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Inkspot

Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

Whatever you are interested in, we've got it covered.

Inkspot

Isabelle McCormick, who hopes to continue playing volleyball in college, passes during a 2019 match against Bloomington.

College recruitment made more difficult by COVID-19 pandemic

Emma Conover, Staff Writer
Dec 16, 2020

High school athletes often dream of competing at the college level --but the odds are not in their favor. The reality is less than 17% of the 8 million high school athletes go on to play in college. Without athletic recruiting the chances of setting foot onto a college court are even lower. Like the...

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NCHS teachers offer different views on the past and present of the U of I mascot.

Normal Community staff, University of Illinois graduates react to Chief, Kingfisher

Jonah Kramer, Sports Editor
Nov 17, 2020

The University of Illinois Academic Senate passed a resolution in September, endorsing the Belted Kingfisher as the school’s mascot in place of Chief Illiniwek, who was retired in 2007. NCHS faculty who graduated from U of I weighed in on the contested topic. Math teacher Mrs. Amy Feeney, who...

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The proposed new mascot for the University of Illinois, the Belted Kingfisher, was endorsed in a landslide vote Sept. 21.

U of I Academic Senate endorses new mascot

Jonah Kramer, Sports Editor
Sep 28, 2020

The University of Illinois Academic Senate is urging school officials to adopt a new official mascot, passing a resolution endorsing the Belted Kingfisher -- a blue and orange bird native to Illinois -- 105-2 on September 21. After Monday’s vote, U of I spokeswoman Robin Kaler said there was “no...

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The Redbirds defensive performance led to the teams 61-50 over Morehead State.

Redbird defense impresses in win over Morehead State

Tommy Olsson and Aidan Beigie
Dec 13, 2019

The Illinois State defense (4-6) posted their best performance of the year, forcing 16 turnovers and pulled down 31 defensive rebounds in a 61-50 win over non-conference opponent Morehead State (5-5) on December 7. The ‘birds closed the game out strong, giving up 26 points and holding the Eagles...

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Redbirds approach their 10th game of the 2019-2020 season.

‘Birds fall short against UCF

Aidan Beigie, Staff Writer
Dec 6, 2019

The Illinois State University mens basketball team lost 67-65 to the University of Central Florida on November 17. After beginning the season 2-0, this was the first loss for the Illinois State men’s basketball squad despite managing over 50 points from players off the bench and holding an 8-10 point...

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NCAA March Madness mascot bracket

NCAA March Madness mascot bracket

Tommy Olsson and James Broach
Apr 3, 2019

With the Final Four taking place this upcoming weekend, Inkspot staffers decided to complete a bracket of their own based on which teams' mascot would win in a head-to-head brawl. These picks have nothing to do with players, coaches or the team itself - they are strictly based on the threat potential...

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NCHS Choir gets Rebirds in rhythm for revenge win

NCHS Choir gets Rebirds in rhythm for revenge win

Reid Watkins, Sports Editor
Feb 7, 2019

The NCHS choir sung the national anthem prior to the Illinois State mens basketball game on Saturday night, as the Rebirds beat the Ramblers of Loyola-Chicago on Doug Collins Court. The Community students added their voices to the chorus of cheers supporting the hometown team; it was a full-house considering...

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Normal Community graduate Garrett Hirsch is part of an offensive line that has allowed Illinois State running backs to succeed.

Hirsch, ISU O-line secure Homecoming win

Will Dowell, Multimedia Editor
Oct 23, 2018

The Illinois State Redbirds did not disappoint their alumni during Homecoming weekend with a 51-3 win over the Salukis Saturday, October 13. The 1-4 Southern Illinois Salukis could not handle the 12th ranked ISU team and standout running back James Robinson. Robinson ran for 202 yards on 25 carries...

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ISU takes the bite out of Coyotes in Homecoming game

ISU takes the bite out of Coyotes in Homecoming game

The Illinois State Redbirds defeated the University of South Dakota Coyotes 37-21 in the ISU Homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 21.
Ashleigh Brady, Managing Editor
Oct 25, 2017

The Illinois State Redbirds defeated the University of South Dakota Coyotes 37-21 in the ISU Homecoming football game Saturday, Oct. 21. Saturday was the epitome of college football - a sunny, 73-degree day; ISU students, both current and alumni, parents, and Redbird fans streaming into Hancock Stadium...

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National Signing Day: college football

Tyler Durbin, Sports
Feb 25, 2013

National Signing Day has come and gone, and the future of many teams has changed in a big way. National Signing Day is the first day that high school seniors can sign an agreement, better known as a Letter of Intent, with a college that is a member of the NCAA. Many athletes make verbal commitments to...

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Wildcats’ fans going wild

Kalin Redd, Staff Reporter
Jan 24, 2013

If you’re a Kentucky Wildcat basketball fan, you should start saying your prayers.  Their mediocre record has their fans weeping in sorrow.  Coach John Calipari said, “Whoever has Kentucky ranked in their top five in the preseason poll needed to be drug tested.”  Nobody is disagreeing with him...

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Once again the BCS is questioned

Tyler Durbin, Sports
Dec 20, 2012

There will be questions surrounding college football for another year. The Bowl Championship System, or BCS, has been under a lot criticism from the general public the last few years. The BCS creates five bowl games at the end of the season for the teams in the BCS rankings.  It ranks teams mostly on...

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First time ever freshman wins Heisman

Tyler Durbin, Sports
Dec 20, 2012

The Heisman Trophy is awarded to the most outstanding player in college football every season. It is the most prestigious award and mosted anticipated award in college football. History was going to be made regardless of which of the three finalists won this year. The three finalists were quarterback...

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Big Ten let lead slip away

Tyler Durbin, Sports
Dec 6, 2012

For the first time in Big Ten-ACC Challenge history, the competition ended in a tie. The Challenge started in 1999 and was dominated by the Atlantic Coast Conference, better known as the ACC, the ACC won the first ten match ups.  Recently though, the Big Ten had responded with three straight wins before...

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Hot start for ISU mens basketball

Hot start for ISU mens basketball

Tyler Durbin, Sports
Dec 5, 2012

The Illinois State Men’s Basketball team is off to a hot start in the early season. The Redbirds started 5-0 before falling to Northwestern for their first loss in the championship game of the South Padre Island Invitational. Former ISU standout Dan Muller is now the head coach and the team seems...

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