Tuesday, March 22, 2005 10:03 AM CST
Westfield woman talks with Illini, and at age 90, she's still big fan
By Mike Monahan, Staff Writer
WESTFIELD -- While most people in the area are following the top-ranked Illinois fighting Illini men's basketball team, one person got an up close and personal visit with the Illini last week.
LeDon Barbee of Westfield and her granddaughter, Michelle Kusterman, met the team March 15 at the Beef House in Covington, Ind., as the team was heading to Indianapolis for the first two rounds of the NCAA tournament.
Barbee has recently celebrated her 90th birthday.
"My husband (Clayton Barbee) and I had been basketball fans for years, especially the Illini," said Barbee, whose husband died 17 years ago. "I just wanted to see them. I didn't want any contact with them. I had been to Illinois basketball games over the years, including Huff Gym. This team has really been outstanding."
The Illini, who were ranked No. 1 for the last 15 weeks of the season, advanced to the Sweet 16 with a 67-55 victory over Fairleigh Dickinson and a 71-59 victory over Nevada. Illinois is to play the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee at 6:27 p.m. Thursday at the All-State Arena in Rosemont, a suburb of Chicago.
Kusterman saw in the Mattoon Journal-Gazette/Charleston Times-Courier that the team was to eat at the Beef House.
"I had always wanted to eat there," said Kusterman. "Tuesday afternoon I thought why not go. I thought it would be great. I called up there to see when the Illini were going to be there and to make reservations. They said you usually don't need reservations. They also said the Illini were not going to be there until 10 p.m. So, I said I would get back to them. I called by grandmother and she said, ‘I am up all hours of the night anyway'."
The Illini got there and ate in a private room.
"When they finished their dinner Dee Brown came out and was signing some autographs, and my granddaughter went up to him and asked if I could get my picture taken with him," said Barbee. "He came over and we talked and took a picture. When he was leaving he told me not to go away, that before they got on the bus some others would like to meet you. Then the entire team came over. They were such a mannerly group and very respectful. It was a joy. I really just wanted to see them. I had no idea I would talk to them let along get pictures taken with them. It was very exciting."
Illinois coach Bruce Weber, a 1978 graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, came over and had his picture taken with Barbee. "I offered my condolences for the death of his mother (Dawn Weber died March 11)."
As for the players Barbee, who still drives a car, said they talked about various things.
"Everything was just perfect," said Kusterman. "There were just five or so in the place, which surprised me. Dee Brown said he was always amazed to see orange everywhere they go. I don't know why he is amazed. They are such an awesome team to watch. He asked if he could mail the photos to him as he was making a scrapbook."
As for the Illini, Barbee said, "I have not seen this type of basketball over the years. "I have not seen the motion offense before. I like there unselfishness and the fact there isn't one outstanding — well Bee Brown is to me — player. Most teams have an outstanding player, but this team is a well balanced team and that is what I like. Saturday they (Nevada) shut down our guard play, but James Augustine came through."
Barbee made it known that Brown is her favorite player.
"We talked about his mother," said Barbee. "He has charisma that is out of this world. He doesn't have a big ego and either does the entire team. There are not many people I have met in my lifetime like Brown. I met Jack Kennedy and he had charisma. This kid (Brown) has that extra spark and he would attract anybody."
Of course Barbee is hoping the Illini win the national championship.
"I just hold my breath everytime," said Barbee. "After that Ohio State game we had not been playing well, but we showed spark Saturday and if Dee (Brown) had not been ill we would have been about the same as we were before the Ohio State game. One of the Illini announcers (Brian Barnhart) said the Illini was near perfect and I would sure like to see them do it in St. Louis."
Barbee likes the fact the team is very humble.
"They are very humble," said Barbee. "They are not cocky, and I am very impressed with that. There is not a personal thing for the team, and I really appreciate that. I really wish some of the high school teams would see how they act. They are so respectful and gentlemanly."
Kusterman said, "It was pretty awesome (meeting the Illini). It was well worth the trip. I think she (Barbee) could have walked on water and still could."
Now the 1932 graduate of Westfield High School has become a bit of a celebrity.
"I carry them around," said Barbee of the pictures. "We have so many in the church that are fans it created a lot of excitement."
Contact Mike Monahan at mmonahan@jg-tc.com or 238-6854.
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