal, they are free to say and do whatever they please. You do not get a free pass just because you agree that there are issues facing certain communities. The timing of Maher’s “joke” comes just after comedian Kathy Griffin was absolutely demolished for the offensive and disturbing pictures of her holding a bloody, severed head resembling Trump. Griffin has since been fired from CNN and facing never-ending backlash. Meanwhile, Maher gets a quick slap on the wrist from HBO and keeps his job.
REDBIRD RUMBLE or FUMBLE Redbird Rumble: To Illinois State University alumna (‘76)
Laurie Metcalf for winning the Tony for Actress in a Leading Role in a Play Sunday night. She played the part of Nora in “A Doll’s House, Part 2.”
Having been a guest panelist years ago on “Real Time” and on his earlier ABC show “Politically Incorrect,” I thought Maher knew better. He may ironically have become too confident in his cross-racial knowledge. This is that privilege I’m talking about. What he said was and will never be acceptable and the fact that he hasn’t received more backlash for his choice of words is beyond alarming to me. Maher used a word that has a lot of hatred and evil tied to it on national television. Live. And it was not an “oops” moment where he realized immediately after it was said it was wrong, it took the world to explode before any action was taken to acknowledge the issue at hand. On the other hand, I do acknowledge and believe that free speech is protected and should continue to be. Maher has a right to joke about any-
thing he wishes, and his right should be protected. But Maher is a prominent face in the media. His platform is protecting him from any serious damage or reprimanding. He doesn’t have to care about knowledge, and he doesn’t have to care about respect. But he should. Those who are marginalized and those who simply care or pretend to care may want to rethink that kind of tolerance, given that a white comic feels free to describe himself using the N-word. This is adult behavior. If we want a less divisive future, one with more doors opened for understanding and diminishing hatred, we need to grow up. Kevin Schwaller is a news editor and columnist for The Vidette. He can be reached at vidette_ kschwal@ilstu.edu. Follow him on Twitter @kevschwa.
Compiled by The Vidette Editorial Board
Redbird Fumble: To all the street closures taking place in Blo-
No over the summer, making it difficult to get around the community.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 5
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
ANNUAL DRINKING WATER QUALITY REPORT ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY-NORMAL 1135510
Annual Water Quality Report for the period of January 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016.
2016.This report is intended to provide you with important information about your drinking water and the efforts made by the water system to provide safe drinking water. The source of drinking water used by ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY-NORMAL is Purchased Ground Water. For more information contact Toby Hoover, Water Operator Foreman at 309-438-1845 or the Normal Water Department at 309-454-9563 ste informe contiene información muy importante sobre el agua que usted bebe. Tradúzcalo ó hable con alguien que lo entizenda bien. SOURCE OF DRINKING WATER The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As water travels over the surface of the land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive material, and can pickup substances resulting from the presence of animals or from human activity. Contaminants that may be present in source water may include: - Microbial contaminants, such as viruses and bacteria, which may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations, and wildlife. - Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally-occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming. - Pesticides and herbicides, which may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses. - Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, which are by-products of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems. - Radioactive contaminants, which can be naturally occurring or be the result of oil and gas production and mining activities. Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, EPA prescribes regulations which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. FDA regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water which must provide the same protection for public health. Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water that the general population.Immuno-compromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800-426-4791). If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems, especially for pregnant and young children. Lead in drinking water is primarily from materials and components associated with service lines and home plumbing. We cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can
minimize the potential for lead exposure by flushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline or at http://www.epa.gov/safewater/lead. SOURCE WATER ASSESSMENT We want our valued customers to be informed about their water quality. The source water assessment for our supply has been completed by the Illinois EPA. We purchase water from the Town of Normal and receive our water from 9 different feeds throughout campus. If you would like a copy of information or to learn more please call our water operator foreman at 309-438-1845. To view a summary version of the completed Source Water Assessments, including: Importance of Source Water; Susceptibility to Contamination Determination; and documentation/recommendation of Source Water Protection Efforts, you may access the Illinois EPA website at http://www.epa.state.il.us/cgi-bin/wp/swap-fact-sheets.pl. To determine Normal’s susceptibility to contamination, the following document was reviewed: a Well Site Survey, published in 1991 by the Illinois EPA. Based on the information obtained in the document there are 51 potential sources of groundwater contamination that could pose a hazard to groundwater utilized by Normal’s community water supply wells. These potential sources included 16 underground fuel storage tanks, 2 printers, 4 above-ground fuel storage tanks, 2 furniture refinishers, 1 retail store, 3 construction contractors, 2 autobodies, 1 electrical generator substation, 1 manufacturer, 3 auto repair shops, 2 storage tanks and 1 grain elevator. In addition, information provided by the Leaking Underground Storage Tank and Remedial Project Management Sections of the Illinois EPA indicated additional sites with on-going remediation which may be of concern. (Note: Based upon information supplied to the Illinois EPA in November 2002, a remediation is ongoing at a former underground petroleum storage facility located near wells #9, and #10 (Illinois EPA 3 45039, 45040 and respectively).) Based upon this information, the Illinois EPA has determined that the Normal Community Water Supply’s source water for wells #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10 and #14 is susceptible to contamination. The source water for wells #17, #100, #101, #102, and #103 is not susceptible to contamination. The land use within the recharge areas of the wells was analyzed as part of this susceptibility determination. This land use includes residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. The Town of Normal uses ground water provided by 15 wells supplied by the Banner (Mahomet-Sankoty Aquifer), Glasford and Wedron Formations. An aquifer is a geological formation that contains water. Nine wells are located within the corporate limits of Normal and six wells are located south and west of Normal. This untreated groundwater is transmitted to the Town of Normal Water Treatment Plant through a network of underground pipes. At the water plant, the groundwater is softened, filtered, fluoridated and disinfected. Most of the chemicals added are later removed as part of the treatment process but some, such as chlorine and fluoride, are intended to remain in the water. The treated water is then pumped to storage tanks for usage.
DEFINITIONS: Action Level Goal (ALG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. ALG’s allow for a margin of safety. Action Level (AL): The concentration of a contaminant which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow. Maximum Contaminant Level Goal (MCLG): The level of a contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MCLG’s allow for a margin of safety. Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL): The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCL’s are set as close to the MCLG’s as feasible using the best available treatment technology. Maximum residual disinfectant level goal (MRDLG): The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRDLG’s do not reflect the benefits of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants. Maximum residual disinfectant level (MRDL): The highest level of a disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that addition of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants. ppb: micrograms per liter or parts per billion – or one ounce in 7,350,000 gallons of water ppm: milligrams per liter or parts per million – or one ounce in 7,350 gallons of water avg: regulatory compliance with some MCL’s are based on running annual average of monthly samples na: not applicable. pCi/L: picocuries per liter
Illinois State University Regulated Contaminants Disinfectants and Disinfection
Collection Date
Highest Level Detected
Range of Levels Detected
MCLG
MCL
Units
Violation
Likely Source of Contamination
By Products Chlorine
12/31/16
3.4
3.4-3.4
MRDLG=4 MRDL=4
Haloacetic Acids (HAA5)
08/16/16
3.7
3.7-3.7
No goal for the total
Total Trihalomethanes(TTHM)
08/16/16
2.5
2.5-2.5
No goal for the total
ppm
N
Water additive used to control microbes
60
ppb
N
By-product of drinking water disinfection
80
ppb
N
By-product of drinking water disinfection
Not all sample results may have been used for calculating the Highest Level Detected because some results may be part of an evaluation to determine where compliance sampling should occur in the future.
Annual Drinking Water Quality Report - Town of Normal 1130900 Inorganic Contaminants
Collection Date
Highest Level Detected
Range of Levels Detected
MCLG
MCL
Units
Violation
Barium
07/14/2015
0.021
0.021-0.021
2
2
ppm
N
Fluoride
07/14/2015
1.01
1.01-1.01
4
4
ppm
N
Likely Source of Contamination
Discharge of drilling wastes; Discharge from metal refineries; Erosion of natural deposits Erosion of natural deposits; Water additive which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories
Nitrate (Nitrogen)
0.03
0.03-0.03
10
10
ppm
N
Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits
Sodium
07/14/2015
100
100-100
Zinc
07/14/2015
0.0062
0.0062-0.0062
ppm
N
ppm
N
Erosion from naturally occurring deposits; Used in water softener regeneration
5
5
This contaminant is not currently regulated by the USEPA. However, the state regulates. Naturally occurring; discharge from metal factories.
Disinfectants and Disinfection By-Products Chlorite
0.61
0.21-0.61
0.8
1
ppm
N
By-product of drinking water chlorination
Radioactive Contaminants
CollectionDate
Highest Level Detected
Range of Levels Detected
MCLG
MCL
Units
Violation
Likely Source of Contamination
7/3/2014
0.996
0.996-0.996
0
5
pCi/L
N
Erosion of natural deposits
7/3/2014
0.213
0.213-0.213
0
15
pCi/L
N
Erosion of natural deposits
Combined Radium 226/228 Gross alpha excluding radon and uranium
Features
PAGE 6 | THE VIDETTE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
Opportunities to shine School of Theatre and Dance sets stage for success of Sarah Seidler DANIA DE LA HOYA Features Reporter | @daniadelahoya
T
he world of acting has many hopefuls dreaming of fame and making it big, but for one Illinois State University student, the dream has more to do with art than notoriety. Chicago native Sarah Seidler is a junior in the School of Theatre and Dance. Her love for acting is immediately evident to anyone who speaks with her, but it did not start out that way. “When I got to high school, I wanted to try something different. I was obsessed with listening to musical soundtracks and I figured I would love doing theater,” Seidler said. Perusing her obsession, Seidler auditioned for her high school’s fall play. However, this love would soon turn sour. “I had a horrible experience with theater my freshman year of high school. To make a long story short, I actually transferred high schools,” Seidler said. Luckily , that was not the end
of Seidler’s acting career. she could not imagine herself “After [transferring schools], anywhere else. I met with the woman who ran “I love ISU so much and I will the drama department at my be the first in line to tell people new school,” Seidler said. “She how great the School of Theatre convinced me and Dance is to audition and how much for the spring it’s challenged musical, and me, helped me I fell in love grow and what with theater incredible again.” opportunities When the it’s given me,” time came to Seidler said. look at colOf those leges, Seidler opportunities knew she was Seidler has looking for a been given, good acting the most program to notable would join. Her be playing the original plan role of Mary would have Bailey in “It’s Submitted by Sarah Seidler led her to a Wonderful Junior acting major Sarah Seidler Nashville, Life: A Live refuses to let the stormy days but, when Radio Play.” cloud her passion for theater. that did not “[Playing work out, Mary Bailey] Seidler’s mother suggested a was honestly just a dream to do,” substitute: Illinois State. Seidler said of the experience. Now, Seidler says she is glad “She’s such a classic character things did not work out the and I was honored to be able way she had planned because to put my own spin on her and
present her in a way that drew from all of my research and exploration of the character.” This type of in-depth character exploration is typical for Seidler, who is more interested in making connections with her audience than fame or fortune. It is this passion for human connection that drew Seidler to acting in the first place. “Showing people true vulnerability between two people and an electric connection between people who are struggling, celebrating or anything in between—there’s no feeling comparable to [the] emotional catharsis brought about by that experience,” Seidler said. As for Seidler’s next move, the Chicago native hopes to go back to her roots and work in Chicago, but traveling further outside of Chicago is not out of the question for Seidler. “I want to travel, so if my work brings me around the country, I wouldn’t complain at all,” Seidler said. Despite all obstacles Seidler faces, she will still find her way to dance to the top.
Costume designer for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Tyler Wilson makes progress on his costume for the character Titania. EMILY KINASZ VIDETTE PHOTOGRAPHER
SHAKESPEARE
continued from page 1
Once management solidifies scheduling and budgets, Artistic Director Kevin Rich leads performance preparations. “We generally begin planning our summer season over a year in advance,” Rich said. “As soon as the festival closes in August, we immediately begin hiring our directors, designers, actors and technicians for the following summer.” Scarcity breeds stiff competition for ISF roles. ISF staff travels to five or 10 cities every year, holding auditions for 500-750 actors. Selected actors fill roughly 20 roles. After assembling a crew, Rich describes the remaining processes fall from snowfall to summer show time. “We have our first design meeting in December, when the directors and designers gather to discuss scenic, costume, lighting and sound design for the three mainstage productions in our season,” Rich said. “The full company arrives in May; the actors have about six weeks to rehearse before opening the first show around the beginning of July.” Preparations do not cease when the first curtain draws. This year, management and performers must prepare for nature’s elements.
For example, outdoor venue Ewing Theatre plans to host two shows. The potential for wind, heat and rain affecting lighting and acting always exists during performances. Prior to becoming artistic director, Rich started with ISF in 2009 as an actor. With this experience, Rich knows the difficulty of performing, even under ideal conditions. “As a performer, you must know what you’re saying and why and to take care of yourself,” Rich said. “Shakespeare is not easy to do well. Being able to deliver high quality performances outdoors six nights a week is not easy, but it’s the challenging stuff in life that is often most rewarding.” Once ISF delivers the final performance Aug. 12, the whole process restarts for the 2018 season. Rich and Prenevost’s reward for conquering preparatory challenges is pride and strong sense of accomplishment. “ISF has a very lean management machine and our artists are top tier,” Prenevost said. “We bring in some of the most talented Shakespearean actors in the country,” Rich adds. “Watching them work is really inspiring.” Those wishing to view the grand result of ISF’s yearlong labors can buy tickets on the festival website, or visit ISU’s Center for the Performing Arts.
Michelle Carrico | Vidette Photographer
Among some of the artists that come to Illinois State, pop singer JoJo performed at Springfest 2017 on April 18 on the Quad.
Concerts on the Quad light up another summer LA’NITA BROOKS Features Reporter | @Nitaaminaj
The fresh summer breeze accompanied by beautiful green leaves, good people and music can all be expected at next month’s annual Concerts on the Quad. Concerts on the Quad is a series of music performances—free to the public—which occur throughout the month of July on Illinois State University’s Quad. The annual event is presented by ISU’s School of Music in conjunction with the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and The Pantagraph. The concerts have been a tradition since the 1980s and attendance typically ranges from 1,500 to 3,000 people. The concerts were started in order to give locals something fun to do over the summer. This year’s Concerts on the Quad is sponsored by the Mirza Fund of the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation, Fell Trust and Town of Normal Harmon Arts Program. The man behind the booking of the performances is professor and Graduate Coordinator Angelo Favis. “We will present a variety of artists covering a variety of music: Americana, jazz, Broadway, opera and more,” said Favis. “It should be an exciting season and everyone is welcome.” The first show will take place on July 3 and continue every Monday through the month of July. The series of events kicks off with a performance by Future Stuff, a poppy-folk-blues duo from the Chicago area. The band is comprised of Gabe Burdulis and Althea Grace. The two artists are known for giving an electrifying yet intimate performance with their unique set. The duo uses an instrumentation, featuring Burdulis on vocals, guitar, kick drum and trumpet looping, accompanied by Grace on vocals, upright bass, and guitar. Future Stuff is sure to leave the crowd with a full band experience, despite only having two members. Ameranouche, a Gypsy-inspired mix of Flamenco, Bebop and Jazz swing trio, takes on the second week of the show with a passionate acoustic ensemble. Whether they are playing a musette waltz from 1930s or an Andalusian inspired original tune, they will fall nothing short of providing the crowd with a fresh, new sound for the 21st century. April Verch Band takes week three of the concert series with some stepping, singing and fiddling. Award-winning Verch and her fellow trio members will make a stop on their tour to entice the Quad with their versatile, robust and masterfully executed performances. The last two Mondays will be graced by returning favorites Singing Under the Stars and an Evening of Jazz, featuring David Hoffman & Friends. The concerts are expected to last about an hour and fifteen minutes with no intermission. All concerts will take place on the east side of the castle-like setting of Cook Hall located in the northwest corner University’s Quad. The shows will only be moved inside to the Concert Hall in the Center for the Performing Arts in the event of rain. Listen to radio stations WGLT (89.1 FM), WBNQ (101.5 FM) or WJBC (1230 AM) after 5 p.m. on concert days for announcements of site changes. Since seating is not provided, concertgoers are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs or hammocks. “Bring everything you might need to enjoy an outdoor concert,” Favis said. This event is appropriate for all ages. All shows start at 7 p.m. and alcohol will not be permitted. For more information, please call (309) 4383839 or visit the Illinois State University’s event page.
THE VIDETTE | NEWS | PAGE 7
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
Fisher tops ISU ’17 HoF class NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51
The 2017 Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Fame class was announced Monday. Steve Fisher, NCAA championship winning coach, highlighted the list consisting of K ara Nelson Wiesmeyer (softball), Aisha Praught Leer (cross country/track), Samantha Richdale (golf), Darrell Smith (tennis) and three-sport standout Kim Sucher Becker. Wiesmeyer was named MVC Player of the Year twice while Leer competed in 2016 Olympics. Wiesmeyer and Leer each earned
All-American honors. Richdale achieved Missouri Valley Conference individual honors as a member of the women’s golf team. Smith, a four-year letterwinner, competed primarily at No. 1 singles/doubles and remains in the top-5 in career singles win in program history. Becker competed in three sports on the ISU campus, a rare feat. The athletic standout was a member of the volleyball, softball and basketball teams during her ISU career and led the Redbirds to both a state and regional championship. Fisher will receive the Institutional Great Award. The ’67 graduate
captured a NCAA men’s basketball title in his first year as head coach at the University of Michigan. The storied coach has served as an assistant at Western Michigan, Michigan and the Sacramento Kings before accepting a position as the leading man at San Diego State in 1999. Fisher announced his retirement from coaching in April with a 495288 career record. The honorees will be introduced during the Hall of Fame banquet at 8 a.m. Oct. 21 in the Brown Ballroom at the Bone Student Center. Tickets for the event are $25 and can be purchased through the ISU Athletics Department.
K.C. Alfred | San Diego Union-Tribune/TNS
Former San Diego State head coach Steve Fisher looks on during action against Illinois State at Viejas Arena in San Diego on Friday, Nov. 13, 2015. The host Aztecs won, 71-60.
ISU baseball falls just short of title ALFONSO CERNA Sports Reporter | @acerna_0
The Illinois State baseball team ended its Cinderella run in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament with a crushing loss to No. 2 Dallas Baptist in the championship game, 10-6. But, no one expected them to be there—let alone tied with the MVC defending champions in the ninth inning. The Redbirds entered the MVC Tournament as the lowest seed after a disappointing regular season (16-40, 2-18 Missouri Valley Conference). However, No. 8 Illinois State pulled off the upset of the tournament in the opening round, defeating nationally- ranked and top seed of the tournament, Missouri State, 1-0, on the Bears’ home field, nonetheless. “For some reason, for a team that only one conference game all season, we have their number,” ISU head coach Bo Durkac said. “I can’t really explain it.” An RBI-double from infielder Derek Parola was all the offense the Redbirds needed as pitchers Brady Huffman and Jack Landwehr combined for a six-hit shutout. ISU carried its momentum into the next round and delivered yet another shocking upset, this time with a 7-4 victory over No. 5 Wichita State. In that contest, Illinois State jumped on Wichita State early with a four-run first inning and held off a late inning rally to secure consecutive victories in the tournament.
HOOPS
continued from page 8
3.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game at St. Maria Goretti High School in Hagerstown, Md. Clarance is a playmaker on both sides of the ball and has been improving on his change of pace as well as his defense in the past few months. ISU has also landed the California Community College Player of the Year Zach Copeland. Copeland is a 6-foot-4 guard transfer from City College of San Francisco and a native of Oakland, Calif. He averaged 18.7 points per game and shot 49.1 percent from the floor and 47.7 percent from three during his sophomore year. A native closer to the area is incoming freshman Taylor Bruninga. The 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward attended Illini Bluffs High School in Mapleton, Ill. He played impressed many during his senior year, averaging 33.4 points and 11.5
FOOTBALL
continued from page 8
The Penguins defeated Illinois State, 20-6, on Homecoming weekend in 2016. The Penguins lost to James Madison in the FCS Championship game in Frisco, Texas as they sought out their fifth national title in school history.
Week 10
The Redbirds wrap up the 2017 season with two of their last three games at Hancock Stadium. The first is against Western Illinois on Nov. 4 for Family Weekend. The Leathernecks finished 6-5 in their first season under coach Charlie Fisher. ISU defeated WIU, 31-26, on Nov. 5 in Macomb.
Week 11
Natalie Stuckslager | Vidette Photo Editor
Derek Parola celebrates with teammates against conference foe Indiana State May 6 at Duffy Bass Field. The Redbirds suffered their first loss in the semifinals in a rematch with No. 1 Missouri State, 8-6. The defeat led to an elimination game between the two clubs, with the winner claiming a berth in the MVC championship. Illinois State got all the offense it needed after jumping out to a 5-0 lead in the first inning to defeat Missouri State 7-2 and advance to the MVC title game for the first time since 2014. However, the improbable run for the eighth-seeded Redbirds came to an end against No. 2 Dallas Baptist after a 10-6 defeat in a thrilling, back-and-forth game. Facing a daunting six-run deficit,
ISU came back to score three runs in the bottom of the sixth. Redbird outfielder Noah Sadler tied the game in the eighth inning with a three-run blast to right field. Illinois State’s comeback fell just short as Dallas Baptist put up four runs in the top of the ninth to defeat the Redbirds, 10-6. The victory clinched an automatic bid to the 2017 NCAA Baseball Tournament for Dallas Baptist. “There was a lot of positives to take from this,” Durkac said. “I was very proud of how we bounced back from a tough season.” Among the standouts of the 2017 season included outfielder John Rave (2017 Collegiate Baseball
rebounds per game. He also shot 60.4 percent from the floor and 41.1 percent from three. The Redbirds have also added Saint Louis transfer forward Milik Yarbrough, Loyola transfer Matt Chastain and Lake Land College transfer guard William Tinsley. “Well, all of these guys have a chance to contribute but to what level, I’m not sure yet,” Muller said. “You aren’t sure what a kid is like or what they are capable of until you have them on the court every day for multiple weeks,” Muller said. Lastly, assistant coach Dean Oliver also left the Redbird staff and accepted an assistant coaching position for the University of Wisconsin. ISU has subsequently hired DeAndre Haynes as his replacement just last month. ISU appears to be primed for another shot at the MVC title and its first NCAA tournament bid since 1998.
However, the Redbirds will not have a senior on the team this season. It might take some time for the players to get a better feeling for each other on and off the court, but at the end of the day, everyone has the same goal in mind: to win.
CLASSIFIEDS Phone 309 438 7685 • Fax 309 438 5211 Corner of Locust & University, Normal, IL Monday – Friday. 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
ROOMMATES WANTED Wanted: Responsible, considerate housemates to share large home near campus. Utilities (plus wi-fi) included. W/D. Furnished. Ideal for international students. $485-500. Deposit negotiable. Call or text Dr. dance at 445-0219.
Freshmen All-American Team) and Owen Miller (All-MVC Second Team). Off the field, the Redbirds also set a team grade point average (GPA) record with a combined effort of 3.47 leading all Illinois State men’s teams. Although the season didn’t go as well as the team would have liked, the unlikely postseason run from the Redbirds gives the team a sense of positivity and a great deal of momentum build on heading into the 2018 season.
The final road game of the seasons sends ISU to South Dakota State on Nov. 11. Last season, SDSU came into Hancock Stadium as a nationally ranked team but fell to the Redbirds, 38-21, on Oct. 29. South Dakota State ended the 2016 campaign 9-4, losing to North Dakota State in the second round of the FCS playoffs.
Week 12
ISU concludes the regular season with a Senior Day matchup against North Dakota State on Nov. 18. North Dakota State defeated ISU, 31-10, at the Fargo Dome on Oct. 1. North Dakota State finished 2016 with a 12-2 mark, losing to eventual FCS champion James Madison in the FCS semifinal round. Illinois State will be looking to make the playoffs for the fifth straight season under Brock Spack.
Sports
PAGE 8 | THE VIDETTE
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 2017
Tackling ISU 2017 football matchups
MY VIEW MICHAEL MARRA | Sports Editor
W
hen the season rolls around in September, the Illinois State football team will be looking to improve on the 6-6 overall record (4-4 Missouri Valley Football Conference) from 2016.
Week 1
Monica Mendoza | Vidette Photo Editor
Quarterback Jake Kolbe eludes Eastern Illinois defenders in a 24-21 loss on Sept. 17, 2016, at Hancock Stadium.
Jake Kolbe: Take Two
Junior quarterback looks to learn from mistakes as he prepares for his second full season at ISU NATE HEAD Sports Editor | @NateHead51
J
ake Kolbe nearly quit the sport as a fiveyear-old kid. In less than a month, the Illinois State junior quarterback will kick off his second full season at the helm of the Redbird offense. The Naperville, Ill., native started in 11 of 12 games of the 2016 slate, finishing fourth in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in pass efficiency rating (140.2), second in passing touchdowns (22) and fifth in passing yards per game last year (225.2). A far cry from those kindergarten days, to say the least. Kolbe first recognized that aspirations of playing collegiate football were realistic in high school. He attended Naperville Central, where he garnered a laundry list of accolades and achievements, including a class 8A state championship. While he undoubtedly ran the show as a prep star and two-star recruit, Kolbe deflects the credit off himself without much hesitation. “We had a great coaching staff at my high
school and great teammates,” Kolbe said. “It was just a good situation all around.” Kolbe redshirted his first season on campus and played limited time the following year behind Tre Roberson, who led the team to a championship appearance in 2015. The Redbirds finished 6-6 last year, a disappointing sequel to a historic 2015 run but still enough to clinch a playoff berth and subsequent first-round ISU exit. Naturally, Kolbe shouldered the blame. “We definitely didn’t accomplish the goals we set out to accomplish last year,” Kolbe said. “That has a lot to do with me, as a first-year starter I definitely didn’t play good enough as I should have every weekend.” But, a first-year starter gig isn’t easy. Nor is it supposed to be. The challenges faced on the field coupled with the everyday caveats of being the offense’s leading man can be grueling. But, it’s the response to the inevitable adversity that separates athletes from the pack. It’s how they apply the lessons learned from mistakes. Kolbe says he is constantly learning and striving toward improvement.
“I’ve learned a lot from going a full year as a starter,” Kolbe said. “I have been watching a lot of tape, working on footwork and trying to get better at understanding defenses and blitzes.” The future is bright for Kolbe and the Redbirds. Coach Brock Spack has introduced a dynamic backfield group that is expected to showcase three or four running backs each game. Oh, and the top-tier defense is expected to be even more stingy towards oppononents this season. The group has retained Alec Kocour, Dalton Keene and Davontae Harris—all of which finished in the top-six on the team’s tackle list. Heading into this season, Kolbe’s eyes are focused on some particularly shiny hardware. “The true main goal is a conference championship and then a national championship,” Kolbe said. “That has been the standard here since coach Spack arrived.” Illinois State will kick off its 2017 season against Butler. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. Sept. 2 at Hancock Stadium.
“We definitely didn’t accomplish the goals we set out to accomplish last year. That has a lot to do with me, as a first-year starter I definitely didn’t play good enough as I should have every weekend.” Jake Kolbe, ISU quarterback
Redbird hoops welcomes new faces KADE HEATHER Sports Reporter | @kade_heather
The Illinois State men’s basketball 2016-17 season abruptly ended in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament in March with the Redbirds falling to Central Florida in the closing seconds in front of a noisy home crowd. Hearts were broken, heads were down, but the page must now turn to next season. Despite an absence of a handful of contributors to ISU’s historic season, the future looks bright for Dan Muller’s squad. The upcoming 2017-18 season for the Redbirds will be played without point guard Paris Lee and forwards Tony Wills, Deontae Hawkins and
MiKyle McIntosh—all starters that graduated in May. “We lost guys that have been here for three or four years,” ISU head coach Muller said. “We lost leadership, too, but we’ve got guys capable and talented enough to fill those roles but you have to earn them.” Hawkins announced last Monday that he will opt to extend his eligibility by transferring to Boston College. Forward MiKyle McIntosh has also graduated and elected to transfer, but his destination has yet to be determined. Junior guard Keyshawn Evans tore his labrum and underwent reparation surgery in early April. The sixth-man is expected to miss approximately four to six months.
Perhaps the most significant departure this offseason wasn’t important to only ISU, but the entire Missouri Valley Conference. The Wichita State Shockers shared the regular season championship last season with the Redbirds after winning it the past three seasons. However, Wichita
announced in April that they are leaving the MVC for the American Athletic Conference, a move that takes effect on July 1. Valparaiso University has since been named the replacement to the conference by a unanimous vote. The 2017-18 season features another talented roster and many new faces on the court for the Redbirds. For starters, freshman guard Elijah Clarance is slated to be the first-ever Redbird to hail from Sweden. Clarance led his high school team to a 29-9 record and averaged 18.7 points with 4.7 rebounds, see HOOPS page 7
The Redbirds open the season at Hancock Stadium for the second consecutive year, hosting Butler under the lights Sept. 2. Last season, Butler finished 4-7 split contests against a pair of MVFC teams. The Bulldogs lost to Indiana State, 4125, and defeated Valparaiso, 23-12.
Week 3
Illinois State will come off its second week bye to visit Eastern Illinois Sept. 16. Last year, Eastern came into Hancock Stadium and defeated the Redbirds, 24-21, on ISU’s Family Weekend. The Panthers finished 2016 with a 6-5 record, narrowly missing the FCS playoffs.
Week 4
The Redbirds will open MVFC play with a trip to Missouri State. The Bears finished 2016 with a 4-7 record and were dominated by Illinois State, 37-0, in Normal on Nov. 12. Missouri State ended last season on a three-game losing streak.
Week 5
On Sept. 30, the Redbirds return home from their two-week road trip to host Indiana State. The Sycamores defeated ISU last season 34-31 in Terre Haute, Ind. Sept. 24. The loss served as ISU’s second consecutive during a four-week drought.
Week 6
Northern Arizona and Illinois State will meet for the first time in school history on Oct. 7 in Flagstaff, Ariz. Historically, ISU is 3-3 against Big Sky Conference opponents. The matchup is the front end of a homeand-home series, as the Lumberjacks will come to Hancock Stadium Sept. 21, 2019. Northern Arizona finished last season 5-6.
Week 7
The Redbirds will head to Carbondale for a matchup against Southern Illinois. ISU squeaked past the Salukis on Oct. 15 last season at Hancock Stadium, 31-28. The win ended ISU’s four-game losing streak. Southern Illinois finished the 2016 campaign with a 4-7 record.
Week 8
This season’s Homecoming game slates South Dakota entering Hancock Stadium Oct. 21. South Dakota coach Bob Nielson compiled a 4-7 record in his first season at the helm of the Coyotes in 2016 after three seasons at Western Illinois. Last season, South Dakota topped ISU, 27-24.
Week 9
Illinois State travels to FCS runner-up Youngstown State on Oct. 28. see FOOTBALL page 7