October 25-29, 2021

Casey Washington | SO, Football | Major: Recreation, Sport, & Tourism

After nine overtime periods — the longest game in college football history — sophomore receiver Casey Washington helped to lift the Fighting Illini football team to a 20-18 upset win at No. 7 Penn State on the Nittany Lions' Homecoming weekend. Washington hauled in the deciding catch on the Illini's two-point conversion attempt in the ninth overtime period, sealing the program's second straight victory over a top-10 opponent. Washington was overcome with emotion after hauling in the game-winning catch, saying, "I actually cried. It just felt good." 

Washington, from Round Rock, Texas, is pursuing a bachelor of science degree in recreation, sport, & tourism.

2021-22 Scholar Athlete of the Week Winners