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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
Illini fans cheer from the stands during the Redbox Bowl at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. Illinois lost to California 35-20 Monday.

Tati’s Take: Redbox was a rollercoaster

By Tatiania Perry, Football Columnist • Dec 31, 2019
Head coach Lovie Smith speaks to the media during the Redbox Bowl pregame press conference at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco on Friday, Dec. 27. Photo by Jonathan Bonaguro.

Illinois defense prepares for California, Redbox match-up

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Dec 30, 2019
Head coaches Justin Wilcox and Lovie Smith stand next to the Redbox Bowl trophy during a press conference on Dec. 27 at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco.

Illinois football’s underdog mentality will be an advantage in the 2019 Redbox Bowl

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Dec 28, 2019
An open letter to Illini football seniors

An open letter to Illini football seniors

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Dec 2, 2019
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn shoots a free-throw at the line during Illinois' game against the Citadel at the State Farm Center Nov. 20. Cockburn's fourth double-double in five games helped lead the Illini past the Bulldogs 85-57 on Wednesday night. Captured at State Farm Center on 20 Nov, 2019 by Jonathan Bonaguro.

Cockburn sweeps Big Ten weekly accolades after Illinois’ victory over Lindenwood

By Tatiania Perry • Nov 28, 2019
Freshman center Kofi Cockburn shoots a free-throw at the line during Illinois' game against the Citadel at the State Farm Center Nov. 20. Cockburn's fourth double-double in five games helped lead the Illini past the Bulldogs 85-57 on Wednesday night. Captured at State Farm Center on 20 Nov, 2019 by Jonathan Bonaguro.

Cockburn leads Illinois past the Citadel with fourth double-double of the season

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Nov 21, 2019
Illini are officially going bowling

Illini are officially going bowling

By Tatiania Perry, Columnist • Nov 11, 2019
Don't count Illinois football out of a bowl game

Don’t count Illinois football out of a bowl game

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Nov 4, 2019
Illinois shows what it had all along

Illinois shows what it had all along

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Oct 28, 2019
The Illini Football team gather together after their victory over Wisconsin on Saturday. The Illini won 24-23.

Why we love Illinois

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Oct 21, 2019
Illini must become cohesive unit to succeed

Illini must become cohesive unit to succeed

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Oct 14, 2019
Illinois continues to preach greatness, still isn’t doing enough

Illinois continues to preach greatness, still isn’t doing enough

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Oct 7, 2019

Illini make progress, still choke from pressure against Cornhuskers

By Tatiania Perry, Columnist • Sep 23, 2019
Illini fans watch the game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Illinois’ game against Nebraska Saturday marks the beginning of the Big Ten regular season. The game will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Sports columnist shares game day rituals off field

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Sep 19, 2019
Jake Hansen (35) tackles Willie Parker (26) at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini experienced their first loss of the season against Eastern Michigan.

Illini fans acknowledge unrealistic expectations after devastating loss

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Sep 16, 2019

Football is a negotiation

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Sep 9, 2019
Illinois running back Mike Epstein runs with the football during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 13.

Play for injured players

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Sep 5, 2019
Illini athletes compete in the 2018 Jock Jams competition at Foellinger Auditorium.

Jock Jams to celebrate 10th anniversary

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Jan 28, 2019
Illinois forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili looks to shoot the ball during the game against Michigan at the State Farm Center on Thursday. The Illini lost 79-69.

Illini gear up for Badger matchup

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Jan 23, 2019
Illinois head coach Brad Underwood argues with the referee during Illinois' game against Penn State on Feb. 11. The Illini lost 74-52.

Illinois falls to Missouri in Braggin’ Rights game

By Tatiania Perry, Staff Writer • Dec 23, 2018
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush (1) passes the ball during the game against Iowa at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018.

Northwestern loss concludes regular season

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Nov 24, 2018
Illinois running back Reggie Corbin (2) carries the ball down the field for a touchdown during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Illinois to face Iowa in final home game

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Nov 16, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith calls the defensive plays during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018.

Illinois drops game against Nebraska

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Nov 10, 2018
Illinois running back Dre Brown (left) celebrates with wide receiver Ricky Smalling (right) after scoring a touchdown during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini won 55-31. Brown ran for a career-high 92 yards on the day and scored his first collegiate touchdown.

Brown’s time at UI is full of highlights

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Nov 8, 2018
Illinois running back Dre Brown (25) celebrates with wide receiver Sam Mays (9) after scoring a touchdown during the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018.

Illini bounce back strong against Gophers

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Nov 4, 2018
Illinois linebacker Dele Harding (9) celebrates with defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree (97) after making a tackle during the game against USF at Soldier Field on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018.

Illinois defense goes through changes before weekend matchup

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Nov 1, 2018
Illini defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson on the sidelines during a game. Nickerson announced his resignation from the football program Monday.

Illinois defensive coordinator Hardy Nickerson resigns

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 29, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks up at the scoreboard during the game against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018.

Illinois shows too little, too late

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 27, 2018
Freshman M.J. Rivers drops back to pass in Illinois game against No. 23 Wisconsin Saturday. The Illini lost 49-20.

Illinois vs. Wisconsin: Game notebook

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 22, 2018
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush (1) gets tackled during the game against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 8.

Bush benched, Illini lose second straight

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 20, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith talks to the referee during the game against Purdue at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. The Illini lost 46-7.

Illinois to work on improving defense

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 18, 2018
Purdue quarterback David Blough passes the ball during the Illinois vs. Purdue game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday.

Grades, notes from Illinois’ 46-7 loss to Purdue

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 15, 2018
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush (1) talks to Kent State defensive lineman Matt Bell (93) and wide receiver Lon'kevious McFadden (83) after the game at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018.

AJ Bush gives Illini needed boost

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 11, 2018
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush (1) runs the ball during the game against Kent State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018.

Illinois breaks Big Ten losing streak in road win

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 6, 2018
Illinois defensive lineman Bobby Roundtree (97) makes a sack during the game against USF at Soldier Field on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018. The Illini lost 25-19.

Illinois offense improves while defense falls short of expectations

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Oct 4, 2018
Defense disintegrates in fourth-quarter play

Defense disintegrates in fourth-quarter play

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Sep 24, 2018
Illinois linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips intercepts a pass during the game against Kent State at Memorial Stadium on Sept. 1. Phillips has been a leader on defense, grabbing two interceptions this season.

Team looks to bounce back against Nittany Lions

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Sep 20, 2018
Illinois linebacker Del'Shawn Phillips (3) makes a tackle during the game against USF at Soldier Field on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2018.

Illini fall in second half at Soldier Field

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Sep 17, 2018
Rivers brings confidence, poise to quarterback position

Rivers brings confidence, poise to quarterback position

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Sep 13, 2018
Illinois quarterback M.J. Rivers II (8) hands the ball off to running back Reggie Corbin (2) during the game against Western Illinois at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2018.

Grading Illinois’ win over Western Illinois

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Sep 10, 2018
Illinois running back Reggie Corbin shakes off a defender during the game against Kent State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Corbin looks to be a big part of this year’s offense.

Illini look to continue second-half momentum into weekend matchup

By Tatiania Perry and Staff writer • Sep 6, 2018
Illinois quarterback AJ Bush (1) throws a pass during the game against Kent State at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018.

Strong second half showing helps Illini grab comeback win

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Sep 1, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith talks with linebacker Dele Harding (9) before the spring scrimmage at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, April 7, 2018.

Illinois gears up for a new beginning

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Aug 30, 2018
Illini split first two games of Buckeyes series

Illini split first two games of Buckeyes series

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • May 6, 2018
Illinois infielder Michael Massey (6) hits a double to left center field during the game against Grand Canyon at Illinois Field on Saturday, April 21, 2018. The Illini won 3-2.

Illini drop tough weekend series

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 23, 2018
Illinois catcher Jeff Korte (32) throws to second during the game against Rutgers at Illinois Field on Friday, April 13, 2018.

Illini top Rutgers in high scoring game

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 14, 2018
Illinois outfielder Jack Yalowitz swings at the pitch during the game against Milwaukee at Illinois Field on March 14, 2018. Yalowitz was recently named the Big Ten player of the week.

Illini to face Knights over weekend

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 12, 2018
Illinois infielder Michael Massey takes a swing at the ball in the Illini's Big Ten home opener against Iowa on March 30.

Fisher, Illinois baseball takes weekend series against Maryland

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 9, 2018
Illinois football held an open spring practice on Sunday. Community members came to watch the team run through practice drills and a scrimmage

Spring ball wrap-up

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 9, 2018
Illinois splits Maryland doubleheader

Illinois splits Maryland doubleheader

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 7, 2018
Illini tight end Bobby Walker lines up on offense against Western Kentucky University. Illinois went on to beat the Hilltoppers 20-7 for their second and last win of the 2017 season. Walker was originally a walk-on player who was later offered a scholarship in the middle of his sophomore season.

Walk-on players find their role on Illinois football team

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 4, 2018
Spring break helped Illini football players bond

Spring break helped Illini football players bond

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Mar 28, 2018
Illinois outfielder Jack Yalowitz waits for the pitch during the game against Milwaukee at the Illinois Field on Wednesday, March 14.

Illinois sweeps its first week of Big Ten competition

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Mar 27, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks out over the field during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 28. The Illini lost 24-10.

Illinois football players settling into new roles

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 20, 2018
Dylan Meyer competes in the PGA TOUR

Dylan Meyer competes in the PGA TOUR

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 15, 2018
Illinois head coach Lovie Smith looks out over the field during the game against Wisconsin on Oct. 28. The Illini lost 24-10.

Illinois gets commitment from grad transfer quarterback AJ Bush

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 15, 2018
Illinois infielder Ben Troike hits the ball during the game against Indiana State at Illinois Field on Sept. 24.

Illini baseball ends seven game win streak in weekend split

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 12, 2018
Illinois quarterback Cam Thomas throws a pass under pressure during the game against Wisconsin on Saturday, Oct 28. The Illini lost 10-24.

Thomas steps out of the shadows during offseason

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 8, 2018
Illinois infielder Grant Van Scoy swings at the pitch during the game against Indiana State at Illinois Field on Sept. 24.

Baseball extends winning streak to five-games in weekend sweep

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 5, 2018
Illinois splits its weekend

Illinois splits its weekend

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Feb 26, 2018
Athletic director Josh Whitman speaks at a press conference in Memorial Stadium on Oct. 3, 2016.

Whitman named to SportsBusiness Forty Under 40

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Feb 22, 2018
Illinois forward Michael Finke gives Illinois guard Trent Frazier a pat on the back after the game against Indiana at State Farm Center on Wednesday, Jan. 24. The Illini won 73-71.

Letter to the basketball team

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Feb 19, 2018
Illinois' Aleks Vukic strikes back the ball in the meet against University of Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.

Men’s tennis splits the weekend

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Feb 5, 2018
Jon Davis became the 498th American to run a sub-four-minute mile. Davis clocked in his mile at 3:58:46 at the Illini Classic on Saturday, setting University records.

Sophomore runs sub-4 minute mile

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Jan 29, 2018
Rod Smith, Corey Patterson added to Illinois football staff

Rod Smith, Corey Patterson added to Illinois football staff

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Jan 19, 2018
Illinois running back Ra'Von Bonner sweeps past defenders during the game against Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 24. The Illini lost 35-24

Time is the medicine Illinois football needs

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Oct 23, 2017
Illinois' Patricia George (11) carries the ball up the field during the game against Loyola at the Illinois Soccer Stadium on Saturday, April 1. The Illini won 2-1.

Illini upperclassmen leading the way for inexperienced squad

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Sep 6, 2017
Illini fans dance during the Big Ten Tailgate before the game against Minnesota at Memorial Stadium on Saturday October 29.

Tailgating 101: What you need to know

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Aug 24, 2017
The Illinois socer team gathers around Arianna Veland (right center) after she scored a goal at the end of the first half of the game against Missouri at Illinois Soccer Stadium on Friday, August 18. The Illini lost 3-1.

Illinois soccer kicks off its season with 1-1 weekend

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Aug 24, 2017
Greg Eboigbodin signs with Illinois basketball

Greg Eboigbodin signs with Illinois basketball

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Jun 6, 2017
Jalen Coleman-Lands granted a release from Illinois

Jalen Coleman-Lands granted a release from Illinois

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • May 25, 2017
Illinois men's head basketball coach Brad Underwood gets another chance at recruiting Landers Nolley of Langston Hughes High School, who recently de-committed from Georgia.

Jeremiah Tilmon commits to Mizzou

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • May 15, 2017
Three Illini football players arrested for armed robbery

Three Illini football players arrested for armed robbery

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • May 10, 2017
Illinois' Cam Viney jumps a hurdle in the Illini Open meet at the Illinois Track Stadium on Wednesday, May 4.

Illinois men’s track taking right steps forward

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • May 8, 2017
Illinois' Dylan Lafond competes in the 3000 meter run during the Orange and Blue meet on February 20, 2016.

Men’s cross-country has record-breaking season

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • May 8, 2017
Former Florida State head coach Bobby Bowden and sportscaster Mike Tirico (right) joke at the Orange Bowl Coaches Luncheon in 2006. Tirico will host the Illinois Hall of Fame Gala.

Mike Tirico to host the University of Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame Gala

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • May 3, 2017
Nick Hardy practices at the Demirjjan Golf Practice Facility on April 6.

Meyer leads men’s golf to tournament championship

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Apr 23, 2017
The Illinois women's golf team will head to Cincinnati this weekend for the Big Ten championship.

Illinois women’s golf heads to Big Ten championship

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Apr 21, 2017
Nancy Fahey is the new head coach for Illini women's basketball after coaching for 31 years at Washington University in St. Louis.

Illinois women’s basketball signs Lyric Robins

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Apr 16, 2017
Illinois' Aleks Vukic gets ready to return the ball during the match against Wisconsin at the Atkin's Tennis Center on Sunday, April 3.

Aleks Vukic earns Big Ten Tennis Athlete of the Week award

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Apr 12, 2017
Josh Whitman, director of athletics, introduces new Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood on Monday, Mar 20 2017. Javon Pickett requests release from his National Letter of Intent.

Illini recruit Javon Pickett requests release

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Apr 8, 2017
Illinois Women’s head basketball coach Nancy Fahey retained two assistants under former head coach Matt Bollant. Fahey also brought along an assistant from her previous head coaching job at Washington University.

Fahey announces Malone, Kirkland, Cochran as assistant coaches

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Apr 2, 2017
Illinois' Aleks Vukic returns the ball in the match against University of Kentucky on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Atkins Tennis Center in Urbana.

Illinois men’s tennis Aleks Vukic earns weekly Big Ten honor

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 29, 2017
Illinois' Isaiah Martinez wrestles with Michigan's Logan Massa in the 165 pound weight class during the match at Huff Hall on Friday, January 20. Martinez won by decision and the Illini defeated the Wolverines 34-6.

Illinois spring break sports briefs

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 27, 2017
Illinois' Malcolm Hill (21) shoots a three against Valparaiso at State Farm Center on Tuesday, March 13.

Illinois men’s basketball falls to Central Florida in NIT

By Tatiania Perry, Assistant sports editor • Mar 22, 2017
Head coach Tyra Perry talks to her team during a doubleheader March 26. Illinois’ coaches are changing the program and their methods to fit team members’ personalities, goals and skillsets.

Illinois softball coaches bring a new approach to an old dream

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Mar 9, 2017
Illinois’ Annie Fleming dives back to third during a game against Nebraska at Eichelberger Field on April 2. Fleming had a strong performance the last time the Illini played at ISU.

Illinois softball heads to Louisiana for the weekend

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Mar 2, 2017
Illinois’ Breanna Wonderly delivers the pitch against Nebraska at Eichelberger Field on April 2 In this year’s I-75 Challenge, the senior started off the weekend pulling out a five-inning shutout against Georgia State.

Illinois softball wins three at I-75 Challenge

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Feb 27, 2017
Illinois head coach Tyra Perry talks to her team during game one of the doubleheader against Nebraska at Eichelberger Field on Saturday, March 26. The Illini won game one 8-3 and game two 10-2.

Illinois softball ends rainy California weekend with 1-2 record

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Feb 20, 2017
Illini of the Week Feb. 16: Nicole Evans

Illini of the Week Feb. 16: Nicole Evans

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Feb 16, 2017
Illinois’ Nicole Evans hits a solo home run to center field at Eichelberger Field on April 2. She opened the tournament this past weekend by hitting another home run. The Illini came home from Puerto Rico with a 4-1 record.

Illinois season off to a hot start after a 4-1 opening weekend in Puerto Rico

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Feb 13, 2017
Illini of the Week Alex Diab practices on the rings. Diab grew up practicing in his father’s gym and now has a second family among his teammates.

Illini of the Week Feb. 2: Alex Diab

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Feb 2, 2017
Brian Bauer The daily Illini Illinois’ Bobby Baker works the still rings in the meet against Minnesota at Huff Hall on Saturday.

Diab leads Illini to first home meet, with many career bests

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Jan 30, 2017
Illinois' Joey Peters prepares for the parallel bars in the meet against Minnesota at Huff Hall on Saturday, Jan. 28.

Joey Peters: The student, gymnast and TA

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Jan 30, 2017
Illinois' Alex Diab performs his routine at the meet against Michigan on March 12, 2016.

Illinois wins all seven event titles at Arizona State competition

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Jan 23, 2017
Illinois' Chandler Eggleston performs his routine at the meet against Michigan on March 12, 2016.

Illinois men’s gymnastics opens season with third consecutive Windy City Invite win

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Jan 19, 2017
Illinois' Dennis Minton performs his routine on the rings at the meet against Michigan on March 12, 2016.

Men’s gymnastics opens its season with some friendly competition

By Tatiania Perry, Staff writer • Dec 5, 2016
Portrait of IOTW Dylan LaFond by Mitchell Fransen.

Illini of the Week Nov. 16: Dylan Lafond

By Tatiania Perry, Contributing writer • Nov 16, 2016
Illinois' Alex Gold (207), freshman, keeps pace with his opponents at the Illini Open 2014 at the Arborteum on October 25th.

Illinois men’s cross-country ends 30-year NCAA Championships drought

By Tatiania Perry, Contributing writer • Nov 14, 2016
Lining up before the race begins, runners Joe Crowlin, Garrett Lee, Luke Brahm, and Caleb Hummer stand ready to run as soon as the gunshot goes off. The Illini runners stayed together for the first two laps, but as the third one came, Lee pushed to second, Crowlin followed behind in third, Brahm in eighth, and Hummer rounded them out in nineteenth. The Illini Open was held at the Arboretum on October 21st, 2016.

Men’s cross-country prepares for Midwest regionals

By Tatiania Perry, Contributing writer • Nov 11, 2016
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