Illinois State University plans to introduce Kristen Gillespie as its new women’s basketball coach this afternoon. Gillespie was 51-12 during the past two seasons as the head coach at Lewis University. She also was head coach at Benedictine University for four seasons and played under Kay Yow at North Carolina State for four seasons including one Final Four appearance.
Illinois faces Missouri tonight in the baseball edition of the Braggin’ Rights game at 6:30 at GCS Ballpark in Sauget in the St. Louis Metro East.
Illinois State baseball hosts Valparaiso at 4:30.
North Carolina fulfilled its season theme of redemption by winning the men’s basketball national championship with a 71-65 victory over Gonzaga.
The White Sox opener against the Tigers was rained out on the South Side. They’ll try again this afternoon, Justin Verlander against Jose Quintana. The Cubs and Cardinals continue their opening series tonight in St. Louis, Jake Arrieta against Adam Wainwright.
The Bulls face the Knicks in New York.
The Blackhawks are in Colorado while the Blues host the Winnipeg Jets.
The National Hockey League has said no to its players taking part in the Olympics. That brought a stern protest from the players’ association.
Congratulations to Emilie Collins of St. Mary’s in Pontiac, who was named one of this year’s Scholar Attitude Award winners by the Illinois Elementary School Association.
