CHAMPAIGN — It's lunchtime Wednesday at bustling Black Dog near downtown Champaign. There's a celebrity in the room: arguably, the most successful coach in Illinois history — in any sport.
You might think his presence would cause a stir. If Lovie Smith or Brad Underwood walked in, there would certainly be handshakes, a selfie or two and some rubber-necking.
But Mike Small goes mostly unnoticed.
Not totally. At the next table, former Illinois football All-American Martin O'Donnell has lunch with fellow Busey employee Chip Jorstad. They stop and greet Small. Later, without saying a word, Jorstad picks up the tab.