Chambana Sun

The University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics (DIA) has announced the winners of the 2024-25 Dike Eddleman Award, recognizing the top male and female athletes from the Fighting Illini. Lucas Byrd, a wrestling national champion, and Tacoria Humphrey, an All-American in track & field, have been honored with this prestigious award. The selection was made through a vote by Illinois head coaches and DIA executive staff.

Lucas Byrd's achievement marks the 11th time a wrestler from the Fighting Illini has received this accolade. He is the first to do so since Isaiah Martinez won it consecutively in 2016 and 2017. Byrd's accolades include being an NCAA Champion at 133 pounds and a Big Ten Champion in the same weight class. His record includes becoming Illinois' first NCAA Champion at 133 pounds and earning his place as the program's 21st wrestler to win a national championship.

Tacoria Humphrey is the fifth consecutive winner from Illinois' women's track & field program to receive this award under coach Petros Kyprianou's leadership. She is noted for her achievements both indoors and outdoors, including being a Big Ten Champion in long jump and earning NCAA All-American status. Her performances have set new records, including achieving one of the furthest long jumps in NCAA history during indoor competitions.

Both Byrd and Humphrey will represent Illinois as nominees for Big Ten Athlete of the Year honors.

The Dike Eddleman Award has been awarded annually since its inception in 1940, with brief interruptions. Since 1983, separate awards have been given to male and female athletes. In 1993, it was named after Dwight "Dike" Eddleman, an Olympian who excelled in multiple sports during his time at Illinois.