Big 10 Conference Official Athletic Site

Bob Richards is shown at the Melbourne Olympics after repeating his 1952 victory in the pole vault at the Helsinki Games. He defeated his teammate Bob Gutowski, rear, in a duel that nearly reached 15 feet. (AP File Photo)

Bob Richards stayed in his hometown of Champaign to become a Big Ten and national champion in the pole vault. Years later he became a three-time Olympic medalist, a minister, the first Wheaties spokesperson and a presidential candidate MORE

Illinois head coach Michelle Dasso feels sophomore Kristina Minor has one of the best serves in all of college tennis.

Illinois' Kristina Minor has improved a great deal between her freshman and sophomore seasons, due to aggressiveness on the court and a dominant serve

Illinois Ryan Rowe has competed in the NCAA Doubles Championship final the best two seasons, winning with Kevin Anderson in 2006.

Ryan Rowe always knew Illinois was the right school for him; he just didn't know who his coach would be

Illinois junior transfer Gakologelwang Masheto has gone from Botswana to Beijing due to his success in Champaign

Gene Vance is the lone living member of Illinois Whiz Kids, which dominated the Big Ten and the nation in 1942 and 1943.

Despite being ranked No. 1 in the nation, the 1943 Illinois men's basketball squad opted not to play in the NCAA Tournament when three of its five `Whiz Kids' were called to duty in World War II