150th Win for Weber

As head men's basketball coach Bruce Weber had his 150th win on Sunday, they defeated Ohio State. He has now the highest winning record of any Big Ten coach who coached 6 total seasons. It only took 203 games to complete his accomplishment of 150 wins. Congratulations Bruce Weber :)

Throughout watching many years of watching Illinois basketball, Bruce Weber has been a dedicated coach through everything. He gets into the games no matter what the score, giving advice and input. I know that he is not one of those coaches that sits during the games, giving no help or guidance. Weber has never given up, even after the hardest losses through the years.

1st No Hitter Since 2005!

The women's softball team participated in the Marriott Houston Invitational yesterday (Saturday). Their 2 pitchers Ashley Wright and Taylor Call helped lead the team to their first no hitter in 6 years. The final score in their game against the Prairie View A&M Panthers was 9-1. The Fighting Illini women's softball team is in full swing with their season record so far at 9-4. Pitcher Monica Perry then led the team to victory against the Northern Illinois Huskies with a final score 3-1.

I personally love softball, there are some really tough but feminine girls out on the field. Watching a game of even little kid softball can be exciting and keep you on the edge of your seat. (the bleachers usually) I have a lot of respect and admiration for softball players, and I think everyone is proud of the Lady Illini. Go here for more information about the women's softball team.

True Fans

It takes a true fan to deal with last night's game. The Fighting Illini Men's basketball team is now ranked 18th, but lost to Penn State last night. The final score was 38-33, bad guys. The total scoring of the night is a high 71 points, which is the lowest in men's basketball since 2005. Bruce Weber, head coach, blamed this upsetting loss on "failure to get inside shots". Whatever the reason, they were ahead in the beginning, but obviously let that slip. There are no excuses. They have a strong team, a strong coach, and they could and should have won the game.

On a different note.... if you have ever been to Assembly Hall, the home of the Illini, the feeling you get when you walk into a packed place is indescribable. There is just something about the solid orange with little specs of blue and a small section of the opposing teams' fans. With the band playing, the student section screaming, the feeling of home and loyalty is hard to miss.

Check out the link for more info about last night's game...and if you ever get a chance to go to Assembly Hall for a basketball game, GO!

Happy Valentine's for Illini Fans

Happy Late Valentine's Day!

The Fighting Illini Men's Basketball Team has won against the Indiana Hoosiers 13 games in a row, and continued this streak this afternoon. The Illini beat the Hoosiers today, and continue to improve their popularity and rank. Demetri McCamey has been averaged 15. 3 points over the last three games, and is an important part of their team. Another fact, the Illini's top three scorers of the season are sophomores. (Go sophomores!) This proves a bright future for the Illini, as long as Bruce Weber continues to make good recruiting choices.

I know that no team will ever compare to the 2005 team, especially the 5 starters including Dee Brown (if only I could one day meet him, that would be amazing). I hope he knows that if I could meet anyone in the world, it would be him.

For more statistics and facts, go here.

Possibly Unknown Stars

It is for the most part true that not many pay attention to women's basketball. Why is this? I get that men's basketball games may be more interesting for some, but why? When those very tough and in-shape women step onto the court, it is not that different from a bunch of men playing around. Girls can have just as much aggression or fight in the game, and I would like to know why people don't really acknowledge this.

Although the University of Illinois Women's Basketball team is struggling this year, they have a few strong players. Their records this year are 6-17 and 2-10, and are playing against Indiana this Sunday at 12:30 Eastern time. One player, who ranks 7th in the nation in steals, (Lacey Simpson) will help lead Illinois to victory on Sunday. (check out the link for more statistics and information)

Becoming an Illini

As I was searching around Illinois websites, I thought it would be interesting to check out admissions/applications for the University of Illinois. The main things that they look at to begin with are: class rank, test scores, courses taken in high school, admissions essays, and also extra-curriculars. In addition to this, work, service, and also honors and awards are important.

This is all very helpful, not only for this college, but just college in general. Most colleges today are looking for diversity, hard workers, and talent.

Overall Selectivity for 2008 Admitted Freshmen ACT Score
Percentage of 2008 Admitted Freshmen (link has more info and statistics)
32 - 36 26%
27 - 31 51%
23 - 26 18%
22 or below 5%

This truly reminds everyone that ACT isn't everything, but of course matters. Working hard way before ACT even comes in play is very important, as well as remembering balance and hard work all around. Although I have a little while until college choice becomes an issue, especially for juniors I think it is a good idea to check out the top colleges for essay topics, and selectivity as I showed above.

Illini Represented at Super Bowl

Today, on the first of February, 5 Fighting Illini alumni (and also football players), are representing us well at the Super Bowl. These 5 former Illini football players will all be somehow involved in the long awaited "game of the year". The 2 teams playing today both have some Fighting Illini blood in them. Carey Davis and Rashard Mendenhall (on injury reserve) are players for Pittsburgh, with running back Kirby Wilson. (Go Steelers!) Arizona players Nathan Hodel and Neil Rackers will also be representing the Illini.

Although these former Illini will be playing against eachother, as least we've got some representation of Univeristy of Illinois and their football program today in the Super Bowl.