Kim Foxx overcomes Biden takes Illinois in
criticism to take
yet another
Democratic nomina-
blow to Sanders
tion for Cook County
Coronavirus concerns cause bumps in the road during Illinois elections
State’s Attorney FULL ELECTION COVERAGE PAGE 6
Volume 51
Issue 23
March 18, 2020
LOYOLA PHOENIX The award-winning student newspaper of Loyola University Chicago
CORONAVIRUS CHAOS The COVID-19 spread leaves Loyola students uprooted and unsettled as the disease forces people around the country to alter their daily routines.
Loyola shops cleared out as students vacate dorms
Students move out, transition to online classes on short notice ZACK MILLER zmiller1@luc.edu
ZACK MILLER
Loyola students woke up to an email from Loyola’s Office of the President March 12 informing them classes would be moved online for the rest of the semester and the dorms needed to be vacated in a week to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Students are expected to be out of the dorms by the end of the day Thursday, March 19, just three days after Illinois decided to close all restaurants and bars. While moving out is a tough job on its own, there was some extra baggage this time around. David Binkley, a firstyear studying secondary education and history living in Simpson Living-Learning Center, was faced with the task of keeping up with classwork in addition to packing up to head home to Dixon, Ill. “We have classes while we have to move out,” Binkley, 19, said Monday. “I have a class at 12:35 today but I have to move out.”
zmiller1@luc.edu
Courtesy of U.S. National Park Service
MOVE OUT 3
Loyola’s Office of the Bursar announced in a March 13 email to students changing its dining dollar policy due to the early vacating of campus in response to the coronavirus outbreak — but not before Loyola students wiped out on-campus shops in an effort to spend their remaining money. In late February, Loyola directed students to leave the John Felice Rome Center (JFRC) by March 4. Shortly after this decision was made, the university had to deal with the virus at home when a student came into contact with another individual who was being tested for COVID-19 and was placed in isolation on campus, The Phoenix reported. Loyola will allow dining dollars to be credited to student account balances, according to Anna Rozenich, a Loyola spokesperson. Refunds will be given if the credit is greater than the balance and the university “will reconcile those amounts with more communication” for seniors and those not returning to Loyola. These plans are in response to the coronavirus situation and won’t apply to the next year, Rozenich said. SHOPS 7
Parents get creative when welcoming students home early ABBY SCHNABLE aschnable@luc.edu
Before moving her first-year son back home to Frankfort, Ill., Cathy Vasiliakas Pleasant took to the drawing board and created some signs and “typical dorm decorations” to greet her son. “I thought that I would make it normal,” Pleasant said. “I just wanted him to feel comfortable and that it was all going to be okay and not get any more stressed or anxious with the big change.” Loyola administration announced March 12 classes would be moved to online instruction and students would have a week to move
out of the residence halls due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Despite the challenging times, parents of students are trying to lift spirits by using creative decorations to welcome back their children. When Pleasant’s son, Andrew, drove home with his dad, he came face-to-face with a “Welcome Loyola Univ. South Second Semester” sign referring to their hometown as another campus. As he navigated through the room he found more. There was a picture of his parents on the door with the title “your RAs,” a door decoration — commonly used by Resident Assistants (RA) on doors
to identify who lives in what dorm — and even a notebook with the “amenities” being offered, including dining hours, free wi-fi and free laundry. Pleasant posted a picture of her decorations on the “Loyola University Chicago PARENTS” Facebook page. Within a couple hours, more than 50 parents commented on the post with their own pictures of decorations or comments saying they loved the idea and wanted to do the same for their kids. The post has 85 comments, as of publication, and is growing as students are still moving out through Thursday. MOVE OUT 8
Courtesy of Michelle Larson
As students were sent home from campus early amid coronavirus concerns, parents decorated their kids’ homes in a Loyola-inspired way to boost spirits.
PAGE 2
MARCH 18, 2020
From the Phoenix newsroom, one last time FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
EDITORIAL Editor-In-Chief Mary Norkol Managing Editor Emily Rosca Business Manager Nick Miller News Editor Mary Chappell Assistant News Editor Kayleigh Padar Assistant News Editor Madison Savedra Sports Editor Nick Schultz Assistant Sports Editor Kyle Brown Assistant Sports Editor Abby Schnable A&E Editor Mary Grace Ritter
Almost a year ago, I walked into The Phoenix’s newsroom for the first time as editor-in-chief. Full of a confusing and daunting combination of anticipation and nerves, I found an envelope taped to my desktop. It included a letter from former Editor-in-Chief Henry Redman giving gen-
tle advice and appropriate jokes about the year that lied ahead of me. Now, I’m in The Phoenix’s newsroom for what very well may be the last time. It’s a chaos-filled night — Loyola students have been sent out of the dorms and classes are transitioning online, Chicago resembles a ghost town in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak and of course, it’s Election Day in Illinois. I was rifling through my bag when I found the letter from Henry. “Remember this isn’t your paper, you’re just the guardian of it for a year,” he wrote. In my head, I read those words for the first time just yesterday. But in reality, my time as the entrusted guardian of The Phoenix is almost up. It’s hard to grasp, to say the least. Yes, we still have some time left and a hell of a lot of coverage coming our way. But there’s no way it will be the same without the entire staff piled into School of Communication room 009 for hours on end. If you’ve kept up with my columns, I don’t keep it a secret that I love my job. I love the people I work with, the work we do and the unique experience of being
News.
Opinion Editor Adrian Nevarez
7
Restaurants and bars closed for dine-in
8
Self-quarantine is bound to get tedious. Here are some activities The Phoenix's recommends indulging
Copy Editor Sean Hemmersmeier
Opinion.
Copy Editor Leen Yassine
9 MULTIMEDIA Photo Editor Zack Miller
CONTACT
4-5 The deadline for students to move
out of their dorms is approaching, and Loyola's campus is quickly becoming a ghost town
News Editor mchappell@luc.edu
Opinion Editor anevarez1@luc.edu Multimedia mbaltas@luc.edu
12
Music Beat: Tours are canceled but music isn't
1
14
Two years ago this week, the Ramblers stunned fans with their first two wins in the NCAA Tournament
15
Sports are canceled, but that doesn't stop the abundance of sports-themed activities available
1. March 10, 2020: Campus Safety observed and reported criminal damage to Hoyne Field.
5
Managing Editor erosca@luc.edu
A&E Editor mritter3@luc.edu
Fine arts department restricts studio access, cancels events
Security Notebook
Lake Shore Campus
Editor-In-Chief mnorkol@luc.edu
Sports Editor nschultz@luc.edu
11
Sports.
Video Editor Molly Gaglione
Web Editor Kashyap Patel
As classes move online, make the most of the situation
Arts and Entertainment.
Content Manager Maddy Baltas
Design Editor Larissa Paseta
After nine months of being The Phoenix’s guardian, I’ve seen an unreal amount of growth in the coverage we’ve tackled. The people have grown, too. I’ve never been much of a “mom” character, but as the nostalgia hits on my last night in the newsroom, I’m starting to feel what I believe is… motherly pride? My time here isn’t quite done, though. I still have another few weeks to leave my mark on this paper and Loyola as a whole. And I can’t wait. This week, find an influx of coronavirus coverage across all sections. How is the pandemic affecting the Loyola community, Chicago as a whole, the sports world and arts? Find out in this week’s issue. As we’re cutting down our print circulation, be sure to stay up to date on our website at www.loyolaphoenix. com, and on social media. You can find us on Twitter @PhoenixLUC, on Instagram @loyolaphoenix and Facebook @ LoyolaPhoenix.
contents
Assistant A&E Editor Olivia Turner
Audio Editor Luis Mejía Ahrens
a student reporter. I usually write about my feelings toward this paper in a whimsical, lighthearted way. That doesn’t really seem appropriate right now. Over my time as editor, I’ve kept that word “guardian” in mind. Every time I’ve been faced with a tough decision, a staff problem or an overwhelming amount of work, I’ve been reminded that I have a responsibility here. I’m responsible to my staffers, our reporters, our readers and the university as a whole. I’m a guardian, a parent of sorts. Now, I don’t know too much about being a parent. Alright, I know absolutely nothing about being a parent. But I imagine there are some similarities to being the editor of a college paper. Sometimes your child (or an editor) won’t stop crying (or asking questions) and you don’t know how to get them to stop. Sometimes your child (or the newspaper) makes a bunch of people angry and you have to stick up for yourself. Sometimes it’s so much work and you want to quit, but the responsibility pulls you back in. And sometimes your child (or the paper) makes you so damn proud you’re not sure what to do with yourself.
2. March 12, 2020: Campus Safety arrested an individual with no Loyola affiliation for trespassing and a municipal violation at the main parking structure.
2
3. March 14, 2020: A Loyola student reported battery to Campus Safety. The incident occurred on the 5800 block of North Broadway.
4
4. March 15, 2020: Campus Safety was notified by CPD of a battery involving Loyola students. The incident occurred on the 6000 block of North Broadway.
3
5. March 15, 2020: Campus Safety responded to a loud noise complaint at 6900 N. Sheridan Road. It was the first time at the residency and peace was restored.
MARCH 18, 2020
News
PAGE 3
MOVE OUT: Coronavirus outbreak leads to early exit for students Zack Miller | The Phoenix
After receiving an email f rom the Off ice of the President March 12, students had to begin moving all their belongings out of dorms. The email said they had until March 19 to leave the halls.
continued from page 1 Loyola’s instructors whose classes were already online were told March 13 to continue classes as usual while students were moving off-campus. The move has been filled with farewells as first-years say goodbye to the new friends they made in their shortened first year at Loyola. “It’s very sad because you have to say bye to everyone so suddenly,” Binkley said. “I’ve cried like 10 times. It’s hard to watch everyone go one by one.”
“It’s very sad because you have to say bye to everyone so suddenly.” DAVID BINKLEY Loyola student
Kayla Soldi, a first-year studying sociology living in Simpson Living-Learning Center, said she didn’t see the sudden shift coming and was saddened she didn’t have more time with her friends.
“It definitely came out of nowhere, I thought I had two more months with these people,” Soldi, 19, said. “I live far from all my friends here.” Soldi, a Boston native, said she was thankful for how easily she could change the dates to store her belongings. “[Storage] is easier than having to worry about driving here or trying to fit everything on a plane,” Soldi said. “I was going to do this in May but they made it easy to switch over to now which I thought was helpful.” However, not everyone found the same ease with storing their possessions. Andrea Martino, a sophomore at Loyola studying criminology, said she had friends that were struggling to find storage units. “I’m okay with the online classes but it sucks that they’re kicking us out,” Martino, 19, said Thursday. “I have friends from New York that are scrambling to find storage units.” Loyola usually partners with University and Student Services (USS) to provide students a way to store their possessions between the spring and fall semesters. The university contacted USS the same day it announced students would have to
vacate the dorms, according to USS President Vin Peseski. USS will be providing storage service until the fall semester for the same rates normally charged for summer storage. The company will also be stationed in the Simpson Living-Learning Center multipurpose room through Thursday handing out boxes students can use for their storage services. Outside of the university, U-Haul is offering 30 days of free storage to college students who are being displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Evan Baehr, a senior studying environmental science and residence life staff member tasked with helping students move furniture, said residence life employees found out about the early move-out plans when everyone else did. “We had as much warning as anyone else did,” Baehr, 21, said. “We
woke up to the same email.” Baehr, who has an off-campus apartment, stuck around to help others move out, albeit cautiously — wearing protective gloves to handle donated items in the foyer of Simpson Living-Learning Center. “If there’s a job to be done I might as well stay,” Baehr said.
“I’m okay with online classes but it sucks that they’re kicking us out.” ANDREA MARTINO Loyola student
In another measure to make the transition easier for students, residence life staff members are aiding on-campus residents with their moves as well as handling items donated by residents leaving campus.
Zack Miller | The Phoenix
Students moved out of their on-campus dorms in a hurry in the midst of the COVID-19 spread, saying it was tough to say goodbye to their friends.
How to stay mentally healthy during the coronavirus pandemic MARY NORKOL mnorkol@luc.edu
Loyola is joining universities across the country in clearing on-campus dorms and requiring students to take classes online as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Restaurants and bars in Illinois are closing their doors to dine-in service. Loyola’s campuses and parts of Chicago have become something of a ghost town as people try to mitigate the virus’ spread. With so many changes and many people putting themselves in self-quarantine, it’s possible mental health may take a toll. Director of Counseling at Loyola’s Wellness Center David deBoer said while some may experience a dip in their mental health, not everyone sees the same impacts. An influx of news can be damaging for some, but not others, for example. “If you’re hearing a lot of the same news and it’s just heightening your anxiety, change the channel, turn on something that’s not news,” he said. “There’s not a one-size-fits-all an-
swer. It’s about knowing yourself and knowing your responses.” The American Psychological Association (APA) suggests ways to keep things in perspective to keep your mental health in check. “Work is being done to help people who may be more vulnerable to the coronavirus, such as senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions,” the APA website reads. “The fact that coverage is increasing on this issue does not necessarily mean that it presents an increased threat to you or your family.” Both deBoer and the APA stressed that social connections are important in stressful times. deBoer said this generation of college students is composed of “digital natives” who have found unique ways to communicate without seeing each other face-to-face, which can help them during the spread. He drew parallels to the social situation following the 9/11 attacks, saying that in an intense and tragic time, there’s potential for a strong sense of solidarity. deBoer said there are ways to seek mental health help while still
practicing the recommended “social distancing.” He suggested doing yoga with an online instructor, practicing meditation and seeking remote counseling instead of in-person therapy.
“If you’re hearing a lot of the same news and it’s just heightening your anxiety, change the channel, turn on something that’s not news.” DAVID DEBOER Director of Counseling
The Wellness Center is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. but deBoer said employees are working to limit their in-person appointments. He also said the center is working to make counseling available online, but for now, counselors are doing consultations over the phone and connecting students to other care.
Courtesy of Loyola University Chicago
Loyola’s Wellness Center altered its hours and is moving to remote resources.
PAGE 10
PAGE 11
NEWS
Lake Shore Campus empties ZACK MILLER zmiller1@luc.edu
It’s been hard to miss what’s going on: empty shelves in stores, stock market woes and even presidential candidates bumping elbows instead of shaking hands. The COVID-19 epidemic has dominated the lives of Chicagoans for the last week. All bars and restaurants closed their doors to dine-in guests on Monday and will remain that way until at least March 30. The same day, President Donald Trump instructed Americans to avoid gatherings of more than 10 people as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s social distancing guidelines grow more intense. urging people to avoid large gatherings and maintain physical distance from others to reduce the chances of transmitting a contagious disease or infection. On Thursday, the Damen Student Center and Simpson Living-Learning Center were overwhelmed by students panicking to stock up on resources while also not letting their dining dollars go to waste. Some students carried display boxes of candy and chips while others filled carts with toilet paper and paper towels — a dwindling resource if the Target store across from Loyola’s Lake Shore Campus is any metric. The disposable paper products had been emptied from their shelves at Target Thursday evening, leaving only a sign stating each customer could only purchase four packs of water bottles, paper towels, toilet paper or sanitizing products. A group of students, seemingly
in the midst of COVID-19
trying to make light of the situation, strolled around campus in hazmat suits as the chaos of the morning began to subside. The Damen Student Center was unusually empty for a Thursday night and lacked the smell of Bleecker Street’s chicken tenders. Fairfield Hall was quiet Sunday night. The people that usually hang out in the common area were replaced by overflowing donation boxes. Furniture and mattress toppers surrounded the couches. Monday was a different kind of chaos. Students had been vacating campus since an hour after the email went out announcing classes were moving online and the dorms would be vacated. The fifth day of the mass exodus from campus meant there were more parking spots, though those were often filled quickly by cars stopping by to move more students out. The Damen Student Center was eerily silent. The usually bustling atrium area was clear except for the tables — no chairs to encourage social distancing. While Loyola’s beloved Sister Jean Dolores-Schmidt, BVM, remained in her office, campus simply didn’t feel normal. In the Loyola Information Commons, a few students and alumni worked away at computers while the library staff turned over chairs and crammed them into study rooms — more measures to encourage social distancing. The Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, a building known for having a line of students extending outside waiting for the elevators even in January, looked desolate. The stairway was quiet and every sound echoed up the levels of the building.
All photos by Zack Miller
The Phoenix
A group of students walked around campus in hazmat suits to make light of the fact that the university announced classes would be moved online and the dorms would be vacated in the coming days.
All photos by Zack Miller
The Phoenix
Students bought out the food on campus with dining dollars, discarded unnecessary items from the dorms in Fairfield Hall, stocked up on items from Target and sat in a now-empty Damen Student Center.
6
MARCH 18, 2020
NEWS
Sanders falls further behind Foxx overcomes Smollett case criticism as Biden triumphs in Illinois to capture state’s attorney nomination MADISON SAVEDRA msavedra@luc.edu
Former Vice President Joe Biden captured a majority of Illinois votes in the state’s presidential primary against Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT), who continues to fall behind in the race for Democratic nominee for President. Biden’s win in Illinois comes after he gained key endorsements from state officials, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth. Sanders got the endorsement from the leadership of the Chicago Teachers Union, U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and civil rights leader and former presidential candidate Jesse Jackson. Since Super Tuesday March 3, Biden’s campaign has steadily picked up steam. Before the Illinois, Florida and Arizona primaries Tuesday, Biden held 898 delegates over the Vermont senator, who had 745. Biden has a more moderate platform than Sanders and supports re-
turning to Obama-era policies such as protecting and building upon the Affordable Care Act and investing in community colleges, his campaign page shows. Sanders is known for his platform as a democratic socialist candidate, advocating for policies including “Medicare For All,” making public colleges tuition-free and erasing student loan debt, according to his campaign site. As a candidate in 2016, Sanders lost to Secretary Hillary Clinton by a narrow margin — 2 percent, according to the AP. Tuesday, Sanders lost to Biden by a much larger, double-digit gap. Earlier in the night Tuesday, Biden won Florida’s primary, according to Florida’s Division of Election. Arizona’s primary hadn’t been called by publication. Ohio ultimately postponed its primary election, which was originally scheduled for Tuesday, until June 2 due to concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus, according to the Ohio Secretary of State’s office.
Former Vice President Joe Biden sailed to victory in Illinois, further extending his lead over Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT) in hopes of securing the nomination.
MARY NORKOL mnorkol@luc.edu
In one of the most expensive campaigns in state history, incumbent Kim Foxx won the Democratic primary for the Cook County State’s Attorney and will face Republican Pat O’Brien in the general election Nov. 3. Foxx defeated former assistant Cook County state’s attorney Bill Conway in hopes of extending her office into a second term despite high-profile criticism of her handling of the Jussie Smollett case last year. Last year, former “Empire” actor Smollett was accused of staging a racist and homophobic attack
against himself, and Foxx’s office dropped the charges, causing many to raise eyebrows and then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel to call the move a “whitewash of justice.” During her campaign, Foxx pushed her reputation of prosecuting violent crimes instead of low-level offenses and shifting the response to drug offenses on the heels of the legalization of recreational marijuana in Illinois. Conway took on Foxx with an emphasis on curbing corruption, large scale changes to the criminal justice system and a well-funded campaign, but it wasn’t enough to defeat the incumbent.
Foxx also ran against former federal prosecutor Donna More, who focused on mental health funding and zero tolerance for violent crime while campaigning, and former Chicago Ald. Bob Fioretti, who said he would focus on decreasing the amount of illegal guns in Cook County if elected. O’Brien ran on a platform of increasing professionalism and keeping the state’s attorney’s office “apolitical,” according to his campaign website. O’Brien was an assistant attorney general in Illinois and Cook County circuit judge. He clinched the nomination over opponent Christopher Pfannkuche, who ran against Foxx in 2016.
Kim Foxx’s office was criticized over its handling of the Jussie Smollett case last year, but her campaign triumphed to grab the Democratic nomination for Cook County State’s Attorney as Foxx hopes to extend her tenure in office.
Coronavirus leaves its mark on Election Day in Chicago as turnout drops drastically MADISON SAVEDRA msavedra@luc.edu
As the COVID-19 disease sweeps the nation and people are told by national officials to stay away from big crowds, turnout for Tuesday’s Illinois presidential primary was low compared to what it was in past years. Only 15.2 percent of registered voters turned out to vote Tuesday in Chicago, according to the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of Chicago. This comes after multiple warnings from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in recent days to avoid large crowds and President Trump advising people to avoid crowds bigger than 10 people to prevent further spread of the respiratory disease. Some Chicago officials called for Gov. J.B. Pritzker to cancel in-person voting and replace with all mail-in ballots, which he ultimately refused, citing the need to not overstep his “constitutional authority,” the Associated Press reported. On Monday the Illinois State Board of Elections confirmed the election would go on despite concerns about how the coronavirus might affect public health. A spokesperson for the Board said in a statement one of the reasons for not postponing the election was because much of the voting had already been done. There were more than 500,000 early votes cast and nearly 300,000 mail ballots sent to voters — in comparison to the same day in 2016, the numbers were 400,000 and 160,000 respectively, according to the statement.
Mary Chappell
The Phoenix
JOIN THE FLOCK. APPLY TO BE A PHOENIX WRITER. SEND AN EMAIL TO NEWS@LOYOLAPHOENIX.COM OPINION@LOYOLAPHOENIX.COM SPORTS@LOYOLAPHOENIX.COM ARTS@LOYOLAPHOENIX.COM Katie Anthony The Phoenix
Voter turnout took a hit and vote-by-mail soared in the midst of COVID-19.
NEWS 7
MARCH 18, 2020
Illinois bars and restaurants close as coronavirus spreads MARY NORKOL mnorkol@luc.edu
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Sunday all bars and restaurants in the state would be closed for dine-in service until the end of the month in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. The closures will last until March 30, and bars and restaurants are still allowed to take delivery and take-out orders. The move comes after Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot urged people to avoid bars, restaurants and other gatherings for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. While the river-dyeing tradition and two Chicago parades were canceled, certain places were
still packed with people celebrating the holiday. Illinois has 93 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and the disease is spreading quickly. Pritzker says he’s working with business owners to make sure staff can safely make food for delivery. “I know how difficult this will be on small businesses around the state,” Pritzker tweeted Sunday. “But we must do everything we can to safeguard the health of the citizens of Illinois, and that requires this urgent action.” Like other universities, Loyola is taking its own measures to mitigate the spread, with students transitioning to online classes only through the end of the semester and students moving out of dorms by the end of this week.
Jamilyn Hiskes The Phoenix
Bulldog Ale House was packed for the 2018 men’s basketball run to the Final Four. Now, like all restaurants in the state, Bulldog will be closed to dine-in service after an announcement from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker in response to the coronavirus spread.
Leslie Owen The Phoenix
Zack Miller The Phoenix
Illinois officials announced the closing of all restaurants and bars in the state during the worsening coronavirus crisis in Illinois. Restaurants located near Loyola’s campuses and will be impacted by the change.
SHOPS: Students join others in stocking up on essentials continued from page 1 After students were told classes would be online and dorms would be vacated, they cleared the shelves of Simpson Living-Learning Center’s Provisions On Demand (POD) Express and Damen Food Court — Lake Shore Campus’ convenience stores. Students carrying display boxes of candy and others with wagons full of snack foods and drinks were a common sight as the shelves were wiped clean by students under the impression they had to spend all of their dining dollars before they expired. Yuki Thit, a sophomore neuroscience major, discovered the news of the university ending face-to-face instruction and vacating the dorms over social media before going to POD Express Thursday morning to spend the rest of her dining dollars.
“I walked into Damen and saw everybody buying stuff and figured, ‘Why not?’” SALAH ALDEAN JARADAT Loyola senior
“I woke up and it was all over Snapchat” Thit, 19, said. “But I had like 170-something [dining dollars] left so I just spent 170.” Salah Aldean Jaradat, a senior studying biophysics, filled several boxes with essentials from Damen Food Court. “I walked into Damen and saw everybody buying stuff and figured, ‘Why not?’” Jaradat, 22, said. “I have to waste my dining dollars and what better way to do it than buying the stuff you need like toilet paper and paper towels.” Adam Banlasan, a junior studying biology, made two trips to Damen Food Court to use up what remained of his dining dollars in order to stock up on supplies. “I’m stocking up for the long term,” Banlasan, 20, said. “Obviously [COVID-19] is going to spread far beyond the city. The biggest concern at this point isn’t the disease itself but how people will react to it.” Aramark employees at Damen Food Court and POD Express couldn’t be reached for comment.
Zack Miller The Phoenix
Zack Miller The Phoenix
Students rushed to Damen Food Court and other on-campus shops after it was announced that classes would be canceled and dorms would be vacated Thursday.
Zack Miller The Phoenix
The shelves of Loyola shops were wiped out as students gathered the essentials, like many others across the state who are preparing to stay in their homes.
8
NEWS
MARCH 18, 2020
9 things to do during self-quarantine that don’t involve Netflix MARY NORKOL mnorkol@luc.edu
As restaurants and bars in Illinois shut their doors, schools cancel classes and Loyola students move home for the semester to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, boredom and restlessness may be looming. While you’re getting used to life in self-quarantine, avoid getting too stir-crazy with these nine things to do. A healthy combination of productivity, entertainment and relaxation just might help you stay busy without risking the spread of COVID-19, the disease caused by coronavirus. Get creative with at-home exercise and yoga
With many gyms closing or altering hours in the midst of the corona-
virus spread, it’s time to get creative with how to stay in shape. Luckily, fitness and yoga gurus on YouTube and Instagram make it easy to find a way to work out at home. Find a “trainer” you like, set up a computer or cell phone and get to work. Break out the board games
Remember when a game of Monopoly could take up a whole day? Or when games like Rummy and Kings in the Corner would hold your attention for hours? It might be time to return to that strategy. Days can — and will — get long being holed up in the house all day. Challenge your family or roommates to some friendly competition. Quarantined solo? No problem. A deck of cards can keep you occupied for longer than you might think.
Courtesy of Loyola University Chicago
Group classes in Halas and other gyms are canceled — try an at-home option.
Tap into your creative outlets
It’s important to keep your mind stimulated even in times of incessant boredom. Pick up a paint brush, crack open a journal, fire up the piano or try your hand at poetry. Who knows, you could even end up liking it. Crack into that book collecting dust on your shelf
There’s no time like self-quarantine to check off something that’s long been on your list. College students likely don’t get as much time to read for pleasure as they’d like. That can stop now — just nudge open the cover of the book you’ve been meaning to read and commit to actually finishing it. Try out new recipes
It’s hard to find time to cook, there’s no doubt about it. But if you’ve already hit the grocery stores and stocked up on the essentials, find a new recipe and try it out. Bonus points if it’s something that can be a staple when your normal schedule
resumes again. Oh, and don’t forget to wash your hands. Stay in touch with family and friends
Let’s face it, it’s going to get old talking only to the people you live with. Pick up the phone and call someone you haven’t talked to in a while. Plus, it’s not a bad idea to check in on the people you love during something as stressful and concerning as this. Take a walk
A breath of fresh air will probably do you some good after being stuck inside for hours on end. Stretch those legs and take a quick walk around the block to get the blood moving and refresh yourself before heading back inside. As long as you’re careful to avoid other people, this falls in line with the “social distancing” recommendation of keeping six feet between yourself and others to prevent the coronavirus spreading further.
Bring back some old-school arts and crafts
When was the last time you took a hodge-podge of knickknacks around the house and made it into a beautiful piece of art? It’s probably been a while. Find items that would lend themselves to your crafty side and go to town — cotton balls, pasta, watercolors, the works. Your elementary-school-inspired art may not be the most beautiful, or the most conventional, but at the very least it’ll help pass the time without having your eyes glued to a screen. Deep-clean your house or apartment
Cleanliness is as important now as ever, and that goes for your living space too. Turn up your favorite high-energy playlist or gripping podcast, and it’ll be done in a hurry. You’ll be happy to spend your time in a cleaner place, too. If you’re looking for new tunes to do this, check out The Phoenix’s A&E section for a comprehensive playlist.
Provided photo
Monopoly is just one of many board game options that can help pass the time with roommates during quaratine.
PARENTS: Loyola students return home to dorm-decorated rooms continued from page 1 “I was kind of happy to see that the parents thought it was a cool idea,” Pleasant said. “I can’t believe I came up with it before any other parents did.” Renee Nowakowski, the mother of junior neuroscience major Lauren Nowakowski, was one of the parents who borrowed the idea from Pleasant but put her own spin on it since her daughter lived off-campus and opted to move home. Nowakowski and her husband Tom wrote a letter to Lauren as her new landlords. They welcomed her back and included information such as dinner times and who to contact for maintenance issues — Lauren’s dad. They also notified her about a “squatter” who lived next door, also known as Lauren’s younger sister Abby.
“I felt so lucky to have such a supporting family to come home to during such a stressful time.” LAUREN NOWAKOWSKI Loyola student
Adjusting to living back home is already stressful, but Lauren is preparing for the MCAT on top of the average transition. “I honestly teared up a little bit,” Lauren, 21, said. “I felt so lucky to have such a supporting family to come home to during such a stressful time.” While parents largely led the charge to welcome students home, 17-year-
old Emma Rose Reilly surprised her parents and her sister Grace, a firstyear at Loyola, with some welcome home signs of her own placed all over the house, including a sign on the front door and door decorations adorned with pictures of the virus. “We were pleasantly surprised when we returned home Saturday,” said Jim Reilly, Emma Rose and Grace’s father. “We laughed so hard when we pulled into our garage. After a long day of packing and driving, it was a charming welcome to our new educational reality.” Grace said she immediately took to putting the signs on her Snapchat story, which led to comments from her friends saying how funny her sister’s decorations were. Another parent, Heather Whitmill, said she was “disappointed” as a former RA and hall director that she didn’t think of the idea herself, but said it was “too brilliant” not to copy. Whitmill, the mother of a Loyola first-year, recycled an old open house brochure and named their house “San Fran North.” Whitmill’s daughter was a resident of San Francisco Hall and moved back home to Milwaukee, Wis., when the announcement was made. Whitmill said her daughter commented on the poster being cute, but ultimately it’s still a difficult time for all students involved. “I think as students you all get in your routines, and enjoy your independence, and having to come home, even for a holiday or spring break, feels weird,” Whitmill said. “Trying to learn to live with your family when you’re also trying to maintain a sense of normalcy just feels off.”
Courtesy of Jim Reilly
Loyola parent Jim Reilly said arriving home to the decorations helped take the edge off a long day of packing and driving.
Courtesy of Heather Whitmill
Heather Whitmill, parent to a Loyola first-year, said she understands it’s a difficult time for students to move back home.
Opinion
MARCH 18, 2020
PAGE 9
We have to make the most of online classes Courtesy of Loyola University Chicago
THE PHOENIX EDITORIAL BOARD Like students across the country, our world was turned upside down when Loyola announced March 12 it would be moving classes online. Students were given a week to get out of residence halls amid the COVID-19 pandemic, and classes are set to start in full force March 23. Is it the ideal situation? Not by any stretch of the imagination. But we have to make the most of it — and that means taking our classes even more seriously. Early in the semester, The Phoenix Editorial Board wrote an editorial about how online classes aren’t as effective. In that editorial, we referenced an article from the Brookings Institution which said students who aren’t prepared for class are more likely to drop out after taking online classes. “Online courses can improve access, yet they also are challenging, especially for the least well-prepared students,” the article reads. “These students consistently perform worse in an online setting than they do in face-to-face classrooms; taking online courses increases their likelihood of dropping out and otherwise impedes progress through college.” It’s easy to quit paying attention to online classes during Zoom calls. How many times have students turned off the camera and completely tuned out of their class? With all classes shifting online now, students need to buckle down and pay attention instead of just going through the motions after these unexpected hurdles.
While we weren’t thrilled about online classes, we don’t have any choice but to buy into it now. Given the circumstances, it’s our only shot at an education for the rest of the semester. This isn’t an extended summer vacation — and we need to treat it that way. This is especially true for the seniors, who were so close to graduation when everything changed. This is the point in the semester where senioritis really sets
Mary Norkol Emily Rosca Mary Chappell Adrian Nevarez Nick Schultz Mary Grace Ritter
in because it’s so close to graduation, yet there’s still so much to do to finish those last few credit hours. Even though classes are online, the seniors — and everyone, for that matter — need to push through these last few weeks to make the most of the limited time they have left. Everything is crazy and unpredictable. Look how much has changed just in the last week. But we, as students, still need to stay locked in on school and getting through these last
couple months. Also, it’s something to do without watching sports on TV, going to the movies or eating at a restaurant. Focus. That’s the key. That said, it’s not all on the students to make this a smooth transition. Professors have to do their part, as well. Although they might be used to the traditional classroom setting, it’s imperative professors ease into online classes. That might be tough for some professors who aren’t as
Zack Miller The Phoenix
In an effort to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, students received an email March 12 stating classes would be online by March 23.
tech-savvy as they should be, but given the nature of the situation, they need to make sure students understand what they’re supposed to do while also keeping them engaged during the online sessions. We understand there will be some bumps in the road getting started, especially if professors have never taught an online class before. But for the students’ sake, the transition has to be as smooth as possible — even if it’s a little rocky to start. It’s obvious there’s much more going on in all of our lives than there was a mere week ago. Our thoughts are cluttered with coronavirusinduced anxieties, worries for our loved ones, thoughts of adjusting to life of social distancing — at least for the coming weeks. For seniors, this is the last stretch of your higher education careers, unless you’re moving on to graduate school. You might not get to experience all the celebratory, college-end activities with the rest of your graduating class, but that doesn’t mean the value of your education diminishes in the blink of an eye. It’s a bummer that those things might disappear, of course. That doesn’t mean you haven’t had a college career to celebrate and be proud of — you’ll just have to get creative with it. This is a situation we’ve never seen before. In order for it to work, we all have to do our part, whether we’re the ones leading the online sessions or the ones paying attention to them. There are five weeks left before finals. Now is the time to buckle down.
10 OPINION
MARCH 18, 2020
A look back on my last days in Rome before the outbreak Patrick Monnin The Phoenix
Loyola announced Feb. 29 it would be pulling students out of the John Felice Rome Center as coronavirus continued to spread throughout Europe. The students were required to self-quarentine for two weeks upon returning.
PATRICK MONNIN pmonnin@luc.edu
On my final day in Rome, I absorbed my favorite parts of the city — visiting the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Piazza Cavour one last time. The streets were packed despite the overcast skies. Though fear over the coronavirus in Italy was mounting, all I could think about that day was how much I was going to miss this place. The decision was made Feb. 29 to repatriate students from Loyola’s John Felice Rome Center (JFRC) due to concerns over travel advisory changes because of the coronavirus, The Phoenix reported. Students were told to make travel arrangements back to the U.S. no later than Wednesday, March 4. Any additional charges incurred by students on return flights would be reimbursed by the JFRC. Though the situation is unfortunate, the decision was necessary given the current health crisis in Italy. Currently, there is a 30-day travel ban from the U.S. to Italy and most other European countries. “When the virus became heightened to a Level 3 I expected to be sent home,” said JFRC student Chris Skinner. “Though I wish I
could’ve spent more time in Rome, it was the right call.” Once everyone knew that their days in the Eternal City were numbered, it became all about taking things in one last time. With the knowledge that the worst of the outbreak was hundreds of miles from Rome, students walked around the city — visiting their favorite monument or a new museum. “It was weird getting calls from my parents saying how worried everyone in the family was because walking around Rome felt no different our last few days there compared to the rest of my time in Rome,” said Mackenzie Cronin, a sophomore JFRC student. As the days winded down and students began to return to the U.S., the nonstop adventure turned into quiet, reflective times. All students returning to the U.S. from Italy were required to undergo a 14-day observation period during which they weren’t allowed to return to any of Loyola’s campuses. Coronavirus has claimed 4,613 lives and infected 125,048 people, according to World Health Organization data. It has caused the stock market to plummet and spread fear across the globe. The closure of study abroad programs in Italy, including the JFRC, is a symptom of a much greater beast
— something that’s important to recognize as all students reflect on this experience. The JFRC has been helpful throughout the whole process. Leading informational meetings and maintaining constant communication with students, the transition has been as good as one could expect given how fast the situation evolved. As everyone settles back into the
day-to-day in the U.S., it’s hard not to focus on the health crisis that’s plaguing many countries. While it’s hard to comprehend the situation now, many students are remaining positive. “Being able to study in Rome was a life changing experience and having it cut short only deepens my desire to return to Europe in the future,” said Eric Palacella, a sophomore JFRC student.
As the coronavirus continues to spread, it deserves everyone’s attention. It’s impacting more people by the day and everyone must be on board to contain the disease. An early end to study abroad at the JFRC is sad, yet necessary, given the escalation of the virus. As students, all we can do is stay positive and do what is best to stop the disease from spreading further.
Patrick Monnin The Phoenix
As departure from Italy began to seemed inevitable, students relished in the beauty of sites like the Pantheon one last time.
Okay, maybe now it really is the end of the world as we know it ADRIAN NEVAREZ anevarez@luc.edu
My last year at Loyola and The Phoenix has come full circle. In August I wrote “It’s Not the End of the World — Yet,” a commentary on growing concerns over global warming and tensions between the U.S. and Russia. Looking back on it, I wonder if our past selves could even believe that later that academic year we would find ourselves in a situation where life as we know it would come to near stop. It’s the end of the world. Almost every major gathering around the globe has been canceled or postponed. March Madness, Coachella and E3 are some of the events TIME lists on their comprehensive guide to all the events canceled by the spread of the novel coronavirus. Stocks are plummeting as the federal government injects money into
the economy to lessen the disruptions in the market during this coronavirus meltdown. President Donald Trump declared the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. a national emergency in a live broadcast last week. That last sentence is one I never thought I’d write five years ago. Things are not the same and may never be the same as we hope to shift into a post-coronavirus world. When a capitalist country’s government asks people to stay home, then you know shit has hit the fan. If people are home then it means they aren’t buying as many things and the economy isn’t being stimulated enough. This means people are losing money and that’s usually not the “American way.” This virus is forcing us to really examine how we live day to day and question whether things can be better. Questions about healthcare are normal during a health crisis when people may
be concerned about insurance or the availability of healthcare. We are still just beginning to feel the effects of this pandemic and many of us are prepared for the situation to worsen in the next couple weeks. This happens to be going on during an election year, so it’s no surprise the topic of “Medicare for all” came up during the Democratic debate on Sunday between candidates former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Bernie Sanders (D-VT). The virus isn’t just infecting people — it has infected our news consumption, politics, social media and conversations. This weekend, Gov. J.B. Pritzker ordered all bars and restaurants in Illinois to close and gatherings of 50 people or more to be canceled in compliance with the CDC guidelines posted on Sunday. Monday, Trump advised against gatherings of more than 10 people. Changing our routines and general way of life this drastically is
something many of us have never experienced in our lifetimes and we should be ready for life to continue after this pandemic. When we emerge from quarantine and our social distancing practices, the world is going to be messy. People will have died, some businesses will have closed and communities will rebuild. It seems like a time where we need to make changes. It’s a good chance to examine how schools, corporations and government bodies handle the emergency and whether it’s handled ethically or not. For high schoolers planning on applying to universities, take this time to find out how universities responded to the outbreak. Through the actions it takes, we can tell whether a university genuinely cares about its students or whether it’s okay with throwing the rest of the semester online and kicking dorm life students out onto the streets.
Hopefully people will also take the time to differentiate credible news sources from non-credible sources, especially on social media. I’m already a part of a couple Facebook groups which sort through coronavirus news stories and weed out false facts. COVID-19 101 is a good example of a Facebook group of about 130 members from northwest Chicago suburbs. These groups help people stay informed and collaborate with other members to find relevant, factual information about staying healthy during this epidemic. The coronavirus is going to remain a large part of our lives for a while. The virus that ended the world as we know it will continue to haunt us long after the emergency has passed. As a result, we’ll have to change the approach we take to healthcare and emergency preparedness in the future. Remember to stay healthy and wash hands to survive the apocalypse.
MARCH 18, 2020
A&E
PAGE 11
Mary Grace Ritter The Phoenix
Fans crowdsurfed as alt-rock band Badflower performed its first show of its first headling tour at the Bottom Lounge Sept. 29, 2019. The Los Angeles-based band was promoting its debut album “OK, I’m Sick.”
Canceled tours lead to uncertainty for musicians MARY GRACE RITTER mritter3@luc.edu
Social distancing and limited gatherings amid the coronavirus crisis have brought touring plans in the music industry to a screeching halt. The novel coronavirus has been spreading around the world at a rapid rate, amounting to 160 cases and one death in Illinois. As a result, Loyola has moved all classes online and made students move out of dorms, but this situation has left no industry or person untouched. Concerts in the near future have been canceled, meaning artists are watching months of planning and future revenue go down the drain. Colleen Dow, the lead singer and guitarist of Chicago-based band Thank You, I’m Sorry, said the band had been prepping for two upcoming tours for the past six months. The first was an acoustic tour with New Hampshire-based band Perspective, a Lovely Hand to Hold March
26-30. The second was with No Momentum from Albany, New York April 3-12. Both were canceled within the past week due to the rising number of coronavirus cases. Dow, who uses they/them pronouns, said the situation has been changing so rapidly that they didn’t see this coming. “It just very quickly went from, ‘Oh this could be a cause for concern like we should keep an eye on it’ to within a few days being like, ‘Yeah there’s no way this is happening,’” Dow said in an interview with The Phoenix. Dow said this has resulted in a financial hit for those involved, losing money on plane tickets, merch sales and ticket sales. They said this makes it difficult “to fund things that bands need to do.” Beyond supporting their music, the cancelations bring the status of the members’ day jobs into question. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced Monday all bars and restaurants in the state would close for dine-in until March 30 to slow the spread of the vi-
rus. Dow has already lost their job as a result of the virus and these closures. “All of my band works in the service industry ... and all of us are being faced with not having jobs,” Dow said. “I mean, I don’t [have a job] now, but my other bandmates might not have jobs to come back to.” Dow also noted the band members had all taken time off for the tours, so even if the companies paid out employees through schedules, they wouldn’t be on them. Loyola senior and musician Jamie Jacobsen echoed the financial burden for musicians amid the show cancelations and bar closures. “I have a lot of friends who work part-time [as a] musician, part time at a bar and all the bars are closed, so they lost both forms of income because of this,” Jacobsen said. “I have no idea how they’re going to pay bills or live.” Though both discussed the financial issues, they hesitated asking for help from fans, not wanting
Courtesy of Jamie Jacobsen
Loyola student and musician Jamie Jacobsen’s concert at Beat Kitchen has not yet been canceled.
to impose their burdens on anyone else. Despite the setbacks, Dow said fans have been supportive, purchasing some of the merch the band intended to sell on tour off its Bandcamp website. Jacobsen has a show scheduled for the end of April but is unsure of its current status, saying “it’s still up in the air right now.” She hopes to play the show, but acknowledges the continued bans on group gatherings, now limited to no more than 10 people. During social distancing, she said she plans to take this time to write and plan for what comes after this. “It’s a good time to plan for the future because even if someone wanted to release an album right now … you’re going to need time to market it, so come up with really good marketing schemes,” Jacobsen said. Moving forward, Dow hopes to reschedule Thank You, I’m Sorry’s tours, but doesn’t want to invest too much time in the specifics yet.
“It’s hard to plan around this because you can’t — there’s not a limit on it,” Dow said. “I don’t think any of us want to start planning it because none of us have any idea where this is going to go and it’s scary to put that much work into it when the same thing could just happen again.” While Dow said the whole situation is “disheartening,” they said the band members are still looking out for one another. “Right now I think we’re all just coming together as musicians and as friends who care about each other.” Jacobsen also maintains that optimism for local artists and support from the community. She said creatives should use this time to do what they do best — create. “You can be proactive in this time, it just has to look different than what you normally would do,” Jacobsen said. “It’s time to be innovative. Maybe we can bring joy to people in different ways than we normally do. It’s time to get creative.”
Courtesy Colleen Dow
Indie band Thank You, I’m Sorry had to postpone all upcoming tour dates because of COVID-19.
12 A&E
MARCH 18, 2020
Chicago-based punk band Belmont talks growth and experimenting BLAKE DIAZ adiaz11@luc.edu
What makes a good band stand out from a great band is its ability to grow musically and experiment with a variety of sounds. That’s exactly what Chicago-based band Belmont has done on its new extended play (EP) “Reflections,” released March 13. “Around 2014, 2015 we were all in high school living in different parts of Chicago,” drummer Brian Lada said on how the band got started in an interview with The Phoenix. “Basically the power of the internet brought us all together.” The band experienced changes in members throughout its first years, but has remained a progressive punk band that released its first EP in 2015 and first full-length album in 2018. “We wanted to do this EP before we did our next album, because we felt there was a little bit of growing we could do as a group,” guitarist and backup vocalist Sam Patt said. “That growing had to do with songwriting, finding the right producers and getting more experience.”
Opening the EP with an experimental, hip-hop sound, “By My Side” proves the band’s ability to grab its audience by the collar with an instant hit. Released as a single in September, the band said it wanted the first song on its EP to be something that sounded different from the rest of its discography, according to Patt. The first three songs on the EP deal with life’s emotional weight and trying to get rid of it. “‘By My Side,’ this song was written on the road a lot,” lead vocalist Taz Johnson said. “Trying to figure out what’s important and what means a lot to you while being so far away from home just kind of makes everything feel a lot bigger than it actually is, so the whole song reflects on those emotions.” “Back and Forth” layers a colorful guitar part throughout the song with contrasting lyrics about trying to do what’s right and failing. “Deadweight” opens with Johnson loudly singing about struggling to deal with carrying the weight of someone else’s problems. Belmont began its tour with rock band Tiny Moving Parts March 11, but only lasted three shows after being
Courtesy of Pure Noise Records
Chicago-based punk band Belmont released its recent six-song EP “Reflections” March 13. The band canceled its tour.
canceled due to coronavirus concerns. “We are just going to grind as hard as we can with recording and being on the road,” Lada said regarding the band’s plan for the rest of the year. “We are going to be going in for our second full-length album after this tour basically.”
How to stay creative while social distancing ALEC KARAM akaram@luc.edu
Staying safe from the threat of coronavirus means no going to bars, clubs, restaurants or crowded gatherings for a while. While that eliminates a good chunk of the things people typically do to keep entertained, there’s no need to fret. This also allows for some time for us to hone in on our creative skills. Here are some fun — and safe — artistic activities for creatives to work on while social distancing these next few weeks. Journal
In 60 years when you’re talking to your grandchildren about this pandemic and they ask what it was like, you’re going to want some receipts. Keep a journal and write about your experiences. Write about the harrowing trip to Target where a middle-aged mom checked out with 40 bottles of Lysol and 12 packs of toilet paper, leaving you empty-handed. Write about how you went from a college student living the dorm life to back home with your parents. Write about anything you feel — you’ve probably got a lot of thoughts right now. Writing your thoughts is a great way to alleviate stress. With all this time to yourself, some introspection surely won’t hurt.
terials and make your own masterpiece. Even if you don’t consider yourself artistically adept, you’ve got plenty of time on your hands now. Pull up some drawing tutorials on “The YouTube” and remind yourself that patience is a virtue. By the end of quarantine, you could be a pro. Or, you could still suck. But at least it’s something to make the time pass. Knit
Maybe our grandmas were onto something when they sat on a rocking chair and knit for hours. Staying in your house for days at a time, it’s a good idea to pick up this relaxing activity. Now that shopping for clothes outside the house isn’t in your best interest, learn how to make your own sweaters and scarves. Or make a comfy blanket to chill under as you enjoy your days in. All you need is some yarn and knitting needles (okay, and all the
other small stuff like scissors, but regardless, it isn’t that much) and you can get going. Play an Instrument
A lot of us asked for a guitar for Christmas as a kid and promptly gave up two days into realizing we shockingly aren’t the next Taylor Swift. Go dust it off from your attic and give it another try. Musical instrument company Korg has announced its iKaossilator app will be free all month, due to the coronavirus outbreak. The app is a synthesizer that helps people learn how to play instruments, layer tracks and play around with all aspects of musicality. With this free push, now is the time to finally learn how to play an instrument. That’s as long as your similarly quarantined housemates are okay with it, of course. Don’t start practicing a piano routine at 3 a.m. without giving a heads-up first.
Cook
Eating out isn’t in right now. Stock up at the grocery store (in a normal, calm fashion, please — do not be the idiot who shops as though grocery stores are going under until 2023) and take some time to cook at home. You probably have a few recipes saved in your Instagram from scrolling through the Explore page — now’s the time to use them. If you don’t know how to cook, learn. Your favorite restaurant will (hopefully) still be there when this is all over. Comfort foods are necessary now more than ever. Bake some cookies, make a nice helping of mac and cheese, enjoy your time in. Maybe you’ll save some money, too, from eating out less. That alone is some good justification, global pandemic or not. Paint or Draw
Art is one of the best releases. Whether angry, sad or annoyed (or all of the above) by this quarantine, express that through some paintings or drawings. Scour your drawers for some ma-
Zack Miller The Phoenix
Being stuck inside can give people a chance to explore their creative side.
The album, which Belmont hopes to begin working on this year, will be “a cohesive piece that establishes where Belmont’s at this point in our lives,” Patt said. The album will be a continuation of the variety of sounds established in “Reflections,” according to the band.
“Not to sound corny, but we don’t let anyone kind of tell us what to do or tell us what to sound like,” Lada said. “We really just stay true to ourselves and we are not afraid to try different things.” “Reflections” is available to stream on Apple Music and Spotify.
MARCH 18, 2020
13 A&E
‘SING’ your sorrows away and let music be ‘The Great Escape’ in these times MARY GRACE RITTER mritter3@luc.edu
As Loyola students join thousands across the country in staying indoors to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus, The Phoenix has crafted a playlist to get you through the COVID-19 insanity — whether you want to tune it out, process the chaos or find some hope. Diving into music can be “The Great Escape” from reality. No matter what the genre, taking some time to dance around and “SING” old favorite songs can work wonders for one’s mood. As impactful as listening to music can be, no matter how great the song or how cohesive the album, it’s more of a “Temporary Fix” than a long term solution. This doesn’t make it any less fun. You might be feeling a bit “Paranoid” with all the chaos, which makes sense. You’re probably thinking you watched
everything fall apart “Right Before My Eyes.” And it kind of did. One second there’s speculation of schools closing, the next everyone is “Moving Out.” It might feel like everything is moving too fast and the world is “In Too Deep.” If you think about it too much or spend too much time on Twitter, you might start to think the “Doom Days” are finally upon us. But if you step away from the situation and take a deep breath, you can calm down. Then with online classes, you find out there’s way “Too Much Time on My Hands.” With all the self-isolation time, there’s the opportunity to pick up a hobby or play board games with quarantine-mates. But by quarantine day three, you might find yourself asking your family or roommates, “Are You Bored Yet?” and move to the solace of your room. If you’re “Bored to Death” and run out of newfound hobbies, you might just turn to streaming a favorite show.
Whether it’s Hulu or a “Netflix Trip,” there’s plenty to watch on the vast expanse of the internet. Along the way if you start to show symptoms, stay inside and “Rest To Get Better.” It might be difficult and like “Somedays (I Don’t Feel Like Trying),” but keep the faith. Oh, and consider getting tested for the virus. “Hold onto hope if you got it,” Hayley Williams reminds us in Paramore’s song “26.” Check in on friends, especially those who already struggle with mental illness. Ask “How Do You Feel?” — both physically and mentally. At the end of the day, this is a situation not totally in your control. You can do your part to stop the spread of coronavirus by staying inside. But don’t beat yourself up or freak out too much, sometimes that’s just the “Way It Goes.” To find The Phoenix’s self-quarantine playlist, head to Spotify and search “Loyola Phoenix.”
Mary Grace Ritter
The Phoenix
U.K.-based indie-pop band Bastille performed at the Chicago Theatre Oct. 2, 2019.
Quaran-TV: happy shows to keep spirits high Concerts are canceled so let’s ALEC KARAM akaram@luc.edu
The news hasn’t historically been known for feel-good entertainment. And doom and gloom is at an alltime high right now. Stay safe and in the loop with the goings-on of the coronavirus but watch some happy shows to keep your mind off things. Here’s a list of shows currently on Netflix to help ease your mind as you quarantine. “Gilmore Girls”
“Gilmore Girls” provides happygo-lucky small town vibes in spades to help ease your pandemic-induced anxieties. Stars Hollow is an idealistic town in an eternally picturesque fall. It has absolutely no time for the coronavirus. Watch the adventures of Rory (Alexis Bledel) and Lorelai Gilmore (Lauren Graham) and remember simpler times. “Gilmore Girls” is comfort food for the soul with its tight-knit community and problems that can be solved conveniently in a 42-minute episode. Everyone is happy and no issues are existential. Let your real life take the backseat and kick back in Stars Hollow for a while. Oh, and grab a cup of coffee while you’re there — it’s supposedly amazing. “Parks & Recreation”
Tired of the shortcomings of the American government? Tune in to “Parks & Recreation” for its cutesy take on government to ease that annoyance. Watching Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) do her best to make Pawnee, Indiana a better place is a great source of solace in this troubling time. It’s a
reminder that even though the world seems dire and scary, when you zoom out, all you need is your small, devoted community right now. “Parks & Recreation” is consistently high-energy and positive. Sit in comfort and spend your next few weeks with the Parks & Rec department — they’ll be your friends while you social distance. “Love is Blind”
Reality TV can provide great solace, too. Now is not the time to seek quality in your viewing — only comfort. Throw on Netflix’s viral (the good kind) hit “Love is Blind” for some escapism. It’s a show where couples never meet physically and still manage to convincingly get engaged within a week. They, too, are living in a bizarre timeline. If you’re bummed by placing your dating life on the breaks while this outbreak festers, live vicariously through the “Love is Blind” contestants for a couple days. And hey, even they spent the dating period in isolation and still came out of that situation engaged. Maybe that’s the hope some of you need. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”
You may need some over-the-top, unabashed zaniness to help forget about the outside world. “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” is all of that and more. The show is unrelatable and exists in a world unrecognizable. It’s simply escapism in every aspect. Kimmy’s (Ellie Kemper) adventures have no basis in reality. She lives in a sideways tugboat and that’s not even a big enough deal to warrant more than a footnote. The show might even put this situ-
ation in a better perspective. If Kimmy Schmidt had to survive in a bunker for 15 years, then you can social distance for a few months.
all dance in our living rooms MARY GRACE RITTER mritter3@luc.edu
“What’s New Scooby Doo?”
Modernity isn’t the best time. Hop in a time machine to your childhood and watch a show where the only masks worn are by goofy villains. “What’s New Scooby Doo?” offers silly, low-stakes mysteries that seamlessly distract from the looming coronavirus threat. It may be aimed toward children but it’s still an entertaining and well-written show with a charming art-style. A healthy dose of nostalgia could be good right now. Provide yourself some strength and remember that times aren’t always so dire. The Mystery Gang solves any situation, regardless of how dire, in a 21-minute episode. “Victorious”
Remember when you were stressed if Beck and Jade would get back together? Let’s get back to that simpler time with this Nickelodeon classic. “Victorious” is a light-hearted and entertaining show for these hard times. Its fast-paced, dynamic nature makes for easy-going fun. People get car batteries dropped on their heads and a laugh track ensues. It’s a show full of unabashed amusement. Plus, the soundtrack is full of bops. Not a single low-energy song is found there. From the anti-player anthems “Take a Hint” and “Beggin’ On Your Knees” to party picks “Countdown” and “Shut Up and Dance,” it’s pure energy. The doom and gloom outside is enough; don’t bother with it when it comes to your music choices.
BagoGames
Flickr
Pop artist Lauv’s new album, released at the beginning of March, is ironically emotionless and lacks any sort of depth.
Columns are basically just publically written therapy, right? I mean, that’s what I’m telling myself as I write this. Unless you’ve already self-quarantined and cut yourself off from the world for the past few months, you know coronavirus has turned everyone’s worlds upside down. With 160 cases of coronavirus in Illinois, a slough of bans, closures and cancelations have left the sports and entertainment industries especially frazzled. But our Sports Editor Nick Schultz already addressed the sports side of things so I’m venting about the music world. Music is so cool because it’s inherently both a communal and individual experience. It was made to be screamed from the mosh pit and listened to alone in your room at 3 a.m. Both experiences are equally valid and important to the art of music, but one of them isn’t really an option right now. Just about every concert in the near future has been canceled or postponed. Quite frankly, it sucks. It’s leaving many fans disappointed and many musicians and crew members without a paycheck. The hardest part is, all these cancelations are absolutely the correct decision. It would be so dumb for hundreds of people to gather in a cramped room right now. But, man, what I would give for that. I, like many music lovers, use concerts as an escape from reality. For a couple of glorious hours,
the outside world doesn’t exist and my biggest concern is catching my breath between songs. Now that escape has been taken away and reality has been thrown in my face even more so than before. Loyola recently announced all its classes would be online for the rest of the semester and canceled almost all upcoming events. This completely altered how senior year will look, from my final art projects to my work with The Phoenix. And on top of all that one of my fish died (R.I.P. Fred). There was a lot I, like many of my classmates, was looking forward to. There were at least six different tours coming through Chicago this month, some of which I already had coverage lined up for. I haven’t gotten the chance to photograph a show since November. I’m having withdrawals. But this isn’t permanent. The spreading of the virus has already slowed in South Korea and Wuhan, China, so there’s hope for us. Concerts will be rescheduled, the artists will go on tour again and in the meantime, we can have quarantined dance parties. But those Spotify and Apple Music streams aren’t going to bring in anywhere near the same revenue as ticket and merch sales at the show. So until we can file back into our favorite venue, consider supporting artists in another way. Buy some merch from the band’s website. Buy the album on iTunes or Bandcamp. Many tour photographers I admire are selling more prints, so you can pick up a stellar photo of your fave directly from the artist. After that bit of retail therapy, don’t forget to take care of yourself. These are weird times leading to weird emotions. Channel that — create something. It doesn’t have to be perfect or even good. Just a little time spent making something to release that energy usually released at a concert can help ease the chaos. Whether it’s writing a song, doodling or writing a column, find something.
Mary Grace Ritter
The Phoenix
Indie rock band The Growlers rocked out at the iconic Metro on Sept. 7, 2019.
Sports
PAGE 14
MARCH 18, 2020
This week in Loyola history: The Ramblers’ Cinderella run starts Courtesy of Ralph Braseth
The Loyola men’s basketball team celebrates around redshirt junior guard Clayton Custer after Custer hit the game-winning shot to put the Ramblers up 63-62 against the University of Tennessee March 17, 2018.
NICK SCHULTZ KYLE BROWN nschultz@luc.edu kbrown16@luc.edu
The NCAA canceled March Madness and all other winter and spring championships March 12. Since then, fans — especially basketball enthusiasts — have taken to social media to share some of the greatest moments in the tournament’s storied history. Donte Ingram’s game-winning shot for Loyola in the round of 64 against the University of Miami is one of the many highlight videos circulating the internet. Loyola’s victory over the Hurricanes, and the University of Tennessee in the next round, happened about two years ago. Loyola went on to become just the fourth 11-seed to reach the Final Four. Here’s a summary of the two nail-biting games that kicked off one of the greatest Cinderella stories in NCAA Tournament history. Miami
In its first NCAA Tournament
game since 1985, No. 11 seed Loyola (29-5, 15-3) upset No. 6 seed University of Miami (Fla.) 64-62 March 15, 2018 on senior forward Donte Ingram’s buzzer-beating three-pointer in front of a crowd of more than 15,800 fans. The crowd consisted of mostly Loyola fans while some Miami fans sat behind the Hurricanes’ bench. The game was tied 28-28 at halftime and Loyola came out sluggish to start the half. The Ramblers made one of their first six shots to open the half as Miami took a 39-32 lead with 15:49 left in the game. Loyola came back to make it a 44-40 Miami lead and the game went back-and-forth from there. Three plays helped seal the victory for Loyola. The first was when redshirt junior guard Clayton Custer hit a corner three-pointer to tie the game 60-60 with one minute left. Custer said the team worked on that play all season and gave credit to head coach Porter Moser for drawing it up. “That’s another example of Ben [Richardson] knowing where I’m going to be before anybody else knows where I’m going to be … we work on situa-
tions like that in the last four minutes every day in practice,” Custer said after the game. “We’ve worked on that action 100 times. We felt comfortable running it and we executed it perfectly.” The second play that helped Loyola win was first-year guard Lucas Williamson forcing a Hurricane turnover with 26 seconds left. Williamson described the play as one in which he read who the ball would go to and followed the ball to force the turnover off Miami guard Lonnie Walker IV’s leg. “I knew he was going to swipe through [because] as an offensive player, you’re supposed to swipe through and dribble up the court so you don’t get fouled,” Williamson said. “I kind of just guessed where the ball would be and luckily I hit it, it bounced off his leg and forced a turnover.” The final play was Ingram’s buzzerbeating three-pointer. After Loyola missed two layups, Miami got the ball and Walker was fouled by redshirt junior guard Marques Townes with nine seconds left. Walker missed the free throw and Richardson got the rebound. Townes took the ball and passed it to
Ingram from deep three-point territory to seal the victory. In the postgame press conference, Ingram said the magnitude of the moment hadn’t set in yet, but he said he’d been dreaming of hitting a buzzerbeating shot in March Madness since he was young. “As a kid, this is what you grow up seeing, hoping that you can be in that moment,” Ingram said. “For me to be in this position with these guys, with this coaching staff, I wouldn’t want it any other way and I’m just blessed to hit that shot and I’m happy that we can get on and advance to [playing against No. 3 seed University of] Tennessee.” Students back at Loyola’s campus watched the game at viewing parties in the Damen Student Center, Schreiber Center and other venues around campus. They took to social media to showcase their reactions. Tennessee
In a physical game, No. 11 seed Loyola defeated No. 3 seed University of Tennessee 63-62 March 17, 2018 to advance to its first Sweet Sixteen since
1985 after Custer nailed a jumper with 3.5 seconds left to win the game. “Coach put me in a position to make a play at the end, and I’m very appreciative of that,” Custer said. “I mean, the only thing I can say is glory to God for that one.” It was a back-and-forth game and Loyola took a 29-25 lead into halftime. The Ramblers went in 20-0 when leading at the break. Although Tennessee outscored Loyola 37-34 in the second half, Loyola out-rebounded the Volunteers and drew 10 fouls after halftime. Senior guard Ben Richardson, Custer’s life-long best friend, said he had a feeling Custer would make the shot because they had both practiced it since they were kids. “It’s fitting that he hits a big shot going one-two-pull-up like we’ve been doing in the gym for our whole lives working on that shot,” Richardson said. “I’m so happy for him in this moment. It’s something I’ll never forget.” Senior forward Aundre Jackson added 16 points in the effort on 5-for-7 shooting and 6-for-6 shooting from the free-throw line.
Loyola, NCAA cancels sports due to coronavirus concerns NICK SCHULTZ nschultz@luc.edu
After the NCAA announced all winter and spring athletics championships — including March Madness — are canceled, Loyola Athletics followed suit by canceling all spring seasons March 12. All spring athletics events — including games and practices — are canceled for the rest of the 2019-20 academic year due to concerns surrounding COVID-19, the respiratory disease caused by coronavirus, Loyola Athletics spokesperson Bill Behrns told The Phoenix. The announcement means the Loyola men’s volleyball, softball, golf and track and field teams’ seasons are over. Earlier March 12, the MVC canceled the women’s basketball tournament, which was set to be held in Moline, Illinois March 12-15. This was after other conferences had canceled their seasons due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the Big Ten Conference, the American Athletic Conference and the Big East Conference. Later in the day, the NCAA announced that all winter and spring sports would be canceled due to concerns surrounding the coronavirus. This included the cancelation of the
Kyle Brown | The Phoenix
Gentile Arena will remain empty for the remainder of the semester after Loyola Athletics announced March 12 that all spring season sports would be canceled.
NCAA men’s basketball tournament for the first time in its 81-year history. “Today, NCAA President Mark Emmert and the Board of Governors canceled the Division I men’s and women’s 2020 basketball tournaments, as well as all remaining winter and spring NCAA championships,” the NCAA said in a statement. “This decision is based on the evolving COVID-19 public health
threat, our ability to ensure the events do not contribute to spread of the pandemic, and the impracticality of hosting such events at any time during this academic year given ongoing decisions by other entities.” Included in these cancellations were the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) and the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association (MIVA)
— in which Loyola’s men’s volleyball program participates. These announcements came the same day Loyola announced it would be transitioning away from face-toface classes by implementing online courses effective March 13 to combat the spread of the virus. The university also told students in residence halls to move out within a week.
The pandemic has had a major impact on the sports world. All the major sports leagues in season — the MLB, NHL, NBA and MLS — announced their seasons would be suspended, and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced he’s encouraging all of Chicago’s major professional teams to cancel their games or play them without fans through May 1.
SPORTS 15
MARCH 18, 2020
With nearly all sports canceled, what can we do to pass the time? ABBY SCHNABLE aschnable@luc.edu
The sports world came to an abrupt halt March 11. Many teams and leagues had already announced games would be played without fans due to the COVID-19 outbreak. It wasn’t until the NBA — after two athletes tested positive for the virus — announced the indefinite suspension of its season that the impact the novel virus has on sports really hit home. In the days following, other major leagues — including the NHL and MLB — suspended their seasons. March is usually a big month for sports fans with the NCAA Tourna-
ment, but this year it’s not happening. Even Loyola sports have canceled its remaining spring matches. Don’t fret, sports fans. In these scary days without live sports, here is a list of things to do. Read Sports Books
There are a number of interesting sports books you can easily access. Whether you’re looking for fiction or nonfiction, there’s a sports book out there for you. You could read popular ones such as “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game,” or find something more hidden. Either way, you can focus the time you’d spend reading game recaps reading books instead.
Binge Sports Movies
We live in a world full of streaming services — Hulu, Netflix and Disney+, to name a few — so there’s no shortage of sports movies. There are serious sports movies, such as “Coach Carter” and “Brian’s Song,” then more comedic ones, such as “Major League” and “Caddyshack.” There are so many classic sports movies that you could get into. Play a Video Game
We’re in the era of esports and there is no shortage of athletic video games you can play — NBA 2K20, FIFA 20 or even WWE 2K20. Some people have even taken to having two computer players simulate a
match, simply to have something to watch. No matter what you do, video games are a good way to get your sports fix. Yes, this includes Wii bowling. Look Toward Your Local Sports Channel
Local sports channels are replaying big events from their regional teams. Marquee Sports Network is taking advantage of the dead air to replay every playoff game from the Cubs’ 2016 World Series championship run. Fox Sports Midwest is doing the same, but with the St. Louis Blues’ 2019 Stanley Cup. Check your local station to see what’s going on in your region.
Listen to a New Podcast
Fun fact: There’s a category dedicated specifically to sports on Apple, Spotify Podcasts and other podcast networks. If you love podcasts and you’re looking to kill the time, browse that section and dive in. You’re bound to find something you’ll like. If not, you can poke fun at the hosts for their hot takes since you’re probably listening to old episodes about events that have already happened. Here are some examples to get you started: “Pardon My Take,” “ESPN: First Take” and “Skip and Shannon, Undisputed.” Watch Every ESPN “30 for 30” Ever (and other documentaries)
You could watch a documentary on the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics rivalry or the Two Escobars — a documentary about the relationship between soccer player Andres Escobar and drug lord Pablo Escobar. There’s a documentary on every sport out there if you dig for it.
Browse Twitter for Bracket Challenges
Sports Fans are missing the rush that comes with filling out a March Madness bracket. Twitter users are making a variety of brackets, from projected teams to play in the 2020 March Madness or even a complete 64 field of Taylor Swift songs. Scroll through Twitter and you’re bound to find one to fill out. Roomba Curling
Zack Miller | The Phoenix
Sports movies like “The Gameplan,” books like “‘Fight to Win’” and video games like Madden are just some of the ways that quarantined people can still get their sports fix.
INTRODUCING THE
LOYOLA PHOENIX NEWSLETTER
For an overview of the week’s top stories, breaking news alerts and coronavirus updates sent straight to your inbox, scan the code to the right or visit www.loyolaphoenix.com.
Have a Roomba or any kind of robot vacuum cleaner? Have a broom? If you have both, you can take part in the newest sports craze. Stand at the end of the hallway, start your Roomba and sweep that broom in front of it as fast as you can. Roomba can be substituted with any kind of ball or something that you can roll, such as the center of a toilet paper roll — since we all know you’ve bought out your local Walmart’s toilet paper supply.
16 | SPORTS
MARCH 18, 2020
I understand why senior year is ending this way. That doesn’t make it any easier, though.
Nick Schultz | Sports Editor nschultz@luc.edu
It wasn’t supposed to end like this. My last game as a student journalist shouldn’t have been at Arch Madness, but at a softball game at Loyola Softball Park. I should be enjoying my final two months on Loyola’s campus, taking my final strolls to class as I prepare for the “real world.” Most of all, I should be putting together five more issues of The Phoenix with the entire staff. Instead, I’m on an Amtrak train home — a Friday morning in the middle of March. No, it’s not for spring break. No, it’s not for a weekend trip to get some family time. Frankly, it’s to get the hell out of Chicago. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the world to a standstill. Classes have been moved online at Loyola for the rest of the semester and events are being canceled all over as we try to contain the spread
Emily Burdett | The Phoenix
Loyola men’s volleyball head coach Mark Hulse looks on as his team takes on McKendree University at Gentile Arena Feb. 27. The Ramblers won the match 3-1.
of this disease. The sports world hasn’t been spared from this craziness. In fact, it’s taken a hit the likes of which we’ve never seen — including a big one close to home. March 1 2 , L oyol a At h l e t i c s announced the remainder of its spring sports seasons had been canceled. That means the men’s volleyball, softball, golf and track and field teams saw their seasons end just as they were getting started. It was just one small part of one of the craziest news cycles in history, maybe the craziest ever. While it means we won’t be able to watch any Rambler games the rest of the year, it also means those senior student-athletes saw their careers end far too soon. This isn’t just happening at Loyola,
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though. A numb er of athletics departments across the country have taken this same step in an effort to contain the spread of the coronavirus. March Madness and the Women’s College World Series — two of the best college championships of the year — are canceled. Those basketball players who finally made it to the big dance won’t get to experience the biggest stage of them all, and those senior softball players who’ve been playing their whole lives now have to hang up their cleats. It sucks, but it’s the necessary step. This is a very serious situation and we have to keep in mind the people affected by this disease — whether they have it or they have family who do.
Kyle Brown | Sports Editor kbrown16@luc.edu
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to spend some extra time with them between my classes, but I was really looking forward to putting a bow on my college career. I’m going to miss sitting in the Gentile Arena stands watching volleyball games with my laptop out as I live-tweet. I’m going to miss trekking over to Loyola Softball Park in the cold to watch the game my sister has grown to love. I’m going to miss every coach and player I’ve talked to in a postgame press conference — no matter how formal they were. These last four years have been so good to me. I’ve made memories that will last a lifetime and met so many great people along the way. What I’d do to get two more months of the full experience. Damn, this sucks.
Brownie Points made with extra love and sadness for the seniors
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I feel for those student-athletes whose seasons got ripped out from underneath them. I was gearing up for my final two months covering Loyola games before graduation. The men’s golf team was set to play its conference championship 10 minutes from my grandma’s house during finals week, and I was hoping to go cover it. Instead, here I am, looking out my train window as the cornfields fly by at 80 miles per hour. This wasn’t at all how I envisioned my senior year effectively ending. I mean, how could anyone see this coming? The last two months between spring break and graduation are supposed to be a celebration of four years of hard work finally paying off. I love my family and can’t wait
It’s with a heavy heart I dip the pen to write what is most likely the last edition of Brownie Points this school year. It’s been a heckin’ good ride, filled with many ups — like men’s soccer’s Andrew Mitchell bursting onto the scene to win the first ever Brownie Point. There have also been times when teams, players or coaches underperformed and forced me to snatch some Brownie Points — such as the men’s basketball team struggling during the Cayman Islands Classic. This week’s edition consists of a sendoff to the seniors in all the various spring sports. An athlete’s senior season is supposed to be the peak of their collegiate career, but that isn’t the case for the track and field athletes, golfers, softball players and men’s volleyball players. With all that said, the players aren’t the only ones affected. Sports editor Nick Schultz wrote a column about
how his senior year at The Phoenix wasn’t supposed to be over yet. That sentiment extends to fans, as well. Senior superfan Charles Hwang comes to mind. He’s become famous around Loyola’s sports community for being one of the most passionate, energetic fans and attending nearly every home game for every sport. Just a few weeks ago, Hwang c o m m e n t e d a b o u t h o w m e n’s volleyball games are “a hidden gem,” despite the team’s 7-11 record this season. There was no way he, or any other senior fans, would’ve known that the Ramblers’ 3-1 victory over McKendree University Feb. 27 would be the last game they’d see as students. For me personally, not seeing Hwang at games will be strange. Going to a men’s volleyball game and not seeing senior middle blocker Kyle Piekarcki leaping through the air will take some getting used to. But it will be equally weird to not hear Hwang yell, “Who cares!” during opposing team’s starting lineup introductions or angrily berate the referees throughout the match. Small things like this are something I definitely took for granted. It’s different for me since I’m a junior, and I’ll have next year to experience more emotional fans. But I fully expected to have another month of experiencing Loyola sporting events. At least the men’s volleyball team was able to get through a large chunk of its season. Track and field’s outdoor season was about to start and golf and softball were just getting into the swing of things. In softball head coach Alicia Abbott’s first season at Loyola, her team wasn’t even able to play at Loyola Softball Park yet this year. Senior outfielder Jessica Shields had a team-high .386 batting average
this season. Senior Morgan Brown was one of the most consistent performers for women’s golf, with second-highest stroke average on the team at 79.6. The men’s track and field was bolstered by a strong senior class at the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Indoor Track and Field Championships Feb. 29-March 1. Redshirt senior Kevin White and seniors Riley DeMeulenaere and Demetri Panici made up three of the four-person group that took first place in the men’s distance medley. Also, senior Eric Burns won the MVC long jumping title for the secondstraight year. For women’s track and field, senior long jumper Mackenzie Arnold and senior sprinter Denee’ Lawrence both submitted personal-bests at the MVC Indoor Track and Field Championships en route to top-10 finishes in their respective competitions. There’s not enough space to go into detail about each senior on the various spring-season teams. But it’s clear the senior class was a pretty strong one across the board. So, while the teams and athletes couldn’t compete in conference championships this year, they have still earned the ultimate crown that is Brownie Points. I couldn’t possibly assign a numerical value to the Brownie Points. The points necessary to acknowledge their impact and rectify their season ending so abruptly is impossible to quantify. Life needs balance, so I’ve also decided to take an infinite amount of Brownie Points from the coronavirus. It’s difficult to comprehend the absurd amount of damage and inconvenience it has caused. And I think I speak for everyone across the globe: this is not cool, bro.