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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
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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
Advertisement
Freshman Matthew Vu Nguyen at the men's gymnastics Senior Day meet on March 8. Illinois lost the meet to Penn State 312.550-321.750.

Season in retrospect

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 25, 2025
Senior Emmalise Nock performs her beam routine during a meet against Ohio State on Feb. 7. Illinois upset Ohio State with a team score of 196.150-195.475.

There’s no ‘I’ in team

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 15, 2025
Assistant coach Connor McCool speaks to freshman Matthew Vu Nguyen before he competes on the parallel bars at a meet on March 1. Illinois won the meet against Army and Greenville with a final score of 316.700.

Opinion | What to keep, improve

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 12, 2025
Ellerbrock to the block 

Ellerbrock to the block 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 7, 2025
New England Patriots running back James White heads upfield on a screen pass late in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Divisional Playoff Game on Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times/TNS)

Champ in Champaign: James White joins Illinois coaching staff

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 6, 2025
Connor McCool, assistant coach of the Illinois men’s gymnastics team, throws up his hands to egg on the cheering crowd after fifth-year Will Hauke sticks his dismount on the parallel bars on March 1. Illinois won the meet against Army and Greenville with a final score of 316.700.

A sport of improvement, injuries, interest, innovation

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 4, 2025
Freshman Chloe Cho hands candy to a young fan after her beam routine during a meet against Ohio State on Feb. 7. Illinois upset Ohio with a team score of 196.150-195.475.

4 big considerations for Big Four meet

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 1, 2025
Sophomore Olivia Coppola hugs head coach Nadalie Walsh after her beam routine during a meet against Ohio State on Feb. 7. Illinois pulled the upset with a team score of 196.150-195.475.

Breaking down scoring after Senior Day

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 24, 2025
Fifth-year Amelia Knight joins in a huddle during a meet against Missouri on Feb. 9. Illinois lost the second meet of Alumni Weekend 197.200-196.675.

No. 21 Illinois gymnastics spotlights mental health ahead of Senior Day

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 22, 2025
Freshman Chloe Cho performs her floor routine during a meet against Missouri on Feb. 9. Cho won the event with a score of 9.950.

Key moments from Illinois’ double-meet weekend

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 11, 2025
Virginia McCaskey looks up at Bears Chairman George McCaskey before Brian Urlacher was awarded with a ring of excellence during halftime between the Bears and the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field in Chicago on Sept. 17, 2018. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/TNS)

Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey dies at 102

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 6, 2025
Illinois women’s gymnastics heads east for Women’s Empowerment Meet

Illinois women’s gymnastics heads east for Women’s Empowerment Meet

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 31, 2025
Key factors for men’s gymnastics ahead of Illinois’ dual meet

Key factors for men’s gymnastics ahead of Illinois’ dual meet

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 31, 2025
West Coast showdown ahead for Illinois

West Coast showdown ahead for Illinois

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 25, 2025
Illinois women’s gymnastics showcases new talent in season opener

Illinois women’s gymnastics showcases new talent in season opener

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 14, 2025
Junior defensive back Xavier Scott enters the field before a game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 12, 2024.

Xavier Scott announces return for 2025 season

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 5, 2025
Junior running back Josh McCray waltzes into the end zone during Illinois’ dominant win over Michigan State on Nov. 16. Athletic Director Josh Whitman and Chancellor Robert Jones celebrate the score right next to the end zone.

Miraculous McCray: Josh McCray’s journey to greatness

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • December 29, 2024
James Thompson Jr. commits to Illinois from Big Ten rival

James Thompson Jr. commits to Illinois from Big Ten rival

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • December 25, 2024
AI brings changes to scouting

AI brings changes to scouting

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • December 17, 2024
Senior wide receiver Pat Bryant holds up the Cannon Trophy after Illinois' victory at home over Purdue on Oct. 12.

From Florida to the field: Pat Bryant leaves footprint on Illini football

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • December 16, 2024
Illinois celebrates in the end zone following an overtime victory against Purdue on Oct. 12.

No. 20 Illinois selected for Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • December 8, 2024
Illinois runs onto the field ahead of its matchup with Purdue on Oct. 12.

No. 23 Illinois makes way to Wrigley Field

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • November 30, 2024
Senior wide receiver Pat Bryant runs out of the tunnel to a big applause at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 12.

Thanksgiving Illini special: Athletes who feasted this season

By Ben Fader, Laura Mendes, Eric Brewer and Brie Dirl • November 28, 2024
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer delivers a pass against Michigan State on Nov. 16.

What to expect from No. 25 Illinois football against Rutgers

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • November 22, 2024
Senior wide receiver Pat Bryant scores a touchdown against Michigan State in Illinois' final home game of the 2024 season.

Player notes, grades from Illinois football’s 6th home victory over Michigan State

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • November 18, 2024
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer jumps onto senior wide receiver Zakhari Franklin following a score against Purdue on Oct. 12.

Considerations for Illinois football’s final home game

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • November 15, 2024
Illinois sprints out of the tunnel to greet the Dads Weekend crowd on Nov. 2.

Beginning of the end for Illini Football

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • November 9, 2024
Luke Altmyer stands in the pocket on Oct. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

Football player grades from first home loss of 2024

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • November 4, 2024
Junior Josh McCray celebrates in the endzone with junior Josh Gesky on Oct. 12 at Memorial Stadium.

Illinois drops first 2024 home game

By Laura Mendes and Ben Fader • November 2, 2024

Preparing for a West Coast battle: No. 20 Illinois vs. No. 1 Oregon 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • October 25, 2024

Grades from No. 20 Illinois’ Saturday showdown against Michigan

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • October 21, 2024

What to keep in mind as No. 22 Illinois takes on No. 24 Michigan

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • October 18, 2024
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer checks Purdue’s coverage during Illinois’ win over them on Oct. 12 in Champaign.

Grades from No. 22 Illinois football’s slim victory over Purdue

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • October 16, 2024
A 100th anniversary logo adorns pyrotechnic equipment used during the player introductions during football games in Memorial Stadium in Champaign for the 2024 football season.

Champaign celebrates Memorial Stadium’s 100th anniversary

By Tess Eken and Laura Mendes • October 14, 2024
Redshirt Freshman Declan Duley is filled with emotion as he lifts the cannon after the Illinois v Purdue game on Oct. 12.

The Cannon comes home to Champaign

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • October 12, 2024
The Illini face the Nittany Lions away in Pennsylvania on Saturday.

No. 19 Illinois outcoached, falls to No. 9 Penn State

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • September 28, 2024

Illinois emerges No. 19 in new AP poll after win over Nebraska

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • September 24, 2024
An Illinois cheerleader runs onto the field with a Block I flag before Illinois’ upset win over Kansas.

Illini enter AP poll for first time since 2022

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • September 16, 2024
Junior defensive back Xavier Scott wags his finger after denying a Kansas pass during Illinois big win on Saturday.

Xavier Scott named National Defensive Player of Week 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • September 11, 2024
Junior quarterback Luke Altmyer passing the ball during a football game against Nebraska on Oct. 6, 2023.

Illinois football gears up for 2024-25 season-opener

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • August 29, 2024
Running back Reggie Love III during the first quarter against Toledo on Sept. 2, 2023, starting off the first game of the season.

First east, now west: Big Ten expansion enhances football conference

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • August 15, 2024
Emotions Joy and Anxiety from the film "Inside Out 2."

A rollercoaster of emotions with ‘Inside Out 2’

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • June 25, 2024
A picture of Zakhari Franklin photoshopped into an Illinois jersey. Franklin will join the Illini this fall as the NCAA's active receiving leader.

NCAA active receiving leader Zakhari Franklin transfers to Illinois

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • June 21, 2024
The Illini men and women's wheelchair track and road racing team.

Illini para athletes compete in NCAA Track & Field Tournament

By Laura Mendes and Qaasim Jatoi • June 8, 2024
Illinois baseball players shake hands after a game on May 17. The Illini won their first NCAA Tournament matchup against Indiana State, lost their second game against Kentucky, and will again face Indiana State this afternoon for a chance to play Kentucky in the NCAA Regional Championship.

Illinois baseball wins one, loses one in NCAA Regional

By Laura Mendes and Qaasim Jatoi • June 2, 2024

An unexpected series of events led Amari Sewell to Illinois

By Nathan Gordeuk and Laura Mendes • May 17, 2024
Rising fifth-year Amelia Knight strikes a pose as she dismounts the uneven bars during a gymnastics meet against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

Across the sea with Amelia Knight as she returns for a fifth year

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • May 9, 2024
Senior Sebastian Ingersoll midair as he prepares to catch back onto the horizontal bar.

End of season draws near for Illinois men’s gymnastics   

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 19, 2024
Senior All around #21 Sebastian Ingersoll prepares to mount the pommel horse.

Illinois wins four individual events in Big Ten gymnastics championships

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 6, 2024
Senior #63 Ashton Anaya celebrates as he sticks a perfect dismount on the rings during a meet against Oakland on Jan. 28.

No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics gears up for Big Ten Championship 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 5, 2024
Illinois Senior Amelia Knight prepares before competing on the beam in a gymnastics meet on Feb. 18.

Second round finish caps off 2024 season for Illinois women’s gymnastics

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 5, 2024

Illinois women’s gymnastics moves on to round 2 of regionals 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 4, 2024
All-around senior Amelia Knight walks the balance beam against Rutgers on Feb. 4.

Illinois women’s gymnastics gears up for NCAA Regionals

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 2, 2024
Miami Dolphin cornerback Vontae Davis signs a football for Chief Warrant Officer 2nd Mike Puit during a tour of the guided-missile destroyer Pre-Commissioning Unit Jason Dunham.

Former Illinois DB Vontae Davis found dead at 35

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • April 1, 2024
Jocelyn Xu (left), senior in Engineering, and Madison Mark (right), Junior in Information Sciences, share Just Bee Acai together on the Main Quad.

Best of CU | Best Place to People-Watch: Main Quad

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 28, 2024
The mens gymnastics team yells with excitement as their teammate completes a successful routine at the meet with Michigan on Feb. 3.

Fantastic regular season ends with Illinois men’s gymnastics atop Big Ten

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 24, 2024

4 all-championship team performances earn sixth-place finish for Illinois women’s gymnastics

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 24, 2024
Graduate student Michael Fletcher holds a handstand during his floor routine during the meet with Michigan on Feb. 3.

Regular season comes to a close against No. 6 Penn State for No. 4 Illinois men’s gymnastics

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 24, 2024

Big Ten championships lies in sight of Illinois women’s gymnastics

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 24, 2024
Junior Max Farkhadau holds a one-handed handstand during his pommel horse routine against Michigan on Feb. 3.

No. 4 Illinois men’s gymnastics comes up short at No. 3 Nebraska

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 12, 2024

No. 24 Illinois women’s gymnastics takes third place in quad meet

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 9, 2024
Sophomore Tate Costa holds a handstand on the rings during the meet against Michigan on Feb. 3.

No. 2 Illinois men’s gymnastics heads to No. 5 Nebraska for top-5 duel

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 9, 2024
Amelia Knight celebrates her uneven bars routine against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

No. 24 Illinois women’s gymnastics heads to Alabama for penultimate meet of year

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 8, 2024
An Illini Gymnast flips over the vault during the meet with Minnesota on Feb. 18.

No. 23 Illinois women’s gymnastics gets 3 weekend wins

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 4, 2024
Freshman Alex Tapanes sticks the dismount of his parallel bars routine at the meet against Michigan at Huff Hall on Feb. 3.

No. 3 Illinois men’s gymnastic secures 2 nonconference wins in tri-meet

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 4, 2024
An Illini gymnast prepares for a big swing on the uneven barrs during the meet with Minnesota at Huff Hall on Feb. 18.

No. 23 Illinois women’s gymnastics gears up for another double-meet weekend 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 2, 2024
Junior all-around Amari Sewell flips in the air in front of an onlooking crowd during the meet against Michigan on Mar. 3.

No. 3 Illinois men’s gymnastics hosts tri-meet after pair of bye weeks

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • March 1, 2024

Illinois swim & dive breaks records at Big Ten championships

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 27, 2024
Freshman Brandon Dang rejoins an extatic team after completeing his pommel horse routine at the Illinois against Michigan in Huff Hall on Feb. 3.

Brandon Dang earns bronze medal at 2024 Winter Cup

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 26, 2024
Junior Makayla Green celebrates after completing a successful vault during the meet against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

No. 23 Illinois women’s gymnastics finishes second at Big Five Meet 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 26, 2024
Freshman Lyden Saltness prepares a big swing on the uneven bars against Minnesota in Huff Hall Feb. 18.

No. 21 Illinois women’s gymnastics prepares for Big Five Meet

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 24, 2024
Sophomore Tate Costa balances a handstand on the rings during the meet against Michigan in Huff Hall on Feb. 11

Members of No. 3 Illinois men’s gymnastics to compete in 2024 Winter Cup 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 23, 2024
Junior Logan Kuehne celebrates during the meet against Vanderbilt on Nov. 4.

Illinois swim & dive gears up for Big Ten championships

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 22, 2024
Freshman Lyden Saltness prepares a big swing on the uneven bars during the meet against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

No. 21 Illinois women’s gymnastics suffers loss despite season-high against No. 15 Minnesota

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 19, 2024
Junior Makayla Green extatics after completes a successful vault during the meet against Minnesota on Feb. 18.

No. 27 Illinois women’s gymnastics places third in Missouri

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 19, 2024

Stoll breaks 100 IM school record at Louisville Invite

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 19, 2024
Graduate all-around Mia Townes prepares for her beam routine with chalk during the meet against Rutgers on Feb. 4.

No. 27 Illinois women’s gymnastics gears up to travel to St. Louis

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 16, 2024

3 Illini travel to Louisville for final regular season competition of the year

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 15, 2024

Season-high mark carries No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics to 3 wins in Florida

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 12, 2024
Senior all-around Abby Mueller competes against Michigan State at Rutgers on Feb. 4.

No. 25 Illinois women’s gymnastics suffers close loss by No. 10 Michigan State

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 12, 2024
Graduate all-around Mia Townes tries to stay balanced on the beam against Rutgers on Feb. 4. Townes fell on the beam, which has not happened in two years.

No. 25 Illinois women’s gymnastics prepares to take on No. 10 Michigan State 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 9, 2024
Junior Max Farkhadau showcases a one-handed handstand during his pommel horse routine at Huff Hall on Feb. 3.

No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics prepares for 2024 EVO Elite Collegiate Open

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 9, 2024
All-around senior Kaitlyn Ewald poses as she performs on the balance beam at Huff Hall on Sunday.

No. 24 Illinois women’s gymnastics earns victory over Rutgers  

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 6, 2024
Sophomore all-around Tate Costa costing his hands in chalk before mounting the horizontal bars against Oklahoma on Jan. 28.

No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics wins over No. 4 Michigan 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 6, 2024
Junior all-around Amari Sewell celebrates with his team after completing his floor routine during the game against Michigan yesterday.

No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics prepares to take on No. 4 Michigan

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 3, 2024
Abby Mueller shares a celebratory moment with a teammate following her performance at the Quad Meet featuring Western Michigan, West Virginia, UW-Oshkosh, and Illinois at Huff Hall on Jan. 13.

No. 24 Illinois women’s gymnastics suffers loss to No. 11 Ohio State 

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • February 1, 2024
Sophomore All-around Tate Costa performs a press hand stand in his floor routine against Oklahoma on Sunday.

No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics takes down No. 1 Oklahoma

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 29, 2024
All-around Mia Townes poses next to the beam against Rutgers on Sunday.

No. 25 Illinois women’s gymnastics prepares to take on No. 11 Ohio State

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 29, 2024

Illinois swim & dive prepares for senior night against Nebraska

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 26, 2024
Illini men’s gymnastics team ecstatic with joy after they beat the Oklahoma in a home match on Jan. 28.

No. 5 Illinois men’s gymnastics gears up for home opener against No. 1 Oklahoma

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 26, 2024
All-Around senior Mia Takekawa steps to the beam facing off against Michigan State on Feb. 27 2023. The match ended in a loss for the Illini.

No. 22 Illinois women’s gymnastics suffers narrow loss at Nebraska

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 23, 2024
Graduate Student Michael Fletcher competes on the parallel bars during the Ninja Warrior Competition against Penn State on Feb. 4.

No. 4 Illinois men’s gymnastics scores fourth season win

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 23, 2024
Freshman Bethany Mercer flips into the pool on Oct. 7, during the Orange and Blue meet.

Freshman Bethany Mercer dives into new chapter

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 21, 2024
Swim and dive head coach Jeana Kempe.

Head coach Jeana Kempe revels in full-circle moment with Illinois swim & dive

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 21, 2024
All-Around senior Mia Takekawa performs against Michigan State on Feb. 27 2023.

No. 22 Illinois women’s gymnastics aims for sixth win of the season

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 20, 2024

Illinois swim & dive breaks 200 medley relay record

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 19, 2024
Senior Ashton Anaya during the Orange and Blue meet at Huff Hall in Champaign, IL. Photo By Jenny Butler.

Illinois men’s gymnastics heads to Greenville for fifth meet of season

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 19, 2024
Pommel horse Branon Dang stunts a flip in the middle of the State Farm Center during a halftime show performance for men's basketball on Oct. 29.

Illinois men’s gymnastics aims for new heights in upcoming season

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 12, 2024
Senior Allie Morgan before the Quad Meet with Western Michigan, West Virginia and UW-Oshkosh and Illinois at Huff Hall on Jan. 13.

Illinois women’s gymnastics flips into a comeback

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • January 11, 2024

Illinois swim & dive succeeds in West Lafayette tournament

By Laura Mendes, Staff Writer • November 20, 2023
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