THE DAILY ILLINI
1001 S. Wright St. Champaign, IL 61820 || (217) 337-8300
The Daily Illini is the independent student newspaper at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The newspaper is published by the Illini Media Co. The Daily Illini does not necessarily represent, in whole or in part, the views of the University of Illinois administration, faculty or students.
All Illini Media Co. and/or The Daily Illini articles, photos and graphics are the property of Illini Media and may not be reproduced or published without written permission from the publisher.
How to contact us
The Daily Illini is located in the basement of the University YMCA at 1001 S. Wright St., Champaign, IL 61820. Our o ce hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.
General phone numbers
Front Desk: (217) 337-8300
Advertising: (217) 337-8382
Newsroom: (217) 337-8345
Newsroom contacts
Online: If you have a question about the dailyillini.com website, please email our Managing Editor for Online at online@dailyillini.com.
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Employment: If you would like to work for the newspaper’s editorial department, please ll out our online form at dailyillini.com.
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Editor’s note
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
JACOB SLABOSZ editor@dailyillini.com
If you’re an alum of the University reading this, hello! Hopefully you remember The Daily Illini. It’s likely changed quite a bit since your time here, but we hope you still enjoy.
If you’re not an alum but a student that picked this up for one of many reasons, hello to you too. You’re probably here for the puzzles — they’re on page 22.
Each year, we produce the Homecoming Guide with the goal of informing our community on University happenings during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
If you’re looking for things to do
Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief: Jacob Slabosz editor@dailyillini.com
Managing Editor: Lillie Salas reporting@dailyillini.com
Visual Director: Matt Stepp visuals@dailyillini.com
Special Sections Editor: Ella Narag specialsections@dailyillini.com
News Editor: Mary Piacente news@dailyillini.com
A&E Editor Maaike Niekerk features@dailyillini.com buzz@dailyillini.com
Sports Editor: Ben Fader sports@dailyillini.com
Copy Chief: Athena Ly copy@dailyillini.com
over the weekend or to learn some more about the history, keep reading.
Given that Homecoming is so early in the semester this year, the ambiance is de nitely di erent than previous years.
Usually a cool 65 degrees and a brisk breeze describe the week, but that is not the case this time — I hope you’ve come prepared for temperatures in the 80s and plenty of sun.
On page 4, you can see some of the most memorable Homecomings.
The Daily Illini also sat down for an interview with Gabriella Potocki, graduate from the University. To read the pro le, check out page 6.
For an introduction to this year’s Homecoming Court, take a look at the two-spread story on page 16.
Though not necessarily themed, page 9 has an interesting read.
Sta reporter Qaasim Jatoi took a
deep look into Greek life traditions in his story “Hazing through history: A persistent tradition at Illinois.”
Full of various anonymous interviews, it de nitely leaves you something to think about.
For a preview of this weekened’s game against Central Michigan, take a look at Ben Fader’s story on page 26.
If you’re into sports, the end of this edition is loaded with nearly nine full pages of sports content beginning on page 24.
This week, take some time to make memories.
Whether you’re a freshman who’s not even been here for a full month or an alum visiting for your 382nd time, there’s always an opportunity to check something o of your bucket list.
Maybe that bucket list item happens to be a three-day bender.
We won’t judge.
Whatever you end up doing this week, remember to be safe and check out our website — dailyillini.com — for the most up-to-date coverage of campus happenings.
Photo Editor: James Hoeck photo@dailyillini.com
Graphics Editor: Anna Fedczuk graphics@dailyillini.com
Design Editor: Lux Lin design@dailyillini.com
Audience Director: Jack Larson social@dailyillini.com
ON THE
COVER
Students, alumni and family hang out around the orange-dyed fountain at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center for the 2024 Homecomeing Kickoff on Sept. 8. Dying the fountain is an annual tradtion at the University signifying the beginning of Homecoming Week.
SAM RINK THE DAILY ILLINI
ISSUE
Welcome to the 2024 Homecoming Edition! In this issue, you will find stories about the history of homecoming at UI, must-know traditions, interviews with this year’s homecoming court, and, of course, stand-out’s from Memorial Stadium’s century long history.
Jacob Slabosz
Matt Stepp
Lux Lin
Hadyn Nuttall
Priya Datt
Shannon Moser
UI’s top 5 most memorable
HOMECOMINGS
if it was going to be an annual event.
Hdavidef3@dailyillini.com
omecoming has been a longheld tradition on the University’s campus. Many alumni and families fill Champaign-Urbana to enjoy many events and to relive their many memories from their college experience.
With over 112 past Homecomings in the books, there are some years when specific Homecomings are hard for the University to forget.
1910: Where it all started
On March 13, 1910, members of the two honorary societies — Shield and Trident — gathered in the basement of the past YMCA building to urge the University’s Council of Administration to approve the idea of an annual Homecoming. Both 23-year-old Clarence Foss “Dab” Williams and 28-year-old Walter Elmer “EK” Ebaw wanted to plan an event to honor alumni.
Six weeks later, the University’s Council of Administration approved the idea but was still waiting to decide
The first Homecoming was held on Oct. 14, 1910, where it ended up being a very successful day.
According to the Alumni Quarterly, an estimated 1,500 alumni returned to campus, which is more alumni than ever returned at commencement time.
Activities such as football, baseball and pushball were all held for alumni and fans to watch.
With such a successful day, the University decided to make it an annual event to host. As years passed, Homecoming’s popularity grew, and so did the available activities and shows.
1923: First steps into Memorial Stadium
Now celebrating its 100th year, Memorial Stadium is known as a place where many joyous events and memories have taken place. It was built as a memorial to Illinois men and women who gave their lives for the U.S. during World War I. In 1923, the stadium was only partially done, but nevertheless, its gates were opened for the first time for the University’s annual Homecoming that year.
On that very rainy day, the stadium was flooded with fans and alumni for the Homecoming football game vs. the University of Chicago. Over 62,000 fans showed up to the first experience game in Memorial Stadium.
Even though it was unfinished with railings missing, fans still showed their support for the team and it ended with the Illini winning 7-0.
The annual Homecoming parade and pep rally were once again a huge success. With the swarm of people on campus, local businesses and hotels also had one of their most profitable days to date.
1951: First African-American Homecoming queen in Big Ten
One of the University’s most longheld traditions for Homecoming is the Homecoming king and queen. In the past, students voted on a Homecoming royalty, but this tradition was officially replaced with a Homecoming Court in 1997.
History, however, was made in 1951 when Clarice Davis Presnell, ’52, in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, was named Homecoming queen. This made her the first African-American Homecoming queen to ever be nominated at the University, and in the Big Ten.
Presnell was nominated by her sorority — Alpha Kappa Alpha — and received the largest vote for Homecoming queen in campus history.
1983: Victory vs. Ohio State for the first time in 16 years
In the 1960s and 1970s, Homecoming was taking a turn as traditions started to fade. Some students started an “anti-Homecoming,” playing their own football game on the Main Quad.
In the ’80s however, the football team started performing better than
in years past, which gained Fighting Illini athletics a lot of attention. On Oct. 15, 1983, Jack Trudeau, drove 83 yards down the field in the last minute and 46 seconds of the game and 73,414 fans were there to witness it.
The game was the first win over Ohio State in 16 years. When the season came to a close, the Illini ended with a 10-2 record, which included a trip to the Rose Bowl and a Big Ten championship.
2020: Virtual Homecoming
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most events in 2020 were canceled to prevent the spread of the virus. Homecoming, however, wasn’t canceled thanks to the virtual technology we have today.
Alumni association and student affairs partnered with athletics and public affairs to create a virtual experience that offered a wide variety of online events, including alumni interviews with students, musical performances and other live presentations.
Even with no fans cheering in Memorial Stadium, the Illini football team still had their annual Homecoming football game with fans watching via broadcast.
Although it was not a typical Homecoming for the University, the tradition was able to continue, even if it was all virtual. STAFF WRITER
The 1923 Illini football team play at Memorial Stadium. That season, Illinois played at Memorial Stadium for the first time.
THE ILLIO YEARBOOK
ALUMNI PROFILE
STAFF WRITER
MAKENNA NORMAN mln6@dailyillini.com
Gabriella Potocki graduated from Illinois in May 2024 with a degree in learning and education studies, beginning her career just months later as an employee for Caterpillar Inc.’s learning and development team. Potocki has been developing leadership training programs for Caterpillar’s IT sta since July.
This Homecoming, Potocki said she plans to reconnect with alumni friends and College of Education peers to see how things have changed at the University, as well as also to strengthen the connections that have helped her on the path to her current job.
Potocki, a native of Plain eld, Illinois, said she decided to attend the University as soon as she stepped foot on campus; the school’s friendliness and diversity helped her realize it was where she wanted to be.
“I feel like I visited so many di erent campuses and I didn’t feel very welcomed, but at the U of I, I could tell right away there would be a place for me to t in,” Potocki said. “The very rst day the application opened, I applied and I waited and waited until acceptances came out. As soon as that came out, I accepted it and applied to live in Bromley.”
When she began her undergraduate studies in the College of Education, Potocki said she planned on becoming a special education teacher, but around her junior year found herself on a di erent path that led her to the position she holds today.
“I found that my teaching skills better aligned with adult learning theory, and the College of Education actually gave me those opportunities to be able to teach in the adult world,” Potocki said.
Potocki said she plans on visiting her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta, this Home-
Gabriella Potocki
coming as her involvement in Greek life shaped her college experience and provided her with important skills for her work today.
“I met a ton of people who were super in uential and who were really my support system throughout college,”
Potocki said. “We did a lot of fun things that gave me the skill set that I use today. Like philanthropy events, planning and organizing them, gave me the fundamentals I need now to thrive in the business world.”
DJ Serrano, a friend who met Potocki through Kappa Alpha Theta during their freshman year, said she wasn’t surprised that Potocki got a job at Caterpillar so soon after graduation.
“I think that when she puts her mind
to something she can make it happen for herself, no matter what it is,” Serrano said. “She’s very convincing and she carries herself very well … I knew she was gonna get whatever job she wanted.”
The summer before her senior year, Potocki was an intern for Maui Jim Eyewear in Peoria, Illinois, working in training and development, focusing on onboarding. The connections she made in Peoria helped her land an interview that started her career at Caterpillar Inc..
Potocki said she loves the company’s culture and the opportunities for moving up.
“Just like U of I, there’s an internal networking system so whenever there’s trouble, there’s always someone for me
to reach out to, and there is that U of I alumni network so if there is a problem, I have those Illinois alumni relations,” Potocki said.
Although Potocki found a job that closely aligns with her interests and skills soon after graduating, she advised future Illinois graduates not to panic if they don’t have something lined up right after college.
“I remember when I was graduating, everyone was like, ‘Oh, where are you working?’ and that was the biggest panic,” Potocki said. “It was like if you didn’t have to have a job right away, it seemed like the end of the world but it truly wasn’t. You can see that over time, everything falls into place and happens for a reason.”
Class of 2024 graduate Gabriella Potocki poses for her senior photos inside the upper levels of Memorial Stadium in Champaign.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GABBY GALLOWAY
Hazing through history: A persistent tradition at Illinois
STAFF WRITER
QAASIM JATOI qjato2@dailyillini.com
Hazing at the University has been woven into the fabric of student life for more than a century. From humiliating rituals to physical endurance challenges, these practices have evolved but never fully disappeared. While the administration has long sought to eliminate dangerous hazing, it remains a fixture in Greek organizations.
Newsworthy instances of hazing at Illinois date back to at least the early 1900s, often taking the form of humiliating or physically challenging tasks imposed on fraternity pledges.
In 1905, The Daily Illini reported incidents where fraternity members forcibly removed pledges from their rooms and subjected them to degrading treatment.
“Men are forcibly taken from their rooms and subjected to all sorts of indignities,” the article stated. “Property is sometimes destroyed, and a certain amount of injury is done.”
Despite the damage and growing criticism, hazing remained a tradition in many Greek organizations, but, by 1906, there were formal efforts to address the issue. That year’s sophomore class, the class of 1909, passed a resolution condemning hazing as “undemocratic, un-American and unfair.”
But hazing continued, and by the 1940s more serious incidents were occurring. According to another DI article published in 1948, Tau Epsilon Phi fraternity was suspended by the University administration after a hazing event involving a pledge left bound, naked and blindfolded in a cornfield nearly 10 miles outside Champaign who subsequently sought help from a local farmer.
More than two decades later, hazing did not cease to be a concern. The DI
published another article in 1974 about hazing practices, prompting four more reports to be made to Hugh Satterlee, who was the vice chancellor for campus affairs of the University at the time. The reports involved both physical hazing, such as forced drinking, as well as emotional hazing.
In December of that year, upon opening an investigation into the matter, Satterlee said the hazing reports were based on hearsay. He also noted some incidents might have been resolved before being reported.
“It is just hearsay evidence,” Satterlee said in the article. “We will try to get witnesses. The people just told us things they believed happened.”
Discussion continued, and in 1975, the Board of Fraternity Affairs was tasked with handling hazing complaints, prompting the editorial board of The DI to publish a piece questioning whether fraternity members could impartially review cases involving their peers.
“We are sure that to the hazer, everything done to the pledge is quite a joke,” the editorial board wrote. “As outside observers, our response to such activity is some joke. The challenge here is for the board to take the perspective of outside observers, not the hazer.”
Another high-profile incident made headlines in 1989 when a Sigma Alpha Mu pledge allegedly was beaten up, slammed against a wall and spit on by members of the fraternity. The student went on to sue the University, and the fraternity’s pledge program was temporarily suspended.
In recent years, hazing has continued to evolve, though some dangerous elements remain a concern. According to a 2017 DI article, a 2013 survey on University of Illinois students revealed that 30% of fraternity and sorority members had experienced hazing during their time in Greek life.
In the article, David Kessler, who was president of the Interfraternity Council at the time of the article’s publishing, said hazing is “a virus, a disease and it’ll eventually kill its host if not addressed.”
Kessler also mentioned workshops are given to new member educators and that each fraternity chapter’s new member process is reviewed by the IFC. But violent and degrading hazing practices continue, with current students still reflecting on their experiences.
“They had two people holding us in the air, one by the head and one by the feet, and then each pledge basically had the choice to punch me in the stomach, and everyone chose to hit me,” one recent fraternity pledge at the University said, electing to remain anonymous. “I remember having so many bruises for the next few days and it hurt pretty bad.”
Another recent fraternity pledge, who also chose to remain anonymous, said they had heard from other fraternities about extreme incidents involving bodily fluids, the details of which are too graphic to be shared.
However, not all hazing experiences have been negative, according to this recent pledge.
“For me, they would basically force us to run early in the morning, and sometimes pick up food for the older brothers,” the student said.
“If anything, it taught me time management. It really depends on which frat you rush.”
When asked what they feel is the intended purpose of hazing, the student said, “I guess the idea is that a trauma bond is an
extremely strong bond. If you endure a very miserable situation with other people, it makes you feel closer and more connected to those people.”
Currently, the University addresses hazing through prevention resources and enforcement of anti-hazing policies. Hazing is outlawed both in the University’s student code and Illinois state law. The school also encourages students to report incidents, stating that 95% of students aware of hazing do not report it.
As hazing continues to evolve, the University and its Greek organizations face the challenge of fostering an environment where students can engage in meaningful bonding experiences without fear of harm. Whether hazing will be transformed into a safer, more positive tradition — or fully eliminated — remains uncertain.
to share with the Illinois family ICONIC UI TRADITIONS
STAFF WRITER
NINA ATHANASOPOULOS aka10@dailyillini.com
The University of Illinois and the surrounding community have developed a variety of cherished traditions since 1867.
Relating to sports, campus architecture and annual festivities, students and staff alike come together each year at Homecoming. and throughout the year, to celebrate the University.
For those just stepping onto the University campus — and those stepping out — participating in some of the following beloved Illinois traditions is a great way to commemorate your time here.
TAKE A PHOTO WITH ALMA MATER
To document their growth throughout their years at the University, students will often take a photo with the ever-so-true Alma Mater on their rst day of classes freshman year and on graduation day. The statue stands proudly in front of Altgeld Hall on Green Street for anyone who wants to snap a picture with her.
According to the University of Illinois Alumni Association, Alma Mater was unveiled in 1929 by the University’s own, Lorado Taft, making it a great way to commemorate the University’s decades of students.
RUB LINCOLN’S NOSE
For good luck during exam season, students venture to Lincoln Hall to rub the nose of Abraham Lincoln just inside the Main Quad entrance. The bust, whose nose is yellow from students rubbing it, has been at the University since 1928, with a brief hiatus in 1979 when it was stolen.
“Honestly I rub his nose every time I take an exam,” said Krista Torres, junior in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. “I don’t know if it works. I feel like it does sometimes, I’m not risking it either way.”
CELEBRATE “UNOFFICIAL” ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Here at the University, students depart
from campus for spring break the week of St. Patrick’s Day. To rectify this, students have created their own holiday, “Unocial,” to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Go out to bars and host apartment parties — but most importantly — remember to drink responsibly.
HAVE A KISS AT THE ETERNAL FLAME
Hidden between the English Building and Lincoln Hall is a stone bench with a light post in the middle.
Rumor has it that if you kiss someone at this eternal ame, your love will beeternal. According to the O ce of Undergraduate Admissions, “A lover’s kiss brings eternal bliss.”
FIND THE EIGHT PINEAPPLES LOCATED AROUND CAMPUS
If you’ve ever looked at the top of Foellinger Auditorium and wondered to yourself “Why is there a pineapple on the roof?” you’re not alone.
Many University students and visitors have located one of the eight pineapples around campus, leading to a goose chase to nd the remaining seven.
If you nd yourself a day o during the semester, take a walk around campus and look for a pineapple or eight.
SCREAM “ILL-” UNTIL SOMEONE RESPONDS “-INI”
For University students and alumni, it’s a rite of passage to chant an “ILL-” in public at least once.
Once you’re taught the chant at your freshman year Sights and Sounds event, you can’t escape it, ever. Wherever you may travel, far and wide, be sure that this cheer will follow.
If any fellow Illini are in the area, expect to hear an “-INI” in solidarity.
Of course, if you even hear an “ILL-,” it’s your job to nish the chant.
HOME OF THE DRINKING ILLINI
If you’ve ever been home for the summer or mentioned that you’re an incoming freshman and heard the phrase “drinking Illini,” it is referring to the popular watering hole, KAMS. The “home of the drinking Illini,” KAMS is a fan-favorite bar at Illinois. After opening its doors at its newest location in early 2020, the bar remains a huge hit for students, year after year. Be sure to stop by after a game or for a night out before your four years are up.
SING AND SWAY TO “HAIL TO THE ORANGE”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a University of Illinois traditions list without mentioning the famous “Hail to the Orange.”
A staple at games and sometimes drunken nights out, getting up close and personal with your favorite Illini and singing “Hail to the Orange” while swaying back and forth is unavoidable. Grab your closest members of the Illinois family and sing the awkward away, Illini!
MATT
The Illinois football team lines up at the back of the endzone to listen and sing along to the Marching Illini playing “Hail to the Orange” a er their big upset win agains Kansas on Sept. 7.
Where to during Homecoming
STAFF WRITER
AMARTYA NALLURI nalluri4@dailyillini.com
Between tailgating the football game, watching the parade or doing one of the many other activities during Homecoming weekend, nding a restaurant can be di cult. Thankfully, Campustown and the Champaign-Urbana area are full of classic and innovative restaurants that will leave everyone satis ed and ready for the next exciting event.
Merry-Ann’s Diner
At the corner of S. Neil St. and W. Kirby Ave., Merry-Ann’s Diner is an American cuisine staple on campus. With an expansive menu, including an all-day breakfast, it’s a perfect location for anyone looking for a classic slice of American comfort food during the busy weekend. Open 24 hours, look forward to breakfast plates, burgers and classic desserts. The diner also o ers
online ordering for those in a rush, available from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sticky Rice
Sticky Rice o ers a mixture of traditional Thai, Lao, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes, giving anyone in town for Homecoming a taste of fantastic Southeast Asian cuisine. At the intersection of N. Neil and E. Washington streets, anyone in downtown Champaign can get a taste of pho, curries, fried rice and more. Reservations and online ordering are available on its website and the restaurant is open till 9 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
The Himalayan Chimney
For excellent Indian food, check out The Himalayan Chimney, located on W. Church and N. Randolph streets in downtown Champaign. Its menu consists of plenty of biryanis and rice dishes, vegetarian or nonvegetarian curries and bread. With a casual dining room, vegetarian options and a full
bar, there are plenty of choices for anyone to enjoy their dining experience.
Courier Cafe
Downtown Urbana has great dining options as well, including the Courier Cafe. With a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, Courier Cafe is a great place to unwind and relax during the busy weekend. The menu includes classic American favorites, as well as some more unique options in the “Courier Favorites” section. It’s open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends, located on N. Race St., providing great ambiance.
Caffe Paradiso
Ca e Paradiso is a quiet and casual spot for those simply looking for great co ee near campus. At the corner of S. Lincoln Ave. and W. Nevada St., Ca e Paradiso is perfect for di erent quick drinks or pastries. It can also be a great place to sit and relax, with a cozy atmosphere and great
decorations. It is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday to Sunday. Going to one of the above locations or any of the other countless restaurants and cafes in the area is a great way to relax with friends and family. With so many restaurants open, you’ll make plenty of great memories over the weekend.
Customers enjoy the dining area of Caffe Paradiso, full of comfortable seating options and various artworks on Sept. 6.
Football and fall time:
films to usher in Homecoming
STAFF WRITER
MAGDALENA NEFF
mneff6@dailyillini.com
With Homecoming week now here, diligent students are busy making plans for how to enjoy some well-deserved downtime. From football games and parties to train trips home and fall nights in, here are six movies to watch at your Homecoming movie night.
“Spider-Man: Homecoming”
What comes to mind when you think of Homecoming in movies if not Spiderman?
Odd, perhaps, to associate such a major event in academia with a comic book hero, but this 2017 lm holds its place in the cinematic universe of Homecoming.
The rst of the Marvel Spider-Man movies, this lm introduces Tom Holland as high school student Peter Parker, who has to balance his life as a student with night-time crime ghting.
Caught between his personal obligations and his sense of duty, Parker must decide what to do when a villain is revealed to be closer than he thought.
This movie is available to stream on Disney+.
“With Honors”
Though not Homecoming-centric, this movie is a prime choice to channel the Illinois spirit — because it was lmed on campus.
Starring Brendan Frasier and Joe Pesci, the 1994 lm follows a graduate student who loses his thesis and the man whose hands it ends up in.
Highlighting the themes of friendship and acceptance, this movie not only features the illustrious Champaign-Urbana but leaves the viewer with a positive, albeit bittersweet, feeling.
This movie is available to rent on Amazon Prime Video.
“Grease”
Though this movie has nothing to do with Homecoming, it is a musical adventure that helps leave summer behind and usher in the academic year.
Grease sets the stage for an exciting, fast-paced musical adventure in the 1950s.
Starting with a summer romance, viewers follow Australian transfer student Sandy (Olivia Newton-John) as she makes her way through American high school and reunites with her summer romance.
This movie is available to stream on Paramount+.
“The LEGO Movie”
Not the viewer’s rst choice for a Homecoming movie, surely, but for University of Illinois students this lm has a certain “je nais se quois.”
Set in the LEGO universe — a world literally played out by children — Emmet Brickowski (Chris Pratt), an average, law-abiding LEGO man, is mistaken for the savior of the world.
Uniting with a cast of various characters, Emmet sets o on a quest to save his doomed LEGO world.
The draw to this movie is the character MetalBeard, a bionic robot pirate who assists Emmet on his quest.
MetalBeard is voiced by Nick O erman, an Illinois alumni hailing from Joliet, Illinois.
This movie is available to stream on Net ix.
“Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior”
This Disney Channel Original Movie from 2006 is exactly what is advertised in the title.
This lm follows Wendy Wu (Brenda Song), a reincarnated warrior — and also prospective Homecoming queen — tasked with saving the world.
As a teenage girl, she faces the
struggle and strife of daily life: running against her enemy for Homecoming queen, breaking up with her toxic boyfriend and choosing between the fate of the world and Homecoming.
This movie is available to stream on Disney+.
“Bottoms”
One of the most popular movies of 2023, “Bottoms” is an entertaining movie for those who seek shock and enjoy football.
Following rumors about spending
ABOVE – John Travolta in the 1978 hit movie “Grease.”
LEFT – Laura Harrier and Tom Holland in “Spider-Man: Homecoming” released in 2017.
their summer in juvenile detention, unpopular best friends Josie (Ayo Edebiri) and PJ (Rachel Sennott) exploit the lie to their advantage.
With the goal of dating their crushes, both cheerleaders for the football team, the girls start a feminist self-defense club in response to the perceived threat of the opposing football team.
Despite their motives, the club fosters an unexpected community — so what are Josie and PJ to do when their secret is revealed?
This movie is available to stream on Amazon Prime Video.
PHOTOS
Pygmalion founder talks beginnings ahead of 20th anniversary
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
MAAIKE NIEKERK
maaiken2@dailyillini.com
For the 20th year in a row, Pygmalion will usher in the fall season the weekend of Sept. 21 with its annual Champaign-Urbana arts lineup.
Pygmalion was created by Urbana native Seth Fein, a former musician and buzz magazine alum. After touring with his own band in his 20s, Fein moved to work as a booking agent before bringing shows together to create the event.
“I was doing a lot of independent club shows at Canopy Club … and I was having some success,” Fein said. “I was nding a lot of opportunities to book pretty cool indie-rock shows…that led me to wanting to do Pygmalion. I just gured this community would like a music festival, and
they did.”
Pygmalion was o cially born in Champaign-Urbana in 2005, the same year Lollapalooza was relocated to its home of Chicago and Pitchfork hosted their rst annual music festival.
“At the time there weren’t very many music festivals at all,” Fein said. “I didn’t really have much of a road map, it was just a collection of shows on that one weekend.”
However, Pygmalion didn’t stay a traditional music festival for long. By the early 2010s, inspiration from close friends and family led Fein to bring comedians, authors and even an arts and crafts fair to the community as well.
“It allows us to do whatever we want. And that’s why we don’t call it a music festival, that’s why we don’t even use the word ‘festival,’” Fein said. “We don’t even use that term anymore because we feel like it’s
kind of a misnomer. So it’s just Pygmalion. The programming can be whatever we want it to be.”
In past years, Pygmalion has seen a trend of catching popular acts just before they hit fame on a global scale. These include artists such as Janelle Monáe in 2010, Major Lazer in 2013 and Playboi Carti in 2018.
“We tend to get these acts when they’re on their way up. I mean, Black Pumas is now a huge act, right?” Fein said. “They played the Rose Bowl in 2019 just as a small club show. I always love being able to look back and say, ‘this band won a Grammy,’ or ‘this band is now playing a festival headline, but they just played this small show in Champaign at Pygmalion.’”
This year’s lineup holds similarly big names, including rapper Cupcakke, pop rock band X Ambassadors, jazz drummer
Makaya McCraven and Australian pop duo Royel Otis.
Looking to Pygmalion’s 20th edition, Fein outlined some shows he was personally excited about.
“Joe Pera. He’s a comedian I’ve just fallen in love with so deeply,” Fein said. “I cannot express how honored I am to be able to host him. He’s such a unique, interesting voice that really understands comedic timing.”
On the musical side, Fein is looking forward to a wide variety of new talent coming to the area.
“I’m really excited about Royel Otis, I think they’re a really f—ing cool band,” Fein said. “Makaya McCraven on Friday at Rose Bowl, unbelievable jazz drummer from Chicago, is gonna blow the minds of the people who choose to go to that show, no doubt about it.”
JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI
Divino Niño playing at the Rose Bowl Tavern in Urbana during PYGMALION 2023 on Sept. 22, 2023.
X Ambassadors talks Urbana show, recent music
SENIOR BUZZ REPORTER
ANNISYN KREBS-CARR annisyn2@dailyillini.com
XAmbassadors is a multi-platinum and Grammy award-winning American pop band from Ithaca, New York, consisting of lead vocalist Sam Harris, keyboardist Casey Harris and drummer Adam Levin.
The band has been a major force in alternative music over the past decade, releasing hits like “Renegades” and “Unsteady,” which respectively spent 35 and 34 weeks on the Billboard Top 100 chart.
Since their debut album “VHS” in 2015, X Ambassadors have consistently crafted new music. Their latest release, “Townie,” arrived earlier this year, blending alternative rock and indie in uences.
The band is coming to Champaign-Urbana’s very own Canopy Club on Sept. 20 for Pygmalion, a festival that has showcased local and widespread talent since 2005.
During an interview with Sam Harris,
the X Ambassadors frontman said the band plans to approach Pygmalion with the same energy and passion they do for every show: ful lling an “unwritten contract” with their audience to leave everything on the stage.
“Festivals are such an interesting thing always,” Harris said. “You’re playing for a mix of people who know you and are very familiar with your stu and people who maybe know one or two songs.”
Harris said what he is looking forward to the most is the opportunity for the band to prove themselves to a new audience with an earnest and nostalgic performance.
X Ambassadors’ music has always de ed easy categorization, blending alternative, jazz, rock and R&B. The band consistently pushes past musical boundaries to create music everyone can resonate with.
“I like to think that we’ve kind of made a name for ourselves on being a very dynamic band and very diverse sonically,” Harris said. “We draw from so many di erent in uences and always have had this chameleon-like nature to ourselves that I take a lot of pride in.”
Though the band’s musical style has varied over the past decade, they’ve tried to focus each record primarily on one sound.
“I think with every record, we try to create a very speci c tone,” Harris said. “That’s been an evolution. I think our rst two records were very diverse, and then I think slowly, as we’ve progressed, the sound has gotten more focused.”
Harris describes their newest album as quieter and more introspective than previous works. Although he is conscious of making the band’s songs relatable, he always focuses on writing from personal experience.
“I want the material to not be too esoteric,” Harris said. “I want it to be something that everyone can nd something in; however, I can’t approach songwriting from that perspective. I have to make it about my own experience rst, and honestly, the more speci c that I can get, the more universal the message becomes.”
This focus on personal experience is also re ected in the band’s growth over the years. In terms of the band’s evolution, Harris said
there’s not much point in making music if you’re not challenging yourself during every moment.
“I de nitely want to continue to push ourselves and evolve and change … I love feeling like there’s still room for us to grow, challenge ourselves and try something di erent,” Harris said. “I hope that our audiences keep going on these journeys with us … I think that we’ve got some ride or dies with us. That feels really good.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF IMDB
X Ambassadors will headline this year’s Pygmalion music festival on Sept. 20 at the Canopy Club.
HELLO TO HOMECOMING!
Meet the 2024 Homecoming Court
STAFF WRITER
JAHZARA NORRIS
jahzara2@dailyillini.com
Each year, the University chooses 20 student leaders from the senior class to represent the school as members of the Homecoming Court. According to the University’s Homecoming website, the students are carefully chosen based on their academic achievements, campus leadership and community involvement. Students may apply or be nominated by their peers to serve on the court. The Daily Illini had the opportunity to get
to know some of the 2024 court members, including details of their plans after gradutation as well as their experience being on the court.
Responses were sent to The DI via email and edited for length and clarity. ALL PHOTOS ARE COURTESY OF THE STUDENTS.
Ayanna McDaniel is an education administration major from Chicago, Illinois.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
McDaniel: As an education administration major, I aspire to continue my work within DEI practices here at the University by obtaining a master’s in educational policy, organization and
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS
The 2024 University of Illinois Homecoming Court stand together outside Foellinger Auditorium on the Main Quad.
leadership. I hope to someday work within higher education in a place where I can help students find a sense of belonging and be unapologetically themselves.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
McDaniel: By being the embodiment of an involved and empowered student through my endless acts of community service, the responsibilities I have partaken within all of the organizations I am a part of and how I have developed into a well-rounded leader, friend and sister during my time here.
Jasmin Aquino is a studio art major born in Chicago, Illinois, and her family is native to Puerto Rico.
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Aquino: Being a part of the Homecoming Court means being a role model. It means representing my Latinx culture and pride. Even though we are a minority group, we are accomplishing big things on campus and are leaders in the community.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Aquino: I am studying toward my studio art degree with a concentration in fashion. I hope to further my education in New York, where I am applying to graduate schools to earn my MFA in studio art. I hope to either have my own fashion brand one day or work with a sustainable company as a designer to reduce fashion waste.
Emilio Reyes is a journalism major from Lafayette, Indiana.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Reyes: I’m majoring in journalism with minors in Spanish and communication. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in broadcast journalism. My ultimate career goal is to work in broadcast journalism, where I can leverage my platform to amplify minority voices.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Reyes: I believe I represent the diverse student body at the University. The University’s diversity has played a signicant role in helping me discover who I am and deepening my connection to my Latinx heritage. At the University, I’ve had the opportunity to form friendships with people from all walks of life, which I nd truly beautiful.
Rawnie Singh is an electrical engineering major from Los Angeles, California.
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Singh: To me, being part of the Homecoming Court feels like the completion of my journey here at Illinois. Over my four years, I’ve come to love this place in ways I could have never imagined, and being able to represent this place that I now consider my home means everything to me.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Singh: I feel I best represent the University through the way I treat people. I try to treat everyone I encounter with kindness, respect and genuineness. It’s my little way of leaving a positive impact on the world.
Jae’da Thompson is an interdisciplinary health sciences major from Chicago, Illinois.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Thompson: I’m majoring in interdisciplinary health sciences and minoring in public health. After undergrad, I plan to obtain my MPH through the BS-MPH program offered at the University. My end goal is to be a psychiatric healthcare provider.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Thompson: I feel I best represent the University by continuing to say “yes” to the unknown, as that is what has made my experience here so meaningful. During my time here, I was reminded the goal is to get the degree, but opening your heart to new things brings a truly meaningful experience.
Sydney Turner is from Chanhassen, Minnesota, and is majoring in psychology and communication.
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Turner: Choosing to attend the University of Illinois has been one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. It’s a full circle moment for me, as I never would have imagined how much I would grow as a student and leader in college when I began as a freshman.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Turner: I best represent U of I by believing in myself in everything I do. This has allowed me to take the opportunities given to me as a student and flourish.
Andres
Vazquez is majoring in urban studies and is from South Chicago, Illinois.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Vazquez: I am pursuing a degree in urban studies and planning with a minor in environmental economics and law. After I graduate, I want to pursue a career focused on improving cities worldwide through planning initiatives and policy creation.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Vazquez: I represent the supportive community and helpfulness found at Illinois. The support I have received from my friends, professors and campus resources has allowed me to flour-
ish and grow during my time as a student. I carry the support with me in all that I do.
Monica Milanowski is a supply chain management major from Niles, Illinois.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Milanowski: I am studying supply chain management with minors in earth, society & environment and Spanish. After graduation, I will join Bain & Company in Chicago as an associate consultant. In the long term, I hope to work in the climate tech space to advocate for greater resource allocation for communities disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Milanowski: I best represent the University by continuously seeking new opportunities to grow as a person and leader. Learning from peers, courses, RSOs and resources from all across campus has led me to become a huge advocate for stepping outside of one’s
comfort zone and seeing all that the University has to offer.
Yureni Roman is a psychology and Spanish major from Wheeling, Illinois.
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Roman: Being part of the Homecoming Court is an honor recognizing my commitment and contributions to the University. It enables me to represent the Latinx community across campus and hopefully influence others to embrace their heritage and contribute to the University’s diverse and inclusive environment.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Roman: I represent the University by being a well-rounded student with a strong presence in the Latinx community on campus. I’ve had the opportunity to pave the way for gradual change through my involvement in advocating for student success and hope to inspire other students to continue the work.
Ben Shapiro is a biochemistry major from Deerfield, Illinois.
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Shapiro: It is truly an honor to be part of the longest ongoing Homecoming tradition in the nation. It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the values and spirit that make our school special, and I am grateful for the chance to contribute to this legacy.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Shapiro: I best represent the University through the connections I’ve built and the impact I’ve tried to make across campus. As a cancer researcher, I’m proud to contribute to work that has the potential to change lives. As president of the Jewish community on campus, I’m able to create a space where people feel welcome and valued, which means a lot to me.
Ashley Equihua
is a nutrition and health major from Summit, Illinois.
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Equihua: Being part of the Homecoming Court is truly an honor. It is incredible to be recognized along with my peers, who have all contributed greatly to campus. I hope this will inspire other first-generation Latinx students to find their place at Illinois and succeed in any field they choose.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Equihua: After graduating, I plan to attend medical school, where I will apply the knowledge obtained from my nutrition and health degree to advance the field of medicine.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Dillion: I am a pre-law student pursuing a dual degree in sociology and journalism. I am also minoring in criminology and political science. I am currently applying to MSW programs and plan to pursue law school following that. My ultimate goal is to be a civil rights or criminal defense attorney.
DI: What’s your favorite Homecoming tradition, and what are you most excited about?
Dillion: My favorite Homecoming tradition is definitely the parade. I love seeing local residents come to campus to watch the parade that showcases our different organizations and departments on campus. I am extremely excited to take part in this tradition this year.
Evan Walker is an advertising major from Flossmoor, Illinois.
the University?
Walker: I think my ambitious, outgoing and competitive attitude most resonates with the bulk of our student body.
Teagan Rehn is an elementary education major from Galesburg, Illinois.
day, I am proud to serve as an example of how this University can change you for the better.
Emma Darbro is a brain and cognitive science major from Plainfield, Illinois.
Courtney
Dillion is a journalism and sociology major on the prelaw track from Chicago, Illinois.
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Walker: It’s a great honor to represent the student body and all the various RSOs I’ve been lucky to be a part of during my time here.
DI: How do you feel you best represent
DI: How important is the University’s Homecoming and its traditions?
Rehn: Homecoming has always meant something special, as I often think about my dad. While I never got to experience being an Illini with him, I have always felt very close to his spirit during this weekend. It feels like such an incredible honor to his life and who he was to me, being a part of the Homecoming Court this year.
DI: How do you feel you best represent the University?
Rehn: I feel that I best represent the University in how I have taken advantage of many of the opportunities this place has to offer. When I came to this University, I started as a grieving teenage girl with an undecided major. To-
DI: What does it mean to be a part of the Homecoming Court?
Darbro: I biked across the country this summer and met many amazing and generous alumni in even the least expected areas. The Illini community and University spirit run strong, even away from Champaign, and I’m so honored to be a part of this special weekend.
DI: What are your education and career goals?
Darbro: I am studying brain and cognitive science and have a minor in informatics. I hope to go to medical school after a gap year and work on improving, defending and expanding reproductive healthcare.
Scan the QR code or visit dailyillini.com to read the full story plus more! Want to read more about Homecoming Court?
A student guide on how to prepare for career fairs
STAFF WRITER
STEPHANIE ORELLANA so22@dailyillini.com
With as many as 7,000 students attending a single career fair, standing out can be di cult and stressful.
Students never know when they’re going to meet their future employer or co-worker.
To ease any student’s nerves, here are The Daily Illini’s tips on how to navigate a career fair, whether it’s your rst or last time attending.
IDENTIFY YOUR GOALS
Before going to a career fair, Jennifer Neef, director of the Career Center, recommends guring out if attending is in your best interest.
“The rst thing is making a decision. Is this career fair aligned with my career interests and the kinds of opportunities that I’m trying to land? Because they may not be. And if they’re not, then it may not be a good use of the students’ time,” Neef said. Neef cited students who are interested in careers in state and local government as an example.
“We have a lot of students that are interested in going into state and local government, (but) state and local government agencies tend not to attend career fairs,” Neef said. “So for students that have those interests, we would coach them to use a di erent strategy to nd those opportunities.”
Career fairs can also allow students to explore di erent job and internship opportunities.
“(Career fairs) are a great way to explore opportunities for students that are not quite certain what kind of jobs or internships they may want going to a career fair,” Neef said. “Seeing the wide variety of opportunities that are available, or that are presented by a variety of employers at a career fair, can serve as an exploration tool as well.”
If there are internship and job opportu-
nities that relate to your career interests or you want to explore your options, attending that particular career fair might be the right decision.
RESEARCH THE COMPANIES ATTENDING
Neef explained researching companies in attendance at career fairs can help students identify which employers they would like to interact with.
It can also gauge what types of internships and job opportunities are available.
Students can explore the list of companies attending a career fair on Handshake.
Once you select “Employers,” you can see the names of companies, their descriptions and mission, as well as the jobs and internship positions they need to ll.
“It’s important for the student to do the research. Like, why do they want this position? What particular position at the company do they want,” Neef said. “Going to the company website and actually applying before the career fair are all strategies that will help the student understand a little bit about the company.”
Review the company’s mission statement, website and social media accounts to gauge what makes this company unique and exciting.
You can also search for recent news articles and press releases to expand your knowledge about the company.
PLAN CONVERSATIONS WITH EMPLOYERS
Once you’ve identi ed your goals and done your research, it’s time to gure out what to say to recruiters.
Neef commented on how it can be repetitive for an employer to hear the same thing over and over again from each student.
“I always encourage students not to lead with their major and not to lead with their year because everybody else does that,” Neef said.
Instead, Neef believes students should talk about why they’re interested in the
company and the available job opportunities based on the research they’ve done.
“Lead with, ‘I’m interested in this internship with your company because I’m interested in learning these skills or getting this kind of experience,’” Neef said. “Then following up with, ‘I believe I’m going to be successful because I have these skills and this is what I’m studying and this is aligned with my career interests.’”
Laila Calhoun, junior in AHS, went to the Part-Time Career Fair last year and explained her interactions with recruiters.
“You just walk around to the di erent tables and di erent areas and ask them about the jobs, their o erings and they ask you a little bit about yourself,” Calhoun said. “So it’s kind of interviews in a way because you’re just getting to know the employer, the employer is getting to know you.”
But not everyone can jump-start a conversation with a recruiter on the spot. Calhoun recommended one way to overcome nerves surrounding speaking to an employer.
“Practice in the mirror. It might sound silly, but just hearing yourself talk out loud de nitely does help,” Calhoun said. “Just (have) a little mock interview session with a friend or a loved one, have them ask you a few questions and see how you respond to them.”
FOLLOW UP WITH EMPLOYERS
After conversing with recruiters, it’s important to follow up to maintain contact. Neef recommended that students thank the employer for their time and reiterate their excitement about the company.
Need advised for students to try to obtain email addreses of potential employers. For those who get an address, she said to be sure to send a message that night or within 24 hours.
“‘Dear such and such, I really enjoyed our conversation at the University of Illinois Career Fair. I am especially interested in your internship and I’m super excited for the opportunity to potentially be part of your interview process. I’ve attached my resume for your reference. Have a good day.’”
Career fairs aren’t the only resource for students trying to nd opportunities to launch their careers. Neef explained the Career Center is lled with people who want to help students accomplish their career goals.
“We encourage students to take advantage of these services and these resources because they don’t have to go at it alone,” Neef said. “And sometimes students don’t know what their goals are, and that’s okay here. Even if someone doesn’t know where to start we can help unpack that and guide students along the entire journey.”
Los Angeles Times Sunday Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti Varol
87 City on the Italian Riviera
89 Home on the prairie
ACROSS
1 Harder to find
6 Dry lip soothers
11 City with a tilted tower
15 Leave abruptly 19 Like a parkour athlete
20 Weak hit that may drop in for a single
21 Berry from the Amazon
22 __ Minor 23 Fijians and Hawaiians in Indiana?
26 Festival shelter 27 Pi, for one
28 Gosling parents
29 Univ. system with SF and LA campuses
31 John of pop music
33 __-Magnon
35 Conscious beginning?
36 Prez on the halfdollar
39 Small office printers in Los Angeles?
44 Hopping joint?
48 Apple Watch screen, for short
50 “When pigs fly,” for one 51 “Oy __!” 52 Tablecloth fabric
56 Cold, pink drink 58 Quiet moment for a nanny 60 Selena’s genre
61 Vehicles serving pale ales and pilsners in Milwaukee?
90 Fraud involving a forged painting, e.g. 91 Honey alternative 92 “i can’t believe u said this”
Covers with asphalt
Peruse quickly
Beast of Borden 98 Nutritionist’s plan in Miami?
Conniving 103 “Don’t think so” 105 Enjoyed a salad 106 Glitzy parties
Spotify creation
Broth often made with kombu
“Good job!”
Clutched
Attractive objects in Charlotte?
74 Olivia of “The Predator” 76 “Yes __, Bob!”
77 Shocks
80 Poke bowl protein
81 Taps and reveille in Chicago?
85 Common soccer score
Like a foggy forest 128 Fix, as a pet
Notebook flaps 130 Silly sorts 131 Romantic rendezvous DOWN 1 Saweetie’s genre 2 Gelatin made from red algae 3 Costa __ 4 Upper crust 5 Request at a bar 6 “EastEnders” airer
7 Set straight 8 Come in last 9 Source of leaks 10 Places for dermaplaning 11 Inflate artificially 12 Glacier sample for paleoclimatologists
13 Bareilles of “Girls5eva” 14 Window alternative
Numbers to crunch 125 Lie right next to 126 Taco bar condiment
15 “Not another word” 16 97,813 square miles, for Wyoming 17 “Money __ everything”
In after the deadline
Teeny amount
Head stand?
Head massage targets
Theater honor
Daydream
Sudden shock
Popped (out) 38 “Jeopardy!” host in Sacramento? 40 “Story of my __!”
41 “Encore!”
42 Omnia vincit __
43 Matches, as audio to video
45 Kitchen blade holders in New York?
46 Madagascar primate
47 Febrero preceder
49 Church figure
54 Egyptian cross with a top loop
55 Shout in La Liga
57 Galaxy member
59 Alias indicator
Female hiphopper 62 Forearm bones 65 “Geez Louise!”
“... if you can believe it”
“Did you watch?”
Gospel singer Winans 73 Go on a tirade 74 En __: together 75 Moving day rental 76 Total amount 78 “__ favor” 79 Garden mollusk 81 “Face facts!” 82 Date with a doc 83 Actress Remini 84 Impose, as a tax
86 Award for “Ted Lasso”
88 Saving time? 90 __ Minor
93 Barbecue spice blend 95 Most provocative 99 News story intro 100 Idris of “Luther” 101 Place for a bull’s-eye
104 Part of a drum kit
107 Less outlandish 108 Some postgrad degs.
109 Take a big jump 110 Baja’s opposite 111 Noodles in 112-Across, perhaps 113 Abbr. in job titles 114 “Pygmalion” playwright
115 Hindu festival celebrated with water balloons
117 Exceedingly
118 Elevator innovator
121 Some GPS lines
122 Some postgrad degs.
123 Stage design
Complete the grid so each row, column and 3-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit 1 to 9. For strategies on how to solve Sudoku, visit sudoku.org/uk
Themed around content published to our website. The Daily Illini's daily word game!
BETTER WITH AGE
By Scott Hogan & Katie Hale
ACROSS
1 Semaphore gear
6 Studio output
9 Baby bird
14 Make a scene
17 British semi
18 Gymnast Suni
19 Hallowed
21 Composer Stravinsky
22 Ancestors infamous for tasteless jokes?
25 Org. with a “meatball” insignia
26 Not fooled by
27 Bring a suit
28 Skyscraper locales
30 Graham who co-founded The Hollies
32 Instruction from the Juicy Juice shipping supervisor?
35 Some hip muscles
38 “King __”
39 “Star Trek: Picard” actress Jeri
40 Mars, to the Greeks
41 Engage in a linguistic battle, maybe
43 “Careful what you __ for”
45 Manchester United mascot
49 Videobomb in an otherwise Pulitzerworthy newscast?
53 Pacers and Hornets
56 College email ending
57 Author Rand
58 Everett of “An Ideal Husband”
59 Scratching post fiber
61 Shorten, in a way
62 Tour employee
64 “So?”
66 Airport screening?
68 Chaos at the spa?
72 Goes it alone
75 Cyberyuk
76 “Dust in the Wind” band
80 Starring role 81 Arm rest?
83 Overnighter
86 Half of deux 87 Purpose
88 TV host Kotb
89 Evidence of vacuum misuse?
92 Forbidden
94 Do the hustle?
96 Fair-hiring letters
97 Enthusiastic
98 Climate control syst.
101 Brontë sister 103 Can’t miss
106 Political strategy that relies on folksy sayings?
111 Perfectly
112 So very much
113 Coconut __
115 Savanna, taiga, etc.
119 Brief note
120 Neosporin motto?
124 Garbed
125 Remote target
126 Remote insert
127 Polynesian kingdom
128 Passe
129 Atlanta WNBA team
130 Lode load
131 “Lah-di-dah” type DOWN
1 Word with work or cash
2 Like a stripped-back recording, briefly
3 Dog sounds
4 Least experienced
5 Grammar subject
6 Mahershala who was the first Muslim performer to win an Oscar
7 Checks an engine, perhaps
8 Elevate a golf ball
9 Forensics drama franchise
10 “To All the Boys” novelist Jenny 11 Some antiinflammatories
12 Pitcher Kimbrel with more than 400 career saves
13 Many a frat party
14 Over bidding?
15 Sine’s reciprocal, in trig
16 Dis
20 Radioisotope activity
21 On the same wavelength 23 Underwhelming 24 Water bottle problem
29 Sleeping tablets, at times
31 Onboarding official, for short
33 Loose hood
34 Crafts with yarn
35 Cold treat, casually
36 British singer Lewis 37 Ump’s call
40 Way over yonder
42 Exemplar
44 Knows the answer
46 Conjugated word
47 Pedestal dweller
48 Hip-hop’s Fiasco
50 Diva’s big moments
51 “Seems that way”
52 Online periodical with the slogan “Cure Ignorance”
54 Angela Lansbury role
55 Worked for a judge
60 [Heart eyes emoji]
61 “Misery” co-star James
63 Sent a private message, briefly
65 Shipping option
67 Prom crown
69 Auction cry
70 Aka follower
71 “No regrets” hashtag
72 Lacking pop
73 Skywalker twin
74 Poetic measure
77 Elegantly charming
78 Harmon of “Rizzoli & Isles”
79 Pomegranate bit 82 World’s secondlargest cocoa producer
84 Judge to be 85 Tiler’s supply
88 Ramshackle residence
90 Potent prefix 91 Mammoth’s older relative
93 “Thank heavens!”
95 Locked up
99 Nail the final
100 Settled (down)
102 John Legend achievement, briefly
104 Japanese bowlful
105 Corrupts
106 Repair chain with classic “beep beep” commercials
107 Reside (in)
108 Sports commentator Rashad
109 Blade shortener
110 Chinese greeting
114 “Oh, that way madness lies” king
116 Honduran hand
117 Waffle brand
118 Ticket line?
121 Lapsang souchong, e.g.
122 __ and haw
123 Boo
Los Angeles Times
Sunday Crossword Puzzle
Edited by Patti Varol
24 alumni represent the UI in the 2024 Paralympics
STAFF WRITER
ABRAHÁM CHÁVEZ ac108@dailyillini.com
Twenty-four University alumni represented their teams at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris starting Aug. 24. Athletes competed in various sports such as wheelchair basketball, wheelchair track, para-cycling and canoeing.
Illinois, known for its advancement in disability accommodation stemming from the aspirations of Timothy Nugent, has been home to adaptive sports teams for over 70 years.
According to the National Wheelchair Basketball Association, Nugent created the very rst adaptive sports program of higher education for individuals with disabilities at the University of Illinois. The alumni competing in this year’s Paralympics represented teams worldwide, including Great Britain, Canada,
Germany and Team USA. No matter which team they represented, University athletes said their alma mater always nds a way to support the athletes from back home.
“We have watch parties in the main lobby here at DRES,” said Martrell Stevens, senior in AHS and wheelchair basketball student-athlete. “I’m super grateful for the opportunity, being able to watch them on the biggest stage and support them as they shine.”
Jacob Tyree, the head coach for the University men’s wheelchair basketball team, attended Illinois from 2010-2014 with some Paralympic alumni. As a student, he played wheelchair basketball with Paralympians Nik Goncin and Jonathan Vermette, both representing Canada.
“I played with JoJo and Nik as a student, so they’re part of my team,” Tyree said. “I still had to rep them even if the U.S. was playing Canada, so I had the
Canadian black t-shirt draped over my knees while I was wearing my USA polo.”
Coaches and student-athletes alike nd pride in being a part of a team with alumni who make it as far as the Paralympics.
“To know that you’re getting to train with those people and involved in those programs,” Tyree said. “You are part of their success.”
Student-athletes said they look up to the Paralympian alumni, seeing them as inspiration. They support from home with social media platforms and watch parties and connect with them through the traditional practices and routines in the sport.
“We just did ramps yesterday, which is where we push up the Memorial Stadium ramps,” Stevens said. “So we’re pushing, and (Paralympians) Brian Bell and Steve Serio were doing that when they were students here. So just continuing that legacy, showing them that we’re
putting in the work to get to where they are.”
Though balancing academics and being a student-athlete can be intensive, the attitude to get to the Paralympics perseveres.
“I always wanted to play in the Paralympics because it’s the world stage,” Stevens said. “Right now, Illinois has so many alumni competing who won championships here at Illinois years back. I’m grateful to be in that type of pipeline.”
With University alumni competing in the Paralympics, students and coaches continue to support from home and strive to continue their legacy they’ve built.
“Just being part of this program in general is a huge foundation for all of these Paralympic athletes to reach all these di erent medals that they’re winning in all these di erent sports,” Tyree said.
Legacy of legends: Memorial Stadium’s 100-year milestone
STAFF WRITER
LAUREN CASTALDO lnc4@dailyillini.com
Since the University’s beloved Memorial Stadium opened 100 years ago, it has become a home for many athletes, fans, students, alumni, families and friends and even a welcoming place for rivals.
Although Memorial Stadium is one of the 16 Memorial Stadiums in NCAA Division I Football and one of four stadiums in the Big Ten named “Memorial,” this Memorial Stadium has a history that is not only representative of the University but its students as well.
A few years after World War I, the idea for Memorial Stadium was introduced by then-head football coach Robert Zuppke and former athletic director George Hu Zuppke and Hu brought this idea to a meeting on April 25, 1921, where they painted a picture of a stadium that could potentially seat more than 70,000 fans to the crowd of over 6,000 students who gathered to attend the meeting and discuss the proposal.
While a new stadium that can accommodate an abundance of fans is ideal for any sporting event, it was not the sole reason for its creation. Zuppke and Hu explained to the crowd that the stadium was to be named in honor of the Illinois students and state residents who fought and even lost their lives in World War I.
As the meeting went on, the two men gained support and established their fundraising campaign, as $700,000 was pledged to the stadium’s construction on the spot. Their fundraising e orts ultimately earned donations from over 21,000 students, alumni and other various contributors.
After two years and approximately $1.7 million of donations spent on the stadium, it nally opened its doors on Nov. 3, 1923, as the Illini defeated the University of Chicago 7-0 during the year’s annual Homecoming game.
Despite the stadium’s opening and usage during the 1923 season, Zuppke requested that the stadium not be o cially dedicated until an additional aspect of the stadium was complete.
Because of the stadium’s intended use to honor the 183 University students’ lives lost during World War I, Zuppke and Hu wanted to truly represent the students who sacri ced their lives for their nation during the war.
On the east and west sides of the stadium, there are 200 columns, each engraved with the name of one of the 183 students who gave their lives during the war. The columns were not nished until the season following the stadium’s opening.
Once the columns were nalized, they were unveiled on Oct. 18, 1924, the day the stadium was o cially dedicated and named “Memorial Stadium” to honor the fallen University students. The day of the dedication was coupled with the University’s Homecoming, where Illinois went on to defeat the University of Michigan.
While the stadium was originally conceived as not only a place to play football but also a beautiful tribute to the heroic students who lost their lives, Memorial Stadium has embodied the true essence of the “circle of life” throughout the past century. The stadium has transformed from a solemn remembrance into the backdrop of countless cherished memories for the thousands who have passed through.
Memorial Stadium encompasses a large sense of the campus community and the pride many have felt through their time, past or present, at the University. Students who regularly perform on the stadium’s historic eld shared how much it meant to them.
“Memorial Stadium is what I like to think of as home,” said Lily Seifrid, sophomore in Education and member of the cheer team.
“As I think back to my rst time entering Memorial Stadium, I still get chills to this day,” Seifrid said. “Walking out and
seeing the stadium packed with families, kids of all ages and students all just coming together to support one team is truly an unforgettable moment.”
Memorial Stadium is a large part of the University’s culture that represents the unity of many people who all have one thing in common — an overwhelming sense of excitement and pride for the Fighting Illini.
“Getting the opportunity to perform in Memorial Stadium will always hold a special place in my heart,” said Katelin Doughty, junior in Business and member of the Illinettes Dance Team. “The eld is more than just a venue, but a symbol of the Illini spirit and tradition. Dancing on the eld, surrounded by the sound of the loyal Illini fans, makes every rehearsal and performance worth it.”
Doughty highlighted the stadium’s crowd as an integral part of the experience of performing at such a historic venue.
“It’s a privilege to be part of something so meaningful and to share it with a crowd as passionate as the Illinois fans are,” Doughty said.
Kendall O’Keefe, junior in Media and member of the Illinettes Dance Team, said that Memorial Stadium is a crucial part of so many University experiences.
“I will never forget the rst time I stepped into Memorial Stadium for our rst performance at Sights and Sounds my freshmen year,” O’Keefe said. “The passion and loyalty that Illinois students have for our school was radiating through the stands and the stadium.”
From the initial weeks of one’s college experience at the University to gamedays and nally tossing your cap at graduation, Memorial Stadium is a huge part of the culture at the University of Illinois. What started as a monument to honor fallen soldiers has become key to many Illini students and fan’s most treasured moments.
ANIKA KHANDAVALLI THE DAILY ILLINI
Illini and football fans flood Grange Grove as they head to Memorial Stadium to see Illinois face Kansas on Sept. 7.
Illini bring momentum into Homecoming Week
SPORTS EDITOR
BEN FADER bfader2@dailyillini.com
The last time the Illini were on the football field, they were surrounded by thousands of fans, storming the field to celebrate their first home victory over a ranked opponent since 2019. It was a perfect end to a rowdy night, as the program’s first sellout since 2016 brought a sea of orange that provided a nice home-field advantage.
After such a big win — one the program has yearned to capture for five years — the Illini cannot take their foot off the gas. Everything about this game — Homecoming Week, the opponent and coming off a marquee win — screams trap game.
So, who are the Central Michigan Chippewas? They’re a 1-1 team when
they step foot on the Memorial Stadium turf on Saturday. The Chippewas have played two very different games thus far, with their first against an FCS program.
This game was never that close, with the Chippewas making quick work of their opponent for a 66-10 win. They amassed nearly 500 yards of offense despite losing the possession battle by 10 minutes. It showed their big play ability firsthand, with four touchdowns from 47 yards or further downfield.
Central Michigan was nothing special on the ground, but their quarterback amassed 342 yards on just 24 attempts, and they also had two special teams touchdowns.
After the exciting week one blowout, they upgraded to an FBS opponent and did not fare well. Junior quarterback Joe Labas only completed 20 of 39 passes for 151 yards and threw five
picks. Without the passing game, the rest of the team faltered, surrendering the first 28 points.
Both touchdowns the Chippewas scored in the 52-16 defeat were through the air but included a 44-yard strike. They also converted both twopoint conversions through the air, showing the potential.
Fortunately for Illinois, there has been no better unit through two weeks than their pass defense. They have forced many incompletions and secured five interceptions, which should play a factor against a Chippewa quarterback who loves to throw.
The Central Michigan defense is not as solid of a unit as the Kansas Jayhawks showed Illinois last week, but they also haven’t had many weaknesses exposed yet. They largely had to deal with shorteld situations after their o ense turned the ball over last week, only allowing
309 total yards despite the 52 points.
For the Illini, the ground game will be essential. They never managed to get anything going until very late with freshman back Ca’Lil Valentine, and running the ball is vital for the Illini to get to where they want to be this season.
Sophomore back Kaden Feagin struggled mightily in week two but will likely assume lead duties again and try to get back on track before the Big Ten schedule.
Passing the ball was no trouble for the Illini through two weeks, and they will surely build more chemistry that Illinois fans are already loving. More one-handed connections between junior quarterback Luke Altmyer and senior receiver Zakhari Franklin are on the way and something to look for against an inferior opponent.
The game is at 11 a.m. and will be broadcasted on Peacock.
THEN AND NOW:
How Illinois football is different from last season
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
TESS EKEN
teken2@dailyillini.com
The 2023 campaign concluded with an upsetting 5-7 record for Illini football. After making a bowl game in the 2022 season, Illini fans came into the 2023 season with high hopes the team could continue on the path to greatness, but that simply did not happen. The past few years have demonstrated that there has been and will continue to be talent on the Illinois roster. While it’s very early in the season, 2024 is already proving to be a di erent stretch of football for Illinois, for many reasons. So, what’s changed?
Loss of star athletes, introduction of new blood
In April, Illini fans had to say dreadful goodbyes to some of the most beloved players that have come across the program. Defensive tackle Jer’Zhan “Johnny” Newton was a force to be reck-
oned with on Illinois’ defense, but will now be demonstrating his skills on the big stage with the Washington Commanders.
Similarly, other noteworthy players are continuing their football careers in the pros as well, such as offensive lineman Isaiah Adams and tight end Tip Reiman, both of whom will be playing for the Arizona Cardinals. In the 2023 NFL Draft, other special players like defensive back Devon Witherspoon, defensive back Sydney Brown and safety Jartavius “Quan” Martin were recognized and brought to the professional league to further their skills.
Essentially, Illinois football got hit hard with the number of players who exited the roster, however there are plenty of new faces to the team that give hope to the fans. For example, Illinois acquired senior offensive lineman J.C. Davis from New Mexico, who is already highlighting his protective abilities on the field. Also, senior defensive lineman Dennis Briggs Jr. from Florida
State and junior offensive lineman Melvin Priestly from Grambling State are getting fans even more eager to get things going this season.
Second year confidence for the quarterback
The 2024 season marks the second year that junior quarterback Luke Altmyer will be the decision-maker for Illinois’ offense. Altmyer finished out the 2023 campaign going 65% in passing (1,883 yards total), with 13 passing touchdowns and 282 rushing yards. To sum up, Altmyer’s first season with the Illini was good, but not great.
Despite the underwhelming first season, things have already seemed to be looking up for him this year. Not only does he have great receivers to throw to and solid running backs to rely on, but he looks much more comfortable on the field as a whole. After the team’s first two games, Altmyer touched on having more confidence this time around, and confidence
means everything when you’re making the biggest decisions on the field.
Another thing to keep in mind with Altmyer’s second season at Illinois is a common trend amongst quarterbacks in their second year at their universities as transfer student athletes. Joe Burrow, Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and Michael Penix are all examples of elite quarterbacks who had immense success in their second seasons at their transfer universities, largely due to familiarity with the program and increased self-confidence.
This is not to say that Luke Altmyer will be the next Joe Burrow, however, it’s important to keep in mind that first seasons after transferring to a new program will never be perfect. Perfection takes time and dedication to achieve. Fortunately for Altmyer, he’s on the right track to being considered a great quarterback from Illinois, and only time will tell if this second-year transfer student theory is applicable across the board.
Assistant coach Archie McDaniel stands in front of the Illinois football team before the first game of the 2024 season. It is coach McDaniel’s first season as an Illinois coach.
Illinois football Homecoming through the years
2019:
Homecoming has been around for a long, long time at Illinois, so long in fact that the university is credited for originating the tradition. Inviting alumni back to school to connect with students and revisit their former homes began in 1910 at Illinois That tradition is still going strong 114 years later.
In this span, the Illini have racked up 42 wins, 69 losses and two ties.
While the Illini historically perform worse in Homecoming games than their overall win percentage (.503), there have been some instant classics over the years that send alumni and students home partying as one big Illini-lovin’ group.
When the undefeated No. 6 Wisconsin Badgers stepped off the bus in Champaign, ESPN analytics gave them a 97% chance of victory. The 2-4 Illini were poised to lose their fifth consecutive Homecoming affair in front of nearly 40,000 faithful.
A 10-0 Badger lead early in the second quarter did little for the hope of those in the crowd, but the players never wavered. A touchdown made it a 13-7 game at the half, but Wisconsin responded in the third.
Illinois found themselves down two scores midway through the fourth quarter, with the ball in future NFL star Jonathan Taylor’s hands. What happened next is one of the greatest seven-minute and 12-second stretches in Illinois football history.
Taylor fumbled, and the Illini went 75 yards in four plays to make it a
two-point game. With 2:30 remaining, Wisconsin coughed up the ball again, their third turnover of the day.
Thirty-two yards later, the clock sat at four seconds as the Illinois special teams unit jogged onto the field. Kicker Josh McCourt drilled a 39-yarder, and the Illini bench unloaded onto the field to celebrate a top-six win.
1983:
Michigan has proven to be a common theme in a number of Illinois Homecoming memories. In 1983, the No. 8 Wolverines came to town confident, having won 16 meetings in a row with the Illini by an average blowout score of 34-8.
Memorial Stadium saw a thenrecord attendance of 76,127 for the matchup, where Illinois didn’t surrender a touchdown. The 16-6 win
clinched Illinois’ first Big Ten Title since 1963 and sent them to the Rose Bowl later that season.
1924:
We had the best seven-minute stretch in Illini history; how about the greatest 12-minute stretch? Oh, and it was provided by just one player. The legendary Harold “Red” Grange led the Illini against another unbeaten foe, the Michigan Wolverines.
After a week full of smack talk and trolling from the Michigan team, Grange allowed his performance to speak for himself, single-handedly winning the game in the first quarter. Grange totaled 262 yards of offense and found the endzone four times to give the Illini a dominating early lead. He ended with six touchdowns in the 39-14 victory, giving the Wolverines their first defeat in 21 contests.
Harold “Red” Grange runs with ball in-hand as Illinois takes on Michigan during the 1924 season.
Illinois comes out victorious with hardfought upset over No. 19 Kansas
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
TESS EKEN
teken2@dailyillini.com
In front of a crowd of nearly 60,000 fans, the Illini took to Memorial Stadium September 7 to battle the No. 19 Kansas Jayhawks. After a long back-and-forth ght, the Illini emerged as the champions, bringing pride across Champaign.
Illinois won the coin toss, deferring rst possession to the opponents, and the game began with sophomore kicker Ethan Moczulski sending the ball into the endzone for a touchback. The game started o well for Illinois, with senior outside linebacker Seth Coleman batting away the ball to prevent any forward progression on the rst play.
Junior defensive back Xavier Scott made his presence known early with two tackles in the rst few minutes of the game, and then made the crowd go wild after he grabbed an interception to put the ball in Illinois’ hands. Similar to the rst game, Illinois struggled to rush through the middle but had much more success gaining yards on the outside.
Around the ve-minute mark of the rst quarter, junior tight end Tanner Arkin caught a 16-yard pass to put the Illini in a solid position to score. However, heartbreaking reactions came from the crowd after sophomore running back Aidan Laughery dropped a wide-open catch that would have led him into the endzone on the issuing play.
Illinois settled for a eld goal to take the lead 3-0.
While the Illini had di culties running up the middle, that was not the case for the Jayhawks, who found plenty of holes to run through. The rst quarter concluded with Kansas on Illinois’ 30-yard line, showing threats of scoring. A roughing-the-passer foul by Illinois then brought Kansas even closer to the endzone. What originally looked like a Kansas touchdown to complete the drive soon got taken back with an o ensive pass interference call. Like Il-
linois, Kansas kicked a eld goal and tied the game up.
The Illini struggled with their rst possession after the Jayhawks’ eld goal. On a third-and-three attempt, junior quarterback Luke Altmyer threw to senior Zakhari Franklin, who ended up fumbling and the ball, giving possession back to the Jayhawks.
Kansas wasted very little time between downs, which got Illinois’ defense ustered. Illinois’ interior defense got hammered, and the opponents took advantage of any gaps they saw on the eld. Kansas quickly approached the endzone, and this time, they were able to successfully score a touchdown, which put them ahead 10-3 after the extra point. Just before the twominute timeout, Atlmyer threw a 42-yard bomb to Franklin who reached out and grabbed it with one hand, sending the fans into a cheering frenzy. Unable to convert a third-and-14 attempt, the Illini stuck with a 50-yard eld goal to put the score at 10-6 just before the half.
Quarterback Luke Altmyer is li ed up by Illini fans and fellow teammates on Sept. 8 a er defeating Kansas 23-17.
FINAL SCORE
23
ILLINOIS
17 KANSAS
With 40 seconds left, Scott continued his excellent defensive e orts and grabbed a pick-six to give the Illini the lead right before going into the locker room. The Illini left the eld con dently with a 13-10 lead at the half and the student section cheering them on, ready for more action.
“This game’s de nitely not over, there’s two halves of football,” Scott said after the game when asked about his thought process going into the nal half. “Let’s nish the game out. There’s no way we start o average…at the end of the day we want to nish the game out.”
After the third quarter began with a quick three-and-out by the Illini, Kansas’ o ense came out with more speed and strength than Illinois could handle. Kansas quarterback Jalon Daniels found his receiver in the endzone with ve minutes left in the third quarter, adding another seven to their score.
On the next possession, Altmyer attempted to scurry away from the defensive pressure with eight yards to go on a third
down but ultimately got sacked, resulting in another punt. Later, Kansas completed another fourth down attempt, but right after, junior defensive back Miles Scott jumped into perfect position to pick o Daniels, as Illinois fans erupted in cheers.
The fourth quarter soon approached, and the Illini once again were unable to pro t from the previous interception. Fortunately for them, the Jayhawks also failed to get ahead, and possession went back to the Illini’s o ense.
Altmyer found senior wide receiver Pat Bryant for a 37-yard catch to advance them to mid eld. He was sacked on the next play, but recovered by rushing 18 yards for the rst down. Just as things were looking tricky for Illinois’ o ense with a third-andlong, Bryant caught another long bomb from Altmyer which got them to the oneyard line. Sophomore running back Kaden Feagin ran the ball into the endzone and Illinois retook the lead, 20-17.
The Illini knew they needed to attack extra hard on defense, and they did just that. They forced the Jayhawks to punt, and with eight minutes to go the ball was back in Altmyer’s hands. With a few minutes remaining and a few rst downs on their shoulders, the Illini reached the Jayhawks’ 35-yard line with three and a half minutes left in the game.
At the two-minute warning, fans in Memorial Stadium were on their feet, ready to celebrate an Illinois victory over a top-20 ranked opponent. Illinois settled on a 43yard eld goal to further their lead to 23-17, and the defense nished the job well by not allowing Kansas to get any chance to score in the nal seconds of the matchup. The nal possession by Illinois took over six minutes, but it was all worth it for the sweet, historical victory.
“It de nitely helps with momentum,” Scott described when asked about how tonight’s game will help prepare the team for the rest of the season. “Celebrate this win tonight, then tomorrow it’s Central Michigan. Don’t get too high, don’t get too low, just even-kill, keep it one day at a time.”
JAMES HOECK THE DAILY ILLINI
Illini Decide: Stay or throw away? Helmet communication for NCAA
THE DAILY ILLINI SPORTS STAFF sports@dailyillini.com
Welome, everyone, to the rstever story in our column! This initial discussion will give you a taste of what’s to come — a weekly column where the editors give their thoughts on a controversial new ruling in a sport and decide whether the rule can stay or if we should throw it away. As the editor, I wanted to start with something relatively simple and fresh, as the rst week of college football is in the books.
Week one’s topic concerns the new NCAA ruling, allowing coaches to communicate with a single player in the offensive and defensive units, which has been legal in the NFL since 2008, but never in college until last week. The new system has been implemented to improve communication between the sideline and the huddle up until 15 seconds
remain on the play clock. After one week, let’s take a look at what the editors think.
TESS (STAY)
Introducing technology for helmet communication in NCAA football is a good decision for a few reasons. First, the NFL has been using this for years, so having helmet communication in college will only get players familiar with its usage and will give them a better idea of what to expect in the pros. Second, it aids the athletes (particularly the quarterback) with not only clari cation of what the play call is at the given moment but also with what the overall scenario of the game looks like. There’s so much happening at one time on the eld, so to be able to have that extra voice in your head (literally) reminding you of how to
approach the play and what to expect can only bene t the athletes.
CONOR (STAY)
Although miscommunication is a part of football, and it is ultimately up to the teams to ensure that everyone on the eld is receiving correct information, it’s hard to argue against giving everyone another way to communicate e ectively on the eld. Change can often feel unnecessary or harmful to the product, especially in cases like last year’s addition of a running clock on rst down, but this is a change that will be e ectively unnoticeable to viewers. Helmet communication has proven to work for the NFL, and if Illinois’ season opener against EIU is any indication, silly sideline play call signage isn’t going anywhere either.
College football is catching up to the NFL and the current landscape of technology, and I’m all for it. If players at the college level are preparing to go pro, then they should have the same technological tools that they will have at the next level. Concerns for unfairness are without basis, as teams will be penalized for having more than one player on the eld with a radio at a time, and the system will be shut o for both teams if one is not working. As with all new rules, there will be hiccups, and it will take some time to get used to. However, the bene ts of increased communication and preparing players for the ins and outs of the pro game are very important.
With three approvals, I suppose I should play devil’s advocate on this one. Stop trying to make collegiate sports more professional! These are supposed to be amateur student-athletes representing the university on the front of their uniforms. Instead, the NCAA has done everything humanly possible to turn each sport into its professional equivalent recently. Plays have been called from the sidelines in college football since the sport was created, so why stop now? I fell in love with a game that was di erent from the NFL. I fell in love with teams relaying play calls on the eld by holding up signs with Lightning McQueen, Cinderella, Cheetos and LeBron in each corner. I fell in love with the relatable tradition and backyard feeling the 18- to 22-year-olds still gave me on my TV each Saturday. Please bring it back, and stop trying to change the game I love with rules that remove the amateur and youthful qualities of the sport.
SAHIL (STAY)
BEN (THROW AWAY)
Redshirt freshman Jeremiah Warren sets his helmet down and prays before the game against Kansas on Saturday, Sept. 7.
