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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!

Fall ball begins for reigning conference champs

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor September 26, 2024
Members of the Marching Illini hold flags of all the teams in the Big 10 before the Illinois football game on Sept. 7.

Conference realignment update: Week 4

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor September 18, 2024
Red Grange runs with ball in-hand as Illinois takes on Michigan during the 1924 season.

Illinois football Homecoming through the years

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor September 11, 2024
Ethan Boder scores 13.85 on the rings during the men's gymnastics Big Ten championship at the State Farm Center on April 5.

Additions you missed over the summer

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor August 16, 2024
Terrence Shannon Jr high daps a coach before a game at the State Farm Center on Feb. 4.

Professional Illini over the summer

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor August 16, 2024
New Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze and quarterback Caleb Williams pose for photographs at Halas Hall on April 26.

Column: Bears 2024 draft grades

By Ben Fader, Sports Editor May 1, 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
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
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

Illinois sweeps 3 games in Saint Louis

By Ben Fader, On-Air Editor March 12, 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
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 Jer'Zhan 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
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 Jer'Zhan 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 Illini's 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
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

New faces take the reigns, lead Illini to victory

By Ben Fader, Assistant Sports Editor September 2, 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
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
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 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

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
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
ILLordle: Play now