Downey’s parents were in attendance — the only time during his Illinois career they saw him play in person. His dad, a coal miner, worked seven days a week at home in Canton, Ill. Downey bought them ...

A large portion of the audience consisted of Marching Illini parents, Illinois students and staff and Champaign-Urbana community members. Many of the audience may have never seen the Marching Illini ...