Aug. 7, 2001
So here we are about to enter into yet another year of college. Can you believe it? I can hardly. Though undoubtedly this is a time of mixed emotions for many. Summer days are long and hot, but the end of August always seems to creep up on you, whether you're ready or not.
But we're here. It's almost that time and here are 10 more reasons to be excited. Whether you're a first timer (frosh!), a seasoned veteran, or a fan waiting in the wings for another season of Illini sports--there's sure to be something for everyone.
10. Fall Fun Fest!
Be sure to get ready for this fun barbecue style kick-off to the new school year. On August 26, all student-athletes, coaches, and family are invited to the Fall Fun Fest. From six to eight-thirty in the evening, our varsity baseball diamond will be transformed into an amusement park of challenge games and back-to-school `how've you been' gossip. Academic Counselor Tom Michael is the coordinator of the event. He works along with athletes of the Student Athletic Advisory Board (SAAB) in organizing and planning the evening. This year there will be three new events from Interactive Adventures, including human foosball, an obstacle course, and basketball. There will also be a grill out buffet, music, a pie-eating contest, and of course, water balloons. Tom says, "It's an exciting time to start the year off and get everyone involved. It should be a lot of fun!"
9. Mike Kosta's Fall Internet Column
This fall, Mike Kosta, a senior on the men's tennis team, will have a series of articles posted here at fightingillini.com throughout the semester. Now, if you know anything about Mike, you know that this is definitely very exciting, because he's one of most off-the-wall and inspiring personalities around campus. I've talked with Mike a lot about his upcoming column and he sounds really excited. "I love the idea that what I'm writing has an audience. I'm really excited to write for the website and it's great to know that people around campus, and even all over the world, could be affected by what I write!"
8. Women's Volleyball Comeback!!
Coming off a tough season last year, the Illinois women's volleyball team is ready to make a statement: "watch out, we're healthy and we're ready!" Last year their season ended with an overall record of 13-18 and 4-16 in the Big Ten. But I got a chance to talk to Head Coach Don Hardin, and he sounded pretty optimistic that the girls will come back strong, "The question remains if we'll rebound from a tough season of adversity and injuries, in all we've had five girls go through knee surgery."
The squad returns four starters and nine letterwinners. All but one of the returning players stayed over this summer to take classes, teach camps, and train together. Coach Hardin said their condition and athleticism is really starting to show. "I got a glimpse of the girls playing at the camps and I'm really excited! We look healthier and in better shape than ever. I'm looking forward to a better year." http://fightingillini.fansonly.com/sports/w-volley/ill-w-volley-body.html
7. Green Street!
How can you not be excited about this one? Yes, we've had to suffer through annoying construction and a revolving door of mediocre business attempts. But it seems that this year Campustown is finally starting to take on a shape of its own.
The biggest new addition, the Technology Plaza, located just below the new apartment building on the north side of the 600 block of East Green Street, already has plans for three more additions to Campustown: a sandwich shop, a travel agency and a physical therapy and fitness complex. And just across the street there are still some of our favorite eateries, as well as some new ones that have just opened. Also, there could be some surprises in store for mom and dad over winter break with a new tattoo shop having recently opened its doors.
6. Can Women's Soccer Keep On A' Rollin?
This is an exciting year for the Illinois women's soccer team. Now in its fifth year, the program's first recruits will be seniors, leaving the team comprised for the first time of all recruited players. The team has five returning seniors, and looks forward to topping last year's first-ever NCAA berth. Junior defender Susan Hodson says, "This is our year! It's the first year that all our players are from a recruited class and all our starters are back."
To get ready for the fall the Illinois soccer squad has gone on a 12-day trip to Europe (Aug. 3-13), playing one game in Scotland and at least three games in England. So don't miss your chance to come support our `world-traveled,' coming-of-age women's soccer team, first in action against Syracuse on Friday, Sept. 9, at their varsity field inside the outdoor track! http://fightingillini.fansonly.com/sports/w-soccer/ill-w-soccer-body.html
5. Homecoming!
A tradition on just about every college campus in the United States, Homecoming gets its name as graduates and former students come back and celebrate their old memories and past times. Of course, it's also a great time for current students and fans as school spirit spreads like wild fire and weekend activities are nonstop. And yes, it all began right here at the University of Illinois! The fall of 2001 marks the 91st year for this campus-wide celebration in which Illinois is set to host Wisconsin Oct. 20 at Memorial Stadium. Check out this link to get a glimpse this year's Homecoming program
http://www.uiuc.edu/ro/saa/Homecoming/Homecoming.htm.
Some of the activities include lunch on the Quad, a 5K race, a Bloc Party, and Quad Cinema! But don't forget to check out our link to see a listing of all the great activities planned for this fun-filled weekend!
4. Men's Basketball- ACC/Big Ten Face-Off
The whole nation is excited about this one! On Nov. 27, the Illini will travel to Maryland to take on the Terps (a Final Four team) for one of the biggest early-season games in the country. The winner of this nine-game face-off will gain conference supremacy and the prestigious Commissioners Cup. Last year the Illini lost a nail-biter to an undefeated Duke team, and the ACC took home the cup, finishing with a 5-4 edge in Challenge victories for the second straight year. But there will be no three-peats this year, not if the Illini have anything to say about it! Our last meeting with the Terps was a 90-80 clean victory at the Maui Invitational in what was just our third regular season game of the year. The Illini will be the first televised game of the Challenge, airing on ESPN at 6 p.m. Central time.
3. Freedom!
It's out of the house and back on the streets! For freshmen it will probably be the first time living away from home, but have no fear...freedom is a wonderful thing! The thought of college and being on your own is great, but then when your parents are driving away and you realize you know absolutely no one beyond your teammates, it can seem overwhelming and even a little scary at first. But that's what college is all about. Getting out the house for the first time and realizing just how many little things your parents did for you... or didn't LET you do!
Tiffany Eklov, a sophomore on the women's tennis team, says, "There's just so much more freedom in college. It's great, but it's hard to handle at first because you feel like you can do anything, and you DO at first! Freshman year was so much fun because everything was so new, but I'm excited to come back as a sophomore. This year I'm out of the dorms and I'm sharing an apartment with friends. I'm excited--but scared--because I've never had my own place. It feels weird, like I'm a grown-up now with real responsibilities. I've never even seen a bill before, and I don't know how to cook!"
2. Football Season!
They say it every year, but this year could really be the year our Fighting Illini take charge of the Big Ten. Just recently we were rated No. 22 in the nation in the Football Writers Association's preseason Top-25 poll. We are one of the three Big Ten teams listed among the Top-25 along with No.14 Michigan and No.20 Northwestern.
The Illini head into the 2001 season strong, with 47 letterwinners returning from last season's 5-6 squad, including 13 starters and a healthy Brandon Lloyd, who averaged 17 yards per catch his freshman year before sitting out last year with a broken femur.
Check out what Robert Jackson, the wide receivers coach, and recruiting coordinator had to say about our Fighting Illini!
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1. The Smell!
Well, not literally, of course! Okay, we go to school in a little farm town, but that's what makes it so great. The town comes alive when students comeback, and that's exciting for everyone. As you can see, there are some surprises in store for this year, but all in all coming back to school is like coming home to a home away from home. And well, for the fans, townies, and newcomers, let the excitement begin! (Don't worry--you get used to the smell!)
So take your opportunity to enjoy every second you get this year at school and go check out some of the Top 10 Things to Look Forward To this Fall. After all, college is about getting out the house, meeting new people, and just plain having fun. And of course, going to class!
So what are you waiting for! See you in the fall!
