Eric Loy, Sports Director at Neuhoff Media Danville, brings you news from the Fighting Illini Football & Basketball teams, along with news from other Fighting Illini Sports.
-The Illini football team heads into a bowl and I have NO IDEA what to expect. With an interim coach that is not coming back, what is there to lose. This might be a lot of fun to watch with all sorts of gadget plays thrown out. It would be great to see Nathan Scheelhaase get a second bowl win in two years as Illini starting QB, something that NO ONE has ever done. We have to remember that the kids are what is important here.
-UCLA has their own problems...not a good defense at all.
-I am keeping an open mind about new FB coach Beckman. Rumbles from Illini fans range from dismay that a bigger "name" coach could not be attracted to mild acceptance. Will he be able to recruit Big Ten-level talent, and will the fans buy into the team?
-Not too thrilled about how OC Paul Petrino left the team, setting bridges on fire with his comments . Leads me to believe that there was some friction between him and Ron Zook. If there was some meddling halfway through the season that resulted in the complete reversal of fortune of the offense for the team, that would go down as one of the worst coaching moves in Illinois history.
-The Illini men's basketball team plays SO MUCH BETTER when they are not shooting so many threes. Joseph Bertrand driving in may be what the doctor ordered for the offense. If he and Paul can slash a bit, Leonard will have some of the pressure taken off of him when help defense comes to the ballhandler.
-Crandall Head's departure from the program is unfortunate but not unexpected. He had on and off-court problems while with the team, and simply did not perform when given a chance. There have been internet attacks on Weber for this, but those are from people who have agendas. Head did not fit.
-A lot of loud murmuring about Jolette Law and Illini women's basketball. Everyone needs to get this through their heads: Illinois women will not be going back to Huff Hall to play. It would be a ridiculous mistake...probably a violation of some Title IX rule. Coaching a women's sport is on a different planet than coaching a men's sport. There will be transfers on every team, the dynamics of the lockerroom can be much tougher.
-Saw this on a baseball blog: the host of the original Home Run Derby show was Mark Scott, who went to the U of Illinois! He had done work for the old Hollywood Stars of the PCL before the Dodgers moved West. The show aired in 1960, but Scott probably didn't see it. He passed away at the age of 45 in June of that year.
-Tim Beckman will be introduced as the new Illini head football coach this afternoon. The Toledo coach has some pedigree, having worked under some pretty good head coaches, and has done a good job at Toledo. He has a defensive background in coaching, which might mean the Illini would lose Vic Koenning in the deal. Let's hope not.
-I am pretty embarrassed by the slanted coverage given by some stalwarts of the Illini football beat in this state. Some journalists went well out of their way in promoting one candidate, Todd Monken, calling him the best fit for the job, while downplaying other candidates. The favoritism was not very subtle. I am not saying Monken would not have been a good choice, but calling him a better choice than others with head coaching experience is stretching credibility.
-Illini mens basketball got a rough win, but a win, over the Bonnies last time out. Take it and LEARN. Don't shoot the three so much. You have tall players, use them inside. Yes, I'm kvetching about an undefeated team in the top 25. But it doesn't FEEL like a top 25 team to me right now.
-Volleyball has Ohio State in the sweet 16 this weekend. Good job by the team and Coach Kevin Hambly:
-Finally, congrats to former Illini Larry Sutton! Named manager of one of the Pirates' Dominican winter ball teams. Larry played in seven seasons in the majors, and finished his U.S. career by popping a .373 average and 21 homeruns in 91 AAA games in 2004. He also played in Korea.
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Send your non-profit group or organization announcements at least two weeks in advance via email to TomBarnes@neuhoffmedia.com, fax to (217) 431-1489, or mail it to Neuhoff Media, 1501 N. Washington, Danville, IL 61832.
Survivor Georgetown: Deep Sea Exploration at Mary Miller Junior High
Students will create tribes and develop teamwork and leadership skills as they ''travel'' the oceans of the world June 3rd through 27th, Monday through Thursday, 9am until 12pm. Students that meet the attendance requirement will be able to attend field trips to Forest Glen, Lafayette Water Park and the Shedd Aquarium. Space is limited, so enrollment forms should be submitted ASAP to reserve a spot. SURVIVOR Enrollment Forms can be obtained & submitted to Mary Miller Junior High School or Ridge Farm Elementary School. This is a free program for Mary Miller Junior High students and Ridge Farm Elementary 5th graders. Free transportation, breakfast and a snack will be provided. Call (217) 822-2580 or email kdavid@vcprojectsuccess.org for more information.
Armstrong Archery Advertisements
Armstrong Archery is hosting the Cupid Classic Archery Tournament in Armstrong. T-shirt advertisers will have their names listed on the back of t-shirts worn by the archery team as they travel to the World Tournament. Advertisements will also be displayed on the wall at the Cupid Classic. T-shirt ads are $150 & must be returned by June 15th, and Sign Ads are $50 for a 24" x 18" or $100 for a 36" x 24" & must be returned by June 27th. Send checks & information including advertisers name to appear on an ad, advertisers address & phone number to PO Box 20, Potomac, IL 61865.
Free Toilet Training Workshop
The Autism Program of Illinois is hosting a free toilet training workshop for individuals with special needs and their parents and professionals. It will provide strategies for developing a toilet training program for home or school settings. RSVP required by June 21st. To register, email skrein@thehopeinstitute.us or call 217-306-6751 with your name, email address and phone number. Indicate if you are registering for Urbana or Danville workshop. For more information, check out Puzzled Minds Vermilion County on Facebook or call 840-5627.
Blood Drive in Vermilion County
Central Illinois Bank in Danville will sponsor a blood drive with Community Blood Services of Illinois on Saturday, June 22nd from 9:30am to 12:30pm. The Bloodmobile will be at 2490 N Vermilion in Danville.
Wild Horse and Burro Adoption
Join on June 21st-22nd at the Ewing Wild Horse Facility for a Friday preview from 2 to 7pm and a Saturday adoption from 8am to 5pm. Adoption is first come, first served. Adoption Center is located at 22295 Sheep Farm Road, Ewing, IL 62836. For more information call 866-468-7826.
Fight Like A Girl Event for Lori Ostendorf
Fight Like a Girl at an event to benefit Lori Ostendorf. Lori has been diagnosed with brain and lung cancer. She's gone through intense radiation, is currently undergoing chemotherapy, is still trying to work as a letter carrier, and maintain a home for her son, despite all she's enduring. She is out of sick leave, and all proceeds from this benefit will be used to cover living and medical expenses. Benefit is Sunday June 23rd from 3 to 8pm at Sarge's Tap at 409 E. Main in Danville. There will be a silent & live auction, food, a 50/50 raffle, a bakesale and a dj. For more information or to make donations, call 217-474-6557.
Taste of Champaign-Urbana seeks Volunteers
Be a part of the Taste of Champaign-Urbana. Champaign Park District is seeking volunteers for the 43rd annual taste of C-U. This food and arts festival is taking place June 21st to 23rd at West Side Park in Champaign. The taste of C-U is the biggest fundraister for the Park District's Youth Scholarship Fund which provides opportunities for youth unable to participate in recreation programs because of economic hardship. Help make it the most successful year by volunteering! Email volunteer@cparkdistrict.com or call 217-398-2550.
17th Annual Sports Media Camp for Kids
The 17th Annual Sports Media Camp for Kids will be the week of June 17th through June 22nd. The nations leading sports media camp is for students ages 10 through 18. Kids will learn play by play interviewing and sports video skills. Learn from national broadcasters and enjoy a field trip to University of Illinois. Campers will broadcast a Danville Dans game along with hosting a LIVE radio talk show on WDAN. This year's camp will feature the voice of the Final Four Gene Honda. Call 443-8807 or visit DACC.edu to register online. Cost is $60.
Toyota of Danville Blood Drive
Toyota of Danville will sponsor a blood drive with Community Blood Services of Illinois on Wednesday, June 26th from 12pm to 4pm. The bloodmobile will be at 2106 Georgetown Road in Tilton.
Around the World in 16 Days
Experience the many wonders of the world such as 'Mummies' presented by the Field Museum and ''A Day as a Knight'' program at the Spurlock Museum from June 3rd to June 27th, Monday through Thursday, 9am to 12pm. Other FUN activities include field trips, art, music, stories from around the world, sports, recreation, archery, games from ancient civilizations, food of many cultures, basket weaving and more! Space is limited so enrollment forms should be submitted ASAP to reserve a spot. Enrollment forms can be obtained from Judith Giacoma Elementary in Westville. This program is free to kids 2nd to 6th grade. Please call (217) 267-2154 or email dcalvin@vcprojectsuccess.org
Fairmount Blood Drive
Fairmount First Baptist Church will sponsor a blood drive with Community Blood Services of Illinois on Saturday, June 29th from 10am to 1pm. The Bloodmobile will be at 202 S Main St in Fairmount.
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