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The Daily Illini: Dad's Weekend Guide 2016

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THE DAILY ILLINI Thursday, November 3, 2016


Thursday, November 3, 2016

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Football basics for the first-time fan BY STEPHEN COHN STAFF WRITER

As Halloween passes and Thanksgiving draws near, it is time for Dad’s Weekend once again at the University, which means only one thing: Dad’s Day for Illini football. Haven’t checked out Memorial Stadium yet this year, and concerned about what to talk about and what to check out on game day? A quick recap of the season so far should have you talking football like a pro to your dad and anyone around you.

On the Field:

Illinois football has struggled on the football fi eld this season ever since demolishing Murray State 52-3 in Week One. The Illini fell to non-conference opponents North Carolina and Western Michigan, and they dropped their conference opener at Nebraska. The heartbreaking loss this season was at home against Purdue when kicker Chase McLaughlin missed a game-winning field goal as time expired. Backup quarterback Chayce Crouch fumbled in overtime close to the goal line, and Purdue won the game 34-31. The quarterback situation for the Illini has been in limbo since starter Wes Lunt went down with an injury in the game

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against Purdue. Illinois started Lunt against the Boilermakers, Crouch against Rutgers, and Jeff George Jr. against Michigan — the fi rst time since 1942 the Illini started three different guys in three consecutive games. Luckily, Michigan State isn’t going to be much better on the other side of the field — it’s an absolute dumpster fi re this season after making the College Football Playoff semifi nals a season ago.

On the Sideline:

Even if you have not attended a football game this season or paid much attention to the team, you’re aware that Lovie Smith is the new head coach of the Fighting Illini. Smith, the former head coach of the NFL’s Chicago Bears and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, accepted his fi rst collegiate head-coaching job back in March. Lovie brought the Bears to the Super Bowl — only to lose to the Indianapolis Colts — back in 2007 and still owns the hearts of many Bears fans as the team struggles through the 2016 season. Smith recruited a great coaching staff, including former NFL Pro-Bowler Hardy Nickerson as defensive coordinator, but you shouldn’t act too starstruck at the site of seeing Lovie roam the sidelines — he’s

not here for the fame; he’s here to build the program.

Around Memorial Stadium: Opening in 2015, Grange Grove is the new go-to place for tailgating outside of Memorial Stadium. Previously a parking lot, Grange Grove — named after Illini great Harold “Red” Grange — is a fun and free place to experience on game day, and it opens at 7 a.m. The football team, led by Lovie Smith, walks through the Grove as the Marching Illini blasts the school fi ght song. Speaking of the Marching Illini, stay in your seat during halftime for the band’s Dad’s Day show, which features a kick-line of awkward fathers dancing like they are once again college students chilling at Red Lion. Toward the end of halftime, clap along as the Marching Illini honors the University with the

Incomparable Three in One, which is in its 90th year. Stephen is a sophomore in Media. secohn2@dailyillini.com

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Changes on campus from Dad's time to now KELISE TRAVERS STAFF WRITER

The majority of alumni dads coming to campus for Dad’s Weekend attended the University in the late 1970s and 1980s. Although some campus staples, like Alma Mater and KAMs, were around then, now there are many differences in academics, athletics and student life.

Athletics

The ‘70s and ‘80s were a different time for Illini Athletics. Currently, they are nothing to rave about; the basketball and football teams have struggled in recent seasons, and student attendance at games is down. Many of the dads returning to campus this weekend will likely remember the Illini’s glory days. In 1975, Lou Henson became coach of the men’s basketball team. During his 21 years as coach, the Illini had 423 victories with a .654 winning percentage. Bill Muckian, a Business alumnus from the class of 1981, said that basketball at that time was very popular and the program was gaining success every year. “The fans loved Lou with his Lou-doo — think of a slightly less boisterous Trump comb-over — and his bright orange blazers,” Muckian said. “In January ‘79 we beat Michigan State, who had Magic Johnson and went on to win the NCAA title later that year.” Assembly Hall, now called the State Farm Center, sold out for almost every Illini basketball game. Then, students actually went to the Illini Football games and tailgated too — something students now are starting to see more of since the recent opening of Grange Grove. “Tailgating was popular then, and fraternity and sorority house blocks would pregame together and go-to game and sit together. Today I understand that happens at a bar

and then nobody goes to the game … that’s a shame,” Muckian said. He expressed nostalgia for Illinois football, the Alma Mater song at halftime and when athletics had the theme “The ‘80s Belong to the Illini.” Mike White became football coach in 1980. He brought in new talent and led the Illini to the Rose Bowl in 1984. Although they lost to UCLA 45-9, students rallied around football and supported it significantly more than they do now.

Campus Living

Campus housing is one of the most notable differences in campus life. Muckian remembered somewhat of a housing crisis on campus in the early 1980s. “You had to live in a dorm or frat or sorority your freshman and sophomore years back then. So the dorms were crowded,” he said. “Many double rooms were converted to triples and many dorm lounges were used as quads.” Students then were required to live in University housing for two years. This changed in 1983 when Board of Trustees said that students only had to live in certified housing for 30 semester hours. Now, instead of a housing shortage, campus offers a variety of options, including the high-rise apartment buildings that have drastically changed the Champaign skyline since the 1980s. Additionally, Beckwith Residential Support Services (originally called Beckwith Living Center) opened in 1981 under the Disability Resources and Educational Services for students with severe physical disabilities. This residence hall has helped the University become one of the best schools for physically disabled students in the country. Now, Beckwith is located on the first floor of Nugent

Hall, which was built in 2010.

Student life

Apart from housing, many changes happened on campus. In 1986 the Main Quad experienced big, physical changes, including the installation of a telecommunication line and an underground irrigation system. This forced the Quad to essentially shut down, creating what the Illio called “The Year Without a Quad.” In the ‘70s and ‘80s fraternities and Sororities were still a huge part of campus. Muckian was a part of the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau. “Greek life, like today, was an integral part of campus life in the late ‘70s … possibly more so than today … This environment fostered some great rivalries in frat sports, particularly football and basketball,” he said. Although some houses have come and gone from the University, Greek life still remains a huge aspect of campus with 97 total fraternities and sororities. Back then, according to Muckian, KAM’s was still the go-to bar for Greeks, a trend that continues today. Some other popular bars included Thunderbird’s, Round Robin, Bonis, House of Chin and Mabel’s — all of which have closed or changed into other campus bars. The drinking and “going out” culture has always been a huge part of Illinois. For students in college before 1980, the drinking age for beer and wine was 19. “Unofficial” did not exist until 1996, but campus still had its fair share of crazy weekends. One such event was “Hash Wednesday,” which started in 1977 and supported marijuana law reform. By the ‘80s, it became too much and police eventually intervened. Illinois still has some of the same traditional weekend celebrations as it did back in the day. “SIU was more renowned for a nutty Hal-

loween weekend at that time, but U of I had to be a close second. Streets were closed off and it was generally a festive event,” Muckian said. “Certainly Dad’s Day and Mom’s Weekend foster treasured memories for me.” Students at bars in the ‘70s and ‘80s were likely listening to Blondie, Queen and Michael Jackson, which are a bit different than Drake and Flume that play now. Soap operas were popular television, very different from the Netflix and other streaming services students now have to keep up with their favorite television shows. Muckian said Assembly Hall attracted big names like Bruce Springsteen and U2. The newly renovated State Farm Center has started scheduling big concerts again this fall, but many students go to smaller local venues like Canopy Club for music. The ‘70s and ‘80s might seem like the time of hippies and revolution, but there is a similar amount of activism happening on campus today. African-American students were gaining rights day-by-day at Illinois in the ‘70s and ‘80s. The Black Alumni Association, still around today, formed in 1980. In 1985, there were many protests surrounding Apartheid, and students put pressure on the University to cut investments with South African companies. Similarities have been drawn from campus then to the modernday coal divestment protests. Muckian said that during his time at Illinois from 1977 to 1981, the Chief was highly popular. Students began protesting Chief Illiniwek in 1989. Then and now, students are involved in current events and gather with like-minded individuals to support causes they care about.

Kelsie is a senior in LAS ktraver2@dailyillini.com

JACOB SINGLETON THE DAILY ILLINI


Thursday, November 3, 2016

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Campus provides variety of Dad’s Weekend activities BY JACQUELINE BETTHAUSER STAFF WRITER

Most people are anticipating Saturday’s football game on Saturday against Michigan State University, but there are a variety of events offered throughout campus for Dad’s Weekend. From other sports, to movies, to music there are many activities going on during this fun-packed weekend. If your family enjoys watching hockey, there are two opportunities to watch the Illinois hockey team face off against Illinois State University on Friday and Saturday. The first game is on Friday at 6 p.m. and the second is on Saturday at 7 p.m. I love watching hockey and would recommend this activity to all students, even if your parents are not coming to campus for the weekend. If your parents are coming but happen to not watch much hockey, bring them on down to the Ice Arena anyway and show them what they have been missing. The exciting atmosphere and the game itself will convince them of the sport’s greatness and of how much fun it is watching from the stands. If your heart isn’t on the field or the ice, it might be found on the court. The Illini men’s basketball team is playing in their second exhibition game preceding the 2016-2017 season on Friday at 7 p.m. The team plays Lew-

is University in the newly renovated State Farm Center. Outside of the sporting realm, the Illini Union will be hosting events throughout the weekend. Continuing its tradition of showing of new films every weekend, the Union will be showing “Jason Bourne” in which Matt Damon stars as a former CIA agent learning about his past. The film will be aired both Friday and Saturday night in the Union Pine Lounge Additionally, the Illini Courtyard Café will host both their Friday Night Comedy and Open Mic Night series this weekend. Friday Night Comedy is sure to be hilarious as always, commencing at 8 p.m. on Friday in the Courtyard Café. On Saturday, come and watch your peers sing as the Illini Courtyard Café and Music for the Masses present Open Mic Night. This event is a great way to relax and listen to music in an intimate venue and support your classmates’ interest in singing. Dad’s Day itself is sure to be a fantastic one to enjoy some music with your family. In addition to Open Mic Night, there are two ensembles performing Saturday night. The Varsity Men’s Glee Club is having their first concert of the year on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in the Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. The concert, named “Glee-lection 2016,” is sure to be exciting as it contains a

fantastic variety of works. Austin McWilliams, senior in Engineering and the conducting assistant of Varsity Men’s Glee, said that the concert is split into two halves. “We have a diverse array of songs to perform, all the way from traditional glee selections like our standards to secular and sacred pieces as well,” McWilliams said. “So there’s really something for everyone to love in it.” The first half of the concert generally contains spiritual works and the second half has pieces that are more secular in nature, ensuring that there will be music enjoyable to every listener. Furthermore, the experience is sure to be a unique performance of music. Kyle Boshardy, junior in LAS and secretary of Glee Club, said that going to a Men’s Glee concert is something that every student should experience at least once. “It’s another way to enjoy the University and its traditional pastime of singing,” Boshardy said. This concert is a blend of traditional standards and contemporary music along with fun aspects like their “Big Ten Medley” which is a lively compilation of all of the fight songs of the schools within the Big Ten. Meanwhile, prepare your parents to relive

Beatlemania with BritBeat at Foellinger Auditorium. Listen to Beatles classics like “Yellow Submarine,” “Help!” and “Let it Be” on Saturday starting at 8 p.m. BritBeat is a touring Beatles cover band who promises a close authenticity of experience. Through their costumes, instruments and vocal sound, they try to make it possible for people of all ages, even those as young as college students, to feel as if they are attending a real Beatles concert. They replicate the Beatles touring years, beginning with their origin on the Ed Sullivan show and proceeding through their recording years to their later songs. Study up on your Beatles lyrics and prepare to sing along with your parents to BritBeat. Whether you spend the weekend with your dad, parents or just your friends, explore what the University has to offer through partaking in some of these events. They are guaranteed to entertain and are a great representation of the variety of activities present here for people of all interests. Laugh with a comedian, go to a hockey game or listen to music at a concert — just make Dad’s Weekend a memorable experience for you visitors and yourself! Jacqueline is a freshman in LAS. jnb2@dailyillini.com

Following in Dad’s footsteps, weekend is a family affair HARRISON LINDHOLM Staff writer

THE DAILY ILLINI FILE PHOTO

The Illini break through a banner at the 1981 Homecoming football game while the cheerleading squad encourages the football team from the side.

I am a third-generation Illini. Both of my parents attended the University of Illinois from 1979 to 1984. It is here that they met and soon after got married. My maternal grandfather was also a student at the University and spent time here in the 1950s. My grandfather served on the student senate and had a part in the building of Assembly Hall (now the State Farm Center). Although these people in my life eventually graduated and moved away from campus, they’ve always had the Illini in their hearts and on their minds. Grandpa Jack has gone to a Illini football game almost every year since his graduation and always stays until the time is up, no matter the score. It is really exciting for me when my parents or my grandpa come to visit. There is something special shared between people who belong to the same group. Whether it be a religious organization, a club, a school or a company, there is strong sense of community shared by members. Additionally, those who belonged from past generations can give an interesting perspective. My father told me a story about when he was a senior. He was a member of the

cheerleading squad for the Illini, allowing him to be on the field for all the home football games as well as a few of the away games, including the trip the Illini took to the Liberty Bowl in 1982. He told me about his father coming down to the University for Dad’s Day. All of the cheerleaders used to have their faces covered in “war paint” in orange and white, and for Dad’s Day, the cheerleaders painted their dads’ faces with the same paint. Although the routines that the cheerleaders often do are very complicated, the students showed the dads how to lay their bodies down so the word “dad” would appear. During the halftime show, in between the famous Three in One, the cheerleaders and their dads ran out to the fifty yard line, and laid down. The dads had trouble completing this task, but with some assistance, everyone was placed in the right spot. Dad’s Day was very special for my father and his father. He got to show his father the parts of his campus life that were important to him. Coming together with your family, and sharing a piece of your life with them is what makes Dads and Moms weekends so very special. It gives them a glimpse of these special years in our lives. I cannot wait for my dad to come and visit so he can reminisce and we can both share that which is the University. Harrison is a sophomore in DGS. hlindo2@dailyillini.com


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What do you admire most about your dad?

Mark Jette Freshman in Engineering

Michelle Delgado Junior in Business

Mrinaal Mittal Sophomore in Engineering

“He puts in a lot of work that makes our family able to sustain itself. And he is an incredibly knowledgeable person. If you go to him, you will always get an answer, no matter what your question is.”

“He always tells me to go after my dreams, and he works really hard so that I can come to UIUC to chase my dream.”

“I admire my father (because) he comes from a very humble background and he worked very hard to be who he is today, to achieve a lot of success in business as a real estate developer.”

Patrick Crowling Business almnus, 2015

Fanny Huang Masters student in Busi-

Camille Travis Senior in AHS

“He is such an important part of how I was raised from my birth until now and has influenced me heavily. He has been hard on me at times and I didn’t always understand why when I was young. And now that I’ve grown up and graduated college, hopefully someday I am going to have my own child and I can instill the lessons he taught me onto my own children.”

“I admire my dad, for he is a liberal man and he gives me a lot of freedom to choose what I want. If I want to do anything, he always encourage me to do it if that is something that I really want. He is also a positive guy and always says things that are interesting.”

“I really admire my dad for caring for my feelings. We used to watch scary movies together. During the movies he will try to cheer me up to keep me from being scared. It is like a father trying to protect his daughter.”

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