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Articles by Rick Danzl
Big 10: Campus memories from acclaimed Illini
To subscribe, click here. To submit a letter to the editor, click here. To pitch a 'My Turn' guest column, email . Want to purchase today's print edition? Here's a map of single-copy locations. This being homecoming weekend, we joined 10 all-star alums for a stroll down memory lane, part of our rebooted UI at 150 & Beyond website . (To get in on the fun, send your Illini memories to ).
COVID-19 putting college basketball traditions in quarantine
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COVID-19 putting college basketball traditions in quarantine
FILE - In this Feb. 5, 2019, file photo, Illinois forward Giorgi Bezhanishvili, left, and guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) are swarmed by fans after the team's NCAA college basketball game against Michigan State in Champaign, Ill. As the season begins in earnest this week, with a full slate of Division I games Wednesday, fans will notice the absence of traditions such as the Silent Night game across the college basketball landscape.
$1 million lottery ticket sold at Tilton County Market
TILTON — A $1 million Mega Millions winning ticket was sold at the County Market in Tilton. The winning ticket in Tuesday's drawing matched all five numbers — 4, 9, 17, 27, 39 — but not the Mega Ball number (22). The winner has yet to come forward, according to the Illinois Lottery, which encouraged the winner to sign the back of the ticket and keep it in a safe place.
Cockburn has rediscovered joy in basketball at Illinois
CHAMPAIGN — Kofi Cockburn grew up in Jamaica wanting to play basketball. Mostly because his older brother, Nagash, played. Everything his brother did, Cockburn wanted to follow. Cockburn ultimately didn’t play organized basketball until he moved from Jamaica to New York City. It was the epitome of a zero to 60 moment because not only had me travelled more than 1,500 miles from home, but his introduction to that level of basketball was playing at New York City powerhouse Christ the King.
Champaign school board approves more spending for referendum work at Central, Centennial, South Side
CHAMPAIGN — Further tweaks to construction costs for referendum projects in the Champaign school district have resulted in additional expenses for Central and Centennial high schools and South Side Elementary but a slight decrease in costs for Dr. Howard Elementary. On Monday night, the school board voted 6-0 to spend an additional $3 million at Central and an additional $2.69 million at Centennial.
Pass rush a priority for Illini defense
URBANA — The noise level from the Illinois defensive linemen grew as Friday’s training camp practice progressed. It peaked when sophomore defensive tackle Calvin Avery won 1-on-1 battle after 1-on-1 battle against a rotating cast of Illini offensive linemen. Friday’s energy level, which carried over into the full team work, is what defensive line coach Austin Clarks wants from his group.
Smith: Beason knee injury 'significant'
URBANA — Marquez Beason arrived for Thursday’s Illinois football practice the same way he left Tuesday. On crutches with a brace on his right knee. The freshman cornerback played a little stationary catch with wide receivers Ricky Smalling and Trevon Sidney and spent some time in the medical tent. Mostly, though, Beason was on the sideline — crutches and all — watching his team go through another training camp practice. His status remains uncertain after he suffered a knee injury Tuesday morning.
Those Who Served | Proud to be a part of ‘the best’
MAHOMET — Everywhere from Okinawa to Kuwait, runways and heliports have to be built or repaired, even under missile fire. Marine Gordon Hieb, 51, retired in January after 30 years of service. Master gunnery sergeant is the highest enlisted rank. He has got a new job and won’t retire again soon. Growing up in Washington state, Hieb played football, basketball and baseball. He worked in construction for a couple of years. He figures some of those skills were attractive to the Corps.
A healthy Epstein believes ‘depth is a friend’ of Illini backfield
URBANA — Sunday was an “on” day at Illinois football training camp for Mike Epstein. The Illini coaches are being careful with the junior running back given the season-ending injuries he’s suffered in each of the past two years. So he’s one day on, one day off. At least for now. “I just want to make the most of every second I’m on the field, whether I’m practicing or not,” Epstein said.
Asmussen | Opportunity at the heart of USC transfers coming to C-U
URBANA — A fair question: Why would three Southern Cal football players fly halfway across the country and transfer to Illinois? Defensive end Oluwole Betiku Jr. came up with one reason: traffic. “I’ve always been in a big city my whole life,” Betiku said. “I went back to L.A. this past week before camp and I got fed up with the traffic. I was like, ‘I can’t wait to get back to Champaign.’” Other reasons exist, too. “Down the street, there’s good food and everybody here is really nice,” Betiku said.
Forward-thinking leader stepping down as Developmental Services Center's CEO
CHAMPAIGN — The poster Dale Morrissey has hanging behind his desk speaks volumes about what’s been a longtime labor of love for the retiring human services executive. The poster dates back to a successful 2004 campaign Morrissey, CEO of Developmental Services Center, worked hard on to persuade Champaign County voters to approve the establishment of a developmental disabilities board and tax.
Top 50 most important Illini: No. 6 Quan Martin
Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer SCOTT RICHEY is counting down the Top 50 most important Illini heading into the 2019 season: No. 6: Quan Martin Vitals: 6-0, 190, So., CB Hometown: Lehigh Acres, Fla. High school: Lehigh Acres Looking back at 2018: Martin entered his freshman season one of a slew of new defensive backs on the Illinois roster, but he quickly distinguished himself on the field.
Books used by UI Education Justice Program returned to prison library's shelves
DANVILLE — More than 200 titles that were removed from the University of Illinois’ Education Justice Program’s library at the Danville Correctional Center in January are now back on the shelves. EJP Director Rebecca Ginsburg said Illinois Department of Corrections staff at the medium-security prison not only re-reviewed and approved the return of the materials that were removed, but they also approved some new titles.
Books returned to prison library's shelves
DANVILLE — More than 200 titles that were removed from the University of Illinois’ Education Justice Program’s library at the Danville Correctional Center in January are now back on the shelves. EJP Director Rebecca Ginsburg said Illinois Department of Corrections staff at the medium-security prison not only re-reviewed and approved the return of the materials that were removed, but they also approved some new titles.
Top 50 most important Illini: No. 9 Owen Carney Jr.
Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer SCOTT RICHEY is counting down the Top 50 most important Illini heading into the 2019 season: No. 9: Owen Carney Jr. Vitals: 6-3, 255, Jr., DE Hometown: Miami, Fla. High school: Miami Central Looking back at 2018: Carney’s role expanded as a sophomore, as he played in all 12 games and made eight starts at defensive end last fall for the Illini.
Rare respite has Trame ready to roll in senior season at STM
St. Thomas More volleyball player Allie Trame at the high school in Champaign on Thursday, July 18, 2019. Rick Danzl CHAMPAIGN — Allie Trame’s athletic workload has been consistent and busy since entering high school in 2016. Play volleyball for St. Thomas More from August through November, earning a couple IHSA state trophies along the way. Suit up for the Illini Elite club team from November through June.
Top of the Morning, July 15, 2019
Among the extras available this week from News-Gazette Media: The results of our second The People’s Choice will be announced in a special section in Thursday’s paper. Among the highlights: The No. 1 vote getter: All About Animals Pet Clinic in Mahomet. And the category that saw the most votes: Best Hearing Center. Editor Christine Walsh says the newest issue of At Home in Central Illinois has an outdoorsy summer feel.
Illini Female Athlete of the Year: Jordyn Poulter
Why she’s our top female athlete of the year: Our third repeat winner since the award’s inception, Poulter was unquestionably the leader of Illinois volleyball’s fourth-ever Final Four team. Her production on the court also garnered All-Big Ten first-team, Big Ten Co-Setter of the Year and AVCA First-Team All-American honors.
Illini football assistant named in lawsuit
A former Southern Cal football staff member filed a lawsuit Monday against the university in which he alleges a current Illinois assistant football coach — and a second USC graduate assistant — paid other student workers to take online classes for them, according to a report by the Los Angeles Times. Illini defensive line coach Austin Clark, who is entering his second season with Lovie Smith’s program, was named in the lawsuit by former USC defensive quality control assistant Rick Courtright.
Top 50 most important Illini: No. 32 Jamal Woods
Before the start of Illinois football's training camp on Aug. 2 in Champaign, beat writer Scott Richey is counting down the Top 50 most important Illini heading into the 2019 season: No. 32: Jamal Woods Vitals: 6-2, 290, R-So., DT Hometown: Hueytown, Ala. High school: Hueytown Looking back at 2018: Woods put together a promising start to last season, starting the first four games of the year at defensive tackle.
Small Towns, Big Deals: Foosland
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sun, 06/23/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl The sixth in a series, we take a glimpse at what's happening in Foosland. Small Towns, Big Deals: Foosland Photographer: Rick Danzl Signs near the south edge of Foosland on Tuesday, June 18, 2019. Small Towns, Big Deals: Foosland Photographer: Rick Danzl The bell from the Foosland United Methodist Church now displayed at the Mounty Hope Cemetery north of Foosland on Tuesday, June 18, 2019.
Defense in trial of China scholar's brutal death: He did it
File-This Oct. 11, 2018, file photo shows guests mingling after a ceremony to dedicate the memorial garden for Yingying Zhang, Chinese scholar who disappeared from campus in June 2017. A judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says lawyers should be ready to deliver opening statements by the middle of next week. Thursday, June 6, 2019, is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria.
Defense in trial of Chinese scholar's death: He did it
File-This Oct. 11, 2018, file photo shows guests mingling after a ceremony to dedicate the memorial garden for Yingying Zhang, Chinese scholar who disappeared from campus in June 2017. A judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says lawyers should be ready to deliver opening statements by the middle of next week. Thursday, June 6, 2019, is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria.
Openings set at Illinois trial in slaying of Chinese scholar
File-This Oct. 11, 2018, file photo shows guests mingling after a ceremony to dedicate the memorial garden for Yingying Zhang, Chinese scholar who disappeared from campus in June 2017. A judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says lawyers should be ready to deliver opening statements by the middle of next week. Thursday, June 6, 2019, is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria.
Death-penalty trial panned in state that ended punishment
File-This Oct. 11, 2018, file photo shows guests mingling after a ceremony to dedicate the memorial garden for Yingying Zhang, Chinese scholar who disappeared from campus in June 2017. A judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says lawyers should be ready to deliver opening statements by the middle of next week. Thursday, June 6, 2019, is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria.
Some pan death-penalty trial in state that ended punishment
File-This Oct. 11, 2018, file photo shows guests mingling after a ceremony to dedicate the memorial garden for Yingying Zhang, Chinese scholar who disappeared from campus in June 2017. A judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says lawyers should be ready to deliver opening statements by the middle of next week. Thursday, June 6, 2019, is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria.
All Area Girls soccer 2019
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sun, 06/09/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl News-Gazette's All Area Girls soccer at West Side Park in Champaign. All Area Girls soccer 2019 Photographer: Rick Danzl AA soccer at West Side Park in Champaign on Tuesday, June 4, 2019. All Area Girls soccer 2019 Photographer: Stephen Haas Mahomet-Seymour's Kelsie Briggs, the News-Gazette's All-Area Girls' Soccer Coach of the Year, poses for a photo at Salon 105 Monday, June 3, 2019, in Mahomet.
Openings expected next week in Chinese scholar slaying trial
File-This Oct. 11, 2018, file photo shows guests mingling after a ceremony to dedicate the memorial garden for Yingying Zhang, Chinese scholar who disappeared from campus in June 2017. A judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says lawyers should be ready to deliver opening statements by the middle of next week. Thursday, June 6, 2019, is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria.
Openings expected next week in Chinese scholar slaying trial
File-This Oct. 11, 2018, file photo shows guests mingling after a ceremony to dedicate the memorial garden for Yingying Zhang, Chinese scholar who disappeared from campus in June 2017. A judge at the trial of a former University of Illinois student charged with killing a visiting Chinese scholar says lawyers should be ready to deliver opening statements by the middle of next week. Thursday, June 6, 2019, is the fourth day of jury selection at Brendt Christensen's trial in Peoria.
All Area Girls soccer 2019
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Wed, 06/05/2019 - 3:26pm | Rick Danzl News-Gazette's All Area Girls soccer at West Side Park in Champaign. All Area Girls soccer 2019 Photographer: Robin Scholz Mia Maupin Monticello soccer 3/10/19 All Area Girls soccer 2019 Photographer: Stephen Haas Mahomet-Seymour's Kelsie Briggs, the News-Gazette's All-Area Girls' Soccer Coach of the Year, poses for a photo at Salon 105 Monday, June 3, 2019, in Mahomet.
Illinois baseball NCAA tournament practice
The Illinois baseball team practices at Illinois Field in Champaign on Tuesday May, 28, 2019. The team is back in the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2015.
Atkins Tennis Center / Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Fri, 05/03/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl We take a look at Atkins Tennis Center / Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex ahead of the 2019 NCAA Men's Tennis Tournament. The facility will host the NCAA First and Second Rounds on May 3 and 4. The Illinois men's tennis team will compete as the No. 15 seed.
Behind the scenes: Illini tennis
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Fri, 05/03/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl We take an inside look at Atkins Tennis Center / Khan Outdoor Tennis Complex ahead of the 2019 NCAA Men's Tennis Tournament. Behind the scenes: Illini tennis Photographer: Rick Danzl A seating area for team boosters at Atkins Tennis Center in Champaign on Wednesday May 1, 2019.
Big Deals in Small Towns: Bismarck
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sun, 04/21/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl The fourth in a series, we take a glimpse at what's happening in Bismarck. Big Deals in Small Towns: Bismarck Photographer: Rick Danzl The water tower in Bismarck on Wednesday, April 3, 2019. Big Deals in Small Towns: Bismarck Photographer: Rick Danzl The welcome to Bismarck sign on the east side of the town on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.
Unit 4's reunification drill
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Tue, 04/09/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl South Side students and families took part in Unit 4's reunification drill on Tuesday April, 2, 2019. Students from the Champaign school were dismissed at noon, loaded onto busses and shipped over to State Farm Center where they waited inside for family members to them pick them up, just like in a real emergency.
Unit 4's reunification drill
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Fri, 04/05/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl South Side students and families took part in Unit 4's reunification drill on Tuesday April, 2, 2019. Students from the Champaign school were dismissed at noon, loaded onto busses and shipped over to State Farm Center where they waited inside for family members to them pick them up, just like in a real emergency.
Jan Impey: Seventy Over 70 banquet
A preview of the talents of Clark-Lindsey Village resident Jan Impey, who will provide entertainment at next week's Seventy Over 70 banquet.
Big Deals in Small Towns: DeLand
The third in a series, we take a glimpse at what's happening in DeLand.
HS Girls Basketball: Class 1A state championship
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sat, 02/23/2019 - 12:15pm | Rick Danzl Schlarman defeated Eastland 62-36 in the Class 1A state championship game at Redbird Arena in Normal on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019. HS Girls Basketball: Class 1A state championship Photographer: Rick Danzl Schlarman players makes faces while posing for a group photo after their win in the Class 1A state championship game at Redbird Arena in Normal on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019.
Big Deals in Small Towns: Newman
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sun, 02/03/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl The second in a series, we take a glimpse at what's happening in Newman. Big Deals in Small Towns: Newman Photographer: Rick Danzl A sign on the edge of town near Route 36 in Newman on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019. Big Deals in Small Towns: Newman Photographer: Rick Danzl Lifelong Newsman resident Terry Payton looks out the window from his seat at the BP station in Newman on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019.
Significant Structures: First Baptist Church of Mahomet
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sun, 01/27/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl First Baptist Church of Mahomet was originally organized in 1839 as Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Town founder Daniel Porter hosted meetings in his home until a small meeting house was constructed in 1840. The first church building proper was a simple frame structure located at the southwest corner of Main and Lombard Streets. The current brick building was constructed in 1867.
HS Girls Basketball: Vermilion County Tournament
Oakwood defeated Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin 37-25 in the championship game of the Vermilion County Girls Basketball Tournament at David S. Palmer Arena in Danville on Friday Jan. 18, 2019.
HS Boys Basketball: Vermilion County Tournament
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Thu, 01/17/2019 - 9:47pm | Rick Danzl Oakwood defeated Salt Fork 50-38 and Bismarck-Henning/Rossville-Alvin topped Hoopeston-Area 49-34 in the Vermilion County Boys' Basketball Tournament at David S. Palmer Arena in Danville on Thursday Jan. 17, 2019.
Mitch McNutt: A Day in the Life
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sun, 01/13/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl A behind the scenes look at the strict training and dietary regimen of former Gibson City-Melvin-Sibley and University of Illinois football player Mitch McNutt. Mitch McNutt: A Day in the Life Photographer: Rick Danzl Mitch McNutt measures out egg whites to be cooked as part of his "second breakfast" at his home in Gibson City on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019.
Big Deals in Small Towns: Cissna Park
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Sun, 01/06/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl The first in a series, we take a glimpse at what's happening in Cissna Park. Big Deals in Small Towns: Cissna Park Photographer: Rick Danzl A sign near the edge of town in Cissna Park on Wednesday January 2, 2019. Big Deals in Small Towns: Cissna Park Photographer: Rick Danzl The trophy case at Cissna Park High School on Wednesday January 2, 2019.
2018 N-G Photographers' Picks
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Tue, 01/01/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl A presentation of the favorite photos and moments of 2018 by The News-Gazette photographers. 2018 N-G Photographers' Picks Photographer: Stephen Haas Freshman Kseniya Didenko, 15, wipes away a tear during a student-led rally to protest gun violence Wednesday, March 14, 2018, in downtown Champaign's One Main Plaza a month after the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
2018 News-Gazette Photographer's Picks
Home » Multimedia » Photo Galleries » Staff Tue, 01/01/2019 - 6:00am | Rick Danzl A presentation of the favorite photos and moments of 2018 by The News-Gazette photographers. 2018 News-Gazette Photographer's Picks Photographer: Stephen Haas Freshman Kseniya Didenko, 15, wipes away a tear during a student-led rally to protest gun violence Wednesday, March 14, 2018, in downtown Champaign's One Main Plaza a month after the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla.
UI Volleyball vs. Nebraska: NCAA National semifinal
Nebraska defeated Illinois in five sets in their NCAA volleyball tournament semifinal match at Target Center in Minneapolis on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018.
UI Volleyball Final Four Practice
Members of the Illinois volleyball team worked out on the eve of their NCAA volleyball tournament semifinal match at Target Center in Minneapolis on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018. UI Volleyball Final Four Practice Photographer: Rick Danzl Chris Tamas talks to his team during practice for the 2018 Division 1 Women's Volleyball Championship at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minn., on Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2018.
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