Fireside Chat

 Col. Charles Hovey, wearing his Civil War uniform. (Photo/Milner Library’s Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives) via ISU News

    As I write my weekly blog post, I am surrounded by family and friends, enjoying a roaring fire this Memorial Day weekend. Talking about the Redbirds is a common campfire activity in the Arbogast family, and tonight is no exception. With the 2024/2025 athletic seasons reaching it's cyclical end, most of our conversation has been about the upcoming seasons. From Volleyball, Soccer, and Football in the fall to both Basketball teams in the winter/spring, optimism reigns supreme! I am, by nature, an optimistic guy, so it won't come as a surprise that I have such a bright disposition regarding said ISU teams. In the meantime, my focus has primarily been on Peoria City's Men's and Women's soccer teams, especially the trio Aniya Seymore, Erika Wells, and Sammi Cenek, who play for the Redbirds on Adelaide Street Field. I also went on the Bird Fans 4 Ever podcast with Men's Basketball standout Ty Pence and created t-shirts to raise money for the 1998 Club. In the near future, NIL merch, such as t-shirts, t-shirt jerseys, and sweatshirts, will also be created  . This week, I will have the "You Win With People" shirts in my possession and will be able to follow through with orders and necessary deliveries. The You Win With People shirts will be a one-time sale, but I will do my best to accommodate any requests. After these shirts are sold, my focus regarding merch will shift to RDB red and black short-sleeved shirts. 

    As for the blog's direction, expect engaging conversations with a wide-ranging roster of Redbirds. I'm gonna go make a Jack and Coke, so I will see you all next week, have a fun and safe Memorial Day!  However, I would be remiss if  I did not mention that we are honored and indebted to the brave men and women who have died serving our country. Our service men and women who paid the ultimate price deserve our gratitude and respect, so remember to take time out of the cookouts and celebrations to reflect on those who can not be here to enjoy the festivities; those who made the ultimate sacrifice. God Bless and Roll Damn Birds! 

 Elmer Cavins (front row, fourth from left) and other ISNU faculty and students at the American Expeditionary Forces University in Beaune, France, circa spring 1919

via ISU News