By Greg Halbleib

Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman says the Illini will no longer play Northwestern at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Illini gave up on-campus games against the Wildcats to gain visibility in Chicago. Whitman says the school prefers “rivalry games” be played in Champaign.

Illinois State softball has released its 2017 schedule, which includes 15 home dates starting April 1 and the Missouri Valley Conference tournament at Marian Kneer Stadium in May. The Redbirds open the season February 9 at South Florida.
National League Gold Gloves go to two Cubs. First baseman Anthony Rizzo captured his first Gold Glove while outfielder Jason Heyward earned his fourth award, his third in the the last three years, all with different teams. Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina had his streak of eight straight Gold Gloves ended by Buster Posey of the Giants.

The Bears have waived offensive lineman Cornelius Edison, who appeared in one game this year.

The Bulls are in Atlanta tonight.

The Blackhawks face the Blues tonight in St. Louis.