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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
Jonathan Alday

Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor

My name is Jonathan Alday and I am a sophomore in Political Science with minors in Latino/a Studies and Food & Agribuisiness Management. This is my second year with The Daily Illini and have enjoyed every single story I get to write and all the people I get to work with. As a freshman, I covered swimming and diving, wrestling and gymnastics before I began working as Assistant Sports Editor covering Illinois football. Outside of the newsroom, I work at the University YMCA, play violin in the UI Philharmonia and love to cook! If you'd like to chat about writing for the DI, Illinois sports or just being a student, feel free to email me at [email protected].

Simeon HS wide reciever Malik Elzy poses during official visit photoshoot.

Illinois secures commitment from four-star wide receiver Malik Elzy

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • January 7, 2023
Illinois takes on Mississippi State in the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl game in Tampa, Fla. on January 2, 2023 at the Raymond James Stadium home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Illinois loses another heartbreaker in ReliaQuest Bowl to end season

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • January 2, 2023
Defensive back Matthew Bailey attempts to get through Minnesota on Oct. 15. Baileys defense for the Illini this season demonstrates a positive potential future for the team.

Lineup Watch: How the Illinois opt-outs impact the football team‘s potential

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • January 1, 2023
Head coach Bret Bielema speaks to referee during game against Virginia on Sept. 10. Bielema speaks on the Illinis defensive coordinator position and Ryan Walters who is set to transfer from the Illini as announced on Dec. 13.

Massive changes for Illinois football defensive staff as Walters, Kane leave for Purdue, Henry elevated to coordinator

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • December 22, 2022
Then-Illinois defensive back recruit Zach Tobe poses for a photo during a visit to Illinois. Tobe is one of 21 commitments to sign with Illinois on December 21, 2022.

Illinois’ Early National Signing Day brings in new faces, talent and image for future success

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • December 22, 2022
Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema on the sideline during Illinois 2022 game against Virginia.

Illinois head football coach Bret Bielema signs contract extension through 2028

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • December 20, 2022
Junior all-around Ethan Boder performs on the pommel horse during the Orange and Blue meet on Friday.

Illinois men’s, women’s gymnastics preview season with annual Orange v. Blue meet

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • December 10, 2022
The Illinois football team lines up on the North endzone as they celebrate their Homecoming victory against Minnesota on Saturday.

Illinois football selected to ReliaQuest Bowl

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • December 4, 2022
Owen Carney Jr. hoists the Land of Lincoln Trophy following Illinois 47-14 win over Northwestern at Memorial Stadium in 2021.

Illinois repeats Land of Lincoln rivalry win, ends regular season 8-4

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • November 26, 2022
The Illinois football team celebrates with the Land of Lincoln Trophy after winning the game against Northwestern on Nov. 27 2021.

Illinois football looks to hold Land of Lincoln Trophy, control its Big Ten West hopes

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • November 26, 2022
Junior defensive back Devon Witherspoon on the field during the second half of the game against MSU on Nov. 5.

Illinois football keeps it close, falls late to Michigan in a heartstopping game

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • November 19, 2022
The Illinois football defense take down Michigan States offense during the first half on Saturday.

Illinois football looks to bounce back on Senior Day, take steps towards clinching Big Ten West

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • November 11, 2022
Senior defensive backs Sydney Brown (30) and Kendall Smith (7) celebrate Browns interception during the first quarter against Michigan State on Saturday.

‘We’re a better team than that’: DeVito heroics not enough to lift team as Illinois football falls to Michigan State, 23-15

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • November 5, 2022
Moving into elections: RSOs help navigate unfamiliar elections

Moving into elections: RSOs help navigate unfamiliar elections

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • November 3, 2022
Members of the Illinois football team tackle their Nebraskan opponents during their game Aug. 28, 2021.

‘Our guys are locked into the moment’: DeVito, defense and Brown brothers carry Illinois out of early adversity in win, first winning season since 2011

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 29, 2022
Illinois sinebacker Tarique Barnes rushes to the Minnesota quarterback during the 122nd Illinois Homecoming game on October 15, 2022.

‘Everyone’s bought into the program’: Bielema extends win streak to five, Chase Brown continues historic season, Illinois clinches bowl berth

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 15, 2022
Junior quaterback Artur Sitkowski looks to pass the ball during the game against Iowa on Oct. 8.

‘We’re taking a step in the right direction’: Illinois looks to continue win streak, establish themselves as Big Ten West frontrunners

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 14, 2022
Department of Intercollegiate Athletics recent rendering of future Illinois wrestling training center.

University of Illinois announces plan for Illinois Wrestling Training Facility

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 13, 2022
Senior tight end Luke Ford and other Illinois football players sing “Hail to the Orange” with fans as they celebrate their win against Iowa on Saturday.

Packed Memorial Stadium brings renewed energy

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 11, 2022
Wide receiver Jonah Morris comes down with the catch deep in Iowa territory. Illinois outlasts Iowa in Champaign 9-6.

‘We’ve got bigger dreams’: Defensive slugfest in Memorial, Illinois outlasts Iowa in Champaign

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 8, 2022
Senior Lizzie Gile swims the 100 yard butterfly during Illinois meet against Indiana State on Saturday. The Illini won 165-135.

Head coach Jeana Kempe gets her first win as Illinois swim & dive trounces Indiana State

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 8, 2022
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema watches the team warm up before the game against Wyoming on Aug. 27.

Illinois hosting 10+ recruits for primetime game against Iowa

By Jonathan Alday and Ben Fader • October 7, 2022
Junior defensive back Devon Witherspoon (31) celebrates with sophomore defensive lineman JerZhan Newton during game against Wyoming.

Illinois defense inspires win at Camp Randall

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • October 1, 2022
Tips, resources for students navigating the C-U housing market

Tips, resources for students navigating the C-U housing market

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • September 30, 2022
Senior defensive back Tailon Leitzsey attempts to run past a Wyoming opponent during the game on Saturday.

Illinois aims to finish nonconference play undefeated

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • September 22, 2022
A vandalized section of the first floor in Scott Hall on Thursday. Students reported torn down cameras, ripped posters and missing ceiling tiles.

Three floors of Scott Hall vandalized, student arrested

By Lilli Bresnahan, Lika Lezhava, Piotr Fedczuk and Jonathan Alday • September 15, 2022
Sophomore guard RJ Melendez looks to pass the ball during the game against Michigan on Jan. 14.

Hispanic student-athletes lead Illini in 2022

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • September 15, 2022
‘Something I’ll never forget’: Illinois dances on Virginia, exacts revenge on Cavaliers for 2021 fourth-quarter antics

‘Something I’ll never forget’: Illinois dances on Virginia, exacts revenge on Cavaliers for 2021 fourth-quarter antics

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • September 11, 2022
Sister Cindy preaches on the Main Quad holding a sign, Hell is hot dont be a T.H.O.T, on Thursday. Sister Cindy visited the campus exactly a year ago on Sept. 8.

Sister Cindy strikes again on ‘HO NO MO’ tour

By Jonathan Alday, Lika Lezhava, Cecilia Milmoe and Matt Troher • September 8, 2022
Senior quarterback Tommy DeVito looks for an opening during the game against Wyoming on Aug. 27.

Notes, player grades: Illinois collapses in Indiana, defense not enough to seal win

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • September 3, 2022
Junior running back Chase Brown watches from the end zone during warm ups for Saturdays game against Wyoming. Illinois lost against Indiana, 23-20.

Illinois loses heartbreaker in Bloomington, sending them home 1-1

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • September 2, 2022
Senior quaterback Tommy DeVito congratulates junior running back Chase Brown on his touchdown during the game against Wyoming on Saturday.

Notes, player grades: Illinois lassos Wyoming, kicking off 2022 with win

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • August 28, 2022
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema walks on the field before the kickoff against Wyoming on Saturday.

Illinois football hosts Wyoming in Week 0 matchup, hopes to start 2022 season on high note

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • August 25, 2022
Senior quaterback Tommy DeVito (3) passes the ball to junior running back Chase Brown (2) during the Spring Orange and Blue game on April 21. DeVito, who transferred from Syracuse, will be this seasons starting quarterback.

Senior transfer Tommy DeVito named Illinois starting quarterback

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • August 25, 2022
Fall 2022 swim & dive team pose together for a photo on April 28. New swim & dive head coach Jenna Fuccillo Kemp reflects on her history coaching at UCLA, NAU and LSU leading to her new position at Illinois.

‘The easiest yes’: Swim & Dive head coach Jeana Kempe’s cross-country journey back to the midwest, program vision

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • August 24, 2022
Football head coach, Bret Bielema, walks onto the field during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. With Bielemas straightforward approach, it may help in improving the team in the future.

Illinois football 2022 season preview: New faces, new challenges, new year

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • August 14, 2022
The dodgeball intramural team celebrate their championship win on April 14. Dodgeball is one of may intramural teams offered at the University with others including flag football, soccer, basketball and more.

Intramurals offer friendly athletics environment

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • July 7, 2022
The new Demirjian Park stands at 606 St Marys Road in Champaign April 24. Illinois athletic facilities spark a winning culture on campus.

Longtime Illinois Track and Field director, Mike Turk, dismissed from Illinois

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • July 6, 2022
Illinois football head coach head coach Bret Bielema watches the team warm up before the Spring Orange and Blue game on April 21. Nine recruits have visited Illinois in meeting with coaching staff, and the team currently have 11 commits.

Nine recruits visit Illinois football in late June for official meetings with coaching staff

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • June 28, 2022
The Illini Rowing team at Melton Lake Park in Oak Ridge, TN for the ACRA Championships that took place from May 20 to 22. Benjamin Calderone, president of the team and a senior in business, talks about his athletic journey and the teams adjustment to normalcy after the pandemic.

‘The perfect environment’: Illinois rowing prepares for post-COVID-19 success, evolution of program

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • June 17, 2022
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema enters the field at Memorial Stadium before the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. The team was able to secure four commitments during their 2023 recruiting class.

Illinois football’s first official visit weekend sees major wins for Bielema, staff

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • June 9, 2022
Incoming Illinois mens basketball player, Ty Rodgers, practices for the USA U18 National Team. Rodgers was named on the roster on Friday.

Incoming Illini Ty Rodgers named to 2022 USA Men’s U18 National Team

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • June 3, 2022
Recent Illinois basketball commit Matthew Mayer gets into position to make a shot at the hoop at the Ferrel Center in Baylor University. Past Baylor University guard/forward Mayer took to social media on Friday with an announcement that he will be pursuing the court with Illini basketball as a newly commit athlete to the team this upcoming 2022-2023 season.

Underwood lands another top transfer for Illinois men’s basketball: Baylor guard Matthew Mayer

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • May 27, 2022
The Illinois womens gymnastics team cheers from the sides during the floor exercise routines on March 4. The Illini scored 5-3 for the the season overall.

‘In the right place to take that next step’: 2021–22 Illinois women’s gymnastics season provides promise for future of program

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • May 19, 2022
The Champaign Fire Department work in front of the UI Ice Arena after a gas leak. 406 E. Armory Avenue was closed off today due to a gas leak inside the UI Ice Arena with an alert sent by the University to avoid the area.

Gas leak reported at the UI Ice Arena

By Aidan Finn and Jonathan Alday • May 4, 2022
Junior defensive back Kerby Joseph attempts to block the players path during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. Joseph has been drafted to the Detroit Lions in the 3rd round as pick 97.

Ten Illini football players earn a shot at an NFL roster, analyzing their fit on their new teams

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • May 4, 2022
Athletics Director Josh Whitman sits on the bleachers during Illini Classic Track meet on April 9. Whitman hosted his annual media roundtable on June 21 to recap the 2022-23 season for Illini sports.

UI suspends Division I hockey efforts

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • May 3, 2022
The Illinois womens lacrosse club huddle together for photo. The team is one of 38 registered club sports on campus.

‘We’re here to have fun’: Family bonds help build foundation of Illinois women’s lacrosse club program

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • May 2, 2022
Roderick Perry tackles the opposing ball carrier during the game against Iowa on Dec. 5. Perry is signing with the Cleveland Browns as undrafted free agent.

Cleveland Browns have signed former Illini defensive tackle Roderick Perry II as undrafted free agent

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • May 1, 2022
Owen Carney Jr. (99) celebrates with teammates Jartavius Martin (21) and Seth Coleman (49) during Illinois 14-6 win over No. 20 Minnesota in Minneapolis.

Edge rusher Owen Carney Jr signs with Miami Dolphins as undrafted free agent

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 30, 2022
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.

Los Angeles Chargers sign former Illini kicker James McCourt as undrafted free agent

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 30, 2022
Head coach Bret Bielema celebrates with quarterback Brandon Peters during the game against Maryland on Sept. 17. Peters has signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as undrafted free agent.

Illinois quarterback Brandon Peters signs with Los Angeles Chargers as undrafted free agent

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 30, 2022
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.

Former Illinois linebacker Khalan Tolson signs with Carolina Panthers as undrafted free agent

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 30, 2022
Senior offensive lineman Doug Kramer huddles with the team during the game against Rutgers on Oct. 30.

Former Illini Doug Kramer picked in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by Chicago Bears

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 30, 2022
Senior offensive lineman Vederian Lowe during the game against Virginia on Sept. 11.

Former Illini Vederian Lowe selected in round six of 2022 NFL Draft

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 30, 2022
Jenna Fuccillo Kemp, previous assistant coach for South Carolina Swimming and diving, was announced today as the new head coach for Illinois swimming and divings upcoming season.

Jeana Fuccillo Kempe announced as new Illinois swimming and diving head coach

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 27, 2022
Junior running back Chase Brown rushes past the blue team during the first half of the Spring Orange and Blue game on Thursday. Brown and sophomore running back Josh McCray achieved a combined 174 yards during the game.

Offense makes strides, defense backs remain solid, Anderson and DeVito show promise

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 21, 2022
Illinois football head coach Bret Bielema speaks with the team from the sidelines during the Homecoming game against Wisconsin on Oct. 9. Bielema begins his second year on the team as the Illini prepare for the spring game on Thursday.

Illinois prepares for 2022 spring game in Bielema’s second year at helm

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 15, 2022
Junior Mia Takekawa performs on the balance beam during a meet against Central Michigan, Northern Illinois and Boise State on March 4. Takekawa placed 20th on uneven bars during her final performance of the season at Fort Worth, Texas.

Illinois women’s gymnastics leaves its mark on the national stage, concludes 2021-2022 season

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 14, 2022
Junior Mia Townes poses on the beam for her event during the meet against Central Michigan, Boise State and Northern Illinois on March 4. Townes and junior Mia Takekawa heads down to Fort Worth, Texas, to take on the NCAA Women’s National Championship from Thursday to Saturday.

Illinois gears up for national stage, travels to NCAA Women’s National Championship

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 13, 2022
Ileana Gomez, director of Seed Montessori, discusses the amazement of seeing everyone come together to reflect on their time with Illini Media during the Illini Media 150 Reunion.

‘The only thing we had in common was the desire to be on the adventure’: Illini Media alums reflect on their times as editors, reporters, students

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 12, 2022
Junior Mia Townes jumps up in celebration with the rest of the team as fellow teammate junior Mia Takekawa sticks her landing during the competition against Rutgers on Feb. 25. Takekawa and Towne will be heading towards the NCAA Championships in Texas on April 14 to April 16.

‘To speak those words into existence has been really gratifying’: Takekawa, Townes headed to NCAA women’s gymnastics championships

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 12, 2022
Natasha Korecki has had an extensive career after working with Illini Media such as becoming the federal courts reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times and joining POLITICO.

‘You have to do it to know’: Illini Media Hall of Fame inductee, NBC senior political reporter Natasha Korecki reflects on career

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 7, 2022
Junior Mia Takekawa performs her beam routine during the competition against Central Michigan, Boise State, and Northern Illinois on March 4. Takekawa scored 9.950 for bars during the NCAA Regionals on Thursday, and the Illini overall placing fourth.

Illinois places fourth in NCAA women’s gymnastics Seattle Regional: Takekawa, Townes earn National Championship bids

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • April 4, 2022
Junior Mia Townes poses during her beam event against Central Michigan, Boise State, and Northern Illinois on March 4. The Illini will be heading to Seattle for the NCAA Regions from Thursday to Saturday.

Illinois women’s gymnastics looks to leave their mark at NCAA Seattle Regional

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 31, 2022
Illinois mens basketball head coach Brad Underwood looks over some plays in the playbook during the game against Indiana at the Big Ten Tournament on March 11. Underwood will be extended his contract with the team for the 2027-2028 season.

Illinois men’s basketball head coach Brad Underwood extends contract through 2028

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 30, 2022
Sophomore Cara Bogner cheers from the side during the Orange and Blue Meet at the ARC on Oct. 9. The Illini end their season with a 5-4.

Illinois swim & dive concludes their season, setting bar for future of program

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 28, 2022
New Illinois womens basketball head coach Shauna Green speaks at the Introductory Press Conference on Tuesday. Prior to receiving the new position, Green was the head coach at the University at Dayton for six years.

Illinois welcomes Shauna Green as women’s basketball head coach

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 23, 2022
Junior Mia Takekawa swings on the bar during her event against Rutgers on Feb. 25. Takekawa scored a 9.925 for her bars event in the Big Ten Championship on Saturday.

Illinois women’s gymnastics places eighth at Big Ten Championships

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 21, 2022
Junior Mia Takekawa poses at the end of her floor exercise routine during the competition against Central Michigan, Boise State, and Northern Illinois on March 4. Takekawa has played a major role for the team with recently being named the 2022 All-Team Big Ten.

Illinois women’s gymnastics prepares for Big Ten Championships in Ohio

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 19, 2022
Illinois swim & dive head coach Sue Novitsky watches an event during the Orange and Blue meet on Sept. 29, 2018. During Novitskys 28 years of coaching she has had 16 swimmers go to the NCAA Championships.

Women’s swim & dive head coach Sue Novitsky retires after 28 years with Illinois

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 18, 2022
Defensive back Kerby Joseph tackles a Wisconsin opponent during the Homecoming game on Oct. 9. Joseph and many other Illini football players partook the Illinois Pro day with NFL scouts in attendance.

Adams, Carney Jr., Joseph, Kramer and more show out during the Illinois football Pro Day

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 12, 2022
Senior Madelyn Crosby exits the pool after completing her dive during a meet against Nebraska on Jan. 22. Crosby placed 54 at the NCAA Diving Championship with a score of 214.35.

Illinois swim & dive concludes season in Ann Arbor, sends off two program greats

By Jonathan Alday, Assistant Sports Editor • March 9, 2022
Senior Taylor Shegos begins to enter the pool during her dive in a meet at the ARC. Shegos and five other Illini divers will be heading to Michigan for the NCAA Diving Championships from Monday to Wednesday.

Five divers from Illini swim & dive head to NCAA Zone C Diving Championships

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • March 7, 2022
Swimmer Sophia Burwitz swims for her butterfly event during the meet against Northwestern and UIC on Oct. 23. The Illini placed 11 during the Big Ten Championships.

Illinois swim & dive finishes 11th at Big Ten Championships, breaks school records, sets lifetime bests

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • February 20, 2022
Sophomore Sophia Burwitz gets ready at the diving block before her event during the Orange and Blue meet on Oct. 9. The Illini will be heading to Madison for the Big Ten Championships.

Illinois swim & dive prepares to compete in 2022 Big Ten Championships

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • February 16, 2022
Brooke and Taylor Michael, twins on the Illinois swim & dive team, started their athletic careers in Reno, Nevada. The two started as gymnasts, but made the transition to diving with support from friends, family, and coaches.

Diving into the deep end: Twins Brooke, Taylor Michael tackle challenges of Illinois swim & dive, college athletics

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • February 15, 2022
Wrestler Justin Cardani attempts to take down his opponent from Northwestern on Jan. 29. The Illini will be on the road gong against Wisconsin on Friday.

Illinois wrestling travels to No. 9 Wisconsin for penultimate regular season dual

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • February 11, 2022
Sophomore diver Brooke Michael dives into the pool during a meet at the ARC. Michaels had an average score of 6.69 at the invitational on Saturday.

Illinois swim & dive concludes regular season at UIC Diving Invitational

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • February 5, 2022
Senior Taylor Shegos poses for a photo. Shegos will conclude the regular season at the annual UIC Diving Invitational in Chicago.

Illinois diving concludes regular season with annual UIC Diving Invitational in Chicago

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • February 5, 2022
Sophomore Illinois swim & dive Sophia Burwitz gets ready to dive for her event. The Illini lost their last game of the regular season against Purdue 188-111.

Illinois swim and dive falls to Purdue in final regular season meet

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 29, 2022
Illinois swim & dive senior Abby Cabush watches her teammates during the 2020 Big Ten Championship on Feb. 26, 2020. The Illini will be on the road going up against rival Purdue on Saturday.

Illinois swim & dive travels to Purdue for final regular season meet

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 29, 2022
Illinois swim and dive seniors pose for a photo with flowers in hand during senior day at the ARC on Saturday. Alongside team effort, the seniors’ contributions lead to a successful season.

Illinois swim & dive seniors pioneer program to present, future success

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 25, 2022
Illinois swim & dive Meghan Ziziolek swims backstroke during the meet against Nebraska. The Illini lose their final home meet against the Cornhuskers 178-122.

Illinois swim & dive unable to secure win over Nebraska on Senior Day

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 23, 2022
Illini diver Madelyn Crosby gets in position before her dive during the Orange and Blue meet on Oct. 9. The Illini will have their Senior Night against Nebraska on Saturday.

Illinois swim & dive prepares to celebrate its seniors against Nebraska

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 21, 2022
Swimmer Meghan Nizolek performs the backstroke during a meet against Northwestern on Oct. 23. The Illini held their first game of the 2022 season and won against Iowa State 204-87.

Illinois swim & dive routs Iowa in first home meet of season

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 16, 2022
Gymnast Abby Mueller does her routine on the floor during the meet against Michigan on Feb. 2. The Illini won their meet against CMU 194.150-193.425.

Consistency gives Illinois women’s gymnastics a season opener win

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 10, 2022
Gymnast Mia Townes balances for her balance beam event during the 2021 NCAA Regionals in Georgia on April 2. The Illini will begin their 2022 season in Central Michigan on Sunday.

Illinois women’s gymnastics opens 2022 season at Central Michigan

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • January 9, 2022
Freshman Mike Bosco competes against a wrestler from NIU at the Lindenwood Open on Nov. 20. The team is traveling southwest to Edwardsville on Saturday to compete against the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and SIUE.

No. 23 Illinois wrestling travels to Edwardsville for first dual meet of season

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • December 10, 2021
Swimmer Abby Cabush swimming freestyle during one of her meets this season. Cabush broke the schools record for the 200-yard freestyle and the team placed first overall.

Illinois swim & dive makes historic improvements in first-place finish at House of Champions Invitational

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • November 22, 2021
Illini swimmer, Suvana Baskar, swims backstroke during the Orange and Blue meet on Oct. 9. The Illini will be competing in Indianapolis on Thursday for the House of Champions Invitational.

Illinois swim & dive wraps up fall season with House of Champions Invitational

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • November 18, 2021

Illinois swim and dive heads to House of Champions Invitational

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • November 17, 2021
Sophomore Illini Swimming, Lily Olsen, successfully devotes her time in both academics and athletics throughout high school and within the university.

Familiar unfamiliarity: Lily Olson strives for success in athletics, academics

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • November 10, 2021
Redshirt sophomore Zac Braunagel wrestles his opponent to the mat. Illinois had a solid performance with eight Illinois wrestlers earning top-six finishes at the Michigan State Open this weekend.

Illinois wrestling makes waves at Michigan State Open, earns 10 top-six finishes

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • November 7, 2021
Lauren Partridge and Cara Bognar chat during Illinois Orange and Blue meet on Oct. 9. The Illini beat Southern Illinois and Illinois State on Friday before falling to Vanderbilt on Saturday.

Illinois swim & dive wins in-state tri-meet, falls to Vanderbilt

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • October 31, 2021
Members of the Illinois dive team huddle up during the Orange and Blue meet on Oct. 9. Illinois swim & dive looks to finish October strong against Illinois State, Southern Illinois, and Vanderbilt.

Illinois swim & dive looks to finish October strong against Illinois State, Southern Illinois, Vanderbilt

By Jonathan Alday, Staff Writer • October 28, 2021
Sophomore Cara Bognar cheers on her teammates during the Orange and Blue meet at the ARC Oct. 9. The Illinois women’s swim & dive team went 2-1 after facing off in a tri-meet against Northwestern and UIC.

Illinois swim and dive splits tri-meet with Northwestern, UIC

By Jonathan Alday, Contributing Writer • October 23, 2021
Illini diver Regina Meirmanova balances at the edge of a diving board during the Orange and Blue meet a the ARC Oct. 9. The Illinois swim & dive team will travel north to Evanston on Saturday in hopes of continuing their early-season momentum.

Illinois swim & dive travels north to Evanston, aims to continue early-season momentum

By Jonathan Alday, Contributing Writer • October 22, 2021
Senior Emily Bolger does the breaststroke at the Orange and Blue meet Oct. 9. Illini swim and dive started off their season strong against Indiana State on Friday.

Illinois swim and dive starts strong in season opener against Indiana State

By Jonathan Alday, Contributing Writer • October 16, 2021
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