nnual report200 5 - 0 6 / / D I V I S I O N O F I N T E R C O L L E G I A T E A T H L E T I C S / / U N I V E R S I T Y O F I L L I N O I S
ANNUAL REPORT
2005-06 ANNUAL REPORT
Director’s Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Men’s Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Men’s Gymnastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Men’s Tennis. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Women’s Cross Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Women’s Track & Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Soccer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Wrestling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Football . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Volleyball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Baseball. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Softball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Women’s Basketball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Women’s Gymnastics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Women’s Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Swimming & Diving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Men’s Cross Country . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Men’s Track & Field . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Men’s Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Women’s Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Sports Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 National Champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Athletic Honors. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30-31 Academic Excellence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23-35 Marketing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Corporate Sponsorships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Compliance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39 Varsity “I”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 I FUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Donor List. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41-49 Endowments. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Planned / Estate Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Community Service. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52-53 Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54-55 Diversity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
CREDITS EXECUTIVE EDITORS: Cassie Arner, Karen Graham, Mike Hatfield, Heather Hoesly, Steve Landrus and Derryl Myles
COVER AND INTERIOR DESIGN: Victor Cortez
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS: Cassie Arner, Derrick Burson, Victor Cortez, Chris Hanna, Anastacia Harold, Marty Kaufmann, Michael Koon, Kevin Martinez, Tom Michael, Derek Neal, Joe Pinter, Jeff Schlabowske and Ben Taylor
PHOTOGRAPHY: Mark Jones, , Kathy Kaler, The Tintype Photography.
PRINTING: Custom Color Graphics
DEE BROWN MEN’S BASKETBALL BIG TEN MALE MEDAL OF HONOR BOB COUSY AWARD WINNER FRANCES POMERY NAISMITH WINNER ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-BIG TEN
JUSTIN SPRING MEN’S GYMNASTICS NATIONAL CHAMPION – HIGH BAR, PARALLEL BARS NISSEN-EMERY AWARD BIG TEN GYMNAST OF THE YEAR 2006 DIKE EDDLEMAN MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-BIG TEN
RYLER DEHEART MEN’S TENNIS BIG TEN ATHLETE OF THE YEAR ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-BIG TEN
CASSIE HUNT WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK & FIELD BIG TEN ATHLETE OF THE YEAR BIG TEN ATHLETE OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2006 DIKE EDDLEMAN FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-BIG TEN
KEVIN ANDERSON & RYAN ROWE MEN’S TENNIS NATIONAL CHAMPIONS – DOUBLES ALL-AMERICANS, ALL-BIG TEN
YVONNE MENSAH WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD ATHLETE OF THE INDOOR TRACK CHAMPIONSHIPS ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-BIG TEN
CHRISTEN KARNISKI SOCCER BIG TEN MEDAL OF HONOR BIG TEN CO-DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR ALL-AMERICAN, ALL-BIG TEN
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
1
DIRECTOR’S ADDRESS I am pleased to present you with the second annual report for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Illinois. In this publication’s opening address last year, I called the 2004-2005 year the best in Fighting Illini athletics history. During that memorable campaign, Illinois teams captured five Big Ten titles, and our men’s basketball team captivated the Illini Nation and basketball fans across the country with its historic march to the NCAA Championship Game. Because of this tremendous success, Illinois athletics took a significant step toward establishing itself as one of the nation’s preeminent collegiate athletic programs. At that time, I challenged our student-athletes, our coaches, our administration, and our fans and donors to continue pushing themselves toward even greater heights. Now, looking back at the 2005- 2006 year, I am proud to say that there is plenty of fight in the Illini. We continue to climb. We continue to lead. And we continue to win.
This sustained success is only possible through the commitment to excellence of our student-athletes, the vision and preparation of our coaches, the boundless work ethic of our staff, and the generosity and loyalty of our donors and fans. Thank you for the role that you play in providing Illinois student-athletes the resources necessary to propel them to championships on the field and honors in the classroom. Because of your efforts, Illinois student-athletes leave the University prepared to be winners in more than their respective sports. They are prepared to be winners in life.
This attitude pervades our programs. A primary goal of Illinois athletics is to model our young men and women into well-rounded, intelligent, and conscientious adults. One way that we strive to meet this challenge is through the CHAMPS Life Skills program, which emphasizes growth in five areas: academic and athletic excellence, personal and career development, and community service. In the fall of 2005, the Illinois CHAMPS Life Skills program earned the Program of Excellence Award from the Division I-A Athletic Directors’ Association, recognizing the program’s efforts to promote the complete student-athlete experience at the University of Illinois.
An essential part of that experience is providing a world-class education, and Fighting Illini student-athletes continue to excel in classrooms and laboratories across campus. During the 2005-2006 academic year, Illinois athletic teams combined to post an impressive 3.006 grade-point average, with 13 of our 19 varsity sports achieving team grade-point averages above 3.000 during the spring semester. When measured using the NCAA’s Academic Progress Rating (APR), Illinois tied for third in the Big Ten with an APR of 976, well above the national average, and our men’s basketball and baseball teams posted the highest APRs within their respective sports in the Big Ten Conference. Academically, it is clear that our young men and women continue to set the standard for student- athlete excellence. Many of our student-athletes’ individual academic achievements are recounted in the following pages.
The success of Illinois athletics was not, however, limited to the classroom, as Fighting Illini student-athletes reached new heights during the 2005-2006 campaign. Our men’s basketball team solidified its position as one of the leading programs in the country, posting its sixth consecutive 25-win season, the longest such streak in Big Ten history. Over the past decade, in fact, only Duke has posted more hardwood wins than the Fighting Illini. Sixteen consecutive “orange-outs” at the Assembly Hall, which translated to the nation’s ninth-highest home season attendance, said farewell to two of the most decorated and adored players in Illinois hoops history, Dee Brown and James Augustine.
In football, Ron Zook experienced some growing pains in his first year at the helm of the Orange and Blue, but his young Illini provided glimpses of what the future holds. The team’s aggressive style and enthusiastic play encouraged the Illini faithful, and, after a productive off-season featuring a top-30 recruiting class filled with promising young athletes, all look forward to seeing great improvement this fall.
Other highlights include a near-NCAA title for our men’s gymnastics team, which came within 0.425 points of claiming the nation’s highest prize. Illini gymnast Justin Spring won two individual event national titles and was awarded the Nissen-Emery Award, which is given annually to the nation’s outstanding senior gymnast. In men’s tennis, Kevin Anderson and Ryan Rowe won the 2006 NCAA Doubles Championship and the team advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the fifth consecutive season. On the women’s side, our women’s cross country team enjoyed the best season in its history, finishing fifth at the NCAA Championships. Junior Cassie Hunt, the first Illinois athlete to ever win the individual Big Ten cross country crown, was named the 2005 Big Ten Athlete of the Year and repeated her performance as the UI Dike Eddleman Female Athlete of the Year. Another highlight for our women’s programs was Yvonne Mensah capturing three Big Ten titles at the Indoor Track Championships in the long jump, triple jump, and 60-meter dash. These are but only a few of the many successes our teams and individual student-athletes experienced during the 2005-2006 seasons. All of these tremendous accomplishments are detailed in the coming pages.
As we continue our ascent among the nation’s elite athletic programs, it is vital that we keep our eyes focused on the horizon. Preparation in the present breeds success in the future, and those of us in Illinois athletics are dedicated to sustaining our steady progress through precise planning, aggressive recruiting, strategic personnel decisions, and bold facility expansion. A vision for the future is necessary in all that we do.
In keeping with that vision, Illinois athletics has embarked on several exciting building projects that will propel our programs to new heights. Construction is well underway on the Demirjian Indoor Golf Facility. Ground has been broken on the expansion of the Irwin Academic Services Center. Expansion of the Eichelberger Softball Field will also begin in the near future. No construction project, however, has captured the imagination of the Illini Nation quite like the Illinois Renaissance Project, the renovation of Historic Memorial Stadium. With construction set to commence following the 2006 football season, the Illinois Renaissance promises to furnish every Illini fan with a game day experience unrivaled by any other stadium in the country. Memorial Stadium, long a fixture on the central Illinois landscape, will gain new life with the most sweeping changes it has seen in its eight-decade existence, all done while maintaining the historic qualities and architectural beauty of our beloved stadium. Once completed, the renovated Memorial Stadium will be unmatched in beauty, history, and modern technology.
As you can see, the state of Illinois athletics has never been stronger. But we must fight the temptation to grow complacent, and we must never settle for mediocrity. At the University of Illinois, we remain dedicated to building champions, on and off the field. To achieve these goals, we must never compromise. We operate with integrity. We build on our tradition. And we stand tall with honor. Because we do things the right way, at the end of the day, our programs win. And more importantly, so do our people.
Thank you again for the important role that you play in the continued success of the Fighting Illini. It is only through the hard work and dedication of the many people supporting our programs that we are able to continue our climb to the top of the Big Ten and the NCAA. I hope that you take great pride in the past accomplishments of our programs, and I encourage you to join me in looking toward the future. Even greater things are yet to come.
GO ILLINI!
Ron Guenther Director of Athletics
AS WE CONTINUE OUR ASCENT AMONG THE NATION’S ELITE ATHLETIC PROGRAMS, IT IS VITAL THAT WE KEEP OUR EYES FOCUSED ON THE HORIZON.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
2
Illinois continued its winning ways in 2005-06, posting a 26-7 overall record as the program recorded its sixth straight 25-win season, the longest streak in school history and doubling the longest streak of any team in Big Ten history. Illinois went undefeated in non-conference play for the second straight season and was in the race for a third straight conference title before finishing second in the league standings with an 11-5 record, missing the Big Ten crown by just one game. The Illini then made their seventh straight NCAA Tournament appearance, advancing to the second round.
The 2005-06 season also marked the farewell for two of the most influential players in school history and the winningest duo ever to wear the Orange and Blue in seniors Dee Brown and James Augustine.
After losing three starters and 63 percent of its scoring from the UI’s national runner-up squad, Brown and Augustine helped pass the winning attitude on to their young Illini teammates in 2005-06. Illinois began the season with 15 straight wins, which included a perfect 14-0 sweep of the nonconference slate. Key victories during that stretch included: Warren Carter’s last second shot to defeat Wichita State … a Big Ten/ACC Challenge victory at North Carolina, where the Illini ended UNC’s 21-game winning streak at the Dean Dome … a come-from-behind win over Xavier for the Illini’s 15th straight victory at the United Center … dominating wins over Georgetown and at Oregon in a span of less than 48 hours … and a sixth straight victory over Missouri in the 25th anniversary of the Braggin’ Rights game.
In a Top-10 showdown to open up conference play, the sixth-ranked Illini welcomed No. 7 Michigan State to Champaign. Dee Brown took over the Assembly Hall that night, putting on one of the greatest performances in recent years by an Illini player. Brown erupted for a career-high 34 points, including 23 in the first half, as Illinois improved to 15-0 on the season.
Brown and Augustine combined for 49 points to carry the Illini to an exciting victory over Michigan a week later. Illinois then closed out the month of January with four consecutive wins, highlighted by a 15- point victory at Wisconsin as the Illini defeated the Badgers at the Kohl Center for the second year in a row.
Hopes for another Big Ten championship took a hit, however, when Penn State shocked the Illini, 66-65, in one of the biggest upsets of the college basketball season, ending Illinois’ school-record 33-game winning streak at the Assembly Hall. But the Illini responded to that adversity well, winning five of its final six conference games, including its last three, to close out the regular season.
On an emotional senior day at the Assembly Hall, the Illini defeated Iowa as Brown and Augustine broke the school record for career wins. Illinois then went on the road for its last two Big Ten games, playing the role of senior day spoiler with big victories at Minnesota and Michigan State.
Illinois, which had the second-most wins nationally over teams ranked in the top 25 of the RPI, received a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament and traveled to San Diego for the first and second round. Illinois won its ninth-straight first-round game, defeating No. 13 seed Air Force behind Jamar Smith’s 20 points. The Illini then dropped a 67-64 heartbreaker to No. 5 seed Washington in the second round, narrowly missing a third consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16.
Dee Brown and James Augustine left Illinois as college graduates, both earning bachelor’s degrees in sport management, and as the winningest players in school history, owning a school-record 114 career wins. Arguably the most popular athlete in Illini basketball history and the face of college hoops the past two seasons, Brown was a consensus second-team All-American as a senior and won the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's most outstanding point guard. He topped the Illini in five statistical categories during the 2005-06 season, leading the team with a scoring average of 14.2 points and ranking first in assists, steals, minutes and free throw percentage. Brown’s name is listed all over the Illinois record book, as he has played the most minutes, most games, and most starts of any player in school history. Brown ranks third on the Illini all-time scoring chart with 1,812 career points, is second in school history in career 3-pointers, career assists and career steals and is third in career field goals. His career assists total ranks fifth in Big Ten history, while his career 3-pointers and career steals totals rank sixth in Big Ten history.
Augustine was a first-team All-Big Ten selection as a senior, ranking second on the Illini in scoring with an average of 13.6 points. He led the team in both field goal shooting and rebounding, ranking fourth in the nation in field goal percentage at 62.4 percent and ranking third in the Big Ten in rebounding, averaging 9.1 boards. A model of consistency throughout his UI tenure, Augustine became the first player in Illini history and just the 12th player in Big Ten history to record over 1,000 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. Augustine finishes his career ranked 17th on the UI scoring list with 1,383 points and is the school's all-time leader in field goal shooting at 61.7 percent and rebounding with 1,023 boards. Augustine equaled Brown’s record for career games and leaves the UI ranked fourth in career blocked shots, eighth in career free throws and minutes played, and 10th in career steals.
Following the season, both seniors were chosen in the NBA Draft, as Augustine was the 41st pick by the Orlando Magic and Brown was the 46th pick by the Utah Jazz. It marked the second straight year that the Illini had two players drafted and the fourth time in the last five years that the Illini were represented in the NBA Draft. Illinois has now had a total of seven players drafted since 2002, which leads the Big Ten and is the third-highest total of any program in the nation over the last five years.
And while the Illinois program continues its unprecedented run of success on the court, ranked as the second-winningest program in the nation this decade, Fighting Illini basketball remains the hottest ticket in the state. Illinois ranked ninth in the nation in home attendance during 2005-06, setting a school record for highest average season attendance of 16,618 fans per game. Illinois played in front of a sold- out crowd at every game at the Assembly Hall last year, a school-record 16 games, and will carry a school-record streak of 28 consecutive sell- outs into next season.
MEN’S BASKETBALL 26-7 (11-5 BIG TEN) // 2ND IN BIG TEN // NCAA SECOND ROUND
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
4
Though they fell just short of their goals of winning Big Ten and NCAA titles, the 2006 Fighting Illini men’s gymnastics season can’t be viewed as anything but a success. Led by the outstanding senior duo of Justin Spring and Adam Pummer, Illinois nearly overcame two devastating injuries in a second place showing at the Big Ten Championships. Then, two weeks later, the Illini had the meet of their lives at the NCAA Championships, posting a season-high score of 220.975 in the team finals, only to finish second behind host Oklahoma by less than half a point. In the individual event finals a day later, Spring won both the parallel bars and high bar titles and, collectively, seven Illini took home 14 All-America honors – the most for a UI squad in 65 years.
For Spring, the NCAA Championships marked the culmination of an outstanding UI career. The two individual NCAA titles were the most for an Illini in a single season since Abie Grossfeld won three in 1958, and his four career NCAA titles equaled Grossfeld’s total of four as the second most in UI history, behind only Joseph Giallombardo’s six career titles from 1938-40. He also earned All-America status on five events (all-around, floor, vault, parallel bars, high bar), bringing his career total to 12, the most since Grossfeld earned 12 from 1957-59.
Spring won the prestigious Nissen-Emery Award as the nation’s top senior gymnast, becoming just the second Illini ever to do so, was named the Big Ten Gymnast of the Year and was the Big Ten all-around and parallel bars champion. In addition, he won the University’s Dike Eddleman Athlete of the Year Award for the second time, joining Andy Phillip (basketball & baseball), Dike Eddleman (football, basketball, track), Dick Butkus (football), Dave Scholz (basketball) and Tony Eason (football) as the only repeat male winners.
Outside of the college scene, Spring won gold on the high bar at the 2005 U.S. National Gymnastics Championships, becoming the first Illini ever to win a U.S. National title. Later he competed for Team USA at the 2005 World Championships in Melbourne, Australia, finishing 10th on high bar and 12th on parallel bars.
Spring wasn’t alone in his success, however. Though he had to miss the Big Ten Championships with a shoulder injury, Pummer came back to earn All-America honors on floor exercise and parallel bars, finishing second behind Spring, at the NCAA Championships to bring his career total to eight All-America honors. He also received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Sophomore Wes Haagensen picked up three All-America nods in the all-around, floor exercise and parallel bars, where he finished third to complete a 1-2-3 Illini sweep in the event. At the Big Ten Championships, Haagensen finished second in the all-around to Spring, picking up All-Big Ten status in the process. Other Illini to garner All-America nods were sophomore Ross Bradley (high bar), senior Ted Brown (pommel horse), freshman Chris Lung (pommel horse) and sophomore Tyler Yamauchi (still rings).
Ranked No. 2 in the GymInfo Preseason Coaches poll, Illinois opened the 2006 campaign with a second-place finish at the Windy City Invite. Following that, the Illini rolled to an impressive 23-5 record, gradually becoming healthy, adding difficulty and increasing their scores throughout the season. The regular-season highlight came on Senior Night at Huff Hall, where the class of Spring, Pummer, Brown and Anthony Russo went out in style, posting what was then an NCAA season-high score in a 220.0-196.1 victory over Army. That group of seniors helped bring Illinois gymnastics back to national prominence during their careers, as the Illini finished fifth, third, third and second at the NCAA Championships in their four seasons.
At the end of the year awards banquet, Spring won Most Outstanding Gymnast honors and Pummer took home the Most Valuable award. Bradley was named Most Improved, Michael Boyer won the Scholar-Athlete Award and Tyler Yamauchi won the Fighting Illini Attitude Award. In addition, six Illini —Michael Boyer, Jon Drollinger, Wesley Haagensen, Anthony Russo, Chris Silcox and Tyler Yamauchi — were named to the Academic All-Big Ten team.
MEN’S GYMNASTICS 15-3 // BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS RUNNER-UP // NCAA RUNNER-UP
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
6
The 2005-06 season ushered in a new era in Illinois men's tennis, bringing with it a flavor of the Fighting Illini's old tradition of excellence combined with new leadership. Head coach Brad Dancer, who took over the program after serving as associate head coach one season, led the Illini to an NCAA doubles championship, back to the Sweet 16 in the team competition and to a season-high No. 2 national ranking.
As experienced player and assistant coach Kent Kinnear joined the staff, Illinois was prepared to begin the Dancer era. Testing their legs early, Dancer coached his Illini through a strong indoor season, while senior Ryler DeHeart led the singles charge. DeHeart made it to the semifinal round of the ITA All- American Invitational, followed by a consolation crown at the ITA Indoor Championships. DeHeart also became the first Illini male to earn a No. 1 preseason ranking by the ITA.
Sophomore Kevin Anderson, senior Pramod Dabir, sophomore Ruben Gonzales, sophomore Ryan Rowe and freshman Marc Spicijaric also found success in the early-goings of 2005. Anderson and Dabir fought their way to the Round of 64 and 32, respectively, at the ITA All-American invitational, while Gonzales and Spicijaric rounded out the Fighting Illini who qualified for the All-American event.
With individual competition behind them, the Illini squad was ready for the dual-match season. Illinois opened the season with a pair of strong victories over then-No. 68-ranked Ball State and then- No. 1-ranked Virginia by scores of 7-0 and 5-2, respectively. The Fighting Illini then rattled off six straight wins to open the season 8-0, including notable wins over No. 9 Duke and No. 14Washington. Illinois, however, ended their streak with a loss to No. 2 Georgia. The Illini did not dwell on the loss, as they returned to form to crank out a 14-4 record over the next 18 matches.
In conjunction with the Orange and Blue's team success, DeHeart was leading the Big Ten as the highest-ranked singles player. Anderson and Rowe also teamed together to make waves on the doubles circuit, ranking as high as No. 3.
Having not dropped a match in the conference regular season since 1997, the Fighting Illini saw their record of 86 consecutive regular season league dual matches snapped when they fell to Ohio State, 5-2. The loss also broke a 55 consecutive conference (regular season and postseason) match streak. Illinois finished league play 9-1.
With the conference season behind them, the Fighting Illini entered the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 2 seed. Opening the tournament strong, UI blanked Northwestern and Penn State 5-0 and 4-0, respectively. The effort moved the men into the finals where they faced then-No. 10 Ohio State. Despite a competitive effort and fight, the Orange and Blue dropped only their sixth match of the season.
Finishing as the runner-up at Big Tens, Illinois next set their eyes on the NCAA Outdoor Championships. As the No. 8 seed, Illinois served past Western Illinois, 4-0, before topping then-No. 27-ranked Louisville, 4-0, in the Round of 32. The momentum, however, fell short in the Round of 16, as Illinois could not overcome then-No. 10-ranked UCLA (4-2). Illinois ended the season 24-7.
With team competition in the books, DeHeart and Anderson looked to the NCAA singles championship. In doubles action, Anderson and Rowe eyed a national title as the No. 4 seed in the doubles championship.
With a solid season, Anderson made his exit in the singles draw in the Round of 32, while DeHeart concluded his illustrious career with a loss in the Round of 16.
DeHeart, however, made his impression on the record book as the all-time winningest singles player in program history with a total of 138 victories, while ranking second all-time in overall wins with 242.
With Illinois out of the singles championship, the doubles team of Anderson/Rowe were left to carry the torch in the postseason. Having lost only one match heading into the competition, the two posted wins over the No. 16, No. 20, No. 29 and the No. 27 seeds to punch their ticket into the finals. The two made their way to the championship match having dropped only two sets in the process. With their momentum, Anderson/Rowe cruised through the match, losing a combined six points to defeat No. 3-seeded Andre Begemann and Scott Doerner of Pepperdine 6-2, 6-4. With the win, the two became only the third doubles team in Illinois history to win the crown.
The Fighting Illini finished the season ranked No. 9 in the final ITA rankings, while DeHeart finished No. 9 in singles and Anderson/Rowe topped the doubles chart at No. 1.
MEN’S TENNIS 26-7 (11-5 BIG TEN) // 2ND IN BIG TEN // NCAA SECOND ROUND
MEN’S TENNIS 26-7 (11-5 BIG TEN) // 2ND IN BIG TEN // NCAA SWEET 16
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
8
Coming off the most successful season in school history with a final ranking of 20th in the nation, a second-place finish at Big Tens, three All-Big Ten performers and the 2004 Regional Runner of the Year, expectations were higher than ever for the Illinois women’s cross country program in 2005. Preparing to take the next step, Fighting Illini head coach Karen Harvey assembled a team with the perfect combination of mature veterans and talented freshman, giving Illinois the best opportunity to achieve in the new season. Harvey’s collection of determination and talent proved to be triumphant as Illinois reached new heights in 2005, becoming one of the most dominating squads in all of collegiate cross country.
Following the Fighting Illini’s season-opening race, a ‘B’ team third-place finish at the Hawkeye Open that saw freshman Jamie Kuhl place fourth overall with a 10:49, Illinois hosted their lone meet of the season, the Pack-It-Up Challenge at the UI Arboretum in Urbana. The Orange and Blue dominated the meet with sophomore Maggie Carroll leading the way to win the 5K race with a time of 17:46.93. Fellow sophomores Katie Coppin and Rachel Hernandez rounded out the top-three as they finished with times of 17:52.34 and 18:09.34, respectively.
Carroll’s impressive performance, which led Illinois to its third-consecutive Illini Challenge title, garnered Big Ten Runner of the Week honors. The Brimfield, Ill., native’s first-place finish broke her previous personal best by 15 seconds.
The No. 20 Illini had something to prove two weeks down the road when they traveled to South Bend, Ind., for a Notre Dame Invite that included seven other nationally ranked teams. The Orange and Blue showed no fear and overcame six of the seven ranked squads to finish second with 82 points, a mere five behind No. 5 Michigan.
Illinois used the race to show the collegiate running world what it was all about as the Illini recorded four personal-best 5K times. Junior Cassie Hunt led the Orange and Blue with a personal-best 16:52 to finish fifth overall. Junior Stephanie Simms was Illinois’ next best runner as she finished seventh overall with a personal-best time of 17:07.
After proving themselves against some of the nation’s best in South Bend, the Illini took their newly- acquired No. 5 ranking to Terre Haute, Ind., to face fierce competition at the 6K Pre-National Meet. The Illini placed third in their race and fifth overall. Finishing first for the Illini and 11th overall was Hunt with a time of 20:45. Coming in just on Hunt’s heels was Simms with a 20:58. Coppin was Illinois’ third finisher with a time of 21:11 to place 24th overall.
Freshman Katie Engel may have been the most impressive story of the Pre-National Meet when she ran her way into history, taking the top 6K spot for an Illinois freshman with her time of 21:12, a full 17 seconds ahead of the previous record set by Hunt in 2003.
With two weeks of preparation after the Pre-National Meet in Terre Haute, the No. 6 Illini traveled to St. Paul, Minn., for the Big Ten Cross Country Championships. Hunt made history when she won the individual title with a time of 21:00.54, making her the first woman in Illinois history to earn an individual title. Hunt’s finish led the Illini to a second-place team finish.
Hunt’s performance broke her own record of fifth place from 2004 for the highest individual finish by an Illini in the championships. Along with Hunt’s top finish, Simms recorded a fourth-place finish, improving her championship performance by almost 90 seconds from 2004. Simms missed medaling in the top-three by one-tenth of a second. Engel and Coppin rounded out Illinois’ top-four performances with times of 21:37.49 and 21:44.94, respectively.
With their impressive showings at the conference championships, Hunt and Engel were honored by the Big Ten the following week. Hunt was named Big Ten Athlete of the Year and Athlete of the Championships, becoming the first Illini in history, male or female, to receive the honor since the awards began in 1987. Engel was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the league’s head coaches, becoming only the second Illinois runner to receive this title. As a team, Illinois maintained its ranking of sixth in the NCAA FinishLynx poll and first in the Midwest in the Regional WICCA Rankings.
With Big Tens under their belt, the Illini made their way to the Ashton Cross Country Course in Iowa City, Iowa, for the NCAA Midwest Regional meet. While hoping to qualify for an automatic bid to the National meet, Illinois only managed to position themselves for an at-large bid to advance to the national competition by tying Minnesota for second place. For the fourth-straight competition, Hunt led the Illini with a time of 21:06 to finish seventh overall. Simms was Illinois’ runner-up with a time of 21:24 to finish 13th overall.
Two weeks later, the Illini raced into the school record books with a fifth-place finish at the 2005 NCAA Cross Country Championships in Terre Haute, Ind. The meet marked their second-straight berth to the championships and was an improvement of 15 spots from 2004’s 20th place finish.
The Illini finished the 2005 season with a bang as all seven runners in the National Championship meet recorded personal bests. The Illinois pack was led by Hunt, who finished 11th with a time of 20:05, earning All-American status. Simms finished 37th overall and second for Illinois, just shy of also earning All-American honors. Crossing third for the Illini was Engel with a time of 20:50 to finish 64th overall. Carroll and Coppin rounded out Illinois’ top five, finishing in 84th and 87th places, respectively.
In the end, Illinois’ 2005 cross country season turned into the most successful season in school history with a final ranking of fifth in the nation, a second-place Big Ten showing and one All-American accolade; a season that reestablished the University of Illinois as one of the top cross country programs in the nation.
WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY 26-7 (11-5 BIG TEN) // 2ND IN BIG TEN // NCAA SECOND ROUND
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
10
Coming off a successful 2005 season that saw the Fighting Illini women’s track and field team win the Big Ten Outdoor Track and Field Championship, Coach Winckler’s squad prepared to make 2006 just as memorable.
Possessing the talent and drive to make the season a successful one, the Illini kicked off 2006 with a dominant start to the indoor season with five first-place performances at the Iowa Open in Iowa City before returning to Champaign and winning back-to-back home meets. Junior Yvonne Mensah’s two first-place finishes and three provisional qualifying marks at the Carle Health Alliance Classic secured her first Big Ten Athlete of the Week honors of the season and was a sign of things to come for the Illini.
Mensah continued to lead the way for the Orange and Blue as they made their way toward the end of the indoor season. Setting the tone for the remainder of the indoor season, the junior ran away with two more first-place finishes in the 300-meter run and long jump at the Meyo Invitational in South Bend, Ind.
Illinois was in full stride when the Big Ten Indoor Championship meet rolled around as the squad recorded a second-place team showing. It was no surprise when Mensah led the Illini with a hat trick of first-place finishes against the rest of conference (long jump, triple jump, and 60m). The junior’s three gold medal performance was honored with the Big Ten Athlete of the Championships accolade. Sophomore LaNeisha Waller also came away from the meet as a Big Ten Champion with a first-place finish in the 60-meter hurdles.
Before heading to the outdoor track, the Illini wrapped up the indoor season by sending five athletes to the NCAA Indoor Championships in Fayatteville, Ark. Once again, Mensah led the way by reaching All-American status in the triple jump. Her jump of 13.20m (43'03.75") was good to finish fifth in her flight and eighth overall.
Rather than opening the outdoor season on a slow and steady pace, Winckler’s squad broke out of the gate in full sprint, posting impressive showings at the Mississippi Invitational, Sea Ray Relays and Illinois Invitational. Highlighting the first few weeks of outdoor competition was a four-provisional-qualification performance by Mensah at the Sea Ray Relays. The junior’s feat was awarded with her second Big Ten Athlete of the Week award of the season.
Collecting the season’s third Big Ten Athlete of the Week accolade for the Orange and Blue was junior distance runner Cassie Hunt. Hunt broke out during the fourth week of the outdoor season with a personal-best time of 16:17.12 in the 5,000-meter run, becoming the 2006 Drake Relays champion.
Illinois then made its way to East Lansing, Mich., for the Big Ten Outdoor Championships. Highlighting the conference championships for the Orange and Blue were two first-place finishes by Mensah (long jump) and junior Camile Robinson (400-meter hurdles). The Illini finished the conference championship fourth overall. Mensah and Robinson were both honored with first team All-Big Ten accolades.
The Illini wrapped up 2006 with successful showings at the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships and the NCAA Championships. One of the most impressive performances of the year came at the regional meet as Mensah placed first in the triple jump, setting a new Mideast Regional meet record as well as a school record to advanced to the NCAA Championships. There, the Illini finished 23rd overall with 11 team points as Hunt placed second in the 3,000- meter steeplechase, Camile Robinson took sixth in the 400-meter hurdles and Mensah finished 12th in the nation in the triple jump.
WOMEN’S TRACK & FIELD BIG TEN INDOOR RUNNER-UP // BIG TEN OUTDOOR FOURTH PLACE FINISHER
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
12
SOCCER 12-7-3 (6-3-1 BIG TEN) // BIG TEN TOURNAMENT SEMIFINALS // NCAA SECOND ROUND
Illinois soccer continued to garner national attention with two wins over nationally-ranked opponents and a trip to the second round of the NCAA tournament, equaling the second-best finish in school history. In the NCAA tournament, Illinois defeated No. 20 Florida 1-0 in double-overtime on the Gators’ home field before falling 2-1 to No. 11 Florida State in the second round.
This Illini team entered the season relatively unproven after the graduation of former All-Americans Tara Hurless and Leisha Alcia. That showed early in the season, as Illinois was unable to score a goal in its first weekend of competition, dropping a 1-0 season opener to Marquette before finishing in a 0-0 tie with Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
The Orange and Blue quickly recovered and continued to rely on its defense, earning a 1-0 win over No. 17 Nebraska in the Big Ten/Big 12 Challenge and a 3-0 decision over in-state rival Western Illinois in the season’s second weekend. The win over Nebraska was Illinois’ fifth straight victory against competition from the highly-regarded Big 12.
The Illini continued to push the envelope against tough opponents, leading for much of the match against traditional power and No. 23 Stanford before allowing a goal in the final five minutes of regulation that forced a 1-1 tie. That goal also broke Illinois’ longest defensive scoreless streak of the season, a string of 421:19.
Following a 3-0 win against Illinois State and a 2-1 loss to Indiana State, the Illini began Big Ten play. The Illini started hot, winning three straight games by one goal and two of them in double-overtime. Illinois downed Northwestern 3-2, then got a lift from freshman defender Emily Zurrer against Wisconsin as Zurrer scored the golden goal in the second overtime to provide another 3-2 win. Zurrer was named to the Soccer America Team of theWeek thanks to her game-winner against Wisconsin and an assist against Northwestern.
The Illini then ran their Big Ten record to a program-best 3-0-0 when freshman forward Charlotte Cooke knocked in the golden goal with 1:02 remaining in the second overtime at Ohio State, giving Illinois a 2-1 double-overtime win. It was Cooke’s first career goal, coming off an assist from Eva Strickland.
After losing a pair of games at Penn State and Minnesota, Illinois got back on track with a 3-2 win over Michigan at home before fighting to a scoreless tie with Michigan State. Sophomore goalkeeper Lindsey Carstens made a career-high six saves in the draw.
As the regular season drew to a close, Illinois found itself fighting for a spot in the Big Ten Tournament as it headed east for a weekend in Indiana. The Illini came through with a 1-0 win against the Hoosiers thanks to a game-winning free kick goal by senior defender Kelly Campbell in the 87th minute. The result was not as favorable two days later at Purdue, though, as the 20th-ranked Boilers won 3-1 and Illinois keeper Lindsey Carstens broke her fibula in a collision.
But the Illini were able to recover the next weekend with a 4-1 Senior Night win against Iowa, boosting the Illini to a No. 4 seed in the Big Ten Tournament and a rematch with Minnesota. Against the Hawkeyes, Ella Masar broke the school record for the fastest goal to start either half, scoring just 11 seconds into the second half.
Before tournament action began, senior defender Christen Karniski was named Big Ten co-Defensive Player of the Year, and freshmen Marti Desjarlais and Emily Zurrer were named to the Big Ten All-Freshmen Team.
That led up to a rematch with the Golden Gophers, this time with the Illini coming out on top 1-0 thanks to stellar defense that allowed just one Minnesota shot in the first half and four for the game. Jessica Bayne scored the game’s lone goal when she blocked a clearing attempt by the Minnesota keeper and the ball ricocheted into the goal. But eighth-seeded Michigan spoiled Illinois’ hopes of a Big Ten Tournament title with a 2-1 semifinal victory after the Wolverines had dispatched top seed Penn State in penalty kicks the night before. Bayne was named to the All-Tournament Team after scoring three points in two matches.
That led to a tense afternoon as Illinois waited to see its name on the NCAA draw. The Illini were announced in the final 16-team bracket that was revealed, and drew Florida, which was hosting the sub-regional. Illinois came out fighting against the Gators, with back-up goalkeeper Rachel Frank playing the game of her life. Frank kept the game scoreless through regulation with a career-best six saves, many of them showcasing Frank’s athleticism. Then, at the start of the second overtime, Laura Redmond punched in a flick from Ella Masar off a corner kick for the game-winner in the 102nd minute, pushing Illinois into a second round match with No. 2 seed Florida State.
The Seminoles jumped on top early, notching goals in the 30th and 64th minute before Masar managed Illinois’ only goal in the 76th minute. Late attacks proved fruitless as the Illini’s season ended in the second round with a 2-1 defeat by FSU.
Following the successful season, Karniski continued to rake in the awards, earning recognition as a second team All-American by the NSCAA and Soccer Buzz as well as a first team NSCAA Scholar All-American. During the season, Karniski broke the school records for games started and games played as she started all 89 games of her career. In addition, assistant coach Eric Bell was named NSCAA Central Region Assistant Coach of the Year.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
14
WRESTLING 10-2-1 (5-2-1 BIG TEN) // 2ND IN BIG TEN TOURNAMENT // 10 NATIONAL QUALIFIERS
Off the heels of a Big Ten Championship in 2004-05, head coach Mark Johnson and the Illinois wrestling team looked forward to a strong season with five seniors leading the way in 2006. Behind the experience of two-time All-Americans Kyle Ott (125), Alex Tirapelle (157), Pete Freidl (184), All-American Cassio Pero (141), three-time national qualifier Tyrone Byrd (197) and national qualifier Donny Reynolds (174), the Illini were primed to become the squad to beat.
The team could not waste any time, opening the season at the Missouri Open after grabbing a preseason ranking of fourth in the country. Showing its depth at all weight classes, the Orange and Blue medaled 13, including a 157-pound open title by redshirt-freshman Mike Poeta. Reynolds grabbed a silver finish at the event for the second straight year, falling to top-ranked and eventual NCAA Champion Ben Askren of Missouri, while Byrd also grappled to a second-place finish.
In other action, Tirapelle and Freidl took the mat for the first time at the 40th Annual NWCA All-Star Classic in Stillwater, Okla. Both Illini topped their Iowa competitors — Joe Johnston and Paul Bradley, respectively — in the final.
On the waves of early success, Illinois prepared for a tough road at the Cliff Keen/Las Vegas Invitational where they would defend their No. 2-ranking against a field featuring eight top-25 teams and 83 ranked wrestlers. Starting off the team event a little rocky, Freidl, Tirapelle and Reynolds shouldered the load and kept the team in the top five. At the hands of heartbreaking losses, Tirapelle and Freidl finished the event in second, while Reynolds (sixth) and Poeta (fifth) chipped in to help Illinois place sixth overall.
With its final tune-up behind them, Illinois opened its dual season with a dominating win over Augustana, 45-0, on Dec. 11. The Illini carried their momentum into the Midlands hosted by Northwestern University, as the Orange and Blue cruised through their competition, medaling seven, while Tirapelle and Freidl took home individual titles. For his effort, Freidl also earned his first career Big Ten Wrestler of the Week award. In addition, Illinois outperformed 11 ranked teams to capture its third straight Midlands crown. With the victory, Illinois joined Iowa and Iowa St. in capturing three straight Midlands titles.
After its three-peat at Midlands, Illinois traveled to California to take on some of the best of the West Coast. The Illini’s first victim was San Francisco State, 45-0, followed by a rout of Fresno State, 37-3, to sweep the three-team dual. With its travels not over, the Orange and Blue finished their Californian trip with a head-to-head match up against Stanford, blanking the Cardinal, 49-0. The trip marked Illinois’ final non-conference weekend and proved the Illini were ready as they dropped only one bout over three matches.
With the season in full swing, Illinois opened Big Tens on the road against Purdue and Indiana. With a dominating 27-7 showing against Purdue, the Illini made it a sweep of the Hoosier state with a 26-6 victory over IU. Remaining on the road, Illinois kept their season spotless with a 27-12 victory over Ohio State, before returning home for their first home dual against Michigan. Ranked third in the country, Illinois had its hands full with the fourth-ranked Wolverines. Both teams took five bouts, but Michigan’s bonus points sealed the 18-17 victory, giving Illinois its first loss in conference action since 2004.
Dropping its next contest against Northwestern, Illinois returned to form in its final three duals of the season against Iowa, Michigan State and Wisconsin. In what became its most coveted win on the season, the Illini topped the Hawkeyes 24-13 in Iowa City, for the first time in Johnson’s 14-year career at Illinois. The feat also marked the first time the Fighting Illini had tallied back- to-back victories over Iowa since the 1949-50 and 1950-51 seasons.
After back-to-back wins against Michigan State and Wisconsin to finish the regular season, Illinois headed to Bloomington, Ind., to defend its Big Ten title. The Illini grapplers had a strong showing, qualifying five for the finals and holding a one-point advantage over Minnesota going into Sunday. The Orange and Blue, however, were unable to capitalize on their chances and took home second. Despite the finish, Illinois achieved a feat no other team in the country had accomplished, qualifying all 10 wrestlers for the NCAA Championships.
At NCAAs, Illinois grabbed one All-American honor with Freidl’s (third place) third-straight accolade, while Tirapelle surpassed older brother AdamTirapelle’s school record of 127 victories in a career with his 128th at the championship. The team finished 23rd in the overall standings.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
FOOTBALL 2-9 (0-8 BIG TEN)
Despite a disappointing end to the 2005 Illinois football season, the debut of first-year head football coach Ron Zook went off with a bang. Zook and company won its first two games of the season, becoming the first Illinois coach since Mike White to accomplish the task in his first year. Among those wins was a thrilling come-from-behind overtime victory over Rutgers in the season opener. Down 20 points in the third quarter, junior, first-time quarterback Tim Brasic engineered four scoring drives in the final 18 minutes of regulation to send the into OT.
The Jersey-Boy himself, running back E.B. Halsey, used a cutback move to set up the overtime touchdown by fellow back Pierre Thomas. He also scored the final touchdown of regulation on a diving run from 13 yards out.
In Game Two of the season, Illinois held San Jose State to just eight first downs in a 40-19 victory. The Illini found balance passing for 249 yards and rushing for another 243 and controlled the ball for 34 minutes of the game. Jason Reda kicked a career-high four field goals and Brasic found the end zone on two rushing scores.
As the youngest team in the country, two senior starters in the lineup, the Illini suffered some setbacks during the Big Ten season. Illinois’ trio of running backs —Thomas, Halsey and Rashard Mendenhall — combined for nearly 1,300 yards, while a “go-to” receiver was found in true-freshman Kyle Hudson. Brasic rushed for 420 yards, which is the most in a single-season by an Illinois quarterback.
Senior punter Steve Weatherford finished his career as Illinois’ all-time average leader. He also holds the record for punting average in a single-season. The Ray Guy Semifinalist earned second-team honorable mention honors, while defensive tackle Ryan Matha was named an honorable mention.
Zook and his coaching staff took to the recruiting trails in aggressive fashion at the conclusion of the season, delivering a Top-30 class nationally, which also ranked fourth in the Big Ten.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
VOLLEYBALL 16-15 (7-13 BIG TEN)
The Illinois volleyball team had about as much adversity as one team could have during the season in 2005 because of unfortunate injuries or illnesses. Through it all, though, the Illini managed several impressive performances and would end up just a win or two short of qualifying for their 18th NCAA Tournament. Illinois finished the season at 16-15, its 20th winning season in the past 23 years, which included a season-ending victory at Iowa.
No one player signified the overcoming adversity more than senior Rasa Virsilaite. Over the summer, she had surgery to help prevent a heart murmur, broke her finger, and suffered a torn meniscus. On the next to last day of the season, she aggravated the tear further causing Hardin to plan to enter the final match of the year at Iowa without Virsilaite with a winning season in the balance. Not only did she play, but Virsilaite responded with her best performance of her collegiate career – a career-best 23 kills, 11 digs and an astounding .442 hitting percentage. Virsilaite had surgery the following week.
If there is one image that Illinois fans will take from the season, it was the swing of senior Rachel VanMeter. VanMeter ranked fourth in the nation in kills per game (5.79), was one of five players to be named unanimous All-Big Ten, earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors, set school records for most attacks in a game (99), season (1786), and career (4462), and finished her career fifth on Illinois’ all-time kills list with 1,662. She also twice tallied 39 kills in match.
Junior libero Beth Vrdsky set the Illinois’ single-season digs record with 520 and earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after back-to-back wins over No. 18 Purdue and Indiana the final home week of the season.
Illinois suffered through a disappointing 2-8 first half of the Big Ten, but rebounded to go 5-5 during the second half. The Illini defeated two ranked opponents on the year – one an improbable comeback against No. 16 Ohio State in Columbus. The Illini lost the first two games and trailed 22-18 in the third game before rebounding to take the final three games 32-30, 30-24, 20-18.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
BASEBALL 29-29 (15-17) // BIG TEN TOURNAMENT
Entering the 2006 season, first-year head coach Dan Hartleb’s Illinois baseball squad was a team full of new faces after losing 78 percent of the run production from the 2005 Big Ten champion group. However, the Illini were able to reach the postseason for the second straight year and eighth in the last 11 years. Three players were named to All-Big Ten teams, with junior outfielder Ryan Snowden leading the way on the second team. Junior shortstop Shawn Roof and redshirt-sophomore second baseman Ryan Hastings were both third team selections.
The youth and inexperience that filled the Illini squad was apparent early in the season as Illinois lost its first three games before sweeping South Florida at the Bulls’ park the next weekend. The Illini then won its first game at the Baseball Express Collegiate Baseball Classic over Louisiana-Lafayette before dropping three straight to Texas-San Antonio, Notre Dame and Texas A&M.
Unexpectedly, that led to a perfect 6-0 Spring Trip which saw the Illini hit a blistering .379 with 26 extra-base hits. Returning north after the perfect Spring Trip, Illinois won its next three games — one over Indiana State and two against Purdue to open the Big Ten season. But the Illini swooned as April began, dropping 10 of their next 12 games before pulling out a five-game winning streak over Northwestern, Illinois State and Iowa. As April ended, Illinois won three of four games over Minnesota at the Metrodome, defeated St. Xavier on a walk-off home run and split a home series with league-leading Michigan.
But the Orange and Blue finished the final two Big Ten series at Indiana and Michigan State 3-5. Still, the Illini qualified for the Big Ten Tournament as the No. 5 seed before bowing out of the double-elimination tournament with losses to Minnesota and Purdue.
The Illini were led by Snowden, who had team-highs in average (.342), slugging percentage (.464), doubles (20), total bases (103), runs (53) and hits (76) while capably serving as the lead-off hitter since the start of Spring Trip. Freshman two-sport star Kyle Hudson finished the season with a .375 average, third-best in Illini freshman history, but did not have enough at bats to qualify for the team lead because he missed 17 games in April because of spring football practice.
Two Illini garnered Big Ten Pitcher of the Week awards, with Matt Whitmore winning on April 3 and Brian Blomquist grabbing the final honor on May 22. Whitmore saved three games, one against Indiana State and two against Purdue, not allowing a hit in three innings while striking out three and walking one. Blomquist earned his honor by pitching Illinois into the Big Ten Tournament in a must-win game at Michigan State on the final day of the regular season. Blomquist threw eight innings of three-hit shutout ball, walking one and striking out a career-high eight Spartans to get the win.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
SOFTBALL 24-31 (8-11 BIG TEN)
Illinois graduated its most heralded player in school history in Jenna Hall. The first baseman had one of the best years of anyone in the country, ranking second in the nation in batting average (.481) and fourth in slugging percentage (.847) while leading the nation in walks (60), good for a .651 on-base percentage. Hall was named one of 25 finalists for USA Softball Player of the Year and finished her career as Illinois’ all- time leader in batting average (.357), home runs (33), RBI (142), slugging percentage (.580) and on-base percentage (.486).
The Illini finished the season 24-31 and eighth in the Big Ten with an 8-11 conference mark. Illinois qualified for its fifth Big Ten Tournament in six years. The Illini had two wins over ranked teams, defeating No. 10 Baylor 12-6 in Waco during the first week of the year then downing No. 23 Virginia Tech 5-4 on March 10.
Rachelle Coriddi tied her single-season stolen base record with 23 on the year and finished her career with 87 steals, the most in school history.
Hall had the misfortune of playing the same position as Northwestern’s Garland Cooper, who earned Big Ten Player of the Year honors. Thus, Hall was relegated to the All-Big Ten Second Team. Junior outfielder Molly Lawhead and junior designated player Kisten Martin were third team all-conference selections. Lawhead batted .314 with seven home runs and 21 RBI. Martin ranked third in the Big Ten in RBI during conference play (17) and finished the season with six home runs and 28 RBI overall.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
SPORT RECAPS
WOMEN’S BASKETBALL 16-15 (6-10) BIG TEN) // TIED FOR SEVENTH IN BIG TEN
The Fighting Illini women’s basketball team had a roller-coaster season that resulted in a 16-15 overall record and a trip to the WNIT, the program’s ninth post-season appearance in the last 10 years.
Head coach Theresa Grentz picked up her 650th career victory when the Illini topped Michigan in the regular-season finale on Feb. 26, becoming only the 10th Division I women’s basketball coach in history to reach that milestone. However, the biggest highlight of the season was an 86-75 victory over 15th-ranked Oklahoma at Assembly Hall on Dec. 18.
Following that victory, Illinois stayed hot, winning six of its next seven games. After an 84-54 blowout road victory at Wisconsin on Jan. 15, the Illini were 11- 4 overall and right in the thick of the Big Ten race at 4-1. Senior point guard Maggie Acuna dished out a school-record 16 assists in the win over the Badgers and freshman Lori Bjork set a Kohl Center mark for three-point accuracy, hitting 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. Following that win, however, the Orange and Blue went cold, dropping eight straight games to fall out of Big Ten Championship and NCAA Tournament consideration.
The Illini earned a bid to the WNIT for the second consecutive season, topping Western Illinois 58-37 in the preliminary round before falling to Marquette on the road in the first round, 68-57.
Janelle Hughes and Erin Wigley were each named honorable mention All-Big Ten selections and Lori Bjork was a Big Ten All-Freshman Team pick. In addition, Illinois was the winner of the fourth annual Big Ten SuperFan Cup, which rewards the conference school with highest percentage attendance increase from one year to the next.
Following the end of the 2005-06 academic year, the Illini headed overseas to Italy, where they went 4-0 against Italian club teams while also finding plenty of time to soak up the sights in Rome, Florence, Venice, Pisa, Milan and Stresa.
WOMEN’S GYMNASTICS 10-4 // 7TH PLACE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS // 4TH PLACE NCAA REGIONALS
Head coach Bob Starkell and his young, inexperienced squad had high hopes for a stellar 2006 season. Five talented freshmen would be counted on to fill void left by six departed seniors, but Starkell and his staff knew that the strong recruiting class could quickly adjust and help the upperclassmen make a push toward their third consecutive regional appearance.
As the freshmen Illini learned the ropes, the experienced performers led Illinois to a 6-3 record through the first half of the season. Illinois posted its season-high score of 195.300 in a victory over in-state rival Illinois-Chicago on Feb. 25, where they also posted the sixth-best balance beam score in Illini history (49.075).
Coming off their best performance of the year, the Illini began their second half run without sophomore sensation Michelle McGrady, who suffered a season-ending injury. With some big holes in the lineup, Illinois struggled down the stretch, but bounced back to top Big Ten foe Michigan State at Huff Hall on Senior Day.
With the postseason approaching, the Illini suffered their crucial season-ending injury of the year as Danye Botterman, who was a significant part in the vault, uneven bars, and floor line-ups. Despite Botterman’s injury, the Orange and Blue were able to win the unofficial state title at the State of Illinois Classic. The Illini won all four event titles as well as the all-around competition.
Illinois then headed to East Lansing, Mich., hoping for a top-four finish at the Big Ten Championships. However, the Illini struggled to a seventh-place finish with a score of 192.500. Junior Cara Pomeroy and freshman Julie Crall led the way, tying for third on beam (9.825). Pomeroy was honored as a first team All-Big Ten selection for the second consecutive year, while Crall was named to the second team All-Big Ten team and junior Melissa Singer was Illinois’ Sportsmanship Award honoree.
Despite the disappointing showing at Big Tens, Illinois earned its third-straight NCAA Regional appearance. The Illini tied the highest finish in school history by placing fourth at the South Central Regional in Lincoln, Nebraska, with a score of 193.125. Leading the way again was Crall, with career- high scores on vault (9.775), uneven bars (9.675), and the all-around competition (38.950). Her all- around score was good for fifth place, nearly earning her a trip to the NCAA Championships.
The Illini finished their season with a 10-4 regular season record and a No. 25 national ranking.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
WOMEN’S TENNIS 8-15 (3-9 BIG TEN)
The Fighting Illini women’s tennis team kicked off the 2005-06 season with a number of impressive upsets in both doubles and singles action during the non-conference schedule. One of the most remarkable performances came from junior Emily Wang and sophomore Macall Harkins when they upset the then-No. 2 doubles team in the nation from Notre Dame.
From there, Harkins led the Illini in the non-conference schedule as she defeated then-No. 7 singles player Amanda Fink of USC by a score of 6-2, 7-6(5).
Harkins continued her dominance during Big Ten play, winning her first eight singles matches all at the number one position. During that streak, Harkins handed Northwestern All-American Cristelle Grier her first conference loss in 44 matches and was named to the All-Big Ten first team.
Harkins, named Most Improved and Most Valuable Player by her teammates, upset two ITA top-10 opponents on the season and garnered Big Ten Player of the Week honors twice. She was also selected as the eighth alternate for the 2006 NCAA singles tournament and finished the season ranked No. 71.
Senior Brianna Knue racked up twelve doubles wins in 2006, moving her into seventh place on Illinois’ all-time doubles wins list with 75. Knue also took home the team’s Fighting Illini Spirit Award and was later named an Outstanding Sportsmanship Award winner by the Big Ten.
The Fighting Illini hosted the 2006 Big Ten Women’s Tennis Tournament and entered the tournament as the No. 10 seed. Illinois upset the No. 7 seed Ohio State Buckeyes in the opening round 4-2 before bowing out to No. 2 seed Iowa 4-0 in round two.
The conclusion of the season saw Sujay Lama resign as head women’s tennis coach. During his eight years at the helm, Lama compiled a dual-meet record of 108-84, including 60-34 in Big Ten play. He led the Illini to five NCAA Tournament appearances and had the squad ranked as high as No. 16 in the nation in the spring of 2004. Illinois finished the 2006 season with an 8- 15 overall record, including 3-9 in Big Ten play.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
SWIMMING & DIVING 5-9 // 9TH AT THE BIG TEN CHAMPIONSHIPS
While the Illini often struggled to find consistency as a team, the 2005-06 season featured some individual successes. The main highlight was junior Barbie Viney’s Big Ten championship in the 100-yard freestyle. Viney swam an NCAA ‘A’ cut time in the 100 free preliminary, then edged Northwestern’s Andrea Hupman in the final. Then, one month later, Viney finished 21st in the 100 free at the NCAA Championships, just missing the consolation finals. The 400 freestyle relay team also made the NCAA meet, breaking the school record and finishing 18th.
In team competition, the Illini took out conference foe Iowa as well as registering victories against Oakland, Marshall, Toledo and Illinois State. Two swimmers represented Illinois at the USA National Swimming Championships, with freshman Marissa Clapp swimming a U.S. Open cut time of 2:40.66 in the 200-yard breaststroke. She also finished 35th in the prelims of the 400-yard individual medley. Senior Kathryn Easey finished 57th in the 200 breast with a time of 2:48.08 and 63rd in the 100 breast with a 1:18.20 time.
Following the season, Chris Waters joined the Illini coaching staff as the diving coach after Billy McGowan left Illinois. Waters has previously coached at Virginia Tech, Missouri State and Syracuse before spending the 2005-06 season at Tulane, where the program was suspended in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
To cap off the season, four Fighting Illini swimmers and divers were honored for their academic achievements by the College Swimming Coaches Association of America. Christina Brunka and Rebecca Poetz earned Scholar All-America honors after earning over a 3.5 GPA and competing at the NCAA Championships. Clapp and Easey were named honorable mention Scholar All-America recognition after swimming NCAA “B” times and earning at least a 3.5 GPA. Brunka recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA during the spring, 2006, semester, Poetz earned a 3.9, Clapp a 3.85 and Easey a 3.57.
MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY The Fighting Illini men’s cross country program opened a new era in 2005 as Wendel McRaven took over the Orange and Blue as head coach after spending five years at the helm of Kent State’s track and field and cross country programs.
McRaven made an immediate impact as the Illini kicked off the season with a second-place finish at the Hawkeye Open in Iowa City, Iowa. Senior Eric Wallor led the squad, placing fifth overall with a time of 18:37. Sophomore Dan Stock just trailed Wallor, finishing sixth overall with a 6K time of 18:40.
Wallor continued to exhibit his senior leadership two weeks later at the annual “Pack-It-Up” Challenge as the Illini squad dominated its lone home meet of the season by sweeping the top-10 overall finishes. Wallor ran away with a first-place victory in an 8K time of 25:53.59.
Before heading into the conference championships, the Illini hit a bump in the road at Pre-Nationals in Terre Heute, Ind., as they finished 23rd out of 34 teams. The highlight of the meet was Stock’s 24:52 8K performance, placing him 69th overall.
Illinois’ struggles continued at the Big Ten Championships in Minnesota as they ran to a 10th-place team finish. Stock continued to lead the Illini squad with a 33rd-place finish with a time of 25:28. At the conclusion of the conference meet, the sophomore was named Illinois’ honoree for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award.
The Illini wrapped up the 2005 season with an impressive seventh-place performance at the NCAA Midwest Regional meet by posting 198 team points. Although they fell just short of a top-five finish to advance to the NCAA Championships as a team, Stock emerged for the Illini with an individual bid by placing 19th overall with a 10K time of 31:30.
Stock concluded the 2005 cross country season with a 136th-place finish in his first career appearance at the NCAA Championships
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
SPORT RECAPS
MEN’S TRACK & FIELD NCAA INDOOR 4 X 400m RELAY RUNNER-UP
Heading into the new season with a crop of talented athletes and a brand new coaching staff to back him, head coach Wayne Angel knew 2006 would be the next chapter in the rich history of Fighting Illini track and field.
Illinois saw a number of athletes shine during the indoor season as a variety of records were broken. Senior Tramell Smith gave Illinois fans something to cheer about as he smashed the 600-meter Armory track record during the Carle/Health Alliance Classic home meet four weeks into the season. Smith’s time of 1:17.00, a personal best, was over .30 seconds faster than the previous record and only .04 seconds off the Illinois all-time best.
Just a week later, senior Abe Jones kicked off the New Balance Invitational in New York with a 500-meter victory. A personal best as well as program best, Jones’ 1:01.40 made him the fastest American to run the event on the year.
Jones and Smith then teamed up with senior Adrian Walker and junior Nathan Vadeboncoeur just a week later to break another school record before heading into post-season competition. The four made up the Orange and Blue’s 4x400-meter relay that recorded a 3:07.41 at the Cylcone Classic to best the previous school mark by 0.06 seconds. The record-breaking performance was just a glimpse of what was to come at the NCAA Indoor Championships.
Before the NCAA meet, however, the Illini posted a strong third-place showing at the Big Ten Indoor Championships. Smith topped all Illinois performances with two first-place finish, one coming in the 600-meters and the second in the 4x400 relay with Jones, Smith, Vadeboncoeur and Walker. All four were honored with first team All-Big Ten accolades.
Capping off a successful collegiate debut during the indoor season, freshman Dominique Worsley was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Year as he placed second in both the 60-meter dash and the 200-meter dash at the conference’s indoor championships. His successes would carry on into the outdoor season.
Illinois wrapped up the indoor season with seven athletes collecting All-American accolades at the 2006 NCAA Indoor Track Championships in Fayetteville, Ark. The collegiate championship meet was highlighted by a school record-breaking performance by the 4x400 relay with a 3:06.79 to win their heat and place second in the nation.
The Illini had just as much success in the outdoor season as they did in the indoor season, qualifying 11 athletes to the NCAA Mideast Regional Championships. Jones topped all outdoor performance during the regular season with a victory in the special invitational 400-meter hurdle race at the 2006 Drake Relays, collecting the fourth Drake title of his career. The Big Ten awarded Jones for his achievement with the conference’s Athlete of the Week accolade.
The outdoor post-season began with a fifth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships. Jones led the way by winning the 400-meter hurdles. Worsley also had success at the meet as he match his indoor season feat by being named the Big Ten’s Freshman of the Year for the outdoor season. Worlsey topped all freshmen at the conference championships with a second-place finish in the 100-meter finals and a third-place finish in the 200-meter finals.
Illiniois wrapped up 2006 by sending four individuals to compete at the 2006 NCAA Track and Field Championships in Sacramento, Calif., in four different events. Capping off the season was sophomore Nick Brown who placed eighth in the triple jump, a performance that received the first All-American honors of his career.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
SPORT RECAPS
MEN’S GOLF Despite a predominantly young roster that featured a total of four upperclassmen, the Illini men’s golf team
had a solid 2005-06 season. Coach Mike Small’s team recorded four top-5 finishes on the year, tying for third
place at the Landfall Tradition and Bruce Fossum Invitational, placing fourth at The Prestige at PGA West,
and finishing fifth at the Big Ten Championships.
The Illini received contributions from every member of the lineup, as six different golfers recorded a total of 11 top-10 tournament finishes. Leading the way was junior Patrick Nagle, who garnered PING All-Midwest Region and second-team All-Big Ten honors. Nagle led the Illini with a 73.61 stroke average, recorded four Top-10 finishes and was the UI’s top finisher in five of eight tournaments before a hand injury sidelined him for the final three tournaments of the regular season and forced him to withdraw from the NCAA Central Regional. Nagle continued to make headlines following the season, qualifying as an amateur for the 2006 U.S. Open at Winged Foot.
Sophomore Mark Ogren had a strong year following a redshirt season, ranking second on the team with a 74.04 stroke average en route to earning second-team All-Big Ten honors. Ogren had six top-25 finishes and saved his top performance for the Big Ten Championships, where he recorded a career-best sixth place finish.
Sophomore Danny Zimmerman had the best individual performance for the Illini during the 2005-06 season, tying for medalist honors at The Prestige at PGA West. Zimmerman shot 3-under par to win the first title of his collegiate career.
Junior Kyle Hosick was the only player on the roster to play in all 11 tournaments. He was fourth on the team in stroke average and had a pair of top-10 finishes, led by a tie for seventh at the Inverness Intercollegiate. Blair Harkins, the team’s lone senior, was third in stroke average and finished his UI career in style, recording a career-high eighth place finish at the Big Ten Championships. Sophomore Frank Alafoginis also had a top-10 finish, placing seventh to lead the Illini at the Fossum Invitational.
Following the season, David Pezzino was hired as Illinois’ first assistant men’s golf coach.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
SPORT RECAPS
WOMEN’S GOLF The 2005-06 season marked the end of an era in women’s golf at the University of Illinois, as head coach Paula Smith announced her retirement after 28 years in charge of the program. Her coaching career with the Illini began in the fall of 1978 and spanned the entire duration of Illinois’ participation in Big Ten and NCAA competition, as well as the final six seasons of play under the auspices of the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women (AIAW). Smith was inducted into the National Golf Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1978.
The Illini had two top-5 finishes on the season, winning the Plantation Inn Invitational in Crystal River, Fla., and taking fourth at the Illini Spring Classic.
Sophomore Seul Ki Park ranked first on the team with a 76.78 stroke average. She recorded six top-25 finishes, including three in the top 10. Park set a school 36-hole scoring record with a 2-under-par 142 en route to a second place finish at the Shootout at The Legends, which marked the Illini’s top individual performance of the season. Park also tied for second at the Plantation Inn Invitational.
Senior Megan Godfrey ranked second for the Illini with a 78.25 average. She tallied five top-25 finishes on the season and matched Park with three top-10 finishes. She closed out a solid career with the fourth-best career stroke average in school history at 78.84. Godfrey also came up big shortly after wrapping up her UI career, winning the 2006 Illinois Women’s Amateur Championship.
Sophomore Stephanie Mory was third on the team with a 78.72 average and was the Illini’s top finisher at two tournaments, highlighted by a career-high sixth place finish at the Rio Verde Collegiate Invitational. Sophomore Casey Burden joined Park, Godfrey and Mory as the only four players on the UI squad to compete in every tournament of the season. Burden was fourth on the team with a 79.47 average and tied for second at the Plantation Inn Invite. Junior Meghan Naik, who ranked fifth with a 79.52 average, also tied with Burden and Park for second place at Plantation Inn.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
REPORT
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SPORT RECAPS ALL-AMERICANS Kevin Anderson, Men’s Tennis Ross Bradley, Men’s Gymnastics Dee Brown, Basketball Nick Brown, Men’s Track and Field Ted Brown, Men’s Gymnastics Ryler DeHeart, Men’s Tennis Pete Friedl, Wrestling Wes Haagensen, Men’s Gymnastics Jenna Hall, Softball Cassie Hunt, Women’s Track and Field Abe Jones, Men’s Track and Field Christen Karniski, Soccer Chris Lung, Men’s Gymnastics Yvonne Mensah, Women’s Track and Field Adam Pummer, Gymnastics Ryan Rowe, Men’s Tennis Tramell Smith, Men’s Track and Field Justin Spring, Men’s Gymnastics Nathan Vadeboncoeur, Men’s Track and Field Adrian Walker, Men’s Track and Field Steve Weatherford, Football Tyler Yamauchi, Men’s Gymnastics
BIG TEN CHAMPIONS Illinois 4x400-meter relay team, Men’s Track and Field Abe Jones, Men’s Track and Field (400-meter hurdles) Yvonne Mensah, Women’s Track and Field (indoor long jump, indoor
triple jump, indoor 60-meter dash, outdoor triple jump) Camile Robinson, Women’s Track and Field (400-meter hurdles) Tramell Smith, Men’s Track and Field (Indoor 600-meters) Justin Spring, Men’s Gymnastics (parallel bars) Barbie Viney, Swimming (100-meter freestyle) LaNeisha Waller, Women’s Track and Field (600-meter hurdles)
ALL-BIG TEN Kevin Anderson, Men’s Tennis Tiara Armstrong, Women’s Track and Field James Augustine, Basketball Jason Bill, Men’s Track and Field Dee Brown, Basketball Julie Crall, Women’s Gymnastics Ryler DeHeart, Men’s Tennis Eric DiSilvestro, Men’s Track and Field Andre English, Men’s Track and Field Wes Haagensen, Men’s Gymnastics Jenna Hall, Softball Ashley Hanshaw, Women’s Track and Field Macall Harkins, Women’s Tennis Ryan Hastings, Baseball Nina Henson, Women’s Track and Field Tim Hobbs, Men’s Track and Field Janelle Hughes, Women’s Basketball Cassie Hunt, Women’s Track and Field Abe Jones, Men’s Track and Field Kristina Jones, Women’s Track and Field Christen Karniski, Soccer Molly Lawhead, Softball Kisten Martin, Softball Yvonne Mensah, Women’s Track and Field Patrick Nagle, Men’s Golf Mark Ogren, Men’s Golf Cara Pomeroy, Women’s Gymnastics Camille Robinson, Women’s Track and Field Carlene Robinson, Women’s Track and Field Shawn Roof, Baseball Ryan Snowden, Baseball Tramell Smith, Men’s Track and Field Justin Spring, Gymnastics Omoye Ugiagbe, Women’s Track and Field Nathan Vadeboncoeur, Men’s Track and Field Rachel VanMeter, Volleyball Barbie Viney, Swimming and Diving Adrian Walker, Men’s Track and Field LaNeisha Waller, Women’s Track and Field Steve Weatherford, Football Erin Wigley, Women’s Basketball Dominique Worsley, Men’s Track and Field
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS Justin Spring, Men’s Gymnastics – high bar, parallel bars
Kevin Anderson and Ryan Rowe, Men’s Tennis – doubles
AWARD WINNERS Dee Brown, Men’s Basketball – Bob Cousy Award Winner (point guard), Frances Pomery Naismith Winner (nation’s top senior under 6 foot), Big Ten Medal of Honor
Ryler DeHeart, Men’s Tennis – Big Ten Athlete of the Year
Katie Engel, Women’s Cross Country – Big Ten Freshman of the Year
Cassie Hunt, Women’s Cross Country – Dike Eddleman Female Athlete of the Year, Big Ten Athlete of the Year, Big Ten Athlete of the Championships
Yvonne Mensah, Women’s Track and Field – Athlete of the Indoor Track Championships
Justin Spring, Men’s Gymnastics – Nissen-Emery Award, Dike Eddleman Male Athlete of the Year, Big Ten Gymnast of the Year
Christen Karniski, Soccer – Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year, Big Ten Medal of Honor
Dominique Worsley, Men’s Track and Field – Big Ten Indoor and Outdoor Freshman of the Year
Justin Spring // Men’s Gymnastics Dee Brown // Men’s Basketball
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
JUSTIN SPRING // MEN’S GYMNASTICS Justin Spring finished his illustrious career as one of the most decorated Illinois gymnasts to don the Orange and Blue. In 2006, Spring strung together one of the best seasons in Illinois gymnastics’ history that culminated in earning the 2006 Nissen-Emery Award, men’s gymnastics equivalent to the Heisman Trophy. A double titlist at the 2006 NCAAs, Spring took home the crown in the high bar and defended his title in parallel bars. In addition, he carded five All-America honors with a second-place finish in all-around, third on floor exercise and fourth on vault.
Along with his individual honors, Spring helped the Illini to runner-up finishes at the 2006 NCAA and Big Ten Championships. The finish at NCAA came just 0.425 shy of the leader, just short of the Orange and Blue’s 10th national title.
Overall, the Burke, Va., native is a four-time NCAA Champion, winning a pair of titles in high bar in both 2004 and 2006 and back-to-back crowns in parallel bars in 2005 and 2006. Along with his national recognition, Spring earned 2006 Big Ten Gymnast of the Year accolades.
During his four-year career, he has grabbed three Big Ten Championships, with titles in parallel bar and all- around in 2006 and on the floor exercise in 2004. One of Illinois most talented gymnasts, Spring is a two-time recipient of the Dike Eddleman Athlete of the Year award (2004, 2006), which goes to Illinois’ top male and female athlete. A face and name that will forever be remembered in Illini record books, Spring left the Fighting Illini a 12-time All-American, the most since Abie Grosfeld earned 12 from 1957-59.
KEVIN ANDERSON AND RYAN ROWE // MEN’S TENNIS University of Illinois All-Americans Kevin Anderson and Ryan Rowe captured the 2006 NCAA men's doubles championship at Stanford's Taube Tennis Center on Memorial Day, May 29. The fourth-ranked and third- seeded sophomore tandem finished the season with a 23-1 record and won their 10th consecutive match with a straight-sets 6-2, 6-4 win over the No. 2 seeded duo of Andre Begemann and Scott Doerner of the 2006 national champion Pepperdine team.
Anderson and Rowe are the third Illinois doubles team to win a NCAA doubles championship. In 2000, Graydon Oliver and Cary Franklin captured the title and Rajeev Ram and Brian Wilson added a doubles title to an Illinois team and singles championship at the 2003 NCAAs.
2005-06 ILLINOIS
ATHLETICS ANNUAL
ATHLETIC HONORS
CASSIE HUNT WOMEN’S CROSS COUNTRY / TRACK & FIELD 2006 DIKE EDDLEMAN FEMALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Cassie Hunt wins the Dike Eddleman Female Athlete of the Year honor for the second straight year, this year claiming the award after winning the Big Ten Cross Country championships. She also completed the track season by placing second in the 3,000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Her track exploits also included winning the 5,000 meters at the Drake Relays. Hunt made noise in the fall as one of the top cross country runners in the nation. She placed 11th at the NCAA Cross Country Championships, leading Illinois to its best finish as a team
(fifth) in school history. Hunt was the medalist at the Big Ten Cross Country meet and was named the Big Ten Cross Country Athlete of the Year, becoming the first woman in Illini history to claim that honor. She was also the medalist in four other meets and her time of 16:52 at the Notre Dame Invite ranks third on Illinois' all- time list for a cross country 5K.
JUSTIN SPRING MEN’S GYMNASTICS 2006 DIKE EDDLEMAN MALE ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
Justin Spring is a two-time winner of the Dike Eddleman Male Athlete of the Year after earning the award as a sophomore. Spring leaves Illinois, a school rich in tradition in gymnastics, as one of the most decorated performers in the sport to compete at the school. The senior was named the Nissen-Emery Award winner as the top senior gymnast in the nation – the Heisman of collegiate gymnastics. He won the national title in both the parallel bars and the high bar and finished runner-up in the all-around
competition. His performances nearly helped propel the Illini to the national title as a team, but the Illini fell just a fraction of a point shy of Oklahoma for the top spot.
Spring's five All-America honors this year (all-around, floor exercise, vault, parallel bars and high bars) brought his total to 12, the most since Abe Grossfeld, who earned 12 All-America honors from 1957-59. Spring holds the school record in four events, including in the parallel bars, where he scored a 9.825 at the event finals at the NCAA meet to win the national title. Spring has made a name for himself on the national and international scene outside of the collegiate ranks as well. He placed 10th on the high bar and 12th on the parallel bars at the 2005 World Championships as a member of Team USA and won the high bar at the 2005 Visa U.S. Championships.
DEE BROWN MEN’S BASKETBALL BIG TEN MALE MEDAL OF HONOR
Dee Brown is a name that is synonymous with Illinois athletics. Arguably the most popular Illini athlete of all time, Brown's accomplishments on the court are endless. A starter and team leader from day one, Brown came into his own during his junior season in 2004-05, leading the Illini to a national runner-up finish while earning National and Big Ten Player of the Year honors and consensus first team All-America status.
Brown led the Big Ten in assists and won the Bob Cousy Award as the nation's top point guard and the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award at the nation's top senior 6-feet tall and under. He was a consensus second team All-American and first team All-Big Ten selection as well as being a finalist for the Senior CLASS Award. Brown finished his career as the winningest player in Il