CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Fighting Illini men's golf and head coach Mike Small announce the addition of two talented signees to the 2017 squad as Brendan O'Reilly (Hinsdale, Ill.) and Varun Chopra (Champaign, Ill.) signed National Letters of Intent on Nov. 9.

"We are very excited to welcome both Brendan and Varun to the Illini golf program," head coach Mike Small said. "In addition to having successful junior golf careers, they both possess the positive characteristics and traits that are important to this program.  Their addition will add to the depth and competitiveness of our team, and I am really looking forward to having them both arrive on campus next fall."   

Brendan O'Reilly

Hinsdale, Ill.  // Hinsdale Central

Recent Achievements 

-IHSA Class 3A Individual Champion

-Helped lead Hinsdale Central to four IHSA Class 3A State Championships

-Two-time Illinois State Junior Amateur Championship (2013, 2014)

-Finished ninth in the 2016 Western Junior Amateur

Coach Small's take: "Brendan brings a load of talent and potential to our program.  His junior record is solid with success both on the state and national level.  With his physical size, strength and speed, coupled with his competitive nature, Brendan fits the mold of this program perfectly, and I am confident that he will have very positive impact on the future of Illini golf." 

Varun Chopra

Champaign, Ill. // Urbana Uni High

Recent Achievements

-Earned runner-up honors at the 2015 IHSA Class 1A State Championship and took fourth in 2016

-Placed fourth at the Under Armour/Gary Woodland Championship

-2015 Champaign News-Gazette Area Boys' Golfer of the Year

-Finished among the top 30 at the 2016 Illinois Amateur

Coach Small's take: "Varun is a strong and talented junior player with loads of upside. He has the ability and skill to compete at this level, and once he joins our program and immerses himself in college golf, I am confident that he will adapt to the level of the competition and become a solid part of our program."