The importance of storytelling: Sports coverage goes beyond field
By Eli Schuster, Sports Editor
April 30, 2018
“What makes sports so great?” *raises hand* Well, I’m glad you asked. I’ll stand by Grantland Rice’s old saying: “It’s not whether you win or lose; it’s how you play the game.” For me, that phrase goes a long way. It most certainly isn’t about winning or losing, but often the person playin...
I want a walk-up song
By Eli Schuster, Sports Editor
April 23, 2018
Filed under Columns
I want it now! Pardon my channeling of my inner Veruca Salt, but baseball season has got me feeling some kind of way. It’s always fun to be sitting in the bleachers and hear the same 20 seconds of a song you vaguely know when a baseball player takes the plate. I have always been fascinated with the wal...
Illini losing culture: an epidemic of white noise
By Eli Schuster, Sports editor
April 12, 2018
The temperature reads 35 degrees as the blades on my desk fan whip around. I can’t sleep without a white noise. On cold nights, I’ll wear a sweatshirt. I don’t mean to get too personal. My night-time routine probably isn't very fascinating to you, but that's probably for the best. I need the wh...
Recruits show tides are changing for Illini athletics
By Eli Schuster, Sports editor
April 5, 2018
Isn’t it ironic? Bizarrely enough, I can’t help but think of the 1996 smash hit from Alanis Morissette that utters that question when thinking about my current situation as sports editor. I know you might be thinking this accusation is a stretch, or I’m just using this example for comedic eff...
I would like to thank the academy
By Eli Schuster, Sports Editor
March 29, 2018
*tap* *tap* Is this thing on? Hello, my name is Elias Schuster, and I am extremely excited to be accepting this position on behalf of the Academy, otherwise known as The Daily Illini Editor-in-Chief Abby Paeth, who gave me this award. Now bear with me through an acceptance speech. Having the chance to tak...
Illini men’s basketball year in review
By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist
March 5, 2018
Filed under Basketball, Columns, Men's Sports, Sports
As the wise men of the Grateful Dead once said, “What a long, strange trip it’s been.” This Illini men’s basketball season was one of many highs and lows ranging from initial tournament hopes, a fifth straight Braggin’ Rights win, heartbreaking losses and many more big moments. But, it en...
The top six coaches I’d like to get a beer with on Unofficial
By Cole Henke, Sports Editor
March 1, 2018
Filed under Columns, Men's Sports, Sports, Top Stories, Unofficial Edition, Women's Sports
I have spent a lot of time around Illini coaches in my four years here at the University of Illinois, and with my time as a reporter at The Daily Illini and it being Unofficial season, I figured it’s time for a nice power ranking. I am not going to rank who the best coaches are at this school. No,...
FBI investigation creates perfect opportunity for NCAA
By Cole Henke, Sports Editor
February 26, 2018
Filed under Basketball, Columns, Men's Sports, Sports
Arizona head coach Sean Miller was not present at his team’s loss to Oregon on Saturday. Only hours before the game, it was announced that Miller was the latest victim of the FBI’s investigation into college basketball. The FBI wire-tapped his phones and heard him discussing paying Deandre Ayton $10...
Illini’s best not enough for No. 9 Boilermakers
By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist
February 22, 2018
Filed under Basketball, Columns, Men's Sports, Sports
“Good college basketball game,” is how head coach Brad Underwood opened up Thursday's presser, and that's exactly what it was: a good basketball game. Despite the loss, the Illini played one of their most complete games all season, and thanks to huge games from Trent Frazier and Leron Black, had a ...
Letter to the basketball team
By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor
February 19, 2018
Filed under Basketball, Columns, Men's Sports, Sports
Dearest Illinois basketball team, How are you guys? Are you good? I know sometimes Underwood yells in your face and that can be a little intimidating, but I’m sure it’s because he cares. He sees the potential in the team, he knows you guys have what it takes but you have to believe th...
Time to not stick to sports
By Cole Henke, Sports editor
February 19, 2018
Filed under Columns, Sports, Uncategorized
A few days ago, Fox News anchor Laura Ingraham spent a good chunk of her show telling LeBron James, the most well-known athlete in the world, to “stick to dribbling.” In other words, she told him to stick to sports. Over the All-Star Break of the NBA season, James and Kevin Durant went on ESPN ...
Illini keep the Huskers from dancing: Sunday reaction column
By Thomas Polcyn, Illini hoops columnist
February 18, 2018
Filed under Basketball, Columns, Men's Sports, Sports
Three-point shooting has been a big focus for the Illini this season, and in Sunday’s matchup with Nebraska, it paid off. While scoring droughts have plagued the Illini all season, the shooting against the Huskers was absolutely lights-out. In the first half alone, Illinois shot just over 62 percent from...
