CHAMPAIGN — Almost 13 years had passed since any Illinois baseball player achieved what Bren Spillane did Tuesday.
And the Illini's starting first baseman was just the third athlete in program history to reach this goal.
But when Spillane was informed prior to Tuesday's practice that he'd won the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Player of the Week honor, the 6-foot-5, 210-pound hitting machine for the Illini maintained a calm, collected presence.
That only makes sense, considering such an approach is what has Spillane receiving this recognition.
"It's a good feeling," the junior said after adding to a haul that includes four other Big Ten and national honors over the past two weeks.