Illini History Story

Just had the chance of a lifetime run in with a fellow ILLINI fan.

Met him at at gas station, proudly flying his ILLINI license plate holder, and Shield "I" sticker.

We both exited the vehicles, looked at each other and I said I...L...L...the reply was of course I...N...I, I asked him where he was from, Chicago, I from downstate...we had the following conversation.

Fan: I was at the very first Assembly Hall game, and I was in attendance when the ILLINI beat the returning national champs UCLA at home handily, (110-83) to be exact. Being 1964, I would not have remembered since I was still a few years removed from being a dirty little thought.

Me: Interesting that is amazing...that was when Freeman/Thoren were there correct, he looked at me funny and said yes it was. I stated it would have been very cool to be able to say I witnessed that.

Fan: He nodded and said he enjoyed all his time there and Butkus was a senior when he was a freshman there. Asked me my connection/relation to the ILLINI, told him and displayed the Chief tattoo that I have as my proof of fandom!

Cool interactions, interesting chance meeting, and small world meeting with a fellow fan from our beloved ILLINI in the southwest!

Any interesting stories you may have?

I was traipsing around the Badlands of all places when I saw a series of orange hoodies half a mile off.

"Heck," I figured. Shouted out "I-L-L." Waited for the sound to travel. Saw them freeze and look around. They saw me, jumped up and down and a few seconds later "I-N-I" came back to me.

Was fun, would do again.

Sitting in the Boathouse Cantina in Salida Colorado with my wife and a bunch of local friends.

Wearing my Illini hat.

Two ladies come in and I noticed that one of them glanced at the hat. As they walked by one quietly said I L L.

My wife and I responded I N I.

My local friends said "What was that".

I said "You wouldn't get it".

I was a soph in 64 at the UCLA game. Talked to Bogie Redmon a few days ago. Still enjoys that game.

Spoon House said:

I was traipsing around the Badlands of all places when I saw a series of orange hoodies half a mile off.

"Heck," I figured. Shouted out "I-L-L." Waited for the sound to travel. Saw them freeze and look around. They saw me, jumped up and down and a few seconds later "I-N-I" came back to me.

Was fun, would do again.

Click to expand...

I had a similar experience in Shanghai. I was on a work engagement there for a month, and one Sunday morning I was on the Metro heading to somewhere or other. I get off at my stop, and standing right in front of me were a couple, one of whom was sporting a Chief sweatshirt, and I was wearing a Chief cap. They were going to get on the train, so I jumped back on and talked with them for a few stops before heading back to wherever I was going.

ILL-INI to some fellow Illini fans at Yellowstone Park a few years back. Small world.

I have witnessed a few times while traveling an "OH" ..."IO" exchange in the airport. I told one of my colleagues that I like to wear an Illini hat so I can get an "ILL"..."INI". So I am walking through DFW and see a young woman with a ILLINOIS shirt and give a smile and enthusiast ILL ...She averted her gaze and gave me a wide berth. My colleague won't let me live down my #ILLINIFail and to be honest I am a little gun shy to try it again