Nov. 2, 2006

PARK RIDGE, Ill. - Illinois senior Jason Bill and freshman Stephanie Baliga were announced Thursday as Big Ten Sportsmanship Honorees after Sunday's Big Ten Cross Country Championships in Bloomington, Ind. Bill and Baliga are among 21 student-athletes who will be considered for the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. At the end of the school year, the conference will choose one male and one female from each Big Ten school to honor with the accolade.

Jason Bill's 20th place individual finish in 25:13 led the Illinois men's cross country team to an eighth-place finish at the Big Ten Championships. After redshirting last year due to injury, Bill returned for his senior season with hopes of finishing his Illinois career strong. Bill has finished in the top two Illini at each race and has made a tremendous impact on the squad.

Stephanie Baliga finished third for the Illinois women's cross country team and 21st overall with a time of 21:24 at the Big Ten Championships. The Rockford,Ill., native's impressive performances throughout the season have made a significant impact for the Orange and Blue, as the freshman has consistently positioned herself as the third scorer on the Illini roster.

The Big Ten also announced Minnesota's Chris Rombough and Michigan's Erin Webster as the men's and women's Athletes of the Year. Wisconsin claimed both Freshman of the Year accolades with the performances of Brandon Bethke, who finished 11th at the conference meet, and Hanna Grinaker, who finished third. The Badgers men's coach Jerry Schumacker was also named Coach of the Year, along with Michigan women's coach Mike McGuire.