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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
Gabby Hajduk

Gabby Hajduk, Sports Editor

[email protected]

Content by Gabby Hajduk
Senior Jackson Raper high fives Tom Jurack after coming off the field during the game against Purdue April 18. The Illinois baseball team is set to play at Illinois Field against Maryland this weekend after seven away games.

Illinois returns home to play Maryland after seven games on road

May 7, 2021
Sophomore Riley Gowens pitches against Purdue on April 18. Although he was injured, he has healed and continues to make progress.

No quitter, no-hitter: Gowens astounds coaches, teammates after two-year injury rehab

May 4, 2021
The Illinois baseball team huddles during the game against Purdue April 17 at Illinois. The Illini swept the Boilermakers this weekend and threw a no-hitter in the series finale.

Illinois throws first no-hitter since 1985 in series sweep over Purdue

April 26, 2021
Sophomore Cole Kirschsieper pitched during a game against Northwestern on March 27. The Illini baseball team will head to West Lafayette, Indiana for a three-game series against Purdue this weekend.

Illinois seeks revenge in three-game set at Purdue

April 23, 2021
Tight end Luke Ford (82) catches a pass during the Orange and Blue spring game Monday at Memorial Stadium. Ford had a really solid game, going for five catches for 88 yards.

Spring game notebook: Passing game, defensive line show potential for fall

April 20, 2021
Illinois head coach Brett Bielema directs his players during Spring practice on March 23. Bielema has now completed 12 spring practices, with the spring game scheduled for Monday.

Illinois welcomes fans, family back to Memorial Stadium for first time since 2019

April 19, 2021
Sophomore Branden Comia runs to first base after a hit on March 26. The Men’s Baseball Team has to reschedule their game against Indiana because of bad weather.

Illinois falls to Indiana after weather delays, inconsistent pitching

April 12, 2021
Sophomore Justin Janas hits the baseball during the Illinois game against Northwestern on March 26. Janas used the offseason to become one of the top hitters on the team.

Janas becomes top Illini hitter after transforming body, mindset

April 12, 2021
Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema and his wife Jen Bielema pose for a photo with their daughters Briella and Brexli in front of the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Center on Dec. 12. The Bielema family hopes to reside in Champaign for a long time.

Coming home: Bielema family reunited after months apart

April 8, 2021
Junior Daniel Barker runs drills during practice on Tuesday morning. Barker, as well as senior Luke Ford, will be important pieces for Bielema’s offense next season.

Ford, Barker look to become more involved as tight ends gain importance

April 5, 2021
Defensive back Marquez Beason talks to new head coach Bret Bielema on the sidelines during practice Tuesday morning. Five Illini players are looking to have a breakout spring campaign, including Beason.

Five players to watch as Illini continue spring practices

March 30, 2021
Assistant head Coach and wide receivers coach George McDonald prepares players at a lifting and conditioning practice for Illini football on Tuesday. Though McDonald may be a new coach, he brings hope for a better team in the future.

George McDonald sees quick improvements in inexperienced receiver corps

March 29, 2021
Jackson Raper celebrates with teammates at home plate after hitting a home run against Northwestern Friday at Illinois Field. The Illini beat the Wildcats 12-8 Friday but ultimately lost the series 2-1.

Illini drop first home series to Wildcats

March 28, 2021
Junior Nathan Lavender winds up for a pitch during a game. The Illinois men’s baseball team is set to play in Champaign for the first time in over a year against Northwestern today.

Illini set to play in Champaign for first time in over one year

March 26, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu goes up for a shot over Loyola Chicago’s Lucas Williamson (1) during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on March 21. Dosunmu and Williamson both grew up in Chicago, played together on a small-fry team and competed at different universities, yet they are still close friends.

Dosunmu faces friend, former rival Lucas Williamson in showdown with Loyola Chicago

March 22, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn is tightly guarded by Loyola Chicago senior Cameron Krutwig during the game on March 21 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The 8-seeded Ramblers took down the Illini behind tight defense on Illinois top two scorers: Cockburn and junior Ayo Dosunmu.

Loyola Chicago uses lockdown defense on Cockburn, Dosunmu to upset top-seeded Illinois

March 22, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn goes up for a layup in the second half of the game against Drexel on March 19 at Indiana Farmers Coliseum. The Illini won 78-49 and advanced to the Round of 32.

Cockburn’s interior domination, Frazier’s lockdown defense see Illinois destroy Drexel

March 19, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier dribbles the ball during a practice on March 17 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Illini open their NCAA tournament campaign with a meeting with the 16-seeded Drexel Dragons on Friday.

Illinois ends tournament drought with first-round matchup against Drexel

March 19, 2021
Branden Comia prepares for a pitch during the game against Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium on March 13. The Illini won the series against the Golden Gophers and are now 4-4 this season.

Illinois bounces back with series win at Minnesota

March 16, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu dribbles down the court in the Big Ten Tournament matchup against Iowa on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Fighting Illini have to focus on five aspects to thrive in the NCAA tournament.

Five things to watch as Illini enter NCAA tournament for first time since 2013

March 15, 2021
The Fighting Illini Men’s Basketball team links arms during the Big Ten Tournament matchup against Iowa on Saturday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN. The Illini are entering the NCAA tournament for the first time in eight years.

Illinois makes NCAA tournament, ending eight-year drought

March 15, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu dribbles the ball during the game against Rutgers on March 12. Dosunmus 23 points, five rebounds and six assists were huge in the Illinis 90-68 win over the Scarlet Knights.

Player grades: Dosunmu, Cockburn lead balanced attack in Illini win

March 13, 2021
Junior Ryan Hampe runs the bases during the Orange and Blue series on Nov. 2. Hampe and the Illini look to turn things around against the Golden Gophers this weekend.

Illinois anticipates winning weekend at Minnesota

March 12, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu attempts to pivot around two defenders during the game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6. Dosunmu won the Bob Cousy Award Saturday afternoon.

Four Illini earn All-Big Ten honors

March 11, 2021
Gabby

DI sports editor reflects on unpredictable, monumental year

March 11, 2021
An Illinois baseball player slides into third base during practice on Feb. 26. The Illinois baseball team won one of four games against Ohio State this past weekend.

Illini baseball comes away from opening weekend with one win, three losses

March 9, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo prepares to shoot during the game against Ohio State on Saturday. Illinois won 73-68.

Player grades: Return of Dosunmu, Curbelo’s efficiency lead Illini to ranked road win

March 7, 2021
Sophomore Branden Comia prepares to swing during practice on Feb. 26. The Illinois baseball team will face Ohio State this weekend.

Illinois to start 2021 season with four-game series against Ohio State

March 5, 2021
Cam McDonald takes batting practice during Illinois team practice on Jan. 29.

Cam McDonald speaks on his baseball journey, personal growth during COVID-19 pandemic

March 4, 2021
Trent Frazier goes up for a layup against Michigan on March 2. Frazier scored 22 points in the Illinis 76-53 win.

No. 4 Illinois prevails against No. 2 Michigan behind Frazier’s offense, collective rebounding

March 2, 2021
Iowa center Luka Garza goes up for a shot against Michigan guard Franz Wagner in the first half of their Big Ten basketball game at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor on Thursday.

Big Ten hoops update: Multiple teams on bubble watch, Player of the Year race still undecided

March 1, 2021
DaMonte Williams breaks through defenders in Illinois game at Wisconsin Saturday. The Illini won 74-69.

Disciplined defense, late free-throw makes help Illinois complete sweep of Wisconsin

February 27, 2021
Freshman Andre Curbelo pushes down the court during the game against Nebraska on Thursday. The Illini won the game 86-70.

Player grades: Illini freshmen take over in dominant win over Cornhuskers

February 26, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier advances down the court during the game against Michigan State on Sunday. The Illini lost 81-72.

Player grades: Frazier brings life to struggling Illini offense in road loss

February 24, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu defends an Iowa player at State Farm Center on Jan. 29. Dosunmu recently recorded his second triple-double during the game against Minnesota on Saturday.

Ayo Dosunmu makes history with second triple-double

February 22, 2021
Ayo Dosunmu and Kofi Cockburn go to high five each other in a game against Wisconsin on Feb. 6.

Player grades: Dosunmu, Cockburn’s offensive bursts, Williams’ defensive intensity earn Illini rivalry win

February 17, 2021
Arkansas Razorbacks running back Chase Hayden dives in to the end zone for a second quarter touchdown against the Texas A&M Aggies on Sept. 23, 2017 in the Southwest Classic. Hayden has recently joined the Illinois football team for the 2021 season.

Hayden reconnects with Bielema to finish career

February 4, 2021
Calvin Hart Jr. poses for a promotional photo for the Illinois Football team. Hart recently transferred to Illinois from NC State.

Calvin Hart Jr. looks to make immediate impact with Illini

February 2, 2021
Infielder Branden Comia runs back for a catch during practice on Jan. 14 at the Fighting Illini indoor training facility.

Illini baseball begins full practice ahead of 2021 season

February 1, 2021
Junior Ayo Dosunmu looks to pass during the game against Penn State on Jan. 19. Dosunmu has recently made the top 10 list to receive the Bob Cousy Point Guard of the Year Award.

Ayo Dosunmu makes top 10 list for Cousy Award

January 27, 2021
Senior Trent Frazier shoots a three during the game against Penn State on Tuesday. The Illini won the game 79-65.

Player Grades: Consistent offense, energy from Cockburn, Frazier lead Illini in dominant win

January 20, 2021
Jacob Grandison dribbles by an Ohio State defender in the Illinis loss to the Buckeyes on Saturday.

Player grades: Strong efforts from Miller, Grandison not enough as veterans struggle

January 17, 2021
Sophomore Kofi Cockburn dunks the ball during the game against Purdue Jan. 8. Cockburn declared for the NBA Draft Sunday afternoon.

Player Grades: Illini offense comes alive in second half to complete comeback

January 8, 2021
Ryan Walters was announced as Illinois defensive coordinator on Thursday.

Illinois, Bielema hire Mizzou’s Ryan Walters as defensive coordinator

January 6, 2021
Calvin Hart. Jr. announces his transfer to Illinois after two season at NC State. Bret Bielema secured his first transfer and commitment Tuesday morning.

Bielema lands first commit, first transfer for Illini

January 5, 2021
Senior DaMonte Williams takes a shot during the game against Purdue on Saturday. The Illini won the game 66-58.

Player grades: Williams’ shot, team’s tight defense fuel Illini Saturday night

January 3, 2021
Senior Jake Hansen takes a deep breath before a play during competition. Hansen has declared for the NFL Draft following the 2020 season.

Jake Hansen, Kendrick Green head to NFL Draft

December 29, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu speeds towards the basket during the game against Indiana on Saturday. The Illini won the game 69-60 with Dosunmu scoring 30 points.

Player Grades: Dosunmu’s 30-point performance leads Illini to late game win

December 27, 2020
New Illinois head coach Bret Bielema and his family pose for a picture with Athletic Director Josh Whitman at the Smith Center on Monday.

Family, past adversity lead Bret Bielema to ‘destination spot’ at Illinois

December 22, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu goes for a layup during the game against Minnesota on Tuesday.

Player grades: Strong offensive outings from Dosunmu, Frazier not enough to mask defensive struggles

December 21, 2020
Illinois Athletic Director shakes hands with newly hired football coach Bret Bielema.

Bret Bielema hired as Illinois football head coach

December 19, 2020
Junior Trent Frazier takes a shot during the game against Minnesota on Tuesday. The Illini won the game 92-65.

Player Grades: Kofi Cockburn, Trent Frazier push Illini to dominant victory

December 16, 2020
Athletic Director Josh Whitman shakes Lovie Smiths hand after a football game on Sep. 21, 2019. After five years at Illinois, Smith was fired on Sunday as a result of not winning enough games for the program.

Five-year product not enough as Josh Whitman searches for consistent winner

December 15, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith walks along the sideline against Northwestern where the Illini lost 28-10. On Sunday afternoon, Illinois Athletics announced its split with Smith.

Illinois Athletics announces departure of Lovie Smith from football program

December 13, 2020
Illinois linebacker Jake Hansen tries to tackle a Northwestern player in the rivalry matchup on Saturday afternoon. The Illini lost to the Wildcats 28-10.

Illinois gets handled in 28-10 loss at Northwestern

December 12, 2020
Junior Ayo Dosunmu advances the ball during the game against Duke on Tuesday. The Illini won the game 83-68.

Player Grades: Illini guards shine in win over No. 10 Duke

December 9, 2020
The Illinois football team takes the field at Memorial Stadium before the game against Iowa on Saturday.

Column: Illini continue to fail in breakthrough opportunities

December 7, 2020
Junior Giorgi Bezhanishvili points towards the sideline during the game against Ohio on Friday.

Player grades: Bezhanishvili shines in Illini loss

December 3, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith gives instructions during practice on Oct. 12. The Illinis game against Ohio State on Saturday has been canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests within Ohio States program.

Breaking: Illinois’ Saturday game canceled amid Ohio State COVID-19 cases

November 27, 2020
Adam Miller shoots a jumpshot in Illinois game against Chicago State on Thursday. Miller was one of many Illini players who excelled on the offensive end in the teams first three games.

Player grades: Illini offensive depth shines in first three games

November 27, 2020
Redshirt freshman quarterback Isaiah Williams throws a pass during the game against Rutgers on Saturday. Illinois won the game 23-20.

Column: Is Isaiah Williams a viable option for Illinois’ future?

November 16, 2020
Illinois tries to tackle an Iowa player during the game against Iowa on Nov. 23. Sophomore defensive back Devon Witherspoon has been a key contributor for the Illini so far this season, accumulating 15 tackles in two games in 2020.

Devon Witherspoon brings toughness to Illini secondary

November 12, 2020
The Illinois football team takes the field before the game against Minnesota on Saturday. Illinois fell 41-14 and struggled to count on Minnesota running back Mohamed Ibrahim.

Column: What happened to the best team of the Lovie Smith era?

November 9, 2020
Big Ten football coaches salaries ranked highest to lowest

Big Ten football coaches’ salaries ranked highest to lowest

November 5, 2020
The Illinois cheer team performs at the basketball game against Iowa on March 3.

Illini cheer program remains left out of game days

November 4, 2020
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith gives instructions during practice on Oct. 12. The Illinis game against Ohio State on Saturday has been canceled due to positive COVID-19 tests within Ohio States program.

Without improvements, Illini are in for a long season

November 2, 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.

Brandon Peters, Griffin Moore test positive for COVID-19

October 31, 2020
Senior defensive lineman Roderick Perry II blocks a teammate during practice on Oct. 12. Perry and Tarique Barnes were some of the only bright spots to come from Illinois’ loss to Wisconsin Friday night.

Tarique Barnes, Roderick Perry among few positives from Friday’s loss

October 29, 2020
The Purdue Exponents assistant sports editor Joe Duhownik stands in front of a printing press thats producing his paper.

Get to know Purdue: Joe Duhownik speaks on Boilermakers, Illini matchup

October 28, 2020
The Illinois football team enters Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin before the game against Wisconsin on Friday. The Illini lost the game 45-7.

Column: Big Ten football returns, fans can not amidst unprecedented season

October 26, 2020
Illinois linebacker Tarique Barnes tackles Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz in the game against the Badgers Friday night. Mertz reportedly tested positive for COVID-19 Sunday.

Wisconsin’s Graham Mertz reportedly tests positive for COVID-19

October 25, 2020
Sophomore Tarique Barnes returns a fumble for a touchdown against Wisconsin on Friday night. The Illini lost to the Badgers 42-7.

Illini fall to Badgers 45-7 in first game of season

October 23, 2020
Senior offensive lineman Doug Kramer prepares to snap the ball during practice on Oct. 15. The Illini will face the Badgers on Friday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin.

Experienced, homegrown offensive line to lead Illini

October 22, 2020
Sophomore wide receiver Casey Washington runs a drill during practice on Oct. 7. After making an important catch against Wisconsin last fall, Washington hopes to come back strong.

Washington aims for consistency in sophomore season

October 15, 2020
Illinois kicker James McCourt is hoisted into the air by his teammates after the game against Wisconsin. McCourt has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers.

Illini season opener at Wisconsin set for Friday, Oct. 23

October 12, 2020
Sophomore Chase Brown runs with the ball during football practice on Aug. 7. On Wednesday, the Illini practiced with full pads for the first time since the Redbox Bowl on Dec. 30.

Illini hold first practice with pads Wednesday

October 1, 2020
Then seniors Ashlyn Fleming and Jacqueline Quade attempt to block the ball during the game against the Pacific Tigers on Sept. 20, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN.

NCAA board approves postponement of fall championships to spring

September 22, 2020
The Illini Football team erupts in celebration after defeating the Michigan State Spartans on Nov. 9, 2019. The Illini won 37-34. The Illini now have the chance to build on the success in 2019 as this season is set to start Oct. 23-24.

Big Ten reinstates 2020 football season

September 16, 2020
Alum Nick Allegretti listens to coaches during a time out during a game in the 2018-2019 season. Allegretti was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs and will serve as a backup center.

Ten former Illini currently reside on NFL rosters

September 10, 2020
Illinois running back Chase Brown runs the football at training camp on Aug. 6. The Illini had their season postponed just five days later.

Watching other teams play: Epstein, Brown say upcoming college football start is bittersweet

September 4, 2020
Illini freshman guard Adam Miller speaks during an interview outside of Memorial Stadium after the athlete-led protest on Monday.

Miller marches in protest, voices support for Black Lives Matter movement

September 3, 2020
Cockburn speaks against racial injustice in America

Cockburn speaks against racial injustice in America

August 31, 2020
Illinois Head Basketball Coach Lou Henson gestures towards the court during a match.

Illini community remembers greatness of late Illini legend Lou Henson

August 24, 2020
Illinois wide receiver Josh Imatorbhebhe and teammates celebrate a touchdown during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 19. Big Ten commissioner and the Big Ten Council of Presidents and Chancellors made the decision to postpone the 2020 fall sports season on August 11.

Illini fall sports remained postponed until potentially spring 2021

August 24, 2020
Illinois Head Football Coach Lovie Smith sits and awaits questions during Big Ten Media Days on July 18, 2019.

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren releases open letter

August 19, 2020
An instructor leads a BeamWork class as part of CHAARG activities on Aug. 23, 2017. BeamWork helps develop strength of mind and body.

Three RSOs give students opportunities to stay fit on campus

August 19, 2020
I-Guides assist a father as they help a student move into their dorm during Fall 2016.

You can be civil with your roommate

August 17, 2020
Lovie Smith answering questions at the individual podiums at the Hilton on Michigan Ave at Big Ten Media Days on Thursday/

Big Ten postpones Fall 2020 sports season

August 11, 2020
Sophomore guard Ayo Dosumnu jumps to catch a rebound during the match against Iowa on March 8.

Fall sports to have different game day look, same opportunities to support

August 5, 2020
Head Coach Lovie Smith smiles at Memorial Stadium during football spring training on Apr. 13, 2019.

Big Ten releases revised 2020 football schedule

August 5, 2020
Freshman Kofi Cockburn celebrates during Illinois game against Indiana on March 1. The Illini beat the Hoosiers 67-66.

Kofi Cockburn follows Dosunmu in announcing Illini return

August 1, 2020
Sophomore Ayo Dosunmu stands on Lou Henson Court during Illinois game against Purdue at the State Farm Center on Sunday. Illinois beat Purdue 63-37. Photo by Jonathan Bonaguro.

Ayo Dosunmu announces return for third season with Illini

July 31, 2020
The Netflix homepage displays itself on a laptop screen

Binge these Netflix shows in quarantine

July 31, 2020
Former Illinois basketball head coach Lou Henson signs autographs for fans before the game against Penn State at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018. The Illini lost 63-24.

Remembering Lou Henson: Former Illini, friends honor late Illinois legend

July 31, 2020
Illinois wide reveiver Josh Imatorbhebhe and teammates celebrate a touchdown during the game against Wisconsin. The Illini won 24-23.

Whitman, Illinois plan for return of men’s basketball, football student-athletes June 3

May 22, 2020
Illinois freshman wide receiver Casey Washington celebrates a first down during the game against Michigan on Saturday, Oct. 12. The Illini lost 25-42.

Casey Washington works to reach new heights in sophomore season

May 15, 2020
Junior Taylor Jackson and Freshman Danny Doligale celebrate during the match against Elon on March 8.

Best Illini uniforms: Blue-gray threads highlight Illinois baseball’s 2020 combinations

May 12, 2020
Former Illini volleyball player Jordyn Poulter tips the ball over the net.

Former Illini Jordyn Poulter’s Olympic journey halted

April 29, 2020
Adam Miller makes his way to the basket against Simeon on Jan. 23. Miller is Mr. Basketball of Illinois for 2020.

Miller, Illini guards plan to continue winning culture

April 25, 2020
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