Illini Legends, Lists, and Lore

Updated and illustrated with more than 900 photos, the third edition of Illini Legends, Lists, and Lore chronicles the history of University of Illinois varsity athletics since its recognized beginnings in 1883. Red Grange and Tonja Buford, George Huff and the Flying Illini--Mike Pearson takes readers on a year-by-year journey, encapsulating the great events and transcendent athletes, heroes, coaches, administrators, and venues that make up Illini sports history. This new edition also includes expanded information on women's athletics and a new section on the university's disabled athletes. Finally, Pearson once again provides a revised treasure trove of statistics sure to settle old arguments and spark new debates.

Published as part of the university's sesquicentennial celebration, Illini Legends, Lists, and Lore puts orange and blue fans in the front row for over 130 years of sports thrills and human drama.

Mike Pearson is a freelance writer and video producer. He was Sports Information Director at the University of Illinois from 1989-1996 and has written the "Illini Legends, Lists & Lore" column for the News-Gazette since 1996.