Illinois Fighting Illini

University of Illinois Director of Athletics Ron Guenther announced today that Wayne Angel has resigned after six full seasons as head coach of the UI men's track and field program. The resignation is effective immediately.

Illinois head coach Bruce Weber announced today the signing of three student-athletes to national letters of intent in Jereme Richmond, Crandall Head and Meyers Leonard. The Recruiting Services Consensus Index lists all three players in the Top 75, giving the Fighting Illini the No. 4 class in the nation by ESPNU, No. 6 nationally by Scout.com and No. 10 nationally by Rivals.com.

Illinois women's basketball coach Jolette Law announced the signing of two talented student-athletes to national letters of intent on Thursday during the early signing period. Alexis Burke, a 5-11 small forward from Bainbridge, Ga., and Centrese McGee, a 5-8 guard from Calumet City, Ill., will join the Fighting Illini for the 2010-11 season.

Scout.com’s No. 2 rated wide receiver Kyle Prater remains committed to USC, but he is still looking at other programs to be certain of his decision. One of the schools Prater is going to take a look at is Notre Dame.

Scout.com’s No. 15 rated safety Corey Cooper remains committed to Illinois, but he still has a few visits to take. The standout athlete from Proviso East High School (Maywood, Ill.) has three official visits and one unofficial visit pending.

Excitement is building for the 2009-2010 basketball season. The Big 10 may be the dominant conference in the nation this year, and the Fighting Illini should be in the thick of the league race. A blend of experienced upperclassmen and four talented rookies gives Illini Nation much to anticipate. SIU-Edwardsville invades the Assembly Hall Friday.