Sept. 21, 2000
The 2000 Varsity "I" Weekend was held on the weekend of September 15-16, in conjunction with the Illinois-California football game. Activities for the weekend included a Golf Outing, the Annual Varsity "I" Banquet, a pre-game tailgate tent party, and of course the Illini football game. Many Varsity "I" members and guests returned for the festivities, and fun was had by all. Here is a brief synopsis of each of the events.
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Golf Outing
Sixty-four Varsity "I" members and guests formed 16 teams to enjoy the 2000 Golf Outing. The golfers enjoyed a tasty lunch from Longhorn Smokehouse before hitting the links for a shotgun start. As the groups moved around the U of I Orange Course, pars, birdies, and even eagles became common scores. At the end, two groups finished tied for first with a score of 10 under par. A scorecard playoff ensued, and the group of Mike Gow, Football '75, Craig Gow, Roy Robinson, Football '75, and Rod Kittick prevailed over the group of Bob Standring, Football '74, Jack Carter, Kevin Carter, and Gene Schumaucher. All in all, the friendly competition, good conversation, and beautiful weather combined to produce another outstanding Varsity "I" Golf Outing.
Click here to view some pictures from the Varsity "I" Golf Outing.
Annual Varsity "I" Banquet
The 2000 Varsity "I" Banquet was held at the Round Barn Banquet Center. Festivities began with a cash bar, where the more than 300 Varsity "I" members and guests reminisced with old teammates and friends, as well as meeting new friends. The cash bar was followed by a dinner and program. Highlights of the program included a welcome by Ron Guenther, Director of Athletics, and remarks by Ron Turner, Head Football Coach. Honored at the banquet included Joel Hirsch, Golf '63, who received the Varsity "I" Award of the Year, and 2000 Merit Award recipient Dr. Karol Kahrs. Dike Eddleman Male and Female Athlete of the Year Awards were presented to Jason Anderson, Baseball and Jessica Aveyard, Swimming. Honorary Varsity "I" Awards were presented to Susan (Susie)Stitt Atkins, George Bunn, Terry Cole, Diane Noelke , Bill Pinkstaff, and Michael Tokarz. Honored reunions included the 1950 Illini Cheerleading Squad, 1975 Big Ten Outdoor Champion Men's Track and Field Team, and the 1990 Big Ten Champion Women's Gymnastics Team. Video highlights and speeches helped to showcase the above honorees. The presentation was concluded with a farewell by Shawn Wax, Director of the Varsity "I" Association.
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Pre-Game Tailgate Tent Party
The weekend festivities continued the next day with more than 300 Varsity "I" members and guests preparing to cheer on the Illini football team by attending the pre-game tailgate tent party. As usual it turned out to be a huge success. A variety of breakfast and lunch items, as well as beverages, were enjoyed by Varsity "I" members as they reminisced about old times and discussed strategy for the upcoming game.
ILLINOIS - Cal football game
The Illini prevailed in the contest with Cal 17-15 to move their record to 3-0 on the season. During the game, all of the honorees from the Varsity "I" Banquet were recognized on the field and greeted with a roaring cheer from the crowd.
Click here to view some pictures of the honorees at the football game.
Overall, it was a very successful and exciting weekend. The Varsity "I" Association would like to congratulate all of the honorees and thank everyone who participated in the events throughout the weekend. We want to encourage everyone to return next year and hope that those who were not able to attend this year make plans to come next year.
