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In
Mike Pearson’s book "Illini: Legends, Lists & Lore,"
legendary sports hero Dike Eddleman writes: "I chose the
University of Illinois, not only because it is one of the finest
educational institutions in the world, but because of its
distinguished roster of sports legends…Illinois was the best
choice for a young athlete eager for world-class competition."
It is that tradition of excellence in sports that Pearson so ably
documents in his book.
Spanning
the period from the university’s entry into the Big Ten in 1895 to
the events of 1994, Pearson’s compilation is a treasure-trove of
stories, facts, statistics and photographs that will entertain any
Fighting Illini fan. The chapters are divided according to eras and
contain an important athletic moment for that year, a unique Illini
item and its future significance, trivia lists, the lore surrounding
a significant event or person, birthdays of letter winners, and an
exclusive focus on women’s sports.
Perhaps
the most important section is the "Illini Legend," a
passage that honors some the university’s most famous sports
figures and celebrates their achievements on and off the field.
These individuals combine with the university’s storied history in
the Big Ten conference to create a tradition unequaled at other
schools.
•
On Nov. 20, 1897, Illinois played its first indoor football game
against Jim Thorpe’s alma mater, the Carlisle Indians (Carlisle
won).
•
In 1901 the university’s baseball team played a nine-game series
with the Chicago Cubs (the Illini won four of the games).
•
The school’s first intercollegiate basketball game took place in
the 1905-06 season, when the team defeated Indiana 27-24.
•
1914 saw legendary coach Bob Zuppke lead the Illini to a national
football championship. By the time he retired, Zuppke added three
more national titles and seven Big Ten titles to his record.
•
In November 1925 Harold "Red" Grange signed a contract
with the Chicago Bears for the unheard of sum of $100,000. Although
his numerous endorsements added to his income, he reportedly
instructed his agent "to limit him to a drawing account of a
flat $100 a week."
•
Kenney Gym is named after Harold "Hek" Kenney. After
becoming coach of the wrestling team in 1929, Kenney led the
Fighting Illini to a 91-28-2 record and four Big Ten titles.
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•
The dominant sports figure of the early 1930s was Lincoln native
Frank Froschauer. Froschauer was a member of coach Zuppke’s
football team and the leading scorer for coach Craig Ruby’s
basketball team.
•
Perhaps the greatest sports era in the university’s history
occurred during the years 1950-54. Of the 48 possible Big Ten
championships, the Illini captured 23, including baseball, fencing,
gymnastics, and track and field.
•
Pearson calls the 1963 football game between the Illini and Michigan
State, "the worst of times and the best of times." Because
of the assassination of President Kennedy, the team was forced to
make two trips to play the game in Lansing. In the end the Illini’s
defense, led by Dick Butkus, won over the fourth-ranked Spartans
13-0.
•
On March 7, 1980, long-jumper Becky Kaiser became the university’s
first woman athlete to garner All-American honors.
•
Golfer Renee Heiken won 15 tournament championships and honors as
the Big Ten championship medalist during her career in 1991-93. With
her achievements in women’s golf, she was a two-time Illini Female
Athlete of the Year and a national Player of the Year.
"Illini
Legends, Lists & Lore" is a must for any University of
Illinois sports fan. In addition to a comprehensive treatment of the
university’s sports history, the book has a complete list of
letter winners from all sports, a year-by-year summary of the
records and titles of every sports team, and a personnel history of
the school’s intercollegiate athletic programs.
As
Dike Eddleman writes in the foreword, "Perhaps there is no
greater tribute to our namesake than the men and women of Illinois
athletics…As you will discover in the pages of this book,
throughout the annals of Illini sports, both athletes and coaches
have been characterized by patience, perseverance, sacrifice, and
spirit."
This
book is highly recommended to everyone interested in intercollegiate
sports or the University of Illinois.
For
more information visit the library at 725 Pekin St. or call (217)
732-8878.
[Richard
Sumrall, Lincoln Public Library District]
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