ISN Now with Peyton Wesner

IT'S FRIDAY! To ring in the weekend, host Peyton Wesner speaks with senior gymnast Rae Balthazor about her favorite TV show, snapping stigmas in gymnastics and which profession the NCAA All-America honoree will pursue.

In part two, Peyton Wesner asks University of Illinois graduate and current professional wrestler Nelio Cuomo Costa (aka Vinicious) about training during COVID-19 and how the pandemic has affected the industry. Plus, Costa shares how he juggles wrestling while raising a newborn and having a full-time job.

In the first of a two-part conversation, Peyton Wesner connects with University of Illinois graduate and current professional wrestler Nelio Cuomo Costa -- better known as Vinicious at Coastal Championship Wrestling. In the draft day spirit, Wesner and Costa take a stab at drafting their Fighting Illini legends team. Who will go number one? Plus, Costa reveals when he fell in love with professional wrestling and how Vinicious was born. On Tuesday, April 28, Wesner will have the second part of his interview with Costa. Training during quarantine and life with a seven-week-old child will be discussed!

Host Peyton Wesner talks with Fighting Illini baseball left-handed pitcher Cole Kirschsieper and gets to know the freshman a little better. Wesner and Kirschsieper discuss family support, role models in the world of baseball and much more!

A mystery no longer! Host Peyton Wesner said his guest would be big and he delivered by talking with 2001 NCAA National Champion and Fighting Illini Athletics Hall of Famer Adam Tirapelle. One of the best wrestlers to ever step foot inside Huff Hall, Tirapelle discusses the altruistic coaching style of current Fighting Illini head coach Jim Heffernan, how he continues to stay involved in the sport and what memories most resonate from his time at the University of Illinois.

Host Peyton Wesner talks with tennis head coach Brad Dancer about the impact of seniors Aleks Kovacevic and Zeke Clark as well as how his staff is dealing with the NCAA's ruling which granted spring sports student-athletes an extra year of eligibility.

You've heard of two-a-days...ISN Now is officially twice a week! In episode two, host Peyton Wesner discusses the latest Fighting Illini news, including Kofi Cockburn declaring for the NBA Draft (0:42). Then, Peyton cooks up an interview medley (5:11). From the No. 2 pick in the 1996 NFL Draft Kevin Hardy to 16-year NBA player Derek Harper (13:25), the memorable stories told by each Illinois great makes this episode worth listening!

For ISN Now's premiere, Peyton Wesner talks with tennis senior Zeke Clark to discuss his time with the Fighting Illini and his friendship with fellow Senior Aleks Kovacevic. Plus, Clark is one of many spring sports student-athletes who are affected by the NCAA’s recent eligibility ruling. Will he return to Atkins Tennis Center for one more season? He gives Peyton the inside scoop!

Illini Sports Night producer Peyton Wesner welcomes you to ISN Now and what to expect in future episodes.