Illini advance, first-round results from the Neitzel Family Open

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Former University of Illinois player Alexander Petrov lines up a down-the-line shot during his match against Zeke Clark. In the sweltering late afternoon heat on Wednesday, Petrov, who had lost two previous matches to Clark, won the day at the International Tennis Federation-sanctioned tournament held at Atkins Tennis Center.

URBANA - One former and two current University of Illinois tennis players were on their home court at Atkins Tennis Center on Tuesday. The trio, each having to battle three-set matches, advanced to Wednesday's second-round competition at the Neitzel Family Open.

Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks
Karlis Ozolins stays in the point against Andre Ilagan as an afternoon storm rolls in toward Atkins Tennis Center. After a two-hour rain delay Ozolins fell 6-3, 7-5.

In an alumni match, Alexander Petrov took down Illinois assistant tennis coach Zeke Clark in a grueling three-setter, 5-7, 6-2, 6-0. Despite the loss, Clark still owns the series between the two former Big Ten players at the pro level, 2-1.

William Mroz, who enters his senior year at Illinois, defeated Canadian Dan Martin in a marathon match 6(2)-7, 6-2, 6-1.

Later, Kenta Miyoshi dropped his first set 6-3 and then took the next two, 7-6(5), 6-4.

The third installment of the Neitzel Family Open has a total purse of $25,000. The week-long, ITF-sanctioned event has attracted young players from all over the world.

Below are the complete results from the tournament's first round.

Main Draw Results ~
Tyler Zink def Rodrigo Pacheco Mendez 6(5)-7, 6-4, 6-2
Kenta Miyoshi def James Tracy 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-4
Connor Bruce def Nathan Powwith 6-3, 6-4
Harrison Adams def Cleeve Harper 6-3, 6-1
Andre Ilagan def Karlis Ozolins 6-3, 7-5
William Mroz def Dan Martin 6(2)-7, 6-2, 6-1
Aidan Kim def Axel Nefve 7-6(5), 6-2
Gavin Young def Enzo Wallart 6-4, 6-3
William Grant def Ryuki Matsuda 2-6, 7-5, 6-4
Noah Schachter def Lucas Horve 6-3, 7-6(5)
Adhithya Ganesan def Alexander Bernard 6-3, 6-4
Cannon Kingsley def Gabrielius Guzauskas 6-2, 6-3
Duarte Vale def Kody Pearson 6-2, 6-1
Colton Smith def Kyle Kang 6-4, 6-4
Alexander Petrov dev Ezekiel Clark 5-7, 6-2, 6-0
Aidan McHugh def Emilio Gomez 6-4, 6(3)-7, 6-3




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Guest Commentary |

Biden couldn't keep his head above water any longer

by Glenn Mollette, Guest Commentator


President Joe Biden could no longer keep his head above water and drowned this past Sunday. Democrat leaders turned their backs and covered their ears to Biden’s gurgling for oxygen as he no longer could tread water and succumbed to the swirling, raging political waters.

For 50 years, Biden has worked for and supported the Democrat party but in these recent days the party leaders turned their backs on him as big money donors called the shots with their pocketbooks. As the money flow came to a halt, the party leaders began to cry and beg Biden to resign from the 2024 Presidential race.

Keep in mind that, with party support, Biden had raised over 200 million dollars. That’s a lot of money to enrich television station owners across the country. How much of this money will go to the Democrat nominee is yet to be seen. Whether it’s Vice President Kamala Harris or whoever we can be assured Biden won’t transfer all that money to the new nominee. How much money Harris, or whoever is running, raises between now and November, will not be as much as Biden has raised in the last couple of years.

Wouldn’t you love to have the leadership of the Democrat party as your best friends? When the going got tough, they folded and left President Biden to drown.

Donald Trump’s supporters have stood with him through the fires of hell. Everything has been thrown at Trump, including bullets, and support for Trump has only grown. The prosecution and persecution of Trump only strengthened him as his numbers became stronger. The more he was in the news for being in court or faced the possibility of jail, the more his supporters stood with him.

Biden had already slowed down during the 2020 campaign. However, he was able to keep a steady conversation going at their two debates. Plus he had the majority of the American media backing him.

This time around they hoped the Biden who did well with his State of the Union speech would be the one who showed up to debate with Trump. Biden was not able to rise to the occasion sending his supporters in a tailspin.

Biden has slipped since his early years in the Senate. He is not the articulate orator we remember from way back then. There was a day and time when I admired Joe Biden’s numerous abilities.

President Biden will always be able to look back and remember the voters elected him to represent the Democrat party. What happened to the will of the people?

Biden tried to keep swimming as he had one more goal line he wanted to cross. Unfortunately, he needed a life jacket this time and no one in his party would throw him one.

Give thought and consideration as to who you consider your friends. If they will let a 50-year plus devoted friend drown, what will they do to you?


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He is the author of 13 books including Uncommom Sense, the Spiritual Chocolate series, Grandpa's Store, Minister's Guidebook insights from a fellow minister. His column is published weekly in over 600 publications in all 50 states. The views expressed are those of the author and are not necessarily representative of any other group or organization. We welcome comments and views from our readers. Submit your letters to the editor or commentary on a current event 24/7 to editor@oursentinel.com.


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Five Illinois professors named University Scholars

CHAMPAIGN - Five University of Illinois professors at the Urbana-Champaign campus have been named University Scholars in recognition of their excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

The recipients include Zeynep Madak-Erdogan, who is actively involved in the Cancer Center at Illinois. A professor in the study of food and nutrition, she served as a health innovation professor at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and is an active member of the Center for Genomic Diagnostics at Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology.

Renowned history professor Robert Morrissey has gained widespread recognition nationally and internationally, positioning him as a prominent figure among eminent scholars in the fiercely competitive realm of early American history. In 2020, he played a pivotal role in the initiation of a groundbreaking collaborative initiative focused on art history and practice within Illinois-descended tribal communities.

Award-winning chemistry professor Joaquín Rodríguez-López, an outstanding research advisor mentoring 30 graduate students and 10 postdocs, created “The Electrochemistry Bootcamp,” which combines laboratory and classroom instruction on the basics of electrochemistry for a three-day immersive experience for young scientists from all over the world. He has been recognized five times as an outstanding teacher by his students and has also received the 2023 School of Chemical Sciences Teaching Award.

Jacob Sherkow has authored or co-authored more than 60 articles and essays, two books on COVID-19 innovation policy, four book chapters and many op-eds. The main body of his work focuses on intellectual property and medical therapies, agency regulation and the legal and ethical issues attendant to advanced biotechnologies. A law professor, he holds faculty appointments at the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, the Carle Illinois College of Medicine and the European Union Center. He has also advised major scientific organizations on bioethical issues, including the Adaptive Immune Receptor Repertoire Community and the New York Genome Center.

Hanghang Tong, has published more than 200 refereed papers and four books. A professor of computer science, he conducts highly influential research focused on large-scale data mining and machine learning, especially for graph and multimedia data. His work has theoretic and applicable impact, solving real-world problems from high-impact application domains where graph mining often plays a fundamental role, such as social networks, bioinformatics, security and e-commerce.

“When you consider the diversity of scholarship across all three of our universities and the standards of academic excellence that we nurture and grow through our recruitment of esteemed educators and researchers, all of our University Scholar recipients should be deservedly proud of the honor,” Nicholas Jones, the University of Illinois System’s executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, said in today's statement.

The scholars program recognizes faculty excellence and provides $15,000 to each scholar for three years to enhance their academic careers. The money may be used for travel, equipment, research assistants, books, or other purposes.The scholars program recognizes faculty excellence and provides $15,000 to each scholar for three years to enhance their academic careers. The money may be used for travel, equipment, research assistants, books, or other purposes.

“The University Scholars program celebrates the remarkable achievements of the named individuals,” Jones added. “Our faculty represent the strong foundation of the world-class academic experience that contributes to the betterment of society and draws students and researchers to the U. of I. System universities from across the globe. The University Scholars are exemplars of that faculty excellence.


A few valuable tips moving to campus this August

SNS - Moving to a new town during the summer, especially to a college campus, involves unique set of challenges and opportunities. Whether you're a student gearing up for your first semester or a faculty member relocating for a new position from Boise, Idaho, to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, the right strategy can simplify your relocation. We aim to equip you with practical tips and insights to tackle moving challenges confidently. You can settle easily into your new home by addressing these considerations thoughtfully.

University of Illinois

Moving to a community with a world-class university is easy with a few practical tips to ease the transition.
Photo: PhotoNews Media Archives

Choosing the Right Time to Move
Selecting the optimal time to move can significantly affect how smoothly your relocation goes. First, choosing the right day can help you avoid the rush and often results in lower moving costs. Mid-month and mid-week days are typically less busy for moving companies, which can translate into availability and possibly discounted rates.

Starting early in the day is also advantageous, especially when moving homes during the summer. Cooler morning temperatures make the physical aspect of moving more tolerable. It also provides a buffer time for unexpected delays, ensuring you still have daylight to unpack essential items.

Hiring Moving Help
Selecting the right moving assistance is vital to safely transport your belongings from Boise, Idaho, to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois. You’ll need a reliable team with stellar customer reviews, and in our opinion, Peasley Transfer & Storage Boise fits the description perfectly. This moving company specializes in interstate moves and offers expert packing services to ensure the safety of your items. However, you can only contract their transport services if you can’t afford the entire service package.

Packing Smart: Essentials for Moving Homes During the Summer
Before you start packing, declutter to lighten your load. Donate items you no longer need, or sell them if time allows to make extra cash. That makes packing easier and means fewer boxes to unload and organize in your new space.

Packing smart is key for any move, but summer poses additional challenges due to the heat. For starters, electronics, candles, and certain perishables can be affected in hot moving trucks. So, wrap electronics in insulating bubble wrap and keep them in a climate-controlled environment if possible. Use coolers or insulated boxes to prevent the melting of candles and similar items.

Following that, prioritize lightweight clothing and breathable fabrics that will be comfortable upon arrival and throughout the unpacking process. Next, pack heavier items at the bottom of your boxes and lighter items on top to prevent crushing.

Above all, keep important documents like IDs, university paperwork, and lease agreements in a separate, clearly labeled folder. This folder should be easily accessible throughout your move. Likewise, include a small bag with essentials like chargers, snacks, and a water bottle that stays with you.

Managing Stress and Staying Organized During Your Move
Moving, especially to a new campus, can be overwhelming. But there are a few strategies to manage stress and keep everything in order during your transition:

  • Routine Matters: Establish a daily routine to balance moving tasks and relaxation. This regularity can reduce stress and enhance mood stability.
  • Stay Active: Engage in physical activities like walks or workouts at the campus gym because exercise can help alleviate stress by releasing endorphins.
  • Reach Out: If the move becomes too stressful, seek support from campus counseling services. They're available to assist you.
  • Checklists and Schedules: Create detailed lists and a timeline for all moving tasks. This approach keeps you organized and prevents last-minute rushes.
  • Digital Tools: Use task management apps to keep track of your moving checklist and box inventory. These tools help maintain clarity and control.
  • Regular Breaks: Schedule breaks to avoid fatigue. Taking time to rest can refresh your focus and increase productivity.

    Remembering these tips will make it easier for you to handle the physical and mental challenges of moving, ensuring a smoother transition.

    Settling In: The First Week on Campus
    The first week in your new campus home is the most important for a smooth start to your academic or professional life. First of all, focus on essentials. Set up your bedroom to ensure you have a comfortable place to sleep. Next, organize your bathroom and kitchen. Having these areas functional will reduce stress and improve your daily routine, making it easier to keep your new home clean.

    Next, visit the campus administration to finalize outstanding paperwork and get your bearings. Locate key facilities like the library, student union, and health services. Familiarizing yourself with these resources early on can greatly enhance your campus experience.

    The student union is a great place on campus to meet new people and find organizations that fits your intersts.

    PhotoNews Media/Clark Brooks

    Introduce yourself to neighbors and attend introductory meetings or social events. Engaging with the community helps build connections and can provide support as you adjust to your new surroundings. It also opens doors to opportunities and enriches your social life.

    Wrapping it up
    As we wrap up on moving homes during the summer, remember that these tips are designed to ease the transition. From choosing the right time to move to managing stress and staying organized, each step is crucial in ensuring a smooth start to your new chapter. By carefully planning and embracing these strategies, you can enjoy a more relaxed and efficient moving experience. Good luck as you settle into your new environment, and may your move be as stress-free and successful as possible.

  • Clark falls in first-round match on college home court

    Former UofI tennis player Zeke Clark
    Photo: Sentinel/Clark Brooks

    URBANA - Former Fighting Illini standout Zeke Clark hits a forehand shot during his match against Alexander Petrov, who graduated this past May from Illinois. Clark, who dominated Petrov in their two previous meetings, fell 7-5, 2-6, 0-6 on Wednesday at the Neitzel Family Open tournament at Atkins Tennis Center. Clark is an assistant coach for the Illinois program.


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    Photos this week


    The St. Joseph-Ogden soccer team hosted Oakwood-Salt Fork in their home season opener on Monday. After a strong start, the Spartans fell after a strong second-half rally by the Comets, falling 5-1. Here are 33 photos from the game.