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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
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
Current fifth-year senior Sydney Sickels pitches against Penn State on May 7, 2022. Last season, Sickels led the Illini in innings pitched and ERA, creating a hopeful outlook for this season.

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
Senior Declan Rustay (middle left) poses with former Illini Jason Shannon (far left), Joe Haight (middle right) and Devin Quinn (far right) after winning a race at the 2019 Drake Relays.

Illinois track & field wraps up 2022 regular season at Drake Relays

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • May 1, 2022
Sophomore pitcher Jack Crowder prepares to pitch the ball during the game against Purdue on April 3. The Illini will on the road to Indiana for 3 match ups over the weekend.

Illinois baseball prepares for Big Ten road clash with Indiana

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 29, 2022
Senior Nya Carr runs during the 100 meter dash for the Illini Invitational on Saturday. The Illini will finish their regular season at the three-day Drake Relays in Iowa on Thursday.

Illinois track & field heads to Drake Relays for final regular season meet of 2022

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 29, 2022
Junior infielder Branden Comia prepares to throw the ball during a warmup before an inning for the game against Eastern Illinois on March 8. The Illini achieved a victory against Bradley on Wednesday 9-6.

Illinois baseball outlast Bradley in windy midweek matchup

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 28, 2022
Sophomore infielder Cal Hejza catches the ball during the game against Purdue on April 3. The Illini will be heading to Peoria to play against Bradley on Wednesday.

Illinois baseball heads to Bradley for interstate midweek matchup

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 27, 2022
Freshman DeVontae Ford leaps over the hurdles alongside teammate junior Robert Williams during their 110 meter hurdles event for the Illini Invitational on Saturday. Ford placed third with 13.91 seconds and Williams placed eleventh with 14.66 during the 110 meter hurdles event.

Personal bests and Senior Day highlight Illini invitational for Illinois track & field

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 24, 2022
Senior distance runner Emma Milburn runs alongside freshman distance runner Annalyssa Crain during the Illini Classic meet on April 9. The Illini will be hosting an invitational on Friday and Saturday featuring other teams from Illinois State, SIUE and more.

Illinois track & field return for final home meet of 2021-2022 season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 22, 2022
Senior quarterback Tommy DeVito passes the ball during the first half of the Spring Orange and Blue game on Thursday. DeVito led the White team to winning against the Blue team 58-40.

2022 Spring Orange and Blue Game provides learning experience for Illini

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 21, 2022
Multi-Event Aidan Ouimet takes a leap into the sand pit for the long jump event during the track field invite on Jan. 21. Ouimet recently set new personal records in six categories as well as surpassing the previous decathlon record held by the University.

Aiden Ouimet headlines 25 personal-best weekend for Illinois track & field

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 16, 2022
Senior distance runner Michael Madiol runs during the Illini Classic on Saturday. The Illini heads to California for the Mt. Sac Relays on from Thursday to Saturday.

Illinois track & field ‘taking advantage of the warmer weather,’ sets its sights on event titles at competitive Mt. Sac Relays

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 14, 2022
Distance runner Rebecca Craddock runs laps while attempting to take the lead during the Illini Classic on Saturday. Craddocks confidence carried from her record breaking performance at Stanford to Saturdays event.

Illinois track & field win nine event titles in first home meet of season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 9, 2022
Junior Tyler Sudduth gets his stance ready for his shotput event during the Big Ten Outdoor Championship on May 13. The Illini will be back for their first outdoor home meet for the Illini Classic on Saturday.

Illinois track & field to host its first outdoor meet of the season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 8, 2022
Junior distance runner Olivia Howell runs during the Indoor Big Ten Championship on Feb. 29, 2020. Howell discusses her passion for running as a child to achieving many of her planned goals at Illinois.

A star everyone saw coming: Olivia Howell’s stellar career continues through third season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 4, 2022
Distance runner and redshirt senior Rebecca Craddock attempts to take the lead on May 25, 2018 during the NCAA West Prelims. Craddock achieved second-best in the program for the womens 5000m during the Stanford invite on Friday.

Craddock, Sudduth headline weekend two for Illinois track & field

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 3, 2022
Senior Nya Carr warms up before the start of the Fighting Illini Big Ten Relays on April 24. The Illini will be away in Normal for the 2-day Red Bird Invite on Friday and Saturday.

Illinois track & field split up on second weekend of outdoor season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • April 1, 2022
Senior Bret Dannis jumps over the hurdles during his 110m hurdle event for the Big Ten Track Outdoor Championship on May 16. Dannis placed second in the mens 100m for the Ole Miss Classic on Saturday.

Outdoor track & field season begins, Illinois sees 12 PR’s in Ole Miss Classic

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • March 27, 2022
Junior Aiden Ouimet successfully goes over during his pole vault event during the Illini Invitational on Jan. 25, 2020. By not partaking in the NCAA Championships, Ouimet and the other athletes made time to prepare for the beginning of the outdoor track and field season.

Illini track & field season kicks off at Ole Miss Classic

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • March 25, 2022
Distance runner Jon Davis runs during his event at the Big Ten Indoor Championship in 2018. Davis placed fourth for the mens mile for the Big Ten Indoor Championship.

Howell, Davis, Sudduth finish Illinois track & field 2022 indoor season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • March 13, 2022
Runner Olivia Howell celebrates with her team after completing an event during the Big Ten Indoor Championship on Feb. 27. Howell is one of three to represent the Illini at NCAA Indoor Championships on Friday and Saturday.

Howell, Davis, Sudduth to represent Illinois track & field at NCAA Indoor Championships

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • March 11, 2022
Junior Olivia Howell runs during her event at Big Ten Indoor Championship on Saturday. The Illini placed 10th at the meet with eight athletes receiving All-Big Ten honors.

Davis, Howell highlight Illinois track & field’s efforts at Big Ten Indoor Championships

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 27, 2022
Runner Jon Davis takes the lead in his event during the 2021 Big Ten Outdoor Championships on May 16. Davis is one of three Illinois runners to place within the top 15 for the mile.

Illini track & field heads to Big Ten Indoor Championships in Ohio

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 25, 2022
Distance runner Logan Hall gets ready for his event during the Illini Classic meet on Friday. This will be the Illinis last indoor meet for the season and will be heading to Ohio for the Big Ten Championships this weekend.

Illinois track & field wraps up indoor regular season with strong performances at home facilities

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 20, 2022
Thrower Tyler Sudduth prepares to launch the weight during his weight throw event during the Illini Invitational on Jan. 22. The Illini will be back home on Friday for the Illini Classic.

Illinois track & field wraps up indoor regular season with Illini Classic in Champaign

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 18, 2022
Graduate student Jon Davis runs during the Indoor Music City Challenge on Friday. Davis and junior Olivia Howell set new school records.

Illinois track & track leaves Nashville with personal bests, two school records

By Ben Fader • February 13, 2022
Runner Allison McGrath runs during the Commodore Classic in 2018. McGrath was one of two to win an event during the Meyo Invitational and will be competing in the Indoor Music City Challenge this weekend.

Illini track & field heads to Nashville for final away meet of indoor regular season

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 11, 2022
Illinois track & field Aiden Ouimet successful goes over the bar for his pole vault event during the Illini Invitational on Jan. 22. Ouimet recorded a personal best for his 60m hurdles event during the Meyo Invitational.

Howell dominates, Illinois track & field sets personal records at Meyo Invitational 

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 6, 2022
Runner Olivia Howell runs during the mile for the Big Ten Championships on Feb. 29, 2020. The Illini will be away on Friday and Saturday for the Meyo Invitational in Indiana.

Illinois track & field looks to continue building momentum at Meyo Invitational 

By Ben Fader, Staff Writer • February 4, 2022
Olivia Howell poses for a photo in front of a banner at the PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational. The team set a multitude of records at the invitational.

Illinois track & field sets new personal, facility, program records at PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational in Louisville

By Ben Fader, Contributing Writer • January 30, 2022
Freshman Illinois track and field Tacoria Humphrey leaps over the bar during high jump at the Illini Invitational on Saturday. The Illini will be on the road this weekend for the Lenny Lyles Invitational.

Illinois track & field to face tough competition at PNC Lenny Lyles Invitational in Louisville

By Ben Fader, Contributing Writer • January 28, 2022
Illinois track and field Kenli Nettles runs during the 60 meter hurdles for the Illini Invitational on Jan. 21. Nettles wins the Pentathlon and overall the Illini places second for the meet.

Illinois track & field records second-place finish at Illini Invitational

By Ben Fader, Contributing Writer • January 23, 2022
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