My First Vist Back to Champaign

It was the first time I went back to visit campus, and even after a little over a year a lot has changed.  People on campus seem to be talking more about football than basketball, and our football team isn't even that good.  One of the bars I frequently went to is gone.  A new establishments have sprawled across campus.  There are also current projects taking places that will bring new life to campus.  The most impressive buildings I was told about is a new 17 story luxury high rise that is being build on campus, a grocery located around University and Springfield, and the new business building across from Wholers Hall.  While many of my friends have graduated and left the Champaign area, I still have a few friends who were on campus that were more than hospitable. 

U of I

While out one night on campus I ran into several basketball players.  Its nice to see them out, but I would rather see them on the court practicing.  This team is going to have some trouble this year, and I hope they can make the tournament during this rebuilding phase.  Tracy Webster, an assistant coach and the only bright spot for our recruiting team, rejoined his former colleague Billie Gillespie at the University of Kentucky.  I was well aware of his departure but did not realize the huge impact it may have on the illini.  Sadly, I just read this SI.com article titled The Decline of The Illini.  I think its easy to point out that the Illini are going through some tough times, but for one of the nation's most winning programs I do not think we are on the decline.  Illinois is still an elite program and there is some hope for this season.  Weber coached a team to the to the Championship game with only one other loss that season.  Those stars are now in the NBA and Weber has not recruited one player that resembles their skill sets.  The Illini faithful are loyal, but this year may test some of our nerves.