To the Illini FamILLy,
First, thank you all for your support, passion and meaningful contributions to our success this year. The men's basketball team's run to the Final Four is forever etched in our collective memory and is a shared accomplishment of which we should all be proud. Further, it was only the latest in a series of milestone moments by our teams and student athletes that reflect the standard of excellence we have now set for our athletics program. As one example, we are the only program in the country to have won a football bowl game, a Men's Basketball NCAA Tournament game and Women's Basketball NCAA Tournament game in each of the last two years. Make no mistake; YOU helped make this happen! And there is more to do. We will host the Men's Gymnastics NCAA Championships at State Farm Center in mid-April and our spring sports, several with championship aspirations of their own, are in full swing. Please continue your vocal and visible support for these student athletes as they complete their seasons.Â
I am also writing with some personal news. This week I had unplanned surgery on my right eye to repair a detached retina and will likely undergo a similar procedure on my left eye as early as next week. I'm expected to make a full recovery, but it will take time. For the foreseeable future, my mobility and use of my eyes are heavily restricted in accordance with the doctors' instructions. I will remain active in my leadership of the athletics program, albeit remotely, but I will not be as physically present this spring at our teams' competitions and public events as I ordinarily am.Â
My thanks to our staff, coaches and student athletes for their patience, understanding and cooperation during this unexpected situation. And thanks to all of you for your support, good wishes and passion for the Orange and Blue. Go Illini!Â
Josh Whitman
