THURSDAY February 18, 2016
THE DAILY ILLINI The independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois since 1871
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Vol. 145 Issue 73
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Whitman named as athletic director BY MICHAL DWOJAK STAFF WRITER
Now that the University of Illinois has announced that Josh Whitman will be the school’s next athletic director, it’s a good time to learn who the new leader of Illinois athletics is. Whitman’s ties to Illinois started in 1997 when he first lined up at tight end for Ron Turner. He finished his four-year career with 52 receptions and seven touchdowns and was a two-time Verizon/CoSida Academic All-American. The tight end was not drafted but had a fouryear NFL career, splitting time with the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins. His official stats among a few websites list Whitman with four games played for the Chargers in 2001, with one kickoff reception for nine yards. After finishing his time playing professional football, Whitman knew he wanted to continue his education and did so when he enrolled into the University’s College of Law in 2005. “Orange and blue is in his bloodstream, and he is committed to the U. of I. for the long run,” University President Tim Killeen said in a press release. “He will take the Illini athletics program to great success, and he’ll have all my support.” During his law studies, Whitman began his admin-
istrative career at Illinois, serving as coordinator of special projects from 2005 to 2007. He then served as assistant to the athletic director from 2007 to 2008. Whitman dealt with marketing, sports information and communication and internal operations. He graduated from the College of Law in 2008 and served as a law clerk for M.S. Kanne on the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Court. He also joined the Washington, D.C., law firm Covington & Burling LLP, which is well known for its counsel work with the NFL. Whitman returned to athletic administrative in 2011 when he became the athletic director at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, a Division III program. The program had four national championships and finished in the top-five in NCAA championship events 17 times. He became the Washington University in St. Louis athletic director in June of 2014, and has contributed to its success in various ways. Whitman helped in the final design and construction of the school’s Gary M. Sumers Recreation Center. Whitman will have plenty on task at Illinois. He will need to make coaching decisions in both football and men’s basketball in the coming year, while also trying to repair the department’s
PHOTO COURTESY OF WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY AT SAINT LOUIS
Josh Whitman spent four years at Illinois as an undergraduate, four years as a law student and assistant administrator in the athletic department and now returns as the prospective athletic director. image after a couple of investigations and lawsuits. “It is a dream come true for me to return to my alma mater as the next director of athletics,” Whitman said via press release. “I will work tirelessly to achieve our goals. The future is bright for the Illini.” He will also look over the final phase of the State Farm
Center renovations while also looking for the funding of the south end zone and east side of Memorial Stadium.
The Daily Illini spoke to Illini fans about their thoughts on Whitman’s new position PAGE 1B
STAFF WRITER
The University chose an executive search consultant to aid in the selection of the new chancellor, there is still no timeline set to name Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson’s replacement. The search firm, Greenwood/Asher & Associates, is based in Florida. The firm is in the 30-day review period for the contract required by the state procurement board, said Tom Hardy, University spokesman. Antoinette Burton, chair of the search committee, said the firm’s role is to help with the search process by providing logistical support. “They have contacts in the world of higher education,” she said. “But we the committee, are really the
drivers of the search.” Burton said the committee is responsible for developing the recruitment materials and interacting with the search firm. By the end of the search, the committee will present President Timothy Killeen with a list of qualified applicants from which to choose. “The search is progressing, with the committee members meeting regularly to develop a prospectus for the position that will form the basis to a marketing initiative (website, ads, etc.) to help identify candidates,” Hardy said. While there are currently no official applicants, Burton said the committee is working on a website that will have a nomination portal where people can nominate potential applicants; however, a deadline for
OPINIONS
the University searches for a new chancellor and provost.
dwojak2@dailyillini.com @mdwojak94
Follow along on dailyillini.com for coverage of Josh Whitman’s introductory press conference tomorrow at 10 a.m. Follow @di_sports, @pbaileywells and @mdwojak94 on Twitter.
UI far from chancellor decision BY SAMANTHA JONES TOAL
His job will likely start by talking to donors, to make sure they know his plans and how he plans on helping repair the department when
Alum studies UI concussions Former Illini running back explores new technologies BY RYAN WILSON STAFF WRITER
When Kevin Jackson goes to Illinois football games, he’s not following the ball like the fans; he’s following the players. Jackson, a former running back for the Illini from 1991-1994, sits up in a booth and spots for the team during games. He follows every Illinois player in the game and watches for any injuries the team may not see from the sidelines. If he notices a player favoring a part of his body, Jackson will call down to the sideline and recommend the player rest. “It’s kind of hard to watch the game, because you’re trying to watch the players,” Jackson said. This past season was his first time spotting for team.
JUN SUH PARK THE DAILY ILLINI
Interim Chancellor Barbara Wilson talking about her career on Oct. 7. nominations has not been set yet. “The timeline is open at this point, we’re trying to develop the strongest and most diverse pool of candidates as we can, and so, how ever long that takes, that’s what we will be doing,” Burton said.
Burton said she assumes the search firm and the committee will meet up soon to continue working on the process. “It’ll all be taking off within the next couple of weeks,” she said.
jonesto2@dailyillini.com
He went to every practice before the season — including to camp Rantoul — to learn more from the athletic trainers and team staff on how to find injured players. If he misses an injured player in a game, Jackson can watch replays on the TV in his booth. He said he didn’t have too many instances in his first year, as the football staff would often sideline a player before Jackson called. However, making recommendations to sideline players is not the only way Jackson is trying to help the injured. With the help of Dr. Huan (John) Wang and Dr. Rachel Rubin of Carle Hospital, Jackson created a cooling helmet device that straps onto someone’s head and neck to help reduce the effects of a head injury. “Basically we’re speeding up their cooling process … in a way that your body can handle and be functioning just fine,” Jackson said. When athletes are com-
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SPORTS
LIFE & CULTURE
‘A MAP toward the Future’ Film just clicks
Old and new for Illini
The Editorial Board responds to the lack of funding for MAP grants with their own proposal
One Urbana resident is trying to keeping film photography alive
Olen, Mcging’s pair of hat tricks marks strong season end for hockey team
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