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ThIs Is IllInoIs BaseBall 1Welcome to Illinois Baseball. The Fighting Illini are annually one of the top programs in the Big Ten and the Midwest.

Illinois Field � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4-5Illinois Field Clubhouse � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6Irwin Indoor Practice Facility � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 7Illinois Field atmosphere � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8-9olympian Chris Robinson // Illini in Professional Baseball � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10-11Fighting Illini Position Tradition � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12Illinois Traditions � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 21Illinois Baseball Timeline � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 22-25Big Ten Medal of honor // academic all-Big Ten honorees � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 26Itch Jones scholarship // Mills/eilbracht scholarship � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 27FightingIllini�com � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 28scout day � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 29Illinois Baseball Family � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 30academics � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 31-33University of Illinois � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 34-35division of Intercollegiate athletics � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 36-37Champaign-Urbana � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 38Campus life � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 39Illinois athletic success � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 40-41notable alumni � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 42-43administration � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 44-45Illini in the Community � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 46 Big Ten network � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 47summer Camps // dugout Club � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 48

FIghTIng IllInI 55The Fighting Illini return six starters in the field, 10 pitchers and 13 letterwinners from the 2009 squad that won 34 games and reached the Big Ten Tournament for the fifth-straight season.

2010 outlook � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 56-582010 Roster � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 59#34 Mike Giller � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 60#7 aaron Johnson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 62#6 Craig lutes � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 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coachIng sTaFF 49The current coaching staff, led by head coach Dan Hartleb, holds 50 years of collegiate coaching experience and 34 years at Illinois. They have a rich history of developing professional players, with over 40 former Illini reaching the pros during their tenure.

head Coach dan hartleb � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 50-51associate head Coach eric snider � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 52assistant Coach Ken westray � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 53volunteer assistant Coach Jeff Thomas // Manager Tom Kirby // support staff � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 54

QuIck FacTsgeneral InFormaTIonlocation� � � � � � � � Champaign-Urbana, Ill�Founded� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1867enrollment � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �42,326Interim President � � � stanley o� IkenberryInterim chancellor � � � � � � � Robert easterathletics Director � � � � � � � � Ron Guenther� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Illinois ’67conference � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Big Tenstadium � � � � � � � � � � � Illinois Field (1,500)surface � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � FieldTurfnickname � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �Fighting Illinicolors � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � orange and Blueathletics Phone � � � � � � � � � � 217�333�3631Ticket office Phone � � � � � � 217�333�3470

IllInoIs BaseBall hIsToryFirst year of Baseball � � � � � � � � � � � � 1879overall all-Time record � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2,322-1,489-36 / �608years in ncaa Tournament/last � 9 / 2000ncaa Tournament record � � � 37-26 / �587

BaseBall sPorTs InFormaTIonBaseball sID � � � � � Ben Taylor (Illinois ’05)office Phone � � � � � � � � � � � � 217�244�5045cell Phone � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 217�714�3555e-mail � � � � � � � � � � � bktaylor@illinois�edusID office Fax � � � � � � � � � � � 217�333�5540sID � � � � � � � � � � � � Kent Brown (Illinois ’87) sID office Phone � � � � � � � � � 217�333�1391Press Box Phone � � � � � � � � � 217�333�1227sID mailing address � � � Bielfeldt Building� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1700 s� Fourth st�� Champaign, Il 61820Website � � � � � � � � � www�fightingillini�com

BaseBall coachIng sTaFFhead coach � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �dan hartlebalma mater/year � � � � southern Illinois ’89record at Illinois (years) � � � �125-101 (4)career record (years) � � � � � � � � � � �sameBaseball office Phone � � � � 217�333�8605Baseball office Fax � � � � � � � 217�244�9759Best Time to reach coach � � � Contact sIdassociate head coach � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �eric snider (northern Iowa ’87)assistant coach � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Ken westray (eastern Illinois ’83)athletic Trainer � � � � � � � � � � � � � Jim halpinstrength and conditioning coach � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � Ryan MarkerBaseball secretary � � � � � � Mary Gallagher

Team InFormaTIon2009 record � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 34-202009 Big Ten record � � � � � � � � 16-8 / 4thstarters returning / lost � � � � � � � � � 6 / 3Pitchers returning / lost � � � � � � � � 10 / 5lettermen returning / lost � � � � � 13 / 10Position starters returning (6)� � � � � � � �dh willie argo, RF Pete Cappetta,� � � � � � 1B Matt dittman, C aaron Johnson,� � � � � � � �lF Casey McMurray, 2B Josh Parr�

starting Pitchers returning (2)� � � � � RhP Bryan Roberts, RhP will strack�

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seniors (5)� � � � � � � � � � � 1B Mike Giller, C aaron Johnson, � � � � � � � � �oF Craig lutes, RhP Kevin Manson, � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � RhP Mike sterk�

Juniors (9)� � � � � � �RhP John anderson, RhP Billy Barrett,� � � � � � RhP wes Braun, IF/oF Pete Cappetta, � � � � RhP nick Chmielewski, 1B Matt dittman, � � � � � � � oF Casey McMurray, oF Pat sheehan, � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � RhP lee Zerrusen�

sophomores (8)� � � � � � � � � � � � � oF willie argo, C adam davis, � � RhP Brian de la Torriente, lhP Corey Kimes, � � � � � � � � � � � � oF daniel Parker, ss Josh Parr, � � � � � � � � RhP Bryan Roberts, RhP will strack�

redshirt-Freshmen (4)� � � � � � � � � C Matt Cervantes, 3B Bill Charvat, � � � � oF doug schumacher, C Thomas shelton�

Freshmen (7)�IF Christian Cummins, oF davis hendrickson,� � � � � � �3B Brandon hohl, RhP Kevin Johnson,� � � � � � � � � � RhP Tanner libby, C alex lincoln,� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �RhP/oF Matt Milroy�

credits: The 2010 Illinois Baseball Media Guide is a publication of the Illinois athletic Public Relations office, written to assist the media�

execuTIve eDITorKent Brown

eDITorBen Taylor

eDITorIal assIsTanceleni depoisterMolly sheehan

InTerIor DesIgnBen Taylor

cover DesIgnheidi Rivers

PhoTograPhyMark JonesMark CowanCary Fryedarrell BeachyBen TaylorGary andersonBaseball Canada

Photos of professional players appear courtesy of the following organizations: Baltimore orioles, Chicago Cubs, Colorado Rockies, detroit Tigers, houston astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, new York Mets, new York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Texas Rangers, Gary southshore RailCats�

PrInTeD ByPremier Print GroupChampaign, Ill�

on The coverFront: Mike Giller, aaron Johnson,

Craig lutes�

Back: Kevin Manson, Mike sterk�

2009 In revIeW 91Illinois reached the postseason for the fifth consecutive year, entering the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 4 seed. Illinois also won its Big Ten Tournament opener for the third-straight year and took top-seeded Ohio State to the wire in the second game of the tournament. The Orange and Blue finished 34-20 on the season, 16-8 in the Big Ten.

2009 highlights � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 92-932009 Results � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 942009 statistical Breakdowns � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 952009 overall statistics � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 962009 Big Ten statistics � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 972009 Big Ten season in Review � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 98-99 2009 linescores � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 100-102

recorD Book 93The Illinois Baseball record book holds 130 seasons of Fighting Illini history.

offensive Records � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 104-106Pitching Records � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 106-107Team Records // single-Game Records � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 108Illinois Field Records � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 109The last Time � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 110

meDIa InFormaTIon 137Media guidelines for covering Illinois Baseball, as well as opponent information, the Big Ten composite schedule, Big Ten stadium press box phone numbers and a photo roster of the Illini.

Media Guidelines � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 138Media outlets // Road headquarters � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 139opponent directory � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 140Big Ten Conference � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 141Big Ten Composite schedule � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 142-143Illinois Radio/Tv Roster � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 144

hIsTory 111Illinois Baseball has a proud tradition that includes 28 Big Ten titles, nine NCAA Tournament appearances, 72 Major Leaguers and 38 All-Americans.

all-americans� � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 112all-Big Ten selections � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 113Big Ten and Illinois honors � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 114lou Boudreau � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 115all-Time letterwinners � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 116-117Illini in the Major leagues and the world series � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 118Illini in the MlB draft � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 119Year-by-Year Records � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 120series Records � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 121annual offensive leaders � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 122-123annual Pitching leaders � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 123Big Ten Tournament history � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 124nCaa Tournament history � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 125all-Time scores � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 126-136



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Illinois Field, the home of Fighting Illini Baseball, enters the 2010 season as one of the finest collegiate facilities in the Midwest. The 23-year-old ballpark was upgraded prior to the 2008 season with the installation of an artificial FieldTurf surface. The new turf closely resembles grass in playability while proving to be a much truer surface than its natural grass counterpart.

The turf will be able to withstand at least seven inches of rain per hour, thanks to the state-of-the-art drainage system in the rock subsurface underneath the turf. The project cost just over $1 million, was funded by private donors and will have a lifespan of 10-12 years.

In preparation for the turf, the field was graded and lowered to install a concrete apron, to which the turf was fastened. The infield and outfield are covered with green turf where grass would have been and terra cotta-colored turf in place of the infield dirt, and infilled with a mixture of 20 percent washed silica sand and 80 percent rounded cryogenic rubber. The sand helps hold down the turf, preventing buckling or shifting, while the rubber holds up the turf filaments, mimicking natural grass.

Before this upgrade, Illinois Field’s most recent improvement was during the 1999 season when lights were installed in time for five night games, making Illinois one of the first four Big Ten schools with the ability to play night games on its home field. Prior to the 2005 Alumni Game, a Wall of Fame was erected on the back of the press box, honoring Illini great Lou Boudreau and former Illini with at least one year of service in Major League Baseball.

Illinois Field saw its biggest crowd on May 8, 2009, when a school-record 5,214 fans saw the Fighting Illini score three runs in the bottom of the ninth against nationally ranked Ohio State to win, 5-4. With another capacity crowd that weekend and a near-sellout on Sunday, Illinois also set a weekend series attendance record with a total of 8,202 fans entering Illinois Field for the three games.

The first night game in Illinois Field history took place on April 27, 1999, a rainy Tuesday evening against Illinois State. After a one-hour rain delay, the lights were flipped on and Illinois’ 1998 Big Ten Championship flag was raised in center field. The first pitch was a strike from Illini ace Jason Anderson. Illinois won the game, 7-6, in 10 innings behind a game-winning single from senior shortstop Jon Anderson. Reliever Jimmy Journell picked up the win.

A symmetrical stadium, Illinois Field measures 330 feet down the lines, 370 feet to the alleys and 400 feet to center field. The entire complex features a clubhouse complete with lounge, locker room, four batting cages, two bullpens,

a 25-person press box and permanent seating for 1,500. Lawn seating provides space for up to 3,000 and was tested to the limits with the record crowds drawn to Illinois Field to watch Illinois play in the 1998 Big Ten Tournament.

Future additions planned for Illinois Field include seating for up to 5,000. The first game played at Illinois Field took place March 24, 1988. Illinois hosted Western Illinois and won the game, 11-10.

Above: Illinois fans react to Dominic Altobelli’s home run during Illinois’ 5-4 comeback win over Ohio State in 2009.

Left: This section of the Illinois Field Wall of Fame honors Lou Boudreau (left) and Illini players with at least one year in Major League Baseball.

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ToP croWDs aT IllInoIs FIelDannual attendance

year Dates Total avg1988 10 6,586 6591989 11 5,868* n/a1990 10 12,702 1,2701991 14 8,675 6201992 20 10,133 5071993 13 8,842 6801994 17 10,717 6301995 13 9,548 7341996 15 7,290 4861997 20 7,472 3741998 25 15,343 6141999 17 10,480 6162000 17 11,731 6902001 18 11,319 6292002 17 8,694 5112003 19 9,148 4812004 16 6,977 4362005 20 17,722 8862006 15 13,267 8842007 17 12,776 7512008 18 9,890 5492009 19 17,590 925Total 340 220,316 647�9*1989 attendance records are incomplete, with figures for 6 of 11 home dates

Illinois Field capacity crowds (1,500)attend. opponent Date5,214 ohio state 5/8/094,229 Iowa 4/15/953,800 Michigan 4/21/903,394 northwestern 4/16/942,500 northwestern 4/20/912,485 Iowa 4/22/062,139 Indiana 5/2/922,116 Minnesota 4/28/072,020 Michigan 4/22/901,907 ohio state 4/17/931,892 Purdue 4/22/891,647 Minnesota 5/1/881,654 Minn�/Penn st� (Big Ten Tournament) 5/16/98 1,647 Minnesota 5/1/881,639 Michigan 4/15/051,632 ohio state 4/13/961,572 Minnesota 4/18/921,569 Michigan 4/16/051,552 Iowa 4/15/891,538 ohio state 5/9/091,535 Minnesota (Big Ten Tournament) 5/26/051,529 Iowa 5/20/051,524 Iowa 5/21/051,512 Purdue 5/15/991,503 Minnesota 4/8/901,501 Minnesota 4/18/09

Weekend series recordsattend. opponent Date8,202 ohio state 5/8-10, 20095,820 Michigan 4/21-22, 19904,787 Iowa 4/15-16, 19954,460 Iowa 5/20-22, 20054,381 Iowa 4/21-23, 20064,352 northwestern 4/16-17, 19944,182 Michigan 4/15-17, 20054,100 Minnesota 4/27-29, 20073,939 Big Ten Tournament 5/13-16, 1998

Top: Illini fans lined up more than 10 people deep and more along the left-field fence as part of the record-setting crowd of 5,214 against Ohio State on May 8, 2009.

Above Left: Phil Haig (left) and Josh Parr celebrate Parr’s game-winning hit in 2009.

Above: Illinois players celebrate following a win.

Left: Willie Argo (middle) and Aaron Johnson (right) congratulates Dominic Altobelli on his home run against Minnesota in 2009.



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IllInoIs FIelD cluBhouseIn September 1996, the locker room was renovated and doubled in size, resulting in more spacious accomodations for Illinois student-athletes. Space that once housed offices has been converted into a recruiting lounge for the players and coaching staff.

Recently, the Dugout Club funded a locker room redecoration project, along with purchasing both a full personal computer set-up, complete with a DVD burner for highlight videos, and a new big screen TV for the players’ lounge.

In the summer of 2005, many of the photos in the locker room were replaced with shots from the Illini’s Big Ten Championship run that season.

Top: The Illini now have a new big-screen TV in the locker room, giving them two in the clubhouse.

above: The locker room provides the players with plenty of room while they prepare for practices and games.

above left and middle left: The players’ lounge gives Fighting Illini student-athletes a comfortable place to relax before and after practices and games. The lounge features a big-screen TV, comfortable seating and a computer with DVD burner for highlight videos.

left: Illinois’ training room gives athletic training staff space to keep the Illini at their peak by providing state-of-the-art sports medicine equipment.



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IrWIn InDoor PracTIce FacIlITy

In November 2000, the doors opened at the state-of-the-art Irwin Indoor Practice Facility, which began construction in June 1999. The $12.5 million facility was constructed using private donations, including the initial gift of $7.5 million, given by the Irwin Family Foundation, which also was responsible for the building of the the Irwin Academic Services Center.

The 77,327 square-foot, 80-yard-field facility is located just east of the Intramural Physical Education Building. The floor of the facility is covered by AstroPlay, an artificial turf with the feel of natural grass. Its long strands make for fewer injuries and a softer surface.

The facility features a semi-parabolic dome slanted roof which reaches an internal height of 50 feet. A large single arched box truss is utilized, spanning the length of the playing field. This center truss is arranged asymmetrically so that its spring point is higher at the end zone and lower at the opposite end. The multi-purpose facility also features retractable baseball netting.

The unique architectural design of the building fits with the historical significance and architectural integrity of Memorial Stadium and surrounding University of Illinois buildings with its red brick exterior and slanted roof. The exterior of the building is clad primarily with the University blend brick, detailed with limestone and has some larger areas of articulated metal panels in the color of limestone. The interior features a smooth wall surface and uses both direct lighting fixtures and natural light.

The baseball team utilizes the facility for training purposes, mostly in the preseason, although it will move practice indoors when inclement weather dictates. Winter baseball camps also are held there.

Top row: Interior views of the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility;

middle: An outdoor view of the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility;

right: Inside the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility.



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Since opening in 1988, Illinois Field has been one of the top baseball facilities in the Midwest. In addition to the amenities, such as lights, that allow for flexible scheduling, Illini fans have supported the team steadily throughout the 22 years at Illinois Field. As the Orange and Blue enter the park’s 23rd season, they hope to continue to provide quality family entertainment to area fans.

The addition of FieldTurf prior to the 2008 season will help the Fighting Illini play more of their games as scheduled, lessening the chance of rain-outs. With superior drainage under the artificial surface, the field will be able to take at least seven inches of rain per hour while remaining playable.

The past five years have seen an attendance bump, as more than 10,000 fans have come through the gates in four of those seasons and the Illini have had four of the five highest total and average attendance figures in school history. Last season, the attendance figure was bolstered when a school-record 5,214 fans saw the No. 25 Illini score three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to top No. 27 Ohio State, 5-4. In all, 2009 accounted for the second-best total and average attendance with 17,590 fans and an average of 925.

In 2007, the Illini averaged 751 fans over 17 dates (12,776 total). The total of 2,116 against Minnesota on April 28 was the seventh-largest and that series was the seventh-best total in school history.

In 2006, 13,267 fans poured through the gates of Illinois Field on 15 dates for an average of 884 fans per date. The crowd of 2,485 against Iowa on April 22, 2006, was the fifth-largest in school history and that series total was the fourth-best.

The 2005 season marked the first time in four years that the Illini drew over 10,000 fans for a season, with that season’s total attendance reaching 17,722 over 20 home dates, including two games in the Big Ten Tournament.

above left: Fans crowd around to get their free mini-bat at the 2009 Bleacher Bum Barbecue.

left: Head football coach Ron Zook and head women’s basketball coach Jolette Law have thrown out ceremonial first pitches in recent years.

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That averages out to 886 fans per home date, the most since 1990, when a school-record average of 1,270 fans came to Illini games.

In 2005, five crowds surpassed Illinois Field’s capacity of 1,500. The biggest crowd of the year came against Michigan on April 15, when 1,639 fans entered the gates. The next day, 1,569 fans watched the series finale against the Wolverines, making that series the sixth-best weekend attendance in program history.

Illini fans also poured through the gates during the Iowa series in 2005, making it the third-best series attendance in school history with 4,460 total fans. On Friday of that series, 1,529 fans took in the game, and 1,524 fans came back on Saturday. Then, 1,535 fans saw the Illini’s Big Ten Tournament opener against Minnesota on May 26th, the first Big Ten Tournament game at Illinois Field since 1998.

In recent years, fans have been treated to a variety of promotions, such as Free Admission Friday, Jersey Day, Hawaiian Shirt Day and Illini Spring Sports Fest, where one ticket gives admittance to multiple events over a three-day span. In addition, in-game promotions have ranged from the fan-favorite horse races between doubleheader games to seventh-inning stretch fireworks and the always-popular Illini trivia.

Plus, fans can always get autographs from Illini players after games. Young Illini get a special treat, as they can run onto the field with the Illinois players for the national anthem and play Wiffleball with the Illini following Sunday series finales.

IllInoIs FIelD aTmosPhere

above left: Aaron Johnson congratulates Joe Bonadonna.above: Illini players celebrate their walk-off win over No. 27 Ohio State in 2009.left: Brandon Wikoff (facing opposite direction) and Dominic Altobelli celebrate Illinois’ ninth-inning win over Akron in 2009.Below left: Johnson (right) congratulates Altobelli after his home run against Ohio State in 2009.Below: Illini fans packed the place during the May 8, 2009, game against OSU.Bottom: Young Illini fans play Wiffleball with Illinois players after Sunday games.



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2008 olymPIan chrIs roBInson

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Above: Former Illini pitcher Brett Weber was part of the coaching staff on the 2009 World Series champion New York Yankees.

Above Right: Joe Bonadonna was promoted to the short-season Spokane Indians after starting his professional career with the AZL Rangers in 2009.

Right: Patrick Arlis made the most of his return to affiliated baseball, hitting .300 in limited action for the Nashville Sounds, the triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers.

Former Illini Chris Robinson became the first Illinois baseball player to compete in the Olympics when he suited up for his native Canada at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, China. Robinson started five of Canada’s six games and hit .333, including a 3-for-4 effort against the United States. Canada went 2-5 in the preliminary round, with all five losses coming by one run, and did not advance to the medal round.

Robinson was on the Canadian team in the 2006 World Baseball Classic and also played for Canada in the 2009 International Baseball Federation World Cup, where

he helped the Canadians to a bronze medal, their best-ever finish. Robinson hit .379 (11-for-29) with six RBIs and eight runs while starting eight of Canada’s 12 games.

Robinson had a career year with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in 2009, hitting .326 with 22 doubles and 48 RBIs on his way to earning Pacific Coast League Midseason All-Star honors.



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name 2009 Team (level)* aFFIlIaTIonJason anderson lehigh valley IronPigs (aaa) Philadelphia PhilliesPatrick arlis nashville sounds (aaa) Milwaukee Brewerseric eymann louisville Bats (aaa) Cincinnati Redschris robinson Iowa Cubs (aaa) Chicago CubsToby gardenhire new Britain Rock Cats (aa) Minnesota TwinsTanner roark Frisco RoughRiders (aa) Texas Rangersshawn roof erie seawolves (aa) detroit Tigerslars Davis Modesto nuts (advanced-a) Colorado Rockieskyle hudson Frederick Keys (advanced-a) Baltimore oriolesscott shaw st� lucie Mets (advanced-a) new York MetsBrandon Wikoff lexington legends (low-a) houston astrosJoe Bonadonna spokane Indians (short-season a) Texas RangersDominic altobelli Casper Ghosts (Rookie) Colorado Rockiesryan rogowski new Jersey Jackals (Can-am league) ---mike rohde Gary southshore Railcats (northern league) ---

*highest level reached in 2009

IllInI In ProFessIonal BaseBall

Above: Chris Robinson stayed hot after a strong appearance in the 2008 Olympics, hitting a career-best .326 with triple-A Iowa in 2009 and earning Pacific Coast League Midseason All-Star honors.Top Right: Kyle Hudson hit .284 at class-A Delmarva, stealing 31-of-47 bases, before being promoted to advanced-A Frederick for the last six games of the season.Middle Right: Brandon Wikoff picked up in pro ball where he left off in college, hitting .287 in 101 at bats in the short-season New York-Penn League before being promoted to low-A Lexington, where he hit .276 in 156 at bats.Right: Jason Anderson continued his stint in the Philadelphia Phillies’ organization, spending most of the season at triple-A Lehigh Valley. Anderson went 2-2 with a 3.55 ERA and four saves in 50 2/3 innings of relief work, allowing opponents to hit a meager .232.



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sTarTIng PITcher TraDITIon

1 - anDy DIckInson is the only Illini pitcher to be named an All-American in two different seasons, earning third-team recognition by Collegiate Baseball in 2001 and preseason mention on Collegiate Baseball’s second team and the NCBWA third team in 2002. Dickinson was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year in 2001 and was a three-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, the only Illini pitcher to do so. He is tied for the career wins record (30) with Mark Dressen and is in the top three in career innings pitched and strikeouts. He also is the only pitcher since 1990 to rank among the Illini top 10 in career ERA.

2 - BreTT WeBer was the first Illini pitcher since 1962 to be named an All-American when he was named to three different teams in 1998. Weber also was the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year that season, the first time an Illini had won that award. He is the Illinois career strikeouts leader, is second in career innings pitched and is seventh in career wins. He led the 1998 team to within one victory of the College World Series and had the highest winning percentage among Big Ten pitchers in both 1996 and 1998. Weber was a 14th-round draftee by the New York Yankees in 1998.

3 - Jason anDerson is one of only two Illinois pitchers to be first-team All-Americans, earning a spot on the American Baseball Coaches Association’s first team in 2000. He ranks third on the Illinois career wins list and fourth in innings pitched despite playing just three seasons in the Orange and Blue. Anderson is fifth all-time in winning percentage and was the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year in 2000. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 10th round of the 2000 MLB First-Year Player Draft and currently plays in the Philadelphia Phillies’ farm system.

4 - John erIcks is the only Fighting Illini player to ever be a No. 1 draft choice after being taken by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1988 MLB Draft. Ericks holds the single-season and freshman strikeouts records with 108 and 45, respectively. Ericks ranks fourth on the career strikeouts list with 210 in just three seasons and played three seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1995-97.

5 - mark Dressen holds Illinois’ career innings pitched record with 328 2/3, and is tied with Andy Dickinson for the career wins record (30). Dressen was a four-year member of the Illini’s starting rotation from 1989-92 after being a 31st-round selection by the Atlanta Braves in the 1988 draft.

6 - Joe olker became a second-round MLB Draft pick by the San Francisco Giants in 1984 as a pitcher after an incredible 1984 season for the Illini. Olker struck out 65 in just 47 2/3 innings with four complete games. He also was a career .310 hitter, starting as an outfielder for three seasons before becoming a pitcher late in his Illini career.

7 - Donn Pall is one of five Illini pitchers to compile a perfect season, going 13-0 in 1985. That is the second-most wins ever by an Illini pitcher and his 2.18 ERA that year is fourth-best in a season by an Illinois hurler. Pall was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1985 and a 23rd-round selection by the Chicago White Sox in the 1985 draft. Pall enjoyed an eight-year Major League career with five different teams.

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relIeF PITcher TraDITIon

1 - JeFF rIcharDs holds the Illinois records for saves in a career, with 23 from 1987-90, and a season, with 13 in 1989. Six of those saves were in Big Ten play, putting him second in saves in a Big Ten campaign in Illini history. He also holds the school records for appearances in a career, with 92, a season (39) and a Big Ten season (17). He also ranks eighth in Illinois history in career ERA and fifth in Big Ten career ERA.

2 - JeFF InnIs is second on Illinois’ all-time saves list with 21 and has the second-best single-season saves total with nine in 1982. He also put together the fifth- and sixth-best season ERAs in 1981 and 1982, respectively, and ranks sixth in career ERA. Innis was a second-team All-Big Ten selection in 1981 and was taken in the 13th round of the 1983 MLB draft by the New York Mets. He played for the Mets for seven years.

3 - JImmy Journell collected 14 saves over his career, tied for fourth-most in the Illini record books. His eight saves in 1999 also tie him for fourth in a season. He racked up 11 saves in Big Ten action over his career, the second-most in Illinois history. In addition, he is co-holder of the record for most saves in a Big Ten season, tied with Jake Toohey at seven. Journell’s 62 career appearances rank ninth in the UI record book and his 27 Big Ten appearances are tied for fourth. He was a fourth-round draft pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1999 and played for the Cardinals from 2003-05.

4 - Jake Toohey ranks third on the career saves list with 17 and is tied with Andy Dickinson for sixth on the career appearances list at 69. Toohey posted the sixth-most saves in a season in 2007 and, since all were in Big Ten play, tied Jimmy Journell’s record for most saves in a Big Ten season. His 15 career saves in Big Ten play top that Fighting Illini record list. Toohey continued his career by signing with the Schaumburg Flyers of the Northern League following the Illini’s 2007 season.

5 - John oesTreIch was one of the most durable pitchers in Illini history, making 72 appearances in four seasons, the fourth-most at Illinois. He also ranks 10th in career saves and fifth in Big Ten career saves. His 33 appearances in Big Ten games are tied for second all-time, while he has two seasons among the 10 best in appearances in Big Ten play.

6 - Dave mazurek compiled 14 saves in two seasons, ranking fourth in career saves and having both seasons listed as tied for sixth-best in single-season saves. His 10 saves in Big Ten action are tied for third all-time and his six Big Ten saves in 2002 also are tied for third-most in a season. His four saves in Big Ten action in 2003 are tied for sixth in a season.

7 - mIke munson ranks sixth on the career saves list, but his 1986 season is second-best in UI history with nine saves. He’s third on the career appearances list with 74. In the 1988 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, Munson was taken in the 27th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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caTcher TraDITIon

1 - DarrIn FleTcher was, by far, the best hitter in Illini history. The Oakwood, Ill., native holds the school records for career average (.392) by 18 points and single-season average (.497) by 24. In addition, his 199 career RBI rank second all-time, as do the 80 RBI he racked up in 1986. He doubled 22 times in 1987, tied for the second-most in a season, and his 38 career home runs are tied for fifth. After being named the 1987 Big Ten Player of the Year, he was drafted in the sixth round of the 1987 MLB Draft by the L.A. Dodgers and played 14 years in the majors, mostly with Toronto and Montreal.

2 - chrIs roBInson became the highest-drafted position player in Illinois history when he was taken in the third round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Detroit Tigers. Robinson sits at No. 17 on the career batting average chart at .347. He played for Canada in the 2008 Olympics and played for the Iowa Cubs, the Chicago Cubs’ triple-A affiliate, in 2009.

3 - lars DavIs became the second-highest drafted position player at Illinois when the Colorado Rockies selected him in the third round of the 2007 draft, 12 picks later than Robinson. Davis exploded in 2007, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors and becoming the 22nd player to hit .400 or better in a campaign with his .400 mark. His 90 hits were second-most in a season and he finished his Illini career with a .356 average, ninth-best all-time. He spent 2009 with the Modesto Nuts, the Rockies’ advanced-A affiliate.

4 - sean mullIgan was the best power-hitting catcher ever at Illinois, blasting 40 homers in three seasons, which ranks second on the career home run list. His 15 dingers in 1990 are tied for ninth and his 15 career homers in Big Ten action also rank ninth. He also hit 12 home runs as a freshman, which is the second-most by an Illini rookie. That was part of one of the best freshman seasons in Illini history, as he hit .382, the second-best freshman average at UI, and his 51 RBI as a frosh rank third. Mulligan was drafted in the fourth round by the San Diego Padres in 1991.

5 - aaron nIeckula helped revive the Illini catcher tradition in the late ’90s. His 10 doubles in 1997 rank fourth on the Illini Big Ten season chart and he ranks fifth in career HBP with 34. He was the UI Big Ten career HBP leader when his career ended, with 17, but now ranks third. Nieckula was drafted in the 22nd round by the Oakland Athletics in 1998. He played professionally for five years before managing the Kane County Cougars, the A’s single-A affiliate, from 2006-08. He managed the Stockton Ports, Oakland’s advanced-A team, in 2009, and will return to Kane County in 2010.

6 - lee eIlBrachT was one of Illinois’ first All-Americans, earning the honor for his play behind the dish in 1947. He was the Big Ten batting champion in 1946 with a .484 mark and is tied for 35th on the career batting average list at .330. Eilbracht went on to play and manage professionally from 1947-52 before becoming the head coach at Illinois in 1952. He coached the Fighting Illini from 1952-1978, compiling a career record of 515-393-6 with four Big Ten titles and an NCAA District tournament appearance in 1952.

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FIrsT Baseman TraDITIon

1 - TIm rIcharDson holds the career and single-season records for hits and triples. Richardson’s 297 career hits and 104 hits in 1982 have stood the test of time, and his 181 RBI over his career are fourth all time. He also had 22 career triples and 11 in 1982, both still topping the Illini record lists. He’s third all-time in total bases and his ’82 season ranks second in total bases. In addition, he’s the single-season games started record holder with 72 and he’s second in career games started and played with 232. Richardson was drafted in the 13th round of the 1983 draft by the Kansas City Royals.

2 - anDy schuTzenhoFer is Illinois’ most recent Big Ten Medal of Honor winner, earning the award in 2003. Schutzenhofer hit .355 for his career, which is No. 13 on the all-time hitting list. He had an incredible freshman season in 2000, after which he was named a Freshman All-American. That year, he hit .371, the fourth-best freshman average in school history, had 87 hits, the freshman record, and 63 RBIs, also a freshman record. He holds the Illini Big Ten career record for hits with 132 and runs with 89. His 286 hits are third all-time, his 184 career runs are fifth and his 173 RBIs are tied for sixth. Schutzenhofer signed a free agent contract with the St. Louis Cardinals following his senior season.

3 - scoTT sPIezIo is the most professionally accomplished Illini first baseman, having won the 2002 World Series with the Anaheim Angels and the 2006 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a sixth-round draft pick of the Oakland A’s in 1993. Spiezio hit .303 as an Illini and holds the career home run record with 48 in three seasons. His 19 home runs in 1992 are tied for second-best and his 16 bombs in 1993 are tied for fifth.

4 - BuBBa smITh had incredible freshman and junior seasons, earning a spot on the 1989 Collegiate Baseball Freshman team and Collegiate Baseball’s All-America third team in 1991. In his rookie campaign, Smith hit .363 – the fifth-best rookie average in school history – with 40 RBIs, sixth on the rookie list, and 11 homers, the third-most by a freshman, earning the Big Ten Freshman and Player of the Year honors. Two years later, Smith hit 18 homers, the fourth-most in program history, and had 141 total bases, No. 8 in a season. He was drafted in the 17th round of the MLB Draft by the Seattle Mariners.

5 - DusTy Bensko was the 2005 Big Ten Player of the Year after hitting nine homers in conference play, second-most in an Illini Big Ten season, and driving in 40 runs in Big Ten play, second only to Josh Klimek’s Big Ten-record 42 RBIs in 1996. Overall, he walloped 16 HR, the fifth-most in Illinois history, and had 67 RBIs, eighth-most all-time. Bensko was both the Big Ten home run and RBI champ in 2005, becoming the first Illini to do that since Klimek’s 1996 season. He signed professionally with the Minnesota Twins following the 2005 season.

6 - mIke rohDe put together one of the best three-year Illini careers after transferring from New Orleans following his redshirt-freshman year. Rohde finished his career with a .327 average and .351 in Big Ten play, tied for seventh-best in Illini history. His 108 career hits in Big Ten play also rank eighth. He drove in 71 runs in Big Ten games over his three seasons, seventh-most, and his 11 doubles in conference action in 2007 are second-most. Rohde totaled 67 total bases in Big Ten play in 2007, fourth-best, and his 158 career total bases in Big Ten action rank ninth.

7 - BrIan roBerTs was drafted in the 21st round of the 1991 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Texas Rangers after putting together a solid Illini career. He hit .312 from 1988-91 and ranks fourth all-time with 36 HBP in his career. Roberts’ 16 plunkings in 1990 are tied for fourth on the Illini single-season list and his 13 career HBP in Big Ten play are tied for seventh. He also swung the bat well, hitting six homers as a freshman, tied for 10th-best by rookies, and his six triples in 1990 are tied for eighth-most in a season.

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seconD Baseman TraDITIon

1 - BrIan mcclure was selected in the 11th round of the 1996 MLB Draft by the San Diego Padres after being named a second-team ABCA All-American. McClure broke the single-season record for runs with 80 in 1996, his 158 total bases rank third and his 16 homers are tied for fifth on the season charts. He hit .418 that season, one of just 22 Illini to eclipse the .400 mark. McClure also holds the career runs scored record, is second on the Big Ten career runs list and is tied for sixth on the career RBI list.

2 - D.J. svIhlIk was an honorable mention NCBWA All-American in 1999 after hitting .359 with 15 homers. He also homered 15 times in 1998 on his way to Big Ten Player of the Year honors, with both seasons ranking ninth in Illini history. He is tied for third on the career homers list and is fifth on the career total bases chart, eighth on the career RBI list and ninth on the career doubles list. Svihlik holds the UI Big Ten career record with 24 home runs and is second in Big Ten career triples. He also ranks third in Big Ten career total bases.

3 - mark DalesanDro was named a first-team ABCA All-American and a second-team selection by Baseball America in 1990, and he was an 18th-round selection by the California Angels that season after being named Big Ten Player of the Year. He hit .326 for his career and his .346 Big Ten average is tied for 10th all-time at Illinois. He put together one of the best seasons in Illini history in 1990, hitting .395 with 88 hits (fourth-best in Illini single-season history), 61 runs (ninth), 73 RBIs (third), 16 home runs (fifth) and 151 total bases (fourth). Dalesandro played five years in the major leagues with the California Angels and Toronto Blue Jays.

4 - herB PleWs is one of the best hitters in Illini history with a .367 career batting average, the fifth-best on the Illinois record list. Plews hit better than .350 in each of his last three seasons, with a personal-best of .397 in 1950. He also hit at a .404 clip in Big Ten action as a sophomore in 1948. Following his Illini career, Plews had a four-year professional career with the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox.

5 - BrIan WhITe was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, earning second-team honors in 1982 and third-team laurels in 1981. White ranks fourth on the career runs list with 190 and his 1982 season, in which he scored 68 times, also ranks fourth. He is tied for fourth with 14 career triples, and he ranks 10th with 49 career stolen bases.

6 - ryan hasTIngs was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and ranks eighth in school history with 250 career hits. His 124 hits in Big Ten play are tied for second and he’s tied for fourth with 75 career RBIs in Big Ten play. Hastings also ranks 10th in career triples and fifth in Big Ten career triples, fourth in Big Ten career total bases, fourth in career games played and fifth in career games started.

7 - WIl Parsons was one of the most prolific base-stealers in Illini history despite wearing the Orange and Blue for just two seasons. The junior college transfer stole a whopping 57 bases in two years, which ranks fourth on the career steals list. He held the Big Ten season steals record for 17 years until Shawn Roof broke it in 2006. His 32-steal season in 1989 also ranks fourth in Illini history and his 21 career Big Ten steals rank fifth.

8 - BoB Polock was the first Illini second baseman to be named an All-American, earning second-team designation in 1973. Polock hit .309 for his three-year career, but raked at a .347 clip in 1973 with a .304 mark in Big Ten play.

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ThIrD Baseman TraDITIon

1 - lou BouDreau, or the Boy Manager, as he was known, is the only Illinois baseball player to have his number retired. Boudreau joins football’s Red Grange and Dick Butkus as the only retired numbers across all the Fighting Illini sports. Boudreau starred as a third baseman for the Illini in 1938, then joined the Cleveland Indians’ organization later that season. He hit .347 with four triples to lead the Orange and Blue to a Big Ten title in 1938 and reached the major leagues in 1940 after being switched to shortstop. Following the 1941 season, he applied for and was named the Indians’ manager, becoming the youngest manager in MLB history, a distinction he still holds. In 1948, he led the Indians to a World Series title, hitting .355 with 18 homers and 106 RBIs en route to being named the American League MVP and The Sporting News Major League Player of the Year. A 1970 MLB Hall of Fame inductee, Boudreau led the league in fielding eight times and in double plays five times. He still holds the MLB record for doubles in a game and was selected to the All-Star game seven times. After his playing and managerial careers, Boudreau was a broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs for more than 20 years.

2 - craIg marQuIe’s name is sprinkled through the Illini record book, including holding the career total bases, games started and games played records. Marquie also holds the Big Ten career record for RBI, is second on the career and Big Ten career hits charts, is third on career runs and RBI lists and is fifth on the career home runs and doubles record lists. Marquie led the Illini to the Big Ten championship and within one out of the College World Series in 1998, and to a Big Ten Tournament title in 2000. He signed with the New York Yankees following the 2000 season.

3 - Dave PayTon was one of the finest run-producers in school history, holding the career RBI record with 209 and ranking second in career runs. He also is third on Illinois’ career batting average list at .374 and fourth in career hits with 266. Payton ranks third (70, 1986) and ninth (61, 1987) in single-season runs, and is the career doubles leader at Illinois with 78. His 30 two-baggers in 1987 also are the gold standard and he has seasons that rank seventh and 10th in RBI. Payton also is second on the career total bases list and fourth in career games started.

4 - luke sImmons was one of the best hitters in Illini history, holding the freshman batting average record with a .386 mark in 1999 and a career .354 average, which ranks 14th all-time. Simmons is ninth on the career hits list and fourth on the Big Ten career hits chart. He was a Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American in ’99 and was the 2001 Big Ten batting champion with a .426 average in conference play. Simmons is fifth all-time in RBI and eighth in Big Ten career RBI. He also ranks ninth in career total bases and 10th in career HBP.

5 - Dave WohlWenD was a two-time All-Big Ten selection, earning third-team honors in both 1993 and 1994. He hit .308 for his career and ranks seventh on the Illinois record list for career steals in Big Ten play with 16 in three seasons.

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shorTsToP TraDITIon

1 - Josh klImek was named to four All-America first teams in 1996 – ABCA, Collegiate Baseball, Baseball America and Smith Super Team. That season, he hit an NCAA-best 26 home runs and drove in 94 runs, both Illini single-season records, earning Big Ten Player of the Year honors. His 22 doubles also rank second in Illinois single-season history. Remarkably, Klimek hit .400 during his record-setting 1996 campaign as well. He finished his three-year career with the 10th-best career average by an Illini at .356, is fifth in career home runs and sixth in career doubles. In addition, Klimek is the Big Ten record-holder in RBI with 42 during conference play in 1996. He was a 10th-round draft pick of the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1996 MLB Draft.

2 - chrIs Basak was a sixth-round draft pick of the New York Mets in 2000 and broke into the majors with the Yankees in 2007. Basak hit .347 over his three-year career, 17th-best in Illinois history, and his .355 career average in Big Ten play is sixth-best by an Illini. In addition, his 1999 Big Ten campaign, in which he hit .398, is the 10th-best conference season by an Illinois player. In 2000, Basak hit 10 doubles in Big Ten play, tied for fourth-best in a league campaign by an Illini. He also has 15 career Big Ten steals, eighth-best at Illinois.

3 - BranDon WIkoFF became the highest-drafted shortstop in Illinois history when the Houston Astros took him in the fifth round of the 2009 draft. He hit .343 in his career, good for 20th on the all-time list, and his 108 hits in Big Ten play rank eighth on the career record list. His 85 hits in 2009 rank eighth in school history and his 42 hits in Big Ten play in 2008 also are eighth. His 37 RBIs in Big Ten play in 2008 rank third in school records and he ranks ninth with 68 career Big Ten RBIs. He also became the most recent Illini to hit for the cycle on April 7, 2009. He split time in his first professional season with the short-season Tri-City ValleyCats and the low-A Lexington Legends.

4 - shaWn rooF shares the record for single-season steals, ranks second in career Big Ten steals and third in career steals, with seasons that rank second and third in steals. He also holds all the hit-by-pitch records, with 45 career, 28 in Big Ten games, 22 in a season and 14 in a Big Ten season. Roof was a third-team All-Big Ten selection in 2006 and finished his career with a .303 average. He was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 33rd round of the 2007 draft and spent 2009 with the double-A Erie SeaWolves.

5 - Tony mIchalak was a 15th-round draft pick by the San Francisco Giants in 1987 after being a three-time All-Big Ten selection. His seven triples in 1987 are fifth-best in an Illini season, and his 63 games started in 1985 are tied for sixth-best in a season.

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ouTFIelD TraDITIon

1 - Tom sInak was an honorable mention All-American on the Smith Super Team in 1994. He holds the Illinois records for career and single-season Big Ten batting average, hitting .387 in conference action for his career and raking at a .458 clip in 1994. He was a .352 career hitter, which ranks 15th all-time at Illinois, and was a first-team All-Big Ten selection in 1995 after being a second-team pick in 1994.

2 - larry suTTon earned third-team All-America honors by Collegiate Baseball in 1991 and was a first-team All-America selection prior to the 1992 season. Sutton ranks 16th all-time at Illinois with a .351 average and has the second-highest Big Ten career average among Illini, with a .364 mark. He ranks 10th in career RBIs, third in Big Ten career RBIs, seventh in career doubles and sixth in Big Ten career home runs. He was a two-time All-Big Ten selection and was drafted in the 21st round by the Kansas City Royals in 1992.

3 - DreW DavIDson was the Big Ten Player of the Year and a third-team All-American in 2005 after slugging the Illini to the Big Ten title. He ranks second in Big Ten career homers with 20 and his eight bombs in conference play in 2005 are tied for third. A 2002 Freshman All-American, Davidson hit 10 homers and drove in 52 runs, fourth- and second-most among freshmen. Davidson also ranks seventh in career doubles, holds the Illinois record for career Big Ten doubles and is seventh in career triples. He holds the record for career Big Ten total bases and is sixth in career total bases. Davidson was selected in the 22nd round of the 2005 draft by the San Diego Padres.

4 - kyle huDson starred for the Illini in center field, tying the season steals record with 40 and breaking the Big Ten steals record with 25 in 2008. His 36 career Big Ten steals also are a record and his 66 career steals rank second. He ranks second in career average at .376 and fourth in Big Ten career average (.361). He broke the Big Ten record with 40 runs in league play in 2008 and his 44 hits in 2008 Big Ten action are tied for second. A third-team All-American in 2008, Hudson was drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round and played for low-A Delmarva in 2009.

5 - Forry Wells earned honorable mention All-America status on the 1994 Smith Super Team and won the Big Ten Medal of Honor that season, the first baseball player to earn the award in 12 years. Wells was a first-team All-Big Ten pick in 1994 and a second-team selection in 1993. His 38 homers rank fifth on the career home runs list and his 19 in 1994 are the second-most in an Illinois season. His 17 dingers rank fourth on the Big Ten career homers list.

6 - DusTy rhoDes is one of only three Illini to be a four-time All-Big Ten selection. Rhodes is tied for second in career doubles and triples, third in career games played, fifth in career hits and games started, eighth in career total bases and HBP, and ninth in career runs. Rhodes also holds the Illinois records for doubles and triples in a Big Ten season, as well as the Big Ten career triples record. He was a 20th-round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 1998.

7 - gary Borg was a three-time All-Big Ten selection, earning second-team honors in 1983 and 1985, and third-team recognition in ’84. Borg was one of the best gap hitters in Illini history, with his 22 doubles in 1985 tied for second-most in a season. His 85 hits that season are tied for eighth, his 69 RBI are sixth and his 150 total bases rank fifth.

8 - russ sTeger was Illinois’ first All-American outfielder, earning the honor in 1948. Steger hit .317 for his career and his 1950 season still ranks among the greatest in Illini history. That year, he hit .429, which ranks 10th on the Illini single-season batting list, and his 20 RBIs in conference play that season gave him a Big Ten RBI title. He also took the home run title in the league that year, just missing a triple crown.

9 - ryan rogoWskI shone in his two seasons in the Orange and Blue, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors in 2005. Rogowski’s 86 hits in 2005 are tied for sixth on the season hits list. He scored 27 runs in Big Ten play in ’05, eighth-best at Illinois, and his six triples are tied for eighth in a season. Rogowski also ranks fifth in steals in a season and a Big Ten season in 2005 with 31 and 14, respectively. He signed with the L.A. Dodgers after the 2005 season.

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Walk-on TraDITIon

1 - anDy DIckInson is the only Illini pitcher to be named an All-American in two different seasons, earning third-team recognition by Collegiate Baseball in 2001 and preseason mention on Collegiate Baseball’s second team and the NCBWA third team in 2002. Dickinson was named Big Ten Pitcher of the year in 2001 and was a three-time Big Ten Pitcher of the Week, the only Illini pitcher to do so. He is tied for the career wins record (30) with Mark Dressen and is in the top three in career innings pitched and strikeouts. He also is the only pitcher since 1990 to rank among the Illini top 10 in career ERA.

2 - craIg marQuIe’s name is sprinkled through the Illini record book, including holding the career total bases, games started and games played records. Marquie also holds the Big Ten career record for RBI, is second on the career and Big Ten career hits charts, is third on career runs and RBI lists and is fifth on the career home runs and doubles record lists. Marquie led the Illini to the Big Ten championship and within one out of the College World Series in 1998, and to a Big Ten Tournament title in 2000. He signed with the New York Yankees following the 2000 season.

3 - D.J. svIhlIk was a preseason All-American and a postseason honorable mention NCBWA All-American in 1999 after hitting .359 with 15 homers. He also homered 15 times in 1998, with both seasons ranking ninth in Illini history. He is tied for third on the career homers list and is fifth on the career total bases chart, eighth on the career RBI list and ninth on the career doubles. Svihlik holds the UI Big Ten career record with 24 home runs and is second in Big Ten career triples. He also ranks third in Big Ten career total bases.

4 - Forry Wells earned honorable mention All-America status on the 1994 Smith Super Team and won the Big Ten Medal of Honor that season, the first baseball player to earn the award in 12 years. Wells was a first-team All-Big Ten pick in 1994 and a second-team selection in 1993. He ranks fifth on the career home runs list with 38 and hit 19 in 1994, the second-most in an Illinois season. His 17 dingers rank fourth on the Big Ten career homers list and his .337 career average is 27th all-time.

5 - Dave mazurek compiled 14 saves in two seasons, ranking fourth in career saves and having both seasons listed as tied for sixth-best in single-season saves. His 10 saves in Big Ten action are tied for third all-time and his six Big Ten saves in 2002 also are tied for third-most in a season. His four saves in Big Ten action in 2003 are tied for sixth in a season.

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WIFFleBall sunDaysA tradition unique to Illini Baseball is Wiffleball Sunday. Following every Sunday home game, Illinois players invite all kids in attendance, eighth grade and under, onto the field for a wiffleball game. With the Illini pitching and catching, each child has a chance to bat and run the bases before the team gathers the group for a post-game huddle and photos.

anThem anD auTograPhsContinuing its fan-friendly nature, Illinois baseball invites kids eighth grade and under to run onto the field with the Illini starters before the national anthem at every home game. After most home games, Illinois players are available for autographs following a short team meeting.

alumnI gameEach fall, the baseball team uses one day of its fall practice to host an alumni game, an event that pits each year’s squad against Illini stars of the past. A group of 30-40 alumni annually return to take part in the weekend, which also includes a home run derby and baseball golf outing.

alma maTerThe Alma Mater statue is one of the most recognized landmarks on the Illinois campus. It was given to the university in 1928 by Illinois graduate and sculptor Lorado Taft. The inscription at the base of the statue reads “To thy happy children of the future, those of the past send greetings.” The statue was moved to its present location in front of Altgeld Hall in 1962 and it now serves as a welcome at the entrance of the Quad.

The alTgelD BellsThe 132-foot tall Altgeld Hall bell tower is another well known campus landmark. The tower houses 15 bells that weigh in at a combined 15,625 pounds. The bells, which were installed in 1920, automatically chime on the hour and at fifteen minute intervals, while other selections, including the UI Alma Mater ‘Hail to the Orange,’ are played at special concerts that take place during the course of the year, Homecoming week and Commencement weekend.

homecomIngHomecoming, a tradition on just about every college campus in the United States, has its beginnings, at least in part, at Illinois.

The Homecoming celebration was conceived in 1909 by UI students C.F. (Dab) Williams and W. Elmer Ekblaw, members of the Shield and Trident senior society. Homecoming is now coordinated by the Chancellor’s Committee to Support Homecoming and the Student Alumni Association. The weeklong celebration now includes campus decorations, a Homecoming 5K race, student service projects, “Lunch on the Quad,” special “Comeback Guests,” the traditional Friday night parade and pep rally on the UI campus and post-game social events.

IllInoIs TraDITIons



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IllInoIs BaseBall TImelIne

1947 ncaa QualIFIer

carl lunDgrenlundgren became Illinois’ first major leaguer in 1902 and played eight years with the Chicago Cubs� he then returned to UI, where he won Big Ten titles in his first two years at the helm� lundgren coached for 14 years and won five Big Ten titles, finishing with a career record of 209-78-14�

Wally roeTTgerRoettger earned three letters in the early 1920s then returned to Illinois

as a coach in 1935, winning a Big Ten title in his third year at the helm� Roettger finished his coaching career with a 212-109-6 record and four Big Ten titles�

lou BouDreauBoudreau is the only Illini baseball player to have his number retired and is one of the most famous Illinois baseball alumni� he played for 15 years and managed 16

years in the majors� he later served as a broadcaster for the Chicago Cubs�

v

18791902

1907

1907, 1910

1913

1921-22

1937

1938

1900

Illinois won its first Big Ten title, going 8-2 in George huff’s fifth year at the helm�

Carl lundgren became the first former Illini to play in the Major leagues�

huff managed the Boston Red sox for one season�

Garland “Jake” stahl was the first former Illini to win a world series�

huff guided the Illini to perfect Big Ten seasons�

lundgren returned to UI and won the Big Ten title in each of his first two seasons�

wally Roettger won his first Big Ten title in his third year coaching the Illini�

lou Boudreau starred in his lone season as an Illini before embarking on a 15-year playing career and a 16-year managerial career�

garlanD “Jake” sTahlstahl was the second Illini to play in the Major

leagues, reaching the bigs in 1903 with the Boston Red sox� he was the first Illinois player to

win a world series, taking the world Championship with the Red sox in 1912� stahl also was the first former Illini to be an MlB manager,

leading the washington senators in 1905-06 and the Red sox in 1912-13� To this day, stahl also holds the sixth- and seventh-best single-season

batting averages, as he hit �444 in 1903 and �443 in 1901�

george huFFhuff, known simply as “G” to his

contemporaries, was one of the driving forces behind the Illinois athletic department

in the early 20th century� huff lettered in baseball from 1889-92,

then became the second baseball coach at Illinois in 1896� huff won an unprecedented and since unmatched 11 Big Ten titles and has the best winning percentage among Illini coaches with a career 314-97-4 mark� huff led Illinois to undefeated Big Ten seasons in 1907 and 1910 and the team’s 17-1 record in 1903 is the best winning percentage in school history� huff also served as the UI athletic director from 1901-36�



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1962 ncaa QualIFIer

1948 ncaa QualIFIer

1963 ncaa QualIFIer

1989 ncaa QualIFIer

DarrIn FleTcherFletcher is arguably the best hitter ever to don the orange and Blue, holding the

single-season and career batting average records� he was a sixth-round draft pick by the l�a� dodgers in 1987 and played in the Majors for 14 years, mostly with Toronto and Montreal�

BuBBa smIThsmith is the only player to ever be named Big Ten Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year

in the same season, accomplishing the feat in 1989� smith also was named to the Collegiate Baseball Freshman all-america team in ’89 and was a third-team all-american by Collegiate Baseball in 1991� he was a two-time all-Big Ten selection and was drafted in the 17th round of the 1991 MlB draft�

John erIcksericks became the h ighes t -d ra f ted

Illini player of all time when he was taken in the first round of the 1988 MlB draft by the st� louis Cardinals�

lee eIlBrachTeilbracht was one of the first Illinois all-americans,

earning recognition by the aBCa in 1947� eilbracht then returned to coach his

alma mater in 1952 and compiled 515 wins, the most by an Illini

coach� he guided his squads to four Big Ten titles and one nCaa playoff berth�

1947

1948

1952

1962

1963

1982

1987

1988

1989

Roettger guided his Illini to a Big Ten title and the school’s first nCaa playoff berth�

lee eilbracht won a Big Ten title in just his first season as Illini head coach�

The Illini reached the nCaa eastern Finals in just their second nCaa appearance�

eilbracht guided the Illini to their first nCaa playoff berth since 1948�

eilbracht’s Illini reached the nCaa playoffs for the second-straight season�

darrin Fletcher broke the school records for season and career average�

The Illini won a school-record 49 games, including one 19-1 stretch�

John ericks became the only UI player to be a no� 1 pick in the MlB draft�

The Illini won the Big Ten Tournament and made the nCaa northeast Regional�

Donn PallPall was a first-team all-Big Ten selection in 1985 and enjoyed an eight-year Major league career�



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1990 BIg Ten TournamenT chamPs // ncaa QualIFIer

1998 BIg Ten chamPIons // ncaa QualIFIer

scoTT sPIezIospiezio holds the Illinois career

home run record with 48 in three seasons, and his 19 in 1992 are tied for second

in a campaign� he is the most professionally accomplished Illini, winning the 2002 world

series with the angels and 2006 world series with the Cardinals� he was a sixth-round

draft pick of the oakland a’s in 1993�

BreTT WeBer (far left)

weber became the first Illinois pitcher to be

named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year in 1998, when

he went 6-0 in the league and 10-3 overall� he

also was a second-team all-american�

D.J. svIhlIk (left)svihlik was the Big Ten Player of the

Year in 1998 and was an honorable

mention all-american after hitting

�374 with 15 homers and a �406 mark in

Big Ten play� It marked the only time Illinois

has won both Big Ten Player and Pitcher of

the Year�

Josh klImekKlimek holds the Illini single-season

home run record after blasting 26 in 1996, a

total that led the nCaa� he also holds the season RBI record with 94, and his 42 RBI in Big Ten play broke the conference record� Klimek was a consensus first team all-american and a 10th round pick by Milwaukee in 1996�

mark DalesanDrodalesandro was a first-team all-american and the Big Ten Player of the Year in 1990 after putting together a campaign that ranks in the top five in hits, RBI, home runs and total bases� dalesandro currently stands 37th on the career hitting chart with a �326 average and was an 18th-round pick by the angels in 1990� he played five seasons in the Majors with California and Toronto�

1990

1991

1993

1996

1998

19981990

Illinois won the Big Ten Tournament in augie Garrido’s final year as coach, advancing to the south II Regional�

Mark dalesandro was named the Big Ten Player of the Year�

sean Mulligan became the highest-drafted position player when the Padres took him in the fourth round�

Josh Klimek hit a school-record 26 homers, which led the nation�

scott spiezio was drafted in the sixth round by the oakland a’s, starting a pro career in which he has won two world series�

The Illini won the Big Ten and got within one out of the College world series�

Brett weber was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and d�J� svihlik was Player of the Year, the only time Illinois has won both awards in a season�

1999

Jimmy Journell was named a second-team all-american by Baseball America and the nCBwa�

chrIs roBInson (left)Robinson became the highest-drafted Illini position player when the detroit Tigers took him in the third round of the 2005 draft� he played for his native Canada in the 2008 olympics and currently is in the Cubs’ farm system�

DreW DavIDson (middle)davidson began and finished his Illini career with a bang, earning Freshman all-american honors in 2002 and third-team Collegiate Baseball all-american honors in 2005�

rIcharD “ITch” Jones (right)Jones coached Illinois for 15 years, retiring after leading the Illini to the 2005 Big Ten championship and being named Big Ten Coach of the Year� he compiled 1,240 career wins while coaching at Illinois, southern Illinois and MacMurray, and reached the College world series three times� he developed over 100 professional players and is enshrined in the american Baseball Coaches association hall of Fame�



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2005 BIg Ten chamPIons

2000 BIg Ten TournamenT chamPs // ncaa QualIFIer

Jason anDersonanderson had a stellar

three years in Champaign, finishing fourth on the career

innings record list, fifth in career strikeouts and third in career wins� he

was an aBCa all-american and a second-team all-american by Collegiate Baseball in 2000� he was a 10th round selection by the Yankees in the 2000 draft and has played in the Majors with the Yankees, Mets and Indians� he currently is in the Phillies’ minor league system�

lars DavIsdavis became the second-highest drafted position player in school history when Colorado took him in the third round of the 2007 draft� davis hit �400 in 2007 and his 90 hits that year are second-most in a season� he was a first-team Ping! all-american, a second-team all-american by Collegiate Baseball and an aBCa third team all-american� davis finished his Illinois career with a �356 average, which ranks eighth all-time�

anDy DIckInsondickinson is the career wins leader at Illinois, with 30 victories, and his �811 career winning percentage ranks sixth all-time� he was named the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year and was a third-team all-american in 2001�

2000

2001

2003 2005

20052000

Illinois won the Big Ten Tournament behind five complete games from its pitching staff, reaching the Clemson Regional�

Jason anderson was a first-team aBCa all-american and the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year� The Yankees drafted him in the 10th round�

andy dickinson became the second-straight and third Illini pitcher in four years to be named Big Ten Pitcher of the Year�

andy schutzenhofer capped off a memorable career by being awarded the Big Ten Medal of honor�

drew davidson was named Big Ten Player of the Year and coach Itch Jones was the Big Ten Coach of the Year� Jones retired following the season�

The Illini led the Big Ten from start to finish, winning the conference title�

2007lars davis was named a second-team all-american by Collegiate Baseball and was the Big Ten Player of the Year after hitting �400�

kyle huDsonhudson was a third-team aBCa all-american in 2008 after hitting �398 with 61 runs – a record 40 in Big Ten play – and 40-of-49 stolen bases, which tied the UI single-season record� he ended his career with records for steals in a career and Big Ten career, and was a fourth-round draft pick by the Baltimore orioles�

BranDon WIkoFFwikoff was a second-team all-Ping! Baseball

pick and a fifth-round selection by the houston astros in 2009

after hitting �373 and anchoring Illinois’ infield at shortstop� It was the third-straight year that an Illini player was drafted in the first five rounds�



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First awarded in 1914, the Big Ten endowed a Medal of Honor to be given annually to a student in the graduating class of each university that demonstrated proficiency in scholarship and athletics.

In 1982, the Medal of Honor was expanded to include a senior woman athlete from each institution. Since the introduction of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, more than 1,070 student-athletes have been awarded the honor.

Baseball standout Andy Schutzenhofer (Swansea, Ill.) was among the winners of the 2003 Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor.

Schutzenhofer, a graduate of Belleville East High School, excelled both on the field and in the classroom while at Illinois. He was a speech communication major who boasted a cumulative grade point average of 3.427. A two-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and a Verizon Academic All-District V honoree in 2001 and 2003, Schutzenhofer was a four-time All-Big Ten selection, including two first-team honors.

On the field, Schutzenhofer graduated with a streak of 224 consecutive games started at Illinois and left ranking among Illinois’ career top 10 in 11 offensive categories. He was named a Freshman All-American by both Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America after a stellar rookie season in 2000.

Schutzenhofer also was active in the community during his time at Illinois, regularly spending time with a number of youth baseball teams in the Champaign-Urbana area. He also headed Illinois’ Wiffle Ball Sunday promotion, participated in the DIA’s Hometown Heroes program, worked Illinois’ youth baseball camps and volunteered at the NCAA YES Clinic at the College World Series in Omaha, Neb.

Following the completion of his eligibility in 2003, Schutzenhofer signed a free agent deal with his hometown St. Louis Cardinals.

Schutzenhofer was the 15th Illinois baseball player to earn the Medal of Honor and the first since Forry Wells in 1994.

IllInoIs BaseBall BIg Ten meDal oF honor WInnersFifteen Illinois baseball players have earned the award, including Andy Schutzenhofer in 2003.

The following is the list of those players:

Former Illini first baseman Andy Schutzenhofer received his Big Ten Medal of Honor from Associate Director of Athletics Dana Brenner on May 17, 2003.

1918 - John Leo Klein1922 - Clarence Crossley1923 - Otto H. Vogel1924 - Walter Roettger1928 - Richard G. Finn1932 - Edward F. Gbur1943 - Edwin S. Parker1948 - George Fischer

1950 - Russell W. Steger1953 - Cliver Fullmer1956 - Daniel E. Dudas1960 - Robert J. Madix1982 - Randy Conte1994 - Forry Wells2003 - Andy Schutzenhofer

BIg Ten meDal oF honor

dominic altobelli � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2008, ’09Jason anderson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1999, ’00Bill antonacci � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1996Kevin arft � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2000Matt arrandale � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1992Brady Ballard � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2000, ’01Joel Barickman � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2005, ’06Billy Barrett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008Chris Basak � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1999, ’00sean Bennett � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1996dusty Bensko � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2005Wes Braun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008Boo Champagne � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1986Jimmy Conroy � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2004Randy Conte � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1982Ken Crawford � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1993, ’94drew davidson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2004, ’05matt Dittman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2009John Frangos � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1992Pete Frew � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1993, ’94Tim Gasperich � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1982Josh Gold � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2001, ’02Tim Gorks � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2002, ’04 eric haake � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1988dan hamstra � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1984Ryan hastings � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2006, ’07, ’08Brian hecht � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1995, ’96, ’97Rich hyde � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1990, ’91

aaron Ifft � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2005, ’06, ’07aaron Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008Matt Johnson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1990Jimmy Journell � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1998, ’99omar Kadir � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2007doug Kane � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1986Mike Kraft � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1990Josh lane � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2002, ’03Ryan lawrence � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2000, ’01Brian long � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2007dan lundine � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1993, ‘95craig lutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008, ’09Craig Marquie � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1997, ’98, ’99, ’00 aaron Martin � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2007, ’08, ’09Jake Mathis � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2009dave Mazurek � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2001, ’02, ’03Matt McCully � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1994, ’95, ’96Brian Mershon � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1987Ty Milner � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2008Kevin o’Connor � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1989 ’90Justin olson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2001, ’02dan o’neill � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1997, ’98, ’99Joe Parenti � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2003sean Patrick � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2002, ’03donnie Payne � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1993, ’94Brian Raymond � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2001, ’02, ’03, ’04Ben Reeser � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2007, ’08, ’09danny Rhodes � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1996, ’97, ’98

dusty Rhodes � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1996, ’97, ’98Mike Rohde � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2007Cody salter � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1996, ’97, ’98Jeff Richards � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1988, ’90Chris Robinson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2004, ’05Jason schumaker � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �1992, ’93, ’94andy schutzenhofer � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2001, ’02, ’03dave seifert � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1992, ’93scott shaw � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2008luke simmons � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2000, ’01, ’02Jonathan smiley � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2005, ’07Reilly smith � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2002-04Mike stankiewicz � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2007, ’08, ’09mike sterk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008nick stockwell � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �2007, ’08, ’09adam studebaker � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1992,’93, ’94d�J� svihlik � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1999, ’00andy Thompson � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1992derek Throneburg � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2000, ’01John walewander � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1988daniel webb � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2007, ’08Brandon wikoff � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2008, ’09Brett weber � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1998lee zerrusen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2008, ’09Tom Zidlicky � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 1997, ’98Joe Ziemba � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 2002-04

acaDemIc all-BIg Tenacademic all-Big Ten status is awarded to letterwinners who carry a “B” average or better and are of at least sophomore status�



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rIcharD c. “ITch” Jones BaseBall scholarshIP

mIlls/eIlBrachT scholarshIP

In 2008, the Richard C� “Itch” Jones Baseball scholarship at the University of Illinois was established by Thomas F� Meagher Jr�, and his son, former Illini T�F� Meagher III, to provide scholarship assistance to student-athletes who are members of the Illinois varsity baseball team� The Jones Baseball scholarship is in the name of former Illini head coach Richard “Itch” Jones, who led the orange and Blue from 1991-2005� Jones won two Big Ten titles and one Big Ten Tournament championship and 474 games during his time at Illinois and retired as the 13th-winningest coach in nCaa division I baseball history with his 1,242 career victories� Junior pitcher lee Zerrusen was awarded the first scholarship for the 2009-10 academic year�

“we felt it was the appropriate thing to do given the opportunity that Coach Jones and the University of Illinois gave T�F� to get the education that he did and to play athletics at the highest level,” Tom Meagher said�

T�F� was a three-year letterman from 2001-03, starting 167 games during that time� after starting 102 games at shortstop in 2001-02, Meagher moved to second base in 2003 and started all but eight games there that season� he ranks third on the Illinois career hit by pitch list, having been hit 38 times, and his 14 hBP in both 2001 and 2002 rank eighth on the single-season list�

“It was the opportunity of a lifetime to play baseball at the University of Illinois and I thank Itch, (assistant coaches) dan (hartleb) and eric (snider) for that opportunity,” T�F� Meagher said� “without the coaches’ guidance and confidence in you, student athletes don’t have those kinds of opportunities�”

The Mills/eilbracht scholarship was established in 1990, by doug and linda Mills, to honor a University of Illinois baseball player who demonstrates leadership both on and off the field, especially in the realm of academics�

Funded by the Busey Mills Community Foundation, an entity of Busey Bank, the $2,500 scholarship, to be used for tuition and fees, is awarded annually by a committee which is made up of doug Mills, former president of Busey Bank; lee eilbracht, former University of Illinois coach; and dan hartleb, current Illinois coach�

The 2010 mills/eilbracht scholarship honoree is senior catcher aaron Johnson.

Senior third baseman and 2009 honoree Dominic Altobelli accepts the Mills/Eilbracht Baseball Scholarship as presented by Lee Eilbracht (left) and Doug Mills.

1991 - Rich hyde1992 - andy small1993 - Keith Toriani1994 - andy Thompson1995 - Tom sinak1996 - Josh Klimek1997 - Brian hecht

1998 - Brett weber1999 - dan o’neill2000 - Craig Marquie2001 - luke simmons2002 - andy schutzenhofer2003 - T�F� Meagher 2004 - Brian Raymond

2005 - Chad Frk2006 - Brian Blomquist2007 - shawn Roof2008 - Ryan hastings2009 - dominic altobelli2010 - aaron Johnson

Winners of the mills/eilbracht scholarship



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FIghTIngIllInI.comv over 16 mIllIon vIsITors In 2008-09The latest Fighting Illini baseball videos, news, features and merchandise are just a click away when fans set their computers’ internet home pages to www.fightingillini.com. Now, Illinois followers can experience more video, audio and original content than ever before. In addition to the regular features of game notes, game stories, statistics and photos, the site also provides blogs, desktop wallpapers, podcasts and much more. Other recent additions to the website have included RSS feeds and a desktop communicator.

The official Fighting Illini website has consistently been one of the most-accessed collegiate athletics websites in the nation. For the 2008-09 school year, fightingillini.com had over 16 million visitors!

FIghTIngIllInI.com FeaTures:

• The latest news on Illinois’ 19 varsity sports

• Up-to-date results, schedules, statistics and game notes

• Feature stories on Illini student-athletes and coaches

• Student-athlete and coach biographies

• Downloadable media guides, schedules and wallpaper

• Photo galleries

• Live radio broadcasts

• Audio and video clips

• Video features and highlight reels

social mediaFighting Illini fans can get all the latest news on the baseball team on facebook and twitter.

www.facebook.com/FightingIlliniBaseballwww.twitter.com/IlliniBaseball



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scouT Day

At most games throughout the spring, professional scouts can be seen at Illinois Field evaluating talent and slotting players into teams’ draft plans.

Every fall, the Fighting Illini baseball team opens practice to scouts from across professional baseball on Scout Day. Traditionally around the halfway point through the fall practice period, Scout Day provides an opportunity for Fighting Illini players to gain exposure and possibly catch the eye of a scout.

Players start the workout with a timed 60-yard dash, then take infield and outfield practice before playing an intrasquad game. Scouts from nearly every Major League team attend the event.



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IllInoIs BaseBall FamIly

“one oF The ThIngs ThaT DreW me To IllInoIs Was The unIQue chemIsTry The Players haD WITh each oTher anD ThIs year’s Team conTInues ThaT TraDI-TIon. on The FIelD, We are consTanTly suPPorTIng anD PullIng For one anoTher, much lIke you Do For your oWn FamIly. We have one maIn Focus ThaT DrIves us every Day anD ThaT Is To WIn. oFF The FIelD, We sTIck TogeTher anD have a loT oF Fun JokIng arounD WITh each oTher. I coulDn’T ask For a BeTTer grouP oF guys To Play WITh!”

– junior infielder/outfielder Pete Cappetta

Above: Members of the Fighting Illini react to a teammate’s gag gift at the annual Christmas party.Bottom: The Illini players pose for a picture after playing paintball.

Top: Members of the Illini team prepare to get started with their game of paintball during the fall. Above: Daniel Webb opens the lotion that Brandon Wikoff gave him at the team’s 2007 Christmas party, while Wikoff holds the teddy bear that a teammate gave to him.



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Top: The Irwin academic Center is a facility dedicated to the academic endeavors of Illinois’ student-athletes� It houses the academic staff, computer labs and study lounges; above left: The lounge in the front room of Irwin; above right: a new Irwin computer lab; left: an Irwin study lounge; above: The new Irwin presentation room�



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sharI claPPacaDemIc counselor

Shari Clapp is in her ninth year with the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics in its Academic Services office. Clapp works with the baseball team, men’s and women’s tennis and golf teams, and the women’s soccer team. She also coordinates the orientation program for student-athletes.

Clapp has been working in similar capacities with college student-athletes for most of the last 15 years. Prior to arriving in Champaign, Clapp worked in both educational administration and as assistant director of the academic advising

and career counseling unit for student-athletes at Ohio University. Previously, Clapp provided academic support for athletes at the University of Pittsburgh, Rider University and Oklahoma State University. Clapp earned her bachelor’s degree in geography at Oklahoma State in 1992 and her M.S. in the same field in 1998.

IllInI acaDemIc successIn the past eight years, 61 of 68 (90 percent) baseball players who finished their eligibility or were drafted earned their degree. All but one student-athlete who was drafted or finished his eligibility between 2001-04 have earned degrees. Former Illini pitcher Mike Stankiewicz completed his undergraduate studies and an MBA degree in only five-and-a-half years.

Most recently, Dominic Altobelli, Joe Bonadonna, 2002 draftee Drew Dickinson, Jake Mathis, 2005 draftee Chris Robinson and Nick Stockwell all finished their coursework in May 2009. Chris Montgomery and Mike Sterk wrapped up their degrees in August 2009, while Wes Braun, Aaron Martin and Ben Reeser all earned their degrees in December 2009. Sterk is currently pursuing a master’s degree in accountancy, while Braun is beginning the same MBA program that Stankiewicz finished in December 2009.

acaDemIc success unDer harTleBContinuing the emphasis of academic excellence that the Illini had under former head coach Richard “Itch” Jones, all 26 players who have completed their eligibility have earned a degree since Dan Hartleb took over the head coaching position. In addition, the 33 members of this year’s squad posted a 2.92 GPA in the Fall 2009 semester and took a combined cumulative 3.01 GPA into the Spring 2010 semester.

Hartleb’s only players who haven’t finished their degrees are draftees Lars Davis, Kyle Hudson, Scott Shaw and Brandon Wikoff, all of whom were drafted after their junior seasons. He also has had four players finish their undergraduate degree and begin graduate work during their final season of competition: Wes Braun, Ryan Hastings, Mike Stankiewicz and Mike Sterk. Below is a year-by-year listing of how many Fighting Illini earned their degrees, how many student-athletes exahusted their eligibility or were drafted and the percentage of degrees earned.

Year Graduated Total Percent2006 8 8 1002007 9 10 902008 3 5 602009 6 7 86Total 26 30 87

acaDemIc servIces

college of agricultural, consumer and environmental sciences (aces)agricultural and environmental Communications and educationagricultural and Biological engineeringagricultural scienceagricultural and Consumer economicsanimal sciencesCrop sciencesFood science and human nutritionhorticulturehuman development and Family studiesnatural Resources and environmental sciencesTechnical systems Management

college of applied health sciences (ahs)athletic TrainingCommunity healthhealthKinesiologyRecreation, sport, and Tourismspeech and hearing science

Institute of aviation (avI)aviation human FactorsProfessional Pilot

college of Business (Bus)accountancyBusiness administrationBusiness Process ManagementFinanceInformation systems and Information TechnologyManagementMarketingsupply Chain Management

college of education (eDu)early Childhood educationelementary educationspecial education

college of engineering (eng)aerospace engineeringagricultural and Biological engineeringBioengineeringCivil engineeringComputer engineeringComputer scienceelectrical engineeringengineering Mechanicsengineering PhysicsGeneral engineeringIndustrial engineeringMaterials science and engineeringMechanical engineeringnuclear, Plasma, and Radiological engineering

college of Fine & applied arts (Faa)architectural studiesart and design-Foundation Yearart Craftsart educationart historydanceGraphic designIndustrial designlandscape architectureMusicMusic educationnew MediaPaintingPhotographysculptureTheatreUrban and Regional Planning

college of liberal arts & sciences (las)actuarial scienceafrican american studiesanthropologyart historyastronomyatmospheric sciencesBiologyBiochemistryChemical and Biomolecular engineering-lasChemistryClassicsCommunicationComparative and world literatureearth systems, environment and society

east asian languages and CultureseconomicsenglishFrenchGender and women’s studiesGeographyGeology and GeophysicsGermanGlobal studieshistoryIndividual Plans of studyIntegrative BiologyInterdisciplinary studiesItalianlatin american studieslinguisticsMathematicsMathematics and Computer scienceMolecular and Cellular BiologyPhilosophyPhysicsPolitical sciencePortuguesePsychologyReligionRhetoricRussian and east european studiesRussian language and literaturesecondary educationsociologyspanishstatisticsstatistics and Computer science

college of media (mDIa)*advertising*Journalism*Media and Cinema studies*

school of social Work (socW)*social work (Begins 2010)

unIversITy oF IllInoIs college anD maJors IllInoIs oFFers over 111 maJors To IncomIng sTuDenTsIn 10 DIFFerenT colleges



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acaDemIc servIcescareer PlannIng checklIsTFreshman: orIenTaTIon / aDaPTaTIon • Successfully complete First Year Student-Athlete Meetings Course• Explore campus activities and student organizations• Participate in HOMETOWN HEROES program• Visit the Career Center to learn about its services• Attend life skills career development workshops • Develop your professional and networking skills

soPhomore: selF-assessmenT / exPloraTIon• Evaluate your strengths, skills, values and interests• Discuss career ideas with counselors, faculty, family & friends• Update your resume• Attend Illini Career Networking Night• Gain career related experience: an internship, a summer job• Participate in HOMETOWN HEROES program• Attend workshops and seminars to enhance your personal and career goals• Look for opportunities to develop leadership skills in and out of your

athletic career• Work with the life skills coordinator and your academic counselor if you are

unsure about your major or career choice• Develop professional skills

JunIor: DecIsIon makIng / goal seTTIng• Work with your academic counselor and the life skills coordinator to

develop career goals and strategy�• Fulfill academic requirements needed for graduation and your career field• Maintain a strong grade point average• Research your career field to determine which qualifications you

must develop• Attend Career Center and Life Skills workshops: resume writing, interview

skills, job search strategies, and research occupations and companies• Acquire hands-on experience: internships, clinical or field experience• Take advantage of volunteer opportunities through HOMETOWN HEROES

program• Attend the Illini Career Networking Night• Attend campus Job Fairs• Work with the life skills coordinator to update your resume and for

assistance with career planning• If you are considering grad school, register for necessary exams (GRE,

MCaT, GMaT, lsaT, etc�)• Develop strong relationships with faculty, counselors, administrators and

professionals in your field of interest�• Work with life skills coordinator to secure a summer job in chosen field• Test your career choice to ensure its right for you

senIor & FIFTh year: JoB search / ImPlemenTaTIon• Update resume and create a cover letter• Register for on-campus interviewing with Career Center• Continue to attend Career Center and Life Skills workshops and seminars• Continue to participate in HOMETOWN HEROES program• If attending grad school, register for post-graduate exams• If eligible for awards or post-graduate scholarships, work with the life

skills coordinator to complete application process• Continue to pursue leadership roles on campus• Utilize the Career Center, life skills coordinator for support and resources

in your job search process

IrWIn acaDemIc cenTer geTs neeDeD exPansIonIn the fall of 2007, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics completed the expansion of the Irwin Academic Services Center. With the great continued support from the Irwin Family Foundation, this project will assist student-athletes in many academic areas. The $4.6 million expansion of the Irwin Center added 11,400 square feet, allowing more opportunities for the student-athletes to achieve their academic goals. Student resource areas comprised of a presentation room, a new general study area, individual tutoring and study rooms, and a computer lab allow this all to happen. Student-athletes now have more access to computers, better environments to meet with tutors with less distraction and the opportunity to have more space to concentrate on their academic endeavors.

TWo nameD acaDemIc all-DIsTrIcTIllinois third baseman Dominic Altobelli and shortstop Brandon Wikoff (right) were named Academic All-District by ESPN the Magazine and CoSIDA in 2009. Both also were Academic All-Big Ten selections and George Huff Award winners. Altobelli finished his degree in finance in May 2009 and was drafted by the Colorado Rockies less than a month later. Wikoff was drafted by the Houston Astros following his junior season.

IllInI Teams excel In The classroom In 2008-09• Eight of 19 Illinois athletic teams recorded over a 3.0 GPA.• Football’s Ryan McDonald was named an ESPN The Magazine/CosIda academic all-

american and Illinois had eight athletes earn academic all-district honors�• Twenty-one (21) student-athletes earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.• The Illinois women’s golf team earned a perfect 1.000 in the NCAA Academic Progess Rate.• 132 student-athletes earned Academic All-Big Ten honors.• Fifty-two (52) percent of all student-athletes earned over a 3.0 GPA in the spring, while 54

percent posted a 3�0 or better in the fall�



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The unIversITy oF IllInoIsThe University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the state’s classic land grant university, dedicated to building on its tradition of excellence in education, research and public engagement, and driven to innovate in each of these missions. True to its commitment to provide access to top quality higher education to all of Illinois, the Urbana campus regularly ranks among the “best buys” among American universities.

More than 2,000 faculty members lead more than 40,000 undergraduate, graduate and professional students in a process of discovery and learning in 16 colleges and schools and more than 80 research centers and labs.

Illinois provides a diverse learning environment with students and faculty members from more than 120 nations, and a choice of 150 undergraduate majors. Students have opportunities ranging from participating in research or studying abroad, to leading one of more than 1,000 student organizations.

Illinois faculty members win the most prestigious national and international awards, including Nobel and Pulitzer prizes, Guggenheim Fellowships, Tony Awards, and National Medals of Science and Technology. Illinois alumni are similarly recognized; 11 have won Nobel Prizes.

Campus resources include one of the world’s largest public university libraries, with its online resources and precious rare book collections, including the earliest specimen of printing in the world, the oldest book printed in moveable type, and the first folio of Shakespeare (1623).

World-class research facilities include the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, Beckman Institute and the Siebel Center for Computer Science, and the campus community enjoys outstanding centers for the arts as well as Big Ten sports.

Finally, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is the only U.S. institution of higher education ranking in the top 10 in the three key metrics of international education: international student enrollment, total number of study abroad students, and the number of federally funded Title VI National Resource Centers for international and area studies. The campus has collaborative relationships with the best institutions around the world, which benefit students and faculty alike.

In its 2009 rankings, U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges rated Illinois as the No. 10 public university and the No. 40 national university.

Top: The Quad is the hub of all activity on the University of Illinois campus�

middle: Illinois’ Union, located on the north end of the Quad�

above: The engineering Quad�



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The unIversITy oF IllInoIs

hIsTorIc FIrsTs aT IllInoIs1868 — first architectural instruction west of the allegheny Mountains1876 — establishment of the oldest continuous soil fertility research plots in

the United states, the Morrow Plots1893 — first school of library science west of the alleghenies1922 — invention of sound-on-film movies1935 — discovery of the essential amino acid threonine1940 — invention of the betatron for high energy physics1948 — first comprehensive college program for students with severe

physical disabilities1952 — construction of the pioneering IllIaC and oRdvaC computers1959 — development of PlaTo, the first computer used for direct education1970 — construction of the first visible-spectrum semiconductor laser1977 — discovery of a third life form, distinct from the forms that produce plants, animals and bacterial, called archaea1977 — development of the quantum well laser, which made compact disc players possible1990 — invention of the e-mail program eudora1993 — development of the first browser for the world wide web, Mosaic, which was developed into netscape1996 — development of a processing method that extends the life of microchips as much as 50 times2001 — development of self-healing plastics2003 — the University library’s collection exceeds 10 million volumes, the largest collection of any public university in the world2004 — development of the laser transistor2005 — development of the world’s fastest transistor and of a stretchable silicon that can be used to build high-performance electronic devices onto rubber substances2006 — discovery of synthetic molecule that causes cancer cells to self-destruct 2007 — student invention allows wheelchairs to be controlled by thought 2008 — development begins on Blue waters - expected to be the world’s most powerful academic supercomputer

established in 1876, the Morrow Plots are the oldest experimental research fields in the United states�

above left: The alma Mater statue� above: an example of a UI dormitory� left: altgeld hall, the math building�

According to the 2009 U.S. News & World Report’s graduate and 2009 undergraduate rankings:

• TheGraduateSchoolofLibraryandInformation Science’s program is tied for 1st in the nation.

• TheCollegeofEngineeringisranked4th (tie) in undergraduate and 5th in graduate programs nationally.

• TheCollegeofBusinessisranked13thinundergraduate programs nationally.

• TheCollegeofEducationisranked24thingraduate programs nationally.

• TheMasterofFineArtsisranked21st(tie)in graduate programs nationally.

• ThePh.D.ofComputerScienceprogramisranked 5th (tie) nationally.

• ThePh.D.Mathematicsprogramisranked18th (tie) nationally.

• ThePh.D.Physicsprogramisranked8th(tie) nationally.

• ThePh.D.Chemistryprogramisranked 7th (tie) nationally.

The 2008 Washington Monthly College National Rankings lists Illinois as 11th in the nation.

PC Magazine (Dec 2006) ranks Illinois sixth “Most Connected, Plugged-in, and High-Tech Campus in the Country.”

2009 PuBlIc unIversITy rankIngs

1� University of California2� University of virginia3� UCla4� University of Michigan5� University of north Carolina6. College of William & Mary7� University of California-san diego Georgia Tech University of wisconsin10. university of Illinois(2009 U.S. News & World Report)



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The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) was chartered in 1892 as a not-for-profit corporation of the State of Illinois. It was charged with overseeing and conducting the University’s intercollegiate athletic programs and associated support serv ices, and operated as a separate entity.

After the state legislature voted in June 1989 to bring UI athletics within the university proper, the DIA assumed the functions and responsibilities of the Athletic Association. The DIA began operations officially July 1, 1989, and now, more than a century after University of Illinois athletics began, the mission is still to ac hieve excellence both in the classroom and in sport competition.

The director of athletics is the division’s chief executive officer and reports directly to the chancellor of the Urbana-Champaign campus. The chancellor has final authority regarding the athletic pro gram in all areas except for budget and major appointments. Those decisions rest with the University of Illinois Board of Trustees.

Top: Illinois Field, home to the Illini baseball team; Upper Left: Assembly Hall; Above: Atkins Tennis Center; Left: The Demirjian Indoor Golf Facility; Below: Newly renovated Memorial Stadium, home to Illinois Football since 1924.

DIvIsIon oF InTercollegIaTe aThleTIcs



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DIvIsIon oF InTercollegIaTe aThleTIcs

The Athletic Board serves the DIA in an advisory capacity. It is composed of 20 mem bers, (nine faculty, four alumni, three students and one trustee); and the three non-voting (ex-officio) members from the University administration. The faculty and student members are nominated by the Urbana-Champaign Sen ate and selected by the chancellor.

The DIA does not receive state tax dollars and over the years has been able to fully fund the NCAA maximum allowable num ber of athletic scholarships for student-athletes in each of its sports programs, as well as to hire excellent coaches and maintain and upgrade its facilities, staying on par with the best major collegiate programs across the nation.

This has been accomplished through rev enues derived from the following major sources: gate receipts from football and men’s basketball, television and radio rights fees for those two sports, corporate sponsorships, and donations to the I FUND. The I FUND contributions pro vide the maximum allowable number of scholarships in the 19 men’s and women’s sports at an average annual cost of approximately $25,000 for in-state student-athletes and about $39,000 for those from outside Illinois.

FacIlITIesThe DIA utilizes and maintains 16 facilities for competition and the administration of 19 sports. The facilities include Memorial Stadium, Assembly Hall, Huff Hall, Illinois Field, the Outdoor Track & Field and Soccer Stadium, the Armory, Atkins Tennis Center, Khan Tennis Center, Kenney Gym, the University of Illinois Orange and Blue Golf Courses, the Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building, the Ubben Basketball Practice Facility, Eichelberger Field Softball Complex, the Irwin Indoor Practice Facility, the Irwin Academic Center and the Demirjian Indoor Golf Complex.

The “Illinois Renaissance,” a $160 million renovation project for Historic Memorial Stadium, was completed in 2008. New permanent stands were in by the first kickoff of 2007, while major construction of suites and club seating, in addition to a new press box, capped the project.

Seven years ago, a total refurbishing of the football complex took place in time to host the NFL Chicago Bears for the 2002 season. A second renovation, was done in 2008, which created a new strength and conditioning room as well as an entire performance facility for football. In 2000, the construction of the $12.5 million indoor football practice facility was completed, located just east of the current football complex and locker room. The football practice field opens directly onto the East Outdoor Practice Field.

aThleTIc BoarDwilliam d� adams, ex officioMichael B� Bass, ex officio

C�l� Cole, facultyCleo d’arcy, faculty

Thomas a� disanto, alumnusJohn erdman, faculty

Robert Falato, alumnusemily Ganschinietz, student

Ronald e� Guenther, ex officioMargaret Kelley, faculty

Mary Mallory, facultylou Margaglione, alumnus

Cece Marizu, studentdan o’Connor, studentRyan Potts, alumnus

nancy sottos, faculty rep�Christopher span, faculty

Tom Ulen, facultyMatthew B� wheeler, faculty rep�

Top Left: Huff Hall, home to Illinois wrestling, gymnastics and volleyball; Top Right: Bielfeldt Athletic Administration Building; Middle Right: Eichelberger Field Softball Complex; Bottom Right: Armory Indoor Track Complex;



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chamPaIgn-urBana

Champaign County is a warm and welcoming community with a dynamic mix of technology, tradition and culture.

The community is rich in culture and full of activities. Champaign County provides a level of entertainment opportunities unmatched by other communities its size due in large part to the presence of the University of Illinois. Champaign County is proud to offer vibrant, yet diverse attractions while maintaining friendly, small town hospitality.

Literally a “crossroads,” Champaign County lies halfway betwwen the Windy City of Chicago and St. Louis. East or westbound travelers find Champaign halfway between Indianapolis and Peoria.

Nearly 180,000 people call Champaign County home. Add 40,000 University of Illinois students and faculty and you see the diversity of a poplulation that makes Champaign one of the most sophisticated counties in Illinois.

Four distinct seasons provide much of the flavor of Champaign. The summer months provide many outdoor activity opportunities with hiking, canoeing and camping locations nearby. Children can be entertained by a wide variety of summer camps and water parks. With the fall comes a beautiful display of changing leaf color and the always brisk weather for the college football season. Snow activities are the name of the game in the winter, as well as Fighting Illini basketball and other indoor sports. When spring rolls around, the community shakes off the winter chill and continues to enjoy fine cuisine, entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

Top Left: The changing leaf color beautifies one of Urbana’s historic residental areas; Top Right: An aerial view of Champaign-Urbana; Left Photos: CU’s electric entertainment and nightlife.



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camPus lIFeshoWs anD concerTsThe Assembly Hall, which seats 16,618, is the largest Illinois arena outside of Chicago’s United Center.

From rock shows to Broadway to family shows to Fighting Illini basketball and much more, the Assembly Hall has hosted the top names in show business. Performers and events hosted at Assembly Hall include The Rolling Stones, Dave Matthews Band, Ludacris, Garth Brooks, Kanye West, U2, Frank Sinatra, Nelly, Aerosmith, Tina Turner, “Cats,” Bill Cosby, Mikhail Baryshnikov, The Harlem Globetrotters, Elton John, Reba McEntire and Bruce Springsteen.

cluBs anD organIzaTIonsIllinois has over 1,087 registered student organizations, honorary societies, and teams, giving students opportunities to pursue interests in religion, politics, ROTC, professional advancement, service organizations, rights/ freedom issues and performing arts. With 60 fraternities, 26 sororities and 10 African American Greek organizations, Illinois has the largest Greek participation of any university.

recreaTIonThe university’s recreation department offers many amenities for all students. In addition to a wide variety of club sports (ice-skating, hockey, soccer, volleyball, etc), many students take part in intramural athletics in numerous sports (flag football, basketball, softball, volleyball, bowling). The outdoor recreation department designs and gives students day trips for the following activies: bike trail riding, canoeing/kayaking, cross country skiing, hiking in Allerton State Park and horseback riding.

arTs anD culTureIllinois presents a rich variety of cultural programs for education and entertainment. Performance centers and theatres present the world’s finest operas, ballets, and plays, and auditoriums host popular performers of music and shows. Great museums, lectures, and presentations by the world’s top scholars enrich both the campus and the community.

Krannert Center for the Performing Arts: four theaters seat about 4,000 and annually host 350 student and professional performances, as well as commencements, lectures, and other events, many of them free.

The University hosts four cultural centers — Afro-American; Asian-American; La Casa Cultural Latina; Native American. The Illini Union allows more than 83,000 students to attend or participate in over 200 programs, lectures, musicals, and concerts in a given

year, while Foellinger Auditorium seats 1,750 for concerts, speakers, and special events. The Japan House and Arboretum offer formal and informal tearooms, stroll gardens, and art and cultural classrooms.

TechnologyIllinois is the founder of the National Center for Supercomputing Applications and currently houses the “supercomputer.” NCSA opened its doors to the national scientific computing community in January 1986. Because of Illinois’ strong tie to computer technology, the school boasts over 70,000 computer connections for students on the campus network, with 110 buildings having wireless access. Blue Waters, Illinois’ next major technological project, is expected to be the most powerful supercomputer in the world for open scientific research when it comes online in 2011. It will be the first system of its kind to sustain one petaflop performance on a range of science and engineering applications.

Top Right: Outdoor pool at the Acitivies and Recreation Center (ARC); Upper Right:

Dave Matthews has made two recent stops in Champaign; Above Right: Green Street, the hub of Illinois student nightlife; Above Top: Nelly performs at the Assembly Hall;

Above: ARC’s climbing wall; Right: Chicago native Kanye West came to Champaign for his

“Touch the Sky” tour.



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IllInoIs aThleTIc excellence• The University of Illinois athletic teams finished 20th in the 2008-09 Learfield Sports Director’s

Cup, which honors the nation’s best overall athletic program� nine of Illinois’ 19 teams finished in the top 25 nationally including three in the top 10 — men’s gymnastics (5), wrestling (8) and women’s cross country (10)� Fifteen of 19 teams advanced to postseason nCaa competition�

• The Illinois men’s gymnastics team reached the NCAA Team Finals for the seventh-straight year, finishing fifth� The squad sent retiring Coach Yoshi hayasaki out with a bang as the team won the Big Ten Championships and he was named Coach of the Year� sophomore Paul Ruggeri was crowned the nCaa high bar champion for the second consecutive year and won his first national title on parallel bars, while earning all-america laurels on four events� Fellow sophomore daniel Ribeiro won his first nCaa title on pommel horse� It was the first time since 1958 that the Illini had three national champions in the same season�

• Led by 5,000m NCAA champion Angela Bizzarri, the Illinois women’s cross country and track and field teams put together two top-12 national finishes� In the fall, Bizzarri finished sixth to lead her squad to a fourth straight top-10 placing as they took 10th at the nCaa Cross Country Championships� during the outdoor track and field season, she won the 5,000 meters to take home the national title in the event� The squad had five all-americans which led to a 12th-place finish at the championships�

• Illinois’ women’s gymnastics made school history as the squad advanced to the NCAA Team Finals for the first time� The team had its first first-team all-american when Melissa Fernandez finished seventh on the balance beam and the coaching staff swept the national coaching awards�

• The UI wrestling team was the second-highest finishing squad at Illinois last season, taking eighth at the nCaa Championships� Three grapplers were all-americans, including Mike Poeta (157) who was second, Jimmy Kennedy (133) who finished fifth and John wise (hwT) who was seventh�

• Illinois’ men’s golf placed 21st at the NCAA Championship after winning the 2009 Big Ten title, the first in 21 years� head coach Mike small was named Big Ten Coach of the Year�

• Three Illini squads made the Sweet 16. The men’s tennis team advanced to the third round of the nCaa Tournament for the 13th straight year� Illinois volleyball saw a resurgence with their first sweet 16 appearance in five years, while soccer made its third round of 16 in the last five years�

• Sixty-two (62) Illini were named to All-Big Ten teams and 22 were All-Americans.



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IllInoIs aThleTIc excellence

aWarD WInnersMichelle Bartsch, volleyball; Big Ten Freshman of the Year Mideast Region Freshman of the Year angela Bizzarri, women’s track and field UsTFCCCa Midwest Region Track athlete of the Year Tonja Buford-Bailey, women’s track and field UsTFCCCa Midwest Region Coach of the Yeardave emery, women’s tennis ITa Midwest Region assistant Coach of the YearYoshi hayasaki, men’s gymnastics; Big Ten Coach of the Year Central Region Coach of the YearKim landrus and amy Kruse, women’s gymnastics naCGCw national assistant Coaches of the Yeardennis nevolo, men’s tennis; Big Ten Freshman of the Year ITa Midwest Region Rookie of the Yearandrew Riley, men’s track and field Big Ten Indoor Freshman of the YearMike small, men’s golf; Big Ten Coach of the Year Midwest Region Coach of the YearJustin spring and Ivan Ivankov, men’s gymnastics Central Region assistant Coaches of the YearBob starkell, women’s gymnastics; Big Ten Coach of the Year naCGCw national Coach of the Year

naTIonal chamPIonsangela Bizzarri, women’s outdoor track and field; 5,000mPaul Ruggeri, men’s gymnastics; parallel bars, high bardaniel Ribeiro, men’s gymnastics; pommel horse

BIg Ten chamPIonsMelissa Bates, women’s track and field; outdoor 400mangela Bizzarri, women’s track and field; outdoor 5,000mdeserea Brown, women’s track and field; outdoor 400m haja evans, women’s track and field; outdoor shot putKelsey Joannides, women’s gymnastics; vaultGakologelwang Masheto, men’s track and field; indoor 400m, outdoor 400m Gary Miller, men’s track and field; 600mMike Poeta, wrestling; 157 poundsandrew Riley, men’s track and field; 60m hurdlesPaul Ruggeri, men’s gymnastics; parallel bars, floor exercisesarah schmidt, women’s gymnastics; floor exerciseluke stannard, men’s gymnastics; pommel horse

all-amerIcansAngela Bizzarri, women’s cross country & track and fieldarrelious Benn, footballdeserea Brown, women’s track and fieldvontae davis, footballlaura deBruler, volleyballKatie engel, women’s cross countryaja evans, women’s track and fieldMelissa Fernandez, women’s gymnasticsJimmy Kennedy, wrestlingscott langley, men’s golfBrit Miller, footballRoger Pasek, men’s gymnasticsMike Poeta, wrestlingdaniel Ribeiro, men’s gymnasticsandrew Riley, men’s track and fieldPaul Ruggeri, men’s gymnasticssarah schmidt, women’s gymnasticsGreg shroka, men’s track and fieldBrandon wikoff, baseballJohn wise, wrestlingemily Zurrer, soccerdanielle Zymkowitz, softball



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max abramovitz, architect/ assembly hall (deceased)

John B. anderson, 1980 Presidential candidate

mark andreessen Programmer of netscape internet browser

nelson algren, Chicago writer

scott altman, astronaut

michael arrington President and Ceo, Recon Management services

albert Babb, Pioneer in hemodialysis

Barbara Bain, actress

arnold Beckman, Founder/chairman emeritus of Beckman Instruments (now smithKline Beckman)

lou Boudreau Professional Baseball hall of Famer (deceased)

charles Bowsher Former U�s� Comptroller General (1981-1996)

James Brady, Press secretary during Reagan administration; wounded during Reagan assassination attempt; namesake of The Brady Bill on handgun control

DeeDee Bridgewater Grammy nominated jazz vocalist

nancy Brinker, Breast Cancer Foundation

Dee Brown, author of “Bury My heart at wounded Knee”

avery Brundage Former president of the International olympic Committee (deceased)

hal Bruno Jr. Retired director of political coverage for aBC news

Tonja Buford-Bailey, Three-time olympian, 1996 olympic Bronze Medalist in 400m hurdles

Dick Butkus, College Football and nFl hall of Famer

James cantalupo, Former Chairman and Ceo of Mcdonald’s Corp� International (deceased)

John chancellor, Political analyst and newscaster for “nBC nightly news” (deceased)

george chandler, actor, played Uncle Petti on “lassie” (deceased)

Dr. shou-Po chao, former General secretary of Taiwan

steven chen, Computer designer

Doris kelly christopher, Founder of The Pampered Chef

John coleman, Founder of the weather Channel

michael colgrass Jr. Composer; 1978 Pulitzer Prize winner in Music

rafael correa, President of ecuador

godfrey Danchimah, comedian

John Darling, Former Chancellor, louisiana state University

andrew Davis Film director/producer (“The Fugitive,” “Under siege”)

ollie Watts Davis, opera singer

Dorothy Day Founder of the Catholic worker Movement (deceased)

Jean Driscoll, wheelchair athlete; eight-time winner of the Boston Marathon

alan Dysert actor, played sean Cudahy on “all My Children”

Dwight “Dike” eddleman, olympic high jumper and Final Four and Rose Bowl participant (deceased)

andrea evans, soap opera actress

lee Falk, Cartoonist (The Phantom, Mandrake the Magician) (deceased)

Perdita Felicien, world Champion and olympic hurdler

michael Filerman, Tv producer

george m.c. Fisher, Ceo of eastman Kodak

Dan Fogelberg, (attended) Composer and recording artist

rich Frank, Former President of disney studios

steve Friedman, Tv producer, director

Dale gardner, astronaut

Bill geist, Journalist on “CBs sunday Morning”

rick george, President of the PGa Champions Tour

John georges, Ceo of International Paper Co�

Thornton gilchrest, President, national safety Council

s. malcolm gillis, Former President, Rice University

harold “red” grange College Football and nFl hall of Famer (deceased)

richard greenberg, Film maker

Jerry hadley, opera star

george halas, Founder of Chicago Bears (deceased)

erika harold, Miss america 2003

leanne harvey Former General Manager, new orleans Zephyrs

eric halverson, Former opera star, bass

sharon hendrick, wheelchair track olympian (1984, 1988)

Jerry colangelodirector of Usa Basketball; Former president of the Pheonix suns and arizona diamondbacks

mannIe JacksonFormer Pro Basketball player, Formerowner of harlem Globetrotters

roBerT Johnsonowner of the Charlotte Bobcats nBa franchise; 2003 Sports Illustrated’s Most Influential Minority in sport; Former Ceo of Black entertainment Television

noTaBle alumnI

hugh heFnerFounder of Playboy Magazine



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Beth henley 1981 Pulitzer Prize award winner for “Crimes of the heart”

nicole hollander, Cartoonist (sylvia)

mike hopkins, nasa astronaut

sue ann huseman, Former President, Monmouth College (1994-97)

Billy morrow Jackson, Painter

Jesse Jackson Jr., (attended) Politician

Donald Johanson anthropologist, discoverer of oldest known hominid, “lucy”

arte Johnson, “laugh-In” television personality

shiela Johnson, Ceo salamander hospitality

Jawed karim, co-founder of YouTube

katherine kendall Retired United nations social affairs director

charla krupp, Former editor, Glamour magazine

annette lu, former vice President, Taiwan

naomi lynn, Former Chancellor, University of Illinois-springfield (1991-2001); First hispanic woman president of an american public university�

Jack mabley, newspaper columnist

carol marin, Television journalist/anchor

Prentice marshall, Federal Judge (deceased)

lynn martin secretary of labor during the Bush administration

Fred marx, Co-director and editor of “hoop dreams”

mary elizabeth mastrantonio, actress

Tim mccarthy, secret service agent during President Ronald Reagan administration (wounded during 1981 assassination attempt)

Jim mcneely, Grammy nominated jazz pianist

Donna mills, movie and television actress

erie mills, opera star

Bobby mitchell, Professional Football hall of Famer

Jacob morowitz, owner, Usa Trading Company

Tom murphy, Retired chairman of General Motors

scott mutter, artist/Photographer

steve nagel, Retired astronaut

malden nesheim, emeritus Professor, Provost emeritus, Cornell University

ray nitschke Professional Football hall of Famer (deceased)

robert novak Columnist and Cnn political commentator (deceased)

Jerry orbach, actor (deceased)

suze orman, financial advisor and author

ray ozzie, Microsoft Chief software architecht

Peter Palmer, actor, singer (Broadway)

larry Parks, actor, “The al Jolson story” (deceased)

Francine “Penny” Patterson Taught Koko the gorilla to communicate through sign language

greg Philbin, Member of the band Reo speedwagon

Irna Phillips, creator of the soap opera

ron Popeil, Ronco Inventions

richard Powers, author, national Book award winner

Fidel ramos, Former President of the Philippines

James “scotty” reston Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist (deceased)

Bobby richards, olympic pole vaulter

alan ruck, actor, “Ferris Bueller’s day off,” “spin City”

stephen sample, President, UsC (1991-Present)

e. roger sayers Former President, University of alabama (1988-96)

gerald schoenfeld, shubert organization

gene shalit, “nBC Today show” film critic

albert shanker american Federation of Teachers (deceased)

allen sherman, Comedian, co-developer of Tv game show “I’ve Got a secret” (deceased)

Thomas siebel, Founder of siebel systems

shel silverstein (attended) author and songwriter (deceased)

roger simon, Chief Political Columnist, Politico�com; new York Times Best selling author

sam skinner, secretary of Transportation; Chief of staff during the George Bush sr� administration

ralph snodsmith, Tv gardening guide

godfrey sperling Jr., syndicated columnist for the Christian Science Monitor

Justin spring olympic Gymnast, 2008 Bronze Medalist

mark steinberg senior vice President and Managing director of Golf, IMG

John strohm, Founded world wildlife Fund (deceased)

Dennis swanson, President of station operations, FoX Television stations Group

Joe Tanner, astronaut

Barbara ann Teer Founder & CEO of National Black Theater

nancy Thies, olympic gymnast, sportscaster

lynne Thigpen, Tony award-winning actress, “an american daughter” (deceased)

craig virgin, olympic Runner

marvin Wachman, Former President, Temple University (1973-1982); author, “The Education of a University President “

arnold Weber Former President, northwestern University (1985-95)

William Wegman, artist

Jack Welch, Former Ceo of General electric (1981-2001)

cheryl West, Playwright

Tug Wilson Former Big Ten Commissioner; olympian (deceased)

c.e. Woolman, Founder of delta airlines (deceased)

leslie B. Worthington, President of U�s� steel Corp�

rosalyn yalow, 1978 Nobel Prize-winner in physiology & medicine

Timothy zahn, writer

ang leeFilm director (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Crouching Tiger, hidden dragon,” and “The hulk”)

roger eBerTPulitzer Price-winning Film Critic

Deron WIllIams2008 olympic Gold Medalist, Utah Jazz

noTaBle alumnI



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unIversITy aDmInIsTraTIon

Stanley O. Ikenberry was appointed University of Illinois interim president, effective Jan. 1, 2010, by the Board of Trustees at a special meeting on Oct. 3, 2009.

During the fall 2009 semester, Ikenberry, 74, is serving as interim president-designate, enabling him to work with President B. Joseph White and other senior administrators to facilitate an orderly transition. As interim president, Ikenberry will

serve until a new permanent president is named.

Ikenberry served as the 14th president of the University of Illinois system for 16 years, from 1979 through 1995. As president, he led the consolidation of the University’s Medical Center and Chicago Circle campuses to become the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), which is today the largest university in the city. Major academic initiatives during his presidency included the establishment of the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications, both on the Urbana campus.

During his presidency Ikenberry oversaw significant facilities growth on the Urbana and Chicago campuses. The Urbana campus added the Veterinary Medicine Basic Sciences Building, the Swanlund Administration Building, the Grainger Engineering Library Information Center, the Microelectronics Laboratory and the Kinkead Pavilion.

At UIC, new construction during Ikenberry’s presidency included the University of Illinois Hospital, the UIC Pavilion, the Student Residence and Commons, the Engineering Research Facility, the Chicago Technology Park and the Laboratory for Molecular Biology.

In 1985, Ikenberry established the President’s Award Program that has provided monetary assistance on all the University of Illinois’ Urbana-Champaign, Chicago and Springfield campuses to thousands of high-achieving students from underrepresented groups.

Ikenberry launched the University’s first major capital campaign and led a second campaign in the late 1980s to raise more than $1 billion.

Following his U of I presidency, Ikenberry served as the 10th president of the American Council of Education from 1996 to 2001. He has been president of the Board of Overseers of TIAA-CREF (the nation’s leading retirement system for college and university employees) since 2000.

Ikenberry returned to the University of Illinois in 2001 to teach higher education policy and leadership in the College of Education on the Urbana campus as Regent Professor and President Emeritus. He also holds an appointment in the University-wide Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Ikenberry was born in Colorado and reared in West Virginia. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Shepherd College (now Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, W.Va.) in 1956 and master’s and doctoral degrees from Michigan State University in 1957 and 1960, respectively. Before he came to the University of Illinois in 1979, he was a senior vice president for administration at Pennsylvania State University and a professor in its Center for the Study of Higher Education.

Ikenberry is the recipient of 16 honorary degrees and is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. A student dining hall and residential complex on the Urbana-Champaign campus are named for Ikenberry and his wife, Judy, who were known for their hospitality to University students, alumni and friends.

BoarD oF TrusTeesGovernor Pat Quinn, ex officio

Frances G� CarrollKaren a� hasara

Christopher G� Kennedydr� Timothy n� Koritzedward l� McMillan

James d� Montgomerylawrence oliver IIPamela B� strobelCarlos e� Tortolero

Matthew M� Reschke, studentBogdan “dan” v� Zavorotny, student

derek R� Felix, student



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DIrecTor oF aThleTIcs ron guenTherIn his 18th year as Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois and the longest tenured current athletic director in the Big Ten, Ron Guenther has returned his alma mater to the national elite. In competing for championships in 19 intercollegiate sports, Guenther has assembled outstanding coaches, staff and facilities which have accounted for three Top-25 finishes in the NACDA Director’s Cup competition in the last eight years, including the program’s highest finish of 20th in 2009. During Guenther’s time as athletic director, the Illinois men’s tennis program won the 2003 NCAA national championship, while Illini teams have produced 28 conference titles.

In 2001, he was named the NACDA/Continental Airlines Central Region Athletic Director of the Year. The MVP of the 1966 Illinois football squad, Guenther continues to move the Illini athletic program on a breakneck pace toward competing at a championship level in all programs.

Guenther has overseen a series of dramatic changes that have local, regional and national media, alumni and fans marveling at his ability to recruit top-level coaches, successfully engineer a $175 million fundraising and resource operation, and create a model program producing outstanding student-athletes. He currently is leading a second major capital campaign to expand and renovate facilities, strengthen endowment and increase annual giving to offset the rising cost of tuition. The centerpiece of the campaign was the Memorial Stadium Renaissance, which was the largest renovation project of the historic stadium that was built in 1923. The Renaissance project has made Memorial Stadium one of the premier football venues in the nation.

Under Guenther’s leadership, Illinois has steadily improved its performance on the field and in the classroom. Off the field, Illinois student-athletes have continued to benefit from outstanding academic service programs, matching the overall campus grade point average and producing nearly 100 Academic All-Big Ten award winners annually in all sports. The Irwin Academic Center is proof of the commitment toward academic success as more than $7 million was invested into expanding the building in 2007.

Guenther also has spearheaded a revolution for funding championship-level programs and facilities as the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has opened additional revenue streams totaling more than $4 million through partnerships with corporate sponsors and management of the Illini Sports Radio Network.

Guenther’s aggressive plan to make the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics a valuable and enthusiastic partner in the overall education, research and service mission of the University has begun to pay dividends in the 21st century.

Now in his fourth decade with the University of Illinois, Guenther was the Most Valuable Player on the 1966 Illinois football squad under head coach Pete Elliott. He was a second-team All-Big Ten selection at offensive guard, also earning first-team Academic All-Big Ten honors and recognition as the University’s outstanding senior in physical education. Guenther earned his Bachelor of Science degree in physical education from Illinois in 1967 and an M.S. in administration in 1968 before embarking on a successful career in coaching, athletic administration and business.

Guenther was named the 17th Director of Athletics on May 14, 1992, after serving for two years with the University of Illinois Foundation as Director of Major Gifts and for three years as a partner with The Barofsky Association, a Chicago-area investments and marketing firm. From June of 1988 to March of 1989, Guenther served as Interim

Director of Athletics for External Operations, administering the development program, public relations, promotions, tickets, merchandise and summer camps.

Guenther spent the previous three years within the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics as associate athletic director for development, coordinating the “Campaign for Excellence in Athletics.” His efforts in fundraising have grown immensely since his tenure as Director of Athletics. The campaigns gave Illinois facilities their first major facelift in nearly 60 years on campus. Among the projects completed under his watch are: the Irwin Academic Center, Illinois Field for baseball, the UI Outdoor Track and Field and Soccer Stadium, the Atkins Tennis Center, the Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex, the Ubben Basketball Practice Facility, the Demirjian Golf Facility, Eichelberger Field and the Irwin Football Complex, housing coaches offices, locker rooms, sports medicine, strength and conditioning facilities and meeting rooms for Illinois football.

One of the nation’s top athletic fundraisers, Guenther has been instrumental in soliciting gift commitments totaling more than $175 million toward capital improvements at Illinois during the last 16 years. Additionally, Guenther has led a $120 million Memorial Stadium renovation project, which was completed last fall. Endowment fundraising under Guenther’s leadership has gone from $2 million invested to $40 million in 2008. In the same fashion, the annual fund has grown from $2.4 million to more than $8.5 million this year. The Loyalty Circle, which represents donors giving over $10,000 annually, began with nine families in 1993 and now has over 500 members.

Firmly committed to delivering the Illinois message across the state and Midwest, Guenther served from 1983 to 1987 as assistant athletic director for Chicago operations, renewing a commitment that continues today to reach out to the thousands of Chicago-area alumni, donors and fans.

During his tenure in Chicago, Guenther created the annual statewide caravan for promotion and public relations and saw a tripling in the number of donors to Illinois athletics.

Guenther spent eight years at North Central College in Naperville, Ill., including a stint from 1975-79 as director of admissions and also as an associate head football coach. From 1979-83, he served as the vice president of development and public affairs at North Central, helping to design and implement a $15 million Capital Campaign. As associate head football coach, Guenther helped the Cardinals amass a 23-12-2 record, including the school’s first winning season in 15 years.

Before moving to North Central College, Guenther was offensive line coach at Boston College from 1971-74, helping to develop nine NFL players. From 1968-71, Guenther was a teacher and coached football, wrestling and track and field for the Evanston Township and Glenbard High School systems in suburban Chicago.

Born Oct. 3, 1945, Guenther is a native of Elmhurst, Ill., and a graduate of York High School. He lettered at Illinois in 1965 and 1966, helping Illinois to a 24-14-1 record in his four seasons. Guenther earned MVP honors on a squad that produced five All-Americans in 1966.

He was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame on Sept. 22, 2005. Guenther and his wife, Megan, reside in Champaign.



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IllInI In The communITy

The University of Illinois baseball team, along with the rest of the student-athletes from Illinois’ 19 sports, know the importance of giving back to the community. Through a program called “Hometown Heroes”, the Illini student-athletes have the opportunity to participate in many different community service activities. The program is organized through the Academic Services office and works with a number of groups in the Champaign-Urbana area. The following is a list of all the regular events at which you will find Illinois student-athletes:

aDoPT-a-school ProgramThe adopt-a-school program is a joint partnership with Champaign and Urbana elementary and Middle schools through their one-to-one Mentoring Program� Individual student-athletes or entire teams make regular visits to their assigned adopted school to read, play and interact with students�

aFTer school Programsvisits to after school programs at both Champaign and Urbana elementary schools are scheduled throughout the year�

BIg BroThers BIg sIsTerseach year, Illini student-athletes, led by the women’s tennis team, host a holiday party and provide presents for kids in the Big Brothers Big sisters program� The kids play games and make crafts with student-athletes and receive their presents from santa�

Boy scouTsstudent-athletes have been involved with local boy scouts in various ways ranging from speaking at meetings and Blue Gold Banquets to hosting troops on campus visits�

challenger BaseBall leagueYoung people with various disabilities from the Challenger Baseball league attend various events and have the opportunity to meet our Fighting Illini�

crIsIs nursery Illini student-athletes each year volunteer their time at the Crisis nursery holiday shop assisting young shopper in purchasing presents�

c-u aFrIcan amerIcan churches sTuDenT oF The monThIllini student-athletes participate each month in honoring middle school students who excel in the classroom, in athletics, and are actively involved in their church youth group�

Dare (Drug aBuse resIsTance eDucaTIon) Programstudent-athletes each year speak at graduation ceremonies in an effort to encourage youth to stay away from drugs and violence�

DcFs (DIvIsIon oF chIlDren anD FamIly servIces)Fighting Illini student-athletes are given the opportunity to attend a holiday party to brighten up the holidays for kids who have been placed in foster homes within the CU area�

Don moyer Boys anD gIrls cluBstudents-athletes visit the local Boys and Girls Club to play games and talk with local kids who take part in their activities�

geT kIDs In acTIon ProgramGet Kids In action is a student-athlete mentorship program designed to promote daily physical activity by school children through weekly classroom visits�

gIrl scouTsFighting Illini female student-athletes participated in the U Rock Conference this spring�

hosPITal vIsITsIllini student-athletes make regular trips to Carle Foundation hospital to visit with kids in the Pediatric oncology Center as well as on the Pediatric floor� student-athletes also take part in the Pediatric oncology holiday Party held each year�

mITTen Tree ProJecT This community outreach program provides our student-athletes with the opportunity to collect donations of warm clothing (hats, gloves, coats, scarves, mittens, etc) that is then donated to the Champaign district 4 warm-a-Kid Foundation that strives to ensure that every child in the school district has adequate warm clothing during the winter�

naTIonal saluTe To hosPITalIzeD veTerans Daystudent-athletes visited with patients at the local va hospital as part of “national salute to hospitalized veterans” day in February�

nursIng home vIsITsIllini student-athletes are given opportunities each semester to visit senior citizens in local nursing homes and assisted living facilities� during these trips, student-athletes may play bingo, do crafts, play games or just visit with the residents�

reaDIng IllInI This outreach program puts our student-athletes in a position where they can promote the importance of literacy to young people� student-athletes work with elementary school age students one on one or in small groups reading books or playing word games in an effort to help children improve their reading skills and vocabulary�

relay For lIFeseveral teams and individual student-athletes each year raise money for the american Cancer society by taking part in their annual Relay for life�

school vIsITs (elemenTary anD mIDDle)student-athletes make regular visits to schools in the Champaign-Urbana area to visit with children in classrooms or for all-school assemblies to address a variety of topics such as the importance of staying in school, making good grades, staying away from drugs and alcohol, and treating others with respect� visits can be made to individual classrooms, school groups, or all-school assemblies�

sPecIal sPecTaTors Fighting Illini student-athletes partner each year with the non-profit organization, special spectators, to bring children undergoing treatment in the Carle hospital oncology Center to a football game� Prior to the game, student-athletes from other sports visit with the kids at a Tailgate Party held in their honor�

sTay In BounDs (characTer eDucaTIon Program)Illini student-athletes visit local schools to promote and teach citizenship through sports while encouraging students of the importance of good character and ethical conduct�

sTuDenT-aThleTe aDvIsory BoarD (saac) camPus clean uPevery april, saaC assigns each intercollegiate athletic team an area of campus to beautify� saaC reps organize their

teams in helping to do their part to spruce up our campus�

sTuDenT-aThleTe aDvIsory BoarD (saac) cloThIng DrIveeach november, the student-athlete advisory Committee (saaC) organizes a clothing drive and donates all clothing collected to a local shelter�

ymcaIllini student-athletes have taken part in Free Friday nights and their easter egg hunt and egg decorating party�



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BIg Ten neTWorkThe BIg Ten Is noT JusT a conFerence, IT’s a culTure. anD The BIg Ten neTWork Is Where IT lIves.

aBouT The BIg Ten neTWorkThe Big Ten Network is dedicated to covering the Big Ten Conference and its 11 member institutions. The Big Ten Network provides unprecedented access to an extensive schedule of conference sports events and shows; original programs in academics, the arts and sciences; campus activities; and associated personalities. Sports programming includes live coverage of more events than ever before, along with news, highlights and analysis, all complemented by hours of university-produced campus programming. The Big Ten Network reaches a national audience through distribution arrangements with approximately 230 cable and satellite companies.

QuIck FacTs•Agreement:20-yearjointventurebetweensubsidiariesoftheBigTenConferenceand Fox Cable Networks.

•Headquarters:Chicago,Ill.

•Launched:August30,2007,8p.m.ET

• Programming: Approximately 400 live events, original programming, historicfootage and classic games; coaches’ shows; up to 60 hours per year of original programming from each university.

• Distribution: The Big Ten Network has signed national agreements withAT&T U-Verse, Charter Communications, Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and 230 cable operators. Select content is distributed through alternative media platforms including the Internet, iPods, cell phones and other emerging technologies.

orIgInal ProgrammIngThe Big Ten Network goes beyond the games and gives fans more access to their teams than ever before.

Big Ten Tonight: Big Ten Tonight is the only nightly sports program dedicated to covering the Big Ten, setting it apart from all other sports highlight shows. Utilizing a studio on each campus, Big Ten Tonight includes interviews with coaches and players every evening. Big Ten Tonight is the ultimate destination for Big Ten fans.

The Journey: In its first two seasons, the Big Ten Network’s original reality series, The Journey, followed one Big Ten team during the course of an entire season. Big Ten Network cameras take viewers deep inside the program by capturing compelling moments during pre-game, halftime and post-game speeches, on the team plane and buses, in practices, in the classroom and away from the field. This spring, The Journey takes a wider look at Big Ten conference basketball, finding the major storylines within each Big Ten squad.

Big Ten Tip-off show: With years of experience on the court and on the sidelines, no one knows the Big Ten like our men’s and women’s basketball analysts. This 30-minute pre-game show provides the kind of inside information and in-depth analysis fans can’t get anywhere else. During the Big Ten Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament, the show hits the road for a live pre-game presence from Conseco Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with anchors providing coverage and analysis of all the action.

Big Ten Women’s show: Every Monday at 6:30pm CT, the Big Ten Women’s Show is dedicated to showcasing the best of Big Ten women’s athletics with highlights, previews, analysis and features. The Big Ten has been a pioneer in promoting and recognizing women’s athletics, and the Big Ten Network continues that tradition, not just with this program but with the promise that the Big Ten Network will offer event equality on all its platforms within three years of its launch.

Big Ten short stories: For every touchdown pass, goal, dunk, spike, kick-save, pin or home run, there is an untold story about the people who made these memorable plays happen. Going behind the scenes and beyond the highlight reels, Big Ten Short Stories turns the spotlight on the people and places that make the Big Ten so special. Whether it’s a feature on an amazing student-athlete, an iconic retired coach, or a fabled football stadium, this is the show tells the story. Check local listings for air dates and times.

BigTennetwork.com: For video highlights of your Big Ten teams, human interest features on your favorite student-athletes and all the latest happenings in the Big Ten, log onto www.BigTenNetwork.com. The network’s online home also contains statistics, schedules and more.

Selected events are available via live web stream on www.BigTenNetwork.com. In addition to televising hundreds of Big Ten events, we’re streaming 200+ additional events in 2009-10. The Big Ten Network is streaming a number of games in volleyball, exhibition and selected non-conference men’s basketball, selected non-conference and conference women’s basketball, men’s ice hockey, wrestling, baseball and softball.

BIg Ten neTWork ProgrammIng noTes• With an unprecedented slate of 400 live events, the nightly Big Ten Tonight

studio show, dozens of Big Ten Championship events, an extensive library of classic games, other original programming and the most high definition programming of any new network in television history, the Big Ten network is the ultimate destination for Big Ten fans�

• In 2010, three regular-season Fighting Ilini baseball games will be broadcast live to a national audience on the Big Ten network and 10 additional games will be streamed live on BigTennetwork�com�

• Last season, five Fighting Ilini baseball games were televised nationally on the Big Ten network�

• In addition to unmatched baseball coverage, the network televises more than 35 live football games, 100 men’s basketball games, 45 women’s basketball games and over 150 olympic sporting events, including volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, softball, tennis and more, each season�

• BTN televises dozens of classic games and historical footage from ESPN and aBC�

• Original campus programming produced by Big Ten member universities showcasing their academic excellence, talented students and award-winning programs if featured regularly�

• Weekly coaches shows, including the Jolette Law and Bruce Weber shows, are shown throughout the year on the network�

2010 IllInoIs games on The BIg Ten neTWorkDate game Time (cT) Platformapril 2 Penn state at Illinois 6 PM BTn�comapril 3 Penn state at Illinois 3 PM BTn�comapril 4 Penn state at Illinois 12 PM BTn�comapril 16 Michigan at Illinois 6 PM BTn�comapril 17 Michigan at Illinois 3 PM BTn�comapril 18 Michigan at Illinois 1 PM BTn�comapril 27 Bradley at Illinois 6 PM BTn�comapril 30 northwestern at Illinois 6 PM BTnMay 1 northwestern at Illinois 3 PM BTnMay 2 northwestern at Illinois 3 PM BTnMay 7 Illinois at ohio state 5:30 PM BTn�comMay 8 Illinois at ohio state 12 PM BTn�comMay 9 Illinois at ohio state 12 PM BTn�com



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DugouT cluBThe Fighting Illini Dugout Club is the booster club for Illinois Baseball. It is devoted to supporting the Illinois Baseball program. In past years, the Dugout Club has been able to provide the team with laptop computers for use on the road, senior gifts, a senior barbeque and the annual Hot Stove Banquet in honor of the baseball team.

The Dugout Club also has sponsored the internet broadcasts of all Illinois Baseball games that air on WDWS AM-1400 in Champaign. Recently, the club funded a locker room redecoration project, along with purchasing both a full personal computer set-up, complete with a DVD burner for highlight videos, and a new big-screen TV for the players’ lounge.

A one-year membership to the Dugout Club costs $50 and can be obtained by registering online at www.illinoisdugoutclub.com. In return, members receive a membership card, plaque and an invitation to pregame brunches at various times throughout the Big Ten season. New this season, members also will gain access to the exclusive content of IllinoisDugoutClub.com, including updates on former players and coaches, information from head coach Dan Hartleb and notes from current players.

In recent years, the Hot Stove Banquet has attracted record numbers of family, friends and fans, many of whom turn out to see each year’s featured speaker. Past speakers include former Illini and Major League catcher Darrin Fletcher, former Cardinals skipper Whitey Herzog, former Major League catcher and manager Joe Girardi, Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk and former Minneosta Twins great Paul Molitor.

Illinois Baseball added to the list with St. Louis Cardinals great Al Hrabosky, who spoke at the 2005 Hot Stove Banquet, and Jim Thome, who highlighted the 2006 event. Chicago White Sox executive Roland Hemond headlined the 2007 Hot Stove Banquet, and former White Sox player and 1983 AL Rookie of the Year Ron Kittle spoke at the 2008 banquet. Former big-league pitcher Andy Benes highlighted the 2009 event and Chicago Cubs’ pitcher Randy Wells headlined the 2010 banquet.

IllinoisDugoutClub.com, launched in January 2009, is the new online home of the Fighting Illini Dugout Club

summer camPs

sPenD your summer WITh The FIghTIng IllInI

complete skills: June 6-10

Pitching / catching: June 13-15

hitting: June 15-17

evaluation / exposure: July 25-29

For more information, visit www�fightingillini�com/camps or call the summer Camps office at 217�244�7278�

this is illinois baseball -...

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