“The Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2025 is another reminder of the many great athletes and coaches who have represented the Fighting Illini,” Illinois Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said to Fighting Illini Athletics. “Every year I love calling the new class members and hearing the excitement in their voices. We look forward to hosting each of these great Illini and their families this fall during the induction weekend.”
In late June, the Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics announced their ninth Hall of Fame Class. The 2025 class includes six sports and one coach representing the legacy of Illinois athletics throughout the year.
Meet the 2025 Illinois Hall of Fame class:
Jane Fauntz Manske, Swim & Dive, 1930-34
Two years before becoming an Illini she competed for Team USA in the Olympics. Two years into being an Illini, she went back to Team USA for another Olympic games where she earned a bronze medal for the three-meter springboard dive. Then she went back to Champaign for her final two years as an Illini.
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Even at Illinois, she was not an official member of the women’s swim and dive team. Instead, she swam for the Illinois Women’s Athletic Club.
Manske also set two world records in 1928 for the 100 yard and 100 meter breaststroke events.
Following her Olympic career, Manske went on to swim professionally as a show entertainer. Manske passed away in 1989 and was inducted in the International Swimming Hall of Fame in 1991 following her death.
Gene Vance, Basketball / Athletics Director, 1942-43, 1947 / 1967-72
Vance’s history in Illinois is rich. He helped guide Illinois to two Big Ten titles back-to-back in 1942-43. After that, he was sent to serve in WWII. During his active duty in Europe, he earned two Bronze Stars. He returned to Illinois and earned honorable mention All-American honors in 1947.
After his time as an Illini, he went on to play for two professional teams: Chicago Stags and the Tri-Cities Blackhawks.
Vance returned to Illinois for the Director of Athletics (1967-72) and then worked as the senior development officer until 2000 when he eventually retired.
Joe Rutgens, Football, 1958-60
The defensive tackle, Joe Rutgens, led a fantastic career after his time as an Illini. While in Champaign, Rutgens earned back-to-back First Team All-Big Ten honors in 1959 and 1960.
In the 1960 NFL Draft, Rutgens was the third overall pick. He played for Washington for nine seasons and played for two Pro Bowls during that time.
He was recognized by Illinois football in 2008 as being a top 10 defensive linemen for the program. Last year, the Washington Commanders also named him a top 10 defensive linemen for their program.
Mike Durkin, Track & Field, 1972-75
In Durkin’s time as an Illini, he was a five-time All American and earned nine Big Ten Championship titles for both indoor and outdoor track events.
Durkin was a mid to long distance runner competing in various events such as the one-mile, two-mile, 1,000 yards, 880 yards and the steeplechase. All of which he won conference titles for.
A year after graduating from Illinois, he qualified for the Olympics but was one-tenth of a second short of advancing onto the next round. He then went on to qualify for the 1980 Olympics, but due to the boycott, he competed in the Liberty Bell Classic. He placed third in the 1,500 meter race.
Scott Spiezio, Baseball, 1991-93
The two-time World Series champion Spiezio started his career as an Illini. During his time as an Illini, Spiezio gained much of the skills he showcased in his impressive MLB career.
While at Illinois, he earned Second Team All-Big Ten and Third Team All-Big Ten honors. In 1993, he also earned the NCAA title of an All-American. His 48 home runs as an Illini also make him the record holder for the program.
Spiezio went on to play for four different MLB teams, winning World Series titles with two of those teams.
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