Donate to the DI!
Listen to WPGU 107.1 FM!
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
Thank you, DI: A farewell from Sports Editor Cole Henke

Thank you, DI: A farewell from Sports Editor Cole Henke

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Mar 15, 2018
The top six coaches I'd like to get a beer with on Unofficial

The top six coaches I’d like to get a beer with on Unofficial

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Mar 1, 2018
Arizona head coach Sean Miller urges on his players in the first half against Duke at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, on Mar. 24, 2011.

FBI investigation creates perfect opportunity for NCAA

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Feb 26, 2018
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster takes a handoff during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct 28. The Illini lost 10-24.

Time to not stick to sports

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Feb 19, 2018
Illinois forward Michael Finke catches his breath near the sideline during the team’s 62-58 victory over Grand Canyon on Dec. 30. Finke is averaging 9.8 points per game this season.

The blowout loss at Wisconsin was an anomaly

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Feb 8, 2018
Illinois forward Kipper Nichols drives to the basket during the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on Jan. 11. The Illini lost in overtime, 104-97, however, the Illini defeated the Scarlet Knights on Tuesday, 91-60.

Underwood, Illini ruined a perfectly good thing

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Feb 1, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks out over the field during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct 28. The Illini lost 10-24.

What Illini sports have taught me

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Jan 16, 2018
Sports editor Cole Henke says, “Volleyball has been the most consistently fun sport at this University for more than four years.”

The only sport that matters

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Dec 7, 2017
Safety Patrick Nelson makes a tackle during the Wisconsin game on Oct. 28. Nelson is one Illini transferring next season.

I would transfer too

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Nov 30, 2017
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner catches a pass for a successful fourth down conversion during the game against Ball State on Saturday, September 2, at Memorial Stadium.

We can’t forget the seniors’ sacrifice

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Nov 27, 2017
Fans in the Block I student section jangle their keys in the air during a kickoff in the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 5, 2016. Sports editor Cole Henke lists what he’ll get to do this weekend in the stands rather than the press box.

I get to be a fan this weekend

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Nov 9, 2017
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks out over the field during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct 28. The Illini lost 10-24.

It’s Christmas time for Illinois sports

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Nov 2, 2017
Fighting Illini fans tailgating after the game against Rutgers University on Saturday Oct. 14.

It’s time to build a new tailgaiting tradition

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Oct 26, 2017
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith stands on the sidelines during the game against Western Kentucky University on Sept. 9.

When fading out the old guys goes too far

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Oct 16, 2017
Illinois assistant coach Garrick McGee answers questions at a press conference at Memorial Stadium this Monday.

That was the best loss that the Illini have had all year

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Oct 11, 2017
Important discovery during an Illini football game

Important discovery during an Illini football game

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Oct 2, 2017
Illinois backup quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) runs down the field during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Illini “Quarterback Controversy” is a non-story

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Sep 25, 2017
Freshman defensive end Bobby Roundtree celebrates after making a tackle during the Sept. 9 game against Western Kentucky. The Illini won 20-7.

Illinois defense brought back down to Earth, and that is good

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Sep 18, 2017
An apology to the Illini defense

An apology to the Illini defense

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Sep 10, 2017
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner jumps to catch a pass for a successful fourth down conversion during the team's close victory against Ball State on Saturday. The Illini won 24-21.

Illinois football upperclassmen saved the day

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Sep 5, 2017
Illinois Football is young, and I am old

Illinois Football is young, and I am old

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Aug 31, 2017
The Marching Illini drumine leads the team into grange Grove before the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 25, 2016/ Sports Editor Cole Henke disputes the reasoning the University used to retire the "War Chant."

If you get rid of a decades old tradition, of course people will be mad

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Aug 28, 2017
Jake Sicinski, left, sophomore LAS, and Josh Beckman, freshman in LAS, play soccer on the artificial turf by First Street and Stadium Drive.

Turn to intramural sports to easily make friends

By Cole Henke, Sports editor • Aug 24, 2017
Red, white and blue lights illuminate State Farm Center during the national anthem before the game against Northwestern at State Farm Center on Tuesday, February 21.

Underclassmen will likely see the finished products of football, basketball rebuilds

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Aug 20, 2017
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. looks to pass the ball during the game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 6.

Breaking down the Illini football home games

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Aug 1, 2017
Illini won 4-3 in a shootout with a goal from Cruickshank on Jan. 22. Illinois is taking part in a feasibility study from the National Hockey League.

Illinois to take part in NHL Feasibility Study

By Cole Henke, Sports Editor • Jun 23, 2017
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks down the sideline during a timeout in the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 17. Illinois would later end the season 3-9.

Smith’s first season now behind him

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • May 8, 2017
Former Illini tennis head coach Craig Tiley was recently inducted into the the inaugural class of the Illinois athletics Hall of Fame for revitalizing the team and making it a national contender.

Tiley leaves legacy for Illinois men’s tennis program

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Mar 15, 2017
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) watches from the sidelines during the game against Northwestern at Ryan Field on Saturday, November 26. The Illini lost 42-21.

Lunt may be graduating from Illinois, but he knows he can always come home

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Dec 1, 2016
Iowa's Riley McCarron (83) returns a punt for a touchdown during the first half of the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 19. The Illini are losing 7-0 at halftime.

Updated rapid recap: Iowa beats Illinois 28-0

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 19, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce shouts instructions to his team from the sideline during the game against Northern Kentucky at State Farm Center on Sunday, November 13. The Illini won 81-62.

Watch: Illinois basketball’s John Groce talks landing Jeremiah Tilmon

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 17, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner weaves through defenders during the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17. The Illini lost 34-10.

Illinois football’s Turner returns to the field after major scare

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 17, 2016
Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) looks to pass the ball during the game against Wisconsin at Camp Randall on Saturday, November 12. The Illini lost 48-3.

Illinois’ Lunt returns to his place in the pocket

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 15, 2016
Illinois head coach John Groce watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Iowa at the State Farm Center on February 7. The Illini lost 77-65.

Watch: Illinois basketball’s John Groce discusses Class of 2017 signees

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 10, 2016
Illinois linebacker Tré Watson (33) tackles Michigan State running back Gerald Holmes (24) during the game against at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini won 31-27.

Watson balances life on the field with life in a fraternity

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 10, 2016
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks at the playbook during a TV timeout in the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Lovie Smith discusses Illinois football’s change in schedule

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 8, 2016
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster (22) runs through a pair of Michigan State defenders for a touchdown during the first half of game against Michigan State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, November 5. The Illini lead 7-6 at halftime.

Rapid recap: Illinois beats Michigan State 31-27

By Cole Henke, Staff Writer • Nov 5, 2016
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. throws a pass during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday October 29. The Illini lost 17-40.

Michigan State comes to Champaign looking for first Big Ten win

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 2, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Zach Grant (88) rushes off the line of scrimmage during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Zach Grant made it to the top of the hill

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Nov 2, 2016
Illinois quarterback Jeff George Jr. (3) throws a pass during the first half of the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday October 29. The Illini are losing 14-7 at half.

Updated rapid recap: Minnesota beats Illinois 40-17

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 29, 2016
Michelle Tam

Illinois football excited to be on the right side of the homecoming crowd

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 26, 2016
Illinois linebacker Hardy Nickerson tackles Western Michigan running back Jarvion Franklin during the the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 17.

Illinois football prepares for homecoming opponent Minnesota

By Cole Henke, Staff Writer • Oct 26, 2016
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh encourages his players coming off the field late in the first half against Penn State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. Michigan won, 49-10. (Eric Seals/Detroit Free Press/TNS)

Illinois, Michigan matchup will mark history for college football

By Cole Henke, Staff Writer • Oct 19, 2016
Illinois backup quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) passes the ball during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Illinois football follows through on takeaway philosophy against Rutgers

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 18, 2016
Illinois running back Kendrick Foster (22) runs through a tackle for a touchdown during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Illinois prepares to face Rutgers in battle of the beatens

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 12, 2016
Illinois backup quarterback Chayce Crouch (7) runs down the field during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Crouch gave Illinois football a chance at win

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 9, 2016
Illinois offensive lineman Austin Schmidt (57) gets helped up by Adam Solomon (52) after place kicker Chase McLaughlin missed the field goal to win the game at the end of the fourth quarter in the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on October 8. The Illini lost 34-31.

Updated rapid recap: Illinois loses to Purdue 34-31

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 8, 2016
Illinois running back Reggie Corbin (2) runs down the field during the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Reggie Corbin draws comparisons to Josh Ferguson

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 5, 2016
Illinois linebacker Hardy Nickerson (10) tackles Western Michigan running back Jarvion Franklin (31) during the the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17. The Illini lost 34-10.

Late defensive penalties kill Illinois football momentum

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Oct 4, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner(11) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Malik Turner has found his way to being the Illini’s top receiver

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 28, 2016
Illinois' Josh Ferguson (6) gets tackled during the game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Oct 3, 2015. The Illini won 14-13.

The Illinois football offense faces off against a familiar defense this weekend

By Cole Henke, staff writer • Sep 28, 2016
Defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot looks to record a sack against Middle Tennesse on September 30, 2015.

Illinois football trying to convert practice success to game success

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 25, 2016
An interior view of Memorial Stadium where Carmoni Green can be seen in upcoming Illinois football games. September 4, 2007.

University progresses on Memorial Stadium renovations

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 21, 2016
Illinois running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn (5) tries to run the ball down the sideline during the game against Western Michigan at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 17. The Illini lost 34-10.

Western Michigan rows the boat over Illini, run game nonexistent

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 18, 2016
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith watches his team from the sidelines during the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Illinois football looks to get last home win before Big Ten season

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 14, 2016
North Carolina defensive end Mikey Bart (45) and defensive tackle Jeremiah Clarke (49) dive on the ball after Illinois quarterback Wes Lunt (12) fumbled during the game against Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Third and long caused trouble for Illinois football’s defense

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 13, 2016
Illinois running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn runs down the sideline for the first touchdown of the game against North Carolina at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 10. The Illini loss 48-23.

Updated Rapid Recap: Illinois football loses 48-23 to North Carolina

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 10, 2016
Illinois football fans line the entrance to Grange Grove waiting for the football team to enter before the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 3.

IFC hosts new tailgate to attract fraternities

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 8, 2016
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith watches his team from the sidelines during the game against Murrary State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Illinois coaches get their first taste of the atmosphere in Memorial Stadium

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 5, 2016
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner (11) celebrates with offensive lineman Austin Schmidt (57) scoring the first touchdown of the game against Murray State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 3. The Illini won 52-3.

Updated Rapid Recap: Illinois beats Murray State 52-3

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Sep 3, 2016
Lovie Smith thanks the Illini Marching Band in the Illini Union on March 7.

University students anticipate new era in Illinois football

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Aug 31, 2016
Local businesses feel the effect of Lovie Smith’s hire

Local businesses feel the effect of Lovie Smith’s hire

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Aug 31, 2016
Lovie Smith coaches the Illini Football team in Memorial Stadium.

Illinois football caps offseason with two commitments

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Aug 28, 2016
Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith talks to reporters during Media Day at Memorial Stadium on August 14.

Illinois football gets second commit of the day

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Aug 25, 2016
An interior view of Memorial Stadium where Carmoni Green can be seen in upcoming Illinois football games. September 4, 2007.

Four-star wide receiver Carmoni Green commits to Illinois football

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Aug 25, 2016
Illinois Football practices for the upcoming season at Memorial Stadium on April 16.

Change in culture, leadership will drive Illinois football defense

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Aug 23, 2016
Illinois' Wes Lunt looks to pass the ball during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 15, 2014. The Illini lost 30-14.

Illini football’s Lunt ready to improve game, NFL Draft stock

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Aug 19, 2016
Head coach Bill Cubit disagrees with a call and has to be held back while he screams at the referees during Illinois' 14-13 win over Nebraska on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.

Big Ten adapts targeting call decision process

By Cole Henke, Staff Writer • Jul 27, 2016
Lovie Smith responds to questions at the press conference on Monday, March 7, 2016.

LISTEN: Thoughts on Lovie Smith at Big Ten media days

By Kevin McCarthy, Joey Figueroa and Cole Henke • Jul 26, 2016
Quarterback Wes Lunt hands off to running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, October 24. Illinois lost 13-24.

LISTEN: Reflections on Illini players at Big Ten media days

By Kevin McCarthy, Joey Figueroa and Cole Henke • Jul 26, 2016
Illinois' football headcoach Lovie Smith obverses the players running drills during the first spring practice on Friday, April 1, 2016.

Smith sets bar for present and future of Illinois football

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Jul 26, 2016
Illinois coaches Mike Ward (left), Tim Banks (center) and Bill Cubit converse on the field during Saturday's game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. Illinois won 14-13.

Former Illini co-defensive coordinator Banks already making impact at Penn State

By Cole Henke, Staff Writer • Jul 26, 2016

Calling the shots: Goldstein acts as Illinois’ on-the-field coach

By Cole Henke, Staff reporter • May 8, 2016
Illinois’ Jason Goldstein makes solid contact with the ball during game one of the series against St. Louis University at Illinois Field on Friday, April 15. The Illini won 6-4.

Calling the shots: Goldstein acts as Illinois’ on-the-field coach

By Cole Henke, Staff Writer • May 5, 2016
Illinois starting pitcher Cole Bellair delivers the pitch during game three of the series against Penn State on Saturday, March 26. The freshman pitched 8 innings and only giving up one run on six hits in the Illini's 5-3 loss.

Illini baseball face in-state opponent Tuesday

By Cole Henke • Apr 11, 2016
Illinois' head coach Dan Hartleb watches on from the dugouts during the game against Lindenwood University at Illinois Field, on Wednesday, March 18, 2015.

Illinois baseball unable to capitalize on key opportunities in rubber match

By Cole Henke • Apr 10, 2016
Illinois' Cody Sedlock (29) winds up for the pitch during the baseball game v. Indiana at Illinois Field on Friday, Apr. 17, 2015. Illinois won 5-1.

Weekend series against Iowa baseball means a little bit more for pitcher Cody Sedlock

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Apr 6, 2016
Illinois' Mike Dudek looks to the bench during the game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Nov. 22, 2014. Dudek missed the 2015 season with a torn ACL.

Illinois’ Mikey Dudek injured again during spring practices

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Apr 6, 2016
Illinois catcher Jason Goldstein throws the ball back to starting pitcher Quinten Sefcik during the game against Eastern Illinois at Illini Field on Tuesday, April 5. The Illini won 9-7.

Illinois baseball’s Goldstein calls the shots

By Cole Henke, Staff writer • Apr 5, 2016
Illinois’ Jason Goldstein hits a solo home run to left field during game one of the team's doubleheader against Penn State at Illini Field on Saturday, March 26. The Illini won game one 6-1 and lost game two 5-3.

Illinois baseball takes on Eastern Illinois at Illinois Field

By Cole Henke • Apr 4, 2016
Illini pitcher J.D. Nielsen during Illinois' victory over Wright State at Illinois field on June 1.

Illinois baseball cannot rally late, drop series to Nebraska

By Cole Henke • Apr 3, 2016
Illinois' head coach Dan Hartleb will rely on senior starter Andrew Mamlic in the team's game against Indiana State on Tuesday. 

Illinois baseball travels to Indiana State for mid-week matchup

By Cole Henke • Mar 28, 2016

Illinois baseball plays in-state for the first time this season

By Cole Henke • Mar 17, 2016
Lovie Smith responds to questions at the press conference on Monday, March 7, 2016.

Smith hires Ligashesky as special teams coach

By Cole Henke • Mar 16, 2016
Will Krug waits on third base during the baseball game against Northwestern at Illinois Field on Friday, April 3, 2015. Krug still contributes to Illinois baseball as an assistant coach.

Former Illini centerfielder serves as bridge between players and coaches

By Cole Henke • Mar 14, 2016
Illinois' Cody Sedlock (29) throws a pitch during the baseball game v. Indiana at Illinois Field on Friday, Apr. 17, 2015. Illinois won 5-1.

Illinois baseball struggles with situational hitting

By Cole Henke • Mar 8, 2016
Illinois' Adam Walton (6) lines up for the swing during the baseball game v. Indiana at Illinois Field on Friday, Apr. 17, 2015. Illinois won 5-1.

Illinois baseball picks up first weekend sweep

By Cole Henke • Mar 6, 2016

Illinois baseball will travel to the Stetson Invitational this weekend

By Cole Henke • Mar 3, 2016

Bellair has breakout weekend for Illinois baseball

By Cole Henke • Feb 29, 2016

Illinois baseball blows opportunity for the sweep in Florida

By Cole Henke • Feb 28, 2016
Illinois' Pat Mclnerney (27) takes a swing at the ball during the baseball game v. Indiana at Illinois Field on Saturday, Apr. 18, 2015. Illinois won 6-3.

Strong pitching performance gives Illinois third straight win

By Cole Henke • Feb 27, 2016
Illinois' Pat McInerney (27) pops up ball during the baseball game v. Purdue at Illinois Field on Sunday, April 12. The Illini won 5-1.

Illinois baseball picks up win behind Turchin’s two RBIs

By Cole Henke • Feb 27, 2016
Illini pitcher J.D. Nielsen during Illinois' victory over Wright State at Illinois field on June 1.

Nielsen and Blackburn set in the back end of Illinois baseball’s bullpen

By Cole Henke • Feb 24, 2016
Illinois' Cody Sedlock (29) throws the ball to first base during the baseball game v. Indiana at Illinois Field on Friday, Apr. 17, 2015. Illinois won 5-1.

Illinois baseball opens up the season against top-25 competition

By Cole Henke • Feb 17, 2016
Illinois' Cody Sedlock throws a pitch during the baseball game against Indiana at Illinois Field on April 17, 2015. Illinois won 5-1.

Illinois baseball still has a lot of question marks

By Cole Henke • Feb 16, 2016
Illinois' Jason Goldstein (34) warms up before the start of the inning during the baseball game v. Indiana at Illinois Field on Friday, Apr. 17, 2015. Illinois won 5-1.

Young Illinois baseball team still aiming high

By Cole Henke • Feb 2, 2016
Guard Sarah Hartwell puts up a shot during the game against Tennessee State at Parkland College on Tuesday, Nov. 24. Illinois won 98-43.

Illinois' Sarah Hartwell nominated for community service award

By Cole Henke • Dec 8, 2015
Eric Cruikshank (15) faces off against Tobias Nasgarde (8) of Lindenwood during the game on February 7, 2015. The Illini lost 4-2.

Illinois hockey prepares for tough road test

By Cole Henke • Nov 18, 2015
Aaron Dusek carries the puck up the ice during the game at the Ice Arena against Iowa State on Friday, November 13. Illinois won 4-3 in a shootout.

The club within a club: Illinois hockey’s Coffee Club

By Cole Henke • Nov 17, 2015
James Mcging puts a shot on goal during the game against Indiana at the Ice Arena on Saturday, Nov. 6. Illinois won 5-2.

Illinois hockey welcoming back big-name players

By Cole Henke • Nov 9, 2015
Next Page »