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

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

March 15, 2018
The top six coaches Id like to get a beer with on Unofficial

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

March 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

February 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

February 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

February 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

February 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

January 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

December 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

October 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

October 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

October 11, 2017
Important discovery during an Illini football game

Important discovery during an Illini football game

October 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

September 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

September 18, 2017
An apology to the Illini defense

An apology to the Illini defense

September 11, 2017
Illinois wide receiver Malik Turner jumps to catch a pass for a successful fourth down conversion during the teams close victory against Ball State on Saturday. The Illini won 24-21.

Illinois football upperclassmen saved the day

September 5, 2017
Illinois Football is young, and I am old

Illinois Football is young, and I am old

August 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

August 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

August 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

August 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

August 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

June 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

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

March 16, 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

December 1, 2016
Iowas 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

November 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

November 3, 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

November 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

October 29, 2016
Michelle Tam

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

October 27, 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

October 27, 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

October 20, 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

October 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

October 13, 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

October 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

October 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

October 6, 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

October 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

September 29, 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

September 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

September 26, 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

September 21, 2016
Illinois running back KeShawn 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

September 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

September 15, 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

September 13, 2016
Illinois running back KeShawn 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

September 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

September 9, 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

September 6, 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

September 3, 2016
Lovie Smith thanks the Illini Marching Band in the Illini Union on March 7.

University students anticipate new era in Illinois football

September 1, 2016
Local businesses feel the effect of Lovie Smith’s hire

Local businesses feel the effect of Lovie Smith’s hire

September 1, 2016
Lovie Smith coaches the Illini Football team in Memorial Stadium.

Illinois football caps offseason with two commitments

August 29, 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

August 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

August 25, 2016
Illinois Football practices for the upcoming season at Memorial Stadium on April 16.

Change in culture, leadership will drive Illinois football defense

August 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

August 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

July 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

July 26, 2016
Quarterback Wes Lunt hands off to running back KeShawn 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

July 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

July 26, 2016
Illinois coaches Mike Ward (left), Tim Banks (center) and Bill Cubit converse on the field during Saturdays game against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium. Illinois won 14-13.

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

July 26, 2016

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

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

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 Illinis 5-3 loss.

Illini baseball face in-state opponent Tuesday

April 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

April 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

April 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

April 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

April 5, 2016
Illinois’ Jason Goldstein hits a solo home run to left field during game one of the teams 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

April 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

April 3, 2016
Illinois head coach Dan Hartleb will rely on senior starter Andrew Mamlic in the teams game against Indiana State on Tuesday. 

Illinois baseball travels to Indiana State for mid-week matchup

March 29, 2016

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

March 17, 2016
Lovie Smith responds to questions at the press conference on Monday, March 7, 2016.

Smith hires Ligashesky as special teams coach

March 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

March 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

March 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

March 6, 2016

Illinois baseball will travel to the Stetson Invitational this weekend

March 3, 2016

Bellair has breakout weekend for Illinois baseball

February 29, 2016

Illinois baseball blows opportunity for the sweep in Florida

February 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

February 28, 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

February 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

February 25, 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

February 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

February 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

February 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

December 9, 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

November 19, 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

November 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

November 9, 2015
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