Matt Daniels
Verified- Sports Editor, The News-Gazette (Champaign, IL)
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Articles by Matt Daniels
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Dodd, Munroe thriving in pro ball. ... Illini volleyball has seven televised matches this season. ... First Illini sporting event of the 2026-27 school year is fast approaching. ... Catching
Countdown to kickoff: Survey says
Aug. 1—➜ either all-white jersey and pants or all-blue jersey and pants. ➜ Marco Casillas. ➜ Talon Decker. ➜ Eli Dyer. ➜ Culver's. ➜ maroon jersey with maroon pants. ➜ Zi'yir Aker. ➜ Bruce Fancher. ➜ Braylen Mcdermand. ➜ First Federal Savings Bank of Champaign-Urbana. ➜ white helmet, light blue jersey and light blue pants. ➜ myself. ➜ Jonathan Kalonji. ➜ Shawn Thompson. ➜ Chick-fil-A. ➜ purple jersey and white pants. ➜ Mitchell Murphy. ➜ Evan Rardin. ➜ Carson Jewell. ➜ Libman. ➜ maroon jerseys and maroon pants.
The News-Gazette's preseason football Top 10: ALAH lands at No. 4
ARTHUR - Brennon Hutson remembers the caravan of cars. Marcus Otto remembers the overwhelming flow of emotions. The two senior Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond football players hope to experience the same sensations they enjoyed last November after the Knights' stirring run to the Class 2A state semifinals.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: Aug. 1, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: Provided Savoy 13-year-old resident Reagan Tengwall will compete next week in the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Des Moines, Iowa, after qualifying in the 800-meter run. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1.
Countdown to kickoff: Survey says
With the start of the high school football season less than three weeks away — and with 22 local teams stopping by The News-Gazette this week before more arrive in Champaign next week — we shine the spotlight on six area players: Mahomet-Seymour’s Beau Back (22) at The News-Gazette High School Football Media Days on Thursday, July 30, 2026. Beau Back Mahomet-Seymour senior The Bulldogs host Morton on Aug. 21 in their season opener ➜ The best uniform combination on my team is ...
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 31, 2026
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 31, 2026 Jul. 31—➜ in conjunction with their third annual backpack and school supply drive. ➜ . For every one school supply donated during the family movie night held on Aug. 8 at Gies Memorial Stadium to watch 'Air Bud,' fans will receive a free popcorn. ➜ . Song spent the last two seasons as the Drake women's tennis coach, helping the Bulldogs reach the championship match of the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference tournament.
The News-Gazette's preseason football Top 10: ALAH lands at No. 4
ARTHUR — Brennon Hutson remembers the caravan of cars. Marcus Otto remembers the overwhelming flow of emotions. The two senior Arthur-Lovington-Atwood-Hammond football players hope to experience the same sensations they enjoyed last November after the Knights’ stirring run to the Class 2A state semifinals.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 31, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: Bret and Jen Bielema. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1. Illinois football coach Bret Bielema and his wife, Jen, have donated 150 backpacks to Champaign-Urbana schools in conjunction with their third annual backpack and school supply drive. ➜ 2. Fans can get involved, too.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 30, 2026
Jul. 30—➜ . Even if it will end shy of the ultimate prize: a chance to play at the Little League World Series when it begins Aug. 19 in Williamsport, Pa. ➜ , to cap pool play with an undefeated 4-0 record and secure a spot in the state semifinals on Wednesday night in Utica. ➜ 3. But Western Springs ended C-U's run with a 4-3 walk-off win in the state semifinals despite C-U receiving RBI from , and . Despite the tough loss, well done, C-U All-Stars. Plenty to be proud of.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 30, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: From left, players of the C-U All-Stars: Max Masters, Henry Elliott, Ethan Pridemore, Vince Emkes, Cam Fisher, Dayton Murphy, Nathaniel Leeb, Calvin Sedlak and Beau Sankey outside The News-Gazette on July 20. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 28, 2026
➜ . The All-Stars rolled past Sterling 18-1 on Sunday after easily defeating Moline 12-2 in its first state tournament game on Saturday before shutting out Lansing 15-0 in its second game on Saturday. ➜ . A win there would send the team into a semifinal game at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday. Win the semifinal game and a spot in the state championship game happens later Wednesday night. ➜ . Pretty cool. career field goals made during his Illinois football career.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 29, 2026
Jul. 29—➜ . We've invited 54 schools to take part in the day-long event at our office in Champaign. Coaches and athletic directors, please email me at if you have any questions. ➜ . . ➜ , Lucas will offer up high school sports news and analysis online every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. straight seasons Illinois safety has led the Illini in tackles after the Moline native registered a team-high 76 tackles in 2025 and a team-high 94 tackles in 2024.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 29, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: Urbana athletes who attended the 2024 Faces of the Fall event at The News-Gazette gather for a group photo in the newsroom in Champaign. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1. Our annual Faces of Fall event highlighting area high school athletes is set for Sunday, Aug. 9.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 28, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: From left, players of the C-U All-Stars: Max Masters, Henry Elliott, Ethan Pridemore, Vince Emkes, Cam Fisher, Dayton Murphy, Nathaniel Leeb, Calvin Sedlak and Beau Sankey outside The News-Gazette on July 20. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Top male athletes
Jul. 25—Aside from area Male Athlete of the Year Dane Eisenmenger, Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 other area male athletes who stood out during the 2025-26 school year: The senior right-handed pitcher for the Spartans baffled opposing hitters all spring, going 11-0 with a 1.12 earned run average for the Class 2A state champions.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Top female athletes
Jul. 25—Aside from area Female Athlete of the Year Addison Lucht, Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 other area female athletes who stood out during the 2025-26 school year: If Brown lined up in the starting blocks for the 100-meter dash and 200-meter dash, chances are she would win. Which she did in those events at the Big 12 Conference Meet before capping her career with a fourth-place finish in the 100 and a sixth-place finish in the 200 at the Class 3A state meet.
The News-Gazette's 2025-26 area high school Program of the Year: Mahomet-Seymour
Jul. 25—Success in nearly every sport propelled Mahomet-Seymour during the 2025-26 school year. Enough so to give the Bulldogs another accomplishment: The News-Gazette's area high school sports Program of the Year for the second consecutive year and third time since 2022.
The News-Gazette's 2025-26 area high school Male Athlete of the Year: Dane Eisenmenger
The News-Gazette's 2025-26 area high school Male Athlete of the Year: Dane Eisenmenger Jul. 25—A leader. A competitor. A winner.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 25, 2026
➜ Duke on Sept. 12 and Oregon on Oct. 24 at Gies Memorial Stadium. ➜ For each ticket purchased, the Bielemas will match it in an effort to double the number of people affected. ➜ when the Illinois soccer team hosts Central Michigan at 11 a.m. on Aug. 5 in an exhibition match at Demirjian Park. Crazy. strikeouts Mahomet-Seymour graduate native had in his best start with the high-Class A Quad Cities River Bandits.
The News-Gazette's 2025-26 area high school Program of the Year: Mahomet-Seymour
Success in nearly every sport propelled Mahomet-Seymour during the 2025-26 school year. Enough so to give the Bulldogs another accomplishment: The News-Gazette’s area high school sports Program of the Year for the second consecutive year and third time since 2022.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 25, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: Bret Bielema and his wife, Jen, will honor the military again during the 2026 season. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 24, 2026
Jul. 24—➜ that will be inducted Saturday in Springfield. ➜ . ➜ . run Bismarck-Henning graduate and Atlanta Braves reliever has allowed this month. The 28-year-old left-hander has crafted a 0.96 earned run average in 9 1/3 innings in July. Dodd threw one scoreless inning on Wednesday and another scoreless inning on Thursday against the Padres, both wins by the Braves. The Braves start a three-game road series against the Orioles at 6:05 p.m. Friday at Camden Yards in Baltimore. ➜ .
The News-Gazette's preseason football Top 10: Oakwood checks in at No. 5
Jul. 24—OAKWOOD — The key question surrounding the Oakwood football program heading into the 2026 season isn't how many players the Comets lost from last season. It's how many are returning. And it's a bunch. That is the primary reason why expectations are so high for the Comets, a Class 1A playoff qualifier who finished with a 7-3 record in 2025 and garnered some impressive Vermilion Valley Conference wins against the likes of Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin and Salt Fork.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Sophomore sensations
Jul. 24—Their high school athletic careers are halfway done. But they've already started to write their own legacy. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 sophomores who stood above the rest during the 2025-26 school year: Casillas continues to deliver on the hype that preceded his arrival to high school. The News-Gazette's All-Area boys' wrestler of the Year for the 2025-26 season, Casillas went 51-4 with the Bulldogs and finished second in the Class 2A 190-pound bracket.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Fantastic freshmen
Jul. 24—Their high school athletic careers are just getting going. But they've already started to make vital contributions. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 freshmen who stood above the rest during the 2025-26 school year: 1. Eden Harding Champaign Central Harding left an impression in whatever sport she played.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Sophomore sensations
Their high school athletic careers are halfway done. But they’ve already started to write their own legacy. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 sophomores who stood above the rest during the 2025-26 school year: 1. Marco Casillas Mahomet-Seymour Casillas continues to deliver on the hype that preceded his arrival to high school.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Fantastic freshmen
Their high school athletic careers are just getting going. But they’ve already started to make vital contributions. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 freshmen who stood above the rest during the 2025-26 school year: 1. Eden Harding Champaign Central Harding left an impression in whatever sport she played.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 24, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: Former Illinois men’s basketball standout Kiwane Garris waves to the crowd inside Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign on Oct. 14 during a break in the Illinois-Ohio State football game.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 23, 2026
Jul. 23—➜ , the third straight year the Illini have achieved that. ➜ . That distinction earned Illinois special mention honors in the 2025-26 Women's Basketball Coaches Association academic Top 25 team honor roll, the WBCA announced. ➜ , an honor for those who make a difference in community service, academic achievement and leadership. career passing yards Illinois quarterback has in his college career.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: All-interview team
Jul. 23—Whether it was after a win or a loss, these area athletes were go-to sources for The News-Gazette during the 2025-26 school year. Some for their candid answers. Others for their humor. And most of all, for their ability to break down what had just transpired on an athletic field or court. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 high school athletes, listed alphabetically, who make up our all-interview team from the past 12 months: 1.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Top 10 juniors
Jul. 23—The start of their senior year in high school is only a few weeks away. But these 10 area athletes have certainly made an impression already based on their strong performances in the past. Sports Editor Matt Daniels breaks down 10 area juniors who stood out during the 2025-26 school year: 1. Cameron Wagner St. Joseph-Ogden It's not every day a local athlete makes his college commitment live on ESPN. Wagner did, though.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 22, 2026
➜ The 25-year-old Illinois native from Newark, who is a 2023 Bradley graduate, started in our newsroom on Monday. ➜ . His byline will first appear in Thursday's paper with an introductory column, along with two stories on two recent Champaign Central baseball players experiencing success - with the Class AA Rocket City Trash Pandas and new Virginia Tech recruit . ➜ . Keep on dancing while rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs. Thank you for being my why.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: All-interview team
Whether it was after a win or a loss, these area athletes were go-to sources for The News-Gazette during the 2025-26 school year. Some for their candid answers. Others for their humor. And most of all, for their ability to break down what had just transpired on an athletic field or court. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 high school athletes, listed alphabetically, who make up our all-interview team from the past 12 months: 1.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 23, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: The Illinois women's basketball program is having success on and off the court. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1.
Preps Year in Review 2025-26: Top 10 most publicized area athletes
Preps Year in Review 2025-26: Top 10 most publicized area athletes Jul. 22—They were familiar names in the newspaper. Familiar names spoken by area public address announcers. Familiar names whom their teammates, coaches and fans turned to when a big moment arrived. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 area athletes who generated the most headlines during the 2025-26 school year: Well before he signed with the Illinois football program in early June, Eisenmenger made headlines.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: 10 athletes who deserved more recognition
Jul. 22—These 10 area athletes produced highlights of their own from the 2025-26 school year in their respective sports. But they might not have generated front-page headlines like their fellow classmates or teammates. Don't worry, though. Sports Editor Matt Daniels is making sure they get some overdue recognition now: The emergence of girls' wrestling in the area and the state has no signs of slowing down. Disanto played a part in that.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Top 10 area teams
History will remember these Spartans fondly. Not only because of the history they made in becoming the first Champaign County high school baseball program to win an IHSA state championship. Which SJ-O did when it cruised past Harvest-Westminster 15-1 in five innings on June 13 at Illinois Field.
Preps Year in Review 2025-26: Top 10 most publicized area athletes
They were familiar names in the newspaper. Familiar names spoken by area public address announcers. Familiar names whom their teammates, coaches and fans turned to when a big moment arrived. Sports Editor Matt Daniels highlights 10 area athletes who generated the most headlines during the 2025-26 school year: 1. Dane Eisenmenger Unity Well before he signed with the Illinois football program in early June, Eisenmenger made headlines.
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Welcome to The News-Gazette's new preps coordinator, Matt Lucas. ... Four Illini women's basketball players get national team experience this summer. ... Trio of former Illini tee off Thursday in
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 21, 2026
Jul. 21—➜ . The recent Unity graduate and standout wrestler won a national title on Saturday in the 207-pound weight class at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, N.D. ➜ . Munroe is hitting .307 with 10 RBI in 20 games for the Class AA Rocket City Trash Pandas before they host the Knoxville Smokies at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday. ➜ in four NBA Summer League games with the Los Angeles Clippers in Las Vegas.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: 10 underrated area coaches
Jul. 21—Consistent success has followed Welter every step of his coaching journey. Since he became the Sages' football coach in 2009, Monticello has never missed the playoffs. The Sages had to replace several key contributors off of its 2024 Class 3A state runner-up team and still produced an 8-3 record, nearly topping eventual state runner-up Unity before falling to the Rockets 21-20 in the second round of the 3A playoffs.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: 10 underrated area coaches
These area high school coaches didn’t lead a team to an elusive state title during the 2025-26 school year or have their teams among our Top 10 area programs from the past 12 months. But their contributions didn’t go unnoticed by Sports Editor Matt Daniels: 1. Cully Welter Monticello football and track and field Consistent success has followed Welter every step of his coaching journey. Since he became the Sages’ football coach in 2009, Monticello has never missed the playoffs.
Preps 2025-26 Year in Review: Top 10 area teams
The 2025-26 school year featured a bevy of indelible moments from area high school programs. State championship celebrations. Incredible finishes. Clutch performances. Sports Editor Matt Daniels lists 10 teams who stood above the rest: 1. St. Joseph-Ogden baseball History will remember these Spartans fondly. Not only because of the history they made in becoming the first Champaign County high school baseball program to win an IHSA state championship.
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Congrats, Phoenix Molina. ... Gordon stellar out of the bullpen for the Rockies. ... Three area American Legion baseball teams reach state. ... Catching up with St. Joseph-Ogden baseball standout
Molina becomes a national champion
FARGO, N.D. - A steak dinner and a nap. That is how Phoenix Molina planned to celebrate on Saturday evening after the recent Unity graduate achieved yet another noteworthy accomplishment on the wrestling mat. A well-deserved treat and celebration, too. Because Molina became a national champion on Saturday when she defeated Maddie Hayden of Michigan via a 6-0 decision in the 207-pound championship match of the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 18, 2026
Jul. 18—➜ . The recent Unity graduate, who won an IHSA state title at 235 pounds this past February to complete an undefeated final season with the Rockets, will wrestle for a championship at 207 pounds on Saturday at the U.S. Marine Corps Junior Nationals in Fargo, N.D. ➜ after he placed third at 144 pounds in the U16 bracket. ➜ on WDWS 1400-AM and 93.9-FM. rushing yards last season by Duke running back .
The daily pitch from Sports Editor Matt Daniels: July 18, 2026
To subscribe, please click here Want a copy of today's edition? Here is a map of single-copy locations Follow The News-Gazette on TikTok here Sports Editor Matt Daniels with a look at what's going on around the area: Unity senior Phoenix Molina is the first recipient of The News-Gazette’s All-Area Girls’ Wrestler of the Year after she went 38-0 this past season and won an IHSA state championship. Three reasons we love sports today ➜ 1. Phoenix Molina continues to shine on the wrestling mat.
Gordon relishing the 'privilege' of playing in the majors
CHAMPAIGN - Tanner Gordon has faced off against the likes of Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Rafael Devers and other proven hitters standing only 60 feet, 6 inches away from him. But those nerves didn't compare to the sensation he had in late December upon flying to New York. The Champaign native and 28-year-old pitcher with the Colorado Rockies had reason to feel some strong jitters shortly after Christmas. Because Gordon was planning on proposing to his girlfriend, Sydney Hester.
The daily pitch from Sports Editor : July 17, 2026
Jul. 17—➜ . The news on Thursday that the UI Board of Trustees agreed to a 10-year contract extension with athletic Illini director is proof of that. ➜ before Friday's second round tees off at Royal Birkdale in England after a superb showing on Thursday. ➜ . Detry's steady round featured four birdies — at the first, seventh, eighth and 10th holes — to go along with 13 pars and just one bogey.
Whitman receives lengthy contract extension and raise
CHAMPAIGN - Josh Whitman isn't going anywhere. The Illinois athletic director, already in his 10th year as the leader of his alma mater's athletic department, received a contract extension on Thursday from the University of Illinois Board of Trustees that will keep him in charge of the Illini until 2036. At least. The 47-year-old Whitman will receive a significant pay upgrade, too, with his base salary for the 2026-27 school year starting at $2,150,000.
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