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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

Carson Gourdie, Sports Video Editor

[email protected]

Tank Wright has recently been named the new Director of Football Strength and Conditioning.

Tank Wright provides leadership, passion in the weight room

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • January 5, 2021
Sophomore Luke Luffman works to push the arm of his opponent away during the meet against Purdue on Feb. 16.

Illini’s conference-only schedule released

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 31, 2020
Tony Petersen poses for a professional headshot. Petersen has recently been hired as offensive coordinator for the Illinois football team.

Bielema secures his offensive vision with Petersen hire

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 30, 2020
Maryland head coach Matt Canada questions a call during a game against Penn State on Nov. 24, 2018. Canada now coaches for the Pittsburgh Steelers and is a potential choice for offensive coordinator at Illinois.

Building a staff: Coaches Bret Bielema should consider

By Carson Gourdie and Josh Pietsch • December 28, 2020
Quarterback Isaiah Williams runs the ball during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 14. Williams will be a key asset for the Illinois offense going forward.

Isaiah Williams set to become Bielema’s unlikely asset

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 21, 2020
Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields runs through the Northwestern defense in the first quarter of the Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday.

Big Ten crowns a champ, clinches playoff spot

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 20, 2020
Illinois football recruit Brody Wisecarver signs to join the University of Illinois.

Illini sign last Lovie-influenced recruiting class

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 17, 2020
Senior Jake Hansen tackles the ball carrier during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 28-10.

Trio of Illini defenders named to All-Big Ten team

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 16, 2020
Players of the Illinois football team enter and exit the field between plays during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. The Illini lost the game 28-10.

Illini players view program bigger than a coach

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 16, 2020
Redshirt freshman Isaiah Williams runs the ball during the game against Northwestern on Saturday. The Illini lost 28-10.

Big Ten recap: Northwestern, Ohio State look for conference crown amid Champions Week

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 14, 2020
Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian during open practice at Fan Day in Bryant-Denny Stadium Aug. 3, 2019.

Top seven coaching replacements for Lovie Smith

By Carson Gourdie and Josh Pietsch • December 14, 2020
Illinois Khalan Tolson tackles Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras during the game between the two teams. Tolson has signed with the Carolina Panthers as an undrafted free agent.

Northwestern has what Illinois needs to become contender

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 10, 2020
Roderick Perry and Owen Carney Jr. get pressure on Iowas quarterback Spencer Petras in Illinois game against Iowa on Saturday. The Illini lost to the Hawkeyes 35-21.

Illinois loses momentum, falls to Iowa 35-21 on Senior Night

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 5, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters prepares to throw a pass during the game against Iowa on Nov. 23, 2019.

Illini look to knock off Iowa, jump-start program

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • December 4, 2020
Michigan quarterback Cade MacNamara looks to throw a pass in the first quarter of the game against Penn State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday.

Big Ten Week 6 recap: Cancellations shake up conference picture

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 29, 2020
Running back Chase Brown advances the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday.

Illini needs running game to slow down Buckeyes

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 25, 2020
Northwestern linebacker Blake Gallagher sacks Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, Illinois. Northwestern won the game 17-7.

Big Ten Week 5 recap: Northwestern, Ohio State on collision course for conference crown

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 23, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters runs with the ball during the game against Nebraska on Saturday. The Illini won 41-23.

Peters shines, unleashes Illini offense

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 22, 2020
Minimal fans watch Illinois play against Purdue Oct. 31. The Illini fell to the Boilermakers 31-24.

Semester in review: COVID-19 leads to unprecedented football season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 19, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks off the field after a disappointing 42-38 loss to Nebrasaka on Sept. 21, 2019. The Illini will look to beat the Cornhuskers this Saturday for the first time since 2015.

Illini look to contain Cornhusker offense

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 18, 2020
Senior linebacker Jake Hansen stands ready on the line of scrimmage during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 15.

“Lovieball” provides Illini first victory

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 16, 2020
Redshirt freshman quarterback Isaiah Williams scans the field during the game against Michigan on Oct. 12, 2019, which Illinois lost 42-25. Williams may start as quarterback against Rutgers on Saturday.

Isaiah Williams may get chance to showcase ability

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 12, 2020
Sophomore Coran Taylor narrowly stays in bounds as he slips through the Minnesota defense. As a fourth-string quarterback, Taylor has had a lack of game experience.

Underperforming passing game, penalties create bad start to season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 9, 2020
Head coach Lovie Smith instructs his team during practice on Oct. 1. After two losses to start the season, the Illini are counting on a strong performance this Saturday.

Saturday’s game becomes must win for program

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 5, 2020
Sophomore quarterback Coran Taylor throws a pass under pressure during the game against Purdue on Oct. 31. The Illini fell to the Boilermakers 31-24.

Fourth-string quarterback Taylor sparks life into offense

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • November 2, 2020
Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore runs with the ball after the catch during the game against Vanderbilt on Sept. 7, 2019 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. Moore finished the year with 1,471 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Purdue’s receiving corps poses threat to Illini

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 29, 2020
Quarterback Brandon Peters faces pressure from the Wisconsin defense in the first game of the season Friday night. The Illini lost to the Badgers 45-7.

Peters, entire offense shut down by Wisconsin

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 24, 2020
Linebacker Jake Hansen smiles while holding the ball during football practice on Oct. 15.

Illini to rely on defense for another Badger upset

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 21, 2020
Illinois head coach Tyra Perry speaks to her team during the game against Baylor on Feb. 21. Perry is pleased all of her starters are returning from last year.

Illini see top pitchers, hitters return after shortened spring season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 19, 2020
Senior wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe turns to catch a pass during football practice on Oct. 15.

Josh Imatorbhebhe welcomes brother, leadership role

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 17, 2020
Oklahoma defensive lineman Marcus Stripling (33) and linebacker Brian Asamoah (24) celebrate a missed Texas field goal in triple overtime at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas on Saturday. Oklahoma won in quadruple overtime, 53-45.

Week six separates contenders from pretenders

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 13, 2020
Redshirt senior Trevon Sidney runs the ball during competition.

Trevon Sidney uses positive attitude to prepare for season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 11, 2020
Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan scans the field before throwing a pass during the game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 19, 2019.

Upsets, hot seat talk, injuries headline week 5 recap

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 6, 2020
Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters launches a pass during the game against Rutgers on Nov. 2, 2019.

Tight ends provide new dimension for Peters, offense

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 1, 2020
Sophomore Jeanae Terry high-fives a teammate during the game against Ohio State on Feb. 6. Head coach Nancy Fahey and the Illini did not make ESPN’s Way-Too-Early rankings for the 2020-2021 season.

Early ESPN rankings show tough road for Illini

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • October 1, 2020
An aerial view showcases the scale of Memorial Stadium on May 23. Louisiana State University and Oklahoma’s upsets on Saturday opened up spots for Big Ten teams in the college football playoffs.

Upsets open two playoff spots for Big Ten

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • September 28, 2020
The Illini football team and fans commemorate their win against the Badgers on the field of Memorial Stadium.

Illinois looks to replicate magic, stun Wisconsin

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • September 24, 2020
Junior Donny Navarro slips around a defender during football practice on Sept. 17. The Illini are scheduled to have their first home game of an abbreviated 2020 season on Halloween against Purdue.

Big Ten releases 2020 football schedule

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • September 21, 2020
Senior Jon Moskaluk advances towards the goal during the game against Robert Morris on Feb. 29. The Illini won 7-1.

Illini await Division I recognition after COVID-19 delays

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • September 10, 2020
Recently recruited wide receiver Brian Hightower practices drills at Memorial Stadium.

NCAA grants WR Hightower immediate eligibility

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 26, 2020
The Chicago Blackhawks celebrate a 3-2 victory against the Edmonton Oilers to win Game 4 and clinch the Western Conference Qualification Round series at Rogers Place in Edmonton, Alberta, on Aug. 7. After the cancellation of sports in March, the NHL season restarted and is now nearing the quarterfinals.

Major league sports return with efficiency

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 24, 2020
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu pushes forward during the match against Purdue on Jan. 5 at State Farm Center.

Cultivate sports passion through campus involvement

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 19, 2020
Yuanrui Chen, a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering stands in his single dorm room located at Busey-Evans Residence Hall on March 11.

Make friends in your dorm

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 17, 2020
Freshman Quarterback Isaiah Thomas attempts to slip by two defenders during the Red Box Bowl match against California on Dec. 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, CA.

College athletes demand protections amid pandemic

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 5, 2020
A student takes an egg roll from the Busey-Evans buffet on Oct. 27, 2019. The dining hall at Busey-Evans is one of the many options for eating delicious food on campus.

UI campus offers delicious dining options

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 5, 2020
Senior Jake Hansen takes a deep breath before a play during competition. Hansen has declared for the NFL Draft following the 2020 season.

Hansen, turnovers will lead Illini defense this fall

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • August 4, 2020
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu defends against an opposing player during the match against Iowa on March 8 at State Farm Center.

Rewatch these top Illini classics

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • July 31, 2020
Former Illinois head coach Lou Henson is recognized at halftime in the game against Penn State at State Farm Center on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019.

Illini coaching legend Lou Henson passes away

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • July 29, 2020
Redshirt freshman Matt Robinson throws a pass during the match against Northwestern on Nov. 30, 2019 at Memorial Stadium.

Big Ten moves to conference only fall schedule

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • July 9, 2020
Senior Milo Eifler plays in a spring game on April 13, 2019.

Illinois’ LB Eifler questions college football season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • July 3, 2020
Junior Brandon Peters throws a pass during the match against Connecticut on Sep. 12, 2019.

Hernandez sees progress in top players

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • June 26, 2020
Illinois Head Football Coach Lovie Smith watches from the sideline during the Redbox Bowl match against California on Dec. 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, CA.

Illini prepare for unprecedented season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • June 17, 2020
The State Farm Center, located at 1800 S. First St. in Champaign, sits on April 3, 2019.

Illinois High School Association Boys Basketball tournament returning to Champaign

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • June 15, 2020
Former Illinois Head Basketball Coach John Groce looks toward the court during the match against NC State on Nov. 29, 2016.

Where would Illinois basketball be if they beat Rutgers in 2017?

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • June 4, 2020
Junior Bobby Roundtree attends the final home football game of the season against Northwestern on Nov. 30, 2019.

Roundtree finds purpose, is determined to walk again

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • May 23, 2020
Senior Tristyn Nowlin watches her ball fly through the air during competition.

Big Ten honors trio of Illini women’s golfers

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • May 22, 2020
Senior Jacqueline Quade and Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu were named Dicke Eddleman Athletes of the Year on Wednesday.

Dosunmu, Quade win Dike Eddleman Athlete of the Year awards

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • May 14, 2020
Freshman Avrey Steiner fields the ball during the match against Virginia Tech on May 17, 2019.

Best Illini uniforms: blue-white heads 2019 softball jersey combinations

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • May 10, 2020
Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren speaks about the cancellation of the mens Big 10 basketball tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on March 12, 2020.

Big Ten extends athletic suspensions through June 1

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • May 5, 2020
The University of Illinois Softball Team celebrates a walk-off home run during the match against Ohio State on April 10, 2010.

Team of the century: 2010 Illini softball storm through regular season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • April 20, 2020
Junior Amira Aduma competes in a relay race during the Womens Big Ten Indoor Championships on Feb. 24. 2018.

Illini of the season: Aduma, Howell excel amid young talent

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • April 7, 2020
A tribute commemorating the late Bobby Mitchell

Former Illini football player Bobby Mitchell passes away at 84

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • April 6, 2020
Freshman Delaney Rummel winds up for a swing against NC State on Feb. 16, 2020. The Illini won 7-3.

Illini of the season: Sickels, Rummel anchor lineup next spring

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • March 31, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosumnu (left), freshman center Kofi Cockburn (center) and junior guard DaMonte Williams walk toward the Illinois bench.

NCAA grants spring sport athletes extra year

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • March 30, 2020
Students in the student fan section cheer for the Illini Mens Basketball Team during the match against Iowa on March 8. The Illini won 78-76

Krushed! Students look back at unfinished season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • March 27, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu speeds around two defenders during the match against Iowa on March 8. The Illini won the match 78-76.

New decade offers top Illini moments

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • March 23, 2020
Senior Chisom Nwoko runs at the Big Ten Indoor Championships at the SPIRE Institute during the weekend of Feb. 29.

Young Illini team makes strides during shortened season

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • March 22, 2020
Senior Karen Howell does her beam routine against Central Michigan on Senior Day at Huff Hall on March 1. Howell scored a 9.650 on the beam and the Illini won the meet with a score of 196.225-195.500.

Illinois hot streak, careers ended

By Carson Gourdie, Assistant Sports Editor • March 16, 2020
The Illini dugout stares onto Eichelberger Field on April 3, 2019.

Illinois knock off Mizzou in final game of the season

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • March 12, 2020
Sophomore pitcher Sydney Sickels winds up a pitch during a match against Baylor on Feb. 21, 2020.

Illinois ends Red and Black Challenge with mixed results

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • March 10, 2020
Sophomore Sydney Sickels winds up to pitch during the game against Virginia Tech on May 17. Despite several pitchers on the team’s roster, Sickels and sophomore Addy Jarvis dominate the mound with ERAs below 2.52.

Sickels, Jarvis monopolize on mound time

By Carson Gourdie, Staff writer • March 9, 2020
Junior catcher Shelby Stauffenberg bats during the Illinois’ game against California State University, Fullerton at Fullerton, California, on Saturday. Illinois heads to Louisville, Kentucky, to compete against Louisville Friday.

Illinois softball road struggles continue in Judi Garman Classic

By Carson Gourdie, Staff writer • March 2, 2020

Illinois hit the road for West Coast Classic

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • February 27, 2020
Addy Jarvis winds up for a pitch during Illinois’ match against Texas State at Waco, Texas, on Friday. Pitching was at the forefront of the Illini’s 2-2 record at the Baylor Invitational.

Sickels shines as Illinois splits games at Baylor Invitational

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • February 24, 2020
Sophomore Danielle Davis swings during Illinois’ game against North Carolina State at Dail Softball Stadium in Clearwater, Florida. The team will travel to Waco, Texas, to compete at Baylor Invitational.

Illinois looks to regain mojo in Baylor Invitational

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • February 20, 2020
Sophomore pitcher Sydney Sickels pitches at Eichelberger Field. The Illini pitching staff helped coin a 4-0 start to the season last weekend in Florida.

Illini look to stay hot in B10-ACC Challenge

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • February 13, 2020
Illinois defenses Tyler Opilka (22) and Joe Nolan (27) defend the goal during the Illinois vs. Lindenwood game at the Ice Arena on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. Illinois lost 2-1. Illinois will play Alabama this Friday and Saturday.

Lions drain Illini during weekend series

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • February 10, 2020
Hayes channels experience in new role with Illinois

Hayes channels experience in new role with Illinois

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • December 10, 2019

Illinois falls to Ohio to end win streak

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • December 8, 2019

Illini reign supreme against Huskies

By Carson Gourdie, Contributing writer • November 16, 2019
Illinois splits victories with Iowa State

Illinois splits victories with Iowa State

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • November 11, 2019
Chance Homerin defends the puck as a Lindenwood defender attempts to gain possession at the Illinois Ice Arena on Oct. 18.

Illini test defense against Cyclones

By Carson Gourdie, Contributing Writer • November 8, 2019
Illini hope to skate to victory

Illini hope to skate to victory

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • November 2, 2019
The Illini Hockey team gathers after defeating UNLV 4-1 on Sunday at the Fifth Third Arena.

Illini hockey’s defeat follows big win

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • October 29, 2019
Bobby Ernsting (24) faces off with a Lindenwood defender on Friday at the Ice Arena.

Illinois takes on Minot State in Chicago Classic

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • October 23, 2019
Chance Homerin defends the puck as a Lindenwood defender attempts to gain possession at the Illinois Ice Arena on Oct. 18.

Lindenwood overpowers Illinois club hockey in weekend series

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • October 21, 2019
Drew Richter controls the puck during Illinois’ game against llinois State. The game took place on Feb. 2, 2018.

Illini split series against Bronchos

By Carson Gourdie, Contributing Writer • October 14, 2019
Illinois’ Nick Fabbrini walks back to the bench after the Ohio hockey game at the Ice Arena on Oct. 24, 2014. The Illini won 2-1. Fabbrini said adding hockey as a Division I team would be an historic event and would greatly improve the program.

Fabbrini leads program despite missing Division I status

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • October 10, 2019
Illinois forwards Stephen Quinn (7), Neil Novosel (14) and Drew Richter (10) watch their teammates during the Illinois vs. Lindenwood game at the Ice Arena on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. Illinois lost 2-1.

Spartans fall from grace against Illini

By Carson Gourdie, Staff Writer • October 7, 2019
Thomas Kolaz gets ready to take a shot at Robert Morris’ goal at the Ice Arena on Nov. 2. Majoring in community health, Kolaz aspires to run a hospital in the future.

Kolaz trains for championship season, career

By Carson Gourdie, Contributing Writer • October 3, 2019
Illini overcome Redbirds 3-2 in overtime during season opener

Illini overcome Redbirds 3-2 in overtime during season opener

By Carson Gourdie, Contributing Writer • September 30, 2019
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