Peyton Wesner – Producer and Men’s Basketball Reporter February 19, 2020
The Fighting Illini’s losing skid is no more. In Ayo Dosunmu’s triumphant return from injury, the sophomore guard powered Illinois in a 62-56 upset victory over No. 9 Penn State on Tuesday. The Morgan Park High School product netted 24 points, including a running floater that supplied a two-possession lead with 16.1 seconds remaining.
“You see why we miss Ayo when we don’t have him,” said head coach Brad Underwood postgame. “He elevates his game, he makes the right play, and he was spectacular tonight. He closes games like most players of his caliber do.”
Illinois’ win is it’s second over a top ten ranked team. The first came last December against No. 5 Michigan. The Fighting Illini will receive a well-deserved respite before returning to action against Nebraska on Monday, February 24.
The latest game promotion at Illinois Field is Craft Beer Night on May 8 when Illinois hosts Michigan State at 6pm. Local brewers Triptych and Blind Pig will each provide 3 craft bears for the evening.
Other notable games are Opening Day March 3, and Opening Weekend on March 21st.
Finally the Fighting Illini will wear special commemorative jerseys as part of Honor and Serve Day at Illinois Field for the 9th year in a row. Designed to honor University of Illinois student veterans and all of America’s military heroes along with serving the Champaign-Urbana community, this event will be held on Saturday, April 25, when Illinois hosts Northwestern at 3 p.m.
A full list of Illinois Field promotions are listed below.
Full Promotion Schedule
» Illinois Field Opening Day (March 3)
» Home Opening Weekend (March 21) – Schedule magnet giveaway
» Big Ten Home Opener (April 3)
» Mom’s Weekend (April 4) – Illinois baseball wine glass giveaway to moms in attendance
» Youth Day (April 5)
» Price Is Right Night (April 10)
» Bunny at the Ballpark (April 11-12)
» Bleacher Bum BBQ (April 24)
» Honor and Serve (April 25) – Camo rally towel giveaway
» Summer Fever & Scout Day (April 26) – Bucket hat giveaway
» Craft Beer Night (May 8)
» Bark In the Park (May 9) – Illinois baseball dog toy giveaway to dogs in attendance
» Senior Day (May 10)
Peyton Wesner – Producer and Men’s Basketball Reporter February 17, 2020
The premiere of Illini Sports Night was the realization of a dream.
I remember discussing with Thomas Polcyn inside Richmond Studio, pondering the logistical steps of launching a weekly sports newscast. Now, over a year later, Professor Ken Erdey has made this a reality.
Although the semester is not even a month old, I have learned so much. A videographer can only get better and, through covering a variety of different sports, I believe my skills have sharpened and improved. Plus, I have enjoyed the freedom to produce post-game wrap packages. With major sporting events or popular teams (in a market), post-game hits are essential for a sports reporter, so the experience is invaluable.
Speaking of my contributions, most — if not all — footage and b-roll appearing in Illini Sports Night’s first episode was captured by me. Furthermore, I also produced the first five minutes of the newscast, which included a package about Illinois sophomore guard Ayo Dosunmu and his injury (edited and voiced by me).
A courtside perspective of Illini Sports Night’s vantage point during Illinois’ battle with Michigan State on February 11, 2020.
Naturally, I feel more comfortable as our producing trio ventures into the second show. While my responsibilities will be less, I am relieved to know other talented videographers will be able to pick up the slack in covering events. For instance, Spencer Nelson was responsibility for capturing women’s gymnastics on February 14 while Tristen Kissack and Blake Landa covered women’s basketball senior day. Now, I could not stay away from checking out a camera and shooting wrestling, which was my twelfth sporting event covered since January 24.
Nevertheless, I know now our videographers are serious about bringing you, the viewers, an inside look to the talented varsity athletics on campus.
After all, Illini Sports Night is all about beyond-the-field reporting and in-depth stories. I will not rest until Illini Sports Night represents this mantra and exceeds my expectations.
Show number 1 is on air and ready to go. In this episode, we discuss the moment a sold-out stadium fell silent against Michigan State. Ayo Dosunmu silenced the State Farm Center when on the last play of the game he fell and needed help off the court. Contributor Peyton Wesner has more on that story.
Plus we have our first edition of Shot Clock with Nathan Dehaan. Alex Aguilera from the Daily Illini and Anthony Pasquale from Champaign Room join Nathan as they discuss the Men’s team.
And all shows come at an end with an Illinois story. For our first guest Deadspin founding editor Will Leitch talks with Jake Hasan about his career, his opinion on sports and of course Illinois.
All that and more on this premiere edition of Illini Sports Night.
Dancer: “One of the main reasons we brought him here.”
#Illini men’s tennis may have fell a little bit short today against No. 24 #UCF, but the way redshirt freshman Lucas Horve played in a high-pressure situation will only make him “tougher,” according to head coach Brad Dancer.
Even though Horve lost his comeback, Coach Dancer says there are two ways he can go, but Dancer is confident in which way he’s headed.
“Tough loss like that either kill you, or they make you tougher. And I think with Lucas, that’s one of the reasons we brought him here. He’s going to get tougher.”, said Dancer.
Illini returns to Atkin’s Tennis Center, Saturday at 2 pm. They will face Notre Dame and Chicago State.
Win number 101 for head coach Heffernen. The fifth straight win for Illinois. In convincing fashion, the team traveled to Maryland and provide an impressive 31-9 win
Illinois will be at Huff Hall next Sunday for a home match against Big Ten opponent Purdue.
Illini Athletics: “4-0 start for @IlliniSB this Weekend” ~Twitter
Illini Softball had a winning weekend in Clearwater, Florida. Two of those wins came against two ranked teams. First a 3-1 win against #21 ranked Ole Miss on Saturday. And then again Sunday over #23 Auburn. Illini also picked up wins against Liberty and South Alabama. Ending their weekend 4-0.
Kailee Powell secured the win when she knocked in a second run to defeat Auburn 2-0.
#Illini wrestling’s fourth consecutive dual win meant a little extra on Friday as head coach Jim Heffernan picked up his 100th career victory.
In his eleventh season, Heffernan has guided nine individual national champions at #Illinois. Plus, the #Illini have recorded four seasons of ten-plus victories, not to mention nine campaigns of a .500 record or better.
Heffernan will look for his 101st win tomorrow at #Maryland.
“We’re a game out of first … This game doesn’t define anything” – Brad Underwood
In front of a sold-out State Farm Center crowd, the Fighting Illini showed signs of a team ready for sole possession of first place in the Big Ten. After leading 14-points in the first half, Maryland fought their way back with a convincing show of defense. Taking the lead in the second half and never looking back.
For more on this loss and what it means in Illinois’ run to the Big Ten Championship, Illini Sports Night’s Peyton Wesner says Coach Underwood is not going to allow his team to lose focus on their goal. A Big Ten Championship.
Illinois faces Michigan State Tuesday night at home. Tip-off is 8:00pm.
