It’s been about a week since Wes Lunt was named the Illinois football team’s starting quarterback, ending a summer-long controversy. For those craving a new position battle, look no further than sophomore goalkeepers Claire Wheatley and Michelle Denley as they compete to be named the starter at goal.

“I think it’s a lot less complicated than who’s your starting quarterback,” head coach Janet Rayfield said.

OK, so maybe it’s not that serious. But heading into the second weekend of the season, Illinois still doesn’t have a concrete starting goalkeeper, since Denley and Wheatley have split time evenly in each of the first two games. There’s no timetable as to when a starter will be announced, and Rayfield is in no rush to decide.

“We’ve got the luxury to take some time and give them the opportunity to battle this out,” Rayfield said. “We don’t have to decide today, and we’ll give them some time to compete for that spot.”

Denley and Wheatley have played evenly so far, as Denley has two goals allowed, while Wheatley has only allowed one goal, but Denley has recorded nine saves and Wheatley has just three. Each goalie shutout Louisville in their respective halves last Sunday.

After starting all but one game last season, Wheatley is coming off a fractured foot, which is what may have sparked this competition in the first place. Wheatley isn’t giving any excuses, however, and is enjoys the competition.

“Competition’s always good. Nothing bad comes from it,” Wheatley said. “She’s pushing me, and I’m pushing her, and no matter what, we’re going to make each other better. So the keeper that’s going to come out on top is going to be better for it.”

Denley played just over 112 total minutes as goalkeeper for Bowling Green last season but has really impressed since transferring over.

“I knew I was going to have to work really hard,” Denley said. “Claire’s a fantastic goalkeeper, and I knew if I wanted a shot to play I was going to have to come in fit and ready and (have) the confidence that I can do this and come play at this amazing school.”

Denley and Wheatley have remained good friends and enjoy having one another to learn from and have to play even harder than usual. Their increased effort has had a sort of domino effect on the rest of the team during practice.

“It’s a good problem to have because it makes it difficult for us to score in training,” Rayfield said. “They’re making us better every day as they battle for that position, and it’s the place we want to be, having players fighting for positions.”

Illinois has plenty of depth at multiple positions, so Rayfield wants there to competition all around the field in order for every player to have to push that much harder for playing time.

“If we can all challenge each other in the areas that we’re strong, our team is going to be better, and I think that’s the philosophy that we have from the get go,” Rayfield said. “If you’re not getting on the field, your job is to challenge the person ahead of you so that one of you, whoever steps on the field, is better than they were when they stepped on the field last time.”

Joey can be reached at [email protected] and @joeyfigueroa3