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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
Ben Fader

Ben Fader, Assistant 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!

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
Junior running back Chase Brown rushes past a Minnesota offensive player on Saturday.

Column | Winning is fun: The Illini now control their destiny

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • October 17, 2022
The Illinois defense took down Minnesota’s offense during last season’s game on Nov. 6. The Illini will take on the Gophers for this season’s homecoming game on Saturday.

Getting to know Illinois’ Homecoming foe

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • October 12, 2022
The Illinois football defensive linemen take on Chattanooga during the game on Sept. 22.

Illinois looks for packed stadium, strong performance against Iowa

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • October 7, 2022
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema watches the team warm up before the game against Wyoming on Aug. 27.

Illinois hosting 10+ recruits for primetime game against Iowa

By Jonathan Alday and Ben Fader • October 7, 2022
Illinois quarterback Tommy DeVito warms up before game at Memorial Stadium.

Truth/Overreaction: State of Illinois Football ahead of Week 5

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • October 2, 2022
Senior offensive lineman Alex Pihlstrom (75) and junior offensive lineman Isaiah Adams (78) celebrate junior running back Chase Browns touchdown during the Wyoming game on Aug. 27.

Homecoming for Bielema, hopeful revenge for the Illini

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • October 1, 2022
Sophomore linebacker Seth Coleman hits the Chattanooga quarterback in the pocket. The Illinois defense dominated their opponent throughout the night.

Illinois defense dominates again, shuts out Chattanooga to close out non-conference play

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • September 22, 2022
Sophomore offensive linebacker Seth Coleman (49) and senior defensive back Sydney Brown takes down a Wyoming opponent on Aug. 27.

Positives, Negatives: The State of Illinois Football ahead of Week 4

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • September 19, 2022
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema celebrates the teams victory against Wyoming with freshman offensive lineman Hunter Whitenack on Aug. 27.

Illinois football to reset, recover after blowout against Virginia

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • September 19, 2022
Junior defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) celebrates with sophomore defensive lineman Johnny Newton (4) during Saturday’s game against Wyoming. The Illini will be back at Memorial Stadium on Saturday to go against Virginia.

Illinois hosts Virginia as it hopes to return to win column, remain undefeated at home

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • September 9, 2022
Sophomore offensive linebacker Seth Coleman (49) tackles a Wyoming opponent during the game on Saturday.

Illinois football travels to Indiana for first Big Ten matchup, in search of second straight victory

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • September 2, 2022
Junior running back Chase Brown scores a touchdown at the end zone during the game against Wyoming on Saturday. The Illini won 38-6 for their first game of the season.

Illinois football blows out Wyoming 38-6 in Week 0 matchup

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • August 27, 2022
Senior quarterback Tommy DeVito looks for an opening during the Spring Orange and Blue game on April 21. DeVito is a fifth-year senior quarterback who transferred from Syracuse in the spring.

Illinois football pursues bowl game in 2022

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • August 20, 2022
The Illini Solar Car, Brizo, completes the 2022 American Solar Challenge at Twin Falls, ID on July 16. The team made it to the finish line at 12:36 p.m..

Illinois wins American Solar Challenge final leg, finishes sixth overall

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • July 26, 2022
Defense Terrell Jennings tackles a Northern State player during a Minnesota State game on Sept. 2. Jennings is one of three defensive players to transfer to Illinois.

Defense poised to make instant impact for Illinois football with eight freshmen, three transfers

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • July 6, 2022
Graduate student Jon Davis runs during his mens 1500m event for the NCAA Outdoor Championship semifinals on June 8. Davis earns the First-Team All-American during the championship finals and placed sixth with a 3:46:15 for the mens 1500m.

Individual talent overshadows team accomplishments in Illinois track & field’s outdoor season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • June 15, 2022
Junior runner Olivia Howell runs during the womens 1500m event for the NCAA Outdoor Championship semifinals on Thursday. Howell earned a Second-Team All-American honor and placed ninth for the womens 1500m finals event on Saturday.

Davis, Howell repeat as All-Americans

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • June 13, 2022
Graduate student Jon Davis runs during the Big Ten Outdoor Championships on May 13. Davis and junior Olivia Howell are set to compete for the NCAA Championships on Wednesday.

Illini Howell, Davis ready to compete in NCAA Championships

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • June 7, 2022
Distance Runner Halle Hill pushes forward to maintain position at the front of the race during the track Illini Classic on April 9. Hill was able to participate in the NCAA postseason regional as a freshman within the 1500m but was unable to place for finals.

Two Illini punch their ticket to the NCAA Championships after Illinois track & field competes at regional meet

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 29, 2022
Right-handed pitcher Riley Gowens pitches the ball to the batter during a game against Nebraska on May 14. Gowens gave a great performance on Friday during the Big Ten tournament with five innings however, the Illini were unable to secure the victory and will no longer be playing in the tournament with a 5-7 loss on Thursday and a 1-8 loss on Friday.

No. 4 Illinois stumbles against lower seeds in Big Ten tournament, leave tournament 0-2

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 29, 2022
Junior runner Olivia Howell runs during the Illini Invite meet on April 23. Howell is one of 14 track and field athletes that will be competing in NCAA West Track & Field Regional this weekend.

14 Illini Participate in NCAA West Track & Field Regional

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 25, 2022
Junior infielder Branden Comia goes up to bat during the match up against Miami Ohio on May 7. The Illini will begin the Big Ten Tournament in going up against Michigan in the first round on Thursday.

No. 4 Illinois baseball feeling good ahead of matchup against No. 5 Michigan in first round of Big Ten tournament

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 24, 2022
Infield/Outfield Cam McDonald swings the bat at the home plate during a match against Maryland on May 7, 2021. McDonald performed a homerun alongside a game winning performance resulting in a 7-4 victory on Saturday during the Big Ten game at Penn State.

Illinois baseball wraps up 2022 regular season with sweep over Penn State

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 22, 2022
Left-handed pitcher Cole Kirschsieper prepares to pitch the ball on Mar 27, 2021 against Northwestern. The Illini baseball team will be heading to the BIG Ten tournament during May 25-29 for a chance for placement in the NCAA tournament since the last time they earned a spot in 2015.

Illinois baseball prepares to close out regular season with away series at Penn State

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 19, 2022
Junior runner Olivia Howell speeds towards the finish line as she takes the lead for her event at the Illini Invite on April 23. Howell won her fourth consecutive Big Ten championship with a 4:21 time in the 1500m on Saturday.

Howell wins Big Ten title, Illinois Track & Field concludes Big Ten Outdoor Championships

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 16, 2022
Junior Branden Comia smacks the ball with his bat during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini won their final home series against Nebraska with two wins out of the three games: 8-3 on Friday and 5-4 on Sunday.

Illinois baseball win final home series of regular season against Nebraska

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 16, 2022
Sophomore Justin Janas catches the ball at first base during the game against Miami Ohio on Saturday. The Illini will be up against Nebraska for their last home games of the regular season from Friday to Saturday.

Illinois baseball wraps up 2022 home schedule with series against Nebraska

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 12, 2022
Junior runner Olivia Howell takes the lead for her event at the Illini Invite on April 23. Howell and other Illinois track and field athletes will be heading to Minneapolis for the Big Ten Outdoor Championships from Friday to Saturday.

Postseason begins for Illinois track & field at Big Ten Championships

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 12, 2022
Junior baseman Kellen Sarver eyes the ball while up to bat during the game against Miami Ohio on Saturday. The Illini won all three games against Miami Ohio over the weekend: 2-0, 5-1 and 6-2.

Righting the ship: Illinois baseball snaps three series losing streak with series win over Miami University Ohio

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 9, 2022
Junior baseman Kellen Sarver goes up to bat during the game against Eastern Illinois on March 8. The Illini will be playing at home on Illinois Field against Miami Ohio this weekend.

Midweek win preps Illinois baseball for weekend series against Miami University Ohio

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 6, 2022

Illinois baseball defeats Indiana State at home, stops bleeding caused by consecutive Big Ten losses

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 4, 2022
Junior pitcher Ty Rybarczyk executes a pitch during the game against Eastern Illinois on March 8. Rybarczyk has only given up two runs in his last 14 innings

Illinois baseball welcomes Indiana State for a regional rivalry, looks to stabilize season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 3, 2022
Sophomore Danny Doligale runs back to first base during the game against Eastern Illinois University on March 8. The Illini fall against Indiana over the weekend losing two out of the three games.

Illinois baseball drops series in Bloomington, pitching struggles led to high scoring series

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 2, 2022
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