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Preseason football Top 10: Unity's winning culture known throughout state
Aug. 16—TOLONO — The first official day of football practice had just wrapped up Monday evening, and Unity coach Scott Hamilton had some good news waiting for him as he walked off Hicks Field. Even as he contemplates whether this fall is his last leading the Rockets. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the state football finals this year, the IHSA is recognizing the top-50 programs of the ...
Tuscola looking to build on winning tradition
TUSCOLA (WCIA) — Preseason practices are underway for the Tuscola Warriors, who look to get back to the postseason once again. The Warriors finished 2023 with a 5-5 record after falling in the first round of the postseason heading into the new season. Tuscola brings back experience at the receiver and defensive back spots, looking […]
Notes: Capka-Jones another passing game option
Aug. 16—CHAMPAIGN — Alexander Capka-Jones committed to Illinois in late June last summer not long after receiving his scholarship offer. His lead time into training camp, to get established with the Illini, was minimal. Not that he gave himself any breaks as he adjusted to the Big Ten after spending two seasons at the junior-college level. "Last year, I put so much pressure on myself trying to ...
Details announced for Illinois-Arkansas Thanksgiving Day clash
(WCIA) — Fans looking to spend their holiday with the Illini received more details about the Thanksgiving Day game. Illinois will tip off against Arkansas at 3 p.m. following the Bears-Lions game on CBS/WCIA on Thursday, November 28. The two programs have met six times, with Illinois winning all but one game. It will be […]
Illini football quick hits | Training Camp Day 16
Aug. 15—Illinois training camp continued Thursday, with coach Bret Bielema available to the media at the Smith Center. Here's some of what he said, courtesy beat writer Scott Richey: Game-day operations have changed for Illinois — and the rest of the FBS — with in-helmet communication between coaches and players and video technology on the sideline and in the locker room now allowed. Further ...
Duke And Illinois To Meet In The Garden
Duke last played Illinois in December of 2020 in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge and in that one, the Blue Devils had no answer for the massive Kofi Cockburn and won 83-68. It’s strange to think of it and remember that it was played in an empty Cameron Indoor Stadium.
ciSports: Coach Pancho Moore Sports Photography
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — Pancho Moore joins ciSports this week to share all about his photography business Coach Pancho Moore Sports Photography. With ciSports Host, Karidia Shelby, Coach Pancho discusses how his photography business was started, what services are offered, and his overall goal for Coach Pancho Moore Sports Photography. What is ciSports? CiSports, is […]
Illinois names 2024 team captains
Aug. 15—CHAMPAIGN — Illinois officially announced its six team captains for the 2024 season Thursday after they were revealed to the team following Wednesday night's training camp scrimmage at Memorial Stadium. The captains were split equally between offense and defense. Representing the offense are tight end Tanner Arkin, wide receiver Pat Bryant and offensive lineman Josh Kreutz. The defense ...
Re-examined: Red Grange’s legacy 100 years later
Last week Illinois introduced new throwback jerseys to be worn at the Memorial Stadium re-dedication game, in honor of Red Grange. When the Illini kick it off against Michigan on Oct. 19, it will mark 100 years since Grange’s infamous six-touchdown game. The game turned Grange into an overnight...
Community sends off Central IL Paralympic athletes as they prepare for Paris games
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The 2024 Olympic Games have come and gone, but Paris isn’t done with world-class athletes yet. The opening ceremonies for the Paralympic Games start August 28th. Eight of the competing athletes have very close ties to Central Illinois, and in particular, the University of Illinois. On Wednesday, the university helped to […]
Champaign park honors Olympians with special tribute
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) — The Champaign Park District is reminding residents of their monument to honor local Olympians. “The Olympic & Paralympic Tribute located at Dodds Park honors the extraordinary achievements of Champaign County residents who have participated in the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” officials wrote in a Facebook post. “Its granite platform is inscribed […]
With school back in session, a look around the area sports scene
Aug. 15—Janet Rayfield has 226 victories in charge of Illinois soccer. The veteran coach starts her 23rd season leading the Illini tonight when they host Wright State at Demirjian Park in Champaign. Of the 18 Big Ten women's soccer coaches, Rayfield's win total ranks fourth in the revamped league, only behind Nebraska coach John Walker (365 wins), Ohio State coach Lori Walker-Hock (291 ...
Rare frontcourt talent elevates Illinois basketball expectations for 2024-25
Illinois basketball has seen some good recruiting classes in the past, but you will be hard-pressed to find one that stands up to the class of 2024. There are many different angles you can take to make the case that the 2024 class is the best, on paper, in the history of the Illini program. I could mention the five-star forward in Will Riley and the great four-star combo guard from Lithuania, Kasparas Jakucionis. Both players are projected to be picked in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft.
Illinois figuring out in-helmet communication
Aug. 15—CHAMPAIGN — Illinois rigged up a makeshift in-helmet communication system during spring football practices. It was a preemptive move for Illini coach Bret Bielema knowing the NCAA was likely to approve the use of coach-to-player communications ahead of the 2024 season. That move was made official April 19 after several teams got a chance to use in-helmet communication gear during last ...
Illini position battle update: Backup safeties readying to boost depth, playmaking on back end
CHAMPAIGN — Illinois this fall is excited to see the safety room it had expected to have in 2023. Matthew Bailey, who missed all but 22 defensive snaps due to foot and shoulder injuries, has returned as the starting boundary safety and will pair with returning field safety starter Miles Scott to form a duo that Illinois expects to make more big plays.
NCAA Basketball: NCAA Tournament East Regional-Connecticut vs Illinois
Mar 30, 2024; Boston, MA, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ty Rodgers (20) dribbles the ball against the Connecticut Huskies in the finals of the East Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports. Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media...
17 Fighting Illini women’s gymnasts named for All-American honors
CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Recently, 17 members of the Fighting Illini women’s gymnastics team were named on the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) All-American honors list. The WCGA recognizes and bestows the Academic All-American honor upon outstanding student athletes that excel academically and physically. Student athletes...
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