FISHER — Sydney Eichelberger is aware of the weight a name can carry.
The Eichelberger surname, for example, has been a staple of University of Illinois athletics since the turn of the century.
"I get questions all the time about it," Sydney said. "They say, 'Oh, you're an Eichelberger. Do you have anything to do with Illinois' field?'"
Not directly. But Sydney's great-aunt, affectionately referred to as Shorty, certainly does.
It was through gifts on behalf of Shorty and late husband Paul that Eichelberger Field, home of Illinois softball since its 2001 debut, came into existence.