Former Illinois tennis star Rajeev Ram wins Silver Medal at 2016 Summer Olympics

In case you missed it, the Fighting Illini contributed to America’s growing medal count over the weekend. Former Illini tennis standout Rajeev Ram and partner Venus Williams claimed Silver Medals in mixed doubles on Sunday; the duo narrowly missed out on the Gold, as they ultimately fell to fellow Americans Jack Sock and Bethanie Mattek-Sands in three sets.

Despite only playing one season in Champaign, Ram helped lead the Orange and Blue to the 2003 National Championship on the back of a perfect 32-0 record. Ram is the first former player in program history to participate in the Olympic games.

Illinois Fighting Illini Links

- Illinois Basketball finalizes 2016-17 non-conference schedule (TCR)

While Illinois' strength of schedule is somewhat lacking for the first few weeks, it picks up considerably in this department near the end of November. Headlined by West Virginia and North Carolina State, the Illini will play four-straight games against NCAA Tournament-caliber teams

- Rain doesn’t dampen Illinois’ return to practice (Illinois Athletics)

After a day off from the practice fields (the Illini participated in Media Day on Sunday), the Fighting Illini football team resumed Training Camp on Monday, practicing for two hours inside Memorial Stadium.

- Illinois Fighting Illini Football Recruiting Targets (Illini Board)

Here’s a resource for keeping track of who is committed to Illinois, who is out of the picture, and who might be worth watching going forward. Will be updated regularly as things develop, so check back often.

- Mikey Dudek not ready to forfeit 2016 season (Herald & Review)

"I would say I’m right on schedule of where I need to be," he said. "Not too far ahead but not behind by any means. We’ll see what they say. But if they say I can play, I’m going to play."