Kendall Gill is in the best shape of his life.

That says a lot for the 38-year-old former basketball standout at Illinois, who retired in 2006 after 15 seasons in the NBA.  MORE>>> 

Tonja Buford, one of the most decorated track and field athletes in Big Ten history, represented the University of Illinois well both in her collegiate and professional careers. The 10-time All-American posted many notable achievements for the Fighting Illini, including becoming the first female athlete to make the U.S. Olympic team and win an Olympic medal in school history.  MORE>>> 

Dana Howard knew at an early age growing up in East St. Louis, Ill., that in order to be the best, he was going to have to compete against the best. That meant playing sports at a higher level with older kids, including his brother and his friends. That approach worked out for Howard, as he developed into one of the most talented linebackers in the Midwest. Recruited by several powerhouse football programs, Howard opted to stay close to home and attend Illinois, a decision solely made on his desire to establish something special.  MORE>>> 

Looking back, Perdita Felicien has a mother, a grade school teacher and a college coach to thank for her success as a track star. After all, it was never something Felicien was very serious about.  MORE>>> 

As a youngster growing up in Gary, Ind., Willie Williams idolized the accomplishments of Jesse Owens, who won four gold medals in front of Adolf Hitler during the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, Germany. One of those gold was a world record time of 10.2 in the 100.  MORE>>> 

It did not take long for on-lookers of Jonelle Polk (currently Jonelle McCloud) to realize, at the time, what she was put on this earth to do.

"When I was in third grade I was already taller than my teacher and by my freshman year in high school I had reached 6-1," said McCloud.  MORE>>> 

J.C. Caroline makes it very plain and simple about the way he has approached life.  MORE>>> 

The late 1960s and early `70s were turbulent times throughout this nation. Protests over race and the Vietnam War were at their height and confrontations often led to hostility. And the University of Illinois did not escape the change in times.  MORE>>> 

Now that he has more time on his hands, Mannie Jackson should finally finish writing that book. Gone are the days of traveling to 20 cities a month and working 15-16 hour days.  MORE>>> 

It's been over 30 years, but Celena Mondie-Milner remembers her first track meet in Milledgeville, Ga.  MORE>>>