Viliunas family takes joy in Fighting Illini connection

These are happy times for the Viliunas household in LaGrange Park.

The University of Illinois football team is 6-0 and ranked No. 16 by the Associated Press entering Saturday’s game against Ohio State. The Illinois women’s volleyball team is 17-0 and ranked No. 1 in the nation for the first time in school history.

With one son, Eddie, playing tight end for the Illini — and a daughter, Alexis, one year away from playing volleyball at Illinois — it’s safe to label their parents, Edward and Cheryl, as die-hard fans. Alexis is a 6-foot-2 senior setter for Lyons Township’s IHSA Class 4A defending state champion volleyball team, and has received regular updates on Illini volleyball through former LT teammate Jocelynn Birks, a freshman team member.

“I follow them on Twitter, and with Jocelynn, I talk to her about it,” Alexis said. “I get first-hand information.”

The Illini volleyball team reached the top spot in the American Volleyball Coaches Association poll in late September after beating No. 9 Minnesota, as well as Wisconsin. The Illini’s previous highest ranking was No. 2 in 1988.

“It’s cool knowing they haven’t been No. 1 (before),” Viliunas said. “I know how hard they work. I hope the team can work to keep (its ranking) up there.”

Illinois added another milestone victory with Saturday’s 3-2 win over four-time defending national champion Penn State, which was ranked No. 8. It was the Illini’s first win over Penn State since 1995, and ended an 88-match home winning streak in the Big Ten for the Lions.

With Birks redshirting, Viliunas could possibly play another four years together with the former LT star. Illinois’ current setter is Wheaton Warrenville South graduate Annie Luhrsen, a junior transfer from Connecticut.

“We’ve talked about being able to play together another four years,” Viliunas said. “We know how each other plays.”

The Viliunas family has made regular trips to Champaign to see Eddie play. He’s played in every game this season, but has only one reception for 39 yards. The visits have given Alexis a few opportunities to watch Illini volleyball matches, most recently against Louisville on Sept. 17.

Viliunas is looking forward to playing for coach Kevin Hambly. She’s eligible to sign a letter of intent in November.

“He’s a calm coach,” Alexis said. “He’s not much into yelling. If he does, it’s not yelling. It’s a stern talk. He’s calm and makes all the girls calm. The team is like a family. It helps with having chemistry on the court.”

Lyons Township (16-5) received the No. 1 seed in the IHSA Class 4A Young Sectional, and will play Curie or Argo in its playoff opener at Proviso West, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25.

LT will attempt to repeat as champions in Friday and Saturday’s Maine West Pumpkin Tournament after beating Sandburg 22-25, 25-15, 25-11 in the final last season.

To celebrate the tournament, LT coach Joann Pyritz holds an in-team pumpkin decorating contest.

“She judges which one is the best pumpkin,” Viliunas said. “I’m excited for that.”

Following the Maine West tourney, Lyons Township will host Mother McAuley at 6 p.m. Oct. 19 in a rematch of the Rich East Invitational final, won by the Macs on Sept. 24.

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