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On this date in Illini history

Forty-three years ago today, the University of Illinois' Board of Trustees recommended Gene Vance to be appointed director of athletics, as of April 1. The former Whiz Kids star replaced Doug Mills in that position. He continued in that role until 1972. Vance, who will celebrate his 87th birthday Feb. 25, resides in Champaign with his wife, Janann. Other memorable moments on this date in Illini history:

1920: All-American Chuck Carney scored 17 of Illinois' 31 points in a 12-point basketball victory against Minnesota.

1925: The Chicago Tribune awarded its first Silver Football Trophy to Illinois' Red Grange. Later that day, Grange turned down a $5,000 offer from a New York motion-picture company to make a movie.

1942: Coach Doug Mills used 20 players in a 54-26 victory against Chicago.

1953: John "Red" Kerr converted 6 of 30 field goal attempts as the Illini lost at Indiana in double overtime.

1970: Greg Jackson (26 points and 14 rebounds) lost his individual battle to Michigan's Rudy Tomjanovich (32 and 22), but the Illini won the team battle, 75-73, at Ann Arbor.

1981: Mark Smith and Eddie Johnson each scored 22 points as Illinois topped Minnesota 80-76.

1985: The Illini were 16 of 16 from the free throw line in defeating host Wisconsin.

2007: Warren Carter led Illinois to its 16th consecutive victory against host Minnesota with 17 points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

Illini birthdays this week

Sunday: Preston Pearson, basketball (65)

Monday: Kevin Bontemps, basketball (49)

Tuesday: Casey Leonhardt, basketball (32)

Wednesday: Nick Anderson, basketball (42)

Thursday: Joe Tanner, swimming (60)

Friday: Matt Minnes, football (28)

Saturday: Kurt Kittner, football (30)

By Mike Pearson, author of Illini Legends, Lists & Lore and assistant athletic director at Miami (Ohio)