Thursday, August 14, 2008
In the Good Ole Summertime
We've been on something of a summer vacation here at Illinitalk. Between new babies, work, weddings of family and friends, the Cubs and more, we haven't found much time to write. Our apologies. While I won't attempt to cover all that's happened in Illini sports, here are a few highlights:
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- Seven current and former Illini are in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics (I love the Olympics)
- Deron Williams and company on the U.S. Men's "Redeem" Team are rolling through the competition, including Greece
- Gymnast Justin Spring played a key role in securing the bronze for the U.S. Men's Gymnastics Team
- Jamar Smith is no longer a member of the Illini basketball team, after failing to stick to his probation rules
- The "Night of Legends" for Illini basketball will bring together many former Illini on Sept. 13, and several Illini will be honored as their jerseys are hung in Assembly Hall
- Excitement is building for the 2008 Illini football team, ranked 10th preseason in Sporting News
With football season quickly approaching, the Cubs in first in the NL Central, and plenty of Olympics to watch, there's a lot to be excited about. But perhaps the biggest highlight for me -- tomorrow I should be able to watch the Big Ten Network from the comfort of my living room. I can hardly wait!
Labels: Illini basketball, Illini football, Illini Olympians
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:37 PM
Monday, June 23, 2008
Summer News and Notes
Thank you to both the Big Ten Network and Comcast for coming to an agreement, despite many unanswered questions. I am thankful that I will be able to watch my boys at home. It gets expensive (and sometimes a bit annoying) to be forced to go out to watch a game. I would much rather be able to choose what games I want to go out to watch. Now I can really start getting excited about football season!
But, before we get to football, we get to watch the Olympics. I love the Olympics. Former Illini gymnast and current assistant coach Justin Spring earned a spot on the men's gymnastics team and will be headed to Beijing. And there's added incentive to watch Coach K's basketball team -- Deron Williams is on the Team USA roster.
But it's so easy to get ahead of myself. We are in the heart of baseball season, the Cubs swept the White Sox at Wrigley, and center fielder (and reciever) Kyle Hudson was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles, making him the 4th highest Illini position player to go in the MLB draft. Illini RHP Scott Shaw was also taken in the draft, and made a strong pro debut with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings for a short-season Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Wherever these guys go, a bit of orange and blue goes with them. They represent the Illini nation, and we wish them all the best. Go Illini!
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But, before we get to football, we get to watch the Olympics. I love the Olympics. Former Illini gymnast and current assistant coach Justin Spring earned a spot on the men's gymnastics team and will be headed to Beijing. And there's added incentive to watch Coach K's basketball team -- Deron Williams is on the Team USA roster.
But it's so easy to get ahead of myself. We are in the heart of baseball season, the Cubs swept the White Sox at Wrigley, and center fielder (and reciever) Kyle Hudson was drafted in the fourth round by the Baltimore Orioles, making him the 4th highest Illini position player to go in the MLB draft. Illini RHP Scott Shaw was also taken in the draft, and made a strong pro debut with 8 strikeouts in 4 innings for a short-season Class-A affiliate of the New York Mets.
Wherever these guys go, a bit of orange and blue goes with them. They represent the Illini nation, and we wish them all the best. Go Illini!
Labels: Big Ten Network, Comcast, Illini baseball, Illini Olympians
# posted by Alma Mater : 8:24 PM
