Club Officers
Bruce Knight - President
Deanna Woodard - Vice President
Deanna Woodard - Vice President
Years on the Board
3 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
Attending the beat down of Wake Forest in 2004
Why did you join Rebounders?
Because I love college basketball, and in particular Illini basketball and want to do what I can to help advance the Men’s Basketball program
Deanna Woodard - Vice President
Deanna Woodard - Vice President
Deanna Woodard - Vice President
Years on the Board
4 years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
Illini VS Arizona in 2005 - We had a watch party at our house...everybody was down when it looked as if we were going to lose… Then we mounted the come back and the house came alive! When Deron hit the shot the room exploded!! I met the team as they arrived in Champaign..Something I will never forget!
Why did you join Rebounders?
Our family has always had a passion for Illinois sports and I wanted to make an impact by helping to support the team.
Ross Richards - Treasurer
Deanna Woodard - Vice President
Ross Richards - Treasurer
Years on the Board
3 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
"The Comeback" over Arizona in 2005
Why did you join Rebounders?
To help support the team with other enthusiastic Illini fans.
Pat Brown - Secretary
Scott Friedlein - Past President
Ross Richards - Treasurer
Years on the Board
4 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
It’s difficult to come up with one specific game, but one that cannot be erased from my memory is the great comeback led by Deron Williams in 2005 when Illinois stunned Arizona in the Elite Eight by erasing a 15 point deficit in just over 3 minutes. I was in Dubuque, Iowa where I was stewarding for dog shows that weekend and watching the game in a hotel room with friends. We got so excited that the manager called up to the room to tell us to curtail the noise or we’d be asked to leave. It was so embarrassing especially the next day when the story got around the showgrounds. However, the bonus was that Big Ten rivals went out of their way to congratulate us on Illinois’ win. After all, how often do dog show people get phone calls from hotel managers threatening to evict them for being too boisterous?
Why did you join Rebounders?
Whenever I have joined an organization, I always ask if there’s any way I can help or anything I can do to help. I am a willing worker. I don’t think of an organization in terms of what it can do for me (in spite of my first draw to Rebounders which allowed me to hang up my coat during basketball games) but of what I can do for it.
Scott Friedlein - Past President
Scott Friedlein - Past President
Scott Friedlein - Past President
Years on the Board
5 years
Favorite Illini Basketball Moments
The first has to be the last second shot by Tyler Griffey against #1 Indiana in 2013. Indiana was in shock and the Illini were ecstatic. The only way it could have been better was if Bobby Knight was coaching.
The other was watching the engagement of Leron Black to his girlfriend following the bragging rights game in St Louis. The game was great but it was really exciting to watch that young man take the next big step in his life.
Why did you join Rebounders?
College Basketball can be a fickle beast and so can it fans. I think it’s really important to support our kids and the staff through thick and thin as well as whether we are winning or loosing. This is my way to show that support and to encourage them no matter what. It’s also a way be an example for other fans even in those tough times. We sometimes get too caught up in winning even though these kids are winners no matter what. We need to remember that they chose to come here when other opportunities were available them.
At Large Board Members
Shane Allen
Leanne Rodgers Barnhart
Leanne Rodgers Barnhart
Years on the Board
6 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
Waiting outside overnight in freezing temperatures for the Illinois/Wake Forest game in 2004 as a member of the Orange Krush.
Why did you join Rebounders?
I wanted to be able to give back to a program that has meant so much to me over the last two decades. Also, after graduating and no longer being a member of the Orange Krush, this was the next step in staying closely involved with the team.
Leanne Rodgers Barnhart
Leanne Rodgers Barnhart
Leanne Rodgers Barnhart
Years on the Board
First year
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
The 2004 ACC/Big Ten Challenge when the No. 5 Fighting Illini hosted then No. 1 Wake Forest. The solid 91-73 win in an orange-out at Assembly Hall was the confirmation that it was going to be a very special season. I remember the tingles of excitement I felt all week after that win — which continued throughout the season.
Why did you join Rebounders?
So many wonderful people are Rebounders — it is a terrific group to be a part of and to learn more about our fabulous basketball team! I welcome the opportunity to be more involved.
Kale Brinkoetter
Leanne Rodgers Barnhart
Kale Brinkoetter
Years on the Board
1 Year
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
My favorite Illini Basketball memory is witnessing in-person the Fighting Illini take down Chris Paul and #1 Wake Forest at Assembly Hall.
Why did you join Rebounders?
I joined Rebounders because I've always been a passionate Illini Basketball fan. Joining has allowed me to get even closer to the team and our awesome fanbase, while working directly to support our student-athletes.
Vida Friedlein
Vida Friedlein
Kale Brinkoetter
Years on the Board
2 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
We were at the border war game and sitting behind the basket when Avante Rice made the final shot to win
Why did you join Rebounders?
Wanted to help the program grow and enjoy meeting new people
Mary Knight
Vida Friedlein
Mary Knight
Years on the Board
7 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
I I think my most favorite basketball memory was the game we played against Wake Forest during the 2004-2005 season. That was when I really knew that we were going to be a good team! Wake Forest was number one at the time and the Assembly Hall was just packed to the gills and everybody was screaming their heads off! And of course we won that game! That was the beginning of a great year and a great run! One note about that Wake Forest team in 2005 was that the great Chris Paul was the point guard that year!
Why did I join Rebounders?
I think first and foremost was because we, Bruce and myself, absolutely love college basketball! And of course living in Champaign the team that you root for is the Illini! It was just very simple to get on board, because we love everything about Illinois athletics!
Scott Moore
Vida Friedlein
Mary Knight
Years on the Board
4 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
I was in Minneapolis for the regional finals in 1989 (my junior year at the UI) when the Illini beat Louisville & Syracuse to make the Final 4. I had driven to Columbia, MO to ride for a bus trip of a bunch of Missouri fans (who was the 4th team up there) with a close family friend. After Mizzou had gotten beat by Syracuse then most of those fans were pulling for the Illini because we had gotten to know each other. What a season and I still know they were the best team in the country that year.
Why did you join Rebounders?
I bleed orange and blue and always regretted not joining the Orange Krush in college so it was a great way to support the men’s basketball team.
John Rawdin
Salvo Rodriquez
Salvo Rodriquez
More on John coming soon!
Salvo Rodriquez
Salvo Rodriquez
Salvo Rodriquez
Years on the Board
2 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
I have been attending games since I was a little kid. Remembering Going to an Illini Basketball game is one of my earliest memories of seeing a sporting event! So many games, players, and Illini greats have come through the State Farm Center, and I hope to share that with my son when he becomes an Illini!
Why did you join Rebounders?
Being a part of the Illini Rebounders has given me the opportunity to meet so many Illini fans and hear so many great memories. I am proud to be on this board and support this great team!
Judy Steffen
Salvo Rodriquez
Judy Steffen
Years on the Board
4 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
The last home game in 2020 against Iowa is my favorite basketball win! The other favorite memory is a birthday gift from my sister. She bid on the tickets to sit on the floor behind the team during the 2019 Michigan State game. Not only did we get a win, but it was a great experience to watch and see the game from the perspective of the players and coaches!
Why did you join rebounders?
I love basketball and was at a Rebounder's luncheon when it was announced that members were needed. On a whim, I filled out the application. I have enjoyed working on the Board of Directors with great people who work tirelessly to promote Illinois basketball.
Max Stutsman
Max Stutsman
Judy Steffen
Years on Board
First Year
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
Traveling to Arizona last year to watch Illinois play Grand Canyon University and University of Arizona.
Why did you join Rebounders?
I have been a big Illinois Basketball fan my whole life. I started going to games at young age with my family and my interest has only grown since then. I played basketball at Illinois college, so I know how much the support is appreciated by the coaches and student-athletes.
Kyle Wetters
Max Stutsman
Kyle Wetters
Years on the Board
2 Years
Favorite Illini Basketball Memory
Too many, and really can’t beat the 2005 tournament win over Arizona, but the memory of anticipating and going to the Wake Forest game, in 2004, stands out. Having a gut feeling before the game that we were going to destroy Chris Paul and #1 Wake Forest and then it actually happened was amazing.
Why did you join Rebounders?
I joined because of my passion for Illinois Basketball. That excitement drives me to make sure I’m doing whatever I can to help the Rebounders and the Team meet their goals.