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The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871

The Daily Illini
Ben Fader

Ben Fader, Sports Editor

Hello, I’m Ben! I’m a junior at Illinois and assistant sports editor at The Daily Illini. I’m majoring in journalism and minoring in communications and recreation, sport and tourism. This is my third year with The Daily Illini, and I can’t wait to produce some amazing work. Feel free to contact me at my email below with questions or concerns, or if you just want to talk sports!

Graduate student forward Marcus Domask drives toward the basket during a game against Michigan on Jan. 30.

Illinois’ Marcus Domask enters NBA draft after waiver denied

By Sahil Mittal and Ben Fader • April 25, 2024
Illinois distance runner Maggie Gamboa runs a relay during the Illini Challenge at the Illinois Armory in Champaign on Jan. 26.

Drake Relays up next for women’s track and field

By Ben Fader and Tess Eken • April 25, 2024
The Illini celebrate a tight 4-3 win against Michigan State on April 21, 2023.

Picking up steam; Illinois softball wins third in 5 days

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 24, 2024
Senior forward Coleman Hawkins lays down a huge dunk against Purdue on March 5.

Coleman Hawkins declares for NBA draft

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 23, 2024
The Illini talk before a defensive inning during a game against Parkland College on Sept. 28.

Illinois softball back in Chicago for final midweek matchup

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 23, 2024
(Front) Sophomore wide receiver Malik Elzy scores the first touchdown during the first quarter of the Spring Game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, with sophomore defensive back Ben Clawson closely behind.

Illinois’ offense shines bright in Spring Game

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 20, 2024
Ali Ibanez at the 2020 Paralympic games. Ibanez has competed for Team USA at two world championships, and this will be her second Olympics.

Illinois’ Ali Ibanez selected to USA women’s wheelchair basketball team

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 19, 2024
Junior outfielder Stevie Meade passing the ball back from the outfield during a game against Southern Illinois on April 10.

Illinois softball hope to bounce back against Michigan State

By Eric Brewer and Ben Fader • April 19, 2024
Junior Mathis Debru celebrates winning a game during a doubles match. Debru and Sophomore Kenta Miyoshi defeated Junior Will Cooksey and Freshman Alex Cairo 6-1 in doubles.

Illinois men’s tennis hosts Purdue, looks to continue winning streak

By Ben Fader and Sahil Mittal • April 19, 2024
Defensive players Tarique Barnes, Tyler Strain and Zachary Tobe leave the field after a turnover during the Homecoming Football game against Wisconsin on Oct. 21.

Illinois defensive back Zachary Tobe enters transfer portal

By Tess Eken and Ben Fader • April 16, 2024
The Illinois softball team celebrates in the dugout after junior infielder Megan Ward scored during the Illinois v Southern Illinois game on April 10.

In-state rival Northwestern finishes sweep of Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 16, 2024
Notre Dame freshman forward Casey Booth goes for a layup in a game against Syracuse University.

Illinois acquires Notre Dame transfer Carey Booth

By Sahil Mittal and Ben Fader • April 16, 2024
Guard Sencire Harris during the second half of Illinois exhibition match against Ottawa on Oct. 20, 2023. The second half concluded the match set against Ottawa 116-65 in favor of Illinois.

Another departure for Illinois; Sencire Harris enters portal

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 15, 2024

Illinois softball takes finale, avoids series sweep

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 14, 2024
Report: Chester Frazier leaves Illinois men’s basketball for West Virginia

Report: Chester Frazier leaves Illinois men’s basketball for West Virginia

By Sahil Mittal and Ben Fader • April 13, 2024
Fifth-year guard Terrence Shannon Jr. makes back-to-back free throws against Indiana on Jan. 27.

University closes Terrence Shannon Jr. investigation

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 10, 2024
Head Coach Brad Underwood switches junior forward Luke Goode for graduate guard Quincy Guerrier during a basketball game on Jan. 21.

The good and the bad of the portal

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 10, 2024

Two in-state foes await Illinois softball as they return home

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 8, 2024
#24 Stevie Meade prepares to swing during the 2023 Big Ten tournament.

Illinois softball flips switch; wins first Big Ten series

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 7, 2024
Redshirt junior forward/center Dain Dainja leaps in front of the hoop for a layup during the second half against Iowa at the State Farm Center on Feb. 24.

Illinois big man Dain Dainja enters transfer portal

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor • April 1, 2024
A line for KAMS grows during Unofficial weekend on March 2. KAMS is a popular bar among Univeristy students and is busy most nights of the week.

Best of CU | Best On-Campus Bar: KAMS

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • March 28, 2024
The punch from Tumble Inn Tavern, located in downtown Champaign off Neil Street, is a fan-favorite drink for those looking to have a night out off campus.

Best of CU | Best Off-Campus Drink: Tumble Inn Tavern punch

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • March 28, 2024
Illini softball team gathers for a motivational huddle before the game on Mar. 27.

Illinois softball returns for 7-game homestand

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • March 26, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Zoe Caryl practicing before the start of the inning.

Illinois softball drops pair in Big Ten opening series

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • March 24, 2024

Illinois sweeps 3 games in Saint Louis

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • March 12, 2024
Graduate student Kelly Ryono gets ready to hit back the ball during the game against Ohio on Apr. 15.

Illinois drops 3 of 5 in Purple & Gold Challenge

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor • March 4, 2024
Graduate student outfielder Kelly Ryono takes the plate before batting against Maryland on May 6.

Illinois softball travels west for Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • February 22, 2024
Junior pitcher Lauren Wiles delivers a pitch at home against Eastern Illinois on Apr. 25, 2023.

Illinois softball splits pair in Florida

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • February 18, 2024
Redshirt Senior outfielder Danielle Davis hits a lead-off double to left-center field in the bottom of the third inning during the game against Northwestern on Apr. 5.

Illinois softball opens season at Tiger Invitational

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • February 8, 2024
The Illini group together before facing up against the Buckeyes on Apr. 15.

Illinois softball anticipates start of 2024 season

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • January 18, 2024
Outfielder Kelly Ryono raises her bat above her head during a night facing off against Parkland on Sept. 28.

Kelly Ryono embarks on one last ride with Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • January 18, 2024
Illinois fails to advance quarterback Luke Altmyer to score from the 1-yard line on third down early in the first quarter against Nebraska, on Oct. 6 at Memorial Stadium. The Illini failed to score in two attempts from one yard away.

Can the Illini hang on in revamped Big Ten?

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • January 13, 2024

Illini secure 2 commitments early in offseason

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • November 28, 2023

Bowl eligibility hangs over Illinois football during rivalry week

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • November 23, 2023

Illinois football prepares for defensive battle in final road contest

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • November 17, 2023
Junior Wide Receiver Isaiah Williams rushes to the ball as it approaches him with Indiana close behind on Saturday.

Illini football returns home, looks to continue momentum

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • November 11, 2023

Illini respond after the bye in Minneapolis miracle

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • November 4, 2023
Defensive tackle JerZhan Newton pushes again Wisconsin offensive lineman Michael Furtney at the endzone during the third quarter on Saturday.

Wisconsin Badgers stun Illini in Homecoming game

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • October 21, 2023
Senior Megan Ward gets ready to hit the softball against Wisconsin on May 10. Wards performance earned her MVP of the game.

Illinois softball wraps up sweeping fall action with intrasquad Orange & Blue World Series

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • October 15, 2023
Defensive back Mac Resetich comes together with his running back teammate Kaden Feagin on Sept. 23 after defeating Florida.

Desperate Illini head to College Park for yet another test

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • October 12, 2023
Junior defensive tackle JerZhan Newton alongside the rest of the Illini football team rush in to the stadium on Sept. 16. Illinois will face Nebraska on Friday night at Memorial Stadium.

Illini football hosts Nebraska Cornhuskers in must-win game

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • October 5, 2023
Head Coach Bret Bielema makes his entrance at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 23. Bielema responds to the Illinis performance thus far in the season.

Column | What ever happened to consistency?

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • October 3, 2023
Purdue Football Coach Ryan Walters speaks at 2023 Big Ten Media Day in Indianapolis. Walters, former defensive coordinator for Illinois tactics takes down the Illini on Saturday.

Illini fall at hands of Walters, Card

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • September 30, 2023
Senior forward Makala Woods attempts to score in todays game against Michigan. Woods sparks the offensive surge and creates numerous early chances.

Illinois soccer picks up first Big Ten win of 2023 with upset over No. 19 Michigan

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • September 24, 2023
A goal is made through the net during a game against Michigan on Mar. 2. Athletics CIO Ryan Squire speaks with the DI regarding misconduct within athletics.

Conduct Q&A with Illini Athletics Chief Integrity Officer Ryan Squire

By Lisa Chasanov and Ben Fader • September 22, 2023
The Illini dashing on the field for kickoff against Penn State on Saturday. The Illini will continue their season this Saturday against Florida Atlantic Owls.

Illini prepare for final tune-up before conference play

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • September 22, 2023
Illini helmet lays on the turf during game against Penn State on Saturday. Sports columnist Ben Fader writes on the sexual misconduct within football.

Code of conduct issues surface in college football

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • September 21, 2023
Illini and Penn State lineup against each other before starting their plays on Sunday.

Illinois football faces big test in 1st conference matchup against No. 7 Penn State

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • September 15, 2023
Wide receiver Isaiah Williams after the Illini rushed the field after their win against Toledo on Sept. 2. With the season started the Illinis flaws in their performance brings disappointment.

Bland offense, penalties, lack of production lead to disappointing start for Illinois

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • September 10, 2023

New faces take the reigns, lead Illini to victory

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • September 2, 2023

Season prediction: Will the Illini pick up where they left off?

By Ben Fader and Adam Rosen • August 25, 2023
Big week for Illinois football with new hire announced

Big week for Illinois football with new hire announced

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • July 25, 2023
University students tailgate before the homecoming game against Minnesota on Oct. 26.

Tailgating Guide to Fall 2023

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • July 25, 2023
Newly appointed assistant coach Sydney Sickels pitches against Penn State on May 7, 2022. During the 2021-22 season, Sickels led the Illini in innings pitched and ERA.

Former Illini softball pitcher joins coaching staff

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • July 8, 2023
4-star running back commits to Illinois football

4-star running back commits to Illinois football

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • July 8, 2023
Senior right fielder Kelly Ryono whacked her second hit of the day to lead off the inning agianst Nebraska on Thursday. Though Illini fails to make the NCAA tournament, it was arguably one of the best two-game stretch for the Illini.

Illinois softball season ends in hard-fought battle against Nebraska

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • May 12, 2023

Illinois softball hosts Big Ten tournament, begins play against No. 5 Wisconsin

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • May 10, 2023
Avrey Steiner up to bat as Gabi Robles starts to steal first against Maryland on Saturday.

Illinois softball swept by Maryland in final series

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • May 7, 2023
Lauren Wiles delivers a pitch to Abby Ryniec against Ohio State on April 15. Sydney Sickels and Lauren Wiles have been a successful tandem lately and will be relied on to get the Illini into the tournament.

Illinois softball hosts Maryland in season finale

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • May 5, 2023

Softball win streak comes to a halt at Penn State

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 30, 2023

Illinois softball looks to stay hot against Penn State

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 28, 2023
Senior outfielder Kelly Ryono hits a ball to straightaway center in the game against Ohio State on April 15 to give the Illini a 2-0 lead.

Kelly Ryono leads Illinois softball to victory over DePaul for 4th consecutive win

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 25, 2023
Illinois softball celebrates a win against Michigan State on April 21. On Tuesday, Illinois will play DePaul at home.

Illinois softball hosts DePaul to end 8-game homestand

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 25, 2023

Illinois softball notches first Big Ten series win with triumph over Michigan State

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 24, 2023

Illinois softball hosts Michigan State for Strikeout Cancer weekend

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 21, 2023

Illinois softball drops close affair with ISU

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 18, 2023
Gabi Robles greets her team as they run by during a game against Ohio on Saturday. The Illini will be facing tough competitor being, Illinois State on Tuesday.

Illinois softball hosts Illinois State for midweek clash

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 18, 2023

Illinois softball kicks off homestand with series against Ohio State

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 14, 2023

Illini softball drops 2nd game against Northwestern

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 13, 2023
Junior shortstop Megan Ward swings at strike two in the bottom of the fifth inning during a game against Northwestern on April 5. On Wednesday, Illinois will face off against Evanston once again, but this time, they will be away.

Illinois softball seeks revenge in Evanston

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 12, 2023
Utah Valley Wolverines guard Justin Harmon attempts to beat the shot clock while UAB Blazers guard Eric Gaines quits defending during overtime at the NCAA college basketball game in the National Invitation Tournament on Mar. 28. Harmon made public on his social platforms that he will be continuing his goal to play at the national level, announcing that he will be joining the Illini roster this upcoming season.

Justin Harmon announces transfer to Illinois basketball

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 10, 2023
Head Coach Brad Underwood observes the court during the first half of a game against Northwestern on Feb. 23. SIU junior forward Marcus Domask will be announced via twitter that he will be joining Underwood and the rest of the Illini team for this upcoming season.

SIU transfer Marcus Domask commits to Illinois basketball

By Shawn Sloan and Ben Fader • April 10, 2023
The Illini softball team wipes their softballs during a rainy game against Rutgers on Mar. 24. The Illini traveled to Michigan where they took on an unfortunate loss.

Illinois softball falls in Ann Arbor

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 9, 2023
Illinois softball huddles during a game against Northwestern on Wednesday. This weekend, the Illini will travel to Michigan for a series against the Wolverines.

Illinois softball visits Michigan in must-win series

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 7, 2023
Right fielder Danielle Davis hits a lead-off double to left-center field in the bottom of the third inning.

Illinois softball continues to struggle in Big Ten play

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 5, 2023

Illinois rivals clash in Champaign for midweek contest

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 5, 2023
Sophomore outfielder Stevie Meade rounds second during the game against Indiana State on Wednesday. During their series at Wisconsin this weekend, Illinois won only the second game, losing the series overall.

Illinois softballs drops second Big Ten series

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • April 2, 2023

Illinois softball heads to Wisconsin looking for first conference win

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 31, 2023
The team meets on the mound during a game against Indiana State on Wednesday. Illinois won both games of the double header, with scores of 3-1 and 6-0, respectively.

Illini softball back on track after midweek sweep against Indiana State

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 29, 2023

Illinois softball handles SIUE in midweek mercy rule

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 28, 2023

Illinois softball host midweek series before conference play resumes

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 28, 2023

Illinois softball swept in opening Big Ten series

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 26, 2023

Big Ten play begins for Illinois softball with home series against Rutgers

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 24, 2023
Senior utility Gabi Robles and redshirt freshman utility Yazzy Avila celebrate with a chest bump during a game against Lakeland on Sept. 24. On Wednesday, the Illini secured a 5-1 win against the Braves of Bradley University.

Illinois softball fends off Bradley for midweek victory

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 23, 2023

Bradley visits Champaign, preps Illinois for Big Ten play

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor • March 22, 2023
Pitcher Sydney Sickles leaps while pitching against ISU on April 3, 2019. Sickels set a 21 strikeout record on Feb. 11 this season and continues to dominate the field during her fifth-year.

Record-breaking Sydney Sickels leads Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • March 18, 2023

Illinois softball enjoys winning weekend at Gamecock Invitational but goes cold in important game against South Carolina

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • March 5, 2023

Illini softball begins to find its rhythm at Houston Tournament

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 26, 2023
Senior Gabi Robles, redshirt freshman Jazzy Avila and sophomore Zoie Howard cheer from the dugout during a fall ball game against Lakeland. This weekend, Illinois will head down south to compete in the Houston tournament with their first game on Friday at 3 p.m.

Third tournament in three weeks provides more opportunities for Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 24, 2023

Illini softball earns first winning weekend in ACC/Big Ten Challenge

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 20, 2023
Fifth-year Kailee Powell goes for a ground ball at first base during a game against Penn State on May 5, 2022. Beginning Friday, the Illini will participate in the NFCA Leadoff Classic in Clearwater, Fla.

Illinois softball prepares to open 2023 season in Florida with NFCA Leadoff Classic

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 10, 2023
Newly appointed assistant coach Sydney Sickels pitches against Penn State on May 7, 2022. During the 2021-22 season, Sickels led the Illini in innings pitched and ERA.

Veteran experience returns for Illinois softball

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • January 20, 2023
Quarter back Tommy DeVito runs down the field for a touchdown against Iowa on Oct. 8. The Illini will be making their returning debut for the ReliaQuest Bowl this Monday against Mississippi State.

Illinois looks to finish season strong against Mississippi State in ReliaQuest Bowl

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • January 1, 2023
Mississippi State line back Nathaniel Watson during practice at Tampa. Watson will continue to play for a 5th year with the Bulldogs during the 2023 season.

The Bulldog Breakdown: Getting to know No. 24 Mississippi State

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • December 30, 2022
Defensive back Devon Witherspoon and the rest of the team after Hail to the Orange following a game against Iowa on Oct. 8. The Illini reflect on Witherspoons journey from underdog to his entrance in the NFL draft.

‘It’s just a wonderful feeling’: Projected 1st-round draft pick Devon Witherspoon’s journey from zero stars ends as a superstar

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • December 25, 2022
Senior defensive back Sydney Brown runs down the field during the game against Purdue on Nov. 12.

Illinois football travels to Ann Arbor for penultimate regular season game

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • November 19, 2022
Sophomore defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) takes down Purdue during the last home game of the regular season on Saturday.

Column | ‘They are who we thought they were’: Illinois football falls apart in final matches of 2022 season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • November 15, 2022
Sixth-year senior Tommy DeVito warms up before kickoff against Purdue on Saturday.

Illinois drops second game in a row on Senior Day with Championship chances likely disapparated

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • November 12, 2022
Sixth-year senior offensive lineman Alex Palczewski runs on to the field before the Homecoming game kickoff against Minnesota on Oct. 15.

Illinois football looks for seven straight against short-handed MSU

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • November 5, 2022
Illinois gets set at the line of scrimmage before a play against Nebraska on Aug. 28, 2021.

Illinois travels to Nebraska for another Big Ten West challenge

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • October 29, 2022
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