The University of Illinois men''s 4x100 and 4x400 relay teams finished first at the California Golden Bear Challenge on Saturday in Berkeley.

MAHOMET – University of Illinois coach Mark Johnson is convinced John Lockhart can be a major college wrestler. The Mahomet-Seymour High School senior isn't one to argue.

"That just boosted my confidence tremendously to think that level of program could show an interest in me," Lockhart said. "The interest he showed in me was exciting."

The University of Illinois baseball team lost 1-0 Wednesday to Indiana State at Terre Haute, Ind.

The Illini, 15-18, managed six hits against Sycamore pitcher Brad Finken, but Finken struck out eight and walked none in going nine innings for the victory.

Eastern Illinois beat Illinois in baseball 8-7 Tuesday in Charleston with a two-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning.

Eastern's Nolan Lofgren hit the game-winning blast off Illini reliever Bob Burlage, sending Illinois, 15-17, to its fourth straight defeat. Burlage fell to 1-2 with the loss.

CAMDENTON, Mo. – Jeff Carey's weekend plans include a Friday trip to the University of Kansas, a Saturday retake of the ACT and a decision on his college basketball future.

"We're going to get it done by Sunday," said Carey's father, Ray Bob, who leaves Monday on a two-week business trip. "We're going to do it before I leave."

   University of Illinois junior Ashley Berggren earned honorable mention All-American status on the Women''s Basketball Coaches Association team.

University of Illinois freshman Travis Romagnoli and senior Greg McGlaun qualified for the NCAA men's gymnastics championships with strong performances at Saturday's East Regional at West Point, N.Y.

URBANA – Students worried about what kind of soda they'll be able to buy at the University of Illinois might want to keep a hand on their wallets.

Administrators say Coke or Pepsi won't be able to pull UI athletics out of the red single-handedly, and they're looking for an assist from students.